Ep 39 – The Truth Revealed

SCENE STARTS: (Everyone’s chasing after the monkey who runs behind a waterfall.)

JUNI: (panting) Hey! Stop!

MIZARU: Go away! Leave me alone!

JUNI: But you asked me to find you! (pauses to catch his breath) Why are they acting like this?

DAICHI: Maybe something’s changed, but that’s definitely one of the monkeys, so we should follow them. Regardless, their reaction proves they know something.

MIRAI: Guilty people always run… But I guess that means we have to run too then…

JUNI: Right, come on then, let’s settle this once and for all.

SFX: (They start running again.)

DAICHI: Mirai, come on, we’re going to lose them!

MIRAI: Ughhh… but I have no shoelaces…

SFX: (“Proserpina Bop” plays as Mirai contemplates life.)

FADE OUT. 

NEXT SCENE: (The three hurry along. They end up somewhere secluded behind a waterfall.)

MIRAI: I think I’ve run more in this park than I have in my entire life…

MIZARU: Why are you all here? You shouldn’t remember anything!

JUNI: You called out to me in Nikko!

MIZARU: That wasn’t me! That was… uh (shifty eyes) look, it doesn’t matter who, just leave!

DAICHI: C-could it have been one of the other Three Wise Monkeys?

MIZARU: Why are you helping them? You’re a creature!

DAICHI: There’s nothing wrong with helping humans… We have for centuries. 

MIZARU: But times have changed now. It’s dangerous for them to know about us. 

MIRAI: Well it’s too late now anyways! 

JUNI: That’s right, we’re here. Now you need to tell us what’s going on.

MIZARU: Nothing’s going on! Everything’s totally fine. I don’t see any issues.

DAICHI: We were just chased by a Gashadokuro… Clearly everything is not fine.

MIZARU: (lying through their teeth) Oh well, how curious… Well, I didn’t see anything.

MIRAI: What? Just because you didn’t see anything, doesn’t mean it didn’t actually happen. 

MIZARU: Um… to me it does. I literally embody the phrase “turning a blind eye.”

JUNI: I thought the Three Wise Monkeys were good creatures.

DAICHI: They unfortunately have many different meanings to their name. 

MIRAI: So what, they’re just going to straight up lie to us the entire time? How are we going to get info?

MIZARU: Hey! I am a good creature! My family did what we had to do, to stop what you were doing.

SFX: (A new set of footsteps arrive.)

KIKAZARU: What’s going on here? 

IWAZARU: Mizaru, who are these humans?

MIRAI: More monkeys!?

DAICHI: It seems the whole gang’s here now.

JUNI: Good, maybe someone else can give us answers.

IWAZARU: (gasp) You! How did you find us?

MIRAI: They’re just repeating the same things…

JUNI: (fed up) Look, yes, I’m here. I saw you at the shrine. You said you wanted to talk to me. So I’m here. Why are you so surprised?!

IWAZARU: (shocked) That… was a mistake. Plus, we didn’t actually think you would somehow find the park…

KIKAZARU: (scoffs) It just proves that human tenacity can’t be underestimated. Even despite the fact we erased his memory, he’s still here! How is that possible!? 

MUSIC: (“Park in Twilight” piano theme plays.)

MIRAI: Wait, what? Why would you do that?

JUNI: You were the ones that did this?

MIZARU: (shushing sounds) Kika! Don’t tell him anything!

SFX: (The three monkeys convene and start whispering/arguing with each other.)

MIZARU: Look, look! Somehow you’ve remembered some things, and that’s not good. So we need to go back and fix this. Just… go home and never return to parks like these again. That’s why you lost your memory in the first place.

JUNI: We came here for answers. I didn’t come all this way for nothing! I need to know why this happened to me. 

IWAZARU: Promise you’ll go home if we tell you. 

MIZARU: Iwa! What if he remembers more? 

IWAZARU: And? It’s not like he can do anything if he remembers; probably a blessing that we made him forget!

JUNI: Just tell me!

KIKAZARU: You messed up, okay! (MIZARU: Kika!) You created a new creature! A new creature that caused so many problems, a god was called upon to fix it. Do you see the issue now?

JUNI: I guess… I could see why that would suck, sure.

IWAZARU: It was decided that we, the Three Wise Monkeys, would determine your punishment. We had to stop you and your friends from ever making a second attempt. Our world would be in danger if humans start creating creatures again.

