Author: Mike Fenton Title: AFS #1 (DREAM SILLINESS) Notes: Regular (OVA), script format Summary: A blending of dreams and silliness. [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 Night sky. Clouds drift past a full moon. 2 INT. MAIN HALL (sofa) Tenchi is writing. Ayeka is sitting next to him, reading a book. Tenchi looks up, lost in thought. AYEKA: Lord Tenchi, you need another pen? TENCHI: (softly) No thanks. I'm just trying to rethink this. AYEKA: (calmly introspective) I'm not boring you, am I? Tenchi scratches his head. He appears to be trying to concentrate. TENCHI: Huh? Oh, no. Hmm... Ayeka begins to scowl as she looks at Tenchi and then stands. AYEKA: Oh, you are so impossible! TENCHI: What? AYEKA: I can't believe I have been so stupid! Tenchi suddenly looks alarmed. TENCHI: What on Earth are you talking about, Ayeka? Ayeka frowns and folds her arms. AYEKA: Come on, Tenchi. Be honest with me. You play along with me just to humor me, but you think I am nothing but a pitiful fool! You despise me, don't you? TENCHI: (flinching) Ayeka, don't get so upset. Why are you angry with me? AYEKA: Don't evade my question. Just admit it. Well? Tenchi scowls and looks at his work again. TENCHI: Ayeka, you're always making something out of nothing. Just calm down. Ayeka narrows her eyes and puts a hand on Tenchi's shoulder. AYEKA: No, Tenchi. I won't calm down. I want this right out, now. I refuse to be treated like a child. Now, just tell me what you really think of me. Tenchi stands and faces her. Ayeka starts turning red with anger. TENCHI: Okay, Ayeka. Have it your way. I think you're nothing but a greedy, spoiled, conceited brat. You think you're a pitiful fool? I pity anyone who would bother to take pity on you. And, yeah, I humor you. You deserve to be ignored, but I actually take an effort to humor you. Why do I bother? Tenchi turns to leave, but Ayeka grabs him by the arm. AYEKA: How dare you say such things to me?! TENCHI: (vicious) Let me go! Get your hands off of me! They turn and face each other, looking as if they want to hit each other. They freeze for a moment, then embrace and kiss, passionately. 3 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM Ryoko is standing just beside Tenchi's bed. Tenchi is sitting up, gasping for breath. Ryoko's eyes are completely black. She frowns, thoughtfully. TENCHI: Oh my god! Oh, it must have been a dream. Ryoko? Ryoko's eyes are back to normal. RYOKO: Interesting. I wasn't sure, but... TENCHI: (frowing darkly) Ryoko! Don't you ever learn? What did I tell you before? This is really rude--even for you. RYOKO: I had no idea. I should really be more careful with that princess. TENCHI: Ryoko, don't you remember what happened last time? I don't want to go through all that again. RYOKO: Huh? Oh, don't worry, Tenchi. There's no danger. Last time, I was just clumsy. I imprinted you with a dream, last time. When I touch the outline of the dream, I don't come close to imprinting. TENCHI: What do you mean? RYOKO: (smirking) I'm not really making that dream, Tenchi. I just present it, in a way. Like a suggestion. Your subconscious does the rest. It's like an experiment, actually. He lies back down on the bed. TENCHI: (scowling) Ryoko! Dreams are totally meaningless. Just forget about it. RYOKO: But Tenchi, this is really interesting. TENCHI: Please, Ryoko. I'm trying to sleep. RYOKO: Okay... She floats over Tenchi's bed. She looks down, thoughtfully. RYOKO: (softly) Tenchi, I want you to know I've resolved my feelings about us. I want to be your lover, Tenchi. Please, don't ignore me. TENCHI: (frowning) There was never anything between us, Ryoko. I never loved you. RYOKO: (a little forlorn) But Tenchi... TENCHI: (brutal) I never did anything with you, and I never will! Now, go away. Tenchi lies back down and pulls the covers over his head. RYOKO: (a touch perturbed) Tenchi... (wryly amused) Oh, you still care about me. That's so sweet. Ryoko floats over to the side of the bed and leans close to Tenchi. She pulls the covers aside, slightly. RYOKO: Just for that, I want to give you a nice, special dream. Just for the two of us. TENCHI: Don't even think about it, Ryoko. RYOKO: Now, now. You haven't heard what it is, yet. Let me tell you... Ryoko whispers something to him. Tenchi turns red with embarrassment. 