[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: It's better to be sick than nurse the sick. Sickness is single trouble for the sufferer: But nursing means vexation of the mind, And hard work for the hands beside. -- Euripides, _Hippolytus_ 2 EXT. GRASSY PLAIN Tenchi stands before a fairly large, U-shaped building. The building opens outward to its entrance--where a small tower stands at the middle of the open area. Several doors and windows line the inside of the building. The tower itself proclaims in bold letters: 'Study Hall.' One walkway goes along the inside of the building and around in front to the edge of the tower. Several large, narrow windows line the tower. 3 EXT. WALKWAY As he approaches the walkway, he looks down for a moment and then puts on his shoes. He then walks along the walkway toward the center of the U--just behind the tower. At the back of the tower is a small stairway, leading up to two tall doors. He climbs the stairway and looks around curiously. He knocks at the doors. A few moments later, the doors swing open. He enters into an empty room, as the doors shut behind him. 4 INT. TOWER The room has two sets of stairs leading up and down. Above, there are two sets of balconies, leading to areas that seem much larger than the tower could accommodate. Along the walls are low, ornate benches sitting below tapestries and paintings. The windows seem to provide more illumination than the ambiant light of the outside. TENCHI: Hello? One painting in particular draws his attention. He slowly walks up to it. CU. PAINTING Two figures stand like titans, raising small islands out of a shrunken Earth. MAIN HALL TENCHI: (a little taken aback) What the hell? Tokimi walks up next to him and folds her arms, considering. TOKIMI: Hmm... No, I agree. I could never quite capture the irreverence I was looking for in this one. It seems more pious than profane. TENCHI: (stunned) This was supposed to be humor? TOKIMI: (sigh) Yes. It came to me in a burst of inspiration when I began a study of your culture. I hope you aren't offended. I call it 'Izanagi and Izanami Sneezed.' Tenchi seems more offended by the title, than the painting. TENCHI: I take it you aren't very religious. TOKIMI: On the contrary, boy. I am very religious. I am, however, very particular about my beliefs. Anything that offends my sense of purpose is like a personal insult to me. TENCHI: Well, I'm not very religious, but this painting makes me feel like I should pray very hard. Tokimi grins, almost beside herself. TOKIMI: Now, there's a good attitude. I'm starting to like you. Come along. 5 TITLE: "THE CAT'S-PAW" 6 EXT. A LARGE CITY Tall buildings fill the horizon, as airships go flitting by. The streets are filled with midday traffic. 7 EXT. A SMALL CAFE Ayeka and Ryoko are sitting at an outside table, as Washu returns from the cafe with some drinks. Washu sits with them, pondering, as Ayeka and Ryoko drink. Ryo-Ohki pounces into Washu's lap, and Washu pets her. WASHU: Let's go back to the beginning, shall we? AYEKA: That seems logical. Always start at the beginning. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Nothing like stating the obvious. CU. WASHU WASHU: (scowling) Now, now. Okay, I arrive to find that my time-machine is one two-hundredth out of sequence--putting me, in short, a little over seven-and-a- half years ahead of schedule on my return. Such a thing could be the result of faulty circuitry, but it turns out--I have discovered--to be the result of a carefully planned energy spectrum curvature. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Meaning? CAFE RYOKO: Meaning Washu got beaned by magic. Whoever did this was really powerful--almost as powerful as me. WASHU: Magic! Please... Anyway, whoever did this was surely more powerful than you, Ryoko. To do this without my being aware and to have had the foresight to have me return on the very day that I did also required more power than you could imagine. No. Only two people could have pulled this off--and one of them would never dare do anything this cruel to me... I think... Ryoko continues her drink as Ayeka offers a thought. AYEKA: So, our adventure was planned. It seems logical that we deduce their intentions--attempt to foresee their next move. CU. WASHU WASHU: That's what I've been sitting here doing. It didn't help that pirates got involved, then the cops with the pirates--it makes me doubt my original conclusions. The person we are dealing with is methodical, calculating and extremely desperate. I'm finding this hard to believe. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Well, don't keep holding back. Who is it? CU. WASHU WASHU: You'll find out soon enough. I just hope I'm wrong. In any case, there are other worries. Another thing... CAFE RYOKO: What? WASHU: Where's Mihoshi? AYEKA: Oh my! We forgot all about her! Where did she go? RYOKO: I thought she was your mentor. Didn't you keep track of her? AYEKA: Who has the time to keep track of their mentor? She left rather suddenly. It's all a blur to me. WASHU: You two are so useless! This whole thing probably started because of Mihoshi. RYOKO: Hmm... CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Oh yeah, I remember. She said she was joining up with something. The army, I think. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: No, no. That's not it. She said she was joining the rangers. The rangers don't have a base anywhere near the Leo system. Leo is neutral, remember? CU. WASHU WASHU: (scowling) What about that service ship? Wasn't that technician a ranger? CAFE RYOKO: Huh? AYEKA: I neglected to notice, I'm afraid. Washu pulls up her console, frowning. WASHU: Well, according to the chamber of commerce, the rangers have a brand new base nearby-- especially designed for trainees. It seems to me like the first logical place to look for Mihoshi. AYEKA: (a little alarmed) Rangers on Leo... RYOKO: Damn! We should have mentioned this before. This is why you couldn't find a reservation under his credit reports. WASHU: (sigh) Thanks for telling me. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: So, our next step is to contact Mihoshi. She should know Tenchi's whereabouts. CAFE RYOKO: Hey, Princess, you're starting to make sense. I just wish you'd told us to come here before. Ayeka glowers as Washu rolls her eyes. 8 INT. CLASSROOM A small class is in session--the students looking through books, making notes or talking to each other. Mihoshi has just returned to her seat. A teacher walks up to Mihoshi and hands her a note. Mihoshi looks at it, rolling her eyes, then leaves the room. 9 INT. HALLWAY Some uniformed figures go marching by, as Mihoshi receives another call. The display shows Washu, sitting at a cafe. MIHOSHI: Hey, Little Washu! It's nice to see you again. Wow! Hey, Ayeka! Hey, Ryoko! WASHU: (display) Hello, Mihoshi. Say, have you seen Tenchi lately--like the past couple weeks? MIHOSHI: (nervous) Uh... Yeah, but there's a problem right at the moment... WASHU: (display) It's okay, Mihoshi. Where was he the last time you saw him? MIHOSHI: (stiff) He was staying at a cantina in a little village, just outside of town. WASHU: (display) A cantina? Oh, never mind. Just send me the address. I'll sort it out, later. ... Oh, and have you seen Sasami? MIHOSHI: (very nervous) Uh... Yeah. I've got to go! Bye! Mihoshi switches off the call, rather abruptly. She then slinks back toward the classroom. 10 EXT. A SMALL CAFE Washu is still staring at the display, blankly. WASHU: Well... That was rude. She didn't even send us the address! AYEKA: (grim) It's okay, Little Washu. I happen to know exactly what she was talking about. CU. WASHU WASHU: How do you know--? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: I just do. Trust me, this time. 11 EXT. TOWER OF THEMIS The tower is nearly invisible in the darkness of night. The dark red orb hovers near the horizon. 12 INT. MIMI'S CLOSET Mimi awakens in her bed, slowly looking around. A dim blue light appears, and Mimi starts to tremble. The light resolves into a ghostly figure like that of Tsunami. FIGURE: (softened) Help me! Please! Let me out of here! The figure approaches, and Mimi begins to tremble, violently. She squeezes her eyes shut, and the figure disappears. CU. MIMI MIMI: (nearly breathless) Tsunami? ROOM Mimi gets up and examines the statuette of Tsunami for a moment, then puts it back on the pedestal. She considers for another moment, then returns to bed. 13 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA The midday rush has slacked off a bit, as the day wears on. 14 INT. KITCHEN Sasami is staring blankly over some diced-up preparations. Hikaru walks up next to her and gently puts a hand on her shoulder. HIKARU: Nice work on that pasta. It was a little spicy for my taste, but the customers seem to like it. SASAMI: Oh! Glad to hear it. I need a break, if you don't mind. 15 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami sits at the edge of the bed, merely staring into space. Kimiko enters, looking a little confused. KIMIKO: Sasami, are you on break? SASAMI: Uh... Oh. Sorry. I keep forgetting who I am. Where am I? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (amused) You're in my room--not that I use it very much, lately. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (relieved) Oh. I thought for a moment I was back in that damn stone. CU. KIMIKO Kimiko frowns, suddenly, then starts to back out of the room. KIMIKO: I think I'll go check for tips again. 16 EXT. STUDY HALL The gray sky hovers like a stone over the tower. 17 INT. LOWER FLOOR A large room with a bare wooden floor, having large compartments all around at the walls. Ten large half-orbs in the ceiling provide distinct illumination, washing out shadows. A large banner on one spare wall proclaims in large symbols: 'Devotion, Inspiration, Respect.' Underneath each word is an abstract illustration, depicting a figure in each respective action. Tenchi is standing poised, in a martial-arts uniform, with a staff. His defensive posture is a little over- extended. Tokimi is standing next to him, in her own martial-arts uniform, correcting his posture, gently. TOKIMI: A little higher, Tenchi. Don't expose your middle. CU. TENCHI Scowling a little, somewhat defensive. TENCHI: Sorry. Old habit. My grandpa always kept telling me to watch my feet. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: (amused) Yes. I think I've seen this a thousand times--technique that falls apart at the seams. ROOM Tenchi holds his pose, pondering. TENCHI: Huh? TOKIMI: Oh-- It is something familiar to me. I suspect your grandfather was trained in an overly-aggressive pattern--the natural inclination of most teachers. You may have noticed this from the way Ayeka fights. TENCHI: Hmm... Now that you mention it-- TOKIMI: A clumsy child could beat Ayeka, but that is neither here nor there. My point is, that an overly- aggressive pattern gives you success where your enemy tends to hesitate. Where your enemy is skilled, however, it only helps you defeat yourself that much faster. Your grandfather wisely chose to guide you away from such a fate. He has been helping you focus on your movement. I can see that he was partly successful. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Actually, he kept telling me to keep my balance. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: Yes. All part of skilled movement. (mulling) He must know something I don't. Hmm... ROOM Tokimi goes to a compartment and takes a staff, as she considers. TOKIMI: Well, all in good time. Forces are still in motion, at the moment. TENCHI: Forces? TOKIMI: Oh, yes. I'm relieved to see that the rebel faction in the old guard failed in their attempt. Tokimi brandishes the staff. TOKIMI: This has a nice weight. (turning to Tenchi) I'm sure you'll also be relieved to know that their attempt to assassinate Ayeka failed. Their timing was curious, though. It makes me suspect many things... Tenchi loses his composure a little. TENCHI: They tried to kill Ayeka? Tokimi approaches Tenchi, smoothly. TOKIMI: Well, of course. Such things happen all the time in the Jurai royal household, you know. You must have suspected this, young man. You are not completely dense, I trust? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (irritated) I just hate to be made a fool of. I did promise her father I would take care of her. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: Yes. I think you should be aware that such promises can only cause you grief. You cannot possibly defend her all the time, and her father can only assume that you are implying his inability to defend her himself. It is a little rude, to promise such a thing. ROOM Tenchi slumps a little. TENCHI: I never thought about it like that. I thought I was just doing the polite thing. TOKIMI: Stand up straight, young man. Tenchi poses again. TOKIMI: That's better. Sometimes, Tenchi, the only polite thing to do is to make sure that people are taken care of. Let someone else worry about making the promises. It is the same with your sword technique. Don't worry about whether you should make some silly oath, just fight and let your sword speak for you. Tokimi makes a quick lunge and knocks Tenchi down. She sighs and scowls in disappointment. TOKIMI: Clumsy as well as slow. This is going to take more than time. 18 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA The cantina is nearly deserted, as midday turns to afternoon. A small groundcar pulls up, and deposits Ryoko, Ayeka, Washu and Ryo-Ohki. Kimiko peeks out a window and quickly pulls away. 19 INT. DINING HALL Hikaru is grumbling to himself, as he wipes down the bar. Kimiko goes up to him rather quickly, setting down a small pad and a pen. KIMIKO: Hikaru, I'm just going to take a quick bathroom break. I'll be right back. CU. HIKARU HIKARU: (suspicious) Oh. Okay... Kimiko hurries off. 20 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami is still sitting, staring into space. She flinches in shock and grits her teeth. SASAMI: (softly) Stop it... Show me. 21 INT. MIMI'S CLOSET Mimi is sitting at her desk, reading, when a robed figure appears. She looks up, and he points at her. The air around her wavers in a subtle way and shifts into a blue shade. Mimi is frozen in pure shock. The figure approaches, removing the hood. CU. FIGURE The figure is clearly the alchemist--not as old as previously depicted--but unmistakable. 22 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami fliches in shock again. SASAMI: (softly) Hey... I know that guy... 23 INT. MIMI'S CLOSET Mimi is held in a diamond-shaped field, as the old man approaches the statuette of Tsunami and picks it up. He looks at it closely and nods to himself. MIMI: What are you doing here, old man? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: I drew the short straw. Lucky me... ROOM The alchemist makes a gesture, and the door opens. Seven enters and sits at the desk where Mimi had been sitting. The alchemist then takes a glowing, diamond-shaped jewel out of a pocket of his robe. He holds it toward Seven for a moment, then points it at Mimi. A blast of lightning shoots at Mimi, knocking her out of the field, apparently consuming her in a ball of fire. 24 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami stands, clenching her hands. SASAMI: (to herself) Son of a bitch! 25 INT. MIMI'S CLOSET As the ball of fire dwindles down, the alchemist points the jewel at Seven again. Seven cringes in anticipation, but merely transforms into the semblance of a youthful Kimiko. She then smiles, curiously, touching her face. Mimi slowly stands, touching her face. She looks at the mirror, and flinches in horror. Her form has transformed into the semblance of Tokimi. She continues to look at herself in the mirror, in complete shock. The alchemist nods to himself again and slowly puts the jewel away. ALCHEMIST: (to Mimi) Now that I've administered your punishment, I'll explain. From now on, you are no longer the beautiful young woman you were before. Thus, you shall no longer be known by that detested name. I bestow on you the name Tokimi. Your beauty is now only as much as can remind you of your former beauty. He puts the statuette down on the floor and takes out a necklace. He pinches the end of one crystal and a liquid begins to drip down on the statuette of Tsunami. ALCHEMIST: It's nothing personal, of course. We simply cannot allow you to make a fool of us for this long and hope to get away with it. If you must know, this punishment is quite fair. All I've really done is rid you of your cruelty and bitterness--putting it all into this unfortunate automaton that you created yourself. SEVEN: Automaton? The alchemist turns to Seven and explains. CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: You were never really in control of your own actions, young lady. She just made you think you were--a clever illusion, but an illusion, nonetheless. CU. SEVEN She sighs in disappointment. ROOM The statuette begins to chip and crack, the outer layer peeling away like an egg shell. CU. MIMI She begins to tremble in shame. MIMI: Why are you all so cruel to me? Haven't you done enough? Why don't you just leave me alone? CU. ALCHEMIST He sighs, somewhat annoyed. ALCHEMIST: You can't possibly understand now, of course, but you were reckless. When you took your sister's life, I pleaded for immediate punishment. I explained to them that it was the only humane thing to do, but they insisted that we wait--see if you would show mercy. CU. MIMI She falls to her knees, overwhelmed. MIMI: You already knew? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (softly) We knew from the beginning. This type of charade has been perpetrated on us many times. I suppose it is only my fate to get tricked into fixing the mistakes of others--especially ones that could have been prevented had they listened to me in the first place. ROOM The alchemist steps away, as Tsunami begins to emerge-- growing and resolving into her former shape. ALCHEMIST: Your sister awakens. Mimi buries her face in her hands, weeping, as Seven looks at herself in the mirror, still smiling. SEVEN: This is so cool. Now, this is more like it. Can I have a cool name, like hers? ALCHEMIST: (irritated) Sorry, but I can't think of anything right now. Uh... How about Kimiko? SEVEN: (annoyed) Kimiko? But that's a dull name. I wanted a really cool name. CU. ALCHEMIST He rolls his eyes, and considers Tsunami at his feet. ROOM Tsunami is standing, trembling in a terrible chill. She reaches out with one hand, inexplicably. ALCHEMIST: (sadly) This has gone on for too long. I told them. (sigh) Now, we can do nothing. CU. SEVEN SEVEN: Huh? What do you mean? CU. ALCHEMIST Turning to Seven, gesturing at Tsunami. ALCHEMIST: We've raised her up again, only to watch her die again. This time, there'll be no way to stop it. This is your real punishment, you know. ROOM Tsunami turns and looks around the room, trying to get a grasp on where she is. ALCHEMIST: (somewhat casually) And mine, too, I suppose. I've indulged those idiots one too many times. Never again. From now on, I only work for myself. 26 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami walks over to the mirror, looking at herself in wonder. SASAMI: He knew. How in the world did he know? Hikaru enters, still holding a rag in his hand. HIKARU: Hey, Sasami. There's some folks out here, asking about you. 27 INT. DINING HALL Ayeka, Ryoko and Washu are sitting at a table, as Sasami peeks around a corner. She looks down for a moment and emerges, stiff with emotion. SASAMI: Washu? Is that you? CU. WASHU She looks around, somewhat alarmed by the tone she hears. WASHU: Sasami? CU. AYEKA She looks curiously at Sasami, as if searching for recognition. AYEKA: Oh my. Is that really you, Sasami? HALL Sasami is holding together, barely. SASAMI: I haven't forgotten about you, Washu. I just wish we had spent more time together. You know what I mean? Washu grimaces, suddenly grasping her meaning. Ryoko stands, a little impatient. RYOKO: Hey, kid. Where's my Tenchi? What are we just sitting around for? AYEKA: Ryoko, can't you see something has happened to her? Have you forgotten? CU. RYOKO Ryoko scowls and glares down at Ayeka. RYOKO: What the hell are you talking about, Princess? I don't see anything different. CU. WASHU She is trembling, like someone about to reach a staggering conclusion. WASHU: (softly) Please, Ryoko. There is a time for this, but it isn't now. CU. RYOKO Turning to Washu. RYOKO: (stiff) Huh? HALL Hikaru leans over the bar, seemingly curious. Sasami looks up, clearly unsteady but holding firm. SASAMI: I understand, Little Ryoko, but finding Tenchi wouldn't make you happier. Trust me on this. RYOKO: What did you call me? WASHU: You see what I mean? RYOKO: Have you all gone crazy? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (annoyed) Oh, do shut up, Ryoko. Can't you see my sister has assimilated with Tsunami? She has enough on her mind right now. CU. WASHU She looks curiously at Ayeka. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (softly) Sasami, we are terribly excited to see you, once again. I'm sorry we aren't more gracious, but we were stuck on an icy planet for two weeks. Forgive us, if we show little manners. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: No, Ayeka. There is nothing to forgive. I'm the one being rude. I just wish Tenchi were here to make you feel more welcome. The trouble is, he's disappeared and no one knows where he is. CU. RYOKO She sits, scowling in frustration. RYOKO: I knew it. 28 INT. LOWER FLOOR Tokimi is strapping a shoulder-piece on Tenchi. She makes it snug, and Tenchi flinches a bit. Tenchi is wearing a nice, padded armor--kneepads, breastplate, visor, elbow pieces, and a couple of tasses. She looks him over and nods to herself. She then steps back and folds her arms, considering. TOKIMI: Activate a fighter. Tenchi looks around in some confusion. TENCHI: Huh? A rather large compartment opens, and a winged robot about five feet tall appears. It immediately hovers over next to Tenchi, brandishing a short sword with impressive skill. CU. TENCHI He cringes, anticipating a good skewering. TENCHI: I don't think I can fight that thing. CU. TOKIMI She sighs, a little annoyed. TOKIMI: I don't expect you to, Tenchi. Just try your best. You never know until you try. She flinches, looking a little remorseful. TOKIMI: (softly) Well, I guess you're not ready for the brown-level fighter. I think I'll try the purple. 29 INT. HALLWAY Washu, Ryoko, Ayeka and Sasami are standing near the bathroom door in the adjoining hallway. Sasami goes to the door and knocks, softly. SASAMI: Kimiko? They frown as they hear some soft thuds and some distinct sounds of vomiting. They then hear some loud coughing and gasping for breath. SASAMI: Kimiko, are you okay in there? They wait for a few moments as the bathroom goes silent. KIMIKO: (OC) Go away! I'm not feeling very good right now. Sasami looks around, somewhat pleadingly, as Ryoko rolls her eyes. Ryoko goes through the door and pulls Kimiko out, right back through the door. Kimiko looks very pale and is still trembling a little, as Ryoko lets her go. RYOKO: (a little grim) Listen, lady. We're not here to play games. We just want to know where Tenchi went. Now, do you know or not? Washu scowls, muttering to herself. AYEKA: (disdainfully) You might have handled that a bit more delicately, Ryoko. Sasami looks on, wide-eyed in amazement. CU. KIMIKO She catches her breath and composes herself. KIMIKO: No. It's okay. I just have a little cold, I think. Now, let me see... Now that I think about it, I think Tenchi said he was going to check with the vehicle licensing office, downtown. He's probably still waiting in line, there. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Bureaucracy. I might have figured. CU. WASHU WASHU: Sorry about this, Kimiko. We just haven't had any sleep the past couple days, and we did narrowly escape a deadly battle. HALLWAY Sasami considers Washu, thoughtfully, then turns to Kimiko. SASAMI: Yes, and I'm afraid Ryoko can be a bit impatient, at times. I hope you don't take offense. KIMIKO: No offense, really. She clutches her stomach, gasping. KIMIKO: Excuse me. Kimiko rushes into the bathroom, again. Ryoko pauses for a moment, as they hear vomiting again. RYOKO: (casual) I'll call another cab. You guys go on ahead. SASAMI: If it's all the same, I'll just wait here. I'd prefer to help Kimiko, if she's really in some pain. WASHU: Okay. I'll go find Ryo-Ohki. AYEKA: I'll just flag down the cab. It's my role in this universe... CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Ayeka, I'm really glad to see you again. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Huh? Oh, yes. It is a pleasure, but we'll just be right back. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Ayeka? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Yes? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (a little hesitant) Uh... I just remembered that Kimiko needs to have a license renewal form. Could you pick one up? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Uh... Okay. 30 INT. LOWER FLOOR Tokimi straps Tenchi into a shoulder-piece, making it nice and snug. She then inspects the rest of the armor. TOKIMI: A little roughed-up, but none the worse for wear. TENCHI: (wary) You don't want me to fight that thing again, do you? TOKIMI: No, Tenchi. It's becoming obvious to me that your fighting skills are lacking. We'll just try the next lower level. She takes a step back and snaps her fingers. A tall, thin robot emerges, holding a staff. It approaches Tenchi and brandishes the staff with a brief flourish. Tenchi looks around at Tokimi, a little uncertain. CU. TOKIMI She gestures, reassuringly, and then immediately frowns. TOKIMI: You might try using some of that Jurai technique, Tenchi... Oh my... Well, I guess I can't expect a miracle, at this point. 31 INT. BATHROOM Kimiko is kneeling over a toilet, apparently praying for death. Sasami slowly opens the door and peeks in. SASAMI: Kimiko? Are you okay? What's the matter? KIMIKO: (sadly) I want to die, Sasami. Can't you just leave me alone? CU. SASAMI She frowns, thoughtfully. SASAMI: This isn't like you, Kimiko. You know you can't hide anything from me. I've known you since you were created by my sister. You used to be an automaton of me, remember? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (scowling) Something I ate, I think. That must be it. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (upset) Stop it, Kimiko. You're not fooling me. You know where Tenchi really is, don't you? CU. KIMIKO She looks up at Sasami, a little venomously, then smiles. KIMIKO: I don't have the vaguest notion of what you're saying, Sasami. I'm your friend, remember? BATHROOM Sasami folds her arms, considering, as Kimiko looks down again. SASAMI: Really? You know what I think? Kimiko looks up again, as Sasami kneels down next to Kimiko. KIMIKO: What? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: He's with Tokimi. Isn't he? You're connected to Tokimi, but you just can't admit it. You don't want to tell me or the others, because that would expose who you are. There's no point in doing that, though. I know. I see right through you, Kimiko. CU. KIMIKO She pauses, considering. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Why are you hiding all this? BATHROOM Sasami gets up again, pondering, as Kimiko looks up. KIMIKO: I'm desperate, Sasami. You have no idea. I'll do anything. Don't try to stop me. SASAMI: What are you trying to accomplish? KIMIKO: You don't understand, now, but you will. Sasami starts to leave, and Kimiko gets up. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: You already have everything you ever wanted. Just a little more time, Sasami. That's all I ask. Just give me a few lousy hours. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Then what? You can keep him? I won't let you do that. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (stiff) No. So, I can get myself back. Don't you see? This is the only way. 32 INT. LOWER FLOOR Tokimi is pondering, very confused, as a fairly battered and worn Tenchi gasps for breath. TOKIMI: Very strange. I thought for sure you'd handle purple no problem. Even young children can achieve mastery of the purple. (sigh) Oh, well. Let's try green. Anyone can defeat a green-level fighter. She snaps her fingers, and another compartment opens. Out walks a four-foot robot. It moves fairly slow, but with fluidity. It takes up a defensive posture near Tenchi. Tenchi looks down at it, uncertainly. 33 INT. DINING HALL Sasami and Kimiko are sitting at a table, as Ryoko, Ayeka and Washu stand nearby. RYOKO: We checked all over that place. They hadn't seen any sign of Tenchi. KIMIKO: Are you sure? Maybe there was an office you didn't check. WASHU: We checked everywhere. I should know. AYEKA: It took me longer to get that form than it did for us to look for Tenchi, you know. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Oh, yes. Thank you. I really do need to renew my license. CU. SASAMI She stares, thoughtfully. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: If you're feeling better, maybe you should come with us. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Sorry, but I do have a job here. HALL AYEKA: Really? It looks more like an excuse to hide from the world, to me. SASAMI: Ayeka, you should help them out at the bar. WASHU: Yeah, Ayeka. Do something useful, for once. CU. AYEKA She snarls, a little angry. AYEKA: I am a princess of Jurai. I will not be addressed in this manner! CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Shut up, you princess. Go help them out at the bar. Hikaru looks like he could use a break. HALL Ayeka pouts for a few moments, then goes to work at the bar. KIMIKO: I'm sorry, but even if I went with you, I wouldn't know where to look. I wish I could be more helpful. SASAMI: Didn't you at least find Ryo-Ohki? WASHU: No. I'm afraid we've lost her, too. RYOKO: I can't sense her. It's like she's being blocked completely. SASAMI: Now, that's very strange. WASHU: Yes, isn't it? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Oh, wait a minute. Now, I remember. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: What? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Tenchi said that when he was done at the licensing office, that he was just going to go straight to the laundromat. He had a lot of chores to do today. CU. WASHU WASHU: The laundromat? CU. SASAMI She sighs, a little exasperated. HALL Ryoko and Washu look at each other, undecided, then start to leave. KIMIKO: Oh! And can you do me a little favor? 34 INT. LOWER FLOOR Tenchi approaches a two-foot robot, wearing a very beaten and battered-looking armor. Tokimi is gazing on, in nothing less than amazement. TOKIMI: This is really unprecedented. No one has ever been beaten so soundly by the green-level fighter. If you lose to the white-level fighter, I'm afraid I shall be at a complete loss. Tenchi looks down at the robot, weary. He makes a bold lunge, and trips over it, sprawling. Tokimi shakes her head in wonder, her eyes widening in half-amused shock. 35 INT. LAUNDROMAT Ryoko and Washu are sitting at a bench, surrounded by washers and dryers. Ryoko looks blankly bored, as Washu ponders. WASHU: You know, I get the feeling that Kimiko is just giving us the run-around, here. RYOKO: Brilliant. How did you figure that out? (sigh) What else are we going to do? CU. WASHU WASHU: I don't know. The truth is, Ryoko, I'm more worried about you than I am about Tenchi. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Oh? You know something I don't? CU. WASHU WASHU: A few things. Sometimes, Ryoko, life can be very unpleasant. I wonder if you've realized this. LAUNDROMAT RYOKO: Well, I'm right here. You see Tenchi anywhere? You know what's happening to him? WASHU: No. RYOKO: Then what are you worried about? You think we might bump into this artist that Tenchi is looking for? WASHU: Not exactly. I'm worried that you've made a deal with someone you really shouldn't have. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (stunned) A deal? Me? You know me, Washu. I don't trust anyone. CU. WASHU WASHU: Exactly. You're altogether too easy to trick into doing something stupid. I've tricked you several times, myself. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (annoyed) I'm not stupid, Washu. I know exactly what I'm doing. LAUNDROMAT WASHU: Okay. Just checking. RYOKO: Hmm... Are you jealous? Did I cut you out of the loop? WASHU: No. I haven't made any deal, yet. RYOKO: Yet? WASHU: I'm trying to raise the stakes, Ryoko. I don't sell myself as cheaply as you. RYOKO: (amused) That's funny. I didn't know you had a price. CU. WASHU WASHU: We all have a price, Ryoko. Some of us just sell out a little quicker than others. CU. RYOKO She shudders, suddenly drawing some chilling conclusion. RYOKO: Are you warning me that Tenchi has sold out? CU. WASHU WASHU: (sigh) I'm warning you to be careful who you deal with, Ryoko. Just watch out. LAUNDROMAT Ryoko gets up and checks a dryer, as Washu continues to ponder. 36 INT. LOWER FLOOR Tenchi is back in a martial arts uniform, walking across a balance-beam. He holds out his arms and goes to one side, then turns, deftly. Tokimi is standing nearby, studiously watching. TOKIMI: Okay. I think I may have actually found something you're good at. Now, try it without the lights. The room goes completely black for a moment. The lights come on, and Tenchi is standing at the other end. CU. TOKIMI Very pleased. TOKIMI: Hey! You can do something useful! This is surprising. Now, if I can just get you to use this knowledge somehow... ROOM Tenchi sways a bit, unsteady. TENCHI: Whoa! I just had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. Tokimi frowns, going over to help Tenchi steady himself. She reaches out, as Tenchi steps off the beam and vomits on the other side. CU. TOKIMI Grimacing in shock. TOKIMI: This can't be good. 37 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA The day is wearing on into early evening. The cantina starts to pick up a bit of traffic. 38 INT. DINING HALL Ryoko and Washu approach a table where Kimiko and Sasami are sitting. RYOKO: Any other stupid chores you want us to do? Send out some mail? Find some lost pet? Sasami snarls in irritation. CU. KIMIKO She smiles, indulgently. KIMIKO: No, but now that you mention it, I do have some music I never bothered to return... CU. WASHU WASHU: (annoyed) Forget it. We're not playing along anymore. HALL RYOKO: Just admit it. You don't know where Tenchi is. You never did. KIMIKO: Okay, you got me. I actually have no idea where Tenchi is. WASHU: Yes. It's becoming terribly clear, now. You were just leading us around. (to Sasami) Just like you, huh? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Me? CU. WASHU WASHU: Don't you think it's time you drop the charade, Sasami? You'd feel better if you came clean, I think. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (nervous) Okay, Mom. Stop that. You're scaring me. HALL Washu continues to consider Sasami, as Ryoko looks on, nervous. WASHU: (softly) You know it's the right thing to do, Sasami. Tenchi isn't here to help you. Just accept it. SASAMI: I can't. You have no idea what you're asking me to do. WASHU: If Ryoko means anything to you, you'll do the right thing and admit it now. You make her wait any longer, and you might as well just call her your pet rock. CU. SASAMI Trembling with anxiety. SASAMI: (groaning) You're right, Little Washu. I can't hide this anymore. Ryoko, I'm so sorry. CU. RYOKO Gaping like a landed fish. RYOKO: What? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Tenchi and I have been living together the past couple weeks. We're married now, and he has no interest in you. He wants a family with me. CU. RYOKO Her best impression of a stone, yet. CU. WASHU WASHU: (relieved) Thank you, Sasami. That was hard for me to watch, but it needed to be done. You have no idea what I've been through, the past few days. CU. KIMIKO She starts to cry, looking down. HALL Ryoko collects herself and numbly turns to leave. She looks like someone searching for a map. Sasami gets up, but Kimiko grabs her arm, tight. KIMIKO: (softly) No. Let her go. SASAMI: Ryoko... Ryoko turns and numbly considers. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (stiff) You'd better not follow me, Sasami. I won't be very good company for a while. HALL Ryoko turns and leaves, as Sasami sits again, fretting. SASAMI: I knew this would happen. WASHU: It's okay, Sasami. We'll find Tenchi. 39 EXT. GRASSY PLAIN The gray sky embraces the Temple of Fate, like misty stone over distinct stone. 40 INT. MAIN OFFICE A large room with a high ceiling and a stone floor. Some benches are arranged around the walls beneath somber paintings. At one side is a large set of doors, and at the other end are pillars just before a set of four arched entryways. In the center of the room is a small table with a lamp in the middle. Light streams down in narrow shafts from high above. Tenchi is lying in a small bed, sweating and trembling. He tries to get up, and falls back down. TENCHI: Oh boy, what happened? Tokimi comes through one of the arched entryways, carrying a bottle. TENCHI: I feel like I've been kicked in the stomach a few times. Tokimi stoops over Tenchi, considering carefully. TOKIMI: You're running a fever. In a way, it's a good thing you're here. I think I can treat you. No telling what might have happened, otherwise. CU. TENCHI He gasps in pain, clutching his stomach. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: This is very bad, but I think you'll feel better after the medications start to work. 41 INT. DINING HALL Ayeka stops by the dining table where Sasami, Kimiko and Washu are sitting. She's holding a platter of glasses, all filled with drinks. AYEKA: Hey, Little Washu. Did you find Tenchi, yet? What's going on here? WASHU: No, we haven't found anyone yet. We've lost two, and I think we're about to lose number three. CU. AYEKA Frowning in thought. AYEKA: Number three? Wait a moment. Where did Ryoko go? HALL KIMIKO: She just left. AYEKA: She just left? Without Lord Tenchi? Why would she do that? They pause for a moment, while Ayeka ponders. AYEKA: If you can't find him, and Ryoko has suddenly lost interest in finding him... Sasami, is there something you want to tell you me? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: No. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: I am your sister, right? You can tell me anything. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Actually, Ayeka, I'm not really your sister. Not anymore. HALL Ayeka staggers a little, nearly dropping the platter. She carefully places the platter on the table and sits, very unsteady. AYEKA: You mind explaining yourself? Remember who you're talking to. SASAMI: No, Ayeka. You remember who you're talking to. I'm not just Sasami, anymore. AYEKA: Oh, I see. All grown up, now. And my idea about renouncing the family name... CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Sorry, Ayeka, but I had to take it myself. It was too good an opportunity to pass up. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: I suppose you were just bored this time, as well. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: You know me better than that. HALL Ayeka considers thoughtfully for a moment, then looks very grim. AYEKA: (strained) Just tell me one thing, Sasami. SASAMI: (casual) Yes? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (a little nervous) Was Yosho as good a lover as Tenchi? Or am I just imagining things again? CU. SASAMI Gaping with shock. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (firm) I see. So, I was deluding myself then, as well. I see it all very clearly now. (softly) Yosho was trying to foist me off on Tenchi to take you for himself, but now you'll have the last laugh on him. CU. WASHU Blankly confused. WASHU: Uh... CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Not now, Washu. Ayeka, I'm begging you... CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (amused) It's okay, Sasami. I'll be very discreet. Although, now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure Funaho already knows, as well. Yosho isn't as old as he appears to be. What a fool I've been. HALL Ayeka gets up, as Washu hits herself. WASHU: Whoa! AYEKA: I think you'll know where to find me. Ayeka leaves, as Washu steadies herself. KIMIKO: Boy! Even I didn't see that coming. What a shocking thing to learn. Sasami, you've really been holding out on us. SASAMI: Ayeka has the most appalling insights, at times. WASHU: Okay, just a second. Let me get this straight... 42 EXT. OBSCURE HILLSIDE The giant planet starts to emerge in the sky above, as the sky slowly starts to turn to purple. Ryoko sits under a tree, looking down in shock. 43 INT. NOBOYUKI'S BEDROOM (B/W--flashback) Ryoko glowers for a moment, then starts to stalk toward the door. ALCHEMIST: (casually) You should really take this study more seriously, Ryoko. It isn't every day that I offer an apprenticeship. I'm a very patient man, but even I have my limits. RYOKO: (a little stunned) You won't back out of our arrangement? ALCHEMIST: (musing) I haven't decided, yet. As you are now, I could never let you have Tenchi, but I could let you borrow him for a little while. Would that suffice, Ryoko? RYOKO: (turning, angry) You son of a bitch! CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (chuckling) You're so amusing to me, Ryoko. You know, you're the reason Tenchi doesn't show his affections toward you, but there is really nothing wrong with you. Tenchi doesn't despise you, but you can do nothing that can impress him. It's hopeless, you see. 44 EXT. OBSCURE HILLSIDE Ryoko looks up, blankly thoughtful. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (softly) I'm nothing but a sick joke. 45 INT. NOBOYUKI'S BEDROOM (B/W--flashback) RYOKO: (grim and bitter) Oh! You are so disgusting! Why are you doing this to me? The alchemist folds his arms, considering. ALCHEMIST: Would you prefer that I left? Now that you know what you know, can you truly go back to what you were? RYOKO: (stiff, looking down) No. ALCHEMIST: (casual) Good. (firm) If I disgust you, it's because I reflect the truth. I don't have time to paint a pretty picture of what you would like to think you are. The truth is, you disgust me. I see great potential in you, Ryoko, but you always fail to utilize it properly and you always will. 46 EXT. OBSCURE HILLSIDE Ryoko closes her eyes, fighting an urge to scream, apparently. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (resigned) Who am I kidding? I was never a human being. I'm not even a machine--I'm nothing but a stone. I should have stayed buried. 47 INT. MAIN OFFICE Tenchi sits up, falls back down and leans over. A spasm of coughing seizes him, suddenly. He gasps for air and then has another spasm of coughing. He then falls unconscious again. Tokimi is sitting next to him, quiet and thoughtful. 48 EXT. VILLAGE OUTSKIRTS The small village by the lake is very quiet, as Tsunami approaches on her horse. She looks around, searching for someone. Araya emerges from a hut, looking around in disbelief. ARAYA: Tsunami? Is that really you? Tsunami looks down for a moment, pondering, then dismounts her horse. She looks around, as if casually disinterested. ARAYA: Tsunami? Tsunami? Where in the world have you been all these years? We thought you were dead. Tsunami frowns, looking at Araya in annoyance. She struggles with some thought, as if trying to remember something. TSUNAMI: (barely audible) Where is he? CU. ARAYA ARAYA: What? CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: Where is he? Where's Alepios? I haven't seen him anywhere. VILLAGE Araya looks shocked for a moment, then grieved. ARAYA: (softly) You haven't heard already? TSUNAMI: What--? ARAYA: Tsunami, Alepios is dead. That's why the village is in mourning. (softly) Damn hypocrites. CU. TSUNAMI She is rigid with shock. TSUNAMI: No-- CU. ARAYA ARAYA: It's true, Tsunami. He just couldn't go on. It was all too much. He threw himself into the wastelands just a few days ago. No one could survive a fall like that. VILLAGE Tsunami can barely stand. Araya puts a hand on her shoulder, as if to help her up. ARAYA: (wistfully) That's probably why you're here. Whoever was holding you prisoner probably just broke. I can't imagine someone doing such a monstrous thing. If it weren't for all these pretenders, I would have never dreamed such a thing were possible. CU. ARAYA A little bitter, like someone with a grudge. ARAYA: Alepios was never well-liked, and they know it. All his life, they made him the target of their stupid pranks--calling him pointless or meaningless in their own way. In a way, I think he's better off now. VILLAGE Tsunami breaks off from Araya in disgust, unable to find any emotion in herself. She continues to look around blankly, and then sees a little infant boy approach her. She reels in fear, backing into Araya. ARAYA: Laren! (turning to Tsunami) Isn't he cute? TSUNAMI: Huh? ARAYA: Little