EXT. TIO's FOOD RESORT - outside - MOMENTS LATER
They're reading the map. Yin slips away from them quietly. Shimaru follows him.
EXT. SHADOWS CLIFF - LATER
Yin is sitting under a dark leafless tree with a backpack. He opens a strange book. Shimaru silently approaches him from behind. Yin senses her presence.
YIN
Show yourself!
Yin slowly puts his book into his backpack. Yin turns around.
YIN
(stands up)
Oh, it's you, Shimaru.
SHIMARU
How come you're out here? You realize this place is off-limits, don't you?
YIN
I didn't know.
SHIMARU
Why do look upset?
Yin looks away from her.
SHIMARU
Can't you tell me?
YIN
Why do you want to know so badly?
SHIMARU
Is it too hard for you to tell me?
YIN
(exhales)
Alright, if you swear you won't tell anyone, especially Sandy, then I'll tell you.
SHIMARU
(puts a hand on her heart)
Yes, I promise.
YIN
(deadpan)
This is the valley where my parents were laid to rest. Because of Hibuaca.
SHIMARU
(hugs Yin)
I know how it feels to have someone taken away from you.
YIN
(push her off)
No, you don't.
SHIMARU
I care about you Yin.
YIN
You're saying this to spare my feelings and I appreciate this bit.
SHIMARU
I understand where you're coming from. Lots of people care about you, including me. You're not as alone as you think, Yin. I've seen the way people care about you and it's clearer than you realize.
YIN
Why lie to me?
SHIMARU
I'm not lying to you.
YIN
I appreciate your concern, but it's hard for me to accept that people "genuinely" care about me.
SHIMARU
Yin, I understand it's difficult, but you need to start believing that others care about you.
YIN
It's always been me and my sister.
SHIMARU
I get that, but you can still let others in. Yin, giving others a chance to care for you doesn't mean you're abandoning your connection with your sister.
YIN
...You're right.
SHIMARU
I'm glad you understand, Yin. And remember, I'll be with you every step of the way.
YIN
Thank you.
SHIMARU
What's the monster you were talking about?
YIN
Hibuaca.
SHIMARU
Do you know anything about the relationship between Victor and Hibuaca?
YIN
I can tell you what happened to the relationship between the brothers. A long time ago, there were born twins. Separated at birth, they were taught to believe in different morals.
SHIMARU
What do you mean by different morals?
YIN
Victor was taught the ways of purity and peace. Hibuaca was taught the ways of destruction and corruption. And that's all I know.
SHIMARU
How come Victor won't talk about it?
YIN
I think it's more about what made Hibuaca into a monster. Well, we should head back.
EXT. SOMEWHERE - NEAR THE CAMP - MOMENTS LATER
Yin and Shimaru are walking on a roadside next to a steep hill. They are spotted by Asahi. Asahi runs up to Yin.
ASAHI
What are you two doing here?
YIN
Nothing.
Asahi gets up in Yin's face.
ASAHI
It sure does seem important.
ASAHI
(Asahi whispers to Yin)
Just like that map?
SHIMARU
It's none of your concern fish breath.
ASAHI
Oh, okay.
YIN (V.O.)
At least he calmed down from earlier.
Yin and Shimaru walk pass Asahi. Asahi pushes Yin from behind.
SHIMARU
Jerk!
Yin rolls down the hill. He falls onto a rock. His shoulder hits the rock. Yin is flinching. His vision goes blurry.
ASAHI
(sarcastically)
I didn't know he was going to get hurt.
SHIMARU
Stay here. I'll go get help.
INT. WILDERNESS - HOSPITAL - EARLY SUNRISE
Yin wakes up, bandaged near a doctor and classmates. He is lying on a bed. His vision is still blurry but he can see the silhouettes of his classmates surrounding him. Doctor Jenna is standing near him.
DOCTOR JENNA
Yin, I'm saddened to break the news to you. You have a broken shoulder.
Doctor Jenna looks away from Yin.
DIANE
(whispers to Doctor Jenna)
We need assistance to help him. Because we'll be forced to leave him here alone.
FLAPACKO
How long will his shoulder be broken?
DOCTOR JENNA
I don't know. I haven't treated such a major injury like this...
Ms. Diane walks towards Flapacko and Masuke.
DIANE
I know a place where they can treat his injury.
DOCTOR JENNA
Hopefully, you're not talking about the Icokishi clan.
Ms. Diane
Yes, Jenna, they are the nearest place filled with doctors.
FLAPACKO
Where is it?
Ms. Diane grabs a map out of her backpack.
