Heroes Transcripts - Webisodes

012: The Recruit, Part 5

2009-01-15T13:32:00.000-08:00

Chapter 5: The Truth Within

[Caption: Unknown facility, Tappen, NJ]

(Angela Petrelli and Carlos continue their interrogation of Rachel Mills.)

Angela: (handing a cellphone to Carlos) He's onboard, we continue as planned. (turning her focus to Rachel) I underestimated you private Mills, and I conceded this battle.

Carlos: (Carlos walks behind her, and removes her IV and wrist constraints.) It'll wear off in a few hours.

Angela: I commend you, you're a fighter. We are a rare breed.

Rachel: I'm not like you. I'm nothing like you. I just wanna go home.

Angela: There's a car waiting for you outside...you're free to go.

(scene changes to Rachel driving a car, and parking it near a gas station; then enters the restroom.)

(Rachel leaves in the car, and stops at a gas station restroom. She has a flashback showing her iat the Primatech Lab, removing the bullet from her shoulder, then replacing it with the vial. She subsequently removes the dressing, and pushes the vial back out of it's hiding place, and into her hands, rebandages her shoulder, then leaves the restroom.)

Angela: (standing in the shadows) This is why I never wanted a daughter. There so much more complicated. (Carlos walks up behind Rachel.) You watch helplessly as the world slips in and turns all of the sugar and spice into bitterness and deceit.

Rachel: If you knew all the time, why bother interoggating me?

Angela: I wanted to give you the opportunity to face yourself, and in my business it's important to know who you can trust.

Rachel: I just wanted to try to find a cure, maybe(interupted)

Angela: Rachel, your ability is as much a part of you as the color of your eyes, or the loss of your mother...Leona...a beautiful name.

Rachel: I like to think I'm going to see her again one day.

Angela: Well that's up to God. (Rachel hands the serum vial to Angela.)

Rachel: What do you want?

Angela: We want to help you. (Carlos puts a black bag over her head, and carries her off, as Angela dials her cellphone.)

(scene changes to a sweatered woman receiving a cellphone call from Angela.)

Angela: Hello Leona, it's me, Angie Petrelli. It's been a long time.

011: The Recruit, Part 4

2009-01-06T06:49:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4: Day of Reckoning.

[Caption: Unknown facility, Tappen, NJ]

(Angela Petrelli continues her interrogation of Rachel Mills.)

Rachel: I destroyed the serum and killed David, what else do you want from me?

Angela: (Carlos stands in the background) I have sons. Handsome boys. I love them with all of my heart. (Browsing a file) Were you close with your mother?

Rachel: My mother killed herself.

Angela: Have you ever asked yourself why?

Rachel: That's none of you business (interrupted)

Angela: Because I think you know.

Rachel: Don't tell me this.

Angela: I think you've always known. I knew your mother Rachel. We were girls together. Laona and I...in fact I was there on the day she discovered her power. She was very special. But she was also scared and weak and didn't want to be different, so she chose to kill herself rather than to face up to the truth of who she really was. She chose to abandon you, left you to fend for yourself rather than to embrace her power and be of service to the world. It's just so difficult sometimes to see the ones we love in the cold heart light of day. But you're different. You're stronger than your mother...I know. I know you. I know you went into the service to make your grandpa proud, and know that you had to fight for every good thing you had in your life. (Rachel starts to cry) Well you can stop fighting now Rachel. Claim your power now Rachel, this is your day of reckoning.

Rachel: (blurting out emotionally) I'm not special!

Angela: There's so much you can do for this world if you just accept who you are.

[Caption: Pinehearst Lab]

(flashback to the prior events with Ryan and David, with Rachel banging on a locked door)

Angela Narrating: The doors were locked, but you were found in the hallway. (Rachel teleports through the door.) I know how you got there. All you have to do is say it.

(Back in present-day, in the interrogation room)

Rachel: (shaking her head no) You're wrong. That's not who I am.

Angela: I don't believe you.

015: Hard Knox, Part 4

2008-12-30T08:13:00.000-08:00

Chapter 4: The Main Man Now

(Matt is working a traffic accident on the freeway)

Matt: (Directing Traffic) Let's go. Hey, Hey. You can't stop there, come on let's go! Come on!

(Walks up to poking car, and pecks on the window, as the window lowers, it is Knox and his gang.)

Knox: (laughs) They got you directing traffic now? That can't be good.

Matt: Knox...Uh...I'm gonna have to ask you to move the car. Come on, let's go.

Knox: I just wanna say "Thank You" for that motivational speech you gave me the other day. You were right. I was just a scared little kid. Not anymore.

Matt: (looks at the occupants) What happened to Bartell?

Knox: (laughs) I heard he got eaten by a shark.

(Raises window and drives away.)

014: Hard Knox, Part 3

2008-12-30T07:42:00.000-08:00

Chapter 3: Fear

(Knox walks in on Bartell, who is curling a barbell.)

Knox: You wanted to see me?

Bartell: I hear you've been talking to 5-0 lately.

Knox: What? No.

Bartell: You weren't having a heart-to-heart with a cop you saw on Clubfoot Avenue?

Knox: Oh....yeah....

Bartell: (drops barbell) Yeah? No? You sound confused to me.

Knox: It was nothing, the uniform tried to ask me...(Bartell punches Knox in the face)

Bartell: First you try to duck out on jobs...(punches and knees Knox)...now you're talking to the police...Huh? This makes it very uncomfortable Knox, ya hear?

Knox: Please don't do this, please...

Bartell: (Punches Knox again, to the ground) You're looking for a way out...(draws a gun on Knox)...Maybe I can help. (Two gang-thugs are watching) Naw. This is too easy. (turns the gun away) I wanna make this one messy.

(Knox starts feeding on the fear of the other two gang thugs)

Bartell: (Starts to bludgeon Knox with a baseball bat) AGGGHHH!

(Knox catches and breaks the bat in half, gets up, and Bartell punches again. Knox catches his fist, and throws him across the room. )

Knox: Oh...yeah....It's the fear!

Bartell: (rights himself and re-attacks) AGGGHHH! (Knox blocks the punch, and punches through Bartell's chest.)

Thug #1: You killed Bartell.

Knox: Yeah. I guess I'm the main man now!

Knox:

010: The Recruit, Part 3

2008-12-30T07:25:00.000-08:00

Chapter 3: We Do What We Have To Do

[Caption: Unknown facility, Tappen, NJ]

(Angela continues her interrogation of Rachel Mills)

Angela: ...but only if you stop lying to me.

Rachel: I'm telling you the truth.