4 INT. HALLWAY (Tenchi's bedroom door) Ryoko stands, frowning. RYOKO: (annoyed) Well... She sits with her back to the door and folds her arms. RYOKO: I have got to stop being so impulsive. (sigh) That really was going too far. But how can I make him love me again? What am I doing wrong? Ryoko pauses in thought for a moment, then punches herself. RYOKO: (VO) Oh, this is so simple. I can't believe I didn't think of this before. Tenchi only loves me when I'm sweet, naive and hopeless. I can't impress him with these stupid tricks. I've got to be like a silly girl. Now, how in the world am I going to pull that off? She stands and her head slumps. RYOKO: (VO) Oh, forget it. I can't pretend to be something I'm not. Hmm... I wonder if I can just compromise? Maybe I can make him like me a little bit... (groaning) This is stupid. I need to stop thinking like this... She ponders again. RYOKO: Then again... That gives me an idea... 5 TITLE: "EPISODE 1: DREAM SILLINESS" 6 INT. AYEKA'S BEDROOM Ayeka and Sasami are sitting. Sasami is reading and Ayeka is pondering. Mihoshi enters. MIHOSHI: Hello? Ayeka looks around. AYEKA: Oh, hello Mihoshi. Please come in. I was just wondering how the Galaxy Police would handle an incident like this. Mihoshi goes to sit just across from Ayeka. MIHOSHI: An incident? What happened? SASAMI: She means a hypothetical. She was just talking about when Hannibal crossed the Alps with his army. MIHOSHI: (lost in thought) Oh! AYEKA: Yes. It is interesting to me, because it illustrates a colonial empire being invaded by its chief piratical rival. This is very similar to incidents that have happened to Jurai, as I'm sure you know. (looking down at Mihoshi) Oh! What do you have there? Mihoshi has a roll of paper. Sasami stands next to Ayeka. MIHOSHI: (a little nervous) It's just a little something I need you to sign. You know how the Galaxy Police are with paperwork-- (chuckling nervously) AYEKA: (curious) That doesn't look like a form to me. That looks like an official communique. (taking the paper and reading) Oh, my. Have you read this, Mihoshi? MIHOSHI: Uh... Yes... Ayeka ponders and turns to Sasami. AYEKA: Sasami, would you please leave the room for a moment? SASAMI: But Sis, what is it? AYEKA: (stern) Sasami, that is an order. Obey me, child. SASAMI: (deflated) Okay. Mihoshi sheepishly scratches her head as Sasami leaves. Ayeka furrows her brows. She glances over the paper again. AYEKA: Correct me if I am wrong, but this requires new duties on your behalf? Ayeka frowns, thoughtfully. AYEKA: But you are a detective, are you not? This seems to indicate otherwise... MIHOSHI: Well, a committee of chiefs decided that I should accept a lower position. This is so embarrassing. AYEKA: Unless you return to headquarters, correct? MIHOSHI: Uh... Oh, yeah. I think so. AYEKA: (annoyed) Hmm... How did you get my brother to sign this? Oh, never mind. This is just unacceptable. Ayeka rips up the paper. Mihoshi gasps. MIHOSHI: But... but... AYEKA: I simply cannot let you ruin your own career, Mihoshi. You are too valuable an asset to the galaxy. You need to use your talents. And anyway, the Holy Council of Jurai would never let me forget it if I allowed a good friend to poison her own aspirations. It is very unseemly. Mihoshi looks very stunned, as Ayeka stands. AYEKA: (very gentle) You know, Mihoshi. I have been thinking, and I consider it most unwise for you to nurture this childish infatuation you obviously have for Lord Tenchi. You should do yourself a favor, and learn to think of us as your friends--nothing more. Ayeka leaves and Mihoshi starts to cry like a baby. 7 INT. HALLWAY (near Ayeka's bedroom) Ayeka facing Sasami in the hallway. SASAMI: (irritated) I'm really disappointed in you, Ayeka. I thought you would be more understanding. AYEKA: (a little scolding) Sasami-- There is a time in everyone's life when they simply must face some unpleasant truths. It does not help anyone to keep living in a fantasy. SASAMI: You won't get away with this, Sis. You'll pay for this. I just know you will. AYEKA: (amused) Sasami, you're too young to be making threats. Just trust me. This is for everyone's good. SASAMI: (outraged) No, Ayeka. I don't make threats. You will pay. Sasami runs off toward the stairs. AYEKA: (still amused) Poor Sasami. Whatever has come over you? Oh well. A small price to pay for a little more privacy. 