DIANE
(hands Flapacko the map)
Go past the Lake and near the mountain towards the west. It's near Fangs' Waterfall.
MASUKE
Alright, let's go Flapacko.
DIANE
You know where to find us.
DOCTOR JENNA
(she points at the hospital bed)
Take this portable hospital bed for Yin. He isn't able to walk for long periods. So when he comes back he'll be extremely tired.
FLAPACKO
Ok.
DIANE
Use your map to navigate through the forest. Be careful. You're squad 7.
They go out of the hospital.
Int. WILDERNESS - HOSPITAL - MOMENTS LATER
They enter the hospital with their backpacks. They wake up Yin and they help him walk outside. Asahi walks to them he has crutches. Asahi gives Yin crutches.
ASAHI
I should go with Yin… since this is my fault.
FLAPACKO
No!
DIANE
Yes. I think that it would be a great idea to include Asahi.
MASUKE
Why? He serves no purpose in this "mission".
DIANE
Because I said so. Make sure not to waste a second because Yin's role in this mission is too great.
EXT. NEAR FANGS' WATERFALL - hillside - DAYS LATER
They're walking through the forest. Yin is walking in front of Flapacko and Masuke with Asahi trailing.
MASUKE
How are you feeling champ?
YIN
(groans)
I've never felt better.
They hear a branch snap. They all look backward slowly.
FLAPACKO
(touches nose)
Not it!
MASUKE
(touches nose)
Not it.
They both look at Asahi.
ASAHI
Do I have to?
FLAPACKO
Look, that's the rules. You must say not it.
ASAHI
Not—
MASUKE
—You said it too late.
ASAHI
It's not fair!
MASUKE
Stop pouting, prick. You're the reason we're in this situation.
ASAHI
(rolls his eyes)
Whatever.
INT. WILDERNESS - CAMP - GIRLS' CABIN - CONTINUOUS
Shimaru is hanging from the top bunk bed. Sikiss goes to her bottom bunk bed.
SHIMARU
I heard that you and Yin are a couple.
SIKISS
(rolls her eyes)
We told you, didn't we? And you like Masuke.
SHIMARU
Touché.
SIKISS
So, is there anything else you want to talk about?
SHIMARU
Do you want to talk about Masuke?
SIKISS
Sure...
EXT. NEAR FANGS' WATERFALL - CONTINUOUS
Asahi slowly creeps towards the broken branch. He bends down, to pick up the branch. Suddenly he hears something rustling behind him.
ASAHI
Stop it both of you!
MASUKE
Unfortunately, that wasn't us.
FLAPACKO
(eerily)
Then who or what was that?
Tia walks out of a bush.
TIA
Hello travelers. I'm Tia. What's your name?
FLAPACKO
(points at them individually)
Hi I am Flapacko this is Yin, Masuke, and Asahi.
Tia starts to walk away. Asahi goes towards her.
ASAHI
Hi Tia, I was wondering...
TIA
Sorry, but my answer is no. I barely know you. At least not enough for us to start dating.
ASAHI
What—
MASUKE
(covers Asahi mouth)
—He's trying to ask...
Flapacko moves a tree branch. It reveals a huge waterfall and the Icokishi Village.
MASUKE
(looking at Tia)
Where is the Icokishi village?
TIA
(moves Masuke's head)
You're looking at it.
Masuke's mouth drops.
ASAHI
I've seen better.
Ext. Ba & Shula's house - door - MOMENTS LATER
They walk with Tia to her home. Tia opens the door. BA and SHULA came to the door.
BA
(points at yin)
What's his problem?
SHULA
(laughs)
So rude. Tia who are your lovely friends?
TIA
Mom and Dad this is Asahi, Flapacko, Masuke, and Yin.
SHULA
Will they be joining us for dinner honey?
TIA
No, I don't think s—
ASAHI
—We'll be delighted to come.
MASUKE
Could we discuss something?
Tia
Go ahead.
They walk away. Yin uses his crutches Masuke tugs Asahi's shirt.
MASUKE
We shouldn't impose, and we have to ask a doctor to help Yin.
ASAHI
We can eat first. Right, Flapacko?
FLAPACKO
Well, it depends on what Yin says.
YIN
(weakly)
No shrimp, extra sugar, onions, and soy sauce on the side ma'am.
MASUKE
Guys, we really should go...
INT. BA & SHULA'S HOUSE - DINING room - LATER
They are sitting at a large table. They're eating a lavish meal.
KIMI
This is some good Nato, Mom.
Asahi
What's, Nato?
