Author: Mike Fenton Title: DYING FOR A LITTLE INTRIGUE Notes: Regular (OVA), script format Summary: Menacing figures are on the move. [Disclaimer: Tenchi Muyo! and its characters are the property of AIC and Pioneer LDC, Inc. and was created by Masaki Kajishima. This story comes entirely from my imagination, and is strictly intended to be apocryphal--so please don't sue me.] 1 EXT. MASAKI SHRINE A cool autumn day, with colorful trees. 2 INT. SHRINE Sasami is sitting at a table across from Yosho, holding little Michiko, drinking tea. SASAMI: I expected Ayeka to do well, but this is very surprising. YOSHO: You should know Ayeka by now. She can be very convincing when she needs to be. SASAMI: When do you expect her back? YOSHO: Soon. She won't stay away for very long. You know that. CU. SASAMI She takes a sip and smiles at Michiko. SASAMI: Yes. Funaho grows more and more impressed with Mihoshi, I hear. CU. YOSHO Smiling, wryly. YOSHO: I'm beginning to envy Mihoshi. She has the most outstanding luck, at times. 3 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE Noboyuki enters the house, looking serene and cheerful. 4 INT. MAIN HALL Tenchi is looking over a newspaper, as Noboyuki enters, holding a cup of coffee. NOBOYUKI: Oh, hey there, Son. How goes the vacation? TENCHI: Just about over. I'm not sure I can go back to Leo, now, but I hate to stay away. Ever since Kimiko went back, I've been thinking about going back, as well. NOBOYUKI: Well, at least you won't be going back by yourself. TENCHI: (amused) This is the first chance I've had to be alone. NOBOYUKI: Yeah, your shadow is over at the shrine. I saw her returning a few moments ago. TENCHI: (sighing) I never realized two people could get so close. I keep thinking she should really stop annoying me all the time. CU. NOBOYUKI Smiling sympathetically. NOBOYUKI: Your mother and I were like that a lot. We had a lot of tiffs. CU. TENCHI A little surprised. TENCHI: Really? CU. NOBOYUKI NOBOYUKI: Oh, yeah. MAIN HALL Sasami enters, carrying Michiko. She sits next to Tenchi, and they hold each other for a moment, as Noboyuki looks on, smiling. Noboyuki ponders for a moment while drinking some coffee, then rubs his chin. NOBOYUKI: Tenchi, did I ever tell you how I met your mother? TENCHI: Huh? No, I don't recall... SASAMI: Huh? Oh, this should be interesting... CU. NOBOYUKI Grinning, as he recalls. NOBOYUKI: Ah, yeah. I was at a bar, just about to ask for some directions. I bumped into this really disreputable looking figure. To my surprise, it turned out to be a woman, and she immediately got on my case. She started calling me names, threatening me, and pushing me around very rudely. The whole bar thought it was amusing, while I tried to talk my way out of it. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Boy! What a bitch! CU. SASAMI Chuckling, fairly restrained. CU. NOBOYUKI NOBOYUKI: (smiling) Yeah... Well, that bitch turned out to be your sweet mother--Achika. I'll bet you didn't expect that. CU. TENCHI Wide-eyed with shock. CU. SASAMI Looking back and forth between Tenchi and Noboyuki. MAIN HALL Noboyuki makes a toast with his coffee cup and winks. NOBOYUKI: It was love at first sight. You see, under that vicious facade, your mother was just an angel. TENCHI: Wow. This is amazing. I never realized all this. I thought you two had met at school, or something like that. Noboyuki grins, and Sasami smiles in a very knowing way. NOBOYUKI: (a little confused) Achika in a school-- I'm having a little trouble picturing that. Sorry, Tenchi. I hate to burst your illusions, but Achika was just a juvenile delinquent when she was young. The only time she ever went to school was when she was forced to-- and, even then, she spent most of the time picking on the other kids. She was one mean bully, too. Anyone with any sense steered well clear of her and her little gang. SASAMI: Really? Wow. This is the first I've heard of Achika and her school days. CU. NOBOYUKI Looking a little pained. NOBOYUKI: Yeah. She confessed all this to me, later--after all the training. She changed so much, Tenchi. It was amazing. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: She was a better person after Yosho started training her? CU. SASAMI Looking a little mortified. CU. NOBOYUKI Grieved, a little disbelieving. NOBOYUKI: Yeah. She changed a little too fast, though. Nobody should have to learn so much so quickly, Tenchi. The guilt can be overwhelming. (sigh) I'm just glad you two got a hold of it while you had the chance. MAIN HALL Tenchi and Sasami look at Michiko. SASAMI: I think Michiko is glad, too. She already has more sense than both of us put together. TENCHI: I could never stay mad with Sasami. She's my sweet angel. SASAMI: You're just a fawning, naughty little boy, Tenchi. You can't fool me. I see right through all your flattery. CU. TENCHI Grinning, putting an arm around Sasami. TENCHI: (sigh) Speaking of seeing right through things... When is Grandpa going to stop wearing that stupid disguise? CU. SASAMI Wide-eyed and gaping in shock. CU. NOBOYUKI NOBOYUKI: (musing) I have no idea, Tenchi. I can't figure out why he's wearing it in the first place. Maybe he thinks he's fooling Ayeka. MAIN HALL Sasami looks down, trying to suppress some laughter. TENCHI: Something wrong, Sasami? You knew about the disguise, didn't you? Sasami gasps and starts laughing out loud. NOBOYUKI: I guess nobody bothered to tell her. Tenchi looks a little embarrassed. TENCHI: Oops. Sorry about that, Sasami. 5 EXT. OUTPOST The sky is slowly turning purple in evening light. Dark shadows cross over a large building, as airships go by. Pan around to a training field. A couple uniformed figures go running through part of a course, as a small figure goes through some simple martial arts drills--some simple punches and kicks. 6 EXT. BALCONY Funaho and Belena are standing, observing. Funaho folds her arms as Belena leans on a railing. FUNAHO: She moves rather rhythmically, don't you think? BELENA: Hmm... Yes, she's quite attached to the old ways. FUNAHO: I think she takes after her father. CU. BELENA BELENA: (annoyed) She's a little young for that. I'm surprised you go in for that genetic mysticism. CU. FUNAHO Rolling her eyes in disgust. FUNAHO: You must think very highly of me. I wonder where you got this impression. CU. BELENA Frowning, folding her arms. BELENA: Well... It's not every day that you see the entire Pirate Guild thwarted--an entire planet invaded while Kardanna sits on his hands. It makes me wonder whether Kardanna isn't really a myth. BALCONY Funaho ponders for a moment, as Belena looks around. FUNAHO: It wouldn't be the first time--cruelty in a leader seems far more cruel if you never see his face. For all we know, Kardanna could be a myth--maybe even a woman. Belena looks back around at Lania, scanning closely. BELENA: Maybe Lania here is Kardanna. FUNAHO: How could that be? You keep a close eye on her, don't you? She never escapes your attention, does she? BELENA: No. Don't be absurd. I was attempting to commune with your mysticism. She could be speaking with the stars or the sky. FUNAHO: (amused) Now I know you think highly of me. Only a goddess could be capable of such a thing. As for Lania, I doubt she holds to mysticism--unless you are not as agnostic as you pretend to be. CU. BELENA Flinching in brief shock, and suddenly composed. CU. FUNAHO Smiling, knowingly. CU. BELENA BELENA: (scowling) I know you're spying on me, Funaho. It doesn't matter. Lania does not fear me as she did once. I control her now through subtle ploys. CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: (still smiling) Yes. I see she's grown good at using subtlety, herself. BALCONY Belena turns back to Funaho, wondering. BELENA: Really? FUNAHO: Yes. Somehow, Little Lania arranged for the fourth factions in the Galaxy Union to object when the order came down to turn back a Galaxy Police rebellion. BELENA: How do you know it was Lania? FUNAHO: Isn't it obvious? The fourth factions have always had ties to the Pirate Guild, but they always tried to keep them secret. No word ever made it back to me about them, so the decision must have been within the Pirate Guild. It could not have been Kardanna--he was busy, forcing our fleet to chase his around the galaxy. So, the order must have come from her. BELENA: Oh, I see. An Alpha traitor made contact with the Supreme Council. Now, I suspect you think he's a double-agent. CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: I suspect many people of being double- agents, Belena. CU. BELENA BELENA: (smiling) You need not worry about me, Funaho. I know where my loyalties lie. CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: (grimly amused) I would never dare suggest otherwise. 7 EXT. TENCHI'S HOUSE A sun-like star is setting on the horizon, leaving the sky dark and filled with stars. A small groundcar pulls up to the front, and a couple of figures emerge. 8 INT. STUDY Ryoko is standing at the easel, considering. Kimiko is sitting at the chessboard, frowning. Ayeka is sitting at the sofa, reading. RYOKO: (to Kimiko) What do you think? Kimiko looks around, a little surprised. KIMIKO: Yeah... That's what I was talking about. Layer the pressures with the strokes. Keep your shades varied. It lets you create more complexity as well as depth. CU. RYOKO Rolling her eyes. RYOKO: This is too easy. I don't know what makes you such a great artist. CU. KIMIKO Looking back at the chessboard. KIMIKO: Great art is mostly just great reputation. The rest is a mixture of skill and luck. CU. AYEKA Looking over her book. AYEKA: I'm surprised to hear you admit this, Kimiko. Aren't you worried that Ryoko could eventually develop a greater reputation? STUDY KIMIKO: (amused) I never developed my own reputation. Anyway, reputations are for people who can't handle their own egos. The truth is, we're all exactly alike. AYEKA: I'm not the same as Mihoshi, I think. KIMIKO: Oh? Is Mihoshi smarter? Oh yeah, I seem to recall that invasion was her idea. AYEKA: I did all the hard work. I had to get three different groups of hold-outs to go along with our group of mercenaries. Ryoko smiles, looking back and forth between the two. RYOKO: (softly) I think I just found inspiration. Washu looks in briefly, somewhat concerned. WASHU: I think we're going to have company. RYOKO: Who? AYEKA: Lord Tenchi has returned? WASHU: Yeah. KIMIKO: It's about time. RYOKO: (confused) Who? CU. AYEKA Getting up, putting away the book. AYEKA: Little Washu, don't tell me she still doesn't remember-- CU. WASHU Sighing calmly. WASHU: Just be grateful. I'd avoid a meeting like this, otherwise. 9 INT. MAIN HALL Kimiko fills a small cup from the statue of Callisto, and takes a drink. Tenchi and Sasami enter, Sasami with Michiko. Tenchi sets aside a couple of bags, as Sasami meets up with Kimiko. TENCHI: Hey, Kimiko. SASAMI: It's nice to see you, again. We hope you didn't have to wait too long. KIMIKO: It wasn't long. Anyway, I had company. I hope you don't mind a few more visitors. CU. TENCHI Casually putting away travelling clothes. TENCHI: Students, again? I hope they aren't pestering you for advice... CU. SASAMI Frowning, somewhat annoyed. MAIN HALL Kimiko offers and takes Michiko from Sasami. Sasami gratefully looks back for a moment at Tenchi. Washu enters from the study. WASHU: Welcome back, Tenchi. You'll never guess who's with me. Sasami looks very shocked, as Tenchi frowns for a moment, then smiles. TENCHI: Oh, wow. (scratching his head nervously) This is incredible. I wasn't sure we'd ever see you again, Little Washu. KIMIKO: Go on, Washu. Don't leave them in suspense. Ayeka and Ryoko emerge from the study. Ayeka ponders grimly as Ryoko looks on curiously. CU. TENCHI Fainting from shock. CU. SASAMI Gasping, as she looks from Ryoko to Tenchi. MAIN HALL Sasami manages to catch Tenchi in a very nimble move. She looks up at Ryoko again, still very shocked. RYOKO: Who are they? They look familiar, but I can't quite place them. WASHU: That's Tenchi and Sasami. Remember? You've seen their pictures. RYOKO: Huh? Oh, I see. Boy, did they get old or what? AYEKA: Those pictures are mostly of them as children, Little Washu. KIMIKO: Looks like Tenchi has the delicate constitution, after all. CU. WASHU Thoughtful. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Huh? Well, of course. MAIN HALL Sasami has managed to carry Tenchi to a sofa, where she is waving a fan in his face. SASAMI: It's okay, Tenchi. I should've expected this. Don't tell me Mihoshi's in the solarium... KIMIKO: Well... CU. WASHU Smiling. CU. SASAMI She sits and gently leans her head against Tenchi. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (to Ayeka) They make a cute couple, huh? CU. AYEKA Bristling with anger. 10 INT. SOLARIUM Mihoshi is sitting at the edge of the pool, holding a rabbit in her arms, petting it. Sasami enters, smiling indulgently. MIHOSHI: Oh! Sasami, hello! I'm not in the way, am I? Mihoshi gets up, still petting the rabbit. SASAMI: Hey, Mihoshi. It's okay. I was just looking in. I notice you've found the rabbits. MIHOSHI: Yeah. They're kinda cute, huh? I like this one. He doesn't squirm around a lot like the others. Does he have a name? CU. SASAMI Looking closely at the rabbit. SASAMI: That's Kinuko. SOLARIUM Sasami goes to a small rabbit hut. SASAMI: (pointing) That one's Nariko, and that's Shinobu. Mihoshi gapes in realization. MIHOSHI: Oh! They're all girl rabbits. (a little mortified) I thought for sure you'd have at least one male. SASAMI: (amused) You know about rabbits, don't you, Mihoshi. You can't keep a male with a group of females. You'd suddenly have a hundred little rabbits. Mihoshi has a little chuckle at this thought. MIHOSHI: Yeah, I guess so. We human beings have a little more self-control. SASAMI: (musing) We like to set goals and plan for the future, unlike our little friend, here. I think she just likes to eat. 11 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA A small crowd is gathered at the front, simply watching the stars and pointing. 12 INT. DINING HALL Ryoko is at a table with Washu and Ayeka. Ryoko and Ayeka are eating, as Funaho enters. She goes up to the table and ponders. FUNAHO: I see this place is as nice as you described it. I think I like the figurines, in particular. Ayeka turns and quickly stands. AYEKA: Funaho-- (she makes a short bow) How nice to see you again. I hope you are doing well. Funaho smirks, somewhat indulgently, and gestures. FUNAHO: Ayeka-- No need to be so formal. I was just about to join you. Little Washu, you do not mind? Washu grins and gestures. WASHU: No, it's my pleasure. Please, have a seat. Ryoko looks around, curiously, as Ayeka finds her seat again. FUNAHO: (to Ryoko) I don't mean to offend, but I have not really made your acquaintance, have I? Ryoko glances at Washu, who merely stares back. RYOKO: Uh... I don't think so. Funaho, right? FUNAHO: Yes, that's correct. (turning to Washu) I was very upset to hear what had happened to Ryoko. I feel responsible. Ryoko only went on that raid because I insisted. WASHU: It's no problem, Funaho. FUNAHO: You sure? I feel genuinely terrible. I'd do anything to make it up to you. Ayeka looks at Washu, a little nervously. WASHU: (smiling) I said, it's no problem. No harm done, really. FUNAHO: I hear she suffered amnesia from the recovery. CU. WASHU WASHU: (a little annoyed) Actually, what she's suffering is a dissociative reaction. I wish it were as simple as amnesia. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Dissociative reaction? CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: (sullen) Oh. It's very troubling, but you can manage, can you not? CU. WASHU WASHU: It's nothing I can't handle. DINING HALL Funaho looks curiously after Hikaru as he walks by. WASHU: I thought for sure this bar would spark an associative episode, but I guess it really does happen spontaneously. Ayeka scowls with confusion, as Funaho nods, absently. FUNAHO: You're prepared to give her a hypnotic session, afterwards? CU. WASHU Rolling her eyes. WASHU: I'd like to avoid something that primitive. Anyway, once she recovers her old memories, I won't force her to remember these new ones. You know I don't operate that way. CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: Yes. I hope you do not mind me saying so, but you have a lot in common with Tsunami. She always says the same thing. DINING HALL Washu looks down, pondering, as Ayeka turns to Funaho. AYEKA: Funaho, what's the difference between amnesia and a dissociative reaction? WASHU: Amnesia is just a natural reaction to some physical trauma, Ayeka. A dissociative reaction is much more mental. Amnesia can be treated and cured like any other disease, but a dissociative reaction is like a personality fragmentation--we don't really know that much about it. FUNAHO: The victim of this ailment, Ayeka, must undergo something like an assimilation, afterward. It can be very trying, and can easily result in relapses. I've seen people relapse several times. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: I'm going to recover my old memories? CU. WASHU WASHU: Yeah-- CU. RYOKO RYOKO: And I'm not going to be able to remember what I'm doing now? CU. WASHU WASHU: That's right. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (thoughtful) Oh. CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: Ayeka, I think you and I need to discuss something in private. I don't wish to bother Washu and Ryoko with all these petty little problems of ours. DINING HALL Ayeka considers, as Washu glares at Funaho for a moment, then turns to Ryoko. AYEKA: Are you sure, Funaho? Washu has always given us valuable advice. WASHU: Go on, Ayeka. I have enough to think about, as it is. 13 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA Funaho and Ayeka walk out to the walkway, standing among the sky-watchers. Ayeka looks up briefly, then at Funaho--who merely smiles. Ayeka then touches Funaho's shoulder for a moment. Funaho looks around, a little confused, then smiles in recognition. FUNAHO: Oh! No need for the touch-language, Ayeka. We are quite safe from spying eyes. AYEKA: Really? FUNAHO: This isn't an encounter. So, you can dispense with the family code-words, as well. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (amused) I sometimes use code-words without being aware of it. CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: (annoyed) Yes, I know. (musing) Ayeka, do you know how old I am? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: How old? Uh... Well, I don't know. WALKWAY FUNAHO: I've become so old that I've recently lost track of time itself. I find the sensation very troubling--and I wonder if you are prepared to experience it, yourself. AYEKA: Lost track of time? What does that mean? FUNAHO: Days and weeks are like a blur. Years and seasons no longer have any meaning to me, and I've discovered that I can no longer remember my day of birth. I honestly don't remember how old I am. If it wasn't written in our archives, I might feel a need to worry I've lost this part of myself forever. AYEKA: (subdued) Yes, that does sound troubling. CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: You realize how old Tsunami is? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: The histories say that she is as old as Washu. CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: She is nearly ten times as old as I am. Time means as much to her, I suspect, as the ramblings from the quadrivium does to a man who has just discovered Arcadia. CU. AYEKA Thinking carefully for a moment, then offering a thought. AYEKA: You're worried that she is behind the fall of Jurai? CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: I'm fairly certain of that. WALKWAY Funaho looks up as she continues pondering. FUNAHO: What worries me is what she intends to make of Jurai. I'm worried that her subversion of the Pirate Guild will backfire. AYEKA: Subversion? FUNAHO: Don't tell me you haven't noticed the pattern, here? (sighing) Tsunami is using Jurai as bait to entrap the entire Pirate Guild in her plan for them. She means for us either to slowly insinuate our authority over them, or for us to assimilate with them completely--the way she has with Sasami. She doesn't want to keep fighting with the pirates forever. She's starting to sense, perhaps, that she will, one day, run out of time. AYEKA: Maybe Tsunami has become so accustomed to being assimilated that she thinks assimilation is the answer to everything. FUNAHO: (glancing at Ayeka for a moment) Or maybe she has not found her own time... CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Huh? CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: (softly) Ayeka, you do realize that there are two Tsunamis, don't you? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Two? CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: Yes, of course. One is assimilated with Sasami, and the other has yet to do so--she is still the mind of a spaceship tree... CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Oh my god! WALKWAY FUNAHO: I see you haven't given this subject due consideration. It seems to be something of a paradox. I always thought it was strange that Sasami looked so much like Tsunami, but now I'm starting to think that Tsunami always was Sasami, from the beginning. It is a very peculiar thought, but I find it harder and harder to dispute, every day--every day that I notice, that is. Ayeka flinches, softly punching herself in the head. AYEKA: Uh... That can't be, though, can it? A paradox within a paradox? FUNAHO: Why not? You've seen stranger things before, haven't you? AYEKA: I don't think so... FUNAHO: Oh, yes. Now that I think about it, Mihoshi's report said that Tenchi witnessed it. The appearance of a third Ryoko... It was a terrible puzzle, but I think I have it: a triple-paradox. AYEKA: I'm almost afraid to know what that is... FUNAHO: A paradox within a paradox within a paradox. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Nothing can be simple when that devil- woman's involved. CU. FUNAHO Scowling, sympathetically. FUNAHO: Tell me about it. 14 INT. DINING HALL Ryoko stops eating for a moment, suddenly looking at Washu--concerned. RYOKO: Washu? Washu gently sighs and looks around at Ryoko. WASHU: Yes? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: I don't want my old memories. CU. WASHU WASHU: (a little amused) I don't think you really have a choice. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: I know, but I have a really bad feeling about my old memories. They're bad, aren't they? CU. WASHU Momentarily stunned, trying to ponder what to say. WASHU: Well, maybe you'll get lucky and they won't come back. DINING HALL Some patrons start to return from outside, as Ryoko glares at Washu. WASHU: Yeah, I know... 15 EXT. JURAI ROYAL PALACE A dark sky hangs over the palace, as thin clouds move overhead, like large fingers. 16 INT. ELABORATE HALL Two figures enter the empty chamber from the hallway. Melafi follows close behind the second figure. The first figure takes out a blaster and shoots Melafi and the second figure. CU. FIRST FIGURE FIRST FIGURE: You look much better dead, Kardanna. You never were much of a father-in-law. The first figure scowls in pain, as he is poked in the neck by a small dart. HALL The first figure falls over dead. A third figure appears from behind the throne. THIRD FIGURE: You were always too gullible, son- in-law. Just like those idiot Juraians. 17 EXT. OUTPOST The large, red planet is just beginning to rise in the night sky. A tiny figure leaps over a short fence, and makes a run for the woods, soon followed by four uniformed figures, all holding lights and scanning around. 18 EXT. WOODS Lania is in a dark outfit, slowly scanning around. She sees a flash of light and ponders briefly. She looks around and then goes toward the flash of light. CU. LANIA She stops and looks around, very confused. She suddenly gasps as she drops. WOODS A trap door slowly closes, as a circle of light goes by. 19 INT. SHORT HALLWAY Lania is holding a small torch in a short hallway. One way leads to a door, and the other leads to a chamber, obscured in shadow. Lania goes toward the chamber, cautiously. 