samurai tower

8/14/2019 Samurai Tower

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SAMURAI TOWER

(A Short Film)

Written

by

Harry J. Chong


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FADE IN:

EXT. BUSHIDO BAR - NIGHT

A sinewy man carrying a fishing pole and wearing a bamboo

hat, steps inside the Bushido bar -- a popular hangout formen of the ANCIENT Japanese military.

INT. BUSHIDO BAR - NIGHT

Although it is open to the public, it is unofficiallyconsidered a place fit only for the samurai.

But HIROHIKO does not care. He takes a seat at one of theempty tables. A WAITER comes up to him.

WAITER

(whispering)Excuse me. I dont mean to pry, butare you a samurai?

HIROHIKODoes it matter?

The Waiter looks over his shoulder.

WAITERThis is kind of a samuraishangout. They dont like otherpeople coming in and taking their

tables.

HIROHIKOI wont bother anyone. I just wanta pot of tea.

WAITEROkay, but dont say I didnt warnyou.

The Waiter goes away. Hirohiko looks in the corner of hiseye. There is a rowdy bunch of Samurai, harassing a waitress,touching her, holding her.

Hirohiko quietly stands. He goes over to the other table. Heclears his throat. The Samurai look up.

HIROHIKOExcuse me...

SAMURAI KENJI, the one squeezing the waitress, glares andbarks.


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SAMURAI KENJIWhat the hell do you want?

HIROHIKOI think you should leave this

waitress alone and let her do herjob.

Samurai Kenji lets go of the waitress and stands up.

SAMURAI KENJIDo you even know who I am?

HIROHIKOI cant say Im familiar.

SAMURAI KENJIYou should be. Im the big samurai

in town -- Samurai Kenji. Ivekilled over a thousand people.

HIROHIKOIts easy to kill those who cantfight back.

Samurai Kenji lifts Hirohikos bamboo hat with his thickfinger and looks into his eyes.

SAMURAI KENJIYou implying something, buddy?

HIROHIKOMaybe...

The Waiter appears behind holding a pot of tea.

WAITERHey mister! Your teas ready.

Hirohiko dismisses the Waiter with his hand.

HIROHIKOPut it on the table. Ill drinklater.

The Waiter goes away.

SAMURAI KENJIWhat if there is no later?

HIROHIKOIm not too worried about that.

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SAMURAI KENJIYou cocky bastard.

Samurai Kenji grimaces. He takes out his sword and places itagainst Hirohikos neck. Hirohiko does not even flinch.

SAMURAI KENJII could chop your head off rightnow and nobody would give a damn.Youre just a dirty old vagrant.

HIROHIKOIm not a vagrant...

Hirohiko reaches into his side with lightning speed and takesout a dagger. He chops off Samurai Kenjis hand.

SAMURAI KENJI

Augh! Fuck!

HIROHIKO(to self)

Im a ninja.

Hirohiko slashes his knife down, disappearing into blackness.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. HIROHIKOS GARDEN - DAY

SUPER IMPOSE TITLE: SAMURAI TOWER

Hirohiko is meditating under a fruit tree. His wife IZUMI isabove on a branch tediously plucking the peaches.

IZUMIStop being so shiftless Hirohikoand help me pick these peaches tosell at the market!

HIROHIKOIm meditating.

IZUMICant you meditate later?

HIROHIKOWhy are you even picking peaches,Izumi? I make enough money for theboth of us dont I?

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IZUMII dont want these peaches going to

waste. We always have more than weneed.

HIROHIKOCome down from the tree and I willhelp you.

As Izumi is climbing down she loses her footing, she fallsinto the arms of Hirohiko. Hirohiko opens his eyes.

HIROHIKONext time be careful.

Izumi gets out of Hirohikos arms. Hirohiko gets up andstands in front of the tree.

HIROHIKOGee. Therere an awful lot ofpeaches up there.

IZUMISo are you going to pick them ornot.

HIROHIKOStand back.

Izumi stands back. Hirohiko closes his eyes and takes in adeep breath. He kicks the tree. A large bushel of peaches

fall onto the ground.

Hirohiko smirks at Izumi.

EXT. LOCAL MARKET - DAY

Hirohiko has a long frown on his face, carrying a basket ofpeaches on his head, he heads into the market. He finds aplace between two merchants. He rolls out a blanket and sitsdown.

The JEWELRY MERCHANT beside him looks at the fruit and lickshis lips.

JEWELRY MERCHANTAre those Izumis garden grownpeaches?

HIROHIKOWould you like one?

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JEWELRY MERCHANTHow much?

HIROHIKOOne yen?

JEWELRY MERCHANTOne yen?! Thats highway robbery!

HIROHIKOTake it or leave it.

The Jewelry Merchant grumbles, he tosses Hirohiko a coin.Hirohiko catches it and puts it into a little pouch. TheJewelry Merchant bites into his peach. As the juices squirtonto the ground, a loud commotion is heard.

Hirohiko tilts his head and looks down the road. There is an

approaching gang of samurai being led by Samurai Kenji.

Samurai Kenji looks pissed, he has a scar over his eye andhand made out of stone. He approaches a FISH MERCHANT.

SAMURAI KENJIExcuse me.

He holds out a picture of Hirohiko.

