[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. MASAKI HOUSE The house, tilting upward to a night sky. Clouds drift past a full moon. 2 INT. MAIN HALL A younger-looking Tenchi is picking at his food, sitting across from Sasami. Sasami is asleep, her head resting on her arms on the table. Sitting on either side of Sasami are Washu and Ayeka. Washu is wearing a large, strange hat. Ayeka is thoughtfully cross-eyed. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Have some sake, Lord Tenchi. CU. TENCHI Quickly scans the table. TENCHI: I don't see any sake. MAIN HALL (table) AYEKA: (matter-of-factly) There isn't any. TENCHI: (angrily) Then it wasn't very nice of you to offer any. CU. WASHU Takes out a large pocket watch and shakes it next to her ear. WASHU: What day of the month is it? CU. TENCHI He looks around in confusion and turns to his food. Noodles from his dish leap upwards towards his face. They wrap around his head and yank him downward. 3 ABSTRACT Zoom out of a white void into a long spiraling line of birds. The void resolves into snow which melts into a black mess. 4 INT. KITCHEN, CU. TENCHI Wipes noodles off his face. KITCHEN Tenchi stands in the kitchen. He is standing over some noodles and a discarded dish. He looks around, and standing on the central counter is a tiny Ryoko. The tiny Ryoko doesn't move. Tenchi approaches to look at it. CU. TINY RYOKO It's eyes are closed, and it grins very widely. Fangs appear from its mouth. Its arms are folded, and very long claws are extended from its fingers. CU. TENCHI Reels in a sudden fright. 5 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM EXTREME CU. TWO SCARY, BLACK, SNAKE-LIKE EYES BEDROOM Tenchi is lying in bed. Ryoko is floating above him, her face nearly making contact with his. CU. TENCHI Scuttles backwards, gasping loudly. CU. RYOKO Her eyes slowly return to normal. Her slight smile turns to a grin. RYOKO: (softly) Wow, wow, wow! BEDROOM Tenchi manages to calm a little. TENCHI: (angry) Ryoko! What are you doing? RYOKO: This is so cool, Tenchi. Go back to sleep. I want to do that again. TENCHI: What? What are you talking about? RYOKO: The dream, Tenchi. It was so real. Please, go back to sleep. CU. TENCHI Still trying to settle himself for a few beats. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (considering) You know, Washu never told me I could do this. Just think of the possibilities... BEDROOM TENCHI: You made that dream appear in my mind somehow? RYOKO: (wryly amused) Come on, Tenchi. Let me do it, again. TENCHI: No. Go away. You aren't supposed to make people dream things. RYOKO: Why not? TENCHI: (a little flustered) Dreams aren't supposed to be made, they just happen. Anyway, it's rude. Just leave me alone. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (petulant) All right, fine. Go back to normal noise. You don't know what you're missing. Ryoko vanishes. 6 ABSTRACT A bolt of lightning hits Tenchi in the chest, slicing him neatly in half. The upper half floats upward as the lower half gently falls. He looks around, curiously. He smiles, inexplicably, and his eyes glaze over, mirror-like. 7 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE The house framed nicely in morning light. A slight rain comes down and starts to slack. 8 INT. LIBRARY Ryoko sits with her back to a shelf, a book in her lap. CU. RYOKO Turns a page. Still reading, she takes a bite out of a half-eaten apple. She chuckles to herself briefly and then takes a small cup in her other hand. She tilts it back, then looks up. RYOKO: Shoot. LIBRARY She turns aside. Another Ryoko is there, sitting next to her, and hands her a bottle. RYOKO (reading): Oh, thanks. RYOKO (the other one): You're welcome. CU. RYOKO (reading) She pours some drink, brings the cup to her lips and stops. She looks aside, narrowing her eyes. RYOKO: Hey! Who are you? CU. RYOKO (the other one) RYOKO: (snorting) I'm you, of course. Who else would I be? LIBRARY Both Ryokos consider each other. Ryoko A--the one reading--scowls. Ryoko B makes a half-smile. RYOKO A: You're not me! RYOKO B: Don't be silly. Of course, I'm you. It's obvious. RYOKO A: Then why are we in two places at once? RYOKO B: Huh? When has that ever been a problem? RYOKO A: (softly) Washu! 9 TITLE: "KNEE-DEEP IN HARMONY" 10 INT. ENTRANCE Tenchi enters, carrying a broom over his shoulder. The phone on the end table begins to ring. He goes to answer it. TENCHI: (answering) Masaki residence... (a couple beats) Oh, yes sir! (turning from the phone) Hey, Dad! It's for you! A moment passes and Noboyuki enters. NOBOYUKI: Who is it, Son? TENCHI: It's Mr. Suzuki, Dad. He wants to talk to you. NOBOYUKI: (smirking) Not about schoolwork, eh? CU. TENCHI Still holding the phone. He sighs. TENCHI: I don't think so. CU. NOBOYUKI He takes the phone. NOBOYUKI: Yes? (a beat) Oh, good morning... (a few more beats) Huh? Oh, I suppose so. I'll ask him. ENTRANCE Noboyuki turns from the phone toward Tenchi. Tenchi looks a little nervous. NOBOYUKI: Hey Tenchi... You mind if Mr. Suzuki lets Hiroshi stay over? Something about an out-of-town meeting. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (frowning briefly) Uh... No, I don't mind. It's okay. NOBOYUKI: (OC) Tenchi says it's okay. Tenchi scratches his head, absently, while a beat passes. He then sighs, deeply, leaning on the broom. CU. NOBOYUKI NOBOYUKI: (smiling) Well, that's very nice of you, Mr. Suzuki. I appreciate it. (a beat) You're welcome. Goodbye. He puts down the phone. ENTRANCE Mihoshi descends stairs, using a cane--a slight limp. MIHOSHI: Who was that? NOBOYUKI: (turning) Oh, that was Tenchi's teacher. His son is staying over for the night. MIHOSHI: Wow! We'll sure be having a lot of people around for dinner. You sure I'm not in the way? NOBOYUKI: Huh? In the way? What do you mean? MIHOSHI: I really hate to impose... I mean, with all these other people. CU. NOBOYUKI He chuckles and looks around. NOBOYUKI: Uh... Tenchi... CU. TENCHI Still leaning on his broom. He looks from Mihoshi to Noboyuki, a little confused. He then looks down at the broom. TENCHI: Oh! Right! ENTRANCE Tenchi takes the broom and hurries out. NOBOYUKI: (turning again) I wouldn't worry, Mihoshi. You're not imposing-- Ayeka enters, looking very composed. NOBOYUKI: Oh, hey Ayeka. Good morning. AYEKA: Good morning, honorable Father. Good morning, Mihoshi. CU. NOBOYUKI NOBOYUKI: Hey, did you hear? We're having a guest tonight. CU. AYEKA She looks a little startled. AYEKA: (softly) What? 11 EXT. WASHU'S LABORATORY Washu is sitting at her console, typing. CU. WASHU Looking very calmly at her display. WASHU: Anything goes wrong, it's always the mom, huh Ryoko? LAB Ryoko A and B appear on either side of Washu. Ryoko A starts to scowl, as Ryoko B frowns, considerately. WASHU: (while typing) You lose your voice, you come down with a cold, your heart gets broken--it's always the mom you want to fix it and make it all go away. CU. WASHU Gets up from her seat. WASHU: (a little imperious) Never a thought for dear old Mom when she wants something, though... LAB Ryoko A brandishes her fist, menacingly. RYOKO A: Oh, just admit it. You screwed up! WASHU: What on Earth are you talking about, Ryoko? How did I screw up? CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: We've come apart! You didn't assimilate me with that robot properly! We're separate personalities again! CU. WASHU WASHU: (chuckling) Ryoko, you have some imagination! How could you possibly become unassimilated? CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: (thoughtful) Uh... Ryoko, are you sure about this? LAB Ryoko A darts a menacing look at Ryoko B. WASHU: Do you even know how much energy expenditure goes into an assimilation like that? You think you're smarter than the greatest genius scientist in the universe? RYOKO A: Well, just look at us. It's obvious we've come apart. WASHU: (mournfully) You don't know anything, Ryoko. (addressing A) You've become dominant, (addressing B) and you've become recessive. It's much more primitive than you realize. You just associate dominant and recessive with your old and new personas. Ryoko A folds her arms and turns away. RYOKO B: (stiff) So, what's the matter with me? CU. WASHU Looks back and forth between the two. WASHU: You sure you can't just will yourself together again? CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: (flaring anger) Would we be here, if we could do that? CU. WASHU Sighs deeply. She slowly turns and sits at her console again. WASHU: I don't know, Ryoko. This is very serious. I'll have to study this. LAB WASHU: I never imagined that you would ever suffer a personality fragmentation. You have a very healthy, robust mind, Ryoko. You are my daughter, after all. This bothers me more than you realize. CU. RYOKO B Nervous. CU. RYOKO A Slowly turns and looks thoughtful. RYOKO A: How can we help? CU. WASHU WASHU: (subdued) Just don't run off, Ryoko. Stay close, okay. We'll work this out. 12 EXT. PATH Early evening. A path through a clearing. The rain is falling, lightly. Tenchi and Hiroshi walking up the path. Tenchi is holding an umbrella in one hand, a large sack in the other. Hiroshi is sauntering along, wearing an opened slick-parka. He has a portable radio and headphones. He is also carrying a small suitbag. He takes a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and puts one in his mouth. HIROSHI: You mind? CU. TENCHI Absorbed in thought for a moment. He then looks around. TENCHI: Huh? Oh, no. I don't mind. CU. HIROSHI Puts the pack back in his pocket and lights up. HIROSHI: Damn weather. It never lets up, huh? PATH Tenchi is trying not to frown. TENCHI: Just don't smoke inside. My dad is pretty particular about that. HIROSHI: Really? TENCHI: Yeah. HIROSHI: You have a television, right? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (smirking) Yeah. CU. HIROSHI Letting out a long plume. HIROSHI: Ping-pong? PATH TENCHI: No. HIROSHI: Video games? TENCHI: Yes. HIROSHI: Sake? TENCHI: (considering) We have a chessboard, somewhere. CU. HIROSHI Lets out an annoyed shiver. HIROSHI: Damn, man! How the hell can you stand it? I'd die of freakin' boredom. CU. TENCHI Rolls his eyes. TENCHI: (VO) I suppose there are worse things you could die of. It's strange, how boredom can make the most amazing things start to happen. I never would have guessed where all this was going. PATH Hiroshi flicks a cigarette butt. HIROSHI: Soon as I get my stuff set out, I'm going to go for a dip in that pond. TENCHI: Don't you want to wait for the rain to let up, first? HIROSHI: Why should I wait for the rain to stop before I go for a swim? TENCHI: You ever heard of lightning? CU. HIROSHI HIROSHI: (snorting) I don't care about lightning. You need to learn to stop worrying so much. Take it easy. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I don't think you'll be bored, Hiroshi. Don't worry about that. PATH Hiroshi stops walking, and Tenchi stops. Tenchi looks around. HIROSHI: Why do you say that? TENCHI: Just take my word for it. Something always happens. You won't even notice the time. CU. HIROSHI He takes out the pack again, getting another cigarette. HIROSHI: You better be right. If you're not, I'm out of here. Take my word for it. 13 INT. ENTRANCE Tenchi enters, still shaking his folded umbrella. Tenchi sets down his umbrella. Hiroshi enters behind him, taking off his parka. TENCHI: Hey, anybody home? 14 INT. KITCHEN Tenchi and Hiroshi enter an empty room. Tenchi sets down the large sack. TENCHI: Hey. I brought in some groceries. Hello? CU. HIROSHI He nods, somewhat impressed, in spite of himself. 