Tenchi 'Till the Cows Come Home Trilogy

Author : Mike Fenton Title: STOWED AWAY Notes: Regular (OVA), script format Summary: The girls have serious trouble when Tenchi's away. [Disclaimer: Tenchi Muyo! and its characters are the property of AIC and Pioneer LDC, Inc. and was created by Masaki Kajishima. This story comes entirely from my imagination, and is strictly intended to be apocryphal--so please don't sue me.] 1 EPIGRAM: 'Sweet boy,' she says, 'this night I'll waste in sorrow, For my sick heart commands mine eyes to watch. Tell me, Love's master, shall we meet to-morrow? Say, shall we? shall we? wilt thou make the match?' He tells her, no; to-morrow he intends To hunt the boar with certain of his friends. -- William Shakespeare, _Venus and Adonis_ 2 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE The house embraces the side of a hill, basking in snowy sunlight. Pan around past snow-covered trees to the lake. 3 EXT. LAKE EDGE A large boulder sits at the edge of the lake. On it, sits Ryoko. She is dressed heavily--gloves, furry hat and scarf included. CU. RYOKO Ryoko is sitting crossed-legged, apparently meditating. She is staring, unfocused. The scarf flutters in the breeze. She shivers in a slight chill. She then closes her eyes in thought. LAKE EDGE Trees sway in the slight breeze. A shaft of sunlight breaks through the clouds briefly and then vanishes. The lake makes a soft but distinct splash. A moment of complete silence hovers in the air. CU. RYOKO Looking up in sudden surprise. 4 EXT. JUST ABOVE LAKE Little wisps of steam rise from the lake, as a figure slowly rises from the water. 5 EXT. LAKE EDGE The figure appears in a flicker of light, just next to Ryoko. CU. RYOKO A look of suspicious curiosity turns to stunned recognition. RYOKO: (softly) Washu? CU. WASHU Soaked and shivering, looking very annoyed. WASHU: (teeth chattering) Damn! Cold! (stern) Okay, Ryoko. What did you do with the house? CU. RYOKO Tears are welling in her eyes. RYOKO: (disbelief) Is that really you? CU. WASHU Casually, she pulls a towel from a hole in the air. She starts to apply the towel to her face and hair. WASHU: Oh, it's up on the hill. (wistful) I wonder how it got up there, all of sudden. LAKE EDGE Ryoko, now weeping shamelessly, embraces Washu--who looks very confused. RYOKO: Oh my god, Mom. I was starting to think I'd never see you again! Why were you gone for so long? WASHU: (nervous) Uh... Ryoko, is there something you want to tell me? CU. WASHU Nervously consoling Ryoko, as she looks around curiously. WASHU: Wait a minute. How long have I been gone? I left in the spring. Why is it winter, now? Have I been gone nearly a year? CU. RYOKO She pulls away from Washu in shock. RYOKO: How long? You don't know? CU. WASHU Very disconcerted, now. WASHU: Of course I know. I was only gone two weeks. I just went on a little vacation, you know. (sullen) Oh, no... How long was I gone? 6 EXT. FLOATING CITY A huge city hangs suspended in mid-air over a barren wasteland. Coaches pulled by winged horses flick here and there. The air is lit by a soft reddish glow from a large planet hanging in the sky directly above. On the horizon, a bright, sun-like star appears and pours light down over the landscape. Tall, graceful towers appear among forests within the city. 7 EXT. FOREST A young woman--Tsunami--is riding on a winged horse. The horse is just trotting along a path. CU. TSUNAMI She scans along the path into the forest, curiously. TSUNAMI: (to herself) Wolf snare-- FOREST Tsunami dismounts casually and goes over to an elaborate rope trap, hanging just inside the forest. She examines it carefully and scowls. TSUNAMI: (softly) Hunters-- How are there any hunters, these days? They were forbidden, long ago. CU. TSUNAMI She holds out her right hand, palm up--closing her eyes. A moment later, a shining dagger appears and lands squarely in her palm. FOREST Tsunami cuts the rope and carefully coils it up with a curious chant, moving her lips without speaking aloud. She takes the coiled rope and attaches it to the saddle of her horse. The horse looks around and snorts. Tsunami sighs and pats the horse's mane. She considers the dagger and lets it drop. The dagger falls nearly to the ground, vanishing just before it can land. CU. TSUNAMI Looking into the distance, sadly. TSUNAMI: Lady would never forgive me if I let one of her pack stray into a clumsy trap. Who is guarding these woods? I really must find that station and report this. FOREST She mounts the horse again, looking around at the forest. The horse seems about to leave, but Tsunami urges it to stay. She considers the site, as another horse flies over. Tsunami dismounts again, as the other horse lands, nearby. A young woman--Araya--looks over at Tsunami. (Araya is diminutive and tan--with soft, almost delicate features. She appears vaguely wholesome but dejected. She frequently has a slightly sour disposition.) CU. ARAYA ARAYA: (calling out) Another copy of the Fate Stone? CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: (looking around) It's nothing. FOREST Araya dismounts and moves toward Tsunami, as Tsunami looks at the site of the wolf snare. Tsunami kicks some leaves and shakes a couple of branches. ARAYA: (wryly considering) Yeah, the Stone would have been flung in annoyance to be found in a place like this. What was I thinking? TSUNAMI: (gently) Knowing you, Araya, you were thinking I could live in a place like this. Araya stands just next to her, as Tsunami continues looking around. CU. ARAYA ARAYA: What is it? CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: (casual) I said it was nothing. Hmm... It looks too much like a good snare position. A wolf would never fall into this. FOREST Araya punches Tsunami in the shoulder, playfully. ARAYA: Hunters, huh? Maybe they were after bigger game... Tsunami laughs as she considers, looking over at another tree. She reaches out for a branch and drops, apparently, right through the ground. CU. ARAYA ARAYA: (stunned) Tsunami! 8 EXT. PIT TRAP Low, wide-angle shot from within the trap. Tsunami has fallen, face-down onto a row of spikes. She tries to reach up, but falters and collapses. 9 EXT. FOREST Araya, still stunned, looks into the trap. She gasps and trembles in fear. She then turns and runs for her horse. CU. ARAYA ARAYA: (frantic) Tsunami! Oh, no! This can't be happening! FOREST Araya gets on the horse and flies off. 10 EXT. PIT TRAP Tsunami struggles for breath. 11 INT. CRAMPED ROOM Sasami awakens to discover herself in a small room, filled with compartments. (Sasami appears to be about fifteen--a studious picture of a pre-Tsunami.) She tries to stand, and bumps her head. CU. SASAMI She looks around, very confused, as she rubs her head. SASAMI: (softly) Where am I? 12 TITLE: "STOWED AWAY" 13 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE A nice, sunny frame. Mid-morning. 14 INT. MAIN HALL Washu is sitting at the table with Ryoko and Ayeka. A dish of food is sitting in front of her, as she leans over to the side, typing at her console. She looks up at the display, making some observations. AYEKA: (softly) It's such a pleasure to see you again, Washu. You don't know how many times we had wished you were here. That ancient fortress caused us so much trouble. WASHU: Ancient fortress? Oh yeah, I'll want pick up my studies again. I wonder how much has changed over the past seven years... RYOKO: Well, you'll have to go to Jurai, if you want to study it. CU. WASHU WASHU: (looking up from her console) Jurai? How did it get there? MAIN HALL (table) RYOKO: It was just missing. Then, a couple years later, someone found it--sitting right under the royal palace. AYEKA: Yes, it caused quite a stir. I'm not sure any of our scientists can explain it, either. CU. WASHU She ponders for a moment. WASHU: Hmm... Well, it would explain why I found nothing but rock there. I had thought it was strange... CU. RYOKO RYOKO: So, have you noticed anything different? CU. WASHU Looks at her console again. WASHU: Aside from the obvious, no. Everything appears completely normal. This is very encouraging. Just a few more modifications, and I think I can call your design a suitable success. CU. RYOKO She looks vaguely amused. RYOKO: Modifications? MAIN HALL (table) WASHU: Just a few efficiency improvements in the energy flow in your wrist capacitors. You'd be surprised what the right kind of filters can do. After going over the data I had from Tenchi's encounter with that guardian the past two weeks, I've discovered a few more quantum conservation variations. AYEKA: I thought Ryoko had sabotaged that work. Ryoko frowns for a moment at Ayeka. WASHU: Yes, but I did manage to save the record I made from the dimensional vortex. Oh, that reminds me. I never gave you your dagger back. Washu takes a wicked-looking dagger and slides it across the table. Ayeka looks at it, doubtfully, then her eyes widen. AYEKA: I never told you this was missing! WASHU: Yes? RYOKO: Whoa! This is the dagger Tenchi took from the vortex-- CU. WASHU Looks at Ryoko, wryly amused. WASHU: Don't be so naive, Ryoko. Tenchi isn't that powerful. Where is Tenchi, anyway? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Another escort and survey out to Libra. He has an envoy cruiser for these little jobs. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Tenchi borrowed it from a local diplomat. They keep making assays, but they can't find him. I don't think they're going to find him. He's probably stuck in Tokyo. MAIN HALL (table) WASHU: You mean the diplomat? AYEKA: From Beta. RYOKO: A notorious scoundrel. WASHU: Ah, yes. He seems to fit with your explanation. Washu looks down at the console and then looks back across the table. WASHU: So, is Tenchi... spoken for? Ayeka frowns as Ryoko glowers at Washu. CU. WASHU Smiling gleefully. WASHU: Oh, this is too good. I can't believe my luck! Tenchi is just going to be too easy for me. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (scowling) What do you mean by that? CU. WASHU WASHU: (smug) Well, let's see if I have this right... Tenchi has been growing more and more mature, making himself the handsome and fit young man I always imagined he would be. All the while, he has been pestered and annoyed by all the shenanigans you two could inflict on him. He has grown bored with you, and he probably dreams about me. He'll absolutely throw himself at me! This is too good to be true! CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Lord Tenchi is not bored with me, Little Washu. I am more radiantly beautiful, every day. MAIN HALL (table) Washu has a good chuckle, as Ryoko folds her arms. Ayeka turns her nose up at them. Washu leans over to have a bite to eat. CU. WASHU She frowns in disgust. WASHU: Oh, whoa! What is this? This food is disgusting! Who made this? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: I did. What's the matter with it? CU. WASHU Rolling her eyes. WASHU: Ryoko, you know you can't cook. You have to be able to taste food to make it right. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: I can smell it, Washu. I'm not that bad a cook. Anyway, someone has to cook around here. MAIN HALL (table) Ayeka pouts as Ryoko scowls. Washu has a considerately annoyed look. WASHU: What happened to Sasami? You didn't drive her away, did you? AYEKA: Sasami is not here. She will return when she sees fit. RYOKO: It's nothing, Washu. Sasami just has a habit of going off on her own for a few days, sometimes. WASHU: (a little alarmed) And you let her go? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: I refuse to be a nursemaid! Sasami is old enough to look after herself. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Who cares? I don't really like that kid, anyway. CU. WASHU WASHU: (nearly choking) Hey! What's the matter with you? MAIN HALL (table) Ayeka looks thoughtful as Ryoko has a sudden look of confusion. RYOKO: What? WASHU: Wait a minute. What stage is she at? She can't be prepubescent, yet. Juraians don't grow up like this, even without the Juraian water-cycles. AYEKA: It has been known to happen, Washu. Not all of us are of the one complete species, you know. WASHU: (grimly musing) That was just my point. Huh... She's not pre-adult, is she? RYOKO: Yeah... What's your point? CU. WASHU Looks like she's about to have a hair-raising conniption fit. WASHU: (groaning) I knew it was too good to be true. 15 EXT. SPACE A small cruiser flies past the camera. 16 INT. SMALL CABIN Tenchi is sitting in a small recliner, holding a sketchpad. He looks over at a bunk, where he has arranged a bit of model terrain and some tiny soldiers. The little scene is complete with cavalry, cannon, some elephants and what appears to be a trebuchet on one side, poised to strike a castle wall at the other side. He looks up thoughtfully, frowns and continues in his sketchpad. (Tenchi looks about twenty-five and more defined--he still has short hair, but the pony tail is a little thicker.) SFX: A low hum starts to throb, then slowly starts to die, like an old car engine going dead. CU. TENCHI He looks up, a little annoyed, then continues to work. TENCHI: (sigh) Damn power converters. I should just replace them. CABIN Tenchi holds his hand out, finger and thumb in an L, trying to frame a picture of something on the bunk. The door slides open, and Sasami enters. Tenchi looks blankly, still holding out his finger and thumb. TENCHI: Sasami? What are you doing here? CU. SASAMI Sasami looks totally baffled. SASAMI: I really have no idea, Tenchi. I just woke up. CU. TENCHI He frowns, then slowly looks back around at the scene. He sighs and then continues his work. TENCHI: Well, that would explain why we've lost power. 17 EXT. MILITARY BASE A few groundcars go through a gate in a fenced section at the front, waved in by a guard who is standing by. A large airship sits on a giant pedestal between the lanes of traffic, just within the base. On either side of the roadway are large buildings with underground lots--seemingly normal. Beyond the buildings in front are a grounds, several rows of barracks, several small apartment buildings and one large airport. The airport is quiet, as usual. 18 EXT. NEAR APARTMENTS Three uniformed figures march by in-step, as Mihoshi marches toward the first apartment building, carrying a small bag. (Mihoshi is dressed in a severe dark-gray suit-and-tie affair that looks like an explosion of pockets. She wears an ordinary baseball-style cap and has her hair tied back.) 19 INT. HALLWAY There are three doors on each side of the hallway. Mihoshi stands at the first one, twisting a curious knob--attached to the wall just beside the door. The door keeps making curious beeps, but refuses to open. MIHOSHI: (annoyed) Oh, come on! Mihoshi stops and takes out a blaster, aiming it at the door. CU. MIHOSHI She frowns, considerately. MIHOSHI: Hmm... Better not. HALLWAY She puts away the blaster and goes back to the curious knob, twisting and turning it. She scowls in aggravation. 20 INT. MAIN ROOM The apartment is a simple three-room--a main room, a small bedroom and a bathroom. The door opens into the main room. The main room is littered with junk--a small TV with a recliner. A table is at the other end, clustered with uneaten junk food. A small desk sits in between, up against a wall. The desk has several books, all stacked together with a pile of forms and folders. Several of the folders are open--the papers smeared across the fronts. Mihoshi enters, taking the bag with her to the recliner. The TV flicks on and she opens the bag--filled with some kind of junk food. CU. MIHOSHI She stares vacantly, just getting enthralled in the moment. A beeping floats through the air, and she looks up in mild annoyance. MAIN ROOM Mihoshi narrowly avoids an elbow injury on her way to the desk, as junk goes flying. She reaches for a device on the desk, buried under folders. The folders go flying, as a display opens up out of the air. Tenchi appears on the display with the small cabin in the background. CU. MIHOSHI Looking around at the papers and junk on the floor, a little flabbergasted. MIHOSHI: Just a second! Whoa! What is this doing here? She picks up a little furry toy--a curious creature holding a drum. CU. TENCHI (display) TENCHI: Hey, Mihoshi! It's me! CU. MIHOSHI She looks a little stunned, as she looks from the toy to the display. MIHOSHI: Uh... Oh, hey Tenchi! Wow! It's sure nice to see you again. CU. TENCHI (display) TENCHI: Uh... Yeah. Nice to see you, too. You look like you have your hands full, there. CU. MIHOSHI Looks around in some confusion for a moment, then looks up again. MIHOSHI: Oh! Yeah. Just a little paperwork, you know. So, what brings you out to Leo-three? Some diplomat needs a big withdrawl or something? CU. TENCHI (display) TENCHI: Just a little stopover for some fuel cells. I'm taking the cruiser out to Alpha. It's a pretty long stretch, you know. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: In a cruiser? I can imagine. So, why don't you stop by? I have an apartment, now. CU. TENCHI (diplay) TENCHI: Yeah, I know. I'll be there in a few hours. I was just calling to see if you'd be in. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Hey, this is great! I'm between the core patrols, waiting for my course selection orders. After I get my orders in a few days, I have the graduation ceremony and a nice little reception. You can meet my grandfather. This is really great! CU. TENCHI (display) Looking a little amused. TENCHI: That's really nice of you, Mihoshi, but I don't know if I can stay that long. I need to be on my way in a day or two. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (a little disappointed) Oh. So, what's the delay? Are you stuck in customs? CU. TENCHI (display) TENCHI: No. I'm just waiting for the service ship. Fortunately, I'm on a first-name basis with most of them. It's no big deal, but it does take some time. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: A service ship? You didn't lose the power converters again? CU. TENCHI (display) He smiles and brings Sasami into the display. TENCHI: Just a little extra cargo, actually. SASAMI: Hey, Mihoshi! What's up? CU. MIHOSHI She looks at the display, then at the toy again, frowning considerately. 21 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE A nice evening shot, snow starting to fall. 22 INT. MAIN HALL Ryoko is lying on a support beam, holding a glimmer of light in her hands. It slowly resolves into a chunk of coal, then into a glimmer of light again. Washu appears just off to the side, sitting on a side beam, looking curiously. CU. WASHU WASHU: (casual) What the hell is that? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (startled) Oh! Just a little alchemy. What's the problem? MAIN HALL (ceiling) Washu scowls, annoyed. WASHU: I know it's alchemy. I just can't figure out how you're doing that. How in the world are you blocking my telepathic link? Who taught you how to do this? RYOKO: (a little amused) Oh, it's nothing. You'd be surprised what you can learn in a few years. WASHU: Don't give me that, Ryoko. I know everything about you. At least, I used to. Now... All I'm getting is garbage. CU. WASHU WASHU: (irritated) I always knew you had trashy thoughts, Ryoko, but this is ridiculous. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (smug) You really can't tell what I'm thinking, can you? Wow--this is amazing. I wonder how this happened... MAIN HALL Ayeka enters, looking very composed. AYEKA: (kindly) Washu, weren't you about to fix some supper? If not, I believe I should just get a few prepared dishes. Washu stands at the floor, suddenly. WASHU: Doesn't it seem strange to either of you that Tenchi has left and Sasami is also missing? Ayeka considers and casually dismisses it. AYEKA: Not to me. Ryoko appears and puts a hand on Washu's shoulder. RYOKO: You're just getting paranoid, Mom. Tenchi's not going anywhere. We'd know. CU. WASHU Rolls her eyes and sighs. WASHU: Well, it's a good thing I am, Ryoko. I just checked Tenchi's flight plan and manifest. It says he's headed for Alpha, not Libra. MAIN HALL Ryoko looks worried, as Ayeka starts to smirk. AYEKA: So, he misspoke himself. Alpha--Libra-- who can keep track of such things? WASHU: You also said 'escort and survey.' His manifest mentions no escort nor any survey equipment. Now, do you see my point? Ayeka looks worried, now. RYOKO: Yeah. I also know for a fact that Sasami would never stay out while it's snowing or raining. I'm starting to get a really bad feeling about this... CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (upset) Oh, this is intolerable! We must know the truth. It is quite unlike Lord Tenchi to lie to us. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (pondering) He's probably just in trouble, Princess. And it's probably all your fault! MAIN HALL AYEKA: My fault? How is this my fault?! RYOKO: You have a habit of treating Sasami rudely, you know. A person can only take so much abuse before they decide to run away. AYEKA: (gasping) I never treat Sasami rudely! If Sasami has run away, which I doubt, it was probably from you! You have a habit of meddling in her affairs, especially when you are not welcome! CU. WASHU She looks down, smiling. WASHU: (softly) Ah. It's so nice to see that some things never change. 23 EXT. MILITARY BASE Tenchi is sitting on the right side of a groundcar (driver's side), attending to the guard at the gate. Sasami sits on the left, looking a little sleepy. GUARD: (obviously bored) Visitor passes are issued at the reception desk. Fourth building on your left--can't miss it. Just follow the blue signs to the parking area. 24 INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY Tenchi and Sasami stand in the hallway. Tenchi is holding a couple luggage bags. Tenchi looks at a note, uncertainly, then presses a button next to the first door. The door shortly opens, Mihoshi standing at the entrance. MIHOSHI: Hey guys! Tenchi! Wow, this is so terrific! Mihoshi hugs Tenchi. CU. TENCHI He looks over at Sasami, slightly amused. TENCHI: Uh... Yeah--nice to see you again, Mihoshi. CU. SASAMI Sasami smiles at Tenchi, reassuringly. 25 INT. MAIN ROOM The room looks like it has been attacked by a deranged anal-retentive maid. Tenchi has to squint, from the gleam that comes off the shine on the table. All the folders and books are neatly arranged, and the room has a sterile feel--like a hospital room. Tenchi and Sasami enter, and Mihoshi follows. TENCHI: Whoa! Is this the right place? It looks so much cleaner. MIHOSHI: Uh... I just fixed it up a bit. Make yourselves at home. CU. SASAMI She looks around, considerately. SASAMI: You don't have to go to any trouble for us, Mihoshi. We'll just be here a day or two. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Hmm... Still pulling KP every other shift, I take it... CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (amused) No, just keeping on-call for fatigues. MAIN ROOM Tenchi sets down his bags, looking around. TENCHI: So, you don't have leave, huh? MIHOSHI: (sighing) Not till tomorrow. This is a nice base, though. Tomorrow, we could go to the rec hall, get some pizza or see a movie--whatever you want. TENCHI: (amused) Hey, that sounds good. What do you say, Sasami? CU. SASAMI Frowns, thoughtfully. SASAMI: All right, but I have something else in mind for tonight. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Oh, you mean that little bistro you were talking about before? MAIN HALL SASAMI: (wistful) More of a cantina than a cafe, actually. MIHOSHI: Oh, there are a lot of those near here. TENCHI: Yeah. Well, the one she's referring to is a little more upscale than the ones around the base. I think it's in a little village just outside of town? SASAMI: I think so. It's been a while since I was there last. I can remember it fairly clearly, though. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Oh! You've visited here before? CU. SASAMI Looks a little annoyed. SASAMI: (subdued) Actually, I've never visited here before--but I did once have to work my way out of a little debt. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: What? CU. TENCHI Looks just as confused. 26 EXT. MASAKI SHRINE A close evening shot. Washu, Ryoko and Ayeka go up the front steps to the door through the snow, holding umbrellas. Snow is now falling fairly heavily. The door opens, and Yosho appears. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: Ah--welcome back, Little Washu. Anything I can help you girls with? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Where's Tenchi? CU. YOSHO He rubs his chin thoughtfully, then produces the sword. YOSHO: You mean this? CU. WASHU WASHU: You know what we mean, Yosho. He would never leave without telling you. What's this about? CU. YOSHO He frowns and gestures, thoughtfully. YOSHO: Perhaps we should all come inside and discuss this. 27 INT. SHRINE Yosho takes some tea and sits at the table. Washu and Ayeka sit at the table. Ryoko floats nearby. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: When I heard that Tenchi had presented his work in a gallery, I became concerned for him--not that he would become disappointed. He knows a good deal about disappointment from his time before any one of you came along. I was worried that success would drive him to an extreme. SHRINE AYEKA: So, he was successful. YOSHO: Well... Yes and no... RYOKO: What do you mean? WASHU: You mean, he achieved recognition, but not acclaim. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: There was plenty of acclaim, actually. But there was even more acclaim for a particular rival of his... CU. AYEKA AYEKA: This is about a rivalry of artists? CU. WASHU WASHU: I see. He's forgotten his love for the work itself. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: I'm afraid so. Now, he's seeking out this rival--some man by the name of Laren, or something like that. SHRINE RYOKO: And you aren't the least bit worried about telling us all this? He didn't tell you to keep this in confidence? YOSHO: Actually, Ryoko, he was worried that I might try to hide it from you. He left me a specific request that I be very open with you about it. WASHU: All he wanted was a head start, I take it. YOSHO: Yes. I think he was counting on having a few days, though. He surely didn't consider the possibility of your return, Little Washu. I think you may be able to get ahead of him. AYEKA: Catch up with him, you mean? RYOKO: No, Princess. Yosho is right. We should leave right now and find this rival ourselves. That way, we'll be waiting for Tenchi when he comes along. WASHU: I don't know about this. Slow down, Ryoko. CU. WASHU WASHU: How exactly did Tenchi get this information? How did he know to go to Alpha? CU. YOSHO YOSHO: Alpha, huh? I have no idea. It never occurred to me to ask. You think it might be a trap? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: That's silly. Why would anyone want to lay a trap for Tenchi? CU. WASHU WASHU: Ryoko... The universe doesn't revolve around you, you know. Someone might want to trap him to get to one of us... A super-genius, for example, would have many enemies. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: But no one knows that you are here, Washu. SHRINE WASHU: No one except whoever sabotaged my time-travel machine. RYOKO: So, what should we do? Just let Tenchi fall into a trap? All the more reason to get going, I say. AYEKA: (a little annoyed) Yes, Ryoko. But it would be nice if we knew who was behind it. I'd rather not get stuck in hyperspace, for example. That would be most inconvenient. WASHU: Hyperspace? RYOKO: We'll explain on the way, Mom. Let's go. I'll call Ryo-Ohki. 28 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA An ordinary row of houses stands along a grassy roadway. Several groundcars are parked near one particular building. A young woman--Kimiko--looks out the front windows briefly, then returns to the interior. 29 INT. DINING HALL The room is fairly small for a dining hall, dotted with little tables here and there. At the center near the entrance to the kitchen is a three-sided bar. Most of the patrons are sitting at the bar, talking or looking blankly over a drink or two. A few patrons are sitting at tables near the walls. Several ordinary tapestries hang on the walls, along with a few paintings--most of which depict some kind of ranching or desert scenes. Near the back of the room is a hallway, leading around to a bathroom and a stairway. The wall behind the bar has a large mirror, lined with counters filled with all kinds of bottles of beverages. On a few side racks there is some bric-a-brac, a couple lamps and an ordinary fan. At the middle of the bar, in a display case, are a few figurines--fixed in various positions, as if to look down on the patrons, to remind them of their bar tabs. At each table is a small lamp--a simulated candle light in a shaded bulb. At one table sits Tenchi and Sasami. Sasami looks around curiously, as Tenchi looks up at a particular painting. SASAMI: This place looks a lot smaller than I remember it. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (wistful) I get the same feeling sometimes. HALL (table) Kimiko approaches the table, carrying a small pad. (Kimiko is compact, but fairly shapely--not exactly entrancing, but she definitely catches the eye. Her hair is dark and little awkward, but she gives the impression of one who is calm and confident even in her awkward traits.) KIMIKO: Hello. I'll be serving you, tonight. My name is Kimiko. Is there anything I can get you to drink? Sasami grins widely in apparent recognition. Tenchi frowns, trying to consider. TENCHI: I'm not really sure. What do you think, Sasami? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Hey, Kimiko! Remember me? I'll bet you don't. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (a little startled) Uh... Well, the name is familiar... I don't know-- HALL (table) Sasami winks at Tenchi, and then gestures. SASAMI: Sure, you do. I was about this tall. Me and my sister were once stuck here for a few weeks. Kimiko considers carefully, trying to remember. KIMIKO: Oh, Little Sasami-- I remember now. I had just started out here. I remember Hikaru had a fit every night for two weeks, trying to show your sister how to use the speed rack properly and mix drinks in the proper way. He didn't trust you with a knife at first, either. 'Just hold that,' he would say, and shove a big frying pan in your hands. SASAMI: I got a lot better since then. KIMIKO: Boy, that was a while ago. What was your sister's name--? SASAMI: Ayeka. KIMIKO: That's right. She kept spiking all the soft drinks till I showed her the reracks for the sodas. (laughing) Hikaru always thought she was doing it on purpose. SASAMI: Oh. I always wondered about that. So, did Hikaru ever figure out my salami jardiniere? KIMIKO: (pondering for a moment) He got pretty close, but I'm not sure he ever figured out the secret ingredient. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Sounds like you two got along pretty well. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: We had a few fun pranks on Ayeka, anyway. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Hey, Sasami--why don't you come back to the kitchen? You can get caught up and meet the new guys. HALL (table) SASAMI: Really? Oh, wow! She gets up from the table. Tenchi starts to get up. SASAMI: Uh... Tenchi, you go ahead and wait here. You'd just be bored, and this will only take a few moments. CU. TENCHI He starts to sit back down. TENCHI: Oh, okay. 30 INT. DINING HALL (table) Tenchi looks back around at the particular painting, as Sasami leaves with Kimiko. CU. PAINTING An adorable little desert piece, depicting two men playing guitars. One man looks ragged and good-natured, the other looks handsome but vaguely haughty. A few vultures stand on a dead tree limb, looking rather supple and nonchalant. The sun is setting in a corner of the painting, giving the appearance of being sturdy but plaintive. The whole painting gives an air of being just a little too tasteful, as if the painter painted it in a sanctimonious fit of anger. CU. TENCHI He tries to look away, but the painting seems to have a magnetic effect on his eyes. ACHIKA: (OC) It really captures the attention, huh? HALL (table) Tenchi's mother--Achika--sits across from him. He looks around in wide-eyed amazement. TENCHI: (nearly breathless) Mother? ACHIKA: (looking around) Why are you so surprised? You think I'd forgotten about you? TENCHI: (stunned) But you're-- ACHIKA: Dead, yeah. (casual) It's no big deal, Tenchi. There are lots of dead people. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (still stunned) Uh... CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: You were looking at the painting, I think. It looks familiar, doesn't it? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (slowly collects himself) Well, in a way. HALL (table) TENCHI: This is very strange. ACHIKA: The painting? TENCHI: No. I mean, you don't talk to dead people every day, you know. ACHIKA: You really should, Tenchi. We do listen. We can't always reach you, but it never hurts to just talk, sometimes. TENCHI: Can anyone else see you? ACHIKA: Well... I suppose they can. They might not want to, though. Most people just ignore the dead. TENCHI: Hmm... (looking back at the painting) CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: Don't worry about Sasami. They'll keep her busy for an hour, I'm sure. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (wistful) You know, now that I think about it, this painting does look familiar. It's not the same style, but it's... well... the same attitude as a Laren. It has that ineffable sense of smugness that I've really come to hate about him. CU. ACHIKA Looking around at the painting. ACHIKA: Really? To me, it looks very sad and lonely. I think whoever painted this is making a desperate cry for attention. It seems like a muted scream. Many great artists are like that, if you notice. HALL (table) TENCHI: You don't sense the anger in this painting? ACHIKA: (softly) Well, Tenchi--sometimes anger and love go hand-in-hand. What looks like anger may actually be deeply buried love or vice versa. TENCHI: Hmm... (looking down) I never thought about it like that. ACHIKA: You were never trained to, as I was. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: So, why are you here? Did you come to warn me not to look for this guy? CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: (unsure) I'm here to help you, Tenchi. If you don't think it's wise, then you should turn back. I think you should look for him, though. I'll do whatever I can to help you find him. HALL (table) TENCHI: I didn't think it was any big deal. I mean, I just want to meet this guy. ACHIKA: This is your quest, right? What's more important in your life than your quest? TENCHI: He's pretty tough to find, but he's just a person. It's not like I'm looking for the bones of Mahavira... CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: (amused) Not every quest is what it appears, Tenchi. You do want to find him, don't you? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (firm) Oh yeah. I've got to know what makes him paint like that. I'd be crazy not to. HALL (table) ACHIKA: Well... I think it's safe to say that this man you're looking for is actually a woman. TENCHI: Really? How can you tell? ACHIKA: I just know. There are many little things that go into any art--surely you know that, Tenchi. A woman leaves a different impression in the mind than a man. TENCHI: Hmm... CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: What I sense in this painting is undoubtedly female. CU. TENCHI He seems about to add something, then looks around, uncertainly. HALL (table) He is sitting alone, again. TENCHI: Mother? 31 EXT. SPACE A huge gate floats near the preserve station. A huge vortex of swirling orange light swells out of the middle as a ship just ahead of Ryo-Ohki flies through. 32 INT. RYO-OHKI Ayeka and Washu study a display console as Ryoko pilots. Ryo-Ohki complains with a soft meow, and Ryoko scowls. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Just go in there, you 'fraidy-cat! It's perfectly safe. RYO-OHKI (near console) Ryo-Ohki makes a soft growl, and the crystals shudder. WASHU: Ryo-Ohki is afraid of hyperspace? AYEKA: She had a close call a couple years ago. She panicked and nearly lost the homing beacon. RYOKO: Don't worry, girl. It's just a little wormhole. If you lose the beacon, they have automatic systems for tracking you, now. There's nothing to worry about. CU. WASHU WASHU: I have to say, I'm with Ryo-Ohki on this one. I wasn't even sure you could build a stable wormhole in space. The thought of leaping into one just makes my skin crawl. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (stern) If you don't go now, Ryo-Ohki, we'll lose time and we may never find Tenchi. You want that? 33 EXT. SPACE Ryo-Ohki complains loudly as she flies into the vortex. The vortex collapses just behind her, leaving an empty gate. 34 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA Night has descended, lit by an eery red haze on the horizon. Tenchi and Sasami leave the building. Sasami is leading him out toward the back. 35 EXT. HILLSIDE PATH Sasami leads Tenchi up toward the top of a hill. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: You better hurry, Tenchi. You won't want to miss this. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Geez. Sasami, slow down. I'm coming, already. 36 EXT. HILLTOP Tenchi and Sasami stand at the top of a hill, as a huge red orb appears in the sky. It glows, faintly. TENCHI: Wow. What is that? Sasami giggles and looks at Tenchi quizzically. SASAMI: That's our mother planet, Tenchi. Leo-three is a moon, after all. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (awed) I never realized how beautiful it was. CU. SASAMI She looks back up. SASAMI: (softly) You haven't seen the best part, yet. Look carefully. CU. TENCHI He frowns, scanning the sky. TENCHI: I don't see anything. HILLTOP Sasami points, and little bursts of light appear to bloom in the sky. SASAMI: There. Tenchi looks up, and he is struck speechless. 37 EXT. SKY SHOT Little wisps of light burst into blooms of light, like inverted fireworks. The blooms of light hang in the air for a few moments, then vanish. 38 EXT. HILLTOP Sasami looks down as the sky has returned to normal-- just the red haze from the planet. SASAMI: Pretty, huh? TENCHI: Uh... Yeah. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: I want this moment to last forever, Tenchi. You know what I mean? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Yeah-- I mean, who wouldn't? This doesn't happen every night, does it? HILLTOP SASAMI: Not very often. It was pretty lucky that we showed up just before a meteor show. TENCHI: Seems that way. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Well, we should go back. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Yeah. 39 EXT. HILLSIDE PATH Tenchi and Sasami walk back down the path. SASAMI: You've really changed, Tenchi. TENCHI: What do you mean? SASAMI: You're a lot more calm now. I expected you to be more annoyed. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I was pretty impressed, actually. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: I don't mean the meteors, Tenchi. I mean, annoyed that I'm here in the first place. PATH TENCHI: Oh. SASAMI: I think a year ago, you would have gotten mad and insisted that I return home. TENCHI: Huh... Yeah, I think you're right. SASAMI: Anyway, I'm the one who's lucky. I have everything I ever wanted except a home. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What do you mean? You know you're always welcome with me. CU. SASAMI She smiles, wryly. SASAMI: You know what you're saying? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (a little slow) Huh? PATH SASAMI: If I told you tonight that I renounced my name and place as a princess of Jurai, would you understand what I mean about not having a home? TENCHI: Renounce your name? Why would you do that? SASAMI: (sigh) Because if I kept my titles, I could never hope to live with you, Tenchi. You must know this from the countless times that Ayeka has kept hinting at it. TENCHI: Really? SASAMI: It's okay, Tenchi. I know you don't understand things like this. I just wanted you to know what I've decided to do. I wanted it to be a special occassion, and I can't think of a better time than this. TENCHI: Hmm... So, as a princess, you would be subject to the will of the emperor. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: I am--even more so now--but I do not have the duty of a princess. You see? PATH TENCHI: Uh... No, not really. SASAMI: (chuckling) It's okay, Tenchi. I'll take care of the details. I promise I'll arrange a nice big ceremony, too. TENCHI: Ceremony? Okay, what for? SASAMI: Well, I can't legally change my name unless I marry, can I? TENCHI: Marry? Whoa! Who do you mean? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Who do you think? You, silly! How else could I live with you? You think I want to live in constant political pressure, like Ayeka? CU. TENCHI Starting to look worried. TENCHI: Doesn't a marriage involve some kind of ritual? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (smug) Well, we've already had the requisite witness, the exchange of bride price and dowry. You've already acceded to my wish for a home. I just need to verify that you can accept my new name. PATH Tenchi stops walking and looks at Sasami, very concerned. TENCHI: You know what you're doing, right? SASAMI: (serious) I'm not forcing you to do anything, Tenchi. Just tell me if you object to the sound of this: Lady Sasami Masaki, bride of Tenchi Masaki, heir to the throne of Jurai. TENCHI: (casual) It has a nice ring to it. SASAMI: You know what you're agreeing to? TENCHI: (smiling) Yeah. Do you? SASAMI: (a little stunned) Uh, yeah. (wistful) Wow. I expected you to be upset. CU. TENCHI He starts walking down the path again. TENCHI: Now, why would I be upset? I'm really flattered. I find it hard to believe I know you. I never thought I would ever marry you. CU. SASAMI She boggles in amazement, as she follows. SASAMI: This is too easy. I must be dreaming. You know what a bride is, right? PATH TENCHI: Don't be so shy, Sasami. I know exactly what a bride is. Just don't expect to have a ceremony any time soon. SASAMI: (sigh) That's okay, Tenchi. I'm in no hurry. Just don't forget. TENCHI: If anyone asks, I'll say it was my idea. 40 EXT. SPACE A huge blue vortex bursts out of the middle of a giant gate. Ryo-Ohki flies out of it, into space. 41 INT. RYO-OHKI Washu is typing at a console. RYOKO: There. You see? It's nothing to be afraid of, you big chicken. WASHU: Four more jumps to go, Ryo-Ohki. Ryo-Ohki complains softly. RYOKO: Leo system. This seems like a pretty logical stopover, don't you think? Washu looks up from her console. WASHU: Yes, but I don't think Tenchi is here. AYEKA: What makes you say that? CU. WASHU WASHU: Well, he rented a car, but I don't see any reservations. He doesn't know anyone who lives here, does he? CU. RYOKO Scowling in thought. RYOKO: I can't think of anyone. CU. AYEKA She has a sudden look of apprehension. AYEKA: Leo? Why is that familiar? Hmm... CU. RYOKO RYOKO: It's a big banking center, Princess. Leo is neutral, remember. Your daddy probably makes lots of deposits. CU. WASHU WASHU: (sigh) This is no time to argue. If someone staged a trap, I doubt they'll sit around and wait for him at Alpha. We should try to find Tenchi, just to make sure we can double-back. The danger may be greater than we fear. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (firm) We should look for him here. I'm certain of it. RYO-OHKI RYOKO: How are you so certain? AYEKA: I just am. I don't know how. WASHU: You're just imagining things again, Ayeka. We can't waste time on a hunch. For all we know, Tenchi is already caught up in something terrible. 42 INT. DINING HALL The obscure cantina is buzzing with soft voices. Tenchi, Sasami and Kimiko sit at a table. They have an opened bottle of something resembling champagne. Tenchi and Sasami have been sipping, as Kimiko drains a glass with the casual air of barfly. KIMIKO: Bang! The bottles went flying, and Hikaru went sprawling! Ayeka looked around like she forgot to tie a shoe-string, and Little Sasami was laughing. I tried to tell him it was totally accidental, but I don't think he believed me at that point. Hikaru was like, 'I'm fed up with all your stupid pranks! You girls are going to pay for all this damage, or you get out!' Tenchi smirks as Sasami laughs. KIMIKO: That was the last time I saw Hikaru get really angry. He's normally a very congenial person. SASAMI: Ayeka has that effect on people. KIMIKO: Yeah. She was a lousy waitress, but she was very good at mixing drinks. We even have an old house specialty named after her, now that I think about it. I remember, now--we started calling it 'foxy princess' about a year later. Kimiko drains another glass, as Sasami looks at Tenchi with concern. Tenchi is blank, apparently mulling. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (to Sasami) So, I gather your plan is working, huh? Is Tenchi starting to come around? HALL Sasami swats Tenchi on the arm, and Tenchi flinches. TENCHI: Hey! SASAMI: (to Tenchi) You idiot! TENCHI: What did I do? SASAMI: You weren't supposed to go along with me. I was just goading you! CU. KIMIKO Grinning with surprise. KIMIKO: Oh, wow! You mean, he agreed to marry you? That's shocking. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What? You want to back out? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (grim) Not on your life, Tenchi. I made a recording, too. So, don't get any funny ideas. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (laughing) You two love-birds crack me up! Stop being so romantic, already! HALL Kimiko drains another glass and snorts in laughter. Sasami starts to look a little disconcerted, as Tenchi frowns. KIMIKO: Hey! Busboy! Get a bucket of water so we can calm these two down! They're just crazy about each other! No really! They can't keep their hands off each other! A few of the other patrons give Kimiko some odd looks. 43 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Tenchi and Sasami are lying together in a small bed, looking exhausted. They look at each other, as if trying to recognize each other. They gently embrace and kiss. CU. SASAMI Gaping with stunned amusement. SASAMI: This can't be happening. Things like this don't just happen. There must be a reason. CU. TENCHI Smiling and intent. TENCHI: It's a little weird, but I always felt close to you. We do have a lot in common. BEDROOM SASAMI: Yeah, but this is surreal. I had no idea this was even possible. TENCHI: It feels right, though. Don't you think? SASAMI: (suddenly lucid) This is so wrong. Think of how devastating this will be. This isn't like stealing a head ornament, Tenchi. This has gone way farther than that! CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What do you mean? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (groaning) What was I thinking? Oh my god, Ryoko! How am I ever going to explain this to her? BEDROOM TENCHI: I didn't know you two were that close. SASAMI: Ryoko is like a sister to me, Tenchi. In many ways, we're closer than me and Ayeka. This will totally crush her! TENCHI: I don't think so. SASAMI: Huh? TENCHI: Look, there was something between us at one time, but it's over now. There's nothing there, anymore. Ryoko had to realize it at some point. She's not dense, Sasami. She's very sensitive to these things. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Really? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Trust me. Ryoko will be just fine. 44 INT. FORTRESS LARGE CHAMBER (B/W--flashback) Ayeka is standing at the hallway entrance, holding a torch. She looks up in alarm. AYEKA: Sasami! She starts to run toward the door. Ryoko enters the door, just behind young Sasami. 45 INT. LONG NARROW PASSAGEWAY (B/W--flashback) Sasami continues on ahead as Ryoko looks around in shock. Ryoko starts to go forward, but a hand reaches out and grabs her shoulder. She spins around and sees an old man, smiling back at her. The old man merely makes a waving gesture. Ryoko vanishes, and the old man fades down through the floor. Sasami stops and looks around at the door, considering for a moment. She then turns again and continues. 46 INT. FORTRESS LARGE CHAMBER (B/W--flashback) Ayeka goes to the door and pushes. The door doesn't budge. She strains, then looks up. Tilt up to Ryoko, who is hovering cross-legged with her back to the wall. CU. RYOKO Scowls in irritation. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Ryoko, what are you doing? I must get through! CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Then go through! Don't look at me. There's nothing I can do. 47 INT. RYO-OHKI Yellow and violet distortions go by a few displays, as Washu contemplates the look on Ryoko's face. WASHU: (musing) We'll catch up with them, Ryoko. Don't worry. Nothing will stand in our way. Ryoko looks somewhat impugned as she considers. CU. WASHU WASHU: (amused) You really should take a few lessons in comportment, Ryoko. Now that I'm not relying on the link, I'm forced to read your eye movements. It's a little unsettling, but I think it's easier to read your mind this way. CU. RYOKO Her eye movements make an angry gesture. RYOKO: Very funny. 48 EXT. FLOATING CITY Mid-morning. There is almost no traffic, as the sky starts to turn from violet to blue. The huge planet overhead starts to become very indistinct. 49 EXT. CYPRIS GARDENS Rock paths cross through orchards, arranged in a seemingly random fashion. A few rows of roses embrace the path, leading up to a brook. Along one side of the brook is a row of tall hedges, somewhat obscuring one side of a large glass enclosure. The glass enclosure is shaped like a large cube, and the glass itself is glossed with triangular patterns. 50 INT. GLASS ENCLOSURE A large group of square flower beds are arranged on one side, a standard sixteen-by-nine assembly, with little rock trails along their edges. On the other side is a grassy field with two large trees at the center. Tiny winged creatures are fluttering through the enclosure--some with little edgers, some with little water-spraying cones. The two trees merge together with branches that form at the base into a small throne. At the feet of the throne are two rows of flowers. Above the throne, the branches come together in one shaft and then appear to explode with leaves in all directions--like a palm tree. On the opposite ends of the trees, the branches appear to hang downward, like the wings of a large bird. Sitting at the throne is a young woman named Mimi-- whose beauty makes the garden look desolate in comparison. Her statuesque features are framed by brilliant golden hair, edged with pure white streaks. Her skin is like polished copper, and her eyes are the green of well-watered grass. On her face is a warm expression, like that of sheer ecstasy. MIMI: (softly) Finally. I thought that sword- swinging geek would never leave. Now... If I can only figure out a way to get rid of that troublesome kid... She closes her eyes in apparent thought as a curious, swirling breeze wafts through the enclosure. CU. MIMI She opens her eyes in confusion for a moment, then looks up. ENCLOSURE (above) A flight of birds goes over the enclosure. One of the birds descends. CU. MIMI She sighs and looks downward. MIMI: Of course... 51 EXT. GLASS ENCLOSURE A small rock path leads up to the side of the enclosure. Along one side of the path is a wide pedestal with statuettes of Washu, Mimi and Tsunami. The bird lands on the head of Tsunami, carrying a small metal rattle. A small door slides open, and Mimi steps out. She looks at the bird inquisitively, and the bird shakes the rattle in response. The bird flies off. CU. MIMI Her eyes widen in a sudden sense of shock. MIMI: Oh no... PATH A small group of doves appear, attached to a small chariot by slender threads. Mimi scowls and looks downward. MIMI: (to herself) If she wasn't already dead, I'd strangle her with my bare hands. 52 INT. DINING HALL Tenchi is sitting at the table again, sketching on a small pad. He looks up at the painting and works some more on the sketch. Kimiko appears, staggering toward the table. She sits with a thud, and glares across the table at Tenchi. TENCHI: Hey, Kimiko. What's up? KIMIKO: (flinching in pain) Not so loud. My head is killing me. TENCHI: Sorry. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: You have any idea what time it is? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Hmm... I'm not sure how to read time around here. I guess I'm too used to living on Earth. HALL Kimiko rubs her temples, as Tenchi looks away from the painting, considering. TENCHI: Maybe you should try drinking sake. KIMIKO: (scowling) Fermented rice? No thanks. I'd rather have a nasty hangover. Tenchi goes back to his sketch, as Kimiko stands unsteadily. Sasami enters. KIMIKO: Hey there, Sasami. Can't sleep, either? SASAMI: I'd like a few words in private, if you don't mind. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (smiling) No problem. Anything for an old friend... CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Hey, Sasami. I'm just making some sketches. This painting is pretty complex. I didn't notice it, at first, but the detail is incredible. HALL Sasami sits just across from Tenchi. SASAMI: Tenchi, did we really do what I think we did? I'm having some trouble believing it. TENCHI: (softly) No doubt about it. I still have the scratches on my back to prove it. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (looking up) I'm just a little surprised-- uh... CU. SASAMI The emblem on her forehead is glowing. SASAMI: Is something the matter? You seem to have lost your train of thought. What surprised you? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Sasami? You are Sasami, right? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (sighing) In many ways already, Tenchi. But, as you can see, I still need to protect her individual thoughts from myself. I wish I could explain in a more suitable way, but it is just too much. HALL Tenchi puts down his pen, considering Sasami. TENCHI: Wow. I really thought you were Sasami there. SASAMI: I still think of myself as Tsunami, at times. (intent) Tenchi, do you trust me? TENCHI: Trust you? SASAMI: Yes. CU. TENCHI He ponders for a moment. TENCHI: I can't think of a reason not to. You saved my life. You showed me how to believe in myself. You gave Ayeka her spaceship tree again. I trust you more than I trust myself. Why do you ask? CU. SASAMI Leans near Tenchi, taking his hand. SASAMI: I want for us to share everything, even our trust. I want you to know that I trust you completely. I don't want us to end up the same way you did with Ryoko. You see what I mean? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: You want us to be happy together... HALL SASAMI: (softly) I don't want any silly confusion, Tenchi. You think about things too much, and Ryoko is just too gullible. TENCHI: (sighing) Yeah, I do get carried away sometimes. SASAMI: (hesitant) I... I love you... TENCHI: (serious) I love you, too. SASAMI: (a little grim) There's so much I want to tell you. You won't get upset, will you? CU. TENCHI He almost seems a little amused. TENCHI: It's okay. You are Sasami, right? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: No. I'm myself. And... I love you. I can't stop thinking about you. I don't want to share you with Sasami, either. HALL TENCHI: Oh. (he ponders for a moment) It's a little bizarre, but I think Sasami would understand. SASAMI: Huh? TENCHI: She is becoming you, right? SASAMI: Well... (annoyed) You're doing it again. TENCHI: What? Oh, sorry. Well, I trust you. Whatever you want, I'll do it. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (fretting) I... (very grim) Oh, hell. I can't say this out loud. HALL Sasami's hands tremble as she picks up the pad and flips to another page. She takes the pen and writes something down. Tenchi looks at it briefly, his eyes widening in shock. Sasami tears the page out and flicks it up. The paper then bursts into flame and blows away in a puff of smoke. TENCHI: I see. SASAMI: You do? TENCHI: What are you so afraid of? I'm not going to hurt you. I couldn't live with myself if I did. CU. SASAMI She frowns, as if swallowing an ice cube. HALL Sasami takes Tenchi by the hand and leads him toward the hallway. Kimiko looks up from the bar, slowly. KIMIKO: Hey! You guys better change the sheets tomorrow morning! Don't expect me to do it! CU. KIMIKO She scowls a bit and rubs her temples again. KIMIKO: (to herself) This is getting very depressing. Is all this really necessary? (she pauses for a moment, as if hearing a reply) Oh, all right. (contralto) Yeah--I know. 'Just shut up, Kimiko.' 53 EXT. TOWER OF THEMIS A tall slender tower rises up from a manicured lawn, framed with narrow paths leading one way and another to a forest. 54 INT. MAIN TOWER HALL The room is filled with ornate mirrors, windows and elaborate balconies. Four sets of stairs curve up into the balconies. The balconies have several rows of benches, and are lined with paintings. At one end of the hall is a huge door. At the other end is a group of thrones--a tall one between two short ones. At the center of the floor is a stretcher held up by four short, centaur-like creatures. Two red-robed figures stand near the stretcher--the first one is inscribing some strange symbols in a small book. On the stretcher lies the pale form of Tsunami, bloody and still. Sitting up in a bench at a balcony is Araya, who still looks very stunned. CU. ARAYA She looks down for a moment, then back up, as if making sure her vision is functioning. HALL Mimi enters, looking straight at the center of the room. She marches lightly to the stretcher. CU. MIMI MIMI: Can't you at least clean up the blood? This is sickening. HALL The first robed figure looks at Mimi for a moment, then back at the figure of Tsunami. FIRST FIGURE: Your concern is touching, lady. I'll try to make the body as presentable as possible. MIMI: I didn't mean to be morbid, sir. I just can't believe this is happening. She can't be dead. How will I ever explain this? FIRST FIGURE: (sighing) Lady, it is not my place to say. I can only assure you that we did everything possible. The wounds and the loss of blood were just too severe. I am very sorry for your loss. CU. MIMI Actually starting to look sad. MIMI: No! There must be something you can do! CU. FIRST FIGURE A little annoyed, but very calm. FIRST FIGURE: I'm sorry, but--as I just said--we did everything we could do. HALL The second robed figure pats Mimi, sympathetically. Mimi starts to cry and hugs the second figure. SECOND FIGURE: There, there. We all must die, someday. This is nature's common theme. MIMI: (somewhat muted by the robe) Not like this! This is terrible! CU. ARAYA She looks down again, and starts to cry. HALL Alepios--a young man with dark hair and similar features as Araya--enters. He looks around, somewhat confused, and walks toward the center. ALEPIOS: (casual) What's all this about? Why are you all crying? Mimi looks up in shock and pulls away from the second figure very quickly. She wipes her face while scowling. MIMI: Oh! You servant boy! Leave us alone! Can't you see my sister is lying dead, here? CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: (calm and curious) Dead? Really? CU. MIMI MIMI: (furious) Yes, dead! And whoever is responsible for this outrage will pay dearly! Of that, I swear by the father of my ancestors! HALL Alepios strolls to the stretcher casually and looks down at the figure of Tsunami. MIMI: (stiff) What do you think you're doing? CU. ALEPIOS A look of shock crosses his face, and he closes his eyes briefly, sighing. CU. MIMI Her face is contorted with grief and anger. MIMI: I said, what do you think you are doing, servant boy? CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: (annoyed) Just checking. It is as I thought. You are all wasting your grief. HALL Mimi goes to Alepios and reaches out, nearly taking his arm. He turns and glares at her. ALEPIOS: Just stop it, already. She'll be fine. MIMI: (fearfully) What? FIRST FIGURE: Young man, you don't know what you're saying. Leave medicine to the experts. Trust me, she is quite dead. CU. ALEPIOS Alepios turns and glares at the robed figures. His face turns dark with anger. ALEPIOS: Get out of here, you useless vermin! Do it! Now! CU. FIRST FIGURE He looks taken aback for a moment. HALL The first robed figure stiffly walks from the room, followed shortly by the second. Araya gets up from her bench and goes to a stair. Alepios watches as the figures leave, then looks back at Tsunami. MIMI: (hardly daring to hope) Have you gone insane, Alepios? Just look at her! CU. ALEPIOS He looks down at Tsunami very sadly and rolls his eyes. HALL Alepios places a hand on Tsunami's head for a moment, then takes it away again. He turns and stands back, folding his arms. CU. TSUNAMI Suddenly healed again, she slowly stirs, as if waking. TSUNAMI: (softly) Oh boy, did I have a bad dream... CU. ARAYA She looks completely stunned. CU. MIMI She is trembling in fear and shock. MIMI: Uh... CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: (very calm) You see? 55 EXT. SPACE A huge blue vortex bursts out of the middle of a giant gate. Ryo-Ohki flies out of it, into space. Just as the vortex disappears, a huge burst of light rocks Ryo-Ohki. Several large warships appear and begin blasting away with lasers. 56 INT. RYO-OHKI Ryoko is looking around in confusion, as Washu's eyes widen in shock. Ayeka looks at Ryoko in alarm. AYEKA: We've been ambushed! It's a mine field! CU. WASHU Rolling her eyes. WASHU: (softly) Brilliant deduction. CU. RYOKO Looking around at Washu. RYOKO: Keep firing back, Ryo-Ohki! Washu, I thought this trap you were afraid of was meant for Tenchi. Why are they firing at us? CU. WASHU WASHU: (sighing) Tenchi was just the bait, Ryoko. The trap was meant for me. (groaning) And I fell right into it. I am such an idiot! 57 INT. DINING HALL A few other patrons are sitting at the bar having a small meal in the morning light. Tenchi is sitting at the table again, sketching in his pad. He looks thoughtfully at the pad and rips the page out. He starts over on another page. Kimiko appears, looking fairly disheveled--calmly so, as if she had spent hours getting that look just right. She sits next to Tenchi and looks at the pad. KIMIKO: Any luck? TENCHI: I'm afraid not. I don't think I'm ever going to figure this out. My sketches just don't... soar like the original does. CU. KIMIKO She flinches a bit, as if suddenly smelling something nasty. KIMIKO: Why do you bother? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (casual) Well, everybody needs a hobby. HALL Sasami enters and sits next to him on the other side. SASAMI: Here we are again. TENCHI: Yes. We keep ending up back here. I wonder why that is. Kimiko seems a little amused. KIMIKO: We need to stop meeting like this. CU. SASAMI She looks carefully around at Kimiko for a moment. SASAMI: Thanks for the room, Kimiko. We didn't want to put you to any trouble. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: It was no trouble, Sasami. It's been a while since I used the old bedroll. I like to reminisce with old friends every now and then. Anyway, those bedsprings haven't had a workout in a while, either. HALL Sasami gapes in shock, as Tenchi scowls--a little mortified. Kimiko considers them for a moment and laughs. KIMIKO: Honestly! Kimiko gets up again and goes into the kitchen. SASAMI: There's something very wrong with that girl. TENCHI: Just one thing? CU. SASAMI She sighs and leans over, taking Tenchi's hand. SASAMI: Tenchi, before you say anything, I want you to know that I'm not upset about what happened last night. A lot of things were said that I'm sure we never meant. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Oh? HALL SASAMI: Yeah. I wouldn't hold it against you if you just forgot the whole thing. I won't hold anything over you, if you don't want me to. TENCHI: I don't think I could do that. I like being married--it makes everything seem complete. I want to do so much for us, now. SASAMI: You realize that you're not just marrying me. It's really more like you're marrying both me and Tsunami. TENCHI: (subdued) Now, that's surreal. I don't even want to think about that. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (a little amused) It wasn't her idea to sleep with you, either. That was my idea. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: You did that? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: You don't think she would ever have told you how she really felt, without my urging her? HALL TENCHI: Now that you mention it, she didn't really seem to have her heart in it, at first. SASAMI: She's like a child, actually. CU. TENCHI He looks at his pad and starts to draw again. TENCHI: So, how did you end up on my cruiser in the first place? You ever figure that out? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (softly) Well, Tsunami has been pouring her memories into me--ever since that tattoo you showed me. I'm not exactly sure why, but it triggered something in her. I thought it was sweet, but she became restless and dejected. I think she finally realized how strongly she felt about you. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (matter-of-factly) I thought she might have had a thing for me, ever since she saved me from Kagato. HALL SASAMI: Well, ever since she first saw Little Taro... TENCHI: Huh? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (amused) It's strange, but I can't help thinking that we've forgotten something... 58 INT. APARTMENT MAIN ROOM Mihoshi is sitting in the recliner, trying to watch the TV. She looks around, curiously, then back at the TV. MIHOSHI: (to herself) Geez... I wonder where they could be? 59 EXT. OBSCURE PLANET 60 INT. TENT Ryoko, Ayeka, Washu and Ryo-Ohki are sitting in a tent around a small heater, shivering. Ryo-Ohki is severely bandaged, and Ayeka has a constant look of sneering contempt. WASHU: Well, I just set up the distress signal. Hopefully, this planet isn't too far out of the way. RYOKO: Yeah. And hopefully, those pirates we blasted weren't waiting for reinforcements. I'm not sure we could hold any more off. CU. WASHU WASHU: Hey, Ryoko. Have a little faith in me! I am your mom, you know. CU. AYEKA Author: Mike Fenton Title: SHIPWRECKED Notes: Regular (OVA), script format Summary: The girls have an adventure as Tenchi finds the end of his quest. [Disclaimer: Tenchi Muyo! and its characters are the property of AIC and Pioneer LDC, Inc. and was created by Masaki Kajishima. This story comes entirely from my imagination, and is strictly intended to be apocryphal--so please don't sue me.] 1 EPIGRAM: "Once upon a time there were three little sisters," the Dormouse began in a great hurry; "and their names were Elsie, Lacie, and Tillie; and they lived at the bottom of a well--" "What did they live on?" said Alice, who always took a great interest in questions of eating and drinking. "They lived on treacle," said the Dormouse, after thinking a minute or two. "They couldn't have done that, you know," Alice gently remarked; "they'd have been ill." "So they were," said the Dormouse; "_very_ ill." -- Lewis Carroll, _Alice In Wonderland_ 2 EXT. OBSCURE PLANET 3 INT. TENT The tent is dark aside from the glow of the heater. Ryoko is curled up in a fetal position, sucking her thumb. Ayeka is sprawled, face-up, snoring and absently petting Ryo-Ohki. Washu is sitting up, awake, scowling and looking upward, as if seeking a sign from the top of the tent. CU. WASHU WASHU: (softly) Wherever you are, Tenchi, I hope you're lonely and miserable. Damn, it's cold in here! 4 INT. MIHOSHI'S BEDROOM A faint blue outline reveals Tenchi and Sasami, lying together. Tenchi sits up, fanning himself softly. Sasami murmurs and looks up. SASAMI: (softly) Tenchi, where are we? TENCHI: Mihoshi's apartment. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (sighing) Oh yeah. I forgot. I'm so glad I could make up with Mihoshi. She's still pretty upset at you, though. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I never realized how mean she could look. I guess I'm just lucky I didn't marry her. BEDROOM Sasami reaches out and punches Tenchi in the arm. SASAMI: That's a really cruel thing to say, Tenchi. You don't know what she's been through. She probably only joined the rangers for you, you know. TENCHI: Yeah. She went through all that training and got that villa just outside of Okayama. I never realized Mihoshi wanted to live in Japan. Strange, huh? SASAMI: Not really. Mihoshi just likes planning ahead--a little too far, if you ask me. Why in the world did she join the rangers in the first place? I never quite understood that. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: That was probably my fault. (sighing) I seem to recall mentioning that I thought Mihoshi would look good in the scout uniform. It seemed like a completely innocent remark at the time, but you know Mihoshi. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Yeah. That sounds about right. BEDROOM TENCHI: I just wish I'd seen that graduation ceremony. That must have been something. SASAMI: Nah. Probably just a lot of marching around and some silly speeches. TENCHI: When was that? It seems like it was just yesterday. SASAMI: Two weeks ago. Fourteen long days ago. (sigh) Oh Tenchi, this is driving me crazy! TENCHI: You're still worried about Ayeka and Ryoko? SASAMI: I can't help it. Where are they? We should have at least heard from them by now. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: You know them, Sasami. They spend so much time arguing, they've probably forgotten all about us. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (amused) I seriously doubt that. (wistful) I wonder how they would react if they could see us right now. CU. TENCHI He chuckles, wryly. TENCHI: Well, I'm sure Ayeka would be overjoyed. She'd probably say something like, 'It's about time you started showing some maturity, Sasami. I salute your decision to renounce the royal family. I think it will give you more renown and prove your dignity. I didn't give you enough credit for your courage either. I am both humbled and proud.' CU. SASAMI Grinning, ironically. SASAMI: You're such a naughty boy, Tenchi. I can only imagine what Ryoko would say, though. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (laughing) I think she'd say, 'Why, Tenchi! How good for you! You know, I always thought you two were perfect for each other! I'm so moved, I think I'm going to cry.' CU. SASAMI Smiling briefly, then frowning darkly. SASAMI: That's not very funny, Tenchi. You know how sensitive she is. BEDROOM TENCHI: Yeah. I know. SASAMI: Anyway, she'd probably say, 'Hey! That's okay. I never really liked you, anyway. You just remind me of what a loser I am!' They both chuckle, sadistically. 5 TITLE: "SHIPWRECKED" 6 EXT. TOWER OF THEMIS The tower almost seems to touch the giant red planet, hanging in an evening sky. 7 INT. LIBRARY A normal sized room with one balcony going around two sides of the top half. Shelves filled with books line three walls on the lower half of the room and the two sides with the balcony on the top. A small ladder connects the top and lower half floors, and large windows appear on the third side of the room at the top. On the fourth side is a large set of doors and small tables sitting off to either side of the doors. At the center of the room is a large model replica of the floating city, complete with a model forest and little winged horses flying around the model city. Tsunami is sitting on the floor at the base of one shelf, reading. Several children in curious attire are sitting at the tables--some reading, others playing little games. Mimi enters, looking around at the children in annoyance. Mimi goes to the wall just above one table and removes a painting. Alepios enters, carrying another painting with one hand. By the way he carries it, the painting is obviously very light. He looks around, somewhat annoyed, then stands next to Mimi. ALEPIOS: Here? Tsunami looks up from her reading, as Alepios hangs the painting. MIMI: Hmm... Yes, that looks good. CU. ALEPIOS Considering. ALEPIOS: I thought the other one looked better. CU. MIMI MIMI: (annoyed) There aren't enough garden scenes in this room. This just looks a little out-of-place, at the moment. Familiarity can color your opinions, you know? CU. ALEPIOS Absently agreeing. ALEPIOS: Yeah, I know all that. LIBRARY Several children look up and stare at Mimi and Alepios. Mimi looks around, a little nervous. ALEPIOS: Well... It's charming enough. MIMI: Charming? I spent weeks doing this. Tsunami frowns and goes back to reading. ALEPIOS: I'm sorry. It's bold--brilliant. I just love all the little... nuances... CU. MIMI Trembling in anger. MIMI: You really think so? You aren't just humoring me? CU. ALEPIOS He rolls his eyes. LIBRARY Several of the children begin to whisper to themselves and point. A few start to chuckle. MIMI: (choking back anger) Well, since you like it so much, you can keep it. Mimi takes the painting off the wall again and hands it to Alepios. Alepios sighs with annoyance. CU. MIMI She gestures, nervously. MIMI: Go on! Hang it in the stable! See if the horses like my work! LIBRARY Mimi gasps as Alepios rather nonchalantly leaves the room with the painting. Several more children start to chuckle. Mimi glares at them as they try to hide grins. Mimi looks over at Tsunami and approaches, somewhat stiffly. MIMI: That was my best work. I can't believe he actually didn't like it. (looking around) What is the matter with all of you? (looking down) Hey! Crazy girl! CU. TSUNAMI She looks up, blankly. CU. MIMI MIMI: Did you see that painting? Wasn't it marvellous? And he just called it 'charming.' Really... CU. TSUNAMI Looking back down at her book. TSUNAMI: I didn't get a good look at it. LIBRARY MIMI: You have no interest in my work? I thought you liked paintings. TSUNAMI: (casual) I'll make sure I go by the stables tonight. MIMI: (folding her arms) You do wipe down the horses, don't you? Didn't you pledge yourself that boy's servant? TSUNAMI: Yeah, but he won't let me do strenuous chores. You know how he is. He only lets me cook, clean and do laundry for him. CU. MIMI MIMI: Men! That's so typical. They assume you're a weakling, then whine about how you never help them with the heavy lifting! Who needs them? CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: Hmm... You've really put some thought into this. (she looks up from her book) You're starting to have feelings for this servant boy, huh? CU. MIMI MIMI: (shocked) That's ridiculous! Me and a servant boy! Please... I'd sooner wrestle a javalina. LIBRARY Tsunami chuckles, shaking her head in amusement. TSUNAMI: I think a javalina would be frightened off just at the color of your hose, Mimi. MIMI: Oh yes. That's right. I'm talking to an expert on javalina wrestling. Or are you in the habit of leaping from tree top to tree top, nowadays? TSUNAMI: Actually, I prefer to play with the wolves, but I'm not doing anything dangerous anymore. You know that. I hate to worry you, Mimi. You can be very temperamental. CU. MIMI Frowning, a little taken aback. MIMI: You're reckless, Tsunami. The sight of you lying dead still sickens me. You don't know what I've been through the past few weeks. LIBRARY Tsunami closes her book and looks down, considering. TSUNAMI: (softly) You know I never meant for any of that to happen. How else can I express my regret at what happened? MIMI: (subdued) I really don't care what you do, Tsunami. I just hate it when all those stuck-up elders start breathing down my neck. They actually expect me to look after you, now that Washu isn't here to do it for me. It's a terrible burden, making sure you aren't doing anything stupid from one moment to the next. I can't concentrate on my own work anymore. CU. MIMI She kneels down to speak with Tsunami softly. MIMI: Did you know that some of them actually accused me of plotting to have you murdered? Me? You have any idea how angry that made me? CU. TSUNAMI Scowling with regret. TSUNAMI: I'm sorry, Mimi. I didn't set out to make you miserable. (looking up) I promise I won't do anything stupid again. You don't need to worry about me. CU. MIMI Thoughtful and pensive. MIMI: Are you sure? I can't handle any more pressure. Anything else goes wrong, I'm doing the sensible thing and absolving myself of the matter, entirely. CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: Yes. I'm sure. LIBRARY Mimi nods as she considers. MIMI: (softly) I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but those elders expect a lot from you. They keep saying that you're the strongest being in the universe. You have so much potential, etc. You can understand how they would get upset to hear that you died before you could mature properly. Tsunami boggles in amazement. MIMI: I have to do so much just to get their attention, now. I can't be expected to keep up with you. Cut me some slack, huh? TSUNAMI: (somewhat amused) It's okay, Mimi. I'm not going to outshine you. You're far more beautiful than I'll ever be. CU. MIMI MIMI: (pleasantly surprised) Really? (casual) I mean, yeah. Of course I am. Don't you forget it, either. LIBRARY Tsunami picks up her book and opens it again. MIMI: What's with all these village children? They seem to like being near you. You have a thing for children? TSUNAMI: (sighing) No. Actually, they give me the creeps. I don't know why it is, but they just seem to like being near me. Tsunami goes back to her reading, as Mimi looks around curiously. MIMI: I think Washu has a thing for children. (sigh) I wish she was here again. 8 EXT. SNOWY PLAIN Washu cuts a valiant picture, stalking a polar bear. She levels a blaster and fires, missing badly. CU. WASHU WASHU: Damn! These gloves just aren't made for holding blasters. Hmm... That gives me an idea... PLAIN An old man (the alchemist) appears just off to the side. His face is vaguely reminiscent of a wolf, and he appears to have a gentle smile across his lips most of the time. His eyes seem very cunning, and he has a tendancy to move his eyes just ahead of the action--as if in anticipation. ALCHEMIST: It looked like you led him a little too much. WASHU: (snorting) That's what amateurs always say. I think it was a pocket of air. (looking around, suddenly) Uh... Hey! CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: 'Who are you?' 'What do you want?' Do we really have to play that silly game, Washu? CU. WASHU She scowls, considering. WASHU: Well, I can't say I recognize you. I'd rather know how you got here, though. PLAIN ALCHEMIST: Some would say that one's position in the universe is the infusion of one's own will and the will of the universe, but I think that's just nonsense. I think the universe simply doesn't care where you are--so, there you stay. WASHU: Wait a minute. You're an alchemist. You've made some kind of deal with Ryoko, haven't you? ALCHEMIST: You caught me red-handed. I don't suppose you've figured out how to get around the blocks... CU. WASHU Carefully composed. WASHU: Blocks? What blocks? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (amused) Ah, yes. The old training never goes away, does it? PLAIN WASHU: (irritated) Okay, we'll play this out. Who are you and what do you want? ALCHEMIST: Well, you've already surmised who I am, and what I want is irrelevant. I'm just a messenger. I make deliveries, and then I leave. Now, if you should happen to have any messages to return, I could handle that as well. WASHU: A message? From who, and to whom? ALCHEMIST: From me to you, actually. I have a prophetic warning to deliver, thanks in part to Tsunami. Tsunami, thank heavens, does not always know her own strength. CU. WASHU WASHU: Tsunami? A warning? Maybe this is a bad idea... CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: Well, it's your choice, of course. You should know, though, that Tsunami has made her choice. She came and dealt with me, most willingly. CU. WASHU A little startled. WASHU: You're playing both her and Ryoko? You're not pitting one against the other, are you? PLAIN ALCHEMIST: And if I were? What do you care? Surely, if you dislike my intentions you could just shoot me. Why would I endanger myself like this? WASHU: Maybe you just like playing with fire. Maybe someone should teach you a lesson. ALCHEMIST: You, teach me? (laughing) Now, who's playing with fire? WASHU: Who are you, really? What do you want with me? CU. ALCHEMIST He sighs and folds his arms. ALCHEMIST: I am a businessman--nothing more. I will present my offer, then you can choose. If you like what I'm selling, then we make an exchange. If not, I will leave and never bother you again. CU. WASHU WASHU: And if I choose not to make a choice? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: If that is your decision, then I will respect it, as well. 'Caveat emptor,' as I always say. However, I do not deal in trifles. What I have to offer you is small, but it could change your life. Alchemy isn't something you bump into on a daily basis. PLAIN WASHU: Now, you're leading with your offer. Hmm... Alchemy, huh? Who's to say I should be interested? ALCHEMIST: Think about it this way: science is the study of things you can prove. What does that make alchemy? WASHU: The study of things you cannot prove... Interesting. I'm listening. ALCHEMIST: I already have one apprentice, so I cannot take you myself. I can think of one who can, though. WASHU: Who? CU. ALCHEMIST He smiles, devilishly. ALCHEMIST: Ryoko, of course. Once she has mastered alchemy to my satisfaction, I will persuade her to train you. Delicious irony, don't you think? CU. WASHU WASHU: (annoyed) For you, maybe. What would I have to do to earn this favor? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: Nothing. Just this once, I've decided to offer an apprenticeship for free. It becomes irrelevant if you refuse to hear my warning, though. CU. WASHU WASHU: (wistful) The transformation of objects... Wow. You must be desperate. Okay. I'll hear this warning. My ears are burning. CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: Okay, here goes. Very soon, Ryoko will die-- CU. WASHU WASHU: Again? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (a little annoyed) Yes, again. And she will stay that way unless you agree to stay out of my way. PLAIN WASHU: And Tsunami knows this? ALCHEMIST: She knows, but I'm not sure she knows that she knows. In any case, Tsunami can do nothing for Ryoko. WASHU: And you can? ALCHEMIST: I am a master of all I attempt. I always offer, and I always deliver--I don't always get paid, but that's another matter. CU. WASHU She contemplates carefully. WASHU: So, Tsunami has already made her move. Maybe someone should warn Ryoko--spare her that grief. CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (amused) Not me. You think I have a death-wish? You can guess what I promised to deliver to her. CU. WASHU Smiling wryly. WASHU: Ryoko is so predictable. Yes, I know too well the dangers of over-nurturing. I'm not doing that again. CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (a little annoyed) I know how you tend to react. I calculated this very carefully. I studied you before you made that excursion to the past. PLAIN WASHU: You're too careful for your own good. You must know I won't decide right away. I may not decide in your favor. (she brandishes the blaster) I might just shoot you right now. ALCHEMIST: Yes, as I already said. I take risks, but I play percentages. It makes life interesting, don't you agree? WASHU: (sighing) Yes. I have to admit it does. It can also be very upsetting when you calculate wrong. ALCHEMIST: Very well. I will leave you to your decision, but be ready when the time comes. Ryoko's body will not keep in the stone forever. The alchemist vanishes. WASHU: (upset) Hey! Wait! (groaning) At least get us off this stupid planet! 9 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA The sky is turning somewhat purple, as evening begins. 10 INT. DINING HALL Tenchi and Kimiko are sitting at a table. Tenchi is sitting, staring at a painting, as Kimiko sits with her head resting on her arms. Sasami comes out of the kitchen and sits next to Tenchi. KIMIKO: (sleepily) Tenchi, what do you want to be when you grow up? TENCHI: (kindly) I always wanted to be a super secret agent, like James Bond. KIMIKO: Who? SASAMI: Never mind, Kimiko. Tenchi's just being facetious-- CU. TENCHI TENCHI: No, seriously. I like the thought of pulling off dangerous stunts and sleeping with beautiful women all the time. I just need a diabolical villain to bring down. Nobody wants to take over the universe, though. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Not at the moment. Maybe next week. All my diabolical schemes are sitting in the bottom drawer, right under my sleeping clothes. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Could you two be serious for one minute? I'd really like to know what you want to do with the rest of your life, Tenchi. CU. TENCHI Seriously considering. TENCHI: Well, I've never given the matter much thought. I really couldn't say. HALL KIMIKO: (brightly, looking up) Well, I know what I want to be when I grow up. I want to be someone's pet. SASAMI: Like a dog? KIMIKO: More like a cat. I like how independent cats are. You never have to worry about whether you're early or late for something or what time of the year it is. Every day is a fresh, new experience to be enjoyed. All you have to do is complain when you want to eat and don't mind it too much that you have to crap in a fairly public place. TENCHI: (groaning) I just knew you could find the dark side of anything, Kimiko. SASAMI: Yes, you make it sound enviable and repulsive at the same time. Hikaru enters, looking a little annoyed. (Hikaru is somewhat old, but he carries himself with quiet dignity. He has a serious and thoughtful expression most of the time. He is tall and hale, and by his movement, you might guess that he is somewhat impassive, but his posture is laconic.) He strolls over to the table, handing a broom to Tenchi. HIKARU: Tenchi, how many times have I told you? When you are done scrubbing the bathroom, you must go sweep the front steps. TENCHI: (subdued) Sorry, Hikaru. I guess I forgot. HIKARU: (sigh) Try harder. CU. SASAMI She scowls in thought. SASAMI: I know I've said this before, but he reminds me of someone... 11 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA The sky is growing dark in early evening light. Tenchi is standing near the end of walkway, leaning on the broom. A small groundcar pulls up and deposits Mihoshi nearby. Mihoshi hands something to the driver and walks up to Tenchi. MIHOSHI: (stiff) Hey, Tenchi. TENCHI: (a little awkward) Hey there, Mihoshi. A moment passes as Mihoshi stands, stiff. She then hugs Tenchi and begins sobbing. CU. TENCHI Scowling with embarrassment. TENCHI: It's okay, Mihoshi. Things like this just happen. Nobody meant to hurt you. CU. MIHOSHI She slowly collects herself. MIHOSHI: It's not that, Tenchi. I just came here to tell you off, once and for all. I can't do that, though. I just take one look at you and fall apart. I'm such an idiot! WALKWAY TENCHI: Nobody feels worse about hurting you than Sasami and I. We'd do anything to make it up to you. You know that. MIHOSHI: It's no problem, Tenchi. I still think you'll come to your senses one day. (slyly) I'd make a much better lover than that kid. Tenchi looks around, chuckling. TENCHI: Uh... Not much chance of that now. It's nothing personal, Mihoshi. I have nothing against you. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Huh? What do you mean? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I feel like a puppet, sometimes. I just lose control whenever I'm around Sasami. I keep telling myself that I'll pull back and maybe even fight her a little--then I just blindly go along with whatever she wants. It's really weird. I feel like I'm a different person when we're together. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Yeah. I noticed that a long time ago. You always seemed to be looking up to her, even when she was shorter than you. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What's really weird is she always gets a little disappointed that I don't resist her, but then I get the feeling she actually enjoys the disappointment. WALKWAY Mihoshi starts to laugh. MIHOSHI: That's funny. I think that's exactly what I like about you, too. Tenchi scratches his head, nervously, as Kimiko appears and approaches. KIMIKO: Hey Tenchi, who's this? TENCHI: (looking around) Oh. Kimiko, this is Mihoshi. Mihoshi, Kimiko. MIHOSHI: Hi! KIMIKO: (to Mihoshi) Hey there! (to Tenchi) Tenchi, Sasami needs some help in the kitchen again. Evening rush, you know. MIHOSHI: (to Kimiko) Oh, let me. I'm pretty handy with a knife. CU. KIMIKO She glances at Tenchi suspiciously. CU. TENCHI He looks at Kimiko doubtfully, then smiles. TENCHI: Oh, it's okay, Kimiko. Mihoshi and I go way back. She's got a knack for preparing stuff. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Oh. Then, I'll stay here. I need a break. WALKWAY Kimiko sits on the last step of the stairs and takes out a snack. Mihoshi waves at the groundcar, and it drives off. MIHOSHI: See you... Tenchi waves as Mihoshi goes inside the cantina. KIMIKO: How much longer are you staying? TENCHI: Till I find out who did that painting. So far, it's my best lead. I think I've just about figured out how she thinks. CU. KIMIKO A little surprised. KIMIKO: She? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Oh--I mean, the artist who painted that painting. I'm pretty sure it's a woman. CU. KIMIKO She scowls and ponders, looking at the snack. KIMIKO: (gesturing) You want some of this? WALKWAY Tenchi looks at Kimiko curiously. TENCHI: Huh? Oh, no. Thanks, but I just ate. KIMIKO: A woman, huh? What else have you discovered about her? TENCHI: Well... It seems like she's trying to duplicate someone else's work. It's hard to imagine, but I think there might actually be someone greater than she is. KIMIKO: Wow. Even greater? TENCHI: Her work seems to be a kind of contained cry of envy. In a way, I'm really starting to pity her. CU. KIMIKO She seems about to say something very pithy, then stops. KIMIKO: I... uh... Oh, never mind. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (sigh) Sorry. I just thought I had an idea who this artist was. Now that I think about, I'm probably wrong. WALKWAY Kimiko stands and strolls back inside, looking very morose. Tenchi looks after her, curiously. 12 INT. TENT Ryoko and Ayeka are shivering around the heater. Washu enters, and picks up Ryo-Ohki. RYOKO: No bear? WASHU: You can hunt your own, today. I've got a lot on my mind right now. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Little Washu, it's pretty obvious by now that the distress signal isn't working. What else can we do? CU. WASHU WASHU: If all these cargo ships keep assuming that we're pirates, there's really nothing we can do except hope that they'll pass along our whereabouts to a local scout patrol. Beyond that, we're stuck here till I can figure out how to fix Ryo-Ohki's stabilizer. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: If Ryo-Ohki is fit to fly, we can just skip the hyperspace route. I'd rather take my chances in space than here. TENT Washu looks at Ryoko, and smiles--somewhat pitifully. CU. RYOKO Ryoko frowns a bit. 13 INT. RYOKO'S BEDROOM (B/W--flashback) CU. RYOKO RYOKO: How can I win Tenchi again? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (very matter-of-factly) You can't. Tenchi is beyond your reach, now. Sorry. BEDROOM Ryoko reels a little. RYOKO: (nearly breathless) What? ALCHEMIST: I said he is out of your reach, but I can give him to you. For me, it's a snap. RYOKO: (groaning) No, I don't believe you! (vicious) You're a monster! 14 INT. TENT Washu looks at Ryoko curiously, and Ryoko turns away. WASHU: (gently) Anything you want to tell me, Little Ryoko? RYOKO: (pained) Leave me alone. 15 INT. RYOKO'S BEDROOM (B/W--flashback) Ryoko tries to slap him, but the alchemist grabs her hand. CU. RYOKO Tries to pull her hand away. ALCHEMIST: (OC) You should be more respectful to your elders, young lady. I'm old enough to be your grandfather. RYOKO: Let me go! BEDROOM The alchemist continues to hold her hand, drawing her closer. ALCHEMIST: (softly) I know what you want, Ryoko. You want a quick change, but it can't happen quickly. You have to be patient. Time is an absolute. 16 INT. TENT Ryoko groans and clutches her head with both hands. AYEKA: Is something the matter, Ryoko? You look like you are ill. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (harsh) Just shut up! Leave me alone! Both of you, just leave me alone! TENT Ayeka looks at Washu in some alarm, as a thunderclap goes through the tent. WASHU: (gasping) A rescue ship! We're saved! 17 EXT. SNOWY PLAIN A large GP cruiser descends and touches down near the tent. From the tent, emerge Washu, Ayeka and Ryoko. Ayeka falls to her knees, weeping. Ryoko looks down at Ayeka in some disgust, considering the design of the cruiser. Washu begins strolling quickly out toward the cruiser, holding Ryo-Ohki. Ayeka gets up and starts to follow. Ryoko frowns and follows Ayeka. A hatch opens out of the bottom of the ship, and a GP officer emerges. He marches over to Ayeka and frowns as he considers and nods to himself. WASHU: This is such a relief! We've been stuck here for so long. AYEKA: Yes. This is very kind of you, sir. I cannot tell you how grateful I am! CU. OFFICER OFFICER: Are you princess Ayeka, the daughter of the emperor of Jurai, crown princess to the throne of Jurai? CU. AYEKA She looks a little stunned. AYEKA: Yes. That is certainly correct, sir. I am pleased that someone recognizes me. CU. OFFICER OFFICER: Uh... If you could, your highness, please hand over all your weapons... PLAIN Washu and Ryoko look on, as Ayeka ponders. AYEKA: I beg your pardon? OFFICER: Please, your highness. Do not make this difficult. I have a warrant for your arrest. Just cooperate, and I'll let the prosecutors know that you are complying fully. RYOKO: Well, this is a switch. WASHU: Ryoko. This is serious. Galaxy Police don't just wander around in pirate territory, looking for wanted men. They must be a little anxious if they went to all this trouble. OFFICER: Please. I do not wish to make this a political incident. Just come along with us, your highness, and we will make this as quiet as possible. CU. AYEKA She looks a little faint. AYEKA: No! I demand to at least know what the charges are! I have my rights, just like any ordinary citizen. CU. OFFICER He sighs and pulls out the warrant. OFFICER: (reading) The charges are: two counts of abduction and two counts of attempted murder. CU. AYEKA Stunned with disbelief. AYEKA: No, this can't be. CU. OFFICER He takes out a small pad, and begins to recite. OFFICER: (reading) You have the right to council. If you waive right to council, anything you say can be given in testimony against you. Is that understood, your highness? CU. WASHU WASHU: Uh... If you don't mind, sir--who filed this complaint? PLAIN The officer flips through the pad and looks for something there. OFFICER: Well, according to my notes, these complaints were all filed years ago by a citizen named Ryoko. We seem to have lots of evidence on file, but I'm afraid it's pretty old. We're going to need her as a material witness. Most of the old charges have been rendered void by the statute of limitations, so we need to re-verify all our remaining evidence. Ryoko looks a little shocked by the revelation. AYEKA: (to Ryoko) Ryoko? Are you insane? I'm not a criminal! WASHU: (chuckling) Uh... Ayeka means some other Ryoko-- This can't be the same one... The officer looks at his pad, then at Ryoko. CU. OFFICER OFFICER: No, my data confirms it. This is the woman who filed this complaint. CU. RYOKO She sighs and smiles, wryly. RYOKO: Well, Princess. I guess they finally came to their senses. Those charges are true, you know. CU. WASHU She scowls, aggravated. WASHU: Ryoko! We're wasting time! CU. RYOKO RYOKO: No, we're not. I wouldn't miss this for anything. Come on, Washu. You're probably a material witness too. 18 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Tenchi and Sasami are lying together in the bed. Sasami looks up wistfully, apparently pondering. SASAMI: Tenchi, are you awake? TENCHI: Yeah... SASAMI: What are we going to do? We aren't going back to Earth, are we? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: We'll have to at least visit. We can't stay away. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Where will we go? BEDROOM TENCHI: Why not stay here? I mean, Leo. It's a very pretty place to live. My quest probably won't take me away. This place has a lot of affordable land. I have a few of my own plans for a house. I've just never put it all together before. It should be interesting to try, don't you think? SASAMI: You think you can fit in? TENCHI: Leo has a lot of recreation centers for old war veterans. Hikaru is a war veteran. He could hook me up with a few of them. I could show them some of my technique. You wouldn't mind making some particular dishes? SASAMI: It sounds like a great idea. TENCHI: I've already met quite a few war veterans in my travels, and they all seem to have the most particular tastes. They don't always know good food, but the things they love can be pretty exotic. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: This is a good plan. If anybody can help out with a quest, it's a war veteran. I think we should start making subtle forays... CU. TENCHI TENCHI: As long as we don't get carried away. There's always Earth to go back to, if things don't work out. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: But Ayeka won't return to Jurai. BEDROOM TENCHI: Hmm... Maybe. SASAMI: (looking around) Tenchi, what's on your mind? You seem a little preoccupied. It's not because of Mihoshi, is it? TENCHI: No. I just had the strangest dream. SASAMI: Well, don't leave me in suspense. Tell me about it. TENCHI: (collecting himself) I had a dream of a little girl. She had my face and your hair, and she had the most peculiar way of behaving. It all seemed so real, but very bizarre at the same time. CU. SASAMI She grins with amusement. SASAMI: A little girl, huh? I wonder what we should call her? 19 EXT. VILLAGE OUTSKIRTS A small village hugs the edge of a forest on one side, with a lake on the other side. Just at the edge, near a palisade, is a small group of huts. 20 EXT. NEAR HUT Tsunami stands over a hibachi, cooking. A few children are standing around, muttering to themselves as Tsunami turns some shellfish and arranges some fungi and legumes. She sprinkles some spices, and turns the shellfish again. 21 INT. HUT Araya is sitting at a table, knitting. She looks up as Tsunami enters, carrying a dish. ARAYA: Mmm... That smells good. TSUNAMI: It has special texture. I like this dish to be a little al dente. Naturally, you have to smoke it. I think that's what you smell. CU. ARAYA She puts down her knitting. ARAYA: I can hardly wait to eat. Did you see my brother? CU. TSUNAMI She sets the dish on the table. TSUNAMI: Out cutting some wood, I think. He should be in any moment, I expect. He's your half-brother, right? HUT Araya gets up and goes to the door of the hut. ARAYA: We are related by blood, yes. Tsunami sits at the table, taking a taste of the food. TSUNAMI: Why wait? The food is ready. Araya turns again, frowning at Tsunami. ARAYA: It's rude to start eating without everyone. I like to think of the three of us as family, now. CU. TSUNAMI She grins, taking another taste. TSUNAMI: We are related by death, if not by birth. CU. ARAYA ARAYA: (trying not to grin) Only you could crack a joke about your own death, Tsunami. HUT Araya returns to the table, looking at the dish. TSUNAMI: It's okay if you want to taste, Araya. ARAYA: Hmm... I'll wait. Anyway, it gives us a chance to gossip. TSUNAMI: I don't keep up with silly rumors. CU. ARAYA ARAYA: Oh, come on. There must be something going on. I see people going in and out of that tower all the time. It's fairly buzzing with activity, lately. CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: It's nothing to do with me, I'm sure. HUT Araya scowls, looking down. ARAYA: Oh well. I guess I should know better. You were never one to listen to gossip anyway. It's a shame, really. TSUNAMI: Oh? (amused) And why is that? CU. ARAYA ARAYA: (softly) I think my brother likes you. CU. TSUNAMI She looks a little curious. HUT Alepios enters, looking at the table. ALEPIOS: Hey, what smells good? Araya and Tsunami look at him, smiling. 22 EXT. SPACE The GP cruiser flies toward a giant gate, as a huge swirling vortex swells within it. 23 INT. CRUISER Washu and Ryo-Ohki sit near Ayeka--who is wearing a curious bracelet, looking extremely peevish. Ryoko is sitting across from a small ice box, eating whatever she can find. AYEKA: This makes no sense. The Galaxy Police had no jurisdiction over Earth, anyway. One officer is piloting, as the other sits across from Ayeka. OFFICER: We don't interpret the treaties, your highness. We just enforce them. According to the Beta Alliance, any codes set down by the Jurai empire are enforceable by duly licensed officials. That includes the Earth colony. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (strained) The Supreme Constitution forbids the retroactive enforcement of treaty policies. Any law-student would know that. CU. OFFICER He smiles, indulgently. OFFICER: I'm well aware of the Supreme Constitution, your highness. It also states that treaty policy cannot be interpreted broadly. There is no restriction on ex post facto infringements as they relate to matters of the welfare of the state. A felony is a definite infringement on the welfare of the state. CU. AYEKA Wide-eyed in shocked anger. AYEKA: I was securing my own welfare. You should know, as an officer of the court, that I have a duty to such things. I had no way of knowing that those people-- CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (smug) --she means me and Tenchi-- CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (grim) Thank you. They appeared to be dangerous. They also crashed my ship, if you have read your facts straight. CU. OFFICER OFFICER: (casual) Well, you can explain it all to the magistrate. Don't get your hopes up, though. Remember, you've already been convicted of other offenses... CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (gasping) Those other charges were all blatantly false! I was fully pardoned of any wrongdoing. CU. OFFICER OFFICER: Yeah, sure... CRUISER Washu turns to the officer, smiling nicely. WASHU: Sir, do you by any chance have some tools? My android needs some minor repairs. We did crash on that planet, after all. OFFICER: Huh? Oh, yes. (pointing) In that compartment by the desk comm. (he looks at Ryo-Ohki) An android, huh? What does it do? CU. WASHU WASHU: (looking in the compartment) Just some little chores. Nothing special. We keep it more for sentimental reasons. You understand? CU. RYO-OHKI She looks a little indignant, folding her forelegs. 24 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Tenchi is sitting up, looking around, as if to convince himself. Sasami is sound asleep. Tenchi gets up and looks in a mirror. CU. MIRROR He scowls and looks down. ACHIKA: (OC) Something upsetting you, Son? BEDROOM Tenchi turns and sees his mother, standing just behind him. TENCHI: Mother? ACHIKA: I see you still remember me. Is there something you want to tell me? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Tell you? CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: Yes. You looked like you were filled with regret. You aren't having second thoughts about this quest, are you? BEDROOM TENCHI: No. I've never wanted anything so much in all my life. (sigh) I was thinking about Sasami. ACHIKA: Really? She seems to be quite taken care of. What are you really worried about? Is it Ryoko? TENCHI: No. Ryoko is the last person on my mind right now. CU. ACHIKA She frowns, thoughtfully. ACHIKA: Tenchi, you can't face your worst fears if you are still having trouble facing reality. I care about you more than I can say, but I will soon be forced to leave you. You think I'm not filled with regrets, too? CU. TENCHI His eyes fill with tears, and he looks down. TENCHI: I can't-- CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: (eagerly) You can't what? CU. TENCHI He wipes his face and tries to look up. TENCHI: I can't trust her, Mom. You know how Ryoko is. She treats me like I'm a plaything. I refuse to let her bully me like that. I'd rather die than let anyone do that to me. BEDROOM Achika looks a little remorseful, as Tenchi covers his face, weeping. ACHIKA: It's okay, Son. I understand. A mother knows, believe me. She hugs him, and he starts to collect himself. TENCHI: This is too bizarre. I can't believe this is happening. What's wrong with me? ACHIKA: Wipe your face, Tenchi. Remember your father. Have some dignity. CU. TENCHI He smiles as he wipes his face. TENCHI: My father? CU. ACHIKA She frowns, disliking his tone. ACHIKA: Yes, your father. You sound as if you have forgotten him. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I'm sorry, Mom. Of course, I remember him. BEDROOM Achika considers Tenchi very closely. ACHIKA: Do you, really? I wonder. Do you realize how noble a man he is, Tenchi? TENCHI: Noble? ACHIKA: Yes. That was why I married him. He has a noble spirit, Tenchi. You have a noble spirit, too. Sometimes, though, I think you take after your grandfather too much. Yosho is a kind enough man, but he can be a bit of a bully, too. You don't want to become what you hate most about Ryoko, do you, Son? CU. TENCHI Very subdued. TENCHI: No. You're right, Mom. I'm sorry. I've forgotten my father. CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: (pleased) I knew you would see the light, Tenchi. Now, you are at the end of your quest. You see that mirror? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: The end? He looks around at the mirror. TENCHI: You've found that artist? BEDROOM ACHIKA: She isn't just an artist, Tenchi. She is a monster. She will test you, but you will persevere if you remember your father. TENCHI: Okay... ACHIKA: (softly) The mirror is really a door to another world. All you have to do is open it and go through. TENCHI: How do I do that? ACHIKA: You have to believe, Tenchi. TENCHI: All right. He looks at the mirror for a few moments while nothing happens. TENCHI: It doesn't seem to be working... ACHIKA: (a little annoyed) It's okay, Tenchi. You just have to show your faith. You can't be guided by mortal expectations. CU. TENCHI Fairly confused. TENCHI: I'm sorry, but I don't understand. CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: Don't worry, Son. I'll help you one more time, then I really must go. Look... BEDROOM Achika puts her arm around Tenchi and she holds his hand out toward the mirror. The mirror glows and resolves into the shape of a silver door. Achika then steps back and vanishes. Tenchi looks around, a little disappointed. He then looks at the door and braces himself. CU. TENCHI He grimaces as he opens the door. BEDROOM Tenchi goes through the open door into a bright field of grass, closing the door behind him. 25 EXT. SPACE The GP cruiser is approaching a space station. 26 INT. CRUISER Washu looks a little nervous, as she gently pets Ryo-Ohki. Ayeka sits rock solid as Ryoko floats around, fidgeting. The two officers at the front of the cruiser look at each other and then vanish in a flicker of light. CU. WASHU WASHU: (firm) Now! Everybody get into the compartment! 27 EXT. SPACE Several other GP cruisers approach the cruiser, as pirate ships appear. The pirate ships turn toward the first cruiser, as Ryo-Ohki suddenly flies past them. The other cruisers break off, as the pirate ships turn and attack Ryo-Ohki. The first cruiser heads toward the space station, going right past the other cruisers. 28 INT. CRUISER A large compartment in the back opens, and Washu emerges--still holding Ryo-Ohki. She darts up to the cockpit as Ayeka and Ryoko slowly emerge. RYOKO: You might have warned us about that! WASHU: There's no time! We aren't out of this yet! 29 EXT. SPACE The pirate ships attack the decoy Ryo-Ohki as the first cruiser heads for a hyperspace gate. A few other GP cruisers begin to pursue the first cruiser. The decoy Ryo-Ohki puts up a brave struggle, then explodes. The pursuing cruisers gain on the first cruiser, as it approaches the vortex within the gate. 30 INT. CRUISER Ryoko and Ayeka are considering a tactical display, as Washu pilots. She looks down and pets Ryo-Ohki again. WASHU: (softly, to Ryo-Ohki) Ready, girl? There's nothing to be afraid of. CU. RYO-OHKI She scowls in a peculiar way, then growls. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Damn! We're not going to make it! CU. WASHU WASHU: (amused) Hey! Give me a little credit. I am a genius, remember? 31 EXT. SPACE The first cruiser explodes violently, just before it reaches the gate. The vortex flickers and vanishes. The other cruisers swerve off to avoid getting caught in the shock wave. The gate shudders and holds. 32 INT. RYO-OHKI Ayeka looks very thoughtful as Ryoko glares at Washu. Washu kicks back, a little smug. RYOKO: That was too close! AYEKA: Yes. For once, I agree. WASHU: (amused) Would you two cut it out? You girls are so naive! Anyway, we still need to find a convoy. Lucky for us, pirates and cops are pretty stupid, but even they'll figure this out eventually. 33 EXT. RYO-OHKI Ryo-Ohki flies through swirling bands of hyperspace, sounding very unhappy about it. 34 EXT. GRASSY FIELD Tenchi walks toward a bare, dirt rectangle in a field of grass. The sky all around is a hazy shade of dark gray, like thick storm clouds. The grass itself seems to glow a faint green, providing some illumination. Framing the rectangle is a wooden path, lined by small channels of water. He enters the rectangle, and a figure appears. The figure is wearing a standard uniform for martial arts, complete with a black belt and a headcloth. The figure is a woman with dark hair and dark eyes, and seems to stand with an air of complete arrogance, as if defying him with her stance. Tenchi stops and the figure approaches. She bows, shortly, and then Tenchi bows. She then stands and holds out her hands in a defensive posture, eyeing him carefully. Tenchi continues to stand, unguarded. After a few moments, the figure lowers her guard and removes the headcloth. TOKIMI: You're early. It's too soon to start your training. CU. TENCHI He looks a little confused, pondering. TENCHI: Is something wrong? CU. TOKIMI She smiles in a peculiar way, then considers. TOKIMI: You're right, of course. I'm being rude. Forgive me. My name is Lady Tokimi. I have sent for you. I am to be your sensei--your mentor--whatever you prefer. As you can see, I am also the master of this dojo. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Karate? RECTANGLE TOKIMI: The first art in any discipline is self-defense. If you wish to share in my vision, you must be willing to fight me. If not, then you are not worthy of honor. TENCHI: Oh. Did I come at a bad time? I could come back later. TOKIMI: No. As it happens, this is convenient. It raises some disturbing questions, but I think I can manage. She makes a quick kiai and kicks Tenchi in the chest, lightning-quick. Tenchi goes tumbling backward. CU. TENCHI He is lying on the ground, coughing and gasping for breath. CU. TOKIMI She smirks and narrows her eyes in disappointment. TOKIMI: Slow. You are much too slow. This is going to take some time. 35 INT. DINING HALL Sasami enters from the hallway as Kimiko sits at a table, drinking coffee, looking at a paper. SASAMI: Kimiko, have you seen Tenchi? CU. KIMIKO Looking up, blankly. KIMIKO: No. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Did he tell you he was going somewhere? CU. KIMIKO Looking back at the paper. KIMIKO: Not that I remember. You know how he mumbles, sometimes. I'm sure he'll be right back. 36 EXT. HYPERSPACE A convoy of cargo ships is cruising through hyperspace. A couple of GP cruisers go shooting by. 37 INT. CARGO SHIP A large crate opens and Washu emerges, holding Ryo-Ohki. Ryoko floats out and Ayeka pokes her head out. RYOKO: This is such a pain, you know. It's all your fault, too, Princess. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: My fault? How is any of this my fault? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Those cops are after you. If we weren't sticking our necks out for you, we'd have found Tenchi by now. CU. WASHU Rolling her eyes. WASHU: Ryoko, those cops are after all of us-- SHIP RYOKO: Yeah, now-- AYEKA: I recall it was my suggestion to look on Leo-three in the first place-- WASHU: Girls, please! This situation is much more serious than just the three of us! CU. RYO-OHKI She meows, a little indignantly. CU. WASHU She looks down, a little surprised. WASHU: Okay, the four of us. (looking up) Just think about it. Cops and pirates are trying to kill us and working together to do it. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Yeah. Pirates blasting away at us at all has to mean something. They must be preparing for something. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Oh my god! Yes. This is in direct violation of all their Juraian Pirate Guild pacts. We must at least make some report to the Supreme Council. SHIP Washu frowns as she ponders. WASHU: Well... RYOKO: Those politicians! (snorting) Don't make me laugh! They only know how to argue. What do you expect them to do? AYEKA: (grim) Those politicians, as you call them, are my family. You'd do well to appreciate that, Ryoko. RYOKO: I think that was my point. AYEKA: What exactly are you implying? CU. WASHU She scowls in supreme annoyance. WASHU: Everybody shut up! What we need is to meditate on all this... quietly... We aren't exactly in a position to command the fleet, here. 38 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami is sitting on the floor, reading a book. She looks around, annoyed, and sighs. She looks at the book again, reading a bit more. She looks up, suddenly, and closes the book. She puts the book down, calmly, and stands. SASAMI: (to herself) Where are you, Tsunami? She looks in the mirror, and flinches. She looks down and puts her hands on either side of the mirror, as if to support herself. SASAMI: (VO) Help me! Stop fighting me! Show me... 39 INT. LIBRARY Tsunami is sitting on the floor, reading a book. She looks around, apparently annoyed, and sighs. She starts to look at the book again, and then calmly closes it, putting it down. She rests her chin on her hands, thoughtfully. Alepios enters, carrying a couple of books. He starts toward one of the shelves and looks around at Tsunami. He smiles, and goes to stand next to her. ALEPIOS: I got those books you wanted back. The ancient histories, right? TSUNAMI: I wouldn't exactly call them history. They're more like theater of the time. CU. ALEPIOS He puts down the books and sits down next to her. ALEPIOS: Having trouble reading, today? CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: Huh? CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: You seem to be worried about something. Anything wrong? Nothing serious, I hope. LIBRARY TSUNAMI: (amused) What could be wrong? I have been to death's door and back. If that doesn't scare me, what could? ALEPIOS: (pondering) Really? That doesn't sound all that scary. What if I told you I wanted you to be mine. Would that scare you? TSUNAMI: (a little stunned) Uh... Well, it isn't altogether unexpected. (softly) It does scare me a little. CU. ALEPIOS Leaning a little closer. ALEPIOS: (casual) Why is that? It doesn't scare me a bit. CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: Oh? I don't scare you? You know about my hobbies--I mean, the things I used to do. CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: Your adventures, you mean. Yes. It proves to me how brave you are. We are so much alike, Tsunami. I don't fear you. I admire you. LIBRARY Tsunami stands, looking a little terrified. TSUNAMI: Now, you're scaring me. (a little amused) Look at me. I'm actually trembling. What am I going to do? CU. ALEPIOS He continues to sit, looking up at her, intently. CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: I think I should go. LIBRARY Tsunami quickly crosses the room and exits. Alepios smiles, briefly, and folds his arms. Tsunami re-enters and quickly returns next to Alepios. TSUNAMI: I think I just fell into your trap. ALEPIOS: You want me to heal you again? LIBRARY Tsunami sits down next to Alepios and reaches up to him. He takes her hand, and they gently close on each other--face-to-face. CU. TSUNAMI Looking down, just before they can touch. TSUNAMI: (softly) Careful. I've been known to bite. CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: (softly) I think I can deal with it. LIBRARY They continue to hold hands as they kiss, very tentatively. They break for a moment, and Alepios embraces her. They stare for another moment and kiss again, very gently but very intensely. Just as they are about to pull away again, a small girl with blonde hair and a pet in her arms walks into the library, looking around at them curiously. CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: (looking around) Pytho? CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: (catching her breath) Pytho? Who's Pytho? (she looks around) The girl is named Pytho? LIBRARY The little girl leaves, and Alepios looks as if he is about to get up for a moment. He then smiles and looks at Tsunami again. ALEPIOS: The pet. I had a pet named Pytho a few years ago. I lost him one day and I thought I'd never see him again. That little girl had him. TSUNAMI: Wow. Imagine how that happened. 40 INT. CARGO SHIP Washu is wrapping a pipe with strips of cloth dipped into some gel. She looks up briefly and scowls, annoyed. Ryo-Ohki is sitting on her shoulder. Ayeka and Ryoko are in another heated discussion. AYEKA: If Juraians were involved, we'd have never made it past the mine field. RYOKO: So, why didn't they attack us on that remote planet? We weren't exactly hiding there. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: It takes time to form a conspiracy. You don't just assassinate your own leaders in a day, you know. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: They had two weeks. Are you saying that even your assassins have to wait for approval from the Council, too? CU. WASHU She rolls her eyes. SHIP AYEKA: (furious) Juraians do not condone assassination! That barbaric practice is the fashion of space pirates, like you! RYOKO: Oh, really? How do you explain the last five emperors, then? They didn't exactly die of old age. AYEKA: (stiff) Juraian royalty is often exposed to danger. Sometimes, they get into arguments about how to deal with the dangers, and people can do foolish things, but they never intentionally-- RYOKO: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, Princess. It doesn't matter, now. What we have now is a situation. Situations typically lead to war. For all we know, we might be in the middle of a big battle. Washu takes one long, dry cloth and wraps it the complete way around the pipe. She then takes a small fan and starts to dry the pipe. CU. AYEKA Pondering, thoughtfully. AYEKA: Well, we have an inspection station coming up. We should formulate some strategy around it. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Yeah. I hadn't thought of that. We can't just march through an inspection station. They'd recognize us right away. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: They have force field barriers all around, so we can't go around. We'll have to create a diversion. SHIP RYOKO: No, no. A diversion wouldn't work. They'd be on us that much quicker if we tried. I think we should wear disguises. AYEKA: Disguises? How would that fool them? They do a lot more than just look at you at an inspection station, especially when they expect someone. RYOKO: Well, it's better than some stupid diversion. What are you going to use for a diversion? AYEKA: A disguise would never work. They'd recognize you right away just by your heat signature, Ryoko. Washu sighs, tying a long cloth around her forehead nice and tight. She checks the pipe and puts it into a sheath over her back, narrowly missing Ryo-Ohki in the process. Washu absently pets Ryo-Ohki and then folds her arms. RYOKO: Washu? What do you think? Diversion or disguise? Maybe both? CU. WASHU WASHU: (grim) In these situations, girls, there's really only one way. You've got to blast your way through. 41 EXT. GRASSY PLAIN Tenchi walks toward a large X, standing in the ground. Just in front of the X is a somewhat large table. At the narrow ends are three normal chairs each, and at each long end are three reclined chairs each. To one side of the X is a tree, curiously waving, as if in a slight breeze. To the other side of the X is a small stream, flowing into and out of the ground itself. The X itself appears to be wooden, scarred and covered with scratches. Little lights and bells hang from cords attached to the nails--and they also sway, as if in a slight breeze. Sitting in one reclined chair is Tokimi. She appears to have been waiting. TOKIMI: Sit and eat, please. I've gone through a lot of trouble to put this together. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: It looks nice, but I'm not that hungry. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: (softly) Didn't anyone ever tell you that it is rude to refuse your host? Please, I insist. PLAIN Tenchi frowns and goes to the table, sitting at one of the normal chairs. He takes a dish and is about to eat. TOKIMI: (casual) If you are worried about Sasami, you need not be. I will make sure she is taken care of. Tenchi stops for a moment, a little awkward. TENCHI: Oh. I completely forgot. CU. TOKIMI Frowning and alert. TOKIMI: You forgot? How terribly thoughtless of you, Tenchi. Someone should really teach you some manners. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (subdued) This isn't like me. I must have forgotten in all the excitement. PLAIN Tokimi lies back, apparently contemplating. TOKIMI: I know this must seem like a lot, but we have plenty of time, here in the underworld. TENCHI: Where? TOKIMI: The underworld. This is my own little hideaway. I like to think of it as my vacation home. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: Haven't you noticed that there is no sky? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Uh... (gesturing upward) Well, what's that? CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: That's also the ground, Tenchi. Actually, if you go far enough, you escape the centrifugal forces. What do you think is holding us down? PLAIN TENCHI: Uh... TOKIMI: I see. You are too used to surface- living. Well, here in the underworld, we are held in special forces. One force causes us to stay down--which is actually up, but I digress. The other force causes us to perceive time in a curved fashion. Suffice it to say that for each day in the above-world, we experience two weeks here in the underworld. So, as I said, we have plenty of time. TENCHI: Oh. So, we're just below the surface of Leo-three. TOKIMI: Actually, this is below the surface of your Earth. CU. TENCHI Looks rather shocked by this revelation. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: (casual) I just knew you would appreciate this little fact. 42 EXT. FUNAHO TREE Little streams of light shoot out of Funaho, up into the sky. 43 INT. LIBRARY Tsunami is leaning on Alepios as he plays his flute. The song is slow and legato, but very lilting in its melody--like Debussy in slow rhythm. TSUNAMI: I know this piece. How does it go? Alepios stops playing, and he looks around at Tsunami. ALEPIOS: Well, the refrain just repeats itself. You know: 'Heaven and Earth,/ Heaven and Earth,/ Heaven and Earth,/ Heaven Heaven Heaven and Earth...' CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: (amused) I knew that. I meant, what are the lyrics? How does it start? CU. ALEPIOS Pondering for a moment. He picks up the flute and plays a couple of measures, then nods to himself. ALEPIOS: 'Where is my home?/ My home is right here./ Where will be my home?/ My home remains right here...' CU. TSUNAMI Smiling in recognition. TSUNAMI: Ah, yes. I've always loved that old song. (sigh) It reminds me of happy times. CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: (reflective) Yes. It was always just words to me before. To me, now, it seems like a fresh new song. 44 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami looks up, straight into the mirror--as if in surprise. She looks around, seemingly disoriented. She looks at herself. SASAMI: What is happening to me? 45 EXT. SPACE A long line of cargo ships is waiting in a pocket of force fields, flanked by large battleships. At the end of the line is a large space station. A small flight of cargo ships departs, escorted by a GP cruiser. 46 INT. CARGO SHIP Washu is studying a tactical display, as Ayeka and Ryoko look over her shoulder. Washu is holding Ryo-Ohki, petting her gently. WASHU: The key beam in the fourth cross-section. We hit that and go right through. If we time it right, we'll only space a few pieces of luggage. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (unsure) It seems sound, but it is very risky. If they have their defense system activated, we'll be flying right down the gauntlet. We'd be lucky to make it halfway. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Yeah. No offense, Washu, but the princess is right. We'd stand a much better chance if we just blast through the main arm. CU. WASHU Scowling in disgust. WASHU: It's a nice strategy, but it neglects one very important point: you kill the security guards who station those sections. I'd say that's probably four or five... CU. RYOKO Flinching, remorsefully. CU. AYEKA Frowning, as if swallowing a hot pepper. SHIP WASHU: Let's keep the body-count to a minimum, huh? The cross-sections are passable. You just have to time them right. AYEKA: Then what? They'll have three or four battleships on us before we can escape. At a minimum, we'd encounter cruisers at the other end. We can probably out- maneuver them, but we'd never get out of their firing paths. RYOKO: We'll need a diversion then, for sure. CU. WASHU WASHU: Leave that to me. I already have a plan. She absently pats the sheathed rod hanging on her back. 47 EXT. GRASSY PLAIN Tenchi is once again walking alone across a dim, grassy plain. He looks around and eventually finds a path leading to an arch. The arch is entitled 'Temple of Fate' across the top bar. Leading from the arch is a stone pathway-- which leads to a small building, seemingly carved out of a hillside. As he goes beneath the arch, Tokimi appears, wearing a black robe with the hood up. She stands in his way, holding out her hand, as if to ward him away. TOKIMI: Do you dare approach the sacred temple? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (a little shocked) Huh? Oh, sorry. Did I do something wrong? CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: (softly) Before you speak to me again, you will remove your shoes. You happen to standing on sacred ground, young man. PATHWAY Tenchi looks at his feet curiously for a moment, then removes his shoes. TOKIMI: Once you have demonstrated your enlightenment to me, you may enter the temple. If not, then your fate will have to remain a mystery. TENCHI: Uh... Okay. TOKIMI: What is the purpose of self-defense? CU. TENCHI He ponders for a moment. TENCHI: The harmonizing of passive and active motions? CU. TOKIMI Fairly irritated. TOKIMI: I said, the purpose. What is the purpose of self-defense? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Oh. Uh... To defend yourself? PATHWAY Tokimi slumps in disgust and points. TOKIMI: Away, you ignorant boy! Go over there, to the study hall. 48 INT. CLASSROOM A small class is in session--the students looking through books, making notes or talking to each other. Mihoshi is sitting in the front, staring at her notes blankly. A teacher walks up to Mihoshi and hands her a note. Mihoshi looks at it curiously, then leaves the room. 49 INT. HALLWAY Some uniformed figures go marching by, as Mihoshi receives a call. The display shows Sasami, standing in a small kitchen. MIHOSHI: Vanished? Are you sure? What did Kimiko say? SASAMI: (display) She said she doesn't know for sure. (softly) I have a funny feeling about her, though. I don't trust her. MIHOSHI: Where do you think he could be? It's not like him to run off like this without saying something. SASAMI: (display) I know. I can't help thinking it has something to do with that quest. He mentioned something about Leo-three being popular with war veterans. I wonder if Tenchi had a run-in with one. This is all very disturbing, Mihoshi. MIHOSHI: Yeah. Well, I can't spare the time, at the moment. I'll do what I can, but I have classes till the end of the week. Maybe I can get leave then. SASAMI: (display) Thanks for the thought. I was just checking. I need to let Hikaru use the phone, now. Bye. MIHOSHI: Bye. Mihoshi continues staring at the display as it flicks out. She ponders, vacantly. MIHOSHI: (to herself) Vanished... Just like magic... 50 EXT. TOWER OF THEMIS The tower becomes dark, as the night sky reddens. 51 INT. MIMI'S CLOSET The room has one nice bed with a dresser, a mirror and several compartments. Along the walls are little end tables with ornate lamps and statuettes. Mimi is sitting at a desk, reading, as Alepios enters. ALEPIOS: (firm) Where is she? MIMI: (casual) Who? ALEPIOS: You know who I mean-- MIMI: You mean, your lover--my sister. Naturally, you suspect I've murdered her for sure, this time. CU. ALEPIOS Considering, as he watches Mimi intently. ALEPIOS: No offense, lady, but I wouldn't put it past you. You haven't exactly shown us a graceful disposition, the past couple days. CU. MIMI MIMI: (casual) Oh? I thought I was being kind. My sister seems rather taken with you, so I have been staying out of your way. ROOM ALEPIOS: Yes, and giving me your dagger looks every chance you get. You don't think I notice? MIMI: You are very brave, to insult me like this. I am the most beautiful creature who ever lived. Even Tsunami has admitted as much. ALEPIOS: Did she happen to comment on your inner appearance? I suspect she would not be quite as kind... CU. MIMI Sitting up, furious. MIMI: You are dangerously close to losing your head, servant boy! Never forget who is the master, here. I am beautiful, graceful and very generous, but I can only give so much before I decide I've had enough. You watch yourself! CU. ALEPIOS He frowns, thoughtful, and nods. ALEPIOS: Yeah, that's what I thought. Well, someone will listen to me. If they don't, I'll have more than enough proof of what a monster you really are. ROOM Alepios leaves, as Mimi stands. She seems about to follow, then smiles, curiously. MIMI: (to herself) Very direct, that boy. I'll have to keep an eye on him. (turning to a small statuette) As for you... CU. STATUETTE A small statuette of Tsunami stands on an end table, next to a bracelet and a couple of jewels. MIMI: (OC) I think it's about time I introduced you to someone. ROOM Mimi stands up close to the statuette, as a figure like Tsunami enters the room. The figure moves and has a similar manner to Tsunami, but seems vaguely distracted and very silent. MIMI: (to the statuette) Tsunami, my dear sister, allow me to introduce you to Seven. I call her that because seven is the number designated by the Fate Stone for inner peace--and I am certain this one will help you find it. CU. MIMI MIMI: (reflective) It's funny, you know, how the littlest things can bring you such terrible ends. When those elders accused me of murder, for example, I found myself in terrible fear of them. I told them that I had more to fear for myself than you, and they decided to resolve this by giving me a bodyguard. Of course, what they neglected to explain at the time was that he is a thick- headed brute who is only really interested in torturing me with his 'lessons,' and using any excuse he can to keep me from my garden. ROOM Mimi waits, as if expecting a reply. MIMI: What was that? Oh, I forgot. You're a stone, now. (sigh) I rather like you in gray, Sister. Especially in that size. It's very becoming. Oh, I suppose --if you wanted to be technical about it--you're just slowed down. You merely experience time at one two-hundredth the speed the rest of us do. You should consider it a favor. While you can just relax and let the world go by, Seven will take all those tedious chores for you. She could never work for that servant boy, though. I'm afraid it wouldn't work out. CU. MIMI Very casual, as if in pleasant conversation. MIMI: I can't have her work in my garden either. I hate to just sit here while my life's work slowly dies before my eyes, but Seven is quite incapable of the work. It's all terribly sad for us. Yes, you should thank me, once I decide to let you free again. The truth of the matter is, beauty fades, love expires and people die. I simply must protect you from all that, and I can't think of a better way than this. ROOM Mimi returns to the desk, picking up the book to read again. CU. STATUETTE Tsunami's eyes seem to move, very slowly. CU. SEVEN She stares at the statuette, blankly curious. 