Angela: Fine. Let's start with something easier. If you promise to get David Sullivan out of that room, then why on earth did you kill him?

[Caption: Pinehearst Lab]
(scene change - flashback to when David was injected)

Rachel: David...David...

Ryan: What the hell? (Ryan shoots David as he growls, he scampers off)

Rachel: Put the gun down.

Ryan: Screw you Mills. (She picks up a pipe, and knocks Ryan down, he gets up and draws the gun back toward her.) Bitch! (Just as he prepares to shoot, David growls, grabs him from behind, and takes him down.)

(Rachel gets up, uses a flashlight to look for David, and he growls, then charges at her, she teleports across the room. As David re-attacks her, she picks up a pair of scissors, and David runs upon them.)

(scene change - back to the interrogation room)

Rachel: I didn't have a choice.

Angela: We do what we have to do.

Rachel: So I've noticed. Now will you let me go?

Angela: Yes. As soon as you tell me where the rest of the serum is.

(scene change - back to the Pinehearst Lab)

Rachel Narrating: (Her flashlight notices a vial of serum. She picks it up, and breaks it.)

(scene change - back to the interrogation room)

Rachel: Seeing what it did to David, and knowing what it could do to somebody else, I destroyed it. There, you have your answer. Now will you please let me go?

Angela: Wrong answer.

(scene change - back to the interrogation room, alternate flashback of the prior one)

(Rachel raises the vial, takes the top off, and the scene fades.)

013: Hard Knox, Part 2

2008-12-23T08:27:00.000-08:00

Chapter 2: Get Straight

(Knox is standing outside an alley, attempting unsuccessfully, to bend a large piece of steel rebar.)

Matt: (walks up) I'll give you fifty bucks you can break that in two.

Knox: Hey Parkman, I'm sorry I haven't returned you calls, it's just that I've been busy...

Matt: That's what I hear...word is, you guys cleaned a house in Hancock Park the other night. That must have been right after we parted ways....man, you promised me you were gettin' out.

Knox: Well I lied.

Matt: Remember the first time I busted you? What were you like, 14? You nearly pissed your pants in my squad car you were so terrified.

Knox: So you gotta point here?

Matt: Yeah, my point is...you were this scared little kid trying to figure out who you were. Now all these years later, you still haven't got a clue. (grabs his arm) Come on, you can do this. Just pick yourself up, and walk out the door.

Knox: There is no door, you understand?

Matt: Yes there is. You come downtown and talk to a detective, and we send Bartel away where he belongs.

Knox: Right...then you get the promotion that you're always after, and I get two slugs to the back of the head.

Matt: Wait. Promotion?

Knox: I can't believe you've been trying to play me all this time so you can turn me into your C.I. (confidential informant)

Matt: This isn't about me, or my career. This is about me helping...(interrupted)

Knox: Matt I don't wanna hear it.

Matt: No no, no no no no...I'm not lettin' you go. Not this easy. There are times when you need to stand up for yourself Knox, and this is one of those times.

Knox: I talk to the police I'm a dead man. You know that. I know that.

Matt: So what are you going to do? Huh, you going to run with Bartel until you catch a bullet?

Knox: Look, the way I see it, I catch a bullet either way I turn.

Matt: So what am I suppose to do? Feel sorry for you? Am I suppose to continue to look the other way?

(scene shifts to Bartel's gang thugs watching the exchange from a nearby car)

012: Hard Knox, Part 1

2008-12-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1, "Choices"

(Matt and Knox are going through a cafeteria foodline together.)

Matt: 95, 96 seasons...Lasorda's last two years, and by the way, he took 'em to the playoffs both years.

Knox: Lasorda's over-rated.

Matt: Oh please...(laughs)

Knox: He knew more about pasta than about managing a ball club.

Matt: Well yeah, but you don't dis Tommy.

Knox: I gotta fly.

[Caption: 18 months ago]

Matt: Bartel still gotcha on a leash, huh? You said you were gettin' out Knox.

Knox: I am. (Matt: yeah) I am. It's not just something you walk away from. How would the police feel if you just called up one day, and said, "I'm quittin'"?

Matt: Hey ya know what...if I did that...there probably wouldn't be too many complaints. Just because I've know you since you had baby teeth, doesn't mean I won't bust you if I catch you doing something stupid.

Knox: Thanks for the taco.

(Later in a room with a bunch of gang thugs.)

Bartel, Knox's Gang Thug Leader: (grabbing a few guns off the table, passing them out to other thugs.) It's a McMansion in Hancock Park. You know, jewelry, cash, computers...that kinda thing.

Gang Thug 1: You sure nobodies home?

Bartel: If there is, I hope they like guns.

Knox: If it's cool, I think I might sit this one out.

Bartel: What do you mean?

Knox: I've been thinking lately about slowin' down a little...I mean, you guys could split the take four ways, right? I mean if it's cool with you, "B"?

Bartel: Sure man, it's cool. (grabs Knox by the neck) You want out? One bullet and you're out.

Knox: That's not what I meant. I just thought that makes...

Bartel: (Interupts) Enough. You working another crew?

Knox: No, you're the main man B.

Bartel: This ain't trade school, you feel me? You don't call in sick. And I aint sending out four guys to do a five guy job!

Knox: I'm down with you....no worries.

Bartel: (spins and puts gun to the throat of Thug 1) Anybody else wanna take the day off? Huh? (puts the gun on another thugs throat) Hey? (puts the gun on a third thugs throat) You? (back to Knox) Let's do this.

(As the Bartel put the gun to each man's throat, Knox picked up on their fear, and increasingly bent a steel crowbar he was holding until it was nearly U-shaped.)

Knox: Yeah.

009: The Recruit, Part 2

2008-12-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

Chapter 2: It was nothing

(a recap of the end of Part 1 is shown with David yelling an alert to Rachel as the ceiling begins to fall on top of her, and she teleports across the room to his side; then tells him it was nothing.)

[Caption: Unknown facility - Tappen, NJ]

(Rachel is again shown sitting at the table with injured shoulder, and iv, strapped to the chair where Angela Petrelli had interrogated her in the prior webisode. This time, she is alone in the room with a large black man standing infront of her against the wall.)

Rachel: Who are you? Where is she?

Carlos: Mrs. Petrelli will return as soon as you are ready to tell her where the serum is.

Rachel: Go to hell. (she winces from her shoulder injury, and pulls on her hand-straps)

Carlos: (Walks toward her, showing a horshoe tattoo on his right forearm.) Those are for your own protection. The drug (refering to the iv) neutralizes your ability...