15 INT. MAIN HALL Tenchi and Hiroshi enter another empty room. TENCHI: Hello? 16 INT. WEST HALLWAY Tenchi and Hiroshi are walking into shot as Mihoshi turns a corner and limps toward them. TENCHI: Oh, hey Mihoshi. Where is everybody? MIHOSHI: Oh, hello Tenchi. I don't know. I think Ayeka and Sasami are still in their room. Oh! Who is this? CU. HIROSHI He coughs and then stands, considering. CU. TENCHI A little embarrassed. TENCHI: Uh... Mihoshi, this is Hiroshi. Hiroshi, this is Mihoshi. HALLWAY MIHOSHI: Hello. HIROSHI: Hey. Uh... It's nice to meet you. (frowning) Does that hurt? MIHOSHI: Huh? HIROSHI: The injury. MIHOSHI: What injury? CU. HIROSHI Gestures with his face. CU. MIHOSHI Grins with embarrassment. MIHOSHI: Oh, this. No, it doesn't hurt. It's just a little stiff. CU. HIROSHI Considers for a moment. HIROSHI: So, are you a friend of the family? HALLWAY MIHOSHI: Uh... You could say that! Yeah, I suppose. TENCHI: (gesturing) You want to put that stuff away, Hiroshi? HIROSHI: Yeah. (softly) And wake me up when this starts to get exciting. 17 INT. AYEKA'S ROOM Ayeka and Sasami sit next to each other. Sasami is reading. AYEKA: (musing) Hmm... The games were chariot races of colored teams. That's so similar to Jurai tournaments. You remember the ancient warrior's contests? SASAMI: (looking up) Hey, is it nighttime already? 18 INT. LIBRARY Ryoko A and B are sitting next to each other, staring into space. 19 INT. MASAKI SHRINE Yosho kneels. He appears to be frozen, a look of quiet serenity on his face. 20 EXT. WASHU'S LABORATORY Sits at her console, staring at the display, slowly shaking her head. WASHU: What a mess! How did this happen? It just doesn't make any sense! 21 INT. MAIN HALL Show window--the rain splats down monotonously. Just for flavor, a bit of breeze makes a soft sigh against the walls. Pull back to a shot of the main hall, facing Tenchi. Tenchi is sitting across from Hiroshi. Mihoshi enters and brings in a platter of cups. She places them on the table and slowly sits next to Tenchi. MIHOSHI: You know, it's so nice to have some more company, for a change. CU. HIROSHI His eyes turn upward and he drops his head, bored to a point of extreme. CU. TENCHI Sits back comfortably, sipping some of his drink. He stretches a bit. TENCHI: Boy, is it quiet tonight. I could really get used to this. MAIN HALL (table) Ryoko A appears. She floats over behind Hiroshi. She frowns a bit and then hits herself. RYOKO A: Oh! You must be one of Tenchi's friends. CU. HIROSHI Looks up. CU. RYOKO A Standing next to Hiroshi. RYOKO A: Hello, there! My name is Ryoko. MAIN HALL (table) Hiroshi turns. HIROSHI: Oh, hey! I'm Hiroshi. Nice to meet you. CU. RYOKO A Turns to Tenchi. RYOKO A: Tenchi... Where's dinner? Isn't it time to eat? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: You know, Ryoko. If you want to eat right now, you can fix it yourself. CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: But I don't want to wait. What do we have now? CU. DOOR It opens to permit Ryoko B. CU. TENCHI Looks a little perplexed. MAIN HALL (table) RYOKO A: Oh, Hiroshi. Please meet my sister, Zero. She's my twin. HIROSHI: Hey, Zero. Say, that's a strange name, isn't it? RYOKO B: Hello, Hiroshi. Actually, Ryoko and I are the same. TENCHI: (flustered) Oh, Ryoko. You're always kidding around. Mihoshi gapes in amazement. CU. RYOKO A She grins and gestures playfully. RYOKO A: Oh, don't be silly, Tenchi. Zero just turned up rather unexpectedly. We're both such old friends of the family. CU. DOOR Sasami enters. SASAMI: Hey, everybody. I hope you're all hungry. I have something special in mind for tonight. (she turns) You must be Hiroshi! MAIN HALL (table) HIROSHI: Yeah. And you must be Sasami. SASAMI: Oh, I'm famous now. I'd better have some help. Tenchi? Could you give me a hand in the kitchen, please? TENCHI: Huh? Oh yeah. CU. TENCHI He gets up to leave. CU. RYOKO B She sits down next to Hiroshi. RYOKO B: Hmm... So, you're the son of Tenchi's teacher? This must be a little awkward for you. CU. HIROSHI HIROSHI: Huh? What do you mean? CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: She means you're worried about making Tenchi embarrassed about his schoolwork. You aren't, though, really? MAIN HALL (table) HIROSHI: Uh... Ayeka enters. AYEKA: Oh, it seems we do have company. Good evening, Hiroshi. HIROSHI: Good evening... AYEKA: My name is Ayeka. I am very pleased to meet you. HIROSHI: Oh, hey... CU. DOOR Washu enters, looking a little forlorn. WASHU: I'd better take a break. Oh! Who do we have here? MAIN HALL (table) Ayeka and Ryoko B look like they've been hit with a fish. Ryoko A smiles. RYOKO A: Oh, Hiroshi. This is my mom, Washu. (conspiratorially) She's a lot older than she looks. WASHU: I heard that. Hello, young man. You can call me Little Washu. I'm the top genius scientist in the universe. HIROSHI: Uh-- Yosho enters, looks around, and clears his throat. YOSHO: You were saying? CU. HIROSHI Dizzy with confusion for a moment. HIROSHI: (recovering quickly) Hello, Little Washu. Hello, Ayeka. Nice to meet you all. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: Very good, young man. You may call me Katsuhito. I am the keeper of the Masaki shrine. I am Tenchi's grandfather. CU. HIROSHI HIROSHI: Very nice to meet you, sir. I am Hiroshi-- CU. DOOR Noboyuki enters. NOBOYUKI: Ah. I see everybody is here. Hey, Ryoko. I didn't know you had a sister... MAIN HALL Yosho looks around, narrowing his eyes. Washu rolls her eyes. Ayeka looks back and forth, puzzling. Mihoshi looks faint with confusion. Tenchi enters again. TENCHI: How many for dinner tonight? 22 EXT. PATIO Nighttime. Tenchi is sitting alone, simply looking out at an open, starry sky. He takes a drink. Hiroshi enters. He takes out a cigarette and lights it, standing next to Tenchi. Hiroshi fidgets. HIROSHI: Damn! I just had to get out of that hen house. It's really stifling. Hiroshi takes a long drag. TENCHI: Hmm... You said it. HIROSHI: All that playful naivete was making me want to scream. Especially that Mihoshi. Every time she starts a sentence, she reveals how stupid she is. TENCHI: (chuckling) I can't imagine you having a long conversation with Mihoshi. HIROSHI: (shuddering) Hells bells! And that Ayeka--she just went on and on about ancient Greeks and Romans. You'd think there wasn't any Mayans or Chinese around at the time. And always in that oh-so-controlled tone of voice. Damn! CU. TENCHI Slowly yawns. TENCHI: Now you see why I was in the kitchen. CU. HIROSHI HIROSHI: (laughing) I'll bet you really love it, though. They never shut up about you. They fawn all over you. That's the most sick part about it. PATIO Tenchi sighs. TENCHI: You'd think that. HIROSHI: Hmm... TENCHI: What about Ryoko? You two seem to get along okay. HIROSHI: Well, Ryoko is one seriously disturbed individual, but she's okay. I can see myself having a couple of long conversations with her. TENCHI: Hey, you know, I have an idea... HIROSHI: Huh? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (musing) Why don't you ask her out? She doesn't have a boyfriend, and I'm sure she'd love to hang around with you. CU. HIROSHI Takes another long drag, considering. HIROSHI: You know, I think that's a good idea. Yeah. You know, Tenchi, sometimes you're okay. You're usually an insufferable geek, but now I think you're cool. PATIO Hiroshi puts out his cigarette and walks toward the lake. HIROSHI: I'm going for a swim. TENCHI: (reaching around) Oh, then you better take this. Tenchi tosses him a towel. 23 INT. MAIN HALL Ayeka and Sasami lean up against a window. Ayeka is grinning. AYEKA: You know, Sasami, I don't think we could have planned this better. I'll finally be rid of that devil-woman. (she starts giggling) CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: Hey, Princess. What are you doing over there? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (still giggling) Oh, nothing. CU. RYOKO A Suddenly frowns. MAIN HALL Ryoko B enters and gestures to Ryoko A. Ryoko A looks questioningly as Washu appears. 24 INT. MAIN HALL (near TV) Tenchi and Sasami are playing a video game. Sasami gasps and punches Tenchi in the arm. SASAMI: Hey! That's no fair! That's the fourth time you've pulled that move! TENCHI: (a little smug) I'm too quick for you, Sasami. CU. SASAMI Starts to pout a little. SASAMI: You could let me win a few times. MAIN HALL Hiroshi enters, still drying his hair with a towel. HIROSHI: Hey, Sasami. SASAMI: (turning) Oh, hey. You have a fun dip? HIROSHI: It was very invigorating. You mind if I play this loser? I want to kick his butt a few times. CU. TENCHI Sighs. MAIN HALL Sasami gets up. Hiroshi takes the controller and sits next to him. They start to play the game. TENCHI: You talk pretty big. Let's see you back it up. HIROSHI: (casual) You know you've never beaten me, Tenchi. I got you pegged. You always hang back and let the other guy move first. Then you go for some insane kill-shot. I just look for an opening, and chip away until you start to beg for mercy. TENCHI: Yeah, yeah, yeah... Whatever you say. Sasami watches their game. Ryoko B enters. RYOKO B: Now, there's something. Tenchi groans in disgust. HIROSHI: (chuckling) See, I told you. (turning around) Oh, hey Zero! Where's your sister? CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: (frowning) She's in Little Washu's laboratory. CU. HIROSHI Turns back to the game. HIROSHI: Okay. CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: (scowling) Do you mind if I ask you something, Hiroshi? MAIN HALL Ryoko B approaches as Tenchi and Hiroshi battle it out. HIROSHI: (focused on the game) No, I don't mind. Fire away. RYOKO B: How in the world did you know it was me? I mean, and not Ryoko? HIROSHI: (softly) It's pretty plain to me, Zero. You're all stiff, like a robot. Ryoko moves more like a cat. I'm not sure if it's the tail that gives me that impression, though. But she does seem more, you know, fluid. TENCHI: (disgusted) Not again! CU. RYOKO B Thoughtful. CU. HIROSHI HIROSHI: Forget it, Tenchi. You're no match for the master. I've beat this game every which way, you know. I've mastered all the twenty-hit combos. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (getting up) Yeah, I know when I'm licked. MAIN HALL Hiroshi looks up at Ryoko B. HIROSHI: Zero, you want to play? I'll give you a handicap. RYOKO B: Hmm... All right, but you're going down. HIROSHI: (grinning) In your dreams. 25 EXT. OUTPOST A spaceship descends through the atmosphere. Follow down to a small landing pad next to a large building. Several lines of armored guards stand next to the landing area. Several airships go buzzing by. Lights stream out to the spaceship, as it lands. 26 EXT. LANDING AREA A hatch opens near the underside of the spaceship, and a suited figure steps out, wearing a helmet. Three lines of five guards go out to the ship, and approach the figure. CU. FIGURE It removes a small data pad. AREA One guard steps forward and checks the data pad. They then salute and the figure marches forward. 27 EXT. NEAR ENTRANCE Several uniformed figures standing near an entrance, watching as the suited figure approaches. Medium-shot behind suited figure, as it removes its helm and salutes. CU. of the figure--Mihoshi. MIHOSHI: Second-class specialist, Agent Mihoshi, reporting. CU. one uniformed figure, a severe-looking woman who returns the salute. BELENA: I am representative Belena. Welcome to Leo-three outpost. NEAR ENTRANCE The uniformed figures escort Mihoshi into the building. 