8 INT. MAIN HALL Ryoko lies on a support beam, reading a book. She looks down, and tilt down to see Sasami enter. Sasami stops and wipes her face. She then goes and sits on the sofa, staring blankly. Ryoko looks quizzical, as Sasami scowls. She looks a little remorseful for a moment, then scowls again. Ryoko teleports next to Sasami. RYOKO: Hey Sasami, why so glum? SASAMI: (softly) Go away, Ryoko. Mihoshi descends the stairs, still sniffling. She looks at Ryoko and bursts into tears. Follow on Mihoshi as she runs across the room and exits. RYOKO: (to herself) What the hell? 9 EXT. MASAKI SHRINE Tenchi is sweeping out front. Yosho is standing nearby. TENCHI: Ryoko has been acting really weird, lately. I wish I could help her, Grandpa. I'm worried she's about to crack or something. YOSHO: Well, she does look a little different, lately. She looks thinner. I wonder if she has been eating right... TENCHI: Ever since Washu left about a month ago, she's just gotten wilder. You know, more like she was before. YOSHO: Hmm... You may be right. Ryoko appears just behind Tenchi. RYOKO: Tenchi, what's the matter with everyone? Did you do something impetuous with that princess last night? TENCHI: (shocked) What? Yosho rolls his eyes. 10 EXT. GP HQ Space-shot of Galaxy Police HQ. 11 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE Commander sits at his desk, typing. The comm signal sounds, and the display flicks to life. COMMANDER: This is headquarters--Commander speaking. (looking up) Oh, Marshal, it's good to see you again. MARSHAL: (calm and thoughtful) Likewise, Commander. We just received your report at the Central Office concerning the new artifacts discovered in the Solar system. It looks as if we may need to appoint a new Special Investigations Section just for that system. COMMANDER: If we can clear it with the Galaxy Union and the Jurai Royal Council, I think we can avoid another incident with the Academy. MARSHAL: (narrowing his eyes) Yes... I see that this information has been kept under tight control, but I'm a little confused. Perhaps you might explain something to me, Commander. COMMANDER: Yes? MARSHAL: I noticed that Detective Mihoshi has been reduced in rank, pending a future evaluation. Wouldn't it make more sense to keep her there, on the scene? Surely, we can use all the able officers we can get--especially those who already have experience and connections with the people on the site itself. COMMANDER: (stiff) Sir, if I may speak freely? MARSHAL: Certainly, Commander. COMMANDER: I and my junior officers discussed this at a recent staff meeting, and we came to the conclusion that Mihoshi's conduct is not appropriate to the nature of this investigation. To be perfectly frank, sir, her judgement is questionable. She narrowly avoids being charged with insubordination on every case she handles, and she frequently misuses the resources at her disposal. I do not question her results, but I think this development is too important to risk being mishandled. There's simply too much at stake, sir. MARSHAL: (calm) Yes, I see. This situation clearly requires my personal attention. I respect the decisions of you and your officers, and I look forward to seeing your plans for this case, Commander. Have all your junior officers waiting when I arrive tomorrow. COMMANDER: (a little surprised) Tomorrow? MARSHAL: Yes... Is there a problem, Commander? COMMANDER: No, sir! We will have made all our preparations by then, Marshal. I look forward to discussing this with you at length. MARSHAL: (very pleased) Very good, Commander. Over, and out. The display flickers and vanishes. COMMANDER: (a little stunned) Tomorrow? We'll never be ready by then! I'd better call an emergency meeting! 12 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE Framed in an evening glow. 13 INT. MAIN HALL Ayeka sitting at the sofa, knitting. Ryoko appears, looking fairly smug. RYOKO: Hey Princess, don't you want to wave goodbye? AYEKA: (softly) No, I think I would be most unwelcome at such a parting. I think I shall show some discretion. RYOKO: (chuckling) Well, I don't know how you did it. I can't resist this. Ryoko vanishes again, and Ayeka sighs gently. Yosho enters the room. He smiles a bit to himself, and sits across from her. YOSHO: (casual) I see you take to the blues. I would have thought you would prefer brown or green. AYEKA: Good evening, my brother. I see you still remember the Jurai courtly cycles of conversation. I take it you are about to make some gentle confrontation? Yosho frowns a bit, then realizes. YOSHO: Ah, yes. 