FLAPACKO
You're so uncultured. Nato is simply fermented soybeans. It can also make the greatest side ever when paired with rice and soy sauce.
SHULA
Where's my manners? I forgot to mention my children's names. Here is Kimi, Pix, and Pick. You've already met Tia.
They wave to each other. Iko knocks at the door. Asahi stands up. And walks over to the door. He opens the door.
IKO
(Walks into the living room)
Who are you?
KIMI
They're our guest for tonight.
Shula stands. And walks over to Iko.
IKO
(whispers)
Do you think they can help fight?
SHULA
(whispers)
No, it is too risky.
MASUKE
(stands up and walks to the door)
What are you two talking about? Not to be nosy.
SHULA
(fake laughs)
It's not important.
MASUKE
Just tell us, it's nothing we can't handle.
SHULA
It's none of your concern.
Masuke walks back to the dinner table.
MASUKE
(whispers to Tia)
Tia, do you know what they're talking about?
TIA
They're talking, about the beast, known as Lako.
Shula sighs. Shula escorts Iko out of the house.
FLAPACKO
What does it look like? And what does it do?
KIMI
A dragon mixed with a Kraken.
PICK
It's all a myth.
Kimi hits the back of Pick's head.
PICK
Ow!
KIMI
(points at the ocean through a window)
Anyway, that thing destroys all of our boats and eats all the fish in this cursed sea.
PICK
Mom, can I go show them my room?
SHULA
Sure sweetheart.
PICK
Mom!
They walk upstairs to Pick's room. Masuke is hanging on the door frame. Ba walks towards Masuke.
BA
Do you want to go fishing?
MASUKE
What about the monster?
BA
Do you mean that bedtime story?
MASUKE
So, they were lying?
BA
See, I need your assistance. Another benefit is that I'll cover your friend's medical expenses if you assist me.
MASUKE
I'm in.
BA
I'm going to need you and your friends.
Ext. Comets sea - boat - NIGHT
Masuke and Ba are on a boat in the Comet's Sea. Masuke is visibly uncomfortable.
MASUKE
What do you know about Lako?
BA
I've been working with it.
MASUKE
What!
BA
See, a long time ago my family...
MASUKE
We don't have a lot of time so just cut to the chase.
BA
Please allow me to finish, jeez. Anyway, he told me that he would destroy the village and leave no survivors. I therefore made a deal with Lako. The premise of the deal was, that I'll let all the fish go out of all the nets for him to eat.
MASUKE
Why don't we take down this "beast"?
BA
(winks at Masuke)
He is much too powerful for us. It would be like a wave against a mountain made of iron.
They see a blurry monster in the distance. While approaching
BA
(whisperers to Masuke)
Stay calm.
LAKO
(emerges out of the water)
Where's my food Ba?
BA
Isn't there an abundant source of fish in the Comets Ocean? Why don't you feast there?
Masuke bends down. He pulls out a spear.
LAKO
Comets Ocean is a plentiful source of fish, right? Why don't you feast there?
MASUKE
(throws a spear at Lako)
Get your food, beast!
LAKO
(grabs the spear)
You will regret this Ba!
Lako drops the spear. Ba and Masuke start rowing swiftly. Lako swims after them.
LAKO
You can't run me forever. But, I love to see how this goes.
BA
That's what you say!
They get close to the village. They stop rowing.
LAKO
You will suffer, mortals.
MASUKE
No, but you will. Now!
Asahi and Flapacko release an iron net on top of Lako. Masuke and Ba get to the dock safely. Lako tries biting through the net.
LAKO
(groans)
I swear when I get out of here—
MASUKE (V.O.)
—You won't.
LAKO (V.O.)
What do you mean?
MASUKE (V.O.)
I've read a book about you. Identifying your areas of weakness. Among them is iron.
LAKO
You are quite intelligent. I've been captured by no one in many years. So for you, I'll grant you access to the waters.
Masuke flips through the pages of the book.
LAKO
Use your gifts for good. Unlike I have.
Masuke bows his head.
Ba
You have done a great deed for our village. What more can I do to pay back the kindness?
ASAHI
Well...
MASUKE
(elbows Asahi)
Thank you for your hospitality; we have all we need.
Ext. Fangs' waterfall - SUNRISE
Yin is training near Fang's waterfall. Yin turns around. A shuriken flies out of the forest. Yin grabs the shuriken with his right hand.
YIN
Show yourself, coward.
Kanguro steps out of the forest.
Kanguro
(sly grin)
I won't say that I'm a coward, but I prefer to stay hidden until I strike.
