[Disclaimer: Tenchi Muyo! and its characters are the property of AIC and Pioneer LDC, Inc. and was created by Masaki Kajishima. This story comes entirely from my imagination, and is strictly intended to be apocryphal--so please don't sue me.] 1 EPIGRAM: 'Sweet boy,' she says, 'this night I'll waste in sorrow, For my sick heart commands mine eyes to watch. Tell me, Love's master, shall we meet to-morrow? Say, shall we? shall we? wilt thou make the match?' He tells her, no; to-morrow he intends To hunt the boar with certain of his friends. -- William Shakespeare, _Venus and Adonis_ 2 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE The house embraces the side of a hill, basking in snowy sunlight. Pan around past snow-covered trees to the lake. 3 EXT. LAKE EDGE A large boulder sits at the edge of the lake. On it, sits Ryoko. She is dressed heavily--gloves, furry hat and scarf included. CU. RYOKO Ryoko is sitting crossed-legged, apparently meditating. She is staring, unfocused. The scarf flutters in the breeze. She shivers in a slight chill. She then closes her eyes in thought. LAKE EDGE Trees sway in the slight breeze. A shaft of sunlight breaks through the clouds briefly and then vanishes. The lake makes a soft but distinct splash. A moment of complete silence hovers in the air. CU. RYOKO Looking up in sudden surprise. 4 EXT. JUST ABOVE LAKE Little wisps of steam rise from the lake, as a figure slowly rises from the water. 5 EXT. LAKE EDGE The figure appears in a flicker of light, just next to Ryoko. CU. RYOKO A look of suspicious curiosity turns to stunned recognition. RYOKO: (softly) Washu? CU. WASHU Soaked and shivering, looking very annoyed. WASHU: (teeth chattering) Damn! Cold! (stern) Okay, Ryoko. What did you do with the house? CU. RYOKO Tears are welling in her eyes. RYOKO: (disbelief) Is that really you? CU. WASHU Casually, she pulls a towel from a hole in the air. She starts to apply the towel to her face and hair. WASHU: Oh, it's up on the hill. (wistful) I wonder how it got up there, all of sudden. LAKE EDGE Ryoko, now weeping shamelessly, embraces Washu--who looks very confused. RYOKO: Oh my god, Mom. I was starting to think I'd never see you again! Why were you gone for so long? WASHU: (nervous) Uh... Ryoko, is there something you want to tell me? CU. WASHU Nervously consoling Ryoko, as she looks around curiously. WASHU: Wait a minute. How long have I been gone? I left in the spring. Why is it winter, now? Have I been gone nearly a year? CU. RYOKO She pulls away from Washu in shock. RYOKO: How long? You don't know? CU. WASHU Very disconcerted, now. WASHU: Of course I know. I was only gone two weeks. I just went on a little vacation, you know. (sullen) Oh, no... How long was I gone? 6 EXT. FLOATING CITY A huge city hangs suspended in mid-air over a barren wasteland. Coaches pulled by winged horses flick here and there. The air is lit by a soft reddish glow from a large planet hanging in the sky directly above. On the horizon, a bright, sun-like star appears and pours light down over the landscape. Tall, graceful towers appear among forests within the city. 7 EXT. FOREST A young woman--Tsunami--is riding on a winged horse. The horse is just trotting along a path. CU. TSUNAMI She scans along the path into the forest, curiously. TSUNAMI: (to herself) Wolf snare-- FOREST Tsunami dismounts casually and goes over to an elaborate rope trap, hanging just inside the forest. She examines it carefully and scowls. TSUNAMI: (softly) Hunters-- How are there any hunters, these days? They were forbidden, long ago. CU. TSUNAMI She holds out her right hand, palm up--closing her eyes. A moment later, a shining dagger appears and lands squarely in her palm. FOREST Tsunami cuts the rope and carefully coils it up with a curious chant, moving her lips without speaking aloud. She takes the coiled rope and attaches it to the saddle of her horse. The horse looks around and snorts. Tsunami sighs and pats the horse's mane. She considers the dagger and lets it drop. The dagger falls nearly to the ground, vanishing just before it can land. CU. TSUNAMI Looking into the distance, sadly. TSUNAMI: Lady would never forgive me if I let one of her pack stray into a clumsy trap. Who is guarding these woods? I really must find that station and report this. FOREST She mounts the horse again, looking around at the forest. The horse seems about to leave, but Tsunami urges it to stay. She considers the site, as another horse flies over. Tsunami dismounts again, as the other horse lands, nearby. A young woman--Araya--looks over at Tsunami. (Araya is diminutive and tan--with soft, almost delicate features. She appears vaguely wholesome but dejected. She frequently has a slightly sour disposition.) CU. ARAYA ARAYA: (calling out) Another copy of the Fate Stone? CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: (looking around) It's nothing. FOREST Araya dismounts and moves toward Tsunami, as Tsunami looks at the site of the wolf snare. Tsunami kicks some leaves and shakes a couple of branches. ARAYA: (wryly considering) Yeah, the Stone would have been flung in annoyance to be found in a place like this. What was I thinking? TSUNAMI: (gently) Knowing you, Araya, you were thinking I could live in a place like this. Araya stands just next to her, as Tsunami continues looking around. CU. ARAYA ARAYA: What is it? CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: (casual) I said it was nothing. Hmm... It looks too much like a good snare position. A wolf would never fall into this. FOREST Araya punches Tsunami in the shoulder, playfully. ARAYA: Hunters, huh? Maybe they were after bigger game... Tsunami laughs as she considers, looking over at another tree. She reaches out for a branch and drops, apparently, right through the ground. CU. ARAYA ARAYA: (stunned) Tsunami! 8 EXT. PIT TRAP Low, wide-angle shot from within the trap. Tsunami has fallen, face-down onto a row of spikes. She tries to reach up, but falters and collapses. 9 EXT. FOREST Araya, still stunned, looks into the trap. She gasps and trembles in fear. She then turns and runs for her horse. CU. ARAYA ARAYA: (frantic) Tsunami! Oh, no! This can't be happening! FOREST Araya gets on the horse and flies off. 10 EXT. PIT TRAP Tsunami struggles for breath. 11 INT. CRAMPED ROOM Sasami awakens to discover herself in a small room, filled with compartments. (Sasami appears to be about fifteen--a studious picture of a pre-Tsunami.) She tries to stand, and bumps her head. CU. SASAMI She looks around, very confused, as she rubs her head. SASAMI: (softly) Where am I? 12 TITLE: "STOWED AWAY" 13 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE A nice, sunny frame. Mid-morning. 14 INT. MAIN HALL Washu is sitting at the table with Ryoko and Ayeka. A dish of food is sitting in front of her, as she leans over to the side, typing at her console. She looks up at the display, making some observations. AYEKA: (softly) It's such a pleasure to see you again, Washu. You don't know how many times we had wished you were here. That ancient fortress caused us so much trouble. WASHU: Ancient fortress? Oh yeah, I'll want pick up my studies again. I wonder how much has changed over the past seven years... RYOKO: Well, you'll have to go to Jurai, if you want to study it. CU. WASHU WASHU: (looking up from her console) Jurai? How did it get there? MAIN HALL (table) RYOKO: It was just missing. Then, a couple years later, someone found it--sitting right under the royal palace. AYEKA: Yes, it caused quite a stir. I'm not sure any of our scientists can explain it, either. CU. WASHU She ponders for a moment. WASHU: Hmm... Well, it would explain why I found nothing but rock there. I had thought it was strange... CU. RYOKO RYOKO: So, have you noticed anything different? CU. WASHU Looks at her console again. WASHU: Aside from the obvious, no. Everything appears completely normal. This is very encouraging. Just a few more modifications, and I think I can call your design a suitable success. CU. RYOKO She looks vaguely amused. RYOKO: Modifications? MAIN HALL (table) WASHU: Just a few efficiency improvements in the energy flow in your wrist capacitors. You'd be surprised what the right kind of filters can do. After going over the data I had from Tenchi's encounter with that guardian the past two weeks, I've discovered a few more quantum conservation variations. AYEKA: I thought Ryoko had sabotaged that work. Ryoko frowns for a moment at Ayeka. WASHU: Yes, but I did manage to save the record I made from the dimensional vortex. Oh, that reminds me. I never gave you your dagger back. Washu takes a wicked-looking dagger and slides it across the table. Ayeka looks at it, doubtfully, then her eyes widen. AYEKA: I never told you this was missing! WASHU: Yes? RYOKO: Whoa! This is the dagger Tenchi took from the vortex-- CU. WASHU Looks at Ryoko, wryly amused. WASHU: Don't be so naive, Ryoko. Tenchi isn't that powerful. Where is Tenchi, anyway? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Another escort and survey out to Libra. He has an envoy cruiser for these little jobs. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Tenchi borrowed it from a local diplomat. They keep making assays, but they can't find him. I don't think they're going to find him. He's probably stuck in Tokyo. MAIN HALL (table) WASHU: You mean the diplomat? AYEKA: From Beta. RYOKO: A notorious scoundrel. WASHU: Ah, yes. He seems to fit with your explanation. Washu looks down at the console and then looks back across the table. WASHU: So, is Tenchi... spoken for? Ayeka frowns as Ryoko glowers at Washu. CU. WASHU Smiling gleefully. WASHU: Oh, this is too good. I can't believe my luck! Tenchi is just going to be too easy for me. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (scowling) What do you mean by that? CU. WASHU WASHU: (smug) Well, let's see if I have this right... Tenchi has been growing more and more mature, making himself the handsome and fit young man I always imagined he would be. All the while, he has been pestered and annoyed by all the shenanigans you two could inflict on him. He has grown bored with you, and he probably dreams about me. He'll absolutely throw himself at me! This is too good to be true! CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Lord Tenchi is not bored with me, Little Washu. I am more radiantly beautiful, every day. MAIN HALL (table) Washu has a good chuckle, as Ryoko folds her arms. Ayeka turns her nose up at them. Washu leans over to have a bite to eat. CU. WASHU She frowns in disgust. WASHU: Oh, whoa! What is this? This food is disgusting! Who made this? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: I did. What's the matter with it? CU. WASHU Rolling her eyes. WASHU: Ryoko, you know you can't cook. You have to be able to taste food to make it right. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: I can smell it, Washu. I'm not that bad a cook. Anyway, someone has to cook around here. MAIN HALL (table) Ayeka pouts as Ryoko scowls. Washu has a considerately annoyed look. WASHU: What happened to Sasami? You didn't drive her away, did you? AYEKA: Sasami is not here. She will return when she sees fit. RYOKO: It's nothing, Washu. Sasami just has a habit of going off on her own for a few days, sometimes. WASHU: (a little alarmed) And you let her go? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: I refuse to be a nursemaid! Sasami is old enough to look after herself. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Who cares? I don't really like that kid, anyway. CU. WASHU WASHU: (nearly choking) Hey! What's the matter with you? MAIN HALL (table) Ayeka looks thoughtful as Ryoko has a sudden look of confusion. RYOKO: What? WASHU: Wait a minute. What stage is she at? She can't be prepubescent, yet. Juraians don't grow up like this, even without the Juraian water-cycles. AYEKA: It has been known to happen, Washu. Not all of us are of the one complete species, you know. WASHU: (grimly musing) That was just my point. Huh... She's not pre-adult, is she? RYOKO: Yeah... What's your point? CU. WASHU Looks like she's about to have a hair-raising conniption fit. WASHU: (groaning) I knew it was too good to be true. 15 EXT. SPACE A small cruiser flies past the camera. 16 INT. SMALL CABIN Tenchi is sitting in a small recliner, holding a sketchpad. He looks over at a bunk, where he has arranged a bit of model terrain and some tiny soldiers. The little scene is complete with cavalry, cannon, some elephants and what appears to be a trebuchet on one side, poised to strike a castle wall at the other side. He looks up thoughtfully, frowns and continues in his sketchpad. (Tenchi looks about twenty-five and more defined--he still has short hair, but the pony tail is a little thicker.) SFX: A low hum starts to throb, then slowly starts to die, like an old car engine going dead. CU. TENCHI He looks up, a little annoyed, then continues to work. TENCHI: (sigh) Damn power converters. I should just replace them. CABIN Tenchi holds his hand out, finger and thumb in an L, trying to frame a picture of something on the bunk. The door slides open, and Sasami enters. Tenchi looks blankly, still holding out his finger and thumb. TENCHI: Sasami? What are you doing here? CU. SASAMI Sasami looks totally baffled. SASAMI: I really have no idea, Tenchi. I just woke up. CU. TENCHI He frowns, then slowly looks back around at the scene. He sighs and then continues his work. TENCHI: Well, that would explain why we've lost power. 17 EXT. MILITARY BASE A few groundcars go through a gate in a fenced section at the front, waved in by a guard who is standing by. A large airship sits on a giant pedestal between the lanes of traffic, just within the base. On either side of the roadway are large buildings with underground lots--seemingly normal. Beyond the buildings in front are a grounds, several rows of barracks, several small apartment buildings and one large airport. The airport is quiet, as usual. 18 EXT. NEAR APARTMENTS Three uniformed figures march by in-step, as Mihoshi marches toward the first apartment building, carrying a small bag. (Mihoshi is dressed in a severe dark-gray suit-and-tie affair that looks like an explosion of pockets. She wears an ordinary baseball-style cap and has her hair tied back.) 19 INT. HALLWAY There are three doors on each side of the hallway. Mihoshi stands at the first one, twisting a curious knob--attached to the wall just beside the door. The door keeps making curious beeps, but refuses to open. MIHOSHI: (annoyed) Oh, come on! Mihoshi stops and takes out a blaster, aiming it at the door. CU. MIHOSHI She frowns, considerately. MIHOSHI: Hmm... Better not. HALLWAY She puts away the blaster and goes back to the curious knob, twisting and turning it. She scowls in aggravation. 20 INT. MAIN ROOM The apartment is a simple three-room--a main room, a small bedroom and a bathroom. The door opens into the main room. The main room is littered with junk--a small TV with a recliner. A table is at the other end, clustered with uneaten junk food. A small desk sits in between, up against a wall. The desk has several books, all stacked together with a pile of forms and folders. Several of the folders are open--the papers smeared across the fronts. Mihoshi enters, taking the bag with her to the recliner. The TV flicks on and she opens the bag--filled with some kind of junk food. CU. MIHOSHI She stares vacantly, just getting enthralled in the moment. A beeping floats through the air, and she looks up in mild annoyance. MAIN ROOM Mihoshi narrowly avoids an elbow injury on her way to the desk, as junk goes flying. She reaches for a device on the desk, buried under folders. The folders go flying, as a display opens up out of the air. Tenchi appears on the display with the small cabin in the background. CU. MIHOSHI Looking around at the papers and junk on the floor, a little flabbergasted. MIHOSHI: Just a second! Whoa! What is this doing here? She picks up a little furry toy--a curious creature holding a drum. CU. TENCHI (display) TENCHI: Hey, Mihoshi! It's me! CU. MIHOSHI She looks a little stunned, as she looks from the toy to the display. MIHOSHI: Uh... Oh, hey Tenchi! Wow! It's sure nice to see you again. CU. TENCHI (display) TENCHI: Uh... Yeah. Nice to see you, too. You look like you have your hands full, there. CU. MIHOSHI Looks around in some confusion for a moment, then looks up again. MIHOSHI: Oh! Yeah. Just a little paperwork, you know. So, what brings you out to Leo-three? Some diplomat needs a big withdrawl or something? CU. TENCHI (display) TENCHI: Just a little stopover for some fuel cells. I'm taking the cruiser out to Alpha. It's a pretty long stretch, you know. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: In a cruiser? I can imagine. So, why don't you stop by? I have an apartment, now. CU. TENCHI (diplay) TENCHI: Yeah, I know. I'll be there in a few hours. I was just calling to see if you'd be in. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Hey, this is great! I'm between the core patrols, waiting for my course selection orders. After I get my orders in a few days, I have the graduation ceremony and a nice little reception. You can meet my grandfather. This is really great! CU. TENCHI (display) Looking a little amused. TENCHI: That's really nice of you, Mihoshi, but I don't know if I can stay that long. I need to be on my way in a day or two. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (a little disappointed) Oh. So, what's the delay? Are you stuck in customs? CU. TENCHI (display) TENCHI: No. I'm just waiting for the service ship. Fortunately, I'm on a first-name basis with most of them. It's no big deal, but it does take some time. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: A service ship? You didn't lose the power converters again? CU. TENCHI (display) He smiles and brings Sasami into the display. TENCHI: Just a little extra cargo, actually. SASAMI: Hey, Mihoshi! What's up? CU. MIHOSHI She looks at the display, then at the toy again, frowning considerately. 21 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE A nice evening shot, snow starting to fall. 22 INT. MAIN HALL Ryoko is lying on a support beam, holding a glimmer of light in her hands. It slowly resolves into a chunk of coal, then into a glimmer of light again. Washu appears just off to the side, sitting on a side beam, looking curiously. CU. WASHU WASHU: (casual) What the hell is that? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (startled) Oh! Just a little alchemy. What's the problem? MAIN HALL (ceiling) Washu scowls, annoyed. WASHU: I know it's alchemy. I just can't figure out how you're doing that. How in the world are you blocking my telepathic link? Who taught you how to do this? RYOKO: (a little amused) Oh, it's nothing. You'd be surprised what you can learn in a few years. WASHU: Don't give me that, Ryoko. I know everything about you. At least, I used to. Now... All I'm getting is garbage. CU. WASHU WASHU: (irritated) I always knew you had trashy thoughts, Ryoko, but this is ridiculous. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (smug) You really can't tell what I'm thinking, can you? Wow--this is amazing. I wonder how this happened... MAIN HALL Ayeka enters, looking very composed. AYEKA: (kindly) Washu, weren't you about to fix some supper? If not, I believe I should just get a few prepared dishes. Washu stands at the floor, suddenly. WASHU: Doesn't it seem strange to either of you that Tenchi has left and Sasami is also missing? Ayeka considers and casually dismisses it. AYEKA: Not to me. Ryoko appears and puts a hand on Washu's shoulder. RYOKO: You're just getting paranoid, Mom. Tenchi's not going anywhere. We'd know. CU. WASHU Rolls her eyes and sighs. WASHU: Well, it's a good thing I am, Ryoko. I just checked Tenchi's flight plan and manifest. It says he's headed for Alpha, not Libra. MAIN HALL Ryoko looks worried, as Ayeka starts to smirk. AYEKA: So, he misspoke himself. Alpha--Libra-- who can keep track of such things? WASHU: You also said 'escort and survey.' His manifest mentions no escort nor any survey equipment. Now, do you see my point? Ayeka looks worried, now. RYOKO: Yeah. I also know for a fact that Sasami would never stay out while it's snowing or raining. I'm starting to get a really bad feeling about this... CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (upset) Oh, this is intolerable! We must know the truth. It is quite unlike Lord Tenchi to lie to us. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (pondering) He's probably just in trouble, Princess. And it's probably all your fault! MAIN HALL AYEKA: My fault? How is this my fault?! RYOKO: You have a habit of treating Sasami rudely, you know. A person can only take so much abuse before they decide to run away. AYEKA: (gasping) I never treat Sasami rudely! If Sasami has run away, which I doubt, it was probably from you! You have a habit of meddling in her affairs, especially when you are not welcome! CU. WASHU She looks down, smiling. WASHU: (softly) Ah. It's so nice to see that some things never change. 23 EXT. MILITARY BASE Tenchi is sitting on the right side of a groundcar (driver's side), attending to the guard at the gate. Sasami sits on the left, looking a little sleepy. GUARD: (obviously bored) Visitor passes are issued at the reception desk. Fourth building on your left--can't miss it. Just follow the blue signs to the parking area. 24 INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY Tenchi and Sasami stand in the hallway. Tenchi is holding a couple luggage bags. Tenchi looks at a note, uncertainly, then presses a button next to the first door. The door shortly opens, Mihoshi standing at the entrance. MIHOSHI: Hey guys! Tenchi! Wow, this is so terrific! Mihoshi hugs Tenchi. CU. TENCHI He looks over at Sasami, slightly amused. TENCHI: Uh... Yeah--nice to see you again, Mihoshi. CU. SASAMI Sasami smiles at Tenchi, reassuringly. 25 INT. MAIN ROOM The room looks like it has been attacked by a deranged anal-retentive maid. Tenchi has to squint, from the gleam that comes off the shine on the table. All the folders and books are neatly arranged, and the room has a sterile feel--like a hospital room. Tenchi and Sasami enter, and Mihoshi follows. TENCHI: Whoa! Is this the right place? It looks so much cleaner. MIHOSHI: Uh... I just fixed it up a bit. Make yourselves at home. CU. SASAMI She looks around, considerately. SASAMI: You don't have to go to any trouble for us, Mihoshi. We'll just be here a day or two. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Hmm... Still pulling KP every other shift, I take it... CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (amused) No, just keeping on-call for fatigues. MAIN ROOM Tenchi sets down his bags, looking around. TENCHI: So, you don't have leave, huh? MIHOSHI: (sighing) Not till tomorrow. This is a nice base, though. Tomorrow, we could go to the rec hall, get some pizza or see a movie--whatever you want. TENCHI: (amused) Hey, that sounds good. What do you say, Sasami? CU. SASAMI Frowns, thoughtfully. SASAMI: All right, but I have something else in mind for tonight. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Oh, you mean that little bistro you were talking about before? MAIN HALL SASAMI: (wistful) More of a cantina than a cafe, actually. MIHOSHI: Oh, there are a lot of those near here. TENCHI: Yeah. Well, the one she's referring to is a little more upscale than the ones around the base. I think it's in a little village just outside of town? SASAMI: I think so. It's been a while since I was there last. I can remember it fairly clearly, though. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Oh! You've visited here before? CU. SASAMI Looks a little annoyed. SASAMI: (subdued) Actually, I've never visited here before--but I did once have to work my way out of a little debt. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: What? CU. TENCHI Looks just as confused. 26 EXT. MASAKI SHRINE A close evening shot. Washu, Ryoko and Ayeka go up the front steps to the door through the snow, holding umbrellas. Snow is now falling fairly heavily. The door opens, and Yosho appears. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: Ah--welcome back, Little Washu. Anything I can help you girls with? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Where's Tenchi? CU. YOSHO He rubs his chin thoughtfully, then produces the sword. YOSHO: You mean this? CU. WASHU WASHU: You know what we mean, Yosho. He would never leave without telling you. What's this about? CU. YOSHO He frowns and gestures, thoughtfully. YOSHO: Perhaps we should all come inside and discuss this. 27 INT. SHRINE Yosho takes some tea and sits at the table. Washu and Ayeka sit at the table. Ryoko floats nearby. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: When I heard that Tenchi had presented his work in a gallery, I became concerned for him--not that he would become disappointed. He knows a good deal about disappointment from his time before any one of you came along. I was worried that success would drive him to an extreme. SHRINE AYEKA: So, he was successful. YOSHO: Well... Yes and no... RYOKO: What do you mean? WASHU: You mean, he achieved recognition, but not acclaim. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: There was plenty of acclaim, actually. But there was even more acclaim for a particular rival of his... CU. AYEKA AYEKA: This is about a rivalry of artists? CU. WASHU WASHU: I see. He's forgotten his love for the work itself. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: I'm afraid so. Now, he's seeking out this rival--some man by the name of Laren, or something like that. SHRINE RYOKO: And you aren't the least bit worried about telling us all this? He didn't tell you to keep this in confidence? YOSHO: Actually, Ryoko, he was worried that I might try to hide it from you. He left me a specific request that I be very open with you about it. WASHU: All he wanted was a head start, I take it. YOSHO: Yes. I think he was counting on having a few days, though. He surely didn't consider the possibility of your return, Little Washu. I think you may be able to get ahead of him. AYEKA: Catch up with him, you mean? RYOKO: No, Princess. Yosho is right. We should leave right now and find this rival ourselves. That way, we'll be waiting for Tenchi when he comes along. WASHU: I don't know about this. Slow down, Ryoko. CU. WASHU WASHU: How exactly did Tenchi get this information? How did he know to go to Alpha? CU. YOSHO YOSHO: Alpha, huh? I have no idea. It never occurred to me to ask. You think it might be a trap? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: That's silly. Why would anyone want to lay a trap for Tenchi? CU. WASHU WASHU: Ryoko... The universe doesn't revolve around you, you know. Someone might want to trap him to get to one of us... A super-genius, for example, would have many enemies. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: But no one knows that you are here, Washu. SHRINE WASHU: No one except whoever sabotaged my time-travel machine. RYOKO: So, what should we do? Just let Tenchi fall into a trap? All the more reason to get going, I say. AYEKA: (a little annoyed) Yes, Ryoko. But it would be nice if we knew who was behind it. I'd rather not get stuck in hyperspace, for example. That would be most inconvenient. WASHU: Hyperspace? RYOKO: We'll explain on the way, Mom. Let's go. I'll call Ryo-Ohki. 28 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA An ordinary row of houses stands along a grassy roadway. Several groundcars are parked near one particular building. A young woman--Kimiko--looks out the front windows briefly, then returns to the interior. 29 INT. DINING HALL The room is fairly small for a dining hall, dotted with little tables here and there. At the center near the entrance to the kitchen is a three-sided bar. Most of the patrons are sitting at the bar, talking or looking blankly over a drink or two. A few patrons are sitting at tables near the walls. Several ordinary tapestries hang on the walls, along with a few paintings--most of which depict some kind of ranching or desert scenes. Near the back of the room is a hallway, leading around to a bathroom and a stairway. The wall behind the bar has a large mirror, lined with counters filled with all kinds of bottles of beverages. On a few side racks there is some bric-a-brac, a couple lamps and an ordinary fan. At the middle of the bar, in a display case, are a few figurines--fixed in various positions, as if to look down on the patrons, to remind them of their bar tabs. At each table is a small lamp--a simulated candle light in a shaded bulb. At one table sits Tenchi and Sasami. Sasami looks around curiously, as Tenchi looks up at a particular painting. SASAMI: This place looks a lot smaller than I remember it. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (wistful) I get the same feeling sometimes. HALL (table) Kimiko approaches the table, carrying a small pad. (Kimiko is compact, but fairly shapely--not exactly entrancing, but she definitely catches the eye. Her hair is dark and little awkward, but she gives the impression of one who is calm and confident even in her awkward traits.) KIMIKO: Hello. I'll be serving you, tonight. My name is Kimiko. Is there anything I can get you to drink? Sasami grins widely in apparent recognition. Tenchi frowns, trying to consider. TENCHI: I'm not really sure. What do you think, Sasami? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Hey, Kimiko! Remember me? I'll bet you don't. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (a little startled) Uh... Well, the name is familiar... I don't know-- HALL (table) Sasami winks at Tenchi, and then gestures. SASAMI: Sure, you do. I was about this tall. Me and my sister were once stuck here for a few weeks. Kimiko considers carefully, trying to remember. KIMIKO: Oh, Little Sasami-- I remember now. I had just started out here. I remember Hikaru had a fit every night for two weeks, trying to show your sister how to use the speed rack properly and mix drinks in the proper way. He didn't trust you with a knife at first, either. 'Just hold that,' he would say, and shove a big frying pan in your hands. SASAMI: I got a lot better since then. KIMIKO: Boy, that was a while ago. What was your sister's name--? SASAMI: Ayeka. KIMIKO: That's right. She kept spiking all the soft drinks till I showed her the reracks for the sodas. (laughing) Hikaru always thought she was doing it on purpose. SASAMI: Oh. I always wondered about that. So, did Hikaru ever figure out my salami jardiniere? KIMIKO: (pondering for a moment) He got pretty close, but I'm not sure he ever figured out the secret ingredient. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Sounds like you two got along pretty well. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: We had a few fun pranks on Ayeka, anyway. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Hey, Sasami--why don't you come back to the kitchen? You can get caught up and meet the new guys. HALL (table) SASAMI: Really? Oh, wow! She gets up from the table. Tenchi starts to get up. SASAMI: Uh... Tenchi, you go ahead and wait here. You'd just be bored, and this will only take a few moments. CU. TENCHI He starts to sit back down. TENCHI: Oh, okay. 30 INT. DINING HALL (table) Tenchi looks back around at the particular painting, as Sasami leaves with Kimiko. CU. PAINTING An adorable little desert piece, depicting two men playing guitars. One man looks ragged and good-natured, the other looks handsome but vaguely haughty. A few vultures stand on a dead tree limb, looking rather supple and nonchalant. The sun is setting in a corner of the painting, giving the appearance of being sturdy but plaintive. The whole painting gives an air of being just a little too tasteful, as if the painter painted it in a sanctimonious fit of anger. CU. TENCHI He tries to look away, but the painting seems to have a magnetic effect on his eyes. ACHIKA: (OC) It really captures the attention, huh? HALL (table) Tenchi's mother--Achika--sits across from him. He looks around in wide-eyed amazement. TENCHI: (nearly breathless) Mother? ACHIKA: (looking around) Why are you so surprised? You think I'd forgotten about you? TENCHI: (stunned) But you're-- ACHIKA: Dead, yeah. (casual) It's no big deal, Tenchi. There are lots of dead people. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (still stunned) Uh... CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: You were looking at the painting, I think. It looks familiar, doesn't it? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (slowly collects himself) Well, in a way. HALL (table) TENCHI: This is very strange. ACHIKA: The painting? TENCHI: No. I mean, you don't talk to dead people every day, you know. ACHIKA: You really should, Tenchi. We do listen. We can't always reach you, but it never hurts to just talk, sometimes. TENCHI: Can anyone else see you? ACHIKA: Well... I suppose they can. They might not want to, though. Most people just ignore the dead. TENCHI: Hmm... (looking back at the painting) CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: Don't worry about Sasami. They'll keep her busy for an hour, I'm sure. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (wistful) You know, now that I think about it, this painting does look familiar. It's not the same style, but it's... well... the same attitude as a Laren. It has that ineffable sense of smugness that I've really come to hate about him. CU. ACHIKA Looking around at the painting. ACHIKA: Really? To me, it looks very sad and lonely. I think whoever painted this is making a desperate cry for attention. It seems like a muted scream. Many great artists are like that, if you notice. HALL (table) TENCHI: You don't sense the anger in this painting? ACHIKA: (softly) Well, Tenchi--sometimes anger and love go hand-in-hand. What looks like anger may actually be deeply buried love or vice versa. TENCHI: Hmm... (looking down) I never thought about it like that. ACHIKA: You were never trained to, as I was. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: So, why are you here? Did you come to warn me not to look for this guy? CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: (unsure) I'm here to help you, Tenchi. If you don't think it's wise, then you should turn back. I think you should look for him, though. I'll do whatever I can to help you find him. HALL (table) TENCHI: I didn't think it was any big deal. I mean, I just want to meet this guy. ACHIKA: This is your quest, right? What's more important in your life than your quest? TENCHI: He's pretty tough to find, but he's just a person. It's not like I'm looking for the bones of Mahavira... CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: (amused) Not every quest is what it appears, Tenchi. You do want to find him, don't you? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (firm) Oh yeah. I've got to know what makes him paint like that. I'd be crazy not to. HALL (table) ACHIKA: Well... I think it's safe to say that this man you're looking for is actually a woman. TENCHI: Really? How can you tell? ACHIKA: I just know. There are many little things that go into any art--surely you know that, Tenchi. A woman leaves a different impression in the mind than a man. TENCHI: Hmm... CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: What I sense in this painting is undoubtedly female. CU. TENCHI He seems about to add something, then looks around, uncertainly. HALL (table) He is sitting alone, again. TENCHI: Mother? 31 EXT. SPACE A huge gate floats near the preserve station. A huge vortex of swirling orange light swells out of the middle as a ship just ahead of Ryo-Ohki flies through. 32 INT. RYO-OHKI Ayeka and Washu study a display console as Ryoko pilots. Ryo-Ohki complains with a soft meow, and Ryoko scowls. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Just go in there, you 'fraidy-cat! It's perfectly safe. RYO-OHKI (near console) Ryo-Ohki makes a soft growl, and the crystals shudder. WASHU: Ryo-Ohki is afraid of hyperspace? AYEKA: She had a close call a couple years ago. She panicked and nearly lost the homing beacon. RYOKO: Don't worry, girl. It's just a little wormhole. If you lose the beacon, they have automatic systems for tracking you, now. There's nothing to worry about. CU. WASHU WASHU: I have to say, I'm with Ryo-Ohki on this one. I wasn't even sure you could build a stable wormhole in space. The thought of leaping into one just makes my skin crawl. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (stern) If you don't go now, Ryo-Ohki, we'll lose time and we may never find Tenchi. You want that? 33 EXT. SPACE Ryo-Ohki complains loudly as she flies into the vortex. The vortex collapses just behind her, leaving an empty gate. 34 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA Night has descended, lit by an eery red haze on the horizon. Tenchi and Sasami leave the building. Sasami is leading him out toward the back. 35 EXT. HILLSIDE PATH Sasami leads Tenchi up toward the top of a hill. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: You better hurry, Tenchi. You won't want to miss this. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Geez. Sasami, slow down. I'm coming, already. 36 EXT. HILLTOP Tenchi and Sasami stand at the top of a hill, as a huge red orb appears in the sky. It glows, faintly. TENCHI: Wow. What is that? Sasami giggles and looks at Tenchi quizzically. SASAMI: That's our mother planet, Tenchi. Leo-three is a moon, after all. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (awed) I never realized how beautiful it was. CU. SASAMI She looks back up. SASAMI: (softly) You haven't seen the best part, yet. Look carefully. CU. TENCHI He frowns, scanning the sky. TENCHI: I don't see anything. HILLTOP Sasami points, and little bursts of light appear to bloom in the sky. SASAMI: There. Tenchi looks up, and he is struck speechless. 37 EXT. SKY SHOT Little wisps of light burst into blooms of light, like inverted fireworks. The blooms of light hang in the air for a few moments, then vanish. 38 EXT. HILLTOP Sasami looks down as the sky has returned to normal-- just the red haze from the planet. SASAMI: Pretty, huh? TENCHI: Uh... Yeah. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: I want this moment to last forever, Tenchi. You know what I mean? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Yeah-- I mean, who wouldn't? This doesn't happen every night, does it? HILLTOP SASAMI: Not very often. It was pretty lucky that we showed up just before a meteor show. TENCHI: Seems that way. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Well, we should go back. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Yeah. 39 EXT. HILLSIDE PATH Tenchi and Sasami walk back down the path. SASAMI: You've really changed, Tenchi. TENCHI: What do you mean? SASAMI: You're a lot more calm now. I expected you to be more annoyed. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I was pretty impressed, actually. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: I don't mean the meteors, Tenchi. I mean, annoyed that I'm here in the first place. PATH TENCHI: Oh. SASAMI: I think a year ago, you would have gotten mad and insisted that I return home. TENCHI: Huh... Yeah, I think you're right. SASAMI: Anyway, I'm the one who's lucky. I have everything I ever wanted except a home. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What do you mean? You know you're always welcome with me. CU. SASAMI She smiles, wryly. SASAMI: You know what you're saying? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (a little slow) Huh? PATH SASAMI: If I told you tonight that I renounced my name and place as a princess of Jurai, would you understand what I mean about not having a home? TENCHI: Renounce your name? Why would you do that? SASAMI: (sigh) Because if I kept my titles, I could never hope to live with you, Tenchi. You must know this from the countless times that Ayeka has kept hinting at it. TENCHI: Really? SASAMI: It's okay, Tenchi. I know you don't understand things like this. I just wanted you to know what I've decided to do. I wanted it to be a special occassion, and I can't think of a better time than this. TENCHI: Hmm... So, as a princess, you would be subject to the will of the emperor. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: I am--even more so now--but I do not have the duty of a princess. You see? PATH TENCHI: Uh... No, not really. SASAMI: (chuckling) It's okay, Tenchi. I'll take care of the details. I promise I'll arrange a nice big ceremony, too. TENCHI: Ceremony? Okay, what for? SASAMI: Well, I can't legally change my name unless I marry, can I? TENCHI: Marry? Whoa! Who do you mean? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Who do you think? You, silly! How else could I live with you? You think I want to live in constant political pressure, like Ayeka? CU. TENCHI Starting to look worried. TENCHI: Doesn't a marriage involve some kind of ritual? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (smug) Well, we've already had the requisite witness, the exchange of bride price and dowry. You've already acceded to my wish for a home. I just need to verify that you can accept my new name. PATH Tenchi stops walking and looks at Sasami, very concerned. TENCHI: You know what you're doing, right? SASAMI: (serious) I'm not forcing you to do anything, Tenchi. Just tell me if you object to the sound of this: Lady Sasami Masaki, bride of Tenchi Masaki, heir to the throne of Jurai. TENCHI: (casual) It has a nice ring to it. SASAMI: You know what you're agreeing to? TENCHI: (smiling) Yeah. Do you? SASAMI: (a little stunned) Uh, yeah. (wistful) Wow. I expected you to be upset. CU. TENCHI He starts walking down the path again. TENCHI: Now, why would I be upset? I'm really flattered. I find it hard to believe I know you. I never thought I would ever marry you. CU. SASAMI She boggles in amazement, as she follows. SASAMI: This is too easy. I must be dreaming. You know what a bride is, right? PATH TENCHI: Don't be so shy, Sasami. I know exactly what a bride is. Just don't expect to have a ceremony any time soon. SASAMI: (sigh) That's okay, Tenchi. I'm in no hurry. Just don't forget. TENCHI: If anyone asks, I'll say it was my idea. 40 EXT. SPACE A huge blue vortex bursts out of the middle of a giant gate. Ryo-Ohki flies out of it, into space. 41 INT. RYO-OHKI Washu is typing at a console. RYOKO: There. You see? It's nothing to be afraid of, you big chicken. WASHU: Four more jumps to go, Ryo-Ohki. Ryo-Ohki complains softly. RYOKO: Leo system. This seems like a pretty logical stopover, don't you think? Washu looks up from her console. WASHU: Yes, but I don't think Tenchi is here. AYEKA: What makes you say that? CU. WASHU WASHU: Well, he rented a car, but I don't see any reservations. He doesn't know anyone who lives here, does he? CU. RYOKO Scowling in thought. RYOKO: I can't think of anyone. CU. AYEKA She has a sudden look of apprehension. AYEKA: Leo? Why is that familiar? Hmm... CU. RYOKO RYOKO: It's a big banking center, Princess. Leo is neutral, remember. Your daddy probably makes lots of deposits. CU. WASHU WASHU: (sigh) This is no time to argue. If someone staged a trap, I doubt they'll sit around and wait for him at Alpha. We should try to find Tenchi, just to make sure we can double-back. The danger may be greater than we fear. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (firm) We should look for him here. I'm certain of it. RYO-OHKI RYOKO: How are you so certain? AYEKA: I just am. I don't know how. WASHU: You're just imagining things again, Ayeka. We can't waste time on a hunch. For all we know, Tenchi is already caught up in something terrible. 42 INT. DINING HALL The obscure cantina is buzzing with soft voices. Tenchi, Sasami and Kimiko sit at a table. They have an opened bottle of something resembling champagne. Tenchi and Sasami have been sipping, as Kimiko drains a glass with the casual air of barfly. KIMIKO: Bang! The bottles went flying, and Hikaru went sprawling! Ayeka looked around like she forgot to tie a shoe-string, and Little Sasami was laughing. I tried to tell him it was totally accidental, but I don't think he believed me at that point. Hikaru was like, 'I'm fed up with all your stupid pranks! You girls are going to pay for all this damage, or you get out!' Tenchi smirks as Sasami laughs. KIMIKO: That was the last time I saw Hikaru get really angry. He's normally a very congenial person. SASAMI: Ayeka has that effect on people. KIMIKO: Yeah. She was a lousy waitress, but she was very good at mixing drinks. We even have an old house specialty named after her, now that I think about it. I remember, now--we started calling it 'foxy princess' about a year later. Kimiko drains another glass, as Sasami looks at Tenchi with concern. Tenchi is blank, apparently mulling. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (to Sasami) So, I gather your plan is working, huh? Is Tenchi starting to come around? HALL Sasami swats Tenchi on the arm, and Tenchi flinches. TENCHI: Hey! SASAMI: (to Tenchi) You idiot! TENCHI: What did I do? SASAMI: You weren't supposed to go along with me. I was just goading you! CU. KIMIKO Grinning with surprise. KIMIKO: Oh, wow! You mean, he agreed to marry you? That's shocking. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What? You want to back out? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (grim) Not on your life, Tenchi. I made a recording, too. So, don't get any funny ideas. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (laughing) You two love-birds crack me up! Stop being so romantic, already! HALL Kimiko drains another glass and snorts in laughter. Sasami starts to look a little disconcerted, as Tenchi frowns. KIMIKO: Hey! Busboy! Get a bucket of water so we can calm these two down! They're just crazy about each other! No really! They can't keep their hands off each other! A few of the other patrons give Kimiko some odd looks. 43 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Tenchi and Sasami are lying together in a small bed, looking exhausted. They look at each other, as if trying to recognize each other. They gently embrace and kiss. CU. SASAMI Gaping with stunned amusement. SASAMI: This can't be happening. Things like this don't just happen. There must be a reason. CU. TENCHI Smiling and intent. TENCHI: It's a little weird, but I always felt close to you. We do have a lot in common. BEDROOM SASAMI: Yeah, but this is surreal. I had no idea this was even possible. TENCHI: It feels right, though. Don't you think? SASAMI: (suddenly lucid) This is so wrong. Think of how devastating this will be. This isn't like stealing a head ornament, Tenchi. This has gone way farther than that! CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What do you mean? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (groaning) What was I thinking? Oh my god, Ryoko! How am I ever going to explain this to her? BEDROOM TENCHI: I didn't know you two were that close. SASAMI: Ryoko is like a sister to me, Tenchi. In many ways, we're closer than me and Ayeka. This will totally crush her! TENCHI: I don't think so. SASAMI: Huh? TENCHI: Look, there was something between us at one time, but it's over now. There's nothing there, anymore. Ryoko had to realize it at some point. She's not dense, Sasami. She's very sensitive to these things. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Really? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Trust me. Ryoko will be just fine. 44 INT. FORTRESS LARGE CHAMBER (B/W--flashback) Ayeka is standing at the hallway entrance, holding a torch. She looks up in alarm. AYEKA: Sasami! She starts to run toward the door. Ryoko enters the door, just behind young Sasami. 45 INT. LONG NARROW PASSAGEWAY (B/W--flashback) Sasami continues on ahead as Ryoko looks around in shock. Ryoko starts to go forward, but a hand reaches out and grabs her shoulder. She spins around and sees an old man, smiling back at her. The old man merely makes a waving gesture. Ryoko vanishes, and the old man fades down through the floor. Sasami stops and looks around at the door, considering for a moment. She then turns again and continues. 46 INT. FORTRESS LARGE CHAMBER (B/W--flashback) Ayeka goes to the door and pushes. The door doesn't budge. She strains, then looks up. Tilt up to Ryoko, who is hovering cross-legged with her back to the wall. CU. RYOKO Scowls in irritation. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Ryoko, what are you doing? I must get through! CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Then go through! Don't look at me. There's nothing I can do. 47 INT. RYO-OHKI Yellow and violet distortions go by a few displays, as Washu contemplates the look on Ryoko's face. WASHU: (musing) We'll catch up with them, Ryoko. Don't worry. Nothing will stand in our way. Ryoko looks somewhat impugned as she considers. CU. WASHU WASHU: (amused) You really should take a few lessons in comportment, Ryoko. Now that I'm not relying on the link, I'm forced to read your eye movements. It's a little unsettling, but I think it's easier to read your mind this way. CU. RYOKO Her eye movements make an angry gesture. RYOKO: Very funny. 48 EXT. FLOATING CITY Mid-morning. There is almost no traffic, as the sky starts to turn from violet to blue. The huge planet overhead starts to become very indistinct. 49 EXT. CYPRIS GARDENS Rock paths cross through orchards, arranged in a seemingly random fashion. A few rows of roses embrace the path, leading up to a brook. Along one side of the brook is a row of tall hedges, somewhat obscuring one side of a large glass enclosure. The glass enclosure is shaped like a large cube, and the glass itself is glossed with triangular patterns. 