20 INT. CHAMBER Lania slowly emerges into an empty chamber, looking around with a torch in one hand, a blaster in the other. A soft, glowing figure suddenly starts to emerge. Lania gasps and shoots it. The shot passes through, harmlessly. The glowing figure resolves into the shape of Tsunami, looking fairly amused. FIGURE: A simple hello would do. CU. LANIA Looking annoyed, then scowling in anger. LANIA: What are you doing? They'll track us for sure, if you keep the signal going. CU. FIGURE FIGURE: Oh, don't worry. Washu discovered the secrets of your little communications devices--very clever. I'm using a similar technique for this little hologram. I have to admit, it's quite ingenious for a pirate device. I've never known pirates to be so resourceful. CU. LANIA LANIA: You Juraian dogs don't know what resourcefulness means. Your whole race is an abomination! CHAMBER The figure sighs, as she gestures. A small chair appears behind Lania that looks rather comfortable. FIGURE: Is that any way to talk to an old friend? LANIA: You're not my friend. I was using you. I was intending to, anyway. Then, I discover that you were using me, all along. The figure looks very annoyed by this accusation. FIGURE: (softly) Please, have a seat and be a little more gracious. I did just save your life, a few moments ago. LANIA: Those guards were never dangerous-- FIGURE: By morning, they'll be dead, but only because Belena will discover that they are in the pay of your murderous father. CU. LANIA LANIA: (stiff) My father would never try to kill me. CU. FIGURE FIGURE: Are you sure about that? CU. LANIA Looking down, a little unsure. CHAMBER The figure gestures again, and Lania sits. LANIA: So, why did you save me? You want to use me, again? Whose bait am I going to be next? FIGURE: Can't we just have a nice, polite conversation, for once? LANIA: I don't like being nice. Nice is for people who have a real home-- a family-- FIGURE: (a little nervous) I sympathize, Lania. Believe me. But all this self-pity won't do you any good. Take stock of your situation. Believe in yourself. CU. LANIA LANIA: Is that what you told Ryoko? CU. FIGURE FIGURE: (casual) You speak as if Ryoko were dead. Surely, you know she is alive? CU. LANIA Briefly surprised, then smiling. LANIA: No, I didn't. I'm glad to hear that she's not dead. CU. FIGURE FIGURE: Really? CHAMBER Lania leans back, as she considers. LANIA: So, can I go now? Our little chat at an end? FIGURE: Yes, but first I need a little favor. LANIA: (amused) You rob me of my control center, my one chance for revenge, take all my gold, patronize me like a child, and now you want me to do you a favor? FIGURE: Yes. CU. LANIA LANIA: (softly) Why not? This should be good for a laugh... CU. FIGURE FIGURE: If you should happen to encounter Ryoko in your little escape tomorrow, I want you to make sure that no danger comes to her. Keep her safe. CU. LANIA LANIA: What is Ryoko to you? She's just Kagato's old machine. CU. FIGURE FIGURE: Ryoko is my friend. From what you just said, I assumed she was also yours. You are comrades, after all--you're both pirates. Just look after her. CHAMBER LANIA: What are you prepared to give me, in return? FIGURE: Must we always be making bargains, Lania? Is this all that life is about for pirates? LANIA: I'm not making any deals with you without your word, Tsunami. I trust you, but only if you give me your word on something fair. FIGURE: Okay. If that's what you really want, I'll deal. You do me this favor, and I'll teach you anything you want to know. CU. LANIA LANIA: The light hawk wings? CU. FIGURE FIGURE: I see you already have a lesson in mind. CU. LANIA She slowly ponders for a moment. LANIA: Okay. I'll keep Ryoko safe. Don't you worry about her. CU. FIGURE FIGURE: Good. You see how marvellous it is when we get along? I'd like for us to continue being friends, Lania. CHAMBER Lania gets up, frowning. LANIA: I already told you--we were never friends. I have no friends. I'm my own person. I'll never be any part of you! 21 EXT. TENCHI'S HOUSE A nice, cheery morning. Ryo-Ohki looks around suspiciously, then goes running down the walkway. 22 INT. KITCHEN Tenchi and Sasami are fixing some food. Sasami is carrying Michiko in a small papoose-pack. SASAMI: Boy, Ryoko sure has changed. TENCHI: She looks the same. SASAMI: Yeah, but remember how she was before? TENCHI: I think that's the problem. She can't remember. CU. SASAMI Casual, tasting some of the food. SASAMI: It's not the same for you, Tenchi. She's forgotten so much more than you know. CU. TENCHI Amused, a little introspective. TENCHI: Yeah. I'm only a kid to both of you-- especially Ryoko. She's what? Five thousand? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (rolling her eyes) Well, you can't judge time the same way, Tenchi. I mean, for her, five thousand years is not all that different from five or five hundred years. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Boy, it makes you think... CU. SASAMI Looking around at Tenchi, a little concerned. SASAMI: Okay, Tenchi. Cut that out. Every time you start thinking, it only gets you in trouble. KITCHEN Tenchi chuckles to himself, as Sasami sighs. SASAMI: (softly) I know. You're wondering how old I am. You're wondering if you're going to live to see Michiko grow up. Tenchi frowns in thought. SASAMI: (a little nervous) What are you thinking, Tenchi? TENCHI: You really want to know? SASAMI: Yeah. TENCHI: It's not good, is it? SASAMI: What? TENCHI: The answer to that question. Will I see Michiko grow up? SASAMI: I don't know. I don't think so. TENCHI: So, what's the solution? Are you thinking about leaving? SASAMI: There's no easy answer. Any choice I make is going to have serious drawbacks. I know you want to do what's best, Tenchi--but I need to do what's completely fair. That's not going to be easy. KITCHEN Washu enters, holding Ryo-Ohki. WASHU: You mean, you need to change yourself into an Earthling? Tenchi looks around, somewhat shocked. SASAMI: Actually, I was thinking that I could make Tenchi more like Funaho. WASHU: But Funaho is even more of an Earthling than Tenchi... SASAMI: I know. What I meant was that I needed a way to keep Tenchi young without losing Ayeka. WASHU: I think Yosho is stuck on Earth, too. SASAMI: Yes, and going to Jurai is not really an option, now. WASHU: Not unless you want to end up fighting the pirates forever... CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Huh? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: It's okay, Tenchi. We'll figure something out. Washu is a genius, and you know I would do anything for you--even become an Earthling, if necessary. KITCHEN Washu ponders for a moment. WASHU: I think I have an idea, but you'll have to let Ryoko stay here while you live on Leo. It's the only way. SASAMI: Tenchi, could you finish making breakfast? Little Washu and I need to go talk about this, privately. 23 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE A cold rain falls on browned grass, in morning sunlight. Pan around to the house, perched on the hill. 24 INT. MAIN HALL Ayeka and Yosho are sitting across from each other at the table as Mihoshi drinks some tea at another end. Yosho looks curiously around, and frowns. YOSHO: Shouldn't we discuss this privately? AYEKA: Mihoshi and I are such good friends, Yosho. I would not feel comfortable leaving her out. YOSHO: No offense intended, Ayeka, but I do not know if I can rely on her confidence. Everyone soon learns whatever Mihoshi knows. AYEKA: My dear brother, everyone knows about your disguise. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Disguise? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Except Mihoshi, of course. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: Does this mean that Ryoko knows, as well? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Whatever Ryoko knows does not really matter at this point, I think. Ryoko would have no interest in your affairs as she is now, and once she remembers who she was, I doubt she would care. DINING HALL Yosho takes a drink, as Mihoshi ponders. MIHOSHI: Yosho doesn't really wear a disguise, does he? AYEKA: Come now, my brother. Don't tell me you've grown attached to it. Yosho glares at Ayeka for a moment, then drops the disguise. YOSHO: (speaking naturally) It takes some effort, but I've grown so accustomed to doing it, that it's like an old shirt--I just put it on without thinking. MIHOSHI: Oh my god! All this time, you really looked like that? Yosho grins, as Ayeka smirks. AYEKA: Getting a laugh out of Mihoshi is easy, indeed. I think it was worth the risk. YOSHO: If what you say is true, then there really isn't any risk, anymore. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Noboyuki didn't say how long he's known, but I suspect that Tenchi has known for the past few years. As for Washu, she only realized this when I made my verbal feint with Sasami. Her silent confession was most illuminating. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Washu and Yosho--? CU. YOSHO YOSHO: (annoyed) Mihoshi, don't be ridiculous. She was referring to Sasami--or, more to the point, Tsunami. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Oh, so that's why you were wearing it in the first place. Tsunami was afraid for Sasami. MAIN HALL (table) AYEKA: Tsunami was looking out for herself. I suppose she explained it in a way that made it seem most proper and decent. YOSHO: Actually, Ayeka, she was looking out for my best interests. Had Sasami seen me for who I really was and discovered what I had done, she would have been outraged and terribly hurt. Tsunami didn't want to risk hurting my feelings--or yours. AYEKA: Huh? YOSHO: She didn't just make me wear a disguise, after all. MIHOSHI: What--? AYEKA: What else did she do? YOSHO: She also made the general wear one, as well. Tsunami protected him from your wrath. She knew all about your little affair. CU. AYEKA Very stunned. AYEKA: You mean, he is still alive? CU. YOSHO YOSHO: No. I just learned this morning that he tried to betray Kardanna, and was murdered, himself. CU. AYEKA Reeling in shock. AYEKA: Uh... CU. YOSHO YOSHO: Sasami is very thoughtful, Ayeka. She went to a lot of trouble to keep you as happy as she could. Even after I tested her motives, she defended you. I had a hard time believing that she was the same person I offended before Sasami was even born. MAIN HALL Ayeka frowns, considering. MIHOSHI: Wait a minute. Ayeka and some general--? You and Tsunami--? I'm feeling dizzy... AYEKA: It wasn't like that, Mihoshi. Everything we did was completely innocent. YOSHO: Just a little fling, eh? AYEKA: General Kent meant nothing to me. Just a brief flirtation--unlike some of your more recent affairs. YOSHO: Here we go... CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (upset) I've seen the way you look at other women. You've made quite a name for yourself over the years. You weren't just thinking about Tsunami. You were sleeping with every woman you could find, forgetting all about your promises to me! CU. MIHOSHI Scowling with embarrassment. MIHOSHI: Uh-- I think I should go get something... MAIN HALL Mihoshi starts to get up, and Ayeka glares at her. AYEKA: (softly) Mihoshi, do not be rude. We just got here. We haven't even stayed for dinner. Mihoshi sits back down, frowning anxiously. AYEKA: (to Yosho) Tsunami finally made you wear a disguise so you'd stop putting her to shame! She'd grown so disgusted with your philandering that she found a nice, decent way to prevent you from causing her even more grief. Now, she's so appalled at your mistreatment of me that she's married Tenchi. Yosho frowns, stewing for a moment. YOSHO: Are you finished? AYEKA: (softly) Yes, I think that's it. YOSHO: (looking at Mihoshi) You see what a joy it is to be betrothed? AYEKA: How long do you think Sasami and Tenchi were betrothed? YOSHO: Hmm... I would guess about five minutes. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (grim) You're actually enjoying this! CU. YOSHO YOSHO: I do not enjoy the news that an old friend who I thought was dead turned out to be alive and was just murdered. I'm not enjoying the thought that Sasami has been sheltering traitors, and I especially do not enjoy hurting your feelings, Ayeka. My only joy is in knowing that at least Tenchi never had to face all your grief for me. Imagine how frustrated he would have been, had you learned all this as his wife. CU. AYEKA Bitter and upset, and a little mortified. CU. MIHOSHI Narrowing her eyes in disgust. MIHOSHI: Okay, you two. I've had it! I'm not your referee, here. I'm going to go to the kitchen, and that's final! Any more of this, and I think I'd be sick. MAIN HALL Mihoshi gets up and marches out, trembling in anger. AYEKA: (ruefully amused) Well, at least Tenchi did not marry her. YOSHO: Look at us, Ayeka--bickering like an old married couple. (he chuckles for a moment) You'd think we were the ones who were married. AYEKA: (frowning) Don't even think it. 25 INT. KITCHEN Mihoshi briefly looks as if she does want to be sick, then turns around, casually. Funaho enters, silently. MIHOSHI: Funaho? FUNAHO: Hello, Mihoshi. I see you are doing well. I hope you are up for another mission. MIHOSHI: Another message to Alpha? FUNAHO: Not exactly. 26 EXT. TENCHI'S HOUSE Evening is putting a pale red glow around some hills as the sky grows dark. 27 INT. MAIN HALL Tenchi is feeding Michiko as Sasami reads. Washu emerges from the spare bedroom, and looks around. WASHU: Oh, there you are. I hope you don't mind, but I converted your guest room to an emergency room. SASAMI: Emergency room? You think I might have an accident? Tenchi looks around, a little worried. WASHU: (chuckling) It's not for you and Tenchi, Sasami. I just figure I might need to perform some surgery. It never hurts to be prepared, you know. TENCHI: Prepared for what? CU. WASHU Smiling innocently. WASHU: I can't tell you that, Tenchi. It would spoil the surprise. Anyway, you know how I hate to create paradoxes. CU. SASAMI Looking down, thoughtfully. She puts the book aside and looks around at Washu. SASAMI: You think I should tell him? MAIN HALL Washu looks confused for a moment, then casually gestures, folding her arms. WASHU: You can do whatever you want. Don't involve me. TENCHI: Huh? SASAMI: Tenchi, I think you should see something. I'd hate to upset you by mistake. CU. TENCHI He looks a little worried. TENCHI: I'm not going to freak out, am I? CU. SASAMI She stands, gesturing in a comforting way. SASAMI: It's nothing to worry about. It's just a little confusing. 28 INT. STUDY Sasami takes a book from the shelf, as Tenchi looks on, still holding Michiko. She opens a particular page and shows it to him. TENCHI: That's you. Sasami smiles, grimly. SASAMI: Yes, but look at the caption. CU. TENCHI He frowns, reading. TENCHI: 'In the fourth year of her majesty...' He looks up, frowning in thought. TENCHI: How old is this? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: This is older than Funaho, Tenchi. CU. TENCHI Pondering for a moment, then gaping in awareness. TENCHI: Oh, I see. This is Tsunami. (scowling in confusion) Wait a minute. I thought Tsunami just looked like you. You also look like Tsunami? Why is that? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (softly) It's very simple, Tenchi. You see, we're really the same person. CU. TENCHI Still confused. TENCHI: So, what does that mean? STUDY Sasami puts away the book as she explains. SASAMI: It means I'm caught in a paradox. It's hard to explain, but there are really two of me. TENCHI: A paradox within a paradox? SASAMI: Uh... Something like that... Tenchi, I know you want to do what's best for me, but would you give up part of who you are for me? TENCHI: Huh? SASAMI: (a little irritated) I want to share everything with you--even part of who I am. I can't do that, though, unless you do the same for me. It has to be completely fair, or we would regret it. TENCHI: Yeah, I see. SASAMI: You do? Really? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (musing) Yeah. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (deadly serious) Are you afraid? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (barely audible) A little bit. CU. SASAMI She smiles, somewhat playfully. SASAMI: Don't worry, Tenchi. It's no big deal. I'll be very gentle. 29 EXT. OUTPOST Lights stream out into the night sky, as a spaceship descends. Zoom in on a small, barred window. 30 EXT. BARRED WINDOW Lania is looking out, a grim half-smirk on her face, as she considers. 31 INT. NARROW HALLWAY Belena, Mihoshi and a couple of uniformed figures are walking down the hall, engrossed in a conversation. MIHOSHI: So, how is Lania and her Spanish? Has she learned all the verb-conjugations? BELENA: Huh? MIHOSHI: Verb-conjugations. Spanish has plurals and gender-forms, you know. BELENA: What is this talk of language? CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Actually, I helped her out a bit-- CU. BELENA BELENA: You've already met? CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Of course. She's had all kinds of tutoring... CU. BELENA Muttering to herself. 32 INT. MAIN HALL Kimiko emerges from the solarium, drying her hair with a towel. Washu is pondering, looking at the statue of Callisto. Washu frowns and shakes her head in disgust. Kimiko puts the towel over her shoulder and folds her arms. KIMIKO: You've never liked my work, have you, Washu? WASHU: It makes me feel claustrophobic. I really hate what you do to inert matter, Kimiko. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (smiling grimly) That's the whole point, Washu. It's supposed to make you feel like you're being pursued by wolves. CU. WASHU WASHU: (a little contralto) You can't just chisel out a nice, character-piece? MAIN HALL Kimiko frowns, glancing toward the study. KIMIKO: I've been busy, trying to prove myself. (softly) I think I've just finished doing that, too. WASHU: I know, Kimiko. I'm starting to think you were right about Tsunami, all along. KIMIKO: Don't let her spook you, Washu. She's never done anything you haven't thought of doing yourself. WASHU: Yeah-- Now, there's a sobering thought. CU. KIMIKO Gesturing, starting to turn. KIMIKO: I think I'll be on my way, then. I'm finished, here. CU. WASHU WASHU: Where's Ryoko? She's not in the solarium, is she? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: You can't tell? I thought you could track her. CU. WASHU Resigned and disgusted. WASHU: I don't do it all the time, Kimiko. I like to let Ryoko have a little privacy. I should've known. Oh, well. Here we go, again. 33 INT. LANIA'S ROOM A sparse, small room with a cot and a converted shelving--suitable as a table and a dresser. Lania is leaning over some papers, as if practicing some peculiar alphabet. LANIA: Damn. I should be on Jurai by now. The door opens, and Belena enters, followed by a couple uniformed figures. LANIA: Hello, Belena. Another lesson, tonight? BELENA: The rangers have come for you, Lania. I think you know what that means. LANIA: Already? That attempt was just last night. Assassins don't move this fast, you know. BELENA: I don't think they're after you, Lania. Mihoshi enters and looks around at Lania. LANIA: Who else would they be after? You? (snorting) Come on. (looking around) Mihoshi? What are you doing here? Mihoshi seems about to speak when a thunderous explosion goes through the room. BELENA: Time to go, kid! Better hurry! 34 EXT. OUTPOST Some airships descend out of the night sky, attacking the outpost with lasers and missiles. Several explosions go off, as Belena, Lania, Mihoshi and the two figures go running into the training course. They are about to take a path into the woods, when they see Ryoko--standing in their way. BELENA: Who is it? Lania looks closely and gasps. She wards off the figures, as they start to approach. LANIA: It's Ryoko. This must be the rendezvous- point. MIHOSHI: Rendezvous? You knew Ryoko was going to be here? Ryoko looks suspiciously at the group. RYOKO: Mihoshi? Who are all these people? A few explosions go off nearby, and they flinch. BELENA: No time to explain. We need to get to a safe location. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: There's a big cave up at the top of a small hill. CU. LANIA LANIA: That sounds good. You could fly us up there. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Fly? TRAINING COURSE A few more explosions go off a little closer. BELENA: There's no time for this! We need to split up. Mihoshi, you take Lania into the woods and look for shelter. Ryoko will go with me and the guards to the launch-point. LANIA: No! Ryoko goes with me. Ryoko looks a little undecided, as Belena frets for a moment. They duck down as an airship goes overhead, scanning with a search light. BELENA: Okay, fine. (she starts off) Don't be late! Lania leads Mihoshi and Ryoko into the woods, as Belena and the two uniformed figures head the other direction-- toward the air field. BELENA: That girl is going to get me killed, yet. 35 EXT. WOODS Lania and Mihoshi crouch behind a tree. Lania yanks Ryoko down, just as an airship goes over. MIHOSHI: Ryoko, what are you doing here? RYOKO: Just wandering around. CU. LANIA She frowns in thought. LANIA: Wandering around? In an outpost section? These training grounds are always under fire by practice artillery. You realize how dangerous it is? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (innocently pondering) Oh. So, that was what all those explosions were. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: I think those explosions were pirates, attacking the outpost. WOODS Ryoko looks curiously at Lania, and Lania smiles. LANIA: I think Mihoshi meant the other pirates. RYOKO: Oh. 36 INT. STUDY Tenchi and Sasami are sitting on the sofa, as Tenchi holds Michiko and Sasami ponders. SASAMI: Tenchi, hold out your hand. Tenchi looks at his hand curiously and manages to hold it out. CU. TENCHI He flinches slightly, as he holds his hand up. His fingers glow for a moment, then fade. CU. SASAMI She chuckles, as the emblem on her forehead fades. SASAMI: It's okay. I just needed a drop. STUDY TENCHI: You needed my blood? SASAMI: (contralto) I could just bite your neck, like a vampire, but that would have been creepy. TENCHI: Oh-- SASAMI: Why are we so nervous? We do things like this all the time. TENCHI: This is strange, but I feel very light- headed. SASAMI: Yeah. My head is spinning. Oh, boy. I need to calm down. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Are you okay? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (amused) It's nothing. I think I just finished assimilating. I guess I never quite had the strength to do it, before. 37 EXT. ROCK FACE Ryoko is slowly flying up the rock face, carrying Lania. She is straining. RYOKO: Hang on! This isn't as easy as it looks. CU. LANIA LANIA: I heard you could just teleport around. You can't just teleport us up there? CU. RYOKO Grimacing, just about to reach a ledge. RYOKO: Well, if I knew how to do that, I'd do that. Stop complaining! (flinching in pain) And don't pull on my hair! ROCK LEDGE Ryoko lands, and Lania tumbles off. Lania chuckles as Ryoko folds her arms, pouting. RYOKO: What's so funny? LANIA: I thought you were impervious to pain, Ryoko. I heard you once got hit by lightning and didn't even notice it. Now, I find out that you shudder at the thought of a little hair-pulling. CU. RYOKO Looking very indignant. RYOKO: Well, you didn't have to pull that hard. And what's so painful about lightning? ROCK LEDGE Lania considers as Ryoko flickers as vanishes. LANIA: (exasperated) Oh, now you can teleport. 38 INT. BEDROOM Sasami and Tenchi are lying together--Tenchi is asleep. Off to the side, as if provided as an afterthought, is a small crib. Michiko is lying asleep, as Sasami awakens. Sasami gets up very calmly, a bit of a stagger. CU. SASAMI Sasami sits next to the crib, considering Michiko. BEDROOM Michiko slowly awakens and begins crying. Sasami sighs and picks up Michiko. 