Rachel: I don't have an ability. I already told you, I'm not special.

(flashback to the Pinehearst lab just after her teleportation scene)

David: You should have told me you can do whatever it was you did.

Rachel: I told you nothing happened. nothing. (she ties a splint to his wounded leg) I'm still me. Ok? Stand up. Come on. (she helps pull him up) There ya go.

(Ryan re-emerges...holding two vials of the serum)

Rachel: Ryan?

David: You Ok?

Rachel: Where's the third vial? Did you inject yourself with the serum?

Ryan: Damn right I did. I heard that Tracy chick say it would make us into super-soldiers. I figured it might help fix this. (lifts up his shirt to show a large abdomen laceration.)

Rachel: Oh my God.

Ryan: We need to get the hell out of here.

David: We're locked in.

Rachel: You feel anything yet?

Ryan: No, maybe I'm immune.

Rachel: Let David try it.

Ryan: Why should I? (draws the vials away in a protected stance as David winces from pain. Rachel grabs one and starts to inject David, as Ryan draws a pistol.)

David: Where the hell did you get that from?

Ryan: Give me the damn serum.

Rachel: You've had your shot. (As she injects David, Ryan shoots, wounding her in the shoulder. David falls to the ground convulsing from the injection.) David...David? What's wrong? (He looks at her and appears to roar.)

Ryan: (in reaction to David) What the hell?

008: The Recruit, Part 1

2008-12-16T05:40:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1: Private Mills

[Introduction: One month ago...as part of a secret government operation, Pinehearst Research recruited 50 marines. These marines were to be injected with experimental serum to aid in apprehending people with "Special" abilities. These "Specials" pose a threat to society. ]

(Unknown facility - Tappen, NJ)

Rachel Mills: (strapped to a chair, with iv and shoulder wound noticeable) I told you I don't have it. Maybe somebody took your damned serum to find a cure.

Angela Petrelli: That serum, was not part of the program that recruited you. It's an inferior formula, and it's dangerous.

Rachel: I'm telling the truth.

Angela: Well truth is a relative thing my dear, you'll come to learn that in life, if you live long enough. And with truth, sometimes come pain. Life, death, truth, pain. They're all related. I am sorry about your pain. (touches injured shoulder as Rachel winces)

Rachel: I'm fine. I...I...(flashback to when the injury happened)

Angela: You have no idea how much worse this will be unless I get that serum back. Now, where is it?

(Pinehearst Lab - 12 hours earlier)

Ryan Hanover: (carrying some syringes of the serum) This is bull. Recruiting girls.

Rachel: Oh yeah, well this girl...served her country just like you.

Ryan: You are nothing like me, PRIVATE Mills.

David Sullivan: Dude, relax...she's on our side.

(Ryan exits, bumping into Mill's shoulder on purpose)

Mills: Go to hell, Ryan.

Ryan: When the time comes, you get injected, first! (waving serum at her)

Rachel: Fine, would you think I have...

(They are interrupted by a blue-flamed explosion that destroys the room.)

David: (inaudible)

Rachel: Where's Ryan?

David: I don't know. (pinned under a concrete column.)

Rachel: Oh my God, Oh God. (tries to lift column) Come one...(strains) come on...(no luck). OK, listen to me. I'm gonna get you out of here, alright? (building quakes...she goes to other side of room, and grab the remaining serums)

David: (inaudible) Look Out. (ceiling above Rachel collapses, and she teleports across the room to safety as he watches.) Oh my God. What was that?

Rachel: It was nothing. It was nothing David. You know you have to believe me, you have to believe me. You have to trust me OK?

007: Destiny Part 4, Escape

2008-12-02T15:08:00.000-08:00

Santiago: Where are we going?

Elisa: We're getting out of here.

Santiago: How do I know that this is real, that it isn't some kind of a test?

Elisa: You don't. You'll just have to trust me.

(She attempts to open a door but it is locked, blocking their escape.)

Santiago: Why should I? You're the reason I'm here in the first place.

Elisa: You don't belong here Santiago, and neither do I.

Santiago: When I held that gun in my hand...I felt different. Part of me just wanted to pull that trigger. Maybe I'm just like my father...a killer.

Elisa: No. I met your father. He was a proud, brave man...but they destroyed him. Every day, every mission, they took another piece of him until there was nothing left. I feel it happening to me. They're changing me. I don't want it to happen to you too.

(They kiss, and she disappears, leaving a water drop on Santiago's lips...then as she opens the locked door from the other side, a red laser sight appears on her forehead, and three agents begin to shoot at them. Santiago sees the bullets coming in slowly, anticipates the outcome, and hurridly grabs her and they flee.)

Serious Looking Woman: (on cellphone, standing beside shooters.) We have two runners.

(Santiago and Elisa flee into an outside alley, and Santiago looks around, unsure of his location.)

Santiago: Where the hell are we? One minute I was in Peru, and now...

Elisa: And now you're in Chicago. Chicago's where we train...we have agents all around the world.

Santiago: I need to get home, to my mother...

(A car screams down the alley, and just as it would hit them, Elisa pushes him out of the way, and turns to water as the car crashes by. The scene changes, and they are now entering Santiago's church in Peru.)

Santiago: Mom. (He puts his hand on her shoulder as she is praying, startling her.)

Iris: (turns in excitement and relief) Santiago. Where have you been?

Santiago: Mother there is something I need to talk to you about. This is my friend Elisa.

Elisa: Pleased to meet you.

Iris: Are you in some kind of trouble with this girl Santiago?

Santiago: Actually Yes, but it's not what you think.

Iris: OK, I'm listening.

Santiago: It's a kinda hard thing to explain...Momma, I think Poppy had some secrets. He worked for an organization, a secret organization.

Iris: Your father is not the only one keeping secrets. (produces fire in her palm)

Santiago: Why didn't you tell me?

Iris: I had to protect you.

Elisa: So what do we do now?

Santiago: We gotta get out of here.

Iris: No. Now that they know about you, we can't run. Not anymore. It's time to fight.

(Santiago gets a text message saying, "Come outside, and you'll see the truth")

Elisa: What is it?

Santiago: I forgot something, I'll be right back. (He goes outside alone.)

Serious Looking Woman: (outside answers her cellphone) Are they there?

Hitman: (hiding in the church) Oh I see them, the boy's coming your way.

Serious Looking Woman: Good, we'll need to eliminate them all. (hangs up)

(A fast blur like Santiago makes flashes behind her, and she turns.)

Serious Looking Woman: Edward? I thought you were dead.

Edward: And I thought you and I had an agreement, my family were to be left alone.

