KOZAISHO-URAGIRI
(Concubine betrayal of Taira No Masakado, Samurai)
Written by Dr. Pelham Mead
Based on the real life of Samurai Taira No Masakado
December 2020, Copy-write Western Writers Association
KOZAISHO-URAGIRI
(Concubine betrayal of Taira No Masakado, Samurai, 940 CE) By Dr. Pelham Mead
The Flag of the Tiara No Masakado clan. The butterfly.
The year is 940 CE on the 10th day of the third month of the Japanese calendar in the first century. The scene opens with a young Japanese woman wrapped in several layers of cloth freezing in the wilderness of Mount Tsukuba in the Northern Hitachi providence. Blood is running down her pale white face from biting her lip. Her long black hair is in disarray, and her eyes are blood shot red. Her kimono is dirty, and torn
and her hands and face are full of dirt. She has a worn fur pulled over her kimono to keep warm. She has a knife in her hand.
FADE IN:
Note: Kozaisho is a beautiful young woman, the daughter of a farmer, and a peasant who worked for Masakado’s Uncle Kunika before Masakado burned down all of Uncle Kunika’s farms in 936 CE. She is pale white, short and thin with a beautiful face. She is wearing a beautiful red silk flowered kimono.
Masakado took Kozaisho in exchange for not burning down her father’s farm.
FADE OUT.
1 ACT ONE- FLEEING TAIRA NO SADAMORI. 1
2 SCENE 1-EXT.-NIGHT-THE WILDERNESS OF MOUNT SUKUBA, HITACHI 2
PROVIDENCE 940 CE.
FADE IN:
Note: A shadowy figure crouches over a small fire in a wooden grove on a mountain side. The wind whistles outside the cave in the dark moonless night. Snow is on the ground, and the trees around the outside of the cave are frozen white.
3 3
KOZAISHO, 19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
(Crying) Lord Masakado forgive me for I have betrayed you. Here I am miserable, and cold crying out in the wilderness of Mount Tsukuba.
Taira No Sadamori is hunting down the son, and daughter and concubines of my master Masakado. I escaped early on thanks to my lover Hidesato, who warned me the battle was turning in his favor against Taira No Masakado.
I wanted to kill my self after my master was killed because of my foolish emotion in falling in love with the great warrior Fujiwara No Hidesato. He said he loved me, and that he would free me from my master Masakado. That promise was never kept. Oh my god I grieve for my lover, and master Masakado. He was such a big, and strong man standing six feet five inches tall with two pupils in his left eye. I use to tease him by telling him he could see with three eyes more than anyone else. Now the enemies of my master Taira No Sadamori seek to kill me, and all of master Masakado’s family. See, I have bitten my lip, and it is bleeding down my chin. Forgive me master, I was deceived, and betrayed by Fujiwara No Hidesato who posed as your fiend, only to betray you. My master told me everything about his life when he made love to me. His wife Taira No Katsumi lived with her father Taira No Yoshikane, and brought up the children at his home rather than Lord Masakado’a home.
(MORE)
KOZAISHO, 19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO
When my Master Masakado wanted to make love, I was his favorite woman since traveling to see his wife Katsumi would mean interacting with his father in law, Yoshikane who hated my master. My master was a kind man and a great lover. He took me from my father who was a poor farmer that paid taxes to Taira No Kunika, and instead of burning down my father’s crops and home, he took me in trade five years ago to spare the crops and home after burning hundreds of other farms that belong to Kunika, Masakado’s Uncle. Once when we were making love, my master Masakado told me how when he was a boy of fourteen he got in trouble with a slave girl, Ezohayi. I must kill myself now, and end this pain but I am a coward.
FADE OUT. FADE IN:
4 FLASHBACK: 4
5 SCENE 2-INT- DAY- THE MASAKADO HOME.
5
FADE IN:
Note: Kojro is Masakado’s childhood name. He is a tall child for his age of 14, and thin. Already facial hairs are appearing in the form of a light mustache on Kojro’s thin face. His left eye had two pupils and his right eye a normal one pupil.
Yoshimochi his father is a tall over-weight man with a bald head and his hair tied in a pony-tail at the back of his head. His face is deeply wrinkled and round with a permanent frown in his forehead.
TAIRA NO YOSHIMOCHI, 50, FATHER OF SOMA NO KOJRO AKA MASAKADO.
Kojro make sure the horse are well fed today. A storm is coming and will make feeding the horses difficult.
SOMA NO KOJRO, 14, AKA MASAKADO AS A BOY.
Yes father I will see to it.
AGATA NO INUKAI, 40, MOTHER OF SOMA NO KOJRO.
Go easy on the boy husband.
taira no yoshimochi, 50, father of soma no kojro aka masakado)
Two of our sons have died, and Kojro is my oldest son who will inherit my estate. I am only trying to make him a man. Perhaps he should be assigned to a rich mentor in the Emperor’s court.
AGATA NO INUKAI, 40, MOTHER OF SOMA NO KOJRO.
I do not want him to leave our home. He is all that I have left.
SOMA NO KOJRO, 14, AKA MASAKADO AS A BOY.
Outside the house a slave girl piles up wood for the fireplaces as Kojro passes by to the horses barn.
FADE OUT.
Note: Ezohayi is a short thin pale white slave girl with dark black hair down to her waist. She is dressed in layers of rags with a cloth tying her hair back. Her eyes are dark brown with large pupils. She was captured as a child in a raid against an enemy of the Taira Clan.
FADE IN:
EZOHAYI, 16, SLAVE GIRL
Kojro you look so handsome Kojro.
SOMA NO KOJRO, 14, AKA MASAKADO AS A BOY.
Shhhhh, meet me in the barn.
EZOHAYI, 16, SLAVE GIRL
Yes, master.
FADE OUT.
Note: Minutes later Soma No Kojro is in the barn feeding the horses in stalls as the slave girl Ezohayi enters. The sun reflects off her tanned face, and backlights her thin legs covered by rags. Their is a strange beauty under the rags she
wears.
FADE IN: EZOHAYI, 16, SLAVE GIRL (CONT’D)
Kojro where are you?
SOMA NO KOJRO, 14, AKA MASAKADO AS A BOY.
Back here in the horse stall. Come here, and we will play.
EZOHAYI, 16, SLAVE GIRL
Oh, Kojro you are so cute.
SOMA NO KOJRO, 14, AKA MASAKADO AS A BOY.
Ezohayi you make my blood boil, and I love to see you naked. Take off your clothes.
EZOHAYI, 16, SLAVE GIRL
You like my naked body master?
SOMA NO KOJRO, 14, AKA MASAKADO AS A BOY.
Yes, I do. Come and lay down with me on the hay.
EZOHAYI, 16, SLAVE GIRL
What ever you command master. How do you like to look at me? Shall I disrobe for you?
SOMA NO KOJRO, 14, AKA MASAKADO AS A BOY.
By all means, but do not tell anyone.
FADE OUT.
Note: Kojro and Ezohayi had sex in the hay stack and were completely naked when one of the horse attendants accidentally opened the door to the horse corral. Kenjo the horse attendant is a young man, the son of a farmer loyal to the Taira clan. He is short and dark skinned with long black hair tied in a knot.
KENJO, 25, HORSE ATTENDANT
Master, what are you doing? (He runs away to the Masakado house)
FADE IN:
FADE OUT.
Minutes late the House steward arrives in the horse corral with Kenjo the Horse attendant with him.
FADE IN:
KENJO
They were lying naked in the horse corral Lord.
HUMASA, 50, HOUSE STEWARD
Is this true master Kojro?
SOMA NO KOJRO, 14, AKA MASAKADO AS A BOY.
I am sorry Humasa.
HUMASA, 50, HOUSE STEWARD
She is a slave and not fit to have relations with the Masters son.
Slave you will receive 30 lashes for having sexual relations with the son of Master Yoshimochi. Take her away Kenjo, and have her whipped in the courtyard.
SOMA NO KOJRO, 14, AKA MASAKADO AS A BOY.
No Master Humasa, please don’t do that. I was my fault.
FADE OUT.
Note: Later that day Ezohayi the slave girl is tied to a tree in the family courtyard and her shirt is ripped off to her waist and she is whipped by Humasa the house steward.
FADE IN:
HUMASA, 50, HOUSE STEWARD
Let this be a lesson to you whore.
30 lashes.(He Takes a leather whip and swings it ripping into Ezohayi’s back. Blood spurts everywhere as the leather eats into the skin. (Gashes open across the slave’s back).
EZOHAYI, 16, SLAVE GIRL
Ahhh, please stop the pain is too great. Please stop. Ahh, I am going to faint.
SOMA NO KOJRO, 14, AKA MASAKADO AS A BOY.
Father make them stop. You are killing her.
TAIRA NO YOSHIMOCHI, 50, FATHER OF SOMA NO KOJRO AKA MASAKADO.
She is but a slave Kojro and you defiled her. She must pay.
SOMA NO KOJRO, 14, AKA MASAKADO AS A BOY.
I will never talk to you again father.
TAIRA NO YOSHIMOCHI, 50, FATHER OF SOMA NO KOJRO AKA MASAKADO.
Be that as it may. I have spoken.
Note: Ezohayi is unconscious and bleeding badly when servants take her done after the whipping. She is carried to the servants quarters, and dumped on the steps. No one goes to her aid for fear of displeasing the master Yoshimochi.