39 INT. SOLARIUM Sasami enters, holding a small portable lamp and Michiko. She sits next to the pool, setting down the lamp. She cradles Michiko gently, smiling. She gasps softly as she looks down into the pool. CU. POOL The wispy image of Kagato stares back at her, as if standing upside-down in the water--a wavery replacement of her own reflection. KAGATO: Hello, Tsunami. Long time, no see. I hope I did not arrive unexpectedly. CU. SASAMI Trembling, as she stands. She holds Michiko a little closer, as if afraid that Kagato will take her away, otherwise. SASAMI: Kagato? What are you doing here? CU. POOL Kagato smirks as he considers, as if just hearing the punchline of a joke for the first time. KAGATO: Just performing a little experiment. As I suspected, it worked. I am now the master of paradoxes. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Explain yourself. I'm not amused by this little show. SOLARIUM Kagato gestures gregariously as he explains. KAGATO: I merely desired a pleasant conversation, Tsunami, and I could think of no one more pleasant than you. I also happen to know that you are very curious. Aren't you wondering how I could create a spatial paradox within a temporal one? SASAMI: A spatial paradox? KAGATO: Ah, yes. I recall Professor Washu referred to it as the 'reversed-world.' (chuckling) What an amusing term of affection. I think I preferred when she scoffed--with terms like 'shadow-world' or 'dream-world.' I doubt she truly believes it--even though I trapped her in one for five-thousand years. You know why I did that? Sasami looks disgusted as she curiously considers. KAGATO: Just to prove I could--and to prove that such things are possible. CU. KAGATO Kagato takes a rare moment to consider. KAGATO: You know, Tsunami, I know how you like to prove things. Scientific exploration is such a worthy endeavor. I wonder if you have observed this situation you have created for yourself. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Careful, Kagato. I have a little experience with 'spatial paradoxes,' as you call them. CU. KAGATO Grimly musing. KAGATO: Yes, I remember. I caught a glimpse of you standing within a double-spatial-paradox. It was most distracting, for a moment--not half as surprising as what you had planned for that boy to do, but it was most interesting. SOLARIUM Sasami almost smirks, as she scowls--a little shocked by the implications. SASAMI: The paradox was temporal--not spatial. Kagato smirks again as he gently narrows his eyes. KAGATO: (softly) Haven't you realized yet, Tsunami, that paradoxes are all related? One paradox flows into another. Thus you have temporal, spatial, and momentum paradoxes--all emanations of conflicts that arise between reality and the 'reversed-reality,' as Washu would call it. The reverse is simply paradoxical reality--just as my equations showed. SASAMI: So? Why does that apply to me? KAGATO: (a little exasperated) Because what you have done now is evolved to the next higher level. You have, in essence, created a kind of paradox-consciousness. Your decisions rest on the balance of several paradoxical emanations. You control the ebb and flow of paradoxes with your thoughts. I find such power to be most magnetic. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (a little alarmed) I won't let you have me. You can't reach me from beyond the grave. CU. KAGATO KAGATO: I can't, huh? (amused) Well, if I were you, then, I would be careful with my decisions. Paradox- consciousness can be a dangerous thing, if mishandled. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: I am myself, and no one else. CU. KAGATO KAGATO: No one? Not even that boy? Don't tell me you can resist even the smallest part of him. CU. SASAMI Grimacing in shock. SASAMI: How do you know all this? How are you even here? CU. KAGATO He smiles very knowingly as he looks up at Michiko. KAGATO: We are one, Tsunami. It was our destiny. SOLARIUM Kagato laughs and his laugh continues to echo as he vanishes from the pool. 40 EXT. ROCK LEDGE Lania and Ryoko are holding a rope, as Mihoshi pulls herself over the rock ledge. Mihoshi groans as she crawls up onto the ledge. LANIA: You know, looking after you two is tough work. I think the rangers should give me some reward. RYOKO: Why? I did all the work just now. LANIA: (rolling her eyes) What would you do with that reward, Ryoko? You're a notorious spendthrift. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Huh? CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (catching her breath) Lania, shouldn't we find that cave? CU. LANIA LANIA: Oh yeah. Grandpa is still trying to make sure we don't have a family reunion. ROCK LEDGE Mihoshi stands and looks around as Ryoko frowns, a little confused. RYOKO: Sounds like you have a lousy family. LANIA: (matter-of-factly) Yeah. I never cared for my father's side of the family, either. 41 EXT. MASAKI SHRINE Yosho is sitting on the steps, undisguised, drinking some tea. He looks up for a moment and sighs. YOSHO: Hello, Kardanna. I was expecting you. A figure in a monk's robe appears at the base of the steps. It gestures in a somewhat welcoming way. FIGURE: Yes. I see you haven't changed at all, Yosho. I go looking for a warrior and I find a scholar, just sitting around, drinking. YOSHO: A scholar, eh? Yes, I like to think things through. It makes conversation interesting. FIGURE: You always preferred conversation to fighting. CU. YOSHO Standing, a thoughtful expression on his face. YOSHO: Yes. Although, I have to admit I prefer a good pilgrimage to a conversation. Given the choice, I would rather be mute than a raider. CU. FIGURE Seemingly amused. FIGURE: Ironic. Now that we have gates to go everywhere, pirates have become the empire and those petty raiders have become what we once were. What does that make you? CU. YOSHO YOSHO: The same as before--a scholar with a drink in his hand. STEPS The figure approaches, folding his arms. FIGURE: Your honor is the same as before, I suppose. You can't just stand there. Why don't you challenge me? YOSHO: Why should I do that? How have you offended me? FIGURE: Let me think... I have invaded your homelands and captured the royal palace. I have secured the Jurai royal trees for native Juraian use--those you continue to sneeringly refer to as the 'Pirate Guild.' I have destroyed the vestiges of the former Juraian royalty--along with about half of the members of the royal court. Shall I continue? YOSHO: Those you have destroyed were only traitors--the ones who made the mistake of being allied with you. As for royal trees--I think by now you have learned that they have minds of their own, and they are not so easily used for your own purposes. Your invasion of Jurai means little to me, as I live here. I prefer to think of myself as an Earthling, anyway. I need not defend those you have offended. FIGURE: You think I find your indifference persuasive? You must realize I will destroy you, as well. YOSHO: Why would you do that? You fear that I will seize control from you? Perhaps you fear that I am aiding your granddaughter. In either case, you would gain more from capturing me than killing me. Of course, I would never let you capture me. CU. FIGURE FIGURE: I cannot take the chance that you will help arrange my granddaughter's ascendancy. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: I see. You have deduced that I am the third-party in the exchange. STEPS Yosho sets the cup aside as he gestures. YOSHO: Maybe you would prefer a clear field to battle. FIGURE: (pointing) I'll wait over in that clearing. 42 EXT. DIRTY ALLEY Belena and the two uniformed figures enter a small passage between two dingy, brick buildings. Belena takes out a small sphere and raises it to one of the walls. A thin door appears, and they open it and enter. 43 INT. EMPTY WAREHOUSE The three figures enter a huge room lined with pillars and steel support beams. The two uniformed figures point flashlights here and there as Belena looks around, annoyed. BELENA: I told that girl not to be late. Zoom in on the three figures, as a mechanical voice softly pipes through the room. VOICE: Password denied. Terminate intruders. The three figures are suddenly held in thin silver wires--like beams of light--as water quickly rises at the floor. BELENA: It's trapped! FIRST FIGURE: Lania-- SECOND FIGURE: It must have been that girl! No one else knew the rendezvous point. CU. BELENA Resigned and very irritated. LANIA: Well... Time to see if Funaho was right... 44 EXT. GRASSY CLEARING Browned grass covers a wide clearing, where Kardanna stands, brandishing a glowing sword. He flings off his robe and makes a few practice swipes, as Yosho approaches. Yosho ponders as he folds his arms, the Tenchi-sword in one hand. (Kardanna is somewhat tall, although not striking. He is, at once, muscular and frail-looking. His lightly callous features are topped with ragged curly dark hair. His manner gives the impression of being both impervious and tentative --obdurate and yielding, like a good sword.) KARDANNA: Shall we make an ensemble, Yosho? I assume you still know the drills. Yosho rubs his chin, thinking for a moment. YOSHO: Ensemble, eh? I recognize that code--an old Juraian way of saying you wish to trade insults during a practice round. KARDANNA: I could give you a moment to pray, if you wish. That might be more appropriate. You are the keeper of a shrine, after all. YOSHO: Oh, I don't think I'll need divine intervention, Kardanna. CU. KARDANNA KARDANNA: (somewhat amused) We're too old for these petty rituals, Yosho. I'm not a pirate, at heart. I'm just a warrior. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: The old ways never made any sense to me, either. It seems fitting, though, that I'm fighting to preserve some part of them. CLEARING Yosho brandishes his sword. YOSHO: Let's begin, shall we? 45 INT. CAVE Mihoshi and Ryoko sit, as Lania stands, pondering. MIHOSHI: Why are we just waiting here? LANIA: Because this is the dangerous part. MIHOSHI: You mean, the pirates are still out there? LANIA: (snapping) Don't be stupid, Mihoshi! Don't you know that girl, by now? Tsunami didn't go to all this trouble just to deal with a few pirates. Ryoko frowns, still fairly confused. RYOKO: So, what are we hiding from? CU. LANIA She scowls for a moment, then looks very annoyed. LANIA: The damn Juraians! They'll be all over here, soon. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Huh? CU. LANIA LANIA: Why do I bother? (terse and a little stiff) They aren't taking back Jurai--just the trees. They never needed the entire planet. I just wonder how they could possibly hope to move so many. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (suddenly realizing) Oh! That's why there are ranger bases all over Leo! Wow! CU. LANIA Muttering to herself. LANIA: Leave the speculations to those who think! You're such a nitwit, Mihoshi! 46 EXT. GRASSY CLEARING Kardanna and Yosho go through an elaborate set of attacks and counters--Kardanna making some bizarre thrust or acrobatic flip, as Yosho counters with some simple riposte or parry. CU. YOSHO Smiling grimly. CU. KARDANNA Backing off, a little repulsed. KARDANNA: Is this your idea of fighting, Yosho? Has living among primitives made you go soft? CU. YOSHO YOSHO: (casual) I take it you want to stop practicing. CU. KARDANNA KARDANNA: Practice! (chuckling) Fighting is like a dance, Yosho. You know that. Great warriors are like great lovers. This is what great poetry is taken from. CLEARING Kardanna stands, simply considering as Yosho muses. YOSHO: True enough. Great warriors are full of great words as well as deeds. It makes me wonder why you scoff at scholars. KARDANNA: I hate to see all that great talent wasted in idle pursuits. Story-tellers are the most wasteful kind of scum. YOSHO: I can see that my hobbies are upsetting to you. I hate to fight you unfairly, Kardanna--so, I'll tell you what. I'll fight you left-handed. Yosho switches the sword to his left hand, keeping his right hand behind him. CU. KARDANNA KARDANNA: (softly) You won't last long if you fight me fairly, Yosho. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: You're just saying that to make me over- confident, aren't you? CLEARING Yosho attacks from high, making a daring flip. He has Kardanna in a killing pose, for a moment, as Kardanna considers--a little surprised. Kardanna smirks and fires a round-house kick with shocking speed and precision. Yosho barely manages to duck the kick. Kardanna laughs as Yosho catches his breath. KARDANNA: You don't hold back, Yosho. I've always liked that about you. I have a little secret, though. I've been saving this for a special occasion. YOSHO: Really? I thought this was just a little duel... KARDANNA: I'm actually left-handed. Kardanna switches to his left hand and attacks. Yosho throws off his attack with a quick parry. CU. YOSHO YOSHO: I have a little secret, too, Kardanna. CU. KARDANNA KARDANNA: What? CU. YOSHO YOSHO: I don't really need glasses. He puts the glasses in a pocket and switches the sword back to his right hand. 47 EXT. TENCHI'S HOUSE The horizon glows soft red as the dark sky begins to enfold several gleaming lights. Several shooting stars curve overhead. Sasami stands at the end of the walkway, as Ryo-Ohki appears at the door in humanoid-child form. She stops and looks at Sasami, suspiciously returning back inside. Sasami sighs and looks back into the sky. 48 EXT. ROCK LEDGE Lania looks out at the bright morning sunlight and scowls. LANIA: Oh, well. At least the pinheads will be asleep a few more hours. I'll sit watch inside till then. Lania returns to the cave. 49 EXT. CLEARING Kardanna fends off a few well-aimed attacks and grimly beats Yosho back with a few vicious thrusts of his own. Yosho looks around for a moment, then smiles, curiously. KARDANNA: What are you so happy about? You can't possibly hope to beat me. I'm stronger and quicker than you. Eventually, you will lose. Yosho turns and runs for the woods. KARDANNA: You coward! Kardanna gives chase. 50 EXT. WOODS Kardanna starts to run as he looks up, hearing a whistle. Yosho looks down at him, waving. KARDANNA: Come down here, you coward! The woods suddenly fills with a hundred little logs, as Ayeka appears in the branch, sitting near Yosho. She folds her arms and frowns as Azaka and Kamidake go gliding up next to Kardanna. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Bad move, Kardanna. Never attack a man in his own home. Now, we win! CU. KARDANNA KARDANNA: Not yet, you don't. You still have Tsunami to deal with. TREE Yosho glances at Ayeka curiously, as Ayeka frets a bit. YOSHO: (softly) I think Misaki can take care of her. AYEKA: Yes, Mother does have a way with people. 51 EXT. TENCHI'S HOUSE Sasami is sitting, watching the morning sky, as Tenchi comes out, holding little Ryo-Ohki. He softly pets her and sits next to Sasami. SASAMI: Is Michiko okay? TENCHI: She's asleep. I left her with Washu. SASAMI: Washu is here? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: She never left. She's been in the spare bedroom all night. Every time I check, she's looking through medical books. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: She's become really serious ever since Ryoko destroyed herself. I think Washu might have been watching, the whole time. WALKWAY Sasami starts to get up, as Tenchi looks up. TENCHI: I wish you'd sit with me. Sasami looks down, a little perplexed, then sighs. SASAMI: I have a little errand to get out of the way, first. 52 INT. CAVE Lania sits, drinking, as a shadowy form flickers and appears in front of her. Lania drops her drink and barks in surprise. LANIA: Damn it, Tsunami! Don't do that! The figure chuckles and looks around. FIGURE: We're not being watched, are we? CU. LANIA Sitting again, she smirks as she considers. LANIA: I think we'll be fine. Those other two wouldn't wake up if someone tossed a grenade in here. CU. FIGURE She smiles, pleasantly amused. FIGURE: That's sounds like them. I'll leave them in your care. CAVE Lania starts to pour a drink, as she looks up at the figure. LANIA: I'm keeping my part. I want something in return. FIGURE: You don't trust me? I gave you my word. LANIA: (casual) You know me, Tsunami. I don't really trust anyone. I want something, or I'm leaving these two here to fend for themselves. FIGURE: It's not them I'm worried about. LANIA: (smiling) Of course, we're such good friends. (a little grim) What's it to be? CU. FIGURE A strangely thoughtful expression. FIGURE: Hmm... You know, yesterday I would have refused. Now... I think I'll let you have a little taste. CU. LANIA LANIA: (looking up, intent) You have changed, haven't you? Yes, now how do I begin? CU. FIGURE FIGURE: (casual) I have to brutalize your mind, Lania. I would have to murder some part of you and then burn the evidence. That's what it takes to go from what you are to what I am in a few days. You really want that? CAVE LANIA: How is that any different from what you've been doing? FIGURE: I've been very patient with you, Lania. I've gone to a lot of trouble to be courteous and make you comfortable--even after all your childish complaining. If there's a potential leader in you, I'm not sure I see it. I've given you more than enough for you to figure out how to produce light hawk wings, yourself. All you really have to do is find the will to do it. That's what I did. LANIA: Childish? I think my complaints are very reasonable. FIGURE: I think your complaints are selfish and stupid--and I find your lack of respect for me very troubling. You think you can lead a galaxy, but you can't even lead yourself-- CU. LANIA LANIA: (upset) You think you can lead!? I hate you! You're nothing but a self-absorbed monster! CU. FIGURE Scowling with disgust. FIGURE: (softly) Yes, I see you still have much to learn. This is going to be very difficult. The figure flickers and vanishes. CU. LANIA Snarling in anger as she throws her cup. 53 INT. SPARE BEDROOM The room has a long rack of silver compartments next to a large, cylindrical chamber. A set of chairs are standing next to a raised, hospital-style bed. Washu holds Michiko-- who is sleeping. Washu looks around, as if making a mental inventory, then nods to herself. WASHU: That's it for this part. Now to lay the trap. But first... 54 INT. CAVE Lania scowls and takes her drink outside for a little walk. Washu slowly emerges, holding Michiko, waking up Ryoko softly. WASHU: Ryoko, wake up. Time to go back home. RYOKO: (waking up) Huh? Home? WASHU: Yeah, you know. Home. You can get a nice meal and then take a long bath. What do you say? CU. RYOKO Calmly considering. RYOKO: Hmm... No thanks. I think I'll hang around with the geeks for a while. They're interesting. (a little introspective) Anyway, if I go back, I just know I'll start to remember things. CU. WASHU WASHU: Are you sure? These two are going to be nothing but trouble. CU. RYOKO Frowning, a little embarrassed. RYOKO: I'm sure. I'm not ready to remember anything. I'm going to really hate myself when I do get my memories back. CU. WASHU WASHU: Okay. I'll see you later, then. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (softly) Okay. Bye! 55 EXT. TENCHI'S HOUSE Tenchi continues to hold Ryo-Ohki as Sasami sits next to him again. Washu walks out onto the walkway, still holding Michiko. Michiko awakens as Washu hands her to Sasami. Washu calmly sits next to Sasami as she looks up. WASHU: (wistful) I take it Misaki isn't here yet. CU. SASAMI Gaping in alarm. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (thoughtful) I haven't seen anyone, yet. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Oh my god! Mother is coming? CU. WASHU WASHU: (amused) Yeah, I guess that answers that question. WALKWAY Sasami frowns and calmly sighs as Washu looks around at Tenchi. WASHU: There's still time, you know. TENCHI: For what? WASHU: To change the future. The future is always changing. TENCHI: Why would we want to change the future? What's going to happen? WASHU: (gently) Sasami, you want to tell him? SASAMI: (pleasantly) About what? The exodus or the long-term plan? CU. WASHU WASHU: I meant, about Lania. She's very dangerous, as you already know. A girl who can conspire in an empire's downfall, arrange assassination attempts, and construct elaborate traps-within-traps is not someone to meddle with lightly. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (a little suspicious) I know what you think, Washu. You want us to dispose of her. I happen to think she has great potential. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Yeah, Little Washu. Sasami's right. Give her a chance. You never know what'll happen till you give someone a chance. You should have more faith in us. CU. WASHU Smiling, strangely serious. WASHU: So, you won't mind if I take a few precautions, just in case? CU. SASAMI Narrowing her eyes, dangerously thoughtful. SASAMI: Don't patronize me, Little Washu. I've given this matter a lot of thought. I'm well aware of the risks. CU. TENCHI A little alarmed. CU. WASHU Pleasantly gesturing. WASHU: Oh, don't worry, Sasami. I would never underestimate you. I'm just being paranoid, as usual. Washu gets up, chuckling softly to herself. She casually turns and goes back inside. CU. SASAMI Sighing again, a little embarrassed. SASAMI: I really hate it when Washu is upset, Tenchi. We should do something nice for her. I think I'll make some Romano manicotti, tonight. She always likes spicy, Italian food. 56 EXT. SKY The clouds are cleaved by the sudden appearance of a monstrous spaceship. The sky darkens for a moment as a glimmer of light descends. 57 EXT. TENCHI'S HOUSE Sasami smiles grimly as she looks at the flickering forms of Azusa and Misaki resolving in front of her. Ryo- Ohki leaps from Tenchi's hands and appears, humanoid-form. Sasami slowly hands Michiko to Tenchi. Misaki rushes forward to Sasami, eager as a mother bird to her nest. MISAKI: Sasami! Azusa frowns, folding his arms as he deigns to watch Sasami standing to greet Misaki. Tenchi stands, calmly considering. SASAMI: (a touch stiff) Mother! CU. SASAMI Grimacing nicely as Misaki puts her in a bear-hug. MISAKI: Sasami! Sasami! Sasami! Oh, my precious little darling! SASAMI: Mother! CU. MISAKI MISAKI: (softly weeping) Oh, Sasami! How you've changed! You've gotten so big! You're still too thin, my sweet little girl! (pulling back to consider) And your hair is so limp and lifeless! What have you been doing to your hair? CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (innocently whining) Nothing, Mother-- CU. MISAKI Frowning, a little disappointed, then anxiously hugging Sasami again. MISAKI: Oh, Sasami! You keep scaring me, my baby! What's the matter with you? You know we love you, Sasami! WALKWAY Tenchi looks up, scratching his head nervously, as Misaki continues to hold Sasami, weeping. SASAMI: It's nothing personal, Mother. Tenchi and I love you, too. We'd never hurt you deliberately. MISAKI: (a little amused) I know you're accident-prone, Sasami. You shouldn't worry your poor mother so much! SASAMI: (sighing gently) I hate it when you worry, Mother. Nothing's changed. Misaki lets Sasami go again and calmly considers. MISAKI: So, I see. (annoyed) You still dress like a child, Sasami. That dress is too short! And that hose must be two sizes too large! Why do you dress like a tumbler, Sasami? You're a princess! SASAMI: I'm not a princess anymore, Mother. I'm just me. CU. MISAKI Glaring, very annoyed. MISAKI: You're a princess if I say you are, Sasami. CU. SASAMI A little exasperated. SASAMI: Oh okay, Mother. I'll be your little princess. CU. MISAKI Her disposition shatters, as she frets for a moment. She then hugs Sasami again, for a touchy finale. MISAKI: Oh, Sasami! Sasami! Sasami! WALKWAY Azusa thoughtfully approaches and casually considers. AZUSA: I hear you married that boy, Sasami. Is this true? SASAMI: (a little subdued) Yes, Father. AZUSA: Then you are a princess by marriage, if not by name. Tenchi is still an heir to the throne. Misaki continues to hug Sasami, weeping again. CU. AZUSA AZUSA: There is still a throne, isn't there? CU. SASAMI Sasami sighs as Misaki goes through a fresh bout of weeping. SASAMI: Sorry, Father. Probably not for another thousand years, at least. 