Serious Looking Woman: They found out about Santiago, what he can do. I didn't have any choice.

Edward: I staged my own death, to get out of this life. To protect my family.

Serious Looking Woman: There are never any guarantees.

Edward: So you betrayed me, after all we've been through.

Serious Looking Woman: Like I said, I had no choice.

Edward: No, but you are responsible. And we always have choice. (Edward evokes a ball of electricity between his hands, and blast her to the ground with it, as Santiago walks up.) Santiago?

Santiago: Papa? (they embrace)

(As they walk away, the Serious Looking Woman lies smoldering and arcing on the ground, her eyes open, and she squeezes a key in her grip as the scene fades.)

006: Destiny Part 3, Capture

2008-11-25T04:55:00.000-08:00

(Santiago is seated in a wheel chair, in a dark room of a large building at night. A watchlight scans past the windows at regular intervals. From behind him, Elisa and the Serious looking woman are talking to one another.)

Serious looking woman: You're attracted to him...aren't you?

Elisa: He's a project...just like the others.

Serious looking woman: I wanna believe you.

(Santiago begins to awaken as the watchlight agitates his eyes.)

Elisa: He's waking up.

Serious looking woman: You know the protocol...extreme caution.

Santiago: Where am I? What the hell did you do to me?

Elisa: Relax. We can explain.

Santiago: (standing up weakly from the wheelchair) I'm getting out of here, now!

(Santiago invokes his power, running through the building looking for a way out. He briefly slows to notice the Serious looking woman, then continues searching for an escape. When he finds all doors locked, he returns to Elisa.)

Santiago: What do you want?

Serious looking woman: You have a gift Santiago. We want to help you make the most of it.

Santiago: (to Elisa) Who is that?

Elisa: You're not alone. There are others out there like you. Each of us has a gift. We want you to be apart of something much larger than yourself.

Santiago: This is how you ask? By kidnapping me?

Serious looking woman: We've learned it's better to apologize, than to ask for permission.

Santiago: How did you know about me? I didn't even know.

Serious looking woman: We merely followed the law of probability. You inherited your gift from your father.

Elisa: There are so many things you don't know yet Santiago.

Serious looking woman: Your power is called accelerated probability. First you can slow things down, see the path...

Elisa: ...and then "zip", you're there.

Santiago: That's right.

Serious looking woman: We want you to take your father's place. Carry on his legacy.

Santiago: What are you talking about?

Serious looking woman: We'll show you. (sets up a film projector) These people have recently been deemed as targets. It was your father's job to find them and deal with them.

Santiago: When you say deal with them?

Serious looking woman: You're meant to kill them of course. Your father was very good at it...he never missed his mark.

Santiago: You're saying my father did this, for money?

Serious looking woman: We have other means of persuasion. Let's hope it doesn't have to come to that.

Elisa: You've been given a gift Santiago. We're offering you a future, a purpose. We're trying to make the world a better place.

Santiago: (to Elisa) You're a killer too? (long silent pause) I'm not killing anyone...ever.

Serious looking woman: I'm not giving you that choice. (draws a pistol) On the count of three, a bullet will exit this chamber, and if you choose not to use your powers, it will penetrate your skull. One...Two...(Bang: she fires early)

(As the bullet leaves the chamber, Santiago runs out of the way, takes the gun from her hand, runs behind her, cocks the trigger, and points it to her own skull.)

Santiago: You want me to be a killer? Well I've just found my first victim.

Elisa: Santiago don't.

Santiago: Why not? You kidnap me. You lock me up. You torture me. Give me one good reason not to blow her head off.

(Serious looking woman shows a video of his mother to him on her phone.)

Santiago: What is that?

Serious looking woman: It's your mother...shoot me and she dies. It's as simple as that.

Santiago: This is how you got to my father.

Serious looking woman: As I said, we can be very persuasive.

Santiago: Who's my first target?

(Afterward, Santiago is taking a shower. Elisa materializes behind him out of the water.)

Santiago: What are you doing?

Elisa: (She puts her fingers over his lips denoting to be quiet) Saving you.

(She turns him around and the kiss...the watchlight is still seen scanning in the background.)

005: Destiny Part 2, Intervention

2008-11-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

(Soccer game is in play, and opposing team scores tying goal)

Esteban: You're telegraphing your passes, you let him get infront of you. You gotta be thinking three moves ahead.

Santiago: I know. I know.

Esteban: OK, scores tied, thirty seconds left, we win this we win the championship...and the money. $500 mile soles.

Santiago: I don't play for money.

Esteban: Sure you do, how else are you gonna take out that sweet little thing over there. (motions toward Elisa)

Santiago: What if I can tell you I can guarantee a win. On one condition.

Esteban: What's that?

Santiago: We get the team to donate all the winnings to the needy.

Esteban: Fine. But I get to keep the trophy. OK?

Santiago: Let's do this.

(Ball is put into play, and Santiago uses his ability to see each players perspective on the field, and positions himself in the right spot.

Santiago: Estaban, over here!

(Santiago receives the pass and makes the winning goal as time runs out.)

Santiago: (on cellphone, walking with Elisa) It was amazing mama, I could see everything, yeah the goal was right infront of me.

Maria: (replying on cellphone) I'm so proud of you hijo(Spanish: "son"), Will I see you for dinner?

Santiago: Ummmm, well I might be a bit late. Yeah, I'm gonna be celebrating. Yeah, with friends.

Elisa: (with tournament winnings) I can't believe you did this, all for my parents, its too generous.

Santiago: I told you. Your prayers have been answered.

Elisa: What did you mean when you said you could see everything?

Santiago: Oh, I don't know. My mother is always telling me that I don't know which way I am headed. But right now I think I know what I am supposed to do.

Elisa: Do you believe in God Elisa?

Santiago: I suppose, why do you ask?

Elisa: Cause I think He is here, all around us. I think He wants me to make a difference.

Santiago: I'm not sure I understand. But I want to.

(They kiss, revealing Elisa holding a blue syringe.)

Santiago: What are you doing? (Santiago uses his ability to rapidly flee.)

(After running a considerable distance, he slows to a walk to catch his breath, and Elisa in the form of water, emerges beside him from under a doorway, and reforms again with the syringe.)

Santiago: What are you?

(Blue taser fire erupts from the Serious looking woman, blindsiding Santiago, and taking him to the ground. She walks up to meet Elisa and speaks.)

Serious looking woman: Gotcha!