FADE TO BLACK.
6 SCENE 3-INT.-DAY- YOSHIMOCHI TEA ROOM.
6
FADE IN:
Note: In the dining quarters of the Taira compound, Yoshimochi, and Inuki sit drinking teas.
YOCHIMOCHI, FATHER
(Talking to his wife) Your son was caught having sex with a slave girl in the barn today wife.
INUKI, MOTHER
He is coming of age husband. Suddenly, he has noticed that there are women and girls in the world.
YOCHIMOCHI, FATHER
I am sending him to serve at the Emperor’s court which is looking better everyday. I will contact Fujiwara No Tadahira, and see if he will allow Kojro to serve under him.
(MORE)
YOCHIMOCHI, FATHER (CONT’D)
He will make a man out of him, and hopefully he will achieve some rank in the Imperial court?
FADE OUT.
7 SCENE 4-INT.-DAY-KYOTO IMPERIAL COURT.
7
FADE IN:
Note: Several months later At Tadahira’s home in the Kyoto Emperor’s court. A messenger on a white horse arrived in the courtyard of Fujiwara No Tadahira in the Imperial city of Kyoto.
FADE IN:
YOCHIMOCHI MESSENGER (20)
I have a message from my master Taira No Yochimochi for Fujiwara No Tadahira.
Note: A large fat and short man appears in the parlor with a bald head, and side hair and a top knot so typical of Samurai at the time.
FUJIWARE NO TADAHIRE (60)
Yes, I am Tadahira. Thank you.
YOCHIMOCHI MESSENGER.
I was told to wait for a return message.
FUJIWARE NO TADAHIRE
Ah yes, my friend Yochimochi seeks to have his son Kojro serve in the Emperor’s court. Tell your master Yochimochi that I would be glad to accept his son Kojro to come, and train under my tutelage. I will write down an invitation to come to my home. Wait here for a minute.
YOCHIMOCHI MESSENGER.
Thank you Lord Tadahire.
FADE TO BLACK.
8 SCENE 5-EXT.-DAY- KOJRO DEPARTS FOR THE CAPITOL.
8
FADE IN:
Note: A week later Kojro leaves for Kyoto with a small escort.
Flashback: The present on a cold rainy day in the Hitachi mountains with concubine Kozaisho.
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Lord Masakado told me he was sad when he had to leave his mother’s home at age 14 to travel to a city called Kyoto, that he had never seen before. He said he was afraid, but he did not want his father to see his fear so he kept a stiff bace when leaving. His horse was packed, and he hugged his mother and said good by to his brothers and sisters. Soon he would be in the Emperor’s court in Kyoto, never to see his mother again. He said when he arrived in Kyoto he was assigned a room with the servants of Tadahira’s family. He was homesick at first, until he had an opportunity to serve in the Palace guard for the Emperor’s summer villa.
Flashback Kojro is lying down on a straw tick bed writing with a brush and ink on a scroll.
SOMA NO KOJRO, 14, AKA MASAKADO AS A BOY.
(Writing a letter in his room with brush and ink). Dear Mother, I am settling in with my mentor Fujiwara no Tadahira. I am being assigned to the Imperial guard for the Emperor’s summer residence. They are teaching me how to use a sword, Bow, and arrows, knife and spear. I am enjoying learning how to defend myself, and at the same time serve the Emperor. I miss you, and hope you will come to Kyoto to visit me soon. Love Kojro.
FADE OUT.
9 SCENE 6-EXT.-DAY- EMPEROR’S SUMMER HOME COURTYARD. 9
FADE IN:
Note: Imperial Guards in training stand at attention in the
courtyard of the Emperor’s Summer Home. A tall man dressed in
full military clothing is addressing the Imperial Guard trainees of which Kojro is one. All of the trainees are dressed in red and white uniforms holding flag poles with red and white flags flying in the wind. Kojro stands out among the trainees because of his height of six feet five inches.
SOCKI OMORRO, CAPTAIN OF THE IMPERIAL GUARD (30)
(Talking directly to Kojro who is standing at attention in line). So you are Soma No Kojro, the little second child. We must change that name in time. You will learn that by hard work you will succeed, for there are no shortcuts. You are tall for your age, and that is good. You will be able to hold a full body shield better. Today we will begin with Bojutsu or Kendo. You will master sword play after you learn the art of Kendo with bamboo sticks. Now go over to the rack and get a bamboo stick, and let us begin with the forms.
For hours in the boiling sun a dozen young Japanese men trained the forms in Kendu until their hands developed blisters. Socki Omorro was a relentless teacher and warrior.
FADE OUT.
10 SCENE 7-INT.-DAY-TADAHIRE’S LIVING ROOM.
FUJIWARE NO TADAHIRE
How is the new boy, Soma No Kojro, doing captain?
10
FADE IN:
Note: Massayma is a short thin man with a mustache and hair tied in a pony tail. His hair is thinning on top already. He talks with a deep base voice.
MASSAYMA, CAPTAIN OF IMPERIAL GUARD (30)
He is a big boy and a fast learner Lord. He will make a strong soldier for the Emperor’s Imperial Guard and bring great honor to our clan.
FUJIWARE NO TADAHIRE
See to it that he receives full armor and a strong horse to train with.
MASSAYMA, CAPTAIN OF IMPERIAL GUARD
As you command Lord Tadahire
FADE TO BLACK.
Days and month went by and Kojro became a tall guard with strong arms and legs. He became one of the best archers in the imperial guard, and was well know for his horsemanship.
FADE TO BLACK.
11 ACT TWO- THE AMBUSH 11
12 SCENE 1- EXT.-DAY- SHIMOSA PROVINCE.
12
FADE IN:
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
I remember when we were making love one night my Master soon fell asleep. Later that night he awakened shouting. What is it Master I called out.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
I had a bad dream.
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
What was the dream about Master?
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
I was remembering when Minamoto’s son’s ambushed me in Shimosa province several years before in 935.
I was returning to my home in Shimosa province after the sudden death of my father. Unbeknown to me my Taira Cousins, and Uncles were afraid they will miss an opportunity to steal away my father, Taira No Yoshimochi’s estate, and hundreds of imperial horses. They plotted to ambush me when I returned from Imperial service in Kyoto.
FADE IN:
13 SCENE 2-INT.-DAY-FLASHBACK-TAIRA NO MAMORU’S HOME. 13
FADE IN:
Taira No Mamoru is a short fat man with short black hair and a dark skinned face. He walks with a limp and has several scars on his face from sword fighting when he was a younger man.
TAIRA NO MAMORU (60), UNCLE OF MASAKADO
My sons, my brother Yoshimochi has died suddenly, and his eldest son Masakado is returning from Kyoto to assume the rights as the eldest son to inherit his father’s estate and horses. We must stop him before he reaches Shimosa. It is our right as members of the Taira clan to claim the Yochimochi pastures and horses. If we allow Masakado to return home we will not be able to take Yochimochi’s pastures and horses from him.
Tasuku is a tall thin man with a mustache and long black hair with piercing green eyes. He is the eldest son and wise in his ways and a considerable swordsman.
TASUKU, SON OF MAMORU (28)
My brothers and I will assemble one hundred men, and we will ambush Masakado. He will never know what hit him.
Takashi is the shortest of the Manoru brothers who is thin and has a large nose and retreating forehead of hair. He speaks with a high pitched voice and carries two swords to indicate he is a samurai.
TAKASHI, SON OF MANORU (22)
Good idea brother. Let us saddle up quickly so we can get to Shimosa before Masakado.
Shiberu is the youngest son, short and heavy set and less athletic than his brothers. He is the follower of his older brothers. His thin slim body shows little muscle development and his face is pale white with long black hair tied in a knot.
SHIGERU (19) YOUNGEST SON OF MANORU
I will join you my brothers. Mount up and let us be on our way brothers.
Note: A day later the Manoru brothers lay in wait near the Kinu river on the border of Hitachi and Shimosa province.
Tsuneaki is in full Samurai battle dress with a bow slung over his shoulder and two Samurai swords at his waist. He sits on a jet black horse called Thunder. He is accompanying Masakado from Kyoto to guard against any bandits.
Tsuneaki is a seasoned Samurai, having fought in many clan battles and now serving Masakado. He is completely bald with a short mustache and round face. He is short compared to his Master Masakado.
TAJI TSUNEAKI (33) MASAKADO LIEUTENANT
Master, Nomoto village is up ahead. Shall we stop and rest the horses there?
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Yes, we shall stop and rest at Nomoto village.
Suddenly, a horse and rider come riding up to Masakado.
MASSAKADO SCOUT (20)
Master, Master (riding up quickly) There are troops waiting in ambush up ahead by the Kino river.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
It must be my Uncles trying to steal my father’s land from me. Let me think. The wind is behind us so our arrows will travel forty or fifty yards longer than the hidden troops. Let us pretend we are not aware of the lurking thieves. Ah, there I see the flags of the Manoru clan. What a surprise? My own Taira clan come to kill me.
Shouting and screaming with blue flags flying the Mamoru brothers charge Masakado and his escort with red and white butterfly flags flying and horn blasting. The blue flags of the Mamoru brothers clash with the red flags of the Masakado Taira flags. Each Samurai wears a flag attached to the back of his armor. Shouting they charge toward one another.
Masakado’s warriors are fewer in number, but they wait for the Mamoru warriors to come within range of their arrows. Cleverly, Masakado considers the wind carrying their arrows further than the attacking Mamoru warriors.