MIRAI: Great! But I think it’s pretty clear that everyone learned their lesson. So shouldn’t it be okay now to give back his memories?

KIKAZARU: That’s not how punishments work!

MIRAI: That is exactly how they work! You learn from your mistakes, and you get to try again!

MIZARU: Uh, okay… but that’s not exactly how curses work…

JUNI: Curses!?

DAICHI: You cursed them? They… they’re just human kids!

IWAZARU: Then what were we supposed to do? Whether you like it or not, humans who can create new creatures will break the status quo, so we have to take precautions. We made it so they “see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.”

JUNI: Evil? Evil?! Even if I don’t remember what I did, I’m sure I didn’t do anything that malicious.

MIRAI: You probably didn’t! And this punishment isn’t fair regardless. Slend… (ahem) (hesitates and then whispers) Slenderman already exists. New creatures will never stop being made as long as creativity exists. You’ll have to end up cursing all of us if you’re that scared of change!

KIKAZARU: How dare you! How dare you! We did this to protect humans too! If a new creature was created organically with people all over the world believing in it, then we would welcome them gladly. However, when a creature was created intentionally, with the selfish reason to hurt others, we have to put our foot down. And that is exactly what we did.

JUNI: So… You’re saying I did do something bad then…

MIZARU: (sighs) You are young. And you will be fine. Go home like we said and forget everything. Ignorance can be bliss. 

MIRAI: Is that another one of your dumb phrases?

MIZARU: Hey! We stand by what we did. It’s time you do the same. Accept your punishment and go. 

DAICHI: I think we got all the answers we can get here guys. 

MIRAI: Fine, come on Jun-nii. I don’t think I could stand another second here anyways. 

JUNI: Sure… let’s go. 

FADE OUT.

NEXT SCENE: (They’re by the hot springs again. Everyone is quiet.)

MIRAI: So… that was all stupid right?

DAICHI: Things definitely aren’t adding up… 

JUNI: I don’t know… They basically confirmed all the thoughts I’ve been having.

MIRAI: Jun-nii! They told us at the very beginning that they look away in certain situations! We can’t trust anything they say. 

JUNI: But they’re also the only ones who know what’s going on. Shouldn’t we listen to them? They’re literally wise monkeys.

DAICHI: Uhh, hm. Perhaps now we should take a listen to the audio. We didn’t get the answers that we were looking for, but if we want the complete story, this is it. 

JUNI: I-I don’t know, what if what the monkeys said was true a-and I should just forget everything?

MIRAI: Do you really want to live in ignorance? 

JUNI: Well, it’s probably better than what I’m feeling. 

MIRAI: That may be true right now, but you came here because you knew you needed to do something. You came here because you know something’s not right. And if you give up now, all this would be pointless!

DAICHI: We can’t tell you what to do, but I do think you should at least finish everything we said we would accomplish here. Then maybe you’ll go home feeling satisfied.

JUNI: I don’t know… Let me think about it–

SFX: (A monkey bumps into the three of them. They are clearly very frazzled. “False Alarm” plays.)

JUNI: Wha– What?!

SEZARU: You! Yes, you! I’ve been looking for you!!

MIRAI: Another monkey? Or are you one of the ones we just met? 

SEZARU: There’s no time to explain. Soon, the others will notice that I have escaped. Quickly, we need to find somewhere safe. 

JUNI: Escape? Were you kidnapped? Who are you?

SEZARU: I was the one looking for you, boy! 

JUNI: You were?

DAICHI: It’s getting pretty late now. How about we go to the shrine? That’d be the perfect place to talk. I think I finally understand what’s going on now.

FADE OUT. 

NEXT SCENE: (The team makes it back to the temple from ep 35, and are resting from the long day.)

DAICHI: So, you’re Sezaru, right? I was wondering why we didn’t recognize you. You barely ever come out.

JUNI: Sezaru? There’s another monkey?

DAICHI: Sezaru: Do no evil. The fourth, and final Wise Monkey.

SEZARU: No one ever remembers the fourth… Even though I’m the most OBVIOUS proverb. You wouldn’t have to see, hear, or speak evil if you just didn’t do it!

DAICHI: Now, now. You know humans like to overcomplicate things. 