SAMURAI KENJIHave you seen this man?

The Fish Merchant shakes his head, no.

SAMURAI KENJIAre you sure about that?

The Fish Merchant nods, yes. Samurai Kenji grabs the FishMerchant by the neck and lifts him off the ground.

SAMURAI KENJITell me where he is?

FISH MERCHANT(choking)

I dont know!

Hirohiko stands up.

JEWELRY MERCHANTWhatre you doing? Sit down! Youdont know Kenji! Hes a ruthlessprick!

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Hirohiko ignores the Fish Merchant and starts walking towardthe samurai.

Samurai Kenji throws the Fish Merchant aside, into a pile offish. As gasps for air, Hirohiko grabs a wooden stick from

one of the merchants.

HIROHIKOHey! Dirt bag!

Samurai Kenji and his gang turn around. Hirohiko casuallytwirls his stick.

HIROHIKOI believe you were looking for me?

SAMURAI KENJIWho are you?

HIROHIKOId prefer not to say.

SAMURAI KENJIWell, either way, Im gonna chopyou into little bits and feed youto my dog.

HIROHIKOYou and what army? The drunkenidiots standing behind you?

Hirohiko leans against his stick.

SAMURAI KENJINo...

A huge group of men appear behind Samurai Kenji.

SAMURAI KENJIThese drunken idiots.

Hirohiko smirks.

HIROHIKOIs that all you got? Ha!

He drops his stick and starts to run. The group of men chaseafter him. Hirohiko dashes around a corner. He stops when hesees a bundle of big baskets. He jumps inside one of them.

Samurai Kenji and his men turn the corner too. They look downthe road, a dead end.

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SAMURAI KENJISpread out and search the place!Hes gotta be around heresomewhere!

Samurai Kenji walks along, looking carefully. He stops infront of the basket merchants area. He eyes the big batch ofbaskets.

SAMURAI KENJIHeh-heh-heh. He thinks he can hidein these baskets, eh?

Samurai Kenji takes out his sword. He lunges forward andpierces one of the baskets. The BASKET MERCHANT watches himdo another.

SAMURAI KENJI

I guess hes not in this one.

The Basket Merchant stands up.

BASKET MERCHANTYoure going to have to pay forthat.

SAMURAI KENJIScrew off!

Samurai Kenji knocks the Basket Merchant out with an elbow.He continues stabbing the baskets. One of the lids behind

Samurai Kenji lifts up. Hirohiko looks out. He accidentallysneezes.

HIROHIKOOh shit...

Samurai Kenji spins around. He looks at Hirohikos basket. Hepulls back his sword. As he swings, Hirohiko leaps up fromthe basket.

Hirohiko kicks off from Samurai Kenjis face and rollsbackward into a crouching position.

SAMURAI KENJIYou son of a bitch!

Samurai Kenji wildly swings his sword. Hirohiko dodges itwith ease and counterattacks with a snap kick to the face.Samurai Kenji falls to the ground.

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SAMURAI KENJI(to the men)

Hes over here goddamn it!

Samurai Kenjis men rush toward Hirohiko. Hirohiko reaches

into his garment and takes out a smoke bomb. He whips it tothe ground. A large cloud of dark smoke appears.

The men hack and cough. When the air clears, Hirohiko isgone. Samurai Kenji, standing, plunges his sword into theground in frustration.

MATCH CUT TO:

INT. HIROHIKOS HOUSE - GENERAL AREA - NIGHT

Izumi chops up a carrot and throws the pieces into a boiling

pot of water sitting on a black stove.

IZUMISo you didnt sell the peaches?

Izumi starts cutting up another vegetable as Hirohikopractices his ninjutsu on a wooden dummy.

HIROHIKOI told you, I was robbed.

IZUMII thought you said you were the

best ninja in all the land ofjapan.

HIROHIKOI can make mistakes... though itsnot that common.

A KNOCK at the door. Izumi puts down her knife and goes toanswer it. There are two large government officials standingin front of her. GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #1 and GOVERNMENTOFFICIAL #2.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #1Excuse me. Were looking for a mannamed, Hirohiko Kagawa.

IZUMIWhats it about?

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #2Are you his wife?

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GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #1Forgive us, but we cannot discussthat with you.

HIROHIKO

(to Izumi)Whos at the door?

The government officials barge in past Izumi. They standbehind Hirohiko while he practices his martial arts.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #1Hirohiko Kagawa. We would like tospeak with you?

HIROHIKOIm listening.

The government officials look each other like, What thehell?

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #2We must speak in private.

HIROHIKOIs it that important?

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #1Dont act coy. Were know youre aninja.

INT. BEDROOM - OUTSIDE - NIGHT

Izumi eavesdrops outside her bedroom. She watches the movingsilhouettes through the white paper doors.

HIROHIKO (OS)How did you find out about me?

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #1 (OS)You bumped into one of our men atthe Bushido bar. You cut off hisarm.

HIROHIKO (OS)Shit. I knew I shouldve stayedlow.

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INT. BEDROOM - INSIDE - NIGHT

Hirohiko stands by the window, gazing outside. The twogovernment officials stay near the door.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #2Its okay. We dont care what youdid in the past.

