[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 EXT. NEAR GATE Open on trees in bloom, suggesting springtime. The camera pans around to a short, gated palisade. Two large log-like creatures guard its entrance. AZAKA: Just another fine morning? KAMIDAKE: Yes. It's going to be another peaceful day. 2 EXT. FLOATING ONSEN 3 INT. POOL Ayeka and Ryoko are just sitting in the pool, relaxing. Ryoko seems asleep. RYOKO: (sleepily) Did Sasami get my message? AYEKA: Hmm...? RYOKO: I said, did Sasami get the message? AYEKA: Oh yes. And she was quite pleased with the results. I think she is starting to become fond of you again. RYOKO: Mmm... AYEKA: You know, whenever we fight, Sasami always takes it quite to heart. RYOKO: I realize that now. AYEKA: (sleepily) It doesn't matter to me, of course. But she is a genius with sauces and spices. You know how some people just have a knack for a thing. Some people are just good at ruining things. CU. ENTRANCE DOOR Slides open to permit Mihoshi, wearing a towel and limping along with a cane. Her left ankle is in a simple brace. MIHOSHI: Oh! I didn't know you guys were in here! POOL Ryoko looks up momentarily and then scowls. Ayeka closes her eyes. RYOKO: Weren't we just trying to kill each other yesterday? AYEKA: No, I think it was a couple weeks ago. RYOKO: I never knew Sasami could hold a grudge that long. AYEKA: You do not know her as I. Mihoshi limps over to the side of the pool. MIHOSHI: You mind if I join you? RYOKO: Would it matter if we said no? CU. AYEKA She reaches over to a platter with a bottle and a few cups. AYEKA: Some sake, I think? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: A little early in the day, isn't it? (flinching) Hey! Watch it! Gets hit in the head with Mihoshi's cane. CU. MIHOSHI Sitting in the pool. MIHOSHI: Oops! Sorry about that. POOL Ryoko is rubbing her head. AYEKA: I meant to celebrate. Sasami agreed to make us a nice dinner today. RYOKO: Oh. Well, a little sake never hurts, no matter the time of day. CU. AYEKA Smiling as she pours some sake for herself and Ryoko. CU. RYOKO She gratefully takes a cup and gulps the drink down. CU. MIHOSHI She murmurs in bliss, getting comfortable. She looks over at the other two and becomes a little resentful. MIHOSHI: Hey, what about me? POOL Ryoko rolls her eyes. AYEKA: Now, now. Let's not be rude. We have a guest. (pouring) Here you go, Mihoshi. Ayeka hands the cup to Mihoshi. Mihoshi starts to drink. RYOKO: What was it? AYEKA: Excuse me? RYOKO: What did Sasami tell you she would make? AYEKA: (smilingly) Now, Ryoko, I can't tell you that. It would spoil the surprise. A few beats pass, a little awkwardly. MIHOSHI: You know I hate to interrupt, but I wanted to ask you about something. Ryoko sinks a little further into the water. Ayeka keeps a very composed face. AYEKA: If there is something on your mind, Mihoshi, please share it with us. Mihoshi looks down, a little uncertainly. RYOKO: You know I really love that tempura Sasami makes. It's just so crispy. CU. MIHOSHI Looks around, considerately. MIHOSHI: I think I might have made a big mistake. CU. AYEKA Nearly spitting in surprise. She recovers herself in time. CU. RYOKO Still trying to imagine dinner. RYOKO: Or those little egg-rolls. Those things are to kill for. POOL Mihoshi is looking down again. MIHOSHI: Well, you know how you all have been so nice to me ever since my little accident? AYEKA: Your accident? Oh, yes. I had heard something of that. MIHOSHI: Well... It's just that Tenchi and I became so much closer after that. We started doing so many things together. RYOKO: (wistfully) Fried shrimp. Man, I could really go for some fried shrimp. AYEKA: (alarmed) What is this? When did this happen? CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (cheerfully) Oh, it was so wonderful. We went to the movies. We played video games. We went to pizza places. We talked about so many things. (a little sullen) It just kind of... well... seemed a little childish. POOL A few beats pass, as they continue to drink. MIHOSHI: (a little grim) Anyway, I just told Tenchi yesterday that I wanted to do things that were... you know, a little more adult. He just nodded and said okay, but I could tell he was a little disappointed. RYOKO: Beef steak. I just love beef steak. I'm dying to eat. I can't wait for dinner. AYEKA: (a bit irritated) Could you explain to me about that accident, Mihoshi? I understand you were trained in the Galaxy Police Academy. MIHOSHI: That's right. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (calmly again) I've noticed that you are actually quite dexterous and acrobatic when you need to be. How is it that you incurred these injuries? POOL Ryoko seems oblivious as Mihoshi continues. MIHOSHI: I've been through a lot... I mean a few crash exercises. I know everything there is to know about preventing injuries, but I can't help it when I get distracted. I was just returning from the preserve station when I executed a by-the-book, perfect landing. CU. AYEKA She nods politely and takes some more sake. POOL MIHOSHI: When I reached for the level control, there was a little snake coiled around it. It hissed at me. Next thing I knew, I had a sprained ankle. I could barely limp out of there. RYOKO: Mihoshi got a love-tap from a tree. It was nothing. A couple beats pass as Mihoshi starts to fret. MIHOSHI: I just know I messed up again. What should I do? CU. AYEKA A little confused. AYEKA: Huh? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (matter-of-factly) Have you considered suicide? Men find that very romantic. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (laughing) You're always kidding around, Ryoko. Come on, I was serious. POOL AYEKA: (musing) Well, you know, if you are looking for a more mature man, you might consider Lord Tenchi's father, Noboyuki. I understand he's available. Ryoko bursts out laughing. MIHOSHI: (upset) Now you're just being cruel. I don't know why I ever confide in you two. (she starts pouting) RYOKO: (chuckling) Yosho is pretty mature, too, Mihoshi. I'm sure he'd love to go on a date with you. AYEKA: (scowling) Now, Ryoko. Let's do be serious. We're all friends here. We can come to some mutual arrangement, I think. CU. RYOKO Calms for a moment, and then ponders. RYOKO: I suggest we take turns. I'll date Tenchi first, of course. CU. AYEKA Nearly losing her composure. AYEKA: (folding her arms) I don't know why I bother. 