28 INT. NARROW HALLWAY BELENA: When we heard that you had been sent here, we had to hurry to make preparations. I understand the Council is concerned that we have an administration situation, but I assure you we have everything under control. MIHOSHI: (firmly) I'm not here for an inspection. When the Council learned about the betrayal, they assumed that time was growing short. We need to move Lania, now. BELENA: She isn't ready. I was assured that Lania was under my strict protection. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (matter-of-factly) It looks like we both have our orders. 29 INT. WASHU'S LABORATORY Washu looks at her console display, narrowing her eyes. WASHU: (softly) Extrapolations? NEAR CHAMBER Ryoko A lies in a chamber connected to a large, glowing sphere. The sphere has lines coming out of the bottom that are connected to a large, complicated-looking block of machinery. 30 EXT. CITY A large city, the night skyline reveals several airships. The airships project beams of light around the ground. 31 EXT. STREETS Mihoshi is in a dingy outfit, leading a young woman--Lania--through the streets. Behind them, Ryoko follows, glancing side-to-side on occasion. A long line of troops in uniform march down a street. 32 EXT. ALLEY Mihoshi and Lania watch from an alley as the troops go past. CU. MIHOSHI Snarling in disgust. 33 EXT. STREET Three figures cross the wide street. They enter a large tunnel. 34 INT. TUNNEL The three run down the tunnel. A wall of fire appears behind them. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (softly) A trap. CU. LANIA Just finishes making a throw. LANIA: It's a trap, all right. TUNNEL Mihoshi collapses to the ground. A small, slender knife is protruding from her back. Ryoko looks at Lania, in shock. RYOKO: What? LANIA: And you're the bait. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (mournfully) Ouch. 35 INT. WASHU'S LABORATORY (near chamber) Ryoko A opens her eyes. CU. WASHU Looks thoughtfully at her console display. WASHU: (to herself) Ouch? I would have thought her last words would have been a bit more pithy. LAB Ryoko A appears next to Washu. RYOKO A: Are we done yet? I don't think I can stand another session. WASHU: This is fine for now, Ryoko. I think I'm beginning to see the patterns. I can't quite track their source, though. I'm going to need to modify my equipment for a deeper scan. 36 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM Tenchi is sleeping in a bedroll on the floor. Hiroshi is lying in the bed, listening to some music through his headphones. Ryoko A enters, slowly emerging through a wall. CU. HIROSHI Looks around in a bit of shock. He removes the headphones. HIROSHI: (breathless) Whoa. Too cool! CU. RYOKO A Emerges and then turns toward Hiroshi. RYOKO A: (softly) I'm sorry. I'm not disturbing you, am I? BEDROOM HIROSHI: (softly) Hey, how did you do that? RYOKO A: Do what? (smiling) You mean the thing, through the walls? HIROSHI: Yeah, that was awesome. RYOKO A: Oh, it's nothing, really. I thought you guys would be asleep, by now. HIROSHI: Don't you need to sleep? CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: (frowning) I've slept enough already, today. CU. HIROSHI A peculiar smile crosses his face. BEDROOM RYOKO A: You know, I don't walk into people's rooms unannounced, all the time. I'm just curious. HIROSHI: Yeah, I'm the same way. RYOKO A: I really don't like being left alone, either. HIROSHI: Hey, who does? RYOKO A: Don't get me wrong. I mean, I'm really very shy, but I get lonely pretty easily. CU. HIROSHI HIROSHI: Huh? You want to hang out with me, tomorrow? CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: Hang out? CU. HIROSHI HIROSHI: (confident) You know, go the park. We could have a lot of fun. Sometimes, I like to hide behind trees and throw things at people. BEDROOM RYOKO A: (chuckling) That's twisted. HIROSHI: I don't really hurt them, I just like to scare people. RYOKO A: Wow, that's so weird. I'm always doing that, too. HIROSHI: Anyway, your buddy Tenchi said it was okay. CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: (perplexed) Huh? CU. HIROSHI HIROSHI: I mean, to hang out. He gave me his blessing. CU. RYOKO A She looks around at Tenchi. RYOKO A: (to herself) Well, I'll be... CU. TENCHI He is sleeping, apparently oblivious to all this. 37 EXT. WASHU'S LABORATORY Sits at her console. WASHU: Ah, I see. No, wait. Shoot! That isn't it. Washu groans in disgust. 38 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE The house framed nicely in morning sunlight. 39 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM Tenchi slowly stirs and looks over at the empty bed. CU. TENCHI Scratches his head. 40 INT. LIBRARY Ryoko B enters and looks around. RYOKO B: Ryoko? Ryoko B looks at a book, left open. 41 EXT. MASAKI SHRINE Yosho is sitting in front, pondering. Tenchi is sweeping nearby. CU. YOSHO Rubs his chin. YOSHO: Just vanished, you say? CU. TENCHI Still sweeping. TENCHI: Yeah. He left his parka behind, too. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: I wouldn't worry about them, Tenchi. Ryoko can handle herself. Watch out for the other one, though. SHRINE Tenchi stops for a moment. TENCHI: What do mean, Grandpa? YOSHO: The other Ryoko. She's trouble, Tenchi. I don't know what's going on, but it is very suspicious. Be wary, Tenchi. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (realizing) Oh, I see. 42 INT. MAIN HALL (sofa) Ayeka sits, holding a pen. A notebook lies in her lap. Sasami is standing next to her. AYEKA: I always have trouble with the first few lines, you know? Sasami murmurs agreement. Tenchi enters with a few books. TENCHI: Hey, Ayeka. I have those books. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Thank you, Tenchi. Just set them over here, if you would. MAIN HALL Tenchi sets the books on the small table and starts to leave. Ayeka turns. AYEKA: Tenchi, I wonder... Do you have any books about the musical styles? TENCHI: (scratching his head) Of the ancient civilizations? I think I just have a chapter or two in one of my texts. I can get that, if you like. AYEKA: Oh, no. That's okay. I was just curious about the relationship between the narratives and their medium. It helps to have more than just the text. TENCHI: Hmm... I suppose it would. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: If you don't mind my asking, Ayeka, what do you need all these for? There's not much culture or history in those old stories. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Well, Lord Tenchi, it is not the history that fascinates me. To be perfectly honest, I've always had a thing for composition. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Really? MAIN HALL AYEKA: Yes, indeed. I was always quite good about translating the ancient poetry of certain Jurai authors. I was frequently reprimanded for it, actually. TENCHI: (amused) I'll bet you could raise a few eyebrows. AYEKA: Well... (a little annoyed) You could say that they considered it a waste of my time. I, however, was quite convinced that to overlook such beauty would itself be a waste. TENCHI: I can imagine. Was it anything like Earth poetry? AYEKA: There are similarities. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: I only had enough time to translate two books of a certain Jurai explorer. There were twenty-six, in all. I began thinking about how much is lost, and it led me to become a bit of a poet, myself. I hope this isn't all boring you. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (thoughtful) No. MAIN HALL Sasami looks back and forth between Ayeka and Tenchi, considering. SASAMI: Ayeka is being modest. She wrote an explorer saga that filled seven books. AYEKA: Sasami! I didn't spend all my time, writing, you know. Tenchi smiles, a little disconcerted. AYEKA: I was very talented from a young age, and it was considered very man-like. I don't wish to sound morbid, but my tutors were never quite sure what to make of me. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I can relate to that. CU. AYEKA She turns back to the table. AYEKA: You know, Tenchi, I think you are probably quite good at translating. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Huh? I've never written much, actually. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Indeed? From your use of speech, it seems to me that you are actually quite talented at reading authorial motive and underlying contexts. Perhaps you do not use your talents much? MAIN HALL Sasami rolls her eyes and starts to leave. SASAMI: I'm going to go play. I haven't seen Ryo-Ohki today. TENCHI: Have fun, Sasami. Play nice. SASAMI: (leaving) I always play nice. Later. TENCHI: (narrowing his eyes) How can you read someone's use of speech? CU. AYEKA Turns again. AYEKA: From what they say, of course. For example, if I were to ask you about a van Gogh, I expect you would tell me that it exhibits a kind of frozen motion. Whereas, if I were to ask Sasami the same thing, she would tell me about how vibrant the colors are. You can read an author from what that author reads in the world. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I think I see what you mean. You take a few vague notions and deduce that person's entire character. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Exactly. You see? You know what I mean without my prompting. You just need a little encouragement. MAIN HALL Tenchi sighs. TENCHI: I think I know what you want to ask me. You want me to help interpret these stories. Ayeka feigns a bit of surprise. AYEKA: Now, Tenchi. What an excellent idea! You are clever. TENCHI: I'm only doing this because I don't have anything better to do. CU. AYEKA Turns back to the table again. AYEKA: I knew you were poet, Tenchi. Deep down inside, we both see things the same way. 43 EXT. BEHIND SHRUBBERY A long shrubbery. A walkway curls along, just to the side. A small pond lies beyond the walkway. A small fountain in the center of the pond shoots water. Ryoko A sits just behind the shrubbery. Hiroshi is crouched down. He takes a quick peek and then chuckles. HIROSHI: Here he comes. RYOKO A: This is pretty cruel. You don't just mug people, you know. HIROSHI: You don't know what a jerk this guy is, Ryoko. Just yesterday, he was bragging about how he fought off an entire gang. RYOKO A: So? HIROSHI: I saw what really happened. He just stood there while a friend of his got the crap beaten out of him. Trust me, we're doing this guy a favor. 44 EXT. PARK WALKWAY A rather large young man comes strolling along. He has a swagger that suggests recent drinking, but he has a very sharp appearance. Ryoko A appears behind him, wearing a mask and a dark outfit. Hiroshi appears in front, similarly dressed. He takes out a large knife. HIROSHI: (low, gruff) Give it up, man! Give us your money or we'll cut you! CU. FAT BOY His eyes widen. Ryoko A slinks up behind him with a light-dagger. She quickly takes him in a headlock with one arm, brandishing the dagger with the other hand. FAT BOY: (fearfully) Oh man! Oh hell! Just take it! Take it! Please, don't kill me! He fumbles a small purse to the ground. 45 EXT. NEAR PARK WALKWAY A couple of police officers notice this scene. FIRST OFFICER: What the hell? SECOND OFFICER: We got a mugging. Get on the radio! 