Author: Mike Fenton Title: AFS #14 (SILLY KNIGHTS) Notes: Regular (OVA), script format Summary: Tenchi and the gang go through the usual growing pains as they confront wayward knights and pirates. [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 Early morning. Leaves are turning as summer turns to autumn. 2 EXT. FOREST Kilaro stands at the head of a large animal path. He looks upward and makes a short wave, then waggles his finger back and forth. 3 EXT. TREE BRANCH Lilian is sitting in a branch of a tree, quickly glancing one way, then looking back down. She gestures in a fairly simple manner to relay a message. 4 EXT. FOREST KILARO: (softly) "Six guns, two swords, two raiders. Three academics." Kilaro frowns for a moment, then quickly darts into the forest. 5 EXT. SMALL CLEARING Near a hillside, we see the group of intruders emerge. One of the swordsmen steps to the head and halts the group. FIRST SWORDSMAN: This is far enough. SECOND SWORDSMAN: Yeah, let's cut back. The ones with guns start muttering, and one of the academics makes a protest. FIRST ACADEMIC: Isn't this a mission? Shouldn't we take some initiative here? The guns start muttering appreciatively, as the swordsmen look up, blankly. Ryo-Ohki (cabbit form) appears, and looks at the first swordsman, curiously. FIRST SWORDSMAN: Well, you're more than welcome to storm the castle, if you like. As for me, I think I'll wait back at camp. Anyone wants to join me, they're welcome to that too. The swordsmen head back, and the guns hesitate for a moment, then follow. The academics exchange a few glances and then decide to follow. 6 EXT. FOREST Kilaro looks around, calm but a little nervous. Lilian hops down nearby, and walks to him. KILARO: Another recon? LILIAN: I didn't get a good enough look. I don't think they're going for the bait. Ryo-Ohki scurries up next to them as Kilaro off- handedly considers. KILARO: I'll bet they're starting to lose interest. LILIAN: Maybe. Let's just hope that's the last we see them today. Mihoshi strolls up to them, looking a little surprised. MIHOSHI: Oh, I'm sorry! Isn't this area off- limits to diplomats? KILARO: (to Lilian) I'll second that. You know, you still haven't paid up for that wrestling match. LILIAN: Which one? KILARO: The Swan championship. You gave me three-to-one on that, remember? LILIAN: Two-to-one. Mihoshi glares innocently at them, as Ryo-Ohki scampers off. MIHOSHI: Hello? KILARO: No, no. It was three-to-one. I remember that in particular because you were so insistent that the-- Ayeka appears, escorted by her guardians--Azaka and Kamidake. AYEKA: Good morning. I hope that I am not interrupting anything. LILIAN: (baffled) Huh? KILARO: Good morning, Princess. We hope you had a wonderful day yesterday. AYEKA: (feigning satisfaction) I most certainly did. (turning to Lilian) I gave word of your ideas to my father. You will be happy to know that he agrees with you, I'm sure. Please let me know of any other suggestions I can give. Kilaro looks confused, as Mihoshi tries to follow. AYEKA: In the meantime, I wonder if you had considered the enemy-- A small group of soldiers in knight's uniforms appear. FIRST KNIGHT: Your Highness? Ayeka cringes, as the guardians move to protect her. KAMIDAKE: Sir, please identify yourself. FIRST KNIGHT: Forgive me, but we seem to have lost our way. I'm the commander of the fourth unit of our Supreme Lord Emperor's army. MIHOSHI: "Supreme Lord Emperor?" AYEKA: (disbelieving) Fourth unit of--? A couple of the knights haul a few disreputable-looking guardians from behind them, and gesture disgustedly at them. FIRST KNIGHT: We found these weaklings guarding the entrance of our master's fortress. We were quite distressed at their lack of respect toward us. Are they really Juraian? Kilaro rolls his eyes, as Ayeka sighs. AYEKA: I'm afraid they are. 7 TITLE: "EPISODE 14: SILLY KNIGHTS" 8 EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS Tenchi is going through a basic strike-and-guard routine, making very short strokes with his sword. Yosho looks on, adjusts his glasses, and nods to himself. YOSHO: That looks a lot better, Tenchi. Tenchi stops and puts the sword down, causing Yosho a moment of cringing sympathy for the practice sword. TENCHI: You think so? YOSHO: (casual) I've been telling you for months to work on your running and weight-training. I can tell just