Laren seems to like you, but I don't think he's old enough to be aware of what he is doing. Araya picks up the little infant boy. CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: He's yours? CU. ARAYA ARAYA: Yeah. (subdued) Well, he's my little Alepios. Now, he's all I have left. I guess this is a little awkward. CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: How long was I gone? CU. ARAYA ARAYA: You were gone for over seven years, Tsunami. We honestly thought you were dead. How else could you be gone so long? VILLAGE Tsunami is overcome with shock. She stumbles out of the village, leaving the horse. ARAYA: Tsunami? Tsunami? Come back! 49 INT. DINING HALL Washu is still a little overcome with shock, as Kimiko and Sasami look at her, considering. Hikaru walks up to the table, and looks around in annoyance. HIKARU: (clearing his throat) We have customers, girls. Washu looks around, a little taken aback. KIMIKO: Hey, Hikaru. I'm taking a sick day. Sasami and I are in the middle of something here. HIKARU: It's a little rude to be told like this, Kimiko. You know I can't count on those short-timers. CU. WASHU WASHU: (annoyed) Uh, if you could excuse me, I'm actually a paying customer. I'd like to make an order. CU. HIKARU He frowns, somewhat mortified. HIKARU: Oh, okay. I'll be right back. I just need to phone a few people. CU. WASHU WASHU: How much could Funaho know? She didn't actually see you with Yosho, did she? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: I don't think so. She must have deduced it, somehow--probably from something Yosho said. Yosho has a big mouth, you know. HALL Kimiko looks down, thoughtful. KIMIKO: You didn't tell him about me, did you? SASAMI: Why would I do that? WASHU: Yosho is very curious, Sasami. He would have asked you about things like that. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Not that it's any of your business, but I told Yosho a great many things. They weren't all true, of course, but I doubt he believed my stories, anyway. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: You couldn't just tell him the truth? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (shocked) The truth! You know what I went through? How could I relive that all over again? It's bad enough that I had to share it with Sasami. 50 INT. MAIN OFFICE Tenchi looks very pale. Tokimi looks at him with deep concern, then gets up to leave. She returns and sits next to him again. Tenchi looks up, a little disoriented. TENCHI: (softly) I'm going to die. Nobody could live through this. I must look like hell. TOKIMI: (choking) Don't talk, Tenchi. You don't want to waste your strength. CU. TENCHI He lays back, relieved. TENCHI: Thank you. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: What for? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: For staying here. You don't know how much this means to me. I just know no one else would have. ROOM Tokimi looks very ill as Tenchi falls unconscious again. She seems very introspective, as she looks over a few potions. TOKIMI: Not again. I won't let this happen again. Hang in there, boy. 51 EXT. FOREST Tsunami narrowly avoids falling into another pit trap. She looks around, terribly disoriented. TSUNAMI: No. This isn't happening. It must be a bad dream. CU. TSUNAMI She closes her eyes for a moment, then opens them again. She then sighs and casually sits under a tree. She looks up, pleadingly. TSUNAMI: Why? What did I ever do to deserve this? FOREST Tsunami looks down, unable to weep, but closing her eyes, as if wishing she could. A few moments pass as a small animal approaches and pounces into her lap. Tsunami starts to pet the animal, reflexively. TSUNAMI: (looking down) Pytho? What are you doing here? Where is your master? CU. TSUNAMI She continues to pet the animal as she closes her eyes again. TSUNAMI: You don't have a care in the world, do you? You may as well be a little statue. Why couldn't Mimi have locked you away, huh? You would've been happier as a stone. FOREST The animal purrs as Tsunami continues to pet it. TSUNAMI: I know. You can't help what you are. You're just a pet, aren't you? Pets always bring us so much comfort--a constant joy. You know nothing but unconditional love. CU. TSUNAMI She scowls in anger. TSUNAMI: I think you like it that way, don't you? Life is a real pleasure for you, isn't it? You're so happy --so free of worry. (very grim) I wish I could be just like you. CU. PYTHO He squirms, suddenly alarmed. Tsunami is twisting him in her hands. CU. TSUNAMI She snarls as she rips Pytho apart, literally--with her bare hands. She groans and looks down at herself, suddenly consumed with overpowering guilt. FOREST Tsunami stands, torn between anger, grief and guilt. The blood on her hands begins to ripple and bubble around her. The little bubbles surround her and slowly lift her into the tree. She looks down, sadly, as her body merges into the tree. The tree glows briefly, then fades again. 52 EXT. A CITY STREET Ayeka exits a cab, handing something to the driver. She makes her way to a small building with a sign, proclaiming it to be 'Cruiser and Shuttle Tours.' She mutters to herself as she enters the building. AYEKA: (to herself) I can't believe I went all this way just to have to make my way back. Oh, well. At least I have an amusing hobby, now. Poor Yosho. I almost feel sorry for him. 53 INT. MAIN OFFICE Tokimi is asleep, still sitting next to Tenchi, as he awakens. He sits up and begins coughing again, uncontrollably. Tokimi continues to sleep, as Tenchi groans, clenching his stomach. He tries to stand, and nearly keels over. He sits back down. TENCHI: Whoa! He clutches his head in pain. TENCHI: (softly) Not so loud. He frowns, reflexively groaning in pain. His eyes start to water, and he wipes his face, annoyed. CU. TENCHI His face is very pale, like death. TENCHI: Wow, what pain. This is the worst. He looks at Tokimi and curiously smiles. TENCHI: Poor lady. She must be sick with worry. I'd better hurry up and get better. He lies back down and promptly passes out. 54 INT. DINING HALL Washu is looking over a small salad, glaring at Kimiko. WASHU: Forget it. I'll assimilate anyone else. I'd rather stick Tenchi and Mihoshi in the same body. Sasami seems rather amused, as Kimiko snarls in anger. KIMIKO: That isn't funny, Washu. You know what my life is like. I can't keep a man, and Tokimi can never stand to be in this dimension long enough to find one. I'm in utter misery. WASHU: I said, forget it. Never. You're much better off this way. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: That's easy for you to say. You could always raise a family if you really wanted to. You don't want to. You just keep getting smaller. You get any smaller, and we'll have to start calling you infant-Washu. CU. WASHU WASHU: And that isn't helping. All I care about is getting Tenchi back. Sasami, can't you understand? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Sorry, Washu, but I sympathize with her. She's been punished enough. Just put her back together. HALL WASHU: You sympathize with her? You remember what she was like? KIMIKO: I've changed, Washu. There's no way I could possibly be the same person I was before. WASHU: Huh... You mean you're even worse, now? SASAMI: Washu, try to see it her way. All she really did was get mixed up in a little misunderstanding. CU. WASHU WASHU: (to Kimiko) You see what I mean? Even Sasami is reverting. (to Sasami) Pretty soon, you'll expect me to take care of you again. CU. SASAMI Sighing in annoyance. SASAMI: Washu, I'm not the weepy little girl you once knew. I'm going to have a family. I'm an adult, now. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Yeah, Washu. Cut her some slack. You always were a little overbearing. You're the one who hasn't changed. HALL WASHU: I can't believe what I'm hearing. (to Sasami) I'm trying get your husband back from her alter- ego, and all you can do is sit there and defend her. I thought I knew you, Sasami. SASAMI: (grim) Evidently not. KIMIKO: I'm not holding anyone hostage, Washu. If you want Tenchi back, you can have him. It doesn't matter anyway. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Why is that? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Because the door has been sitting open the whole time. It was really just a matter of time before you would have found it, anyway. 55 INT. MAIN OFFICE Tenchi sits up again, scowling in pain. He looks around and sees Tokimi, again sleeping--sitting next to his bed. He groans and begins to have a coughing fit. Tokimi murmurs, as he continues coughing. TENCHI: Oh, man. I can't go on like this. How long have I been here? CU. TENCHI He leans on his hands, looking around blearily. He smiles in some weakened recognition. TENCHI: Oh. Hello. Sorry, I can't get up. ROOM Ryoko and Ayeka have appeared. They look down at him, somewhat pitifully. RYOKO: (casual) Is this really you, Tenchi? I destroyed myself for this? What was I thinking? Ayeka rolls her eyes. AYEKA: Don't kid yourself, Ryoko. You destroyed yourself because of Kagato, not because of anything Lord Tenchi did. Not that it matters, now. Tenchi squints and rubs his eyes. TENCHI: Ryoko? Ayeka? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Sorry, Tenchi. Just a little flight of fancy. I'd tell you more, but I hate creating pardoxes--I mean, any more than I already have. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Your life is one big paradox, Ryoko. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (sigh) Anyway, Washu always bugs me anytime I'm about to do something stupid-- CU. WASHU She suddenly appears. WASHU: Like right now. Hey there, Tenchi. Boy, you look a lot worse than I thought. CU. TENCHI He gasps for breath, starting to cough again. ROOM Mihoshi and Sasami suddenly appear. Mihoshi looks curiously stiff, and Sasami has a faint glow all around her. MIHOSHI: Hey there, Tenchi! It's us, again! SASAMI: Hello, Tenchi. Wow. You really did get the worst of it, didn't you? Tenchi sighs, coming out of his coughing fit. TENCHI: Oh... Hey. Wow, this is nice. I'm glad to see all of you again. Especially you, Little Washu. It's been too long. CU. WASHU She looks a little smug. WASHU: I told you he liked me best. CU. RYOKO She rolls her eyes. RYOKO: Washu, you're such a lousy cheat! You know he only said that because he hadn't seen you in years. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Yes. We should keep in mind that Lord Tenchi is somewhat delirious, as well. We came here to comfort him. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: You came here for me? I just came here to meet this lady. She's my mentor, you know. CU. WASHU WASHU: It's okay, Tenchi. We know all about Tokimi. We think your work is just as good, if not better. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (wistful) Anyway, Tenchi, all that really matters is that you love your work. Isn't that true, Washu? ROOM WASHU: Yeah, the kid has a point. TENCHI: (very weak) Well... She isn't a kid, Washu. She's all grown up, and she's my wife, now. Ryoko and Ayeka flinch in distaste. RYOKO: You must be kidding! This is disgusting. AYEKA: (sigh) I still can't believe you chose her over me. WASHU: Careful, girls. You don't want to upset him. He could have a relapse and die. MIHOSHI: But if that happened, how would we be here? WASHU: It's called a paradox, you nitwit! Now, just stay quiet. Nobody invited you two. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Well, I don't care about paradoxes. I think our love transcends all boundaries--time and space, as well as life and death. I just wish you would tell me something, Tenchi. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: You do love me, right? Isn't that enough? Why would you want anything else? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Anything else? What do you mean? Of course, I love you. ROOM Ayeka and Ryoko look like they've been slapped, as Sasami leans near Tenchi. Tokimi murmurs to herself, again. SASAMI: Well, just look around. I'm not the only one standing here. I can't help wondering if things would have turned out differently, had you been a little less attached to the others. RYOKO: Washu, I warned you this might happen. AYEKA: Sasami is very devious, Washu. WASHU: It's okay, girls. I know Sasami, but I think I know Tenchi, too. He isn't about to say anything stupid, right now. TENCHI: (pondering) Less attached? You mean I should stop caring about them? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Yes, Tenchi. Just stop. If you really love me, then prove it. Give me all your heart. Why should I have to share you? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Why would you ask me something like that? You know how I feel? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (annoyed) Yes, Tenchi. But do you really know how they feel? You think they care about you as much I do? You think they care as much as you? CU. TENCHI Pondering, wiping his eyes, trying to form a clear thought. TENCHI: Hmm... Well, how do all of you feel? Tell me the truth. ROOM Washu smiles, immediately framing a response. WASHU: I'm your angel of mercy, Tenchi. I'd do absolutely anything for you. TENCHI: Really? WASHU: Well... No. Actually, I really only wanted you to kiss me. Damn Ryoko and Ayeka... Mihoshi ponders, somewhat vacantly. MIHOSHI: Washu and I both enjoy your little quirks. It's very silly, but we like your constant youthfulness and naivete. Ayeka snarls, annoyed. AYEKA: Much as I hate to admit this, I really only wanted to sleep with you. I don't like your art or your music, and I especially dislike your sewing. I just cannot let go of this childish fantasy. Ryoko looks a little sullen. RYOKO: I just think you're cute, Tenchi... Although you'd be irresistable with a little mustache. I can't even say that I've ever really been in love with you. I don't even know what love is. I'm pretty pathetic, huh? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: You see what I mean? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: How do you feel, Sasami? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: I love you with all my heart, Tenchi. We deserve the best for each other. Forget about them. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (amused) Sasami, you're so greedy. CU. SASAMI Taken aback. SASAMI: What? ROOM Tenchi scowls, trying to catch his breath, then continues. TENCHI: You knew how I felt when we were married. You're only goading me, now. Aren't you? SASAMI: Tenchi, this isn't how married people are supposed to be. What is love, if it's not exclusive? TENCHI: Who says? I'll do anything you want, but I can't stop caring about the others. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (sigh) This isn't what Yosho would say, Tenchi. You know he would disapprove. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I don't care about Grandpa, Sasami. I only want to make my father proud. ROOM SASAMI: (frowning) Your father? (a little exasperated) But Noboyuki is nothing but a scoundrel. TENCHI: (amused) Yes, he is. But he's still my father, and I think more of him than any of you. Ayeka and Ryoko look pale, shocked. SASAMI: This is silly, Tenchi. You want to make Noboyuki proud of you? CU. TENCHI Suddenly very annoyed. TENCHI: Sasami. Don't upset me. You know I'm right. I love my father more than all of you. He deserves it. If you really care about me, you'd understand that. CU. WASHU Smiling, proudly. WASHU: Like I said. ROOM TENCHI: There's someone missing... RYOKO: Who could be missing? Just then, Ryo-Ohki appears, looks around and scampers to Tenchi. RYOKO: Oh no! I forgot! We never found her! This must have been what happened... Ayeka and Ryoko look annoyed as Tenchi holds Ryo-Ohki close, petting her. TENCHI: Hey there! Boy, did I miss you, girl! What happened to you? You look like you've been through a war zone! Washu rolls her eyes and makes a curious gesture. WASHU: Come on, girls. Time to vanish before we make a real paradox. Ayeka looks thoughtful, then gasps. AYEKA: Little Washu, wait! Washu and the others vanish, leaving Tenchi with Ryo- Ohki. Tokimi stirs and sits up, a little stunned. CU. TOKIMI Pointing, a little disgusted. TOKIMI: What is that creature? What is it doing here? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (annoyed) This creature is my friend, Ryo-Ohki. She's here to rescue me. (looking down) Aren't you? 56 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami, Washu and Kimiko stand before a glowing silver door--standing open, right where the mirror was. KIMIKO: Ryo-Ohki left the door open when she went through a couple hours ago. WASHU: Why not just close it? KIMIKO: The door can only respond to one person at a time. That way, once someone opens it, no one else can close it. SASAMI: Yes. So, for example, if Tenchi had opened it, even I could not close it. Sasami starts toward the open door. Washu looks back at Kimiko. WASHU: Aren't you coming along? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: This isn't the right way, Washu. I'll wait here. Otherwise, it would be too great a temptation. CU. WASHU WASHU: Huh? Well, whatever you say. 57 EXT. GRASSY FIELD Sasami goes across a grassy field to a bare rectangle, followed eventually by Washu. Tenchi is sitting in the rectangle beside Ryo-Ohki, sketching in a large pad. Tokimi is standing nearby, and she looks up in shock, as Sasami approaches. SASAMI: Tenchi, are you okay? CU. TENCHI He still looks pale and a little shaky. TENCHI: Oh! Hey, Sasami! Well, I feel like I've got a bag of ice in my stomach, and my head still hurts, but I think I'm going to be all right. CU. SASAMI Sitting down next to Tenchi. SASAMI: Hey, you're right! You look pretty beat up, too. (to Tokimi) Hey, what have you been giving him to eat? Tenchi has a very delicate constitution, you know. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: No, I don't. You're the one with the delicate constitution, Sasami. RECTANGLE Washu enters the rectangle, glaring at Tokimi for a moment, then sitting across from Tenchi. TENCHI: Hey, Little Washu! You're back! This is great. It's been way too long. WASHU: I'm very glad to see you again, Tenchi. I just wish you had taken better care of yourself. Tenchi looks around. TENCHI: Where are the others? Isn't Ryoko or Ayeka with you? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Ryoko's already heard, Tenchi. So has Ayeka. I was forced to tell them because Kimiko was being rather stubborn about you. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Kimiko? What does Kimiko have to do with all this? CU. WASHU WASHU: Never mind. The important thing is that you're okay, right? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Yeah, I'll be fine. Damn. I just wish you hadn't had to have gone through that all by yourself, Sasami. I feel terrible about that. Don't worry, though. Ryoko and Ayeka will be fine. If I know them, they're already fighting with each other again over something stupid. RECTANGLE Washu stands and gestures to the others. WASHU: Well, let's get out of here. This place is creepy. I can't imagine how you put up with it. SASAMI: Tenchi was only here for about ten hours, Washu. WASHU: Yeah, but here, that translates to about six or seven days. Tokimi likes these little time-curves, remember? Sasami stands, and helps Tenchi stand. SASAMI: Six or seven days? Tokimi must have made a supreme effort of will to stay in this dimension for that long. You know, Little Washu, I could assimilate her, myself. It's really nothing for me. I consider myself an expert, now. WASHU: (annoyed) You go ahead and do that. Don't come crawling to me, though, when she ruins your life again. She came pretty close to doing that here, as it was. Sasami slumps, looking back and forth between Tokimi and Washu. Tokimi is sullen and silent. TENCHI: Assimilate her? With who? Kimiko? Why would you do that? CU. WASHU WASHU: Because Tokimi and Kimiko are really the same person, Tenchi. They can't live a normal life as they are, but she would never be a normal person, even if she were assimilated, either. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Why is that? CU. WASHU WASHU: Because she is a monster, Tenchi. You must have realized that, by now. She loves everyone so much, she leaves a trail of destruction in her wake, like Godzilla with a big heart. RECTANGLE Tenchi, Sasami and Washu start to leave the rectangle. Tenchi looks back, pondering. TENCHI: She's looks so pathetic, though. I wish someone could do something for her. Ryo-Ohki looks back and forth, then scampers up to Tokimi. Tokimi sighs and picks up Ryo-Ohki, petting her. The others go back and Sasami holds out her hands to Ryo- Ohki. CU. RYO-OHKI Ryo-Ohki snarls and makes a swipe at Sasami with a paw. CU. SASAMI Very surprised. SASAMI: Ryo-Ohki? What has gotten into you? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I think Ryo-Ohki doesn't like Tsunami. Ryo-Ohki can be very particular, you know? CU. WASHU WASHU: Yes, and very perceptive, too. Funny, that she likes Tokimi better than you. CU. SASAMI Scowling in anger. SASAMI: Ryo-Ohki, I'm your friend. I would never do anything to hurt you. You know that. RECTANGLE Washu takes Ryo-Ohki, and they slowly leave the rectangle again. 58 EXT. GRASSY FIELD They approach the door, and Washu stops and sighs. She hands Ryo-Ohki to Tenchi and looks back. Sasami stops at the door, inquisitive. SASAMI: Washu? What is it? WASHU: You all go on. Now that I've thought about it, Sasami, I think you're right. Tokimi has been punished enough--but we do this my way. I'm the only one who can put her back together properly. TENCHI: You mean, with dominant and recessive personas? WASHU: Something like that... Go on. 59 EXT. GRASSY FIELD Washu goes back to the rectangle, where Tokimi is still standing. Washu glares at Tokimi for a moment, then brings up her console, typing for a moment. CU. WASHU WASHU: (shocked) Earth? CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: (amused) Where else? RECTANGLE Washu looks down at her display again, pondering. WASHU: Oh, I see. You use a force field to keep it hidden. Disguised as molten rock--very clever. She types for a few moments. TOKIMI: So, you'll do it, after all. You're going to assimilate me? WASHU: Yes, but you won't be Mimi, again. That's for sure. TOKIMI: That's okay. I just hate what I am right now. It's a real chore, being so good and kind all the time. WASHU: I can imagine--yes, I thought you might be that way. That's why I'm going to make Kimiko the dominant side of your persona. It's the natural lean, anyway. You'd never stay in this dimension, otherwise. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: This is incredible. We'll be like a family again. CU. WASHU WASHU: Well, don't get your hopes up. RECTANGLE Washu hits one button, and a bright flash goes through the air, followed by a low boom. TOKIMI: What do you mean? What have you done? WASHU: (casual) I still haven't forgiven you for what you did to Tsunami. And there's that matter of what you did to me. You robbed me of seven years of my life, too. Did you think I'd forgotten? Tokimi gapes in shock. TOKIMI: Robbed? You were on vacation. I thought your delay in returning was intentional. CU. WASHU WASHU: You didn't sabotage my time-machine? Hmm... Well, it doesn't matter. I can't encourage your present attitude. Don't worry, though. I will assimilate you, but only after I get back. I have to go gather some materials. It takes a lot of energy to do an assimilation, properly. RECTANGLE Washu puts away her console again, and starts to leave. TOKIMI: When will you get back? How long will that be? WASHU: Oh, no more than a week or two. Of course, you'll still be here. TOKIMI: How do you know that? What did you do to my force field? CU. WASHU WASHU: I've just reversed the polarity on the gates, and keyed it to my astral pattern. Anyone can enter, now, but only I can leave. I destroyed your machine, too. So, only I can undo it. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: You destroyed my machine? CU. WASHU A little irritated, thoughtful. WASHU: What do you care? After you're assimilated, you won't want to come back here, will you? CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: Oh. Right. CU. WASHU Turning again, pondering casually. WASHU: This way, when I get back, you'll be used to this dimension. There's nothing wrong with it, you know. It's just a little more dangerous. Accidents do happen. See you, Tokimi. RECTANGLE Washu leaves, and Tokimi starts to go after her, then stops, subdued. 60 INT. DINING HALL Kimiko, Washu and Sasami are sitting at a table. Kimiko has her head lying in her arms on the table, passed out. Washu looks at Kimiko suspiciously, then at Sasami. WASHU: Is she really passed out? SASAMI: She sure looks like it. I doubt she really cares what we talk about, anyway. She really only wanted to be put back together, again. In a way, this is a lot harder on her than Tokimi. CU. WASHU WASHU: (smiling) I know. Who do you think I'm really punishing, here? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (sigh) You're right. She does need to be properly punished. CU. WASHU She looks down, a little nervous. WASHU: You said before that Tenchi wants a family, right? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Yeah... CU. WASHU WASHU: Does that mean what I think it does? CU. SASAMI Amused, half-surprised. SASAMI: What are you saying, Washu? Sometimes, you can be very vague. HALL Washu looks around, somewhat exasperated. WASHU: I mean, are you having a child? You aren't already expecting, are you? Sasami gapes in feigned shock. SASAMI: Little Washu! What a shocking thing to say, right out of the blue! WASHU: Well? SASAMI: Yes, of course. You know I would never be happy, otherwise. I want everything. CU. WASHU Frowning with disgust. WASHU: Sasami, you know it's quite impossible. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Why is that? Actually, I happen to know that I'm having a little girl. CU. WASHU WASHU: Tenchi's child, right? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Who else? What are you saying, Little Washu? HALL Washu ponders carefully for a moment. WASHU: Sasami, you know about genetics? You are quadruple-recessive. SASAMI: So? WASHU: Well, you know what they say--recessive quads cannot match with less than racial fourths. SASAMI: I fail to see the point. CU. WASHU Leaning over near Sasami. WASHU: Tenchi is one-eighth, Sasami. You can't possibly be having his child... Not unless... Think about it. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (shocked) Oh, I see. (mortified) It looks bad, doesn't it? CU. WASHU Flinching with disgust. WASHU: I meant, besides the obvious. You see, if this child was conceived of Tenchi and Tsunami, it means that she'll be powerful. Maybe even as powerful as you. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (thoughtful) Oh, boy. Tenchi really will have his work cut out for him, huh? CU. WASHU Glaring at Sasami. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: What? THE END