52 INT. KITCHEN Sasami is standing at the range, cooking. Kimiko enters and looks at Sasami, curiously. Sasami looks at her and has a sudden flash of recognition. SASAMI: Hey, Kimiko. KIMIKO: Yeah? CU. SASAMI Considering carefully. SASAMI: Uh... Never mind. I just thought I recognized you from somewhere else. CU. KIMIKO She looks a little nervous for a moment, then smiles. KIMIKO: Oh. (laughing) Of course, you know me! Your sister took a lot of pride in making sure you didn't get to know me too well, though. KITCHEN Sasami turns back to her cooking, frowning in thought. SASAMI: Better hurry, Kimiko. We've got the lunch crowd coming soon. 53 EXT. SPACE Ryo-Ohki goes through the cross-section of the space station like a hot knife through butter. Several cruisers on the far end turn to face her as three warships approach to outflank her. 54 INT. RYO-OHKI Ryoko is piloting, as Washu takes the prepared rod. Ayeka examines a tactical display. AYEKA: The defense system hasn't activated yet. We can't possibly out-maneuver all those ships, though. RYOKO: Oh yeah? We'll just see about that. WASHU: I have the torpedo ready, Ryoko. Get ready for a leading maneuver. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (frowning) You want us to run from these guys? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: We cannot possibly outrun those warships, Little Washu. It would be suicide. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Anyway, we don't have a torpedo tube... Wait a minute... CU. WASHU She sighs in disgust. WASHU: (softly) Don't say it, Ryoko... CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Oh! You mean, the exhaust vent! Hey, Ryo-Ohki, give it your best shot, girl! 55 EXT. SPACE Ryo-Ohki turns away from the warships and leads them out toward empty space. The warships appear to be closing rapidly, firing their lasers at Ryo-Ohki. The torpedo flares out toward the lead warship, then explodes in a super-bright flash of pure white light as it gets hit by laser fire. 56 INT. RYO-OHKI Ryoko is already piloting away, as Washu makes an order. WASHU: Turn to planetary defense network. Leo- three will get them off our backs, if we can reach it. AYEKA: And, also assuming they aren't in league with those pirates. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Leo is a haven for old pirates, not these brash young ones. CU. WASHU She looks again at the tactical display. WASHU: (a little concerned) Well, the torpedo has attached to the lead vessel. Now, the only problem is that space station. They still have us in the long-range missile tracking system. The ship shudders from a blast. RYO-OHKI RYOKO: I thought the flash would take out those missiles. WASHU: No. Those missiles are frequency trackers. We can't counter-measure them. We'll just have to hope we don't get hit again. The ship shudders again from another blast. RYOKO: Would you stop jinxing us, like that, Mom?! CU. WASHU She rolls her eyes, annoyed. 57 EXT. SPACE Two of the warships continue to pursue, quickly gaining on Ryo-Ohki, as it approaches Leo-three. 58 INT. RYO-OHKI Ayeka looks sullen as she studies the tactical display. Washu scowls, like suddenly noticing that a clock is running backward for no reason. AYEKA: Well... It was close, but we're not going to make it. We're too far from the planetary defense system. WASHU: (wistfully) This has to work. There's no other way, unless... AYEKA: Unless what? 59 EXT. SPACE The two warships bear down on Ryo-Ohki, firing away with missiles and lasers. Just as the missiles start to converge, Tsunami appears, light halk wings extended. The missiles deflect off the wings, harmlessly. A flight of five Jurai warships suddenly appear just on the flanking side of the two other warships. They immediately open fire with lasers, disabling the engines of the warships. Tsunami then turns and vanishes again. 60 INT. RYO-OHKI Ryoko and Ayeka stare on in stunned amazement. Washu, frowns, pondering. WASHU: Well... I think we've settled the question of which side the Juraians are on. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: That was way too close. I thought we were goners, for sure. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: This must mean that Sasami is here. If Sasami is still here... CU. WASHU WASHU: (brightly) Hey! Now, aren't you girls glad I decided to come look for Tenchi here? RYO-OHKI Ayeka and Ryoko glare at Washu, rather venomously. 61 INT. MIMI'S CLOSET Seven continues to stare at the statuette, thoughtfully. Mimi glances at Seven, thoughtfully. MIMI: What? Seven frowns, pondering. CU. SEVEN SEVEN: Could we switch? I'd really prefer to be stone. It's too hot in the real world. CU. MIMI MIMI: (annoyed) Just shut up. 62 INT. TENT Washu is working on Ryo-Ohki again with some tools, as Ryoko and Ayeka sit near a heater, shivering. RYOKO: What's taking that service ship so long? WASHU: I think they have their hands full, just helping the Juraians clean up that little battle. AYEKA: We would crash on a snowy plain, again. CU. WASHU WASHU: Just look at the bright side. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: What bright side? CU. WASHU WASHU: At least we're on the right planet, this time. THE END AYEKA: (mimicking Ryoko) Thanks a lot, Mom! THE END Author: Mike Fenton Title: THE CAT'S-PAW Notes: Regular (OVA), script format Summary: Tenchi faces a gruesome fate as the girls face theirs. [Disclaimer: Tenchi Muyo! and its characters are the property of AIC and Pioneer LDC, Inc. and was created by Masaki Kajishima. This story comes entirely from my imagination, and is strictly intended to be apocryphal--so please don't sue me.] 1 EPIGRAM: It's better to be sick than nurse the sick. Sickness is single trouble for the sufferer: But nursing means vexation of the mind, And hard work for the hands beside. -- Euripides, _Hippolytus_ 2 EXT. GRASSY PLAIN Tenchi stands before a fairly large, U-shaped building. The building opens outward to its entrance--where a small tower stands at the middle of the open area. Several doors and windows line the inside of the building. The tower itself proclaims in bold letters: 'Study Hall.' One walkway goes along the inside of the building and around in front to the edge of the tower. Several large, narrow windows line the tower. 3 EXT. WALKWAY As he approaches the walkway, he looks down for a moment and then puts on his shoes. He then walks along the walkway toward the center of the U--just behind the tower. At the back of the tower is a small stairway, leading up to two tall doors. He climbs the stairway and looks around curiously. He knocks at the doors. A few moments later, the doors swing open. He enters into an empty room, as the doors shut behind him. 4 INT. TOWER The room has two sets of stairs leading up and down. Above, there are two sets of balconies, leading to areas that seem much larger than the tower could accommodate. Along the walls are low, ornate benches sitting below tapestries and paintings. The windows seem to provide more illumination than the ambiant light of the outside. TENCHI: Hello? One painting in particular draws his attention. He slowly walks up to it. CU. PAINTING Two figures stand like titans, raising small islands out of a shrunken Earth. MAIN HALL TENCHI: (a little taken aback) What the hell? Tokimi walks up next to him and folds her arms, considering. TOKIMI: Hmm... No, I agree. I could never quite capture the irreverence I was looking for in this one. It seems more pious than profane. TENCHI: (stunned) This was supposed to be humor? TOKIMI: (sigh) Yes. It came to me in a burst of inspiration when I began a study of your culture. I hope you aren't offended. I call it 'Izanagi and Izanami Sneezed.' Tenchi seems more offended by the title, than the painting. TENCHI: I take it you aren't very religious. TOKIMI: On the contrary, boy. I am very religious. I am, however, very particular about my beliefs. Anything that offends my sense of purpose is like a personal insult to me. TENCHI: Well, I'm not very religious, but this painting makes me feel like I should pray very hard. Tokimi grins, almost beside herself. TOKIMI: Now, there's a good attitude. I'm starting to like you. Come along. 5 TITLE: "THE CAT'S-PAW" 6 EXT. A LARGE CITY Tall buildings fill the horizon, as airships go flitting by. The streets are filled with midday traffic. 7 EXT. A SMALL CAFE Ayeka and Ryoko are sitting at an outside table, as Washu returns from the cafe with some drinks. Washu sits with them, pondering, as Ayeka and Ryoko drink. Ryo-Ohki pounces into Washu's lap, and Washu pets her. WASHU: Let's go back to the beginning, shall we? AYEKA: That seems logical. Always start at the beginning. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Nothing like stating the obvious. CU. WASHU WASHU: (scowling) Now, now. Okay, I arrive to find that my time-machine is one two-hundredth out of sequence--putting me, in short, a little over seven-and-a- half years ahead of schedule on my return. Such a thing could be the result of faulty circuitry, but it turns out--I have discovered--to be the result of a carefully planned energy spectrum curvature. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Meaning? CAFE RYOKO: Meaning Washu got beaned by magic. Whoever did this was really powerful--almost as powerful as me. WASHU: Magic! Please... Anyway, whoever did this was surely more powerful than you, Ryoko. To do this without my being aware and to have had the foresight to have me return on the very day that I did also required more power than you could imagine. No. Only two people could have pulled this off--and one of them would never dare do anything this cruel to me... I think... Ryoko continues her drink as Ayeka offers a thought. AYEKA: So, our adventure was planned. It seems logical that we deduce their intentions--attempt to foresee their next move. CU. WASHU WASHU: That's what I've been sitting here doing. It didn't help that pirates got involved, then the cops with the pirates--it makes me doubt my original conclusions. The person we are dealing with is methodical, calculating and extremely desperate. I'm finding this hard to believe. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Well, don't keep holding back. Who is it? CU. WASHU WASHU: You'll find out soon enough. I just hope I'm wrong. In any case, there are other worries. Another thing... CAFE RYOKO: What? WASHU: Where's Mihoshi? AYEKA: Oh my! We forgot all about her! Where did she go? RYOKO: I thought she was your mentor. Didn't you keep track of her? AYEKA: Who has the time to keep track of their mentor? She left rather suddenly. It's all a blur to me. WASHU: You two are so useless! This whole thing probably started because of Mihoshi. RYOKO: Hmm... CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Oh yeah, I remember. She said she was joining up with something. The army, I think. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: No, no. That's not it. She said she was joining the rangers. The rangers don't have a base anywhere near the Leo system. Leo is neutral, remember? CU. WASHU WASHU: (scowling) What about that service ship? Wasn't that technician a ranger? CAFE RYOKO: Huh? AYEKA: I neglected to notice, I'm afraid. Washu pulls up her console, frowning. WASHU: Well, according to the chamber of commerce, the rangers have a brand new base nearby-- especially designed for trainees. It seems to me like the first logical place to look for Mihoshi. AYEKA: (a little alarmed) Rangers on Leo... RYOKO: Damn! We should have mentioned this before. This is why you couldn't find a reservation under his credit reports. WASHU: (sigh) Thanks for telling me. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: So, our next step is to contact Mihoshi. She should know Tenchi's whereabouts. CAFE RYOKO: Hey, Princess, you're starting to make sense. I just wish you'd told us to come here before. Ayeka glowers as Washu rolls her eyes. 8 INT. CLASSROOM A small class is in session--the students looking through books, making notes or talking to each other. Mihoshi has just returned to her seat. A teacher walks up to Mihoshi and hands her a note. Mihoshi looks at it, rolling her eyes, then leaves the room. 9 INT. HALLWAY Some uniformed figures go marching by, as Mihoshi receives another call. The display shows Washu, sitting at a cafe. MIHOSHI: Hey, Little Washu! It's nice to see you again. Wow! Hey, Ayeka! Hey, Ryoko! WASHU: (display) Hello, Mihoshi. Say, have you seen Tenchi lately--like the past couple weeks? MIHOSHI: (nervous) Uh... Yeah, but there's a problem right at the moment... WASHU: (display) It's okay, Mihoshi. Where was he the last time you saw him? MIHOSHI: (stiff) He was staying at a cantina in a little village, just outside of town. WASHU: (display) A cantina? Oh, never mind. Just send me the address. I'll sort it out, later. ... Oh, and have you seen Sasami? MIHOSHI: (very nervous) Uh... Yeah. I've got to go! Bye! Mihoshi switches off the call, rather abruptly. She then slinks back toward the classroom. 10 EXT. A SMALL CAFE Washu is still staring at the display, blankly. WASHU: Well... That was rude. She didn't even send us the address! AYEKA: (grim) It's okay, Little Washu. I happen to know exactly what she was talking about. CU. WASHU WASHU: How do you know--? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: I just do. Trust me, this time. 11 EXT. TOWER OF THEMIS The tower is nearly invisible in the darkness of night. The dark red orb hovers near the horizon. 12 INT. MIMI'S CLOSET Mimi awakens in her bed, slowly looking around. A dim blue light appears, and Mimi starts to tremble. The light resolves into a ghostly figure like that of Tsunami. FIGURE: (softened) Help me! Please! Let me out of here! The figure approaches, and Mimi begins to tremble, violently. She squeezes her eyes shut, and the figure disappears. CU. MIMI MIMI: (nearly breathless) Tsunami? ROOM Mimi gets up and examines the statuette of Tsunami for a moment, then puts it back on the pedestal. She considers for another moment, then returns to bed. 13 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA The midday rush has slacked off a bit, as the day wears on. 14 INT. KITCHEN Sasami is staring blankly over some diced-up preparations. Hikaru walks up next to her and gently puts a hand on her shoulder. HIKARU: Nice work on that pasta. It was a little spicy for my taste, but the customers seem to like it. SASAMI: Oh! Glad to hear it. I need a break, if you don't mind. 15 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami sits at the edge of the bed, merely staring into space. Kimiko enters, looking a little confused. KIMIKO: Sasami, are you on break? SASAMI: Uh... Oh. Sorry. I keep forgetting who I am. Where am I? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (amused) You're in my room--not that I use it very much, lately. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (relieved) Oh. I thought for a moment I was back in that damn stone. CU. KIMIKO Kimiko frowns, suddenly, then starts to back out of the room. KIMIKO: I think I'll go check for tips again. 16 EXT. STUDY HALL The gray sky hovers like a stone over the tower. 17 INT. LOWER FLOOR A large room with a bare wooden floor, having large compartments all around at the walls. Ten large half-orbs in the ceiling provide distinct illumination, washing out shadows. A large banner on one spare wall proclaims in large symbols: 'Devotion, Inspiration, Respect.' Underneath each word is an abstract illustration, depicting a figure in each respective action. Tenchi is standing poised, in a martial-arts uniform, with a staff. His defensive posture is a little over- extended. Tokimi is standing next to him, in her own martial-arts uniform, correcting his posture, gently. TOKIMI: A little higher, Tenchi. Don't expose your middle. CU. TENCHI Scowling a little, somewhat defensive. TENCHI: Sorry. Old habit. My grandpa always kept telling me to watch my feet. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: (amused) Yes. I think I've seen this a thousand times--technique that falls apart at the seams. ROOM Tenchi holds his pose, pondering. TENCHI: Huh? TOKIMI: Oh-- It is something familiar to me. I suspect your grandfather was trained in an overly-aggressive pattern--the natural inclination of most teachers. You may have noticed this from the way Ayeka fights. TENCHI: Hmm... Now that you mention it-- TOKIMI: A clumsy child could beat Ayeka, but that is neither here nor there. My point is, that an overly- aggressive pattern gives you success where your enemy tends to hesitate. Where your enemy is skilled, however, it only helps you defeat yourself that much faster. Your grandfather wisely chose to guide you away from such a fate. He has been helping you focus on your movement. I can see that he was partly successful. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Actually, he kept telling me to keep my balance. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: Yes. All part of skilled movement. (mulling) He must know something I don't. Hmm... ROOM Tokimi goes to a compartment and takes a staff, as she considers. TOKIMI: Well, all in good time. Forces are still in motion, at the moment. TENCHI: Forces? TOKIMI: Oh, yes. I'm relieved to see that the rebel faction in the old guard failed in their attempt. Tokimi brandishes the staff. TOKIMI: This has a nice weight. (turning to Tenchi) I'm sure you'll also be relieved to know that their attempt to assassinate Ayeka failed. Their timing was curious, though. It makes me suspect many things... Tenchi loses his composure a little. TENCHI: They tried to kill Ayeka? Tokimi approaches Tenchi, smoothly. TOKIMI: Well, of course. Such things happen all the time in the Jurai royal household, you know. You must have suspected this, young man. You are not completely dense, I trust? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (irritated) I just hate to be made a fool of. I did promise her father I would take care of her. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: Yes. I think you should be aware that such promises can only cause you grief. You cannot possibly defend her all the time, and her father can only assume that you are implying his inability to defend her himself. It is a little rude, to promise such a thing. ROOM Tenchi slumps a little. TENCHI: I never thought about it like that. I thought I was just doing the polite thing. TOKIMI: Stand up straight, young man. Tenchi poses again. TOKIMI: That's better. Sometimes, Tenchi, the only polite thing to do is to make sure that people are taken care of. Let someone else worry about making the promises. It is the same with your sword technique. Don't worry about whether you should make some silly oath, just fight and let your sword speak for you. Tokimi makes a quick lunge and knocks Tenchi down. She sighs and scowls in disappointment. TOKIMI: Clumsy as well as slow. This is going to take more than time. 18 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA The cantina is nearly deserted, as midday turns to afternoon. A small groundcar pulls up, and deposits Ryoko, Ayeka, Washu and Ryo-Ohki. Kimiko peeks out a window and quickly pulls away. 19 INT. DINING HALL Hikaru is grumbling to himself, as he wipes down the bar. Kimiko goes up to him rather quickly, setting down a small pad and a pen. KIMIKO: Hikaru, I'm just going to take a quick bathroom break. I'll be right back. CU. HIKARU HIKARU: (suspicious) Oh. Okay... Kimiko hurries off. 20 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami is still sitting, staring into space. She flinches in shock and grits her teeth. SASAMI: (softly) Stop it... Show me. 21 INT. MIMI'S CLOSET Mimi is sitting at her desk, reading, when a robed figure appears. She looks up, and he points at her. The air around her wavers in a subtle way and shifts into a blue shade. Mimi is frozen in pure shock. The figure approaches, removing the hood. CU. FIGURE The figure is clearly the alchemist--not as old as previously depicted--but unmistakable. 22 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami fliches in shock again. SASAMI: (softly) Hey... I know that guy... 23 INT. MIMI'S CLOSET Mimi is held in a diamond-shaped field, as the old man approaches the statuette of Tsunami and picks it up. He looks at it closely and nods to himself. MIMI: What are you doing here, old man? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: I drew the short straw. Lucky me... ROOM The alchemist makes a gesture, and the door opens. Seven enters and sits at the desk where Mimi had been sitting. The alchemist then takes a glowing, diamond-shaped jewel out of a pocket of his robe. He holds it toward Seven for a moment, then points it at Mimi. A blast of lightning shoots at Mimi, knocking her out of the field, apparently consuming her in a ball of fire. 24 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami stands, clenching her hands. SASAMI: (to herself) Son of a bitch! 25 INT. MIMI'S CLOSET As the ball of fire dwindles down, the alchemist points the jewel at Seven again. Seven cringes in anticipation, but merely transforms into the semblance of a youthful Kimiko. She then smiles, curiously, touching her face. Mimi slowly stands, touching her face. She looks at the mirror, and flinches in horror. Her form has transformed into the semblance of Tokimi. She continues to look at herself in the mirror, in complete shock. The alchemist nods to himself again and slowly puts the jewel away. ALCHEMIST: (to Mimi) Now that I've administered your punishment, I'll explain. From now on, you are no longer the beautiful young woman you were before. Thus, you shall no longer be known by that detested name. I bestow on you the name Tokimi. Your beauty is now only as much as can remind you of your former beauty. He puts the statuette down on the floor and takes out a necklace. He pinches the end of one crystal and a liquid begins to drip down on the statuette of Tsunami. ALCHEMIST: It's nothing personal, of course. We simply cannot allow you to make a fool of us for this long and hope to get away with it. If you must know, this punishment is quite fair. All I've really done is rid you of your cruelty and bitterness--putting it all into this unfortunate automaton that you created yourself. SEVEN: Automaton? The alchemist turns to Seven and explains. CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: You were never really in control of your own actions, young lady. She just made you think you were--a clever illusion, but an illusion, nonetheless. CU. SEVEN She sighs in disappointment. ROOM The statuette begins to chip and crack, the outer layer peeling away like an egg shell. CU. MIMI She begins to tremble in shame. MIMI: Why are you all so cruel to me? Haven't you done enough? Why don't you just leave me alone? CU. ALCHEMIST He sighs, somewhat annoyed. ALCHEMIST: You can't possibly understand now, of course, but you were reckless. When you took your sister's life, I pleaded for immediate punishment. I explained to them that it was the only humane thing to do, but they insisted that we wait--see if you would show mercy. CU. MIMI She falls to her knees, overwhelmed. MIMI: You already knew? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (softly) We knew from the beginning. This type of charade has been perpetrated on us many times. I suppose it is only my fate to get tricked into fixing the mistakes of others--especially ones that could have been prevented had they listened to me in the first place. ROOM The alchemist steps away, as Tsunami begins to emerge-- growing and resolving into her former shape. ALCHEMIST: Your sister awakens. Mimi buries her face in her hands, weeping, as Seven looks at herself in the mirror, still smiling. SEVEN: This is so cool. Now, this is more like it. Can I have a cool name, like hers? ALCHEMIST: (irritated) Sorry, but I can't think of anything right now. Uh... How about Kimiko? SEVEN: (annoyed) Kimiko? But that's a dull name. I wanted a really cool name. CU. ALCHEMIST He rolls his eyes, and considers Tsunami at his feet. ROOM Tsunami is standing, trembling in a terrible chill. She reaches out with one hand, inexplicably. ALCHEMIST: (sadly) This has gone on for too long. I told them. (sigh) Now, we can do nothing. CU. SEVEN SEVEN: Huh? What do you mean? CU. ALCHEMIST Turning to Seven, gesturing at Tsunami. ALCHEMIST: We've raised her up again, only to watch her die again. This time, there'll be no way to stop it. This is your real punishment, you know. ROOM Tsunami turns and looks around the room, trying to get a grasp on where she is. ALCHEMIST: (somewhat casually) And mine, too, I suppose. I've indulged those idiots one too many times. Never again. From now on, I only work for myself. 