004: Destiny Part 1, Let Us Pray

2008-11-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

(Caption: Baranco - Lima, Peru)

Maria: You are late Santiago, tell me that is not the sacrificial wine? You need to be more responsible Santiago, people are counting on you.

Santiago: I need this light to change already. (light changes) See you at church Maria.

(Elisa on moped buzzes him on the street, causing him to fall and drop the wine and soccer ball; he uses his ability to avoid a delivery truck, and to catch the wine before it hits the ground)

Maria: (handing him his cleats and soccer ball) What just happened?

Santiago: (no reply, just a confused look)

(Later in the Catholic Church, Santiago joins his mother Iris and they sit together and listen)

Father Juan: God's blessings are abundant. But there are many who suffer, while others feast. The Bible teaches us that if we give, we shall receive...(continues on in the background while Santiago and Iris talk)

Iris: Stop fidgeting.

Santiago: Sorry.

Father Juan: ...to help those in need. If you will look around you, you will see that the need is very great...

Santiago: I just have alot on my mind right now.

Iris: Your father was right, you're a dreamer Santiago. You can't go through life without direction. You need purpose.

Santiago: I know.

Father Juan: ...Let us pray. (begins praying in Latin)

Santiago: I know i need...

Iris: (Iris interupts him, motioning with her finger to be quiet for the prayer)

(Afterward, outside the church)

Iris: Santiago, there's a world of opportunity in front of you, can't you see it?

Santiago: Actually I can (laughs) I really can!

Iris: Something is different...what is it? What happened?

Santiago: A miracle, mama.

Iris: Is that so?

Santiago: I'm on my way to church, and this truck was about to hit me and...it didn't. I escaped somehow, and I just...I'm not sure...

Iris: God watches over all of us and there's a reason he saved you; and you need to find that reason.

(Santiago looks away from Iris and sees Elisa)

Santiago: Yeah, I gotta go mama, bye. (kiss goodbye)

Iris: Be home for dinner.

(Santiago uses his ability to hurridly run across the street and come up behind Elisa)

Santiago: Hey...

Elisa: Where did you come from?

Santiago: Church. I'm Santiago.

Elisa: Elisa. I'm not sure how you did that, but it's nice to meet you.

(Elisa walks off, by the 'Serious looking woman', and Santiago catches back up to Elisa)

Santiago: Did you just move here? I mean, I think I would have noticed someone as pretty as you before.

Elisa: I was away at school I...came back to help my folks when my father got sick. They don't have the money to pay for rent. I went to church to pray for answers. Stupid right?

Santiago: No. Not at all. There are many who suffer, while others feast. Father Juan said that in his sermon today. We have to help each other. I think he's right, don't you?

(Another soccer team-mate interupts, running between them eyeing Elisa, handing Santiago a jersey)

Esteban: Move your ass conqueto(English: flirt)! The game's starting. Woo!

Santiago: Gotta go. You should stick around. I have a feeling your prayers are gonna be answered.

Elisa: And how would you know that?

Santiago: Just an instinct. (runs off with the team dribbling the ball)

(Elisa walks back to the 'Serious looking woman')

Serious looking woman: Well?

Elisa: He's ready.

Serious looking woman: Good...get close to him. Just be careful, Understood?

(Elisa disappears into a plume of water)

004: Going Postal Part 3, Let's Talk

2008-11-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

(Knock, Knock, Knock)

Echo: We're outta time...you gotta go.

Gina: No, not without you.

Echo: Look it's me that they want. Take my car, take these. (hands her a pair of earplugs) Here, put these in your ears, and meet me at the cafe on Newberry...alright, if I'm not there in 30 minutes...take off.

Gina: no

Echo: Don't stop driving.

Gina: How will I find you?

Echo: I'll find you. Alright? Rain or shine, I promise!

Gina: Rain or shine.

Man Outside Door: Mr. DeMille, we know you're inside.

(Knock, Knock, Knock)

Gina: What are you gonna do?

Echo: Tell these guys to get the hell off my front porch.

(they kiss goodbye, and she scoops up their cat, and runs out the back door)

(Knock, Knock, Knock)

(Gina gets in the car, and inserts the earplugs.)

(Knock, Knock, Knock...as Echo finally goes and opens the door)

Echo: I wasn't expecting company. (Two black-suited men enter the room)

Taller Agent: We just want to talk.

Echo: Naw....you're gonna listen!

(Echo roars the loudest yet, and a huge soundwave envelopes the house, even rushing past Gina in the car, luckily with earplugs in)

(Caption: 13 weeks later)

(In Primatech Level 5, Angela Petrelli walks up to see a cell with a strapped and gagged Echo DeMille)

Angela: Echo, Echo, Echo. You always were the mouthy one. I guess some things never change. Welcome home.

(Echo attempts to scream, but cannot overcome his facial bindings.)

Angela: Sssshhhh.

002: Going Postal Part 2, The House Guest

2008-11-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

(Echo still running from the Constrictor, runs into a familiar house)

Echo: Gina (searching rooms), Gina...(finds her in the bathroom)

Gina: You're late.

Echo: Baby wait.

Gina: I hate waiting.

Echo: Gina something's happened...I think I killed a guy.

Gina: What?

Echo: There's something I haven't told you. About this think that I can do. It's like sounds that I can make.

Gina: Sounds?

Echo: Yea, yea, except today it was really loud. Like shatter your eardrums loud. It was, it was scary. It was...

Gina: Baby slow down.

Echo: Gina listen to me...get dressed, we're leaving. You gotta trust me.

Gina: I trust you.

(Echo goes and rummages through some drawers and finds a pair of earplugs, then notices the front door standing open)

Echo: Gina!

(Echo searches through the house, hears Gina whimper "Oh", then finds her wrapped in the arms of the Constrictor)

Echo: OK, please...just let her go.

Constrictor: Now why would I let her go? I'm just getting to the fun part.

Echo: I said, let her go!

Gina: Ough.

Echo: RRROOOAAARRR!!!! (As they crumple to the ground, he grabs Gina away from the crouching Constrictor.)

Echo: (grabbing the still stunned Constrictor by the throat) Is this the fun part? RRROOOAAARRR!!! (focused into the Constrictor's ear, blowing blood out the other side, who falls dead in the floor.)

Gina: Oh my God.

Echo: Hey, you OK? You OK baby? You OK? Sssshhh. Sssshhh. Sssshhh. I'll protect you. We need to run, OK?

(Knock, Knock, Knock on the door)

Echo: Oh shi....

001: Going Postal Part 1, A Nifty Trick

2008-11-22T10:52:00.000-08:00

(Echo Demille, wearing a mailman uniform and running...)