MASAKADO,
Wait until they are closer before you shoot your arrows. Ready, Hold, now shoot. Spare no one. Kill them all.
Hundreds of arrows flew into the air like starlings swarming.
SAMPEE, MAMORU CAPTAIN (25)
Shields, shields. Incoming arrows.
The arrows bounced of the shields, and then there was a sudden silence, and the sound of screeching arrows fills the air.
TIARA NO MASAKADO
Charge and kill everyone. They are retreating. Follow them. We will burn every farm and home in Hitachi province as we chase these bandits back to their homes.
TAJI TSUNEAKI
Lord Masakado we are not far from your Uncle Kunika’s home. Should we spare him or raid his home.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Burn his home to the ground. No mercy. Ahh I see the coward running out of his house now. Shoot your arrows and force him back into his home. Light up his home with torches Taji.
TAJI TSUNEAKI
As you command Lord Masakado. Burn the homes to the ground men. Force the old man Kunika back into his home to die along with his family.
Taji and several other Masakado warriors force Uncle Taira No Kunika back into his home as they throw fire torches on the home burning it to the ground.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Is my Uncle Kunika dead?
TAJI TSUNEAKI, MASAKADO’S LIEUTENANT
He committed hari kari Lord. After He burned to death in his home Master Masakado when we torched it.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Good it is fitting that he die a coward hiding in his home. Let us ride on and scorch the Earth with fire to remove the crops from my Taira cousins.
FADE TO BLACK.
14 ACT THREE- YOSHIKANE’S REVENGE 14
15 SCENE 1-EXT.-FLASHBACK TO AMBUSH AT KOGAI RIVER-DAY. 15
FADE IN:
Note: Yoshikane with a large army of several hundred warriors attacks Masakado at the crossing of Kogai river near the border of Shimosa and Hitachi provinces.
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
One night my master Masakado told me how he was attacked yet again by his father in law, Yoshikane who sided with the Mamoru clan because my master had killed his Uncle Kunika. He told me that everyone in his clan were out to take away his land he inherited from his father and he was forced to defend his family and farm. God I am so cold.
FLASHBACK to 936 CE
TAIRA NO YOSHIKANE, 50
FADE OUT.
Today we will kill the rebel bastard Masakado and revenge my brothers and nephews death. Line the troops along the Kogai river crossing so that we can kill Masakado as he crosses the river.
TAMACHOI-YOSHIKANE LIEUTENANT, 35
Yes Lord. We are ready for the rebel to appear.
FADE OUT.
Later several hours away Masakado is returning from appearing in the court at the capital Kyoto with a small group of warriors never expecting Yoshikane to attack.
FADE IN:
SAKANOUE KATSUTAKA, MASAKADO LIEUTENANT
Lord Masakado our scout has reported a large army led by your Uncle Yoshikane waiting in the woods by the Kogai river crossing. We are greatly out numbered Lord. What are your commands?
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
So, my Uncle Yoshikane has finally decided to avenge Kunika’s death and Minamoto’s sons. We will challenge them on our side of the river with arrows. If their numbers are too large, we will retreat instead to fight yet another day.
SAKANOUE KATSUTAKA, MASAKADO LIEUTENANT
As you command Lord. I will inform the men to have their arrows ready when we approach the river crossing. Look there, I see the sun shining off of something metal.
They are hiding in the woods on the other side of the Kogai river. Do not cross the river. Ready aim, fire your arrows.
TAIRA NO YOSHIKANE
Here comes the rebel Masakado. Hold your horses until he crosses the river. Sound the drums and whistles.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
He comes their first wave. Hold your arrows until they are within range. Ready, hold, now fire your arrows and drop back out of range of their arrows. It looks like we got some of Yoshikane’s officers. God they have more troops than I imagined. Fall back there are too many. Head for the Hitachi mountains. We will regroup there. Ride for your life.
TAIRA NO YOSHIKANE
The cowards are fleeing. Chase them across the river. Hurray they are getting away. Damm we have to many troops to chase such a small group of warriors and cross the deep river at the same time. Masakado has fooled me once again.
FADE OUT. FADE IN:
16 SCENE 2-EXT.-DAY-ELEVEN DAYS LATER.
16
FADE IN:
Note: Yoshikane attacks Masakado at Shimo-okata in the Toyota district and disperses Masakado’s forces again leaving the area defenseless against Yoshikane troops.
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
My master told me one day when we were having tea that the attacks from Yoshikane never stopped coming. He had to constantly recruit peasants to become soldiers for him to defend against Yoshikane. I remember the look of fear in my Master’s eyes when he spoke of Yoshikane.
Flashback to 936 CE.
TAIRA NO YOSHIKANE
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
We will attack Shimo-okata in the Toyota district today after eleven days of searching for Masakado. My spies tell me that Masakado is hiding in Shimo-okata. We will attack and burn the place down.
Meanwhile in Shimo-okata.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
What do we hear of Yoshikane’s troops Musahi?
MUSASHI, YOUNGER BROTHER OF MASAKADO 24.
He is coming to Shimo-okata brother. We must flee before his large army kills us all.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Tell my wife, Katsumi to prepare to leave immediately for Yoshikane is coming with his army. We will flee to the Sashima district. Ready your horse brother Musashi.
MUSASHI
As you command brother.
Taira No Satsuku was a beautiful young Japanese girl with long black hair and high cheeks with pure white skin and green eyes like her mother. Her thin elegance filled a room with her essence.
TAIRA NO SATSUKU, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO, 14
Where will we hide father?
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Do not worry daughter. I will send some of my best warriors with you and your brother. Tell your mother to hurray. We have little time to escape for Yoshikane is but an hour away. I will take some of my warriors and set a separate trail for Yoshikane to follow.
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
So it was that my master Masakado had to fee again from the wrath of Yoshikane’s army. He and his men fled to the Hitachi mountains, and his wife, Katsumi, and children headed to Sashima District to hide with a relative
FADE IN:
TAIRA NO YOSHIKANE
My spies tell me that Masakado’s wife and children are on the way to Sashima district to hide with relatives. We can cut them off on the road to Sashima and take them as captives. Let us ride fast.
NIKOMO, CAPTAIN OF YOSHIKANE GUARD 30.
I will take six warriors with me and ride ahead to cut off Masakado’s wife and children from getting to Sashima.
TAIRA NO YOSHIKANE
Go quickly. I want my daughter to learn a lesson.
FADE OUT.
An hour later Nikomo, Captain of the guard, and six Yoshikane warriors ambush the four Masakado warriors protecting
Masakado’s wife and two children.
FADE IN:
NIKOMO, CAPTAIN OF YOSHIKANE GUARD 30.
There they are down in the valley below us on the road to Sashima. If we ride fast we can catch up to them.
One hour later.
NIKOMO, CAPTAIN OF YOSHIKANE GUARD.
Ready your bows. We almost up to Masakado’s warriors and family. Do not kill any of the family, especially his wife who is the daughter of Yoshikane. Now, shoot your arrows and kill the warriors.
TAIRA NO SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
Mother look behind us. Yoshikane’s soldiers are overtaking our caravan. We must ride faster or they will kill us.
NATASKI NO COMO, SAMURAI, 33
Shields incoming arrows. Yoshikane’s soldiers are right behind us. Protect Lord Masakado’s family. Ride fast my brothers.
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Suddenly an arrow pierces Nataski’s back, and he falls off his horse dead.
TAKIYASHA HIME, SON OF MASAKADO 11.
Natashi is dead. What are we to do? Help someone. They are gaining on us.
NIKOMO, CAPTAIN OF YOSHIKANE GUARD 30.
Stop or die. You are our captives. Do not try to escape or we will shoot you down with our arrows.
TAIRA NO SATSUKIU, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO, 14
I am the daughter of Masakado and granddaughter of Taira No Yoshikane.
(MORE)
TAIRA NO SATSUKIU, DAUGHTER OF
Do not touch me or my mother or brother will hunt you down.
NIKOMO, CAPTAIN OF YOSHIKANE GUARD 30.
You will follow us to our Lord Yoshikane in Kazusa.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
TAJI TSUNEAKI, MASAKADO’S LIEUTENANT (28)
Lord Masakado I have bad news. Your wife and family were captured by Yoshikane’s soldiers and taken to Kazusa. I am afraid he may try to use your family as leverage to get you to surrender.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
That lowlife of an Uncle of mine will stoop at nothing to get me to surrender. I am not surrendering now or every. Instead I will take the fight to him.
FADE OUT. FADE IN:
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
In 937 10month of the 9th day, my master Masakado set out to avenge his family. On his way he stops at Yoshikane’s house in Hitachi and burns it to the ground. He told me that he was so angry that he could not speak.
He continued on to Hatori to find Yoshikane, who was hiding with his followers. Masakado attacked and Yoshikane escaped into the Hitachi mountains.
FADE IN:
17 FLASHBACK.
17
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
We will attack Yoshikane’s home while he is in Hitachi with my wife and children. Let us burn it to the ground and destroy his crops.
SAKANOUE KATSUTAKA, MASAKADO LIEUTENANT
We have recruited more warriors Lord, and are ready to take on Yoshikane’s troops. He will not expect us to attack his home while he is away. Certainly he will come out of hiding in Hitachi when he learns of our raid?