by looking at you that it's starting to pay off. TENCHI: That's funny. I don't feel any different. Yosho picks up the practice sword, and wipes it off with his hand. YOSHO: No. You'll start to notice if you slack off, though. Tenchi throws a few practice punches at the air, then makes a couple of quick kicks. YOSHO: You'll never get any better, though. From now on, you only get worse. Tenchi stops and glares at Yosho, trying to be offended, and failing miserably. YOSHO: You think it's not true? It is. Tenchi starts laughing, and Yosho frowns--almost taken aback. TENCHI: I'm sorry, but that's so funny. Yosho taps Tenchi a couple times on the shoulder with the sword, then gestures with it--the basic guard stance-- which helps Tenchi calm down a little. YOSHO: I've never known you to be the comedian, Tenchi. Are you really concentrating on your discipline? There is no substitute for true discipline, Tenchi. Tenchi calms down, suddenly. TENCHI: No, no. I'm concentrating. I just can't help thinking how funny it is to think that I'll never get better than this. I mean, I'm not exactly a swordmaster as it is! Tenchi starts to chuckle again, as Yosho nods. YOSHO: Ah. You had me worried for a moment. 9 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE A couple columns of knights stand ready in a line going up the trail to the house. Ayeka is at the lead, pondering, as Mihoshi shows up. AYEKA: What on Earth will we do with all these men? (to the first knight) How many, again? FIRST KNIGHT: Two-hundred and four, your Highness. Mihoshi looks as if she just noticed the knights. MIHOSHI: Wow! Where did all these guys show up from? Ayeka looks at Mihoshi in disbelief. AYEKA: You just passed us down below! Mihoshi chuckles, a little embarrassed. MIHOSHI: Oh! I forgot. Ayeka continues to ponder. AYEKA: This is something my brother could handle better than I. If I weren't the crown Princess, I could refer them to him. Mihoshi interrupts, helpfully. MIHOSHI: Excuse me, but didn't the emperor make Tenchi the fortress Something-Or-Other? AYEKA: (a little snippish) The "technical ambassador--" MIHOSHI: Oh, right. Don't know how I forgot that. I must be getting awfully distracted, lately. AYEKA: Distracted? (immediately dismissing) Never mind, Mihoshi. This gives me an idea. After all, the emperor never actually revoked his claim. 10 EXT. TRAINING GROUNDS Tenchi is sitting on a rock, resting, when Mihoshi appears, followed by a couple of the knights. MIHOSHI: Tenchi? TENCHI: Oh, hello. How can I help you? Mihoshi stops and sighs, then immediately restates what she was told to say. MIHOSHI: You are formally admonished by her Highness, the princess Ayeka, to administer the duties of these men. As technical ambassador, you have the... Now, how exactly did she put it? Tenchi doesn't seem at all disturbed by the news. MIHOSHI: Oh, yeah. You have the appointed task to settle the managerial arbitration in this matter. TENCHI: Okay. Why didn't she just tell me, herself? MIHOSHI: Uh... I think this is one of the duties of a royal teacher, actually. I'm not too sure. TENCHI: Huh? One of the knights boldly steps forward. KNIGHT: Sir, with your permission, we would like to assign duties to the troops as soon as possible. Tenchi looks around, pleasantly curious. TENCHI: The troops? Mihoshi seems about to explain, but Tenchi interrupts. TENCHI: Oh, there's more than just the two of you? KNIGHT: We're are a complete unit--all but the original commander, that is. TENCHI: I see. Thanks, Mihoshi. You can go on back. I'll take care of this. Mihoshi looks doubtful. MIHOSHI: You sure? TENCHI: (sweet as can be) Of course. And tell Ayeka that she's got nothing to worry about. MIHOSHI: Okay. Mihoshi exits, as Tenchi gets up and does a stretch. TENCHI: So, what's your name? KNIGHT: Manleki, Sir. TENCHI: Manleki. All right. We'll just have to make do without the old commander for now. KNIGHT: Right. Tenchi starts toward the path. TENCHI: Have your men follow me. Don't worry. It's not very far. 11 EXT. CLEARING Tenchi is jogging across a clearing toward the road. Across the road is a carrot patch. The knights are quick- marching, not too far behind him. 12 EXT. NEAR LAKESIDE Ryoko is sitting near the lake, watching as Tenchi and the knights go across the road. She frowns and folds her arms, promptly vanishing. 