Kanguro throws two more shuriken. The shurikens whirl through the air, as they hurtle toward Yin. Yin dodges one of the shurikens. The other shuriken grazes his shoulder. He winces in pain but remains focused. Yin picks up one of the shuriken. Yin twirls the shuriken between his fingers. A look of determination on his face. Yin runs at Kanguro with a swift movement, aiming to close the distance between them and launch a counter-attack. He strikes Kanguro. Kanguro dodges the attack and counters with a flurry of kicks and punches.
YIN
(calmly)
Impressive. But let's see if you can keep up.
He darts forward, feinting to the left before pivoting and delivering a well-timed strike at Kanguro's exposed side.
KANGURO
(groans)
I would love to stay, but it seems that I've some unfinished business to attend to.
Kanguro dashes into the dense forest, swiftly disappearing from Yin's sight.
YIN
Get back here!
Kanguro turns around and smirks. He walks back to Yin.
KANGURO
Yes?
YIN
Why did you attack me?
KANGURO
I've heard, that you're supposed to fight Hibuaca.
YIN
Yes, and?
KANGURO
I don't think you're ready to fight.
YIN
What does it matter to you?
KANGURO
If you die, your family dies, then your friends will die. And with that momentum, Hibuaca will take over...
YIN
I won't lose.
KANGURO
I know you're going to lose. You're too inexperienced.
YIN
I swear to not lose to Hibuaca.
KANGURO
Ok, also if you need to find me. My name is Kanguro.
Int. BA & SHULA'S HOUSE - loft - sUNRISE
They come back exhausted. They go to sleep on the floor. They wake up. They notice that Yin isn't there.
Ext. Fangs' waterfall - village - moMENTS LATER
They leave. They are searching house to house. They eventually, find him. Yin is meditating.
YIN
(leaps up)
Let's go.
Masuk
That sounds cool and all but we need to make sure you're fully rested.
YIN (V.O.)
Why is he trying to boss me around? Who is he to me?
FLAPACKO
Let's head back. And we're leaving early morning.
INT. BA & SHULA'S HOUSE - STAIRS/LIVING room - MORNING
They wake up and creep downstairs. When they're downstairs the family spots them.
TIA
Asahi, are you leaving?
ASAHI
(hush Tia)
Yeah, pumpkin.
KIMI
(waves)
Bye.
Pick runs and hugs Flapacko.
PICK
(crying)
Bye, guys.
FLAPACKO
Pick we'll come back someday.
PICK
When?
FLAPACKO
I don't know. But we'll come back sometime this summer.
BA
Bye.
SHULA
Safe travels. And Yin make sure to keep that tourniquet on.
YIN
Yes ma'am. And I want to thank everyone for their hospitality.
They wave as they walk out of the house.
EXT. fangs waterfall - outskirts - Hillside - AFTERNOON
They're walking on a rough dirt road.
ASAHI
I'm going to miss Tia.
YIN
(quietly groans)
Aw, that's good to know that you've got a heart.
ASAHI
(blushing)
Not!
FLAPACKO
We knew you had a crush on her.
ASAHI
No, I don't!
MASUKE
Chill, guys.
YIN
(touches his shoulder)
How did my shoulder even get injured?
The group stops walking.
MASUKE
If Asahi doesn't tell you I will.
ASAHI
See you tripped…
Flapacko and Masuke stare at Asahi.
ASAHI
(looks at Yin)
Alright, I pushed you down a hill.. into a rock... shattering your shoulder into pieces.
YIN (V.O.)
Why did they even bring this bastard?
MASUKE
And…
ASAHI
I'm sorry.
YIN
It's… okay.
EXT. Wilderness - Cabins - MOMENTS LATER
They're walking to the cabins. Everyone forms a circle around them.
SHIMARU
Hi, honey bear.
MasUKE
Hi Shimaru.
YIN (V.O.)
He wasn't even hurt. And he gets her affection.
VICTOR
(shakes Yin's hand)
Welcome back, Yin.
YIN
It's good to be back.
DIANE
Grab your backpacks and everything from the cabins. But be prepared to leave.
FLAPACKO
What! We just got back! No delaying the mission. Uh, that's so unfair.
YIN
(looks at Sikiss)
Why are we leaving?
SIKISS
I'll tell you tomorrow.
INT. wilderness - boy's CABIN - SUNRISE
Yin and Masuke wake up to the sound of thumping coming from the window. Masuke gets up and looks through the window. He sees Sikiss and Shimaru. They point to the door. Yin and Masuke walk downstairs. Yin opens the door.
