Wrimos of Hawai'i

The Sword Lesson
written and directed by Michael Bay

OPEN ON:

EXT - NEW JERSEY, CORPORATE BUILDING/CLONING FACILITY - DAY

The BADASS SCANTILY CLAD CHICK flies through the glass, out into the open air, upon a motorcycle that is on fire.

The MASTER swings through the air on chains, hanging from a helicopter that is also on fire. He is on fire.

Their swords clash in mid air, and they hang suspended, staring each other down.

After a moment's pause, the MASTER tears his mask off to reveal a GRIZZLY BEAR with and eyepatch, which is on fire. Camera spins widely around his head as he does this.

STUDENT

Just as I thought, BEAR PIRATE! I knew all along it was you who killed my GREAT AUNT and cloned her!

BEAR PIRATE laughs, and then explodes in slow motion, causing the CORPORATE BUILDING/CLONING FACILITY to explode. NEW JERSEY explodes, too, in slow motion.

... or... maybe not.

Ok, for real this time... sigh...

FADE IN:

INT - SWORD MASTER’S SALLE - NIGHT

The MASTER stands, pensive. A flickering lamp illuminates his features.

A female STUDENT enters, a smile on her face.

The Master looks up at the sound of her footsteps.

MASTER

No lesson today. I’ve taught you all I can.

STUDENT

For the pleasure of your company.

The Master shakes his head. Her smile falters.

STUDENT (cont.)

The pleasure of my company, then.

MASTER

Your lessons are through.

STUDENT

Two years –

MASTER

You’re ready now.

STUDENT

I’m ready? Then that means –

MASTER

Yes.

STUDENT

You know who killed my husband?

MASTER

I’ve known for some time.

STUDENT

Why didn’t you tell me earlier?

MASTER

He would have killed you.

STUDENT

And now?

MASTER

Listen. When you came to me –

STUDENT

You didn’t want to train me.

MASTER

No.

STUDENT

“Honor is the province of men.”

MASTER

“Honor is the province of those who have suffered injustice.” So I believe now. So you’ve convinced me. But honor is not a privilege, it’s an obligation. Do you understand?

STUDENT

Of course –

The Master grabs her wrist.

MASTER

Do not take this lightly. Are you certain?

STUDENT

Yes.

MASTER

Very well.

(releasing her wrist)

Draw your sword.

STUDENT

(realizing)

It was you?

MASTER

Yes.

STUDENT

No.

MASTER

Draw your sword!

STUDENT

No. I don’t want this.

MASTER

Now do you understand? The burden? You have an obligation.

STUDENT

No, no …

In one motion he shoves her away from him and draws his sword, slashing across her face.

She defends herself instinctively, parrying and circling, but is reluctant to attack.

He presses her, forces her on offense, making no concession to her gender or her love.

Their swords clash, faster and faster. They close …

A thrust.

Time stops.

And then he nods, almost imperceptibly.

She tries to back away, but her sword is embedded.

STUDENT

(whispers)

No …

FADE OUT.