'Gentle--' the family code word for seniority. No, Ayeka. I make no such presumptions, anymore. As far as I'm concerned, you are the crown princess of Jurai, and I would not question your will. I do worry that you are, perhaps, becoming soft. AYEKA: (mildly amused) Soft? Am I lazy, my brother? Do I appear to be rude or clumsy? YOSHO: No... but I am beginning to wonder if you are becoming nervous. I know that you do not act hastily, but it appears to me that you fear a little competition--I mean, political. AYEKA: (gently) What an amusing notion. You mean, I doubt my own abilities. Of that, my brother, you may rest assured I do not suffer. YOSHO: I see. Then you had only the best of intentions in mind when you denied Mihoshi's request for a second of that petition... AYEKA: Of course. YOSHO: (nearly smirking) Then you would not object to signing this petition, I assume. Ayeka looks up. Yosho holds out a paper and a pen. Ayeka looks carefully at him for a moment, then sets her work down. AYEKA: My brother, how clever you are. (softly) I will sign this, of course. But I doubt it really matters. Once Mihoshi has left, she will certainly do something impulsive, anyway. Ayeka takes the pen, and looks over the paper. She gasps, softly. AYEKA: (clearly shocked) This is in the same hand... You wrote that other petition... Yosho is carefully indifferent. AYEKA: (chuckling) I underestimated you, I see. You know me too well. (she signs) YOSHO: (just a hint of smugness) I see right through you, Ayeka. But you need not fear. I am looking out for you, remember? 14 EXT. NEAR STRANGE CAVE Nighttime. A strange cave, nearly obscured by surrounding foliage. Sasami enters, looking thoughtfully around. A large rabbit with big, floppy ears hops toward her, considerately. Sasami shows curious alarm, and the rabbit smiles and turns. The rabbit hops into the cave, very quickly. Sasami hesistates for a moment, then follows. 15 INT. CAVE ENTRANCE Sasami enters the cave. She is suddenly engulfed in darkness. A moment later, light appears. Sasami looks around. Several torches glow a brilliant golden. She boggles in amazement, then continues onward. 16 INT. WIDENED AREA Sasami enters a widened area of the cave. Sasami stops at the end where there is a huge, shiny gate with an imposing-looking mechanism in the center. She examines the mechanism and then turns at a sound. The leprechaun giggles. He takes a pipe from his mouth and blows some smoke into the air. SASAMI: (fascinated) I've been here before... The leprechaun frowns in confusion. LEPRECHAUN: I don't think so, darling. I would remember you. I have the luck of the Irish, you know? Sasami makes a grab at leprechaun. He flickers and vanishes just as Sasami reaches him. Leprechaun appears above her, floating. LEPRECHAUN: You're very quick, girl. I have to admit you impress me, but I'm always one step ahead of the likes of you. Sasami leaps, and the leprechaun has a look of shock. He flickers again and dodges just in time. LEPRECHAUN: (laughing) Missed me! Sasami scowls, and the leprechaun takes another puff from the pipe and considers. LEPRECHAUN: You know, I like you. You've got lots of grit. Now, I can't let you have my pot of gold, but I can let you in on a little secret. You want to know what it is? SASAMI: What? Tell me! LEPRECHAUN: I know a secret way past the gate. You want me to show you? Sasami makes a quick nod, and he gestures for Sasami to follow. Follow as he walks to the center of the large widened area. Leprechaun then points upward. Sasami looks upward. There is an obscure hole in the ceiling. SASAMI: Hey, wow! That's way up there! LEPRECHAUN: (smiling devilishly) No, no, darling. Not up. It only appears to be up. It's really down. Just below your feet, actually. Sasami looks down in alarm. SASAMI: But I see nothing but ground underneath! How come I don't fall if the hole is down? LEPRECHAUN: (chuckling) It's just a clever illusion, girl. Forget what your eyes tell you and the way will open to you. Sasami looks up and down. She closes her eyes and frowns, thoughtfully. The leprechaun bursts into laughter. He then takes another puff and blows it in Sasami's face. Sasami coughs and waves at the smoke in irritation. She then looks down and zips downward, apparently right through the ground. An abrupt scream follows. 17 INT. AYEKA'S BEDROOM Sasami gasps for breath and sits up. She looks around and slowly relaxes. Ryoko is floating up in the shadows near the ceiling. She smirks to herself for a moment and vanishes. Ayeka is lying in her bed. She opens her eyes just a crack, then scowls. 