26 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami walks over to the mirror, looking at herself in wonder. SASAMI: He knew. How in the world did he know? Hikaru enters, still holding a rag in his hand. HIKARU: Hey, Sasami. There's some folks out here, asking about you. 27 INT. DINING HALL Ayeka, Ryoko and Washu are sitting at a table, as Sasami peeks around a corner. She looks down for a moment and emerges, stiff with emotion. SASAMI: Washu? Is that you? CU. WASHU She looks around, somewhat alarmed by the tone she hears. WASHU: Sasami? CU. AYEKA She looks curiously at Sasami, as if searching for recognition. AYEKA: Oh my. Is that really you, Sasami? HALL Sasami is holding together, barely. SASAMI: I haven't forgotten about you, Washu. I just wish we had spent more time together. You know what I mean? Washu grimaces, suddenly grasping her meaning. Ryoko stands, a little impatient. RYOKO: Hey, kid. Where's my Tenchi? What are we just sitting around for? AYEKA: Ryoko, can't you see something has happened to her? Have you forgotten? CU. RYOKO Ryoko scowls and glares down at Ayeka. RYOKO: What the hell are you talking about, Princess? I don't see anything different. CU. WASHU She is trembling, like someone about to reach a staggering conclusion. WASHU: (softly) Please, Ryoko. There is a time for this, but it isn't now. CU. RYOKO Turning to Washu. RYOKO: (stiff) Huh? HALL Hikaru leans over the bar, seemingly curious. Sasami looks up, clearly unsteady but holding firm. SASAMI: I understand, Little Ryoko, but finding Tenchi wouldn't make you happier. Trust me on this. RYOKO: What did you call me? WASHU: You see what I mean? RYOKO: Have you all gone crazy? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (annoyed) Oh, do shut up, Ryoko. Can't you see my sister has assimilated with Tsunami? She has enough on her mind right now. CU. WASHU She looks curiously at Ayeka. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (softly) Sasami, we are terribly excited to see you, once again. I'm sorry we aren't more gracious, but we were stuck on an icy planet for two weeks. Forgive us, if we show little manners. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: No, Ayeka. There is nothing to forgive. I'm the one being rude. I just wish Tenchi were here to make you feel more welcome. The trouble is, he's disappeared and no one knows where he is. CU. RYOKO She sits, scowling in frustration. RYOKO: I knew it. 28 INT. LOWER FLOOR Tokimi is strapping a shoulder-piece on Tenchi. She makes it snug, and Tenchi flinches a bit. Tenchi is wearing a nice, padded armor--kneepads, breastplate, visor, elbow pieces, and a couple of tasses. She looks him over and nods to herself. She then steps back and folds her arms, considering. TOKIMI: Activate a fighter. Tenchi looks around in some confusion. TENCHI: Huh? A rather large compartment opens, and a winged robot about five feet tall appears. It immediately hovers over next to Tenchi, brandishing a short sword with impressive skill. CU. TENCHI He cringes, anticipating a good skewering. TENCHI: I don't think I can fight that thing. CU. TOKIMI She sighs, a little annoyed. TOKIMI: I don't expect you to, Tenchi. Just try your best. You never know until you try. She flinches, looking a little remorseful. TOKIMI: (softly) Well, I guess you're not ready for the brown-level fighter. I think I'll try the purple. 29 INT. HALLWAY Washu, Ryoko, Ayeka and Sasami are standing near the bathroom door in the adjoining hallway. Sasami goes to the door and knocks, softly. SASAMI: Kimiko? They frown as they hear some soft thuds and some distinct sounds of vomiting. They then hear some loud coughing and gasping for breath. SASAMI: Kimiko, are you okay in there? They wait for a few moments as the bathroom goes silent. KIMIKO: (OC) Go away! I'm not feeling very good right now. Sasami looks around, somewhat pleadingly, as Ryoko rolls her eyes. Ryoko goes through the door and pulls Kimiko out, right back through the door. Kimiko looks very pale and is still trembling a little, as Ryoko lets her go. RYOKO: (a little grim) Listen, lady. We're not here to play games. We just want to know where Tenchi went. Now, do you know or not? Washu scowls, muttering to herself. AYEKA: (disdainfully) You might have handled that a bit more delicately, Ryoko. Sasami looks on, wide-eyed in amazement. CU. KIMIKO She catches her breath and composes herself. KIMIKO: No. It's okay. I just have a little cold, I think. Now, let me see... Now that I think about it, I think Tenchi said he was going to check with the vehicle licensing office, downtown. He's probably still waiting in line, there. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Bureaucracy. I might have figured. CU. WASHU WASHU: Sorry about this, Kimiko. We just haven't had any sleep the past couple days, and we did narrowly escape a deadly battle. HALLWAY Sasami considers Washu, thoughtfully, then turns to Kimiko. SASAMI: Yes, and I'm afraid Ryoko can be a bit impatient, at times. I hope you don't take offense. KIMIKO: No offense, really. She clutches her stomach, gasping. KIMIKO: Excuse me. Kimiko rushes into the bathroom, again. Ryoko pauses for a moment, as they hear vomiting again. RYOKO: (casual) I'll call another cab. You guys go on ahead. SASAMI: If it's all the same, I'll just wait here. I'd prefer to help Kimiko, if she's really in some pain. WASHU: Okay. I'll go find Ryo-Ohki. AYEKA: I'll just flag down the cab. It's my role in this universe... CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Ayeka, I'm really glad to see you again. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Huh? Oh, yes. It is a pleasure, but we'll just be right back. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Ayeka? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Yes? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (a little hesitant) Uh... I just remembered that Kimiko needs to have a license renewal form. Could you pick one up? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Uh... Okay. 30 INT. LOWER FLOOR Tokimi straps Tenchi into a shoulder-piece, making it nice and snug. She then inspects the rest of the armor. TOKIMI: A little roughed-up, but none the worse for wear. TENCHI: (wary) You don't want me to fight that thing again, do you? TOKIMI: No, Tenchi. It's becoming obvious to me that your fighting skills are lacking. We'll just try the next lower level. She takes a step back and snaps her fingers. A tall, thin robot emerges, holding a staff. It approaches Tenchi and brandishes the staff with a brief flourish. Tenchi looks around at Tokimi, a little uncertain. CU. TOKIMI She gestures, reassuringly, and then immediately frowns. TOKIMI: You might try using some of that Jurai technique, Tenchi... Oh my... Well, I guess I can't expect a miracle, at this point. 31 INT. BATHROOM Kimiko is kneeling over a toilet, apparently praying for death. Sasami slowly opens the door and peeks in. SASAMI: Kimiko? Are you okay? What's the matter? KIMIKO: (sadly) I want to die, Sasami. Can't you just leave me alone? CU. SASAMI She frowns, thoughtfully. SASAMI: This isn't like you, Kimiko. You know you can't hide anything from me. I've known you since you were created by my sister. You used to be an automaton of me, remember? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (scowling) Something I ate, I think. That must be it. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (upset) Stop it, Kimiko. You're not fooling me. You know where Tenchi really is, don't you? CU. KIMIKO She looks up at Sasami, a little venomously, then smiles. KIMIKO: I don't have the vaguest notion of what you're saying, Sasami. I'm your friend, remember? BATHROOM Sasami folds her arms, considering, as Kimiko looks down again. SASAMI: Really? You know what I think? Kimiko looks up again, as Sasami kneels down next to Kimiko. KIMIKO: What? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: He's with Tokimi. Isn't he? You're connected to Tokimi, but you just can't admit it. You don't want to tell me or the others, because that would expose who you are. There's no point in doing that, though. I know. I see right through you, Kimiko. CU. KIMIKO She pauses, considering. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Why are you hiding all this? BATHROOM Sasami gets up again, pondering, as Kimiko looks up. KIMIKO: I'm desperate, Sasami. You have no idea. I'll do anything. Don't try to stop me. SASAMI: What are you trying to accomplish? KIMIKO: You don't understand, now, but you will. Sasami starts to leave, and Kimiko gets up. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: You already have everything you ever wanted. Just a little more time, Sasami. That's all I ask. Just give me a few lousy hours. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Then what? You can keep him? I won't let you do that. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (stiff) No. So, I can get myself back. Don't you see? This is the only way. 32 INT. LOWER FLOOR Tokimi is pondering, very confused, as a fairly battered and worn Tenchi gasps for breath. TOKIMI: Very strange. I thought for sure you'd handle purple no problem. Even young children can achieve mastery of the purple. (sigh) Oh, well. Let's try green. Anyone can defeat a green-level fighter. She snaps her fingers, and another compartment opens. Out walks a four-foot robot. It moves fairly slow, but with fluidity. It takes up a defensive posture near Tenchi. Tenchi looks down at it, uncertainly. 33 INT. DINING HALL Sasami and Kimiko are sitting at a table, as Ryoko, Ayeka and Washu stand nearby. RYOKO: We checked all over that place. They hadn't seen any sign of Tenchi. KIMIKO: Are you sure? Maybe there was an office you didn't check. WASHU: We checked everywhere. I should know. AYEKA: It took me longer to get that form than it did for us to look for Tenchi, you know. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Oh, yes. Thank you. I really do need to renew my license. CU. SASAMI She stares, thoughtfully. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: If you're feeling better, maybe you should come with us. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Sorry, but I do have a job here. HALL AYEKA: Really? It looks more like an excuse to hide from the world, to me. SASAMI: Ayeka, you should help them out at the bar. WASHU: Yeah, Ayeka. Do something useful, for once. CU. AYEKA She snarls, a little angry. AYEKA: I am a princess of Jurai. I will not be addressed in this manner! CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Shut up, you princess. Go help them out at the bar. Hikaru looks like he could use a break. HALL Ayeka pouts for a few moments, then goes to work at the bar. KIMIKO: I'm sorry, but even if I went with you, I wouldn't know where to look. I wish I could be more helpful. SASAMI: Didn't you at least find Ryo-Ohki? WASHU: No. I'm afraid we've lost her, too. RYOKO: I can't sense her. It's like she's being blocked completely. SASAMI: Now, that's very strange. WASHU: Yes, isn't it? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Oh, wait a minute. Now, I remember. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: What? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Tenchi said that when he was done at the licensing office, that he was just going to go straight to the laundromat. He had a lot of chores to do today. CU. WASHU WASHU: The laundromat? CU. SASAMI She sighs, a little exasperated. HALL Ryoko and Washu look at each other, undecided, then start to leave. KIMIKO: Oh! And can you do me a little favor? 34 INT. LOWER FLOOR Tenchi approaches a two-foot robot, wearing a very beaten and battered-looking armor. Tokimi is gazing on, in nothing less than amazement. TOKIMI: This is really unprecedented. No one has ever been beaten so soundly by the green-level fighter. If you lose to the white-level fighter, I'm afraid I shall be at a complete loss. Tenchi looks down at the robot, weary. He makes a bold lunge, and trips over it, sprawling. Tokimi shakes her head in wonder, her eyes widening in half-amused shock. 35 INT. LAUNDROMAT Ryoko and Washu are sitting at a bench, surrounded by washers and dryers. Ryoko looks blankly bored, as Washu ponders. WASHU: You know, I get the feeling that Kimiko is just giving us the run-around, here. RYOKO: Brilliant. How did you figure that out? (sigh) What else are we going to do? CU. WASHU WASHU: I don't know. The truth is, Ryoko, I'm more worried about you than I am about Tenchi. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Oh? You know something I don't? CU. WASHU WASHU: A few things. Sometimes, Ryoko, life can be very unpleasant. I wonder if you've realized this. LAUNDROMAT RYOKO: Well, I'm right here. You see Tenchi anywhere? You know what's happening to him? WASHU: No. RYOKO: Then what are you worried about? You think we might bump into this artist that Tenchi is looking for? WASHU: Not exactly. I'm worried that you've made a deal with someone you really shouldn't have. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (stunned) A deal? Me? You know me, Washu. I don't trust anyone. CU. WASHU WASHU: Exactly. You're altogether too easy to trick into doing something stupid. I've tricked you several times, myself. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (annoyed) I'm not stupid, Washu. I know exactly what I'm doing. LAUNDROMAT WASHU: Okay. Just checking. RYOKO: Hmm... Are you jealous? Did I cut you out of the loop? WASHU: No. I haven't made any deal, yet. RYOKO: Yet? WASHU: I'm trying to raise the stakes, Ryoko. I don't sell myself as cheaply as you. RYOKO: (amused) That's funny. I didn't know you had a price. CU. WASHU WASHU: We all have a price, Ryoko. Some of us just sell out a little quicker than others. CU. RYOKO She shudders, suddenly drawing some chilling conclusion. RYOKO: Are you warning me that Tenchi has sold out? CU. WASHU WASHU: (sigh) I'm warning you to be careful who you deal with, Ryoko. Just watch out. LAUNDROMAT Ryoko gets up and checks a dryer, as Washu continues to ponder. 36 INT. LOWER FLOOR Tenchi is back in a martial arts uniform, walking across a balance-beam. He holds out his arms and goes to one side, then turns, deftly. Tokimi is standing nearby, studiously watching. TOKIMI: Okay. I think I may have actually found something you're good at. Now, try it without the lights. The room goes completely black for a moment. The lights come on, and Tenchi is standing at the other end. CU. TOKIMI Very pleased. TOKIMI: Hey! You can do something useful! This is surprising. Now, if I can just get you to use this knowledge somehow... ROOM Tenchi sways a bit, unsteady. TENCHI: Whoa! I just had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Tokimi frowns, going over to help Tenchi steady himself. She reaches out, as Tenchi steps off the beam and vomits on the other side. CU. TOKIMI Grimacing in shock. TOKIMI: This can't be good. 37 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA The day is wearing on into early evening. The cantina starts to pick up a bit of traffic. 38 INT. DINING HALL Ryoko and Washu approach a table where Kimiko and Sasami are sitting. RYOKO: Any other stupid chores you want us to do? Send out some mail? Find some lost pet? Sasami snarls in irritation. CU. KIMIKO She smiles, indulgently. KIMIKO: No, but now that you mention it, I do have some music I never bothered to return... CU. WASHU WASHU: (annoyed) Forget it. We're not playing along anymore. HALL RYOKO: Just admit it. You don't know where Tenchi is. You never did. KIMIKO: Okay, you got me. I actually have no idea where Tenchi is. WASHU: Yes. It's becoming terribly clear, now. You were just leading us around. (to Sasami) Just like you, huh? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Me? CU. WASHU WASHU: Don't you think it's time you drop the charade, Sasami? You'd feel better if you came clean, I think. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (nervous) Okay, Mom. Stop that. You're scaring me. HALL Washu continues to consider Sasami, as Ryoko looks on, nervous. WASHU: (softly) You know it's the right thing to do, Sasami. Tenchi isn't here to help you. Just accept it. SASAMI: I can't. You have no idea what you're asking me to do. WASHU: If Ryoko means anything to you, you'll do the right thing and admit it now. You make her wait any longer, and you might as well just call her your pet rock. CU. SASAMI Trembling with anxiety. SASAMI: (groaning) You're right, Little Washu. I can't hide this anymore. Ryoko, I'm so sorry. CU. RYOKO Gaping like a landed fish. RYOKO: What? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Tenchi and I have been living together the past couple weeks. We're married now, and he has no interest in you. He wants a family with me. CU. RYOKO Her best impression of a stone, yet. CU. WASHU WASHU: (relieved) Thank you, Sasami. That was hard for me to watch, but it needed to be done. You have no idea what I've been through, the past few days. CU. KIMIKO She starts to cry, looking down. HALL Ryoko collects herself and numbly turns to leave. She looks like someone searching for a map. Sasami gets up, but Kimiko grabs her arm, tight. KIMIKO: (softly) No. Let her go. SASAMI: Ryoko... Ryoko turns and numbly considers. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (stiff) You'd better not follow me, Sasami. I won't be very good company for a while. HALL Ryoko turns and leaves, as Sasami sits again, fretting. SASAMI: I knew this would happen. WASHU: It's okay, Sasami. We'll find Tenchi. 39 EXT. GRASSY PLAIN The gray sky embraces the Temple of Fate, like misty stone over distinct stone. 40 INT. MAIN OFFICE A large room with a high ceiling and a stone floor. Some benches are arranged around the walls beneath somber paintings. At one side is a large set of doors, and at the other end are pillars just before a set of four arched entryways. In the center of the room is a small table with a lamp in the middle. Light streams down in narrow shafts from high above. Tenchi is lying in a small bed, sweating and trembling. He tries to get up, and falls back down. TENCHI: Oh boy, what happened? Tokimi comes through one of the arched entryways, carrying a bottle. TENCHI: I feel like I've been kicked in the stomach a few times. Tokimi stoops over Tenchi, considering carefully. TOKIMI: You're running a fever. In a way, it's a good thing you're here. I think I can treat you. No telling what might have happened, otherwise. CU. TENCHI He gasps in pain, clutching his stomach. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: This is very bad, but I think you'll feel better after the medications start to work. 41 INT. DINING HALL Ayeka stops by the dining table where Sasami, Kimiko and Washu are sitting. She's holding a platter of glasses, all filled with drinks. AYEKA: Hey, Little Washu. Did you find Tenchi, yet? What's going on here? WASHU: No, we haven't found anyone yet. We've lost two, and I think we're about to lose number three. CU. AYEKA Frowning in thought. AYEKA: Number three? Wait a moment. Where did Ryoko go? HALL KIMIKO: She just left. AYEKA: She just left? Without Lord Tenchi? Why would she do that? They pause for a moment, while Ayeka ponders. AYEKA: If you can't find him, and Ryoko has suddenly lost interest in finding him... Sasami, is there something you want to tell you me? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: No. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: I am your sister, right? You can tell me anything. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Actually, Ayeka, I'm not really your sister. Not anymore. HALL Ayeka staggers a little, nearly dropping the platter. She carefully places the platter on the table and sits, very unsteady. AYEKA: You mind explaining yourself? Remember who you're talking to. SASAMI: No, Ayeka. You remember who you're talking to. I'm not just Sasami, anymore. AYEKA: Oh, I see. All grown up, now. And my idea about renouncing the family name... CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Sorry, Ayeka, but I had to take it myself. It was too good an opportunity to pass up. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: I suppose you were just bored this time, as well. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: You know me better than that. HALL Ayeka considers thoughtfully for a moment, then looks very grim. AYEKA: (strained) Just tell me one thing, Sasami. SASAMI: (casual) Yes? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (a little nervous) Was Yosho as good a lover as Tenchi? Or am I just imagining things again? CU. SASAMI Gaping with shock. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (firm) I see. So, I was deluding myself then, as well. I see it all very clearly now. (softly) Yosho was trying to foist me off on Tenchi to take you for himself, but now you'll have the last laugh on him. CU. WASHU Blankly confused. WASHU: Uh... CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Not now, Washu. Ayeka, I'm begging you... CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (amused) It's okay, Sasami. I'll be very discreet. Although, now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure Funaho already knows, as well. Yosho isn't as old as he appears to be. What a fool I've been. HALL Ayeka gets up, as Washu hits herself. WASHU: Whoa! AYEKA: I think you'll know where to find me. Ayeka leaves, as Washu steadies herself. KIMIKO: Boy! Even I didn't see that coming. What a shocking thing to learn. Sasami, you've really been holding out on us. SASAMI: Ayeka has the most appalling insights, at times. WASHU: Okay, just a second. Let me get this straight... 42 EXT. OBSCURE HILLSIDE The giant planet starts to emerge in the sky above, as the sky slowly starts to turn to purple. Ryoko sits under a tree, looking down in shock. 43 INT. NOBOYUKI'S BEDROOM (B/W--flashback) Ryoko glowers for a moment, then starts to stalk toward the door. ALCHEMIST: (casually) You should really take this study more seriously, Ryoko. It isn't every day that I offer an apprenticeship. I'm a very patient man, but even I have my limits. RYOKO: (a little stunned) You won't back out of our arrangement? ALCHEMIST: (musing) I haven't decided, yet. As you are now, I could never let you have Tenchi, but I could let you borrow him for a little while. Would that suffice, Ryoko? RYOKO: (turning, angry) You son of a bitch! CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (chuckling) You're so amusing to me, Ryoko. You know, you're the reason Tenchi doesn't show his affections toward you, but there is really nothing wrong with you. Tenchi doesn't despise you, but you can do nothing that can impress him. It's hopeless, you see. 44 EXT. OBSCURE HILLSIDE Ryoko looks up, blankly thoughtful. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (softly) I'm nothing but a sick joke. 45 INT. NOBOYUKI'S BEDROOM (B/W--flashback) RYOKO: (grim and bitter) Oh! You are so disgusting! Why are you doing this to me? The alchemist folds his arms, considering. ALCHEMIST: Would you prefer that I left? Now that you know what you know, can you truly go back to what you were? RYOKO: (stiff, looking down) No. ALCHEMIST: (casual) Good. (firm) If I disgust you, it's because I reflect the truth. I don't have time to paint a pretty picture of what you would like to think you are. The truth is, you disgust me. I see great potential in you, Ryoko, but you always fail to utilize it properly and you always will. 46 EXT. OBSCURE HILLSIDE Ryoko closes her eyes, fighting an urge to scream, apparently. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (resigned) Who am I kidding? I was never a human being. I'm not even a machine--I'm nothing but a stone. I should have stayed buried. 47 INT. MAIN OFFICE Tenchi sits up, falls back down and leans over. A spasm of coughing seizes him, suddenly. He gasps for air and then has another spasm of coughing. He then falls unconscious again. Tokimi is sitting next to him, quiet and thoughtful. 48 EXT. VILLAGE OUTSKIRTS The small village by the lake is very quiet, as Tsunami approaches on her horse. She looks around, searching for someone. Araya emerges from a hut, looking around in disbelief. ARAYA: Tsunami? Is that really you? Tsunami looks down for a moment, pondering, then dismounts her horse. She looks around, as if casually disinterested. ARAYA: Tsunami? Tsunami? Where in the world have you been all these years? We thought you were dead. Tsunami frowns, looking at Araya in annoyance. She struggles with some thought, as if trying to remember something. TSUNAMI: (barely audible) Where is he? CU. ARAYA ARAYA: What? CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: Where is he? Where's Alepios? I haven't seen him anywhere. VILLAGE Araya looks shocked for a moment, then grieved. ARAYA: (softly) You haven't heard already? TSUNAMI: What--? ARAYA: Tsunami, Alepios is dead. That's why the village is in mourning. (softly) Damn hypocrites. CU. TSUNAMI She is rigid with shock. TSUNAMI: No-- CU. ARAYA ARAYA: It's true, Tsunami. He just couldn't go on. It was all too much. He threw himself into the wastelands just a few days ago. No one could survive a fall like that. VILLAGE Tsunami can barely stand. Araya puts a hand on her shoulder, as if to help her up. ARAYA: (wistfully) That's probably why you're here. Whoever was holding you prisoner probably just broke. I can't imagine someone doing such a monstrous thing. If it weren't for all these pretenders, I would have never dreamed such a thing were possible. CU. ARAYA A little bitter, like someone with a grudge. ARAYA: Alepios was never well-liked, and they know it. All his life, they made him the target of their stupid pranks--calling him pointless or meaningless in their own way. In a way, I think he's better off now. VILLAGE Tsunami breaks off from Araya in disgust, unable to find any emotion in herself. She continues to look around blankly, and then sees a little infant boy approach her. She reels in fear, backing into Araya. ARAYA: Laren! (turning to Tsunami) Isn't he cute? TSUNAMI: Huh? ARAYA: Little Laren seems to like you, but I don't think he's old enough to be aware of what he is doing. Araya picks up the little infant boy. CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: He's yours? CU. ARAYA ARAYA: Yeah. (subdued) Well, he's my little Alepios. Now, he's all I have left. I guess this is a little awkward. CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: How long was I gone? CU. ARAYA ARAYA: You were gone for over seven years, Tsunami. We honestly thought you were dead. How else could you be gone so long? VILLAGE Tsunami is overcome with shock. She stumbles out of the village, leaving the horse. ARAYA: Tsunami? Tsunami? Come back! 49 INT. DINING HALL Washu is still a little overcome with shock, as Kimiko and Sasami look at her, considering. Hikaru walks up to the table, and looks around in annoyance. HIKARU: (clearing his throat) We have customers, girls. Washu looks around, a little taken aback. KIMIKO: Hey, Hikaru. I'm taking a sick day. Sasami and I are in the middle of something here. HIKARU: It's a little rude to be told like this, Kimiko. You know I can't count on those short-timers. CU. WASHU WASHU: (annoyed) Uh, if you could excuse me, I'm actually a paying customer. I'd like to make an order. CU. HIKARU He frowns, somewhat mortified. HIKARU: Oh, okay. I'll be right back. I just need to phone a few people. CU. WASHU WASHU: How much could Funaho know? She didn't actually see you with Yosho, did she? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: I don't think so. She must have deduced it, somehow--probably from something Yosho said. Yosho has a big mouth, you know. HALL Kimiko looks down, thoughtful. KIMIKO: You didn't tell him about me, did you? SASAMI: Why would I do that? WASHU: Yosho is very curious, Sasami. He would have asked you about things like that. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Not that it's any of your business, but I told Yosho a great many things. They weren't all true, of course, but I doubt he believed my stories, anyway. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: You couldn't just tell him the truth? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (shocked) The truth! You know what I went through? How could I relive that all over again? It's bad enough that I had to share it with Sasami. 50 INT. MAIN OFFICE Tenchi looks very pale. Tokimi looks at him with deep concern, then gets up to leave. She returns and sits next to him again. Tenchi looks up, a little disoriented. TENCHI: (softly) I'm going to die. Nobody could live through this. I must look like hell. TOKIMI: (choking) Don't talk, Tenchi. You don't want to waste your strength. CU. TENCHI He lays back, relieved. TENCHI: Thank you. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: What for? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: For staying here. You don't know how much this means to me. I just know no one else would have. ROOM Tokimi looks very ill as Tenchi falls unconscious again. She seems very introspective, as she looks over a few potions. TOKIMI: Not again. I won't let this happen again. Hang in there, boy. 51 EXT. FOREST Tsunami narrowly avoids falling into another pit trap. She looks around, terribly disoriented. TSUNAMI: No. This isn't happening. It must be a bad dream. CU. TSUNAMI She closes her eyes for a moment, then opens them again. She then sighs and casually sits under a tree. She looks up, pleadingly. TSUNAMI: Why? What did I ever do to deserve this? FOREST Tsunami looks down, unable to weep, but closing her eyes, as if wishing she could. A few moments pass as a small animal approaches and pounces into her lap. Tsunami starts to pet the animal, reflexively. TSUNAMI: (looking down) Pytho? What are you doing here? Where is your master? CU. TSUNAMI She continues to pet the animal as she closes her eyes again. TSUNAMI: You don't have a care in the world, do you? You may as well be a little statue. Why couldn't Mimi have locked you away, huh? You would've been happier as a stone. FOREST The animal purrs as Tsunami continues to pet it. TSUNAMI: I know. You can't help what you are. You're just a pet, aren't you? Pets always bring us so much comfort--a constant joy. You know nothing but unconditional love. CU. TSUNAMI She scowls in anger. TSUNAMI: I think you like it that way, don't you? Life is a real pleasure for you, isn't it? You're so happy --so free of worry. (very grim) I wish I could be just like you. CU. PYTHO He squirms, suddenly alarmed. Tsunami is twisting him in her hands. CU. TSUNAMI She snarls as she rips Pytho apart, literally--with her bare hands. She groans and looks down at herself, suddenly consumed with overpowering guilt. FOREST Tsunami stands, torn between anger, grief and guilt. The blood on her hands begins to ripple and bubble around her. The little bubbles surround her and slowly lift her into the tree. She looks down, sadly, as her body merges into the tree. The tree glows briefly, then fades again. 52 EXT. A CITY STREET Ayeka exits a cab, handing something to the driver. She makes her way to a small building with a sign, proclaiming it to be 'Cruiser and Shuttle Tours.' She mutters to herself as she enters the building. AYEKA: (to herself) I can't believe I went all this way just to have to make my way back. Oh, well. At least I have an amusing hobby, now. Poor Yosho. I almost feel sorry for him. 53 INT. MAIN OFFICE Tokimi is asleep, still sitting next to Tenchi, as he awakens. He sits up and begins coughing again, uncontrollably. Tokimi continues to sleep, as Tenchi groans, clenching his stomach. He tries to stand, and nearly keels over. He sits back down. TENCHI: Whoa! He clutches his head in pain. TENCHI: (softly) Not so loud. He frowns, reflexively groaning in pain. His eyes start to water, and he wipes his face, annoyed. CU. TENCHI His face is very pale, like death. TENCHI: Wow, what pain. This is the worst. He looks at Tokimi and curiously smiles. TENCHI: Poor lady. She must be sick with worry. I'd better hurry up and get better. He lies back down and promptly passes out. 54 INT. DINING HALL Washu is looking over a small salad, glaring at Kimiko. WASHU: Forget it. I'll assimilate anyone else. I'd rather stick Tenchi and Mihoshi in the same body. Sasami seems rather amused, as Kimiko snarls in anger. KIMIKO: That isn't funny, Washu. You know what my life is like. I can't keep a man, and Tokimi can never stand to be in this dimension long enough to find one. I'm in utter misery. WASHU: I said, forget it. Never. You're much better off this way. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: That's easy for you to say. You could always raise a family if you really wanted to. You don't want to. You just keep getting smaller. You get any smaller, and we'll have to start calling you infant-Washu. CU. WASHU WASHU: And that isn't helping. All I care about is getting Tenchi back. Sasami, can't you understand? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Sorry, Washu, but I sympathize with her. She's been punished enough. Just put her back together. HALL WASHU: You sympathize with her? You remember what she was like? KIMIKO: I've changed, Washu. There's no way I could possibly be the same person I was before. WASHU: Huh... You mean you're even worse, now? SASAMI: Washu, try to see it her way. All she really did was get mixed up in a little misunderstanding. CU. WASHU WASHU: (to Kimiko) You see what I mean? Even Sasami is reverting. (to Sasami) Pretty soon, you'll expect me to take care of you again. CU. SASAMI Sighing in annoyance. SASAMI: Washu, I'm not the weepy little girl you once knew. I'm going to have a family. I'm an adult, now. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Yeah, Washu. Cut her some slack. You always were a little overbearing. You're the one who hasn't changed. HALL WASHU: I can't believe what I'm hearing. (to Sasami) I'm trying get your husband back from her alter- ego, and all you can do is sit there and defend her. I thought I knew you, Sasami. SASAMI: (grim) Evidently not. KIMIKO: I'm not holding anyone hostage, Washu. If you want Tenchi back, you can have him. It doesn't matter anyway. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Why is that? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Because the door has been sitting open the whole time. It was really just a matter of time before you would have found it, anyway. 55 INT. MAIN OFFICE Tenchi sits up again, scowling in pain. He looks around and sees Tokimi, again sleeping--sitting next to his bed. He groans and begins to have a coughing fit. Tokimi murmurs, as he continues coughing. TENCHI: Oh, man. I can't go on like this. How long have I been here? CU. TENCHI He leans on his hands, looking around blearily. He smiles in some weakened recognition. TENCHI: Oh. Hello. Sorry, I can't get up. ROOM Ryoko and Ayeka have appeared. They look down at him, somewhat pitifully. RYOKO: (casual) Is this really you, Tenchi? I destroyed myself for this? What was I thinking? Ayeka rolls her eyes. AYEKA: Don't kid yourself, Ryoko. You destroyed yourself because of Kagato, not because of anything Lord Tenchi did. Not that it matters, now. Tenchi squints and rubs his eyes. TENCHI: Ryoko? Ayeka? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Sorry, Tenchi. Just a little flight of fancy. I'd tell you more, but I hate creating pardoxes--I mean, any more than I already have. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Your life is one big paradox, Ryoko. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (sigh) Anyway, Washu always bugs me anytime I'm about to do something stupid-- CU. WASHU She suddenly appears. WASHU: Like right now. Hey there, Tenchi. Boy, you look a lot worse than I thought. CU. TENCHI He gasps for breath, starting to cough again. ROOM Mihoshi and Sasami suddenly appear. Mihoshi looks curiously stiff, and Sasami has a faint glow all around her. MIHOSHI: Hey there, Tenchi! It's us, again! SASAMI: Hello, Tenchi. Wow. You really did get the worst of it, didn't you? Tenchi sighs, coming out of his coughing fit. TENCHI: Oh... Hey. Wow, this is nice. I'm glad to see all of you again. Especially you, Little Washu. It's been too long. CU. WASHU She looks a little smug. WASHU: I told you he liked me best. CU. RYOKO She rolls her eyes. RYOKO: Washu, you're such a lousy cheat! You know he only said that because he hadn't seen you in years. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Yes. We should keep in mind that Lord Tenchi is somewhat delirious, as well. We came here to comfort him. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: You came here for me? I just came here to meet this lady. She's my mentor, you know. CU. WASHU WASHU: It's okay, Tenchi. We know all about Tokimi. We think your work is just as good, if not better. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (wistful) Anyway, Tenchi, all that really matters is that you love your work. Isn't that true, Washu? ROOM WASHU: Yeah, the kid has a point. TENCHI: (very weak) Well... She isn't a kid, Washu. She's all grown up, and she's my wife, now. Ryoko and Ayeka flinch in distaste. RYOKO: You must be kidding! This is disgusting. AYEKA: (sigh) I still can't believe you chose her over me. WASHU: Careful, girls. You don't want to upset him. He could have a relapse and die. MIHOSHI: But if that happened, how would we be here? WASHU: It's called a paradox, you nitwit! Now, just stay quiet. Nobody invited you two. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Well, I don't care about paradoxes. I think our love transcends all boundaries--time and space, as well as life and death. I just wish you would tell me something, Tenchi. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: You do love me, right? Isn't that enough? Why would you want anything else? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Anything else? What do you mean? Of course, I love you. ROOM Ayeka and Ryoko look like they've been slapped, as Sasami leans near Tenchi. Tokimi murmurs to herself, again. SASAMI: Well, just look around. I'm not the only one standing here. I can't help wondering if things would have turned out differently, had you been a little less attached to the others. RYOKO: Washu, I warned you this might happen. AYEKA: Sasami is very devious, Washu. WASHU: It's okay, girls. I know Sasami, but I think I know Tenchi, too. He isn't about to say anything stupid, right now. TENCHI: (pondering) Less attached? You mean I should stop caring about them? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Yes, Tenchi. Just stop. If you really love me, then prove it. Give me all your heart. Why should I have to share you? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Why would you ask me something like that? You know how I feel? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (annoyed) Yes, Tenchi. But do you really know how they feel? You think they care about you as much I do? You think they care as much as you? CU. TENCHI Pondering, wiping his eyes, trying to form a clear thought. TENCHI: Hmm... Well, how do all of you feel? Tell me the truth. ROOM Washu smiles, immediately framing a response. WASHU: I'm your angel of mercy, Tenchi. I'd do absolutely anything for you. TENCHI: Really? WASHU: Well... No. Actually, I really only wanted you to kiss me. Damn Ryoko and Ayeka... Mihoshi ponders, somewhat vacantly. MIHOSHI: Washu and I both enjoy your little quirks. It's very silly, but we like your constant youthfulness and naivete. Ayeka snarls, annoyed. AYEKA: Much as I hate to admit this, I really only wanted to sleep with you. I don't like your art or your music, and I especially dislike your sewing. I just cannot let go of this childish fantasy. Ryoko looks a little sullen. RYOKO: I just think you're cute, Tenchi... Although you'd be irresistable with a little mustache. I can't even say that I've ever really been in love with you. I don't even know what love is. I'm pretty pathetic, huh? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: You see what I mean? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: How do you feel, Sasami? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: I love you with all my heart, Tenchi. We deserve the best for each other. Forget about them. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (amused) Sasami, you're so greedy. CU. SASAMI Taken aback. SASAMI: What? ROOM Tenchi scowls, trying to catch his breath, then continues. TENCHI: You knew how I felt when we were married. You're only goading me, now. Aren't you? SASAMI: Tenchi, this isn't how married people are supposed to be. What is love, if it's not exclusive? TENCHI: Who says? I'll do anything you want, but I can't stop caring about the others. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (sigh) This isn't what Yosho would say, Tenchi. You know he would disapprove. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I don't care about Grandpa, Sasami. I only want to make my father proud. ROOM SASAMI: (frowning) Your father? (a little exasperated) But Noboyuki is nothing but a scoundrel. TENCHI: (amused) Yes, he is. But he's still my father, and I think more of him than any of you. Ayeka and Ryoko look pale, shocked. SASAMI: This is silly, Tenchi. You want to make Noboyuki proud of you? CU. TENCHI Suddenly very annoyed. TENCHI: Sasami. Don't upset me. You know I'm right. I love my father more than all of you. He deserves it. If you really care about me, you'd understand that. CU. WASHU Smiling, proudly. WASHU: Like I said. ROOM TENCHI: There's someone missing... RYOKO: Who could be missing? Just then, Ryo-Ohki appears, looks around and scampers to Tenchi. RYOKO: Oh no! I forgot! We never found her! This must have been what happened... Ayeka and Ryoko look annoyed as Tenchi holds Ryo-Ohki close, petting her. TENCHI: Hey there! Boy, did I miss you, girl! What happened to you? You look like you've been through a war zone! Washu rolls her eyes and makes a curious gesture. WASHU: Come on, girls. Time to vanish before we make a real paradox. Ayeka looks thoughtful, then gasps. AYEKA: Little Washu, wait! Washu and the others vanish, leaving Tenchi with Ryo- Ohki. Tokimi stirs and sits up, a little stunned. CU. TOKIMI Pointing, a little disgusted. TOKIMI: What is that creature? What is it doing here? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (annoyed) This creature is my friend, Ryo-Ohki. She's here to rescue me. (looking down) Aren't you? 56 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami, Washu and Kimiko stand before a glowing silver door--standing open, right where the mirror was. KIMIKO: Ryo-Ohki left the door open when she went through a couple hours ago. WASHU: Why not just close it? KIMIKO: The door can only respond to one person at a time. That way, once someone opens it, no one else can close it. SASAMI: Yes. So, for example, if Tenchi had opened it, even I could not close it. Sasami starts toward the open door. Washu looks back at Kimiko. WASHU: Aren't you coming along? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: This isn't the right way, Washu. I'll wait here. Otherwise, it would be too great a temptation. CU. WASHU WASHU: Huh? Well, whatever you say. 57 EXT. GRASSY FIELD Sasami goes across a grassy field to a bare rectangle, followed eventually by Washu. Tenchi is sitting in the rectangle beside Ryo-Ohki, sketching in a large pad. Tokimi is standing nearby, and she looks up in shock, as Sasami approaches. SASAMI: Tenchi, are you okay? CU. TENCHI He still looks pale and a little shaky. TENCHI: Oh! Hey, Sasami! Well, I feel like I've got a bag of ice in my stomach, and my head still hurts, but I think I'm going to be all right. CU. SASAMI Sitting down next to Tenchi. SASAMI: Hey, you're right! You look pretty beat up, too. (to Tokimi) Hey, what have you been giving him to eat? Tenchi has a very delicate constitution, you know. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: No, I don't. You're the one with the delicate constitution, Sasami. RECTANGLE Washu enters the rectangle, glaring at Tokimi for a moment, then sitting across from Tenchi. TENCHI: Hey, Little Washu! You're back! This is great. It's been way too long. WASHU: I'm very glad to see you again, Tenchi. I just wish you had taken better care of yourself. Tenchi looks around. TENCHI: Where are the others? Isn't Ryoko or Ayeka with you? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Ryoko's already heard, Tenchi. So has Ayeka. I was forced to tell them because Kimiko was being rather stubborn about you. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Kimiko? What does Kimiko have to do with all this? CU. WASHU WASHU: Never mind. The important thing is that you're okay, right? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Yeah, I'll be fine. Damn. I just wish you hadn't had to have gone through that all by yourself, Sasami. I feel terrible about that. Don't worry, though. Ryoko and Ayeka will be fine. If I know them, they're already fighting with each other again over something stupid. RECTANGLE Washu stands and gestures to the others. WASHU: Well, let's get out of here. This place is creepy. I can't imagine how you put up with it. SASAMI: Tenchi was only here for about ten hours, Washu. WASHU: Yeah, but here, that translates to about six or seven days. Tokimi likes these little time-curves, remember? Sasami stands, and helps Tenchi stand. SASAMI: Six or seven days? Tokimi must have made a supreme effort of will to stay in this dimension for that long. You know, Little Washu, I could assimilate her, myself. It's really nothing for me. I consider myself an expert, now. WASHU: (annoyed) You go ahead and do that. Don't come crawling to me, though, when she ruins your life again. She came pretty close to doing that here, as it was. Sasami slumps, looking back and forth between Tokimi and Washu. Tokimi is sullen and silent. TENCHI: Assimilate her? With who? Kimiko? Why would you do that? CU. WASHU WASHU: Because Tokimi and Kimiko are really the same person, Tenchi. They can't live a normal life as they are, but she would never be a normal person, even if she were assimilated, either. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Why is that? CU. WASHU WASHU: Because she is a monster, Tenchi. You must have realized that, by now. She loves everyone so much, she leaves a trail of destruction in her wake, like Godzilla with a big heart. RECTANGLE Tenchi, Sasami and Washu start to leave the rectangle. Tenchi looks back, pondering. TENCHI: She's looks so pathetic, though. I wish someone could do something for her. Ryo-Ohki looks back and forth, then scampers up to Tokimi. Tokimi sighs and picks up Ryo-Ohki, petting her. The others go back and Sasami holds out her hands to Ryo- Ohki. CU. RYO-OHKI Ryo-Ohki snarls and makes a swipe at Sasami with a paw. CU. SASAMI Very surprised. SASAMI: Ryo-Ohki? What has gotten into you? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I think Ryo-Ohki doesn't like Tsunami. Ryo-Ohki can be very particular, you know? CU. WASHU WASHU: Yes, and very perceptive, too. Funny, that she likes Tokimi better than you. CU. SASAMI Scowling in anger. SASAMI: Ryo-Ohki, I'm your friend. I would never do anything to hurt you. You know that. RECTANGLE Washu takes Ryo-Ohki, and they slowly leave the rectangle again. 58 EXT. GRASSY FIELD They approach the door, and Washu stops and sighs. She hands Ryo-Ohki to Tenchi and looks back. Sasami stops at the door, inquisitive. SASAMI: Washu? What is it? WASHU: You all go on. Now that I've thought about it, Sasami, I think you're right. Tokimi has been punished enough--but we do this my way. I'm the only one who can put her back together properly. TENCHI: You mean, with dominant and recessive personas? WASHU: Something like that... Go on. 59 EXT. GRASSY FIELD Washu goes back to the rectangle, where Tokimi is still standing. Washu glares at Tokimi for a moment, then brings up her console, typing for a moment. CU. WASHU WASHU: (shocked) Earth? CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: (amused) Where else? RECTANGLE Washu looks down at her display again, pondering. WASHU: Oh, I see. You use a force field to keep it hidden. Disguised as molten rock--very clever. She types for a few moments. TOKIMI: So, you'll do it, after all. You're going to assimilate me? WASHU: Yes, but you won't be Mimi, again. That's for sure. TOKIMI: That's okay. I just hate what I am right now. It's a real chore, being so good and kind all the time. WASHU: I can imagine--yes, I thought you might be that way. That's why I'm going to make Kimiko the dominant side of your persona. It's the natural lean, anyway. You'd never stay in this dimension, otherwise. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: This is incredible. We'll be like a family again. CU. WASHU WASHU: Well, don't get your hopes up. RECTANGLE Washu hits one button, and a bright flash goes through the air, followed by a low boom. TOKIMI: What do you mean? What have you done? WASHU: (casual) I still haven't forgiven you for what you did to Tsunami. And there's that matter of what you did to me. You robbed me of seven years of my life, too. Did you think I'd forgotten? Tokimi gapes in shock. TOKIMI: Robbed? You were on vacation. I thought your delay in returning was intentional. CU. WASHU WASHU: You didn't sabotage my time-machine? Hmm... Well, it doesn't matter. I can't encourage your present attitude. Don't worry, though. I will assimilate you, but only after I get back. I have to go gather some materials. It takes a lot of energy to do an assimilation, properly. RECTANGLE Washu puts away her console again, and starts to leave. TOKIMI: When will you get back? How long will that be? WASHU: Oh, no more than a week or two. Of course, you'll still be here. TOKIMI: How do you know that? What did you do to my force field? CU. WASHU WASHU: I've just reversed the polarity on the gates, and keyed it to my astral pattern. Anyone can enter, now, but only I can leave. I destroyed your machine, too. So, only I can undo it. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: You destroyed my machine? CU. WASHU A little irritated, thoughtful. WASHU: What do you care? After you're assimilated, you won't want to come back here, will you? CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: Oh. Right. CU. WASHU Turning again, pondering casually. WASHU: This way, when I get back, you'll be used to this dimension. There's nothing wrong with it, you know. It's just a little more dangerous. Accidents do happen. See you, Tokimi. RECTANGLE Washu leaves, and Tokimi starts to go after her, then stops, subdued. 60 INT. DINING HALL Kimiko, Washu and Sasami are sitting at a table. Kimiko has her head lying in her arms on the table, passed out. Washu looks at Kimiko suspiciously, then at Sasami. WASHU: Is she really passed out? SASAMI: She sure looks like it. I doubt she really cares what we talk about, anyway. She really only wanted to be put back together, again. In a way, this is a lot harder on her than Tokimi. CU. WASHU WASHU: (smiling) I know. Who do you think I'm really punishing, here? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (sigh) You're right. She does need to be properly punished. CU. WASHU She looks down, a little nervous. WASHU: You said before that Tenchi wants a family, right? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Yeah... CU. WASHU WASHU: Does that mean what I think it does? CU. SASAMI Amused, half-surprised. SASAMI: What are you saying, Washu? Sometimes, you can be very vague. HALL Washu looks around, somewhat exasperated. WASHU: I mean, are you having a child? You aren't already expecting, are you? Sasami gapes in feigned shock. SASAMI: Little Washu! What a shocking thing to say, right out of the blue! WASHU: Well? SASAMI: Yes, of course. You know I would never be happy, otherwise. I want everything. CU. WASHU Frowning with disgust. WASHU: Sasami, you know it's quite impossible. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Why is that? Actually, I happen to know that I'm having a little girl. CU. WASHU WASHU: Tenchi's child, right? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Who else? What are you saying, Little Washu? HALL Washu ponders carefully for a moment. WASHU: Sasami, you know about genetics? You are quadruple-recessive. SASAMI: So? WASHU: Well, you know what they say--recessive quads cannot match with less than racial fourths. SASAMI: I fail to see the point. CU. WASHU Leaning over near Sasami. WASHU: Tenchi is one-eighth, Sasami. You can't possibly be having his child... Not unless... Think about it. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (shocked) Oh, I see. (mortified) It looks bad, doesn't it? CU. WASHU Flinching with disgust. WASHU: I meant, besides the obvious. You see, if this child was conceived of Tenchi and Tsunami, it means that she'll be powerful. Maybe even as powerful as you. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (thoughtful) Oh, boy. Tenchi really will have his work cut out for him, huh? CU. WASHU Glaring at Sasami. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: What? THE END

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