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
That is my plan exactly. Prepare the horses.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
While my Lord Masakado was preparing to attack Yoshikane’s home in Hatori, his wife was pleading with her brothers to release her, and her children. Since she is their sister, they decide to release her.
18 SCENE 3-INT.-DAY–YOSHIKANE’S RESIDENCE IN HITACHI. 18
FADE IN:
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Katsumi worked hard to be freed from her father.
TAIRA NO KINMASA, BROTHER OF MASAKADO’S WIFE 29.
Sister how did you get yourself into this mess?
TAIRA NO KINTSURA, OLDER BROTHER OF MASAKADO’S WIFE, 33.
You see what your husband has done? He caused Uncle Kunika to commit suicide, and then he burned down Kunika’s home. Who will bring back Minomoto No Maru’s sons? They are all dead now thanks to your husband.
MASAKADO’S WIFE
You are wrong brothers. Minomoto No Maru’s sons ambushed my husband. He had no quarrel with them, but they wanted to steal my husband’s horses and land when his father died. Why am I or my husband responsible for those bandits trying to steal what is not theirs?
TAIRA NO KINMASA, BROTHER OF MASAKADO’S WIFE 29.
You are our sister just the same and father went too far in capturing you and your children to force your husband to surrender. We sympathize with you.
MASAKADO’S WIFE
That is how little you know about my husband. He is a member of the Imperial Troops that protect the Emperor’s summer home, and he has
17 years of military training. Few Samurai can shoot a bow as well as my husband. He fears nothing. This is why I love him. He is tall and strong, and a man of honor, unlike my father Yoshikane who together with my husbands Taira clan are trying to steal pastures that are not theirs to take.
TAIRA NO KINTSURA, OLDER BROTHER OF MASAKADO’S WIFE, 33.
We sympathize with you little sister. You and your children are free to go. Leave now before father returns.
MASAKADO’S WIFE
Thank you brothers. I love both of you. Come children we are leaving.
Masakado’s wife and children return to their home in Soma on
the 19 days of the 9th month of 937. Meanwhile Yoshikane is fleeing Masakado’s surprise attack. Masakado burns all of Yoshikane’s autumn crop to cause him to starve during the upcoming winter.
FADE TO BLACK.
19 ACT FOUR- THE FIRST BETRAYAL 19
20 SCENE 1-EXT.-DAY-THE COURIER.
20
FADE IN:
Note: Yoshikane is frustrated and unable to catch Masakado and his wife who was captured and release by her brothers. In desperation Yoshikane learns of a courier of Masakado’s that he can buy off to betray Masakado by revealing the details o Masakado’s compound and where exactly Masakado sleeps. In exchange for this service Yoshikane promises to promote the courier to a mounted horse soldier. The courier’s name is Haesetsukabe No Koharumaru.
FADE IN:
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
My Lord Masakado was happy when his wife returned from captivity, but little did he know at the time that he was about to be betrayed by his courier Haesetsukabe No Koharumaru. My master told me he did not learn of this betrayal until after Yoshikane attacked his compound early in the morning.
FADE TO BLACK.
21 21
22 SCENE 1-INT. DAY- FLASHBACK: YOSHIKANE’S HOME.
TAIRA NO YOSHIKANE, 50
My spies tell me that there is a courier of Masakado that might betray his master for the right amount of money of position. Bring that courier to me right away.
22
FADE IN:
MASSAYMA, CAPTAIN OF IMPERIAL GUARD
Yes Master Yoshikane. I will bring him to you on the promise of making him a rich man.
FADE OUT.
Later that day Massayma returns with Haesetsukabe No Koharumaru.
FADE IN:
MASSAYMA, CAPTAIN OF IMPERIAL GUARD (CONT’D)
Lord Yoshikane this is the esteemed Haesetsukabe No Koharumaru who is a courier of Masakado.
TAIRA NO YOSHIKANE
Koharumaru I have an offer to make you a rich man. If you can get me the plan of Masakado’s compound, Ishi Eisho in Sashima, where Masakado sleeps and where the weapons are stored I will reward you greatly with a promotion to joba, a mounted follower. You will be richly paid for your services in my army.
Note: Haesetaukabe was not of the Royal family. He was a commoner that had advanced to the level of courier because of his horse riding abilities. He was a short man with short black hair and a clean shaven face. He was somewhat bowlegged.
HAESETAUKABE NO KOHARMARU, (30) COURIER FOR MASAKADO.
I am only a courier Master Yoshikane. My master Masakado had been good to me, and it would be difficult to betray him. Perhaps with a promotion to Joba, a mounted follower, I can be persuaded to reveal the layout and activities of my Master Masakado?
TAIRA NO YOSHIKANE
You would be wise to accept my offer. It will mean a change in rank for you and a place in my army.
HAESETAUKABE NO KOHARMARU.
I accept your generous offer Master Yoshikane if you promise to protect me from my master Masakado.
TAIRA NO YOSHIKANE
You will always been under my protection. Now go, and tell my Lieutenants the layout of the Soma compound. We need to know where Masakado sleeps, and where the weapons are kept in the compound.
HAESETAUKABE NO KOHARMARU,
I will need to observe for a few days my Master Masakado’s schedule and to write down the layout of the Soma compound. As a courier I seldom take notice of such things.
TAIRA NO YOSHIKANE
Good, then be quick about it and report back to me in a few days.
FADE TO BLACK.
23 ACT FIVE CHASING SADAMORI 23
24 SCENE 1 EXT.-DAY- FLASHBACK- TO HITACHI’ PROVINCE 940 CE 2N2D4 MONTH.
FADE IN:
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
My Master Masakado told me he realized that he needed to attack Yoshikane and Sadamori before they collected large armies to march against him. He told me he had assembled the largest army every with five thousand men. He was proud of that fact he told me.
FLASHBACK. Masakado’s Soma home.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
(Speaking to his troops who are assembled) I have assembled five thousand troops, and we are riding into Hitachi province in search of my cousin Sadamori and Tamenori. I have been invited to attend a banquet by the Governor of Hitachi.
After a day’s ride, Masakado and his army arrive in Hitachi Providence.
GOVERNOR OF HITACHI
Welcome Lord Masakado. We offer this banquet in your honor. Our spied tell us your enemy and cousin Taira No Sadamori has been hiding in different locations in Hibachi. We sincerely hope you track him down.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
I will do what I can Governor. As you know Sadamori is a coward who attacks, and then runs for his life. He is but a horse trainer, and not a warrior. He wishes to avenge the death of his father Taira No Kunika. Tomorrow, I will fan out my troops and go in search of Sadamori in hopes of catching him.
Ten days later Masakado cannot find Sadamori.
TAJI TSUNEAKI, MASAKADO’S LIEUTENANT (31)
Look there in the distance there is a small caravan of horses and wagons. They are flying the flag of Minamoto Tasuku. Hurray we must ride them down and capture them for our master Masakado. Fan out and ride fast.
After an hour Tsuneaki’s troops catch up to the caravan and are surprised at it’s cargo.
SAKANOUE KATSUTAKA, MASAKADO LIEUTENANT (30)
Stop or we will kill everyone in your caravan.
SOLDIER
We are protecting the wives of Minamoto Tasuku, and Taira No Sadamori and you are advised to steer clear of this noble family.
SAKANOUE KATSUTAKA, MASAKADO LIEUTENANT
Stand down or we will shoot everyone with an arrows.
SOLDIER
We surrender. Do not shoot. We are putting our weapons down.
(MORE)
SOLDIER (CONT’D)
Madam Tasuku and Madam Sadamori, we must surrender to Taira No Masakado’s troops or be killed.
Note: Tasuku’s wife is an elegant woman of Royal stature and Sadmori’s wife is also a distinguished wife and both are short dressed in silk komos.
MINAMOTO TASUKU WIFE (40)
Who are you. Do you know who I am? I am the wife of Minamoto Tasuku a powerful and great man.
TAIRA NO SADAMORI’S WIFE (35)
And I am also a Nobel woman the wife of Taira No Sadamori. How dare you attack our troops?
SAKANOUE KATSUTAKA, MASAKADO LIEUTENANT
Get down from your horses and out of your carriages. Put your weapons down or die.
SADAMORI’S WIFE
Gentlemen I am the wife of the honorable Taira No Sadamori and my husband will give an award for my safety.
SAKANOUE KATSUTAKA, MASAKADO LIEUTENANT
Tie them up. We will bring them back to our Master Masakado to decide what to do with them. Where is your husband Taira No Sadamori?
SADAMORI WIFE
I do not know where my husband is and if I did I would not tell you. Please let us go. We mean you no harm.
SAKANOUE KATSUTAKA, MASAKADO LIEUTENANT
Are you kidding? The wife of Sadamori? We have been looking for your husband for ten days now. You will return with us to our camp where our master Masakado will decide what to do with you.
TSUNEAKI, MASAKADO’S LIEUTENANT
I will ride back to the camp and inform our lord Masakado that we have captured Sadamori and Minamoto’s wives. Take care that they do not escape.
As Tsuneaki rides away the soldiers attack both women and strip them and rape them.
MASAKADO’S SOLDIERS
Strip the woman and let’s take their clothing and jewelry. We will have our way with the woman. They are both quite beautiful.
WIFE OF SADAMORI
Do not touch me. No, no, I am ashamed. My husband will avenge me.
WIFE OF TASUKU
Do not fight. It is useless. These men are crazed pigs. My husband will avenge me.