46 EXT. PARK WALKWAY CU. HIROSHI He glances around, fearfully. HIROSHI: Hurry up! CU. RYOKO A Forcing fat boy to the ground and then taking his purse. RYOKO A: Don't panic, kid! These cops are rookies. We'll fly right by 'em. 47 EXT. WALKWAY CHASE (shoulder-shot) The second officer is running after them. Chase a little as Hiroshi and Ryoko A leap over the shrubbery. 48 EXT. CHASE THROUGH PARK Hiroshi and Ryoko A run through the park toward a forest. Officer follows behind them. 49 EXT. CHASE TWO-SHOT (trucking alongside) Hiroshi is scowling and Ryoko A is laughing. Hiroshi glances backward every now and then. HIROSHI: Oh hell! We're going to get caught! RYOKO A: Maybe! Maybe not! 50 EXT. FOREST ENTRANCE They leap into the forest. Officer goes in, shortly after. 51 EXT. FOLLOWING INTO FOREST Ryoko A moves into the lead. She gestures for Hiroshi to follow. 52 EXT. RUNNING THROUGH FOREST (perspective) Trees, vines, and stumps approach camera in over and around bends. 53 EXT. A SMALL CLEARING Officer looks around frantically. He slows and begins to pant. CU. OFFICER He leans on his knees. OFFICER: Damn kids! I'm going to kill them! 54 EXT. BEHIND A CLUSTER OF TREES Hiroshi and Ryoko A, are hiding. OFFICER: (OC) Hey! Give yourself up! You can't hide forever! They both chuckle softly. 55 EXT. TRAIL A trail in a heavy section of forest. A stream crosses the trail. Ryoko A and Hiroshi stroll down the trail. They have removed their masks. HIROSHI: That's was pretty freakin' intense. I really thought we were going to get caught. RYOKO A: As long as you don't do anything stupid, you won't get caught. HIROSHI: Hmm... What do you want to do with the purse? CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: Oh, yeah! I forgot I had that. She tosses it aside. TRAIL They cross the stream, and Hiroshi briefly looks back. HIROSHI: You don't want the money? RYOKO A: (sighing) I thought you just wanted to scare the guy. Hey, have some respect. CU. HIROSHI HIROSHI: Yeah, you're right. 56 INT. LIBRARY Mihoshi is at one end, reading a comic. Ryoko B is at the other end, writing. CU. MIHOSHI Oohing and ahhing. She turns a page. CU. RYOKO B Scowls in irritation. She shakes her pen a few times. 57 INT. MAIN HALL (sofa) Tenchi is writing. Ayeka is sitting next to him, reading a book. Ryo-Ohki is sitting on Sasami's shoulder. Sasami is playing a nice little march with her flute. CU. AYEKA She looks up from the book and looks at what Tenchi is writing. AYEKA: (reading) Ask me why the wind blows,/ Ask why flowers die,/ Ask me why a tree grows,/ But don't ask why I cry. (looking up) Hey, that's not bad. CU. TENCHI He is somewhat engrossed in his writing. TENCHI: Huh? Oh, thanks. I thought it might be a little precocious. CU. AYEKA Goes back to her reading. AYEKA: (waxing philosophical) Well, it's better to be a precocious clown than an impulsive king. MAIN HALL Tenchi nods, absently, and continues writing. Ryoko B appears behind him. RYOKO B: (very casual) Hey Tenchi, you have another pen? TENCHI: Huh? Oh yeah. RYOKO B: Thanks... 58 INT. MAIN HALL (soft filter around edges) CU. TENCHI He looks around, holding a pen out. CU. RYOKO B A look of mild surprise. CU. PEN Ryoko B and Tenchi briefly touch hands as he gives her the pen. 59 INT. MAIN HALL Ayeka looks up, curiously. TENCHI: (wistfully) You're welcome. AYEKA: (aroused with trepidation) Hey! What's going on, here? Ryoko B vanishes. TENCHI: Huh? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (bristling) I said, what's going on? What was that pen thing about? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (a little stunned) Pen? Oh yeah. I have no idea. CU. SASAMI She stops and looks up. A look of confusion on her face. CU. AYEKA Starts to tremble. MAIN HALL Tenchi slowly gets up. TENCHI: Excuse me, Ayeka. Uh... I need to go check on something. Tenchi exits. 60 EXT. WASHU'S LABORATORY Washu is working at her console. CU. WASHU She frowns and closes her eyes. LAB Washu stands and kicks a large decorative crab. It goes tumbling off. WASHU: (groan) Ryoko! You're killing me! 61 INT. EAST HALLWAY Ryoko B considers Tenchi. RYOKO B: What the hell just happened? TENCHI: (very nervous) I don't know. I'm not sure how to describe it. RYOKO B: (wryly amused) Well, you open your mouth and make some sounds through your throat and move your lips, you know. TENCHI: (smiling briefly) Uh... One moment, I was just working on a little treatment. The next thing I knew, I was looking in your eyes. (softly) This may sound strange, but it was like I was seeing you for the first time. RYOKO B: (considering) Yeah. I recognize that. That unfamiliar feeling is called love. I was just starting to think you weren't capable. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (annoyed) This is stupid! I mean, you're not yourself, right? I can't be in love with half a person, can I? CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: Yeah. This has disaster written all over it. What an ugly time to fall in love, huh? HALLWAY TENCHI: What would everybody think? I've never been in love before. What do I do? Ryoko B cackles with laughter. RYOKO B: This is insane! They pause a moment, then embrace and kiss. 62 INT. MAIN HALL (sofa) Ayeka is still sitting at the table, a look of shock on her face. Sasami goes over to her and puts a hand on her shoulder. SASAMI: (softly) It'll be okay, Ayeka. Ayeka covers her face as she starts to weep. 63 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE Late-afternoon. Two uniformed figures are approaching the door. 64 EXT. ENTRANCE Two police officers knock, and the door shortly opens. Mihoshi appears. MIHOSHI: Oh, hello! What can I do for you gentlemen? The first one takes out some identification. FIRST OFFICER: Hello, ma'am. Sorry to bother you, but is it okay if we come inside? We just need to ask a few questions. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Oh, yes. Certainly. Please, come in! 65 INT. ENTRANCE Mihoshi limps out of the way as the officers enter. MIHOSHI: Is there anything I can get you? Something to drink, perhaps? SECOND OFFICER: Uh... No, that's okay, we just need to check a few things and be on our way. It's probably nothing, but we do have certain procedures. You understand? MIHOSHI: Oh, yes! I understand completely! 66 INT. LIBRARY Tenchi and Ryoko B are sitting together, blissfully unaware. Mihoshi and the officers enter. FIRST OFFICER: Excuse me, young man. TENCHI: Huh? Oh! (nervously) How can I help you gentlemen? FIRST OFFICER: (to Ryoko B) Young lady, is your name Ryoko? RYOKO B: Huh? Oh! Uh, yes. What's the problem? FIRST OFFICER: We had a report that you had been causing several disturbances. We just need to verify your whereabouts. CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: (annoyed) When? CU. FIRST OFFICER. FIRST OFFICER: Earlier today. LIBRARY Mihoshi approaches, slowly. RYOKO B: Oh, I was here all day. MIHOSHI: She was here, officers. I saw her this morning, and I haven't seen her leave all day. CU. FIRST OFFICER. FIRST OFFICER: (smiling) Yes, I see. I thought so. Good day. Sorry for the trouble. CU. TENCHI Frowns, irritated. LIBRARY The officers exit. Mihoshi slowly turns and follows. Tenchi looks at Ryoko B quizzically. Ryoko B shrugs. Washu appears, looking thoughtful. WASHU: Who was that? RYOKO B: Just the local police. They seem to have gotten the impression that I'm a juvenile delinquent. I wasn't being bad at all, today. Was I, Tenchi? WASHU: (sighing) Whatever they were told, I'm sure it isn't true. When you hang around with the wrong type of people, though, anything can happen. RYOKO B: I like to think anything can happen when you find the right kind of people, too-- TENCHI: What do you mean, Little Washu? Is Hiroshi in trouble? WASHU: Uh... I wouldn't worry about your friend, Tenchi. He's in good hands. Anyway, I need to borrow your girlfriend here for a moment. CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: Not another scan-- CU. WASHU She makes a beckoning gesture to Ryoko B. WASHU: Not exactly. I think I'm close to a breakthrough, here. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (worried) Can I help? LIBRARY Washu leads Ryoko B toward the door. Tenchi slowly starts to get up. WASHU: That's okay, Tenchi. Little Washu is in control. You can tag along, if you want. 67 INT. KITCHEN Mihoshi is having a snack. Sasami enters, looking a little grim. Ryo-Ohki follows. SASAMI: Hey, Mihoshi. What did those men want? MIHOSHI: Oh! They were just some police officers. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (disconcerted) Police? Is someone in trouble? CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (pondering) Uh... I don't know. They said they were still investigating. KITCHEN SASAMI: Well, I hope they catch the bad guys. MIHOSHI: Yeah-- SASAMI: It's hard to imagine, though--criminals lurking around here. I guess you aren't safe anywhere. 68 EXT. WASHU'S LABORATORY Washu, Ryoko B and Tenchi enter. Ryoko A hovers off to the side. She scowls and floats toward the others. RYOKO A: Let's get this over with, huh? They turn to face Ryoko A. WASHU: What's your hurry? Got a hot date? RYOKO B: I think she's right, Washu. I just want to get back to normal. RYOKO A: (snorting) Is that so? It looked to me like you were getting pretty comfortable. You wasted no time seducing my Tenchi. CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: (irritated) I would have thought you'd be glad. We are the same person. CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: (angry) I'm not stupid! It's just forbidden fruit. You don't really care about him, like I do. LAB Tenchi rolls his eyes in disgust. WASHU: (grimacing) Ryoko! Much as I'm going to enjoy reflecting on this moment at some later date, it's very annoying, right now. Please stop fighting for five minutes, so I can concentrate. 