Tengukuri...Copyrighted in the US 2023 Page #4

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MEG:

Oh so you were just gonna leave a message?

MASON:

I don’t know, look, I’m sorry about last night. And I know you’ve heard that before, but I don’t know, I guess I still mean it.

MEGHAN:

I know Mase. And honestly I don’t give a sh*t that you fight with Lee, I get it, but Mikki man…? She just can’t do this, you can’t do this to her Mase. She worships you, I know she’s your favorite person too but you can’t do that around her, not any more, please please please.

Meghan starts to sound desperate.

MASON:

I know, I know…

Meghan interupts

MEGHAN:

I know you friggin know Mason!! That’s what makes you so hard. That’s what makes knowing you so hard.

MASON:

Can I take Mikki down to the Dojo today? I’m going to see everybody and hang out a bit.

MEGHAN:

Are you hearing me, big brother?

MASON:

Ya I’m a hot mess, I get it.

MEGHAN:

Ya but not all the time, so no one knows when you’re gonna bite. Oh, and as for biting, no more Delilah around Lee, please. And ya, I’m sure she would love to go with you, she was still pretty worried about you this morning.

MASON:

I’m going to Japan. That’s what’s next…for me, Meg.

There is silence for about 8 seconds.

MEGHAN:

Uh…ok…ya, good. You need one of your projects right now. I know you’re hurting honey. The last couple years, I’ve just watched you in so much pain and I just love you more than anything Mase. I’m scared to lose you to you. You know?

MASON:

Ya, me too.

Silence for another 8 seconds or so.

MASON:

Hey I’ll pick her up in a little bit. I’ll call her right now. We’ll do lunch and stuff after and then I’ll drop her off. I don’t want to keep you any longer. I love you, Sissy. I am sorry.

MEGHAN:

Oh shut up big brother. I love you so much. I’m always here, sweetheart. And just…have fun with Mik today ok?

MASON:

Alright, I love you.

MEGHAN:

Love you.

MASON:

Bye.

MEGHAN:

Bye.

They both hang up. Mason takes a deep breath, gets up with phone still in hand, takes his coffee and heads for the door. He begins to dial Mikki on his way through the door. The phone rings. Mikki answers excitedly.

MIKKI:

Hi Uncle Mase! How are you?

MASON:

Hey Sweetie. I’m good. It’s good to hear your voice. Hey, I’m so sorry about last night. Umm, Your druncle just had a little too much sauce on an empty stomach. I was mean to say those things to Lee. I just didn’t like that he scared you. Anyways, I’m just sorry.

MIKKI:

It’s ok. I kinda thought you were just tired and stuff.

MASON:

Uh, yeah. That too. Look, I’m gonna come grab you and we’re gonna go to the Dojo. Is your gi clean?

MIKKI:

Oh cool! Ya, I’ll get ready. Are you coming now?

MASON:

Ya I gotta go let Delilah out and grab the bike, then I’ll be over. Maybe 30 or 40 minutes. Zat sound cool?

MIKKI:

Ya, cool.

MASON:

K, love you. See you soon.

MIKKI:

K, love you. Bye. Ride safe!

MASON:

Thanks hon. Bye.

Mason hangs up and smiles. He takes another deep breath and gets up from the curb he had sat on. He begins the walk back to his apartment, about 2 blocks away.

9 - EXT. - MASON AND MIKKI ARE IN A MOTORCYCLE - DAY

In a hilly, suburban Seattle neighborhood, the sun is shining, the streets are quiet. A two level building stands alone with a sign outside reading “SEATTLE JUDO,” the same below it in Japanese. Faintly, a motorcycle can be heard, and we see Mason and Mikki riding up over the hill slow and slowly pull up in front of the Dojo. Mason parks and turns off the bike. He takes his helmet off and Mikki gets out of the sidecar. We view the scene from across the street. Mason grabs a backpack strapped to the backrest and the two walk inside.

10 - INT. - JUDO DOJO - DAY

Mikki and Mason walk through the front door. Students are practicing judo, a student in their late twenties is toweling his face off at the front desk and greets the two with surprise and excitement.

SEATTLE STUDENT 1

Mason! What’s up man?! Oh my gosh it’s so good to see you!

He comes around the desk and the two embrace. A sense of home can be felt here. More so than home is felt in Mason’s apartment.

SEATTLE STUDENT 1

Mikki! Oh bring it in girl!

He extends his right arm to Mikki for a side hug.

MASON:

It’s good to see you man, you look good.

SEATTLE STUDENT 1

Oh thanks man. So do you. Hey, Don is upstairs, he’ll be right back, go suit up, kinda one on one time today.

The man gives Mikki a nudge with his shoulder. Mason now turns his attention to Mikki.

MASON:

I’m off mat today honey, I need to talk to Don for a few minutes. You good?

MIKKI:

Ya, I’m good.

She heads to the back of the school to get changed in private. Mason gives the man another side hug.

MASON:

It’s really good to see you bro. Glad you’re here.

SEATTLE STUDENT 1

It’s really good to see you too, man. Would’ve loved to see you on the mat today.

Mason leaves the remark unanswered and pats him on the back. He walks to the back and the scene cuts.

11 - INT - JUDO DOJO

Students and instructors are on the mat. Specific judo instruction is happening. Mikki is training with Seattle Student 1. As they stand face to face gripping the other’s gi traditionally.

SEATTLE STUDENT 1

Don’t cross your feet when you move, don’t cross your feet, only ninjas cross their feet.

They both laugh. They continue as the scene widens until we are behind Don, a muscular Japanese man in his mid-fifties, and Mason, seated off the side of the mats. Don looks over to Mason and smiles.

DON:

It’s really good to see you Mase.

Mason smiles.

MASON:

I’m glad I got to bring her here.

DON:

You seem kinda distant man. How are you, really? You have that same look your dad used to get. You okay?

MASON:

I don’t know, Don. Ya, I’m, I’m fine…I guess. I’m…going to Japan again.

Don is obviously surprised.

DON:

Whoa. What is it? Wait…is that good? You scared? Working? Where are you going?

Mason seems worried about saying.

MASON:

Tengukuri Village. Have you heard of it?

Don loses color in his face. His jaw drops slightly. He nods yes but says nothing.

DON:

What, uh, I mean, what’s that got your attention for?

MASON:

I think there’s just something I gotta find out, ya know? I met this old man at a bar, he was super friendly, and super chatty, super drunk. I just heard some things…

Mason pauses long to watch Mikki on the mat.

MASON:

Just the right time is all. I need a breather anyways. Lease is up next month, I’ve been debating whether or not to re-sign, I can’t really afford it anyways if I’m not working. And man, I haven’t really worked since my dad…you know? Just local editorials and website stuff. I guess a couple of big UFC pieces.

Another pause while intently watching Mikki.

MASON:

I wanna take her too.

Don shakes his head in affirmation.

DON:

Your father would have wanted you to go back. But he never would have wanted you to chase goblins.

Their eyes lock. Something is strange. Mason is reminded of something the old man’s daughter said at Sakura. Mason goes back to watching Mikki.

MASON:

I’ve been thinking about him a lot lately.

Don’s English is perfectly annunciated.

DON:

You are like him, but you are not him. You, and your sister too, have something that he did not have. Your father always try to keep everyone happy, but fail. You and Meghan are like nail that stick out. The nail that stand out, always get hit. This has made you stronger. But you, Mason, the pain makes you dark. You walk around in the dark because you see just fine in it. You are not scared of what else walks around in it. But you do not have to live in the dark, Mason. And you are not without fear. There is more. Light. I hope you find it there.

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