4 TITLE: "KNEE-DEEP IN SAKE" 5 EXT. PATH Late afternoon. A path through the forest. Tenchi is in a student uniform, walking toward the camera. He is carrying a briefcase. Ryoko is standing on a boulder. Tenchi comes up the path and stops for a moment. Tenchi looks up at Ryoko for a moment. He then continues down the path. TENCHI: Oh. Hello, Ryoko. CU. TENCHI (shoulder-shot) Ryoko appears behind him. Tenchi looks down calmly as he continues to walk toward the camera. Ryoko smiles. RYOKO: Tenchi? Did you miss me? TENCHI: (brightly) You look very nice today, Ryoko. RYOKO: Oh? Are you just saying that? TENCHI: (softly) I like that other earring. It really matches your eyes. RYOKO: (briefly surprised) That's so nice. It's Sasami's, actually. We've been getting along again. TENCHI: Sasami is cooking again? RYOKO: Oh yes. PATH Ryoko appears in front of Tenchi. Tenchi stops. RYOKO: Sasami has been telling me all kinds of fascinating things about Earth history. It seems she has an interest. But you don't really want to talk about Sasami? TENCHI: (scratching his head) What do you want to talk about, Ryoko? RYOKO: (playfully) Oh... well... CU. TENCHI He looks up and naively considers. TENCHI: (VO) This is where this story started to get weird. I still have trouble remembering it right. I've been told what happened so many times that I honestly don't remember whether I really went through all this or whether people just put it in my head this way. I suppose lots of things are like that. CU. RYOKO She smiles in a rather devilish manner. She vanishes again. PATH Ryoko stands behind Tenchi. RYOKO: (smoothly) Tenchi? You're not ashamed of me, are you? TENCHI: (nervous) Ashamed of you? What do you mean? RYOKO: You know. Are you afraid people will see me flirting with you? You think people will get ideas? Ryoko puts a hand on Tenchi's shoulder. Tenchi is looking fairly uncomfortable. RYOKO: (softly) You worry that people will think we're lovers? Tenchi reels a bit and then tries to recover. TENCHI: (turning to face her) Could you get a hold of yourself, Ryoko? What's the matter with you? CU. RYOKO Becomes annoyed for a moment. She then smiles. RYOKO: Mihoshi... CU. TENCHI Suddenly looks a little confused. CU. RYOKO Closes on Tenchi. RYOKO: (sweet as sugar) She's very pretty, don't you think? PATH Ryoko stands very close to him. Tenchi still looks confused, but his confusion is melting into awareness. RYOKO: You hang around with her all the time, lately. You've forgotten all about poor old Ryoko, haven't you? TENCHI: (casual) So she's fun. So what? Ryoko pauses for a moment to collect her thoughts, frowning. RYOKO: You like her more than me? TENCHI: (sigh) No. RYOKO: (a little bitter) So, I'm not fun? You don't think I like movies or pizza? CU. TENCHI Looking down, a little flustered. TENCHI: I'm sorry, Ryoko. But you never said anything before. I thought you were bored by all that. CU. RYOKO Sadly shakes her head. She starts to vanish. CU. TENCHI Looks up, about to call out. He then continues down the path, muttering to himself. 6 INT. MAIN HALL Tenchi enters, looking somewhat forlorn. Sasami enters. Ryo-Ohki is sitting on her shoulder. SASAMI: Oh! Tenchi, welcome home. CU. TENCHI Immediately smiles. TENCHI: Hello, Sasami! MAIN HALL SASAMI: I've kept a dish for you, Tenchi. I'll be right back! TENCHI: All right. (to himself) Boy, I'm starving. Tilt upward to balcony. Ayeka enters and looks down, seeing Tenchi. AYEKA: Tenchi. Oh, Lord Tenchi, there you are! TENCHI: Oh, hey Ayeka. Good evening. CU. AYEKA Still looks down from the balcony. AYEKA: I am glad to see you. Good evening, as well. CU. TENCHI Looks a little nervous. MAIN HALL Ayeka broodingly crosses and descends stairs. Tenchi looks up and then around. TENCHI: I hear Sasami has been reading some of my books, again. CU. AYEKA Very passively approaches Tenchi. AYEKA: (carefully) Yes, she shares a peculiar curiosity. I wonder, though? MAIN HALL Tenchi glances around again, and then continues to address Ayeka. TENCHI: (a bit nervous) Yes? AYEKA: Might I have a few words? There is something I need to ask you. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (stiff) Uh, yeah. I just wanted to have something to eat, first. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (very calm) Please, Lord Tenchi. It will only take a few moments. I would be very grateful. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Oh, okay. MAIN HALL Ayeka smiles, and gestures for him to follow. They exit. Sasami enters, looking a little worried. SASAMI: Tenchi? Aren't you hungry? 7 EXT. PATIO Twilight has descended, blurring shadows and giving the lake an eery glow. Distant clouds give the impression of approaching rain. The air is still. Ayeka and Tenchi enter patio. Ayeka goes to sit, and then takes a fan. AYEKA: (gesturing) Please. CU. TENCHI Nervously scratches his head, then goes to sit next to Ayeka. PATIO Ayeka fans herself. AYEKA: Dreadfully warm, don't you think? TENCHI: I guess. AYEKA: You are not uncomfortable, I hope? TENCHI: I'm fine. Thanks for asking. AYEKA: (pondering) Hmm... I know I have not said this before, but I like that uniform. It makes a suitable appearance. It is a little dark to my eyes, but it seems very handsome, nevertheless. TENCHI: Oh. Well, it's just something I have to wear. AYEKA: It seems to fit particularly well, on you, Lord Tenchi. You should wear a uniform more often. TENCHI: It's more comfortable than it looks. AYEKA: Yes, I trust it is. I've never heard you complain otherwise. That is a very admirable trait in a young man. CU. TENCHI Almost frowns, pondering. PATIO AYEKA: Books... TENCHI: (a little shocked) What? AYEKA: You mentioned Sasami's interest in some of your books. I was just thinking about how they never seem to change. They are made out of different materials, certainly, but they never actually become anything different entirely over many thousands of years. Why do you think that is? TENCHI: (still flustered) I don't know. I suppose the need never changes. CU. AYEKA Very calmly puts away her fan. AYEKA: We have readers and scanners. We can always store information in other ways. Why is it, that we cannot replace this particular need? CU. TENCHI Lost in thought. TENCHI: I have no idea. I guess I never thought about it, before. PATIO AYEKA: (musing) It is something of a riddle. TENCHI: (a little irritated) Is this going somewhere, or is this just some kind of mind game? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (amused) I'm sorry, Tenchi. I'm not thinking at all. Here I am, going on and on about nothing, and you must be terribly hungry. Please, go on inside and eat. We can talk later. PATIO Tenchi gets up and starts to leave. He then slowly turns and goes back over to Ayeka. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (calmly) What was it you wanted to ask me about? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: I just heard a most dreadful rumor today. PATIO Tenchi stands as Ayeka takes out her fan again. AYEKA: I heard that some girl had asked you to become... oh, shall we say, more familiar. I also heard that you had agreed. I was worried that I would not be able to change your mind. Is all this true? TENCHI: (a little grim) I'm surprised at you, Ayeka. You really don't know me that well, do you? AYEKA: (frowning) You cannot deny it? TENCHI: No. I don't. Ayeka stands, losing most of her composure. AYEKA: You dare admit it? Even to me? TENCHI: What's the big deal? You're just making something out of nothing. CU. AYEKA She goes dark-red with anger. CU. TENCHI He stares blankly, confused. PATIO Ayeka marches back inside, fuming to herself. Tenchi scratches his head again. A moment later, Sasami enters. SASAMI: Oh, there you are! Hey, Tenchi, don't you want to eat? 8 INT. MAIN HALL (table) Tenchi sits, looking at his food. He starts to eat, scowls and then puts it down again. CU. SASAMI Sasami enters, looking a little disappointed. SASAMI: Tenchi, you don't like it? MAIN HALL (table) Tenchi sighs and Sasami goes to join him. TENCHI: It's not the food, Sasami. I just don't feel like eating right now. SASAMI: Oh, you had another fight with Ayeka? She looked pretty mad. TENCHI: Yeah, I think she was. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Are you breaking her heart? CU. TENCHI A look of shock briefly crosses his face. TENCHI: (a little disconcerted) It's nothing, Sasami. It's just a misunderstanding. MAIN HALL (table) Sasami gets back up again and pats him on the head. SASAMI: That's good. I'm glad to hear that, Tenchi. I'd really hate to have to kill you. CU. TENCHI Seems paralyzed--the food half-way to his mouth. MAIN HALL (table) Medium-shot. Sasami smiles and leaves. CU. TENCHI Drops his food, disgusted. 9 INT. FORTRESS CENTRAL TOWER HALL A huge octagonal room. The walls are bare white, lit by an unseen source, high up in the air. The floor is a peculiar tile, composed of gray blocks. Three figures are barely discernable in the middle of the room. CU. TENCHI Looks as if someone just punched him in the back. TENCHI: Hey! CU. WASHU She sits at a console, pressing one button again and again. She studies the display for a moment and hits the button again. WASHU: Make yourself comfortable, Tenchi. We'll be here for a while. I think there's a seat over there. She points to somewhere in front of her. HALL Tenchi looks around and sees Mihoshi. She waves. MIHOSHI: Hey there, Tenchi! Tenchi walks over toward Washu. TENCHI: Washu! I was just having dinner. WASHU: Oh, I'm glad to hear that. I was worried you hadn't eaten yet. TENCHI: But-- CU. WASHU Still studies the console display. WASHU: Mihoshi! Bring me that data! MIHOSHI: (OC) This? WASHU: (strained) Yes, the one in your hands. HALL Mihoshi approaches, carrying the data pad. TENCHI: Mihoshi? Washu, what in the world is going on? WASHU: That's a good question, Tenchi. I'll let you know as soon as I find out. MIHOSHI: Here's your data, Little Washu. Mihoshi looks at Tenchi and smiles. Tenchi suddenly looks worried. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Washu, where are we? CU. WASHU Presses the button with increasing frequency. WASHU: We're in the ancient fortress, of course. Please, Tenchi. I'm trying to concentrate. Oh, shoot! HALL Washu leans back in disgust and throws her hands up. WASHU: There! Look what you made me do. I'll just have to track down another one. TENCHI: Mihoshi, what are you doing here? MIHOSHI: (subdued) I'm still working off my treatments. She points to her ankle with her cane. TENCHI: (looking around) Ancient fortress? WASHU: (taking the data pad) Yes. I'll bet you didn't know you lived near an ancient fortress your whole life. TENCHI: (softly) I'd believe just about anything right now. CU. WASHU Turns from her console and stands. WASHU: I can see I may as well explain. Tenchi, you know about quantum gravity? CU. TENCHI A little confused. TENCHI: You mean a force of physics? CU. WASHU WASHU: Yes, physics. While your scientists are trying to find quantum gravity, galactic scientists have been trying to find quantum conservation. The laws of quantum physics are well known and so is conservation, but put the two together: (gesturing) ka-blooy! On the bright side, it's a fun way to see a scientist's head spin. HALL Tenchi looks at Mihoshi, and she shrugs. WASHU: The standard theory is that the universe is just a large, complicated magnet. It attracts and repulses everything that we call matter, light, vacuum. Is any of this sinking in? TENCHI: I think so. Is this anything like ether theory? WASHU: (rolling her eyes) Well, it's quite a bit more complicated than that. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Hey, this is that shrine. This is where Ryoko keeps all her paintings. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Her what? HALL WASHU: I let Ryoko have the rooms we renovated. The rest of the fortress is located in sub-space. I don't think she's ever seen this part, but I haven't really checked... MIHOSHI: Ryoko paints? WASHU: Ryoko is in therapy--just like you, Mihoshi. She creates images and other representations. You might say I help her out a bit. MIHOSHI: Oh? TENCHI: So, this is a room in a part of the ancient fortress. WASHU: This is the central tower hall. I think it was built as the main support for the fortress, but it may have been the entire fortress at one time. I haven't looked at that data, yet. I was just looking at the conservation data when you arrived, Tenchi. CU. WASHU She sits at her console again. She starts to type and then begins pressing one button over and over. WASHU: Now, I think we should wait for this correlation again. With you here, Tenchi, I think I can get a better lock on it. Please sit down. CU. TENCHI He goes and sits down, looking very bored. 10 INT. MAIN HALL Ryoko is sitting in front of a blank TV, holding a large cup and a bottle of sake. CU. RYOKO She scowls slightly and then pours some sake in the cup. MAIN HALL Ayeka enters, narrowing her eyes. AYEKA: You! Ryoko looks up blankly. Ayeka approaches Ryoko. RYOKO: Huh? AYEKA: This is all your fault! You just had to get in the way! RYOKO: What in the world are you talking about, Princess? AYEKA: (barely restrained) Tenchi and I were perfect for each other, but you had to get in between, causing nothing but trouble. RYOKO: I think you've got it backwards, Princess. You got in my way. You wouldn't even be here in the first place without me. AYEKA: I still think it's all your fault. You've corrupted him somehow, with all your looseness and barbaric ways. It's no wonder he is so rude to me. RYOKO: (laughing) Oh, I think Tenchi is just right for me. If he's rude to you, it's only because you deserve to be treated rudely. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (angry) You're the one who deserves rude treatment! You're nothing but a monster! You only care about yourself! CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (half-serious) Why don't I kill you, then? (sigh) If you're going to just stand there and insult me, I can leave. If you want to join me, do so. I'm not in the mood to care either way. MAIN HALL Ayeka starts to turn away. She then turns and sits across from Ryoko. Ryoko passes another cup over. RYOKO: I don't want to fight with you, Princess. If I did, I might regret it. AYEKA: (taking the cup) I have to admit, I am against fighting, as well. You may think it is cowardice, but I am afraid of what is going to happen. I fear I may lose him. RYOKO: To Mihoshi? Are you kidding? AYEKA: No! I'm afraid I may lose him. CU. RYOKO She clears her throat, and looks up a little nervously. RYOKO: Ayeka, what kind of person do you think I really am? I'm fun, right? CU. AYEKA She takes a sip and considers, thoughtfully. AYEKA: Hmm... Yes, I have to admit that is true. You have a certain playfulness. MAIN HALL Ayeka continues to drink. RYOKO: Why is Tenchi so embarrassed around me? AYEKA: (smiling) Well, you have to admit that you scare him. You aren't exactly normal, you know. RYOKO: That's not true. I'm as normal as anyone else. AYEKA: (laughing) Well, I can tell you, Ryoko. I myself am the most normal person you will likely ever see. If Tenchi likes you, it is probably because you are so strange. RYOKO: (annoyed) That's not true. It's not! Stop saying that! AYEKA: I'm sorry, you're right. I think I can explain it another way. CU. AYEKA Takes her cup and sets it on a table. She reaches over and snatches Ryoko's cup. AYEKA: All right. Now pretend that this cup (she raises the small one) is Tenchi. Now pretend that this cup (she raises the other one) is you. CU. RYOKO Gestures, following along. CU. AYEKA Thinks for a moment, then looks closely at the large cup. AYEKA: Now... Hmm... That's strange. I've never seen this cup before. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Oh, I found that. Never mind, what was your point? MAIN HALL AYEKA: Oh, yes. Well, if you take the sake from the large cup and try to fill the small cup, it will overflow. But, if you take and drink from the large cup... (drinking) Oh, if the large cup is already full... Uh... Wait a minute. RYOKO: What in the world? AYEKA: (a little unsteady) Wait. I think I have it. If the large cup already had the contents of the small cup... No, that can't be it. Now, what was I going to say? RYOKO: (snarling) Oh, never mind! 11 INT. CENTRAL TOWER HALL CU. WASHU She makes a quick cheer. WASHU: Yeah, I got it! Now, Mihoshi, I need you to get that retaining lever. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Huh? Oh, all right. I'll be right back. HALL Tenchi is still sitting, looking very bored. Washu nearly jumps out of her seat. WASHU: Wait! Take this with you! Mihoshi turns and stops. MIHOSHI: Oh, right! Washu holds out a necklace and gives it to Mihoshi. She puts it on, and then looks at it dubiously. MIHOSHI: You sure this won't give me a seizure or something? It feels like something buzzing in my head. WASHU: You've got nothing to worry about. Just get going. Mihoshi looks reluctant as Tenchi gets up and looks at the necklace. TENCHI: What is that, Little Washu? CU. WASHU WASHU: It's just my latest invention. It's a motive stabilizer. It forces the wearer to not make mistakes. HALL MIHOSHI: Well, if you say so... (limping off) WASHU: It's nothing to worry about, Tenchi. Hmm... Just to be safe, you'd better go with her. TENCHI: What for? WASHU: Well, the motive stabilizer won't work if mistakes are caused by subconscious intent. I have a strange feeling about her... CU. TENCHI Tries to ponder on all that. CU. WASHU Sits back down. WASHU: Better hurry! HALL Tenchi goes to follow Mihoshi. 12 INT. MAIN HALL Ryoko and Ayeka are still drinking. AYEKA: (very casual) Actually, Ryoko, you are so very direct and honest about yourself. I'm such a wretched creature. I can't open up, no matter what I try. You're different, Ryoko. I wish I could be more like you. Ayeka seems about to add something, then promptly passes out. 13 INT. CONTROL ROOM There is a chair with a console in the center of the room. In one corner is a low table with a large, distinct ring in the middle. On all four sides of the table are benches. Along the walls on the other sides are lights, buttons and small compartments. Tenchi and Mihoshi slowly enter the room. Mihoshi limps in on her cane. Tenchi follows close behind. A voice emanates from Mihoshi (Washu's voice via transmitter). VOICE: You're in the control room. Now activate the central command control. You have to turn both dials on the central console to the right at the same time. CU. MIHOSHI Ponders. ROOM Tenchi goes to the central chair, and gesturing. TENCHI: I think she means this. MIHOSHI: Oh. Mihoshi limps over to the chair and sits. She then twists two large dials at each end of the console. The room illuminates brightly. The small compartments on the walls pop open and levers slide out. VOICE: Good. Now you need to find the lever. Use the guider to find the right one. CU. MIHOSHI Gets up from the chair and thinks for a moment. She then twists a dial on the necklace. A bright line of red light shoots out of the necklace. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (bewilderment) Wow. ROOM Mihoshi heads toward the lever, illuminated by the beam. VOICE: Don't pull the lever just yet. Tenchi, since you're there, get over to the command chair and get ready to turn those dials. This time, you'll want to turn them back to the left. CU. TENCHI Sits in the command chair. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Okay, I'm ready. VOICE: Good. First, make sure the lever is the right one. MIHOSHI: It's where the beam is pointed. VOICE: Okay. Tenchi? You ready? CU. TENCHI Hands poised over the dials. TENCHI: I'm ready. ROOM VOICE: Okay. Mihoshi, go. The room lights flicker a bit, and a dark cloud immediately fills the bottom of the room. VOICE: Go, Tenchi! Hurry! The room lights go darker, settling at dim. The levers slide back into their compartments. The dark fog at the floor settles a bit, then begins to sink. VOICE: Yeah, I was afraid of that. All the levers were trapped with poison triggers. Just be careful you don't trip and fall, leaving the room. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Whoa! That was exciting! CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Let's just get out of here. 14 INT. HALLWAY A hallway stretches far in each direction, several doorways line the hallway on each side. A doorway opens, and Mihoshi exits. Tenchi exits behind her. TENCHI: I'll bet you were scared. MIHOSHI: No way! Well, maybe just a little. TENCHI: I can't believe how many levers there were. I wonder what they do? MIHOSHI: Oh, who knows! Maybe they're all little locks for little jail cells. VOICE: (clearing her throat) If you guys are finished, I could use a little help here. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Huh? Oh. Well, I don't need this. She takes off the necklace. CU. TENCHI Walking back toward the central tower hall. TENCHI: Wow. I wonder how big this place is. It would take forever to explore it all. HALLWAY Mihoshi stuffs the necklace into a pocket, looking around wistfully, following. Tenchi takes one long look and then looks back toward the center. TENCHI: I guess we should get back. MIHOSHI: What's your hurry? We could have some fun, first. Tenchi shrugs, continuing down the hallway. TENCHI: I don't know. Looks like you could get lost in a place like this. I really don't care, though. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Any ideas? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: No, but whatever you want to do is fine. I'm ready for anything. HALLWAY Mihoshi puts her arms around Tenchi, kissing him. Tenchi is rigid with shock for a moment, then quickly pulls away. TENCHI: Oh my god! What was that for? CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (trembling) But I thought you wanted to... Don't you like me? CU. TENCHI Still reeling a little. TENCHI: Yeah, but not that much. I mean, you're very nice, but I didn't think you wanted to kiss me! CU. MIHOSHI Embarrassment clearly apparent, now. MIHOSHI: Oh, no! I was right! You were just humoring me! I am such an idiot! HALLWAY Mihoshi limps away, weeping. She moves surprisingly fast. TENCHI: Mihoshi! Wait! Washu appears behind him, and grabs his shoulder. WASHU: Better not. Mihoshi is a pretty fragile creature. CU. TENCHI Groans in frustration. He looks just about ready to pull his hair out. CU. WASHU WASHU: On second thought, we'd better go after her. She's not wearing the necklace! Who knows what'll happen! 