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Call of the Hunt
Atsu: (Deep breath) She’ll be safe here. I hope Hanbei is still on Mount Yōtei.
Atsu: I hope Hanbei’s still there.
Atsu: Jubei… Oyuki… Where are you?
Hanbei: Atsu? You look like death.
Atsu: Hanbei…
Hanbei: What’s happened? Come — rest. Tell me everything.
Hanbei: So, Matsumae Castle has fallen. And Saito has your brother and your friend.
Atsu: It’s my fault.
Hanbei: You made a mistake.
Atsu: I failed them. Like I failed my parents when I led Saito to our home. Kiku is right. I only bring death.
Hanbei: Do you really think Saito would ever allow you or your family to live in peace? He cannot let go of any personal slight. This is why he killed your father. Why he took my arm. And why he risks his war with the Matsumae to hunt you down. Revenge is Saito’s weakness, but it does not need to be yours.
Atsu: I promised Kiku I’d find Jubei and Oyuki.
Hanbei: Then keep your promise.
Atsu: (Exhales) I don’t even know where to find the Spider.
Hanbei: He just lost the person closest to him. If your brother died, what would you do?
Atsu: Jubei… I… I would bury him… The Spider mentioned something. His family has burial grounds in Tokachi Range.
Hanbei: Then that is where I would look… were I still the best bounty hunter in Ezo.
Atsu: Thank you, Hanbei. I should get going.
Hanbei: Remember, Atsu. That sash around your waist is only cloth and ink. Your path is not yet set in stone.
Atsu: Still with me, Shunen? (Shaky breath) Let’s find the Spider…
Atsu: I hope Hanbei’s right about the Spider… Clan Saito’s burial grounds should be around here. This must be the place. Just need to find somewhere to wait till the Spider shows up.
The Spider: May you find safe passage to your next life, Brother. Come to cross another name off your list?
Atsu: Not if you give me answers. Your father took Oyuki… and my brother.
The Spider: I told him to cut off their heads, leave them for you to find… but… Father never listens to me.
Atsu: They’re alive. Tell me where they are.
The Spider: (Dark laugh) You murder my brother and expect me to help rescue yours?
Atsu: The other grave. You lost someone else?
The Spider: Our sister. Fumi. She starved to death after your father deserted us. She was just learning to walk.
Atsu: I’m sorry.
The Spider: (Chuckles)
Atsu: Is that why you slaughtered my family? For justice?
The Spider: There’s no justice in this life. Only pain and the bottom of a sake jar.
Atsu: Wait! Fine. We’ll do it the hard way. (Pained gasp) Tell me where Jubei and Oyuki are!
The Spider: Why won’t you just die?
Atsu: I’ll hunt you down if I have to!
The Spider: You want to kill me? Come and try!
Atsu: Damn it.
The Spider: You’re here to cross another name off your sash!
Atsu: Tell me where my brother’s being held! Help me and… I’ll let you live!
The Spider: (laughs) You can barely say it!
Atsu: (Frustrated sigh)
Kiku: Aunt Atsu! Hurry!
Atsu: Kiku?
Kiku: Make him suffer! You are an onryō. You only bring death.
Atsu: What choice do I have?
The Spider: I’m not dying today! Onryō! Onryō! How many have you killed to hunt us down?
Atsu: I only wanted to bring family peace!
The Spider: Then why didn’t you go with your brother on the beach?
Atsu: Of course he’s got a cannon.
The Spider: You want to kill me? Come and try! Why won’t you just die? Onryō! I’m not dying today! Onryō! Doesn’t matter which way you go! You want to kill me? Come and try!
Atsu: Stop shooting and listen! This doesn’t have to end in your death!
The Spider: How can I trust you? I’m not dying today!
Atsu: Almost at the top. He can’t have gone much further.
Jubei: Atsu! He’s just ahead! Give me your hand!
Atsu: Jubei?
Jubei: Fight for the living.
Atsu: (Sharp exhale) Stop! There’s nowhere left to run! Aaargh!
The Spider: Let’s get this over with.
Atsu: I don’t want this fight! I just want my family back!
The Spider: And I want my brother back. But you made sure that will never happen!
Atsu: Stop this — and tell me where my brother is!
The Spider: Why? You abandoned him to kill the Dragon!
Atsu: And I was wrong! Do you really want to die today?
The Spider: Don’t we both? What else is there?
Atsu: More than I knew.
The Spider: (Panting) End it. I’m all alone now. Avenge your family! (Laboured breathing)
Atsu: I have a new family now.
The Spider: (Wheezing laugh) My father is holding them prisoner. I’ll take you to them. Meet me at the ferry crossing to the north.
Atsu: You would betray your father?
The Spider: He abandoned me.