(...then cornered in an alley by a barking Doberman)

Echo: Whoah, whoah, whoah, whoah....You're not bothered by the cliche of this, you being a dog, me being a black man?

(more barking and growling)

Echo: It doesn't have to be like this. You could roll over...I could scratch your belly.

(more barking and growling)

Echo: Look, you've had your chance, now back off!

(more barking and growling)

Echo: I said, Back OFFFFF (roaring at the dog with his sound manipulation ability)

(Doberman yelps and whimpers and run away)

Echo: Next time, don't mess with the mail-man. That's right.

(Two men approach, one man cleancut in a suit, the other man baldheaded, wearing a black tanktop.)

Suited man: That's a nifty little trick you've got there.

Echo: Excuse me...I'm running late.

Suited man: My associate and I have been looking for you Mr. DeMille.

Echo: How'd you know my name?

Suited man: We work for a company that helps...people like you.

Echo: What do you mean, people like me?

Suited man: You have an extraoirdinary ability, we're gonna teach you how to use it.

Echo: Uh...you got the wrong guy.

(bald headed man walks around behind Echo, grabbing him around the throat, and constricting his arms around Echo like a snake.)

Echo: Get your hands off me!

Suited man: My friend here is what we call a constrictor. You keep struggling, he'll keep squeezing.

(Echo calls his ability again, screaming "NOOOO" until he is released and they fall to the ground)

(Suited man recovers, draws a gun, and Echo focuses another blast at him, leaving him on the ground again, with blood pouring out of his ears. Echo begins to run away, and the Consrictor picks up the gun, takes three shots that miss, then turns the gun point blank on the suited man.)

Constrictor: (on suited man's cellphone) Bob, Howard's dead. It's worse than we thought. OK. (hangs up)

Constrictor: (looking at the picture of Howard and a woman embracing on his phone) It's a shame, she's so pretty.

(Constrictor walks off towards the direction Echo fled)

Yamagato Fellowship: A Message from Katio Nakamura, Founder of Yamagato Fellowship

2008-11-21T11:33:00.000-08:00

(translated from Japanese into English)

KAITO NAKAMURA (Founder of the Yamagato Fellowship, Tokyo Japan): For as long as history has been recorded, it has recorded the story of heroes. Whether it be the myths of those possessing supernatural abilities or the legends of the ordinary finding the extraordinary inside themselves, common strings can be found through all of these tales. The Yamagato Fellowship is dedicated to the study of these heroes - to highlight their courage, their passion and their intellect. By looking into the past, it is our hope that we will all be better equipped to identify and inspire the heroes walking among us today.

Chapter 5: The Mystery of Kensei

2008-11-21T11:31:00.000-08:00

NARRATOR: For centuries, many believed that Takezo Kensei was not real, but rather simply a folk tale. While records do show that a Takezo Kensei existed during the alleged time of the Trials of Kensei, few, if any records could be found before or after. Curator Atsumi Tatsuya offers this explanation.

CURATOR TATSUYA ATSUMI (Museum of Cultural History, Tokyo Japan): During this era, it was not uncommon for individuals to adopt new names, changing their identities. For example, in 1536, Toyoto Mishideyoshi was born to peasant parents, but he would rise to the rank of a General and then ruler. During this ascension, he created at least two sets of new names for himself. Some believe he did this to help cover his humble beginnings. It is doubtful that Takezo Kensei was our hero’s birth name. Kensei translates to "Sword Saint," a term given to only the most skillful and revered warriors. No parents would actually name their child this. More likely it was a name given to him.

NARRATOR: But so little is known about Kensei before his trials, it is very possible that he had a past that he wanted to keep secret. Some tales do refer to a time when Kensei was far more savage. Long before he saved Japan, Kensei was said to be feared throughout the land for his short temper and great rage. Tho possessing great skill, this Kensei was undisciplined and reckless. Legend has it that his sacred blade, the famed Kensei sword, gave him focus and calmed his wild temper.

PROFESSOR DONNA DORN (University of Chicago, Japanese Studies): Like its owner, little is actually known about the weapon’s origin. Did he forge it himself? Or was it a gift from the gods? Well, there are so many versions of this story. But the most common is he drew it from a field of solid ice.

PROFESSOR KAREN CHAMBERLIN (University of Cambridge, Literature): Just like King Arthur and his Excalibur, Kensei was destined to draw the sacred sword to unify his country. But like its owner, it was widely believed that the sword was more legend than real.

NARRATOR: With little evidence, doubt is cast upon either actually existing. Then in 1977, an exciting discovery. Daniel Linderman, CEO and founder of the Linderman Corporation, made the announcement that he had indisputable evidence of Kensei’s existence. He had uncovered the actual Kensei sword. After exhaustive testing, it was confirmed: the sword was genuine. Takezo Kensei was indeed real. He had taken life. He had defended honor. This very blade.

CURATOR TATSUYA ATSUMI: Linderman was said to have had the largest collection of Kensei artifacts in the world. But the Linderman connection has really only added to the mystery. Recently, the sword was stolen from his private collection. Shortly after, Linderman was found murdered in his own office.

NARRATOR: Linderman’s killers were never found. Coincidence? Or are these events somehow connected? Linderman had refused the Japanese government’s request to return what were considered cultural treasures. Even when he loaned out his collection to museum tours, he never allowed the Kensei sword to travel safeguarding it always in his private collection. Could someone have stolen back the sword and killed Linderman to prevent retaliation? Or was Linderman’s death even more sinister?

PROFESSOR KAREN CHAMBERLIN: Many believed that the Kensei sword was cursed, that it was not meant to be found. It had disappeared for hundreds of years. And it has vanished again -- as it was meant to.

NARRATOR: The world may never get all the answers on Takezo Kensei. It appears that he -- his trials, his love, even his sword -- are destined to remain shrouded in mystery. But perhaps mystery is what grants any legend its enduring appeal.

Chapter 4: Kensei and the Dragon

2008-11-21T11:30:00.000-08:00

CHAPTER 4: KENSEI AND THE DRAGON

Part 1:
NARRATOR: Takezo Kensei. To save Japan, this legendary swordsman faced overwhelming odds and stood victorious. Fierce beasts, massive armies, even the primal elements could not stop him. But it was in his final story, Kensei and the Dragon, that Kensei would breathe his last.

NARRATOR: It was said that before Kensei began his trials, he met a beautiful Princess. The two fell madly in love. But the Pprincess, seeing the threat of White Beard made Kensei swear to do everything in his power to save Japan.