13 EXT. CARROT FIELDS Tenchi stops and leans on his knees to catch his breath. The knights begin to assemble nearby, as Ryoko appears. MANLEKI: Sir! Behind you! Tenchi looks around in shock, then starts chuckling. TENCHI: Stand down, Manleki. It's okay. MANLEKI: But, Sir! She just-- TENCHI: I know. She's a space-pirate. We go way back. (turning) Hey, Ryoko. What's up? Ryoko glares at the knights, not trusting them for a moment. RYOKO: Tenchi, what's the matter with you? These guys can't go back to the fortress? TENCHI: Oh. So, that's where they're from. RYOKO: (grim) Tenchi, space-pirates and Juraian thugs do not get along. TENCHI: Why not? Ryoko looks a little nonplussed, and then a little upset. RYOKO: We just don't, okay! Geez! TENCHI: So, what's the problem? Manleki steps near Tenchi, softly speaking to him. MANLEKI: Sir, do you really think you should fraternize with a pirate in front of the men? Tenchi stops to think for a moment, as Ryoko floats next to him. RYOKO: Tenchi, this guy is giving me the evil eye. Why are you putting up with that? Tenchi briefly rolls his eyes, then smiles. TENCHI: I've never heard any serious complaints about this one. Let's just be friendly, for now, okay? MANLEKI: Well, if you say so, Sir. Tenchi frowns, taking in Ryoko's shocked expression. TENCHI: Her name is Ryoko, by the way. MANLEKI: So? RYOKO: Yeah, so? Tenchi sighs, then gestures gregariously. TENCHI: Ryoko, meet Manleki. Manleki, this is Ryoko. Tenchi shakes his head, observing their stony silence. TENCHI: Let's try to be a little less rude in the future, huh? 14 INT. KITCHEN Sasami is preparing food at the cutting board and flinches as she cuts herself. SASAMI: Ow! Damn it! Sasami reflexively sucks her finger, and glances around. She then begins chopping again, as Mihoshi enters. MIHOSHI: Good morning! Sasami reels in shock, then sighs. SASAMI: Good morning, Mihoshi. Mihoshi seems about to blather when she stops and does a double-take. SASAMI: What? MIHOSHI: Huh? Oh, nothing. Mihoshi looks up, and awkwardly glances at Sasami out of the corner of her eyes. Sasami turns and glares at her. SASAMI: All right. What's going on? Stop pretending it's nothing. MIHOSHI: I... I gotta go check on Ayeka. See ya! Mihoshi hurries out of the kitchen. SASAMI: Geez... Sasami stops and wonders for a moment, looks at her finger, then shrugs and continues chopping. 15 INT. LIBRARY Ayeka is reading out of some dusty old books, when Mihoshi marches in--looking a little flustered. AYEKA: Mihoshi? Isn't it a little early in the day to be prowling around? MIHOSHI: Uh... (a little offended) Oh, I wasn't prowling. (cheerful) Just making a clean break. AYEKA: Hmm... I'll pretend that that is a sufficient response. Mihoshi looks at the books--noticing an obvious absense of a certain variety of manga, then starts to leave again. MIHOSHI: I've got a job to do, so I'll leave you to your study. AYEKA: Hmm... (looking up from her book) You certainly do. Mihoshi frowns in disappointment and leaves. Ayeka looks back down at the book. AYEKA: What a strange person that woman is. It never fails to amaze me. I wonder if she is having an influence on Sasami. Ayeka looks up again, worried, then closes the book and gets up. 16 INT. KITCHEN Ayeka enters, as Sasami is cooking at the stove. AYEKA: Good morning, Sasami. SASAMI: Oh, good morning! Ayeka looks a little annoyed, then brushes it off. AYEKA: Did Mihoshi just go through here? SASAMI: I think so. AYEKA: You think so? What kind of answer is that? SASAMI: (chuckling) It's a person or thing to which is being referred, but I don't think you really needed me to tell you. AYEKA: (scowling) Are you making fun of me? SASAMI: (giggling) What? AYEKA: I said... (grimacing) Oh, I really hate it when you get in this type of mood! Sasami chuckles again and goes back to her cooking. Ayeka clenches her fists, then calms down--closing her eyes. She then grimaces again and examines the situation. Ayeka flinches in shock, as she notices something. AYEKA: Oh! SASAMI: What? What is it? AYEKA: (hesitant) I... I'm not sure. I'll have to do a little checking. Excuse me. Ayeka suddenly leaves. Sasami frowns and looks at herself in the reflection of a pan. SASAMI: Maybe there's something on my face... 17 INT. UPPER BATHROOM Ryoko is looking at herself in a hand-held mirror. RYOKO: Funny. I didn't realize being a space- pirate was so obvious. 