The soldiers attack and strip the women of their clothing and their is crying and screaming.
FADE OUT. FADE IN:
Thirty minutes later Tsuneaki rides into Masakado’s camp.
TSUNEAKI, MASAKADO’S LIEUTENANT
Lord Masakado we have captured Minamoto’s wife and Sadamori’s wife in a caravan headed into northern Hitachi. What shall we do with them Lord?
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Be careful with them. Return them to the camp under guard. We will use them as a way to lure Sadamori our of hiding. Bring in the women in our camp.
An hour later the caravan arrives.
TSUNEAKI, MASAKADO’S LIEUTENANT
The wives have arrived Master but I have some bad news. I was not able to sent a message in time to not touch the women.
(MORE)
TSUNEAKI, MASAKADO’S LIEUTENANT
Our soldiers striped, and raped the woman not knowing you wished otherwise.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
You have to be kidding me. Cut off the heads of the soldiers who raped the woman immediately. Now we have lost the advantage of promising their safety to Sadamori. Damm.
TSUNEAKI, MASAKADO’S LIEUTENANT
Yes, Master. I will take care of it immediately. Line up the men who raped the women and chop their heads off. Knee down fools.
Twenty soldiers are on their knees bowed down about to have their heads cut off. One by one, 14 of Masakado’s soldiers had their heads chopped off.
FADE OUT:
25 SCENE 2-INT.-DAY- HIDESATO MEETS MASAKADO.
25
FADE IN:
FLASHBACK.
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
My lover Hidesato told me that he always believed my master Masakado was a great Samurai warrior and he went to meet my Lord Masakado in his soma compound one day many years ago.
Hidesato was a man with many financial problems and got into trouble with several governors in the northern provinces. He was a short man who was seeking fortune in the world.
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO (28) SAMURAI
I understand that Taira No Masakado is a great Samurai and liked by the people. Perhaps him and I will one day rule all of Japan. I must go to Shimosa and meet this Masakado.
After a weeks travel on horseback, Hidesato arrives at Masakado’s Soma compound.
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO (CONT’D)
I am here to meet with the great samurai Taira No Masakado. I am Fujiwara No Hidesato.
Masakado meets Hidesato wearing only a white under-robe, and without bothering to comb his hair.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Welcome fellow Samurai. Come and join me for dinner.
Masakado sits down with Hidesato for dinner and spills food on his lap and brushes the food onto the floor.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO (CONT’D)
I am sorry I spilt my food, no matter the maid will clean it up.
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO
No problem Lord Masakado. I understand you have some problems with your cousin Sadamori who tried to ambush you.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
He is a coward and runs and hides in the mountains when it looks like he is losing a battle. I have been searching for him for some time now. Do you bring information about Sadamori?
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO
Unfortunately, no, Lord Masakado, but I am considering joining your cause if you will have me.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
You are welcome to join my army Hidesato. I have a room you can stay in and we will talk tomorrow. Meanwhile, you must be tired, so I bid you good night.
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO
You are a generous host Lord Masakado. I accept your kind offer to join your cause. Together we will bring this criminal Sadamori to justice. Good night.
FADE OUT.
The next day Fujiwara meets Masakado’s servants and
concubines. Masakado’s wife and children live with her father Yoshikane, who hates Masakado.
FADE IN:
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Good Day Hidesato. I hope you slept well. I will be taking some of my soldiers out to search for Sadamori today, and you are welcome to ride with us. My servants will bring you whatever you want to eat.
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO
Where is your wife and children Lord Masakado?
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
They are staying with my wife’s father Yoshikane.
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO
Who are the beautiful women you have running around your house Lord Masakado?
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Ahh, no matter, they are just my concubines. They keep me busy when my wife is at her father’s house. They are beautiful are they not?
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO
Yes they are exceptionally beautiful. What is that concubine’s name over there by the door? (Pointing in the direction of a young lady dressed in a pink kimono sitting by the doorway.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Ahh yes, she is one of my favorites. Here name is Kozaisho. I bought her from her father who was a farmer loyal to Sadamori. I spared his farm land, and houses in exchange for his daughter. She is a fine looking woman, is she not?
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO
Yes she is Lord Masakado. (Hidesato smiles toward Kozaisho from across the room).
FADE OUT.
26 SCENE 3-EXT.-DAY-FLASHBACK-THE TRAIL TO HITACHI MOUNTAINS. 26
FADE IN:
That day Masakado and Hidesato head out with a dozen soldiers to search for Sadamori.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
I have searched these Hitachi mountains often for the coward Sadamori to no avail. He travels in a small group and is difficult to find the mountainous region of Hitachi. I have heard that he might be hiding in a temple, so we are headed there today.
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO
What will you do with him if you catch him Lord Masakado?
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
I will cut his head off of course and return it to the Emperor in Kyoto.
After arriving at the Buddhist temple they inquire as to the presence of Sadamori who manages to slip out the back door and run further into the forest.
FADE TO BLACK.
27 FINAL ACT THE DEATH OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO 27
28 SCENE ONE- EXT. THE BATTLE DAY.
28
FADE IN:
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO.
Alas when my Master left on February 14 of the year 940 to do battle with Hidesato and Sadamori who had thousands of soldiers. It was the last time I ever saw him.
(MORE)
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO
I learned of the battle from some of my Master’s Lieutenants that survived the battle and fled into the mountains. I was told that 170 loyal soldiers of my Master Masakado’s army died in his honor. Let me begin with the start of the day the windy morning. A fierce wind coming down from the Nikko mountains was blowing. The trees and grasses were bending over from the force of the wind. My Master told me he knew that the day might be his last for the Emperor had offered a reward for his death and local farmers were being forced to join or beheaded as enemies of the Emperor. As my Master mounted his horse he never looked back at his house as he rode off into the distance with his closest Samurai friends.
29 FLASHBACK: FEB. 14, 940 CE. 29
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Rather than wait, I will find the opportunity and attack when the enemies. The wind is strong today blowing off the mountains. I am too meet my soldiers on the plain, but where is everyone? I count only a few hundred warriors. Sadamori and Hidesato have at least five thousand soldiers I am told. It is the Hour of the monkey (3:00 pm) now and time to attack.
Meanwhile a few miles away, Sadamori and Hidesato were waiting with their army of five thousand warriors.
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO
Remember Masakado had seven fake impersonators riding with him. Only the man who casts a shadow is the real Masakado. Kozaisho, Masakado’s concubine revealed this secret to me one evening when I was living at the Masakado compound.
TAIRA NO SADAMORI
So you discovered the secret to the seven Masakado warriors? Lucky you.
(MORE)
TAIRA NO SADAMORI (CONT’D)
No wonder no one ever killed him in battle before. There were always seven Samurai in the same red and white leather armor flying the red and white Tiara flag with the butterfly logo. Soldiers ready your arrows
Note: On one side of the grassy plain stood five thousand soldiers of the Emperor and on the other side of the plain was the red and white flags of Masakado with only five hundred warriors. The ground thundered from the hooves of the Emperor’s army with dust rising everywhere being blown away from the gale winds that day. The drums began to beat and whistling arrows filled the air falling short of their targets. Masakado’s horse led the charge into the middle of the hoard of the Emperor’s archers, foot soldiers and cavalry. Sadamori’s and Hidesato’s soldiers began to panic at the Masakado attack on the middle of the front line. Sadamori fled to the back of the army to be out of range of the Masakado arrows.
TIARA NO MASAKADO
I think I see that cowardly bastard Sadamori. Charge into the middle of the Emperor’s army. We will drive them under the hooves of our horses. Follow me men.
The faithful followers of Masakado charged into the massive five thousand strong army forcing the middle of the line to break and run and making the archers useless to shoot down their own men.
FUJIWARE NO HIDESATO
I see Masakado leading the charge. God he is courageous. There are seven Masakado samurai and all dressed in the same red and white leather armor and the kabuto with the quarter moon on the top. Look for the Samurai of Masakado that casts a shadow and that will be the real Masakado. Archers release your arrows before Masakado tramples our foot soldiers. I will aim for Masakado.
TAIRA NO SADAMORI
I too will aim to shoot one of the Masakado’s decoys. I cannot see a shadow on this windy day.
TAIRA NO MASAKADO
We are cutting them down. Attack! Do not spare Sadamori’s head or Hidesato’s head.
Note: Suddenly an arrow from somewhere found it’s mark and hit Masakado in the eye causing him to drop to the ground dead and lifeless. Hidesato and Sadamori raced to where Masakado fell to claim the credit for killing Masakado.
FUJIWARE NO HIDESATO
At last the real Masakado lies dead on the ground with an arrow in his face. I will cut his head off and give it to one of my men to put on a lance and show everyone that Masakado is dead.
TAIRA NO SADAMORI
Riding up to the dead Masakado on the ground. So Hidesato, you beat me to the body. I think I shot the arrow the killed Masakado.
FUJIWARE NO HIDESATO
No, my fiend I shot the warrior that cast a shadow and the real Masakado fell. We will share the credit for killing Masakado when we take his head to the Emperor.
Meanwhile, have your soldiers collect the heads of Masakado’s soldiers and their shields and bows to bring to the Emperor.
TAIRA NO SADAMORI
I count around 150 to 170 dead Masakado warriors. We will display Masakado’s Lieutenants heads along with Masakado’s head to the Emperor. Soldier pack Masakado’s and his Lieutenant’s heads in salt to prevent them from spoiling until we get back to Kyoto.