69 INT. WASHU'S LABORATORY (big impressive machine) The group goes over to a large ring of spheres. A line connects each sphere all around. At the side, the line connects with a small box connected to a short console. Above the console is a holographic display. Inside the ring of spheres are two small benches. Each bench is lined by short, metallic cylinders on each side. The cylinders are making a low hum. WASHU: (collecting herself) Welcome to my latest invention. I call it the Lateral Filtering Resonance Amplifier Array. Now, Ryoko, if you would please take your seats. It doesn't matter which one you choose. Ryoko A and B enter and each sit on a bench. Ryoko A frowns and shrugs. RYOKO A: It feels awfully strange in here. A large wall of light around the ring suddenly appears, as Washu and Tenchi go over to the console. The humming gets louder. WASHU: Ordinarily, a device like this would baffle the most serious scientist. Its purpose is mainly to analyze brain-wave patterns, but it does so through a series of neural filters. The filters were originally designed to control the activation of particular patterns but its functioning was too low-order. Anyway, I've modified it with the original neural amplifier control unit. I also designed the amplification so that in works in series, giving an amazing resolution to the final output. RYOKO B: I thought you said this wasn't a scan. CU. WASHU WASHU: (faintly smug) It's not. Scanners merge patterns with streams of energy. This device impedes patterns, merging the result with streams of energy. You simply simulate the standard patterns and compare the results. This leaves you with whatever interference is left. CU. RYOKO A Clenching her teeth. RYOKO A: What's up with these cylinders? The vibration is making my skull hum. LAB (near the console) Tenchi is absorbed in thought. WASHU: (justified pride) This is what separates a mere super-genius from a universe-class-genius. The cylinders resonate the frequency of the interference. The variation in the resonance adds a dimension to the analysis. That way, I can display a holographic output. (softly) And when you connect it to your stereo, it makes a great sub-woofer. TENCHI: So, why do you need both of her? WASHU: Ryoko is really still just one person, Tenchi. Her patterns should all be exactly the same, wherever they aren't a high-order function of personality. For some reason, though, her mind simply refuses to accept a union of associated patterns. That's the problem. There's some interference. I need to generate the filters at the same time, because stimuli are never the same for humanoids. TENCHI: Isn't Ryoko dual-natured? WASHU: (sigh) Don't complicate it, Tenchi. There's enough going on here, as it is. I'm just a scientist, not a miracle worker. LAB (inside machine) RYOKO B: You know, it was pretty lucky about Tenchi. RYOKO A: Because Tenchi set me up with his friend? RYOKO B: Actually, I was just thinking that it could just as easily have been Ayeka that he fell in love with. He was sitting right next to her, after all. RYOKO A: He was? Taking more pity on her, I suppose. RYOKO B: It looked like a mutual sharing between them. CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: She was flirting with him again? CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: She was trying to make him flirt with her. CU. WASHU WASHU: (amused) Isn't it nice when we can all get along? Great minds think alike, etc... 70 INT. MAIN HALL (table) Mihoshi is picking at her food, and Sasami is leaning on her hands. MIHOSHI: Aren't you hungry, Sasami? SASAMI: I can't eat. MIHOSHI: Where's Ayeka? SASAMI: Ayeka said she never wanted to eat again. I wish they would hurry up and finish fixing Ryoko. Yosho enters. YOSHO: Hello, girls. Where's Tenchi? MIHOSHI: Hello. SASAMI: Hey, Grandpa. I saw Tenchi go with Washu and Ryoko to her lab. They must still be in there. YOSHO: (relieved) That's good to hear. CU. YOSHO He sits at the table and takes a dish. YOSHO: I had warned Tenchi, but I was afraid he would not heed my advice. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (a little stunned) You mean this could have turned out worse? MAIN HALL (table) Yosho considers for a moment. YOSHO: In truth, I had doubts. He seems to have handled things pretty well, so far. MIHOSHI: Yeah. He handled those police pretty well, too. YOSHO: (shocked) Police? 71 INT. WASHU'S LABORATORY (big impressive machine) CU. RYOKO A Flinches in anticipation. A blast of steam hits her in the face. She brings up her hands a moment too late to keep from getting soaked. LAB (at console) Washu is studying the holographic output. A pair of spirls curl in and out of the holograph, flexing and bobbing. They shimmer around the edges for a moment and then spark a small flash. WASHU: (pondering) Hmm... Interesting. The source of the interference is very close. TENCHI: (a little annoyed) Little Washu? WASHU: Not right now, Tenchi. Washu starts typing at her console. CU. WASHU Concentrates eagerly. WASHU: Tracking... CU. RYOKO B Drops her head a moment before getting soaked by the steam. RYOKO B: Washu-- Please... LAB (at console) Tenchi scowls and then scratches his head, nervously pondering. TENCHI: Did you have to use a water-cooler, Little Washu? WASHU: Of course, Tenchi. The heat sinks I use are too small for this job. Anyway, water works just as well if you vent it properly. TENCHI: But the water vents right over Ryoko. WASHU: Well, I can't vent the water into the ring, Tenchi. There would be a heat backlash. I'd rather not risk essential equipment, you know. Damn! Now, I'm getting feedback loops! What the hell is going on? TENCHI: Feedback loops? CU. WASHU WASHU: (snarling in irritation) This interference is curving back into itself, negating the source of its own existence. It's like it just suddenly appears from nothing! The extrapolations are of a singularity. The factors in the associative data are reflecting in a classic hall-of-mirrors pattern. (she groans) This is a nightmare. LAB (inside machine) Ryoko A looks thoughtful and Ryoko B looks worried. CU. TENCHI Still nervously ponders. LAB (near console) The machine stops and the rings of light flick off. Washu leans over the console, inconsolable. WASHU: Everybody get out! I need to rethink this whole approach. LAB (inside machine) Ryoko A and B gratefully get up and leave their benches. Ryoko A narrows her eyes angrily as Ryoko B tries to ring out her hair. LAB (at console) Tenchi approaches Washu and puts a hand on her shoulder. TENCHI: Little Washu? Are you going to be okay? WASHU: (still looking down) Why did I ever think I could handle this? I'm a total failure. Just forget anything I've ever told you, Tenchi. I'm a gibbering idiot! All I ever do is cause trouble. CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: (smiling) Come on, Tenchi. You can't help her when she's like this. CU. TENCHI A little hesitant. CU. WASHU WASHU: (miserable) Go on, Tenchi. Next thing you know, I'll turn you into a frog and we'll have to get Ayeka to kiss you to restore you. CU. RYOKO B Chuckles. LAB (near console) Tenchi turns and starts to leave along with Ryoko A and B. 72 INT. MAIN HALL (table) Mihoshi is sitting across from Yosho. Yosho seems mildly annoyed as Mihoshi ponders. MIHOSHI: Oh! And they said something about needing the parka. It was evidence in an assault investigation. I think that's what they said. Ryoko A and B enter with Tenchi. Tenchi goes to sit down, as Ryoko A and B pick up a couple of dishes. YOSHO: I see Washu was not entirely successful. RYOKO A: Well, she always throws a tantrum right before she has a paradigm shift. I'd say we have a couple of hours before she figures it all out. CU. TENCHI Takes his chopsticks to eat. He looks up at Ryoko B. TENCHI: Hey, Ryoko. Don't you want to eat? CU. RYOKO B Smiles devilishly. MAIN HALL (table) Ryoko A and B exit with Tenchi. Yosho looks around and then sighs. MIHOSHI: I tried to explain to them how Ryoko had been in trouble before, but she was perfectly fine, now. I wasn't wrong about that, was I? You don't think Ryoko is relapsing, do you? YOSHO: No, Mihoshi. I think you were right about her--more's to pity. 73 INT. AYEKA'S BEDROOM Ayeka is lying in bed. She is staring blankly, apparently unable to move. Sasami enters, carrying a couple of dishes. AYEKA: Are they still together? SASAMI: I think so. It should be over, soon. Sasami gestures with the food. SASAMI: I brought some up for you. AYEKA: (wistfully annoyed) Is this all I am? A vessel for a bit of dead flesh? Is life nothing more than the repetition of one miserable obstruction after another? SASAMI: Please, Ayeka. I really can't tell you. CU. AYEKA She looks a little remorseful, and then smiles. AYEKA: I know, Sasami. I just can't help but notice how this woman keeps taking everything away from me, just when I think I have it in my grasp. You can't know how infuriating it is. It is like the hand of fate has made me nothing more than an observer of everything I try to accomplish. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (softly) I have a feeling you'll be together in the end. BEDROOM Ayeka turns and looks over at Sasami. AYEKA: You do? SASAMI: (firmly) Yes. Now, please eat. I won't eat until you do. CU. AYEKA Rolls her eyes. AYEKA: Oh, very well. Since you're being so stubborn, I shall have to comply. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Watch out. It's still a little hot. 74 INT. COZY ROOM A fairly small room. It has a small table in the center and comfortable sofas on two sides. A lit fireplace adorns one side. Along the hearth are little figurines. There is a little Tenchi, looking as if he is about to recite something. There is a little Washu wearing a tall hat and a clownish suit coat. There is a little Ayeka, cross-eyed and furious. There is a little Sasami, lying asleep. There is a little Mihoshi, sucking her thumb and holding a little stuffed bear. Across the table from the fireplace is a large, rather plain mirror. At the bottom of the mirror is a long shelf stacked across with bottles. Along the walls with the sofas are paintings of nature--waterfalls, rivers, ponds, and several other things water-related. The whole room is decorated in dark red and variations of oak. The dim light from the fireplace gives the room a very intimate, earthy feeling. Ryoko A is sitting next to Tenchi, eating. Ryoko B is at the hearth, trying to dry out her hair. She finally gives up and sits across from the other two, starting the remains of her dish. RYOKO A: You aren't going to finish that? TENCHI: You want it? CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: (smirking) That isn't all I want. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (sighing) This is pretty awkward, don't you think? ROOM Ryoko B puts her dish down. RYOKO B: Yes, I agree. Three's a crowd, you know. RYOKO A: (looking up) Well, it seems like we have a consensus. (pondering for a moment) If we really are the same person, then it doesn't really matter who you are with, does it, Tenchi? TENCHI: Sorry, Ryoko, but there's something very wrong with that idea. CU. RYOKO A She narrows her eyes, looking around at Tenchi. RYOKO A: Oh, really? I'll bet you can't even tell the difference. CU. RYOKO B Smiles offhandedly. ROOM Ryoko A grabs Ryoko B's arm, and they both disappear. A moment later, they appear on the sofa across from him. RYOKO B: Okay. Which is which? RYOKO A: Yeah. Come on, Tenchi. CU. TENCHI Wryly considers. He then looks casually at each one for a moment, then holds his hand out to Ryoko B. TENCHI: I think I'll stick with this one. CU. RYOKO A Wide-eyed in shock. ROOM Tenchi and Ryoko B embrace and kiss. RYOKO A: You have got to tell me how you did that. TENCHI: It's simple, really. The eyes never lie. CU. RYOKO B She sits in Tenchi's lap. RYOKO B: We were meant for each other. It's obvious. CU. RYOKO A Starts to pout. RYOKO A: All right, fine. As long as one of us wins. Play with your robot girlfriend, Tenchi. Just don't forget that I'm the original. I don't care what Washu says. ROOM Ryoko A vanishes. TENCHI: (sullen) Wow. That's so sad. Now, I just feel awful. RYOKO B: (playfully) I know how to make you feel better. CU. BOTH Kissing again. ROOM Washu appears on the other sofa. She smiles and sighs. Ryoko B looks up. WASHU: Oh, don't mind me. I'll just sit and watch. CU. WASHU WASHU: (looking around) You know, I really love what you've done with this room. This is so cozy. The fireplace was a nice touch. It really gives the room a sense of size without detracting from its intimacy. CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: (very annoyed) Washu, don't you have something better to do? CU. WASHU Puts her feet up on the table. WASHU: I need to think. This is as good a place as any. It seems very conducive to quiet introspection. ROOM Tenchi smiles, as Ryoko B sighs and sits just beside him. RYOKO B: You're really not helping, Mom. You could give me a little privacy. CU. WASHU Folds her arms. WASHU: I