18 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM Ryoko appears, immediately poking around in Tenchi's closet. 19 EXT. CARROT FIELDS Tenchi and a few of the knights are standing around as the others continue working in the field. TENCHI: It's not much, but I suppose you're used to rationing out your food, right? Manleki flinches as he sees one of the knights break his sword on the ground (using it as a spade). TENCHI: Then again... 20 INT. MAIN HALL Ayeka is sitting at the sofa, knitting, as Sasami brings out some dishes. Sasami stops and considers, folding her arms. SASAMI: (VO) She's avoiding me. Strange. 21 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM Ryoko stops, frowning and considering as she looks at something in Tenchi's closet. 22 INT. MAIN HALL Sasami glares down at Ayeka from the end of the sofa-- which seems to cause Ayeka a bit of a shock. Sasami then sits across from Ayeka (perpendicular to the sofa), and frowns. SASAMI: Sis, what is it? AYEKA: Hmm... Sasami leans forward and peers at Ayeka, and Ayeka looks a little flustered--not accustomed to the gesture. SASAMI: Is something wrong? Okay, from this angle you can definitely see what's bugging Ayeka--Sasami has leaned precariously close--a feat that she could never accomplish unless she was at least as tall. Sasami is unaware, though, continuing to glare at Ayeka. SASAMI: Something on my face? Ayeka fidgets then frowns, getting a little upset, then growing calm again. AYEKA: (VO) What would my half-mother say? SASAMI: Well? AYEKA: (politely) Sorry if I seem rude, Sasami. But you know, there are times when you are looking straight at something but not really seeing it. Sasami looks disappointed, then strangely satisfied. SASAMI: That's true. 23 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM Ryoko is clearly staring at the Tenchi-sword, laying at the bottom of Tenchi's closet. She sighs and looks away, starting to leave, then immediately turns around again, reaching for it (anticipating a good shock). 24 INT. MAIN HALL Sasami has retreated to sitting back in the chair, as Ayeka continues to knit. AYEKA: It isn't healthy for you to worry so much, Sister. Things never improve with worry, you know. SASAMI: I wasn't worried. Okay, maybe a little. AYEKA: (sighing) You're always doing this, you know. You have some kind of problem, then you think the universe is going to end because of it and it turns out to be nothing. SASAMI: What? It is me! What is it? Ayeka rolls her eyes, then smiles cunningly. AYEKA: Now, Sasami. You know this isn't how it works. I can't just offer up information to you for no reason. I need a good excuse. At least give me something in exchange. SASAMI: This isn't another stupid trick, is it? AYEKA: Don't be absurd, Sasami. I never trick the people I love. You know that. SASAMI: I'm sorry, Sis. You're right. What do you want? Ayeka smirks, very delicately. AYEKA: I happened to overhear a bit of what transpired between you and Ryoko a few months ago, and I became very curious. Tell me-- Sasami looks up, a little shocked. AYEKA: --if there's something so important you cannot tell Ryoko or Tenchi, then perhaps I could be persuaded to mediate between you. Sasami looks a little bewildered, then a little glassy- eyed. AYEKA: (smoothly) You know I am not the type to go around blabbing whatever is on my mind, and I can be ever so helpful with my own suggestions. Of course, if you don't want to know what's on my mind, I don't blame you. I can already tell that this must be a trying time for you. Yes? Sasami looks a little introspective for a moment. SASAMI: Yeah. I guess you're right. 25 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM Ryoko is holding the Tenchi-sword, hardly daring to believe she's actually holding it. RYOKO: Whoa! I did it. Now, what? 26 INT. MAIN HALL Sasami shudders for a moment, then looks strangely resolved. Ayeka suddenly looks nervous, not sure she actually wants to know anything. SASAMI: Okay, Ayeka. I'll tell you, but do not breathe a word of this, all right? AYEKA: You can trust me. SASAMI: Okay. The truth is... Ayeka is getting very absorbed in the moment. AYEKA: Yes? SASAMI: The truth about Tenchi and Ryoko is... AYEKA: Yes? SASAMI: Well... AYEKA: ... SASAMI: You've knitted yourself to your shirt. Sasami slowly gets up and sighs, sadly shaking her head as Ayeka reels in shock--looking at her knitting in alarm. Sasami slowly looks around, getting her bearings--then starts to realize. SASAMI: Oh my--! AYEKA: --god! 27 INT. TENCHI'S BEDROOM Ryoko is still looking at the sword is disbelief, then suddenly vanishes. 