MIRAI: I mean, isn’t it kinda obvious not to do evil? Why is there a need for this?

SEZARU: Oh? And the Ten Commandments aren’t as obvious? There is always a reason as to why a rule is created.

JUNI: Kinda like when you see a random sign and you wonder what happened for them to actually put a sign up.

MIRAI: Okay, so Japan made these three to four rules and made them into monkeys? Why did the other monkeys act so differently?

SEZARU: There are many ways to interpret what we mean. But the original phrase was pretty to the point.

DAICHI: It’s argued that the phrase was inspired by two possible Chinese quotes. Both insinuating not to do anything malicious. 

SEZARU: But really, it was the Koshin and Shinto religion that popularized the belief in Japan. Both religions consider the monkey to be an important animal. 

SFX: (Festival sounds. Then the festival stops as a gavel knocks in a jury room.)

The Koshin religion, which was heavily influenced by Chinese Taosim and Ancient Shintoism, even has a festival at the Sarutahiko Shrine, where people can pray for good travel. Every sixty days, it is believed that people are evaluated by the San Shi, or the Three Corpses, who would then report their findings to the Heavens. Depending on the outcome, people could be punished harshly for their misdeeds. So you can see how similar their beliefs are. 

JUNI: Where does the monkey come from then? 

SEZARU: Oh come on, isn’t it obvious?

MIRAI: What is? 

SEZARU: Sarutahiko. It’s in his name… How bad is your Japanese?

JUNI: Ohh. Saru. Like a monkey. He was a monkey kami. I get it!

MIRAI: Wait, so if we follow the same logic… Then the reason why it’s the Three Wise Monkeys is because “Zaru” sounds like “Saru”?!

DAICHI: Japanese word play has been around forever. That and who can resist using cute animals to foster good morals?

JUNI: Oh that makes sense.

MIRAI: That’s so dumb.

SEZARU: And yet the amount of tourism we bring alone proves it isn’t.

MIRAI: You’re not even on the mural!

SEZARU: Ugh, (muttering) Do no evil…

JUNI: Okay, so now that we’ve figured out how many monkeys there are, why did you call out to me—

MIRAI: Yeah! Why did the other monkeys kidnap you?

SEZARU: Because I don’t believe you’ve done anything wrong. 

JUNI: You… You don’t?

SEZARU: I mean, I think there were some problems. But the main issue at hand was overblown.

MIRAI: The issue about creating a new creature right?

SEZARU: Right. Humans have been creating new creatures since the dawn of time. Whether it’s kids and their imaginary friends, or adults and their… What do you call it, movies? There will always be something new. 

SFX: (Children laughing and the sound of film playing.)

JUNI: Then why did I get punished?

SEZARU: Because you cheated. There was no creativity involved. There was no inherent need, when you knew a park like this already existed, when you knew creatures are real. What you created was a specific tool to fit your needs. And that tool grew to have a mind of its own and hurt others. That’s where you went a little wrong.

DAICHI: Okay, but that… but that sounds… like maybe this is fixable?

SEZARU: Maybe. But not until you break this curse first. That’s why I needed you here. I was able to weaken it a bit, but it’s tough when you’re all so far away, and the others wouldn’t let me.

JUNI: That’s why I’ve started to remember some things?

SEZARU: It’s more than just that. Without me, you wouldn’t have even been able to speak to anyone here. 

MIRAI: Right! You were hit with “speak no evil” Jun-nii! Sam can’t hear creatures, and Jessica can’t see them.

DAICHI: Then do we need to drag these two to Japan as well? 

SEZARU: There’s no time for that. There’s only about a week left. 

MIRAI: What?! No, there should still be a month to go!

SEZARU: I think you must have gotten your timing wrong. Proserpina Park is set to close very soon. 

MIRAI: But… Then what do we do?! 

DAICHI: Can you get back to America in just a week?

MIRAI: Uh, yes, but getting out of this area, going back to Tokyo, and then getting to the airport… that might take a day plus another day and a half for the flight, giving Jun-nii only four days to do anything!

JUNI: Plus… what about this curse? I’m not even fully cured. 

SEZARU: You’re going to have to go back regardless. The park needs you.

MIRAI: The audio Junpei gave me! It might offer some information.

JUNI: I don’t know…

DAICHI: You’re a natural with creatures. You can do it. Trust me, I’m a creature. 