18 EXT. GP HQ Space-shot of Galaxy Police HQ. 19 INT. ELABORATE QUARTERS A large quarters, elaborately decorated with GP articles and equipment. Marshal is sitting at a desk, holding a glass in one hand and a piece of paper in the other. He sighs and places the paper down on the table. He gulps down the rest of the drink and stabs a few buttons on a nearby console. The marshal frowns, thoughtfully. A voice emanates from the console. VOICE: Super-interspace secure channel engaged. State your password, please. MARSHAL: (strained) 'There was an old woman who lived in a shoe...' VOICE: Password accepted. Channel opened. The display reveals a cruiser interior. The cruiser is clustered with junk. MARSHAL: (frowning) Mihoshi? Mihoshi suddenly appears. Her outfit looks neat, but her face looks wretched. She gasps and draws to attention quickly. MIHOSHI: Grandfa-- I mean, Marshal! What do I to uh... to what... uh... Why are you calling me? MARSHAL: (slightly amused) Settle down, Mihoshi. This isn't an official communication, so I really need to be brief. If I take longer than a couple of minutes, the security chief will start to suspect something. Mihoshi looks slightly stunned. MIHOSHI: (nervous) Oh! Go on, Grandfather. It's nice to see you again. MARSHAL: (terse) I hope you haven't done anything rash. The situation is changing quickly, so you will need to move fast. You understand? MIHOSHI: Oh! Yes, I understand. I was just about to transmit my resignation. MARSHAL: (annoyed) Mihoshi, I'm sending you a copy of something I think you should see first. It's an official petition to the Council of Jurai. I had to call in a pretty big favor to get this. Mihoshi looks around and then looks back at Marshal, very nervous. MARSHAL: I hope you realize the risk I'm taking, Mihoshi. Don't disappoint me. Marshal stabs another button on the console. The display flickers and vanishes. 20 INT. FORTRESS ENTRANCE HALLWAY A large hallway littered with debris. A few torches glitter a hazy, blue glow. Others lie darkened, hanging limp from the walls. Little piles of stone and crystal shards dot the floor, as Sasami makes her way among the debris to the dark, empty chamber at the end. She lifts a torch in one hand, and a circle of light scatters around her feet. Ayeka appears just at the end of the chamber, the portcullis and the gate behind her. She frowns and narrows her eyes, thoughtfully. 21 EXT. FIELDS Tilt-up to Tenchi, planting in the fields. He stops and wipes away some sweat. Ryoko appears in front of him, hovering. RYOKO: Tenchi-- Where is everybody? TENCHI: Oh! Hey, Ryoko. I don't know. Sasami and Ayeka got up early this morning. RYOKO: Where did they go? TENCHI: (frowning) Well, Sasami just said something about telling you not to follow her. Then Ayeka asked me where Sasami went. Then she just ran off. Ryoko is suddenly alarmed. RYOKO: (softly) Oh, no! TENCHI: (irritated) Ryoko! What's going on? Ryoko vanishes. TENCHI: (sighing) How strange! 22 INT. LARGE CHAMBER Piles of ash cover the floor. A collapsed table lies on one side of the room. The other side has a number of long rows of short piles of ash that surround a large, raised circle in the floor. Several bits of metal and cloth lie scattered across the floor. On the walls between the doors are the shattered remains of what were crystal glass cases. Piles of crystal lie scattered near the doors. Sasami stops for a moment, then continues to a door and opens it. Ayeka holds a torch of her own. A bright, white light streams out from it in all directions. She looks up in alarm. AYEKA: Sasami! Ayeka runs toward the door. She goes to the door and pushes. The door doesn't budge. She strains, then looks up. Ryoko is hovering cross-legged with her back to the wall. She scowls in irritation. AYEKA: Ryoko, what are you doing? I must get through! RYOKO: Then go through! Don't look at me. There's nothing I can do. 23 INT. TESTING FACILITY (firing range) A large, elaborate firing range at Galaxy Police HQ. Mihoshi frets and darts her blaster around. She blasts away, wildly. MIHOSHI: (very agitated) Oh! That is so unfair! Take that! (she gasps) No way! No way! 24 INT. TESTING FACILITY (control room) A proctor is considering a small display above a large console. He looks rather bored as Commander enters. COMMANDER: (amused) I see she didn't waste any time. So, how is she doing? PROCTOR: Huh? Oh, Commander! Sir, you can see the results for yourself. (pointing to the display) Commander examines the display and frowns. COMMANDER: Perfect score? Nobody gets a perfect score... There has to be something wrong with this machine. PROCTOR: Huh? You mean the testing facility? COMMANDER: Yes. I want this whole system checked, top-to-bottom, as soon as she's done. I won't tolerate erroneous test results. PROCTOR: But, sir. Just look at her... 25 INT. TESTING FACILITY (firing range) Mihoshi goes through a short series of targets. Each one bursts from the exact center of the target point. MIHOSHI: Take that! Take that! Take that! On a villainous-looking target, the head puffs in smoke and goes flying off. 26 INT. TESTING FACILITY (control room) The commander looks very stunned. COMMANDER: (softly) No... This has got to be some kind of trick... 