HIROHIKO(sighs)

Cant you see I wanna live inpeace? I enjoy being a namelessfisherman... I can catch enoughfish in a single day to feed Izumiand I for an entire week.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #1Those days are over, Kagawa. Yourebeing called back into duty.

HIROHIKOWho do I have to kill around hereto get peace?

Government Official #1 walks over to Hirohiko.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #1Are you familiar with, EechiJagari?

Hirohiko turns around.

HIROHIKOThe infamous mountain cannibal fromup north? The one who killedEmperors brother?

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #1We need you to assassinate him.

HIROHIKOWhy dont you just send some ofyour men up there?

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #1Hes not a normal person... And our

military forces are being used forsomething else.

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12/38

HIROHIKOSo you want a retired ninja to comeout of retirement?

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL #1

If its not too much trouble.

Hirohiko takes a deep breath out. He has a serious look onhis face, thinking.

EXT. HIROHIKOS HOUSE - DAY

Hirohiko is decked out in a ninja suit. He kisses his wifeIzumi by the door.

HIROHIKOGoodbye Izumi.

And jumps on the horse with the luggage at its sides.

HIROHIKOI will be back in a few days.

(smiles)In the meanwhile enjoy your time

without me.

Izumi blows Hirohiko a kiss. He takes off on his horse, hedisappears into the forest trail ahead.

EXT. LONG ROAD - NIGHT

A horse drawn carriage speeds down a road between rows ofhouses decorated with brightly colored paper lanterns.

INT. CARRIAGE - NIGHT

Samurai Kenji looks out the window as he sits across from hisassociate, SAMURAI UCHITO.

SAMURAI UCHITODo you think he knows its ruse?

SAMURAI KENJIHes quick with a sword, but not

with his wits.

SAMURAI UCHITOWhat if he returns?

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13/38

SAMURAI KENJIHe cant do anything. We know whohe is. That bastards more wantedthan steaming rice.

SAMURAI UCHITOI still think this is a mostuseless idea.

Samurai Kenji leans in toward Samurai Uchito with his stonehand.

SAMURAI KENJIWho cares what you think.

EXT. INTERSECTION - NIGHT

As the carriage reaches an intersection on the long road, aswarm of people appear in spooky costumes. The horses stopand rear back.

The DRIVER pulls on the reins to gain control.


Samurai Kenji knocks on the walls of the carriage.

SAMURAI KENJIWhat the hells going on out

there?!

DRIVER (OS)Nothing sir, the horses just got alittle spooked.

INT. OLD MANS HOUSE - DAY

An OLD MAN holding a walking stick, hobbles toward his littleGRANDSON staring out the window. Noises of a lively festivalfill the household. Music and fireworks.

OLD MAN(behind)

Arent you going to go out andplay?

GRANDSONIm not really interested in thatstuff. I just like watching thefireworks.

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OLD MANDo you know why we have thisfestival every five years?

GRANDSON

To ward off the ghouls from theforest when the...(thinking)

...Demon King awakes to eat.

The Old Man puts his hand on his Grandsons shoulder.

EXT. TOWN SQUARE - NIGHT

The carriage slows down as it enters the town square.

Its a beautiful sight. Lots of colors and lights. People

dressed in ghoulish costumes. Beating drums and playing withfireworks.


Samurai Kenji looks out his window at the festival. SamuraiUchito is uninterested.

SAMURAI KENJILook at these stupid villagers.They really think this is gonna doanything?

SAMURAI UCHITOIts mostly just an excuse to getdrunk -- but they do take it veryseriously.

SAMURAI KENJIOf course.


A MAN IN COSTUME bangs on the side of the carriage. Hesobviously inebriated.

MAN IN COSTUMEHey! Hey! Hows it going?!

He presses his face against the window.

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Samurai Kenji grimaces.

MAN IN COSTUMEHave you chosen a woman tosacrifice to the Demon King yet?

SAMURAI KENJIDisgusting creature.

Samurai Uchito smirks.

MAN IN COSTUMEHey! Im talking to you samurai!

Samurai Kenji thrusts the door open.


The Man In Costume gets knocked backed. He falls down to theground.


Samurai Uchito pulls the door close. The carriage continuesthrough the town square.

EXT. CLIFFSIDE - NIGHT

Hirohiko is climbing up the side of a cliff with the help ofa long rope. A view from further back shows he is scaling alarge mountain.

EXT. MOUNTAIN TOP - NIGHT

Hirohiko hops up from the cliffside and gets to a plateau onthe mountaintop. Ahead of him is a little cabin sitting inthe middle of nowhere. It is lit by a candle sitting on the

windowsill.

As Hirohiko walks forward he hears a low crunching noise,like feet stepping on leaves. He places his hand on thehandle of his sword.

An arrow flies past his face. A small army of military menjump out from between the trees, charging. Hirohiko withdrawshis sword and deflects oncoming arrows.

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The men attack with their swords from all angles, butHirohiko spins on his heels and fends off each and everyswing.

After gutting a few men and slashing a couple faces, Hirohiko

corkscrews out of the bounds of the encroaching circle. Heflails his sword with a hardy vigor at the remaining men. Hegets them backing up, closer and closer to the edge of thecliff. They look back aware.