28 EXT. NEARBY CLEARING The six guns and two raiders meet up with another twenty men--all dressed in similar garb. The first gun takes out a pack and takes a small bag out of the pack. FIRST GUN: Seventy-five. That's all we got. SECOND GUN: For a job like this? It's an insult. FIRST GUN: We're supposed to be able to collect most of our reward on the inside, but-- SECOND GUN: You ask me, we're just being had, again. FIRST GUN: You have a better idea? You want to go back to that prison planet? 29 EXT. NEARBY FOREST Ryoko is sitting at the base of a tree, totally unaware of the situation going on nearby--focused on the sword. RYOKO: (VO) This can only mean one thing. Ryoko gets up, strongly tempted to leave the sword. RYOKO: (VO) It must be an invitation. Ryoko focuses on the gems, like staring into a couple of eyes. RYOKO: (VO) I'd better prepare for a tense situation. 30 EXT. NEARBY CLEARING The raiders are fighting with the guns over how to distribute the money from the bag. The first gun has already stowed it away into the pack again. He looks around in disgust. SECOND GUN: We're doing most of the work! I say we get most of the money! Sixty-forty! FIRST RAIDER: You're crazy! We never went along with that! SECOND GUN: What are you going to do about it, huh? FIRST RAIDER: Maybe we should take all of it! SECOND GUN: Just try it! The first gun breaks up an imminent fight. FIRST GUN: Stop it! Stop it! Both of you! We're all sharing the same danger! We split it up equally. That's what we agreed to, that's what we're going to do. Anybody who doesn't like it can go talk to one of those elites. Or just go home. The guns and the raiders don't seem too satisfied on that point, but they aren't willing to fight about it, just yet. 31 EXT. NEARBY FOREST The Tenchi-sword is lying on the ground, as Ryoko reappears--holding a small book in one hand. She sits in front of the sword, and begins reading. 32 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE Day turns to evening. 33 EXT. NEARBY FOREST Ryoko is still reading--using a light dagger to read by. 34 INT. MAIN HALL Mihoshi and Ayeka are sitting at the table, eating, as Tenchi comes in from the entrance. TENCHI: Hey, everybody! (looking around) Where's Ryoko? MIHOSHI: I haven't seen her all day. Tenchi starts to sit at the table. TENCHI: Oh, well. She'll turn up, I guess. AYEKA: I gather that she doesn't much care for all the Juraian military we suddenly seem to have at our doorstep. TENCHI: Yeah... Tenchi looks up at the dishes and starts to help himself, when Sasami enters. TENCHI: Evening, Sasami. (turning back to Ayeka) I don't know about that. I was with the knights all day, and I think Ryoko steered clear of them. Ayeka forces a smile, and gestures at Tenchi. AYEKA: You worry too much about her, Lord Tenchi. TENCHI: Geez! You're right. I guess I should be worried about what we're going to do with those knights. Mihoshi, I don't suppose we could borrow a couple of cruisers from the local space station? Mihoshi looks up in thought for a moment, then looks down--a little sheepish. MIHOSHI: Well, actually-- Sasami sighs, sitting at the table. AYEKA: I'm afraid that the Galaxy Police have rather strained their budget already. With the most recent crash that Mihoshi had a while ago, they've been cutting back on the allowances for cruisers. MIHOSHI: (chuckling) We could shuttle the knights to the preserve station by way of my shuttle. TENCHI: (casual) No. That would be too time- consuming. Ayeka, I don't suppose that the emperor has a few spare ships? Ayeka stops for a moment to consider. AYEKA: Well... Sasami smoothly interrupts. SASAMI: The problem with that is that Father is trying to consolidate the fleet--what with that battle they just had, and raiders showing up more and more frequently. Ayeka and Mihoshi stare at Sasami for a moment, who suddenly looks defensive. SASAMI: It's true, you know. Tenchi sighs, looking down at his food. TENCHI: Oh, well. I guess a week or two wouldn't be a big deal. Ayeka glances at Tenchi, then smiles at Sasami. AYEKA: Lord Tenchi, I wonder if you've noticed anything unusual, lately? Tenchi looks up, confused. TENCHI: Unusual? What do you mean? Sasami looks down, aghast, as Ayeka smirks and continues. AYEKA: I mean, here at the table. Notice anything different? TENCHI: No. I mean nothing strange. Tenchi looks around at Ayeka, Sasami, and Mihoshi-- noticing that Mihoshi is avoiding looking at Sasami. TENCHI: Oh, unless you mean Sasami. Yeah. Ayeka chuckles, as Sasami turns red with embarrassment. 