Kiku: Over here! You’re back. What happened?
Atsu: Your father’s alive, Kiku. So is Oyuki.
Kiku: You’re sure?
Atsu: Yes. The Spider and I had… words. I have to get them. They’re being held at Saito’s fortress.
Kiku: You have to save them. Please.
Atsu: I will. No matter what it takes.
Kiku: I’m sorry about what I said to you before. That you only brought death.
Atsu: Don’t be sorry. I needed to hear it. I’ll bring them back soon.
Kiku: And we’ll be a family again.
Atsu: I swear it.
Taro: I was hoping you’d be here. Wait right here! We have something for you.
Atsu: What for?
Taro: We — we know who you are. Ran and Ginji do too.
Kojiro: It wasn’t hard to put together, really.
Taro: What he means to say is, we heard about the Dragon’s death. With the rest of the Yōtei Six dead or missing… only Saito remains.
Kojiro: The onryō ought to have a proper mask for… what happens next.
Atsu: I’m not what people think I am.
Kojiro: Does it matter? Just — try to come out of this in one piece. And gut that Saito bastard. For all of us.
The Final Hunt of the Onryō
Atsu: There’s the Spider.
The Spider: Hurry up — before I change my mind.
Atsu: I half expected an ambush.
The Spider: With what men? I am alone. A ghost.
Atsu: The Spider may be dead, but you have a chance to be something else.
The Spider: (Sad chuckle) Get in the boat. I’ll take you to your friends.
Atsu: About this fortress —
The Spider: Ah. I said I’d take you to your brother and the woman. But you won’t get anything else out of me.
Atsu: Where will you go?
The Spider: Home. Back to the mainland… to find out who I am without my father. Or my brother.
Atsu: I found that on the streets of Osaka.
The Spider: No wonder you turned out the way you did.
Atsu: Does Saito know that you’re gone?
The Spider: He will soon enough. My father’s fortress is surrounded by mountains. You have a climb ahead of you.
Lord Saito: (Shaky breath) My men tell me you are being uncooperative. Where is she? Where is your sister?
Oyuki: We will never tell you.
Lord Saito: Poor, lost Oyuki. A fox is not a wolf. If only you had shown such loyalty to me.
Jubei: Don’t touch her.
Lord Saito: The boy speaks. I thought the fall of Matsumae Castle rendered you mute.
Jubei: We will rebuild.
Lord Saito: It was burned. Like your old family ginkgo tree.
Jubei: The tree still stands — and it’s sprouting leaves.
Lord Saito: Is that so? Then may that image bring you comfort when you face execution. As for you, Kitsune… I have something special planned.
Atsu: Almost there… All this time, Saito was hiding above the clouds… Need to know what I’m walking into… Charcoal, saltpetre, sulphur… This isn’t just a fortress, it’s where Saito makes his gunpowder. I don’t see Jubei or Oyuki. They must be further in. I wonder if Saito… Doesn’t matter. He’s not why you’re here. Should try to do this quietly.
Saito Outlaw: Put your backs into it!
Settler: I just… need a moment.
Saito Outlaw: Back to work or I’ll run you through.
Saito Outlaw: Lord Saito demands more sulphur. His muskets are thirsty. We’re pushing as hard as we can.
Atsu: (Disgusted noise) Smell like rotten eggs.
Settler A: What do they want this stuff for? It stains everything and smells.
Settler B: Not so loud. They use it to make gunpowder.
Settler A: And we’re helping them?
Saito Outlaw: Shut your mouths and work!
Saito Outlaw A: This place smells worse than a tannery.
Saito Outlaw B: You can’t make gunpowder without sulphur.
Atsu: I’ll go around. This side might be less defended…
Atsu: There… That tower. Oyuki, Jubei… Where are you? Matsumae prisoners…
Saito Outlaw: Fire! Bring in the others!
Atsu: Jubei — I have to stop them. Let me reach him. Please. I don’t have time for this! Move! Out of my way! I’m coming, Jubei! Let me through!
Jubei: Atsu?
Atsu: Get away from my brother.
Jubei: Let’s deal with the others!
Atsu: I’m sorry. I should have come with you, instead of fighting the Dragon.
Jubei: Saito is here. The onryō will have her revenge.
Atsu: I don’t care about that. About him.
Jubei: I wish that were true.
Atsu: It is. Jubei, I came here for you and Oyuki. Kiku is waiting at home. I promised I would save you both.
Jubei: I want to believe you. But when it comes to Saito… You can’t escape that night.
Atsu: I’m trying. But I can’t do it without you.
Jubei: (Sighs) Saito said he had ‘something special’ planned for Oyuki. We must hurry. This way. We’ll slip through the fence. See that building on the ridge?
Atsu: That’s where Saito’s holding Oyuki?