Hirohiko pauses. The men look at each other, Huh? Thensuddenly he plunges his sword into the mountain. The groundcracks across and breaks off. The men fall to their death.

Hirohiko puts his sword away.

INT. MOUNTAIN CABIN - NIGHT

The front door to the cabin falls down. Hirohiko stepsinside. His eyes veer toward a motionless person sitting atthe end of a long wooden table.

Hirohiko puts his hand on the motionless person. Themotionless person falls off the chair and onto the floor.Its only a skeleton.

Hirohiko uses his sword and lifts up the skull through theeye socket. He glares at it with anger.

INT. BATHROOM - DAY

Izumi is in a bathtub, gently washing herself with a largeyellow sponge -- when she hears echoing footsteps out in thehallway.

Then all of a sudden, Samurai Kenji and his men burst intothe room. Izumi screams and covers her body with her arms.Samurai Kenji takes her by the hair and drags her outside.

EXT. HIROHIKOS HOUSE - DAY

Samurai Kenji carries Izumi over his shoulder as she poundson his back and screams.

IZUMIPut me down, you big smelly ape!

SAMURAI KENJIShaddup, you little bitch!

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Samurai Kenji leads his men to a caravan on the nearby road.He takes Izumi over to a carriage where Samurai Ichito opensthe door for him.

Samurai Kenji hoists Izumi and tries to put her inside. She

resists, putting her feet against the sides and pushing back.

SAMURAI KENJIGet into the carriage you bloody

wench!

IZUMIYou cant make me!

SAMURAI KENJIIf you dont get in there, Imgonna cut off your feet and makeyou go naked for the whole trip!

Izumi stops squirming. Samurai Kenji angrily throws herinside and slams the door shut. Samurai Ichito smiles.

SAMURAI UCHITOWomen, huh?

EXT. HIROHIKOS HOUSE - NIGHT

Hirohiko comes out of his house with a solemn look on hisface. He hops on his horse and gallops down a winding path.

As he passes by a tree, his ninja costume changes. Fromclassic cloth to an updated modern look. Secured on his body,in addition to his trusty sword, are two new weapons: a chain

whip and shurikens.

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT

Samurai Kenji is on a horse, leading the caravan in front.


Samurai Ichito is sitting across from Izumi, whom is wrappedaround in a yellow robe.

SAMURAI UCHITODo you know where were taking you?

Izumi is irresponsive. She just stares into space.

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SAMURAI UCHITOSamurai Tower. Do you know why theycall it Samurai Tower?

(angry)Hey! Im talking to you, lady!

IZUMINo. I dont know why they call it,Samurai Tower.

SAMURAI UCHITOIts because, all the samurai whogo there die. They never return.The Demon King kills them.

IZUMISo why are you taking us to ourdeaths?

SAMURAI UCHITODie a hero or die a coward. Its aneasy choice.

IZUMII dont believe in these fairytales.

SAMURAI UCHITOWell, then where do you think allthe samurai go?

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT

Samurai Kenjis horse suddenly stops.

SAMURAI KENJIHey. What the hell. Keep going.

Samurai Kenji taps on his horse with his feet. Samurai Ichitosticks his head out his carriage.

SAMURAI UCHITOSomething wrong, Kenji?

SAMURAI KENJIThis damn horse wont move.

SAMURAI UCHITOGet off and push it.

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SAMURAI KENJIWhatre you nuts? This is a horse!It doesnt have wheels, you cantpush it!

Samurai Uchito recedes into his carriage. Samurai Kenji getsoff his horse and pushes it from behind.

SAMURAI KENJIMove yah lazy bastard!

The horse neighs and backs up into Samurai Kenji. SamuraiKenji falls down. His suit gets covered with dirt. He gets upand yells.

SAMURAI KENJIWhat the hell is wrong with you?!

Samurai Kenji withdraws his sword and beheads his horse. Thehorse head falls to the ground with a PLOP. Samurai Kenjigoes over to one of his men and pushes him off of his horse.He takes it and gets on top.

SAMURAI KENJI(to man on ground)

Find another horse...

The man scrambles away. Samurai Kenji takes his new horseahead.

EXT. FOREST - NIGHT

Hirohiko paces his horse as he looks down. There are trailmarks in the ground.

HIROHIKOThey were here...

Hirohikos horse slows down and stops.

HIROHIKO(to horse)

Whats the matter boy?

The horse backs up.

HIROHIKOWhoa, whoa. Settle down. Theresnothing to be afraid of.

Hirohiko hops onto the ground. He takes his horse by thereigns.

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HIROHIKOCome on. Ill lead the way.

Hirohiko gently leads along his horse.

EXT. HERMITS HUT - DAY

The two slow down in front of a strange looking hut made outof mud, from which a HERMIT comes out. The hermit hobblesforward with his hunched back and cane. He has a clear bruiseover his eye.

Hirohiko stops and looks.

HERMITHello, young man. Have you comehere to cause trouble?

HIROHIKOWhy would I do that?

HERMITSome people came through here. Asamurai with a stone hand.

HIROHIKO(looks at Hermits eye)

And he did he do that to you?

HERMIT

(touches eye)He got a little rough. Blamed mefor spooking his horse. But I toldhim his horse had a reason to bespooked. The forest ahead ishaunted.