JUNI: But what can I even do?

SEZARU: I mean, be yourself. Your friends need you. Is there any other reason not to go? 

JUNI: Right. I should leave now. Maybe if I get to Tokyo in time, I can get on a flight tonight.

MIRAI: Wait! I have an idea. Let me put this mask back on.

SFX: (Mirai runs outside and starts calling for Ratatoskr. Everyone follows after her, wondering what she’s doing.)

SEZARU: What is she doing? Is she usually like this?

DAICHI: Oh! Oh! I get it. The bet! Yes, Mirai, that’s perfect!

MIRAI: Ratatoskr!!!! Come here now!!!

SFX: (After a moment of silence, all of a sudden some thumping from the distance.) 

JUNI: Remind me, what is a Ra-ta-toskr again?

DAICHI: Your ride home!

SFX: (The thumping comes to a stop, and the giant squirrel, Ratatoskr returns.)

RATATOSKR: All right, all right, what is it? If you were going to call me back immediately the next day, what was the point of delaying your request?

MIRAI: You’re here!! And still as cute as ever. And I didn’t know what my request was, so I am sorry I’m taking up your time, but I know now!

JUNI: Mirai… Mirai, you’re telling me… that I get to ride this majestic creature all the way home?! This is fantastic, look at his massive size! Wow, just what do you do sir?

RATATOSKR: Finally someone appreciates my size!

MIRAI: My brother needs to go back to America. I mean, Vinland! New Jersey to be exact.

DAICHI: Mirai? You won’t be going too? Isn’t it your home as well?

JUNI: Yes! Come with me! I can already see the face Junpei makes when we arrive home on a giant squirrel.

MIRAI: I want to, his reaction would actually be hilarious, but… The kitsune stayed behind to help lead the Gashadokuro away and I want to make sure she’s okay. Plus, I did promise to find her again…

DAICHI: Uhh, something tells me this will be another whole crazy adventure…

MIRAI: But before you go, Jun-nii. Here (hands him her phone) you’ll be needing this.

JUNI: You just handed me your phone. A device that you never go without.

MIRAI: Well I can’t do anything about it! All the audio is saved onto there. But gimme your phone in return! I have no idea how to get back to Tokyo, I will need the internet. 

JUNI: All right, all right here. I think I have some data left on there.

MIRAI: Now get out of here! You can do it Jun-nii. I promise you, what you’ve been looking for all this time is there.

JUNI: Thanks. I guess I’ll see you back home maybe? And you, Daichi, don’t be a stranger!

DAICHI: Hey, if you fix everything with your park, I’d love to visit!

RATATOSKR: All right, all right, are we ready to go? Cuz I’ve still got an eagle to talk smack with later.

JUNI: Yeah, I’m ready— whoaaAAAA!!!

SFX: (Juni accidentally immediately presses play and a part of season 5 starts playing.)

FADE OUT

CREDITS: 

Residents of Proserpina is a production written and produced by Angela Yeh. Directed by Angela Yeh. Featuring in order the voices of Vida Shi, Zerreth, Pao Panganiban, Spencer Hiroshi Field, Christine, Sam McDonald, Angela Yeh, Maddie Shallan, Skyler Giordano, Ben Pollizi, Ashley Dawson, Sara Roncero-Menendez, and Madi.

Dialogue edited by Angela Yeh. Sound design by Rebecca Liu. Mixed and Mastered by Angela Yeh. Script edited by Sara Roncero-Menendez. Original music by Hoa Pham. Season 4 cover art by Molly James. Series logo by Macy Tang. For more information about the show, please go to our website residentsofproserpinapark.com 

AFTER CREDIT SCENE: (The OG team is underground somewhere. They’re tired, and have been walking for a while now. Cerberus holds the two hurt fae.)

JUN: How much further do we need to go?

TERRY: We’re going into a world full of magic, there’s no way to tell how long it takes to get there until we get there.

DREW: That seems like poor planning… 

TERRY: Well if someone over here didn’t have a messed up, unnecessarily strong linebacker, we wouldn’t need to be in this situation.

JESSICA: I’m right here you know.

ALINA: Guys, we all agreed to help get these fairies home. Let’s not start arguing until after that, okay?

DREW: Yeah, I feel like that’s going to be tougher than getting out of here…

SAM: Come on guys, we have to try.

END