27 INT. LONG NARROW PASSAGEWAY A long, dark passageway stands before Sasami. The torch dimly reveals an end to the passageway up in the distance. Sasami stops and looks around at the door, considering for a moment. She then turns again and continues. She reaches the end and looks down. She looks down a winding stair. It descends into misty blackness. 28 INT. WINDING STAIRWAY One long, following-shot as Sasami goes down the stairs. As she goes down, she slowly changes physically. When she reaches the bottom, she has become the image of a pre-Tsunami--slightly flatter hair and slightly rounder cheeks than Tsunami. Her form flickers for a moment, then resolves again. She looks up, putting away the torch. Sasami is now the studious picture of a pre-Tsunami. 29 EXT. DIZZYING FIELD A small tent, apparently standing in the middle of a field. Above, stars can be seen visibly turning in the sky. Sasami looks up for a moment, then staggers a bit. She looks down again, then considers the tent. She approaches and slowly enters. 30 INT. TENT Sasami sees an old man, kneeling before a fire. The fire leaps and dances without smoke. The man has a cane across his lap, and a very shrewd but gentle look to him. His face is reminiscent of a wolf, vaguely canine. ALCHEMIST: Welcome, stranger. I am an alchemist. How can I be of service? Sasami narrows her eyes thoughtfully and considers for a moment. SASAMI: Where am I? How did I come to be in this form? The alchemist smiles and gestures expansively. ALCHEMIST: You are in my home, and this form--as you call it--is the embodiment of your past and future. If I might ask, what is your name, young one? Sasami sits across from the alchemist. SASAMI: My name is Sasami. I'm sorry I was so rude, but this is all very strange. ALCHEMIST: (amused) Ah, yes. Now, I remember. You were here before. SASAMI: Before? ALCHEMIST: When your sister had a duel with fate. She did very well. I was very impressed. SASAMI: (a little irritated) How do you know she's my sister? ALCHEMIST: (serious and thoughtful) I see the family resemblance in your eyes. Sasami starts to look calm. SASAMI: I'm sorry, but you really didn't answer my question--I mean, about my form. How did this happen? ALCHEMIST: This form is always with you. You have seen it before, I think? Sasami gasps. ALCHEMIST: (waxing eloquent) To a man of my profession, alternate forms can mean many things. They can be a guardian or helper. They can be the reward for a great service, a riddle to be solved, a blemish to be erased, a mere echo of your essence or just perhaps nothing more than an illusion. I see in your form the agony of a silent past and the chance of an eventful future--if you dare to find it. SASAMI: How do you see all that? ALCHEMIST: (smug) It is my business to know, young woman. (he shifts into a sitting position) Speaking of business--now that I've no doubt piqued your curiosity--I wish to make an offer. Sasami boggles in agreement. ALCHEMIST: In exchange for a bit more silence, I wish to offer you my inestimable services as a master of forewarning. SASAMI: (wary) Explain yourself, please... ALCHEMIST: You simply agree to never speak of me, and I will give you a rare and precious gift: a vision of your future presented in a way that will not deprive you of your enjoyment or the surprises that you would naturally expect. I do not make this offer to just anyone, and I would not use my gifts for augury lightly. I suggest you choose quickly. I can hold the others off for a time, but not for long. Sasami has a look of trepidation turns to intense curiosity. SASAMI: Agreed. I will never reveal you. What can you show me? The alchemist reaches into a pocket and pulls out a bag. He takes some fine powder from the bag and sprinkles it over the fire. Two smoky arms emanate from the fire, starting to