HIROHIKOIs that so?

HERMITBeyond this point -- yes.

HIROHIKO(smirks)

So is this what you do for fun allday long? Warning people about theforest, old man?

HERMITI also have a shop. Would you liketo see it?

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21/38

HIROHIKOI have a feeling youre just tryingto scare me in order to sell your

wares.

HERMITNooo, its just a coincidence.

INT. HERMITS HUT - NIGHT

Hirohiko hunches over as he walks into the mud hut. TheHermit gets behind the counter and spreads out his arms.There are a variety of strange products sitting behind on theshelves.

HERMITSo what can I get you?

HIROHIKOI dont know.

HERMITWe have a lot of different items.From Japan to America. East andWest. Theres always something totickle your fancy.

HIROHIKO(points)

Whats that thing?

The Hermit turns to the shelf. He looks at Hirohiko whopoints again, to the nunchucks.

HIROHIKOUm, two spaces up.

The Hermit gets on his tiptoes and reaches. He grabs thenunchucks.

HERMITAh, nunchucks...

He turns back to Hirohiko.

HERMITGood choice. These are a handytool.

HIROHIKOCan I see them?

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22/38

HERMITOf course.

The Hermit hands Hirohiko the nunchucks. Hirohiko slowlyspins them between his fingers.

HIROHIKOWhat are these used for?

HERMITTheyre a farmers tool from China.Used to thresh rice.

HIROHIKOAre you sure its not a weapon?

HERMITI suppose it could be used for

that.

Hirohiko stands back and twirls around the nunchucks at madspeed, like Bruce Lee.

HERMITNot bad.

Hirohiko give the Nunchucks back to the Hermit.

HERMITNot interested?

Hirohiko taps the handle of his sword.

HIROHIKOI already have a pretty effective

weapon.

HERMITAnything else that interests you?

HIROHIKODo you have anything useful?

HERMITEverything here is useful... But Ithink I know what you need.

The Hermit reaches down and brings out a little treasurechest onto the counter.

HIROHIKOA treasure chest?

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23/38

HERMITIts whats inside that counts.

The Hermit opens the chest and takes out a small sack.

HIROHIKO(sniffs)Whats that smell?

HERMITFresh horse meat.

The Hermit pushes the sack forward.

HIROHIKO(points)

You dont expect me to eat that doyou?

HERMITIts not for you! Its for the wolfgod. You must offer him somethingto eat.

HIROHIKOIf I dont?

HERMITHe will tear the flesh off yourbones and swallow you piece bypiece...

HIROHIKOWhat elseve you got in that box?

The Hermit takes out a lump of clay. Hirohiko picks it up andsquishes it in his hand.

HERMITThat is for the river goddess.Throw it into the river when youare in trouble. It works anytime.

HIROHIKO(skeptical)

Sure...

The Hermit takes out a third item, a large bronze coin. Hespins it on the counter. Hirohiko puts down the lump of claycatches it. He looks at the face. It is fashioned with alarge hieroglyph in the center.

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24/38

HERMITMoney for the troll. On the bridge.

HIROHIKONow, theres a troll? Is he a god

too.

HERMITDont be silly. Of course not.

The Hermit grabs the coin back. He packs all the items backinto the treasure chest. He flips the lid close.

HERMITSo would you like to purchase theseitems? Theres a discount if youbuy em all together.

HIROHIKOI dunno.

HERMITId highly recommend it.

HIROHIKO...Okay Ill take em.

HERMITWonderful.

Hirohiko puts some coins on the counter. The Hermit pushes

them back.

HERMITI dont want your money. Not todayat least.

HIROHIKOThen what do you expect me to payyou with?

The Hermit points to a shuriken on Hirohikos body.

HIROHIKO(nods)

Deal.

Hirohiko takes a shuriken and puts it on the counter.

EXT. WOLF MOUNTAIN - NIGHT

Earlier...

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25/38

Samurai Kenji is leading the caravan through the mist on arocky mountain road, when suddenly a large pack of wolvesappear. Samurai Kenji glares and withdraws his sword.

The wolves growl and charge forward. The horses neigh and

kick as the wolves attack and bite into their bodies. SamuraiKenji uses his sword and madly slashes at the wolves, even ashis horse rears back.

Blood spills everywhere.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. WOLF MOUNTAIN - NIGHT

Hirohiko is on his horse travelling up the road. He spots anoverturned carriage. He gets off his horse to look at it.

Hirohiko tries pulling on the door, but its stuck. He takesout his sword and wedges it between the crack. He pushes downand the door pops open.

Hirohiko looks inside. There is a white wolf feasting on thebody of a samurai. Hirohiko backs away from the carriage. The

wolf hops out and walks toward him. Hirohiko holds his swordback, ready to fight. He hears the Hermits voice in hishead.

HERMIT (VO)Fresh horse meat! Its for the wolf

goddess!

Hirohiko backs up against his horse, holding out his swordwith one hand he reaches into his luggage and takes out thesmall sack of horse meat. He puts a slit in it with his swordand tosses it back.

The wolf follows the sack and snacks on it.

Hirohiko gets on his horse and goes ahead, spiraling aroundthe mountain road, till he pauses and looks down. He seesthe caravan travelling below in the distance, headed towardthe river.

EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

Samurai Kenji stares at the water by the rivers edge. Itlooks fairly calm. Samurai Uchito appears on a horse, besideSamurai Kenji.

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SAMURAI UCHITOShould we turn back? Im suretheres another way around.

SAMURAI KENJI

No. We dont have time.

SAMURAI UCHITOShall I take the girl on horse andbring her ahead? Might be safer.

SAMURAI KENJIDo as you wish.

Samurai Uchito turns his horse around. He goes over toIzumis carriage.

SAMURAI UCHITO

Come on out, woman! Youre ridingup front with me!

Izumi steps out of the carriage. Samurai Uchito gives her ahand, she gets on the back. The two go to the front, behindSamurai Kenji.

SAMURAI UCHITOWe better get going. I dont trustthis water.

Samurai Kenji signals to his men with the wave of his arm.The caravan starts moving across the river. The water goes up

about two or three feet, inconvenient but not enough to stopthem.

Samurai Kenji, Samurai Uchito, Izumi, and a couple carriagesget onto land. Most of the others are still going across.Suddenly a WHOOSHING noise is heard.

The Driver, turns his head to the side. There is a huge waveheaded toward them.

DRIVERTurn back!

The rest of the caravan hastily start turning around.

SAMURAI KENJI(turns horse)

Get back here you fools!

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The wave crashes down and sweeps away the horses, carriagesand people. They wash down stream.

CUT TO:

EXT. RIVER - NIGHT

Hirohiko gets to the rivers edge with his horse. The wateris moving fast. Not safe to cross.

HIROHIKOI could get across myself.

(to horse)But where does that leave you?

Hirohiko paces back and forth along the river edge with hishorse.

HIROHIKOWhat did that hermit say fromearlier before?

(thinking)Something about a river goddess.

Hirohiko reaches into a pocket and takes out a lump of clayfrom the Hermit.

HIROHIKO(looking)

Well, may as well try.

He throws it into the water, it falls in with a PLOONK. Theriver turns into ice.

EXT. SAMURAI TOWER - NIGHT

Hirohiko reaches a BRIDGE connecting to the Samurai Tower. Itis a decorative piece made out of stone and red paint, itarcs over to the other side. Although eye-catching, it is notpeculiar as what is across.

The Samurai Tower is a large monolithic looking building. Ithas seven floors, stacked up high like a pagoda. It isswathed with ornate features of oriental origination. Itstands quietly on a little island, surrounded by anencircling chasm.

Hirohiko takes his horse onto the bridge. A TROLL clungunderneath, swings out and hops in front.

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TROLL(twiddling fingers)

Going to the Samurai Tower?

HIROHIKO

Are you the troll of this bridge?

TROLLThat would be me.

The Troll gets closer to Hirohiko.

TROLLDo you have something to give?

HIROHIKOI might.

TROLL(begging)

Give it! Give it!

HIROHIKOEasy now... What if I dont wantto?

TROLLDont want to what?

HIROHIKOWhat if I dont want to give you

what I have.

The Troll squishes his face with disappointment.

TROLLThat would be no good. I would havenothing.

HIROHIKOI know. What will you do aboutthat?

TROLLNot much. I cannot do much. Imjust a troll.

HIROHIKOWill you not eat me?

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TROLLEat you?! A human?! Yuck! I muchprefer deer. Anything with fourlegs, actually...

The Troll strokes Hirohikos horse.

HIROHIKOOut if curiosity... Why do you liveunder this bridge?

TROLLTrolls are lonely. We are so ugly.No one ever speaks to us. We mustsavor the company of passerbys.Many of them come to the bridges.

HIROHIKO

So you live under a bridge forfriendship.

(smiles)Thats what you want. A friend.

TROLLFriend? I not know of this word.

HIROHIKOA friend. A companion.

The Troll looks bewildered.

HIROHIKOSomebody you can talk to.

TROLLI talk to many.

HIROHIKOI dont know how to describe it toyou... A friend is somebody thathelps you. Theyre there for you.

TROLLAh, this I know! Indeed! I am therefor many. Skills I have to help,for which they pay to use.

HIROHIKOI dont think were talking aboutthe same thing.

TROLLIs that so?

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HIROHIKOI should be going now.

Hirohiko reaches into his pocket and takes out the bronzecoin from the Hermit, he gives it to the Troll. The Troll

takes it and hides away.

Hirohiko and his horse go across the bridge. They come up tothe front of the tower, by the large double doors.

HIROHIKO(looking up)

There it is. Samurai Tower.

Hirohiko gets of his horse.

HIROHIKO(to horse)

Its too dangerous for you. Go backacross the bridge and wait for metill morning. If I dont return,leave.

The horse dashes back, across the bridge.

INT. SAMURAI TOWER - FIRST FLOOR - NIGHT

Hirohiko goes inside, the doors automatically close behindhim. He looks ahead and sees a huge mountain of skulls, apyramid. He walks around it and spots a wheel from one of the

carriages. He picks it up to inspect.

HIROHIKOA wheel from one of the carriages,no doubt...

Hirohiko hears a SLITHERING sound. He puts the wheel down andwithdraws his sword. He slowly walks over to the stairs.There are snakes coming down the steps, pouring down like aliquid.