Int. WILDERNESS - BOY'S CABIN - Living room - MOMENTS LATER
SIKISS
We're going to ask for assistance from Sodaks.
SHIMARU
(holds Masuke's arm)
I'm so scared.
She winks at Sikiss. Sikiss kisses Yin's cheek. She also winks at Shimaru. Asahi walks downstairs.
ASAHI
(yarns)
What's going on?
SIKISS
None of your business.
They hear a trumpet. They grab their backpacks. And they walk out the door.
EXT. XI TANG - Gate - EVENING
They walk up to the gate.
YIN (V.O.)
(he looks at the walls)
This place looks... medieval.
One of the guards looks at them.
#1 GUARD
We can't take any chances of letting in foreigners with any form of weapons or powers.
VICTOR
We've come here to help.
#1 GUARD
We don't need any of your help old man.
Masuke and Hiromi walk in front of the group. The guards examine them closely.
#2 GUARD
Let them in! Now!
#1 GUARD
Anything heinous you do within these gates will not be tolerated by us.
The gate opens. They walk in.
YIN
How do they know you two?
MASUKE
I have a rep here.
Hiromi rolls her eyes.
HIROMI
I'm royalty.
Masuke pulls Hiromi to a side of the gate.
MASUKE
Why didn't you tell me we had to go here?
HIROMI
What's the issue?
MASUKE
I've never liked Beng and he doesn't like me either.
HIROMI
You need to fake it. At least until we leave.
DIANE
Get back in line.
INT. XI TANG - PALACE - MOMENTS LATER
Hiromi and Masuke enter into the royal court. They see Beng on the throne.
HIROMI
(waves)
Hi dad.
MASUKE
Hi big Beng.
BENG
Hi Hiromi and what's his name over there? What brings you home?
MASUKE
(sarcasm)
For your throne.
BENG
You both seem parched. Bring them some water Gono.
Gono walks into the room with water. And gives them some.
GONO
My liege would it be fine if I was to take a day off to celebrate my child's birthday?
BENG
(stares at Gono)
No! Now please get out of my sight.
Gono walks out.
BENG
Sorry that you had to see that.
MASUKE (V.O.)
If I knew he was this harsh. I would never have left.
BENG
Since I'm in such a good mood. I think that Gono should take today off.
GONO
(turns around)
Thank you my liege.
Int. XI TANG - PALACE - make room - MOMENTS LATER
Sikiss walks into Masuke's chamber.
SIKISS
What's upsetting with you?
MASUKE
It's just that… I don't trust him.
SIKISS
How come?
MASUKE
He's slimy. It's rumored that he killed one of his brothers.
SIKISS
...Why?
MASUKE
He developed jealousy toward Lee, his brother. Beng devised a sinister scheme to remove his brother from power after learning that he was going to be king.
Gono runs into Masuke room.
GONO
The king is going to kill me. He implied that I had insulted him to his council. They also determined that execution would be the punishment for this offense.
MASUKE
(grind his teeth)
Not if I've something to say.
EXT. LIGHTHOUSE - ENTRANCE - LATER
Yin walks to the front door of the lighthouse. He knocks.
YIN
Anybody home?
A guard observes Yin from a distance.
GUARD
What is he up to?
Gono opens the door.
GONO
Hi Yin.
YIN
May, I come in?
GONO
Yeah, sure.
Yin comes in.
GONO
(chuckles)
I have to run some errands. Don't go to the basement. There's poison down there. Just kidding. No, I'm not.
Gono walks out of the room. Yin walks around for a while. He sees that the basement door is wide open. Filled with curiosity he walks downstairs. He looks around. He sees a book on Gono's desk. (*The print on the book is "My Crown")
GONO (V.O.)
I was jealous of Lee until I hypnotized Lee and pushed him off the tower, and that nitwit guard too. I've already made plans to kill Beng and Masuke soon.
YIN (V.O.)
He's a psychopath!
Yin tries to run out.
GONO
Where are you going?
Int. XI TANG - royal court - entrance - MOMENTS LATER
Two guards are guarding the entrance. Masuke is stopped by one of the guards.
GUARD
What are you doing here the king is talking to his council about an important matter.
MASUKE
Open the door. I don't have time for your ignorance.
The guard opens the entrance. Masuke storms into the royal court. The council members leave the room.
BENG
Why did you disrupt my meeting?
MASUKE
Gono's execution.
BENG
I can't recall saying anything like that.
MASUKE
I propose a duel with you.
BENG
I accept.