Demon Blade 17 When New Years Bells Ring

17 When New Year’s Bells Ring
01
(The scene opens to outside the Yushi home, Hiro is helping his parents into the family van)
Hiro:
Okay dad watch your step. Its slippery out here.
Grandpa:
I don’t need you to tell me about ice boy! You forget we come from Hokkaido.  
Hana:
Dear we can’t afford you to go home with a hurt back, take it easy.
Grandpa:
I will be fine I… (Grandpa slips but suddenly is caught by Kyle)
Kyle:
Don’t worry grandfather, I have you.

02
Grandpa:
Get your hands off me, pervert! And we aren’t family.
Hana:
Please dear, go easy on Tetsu’s boyfriend.
Grandpa:
Never! I won’t accept this mess, why is he even coming with us.
Hana:
I asked him to come, besides, He is helpful for keeping you from hurting yourself around the girls.
(Grandpa pouts as Mai follows Tetsu, Ino, and Karen out of the house)

03
Grandpa:
Who ever heard of attending new year’s prayer, with a demon at the temple.
Mai:
Can’t we just stay!
Tetsu:
Mai, it’s a family tradition, and my last year doing it at this shrine. Why are you fighting this so much?
Mai:
UM, duh, Holy land and me don’t mix! Seriously I thought you were smart about this stuff.
Kyle:
Sweetie, we are going in the same car right?
Karen:
Sure, you two ride together Tetsu.

04
Tetsu:
Mom!
Karen:
No buts! At least having you three in the car will give your grandfather some rest from the chaos of the past week.
(A horn honks as Hugh’s van drives up)
Hugh:
Hey guys, Ready to head to the Shinto temple.
Mai:
Hugh, you’re coming too.
Tetsu:
Hugh, Roland, and Sarah, have all joined in for the past few years to take part.

05
Hugh:
Hey Kyle, we got room you going to join us?
Kyle:
I am in the car with Tetra and Mai. (Pushing Ino who is nervous) Ino, why don’t you go with the guys?
Ro: (looking nervous)
Really Ino, is coming too?
Sarah:
You two haven’t seen each other since the other day have you.
Kyle: (Kyle smiles)
All the better, the trip takes a while right Tetra.
Tetsu:
Yeah, the shrine is about three hours from here by car. Provided the roads are clear.
Karen:
Let’s get going everyone!
Mai: (pouting)
Stupid family trip.

06
(The scene changes to later that day at the shrine with a large crowd.)
Sarah:
So how did the car ride go, you two had plenty of time at each other’s side?
Tetsu: (Smirking and chuckling)
Kyle, fell asleep.  (Sarah Laughs as Mai is floating gathering attention of others) Mai get down the ground won’t hurt you.
Mai:
Says you! You were all nice to me last week only to set me up for this! You are truly evil Tetsu!
Grandpa: (Smiling)
What is the matter demon girl can’t stand on holy land?
Mai:
So this was your plan old man!

07
Grandpa:
Let me show you the chimes demon girl.
Tetsu:
Grandpa let Mai, be.
Mai:
I haven’t forgiven you ether pal.
Ro:
Isn’t it tradition for women to wear those kimonos things here.
Hugh:
Yukata, Roland, and yeah. Sis has one on but the three from Japan aren’t wearing them.
Mai: (smiling)
True. We must correct this Tetsu!

08
Tetsu:
No Mai not here! Don’t you …  ( Mai snaps her fingers and changes Tetsu to Tetra and she is in a traditional Yukata.)
Tetra:
…Dare! Mai, is this your vengeance for making you come here.
Mai:
Yes, you can change back once we leave this horrible place!

09
(Kyle waking up and runs to hug Tetra in her outfit)
Kyle:
Tetra! it’s so wonderful to see you likes this for the new year!
Mai:
Hmm, maybe I should have just changed the outfit.
Tetra:
And I should have let grandpa mess with you.
Hugh:
Hey Tetra are you coming? The line for the chimes has cut down some.
Tetra:
Sigh. I  guess I have no choice, let’s go everyone.