PROFESSOR KAREN CHAMBERLIN (University of Cambridge, Literature): Well, to prepare for battle, Kensei trained under the greatest swordsmen of his time until he had bested all of his instructors. But he knew even this would not be enough.

NARRATOR: Kensei sought out the Dragon of Kiso Mountain. The dragon was rumored to possess knowledge of ancient and powerful sword skills, but he would only teach those who truly needed him. And even then, a terrible price would always be extracted.

PROFESSOR KAREN CHAMBERLIN: The Dragon agrees to help Kensei, finding his cause worthy. But in exchange, the Dragon asked Kensei to give him that which he loved most in life. Hmm. It is the classic conflict of the hero in love.

NARRATOR: Kensei was torn. He loved the Princess deeply, but he swore to her that he would do whatever he must to save Japan. Reluctantly, Kensei agreed. So the Dragon bestowed on him the full force of his sword knowledge, making him the Sword Saint.

NARRATOR: Kensei used his new-found skills to track and defeat White Beard. With the people out of harm’s way, it was safe for our hero to live as a man. Kensei sought to marry his Princess. She agreed.

PROFESSOR KAREN CHAMBERLIN: Kensei’s wedding was said to be the most beautiful in Japanese history. Cherry blossoms showered the bride and bridegroom; gifts piled higher than Mt. Fuji. All of Japan celebrated.

NARRATOR: But the couple’s joy would prove to be all too brief. With a loud thunderclap, the Dragon of Kiso Mountain suddenly appeared above the wedding. He was huge and terrible. It was said to have blotted out the sun across all of Japan. The Dragon demanded Kensei fulfill his side of the bargain. He demanded Kensei’s love. He demanded the Princess.

NARRATOR: Kensei was faced with an unthinkable choice: to honor his bargain, he would have to sacrifice the only thing he cared about. But always clever and brave, Kensei surprised the Dragon. He plunged his sword into his own chest and cut out his heart. He held out his heart to the Dragon saying, "My love is in here. Take it."

Part 2.
PROFESSOR KAREN CHAMBERLIN (University of Cambridge, Literature): Kensei died in the arms of his Princess. But he fulfilled his promise to her when he died. It is one of the best illustrations of self-sacrifice common to the classic hero myths world-wide. In some versions of the story, Kensei is rewarded for his sacrifice. They say, the Dragon, so moved by his love and honor, put Kensei’s heart back into his body and with his fiery breath, brought the samurai back to life.

NARRATOR: No one knows exactly what happened to Kensei after this. His story as history ends here. But legend has offered him several ends.

PROFESSOR KAREN CHAMBERLIN: Some claim he went on to live a long life with his Princess, surrounded by more gold than the Emperor. Other accounts suggest that, uh, Kensei and his bride departed with the dragon, never to be seen again.

NARRATOR: Another less optimistic version reveals Kensei’s death as final with the Princess mourning her lost love for every day of her very long life.

NARRATOR: Many wondered just who was Kensei’s love, this Princess. Like Kensei himself, her characterizations in the tales are numerous and conflicting. The few go so far as to credit her as the creator of the Kensei tapestries, the earliest known record of Kensei and the potential source of the rich oral traditions surrounding him.

PROFESSOR KAREN CHAMBERLIN: (chuckles) No. Not many people would agree with me about that. But, of all the many versions of the trials, none pre-dates the Kensei scroll paintings. And that makes this signature of vital importance. Yaeko, daughter of the swordmaker. If she originated the tales, she may well have been his great love. Who else would know so intimately the details of his journey?. Who else would be such a loving bard? Who else … but his Princess?

PROFESSOR DONNA DORN (University of Chicago, Japanese Studies): Well, that’s wishful academic thinking. Granted concurrent records confirm the existence of a woman named Yaeko from the village of Otsu, the only daughter of a much-admired swordsmith. But ... it confirms nothing. In such a male-dominated society, it’s difficult to believe that she genuinely accomplished any of the amazing things attributed to the Princess or that a samurai like Kensei would ever allow a woman to accompany him on these dangerous quests. But, yes, she did exist.

NARRATOR: Yaeko’s place in the Kensei tale only fortified his status as a figure of myth and legend. But with little proof and scant historical records, belief in Kensei’s actual existence grew weaker. Many believed that Japan’s greatest hero was little more than a folk tale. But recently, evidence was uncovered which would finally settle the debate once and for all.

Chapter 3: The Trial of the Hidden Fortress

2008-11-21T11:29:00.001-08:00

CHAPTER 3: THE TRIAL OF THE HIDDEN FORTRESS

NARRATOR: The year is 1671. Takezo Kensei, Japan’s greatest samurai, has begun his search for the hidden forces of the warlord known as White Beard. Having defeated the ninety ronin, he faced his next legendary trial.

PROFESSOR KAREN CHAMBERLIN (University of Cambridge, Literature): Takezo Kensei, our hero, determined and undaunted, must find a piece of the missing map to locate the hidden fortress. And because White Beard is such a crafty one, it’s guarded by the Black Bear of Sakashita.

NARRATOR: Depending on the source, the bear changes in description from ten to thirty feet tall. In some versions, it breathes fire like a dragon. In others, the bear is a living shadow incapable of being cut with a sword. But in every version, Kensei emerges the victor -- defeating the bear and taking from him the missing map.

NARRATOR: Having defeated the Black Bear, Kensei finally had the location of White Beard’s hidden fortress, but his road to it offered one last danger, Kensei’s most romantic trial – overcoming the Snake Women’s charm.

PROFESSOR DONNA DORN (University of Chicago, Japanese Studies): Probably the only kind thing that can be said about White Beard is that he was an equal-opportunity warlord happy to hire female assassins. Now, the Snake Women were twin sisters said to be beautiful beyond measure. But they were also vicious and without conscience, known for killing their foes with serpent venom. So they became known as the Snake Women.

NARRATOR: Most versions of the trial describe them as half-human, half-snake – the product of a deviant tryst. They could change into giant serpents and make snakes do their evil bidding. Kensei’s blade might cut, but every piece would turn into a snake that slithered away. In the end, they escaped Kensei with their lives. Now, with the sweat of so many trials on his brow, Kensei – exhausted, battered – finally reached his ultimate goal: The Hidden Fortress, where all of White Beard’s forces had gathered.

CURATOR TATSUYA ATSUMI (Museum of Cultural History, Tokyo Japan): White Beard’s army seemed unstoppable. Their numbers are listed anywhere from seventy thousand to two hundred thousand. By any account, they were easily the largest army in Japan.