HIROHIKOWhat in the world?

A KING COBRA rises from the pile of snakes. It hisses andsticks out its tongue.

Hirohiko stays still. The cobra suddenly jumps. Hirohikocatches it on the neck and throws it down the stairs. Thecobra slithers away, unhurt.

Hirohiko goes up the stairs.

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INT. SAMURAI TOWER - SECOND FLOOR - NIGHT

Hirohiko enters the second floor. There is a large chairfacing away from him. There are snakes slithering around.

HIROHIKOHello?

Hirohiko steps forward. The chair spins around. There is agrotesque MAN-SNAKE creature. It two snake heads and the bodyof a man, but with scaly green skin.

MAN-SNAKEI am the first guardian of theDemon King. I am half-man, half-snake.

HIROHIKOIs that so?

Hirohiko takes step forward. The Man-Snake hisses and standsup.

MAN-SNAKEI cannot let you go past.

HIROHIKOIm not leaving till I get to thetop.

Man-snake grimaces. He spits a double shot a venom. Hirohikocounters and throws a shuriken. The shuriken rips into one ofthe snake heads. Man-snake ROARS.

MAN-SNAKEYou bastard!

Man-snake charges. Hirohiko cuts off both heads with a singlemotion. Man-snake drops to the ground.

HIROHIKOI hate snakes.

Hirohiko goes up the next set of stairs.

INT. SAMURAI TOWER - THIRD FLOOR - NIGHT

There is GIANT DOG creature, standing in the corner, pickingthe bones of a man. Hirohiko puts his back against the walland shuffles quietly.

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The Giant Dog turns around.

HIROHIKOCan you speak as well?

The Giant Dog charges and swallows Hirohiko. It licks itslips and lays down. Then suddenly a SWORD pops up through theGiant Dogs skin.

The Giant Dog yelps in pain. Hirohiko climbs out. The GiantDog rolls over and dies. Its guts spill out of its belly.Hirohiko goes to the next set of stairs.

INT. SAMURAI TOWER - FOURTH FLOOR - NIGHT

Hirohiko steps inside. He looks around in a windowless roomlit only by torches. He circles. Theres nothing. He steps

forward on a panel of wood, it sinks into the floor.

Arrows shoot out of the walls. Hirohiko spins and deflectsthem with his sword. Then the ceiling starts pressing down.All exits shut off as the doors bang close.

HIROHIKOOh shit.

The staircase to the next floor gets crushed. The ceiling isgetting lower. Hirohiko takes his sword and jams it into the

wall. The dropping ceiling begins to slow as it grindsagainst the steel, sparking.

HIROHIKO (VO)Think Hirohiko! Think!

Hirohiko takes his shurikens and starts sticking them intothe wall, all around. He uses every single one. The ceilingstops dropping.

Hirohiko grabs his sword and puts it back into its sheath. Heruns to the shattered staircase. He hops off the wall andcracks the door with his sword, tumbling into floor five.

INT. SAMURAI TOWER - FIFTH FLOOR - NIGHT

Hirohiko gets up. There is a floor full of statues withswords. Terra-cotta warriors. Hirohiko slowly walks forward.One of the warriors eyes move.

Hirohiko turns his head back. The statues start to crack.Underneath them, flesh and blood... Humans. Hirohiko withdraws his sword.

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The warriors charge in a circle. Hirohiko spins and chops allof their heads off. He kicks and punches. He snaps necks andbreaks bones.

A dozen twirls of the sword and the whole room is dead.

Hirohiko goes to the next floor.

INT. SAMURAI TOWER - SIXTH FLOOR - NIGHT

Hirohiko, instead of proceeding with caution, rushes for thestairs and runs past a mirror. A DOPPELGANGER pops out of it.As Hirohiko is about to reach for the door, his twin voicecalls out to him.

DOPPELGANGERWhats the rush, Hirohiko? Theresnothing up there for you!

Hirohiko turns around. There is a mirror image of himself,even holding the same weapons that he has.

HIROHIKOWhat do you want monster?

DOPPELGANGERIm not a monster. Dont yourecognize me?

The Doppelganger steps closer, into the light. Hirohikorecognizes who it is -- himself.

HIROHIKOWhat is this trickery?

DOPPELGANGERIm YOU!

Hirohiko goes down the stairs. The Doppelganger tilts hishead and waves.

DOPPELGANGERHi!

HIROHIKOYou dont scare me.

DOPPELGANGERYou should be scared. Im thetoughest challenge yet... Im you.How can you face somebody who knowsyour exact moves? This isnt likethe others.

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You cant just use brute forceagainst me. You must outthink me,and I must outthink you.

HIROHIKOSo everything I do will be known to

you?

DOPPELGANGERYou can say that.

Hirohiko sidesteps, the Doppelganger copies him. Hirohikowalks back, the Doppelganger again copies him.

HIROHIKOThis reminds me of that childrensgame, shadow.

DOPPELGANGER

But Im more than a shadow.

Hirohiko and the Doppelganger withdraw their swords. They runand leap at each other. Their swords clang. Nobody is hurt.They land back on the ground.

HIROHIKOMy famous flying slasher...avoided. This will be harder than Ithought.

