ACT II – SCENE 12

[A while later in the infirmary, The Girl is lying on a bed peacefully. Her arm is bandaged. She is accompanied by two nurses and Jack. Norio and Masako stand watch near the entrance. Jack approaches The Girl gingerly.]

Jack: My love?

[The Girl opens her eyes slowly and smiles.]

The Girl: My love.

Jack: How are you?

The Girl: I am well. Even better. And you?

Jack: Better now that you are awake.

[A Nurse interjects.]

Nurse1: The arrow hit a vein, but The Prince's bandage did just enough to save you from losing too much blood.

Nurse2: We have provided you a new bandage. You should rest for a few days to regain your strength.

The Girl: Thank you. Thank you all. Jack, can we talk alone?

Jack: Of course.

[The Nurses, Masako and Norio all leave promptly.]

The Girl: Jack, I do not think I can be your Army's commander anymore.

Jack: What?

The Girl: I almost died today. I am not strong. I am not as much of a warrior as you….or Ashi.

Jack: But my love, you have learned so well. You cannot let-

The Girl: I cannot! I cannot take it! The nightmares I've had, I….I just….

[The Girl starts sobbing softly in Jack's consoling shoulder.]

Jack: There, my love. I understand. When I had to first take a life, I was not sure how to handle it either. I went into a deep recluse. I had to reach deep within.

[Jack raises The Girl's head up to talk to her directly, even though she is still teared-up.]

Jack: It's never easy. Coping with our actions is the hardest thing for any warrior to grasp, but we must find a way, whether we want to or not. I hope you do, my love.

The Girl: I hope so, too.

[A moment later, Jack walks out of the infirmary. The soldiers bow. They rise as Jack speaks.]

Jack: Rise. Norio, the Commander has relinquished her command of the women to you.

[Norio, stunned and then realizing the weight of what she has heard, breathes deeply, and nods.]

Norio: I understand, My Prince. Thank you.

[Norio and Masako depart as Jack stays at the infirmary. The scene fades to Act II – Scene 13.]