15 EXT. ABOVE LAKE Nighttime. A storm is about to blow through. Wind howls and lightning flashes, illuminating a single figure. CU. RYOKO Floats above the lake, legs crossed. She is apparently sleeping. Her hair whips around. Lightning booms nearby. Zoom in on her closed eyes, as she looks seemingly tranquil. 16 EXT. VISION #1 A man kneels in front of a gravestone. CU. of the man, collapsing and burying his face in his hands. 17 EXT. VISION #2 Four children, running through the fields. They are yelling and laughing. CU. following the lead child, a little girl holding a stuffed animal. The others are trying to grab it from her hands, but she is too fast. 18 EXT. VISION #3 A man walking up a pathway to a house. He approaches, and a woman slides the door open. She runs out and embraces him. 19 EXT. LAKE, CU. RYOKO She looks very passive and calm. 20 INT. VISION #4, PART 1, HALLWAY CU. of a woman's face. She is in an exotic uniform, elaborately decorated. She looks down, mournfully. Pull back to see woman holding a small bottle. The well-decorated hallway is empty aside from her. She glances around thoughtfully, leaving. 21 EXT. VISION #4, PART 2 The woman, now dressed in a plain robe, is following a young man, making strange gestures. She is in some distress, and tries to explain something to him, but he turns and walks away. 22 EXT. VISION #4, PART 3 A lake by a mountain. Two figures are by the water. 23 EXT. LAKE, CU. RYOKO She flinches. 24 EXT. VISION #4, PART 4 The woman holds a bloody dagger, weeping. The young man is face down, just across from her. 25 EXT. VISION #5 A forest is basking in bright sunlight. A few thin trails of smoke curl upward from dead coals. 26 EXT. VISION #6 A small camp in a snowy field, in the middle of the night. Clouds drift past twinkling stars, as people go flickering by. 27 EXT. VISION #7 A wide-shot of a sunrise, coming over a hill. The hill is embraced by trees in bloom, shrubs, grass and flowers. A couple of men on horseback go riding down the hill, casually holding weapons. 28 EXT. VISION #8 Wide-shot of four adults, two men and two women. They are just sitting on a patio, doing nothing. 29 EXT. VISION #9 CU. of a man, painting. He looks thoughtfully around and goes back to the painting. 30 EXT. LAKE, CU. RYOKO She is straining. 31 EXT. VISION #10 Several men in uniforms, all wielding weapons and charging across a hill. They are all hit by a hail of arrows, fired by men on horseback. They fall. 32 EXT. VISION #11 A mass of men, yelling angrily. They pour down a street toward a large tower. 33 EXT. VISION #12 A man, chasing a woman. He catches her and turns her around. He slaps her hard. 34 EXT. LAKE, CU. RYOKO Flinches a bit. 35 EXT. VISION #13 A child, clutching its mother's legs. The child cries. 36 EXT. VISION #14 A man yelling at another man, giving him a push. 37 EXT. VISION #15 A street in a city, packed with people walking. There is a small area where people are avoiding a man and woman, who are embracing. 38 EXT. LAKE, CU. RYOKO Jerks her eyes open. A flash of lightning goes off nearby, and she flinches again. The rain starts pouring down. 39 INT. HALLWAY Tenchi leans up against a wall. He reaches up and scratches his head, nervously. CU. DOOR Washu steps out, looking exhausted. HALLWAY Washu hands a small jug to Tenchi. WASHU: It's worse than I thought. I found her with this. TENCHI: (taking the jug) So, Ryoko has been down here. WASHU: I'm a scientist, not a psychiatrist. (sigh) I think I managed to get her calm. As calm she could ever be, anyway. TENCHI: I feel so helpless. How was I to know? WASHU: (smiling) Well, Tenchi. If it's any consolation to you, I'm impressed. I never knew you had it in you. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: That's not very comforting. CU. WASHU WASHU: (laughing) You kill me, Tenchi! HALLWAY TENCHI: I suppose I should at least give some encouraging words. WASHU: You bet you will. I didn't want to go through all that for nothing. CU. TENCHI Musters every ounce of courage, and fails. TENCHI: I can't do it. CU. WASHU WASHU: (smiling) Don't be silly. Just go in there, idiot! 40 INT. SHELVED ROOM CU. DOOR Door slides open. Tenchi is hurled inside and looks around, a mild state of surprise. ROOM Several comfortable benches line a low table along one wall. The opposite wall has several shelves. The shelves are lined with bottles. A low counter sits under the shelves. The counter has several books sitting on top. At the opposite side from Tenchi is a small door, surrounded with strange runes. Sitting at one bench, looking more mousy than ever, is Mihoshi. She looks up for a moment, and then back down. She is very sullen. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (stiff) We're having some fun, now, huh? CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (very softly) Please, don't make me laugh. ROOM Tenchi stops just a few feet from the low table. TENCHI: (sighing) I'm really sorry. I should have let you know. Mihoshi closes her eyes, unable to look up. Tenchi puts the jug onto the table. TENCHI: I wasn't really humoring you. I just didn't want to hurt your feelings. MIHOSHI: (barely laughing) Now, you're making me laugh! Stop it! TENCHI: I just hate to see you like this. I really thought we were close. Like good friends. We did have a lot of fun. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (looking up) Yeah. ROOM Tenchi looks down, nervously, again. MIHOSHI: Tenchi? TENCHI: Huh? MIHOSHI: Could you give me a hug? CU. TENCHI Tenchi looks a little stunned, then smiles. CU. MIHOSHI Smiles and gets up from the bench. She lifts her hands out to him. ROOM Tenchi gently considers Mihoshi. Just as she reaches him, the small door opens. He looks around, a little surprised. A distinct hand from an indistinct, bluish glow takes his arm. CU. MIHOSHI Looking around, gasping. CU. TENCHI Pummeled with confusion. TENCHI: Hey! ROOM Mihoshi grabs his other arm. She pulls away. MIHOSHI: Tenchi! What's going on?! TENCHI: (strained) How in the world should I know?! Washu! CU. WASHU Washu enters, looking perplexed. WASHU: What the hell?! Mihoshi, what did you do? ROOM Washu takes out a small cylindrical device. She waves it around, and the air shimmers. Several vine-like bars snake up and around. CU. TENCHI Stands within a sphere of silver vines. The apparition disappears, and a huge beam of light lifts the sphere. CU. MIHOSHI Frowns and strains. MIHOSHI: I can't hold on much longer. CU. WASHU WASHU: (annoyed) These things always happen right before a big breakthrough... ROOM Washu runs up and grabs the sphere. She takes out a large, pistol-shaped device, and wields it near the floor, over a few vines. Several loud thuds echo through the room, and the sphere stands still. CU. MIHOSHI Still frowning and straining. CU. WASHU Looks around at Mihoshi. WASHU: You can stop that, now. I think Tenchi is okay, for the moment. CU. TENCHI He looks around at the beam of light, utterly speechless. CU. MIHOSHI She limps over to Washu. MIHOSHI: What is that? CU. WASHU WASHU: (considering) Well, I guess this is some kind of guardian. It was probably triggered by your presence here. This is very peculiar, though... She takes out a small pad and looks at a few readouts. WASHU: It's not my anomaly. I still have that one in the other sphere. ROOM TENCHI: (pointing) Uh... Little Washu... I see people. CU. WASHU WASHU: (doubtful) People? 