can't do that. You know I can't. ROOM Tenchi looks contemplative as Ryoko B frowns. TENCHI: Excuse me, Little Washu, but I was wondering about something. Washu sits back up. WASHU: What is it, Tenchi? TENCHI: How did this happen? I mean, how do people fall in love? It all seemed so sudden and bizarre. WASHU: That's a good question, Tenchi. I don't know. All I can say is that Mother Nature is a mad scientist. You don't get to pick the time or the place or how convenient it is. It just happens. RYOKO B: (half-serious) You don't think our love is the subconscious realization of its futility? WASHU: (rolling her eyes) Only a romantic idiot would think that. Anyway, it's circular logic. You can't fall in love without certain factors like physical proximity and chemical predispositions. It's inane. RYOKO B: Well, this is all very enlightening. What's next? A pop quiz? TENCHI: (sullen) Yeah, you have to admit, Little Washu. This is a little rude. I expected you to be nicer about this. CU. WASHU WASHU: You want me to leave you alone? ROOM TENCHI: It's all right. Don't worry. I don't need a chaperon. WASHU: Okay. (ominously) But don't come crawling to me later with new problems. I won't always be here. Washu stops for a moment at the hearth. WASHU: No painting of dear old Mom over the fireplace? RYOKO B: Will you just leave, already? Washu smiles and makes a little wave. WASHU: I'm going. I'm going. Ryoko B groans, melodramatically. RYOKO B: Finally. I thought they'd never leave. Well? TENCHI: Huh? Ryoko B leans close and whispers in his ear. Tenchi turns red and his nose starts to bleed. He hurriedly wipes it. TENCHI: (very nervous) Oh boy. This is pretty sudden, don't you think? Ryoko B chuckles for a moment, then considers. RYOKO B: It's only natural for people who are in love, isn't it? Don't you want to? TENCHI: I don't know. You're pushing it too fast. CU. RYOKO B Folds her arms in disgust. RYOKO B: Too fast? What does timing have to do with anything? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (chuckles grimly) There's a time for everything. I just don't think this is the right time. ROOM RYOKO B: I've done nothing scary. I've been so nice all day. I haven't insulted you, have I? TENCHI: No. You've been wonderful. RYOKO B: It's not the hair, is it? That Washu and her stupid machine. That vent was designed to hit me in the face, I think. TENCHI: (sigh) No, I like your hair like that. I like how shy and vulnerable it makes you look. RYOKO B: (groaning) Then why? What's the matter with me? CU. TENCHI He puts his arm around her and considers. TENCHI: It isn't what you think, Ryoko. I'm just unsure, that's all. 75 EXT. FORESTED HILL The trees sway gently in an early evening breeze. Ryoko A sits in a high branch, holding a flower. She looks down and sighs. CU. RYOKO A Narrows her eyes in anger. 76 INT. MAIN HALL (near TV) Yosho and Mihoshi are playing a video game. MIHOSHI: (gasping) Hey! You got behind my guard! YOSHO: Yes--surprising. I'm not even sure how I did that. Washu slowly enters the room, pondering. Yosho starts to smile as Mihoshi gapes. MIHOSHI: Oh! No way! That is so wrong! YOSHO: You know, I'm starting to like this game. MIHOSHI: Forget this! This isn't fun anymore! Mihoshi stands and angrily limps out of the room. Yosho stands and starts to chuckle. Washu looks up, a little amused. WASHU: Getting a laugh out of Mihoshi is like shooting fish in a barrel. YOSHO: Yes, but it's more fun than a serious conversation. CU. WASHU WASHU: (suddenly serious) Aren't you worried about Tenchi? MAIN HALL Yosho merely shrugs and leaves the room. 77 INT. COZY ROOM Ryoko B and Tenchi are staring at each other. Tenchi starts to smile, and Ryoko B starts to laugh. TENCHI: This is so silly. RYOKO B: It is. I think I know something we could do. Let's play a game. TENCHI: What do you want to play? RYOKO B: Hmm... I don't know. You choose the game. I'll decide the scenario. TENCHI: Okay. How about chess? RYOKO B: (scowling) Oh, forget that. TENCHI: Hmm... Well, what about pretend? CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: How do you play that? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: You just pick characters out of a story you like and pretend to be them. Like Bonnie and Clyde. ROOM Ryoko B considers for a moment. RYOKO B: I don't like that story. I think I understand, though. It's like living in an imaginary world. TENCHI: Yeah... I think so. RYOKO B: Okay. How about we play Aladdin and the genie. Oh! This is perfect. I make a great genie. I can float around and shoot lightning and go through walls. I have a feeling you'd make a great Aladdin. TENCHI: Okay. That sounds good to me. Where do we begin? CU. RYOKO B Warms up to her story. RYOKO B: You--Aladdin--find this bottle and open it. I pop out in a puff of smoke--a genie of dazzling power and beauty. I say, 'Fear not, mortal man! I am the genie of this bottle, and you have freed me from my prison. Now, you are my master, and I will grant to you three wishes. You may have anything you desire that is within my power, but I should warn you to choose wisely. If you do not choose wisely, I will become angry and grant your wish in a way that inflicts some clever torture.' CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (amused) That sounds good. Okay. I say, 'Oh powerful genie, I am but a lowly Arabian rascal. How could I possibly choose three things with such wisdom? As it is, I am forced to wander the streets, cutting purses for food. I am certainly not worthy of such great and mighty deeds.' ROOM RYOKO B: 'Well, certainly there are things you desire. Looking at you, master, I am filled with a profound desire of my own. I can tell by the look in your eyes that you wish for the same thing. If you do not wish for great wealth or great power, then perhaps you wish for great pleasure.' TENCHI: 'Oh yes. It is true. I do wish for such things. But, alas, I am filled with such reluctance.' RYOKO B: 'Why? What do you mean?' TENCHI: 'Well, if I wish for the pleasures you speak of, I will later be filled with great emptiness afterward. You are a genie, bound to the bottle. After the three wishes, you will never serve me again. If I do not, I will be filled with great regret afterward. I am torn.' RYOKO B: 'The choice is obvious, my master. The regret you would feel is far worse than any emptiness you might experience.' TENCHI: 'But how can I know for sure until I make my choice? If I choose incorrectly, I would regret it, either way.' CU. RYOKO B Scowls in frustration. RYOKO B: 'Clearly, we are at an impasse.' CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (pondering) 'Well... You did say that I have three wishes?' ROOM RYOKO B: 'Yes, three.' TENCHI: 'Then, I should choose a compromise. Each successive wish should be more profound than the last. At the end, surely, we can be satisfied with the result.' RYOKO B: 'What are you saying, my master?' TENCHI: 'Well, I think the first wish should be for something simple. Yes. For my first wish, I would like for us to dance.' RYOKO B: Dance? That's a wish? TENCHI: Hey--it's just a game, remember? 78 INT. AYEKA'S BEDROOM Ayeka sitting with a notebook, writing. The door opens and Washu looks in. WASHU: Oh, hey Ayeka. Have you seen Sasami? AYEKA: (turning) No, I think she's playing. CU. WASHU Turns to leave again. BEDROOM Ayeka gets up and goes to door. AYEKA: Washu! Is there something wrong? 79 INT. HALLWAY Washu stops and looks around. WASHU: Wrong? What do you mean? AYEKA: Is Ryoko going to be well again? WASHU: Oh, that. I'm not sure, at this point. I'll let you know tomorrow, if you like. Washu continues down the hallway. 80 INT. LIBRARY Mihoshi is sitting, coloring in a book. She goes through some other colors and continues coloring. Washu appears, considers for a moment, then goes to look at the book. CU. MIHOSHI She is deeply engrossed in her work. She looks up and puts the book away. MIHOSHI: Oh! Hello, Little Washu. I was uh... just reading. CU. WASHU Tries to restrain a smirk. WASHU: Have you seen Sasami? LIBRARY Washu looks casually disinterested. MIHOSHI: Isn't she with Ayeka? WASHU: (sigh) I guess I'll just decide myself. MIHOSHI: Huh? What about? CU. WASHU WASHU: (a little irritated) If you must know, I'm planning to take a little vacation. I'm just wondering what the best destination would be. There must be somewhere on Earth that's still mysterious and uncharted. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (disappointed) Oh. So, you're giving up on Ryoko? LIBRARY Washu flares a bit of anger. WASHU: I haven't given up on anything! I'm still the top genius scientist... Oh, forget it! (softly) Who am I kidding? I couldn't count the contents of two empty bags. CU. WASHU She slumps into a sitting position and buries her face in her arms. WASHU: I'm such a fraud. All I do is take other people's work and put it together some other way. I don't really invent anything. I've never discovered anything important, and I still have no idea how the universe really works. I finally get one thing I should be able to accomplish with a snap of my fingers and it just stands there, sticking its tongue right back at me, mocking me. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (considering) Yeah. Everything is like that for me. You're lucky. LIBRARY Washu groans and looks up, pleadingly. WASHU: Look at me! I'm reduced to a pathetic sham, looking for sympathy from a nitwit! CU. MIHOSHI She gapes and looks slightly thoughtful. MIHOSHI: Oh, it's not that bad. Whenever I get stumped, I always just go back and start again. It's all at the beginning, you know. LIBRARY Mihoshi looks calmly vacant as she ponders. WASHU: What on Earth are you talking about? MIHOSHI: You know! Just go back and look again. Whenever I investigate something, I always look at where everyone was when everything started. It's usually pretty simple. CU. WASHU WASHU: (resigned) That's got to be the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Why do I ever listen to you, Mihoshi? LIBRARY Washu gets up and stalks from the room. 81 INT. COZY ROOM Ryoko B smiles at Tenchi. They are dancing close, and soft music floats through the room. RYOKO B: I think I'm starting to like this... Tenchi starts to smile. He scowls, suddenly. TENCHI: Ow! Damn! Tenchi hops over to the sofa and sits, rubbing his foot. RYOKO B: (sighing) I'm sorry, Tenchi. I guess I'm just not the romantic type. I've never done anything like this before. TENCHI: It's okay. It's never been such a pleasure to have my foot stepped on, before. Ryoko B sits next to him. She snaps her fingers, and the music fades out. RYOKO B: Was it everything you thought it would be? It was a nice wish, actually. TENCHI: I'm not exactly the romantic type, either. I wish I could think of something a little more appropriate. RYOKO B: That isn't your next wish, is it? TENCHI: (amused) I was just speaking figuratively. Anyway, I don't know if you have that power. RYOKO B: You'll never know till you ask. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Well, if you're interested, I have thought of my next wish. (clearing his throat)-- CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: (softly) Not so fast. 