DOPPELGANGERIndeed.

Hirohiko and Doppelganger clash, their swords smashingtogether, but nothing happening. Several minutes. Hirohiko isexhausted.

HIROHIKOI cant do this.

DOPPELGANGERThis is real fun. Ive met my

match.

HIROHIKOYour match?!

The Doppelganger laughs. Hirohiko looks at the mirror.

DOPPELGANGERWhat are you looking at?

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35/38

Hirohiko runs for the mirror, he jump kicks and cracks it intwo. The Doppelganger also splits in half and he shattersinto pieces.

Hirohiko spits on the floor with disgust.

HIROHIKOYou could never be me... You fallapart under pressure.

INT. SAMURAI TOWER - FINAL FLOOR - NIGHT

Hirohiko reaches the final floor. It small place with only asingle window, covered by a thick curtain.

IZUMI (OS)(muffled, mouth covered)

Hirohiko!

Hirohiko looks up. His wife is tied, strapped to a rafter.

HIROHIKOIzumi!

IZUMIHirohiko! Get out of here!

HIROHIKODont worry Ill get you --

Hirohiko reaches for a shuriken. He has none.

HIROHIKODamn it!

IZUMILook out!

As Hirohiko turns his head a bat creature lunges at him.Hirohiko pushes back its head as it snaps its jaws. He flipsit off him and withdraws his sword.

The bat creature walks toward him. Hirohiko flails his sword,the bat blocks all of the attacks with its spiky arms. Itgrabs Hirohikos sword and tosses it away. He takes him bythe neck and starts choking him.

Hirohikos feet dangle off the ground. Then he is thrown tothe wall. As the bat comes toward him, a sliver of lightshines through the corner of the curtain where there is arip.

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The bat accidentally steps into it and burns his foot.Hirohiko gets up and yanks off the curtain. The bat flies upinto the corner of the room.

Hirohiko jumps out and takes out his chain whip, he wraps it

around the bats neck and pulls him down. He drags him intothe light of the rising sun. The bat bursts into flames.

Hirohiko looks up at Izumi. He takes the chain whip and rapsit around a rafter. He climbs and unties his wife. He putsher in his arms and jumps down.

IZUMILets get out of here before theDemon King returns.

HIROHIKOThat wasnt the...

The DEMON KING appears out of thin air. He is a large samuraiwith a mask on. Wielding a sword, nearly the same height asHirohiko.

DEMON KINGYouve come to challenge me, haveyou?

Izumi comes out from Hirohikos hold. Hirohiko looks back athis sword.

DEMON KING

I know what youre looking at.Would you like me to get it foryou?

The Demon King points with his finger, the sword floats overto Hirohiko.

DEMON KINGShall we dance?

HIROHIKOIf you mean fight... Im ready.

The Demon King walks toward Hirohiko like a demon in aChinese opera show. Hirohiko looks ready to fight. Thensuddenly he grabs Izumi and leaps out the window.

EXT. SAMURAI TOWER - ROOF - MORNING

Hirohiko and Izumi get onto the roof. The Demon King appearson top.

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DEMON KINGWhat a coward you are! Running awayfrom a fight! After all the troubleI went, holding your wife hostage.

IZUMIPlease, let us go!

DEMON KINGYou are now at my mercy! Running isnot a trait I admire!

Hirohiko holds out his sword.

HIROHIKOI brought you out here so I couldget a better look. I wasntrunning.

The Demon King snickers.

DEMON KINGHow funny of you!

The Demon King pulls his sword over his head and runs towardHirohiko. Hirohiko blocks the attack and snaps an elbow intothe Demon Kings face, knocking off his mask. He is a burntcreature, a corpse.

DEMON KING(deep voice)

Look what youve done!

The Demon King swings his huge sword. Hirohiko jumps to avoidthe attacks. Then he takes out a piece of mirror from thesuit and shows it to the Demon King. The Demon King covershis face.

DEMON KING(shrill voice)

No! Dont show that to me!

The Demon King explodes. Samurai Tower starts to rumble. Thebuilding and the ground beneath it is collapsing.

HIROHIKOGet on!

Izumi jumps onto Hirohikos back. Hirohiko runs forward asthe ground beneath them sinks. Hirohiko jumps. He sticks outhis arms for the bridge which remains, but he falls short.The two start to fall.

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Then a vine suddenly whips down and wraps around Hirohikoswrist. The two are being pulled up.

TROLLFriend!

EXT. SAMURAI TOWER - BRIDGE - DAY

The Troll hoists them to safety. They get on the ground andquickly get up. Hirohiko dusts himself off.

TROLLHave you defeated the Demon King?

HIROHIKOI hope so...

The Troll shakes Izumis hand.

TROLLSo nice to meet you!

IZUMIThank you for saving us.

Hirohiko pats the Troll on his shoulder. Then he whistles forhis horse. The horse trots out of the forest. Hirohiko helpsIzumi on top. Then he himself gets on.

TROLL

Will I see you again?

Hirohiko smiles.

HIROHIKOFollow me.

TROLLWhat?

HIROHIKOBe my friend.

Hirohiko, Izumi and his wife slowly go down the trail ahead.The Troll follows beside.

FADE OUT.

37.

samurai tower

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