A week later Sadamori and Hidesato enter Kyoto with their Kabuto off at the beginning of the Emperor’s army with the heads of Masakado and his loyal men on spears.
FUJIWARE NO HIDESATO
Emperor here is the head of the rebel Taira No Masakado. Sadamori and I take the credit for killing him and beheading him. What shall we do with the head Emperor?
EMPEROR
Hang the heads from a tree in the market place so that all can see what happens to rebels that rise up against the power of the Emperor.
TAIRA NO SADAMORI
As you wish Emperor. What about Masakado’s family and brothers?
EMPEROR
A reward is on all of their heads. Spare no one in the Masakado clan in his family, brothers and loyalists. I will disperse the land to you both and give you new titles in my court. You will be richly rewarded for your efforts in killing the rebel Masakado. Now go and take the heads to be hung in the marketplace.
So Sadamori and Hidesato take the heads of Masakado and his soldiers and hang them from an apple tree in the marketplace in the city of Kyoto where they hung for weeks.
THE HEAD OF TAIRA MASAKADO
Where is my corporal body? Bring my body to me so that we may be one again. I curse the Emperor, Sadamori and Hidesato and all those who betrayed me.
FARMER
Look Masakado’s head is crying out. Run it is a ghost talking.
KYOTO CITIZEN
I cannot believe it, Masakado’s eyes are still open. I think I heard the head talking. What witch craft is this?
A month later a soldier of the Emperor reports to the Emperor.
EMPEROR’S SOLDIER
Emperor the head of Masakado had disappeared. The people say the head was crying out and cursing you and Sadamori and Hidesato. What shall we do Emperor?
EMPEROR
Search everywhere for the head and destroy it.
(MORE)
EMPEROR (CONT’D)
Anyone who took the head will be beheaded. Kill any loyalists that had anything to do with taking his head down.
Meanwhile, Masakado’s head appears in the small fishing village of Shibazaki. The fisherman washed off the head and buried Masakado’s head in a mound near the sea.
FISHERMAN
Someone has found the head of the rebel Masakado in our village this morning. How did it get there from Kyoto?
FISHERMAN2
I do not know, but we must bury it before the Emperor’s soldiers find it and blame everyone in the village for stealing his head. Come let bury the head quickly.
So it was that the head of Masakado was buried in a mound near the sea in the village of Shibazaki.
FADE OUT.
30 SCENE 2-INT.-DAY- THE FAMILY ESCAPE.
30
FADE IN:
Masakado is dead and Sadamori has sent troops to kill Masakado’s wife and children and servants.
MASAKADO’S LIEUTENANT
Master Masakado has fallen. All is lost retreat and fend for yourselves. Sound the retreat.
TAIRA NO SADAMORI
Now that Masakado is dead we must kill his brothers and family to prevent them declaring revenge on us. Send ten men on horseback quickly to Masakado’s home quickly and kill all his family and burn down the house. There must be no evidence of his existence.
SADAMORI SOLDIER
Yes, Master. Should we kill the children too?
TAIRA NO SADAMORI
By all means. No one is to survive including his concubines and servants. Ride swiftly before word of Masakado’s death reaches them. I have some rock salt in a bag on my horse. We must pack Masakado’s head in salt to preserve it until the Emperor sees it. Gather up any of the heads of any of Masakado’s Lieutenants so we can show them to the Emperor also.
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO
Who will take the credit for killing Masakado Lord Sadamori? I was the first to cut off Masakado’s head and therefore I should claim the honor.
TAIRA NO SADAMORI
I shot the arrow that pierced his eye and killed him. We will both share in the honor of having killed the enemy of the Emperor my friend.
FUJIWARA NO HIDESATO
Then let it so be.
FADE OUT.
31 SCENE 2-INT.-DAY- MASAKADO’S HOME.
31
FADE IN:
Riding up to Masakado’s compound a rider dressed in full Samurai dress with two swords and a bow over his body. He is yelling as he runs toward the gates.
SAKANOUE KATSUTAKA, MASAKADO’S LIEUTENANT (30)
Open the gates.
Katsumi is the daughter of Taira No Yoshikane, Masakado’s Uncle. She was Masakado’s cousin and her family was much richer than Masakado’s family. She was a beautiful young woman with long black hair, green eyes, and pale white skin. She was short of stature at five feet and two inches.
KATSUMI, WIFE OF MASAKADO (24)
Who is it?
SAKANOUE KATSUTAKA, MASAKADO LIEUTENANT
Madam, your husband is dead, and Sadamori’s soldiers are coming to kill you and all of your husbands family and servants. You must flee quickly to the Mountains of Hitachi.
KATSUMI, WIFE OF MASAKADO (24)
Oh, my God. They finally killed him. Who betrayed him?
SAKANOUE KATSUTAKA MASAKADO’S LIEUTENANT
I do not know madam, but we must hurray. Sadamori’s troops are close behind us. I will escort you to the caves in Hitachi providence.
MUSASHI, MASAKADO’S YOUNGER BROTHER (25)
I told him not to declare himself a New Emperor, but he would not listen to me. Now we must flee and become ghosts of the Providence. We cannot hide together, so I will seek out a Temple in the mountains to hide. Be safe woman.
KATSUMI, WIFE OF MASAKADO
Come children we must flee. You father is dead and his enemies wish to kill us too. Pack lightly and grab some dried food and water. I will have the servants saddle up the horses. Tell all the servants and woman to flee. We are finished.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
TAIRA NO SADAMORI
We are five kilometers from Masakado’s home. Burn all the homes to the ground, and when the inhabitants run out kill them.
Leave no one alive including the children.
SADAMORI SOLDIER (35)
As you command Lord.
An hour later Sadamori’s soldiers arrive at the Masakado compound.
SADAMORI SOLDIER (CONT’D)
Captain there is no one here. All the homes are burning but even the servants have fled. Someone must have warned them.
Takasemi is an older Samurai with a bald head and hair on the sides of his head tied in a knot behind his head. His eye brows are bushy and he has a large mustache on his wrinkled face. He stands almost six feet tall and is an expert swordsman.
TAKASEMI, SADAMORI CAPTAIN (40)
Track them down. They must have fled to the mountains. There is only one road into the mountains and they have a lead already. Gold rewards to the soldier that tracks them down first.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
32 SCENE 3- EXT.-DAY- KOZAISHO FLEES TO THE MOUNTAINS. 32
FADE IN:
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
It was a cold day in March 940 CE, and a light rain was coming down as Masakado’s family and servants left the family villa and fled into the woods. Mules were packed with food and clothing and Musashi, Masakado’s son, and Sakanoue Katsutaka, Masakado’s daughter led the long line of horses and mules up the mountain trail in Shimosa Providence. A blinding cold wind smacked them in the face, and there was a mood of fear and anxiety among the family and servants. No one wanted to be beheaded by Sadamori’s troops, and made an example of in Kyoto. My mule headed in another direction with me on it.
(MORE)
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO
I was in love with Fujiwara No Hidesato, without my master Masakado knowing it. I betrayed Masakado, to Hidesato, by tell him how to tell the real Masakado from his imposters in battle. The one who casts a shadow, is the real Masakado she told Hidesato.
I had an old mule to flee on with just the clothes on my back. All the servants and Concubines fled in all directions. Masakado’s wife, and family fled into the Hitachi mountains with one of Masakado’s Lieutenants. They had fast horses and I had an old slow mule. Since I was traveling alone, it would be harder for them to follow me than the many horses of the Masakado family. I have been riding for hours now and the sun was beginning to set. I was scared that Sadamori’s Soldiers will catch up to me and kill me. What am I to do? I hid that night in a cave.
As the sun set Sadamori’s soldiers could not track the fleeing family of Masakado.
SADAMORI CAPTAIN
It is too dark to track them now. We must turn back now for fear of an ambush with soldiers loyal to Masakado and his family. We will resume the hunt tomorrow.
FADE IN:
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Ahh, the sun is rising and all I have to eat are some dried plums. I need to find a monastery to hide in. I am sure the Monks will take pity on me. Come on mule, faster.
At the end of the day Kozaisho comes upon an ancient Monastery in the Hitachi Mountains.
Thick ivy covered the old exterior walls and the stone building was built on the side of the mountain overlooking the valley below.
FADE IN:
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO (CONT’D)
(Knock, Knock) Hello is anyone there? I am Kozaisho of the house of Taira No Masakado. My master was killed by his evil cousin and not his cousin wants to kill all of Masakado’s family and servants. I served Masakado and I have no where to hide or run. Will you take me in for a short while?
MONK
Who goes there? You say you are of the house of Masakado? He was a good man who gave the land back to the peasants. Enter servant.
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
Thank you sir. The Gods bless you.
MONK
Come we have some hot soup and furs for you to get warm. No one will find you here for we will not let them enter.
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
I am most grateful.
MONK
What happened to Taira No Masakado?
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
I was deceived by Hidesato who I thought loved me. He betrayed me and his friend Lord Masakado. My Lord forgive me. I told Hidesato the secret to Masakado’s seven doubles. Hidesato sought out my Lord Masakado with cousin Taira No Sadamori and attacked him late in the night and daybreak when he was not expecting them.