50 INT. GLASS ENCLOSURE A large group of square flower beds are arranged on one side, a standard sixteen-by-nine assembly, with little rock trails along their edges. On the other side is a grassy field with two large trees at the center. Tiny winged creatures are fluttering through the enclosure--some with little edgers, some with little water-spraying cones. The two trees merge together with branches that form at the base into a small throne. At the feet of the throne are two rows of flowers. Above the throne, the branches come together in one shaft and then appear to explode with leaves in all directions--like a palm tree. On the opposite ends of the trees, the branches appear to hang downward, like the wings of a large bird. Sitting at the throne is a young woman named Mimi-- whose beauty makes the garden look desolate in comparison. Her statuesque features are framed by brilliant golden hair, edged with pure white streaks. Her skin is like polished copper, and her eyes are the green of well-watered grass. On her face is a warm expression, like that of sheer ecstasy. MIMI: (softly) Finally. I thought that sword- swinging geek would never leave. Now... If I can only figure out a way to get rid of that troublesome kid... She closes her eyes in apparent thought as a curious, swirling breeze wafts through the enclosure. CU. MIMI She opens her eyes in confusion for a moment, then looks up. ENCLOSURE (above) A flight of birds goes over the enclosure. One of the birds descends. CU. MIMI She sighs and looks downward. MIMI: Of course... 51 EXT. GLASS ENCLOSURE A small rock path leads up to the side of the enclosure. Along one side of the path is a wide pedestal with statuettes of Washu, Mimi and Tsunami. The bird lands on the head of Tsunami, carrying a small metal rattle. A small door slides open, and Mimi steps out. She looks at the bird inquisitively, and the bird shakes the rattle in response. The bird flies off. CU. MIMI Her eyes widen in a sudden sense of shock. MIMI: Oh no... PATH A small group of doves appear, attached to a small chariot by slender threads. Mimi scowls and looks downward. MIMI: (to herself) If she wasn't already dead, I'd strangle her with my bare hands. 52 INT. DINING HALL Tenchi is sitting at the table again, sketching on a small pad. He looks up at the painting and works some more on the sketch. Kimiko appears, staggering toward the table. She sits with a thud, and glares across the table at Tenchi. TENCHI: Hey, Kimiko. What's up? KIMIKO: (flinching in pain) Not so loud. My head is killing me. TENCHI: Sorry. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: You have any idea what time it is? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Hmm... I'm not sure how to read time around here. I guess I'm too used to living on Earth. HALL Kimiko rubs her temples, as Tenchi looks away from the painting, considering. TENCHI: Maybe you should try drinking sake. KIMIKO: (scowling) Fermented rice? No thanks. I'd rather have a nasty hangover. Tenchi goes back to his sketch, as Kimiko stands unsteadily. Sasami enters. KIMIKO: Hey there, Sasami. Can't sleep, either? SASAMI: I'd like a few words in private, if you don't mind. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (smiling) No problem. Anything for an old friend... CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Hey, Sasami. I'm just making some sketches. This painting is pretty complex. I didn't notice it, at first, but the detail is incredible. HALL Sasami sits just across from Tenchi. SASAMI: Tenchi, did we really do what I think we did? I'm having some trouble believing it. TENCHI: (softly) No doubt about it. I still have the scratches on my back to prove it. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (looking up) I'm just a little surprised-- uh... CU. SASAMI The emblem on her forehead is glowing. SASAMI: Is something the matter? You seem to have lost your train of thought. What surprised you? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Sasami? You are Sasami, right? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (sighing) In many ways already, Tenchi. But, as you can see, I still need to protect her individual thoughts from myself. I wish I could explain in a more suitable way, but it is just too much. HALL Tenchi puts down his pen, considering Sasami. TENCHI: Wow. I really thought you were Sasami there. SASAMI: I still think of myself as Tsunami, at times. (intent) Tenchi, do you trust me? TENCHI: Trust you? SASAMI: Yes. CU. TENCHI He ponders for a moment. TENCHI: I can't think of a reason not to. You saved my life. You showed me how to believe in myself. You gave Ayeka her spaceship tree again. I trust you more than I trust myself. Why do you ask? CU. SASAMI Leans near Tenchi, taking his hand. SASAMI: I want for us to share everything, even our trust. I want you to know that I trust you completely. I don't want us to end up the same way you did with Ryoko. You see what I mean? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: You want us to be happy together... HALL SASAMI: (softly) I don't want any silly confusion, Tenchi. You think about things too much, and Ryoko is just too gullible. TENCHI: (sighing) Yeah, I do get carried away sometimes. SASAMI: (hesitant) I... I love you... TENCHI: (serious) I love you, too. SASAMI: (a little grim) There's so much I want to tell you. You won't get upset, will you? CU. TENCHI He almost seems a little amused. TENCHI: It's okay. You are Sasami, right? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: No. I'm myself. And... I love you. I can't stop thinking about you. I don't want to share you with Sasami, either. HALL TENCHI: Oh. (he ponders for a moment) It's a little bizarre, but I think Sasami would understand. SASAMI: Huh? TENCHI: She is becoming you, right? SASAMI: Well... (annoyed) You're doing it again. TENCHI: What? Oh, sorry. Well, I trust you. Whatever you want, I'll do it. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (fretting) I... (very grim) Oh, hell. I can't say this out loud. HALL Sasami's hands tremble as she picks up the pad and flips to another page. She takes the pen and writes something down. Tenchi looks at it briefly, his eyes widening in shock. Sasami tears the page out and flicks it up. The paper then bursts into flame and blows away in a puff of smoke. TENCHI: I see. SASAMI: You do? TENCHI: What are you so afraid of? I'm not going to hurt you. I couldn't live with myself if I did. CU. SASAMI She frowns, as if swallowing an ice cube. HALL Sasami takes Tenchi by the hand and leads him toward the hallway. Kimiko looks up from the bar, slowly. KIMIKO: Hey! You guys better change the sheets tomorrow morning! Don't expect me to do it! CU. KIMIKO She scowls a bit and rubs her temples again. KIMIKO: (to herself) This is getting very depressing. Is all this really necessary? (she pauses for a moment, as if hearing a reply) Oh, all right. (contralto) Yeah--I know. 'Just shut up, Kimiko.' 53 EXT. TOWER OF THEMIS A tall slender tower rises up from a manicured lawn, framed with narrow paths leading one way and another to a forest. 54 INT. MAIN TOWER HALL The room is filled with ornate mirrors, windows and elaborate balconies. Four sets of stairs curve up into the balconies. The balconies have several rows of benches, and are lined with paintings. At one end of the hall is a huge door. At the other end is a group of thrones--a tall one between two short ones. At the center of the floor is a stretcher held up by four short, centaur-like creatures. Two red-robed figures stand near the stretcher--the first one is inscribing some strange symbols in a small book. On the stretcher lies the pale form of Tsunami, bloody and still. Sitting up in a bench at a balcony is Araya, who still looks very stunned. CU. ARAYA She looks down for a moment, then back up, as if making sure her vision is functioning. HALL Mimi enters, looking straight at the center of the room. She marches lightly to the stretcher. CU. MIMI MIMI: Can't you at least clean up the blood? This is sickening. HALL The first robed figure looks at Mimi for a moment, then back at the figure of Tsunami. FIRST FIGURE: Your concern is touching, lady. I'll try to make the body as presentable as possible. MIMI: I didn't mean to be morbid, sir. I just can't believe this is happening. She can't be dead. How will I ever explain this? FIRST