'I know you are eager to prove that you can impress me, but I should just reiterate that there are only these two wishes left. Now, normally, I would be very understanding and be glad to grant you whatever your heart desires, but I feel I should inform you that I am no ordinary genie. I can make many wonderous arts of pleasure that mere mortals can only dream of. The pathetic musings of simple perverts are of no interest to me. I laugh at such childish and empty-minded things as the _Kama Sutra_ or the feeble lack of imagination in _The Decameron_. I warn you not to overlook the most obvious choice. Now, you may continue.' CU. TENCHI Nervously considers. TENCHI: Okay... ROOM TENCHI: 'In that case, I shall have to agree. However, I think I should warn you that what I now have in mind is no simple task. I may strain the limits of your powers, and leave you exhausted after many hours of intense exchange.' RYOKO B: (a little shocked) You're kidding, right? TENCHI: No way. I never kid about anything this serious. 'I see now, you look reluctant, but I am resolved. I don't feel it would be honorable for me to settle for anything less. I'm ready to make my next wish.' RYOKO B: (nervous) 'All right. Your wish is my command.' CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (steady) 'I wish to know everything about you. Start at the beginning, and don't leave anything out.' CU. RYOKO B A classic face-fault gag. RYOKO B: What!? 82 INT. FORTRESS ENTRANCE HALLWAY Washu and Sasami are considering an image. WASHU: (thoughtful) I think this one was from when she started admitting to her use of certain perfumes. She was always too terribly proud to admit it, before. The image is one of Ryo-Ohki, looking very sad and subdued. SASAMI: It's strange. It makes me feel very cold and empty inside. WASHU: I hate to use this word, but I think it was actually cathartic. SASAMI: What's that? CU. WASHU WASHU: (irritated) Just a bit of hubris. CU. SASAMI Looks even more confused. HALLWAY Washu goes to a pedestal and takes a statuette. She turns and shows it to Sasami. CU. SASAMI Looks very impressed. WASHU: (OC) When she showed this one to me, I remember it was quite a breakthrough. I saw a twinkle in her eyes that made me remember how I created her. This was probably the proudest moment of my life. I sure wish I could recapture that feeling right now... SASAMI: (wistfully) It's so lifelike... CU. STATUETTE It is a little Tenchi with his arms crossed, looking as if he is about to deliver some gentle remonstration. CU. WASHU WASHU: I think you should have this, Sasami. I have always liked this one in particular, and it always reminds me of our little talks. Anyway, I don't think it'll last long here. HALLWAY Sasami looks up, nervous and thoughtful. SASAMI: What do you mean? Is the fortress full of monsters or something? WASHU: I have a feeling it soon will be. Keep that hidden, Sasami. Don't let anyone know you have it-- SASAMI: Not even Ayeka? WASHU: Especially not Ayeka. Sasami puts the statuette in a pocket, just as Ryoko A appears. CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: (annoyed) What are you two doing here? HALLWAY Sasami looks around as Washu thoughtfully rubs her chin. WASHU: Just considering a nice place for a vacation. We thought a little jog through the memories would stir up some ideas. Ryoko A scowls and grabs Washu by the front. RYOKO A: Washu! You're thinking about a vacation?! What about me? I'm still in pieces, you know. WASHU: (calm) It's no use getting upset, Ryoko! Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about dear old Daughter. I'm just trying to clear my mind. SASAMI: Ryoko! Why are you doing this? Washu can't help you if you keep treating her like this. RYOKO A: (to Sasami, vicious) Stay out of this! (back to Washu) I've had it with all your fumbling around! Oh! This is so humiliating! Ryoko A lets Washu go and starts to stalk away. Washu straightens her dress as Sasami sadly narrows her eyes after Ryoko A. WASHU: (a bit mockingly) Yeah, enough fumbling around. Whatever you say, Ryoko. (sullen) But, you know, I might not be able to put you back together again. You ever think about that? Washu takes Sasami by the hand. WASHU: Let's go, Sasami. CU. RYOKO A Looks a little remorseful and then snarls. 83 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE Night sky, tilting down to house. 84 EXT. AYEKA'S ROOM A window to Ayeka's room--Sasami looking out, a lit candle next to her. She closes her eyes briefly and sighs. 85 INT. AYEKA'S ROOM Sasami looks away from the window, down at Ayeka--who is asleep. CU. SASAMI Sasami holds the statuette, considerately. CU. AYEKA Opens her eyes. AYEKA: Sasami? Why are you still up? Go back to sleep. (she turns over) CU. SASAMI She smiles and blows out the candle. 86 INT. COZY ROOM Tenchi ponders. TENCHI: That's really strange. I mean, the way you tell it, it sounded like you were really going to kill me. CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: (a little flustered) I don't remember it that well. ROOM He suddenly brightens. TENCHI: Well, you obviously couldn't do it. Lucky me, huh? RYOKO B: Yeah. This has been really fun, but I'm starting to get tired. You mind if we call it a night? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Maybe we'll finish this later. Aladdin's starting to get tired too. 87 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM Tenchi and Ryoko B enter. Tenchi sits on the bed, yawning. He touches hands with Ryoko B, briefly, as she leaves. 88 EXT. FIELD BY A LAKE Just before dawn. Washu enters, Ryo-Ohki on her shoulder. She looks upward and considers. WASHU: (softly) Ryoko! (mournfully) Why are you doing this to me? 89 EXT. SMALL HILL BY THE LAKE Tenchi and Ryoko B are sitting side-by-side, facing the sunrise. They look expectantly. Tenchi smiles and Ryoko B puts an arm around him. RYOKO B: (casually) You still have one wish left, you know. TENCHI: I'm not sure I could do better than this. They both laugh, giddy with pleasure. 90 EXT. FIELD BY A LAKE Washu looks down and sighs. WASHU: I must be desperate. Mihoshi is actually starting to make sense. 91 INT. FORTRESS LARGE CHAMBER Ryoko A is sitting at the table, a half-empty cup of sake on the table. She is sitting, staring off into space. Behind her, Washu approaches. WASHU: No need to get up, Ryoko. I think I might have figured out a way to solve your little problem. Ryoko A turns and glares. WASHU: The problem is, I can't rely on established techniques because no one has ever fully developed a treatment. I don't normally rely on methods that are this barbaric, but I think it'll be effective. Ryoko A looks aside at Ryoko B and Tenchi, and frowns. RYOKO A: What are they doing here? CU. WASHU WASHU: (pitiless) I'm too tired to play games, Ryoko. We're going to get to the cause, and I'm sure Tenchi has something to do with it. I can't think of anything else that connects your pathology with any traceable factor, and I'm certain you're hiding something about him from me. CHAMBER (near Washu) Ryoko B and Tenchi approach, hand-in-hand. RYOKO B: (nervous) How could I be hiding something, Washu? You can always read my memories. You've scanned us both a dozen times with your machines. TENCHI: There must be a limit to how much Washu can read, Ryoko. It isn't like picking up a book, you know. CU. WASHU WASHU: (appreciative) Exactly, Tenchi. But I think Ryoko has a good point, too. Nothing should escape my attention. I let some things go as a matter of principle, but I am not limited by anything Ryoko can physically control. CU. RYOKO A Looks back at Washu. RYOKO A: (wryly amused) Oh yeah? Try reading my mind now, Mom. CU. WASHU Shudders and scowls in anger. CHAMBER (near table) Ryoko B flares in anger and teleports next to Ryoko A. RYOKO B: Hey! You have no right to treat her like that! She's trying to help us! CU. RYOKO A She grimaces and turns away. RYOKO A: Get off me! Don't you have some cuddling or something to do? CU. WASHU Rolls her eyes. WASHU: (to herself) Gee, how did I know this would happen? CU. TENCHI Shocked and concerned. TENCHI: Ryoko! Stop it! Little Washu, can't you make them stop! CU. WASHU Grimly averts her eyes. WASHU: I won't waste my energy. I'm going to need all I can muster just to protect you, you know. 92 INT. LARGE CHAMBER The room bursts to bright white. A low thud goes through the air, and the room dims. Suddenly, two spheres of debris appear and drop to the ground. Another sphere appears around Washu and Tenchi, and they float up above the scene. Ashes float all around, and piles of broken crystal fall all around the walls of the room. The table wobbles and collapses. CHAMBER (near Washu) Washu studiously observes as Tenchi looks on. WASHU: That's amazing. How can they do that? CHAMBER (near Ryokos) Ryoko A fires a laser blast at Ryoko B--who deflects it with another blast. CU. RYOKO A Delivers a vicious kick. CHAMBER (near Ryokos) Ryoko B spins away. CU. RYOKO A Yells, preparing a punch. CU. RYOKO B Takes a huge blow to the stomach. CHAMBER Ryoko B goes tumbling across the room into the hallway. 93 INT. HALLWAY Ryoko A delivers a kick to Ryoko B. Ryoko B is prone on the ground, but manages to block it. CU. RYOKO A Makes a massive charge-up. CU. RYOKO B Wide-eyed with horror. HALLWAY Tenchi and Washu float over behind them. WASHU: I'm glad I'm wearing sunblock, right now. TENCHI: (nearly overwhelmed) This is suicide. WASHU: Possibly. CU. RYOKO A Narrows her eyes and yells. HALLWAY A huge blast goes over Ryoko B by a good three feet. Ryoko B looks around, nervously. A cloud of debris floats through the hallway. CU. RYOKO A RYOKO A: (chuckling) No more pretty pictures... CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: (stunned and appalled) Why you... HALLWAY Tenchi looks down as Washu suddenly gestures. WASHU: Here we go. The sphere exits again. CU. RYOKO B Gets up and prepares a huge take-back. She uncoils her whole body into a mammoth punch. 94 INT. LARGE CHAMBER Ryoko A goes flying backward through the room. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (disgusted) Why are they fighting? CU. WASHU WASHU: (thoughtful) Because they're angry. What more reason does anyone need? Hello? What's this? CHAMBER (near Ryokos) Ryoko A and B exchange punches. They stagger across the room. Follow over to side, where an indistinct figure appears, out-of-focus. Focus-in to reveal another Ryoko--Ryoko C. CU. RYOKO C Very nervous. CHAMBER (near Ryoko A and B) Ryoko A and B choke each other. Washu and Tenchi float over next to them. WASHU: (gesturing casually) Before you destroy yourself, you might want to take one last look--over there. They gradually look around. CU. RYOKO C Nervously floats up over behind Washu. She grabs Washu's shoulders and holds Washu between herself and the other Ryokos. CHAMBER Ryoko A and B reluctantly let each other go. CU. WASHU WASHU: (sighing deeply) Dominant, recessive, meet repressed. I presume you've already met, though. CHAMBER Ryoko A and B glare back at each other. RYOKO A: This doesn't change anything. RYOKO B: There's only one way to settle this. CU. RYOKO A Gritting her teeth in anger. RYOKO A: You took my Tenchi, you slut! CU. RYOKO B Weeping in frustration. RYOKO B: You destroyed my work, you bitch! CHAMBER They yell and go right back to choking each other. CU. TENCHI Stunned nearly beyond words. TENCHI: This is too bizarre. I must be having a nightmare. Why can't I wake up? CU. WASHU WASHU: Oh, well. A mother's work is never done. Hey! What are you doing? CHAMBER Ryoko C floats down to the other two, and stands between them. She calmly puts a hand on either one and pushes them apart. CU. WASHU WASHU: Hey! I was just about to do that. That'll do, though. 