(MORE)
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO
His shadow gave him away and Sadamori shot him with an arrow between the eyes and beheaded my Lord when he fell to the ground. It is all my fault. Hidesato told me he was going to take me away and that he loved me.
MONK
Foolish woman.
KOZAISHO,19, CONCUBINE OF TAIRA NO MASAKADO
My life is over. Help me Monk to kill myself in the Samurai ritual of sappuku. Take this long sword and help me make my suffering short. Cut my head from my shoulders that I will no longer suffer from my betrayal of my master Masakado. Let my story end here in disgrace.
MONK
So be it.
The monk swings the katana sword slicing Kozaisho’s head off.
33 ACT TEN-TAKIYASHA REVENGE. 33
34 SCENE ONE INT.- MASAKADO’S COMPOUND -DAY. 34
Fade in
This second part of the story of Masakado is told by his
daughter, Satsuki. Her story is one of fear and revenge for her father’s death.
In the chaos and confusion of the imminent attack of Sadamori’s soldiers. Yoshiakado and his sister ran to catch up with their mother who had already left on a horse with some of their father’s loyal soldiers.
FADE IN: SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
My name is Satsuki and I am the daughter of the great Lord Taira No Masakado. This is my story after my father was killed.
FADE OUT
Flashback to 940 CE.
FADE IN: SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO (CONT’D)
I remember it like it was yesterday. My brother Yoshiakado helped to gather the family after we learned my father had been killed and his head taken to Kyoto to show the Emperor.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO (15)
Satsuki come quickly, mother has left, and Sadamori’s soldiers are coming to burn down our home and kill us. Grab some clothes, and I will saddle up two horses for us. We must catch up with mother and father’s soldiers.
SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO (17)
Why do they want to kill us? Is father dead?
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
Stop asking questions and get dressed. It is cold out.
FADE TO BLACK.
SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
Minutes later our family headed north fleeing the soldiers of Sadamori. Our horses carried us into the night with the cold wind of the north blowing in our faces. The next day after riding all night their our horses were exhausted. We stopped at a small stream to water the horses, and give them some rest.
Flashback to 940 CE.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
We will stop here and rest for a while. Give me your horse and I will take it to the stream. Sit here and rest my sister.
(MORE)
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO (CONT’D)
We are a day’s ride from Mount Tsukuba. There is a temple at the base of the Mountain. We can seek refuge there. Mother may be headed there also.
SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
I am afraid brother. Are they going to kill us?
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
Not if I can help it. I like my head on my shoulders. Come let us ride until we come to Mount Tsukuba. There is a Shinto Temple there called Tsukubagan. I am sure the monks will take us in.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN: SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
A Day later we arrived at the Temple at the base of Mount Tsukuba. Snow had begun to fall and the temperatures were dropping.
Both of us were cold and exhausted, having eating nothing for a day and night.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
35 FLASHBACK 940 CE. 35
SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
Brother I think I see a temple up ahead at the base of Mount Tsukuba. Let us hurray for I am exhausted.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
Hello (knocking on a giant iron gate with a huge iron ring). I am Yoshiakado son of Taira No Masakado who was killed by Taira No Sadamori. Sadamori’s soldiers are chasing us wishing to kill and behead us for the Emperor.
MONANI, MONK (70)
Enter my children. We will provide you food and shelter. Lord Masakado was a great man who saved many a peasant and monastery from the grips of evil men. Come we have some hot soup. I am sorry there is no meat. We are all vegetarians at this Temple.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
Thank you. We are most grateful. We have been riding almost two days.
Sadamori’s troops burned down our compound and killed our father. We are declared criminals by the Emperor.
MONANI, MONK
You are safe now. Come sit by the fire and I will get you both a bowl of soup.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN: SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
After a month of hiding I decided to become a Nun to prevent Sadamori’s troop from killing me. I was desperate and depressed at the time and despite my prayers going unanswered, I was at an all time low in my life. We seemed helpless to anything to help the memory of my father at the time.
FADE OUT. FADE IN:
SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO (CONT’D)
Yoshiakado I see no future for us as enemies of the Emperor and Sadamori, so I have decided to become a Nun here at the Monastery.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
Are you crazy my sister. Why would you want to become a Nun? How will we keep our father’s memory alive.
SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
Our father’s legacy for now is dead. As dead as his sad head hanging from a tree in Kyoto for all to see. I cry for him every night. Save yourself brother and go to another province far away. You are no longer a Samurai since your master and father is dead. You are a ronin now wandering the hills of Hitachi mountain pretending to be a Samurai like your father once was.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
Do with your life as you may. I am still the son of the great New Emperor Masakado. Let Sadamori’s troops try and find me. Many are still loyal to Masakado and will help hide me. Stay here at Mount Tsukuba and hide. I will seek my fortune elsewhere.
FADE OUT. FADE IN:
SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
Later that week, my brother Yoshiakado encountered a wizard. Yoshiakado was mounted on a horse and was riding through the forests of Mount Tsukuba, when all of a sudden a mysterious figure in a black cloak appeared in front of his path.
FADE OUT. FADE IN:
TOSHIKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
Halt who goes there? Who are you? I have a sword, and will cut off your head if you proceed further.
NIKUSHISEN, WIZARD (60)
Do not be afraid traveler. I am the Wizard Nikushisen, and our life lines seem to have crossed. Are you not Yoshiakado the son of the great Samurai taira No Masakado?
(MORE)
NIKUSHISEN, WIZARD (60) (CONT’D)
I come as a friend. You are the heir of Masakado. I have for you a magic scroll containing the secret of Frog magic. Take this to your sister, the Nun, and give her this scroll. She will know what to do.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
Thank You Wizard. May good fortune provide your path and thank you for the scroll. I will give it to my sister.
FADE OUT.
Later that day Yoshiakado returns to the Temple to speak with his sister the Nun.
FADE IN:
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO (CONT’D)
Sister, sister come quick. I met a wizard, and he gave me a scroll containing Frog magic for you.
SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
How do you know that this wizard was not a spy for Sadamori brother?
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
If he were a spy he would have tried to kill me. Instead he brought good news that I am the heir of father’s legacy. Here read this scroll. It looks very old.
SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
Give it to me my foolish brother. This looks authentic enough. I will need some time to read it carefully. It is written in old script.
FADE OUT.
SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO (CONT’D)
(A month later). Yoshiakado, I am changing her name to Takiyasha hime. After reading the ancient scrolls, I understand how to fight our father’s enemies with the dark arts.
(MORE)
SATSUKI, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
Brother I have read the Frog scrolls very carefully, and there is much magic and I feel renewed. By adopting my new name of Takiyasha hime I am making a statement that I am now the Mistress of Frog magic. I want you to help me with this Frog magic against the enemies of our father, Masakado.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
What ever you want to do my sister. You are now Princess Takiyasha hime. Tell me what to do and I will do it until death.
TAKAYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
I will perform the Curse of oshi no koku mairi. I will visit the shrine at the hour of the Ox every night. There I will perform the ritual at the Kifune Shrine.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
It sounds wonderful Sister. I support you in whatever you do.
FADE TO BLACK.
After 21 nights Takayasha awakens the aranitama (Wicked Spirit) of the Shrine.
FADE IN:
ARANITAMA, WICKED SPIRIT
Who has awakened me? (A large black cloud appears before the Shrine as Takiyasha hime is praying).
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
It is I Great One praying for the power to fight the enemies of our father Tiara No Masakado.
ARANITAMA, WICKED SPIRIT
I bestow upon you Princess Takiyasha the power and knowledge of onmyodo.
(MORE)
ARANITAMA, WICKED SPIRIT (CONT’D)
Go and return to Soma Castle in Shimosa and reunite the soldiers of your father. You will raise up an army of yokai.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
OYA NO TARO MITSUKUN, SAMURAI (35)
I have come in search of Princess Takiyasha hime. Do you know where she is?
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
(Posing as a prostitute) How may I help you Master? Perhaps it is pleasure you seek?
OYA NO TARO MITSUKUN, SAMURAI
I come to tell the daughter of Masakado had he died and how his head was hung from a tree in Kyoto by the Emperor and Hidesato.
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
Hidesato? Wasn’t he a friend of Masakado?
OYA NO TARO MITSUKUN, SAMURAI
Yes, he betrayed Masakado along with Sadamori, Masakado’s cousin. I was there when they hung Masakado’s head up on a tree along with his Lieutenants. His head cried out for his body for weeks and then it flew away to a fishing village were the local fisherman washed it off and buried Masakado’s head in a mound.
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
(Crying) I cannot hear this. Forgive me I must go and rest.
That night Takiyasha returned with some skeleton yokai (ghosts) gashadokuro. Takiyasha rode a giant toad.
OYA NO TARO MITSUKUN, SAMURAI
I am not afraid of your yokai. I have power in my sword. Come closer and I will cut you into pieces. (Holding his sword high over his head Mitsukun swung and cut the frog in half with Takiyasha falling to the floor.
After that he fled on his horse into the night.
FADE OUT.
36 ACT ELEVEN-SAVING THE HEAD OF MASAKADO. 36
After Takiyasha Hime’s encounter with Mitsukun she decided to save her father’s head and have it properly buried instead of hanging for weeks from a tree along with his lieutenants.
FADE IN:
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
Yoshiakado I have decided we need to go to Kyoto under disguises and take down the head of our father and properly bury it.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
The Emperors soldiers will kill us if they see us trying to take down our father’s head from the tree.