Jubei: I saw them take her away.
Atsu: It’s far. How to get across… There’s a path along the waterfall.
Jubei: Is that our only option?
Atsu: The main gate, but they’ll see us coming.
Jubei: We’ll take the other ‘path’. How did you know we were here?
Atsu: The Spider.
Jubei: Another name crossed off your sash.
Atsu: I let him go.
Jubei: Mercy? For the Spider?
Atsu: I thought by killing the Yōtei Six, I was bringing our family peace… But I only brought death.
Jubei: I never thought I’d hear you say that.
Atsu: Kiku said it first. She’s like you when she’s angry — her words cut deep and true.
Jubei: Is she all right?
Atsu: She will be. Once she sees you.
Atsu: There are men on the other side.
Jubei: We’ll have to fight.
Saito Outlaw: It’s you… onryō. Stand your ground. They’re coming for the prisoner!
Atsu: Kill them quick — we need to reach Oyuki. Stay with me.
Jubei: Right behind you.
Jubei: (Wincing)
Atsu: Are you all right?
Jubei: Saito’s men aren’t as gentle as the Oni’s.
Atsu: Jubei —
Jubei: I’m fine. Focus on Oyuki. Her loyalty to you never wavered. I see now why she earned your forgiveness.
Atsu: I won’t leave her — whatever they throw at us.
Jubei: There’s the alarm.
Atsu: How fast can you run?
Jubei: I told you — don’t worry about me. Bo-hiya! This feels familiar!
Atsu: Think I preferred the Oni’s castle.
Jubei: After we reach Oyuki, what next?
Atsu: Rescue her, then escape.
Jubei: You and your complicated plans.
Jubei: Almost there.
Atsu: What do you think Saito has planned for Oyuki?
Jubei: Nothing good. After the Dragon’s death, he wants blood. I last saw Oyuki being taken through these doors.
Atsu: They know we’re coming — be ready.
Jubei: Gunners!
Atsu: I see them! Well done!
Jubei: You’re welcome. This way — come on!
Saito Outlaw: Lord Saito says we’re not allowed to touch you. He wants the little traitor pristine…
Jubei: She’s in here — I’ll boost you up.
Saito Outlaw: So when you’re lashed, we can see every mark.
Oyuki: The whip would be preferable to the sound of your voice.
Saito Outlaw: (Chuckles) You won’t be so proud when you’re stripped bare and bloody.
Oyuki: How far clan Saito has fallen if you’re the best they have to offer.
Jubei: Get away from her!
Atsu: Are you hurt?
Oyuki: No, thanks to you.
Atsu: You’re only here because of me. Oyuki —
Oyuki: Don’t. You never have to apologise to me.
Atsu: Let’s go home.
Oyuki: I overheard Saito talking with the guards. He’s waiting for you — to avenge his sons ‘chere it all began’.
Atsu: Saito’s going to our home…
Jubei: Kiku…
Atsu: We have to go, now!
Oyuki: The entire fortress is on alert.
Jubei: We can’t fight them all.
Atsu: (Pained grunt) Hold your breath!
Jubei: (Gritting teeth)
Oyuki: (Sharp inhale)
Atsu: (Inhales) Everyone all right?
Jubei: Fine — keep moving!
Saito Outlaw: There she is! She has the prisoners!
Jubei: We don’t have time for this. If anything happens to Kiku —
Oyuki: It won’t, Jubei.
Atsu: We will reach her. We must.
Jubei: On my way!
Oyuki: Atsu! Quick! To the horses!
Jubei: Mount up!
Atsu: (Exhales) Shit.
Jubei: Ride.
Atsu: Go, boy! Go!
Jubei: Don’t stop! Where’s the exit?
Atsu: Across the lake! Follow me!
Jubei: There’s too many of them.
Oyuki: The gunpowder, Atsu! Shoot the barrels! We’re almost through!
Atsu: Keep going!
Jubei: Hurry!
Atsu: We made it.
Jubei: Not yet. We don’t stop until we reach Kiku.
Atsu: I never should have left Kiku alone…
Oyuki: You couldn’t have brought her with you.
Atsu: But if I’d made the right choice on the beach —
Jubei: Make the right choice now. Lay the onryō to rest.
Oyuki: Torches…
Jubei: Saito is there.
Atsu: Don’t let him rattle you.
Kiku: (Trembling gasp)
Lord Saito: Sit. Our game has just begun. I used to play something similar with my children — when they were young and I thought they would outlive me. All my children are gone now.
Jubei: Saito, please… Please —
Kiku: (Gasp)
Lord Saito: My fight is with the ghost. if the rest of you leave… you can take the child.
Atsu: Do as he says. For Kiku.
Lord Saito: Go on.