FIGURE: (sighing) Lady, it is not my place to say. I can only assure you that we did everything possible. The wounds and the loss of blood were just too severe. I am very sorry for your loss. CU. MIMI Actually starting to look sad. MIMI: No! There must be something you can do! CU. FIRST FIGURE A little annoyed, but very calm. FIRST FIGURE: I'm sorry, but--as I just said--we did everything we could do. HALL The second robed figure pats Mimi, sympathetically. Mimi starts to cry and hugs the second figure. SECOND FIGURE: There, there. We all must die, someday. This is nature's common theme. MIMI: (somewhat muted by the robe) Not like this! This is terrible! CU. ARAYA She looks down again, and starts to cry. HALL Alepios--a young man with dark hair and similar features as Araya--enters. He looks around, somewhat confused, and walks toward the center. ALEPIOS: (casual) What's all this about? Why are you all crying? Mimi looks up in shock and pulls away from the second figure very quickly. She wipes her face while scowling. MIMI: Oh! You servant boy! Leave us alone! Can't you see my sister is lying dead, here? CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: (calm and curious) Dead? Really? CU. MIMI MIMI: (furious) Yes, dead! And whoever is responsible for this outrage will pay dearly! Of that, I swear by the father of my ancestors! HALL Alepios strolls to the stretcher casually and looks down at the figure of Tsunami. MIMI: (stiff) What do you think you're doing? CU. ALEPIOS A look of shock crosses his face, and he closes his eyes briefly, sighing. CU. MIMI Her face is contorted with grief and anger. MIMI: I said, what do you think you are doing, servant boy? CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: (annoyed) Just checking. It is as I thought. You are all wasting your grief. HALL Mimi goes to Alepios and reaches out, nearly taking his arm. He turns and glares at her. ALEPIOS: Just stop it, already. She'll be fine. MIMI: (fearfully) What? FIRST FIGURE: Young man, you don't know what you're saying. Leave medicine to the experts. Trust me, she is quite dead. CU. ALEPIOS Alepios turns and glares at the robed figures. His face turns dark with anger. ALEPIOS: Get out of here, you useless vermin! Do it! Now! CU. FIRST FIGURE He looks taken aback for a moment. HALL The first robed figure stiffly walks from the room, followed shortly by the second. Araya gets up from her bench and goes to a stair. Alepios watches as the figures leave, then looks back at Tsunami. MIMI: (hardly daring to hope) Have you gone insane, Alepios? Just look at her! CU. ALEPIOS He looks down at Tsunami very sadly and rolls his eyes. HALL Alepios places a hand on Tsunami's head for a moment, then takes it away again. He turns and stands back, folding his arms. CU. TSUNAMI Suddenly healed again, she slowly stirs, as if waking. TSUNAMI: (softly) Oh boy, did I have a bad dream... CU. ARAYA She looks completely stunned. CU. MIMI She is trembling in fear and shock. MIMI: Uh... CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: (very calm) You see? 55 EXT. SPACE A huge blue vortex bursts out of the middle of a giant gate. Ryo-Ohki flies out of it, into space. Just as the vortex disappears, a huge burst of light rocks Ryo-Ohki. Several large warships appear and begin blasting away with lasers. 56 INT. RYO-OHKI Ryoko is looking around in confusion, as Washu's eyes widen in shock. Ayeka looks at Ryoko in alarm. AYEKA: We've been ambushed! It's a mine field! CU. WASHU Rolling her eyes. WASHU: (softly) Brilliant deduction. CU. RYOKO Looking around at Washu. RYOKO: Keep firing back, Ryo-Ohki! Washu, I thought this trap you were afraid of was meant for Tenchi. Why are they firing at us? CU. WASHU WASHU: (sighing) Tenchi was just the bait, Ryoko. The trap was meant for me. (groaning) And I fell right into it. I am such an idiot! 57 INT. DINING HALL A few other patrons are sitting at the bar having a small meal in the morning light. Tenchi is sitting at the table again, sketching in his pad. He looks thoughtfully at the pad and rips the page out. He starts over on another page. Kimiko appears, looking fairly disheveled--calmly so, as if she had spent hours getting that look just right. She sits next to Tenchi and looks at the pad. KIMIKO: Any luck? TENCHI: I'm afraid not. I don't think I'm ever going to figure this out. My sketches just don't... soar like the original does. CU. KIMIKO She flinches a bit, as if suddenly smelling something nasty. KIMIKO: Why do you bother? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (casual) Well, everybody needs a hobby. HALL Sasami enters and sits next to him on the other side. SASAMI: Here we are again. TENCHI: Yes. We keep ending up back here. I wonder why that is. Kimiko seems a little amused. KIMIKO: We need to stop meeting like this. CU. SASAMI She looks carefully around at Kimiko for a moment. SASAMI: Thanks for the room, Kimiko. We didn't want to put you to any trouble. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: It was no trouble, Sasami. It's been a while since I used the old bedroll. I like to reminisce with old friends every now and then. Anyway, those bedsprings haven't had a workout in a while, either. HALL Sasami gapes in shock, as Tenchi scowls--a little mortified. Kimiko considers them for a moment and laughs. KIMIKO: Honestly! Kimiko gets up again and goes into the kitchen. SASAMI: There's something very wrong with that girl. TENCHI: Just one thing? CU. SASAMI She sighs and leans over, taking Tenchi's hand. SASAMI: Tenchi, before you say anything, I want you to know that I'm not upset about what happened last night. A lot of things were said that I'm sure we never meant. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Oh? HALL SASAMI: Yeah. I wouldn't hold it against you if you just forgot the whole thing. I won't hold anything over you, if you don't want me to. TENCHI: I don't think I could do that. I like being married--it makes everything seem complete. I want to do so much for us, now. SASAMI: You realize that you're not just marrying me. It's really more like you're marrying both me and Tsunami. TENCHI: (subdued) Now, that's surreal. I don't even want to think about that. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (a little amused) It wasn't her idea to sleep with you, either. That was my idea. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: You did that? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: You don't think she would ever have told you how she really felt, without my urging her? HALL TENCHI: Now that you mention it, she didn't really seem to have her heart in it, at first. SASAMI: She's like a child, actually. CU. TENCHI He looks at his pad and starts to draw again. TENCHI: So, how did you end up on my cruiser in the first place? You ever figure that out? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (softly) Well, Tsunami has been pouring her memories into me--ever since that tattoo you showed me. I'm not exactly sure why, but it triggered something in her. I thought it was sweet, but she became restless and dejected. I think she finally realized how strongly she felt about you. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (matter-of-factly) I thought she might have had a thing for me, ever since she saved me from Kagato. HALL SASAMI: Well, ever since she first saw Little Taro... TENCHI: Huh? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (amused) It's strange, but I can't help thinking that we've forgotten something... 58 INT. APARTMENT MAIN ROOM Mihoshi is sitting in the recliner, trying to watch the TV. She looks around, curiously, then back at the TV. MIHOSHI: (to herself) Geez... I wonder where they could be? 59 EXT. OBSCURE PLANET 60 INT. TENT Ryoko, Ayeka, Washu and Ryo-Ohki are sitting in a tent around a small heater, shivering. Ryo-Ohki is severely bandaged, and Ayeka has a constant look of sneering contempt. WASHU: Well, I just set up the distress signal. Hopefully, this planet isn't too far out of the way. RYOKO: Yeah. And hopefully, those pirates we blasted weren't waiting for reinforcements. I'm not sure we could hold any more off. CU. WASHU WASHU: Hey, Ryoko. Have a little faith in me! I am your mom, you know. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (mimicking Ryoko) Thanks a lot, Mom! THE END