10
Sarah:
So what are you aiming for in the new year Ino?
Ino:
I want to become strong enough to help out Sis, and Tetsu.
Mai:
Well I just want to break this stupid curse, but I guess I will settle for having more yummy food.
Tetra:
You always think of your stomach Mai.
Mai:
Why not, good food and a place to sleep is all one really needs in life.
Kyle: (Hugging Tetra)
You missed having someone that loves you in that Mai.

11
Mai: (To Self)
Yeah maybe this year…
Kyle: (to self)
This year …
Both Kyle and Mai:  (to selves)
I will get Tetra (Tetsu for Mai) to open up to me.
Ro:
I would like if this year Ino, and I can go out some.
Sarah:
Wow starting out strong Roland your amazing. If only someone else here would have that kind of courage to flat out say what they are feeling.
(The group arrives near the chimes)

12
Tetra: (looking away embarrassed)
I am not repressing my feelings Sarah. I don’t love him.
Hugh:
No use in denying it Tetsu. Sis and I both know your real feelings on your future and about Kyle.  
(Tetra squeals and tries to hide from the others )
Kyle:
Sweetie, you look so cute when you’re like that! (Tetra tries to hide more as Kyle praises her)
Mai:
Come on Tetsu! Let’s ring these chimes get your fortunes and go! I can’t stand being here any longer!

13
Hugh:
It’s our turn, after all let’s go make our offerings.
(Tetra and the others go to the shrine and place objects at there)

14
(They each ring the chimes and reflect on their wish for a new year each is thought-out but not said)
Ro:
To get closer to Ino.
Sarah:
To have great adventures with my friends.
Hugh:
To have the band succeed to the top!
Ino:
To be stronger and help Mai, and Tetsu.
Kyle:
To date Tetra and have our love grow!
Mai:
Fine if I am stuck doing this, to eat good food and maybe break this curse. If possible…or …

15
(Mai looking at Tetra)
Mai:
Or maybe the chance to get closer to him after all.
(Finally, it shows Tetra)
Tetra:
To protect those close to me in these shifting times.

16
(The scene changes to a bit later as each of the crew are opening fortunes)
Kyle:
Check it out sweetie, my fortune says. One close to your heart will get even closer! (Both Tetra and Mai groan)
Ino:
The seeds of the future, need time to grow.
Sarah:
Weird it sounds like it was made for you.
Hugh:
Mine just said, hard work. Mai you got one right?
Mai: (Looking depressed as Roland looks at hers)
Stupid human tricks!
Roland:
Great Misfortune follows you.

17
Sarah:
Hey Tetra, what did you get?
(Tetra Hiding hers)
Tetra:
Um … just study hard and you will succeed.
Ro:
odd but fitting I guess.
Grandpa:
Hmmphf don’t worry I know what someone here’s fortune.
Ro:
I thought your grandfather didn’t believe in this stuff Tetsu!
Tetra:
He doesn’t.  

18
Grandpa:
I don’t need a fortune to tell the demon girl’s days are numbered today. High priest, that’s the foul demon there! (Grandfather Points at Mai and an old man in ceremony grabs walks up and stares at her)
(Mai breaks into a sweat)
Priest:
Hmm. Demon girl you say. Let’s see I think I have a sutra ward here somewhere. (Fumbles around) Ah hah!

19
Priest: (goes to place the sutra while laughing, onto Mai’s head only to have the sutra slapped by a sudden blast of ice)
Oh my! Is it windy today!
Tetra:
Mai! You promised not to use your magic on humans!
Mai:
Try telling that to the priest!
Tetra:
I said no!
Mai:
You don’t understand it… (The priest places the sutra on her forehead and Mai stops moving)

20
Tetra:
Very funny Mai okay let’s go… (Tetra starts to walk and is suddenly stopped from going further) What the…
Ino:
As long as that sutra is on Mai, Tetsu, she won’t be able to move from that spot. And with the curse that means…
Tetra:
No come on! I need to go to the bathroom, and as Tetra I can’t hold it for long.
Priest:
Odd. I have never seen this reaction before.
Tetra: (Moving to Mai to try and grab the sutra but her hand goes through)
No I can’t touch it ether, all because of the stupid curse.

21
Tetra:
Ino, can you!
Ino:
I am not touching that thing, it can affect me too.
Priest:
I do hope this girl is okay.
Grandpa:
Don’t worry, you did good dealing with her.
Tetra:
You! Stupid arrogant old man!