35 EXT. NEARBY FOREST Ryoko snaps the book shut, looking resolved. RYOKO: (VO) Well, now or never. She grabs the sword, and it gives her a shock. She grimaces, and manages to pick it up--getting a mild dose of shock from the sword until she finally grips it. RYOKO: (VO) Calmly. She holds up the sword and inverts it, bringing the gems upward. They flash with light and slowly float toward her--one to her right wrist and another to her forehead. At first, nothing seems to happen, but then Ryoko smiles and faints to the ground--still clutching the sword. 36 EXT. NEARBY CLEARING The horde of knights have assembled around a fire--some moving here and there between a few large tents. A bright flash goes off, and a huge explosion shakes the ground. Manleki gets up from beside the fire, and immediately starts shouting orders. 37 EXT. SPACE Silent and deadly, one can yet hear explosions. One in particular hits Ryo-Ohki--modified with the habitat section of Ayeka's Ryo-Oh. There is another moment of anticipation as a monstrous blast hits the section squarely--taking Tenchi along with it. 38 EXT. NEARBY FOREST Ryoko is still passed out, but she starts to muttering to herself. RYOKO: (softly) Typical. I should have known. 39 EXT. MODIFIED FORTRESS ENTRANCE A small, makeshift building stands where the site entrance used to be--now being overrun by raiders and pirates. 40 EXT. NEARBY CLEARING Manleki is still shouting orders, while a scout approaches. SCOUT: Two arms of attack at the old fortress. I think they're pirates. Shall we ambush them? MANLEKI: (hesitant) Ambush one of them--but only if we know for sure they are enemies. Let's not get caught up in a crossfire. 41 EXT. SPACE Tsunami appears, but she doesn't look at Soja or Kagato. Instead, she appears to be looking squarely at the camera. TSUNAMI: You know you aren't ready for this. RYOKO: (OC) The memory or the gems? TSUNAMI: Either. 42 EXT. NEARBY FOREST Ryoko is still smiling, muttering to herself. RYOKO: Tedious old witch. Let me see, already. 43 EXT. NEARBY CLEARING Tenchi shows up, looking annoyed. TENCHI: Hey! What's going on out here?! Manleki finishes a few more orders, then turns his attention to Tenchi. MANLEKI: Oh! Sir, it's nothing to worry about. Recon just reported a couple of hostile advances on the old position. I think we can out-maneuver them, though. Tenchi looks around at a few columns of knights, marching off toward the fortress entrance. TENCHI: They know who they're up against? MANLEKI: No, Sir. But they're well prepared for any eventuality--including death. Tenchi cringes for a moment, then starts to stalk off. TENCHI: I'm going to have a look around, myself. 44 EXT. SPACE The Soja fires a killing blast toward the Earth-- blocked at the last moment by Tsunami. 45 EXT. NEARBY FOREST Ryoko is chuckling, unable to stop, as several shots are fired above her. 46 EXT. FOREST PATH Tenchi ascends the path toward a higher position, suddenly aware of a couple men with swords. They immediately notice him, and pursue him. Tenchi dashes off into the woods. 47 INT. TSUNAMI The spaceship Tsunami approaches the Soja, as Tsunami turns and approaches an image of Tenchi. TSUNAMI: Now, you know. The image of Tenchi wavers and flickers out of existence. 48 EXT. NEARBY FOREST Ryoko sits up, shafts of golden light streaming from her eyes as she opens them. She looks somber for a moment, then annoyed. RYOKO: (softly) No. It can't be. Several men with guns go running by her--a few turn and notice her, as she continues looking around. She seems totally unaware that a battle is raging around her. RYOKO: What the hell did she do to him? She looks down at the sword and picks it up. In amazement, she watches as the sword blade springs to life. Several raiders come at her, and Ryoko finally notices them --bringing up the sword to guard her stance. 49 EXT. FOREST Tenchi is running just ahead of the swordsmen. He looks down for a moment, then frowns. TENCHI: Damn! I wish I'd remembered the sword! 