95 INT. MAIN HALL Noboyuki is reading a paper. Yosho enters, holding a cup of coffee. NOBOYUKI: Did we just have another earthquake this morning? YOSHO: Hmm... No. I think it's just another family reunion. 96 INT. LARGE CHAMBER Ryoko C is floating between Ryoko A and B. They are still trembling with emotion. Washu approaches as Tenchi stands back. WASHU: Well, now that you've blown off some steam, I can continue. Where did I leave off? Oh yeah, I was just about to investigate what you're hiding from me. I know something happened right before you split up. I think I should begin this procedure. CU. TENCHI Rubs his head nervously. He grits his teeth and looks down. CHAMBER Washu approaches the Ryokos. She takes a small, shiny cylinder out of a pocket and twists it. The cylinder begins to pulse very slowly. CU. WASHU Stares intently. WASHU: Before I do anything really drastic, we're going to play a little game I call 'Guess my temperature.' It's really very simple. Just look at this light in my hands and tell me whether you think it's hot or cold. If you guess right, we move on to the next question. CHAMBER Ryoko C snaps her eyes shut. Ryoko B scowls and Ryoko A smiles. RYOKO A: I'm game. RYOKO B: I don't see what a light has to do with other senses... CU. WASHU Still staring intently. The light begins to pulse a bit more rapidly. WASHU: Everything is light, Ryoko. It is a reflection of your self. The question really is, do you feel hot or cold? CU. RYOKO B Shakes her head. RYOKO B: No. That doesn't even make any sense. What is that light doing? CU. RYOKO A She folds her arms and snorts. CU. WASHU Smiles gently. WASHU: It's a very simple question. What do you really think, Ryoko? CU. RYOKO B RYOKO B: You know, this is strange, but I suddenly feel very-- She snaps her eyes shut. CU. RYOKO A Looks around at the others in disbelief. RYOKO A: Washu, your tricks won't work on me. I know what that light is. CU. WASHU She puts the cylinder away. WASHU: (softly) Well, two out of three isn't bad. 97 INT. LARGE CHAMBER Tenchi approaches. WASHU: Let's go over the night before, shall we? Now, you entered Tenchi's room, he woke up and you left. Am I correct so far? RYOKO B: (sleepily) Yes. CU. WASHU WASHU: (considering) What happened between when he woke up and when you left? CU. RYOKO B Still apparently asleep. RYOKO B: Nothing. CHAMBER Tenchi approaches thoughtfully, as Washu slowly frowns. WASHU: Nothing? Something must have happened. Why did you leave? RYOKO B: Because he woke up. WASHU: How did you know he was awake? RYOKO B: Because he was sitting up. WASHU: Why was he sitting up? RYOKO B: He was awake-- WASHU: How did you know he was awake? CU. RYOKO RYOKO A: (scowling) Oh, for heaven's sake! I woke him up! I don't remember how. CU. WASHU Narrows her eyes. WASHU: Why can't you remember? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Don't you remember the dream? CU. RYOKO C Her eyes snap open and she starts to tremble. CHAMBER WASHU: You imprinted him? How did you learn that? RYOKO A: I didn't do any such thing. You're lying! RYOKO B: What is imprinting? What's going on? Is this one of your tricks? WASHU: (softly) The extrapolations-- (groaning) Of course, it invariably leads to traumatic discoveries. How could I be so stupid? CU. WASHU Becoming very angry. WASHU: How are you able to hide this from me?! Who taught you how to do this? CHAMBER Tenchi stands next to Washu. He frowns and looks around at Washu. TENCHI: Little Washu, don't you see? The dream somehow triggered a vision. Then she buried the whole thing in my subconscious. That's why she can't remember. WASHU: (startled) That's crazy! You aren't linked to Ryoko. Only a strong telepathic link could facilitate what you're talking about. TENCHI: But it's the only explanation-- WASHU: Anyway, it doesn't matter. Your mind can't generate those high-order extrapolations. The source of the interference has to be a mind of terrific energy. TENCHI: I see... Tenchi slowly approaches Ryoko C. TENCHI: I think I know what happened. You saw a vision of your own death. The shock split your sense of identity. Washu narrows her eyes, pondering. WASHU: (softly) Well, that's close. Not quite correct, though. CU. RYOKO C Holds out her hand inexplicably. RYOKO C: I saw a vision of your death. I can't stop it. It always comes true, you know. CHAMBER Tenchi reaches out to Ryoko C. Just before he can touch her, she disappears. CU. TENCHI He slowly looks down, then up. CHAMBER Ryoko floats above Washu and Tenchi. RYOKO: (terrified) It's not going to happen. I know now. I won't let it. She vanishes, and the others slowly look down again. CU. WASHU WASHU: Damn! From now on, I'm collecting butterflies. Forget this science stuff! After I get back, I'm going to be the top genius butterfly-collector in the universe. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (looking around) Get back? Where are you going? 98 EXT. NEAR STRANGE CAVE Tenchi and Washu stand just outside the entrance. Washu is holding a couple of bags and wearing a hat. WASHU: Tenchi, I'm going to ancient Egypt. Anything goes wrong, just let Mihoshi handle it. (wistfully) I always wondered how they built those pyramids. 99 INT. KITCHEN Sasami prepares food at the cutting board in the kitchen. Ryo-Ohki is sitting on the counter, pawing at the food. Mihoshi enters, carrying a snack. SASAMI: Get back, Ryo-Ohki, or I might not miss. Oh, hey Mihoshi! What's up? MIHOSHI: Oh, nothing. I just looked in on Ayeka. She still looks pretty bad. Have you seen Little Washu? CU. SASAMI Putting food into a pan on the stove. SASAMI: Tenchi said she went on vacation. KITCHEN Mihoshi gapes as Sasami cooks. MIHOSHI: Oh! I guess she finished with Ryoko. SASAMI: I sure hope so. MIHOSHI: At least things seemed to have worked out. (sighing) Can I ask you something, Sasami? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (casual) Sure, go ahead. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (remorseful) Do you think it was a mistake? I mean, my plan. Ayeka is really in a bad way, now. I just feel terrible. KITCHEN Sasami continues cooking and smiles. SASAMI: It's okay, Mihoshi. Ayeka really needed to open up, anyway. I'm so impressed with her. I think she'll be fine. CU MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Oh! What a relief! Thank you, Sasami. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: It was nothing, Mihoshi. Just don't tell anyone about it, okay? CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Oops... 100 EXT. TOWN CENTER WALKWAY Tenchi goes up the walkway and enters through a front door, a small bag in one hand. 101 INT. TOWN JAIL Hiroshi is sitting in a jail cell. Tenchi enters, still carrying the bag. HIROSHI: Oh, hey! It's Tenchi! Hey, man! TENCHI: Hey, Hiroshi. I brought you a snack. CU. HIROSHI He takes the bag. HIROSHI: That's thoughtful. CU. TENCHI Stands just outside the bars. TENCHI: I figured you'd be bored, so I put in a couple books for you. ROOM HIROSHI: Great. You're a swell guy, Tenchi. TENCHI: Uh... I was wondering, Hiroshi... How did this happen? How did you end up here? HIROSHI: Huh? Just a freakin' punk whose face I smeared on the pavement. No big deal. Naturally, they had a swarm of cops to haul me in. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (frowning) It was pretty bad, huh? CU. HIROSHI HIROSHI: (grinning) Nah! They just make you sweat till you talk, then throw you in a little room with psychotic degenerates. The clock ticks. No babes. Damn, Tenchi. You gotta get me out of here! ROOM Tenchi sighs as Hiroshi considers. HIROSHI: Yeah, I know. Every guy in here says that, but it's so true. I really hate it. I learned my lesson, man. TENCHI: Your father said he could do something after the hearing, but... CU. HIROSHI HIROSHI: It's okay, Tenchi. It's just time. I thought I was bored before. Forget about it! This place has them all beat. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Take it easy, Hiroshi. Don't get yourself killed. ROOM Tenchi starts to leave. HIROSHI: (chuckling) Same to you, Tenchi! You watch yourself! 102 EXT. ROAD A road, curving off through the forest. 103 EXT. BUS-STOP Tenchi is sitting at a bench, writing. TENCHI: (VO) Okay, you might think it's all back to normal, but you don't just stop being in love with someone. My problem was I couldn't resolve how I felt with what happened to Ryoko. It was like she was suddenly hiding behind someone else. She was avoiding me, but I wasn't sure why until I caught up with her one day. 104 EXT. PATH A path through the forest. Tenchi walks along the path. RYOKO: (OC) Hey, Tenchi! Come up here! 105 EXT. A SMALL HILL Ryoko sits on top of the hill, holding a small artist's notebook and a pen. She gestures with a baseball cap, and then puts it on. CU. TENCHI Climbs up over a little rise. He looks up. HILL TOP Ryoko adjusts a pair of glasses on her face and shows off a sketch to Tenchi. Tenchi considers. CU. RYOKO She smiles as she considers Tenchi's reaction. She frowns and takes the notebook again. RYOKO: Yeah, I stink. It just isn't the same without Washu helping me. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I thought it was okay... It could use some work. HILL TOP Tenchi goes to sit next to Ryoko. RYOKO: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just save it. I'll never be an artist. TENCHI: What's with the glasses? RYOKO: Huh? Oh! (taking off the glasses) I was getting desperate, so I thought I'd try anything. It doesn't seem to be working. TENCHI: You can't always count on luck, huh? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (frowning) Actually, I was trying recapture a part of who I was. CU. TENCHI Nervously scratches his head. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Weird, huh? HILL TOP Tenchi looks up and considers. TENCHI: Not really. We were meant for each other, I think. Ryoko narrows her eyes, dangerously. RYOKO: (mockingly) Oh, it's obvious? Tenchi looks a little embarrassed. TENCHI: Sorry. I forgot you were on both sides of that one. RYOKO: (annoyed) I wish it were that simple. TENCHI: What do you mean? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (grim) What's obvious is that we aren't meant for each other. I don't know what love is, and neither do you. I'm trying to learn, but the best we could do is play some silly game of pretend. I want us to be real, you know? Not make-believe. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What's wrong with a little make-believe? Isn't that how you learn? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: No, it isn't. (groaning) Oh! This makes me so mad! HILL TOP Ryoko stands, fuming to herself. RYOKO: Sometimes, Tenchi, I think you're completely crazy. You realize what might have happened? Tenchi stands, consoling. TENCHI: Hey, don't get upset. Whatever may have happened, my feelings didn't change. She ponders for a moment, then smiles. RYOKO: Exactly. You're still in love with the person I want to be. TENCHI: Huh? Oh. (smiling) It's pretty upsetting, I suppose. RYOKO: (casual) No, just confusing. I've never been so happy and angry at the same time before. TENCHI: You're right. I'm lost again. Are we in love, or not? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (sigh) Just forget it. I told you this thing had disaster written all over it. THE END [See the AFS Series for the continuation of the story-line. 'Dream of Futility' continues!]