22
Grandpa:
That is no way to speak to me boy!
Tetra:
Tough because of you I can’t move, nor can Mai. So unless you want your heir running the serval farms you own in Japan, from out in the backwoods of the American North West, you will fix this!
Grandpa:
Not happing till she leaves!

23
Kyle:
Sir you need to be considerate that perhaps your action to help Tetra is making things worse.
Grandpa:
No! my way will rid the demon, isn’t that correct. (looking at the priest)
Priest:
Um wait this girl is a demon? (grumbling) I did it as a joke. Demons aren’t real… are they?
(Sarah goes to pull the sutra but it fails to come off)
Sarah:
I can’t remove it.

24
Priest:
Only ones of strong spiritual power can remove those, or as I am told. But I didn’t even know if I could put one on.
Kyle:
Then take it off her!
Grandpa:
And free a demon on the world.
Kyle:
So what! Mai is not evil, she helps people.

25
Grandpa:
She was born evil.
Tetra:
No, you don’t believe that.
Grandpa:
Don’t tell me what I believe!
Tetra:
You know this is wrong. And by doing this if I get free… No when I get free. If you leave me like this then I will not return to Japan old man.

26
Grandpa:
You have a commitment to the family Tetsu!
Tetra:
I have a commitment to myself and those close to me first. Family isn’t just those we are born into. It’s the faces of the people we bring into our lives and let them into our hearts.
(Grandpa stares at Tetra)

27
Grandpa:
Fine priest! let the girl go…. But only after you promise me boy that you will do what your father, and aunt, failed to. And take over my farm after your birthday got it!
Tetra:
I promise.
Ino:
You will be giving up your future dreams to stay and work a farm.
Tetra:
I can’t run from my responsibilities Ino.

28
(The priest tries to remove the sutra but fails)
Tetra:
Come on! I promised and everything.
Priest:
I am not use to this!
Kyle: (Touching Tetra’s cheek)
My love I will stay with you here and we can live together in this spot ….

29
(The sutra begins to sizzle)
Kyle:
I promise you I won’t abandon you here. We can build a shack here and I will get a job…
Tetra:
Kyle! Stop I still need to pee.  (Mai looks pissed)
Ino:
Um Mai?
(the sutra turns black)

30
(Kyle leans in for a kiss as Tetra backs away, and Mai breaks free)
Mai:
You rotten freaking old jerk!
Tetra:
Mai, you’re free?
Ino:
Guess the sutra wasn’t strong enough to hold her.  Or her jealousy for Kyle and Tetsu’s relationship.

31
Tetra: (Slipping out of Kyle’s grap)
I can move! Hurry Mai, I need to go!
Mai:
But I want to beat up the old guy!
Tetra:
Mai, come summer you will have that chance till he croaks, till then I need to pee!
Mai:
Fine, I will deal with you next time old man!
Grandpa:
Me too demon girl.

32
(The scene changes to later that day in the car Kyle is asleep on Tetra’s shoulder as is Mai in ball form)
Sarah:
I see someone got their new year’s wish.
Tetra:
Hush Sarah!
Sarah:
Oh please, I know Kyle just as much as you. And he sleeps like a log on long car rides. Besides you are finally living your dream from so long ago. Well kind of.
Karen:
I knew you haven’t turned away from it after all these years Tetsu. Why don’t you just admit it already and tell Kyle how you feel. Your father and I are fine with it. And in time I think your grandfather may warm up to the idea of having him around you, it makes you happy after all doesn’t.  

33
Tetra:
You two don’t get it… I can’t… I want to but…
Sarah:
Your too afraid. You’re still living in the past Tetsu!
Karen:
Son you are only hurting yourself not being open about this. In the future you will see.

34
(Tetra looking at her fortune)
Tetra:
No, the future is something I fear I see too clearly….
Fortune Reads:
Great rewards only comes from a long journey of great pain and struggle in this year. Have faith in others to see it through.  Or you will fall to Darkness.

35
(The car drives by and a set of eyes watch it go by and webbed feet hit the ground and the frog demon laughs)
Frog Demon:
The air smells of such strong magic.

36
Frog Demon:
We must claim it for ourselves before the others find it. (the frog demon laughs)
Next Time:
A Hearts Storm Within