50 EXT. NEARBY FOREST A few examples of Ryoko's work are lying on the ground --raiders cut in half--the rest of the raiders mostly just swarm around her. They take one look at her, the sword, and their fallen comrades and decide to run for it. Ryoko nods to herself, and the blade of the sword vanishes. A moment later, a flickering image of Tenchi appears--glowing with a faint blue light. He holds out a hand to Ryoko. TENCHI: It's over. RYOKO: What is? TENCHI: The battle. We've won. RYOKO: That was it? Just a few raiders? The image of Tenchi smiles wryly, and offers his hand. TENCHI: Just give me the sword back. Ryoko reluctantly hands over the sword. RYOKO: Oh, all right. TENCHI: And the gems. RYOKO: My gems, too? Tenchi frowns and folds his arms. TENCHI: You remember what Washu told you? Ryoko thinks for a moment. RYOKO: Well, yeah... 51 EXT. WASHU'S LABORATORY (flashback) Ryoko is floating nearby, as Washu has the sword in one of her elaborate experiments. RYOKO: If I'm such a quick learner, I don't see how I can't have the gems, already. Washu doesn't bother looking up from her console. WASHU: Don't be silly, Ryoko. Those gems would fry your brain in two seconds if you installed them now. You aren't ready. Ryoko folds her arms, pouting. RYOKO: This is so unfair. WASHU: Even if you were somehow strong enough to handle them, you still have to be pure in heart to actually control them. You think you're pure in heart? Ryoko rolls her eyes, casually smirking. RYOKO: Of course, I am. Washu looks up at Ryoko--knowingly glaring at her in that way only a mother can. WASHU: Really? Ryoko looks down. RYOKO: Hmph... WASHU: I thought not. 52 EXT. NEARBY FOREST Ryoko grimaces and looks down, a little disappointed. RYOKO: Fine. Take them. Hurry, before I change my mind. The glowing image of Tenchi smiles very nicely, as the gems return to the sword. Just as Ryoko returns to normal, Tenchi bumps into his own image, looking very flustered. TENCHI: Oops! Excuse me. The image of Tenchi holds out the sword to Tenchi, as Ryoko looks on in amazed silence. TENCHI: Hey, thanks! Just what I need. The sword blade immediately leaps to life, just as the two swordsmen appear, brandishing their weapons. The image of Tenchi winks at Ryoko, then vanishes, just as the actual Tenchi turns and glances around. TENCHI: Hey, I didn't catch your name... Tenchi looks around in confusion, then spots Ryoko. TENCHI: Ryoko? Ryoko shrugs, just as the two swordsmen decide to back off. 53 INT. MAIN HALL Ayeka is making some lists at the sofa, as Mihoshi reads a magazine, and Sasami briefly returns with a platter and some cups of coffee. (Sasami's left hand is bandaged in a couple of places.) AYEKA: Thank you, Sasami. SASAMI: My pleasure. Mihoshi looks up from her reading. MIHOSHI: Where'd Tenchi go? Ayeka frowns, as she moves to another page. AYEKA: I do not have the slightest idea. Sasami chuckles and looks at her hand. SASAMI: Didn't you hear the fighting, Mihoshi? MIHOSHI: (surprised) Fighting? 54 EXT. MODIFIED FORTRESS ENTRANCE A small spaceship descends from the sky, as Tenchi and Ryoko look around. The knights are busy hauling away bodies, as they approach the entrance. TENCHI: I sure hope that's all of them. RYOKO: What about those other two? TENCHI: Which ones? RYOKO: (casual) The ones with the swords. Tenchi stops and looks up, pondering. TENCHI: I think I scared them off. You too, maybe. A few of the knights look at Ryoko reproachfully and glare at her as they walk by. Ryoko frowns and sighs. TENCHI: (musing) I guess you can't please everybody. RYOKO: Why are they afraid of me? Do they hate me, specifically, or do they just not like pirates in general? TENCHI: Don't know. You'd have to ask them. Manleki approaches, surveying the scene. MANLEKI: Sir, I'm glad to see you made it out. I was worried for a moment you went and did something heroic. TENCHI: You were worried, Commander? That's flattering. I didn't know those pirates were gunning for me. MANLEKI: Actually, Sir, I was just worried because the men have grown rather fond of you. I just wish we had a place to put them. RYOKO: What about the fortress? MANLEKI: Not an option. We weren't exactly invited, to begin with. Kilaro approaches, looking at the scene with some disgust. KILARO: What happened here? I heard there was some fighting, but