41 INT. MAIN HALL Ayeka is still passed out. Ryoko appears in the room, completely soaked. She goes over to Ayeka. RYOKO: Ayeka! Wake up, you lazy, good-for- nothing! Tenchi is in trouble!-- I think... CU. AYEKA Murmurs and turns her head. MAIN HALL Ryoko kicks Ayeka, but Ayeka doesn't budge. Ryoko sways a bit. RYOKO: I hate it when I drink this much. CU. RYOKO Sits down. RYOKO: Hmm... What are they up to? She sighs and picks up the large cup. Ryoko stands again, a little unsteady. RYOKO: Oh, well. Who wants to live forever? I have got to stop drinking. She vanishes. 42 INT. CENTRAL TOWER HALL Ryoko stands in front of a console. She looks at the console, considering for a moment. She then sits and presses a few buttons. RYOKO: Sorry, Washu. This research is going to have to wait. Pan over to a large sphere, made of silver vines. The vines are anchored to the floor by large rivets. A large ball of bluish light emanates from within the sphere. The sphere melts away, and the bluish light immediately dissipates outward in all directions. 43 INT. SHELVED ROOM Ryoko appears, looking a little flustered. Washu has her arms crossed, trying to consider. Mihoshi is faint with confusion. WASHU: I know what you're thinking, Ryoko. I just couldn't help believing it. RYOKO: You know what I just saw? WASHU: (turning) A vision? Oh, now I see. You received impressions. RYOKO: (grim) Impressions?! Mihoshi looks over at Tenchi. They both look as if someone told them the Earth really was flat. WASHU: You're in no state for this. You'll need help. Not all of them will be so happy to go free. RYOKO: I know. That princess is no help. I doubt you'll want to leave Tenchi here alone. CU. WASHU She smiles and glances around. CU. RYOKO Follows her gaze. RYOKO: Oh! No way! You have got to be kidding me. ROOM Washu is still looking at Mihoshi, who is about to venture something. Ryoko is scowling. MIHOSHI: Uh... CU. WASHU WASHU: There's no time to explain, Mihoshi. Just go with Ryoko. She can explain later. CU. RYOKO Her arms are crossed. She looks around at Mihoshi, considering. ROOM Ryoko grabs Mihoshi, and they disappear. CU. WASHU She sighs and looks down at the floor. WASHU: (softly) Good luck, Ryoko. ROOM The bluish light gets a little brighter around Tenchi's sphere. TENCHI: (nervous) Uh... Little Washu? I really hate to bother you, but there's someone coming. Washu starts to approach the sphere, using her hand as a visor against the light. 44 INT. CONTROL ROOM Ryoko is at the little table in the corner, setting the large cup in the center of the ring. A green ring appears around the cup and a soft, white light streams down over the command chair. Ryoko turns to face Mihoshi, who is standing in a corner, looking very nervous. RYOKO: How much combat training have you had? MIHOSHI: Huh? Oh, like hand-to-hand? RYOKO: Sword-fighting. Can you use a sword? CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Uh... I had a couple of seminars. I think I remember the basics. CU. RYOKO Rolls her eyes. RYOKO: (sigh) It'll have to do. ROOM Ryoko hands a light-saber to Mihoshi. Mihoshi looks down at it, a little uncertainly. RYOKO: Try not to hurt yourself with it. MIHOSHI: Uh... I could just use my blaster, you know. RYOKO: (smiling) That toy won't do you any good. Just remember your basics. Parry, thrust, parry, thrust... MIHOSHI: I can do that. CU. RYOKO She clutches her head for a moment. She then looks around. RYOKO: I think there was supposed to be a master-switch somewhere. CU. MIHOSHI Still in disbelief. CU. RYOKO Muttering to herself. RYOKO: If I wasn't already drunk, I could really use a drink right about now. Mihoshi! ROOM Mihoshi nearly impales herself on the sword, turning. MIHOSHI: Yes? RYOKO: Wait for me in the hallway. I'll be out there, in a moment. MIHOSHI: Okay... (turning to leave) RYOKO: (still looking) Oh, Mihoshi. If you see them coming, don't run, or they'll get you for sure. MIHOSHI: (very nervous) Uh... okay. Mihoshi exits the room. CU. RYOKO She closes her eyes and rubs her head. She then turns and looks down. RYOKO: Oh! Here you are! Hiding all the way back here? Shame on you. 45 INT. HALLWAY Mihoshi is trembling and looking around, like a rabbit caught in a trap. A couple of loud thuds go through the air, and the floor shakes. The lights flicker for a moment. They brighten a little and then return to normal. Ryoko appears next to Mihoshi and she gasps. RYOKO: I didn't miss anything, did I? Mihoshi is still gasping for breath. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (smiling grimly) This is it! Get ready. CU. MIHOSHI. She looks down, trying to find her breath. She takes a deep breath and looks up. Her eyes get very wide as a low rumble starts building and building. HALLWAY Ryoko's smile gets wider. She points her palm outward. RYOKO: (softly) Wait till you see the light of their eyes, then attack. Ryoko waits and waits. Mihoshi lets out a blood-curdling scream. She starts doing a basic drill, blindly, parrying and thrusting. Ryoko scowls and starts blasting a few shots low and wide. RYOKO: (to herself) Just my luck. I always get stuck with beginners... 46 INT. SHELVED ROOM The bluish light grows until everything is lost in a bluish haze. Washu is standing just behind the sphere, as the figure of a woman appears just behind the small door. CU. TENCHI An arc of energy shoots through him like lightning, and he collapses. CU. WASHU WASHU: (alarmed) Tenchi! 47 EXT. NEAR LAKE Early evening at a lake, framed by mountains. The mountains loom, snow-frosted, over brown grass and sleeping trees. Along a path through the trees walk two figures. A young man and a woman walk hand-in-hand, smiling. The woman stops and makes a slight gesture with her eyes. They embrace and kiss. They look out across the lake and then up. A huge spaceship appears. CU. YOUNG MAN He looks upward with wonder. Pan to woman, who is snarling. She turns. CU. WOMAN The woman gestures in an expansive way. The air shimmers and the couple vanishes. 48 INT. LARGE UNDERGROUND RIVER The couple are standing at the edge. The woman waves a small wooden wand, and a sphere of shimmering light appears around them. CU. WOMAN She scowls and looks over at the young man, suggestively. RIVER EDGE The woman takes a wicked-looking dagger, nervously brandishing it. A short, uniformed man appears and rubs his chin, thoughtfully. CU. YOUNG MAN He narrows his eyes. Zoom out as he then turns and tries to hold the woman back. She wrenches him aside and gestures, fairly casually. CU. UNIFORMED MAN He chuckles for a moment, then looks down in concern. RIVER EDGE A shimmering golden light flares across the short, uniformed man. It crosses his torso like the strap of a large purse. His hands shoot outward, trembling. He then dissolves into a mist. CU. YOUNG MAN He gives a look of mild shock. He then narrows his eyes and makes a warding gesture. He flickers and vanishes. 