curl around each other. The alchemist stares at it for a few moments, and then he begins to speak. ALCHEMIST: (softly) I see two fiery dragons--one good, one evil. One dragon destroys with love, the other with hate. I see a knight, going out to fight each one. He is wounded by the first dragon, but an angel from heaven rescues him. The second dragon threatens to devour him, but its tongue is diverted. A mighty tremor goes up from the ground, and the sky itself falls as the second dragon falls. Beware, however. I see also that the dragons are very wise. If they believe that they are truly threatened, they will go back to sleep and deprive you of your greatest wish. You must tread very lightly. SASAMI: (irritated) That's all? What is all this? How can I read my future in that story? ALCHEMIST: (slowly becoming lucid again) I have kept my end of the bargain. See to it that you keep yours. 31 EXT. DIZZYING FIELD Sasami is suddenly standing alone in the field again. The tent has vanished. SASAMI: (nervous) How very strange! 32 INT. LARGE CHAMBER (near door) Ayeka is still glaring up at Ryoko. AYEKA: This is all your fault, you know! RYOKO: How is this my fault? AYEKA: I never told Sasami about that secret passage. You must have told her. We both sensed you in my room, last night. You gave her a vision of it, didn't you? RYOKO: (annoyed) I would never do any such thing. Maybe you revealed it yourself in one of your drunken bragging sessions. AYEKA: (outraged) Oh, how dare you!? I am never drunk, and I never brag! I think you are nothing but an impetuous coward! (starting to cry) Here I am, trying to save her from who-knows-what awful fate, and you do nothing but insult me! Why don't you help me? Ryoko floats down next to Ayeka. She turns and glowers at Ayeka. RYOKO: First of all, you started this argument. Secondly, I would love to help, but I'm not as strong as I used to be. With Washu gone, (sigh) I'm as weak as I was when you met me. I'm just as upset as you are, but there's nothing I can do about it. AYEKA: You admit you gave her that vision? RYOKO: Not exactly. The image was already in her mind, I just helped her explore it a little bit. Ayeka clenches her teeth in fury. AYEKA: I knew it! Your meddling has gone too far this time, devil-woman! RYOKO: (irritated) What are you going to do? You want to fight me? Ayeka brandishes her fist at Ryoko. AYEKA: (softly) This time, I won't need bother. My brother will come here personally and put you back in your cave. And this time, you won't ever escape! I'll make sure of it! RYOKO: (a little nervous) This isn't my fault! She would have never come here in the first place if you hadn't upset her with your rude treatment of Mihoshi. She's run away from you and all your arrogant demands on her sensibilities! AYEKA: (beside herself with rage) Oh, I am so angry! I'm going to enjoy seeing you suffer! The door opens to permit Sasami, back to her usual, youthful self--once again holding a torch. She enters the chamber and closes the door behind her. SASAMI: (annoyed) You two are fighting again? (disappointed) Don't you ever stop? 33 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE A nice evening glow. 34 EXT. FRONT PORCH Tenchi is sitting on a bench. He looks up and smiles, as Noboyuki enters carrying a few bags. TENCHI: Hey, Dad. I see you're back from your trip. How did it go? NOBOYUKI: Hey, Son. I think it went okay. Is dinner ready yet? TENCHI: Hmm... Well, Sasami has been acting pretty weird lately. I don't know why, but she keeps telling me go do something else whenever I try to help her out in the kitchen. 35 INT. ENTRANCE Noboyuki enters. Yosho is just descending the stairs, as Noboyuki sets down the bags. NOBOYUKI: Oh. Hey, Dad! I just got back from my trip. I think they were really impressed with my work. YOSHO: Oh? NOBOYUKI: They were talking about giving me another assignment. They didn't say, but I think it's near Kyoto. I'm so excited! YOSHO: Hmm... Very impressive. Things seem to be coming together again. Yosho exits, as Ayeka begins to descend the stairs, looking a little stunned. NOBOYUKI: Hey, Ayeka. I'm back. AYEKA: (looking up) Oh! Hello, Lord Noboyuki. It is good to see you again. NOBOYUKI: Do you think you can help me move Mihoshi's junk out of my room again? She always leaves such a mess. Ayeka's eyes widen, and she hurriedly exits. NOBOYUKI: (softly) Was it something I said? 36 EXT. FRONT PORCH Tenchi is still sitting at the bench. Yosho stands next to