this looks major. MANLEKI: You're the diplomat who scouted this field? KILARO: That's right. I'm Kilaro, from Beta. Tenchi takes a moment to glance at Ryoko, and Ryoko seems strangely calm. TENCHI: Kilaro, this is Commander Manleki. He's the head of the Juraian forces of an old expedition. Kilaro smiles and congratulates Manleki. KILARO: Ah, good luck to you, Sir. Manleki frowns, as Tenchi scratches his head. TENCHI: Uh... that's not exactly-- MANLEKI: Thank you, but your good will is timed a little late. RYOKO: Like about a thousand years. Kilaro looks at Tenchi and Ryoko, and corrects himself. KILARO: Oh. Well, sorry then. Wish I could help you out. Manleki nods and strides off to join a few of his men, now that the area has mostly been cleared. Ryoko continues to casually glance between Kilaro and Tenchi--still strangely calm. Tenchi smiles awkwardly at Ryoko, then pulls Kilaro aside. TENCHI: Say, doesn't the ambassador have his own personal cruiser? KILARO: Yeah, but he never lets anybody use it. TENCHI: How big is that thing? KILARO: I don't know. You thinking about a personnel transfer? TENCHI: Exactly. You don't have a problem with it, do you? Kilaro ponderously sums up the situation. KILARO: Well, let's see. We'd be stealing the ambassador's personal conveyance--that he mostly just uses to impress the female couriers. So, he'd be pretty ticked off at both of us if he found out. He might even have me shipped off to a prison planet, I think. It would be a scandal for the emperor, of course, so you'd get nailed big time. Is that about right? Tenchi calmly nods. TENCHI: Yeah. KILARO: All right. I think we can probably put about fifteen in at a time. Maybe twenty if we squeeze them in good enough. Tenchi laughs, and glances around at Ryoko. TENCHI: Good. Good. Strange, but I'm a little embarrassed to admit I'm actually enjoying this--especially with Ryoko looking at me like that. Kilaro looks around at Ryoko, then shrugs it off. KILARO: Ah, just forget about it, Tenchi. Women are all that way. TENCHI: Really? Even Dotty? KILARO: (suddenly grim) Well... no. 55 EXT. SPACE A small space station, currently busy with trade ships streaming from it. 56 INT. OFFICE Lilian is sitting at a desk, piled with books and papers, typing. She looks up at a display and quickly looks away, grimacing. LILIAN: (VO) Argh! Even in space, I do nothing but paperwork! 57 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE Early morning. 58 INT. MAIN HALL Ryoko is lying on a beam, looking around as Ayeka sits at the table and Sasami enters from the kitchen. SASAMI: Okay. It just started. AYEKA: Thank you, Sasami. Could you bring some tea? SASAMI: No problem! Ayeka flinches again, as Sasami gets up and dashes off to the kitchen. Ryoko appears and watches as Sasami leaves. RYOKO: (absently) Is it just me, or does the room seem smaller? AYEKA: Pardon? Ryoko looks down seriously at Ayeka, and Ayeka smiles-- very indulgently. Ryoko then appears--sitting across from Ayeka at the table. RYOKO: Okay, Princess. You seem to be the religious one around here. Ayeka looks a little taken-aback. AYEKA: Religious? RYOKO: Yeah. Is it possible that I'm--? AYEKA: Hopeless? Oh, yes. I've said it many times, myself. Ryoko sighs and mutters to herself. RYOKO: Why did I bother? AYEKA: No, do go on. I was merely being facetious. I will take your concerns seriously. RYOKO: Really? AYEKA: Yes, of course. You really aren't as honest about yourself as you should be--even after all that business with Dr. Clay. Ryoko looks down, a little introspective. RYOKO: Could I actually be a good person? Is it possible that I'm not evil, after all? Ayeka's eyes widen in shock. AYEKA: I've never truly thought of you as evil, Ryoko. You are annoying and pestilential, but I never believed that it was from an ill will. RYOKO: But, what I mean, is--? Sasami enters, holding a pot of tea. SASAMI: Tea's ready! AYEKA: (softly) That was quick. Ryoko looks around and finally notices. RYOKO: Gyah! Sasami... Sasami sets the pot down, and looks around. SASAMI: What? Ryoko stands and considers, shaking her head slightly. SASAMI: Did I spill something on myself? Ayeka rolls her eyes as Ryoko flickers and disappears. SASAMI: Oh! I get it! Last one to notice, I guess. Ayeka picks up the pot and starts to pour some tea. AYEKA: Last one to notice, first one to panic. THE END