NARRATOR: The stakes were high. White Beard had already conquered half of Japan. Now, he was poised to take over the rest. Kensei knew that if he did not stop this unstoppable warlord, there would be no hope left. Japan would be lost. It was a battle unlike any other: A lone warrior against an army. As we’ve seen, this was no ordinary warrior. This was Takezo Kensei, the Sword Saint.

NARRATOR: Most versions of the tale describe the battle that lasted eleven days and nights. Kensei was said to have killed every last warrior, leaving alive only those wise enough to lay down their arms before him. At the end of the eleven days, the only men left standing were Kensei and White Beard, himself.

NARRATOR: With scant records of the battle itself, we can only imagine the thunder in the clash of these two legendary swords. In the end, only Takezo Kensei remained. By defeating White Beard, he had rescued an entire country from tyrannical rule. His place in both history and legend was secure.

NARRATOR: Facing the ninety ronin, slaying the Black Bear, defeating White Beard’s army -- it seemed that legend made Kensei a god among men. But even gods can be defeated and killed. Kensei was not invincible. His heart being his great weakness, he would eventually meet his end as seen in his most famous tale: Kensei and the Dragon.

Chapter 2: The Trial of the Fire Scroll

2008-11-21T11:27:00.000-08:00

CHAPTER 2: THE TRIAL OF THE FIRE SCROLL

NARRATOR: The year was 1671. White Beard, a ferocious warlord, had conquered half of Japan. A single warrior stood in his way: Takezo Kensei. Kensei had already done the unthinkable. By himself, he had defeated White Beard and his best men in the town Otsu. Kensei now had to find White Beard’s secret stronghold to end his threat once and for all. This quest would become known as the Trials of Kensei. His first task would be to find the Fire Scroll.

CURATOR TATSUYA ATSUMI (Museum of Cultural History, Tokyo Japan): The fire scroll is said to have contained many of White Beard’s strategies and secrets including clues to the location of his secret camp known as the Hidden Fortress.

NARRATOR: Some claimed that White Beard had bargained with oni or devils to keep the scroll safe within a circle of flame. While supernatural deals may not have actually occurred, what is known is that White Beard made a practice of torturing spies and traitors by burning them alive.

PROFESSOR DONNA DORN (University of Chicago, Japanese Studies): A thief attempting to steal his scroll was captured. As punishment, White Beard not only burned the thief alive, but his village and all of its inhabitants as well. The parchment was forever known afterwards as the Fire Scroll.

NARRATOR: To get to the scroll, Kensei had to face yet another trial, the Ninety Ronin. Once again, our hero alone would face overwhelming odds.

PROFESSOR DONNA DORN: His numbers were the source of his military power. Legend has it that White Beard was so fearful his encampment would be found, he picked ninety of his most cruel men and tasked them with the protection of the scroll.

PROFESSOR KAREN CHAMBERLIN (University of Cambridge, Literature): Some say they were cannibals who ate anyone they saw. And anyone who dared to steal the scroll, they ate alive.

NARRATOR: The stories tell that Kensei killed all ninety ronin. But could one man really defeat ninety blood-thirsty killers?

PROFESSOR DONNA DORN: It’s difficult to extract truth from fiction. The number of the scroll’s guardians changes. Sometimes it’s ninety ronin. Other times, it’s nine hundred. Another version claims it was not ninety ronin, but ninety devils.

NARRATOR: What we do know is that the Fire Scroll existed and that Kensei faced an army to get it. The Fire Scroll led Kensei to his next two trials: climbing the frozen waterfall, and then finding the single crimson peony. While these quests were seen as feats challenging his ingenuity, Kensei’s future tasks would prove far more deadly.

Chapter 1: The Battle of Twelve Swords

2008-11-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

CHAPTER 1: THE BATTLE OF TWELVE SWORDS

NARRATOR: Samurai. Masters of the sword and bow. Men of history and legend. These fierce warriors were as much feared for their skills in battle as respected for their adherence to ethics and honor. Their feats of daring were known across the world. The samurai became larger than life legends -- battling monsters, spirits and demons. But among these heroes, one samurai captured the hearts and minds of children and adults above all others because according to legend, he single-handedly saved all of Japan. He is the Sword Saint, Takezo Kensei.

NARRATOR: The year was 1671 during Japan’s Edo or Tokugawa Period.

PROFESSOR DONNA DORN (University of Chicago, Japanese Studies): The Edo period launched one of Japan’s most prosperous periods. Up until now, war ... fighting had all ended and it was a time of development and enlightenment.

NARRATOR: Japan became isolationist, closing off its borders to all foreigners except China, Korea and the East India Trade Company. Only a bare minimum of imports and exports were allowed. The country’s stance was so rigid that unauthorized visitors were to be executed rather than deported. Japan had effectively shut out the rest of the world. But they never suspected that the true threat would come not from outside their borders, but from within.

NARRATOR: The warlord known only as White Beard took advantage of the peace and quickly swept across much of Japan. His forces were said to have numbered as many as seventy thousand strong.

PROF. DONNA DORN: White Beard crushed any resistance he met, cities destroyed. Entire villages were put to death. It was said that even the mention of his name would cause villages to desert. The country had gone from its most peaceful period to its most bloody.

NARRATOR: White Beard set his sights on Otsu, a tiny farm, seemingly insignificant. But White Beard knew if he captured Otsu so close to Kyoto, he could use it as his staging ground. From it, he could attack any city in Japan. He would be unstoppable.

NARRATOR: Otsu did indeed become a pivotal battle for White Beard, but not how he suspected.

PROF. DONNA DORN: Expecting easy victory, White Beard’s troops marched straight into Otsu. He was so confident about over-running this peaceful little town, that White Beard lead the march personally, bringing only a small company of men.

NARRATOR: This would prove to be his fatal mistake. For it was there that White Beard first encountered Takezo Kensei in what became known as the Battle of Twelve Swords. Kensei defeated White Beard and all of his men single-handedly. It was a decisive battle for both men. It marked the birth of a hero and a turning point of the warmonger. Kensei saved the people of Otsu. White Beard, barely escaping with his life, had tasted his first defeat.

CURATOR TATSUYA ATSUMI (Museum of Cultural History, Tokyo, Japan): Kensei knew that if Japan were to survive, he would have to stop White Beard. White Beard proved his [...]. Despite his large forces, he kept the location of his camp a closely guarded secret. No one can fight what they can’t find. This place became known as the "Hidden Fortress."

NARRATOR: To find this Hidden Fortress, Kensei followed a deadly path strewn with peril. This circuitous journey fought with adventure and mischief would become known as 'The Trials of Takezo Kensei.'