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
I have a plan. You and I will disguise ourselves as fisherman and enter Kyoto at night when there is no moon. After we retrieve out father’s head we will take it far away from Kyoto and bury it in a proper manner.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
You realize if they catch us, they will kill us and our heads will be hanging along with out father from a tree.
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
Do not be afraid little brother for I have the powers of black magic.
(MORE)
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO
Come let us pack our bags and saddle our horses for the long ride to Kyoto.
So Takiyasha and Yoshiakado ride into the night toward Kyoto.
FADE TO BLACK.
37 SCENE 2-EXT. DAY- SHIBASAKI.
37
FADE IN:
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
There is SHIBASKI in the distance. Let us dismount and wait until darkness before we enter the city. I am not sure where our father’s head is hung so we must take time to search for it.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
I am tired from the week long ride to Shibasaki. I did not realize how far it is from Hitachi. It is good that we rest until darkness. I have some old clothes that will help us look like fisherman.
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
I will protect us with the powers of the dark spirits so that no one recognizes us.
Later that night Takiyasha and Yoshiakado ride into Shibasaki and leave their horse outside the market gate. They grab two bags of smelly fish they brought with them and throw it over their shoulders to act and smell like fisherman.
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS. (CONT’D)
There is a large tree at the end of the market place. Let us investigate if our father’s head is buried there.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
The smell of these fish is killing me sister. I hope you are right about the small mound in the market place. Come let us look closer. I am beginning to get nervous.
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
Yes, there is our grave. See the Shinto markings on the grave. Give me a shovel quickly.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
All right but be quick about it. I am getting nervous. Wait there is an old man waking across the market place. Wait until he disappears.
OK, let’s begin digging
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
I have him. I have our father’s head. Quick wrap it in this cloth and let us be gone.
FADE OUT.
Takiyasha and Yoshiakado mount their horses and ride off into the nearby mountains and wait until sun up to return.
FADE IN:
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS. (CONT’D)
There is the fishing village of Shibasaki We can bury our father’s head there. Perhaps some of the fisherman will help us? Many of the local people and fisherman loved our father and I am sure they will help bury him and set up a shrine in his honor. Look here comes a fisherman now. Sir, how are you this day? I am Takiyasha the daughter of Lord Masakado. Do you follow our father Masakado?
FISHERMAN (50)
Yes he was a great man for plain folk. He restored many of the arms to the poor people.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
We have the head of our father old man and we need some help in burying his head properly and setting up a shrine in his memory. Will you get other fisherman to help us old man?
FISHERMAN
It would be my honor to help bury properly the head of the great Masakado. There next to the sea is a great mound that will be the perfect resting place for his head. Come we will wash your father’s head and properly prepare it for burial. I will ask some of my friends to help us dig a hole in the mound.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
We must be quick about it old man for the soldiers of the Emperor may not be far behind us when they realize the head of Masakado is gone.
FISHERMAN
Let me get some of my friends and we will help you dig a place in the mound to lay the head of Masakado.
A few minutes later a half dozen fisherman arrive at the mound where Yoshiakado and Takiyasha waited.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
Welcome friends. We thank you for helping honor the head of our father Masakado. Let us wash his head off with sea water and bury it in this mound overlooking the sea. Perhaps some stone put in place will mark this shrine.
So they took the head to the edge of the ocean and washed it off and wrapped it in a silk cloth and buried it in the mound by the sea.
FISHERMAN
What will we tell the Emperors soldiers when they arrive?
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
Tell them the head of Masakado is cursed and it flew here from Kyoto. Once they realize a curse is involved they will not touch Masakado’s shrine. Come let us begin digging. Time is short.
So it was that the head of Taira No Masakado was laid to rest in the little sea village of Shibaski that would one day become Edo, and then finally in modern times, Tokyo.
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
Come let us return to Soma our home.
YOSHIAKADO, SON OF MASAKADO
At least our father rests in peace now. I hope the local people come to visit his shrine and keep his memory alive.
FADE TO BLACK.
38 SCENE 3-INT. NIGHT- SOMA CASTLE, HOME OF MASAKADO. 38
When Takiyasha and her brother returned to the burnt out
remains of Soma, their father’s castle, they slept in a cave below the main house which was undamaged by the fire.
Takiyasha had a dream.
FADE IN:
Takiyasha was asleep when the spirit of her father Masakado came to her.
SPIRIT OF MASAKADO.
(The spirit of Masakado talking). Takiyasha you are on my mind and I am on your mind. What you did to resurrect my name and honor will be recorded over time eternal. Because of you my spirit and honor will live on for centuries.
TAKIYASHA HIME, DAUGHTER OF MASAKADO AND PRINCESS OF DARKNESS.
I am sorry father that I failed you. I learned the dark arts to summon the yoki to fight for you. My success was not to be.
SPIRIT OF MASAKADO
For a thousand years, rich and poor will remember what I did to save my family and lands. I returned to the peasants their land from the rich governors that over taxed them. I fought for the rights of the common man against the wishes of the Emperor and it cost me my life.
(MORE)
SPIRIT OF MASAKADO (CONT’D)
Do not cry for me for I have become immortal and my curse in on those that defy me and my clan. Live your life in knowing that my spirit is always with you. I love you daughter.
FADE OUT.
39 ACT TWELVE- THE CURSE OVER HUNDREDS OF YEARS. 39
40 SCENE 1-EXT.-DAY-THE PLAGUE 1874.
NARRATOR
In the early 1300s, a great plague struck Edo. Many people died. The plague was attributed to Taira no Masakado’s anger. In order to appease him, his spirit was moved from his small shrine to the larger and more prestigious Kanda Shrine. He was designated one of the main gods, and his spirit was placated—for a while.
EMPEROR MEIJI (30) JAPAN
I will visit the Kanda shrine today to see why this Masakado has claim to the status of a deity?
SHINTO PRIEST (60)
It is not wise to make any changes in the Kanda shrine, Emperor.
EMPEROR MEIJI
I am the Emperor and I will do as I want, despite any curses.
Later that day at the Kenda shrine.
EMPEROR MEIJI (CONT’D)
I do not understand why an enemy of a past Emperor should be given the status of a deity? I want this kanda shrine moved to a smaller building outside the village.
40
FADE IN:
Later that year a great plague struck Japan and it was blamed on the anger of Masakado in having his kenda shrine moved and reduced in size. As the Shinto Priest warned bad things happen when anyone tries to change the Kenda shrine.
FADE OUT.
41 SCENE 2-EXT.-DAY- THE GREAT KANTO EARTHQUAKE OF 1928. 41
FADE IN:
JAPANESE MINISTER OF THE FINANCE (40)
We intend to relocate the offices of Finance on the old site of the Masakado Kubizuka. Construction will begin immediately and we will remove the old Kubizuka to another location.
SHINTO PRIEST (45)
Pardon, Minister of Finance. The curse of Masakado is upon the Kubizuka for anyone who attempts to move or change it. Those in the past suffered death and pain.
JAPANESE MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR
I do not care about old stories. We are a modern nation now and space is limited in the city, so I have chosen to take the site of the Kubizuka and put the new building on it for the new Finance building.
SHINTO PRIEST
No good will come of this Minister of Finance.
A month later
SHINTO PRIEST (CONT’D)
The minister of finance has become sick and is near death. He should have respected the ghost of Masakado’s Kubizuka.
EMPEROR OF JAPAN
The Minister of Finance has died and his Finance building is not finished.
(MORE)
EMPEROR OF JAPAN (CONT’D)
He attempted to put the building on the site of Masakado’s Kubizuka and the curse of Masakado caused the Minister’s death. It is my decree that the Kubizuka be restored to it’s original glory and the Treasury building is to be demolished immediately.
42 SCENE 3- EXT.-DAY-WWII ATTEMPT TO PUT IN A GARAGE 42
43 SCENE 4-EXT.-DAY-20TH CENTURY INCIDENTS.
NARRATOR
Throughout the 20th century, a number of other accidents, fires, sicknesses, and mysterious sightings were attributed to the curse of Taira no Masakado. Each time, purification rituals were performed. Finally, in 1984, in response to public pressure, his deity status was reinstated. Today, great pains are taken not to anger his ghost. For example, it is common practice for television stations to visit the grave of his head, still located in what is now Otemachi, Tokyo. They pay their respects to him before his character appears on any show. The Kubizuka is maintained by an organization of local businesses and volunteers who have taken on the responsibility of upkeeping of his grave.
43
FADE IN:
FADE TO BLACK.
44 SCENE 5-EXT.-DAY-FUSHIMA NUCLEAR PLANT EXPLOSION, MARCH 11,44 2011.
FADE IN:
NARRATOR
The Fushima Nuclear plant exploded in March 11, 2011 and the ghost of Masakado was blamed.
(MORE)
The END.
NARRATOR (CONT’D)
Radiated sea water spilled onto the local villages and animals within fifty miles all died of radiation poisoning. The wild dogs of the region seemed to have survived, however they became mutant dogs with many radiation illnesses and mutations in their body size which doubled and their faces.
MAJOR OF FUSHIMA (50)
Thirty wild dogs of the fushima region were found with their heads cut off, and hung from nearby trees. A white flag with a red butterfly, the symbol of the Tiara clan and Tiara No Masakado himself was found in each dog’s mouth. It is a mystery to us how this happened except that maybe the ghost of Taira No Masakado has again risen?
45 45