Kiku: (Crying, laboured breathing)
Atsu: (Deep breath)
Kiku: (Tearful breath)
Atsu: Killing my family… Was it worth it?
Lord Saito: Your father betrayed me. Creatures such as you and I cannot resist the call of revenge.
Atsu: I found something new to live for.
Lord Saito: (Grunt) You think you’ve changed, but you are still an onryō. You could have lived a peaceful life. You chose to be a hunter. You took my sons.
Atsu: The Spider led me to your fortress.
Lord Saito: (Frustrated snarl)
Atsu: Stop holding back — draw your katana.
Lord Saito: (Surprised yell) (Panting) You are ready. You’ve waited sixteen years for this, onryō. Don’t falter now. (Aggressive grunt)
Jubei: (Determined yell) (Forceful grunt)
Atsu: Jubei…
Jubei: Oyuki is with Kiku. I will hold him off. We will protect this family.
Lord Saito: So the boy has become a man.
Atsu: (Wincing) (Ragged breath)
Jubei: I am a samurai. A brother. And a father.
Atsu: Jubei — I’m with you!
Lord Saito: Your loyalty to each other… only gives you something to lose.
Jubei: Atsu!
Lord Saito: (Aggressive grunt) (Grunt)
Jubei: (Pained groan)
Atsu: No!
Jubei: (Choked grunt)
Atsu: Jubei!
Jubei: For the living… (Pained grunt)
Atsu: (Battle cry)
Lord Saito: I’ll bury you next to your brother.
Atsu: He’s not dead!
Jubei: You are not alone, Atsu. Fight for the living.
Lord Saito: (Surprised grunt) You are… alone.
(espace)
Lord Saito: (Choked breathing)
Kiku: (Sobbing)
Lord Saito: Come, Little Wolf —
Kiku: Father!
Jubei: (Pained breathing)
Lord Saito: (Dying breath)
Atsu: Jubei!
Oyuki: Atsu …
Jubei: (Laboured breathing)
Atsu: No… No.
Jubei: (Choking) Ki…ku.
Atsu: She will never be alone.
Jubei: (Dying groan)
Atsu: (Quiet sobbing) (Pained breathing) (Sobbing) I’m here.
Kiku: (Sobbing)
Six Months Later
Young Jubei: Atsu — we’re supposed to stay in sight of the house. I don’t even like mushrooms.
Kiku: Aunt Atsu? I found more mushrooms.
Atsu: Good. Show me.
Kiku: They were hiding by the logs — like you taught me.
Atsu: Your father and I used to forage here. We don’t have to talk about him.
Kiku: I want to. It’s just…
Atsu: I know.
Kiku: There. More mushrooms than we could eat.
Atsu: This should get us through the winter.
Atsu: Something’s bothering you.
Kiku: It’s the Matsumae… I heard they are rebuilding the castle.
Atsu: They have the time — now that Saito is no longer a threat.
Kiku: People still leave offerings… for the onryō. They hope you’ll hunt down what’s left of clan Saito.
Atsu: Do you want me to keep fighting?
Kiku: Not if it means being left alone. Does that make me selfish?
Atsu: No, Kiku. You have already given so much.
Kiku: There’s something I want to show you.
Atsu: The snow will start soon.
Kiku: We will be quick.
Atsu: Is this where you’ve been sneaking off to?
Kiku: You noticed… I found some seeds. I didn’t think anything would grow, but they took to the soil.
Atsu: Flowers…
Kiku: They won’t survive the winter.
Atsu: These look like kiku flowers. They were your father’s favourite, even as a boy. He wrote some terrible poetry about them.
Kiku: (Chuckles) He used to bring me one whenever he returned from a long trip. Sometimes, I think I can almost see him in the corner of my eye. But when I look, he’s not there.
Atsu: Your grandmother taught me that music can speak to the family we’ve lost.
Kiku: You think Father can hear me play?
Atsu: I do. Why don’t we take this flower to Jubei?
Kiku: (Shaky breath) He’d like that.
Kiku: Is that…? Lady Oyuki!
Atsu: Go on — you both can play a song for Jubei. I’ll join you soon.
Atsu: (Deep sigh) Kiku’s becoming quite the musician. You’d be so proud. (Hesitant breathing) My hunt is over.
Atsu: That is how I laid the onryō to rest… Now, you know my story, Kiku. Our story.
Kiku: Are you sure you’re not leaving anything out?
Atsu: Maybe one or two things. Before confronting Saito, I needed to weaken his hold on Ezo.
Kiku: So you could rescue Father and Oyuki?
Atsu: And give you a home where you could grow up in peace.
Kiku: I want to hear those stories.
Atsu: Hmm. How about…
Six Months Earlier
Atsu: The day started like any other… with the wind at my back and mystery before me.