him, considering the view. YOSHO: A nice, spring-like evening? TENCHI: (amused) I've seen better. YOSHO: It seems very complete, now. With your father here, I feel as if my work is done. TENCHI: I never realized how much work there was in keeping a shrine. YOSHO: (faintly amused) It isn't all manual labor, Tenchi. (sagacious) Most of it is in your mind. You have to think, and--most importantly--remember. Remember who you are and where you are going. Tenchi scratches his head nervously. TENCHI: I don't know, Grandpa... I mean, what am I going to do with my life, now? Yosho looks up and considers. YOSHO: Oh, just the same as always, Tenchi. Never forget where you have come from, either. 37 EXT. SKY (from near front porch) A shooting star crosses the sky. YOSHO: Ah... I see Mihoshi was successful... 38 EXT. DISTANT HILLS A mammoth explosion. 39 EXT. FRONT PORCH The ground shakes and a violent gust of wind goes by. TENCHI: Yeah, that's Mihoshi, all right. 40 INT. MAIN HALL Ryoko is lying on a support beam, reading a book. She looks down. Tilt down to where Mihoshi enters, a small sphere hovering just over her shoulder. MIHOSHI: Ayeka! Your mom says it's time to go to bed. Ayeka sits at the sofa, a half-eaten snack in her hands. She scowls and stiffly stands. Ayeka confronts Mihoshi. AYEKA: (very annoyed) Why does she always command me and not Sasami? I am a crown princess. I should sleep when I choose. MIHOSHI: (scolding) Now, now, Ayeka. It's impolite to talk back to your mentor. AYEKA: (barely restrained) Temporary mentor! I never agreed to that term, you know. MIHOSHI: (pleasantly imperious) You don't question the will of the Supreme Commander of the Royal Bodyguard, do you? AYEKA: (rolls her eyes) All right. I'm going... Ryoko chuckles. RYOKO: (to herself) You know, I think I'm beginning to like that nitwit. (suddenly thoughtful) Hmm... 41 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM Tenchi, Sasami and Mihoshi sitting on the floor in Tenchi's room, playing a game of cards. SASAMI: Gin! Tenchi and Mihoshi groan as Sasami scoops up a small pile of coins. MIHOSHI: (frowning) This is a stupid game. TENCHI: (amused) Now, Mihoshi. You only say that because you never win. Sasami yawns and starts counting her coins. MIHOSHI: I never get any threes. I've held three deuces the past seven hands, I swear! TENCHI: Well, I've had six deuces total in the past four games. So, I find that hard to believe. MIHOSHI: Sasami gets all the luck. Sasami smiles and continues counting. SASAMI: I was born lucky. TENCHI: Not as lucky as Mihoshi. She got a perfect score on her evaluation. That had to be luck. MIHOSHI: No way! That was pure skill. I'm a pretty genius and a killing machine all rolled into one. Tenchi rolls his eyes as Sasami laughs. MIHOSHI: (scowling) Yeah, laugh it up, Sasami. But I passed through fifteen layers of conduct, response and protocols with absolute precision. Now, I am like a goddess. I got applause from half the fellow detectives in my unit. I kick universal butt! Sasami tucks away her winnings. SASAMI: Too bad you still stink at cards. Well, (yawning again) I'm off. See you in the morning. Sasami leaves. TENCHI: Yeah, that about does it for me, too. I don't think I could play another hand. MIHOSHI: You sure? I'm still wide awake. I'm just brimming with confidence. I hate to spoil a nice night. TENCHI: Huh... Okay. Whatever you say, Mihoshi. What's it to be? You want to play hide-and-seek? MIHOSHI: Oh! I just had a wicked thought. How about strip poker? Tenchi chuckles. MIHOSHI: What? TENCHI: Isn't that a game you play with more than two people? MIHOSHI: It's probably a lot more fun with just two people. (looking around) What? Is your dad taping us, or something? TENCHI: No, it's just that this is really unlike you, Mihoshi. I'd almost swear I'm dreaming. MIHOSHI: Don't be silly, Tenchi. How could you be dreaming if I'm still awake? TENCHI: Well... TENCHI: It's no use, Ryoko. You can't fool me. I can sense you, and when I know I'm dreaming, I can make the dream become anything I want. Like I said before, it's all completely meaningless. 42 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM (dimmed) Tenchi is lying in bed, looking over at Ryoko. Her eyes are completely black. The blackness fades as she scowls and folds her arms. RYOKO: You know, Tenchi. I would love to play strip poker. It beats skulking around like a thief. Tenchi rolls over in bed. TENCHI: Some other time, Ryoko. I'm trying to sleep. THE END