49 EXT. FOREST A dark, inky sky bursts with a series of light streams, like fireworks. Tilt down to the small figure of a woman, leaping through the forest like some fearsome bird. Focus-in to an indistinct face--a woman with a slightly scornful expression. 50 EXT. SMALL HILLSIDE The woman and Tenchi, who is sitting next to her, are watching the figure go running across the plain. The figure is hit with a bright beam of light and falls. WOMAN: That was me, many years ago. Tenchi turns to face her. She smiles, somewhat sardonically. Her hair is dark but seems very unnaturally soft. Her face has a dangerously feral look with wide cheeks and a narrow chin. Her eyes appear to glitter like those of a madman. WOMAN: You find me attractive? I thought so. I knew you would. 51 INT. SHELVED ROOM Tenchi snaps his eyes open and gasps. He slowly starts to stand. CU. WASHU WASHU: Tenchi! Are you all right? CU. TENCHI Rubbing his head. TENCHI: Yeah, I'm fine. I just had the weirdest vision. ROOM A figure stands at the small door, looking confused. FIGURE: (softly) What's the matter? Why are you still here? WASHU: Who are you? FIGURE: No one you need to concern yourself with. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: You mind if I ask, then? Who are you? CU. FIGURE The figure starts looking more and more distinctive. FIGURE: Don't you feel who I am? I am a princess of a world called Jurai. I feel this world in your blood. My name is Ayeka. CU. WASHU Nearly falling over in surprise. WASHU: Sweet Mary, Moses and Buddha! CU. TENCHI Narrows his eyes. TENCHI: She's some other Ayeka, Washu. CU. FIGURE FIGURE: I'm not just anyone. I am the seventh generation of a pure bloodline. I was meant for the throne, but the elite pirate swine made it theirs for a time. I was forced to play handmaid to a dog and driven away like some petty thief. I am an heiress to a higher dimension, trapped in this cage. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (considering) What do you mean by that? 52 INT. SHELVED ROOM Mihoshi and Ryoko appear. Mihoshi falls to her knees and starts to weep, while Ryoko goes over to Washu. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Still? What's the deal? CU. WASHU WASHU: (smiling) I see you made it back in one piece. So, how did she do? ROOM Mihoshi weeps while Ryoko talks to Washu. RYOKO: (matter-of-factly) I have to say she did all right, for a first-timer. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Hey, Ryoko. I don't know what's going on, but it doesn't look too serious to me. CU. WASHU WASHU: (softly) Well, that depends on what you consider serious. CU. FIGURE FIGURE: (confused again) Who are all these fools? What do they want with you? 53 INT. SHELVED ROOM Ryoko erupts in anger. RYOKO: Hey! You listen! Nobody talks to my Tenchi like that! You just leave him alone! FIGURE: Oh, and who are you? A playmate, perhaps? Shall we take you along for amusement? RYOKO: Oh! How dare you?! CU. RYOKO Powers-up some attack of fearsome proportions. She flies backward. CU. FIGURE Merely gestures lightly. FIGURE: (whimsical) Young man, you should be careful. That demon could hurt you. ROOM Tenchi turns to Ryoko. TENCHI: Are you okay, Ryoko? RYOKO: She just caught me off-guard. Are you okay, Mihoshi? MIHOSHI: (starting to calm) I think I'm going to be sick... RYOKO: Oh, don't worry. I'll make a hardened veteran of you, yet. MIHOSHI: No way! I am never combat-fighting again! CU. WASHU WASHU: Sorry, lady. We can't let you take Tenchi. You can just forget about it. CU. FIGURE FIGURE: Really? Do I look forgetful? CU. RYOKO Narrows her eyes in recognition. RYOKO: A princess of Jurai, I'd wager. No wonder. What is it, with you Juraians? CU. FIGURE FIGURE: You'd wager? What are you, one of those pirate scum? CU. RYOKO Spitting in disgust. RYOKO: I remember now. You're that assassin. You were hunted down, so you escaped and hid out here. You weren't happy with just killing people for political gain, so you killed your own lover! 54 INT. SHELVED ROOM The figure is trembling in anger. Tenchi rubs his head, thoughtfully. FIGURE: You accuse me of murder?! How dare you? TENCHI: (disgusted) Could everybody please calm down? It doesn't matter, anyway! I already have a lover! FIGURE: Oh, I see! I suppose this devil-woman is your lover. Well, that doesn't matter to me. TENCHI: Actually, she wasn't the woman I was referring to. (gesturing toward Mihoshi) She is. FIGURE: (snorting) You must be joking. Her? What's special about her? CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (trembling) Uh... Tenchi? CU. WASHU WASHU: (very worried) Tenchi? Are you nuts? Do you have a death-wish or something? ROOM Ryoko is stalking toward the sphere, looking a little pale. TENCHI: (casually) She's pretty and she has a wonderful attitude. And she's a great kisser. RYOKO: (outrage) What? WASHU: Oh boy. Mihoshi faints. The figure looks a little nonplussed, then laughs. FIGURE: Oh! I see. You really had me going, there! You're quite a kidder! CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Is this woman for real? CU. TENCHI Tenchi sighs with irritation and ponders. CU. FIGURE She looks around, considerately. FIGURE: Seriously, though. Can't you just make them go away? They're really getting on my nerves. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I don't suppose you could come out here, instead? 55 INT. SHELVED ROOM FIGURE: Well, there are two problems with that. First of all, like I already said, I'm stuck in here. You see, once you enter the vortex, you can't leave. Secondly, I'm supposed to be a guardian. It doesn't mean much, now that your friends have opened the prison, but I can't just leave my body behind. WASHU: Why not? FIGURE: (annoyed) Would you leave yours? I could just take all of you, you know. The truth is, it's just terribly lonely in a place like this. I mean, you cannot imagine how long I've been in here. RYOKO: I can. I had a nice little chat with some of your old friends. They seem to think that death is preferable to spending eternity with you. FIGURE: How rude! Maybe you would find death preferable to your life? I can arrange it. CU. TENCHI He appears nervous and a little taken aback. TENCHI: (VO) In retrospect, I should admit my mind was a complete blank at this point. It's probably a good thing too. I would have never done anything like this if I actually had time to think about it. I keep thinking about it, and it still doesn't make any sense. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Is that a threat? CU. FIGURE Brandishing a wicked-looking dagger. FIGURE: There's one way to find out. 56 INT. SHELVED ROOM Tenchi examines the dagger, curiously. He then reaches through the bars of the sphere into the vortex, and takes the dagger from the figure's hand. He looks at the dagger. TENCHI: You should be more careful, lady. You really don't know what this thing can do, do you? FIGURE: (stunned) How did you do that? TENCHI: This is a pirate weapon, right? CU. FIGURE She drops to her knees at the doorway. CU. WASHU She looks at Tenchi very curiously. WASHU: Uh... CU. RYOKO She starts to tremble with fear. CU. TENCHI He finishes examining the dagger. TENCHI: I know about these things. Ayeka--the other one--told me all about it. They're very dangerous, you know. I hate to sound patronizing, but it really is safer for me to keep this. 57 INT. SHELVED ROOM FIGURE: No... It simply cannot be. I am the heiress of a higher dimension. You're just a boy. RYOKO: The what? TENCHI: (kindly) I could come and visit, if you like. I don't think I'd want to stay, though. It looks like it would be awfully boring. FIGURE: (seriously annoyed) Don't touch me again! I want to be alone. The small door closes with a bang! The room goes completely dark. TENCHI: (OC) Uh... Little Washu? Could you do me a favor? 58 EXT. WASHU'S LABORATORY Ryoko and Mihoshi are off to the side. Tenchi is still trapped in the sphere. The dagger tumbles out of his hands. WASHU: Okay, everybody. We're all fine. No harm done. Mihoshi is starting to come out of her faint. MIHOSHI: Oh, man! What happened? Ryoko is still trembling in fear. She scowls and clenches her fists. RYOKO: Are you crazy, Tenchi? You realize what could have happened? Tenchi leans on his knees as the sphere disappears. He closes his eyes and takes a long breath. TENCHI: Well, at least Ayeka didn't have to witness that spectacle. I mean the other one. CU. RYOKO Ryoko sways a bit. She is still scowling. RYOKO: The other one? CU. MIHOSHI She gasps as she starts to stand and falls back down, clutching her left ankle. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (collecting herself) Oh, just forget it. I'm going to bed before I pass out. 59 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE The house framed nicely in morning sunlight. 60 INT. MAIN HALL Ayeka is still passed out. Sasami and Noboyuki enter. SASAMI: (sighing) Here she is. 61 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM Tenchi is lying in bed. Ryoko appears and leans over the bed, kissing him. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Hey! What's going on? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (laughing) Good morning, lover boy. Oh, don't get so upset! I'm just playing around, you know. BEDROOM Tenchi sits up. TENCHI: There are nicer ways to play, Ryoko. RYOKO: So, now I'm not nice? (chuckling) Hurry up, Tenchi. You don't want to be late for breakfast. Ryoko vanishes. CU. TENCHI He yawns and scratches his head, thoughtfully. 62 INT. WEST HALLWAY Tenchi enters. Noboyuki enters, holding up Ayeka. NOBOYUKI: Good morning, Son. Say, could you give me hand here? She's heavier than she looks. CU. TENCHI Shakes his head in disgust. 63 INT. AYEKA'S ROOM Tenchi and Noboyuki enter, carrying Ayeka. They gently lay her down on a bed. Mihoshi is sitting up in another bed. She has her arms wrapped around her legs and is slowly rocking back and forth. TENCHI: Good morning, Mihoshi. Say, are you all right? Mihoshi continues to stare off into space. MIHOSHI: The faces... It was so horrible! NOBOYUKI: (softly) Huh? What's up with her? 64 INT. MAIN HALL (table) Tenchi is just finishing breakfast. Yosho and Washu are sitting across from him. TENCHI: Oh! I guess I was hungrier than I thought. YOSHO: Tenchi... TENCHI: Sorry, Grandpa. Excuse me. I'll just go do some chores. Tenchi gets up. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: Be quick about it, Tenchi. Don't be late for school. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (very polite) Yes, Grandpa. INT. MAIN HALL (table) Tenchi exits. WASHU: (pondering) I'm not sure I see your point. YOSHO: It's a very strange discrepancy. You would think that we could tell by now. WASHU: Yes. I thought it was a little strange, myself... 65 INT. KITCHEN Sasami and Tenchi are watching Ryo-Ohki. Ryo-Ohki is in humanoid infant form, going through a dance. She finishes, and they clap enthusiastically. 66 EXT. A FORESTED HILL The trees sway in a strong breeze. Ryoko sits in a high branch. She clutches some flowers in her hands and sighs. FADE OUT EPILOGUE (A discourse on physics): 67 EXT. WASHU'S LABORATORY Washu is working on a bizarrely complicated formula. Mihoshi appears and looks over her shoulder. Mihoshi ponders for a few moments over some of the items. MIHOSHI: Is that relativity? WASHU: (surprised) Gah! What are you doing here? MIHOSHI: Hmm... That's a mass-particle formula, right? Washu looks curiously at Mihoshi, and frowns. WASHU: Yeah, it is. So? MIHOSHI: Well, if that's relativity, then it implies that a photon has infinite energy. Washu rolls her eyes. WASHU: Relativity! (snorting) Actually, this is an approximation of a cross-correlation in quantum conservation. MIHOSHI: Oh! So, how do you account for the infinity? WASHU: (smug) A photon has zero mass. MIHOSHI: But, isn't energy equivalent to mass? WASHU: (annoyed) Yes. And you don't need Einstein to prove it. Simple logic is sufficient. MIHOSHI: Really? WASHU: (sigh) If it weren't, all matter in the universe would come apart. Everything would explode constantly. MIHOSHI: Wow. I see. So, the infinite movement of a photon is simply multiplied by its mass--which is zero--giving it a constant mass. WASHU: Exactly. MIHOSHI: But that doesn't make any sense. WASHU: What do you mean? MIHOSHI: Infinity is really just X divided by zero, right? WASHU: (wary) Right... MIHOSHI: X divided by zero times zero is equal to X. Washu looks upward, pleadingly. WASHU: Only a nitwit like you would think to cancel out zeros, Mihoshi. Don't you know anything about math? MIHOSHI: Huh? WASHU: Look. If I let you cancel zero out of a division with a multiplication by zero-- Washu illustrates with a fairly simple equation. WASHU: --you could also just as easily prove that one plus one equals one. It's insane! MIHOSHI: Oh. So, how do you account for the lateral discrepancy? The fluctuations in the field harmonics indicate a definite mass. WASHU: (groaning) But if a photon had mass, it would accumulate the mass of the entire universe! It's not possible! Look at the velocities involved! MIHOSHI: But that's only if the universe is not contained within a medium-- WASHU: Oh, not you too-- Ether theories are for mental pygmies! The formulae for the standard theories are sufficient, even if they don't yet agree. MIHOSHI: But if you can't cancel the zeros, the standard theories can never be resolved. WASHU: Look, Mihoshi. Zero is really just the opposite of infinity. You understand? It doesn't operate on the same principles as the rest of math. It's very simple. MIHOSHI: But-- WASHU: Really, Mihoshi. I'm a genius. Trust me. I know what I'm doing. Now, would you go away, already. You're starting to bother me. Mihoshi looks down, then starts to leave. WASHU: (softly) Ether... (she flinches) Next thing you know, she'll claim to have invented the wheel... Washu looks at her equation thoughtfully for a moment, looks back around at Mihoshi and scowls. WASHU: (softly) Oh, just forget it... THE END