58 EXT. A HILLSIDE PATH Lania, Mihoshi and Ryoko crouch at the edge of a path, as several airships go by. They wait for a few moments, then begin walking the path. LANIA: (pointing, casual) You recognize any of this, Ryoko? RYOKO: (looking around) It doesn't look familiar. They continue walking for a few moments, as Ryoko ponders and Lania smiles. MIHOSHI: Uh... What's so special about here? Lania gestures, expansively. LANIA: This is the scene of Ryoko's famous death. I remember it well. MIHOSHI: You were here? The whole time? LANIA: The militia pulled back. There might have been a terrible confrontation in space, had I not ordered some of my own confederates to attack. Tsunami was waiting to ambush, but I realized how dangerous such things are and gathered the orthodox forces here--along with a few Galaxy Police. MIHOSHI: The rogues? LANIA: I wouldn't call them rogues--not to their faces, anyway. They equate that term with 'raider'--a term they have come to despise as once was the term 'pirate.' RYOKO: Do you despise that term? LANIA: Terms are meant to provoke a reaction-- nothing more. I don't react to terms. Anyway, I prefer to know who my foes are--those who would call me such things. I consider it a term of surrender. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (musing) You're responsible for my death? Maybe I should use my notorious powers and kill you. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Ryoko-- CU. LANIA Chuckling, gesturing at Mihoshi. LANIA: Only a friend would speak to me this way, Mihoshi. It's okay. I would enjoy a nice chance to practice my fighting skills. I doubt Ryoko remembers how to defend herself, though. I'll be fair and consider that petty threat a friendly compliment. PATH MIHOSHI: Wow. I always thought you were nice, Lania. I never realized what a vicious person you really were. LANIA: My name means 'pretty little river.' Now, how could I be a vicious person with a name like that? RYOKO: That's funny. I really hate rivers. I find nothing pretty about you, Lania. And I don't mind admitting that your superstitious mind-set is a little creepy. People don't necessarily become whatever they are named. LANIA: (steady) I find my name to be very fitting. That is all I meant. (glaring at Ryoko) There is a feeling in every person that agrees with whatever they are named. That is why they are named whatever they are named. It's not superstition. My parents--may the gods curse their damned souls--named me for what I am, because that is what I was meant to be. MIHOSHI: Whoa. You guys are really creeping me out. (chuckling) This is what I meant--I mean, all you're talking about is fate and stuff. Take it easy, huh? CU. LANIA LANIA: We must all have a fate, Mihoshi. Some fates are kinder than others. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (irritated) Forget about fate. Where are we going? CU. LANIA LANIA: My old C-and-C. We can contact some friends from there. Mihoshi will have to report in, at some point. I want to make sure we're clear of all these Juraian thugs, first. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Oh... You want to get off this planet? CU. LANIA LANIA: I should have been on Jurai by now. Now, I have a rendezvous on Earth. I may be forced to reconsider the location of the rendezvous, though. 59 INT. KITCHEN Misaki is sitting at the table with Sasami--who is holding Michiko. MISAKI: I don't understand, Sasami. Why renounce the family? You could just renounce the titles and become a concubine--it's tradition. Political marriages mean nothing. SASAMI: I could never do that, Mother. Tenchi is very sensitive. He would have never understood an arrangement like that. We'd have been miserable, and I probably would have ended up renouncing the family, anyway. MISAKI: But, Sasami, you are a princess--Tenchi is a crown prince. He must be made aware at some point. SASAMI: Tenchi could barely understand the arrangement as it is. Anyway, knowing things like that doesn't make a union stronger--it only makes it weaker. Besides all that, Tenchi is like Yosho. He doesn't really want to be heir to the throne. MISAKI: Are you sure? SASAMI: Yes, Mother. His pursuits are very gentle. He knows nothing about wars. He'd be lost on the throne, and I think Father knows it. MISAKI: But you just said that Tenchi is teaching a martial arts class, even as we speak-- SASAMI: (sighing) He only teaches the most simple forms. He doesn't teach tactics or strategy. I had to explain to him three times how Lania managed to win over the fourth factions in the Pirate invasion of Jurai. MISAKI: Does Tenchi know about the trees? SASAMI: He will, soon enough. I didn't want to distress him, though. He wouldn't realize how few our numbers are. It isn't important right now, anyway. Azusa enters, folding his arms. AZUSA: I see who wields the power in this family, now. (frowning) I do not like those who harbor traitors. SASAMI: Five battleships to fend off sixteen? Is that all you could spare? AZUSA: Numbers are unimportant if you protect the element of surprise. SASAMI: (softly) Their only surprise would have been how easily we'd have been defeated... AZUSA: (upset) My plans did not include the collapse of an empire! SASAMI: Father, I hate to argue. I refuse to speak, if you won't be civil with me. Misaki glares at Azusa for a moment, and he smiles in a very peculiar way. AZUSA: It's okay, Sasami. I'm not upset. There will be a restoration. It's only a matter of time. Azusa turns and leaves. MISAKI: (sighing) Your father is very proud of you, Sasami. He's just too proud to show it. SASAMI: I know, Mother. I just wish he could be more a father, and less of an emperor. CU. MISAKI A little disconcerted. MISAKI: What is this? Is this Tsunami I see in you, Sasami? CU. SASAMI Looking back at Misaki, steadily. SASAMI: No, Mother. Tsunami and I are one. 60 EXT. CITY EDGE A narrow road turns into the woods, where Mihoshi, Lania, and Ryoko are standing. The road leads toward a city--where large, imposing buildings loom. RYOKO: Where to, from here? Ryoko nearly gets her head blown off by a blaster shot. A staccato tat-at-at of explosions go off, nearby. Mihoshi cringes, as Lania pulls Ryoko back toward cover. LANIA: Take cover! Keep down. CU. RYOKO Only mildly annoyed. RYOKO: Who is that? CU. LANIA LANIA: That's Gikinos. He controls the Alpha- counter-Pirate movement--well, he used to, anyway--before Mihoshi and Ayeka thwarted his attempt to conspire with Kardanna. Now, he's here for revenge. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: He's trying to kill me? CU. LANIA LANIA: He'd like to mount all our heads on a wall, but-- NARROW ROAD A couple of small armored groundcars emerge as a few monstrous explosions go off, nearby. Mihoshi and Lania sprawl, face-down, as Ryoko looks up, curious. RYOKO: So, who's that? Lania pulls Ryoko back down. LANIA: (a little amused) Oh, that's just Gigoro --just like clockwork. What a predictable jerk. A few more bone-crushing explosions go off, as Mihoshi puts her hands over the back of her head, and Lania chuckles to herself. LANIA: (softly) Gigoro always did like to make a splashy entrance. Back on Jurai, they used to call him the 'mountain of mouth.' CU. RYOKO Looking on in an odd mixture of wonder and alarm. RYOKO: A Juraian general, eh? CU. LANIA LANIA: A minor lieutenant. He kinda takes after Mihoshi, here--only his luck has never been that good... NARROW ROAD The armored cars explode in a couple of earth- shattering explosions. A few airships go shooting overhead. LANIA: Poor Gigoro. He should have stayed with the fleet--he'd have had better luck. MIHOSHI: (looking up) Who's in the aircraft? LANIA: Hmm... That's probably the Juraian Air Corps. It's lead by Gijaku. I've never met that guy. We'd better find a way around this little embankment. MIHOSHI: (a little grim) The problem is, we're near the peak of a knoll. (pointing) If we go that way, we end up in a gorge, and if we go that way, we'll have to race up an acclivity--we'd be sitting ducks. LANIA: Right. We go across the road. MIHOSHI: Through the fire? LANIA: Just run really fast. Mihoshi gets up and bolts across the road, Lania and Ryoko follow--Lania leaps over most of the wreckage as Ryoko looks at the fire in wonder. Ryoko stops for a moment to touch the fire, curiously. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Hey, this is incredible! I can put my hand right through the fire, no problem. CU. LANIA Yanking Ryoko along with her. LANIA: Hurry up! Gikinos could start firing again any second. CU. RYOKO Sighing, walking with Lania. RYOKO: Oh, okay. You're nothing but a killjoy. 61 INT. TUNNEL Mihoshi falls, face-first--grasping at her back--like a sack of potatoes. Ryoko looks on, somewhat shocked, seeing a small, slender knife protruding from Mihoshi's back. She turns to Lania, blankly confused. RYOKO: What? LANIA: (matter-of-factly) And you're the bait. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: (mournfully) Ouch. 62 INT. A SMALL GROUNDCAR A small groundcar sitting in a dark garage with a line of other cars. Washu is sitting at the driver seat, considering a small display. WASHU: (sighing) Well, so much for changing the future. Time to spring the trap. 63 EXT. MASAKI SHRINE Ayeka, Yosho, and Kardanna are sitting at the table as Azaka and Kamidake look on, floating nearby. Funaho enters, looking slightly displeased. FUNAHO: And here I thought Kardanna was a myth. KARDANNA: Sorry to disappoint you, Funaho. Yosho grins as Ayeka folds her arms in disgust. FUNAHO: No, no. I am very reassured, actually. You look exactly the way I imagined. YOSHO: My details were always very accurate. FUNAHO: (glancing at Yosho) Yes... (to Ayeka) You may release him, Ayeka. I'm sure Kardanna won't try anything, now that all of us are here. CU. AYEKA Frowning in suspicion. AYEKA: Uh... Of course, Funaho. That is, if you are certain he won't cause any trouble. CU. YOSHO Rolling his eyes. CU. FUNAHO Sitting at the table. FUNAHO: (softly) You may leave, Ayeka. Yosho and I can handle this. We won't need your guardians. They'll only get in the way. CU. AYEKA She briefly looks surprised then calmly gets up. SHRINE Ayeka leaves as Funaho looks up at Yosho, strangely sympathetic. Azaka and Kamidake follow Ayeka out. FUNAHO: Yosho, I'm afraid I have some bad news. It just came to me a few moments ago. YOSHO: (a little nervous) Yes? FUNAHO: It seems your old friend Gigoro was killed in a small battle on Leo-three. YOSHO: (sullen) Gigoro? FUNAHO: Yes. CU. YOSHO He picks up a small kettle of tea and pours some for himself, then pours another for Funaho. YOSHO: How did it happen? CU. FUNAHO FUNAHO: I'm afraid it was an accident. It was a little friendly-fire from one of our air patrols. I suspect that Lania maneuvered it. SHRINE YOSHO: (a little unnerved) What a dangerous game we're playing, Mother. I hate all this maneuvering. Doesn't Sasami realize what she's involved in? FUNAHO: (smiling) She does, Yosho. We're all pawns to her. You know that. Who better? YOSHO: (softly) I'm starting to think it isn't a game to her. She isn't playing anyone, Mother. FUNAHO: What do you mean? KARDANNA: (grinning sympathetically) He means that she's become one of us. She's struggling just to survive. (grim) I say, it's about damn time, too. CU. FUNAHO Calmly considering. CU. YOSHO Grimacing, trying to calm himself. 64 INT. MAIN HALL Azusa is looking fairly annoyed as he watches Ryo-Ohki --in child-form--going through a simple dance. Sasami, Misaki, and Tenchi are watching. Sasami is holding Michiko. Azusa rolls his eyes and gently pats Ryo-Ohki on the head, as Tenchi and Misaki clap. AZUSA: (a little patronizing) That was very nice. Very nice, indeed. I'd love to see more, but the fleet needs to be reorganized. Misaki goes and hugs Ryo-Ohki as Azusa leaves. Tenchi turns to Sasami. TENCHI: Reorganized? SASAMI: Never mind, Tenchi. He was just giving a convenient excuse. (turning) That was very nice, Ryo-Ohki! Misaki and Ryo-Ohki walk up to Tenchi and Sasami. Ryo- Ohki looks at Tenchi and Sasami, then back at Misaki. CU. MISAKI A little confused. MISAKI: Huh? CU. RYO-OHKI A little anxious, looking down. RYO-OHKI: Bad... CU. SASAMI Wide-eyed with shock. CU. MISAKI Grinning with understanding. MISAKI: Oh, I see! Ryo-Ohki doesn't like you, Sasami! (to Ryo-Ohki) It's okay, Ryo-Ohki. Sasami's very nice. She would never hurt you. CU. RYO-OHKI RYO-OHKI: (anxious) Very bad... I see... MAIN HALL Tenchi scratches his head for a moment and then offers a thought. TENCHI: I think Ryo-Ohki just doesn't relate to being an adult. Adults have a much more sophisticated concept of good and bad, you know. MISAKI: But I'm an adult, and she loves me. Misaki demonstrates by hugging Ryo-Ohki, and Ryo-Ohki hugs back. TENCHI: Yeah, but Sasami used to be a child, just like Ryo-Ohki is now. She probably still thinks of Sasami as a child. MISAKI: (disappointed) Oh... SASAMI: (sighing) Mother, could Tenchi and I be alone for a moment? We need to talk. CU. MISAKI She considers for a moment, then grins. MISAKI: Of course, my darling. I'll be nearby, just in case you need anything! (to Ryo-Ohki) Come on, little one. Let's go watch the battleships get reorganized. MAIN HALL Misaki strolls out the front door with Ryo-Ohki. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: You really think Ryo-Ohki can't relate to being an adult? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Oh yeah! Sure. It's pretty simple, when you think about it. CU. SASAMI Sighing, a little upset. SASAMI: Oh Tenchi, I can't let you believe that. I'd hate myself. MAIN HALL Sasami looks around, a little stiff, as Tenchi looks wide-eyed at Sasami. TENCHI: Huh? SASAMI: I'm a trouble-maker, Tenchi. Every time I try to fix things, they only end up getting worse. TENCHI: (grimly pondering) Well... SASAMI: It's true, Tenchi. I only hurt people. They either trip over themselves trying to make themselves more like me or they spend their lives fighting suspicions they can never hope to disprove. TENCHI: People are just jealous, Sasami. They hate how pretty you are. I think you should be defending yourself. SASAMI: (softly) Tenchi, Tenchi... Is this something Kimiko taught you? TENCHI: No, I think it was Ayeka. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (chuckling) Ayeka always has the most naive illusions, Tenchi. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: That's what makes it so true. Don't worry, Sasami. Your trouble is you're just too nice. You should relax. Let other people worry for a while. 65 INT. TUNNEL Lania is sitting at a small console, as Ryoko is glaring out of a spherical force field. Mihoshi is still lying face-down, now without the knife--but very still. A small display opens up in front of Lania, and she looks at it. CU. DISPLAY The display shows a man, looking around in some surprise. He is very hard-looking, like a cliche war- veteran, complete with buzz haircut and a fake scar on his cheek. LANIA: (OC) Gikinos! GIKINOS: (display) What? Oh, you. What do you want, now? LANIA: (OC) I thought we had an arrangement. You deliver me off-planet in exchange for a rendezvous with my grandfather. GIKINOS: (display) You treacherous bitch! You told me the princess was going to be dead. The next thing I hear, she's invaded and helped take my planet! I know you arranged it, so don't try to deny it. CU. LANIA A little exasperated. LANIA: I ran into complications. I didn't tell you I knew for sure that princess was going to be dead. Anyway, invading Alpha wasn't her idea--it was Mihoshi's, and I've avenged this offense for you. CU. DISPLAY GIKINOS: (display) Oh? Where? CU. LANIA LANIA: Well, just look for yourself. I've killed her, myself. (she gestures, as she turns) TUNNEL Lania looks very shocked as she discovers Mihoshi has disappeared. LANIA: What the hell? (to Ryoko) What just happened here? Ryoko gives a smirk and a shrug. RYOKO: (muffled) How should I know? I've been stuck in here, the whole time. LANIA: Damn it! What's going on? GIKINOS: (display) Is this another one of your tricks? I'm telling you, Lania. If I find that little-- Lania switches off the display, very irritated. She then turns and glares at Ryoko for a few moments. LANIA: Oh, well. I still have my primary. I should have known Tsunami would figure out a way to track Mihoshi. Come on, Ryoko. Time to beat feet. I can't let Tsunami rescue you, too. 66 INT. SPARE ROOM Washu is wearing a long red gown, standing over Mihoshi-- who is lying in the raised bed. Washu groans softly to herself and mutters. WASHU: (grim) Oh, well. Who needs a real leg, anyway? She puts on a set of eye-protectors, and takes out a short, glowing dagger. 67 INT. KITCHEN Sasami is cooking, as Misaki holds Michiko. SASAMI: Tenchi likes to take time for composition. His stuff always comes out like chantey or skiffle. (chuckling) Then he quotes Schubert or Puccini and looks at a daibyoshi like it's grand piano. Misaki smiles, vaguely confused. MISAKI: Well, as long you're both happy, Sasami. Sasami glances at Misaki, smiling. SASAMI: Oh yeah. Well... (sighing) Mother, I'm really upset about Ryoko. I feel like I'm responsible. CU. MISAKI Gaping, sympathetically. MISAKI: Don't hold back, Sasami. I'm your mother. Tell me all about it... 68 EXT. CITY The lights of buildings wash out the stars and threaten to wash out the huge red planet, hanging overhead. 69 EXT. DINGY ALLEY Lania comes up from a sewer entrance into a really ugly alley, followed shortly by the bubble with Ryoko in it. Lania goes to the end of the alley and looks around at the street beyond. LANIA: Time for another quick change of plans... Lania turns and sees Washu--looking fairly smug. LANIA: Hey! WASHU: You were expecting someone else, maybe? CU. LANIA Rushing back toward Ryoko. LANIA: Don't move, Washu! I can make the force field any size I want. I could crush Ryoko with a press of a button. CU. WASHU Waggling a small rectangular device. WASHU: (playfully) You mean with this...? ALLEY Lania makes a spectacular leap and catches Washu. Washu chuckles, very amused. WASHU: (laughing) You have excellent reflexes. I can see what Sasami sees in you. Are you as sharp with your wit? CU. LANIA LANIA: I've got you, Washu. Let me have that control! Another voice emanates... WASHU: (OC) What do you want that toy for? CU. WASHU Standing at the other end of the alley. WASHU: (softly) I know. It's just something I like to do-- CU. LANIA Holding a Washu-doll, looking very disgusted. She drops the doll and turns. LANIA: Damn! ALLEY Washu presses a switch on the control, and the sphere appears around Lania. WASHU: That's better. (to Ryoko) You've seen enough, Ryoko? I want to go back. (sighing) Although, we can go by a nice restaurant, first. Sasami just loves spicy Italian food, you know. I think it's disgusting. RYOKO: Thanks, Washu. Is Mihoshi okay? WASHU: She'll be fine. She'll just have to walk around with a limp for a while, again. 70 INT. KITCHEN Sasami sets a dish out on the table, amongst a host of other dishes. Misaki is sitting at the table, holding Michiko, looking very introspective. SASAMI: (matter-of-factly) Tenchi recovered after about a week, right about the same time Little Washu put Kimiko together. He was all right, but I could tell he was worried about Ryoko. Hikaru had an old friend who kept an eye on her for a while, but he later told me that no one wanted to look after Ryoko--she was just too scary. Then when Ryoko pulled that stunt, I think Tenchi started blaming me for everything. He keeps convincing me that I didn't really mean to hurt Ryoko, and that makes it all better, but I can't kid myself. I feel awful, you know? MISAKI: (stunned) Uh, huh... That's it? SASAMI: (sitting) Yeah--well, that's all I can stand to say, at the moment. CU. MISAKI MISAKI: (a little grim) Sasami, I always imagine terrible things whenever I worry about you, but the truth is so much worse than I could ever imagine. (sighing) Where I went wrong, I think, was getting on that battleship, to begin with. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (miserable) Oh, Mother-- CU. MISAKI MISAKI: (smiling) It's all right, Sasami. To be honest, I'm relieved. I don't think it can get any worse than this. 71 INT. STUDY Tenchi is sitting at the chessboard, looking at a small notebook, holding a small flute in one hand. He turns a few pages and starts to play. He starts on a little con bravura, just as Kimiko appears. KIMIKO: That serenade again? I think it might work better if you played it a little legato. TENCHI: (looking up) You know me, Kimiko. I only like a billet-doux with with a good fight scene. Kimiko chuckles and Tenchi smiles. TENCHI: Anyway, a serenade is just a musical chase. What's a chase without a little dramatic tension? CU. KIMIKO Leaning at the door frame. KIMIKO: Geez, Tenchi. Sasami is so lucky. I trained you too well. CU. TENCHI Smiling, casually. TENCHI: No need to flatter me, Kimiko. This flute is playing me a lot more than I'm playing it. STUDY Kimiko goes over to the other chair and looks at the notebook. KIMIKO: 'The Fearless Coquette.' That's an old one. TENCHI: Yeah, it reminds me of an old musical I saw some time ago. 'The Demon of Rashoman,' I think it was called. KIMIKO: I've never heard of that one. The protagonist falls in love with a dragon, I suppose? TENCHI: More of a fixation, than falling in love, exactly. KIMIKO: This serenade is all about forbidden passion. What's 'Demon' about? TENCHI: It's mostly about a handsome man and his amazing ability to fascinate women. At the end, he's being urged to slay a dragon by four of the women, two of the women are trying to kill him, and the dragon just wants to be his friend. I think it was supposed to be a comedy. I don't remember it right, though. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (playful) I make a pretty good dragon, Tenchi. You aren't going to try to kill me, are you? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (casual) Actually, the man falls in love with the dragon at the end, and the women end up slaying the dragon for him. The man accidentally falls on his own sword and dies. I've always thought they should have reworked the ending. STUDY Tenchi looks through the notebook briefly, and closes it. TENCHI: Weren't you leaving? I thought you were taking a sabbatical. KIMIKO: Yeah... Eventually. I'm not going to leave right away. I hate to leave without some sense of closure. TENCHI: I want to make sure my work is faithful to form, but I can probably manage myself. KIMIKO: You need more than form, Tenchi. You have to have a passion for your work. Your work has a lot of charm, Tenchi, but it's not quite up to my standards. TENCHI: So, what's next? I think I'm starting to enjoy being a disappointment. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (serious) I need to be totally honest, Tenchi. Uh... CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (genuinely puzzled) What? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Nothing. I just wanted to say I really enjoy working with you. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (a little nervous) Okay... Uh, yeah. I really enjoy it, too. STUDY Kimiko stands and leaves. Tenchi puts down the flute, and considers. Kimiko enters again, and Tenchi stands up. TENCHI: (softly) I hate to embarrass you, Kimiko. I really do enjoy working with you. KIMIKO: Uh... Okay. (nervous) Thanks. Tenchi smiles and casually embraces Kimiko. TENCHI: I know you work pretty hard, Kimiko. Take it easy for a while, huh? Kimiko looks shocked for a moment, then smiles, pleasantly. Ryoko suddenly appears gives Kimiko a rude shove. RYOKO: Hey, you! What do you think you're doing? That's my Tenchi you're hugging! Kimiko reels, quickly getting her balance, as Tenchi scowls in surprise. Ryoko looks around, wide-eyed in shock. RYOKO: Wait a minute! (to Tenchi) Oh my god! Where the hell am I? KIMIKO: (grimacing) I think she just got her memory back. RYOKO: Where's that--?! (calming down) Tenchi, where's Sasami? CU. TENCHI Barely able to speak. TENCHI: Uh, well... You might try the kitchen... CU. RYOKO Still trembling in anger. RYOKO: Never mind. I'll find it. I'll just follow my nose. STUDY Tenchi smiles and scratches his head, then sighs, as Kimiko just smiles, knowingly. 72 INT. KITCHEN Misaki is holding Michiko as she gently comforts Sasami, who is weeping. Ryoko flies through the door, about to deliver some scathing insult, then slowly calms. RYOKO: (tentative) Hey, Sasami. What's the matter? Misaki turns and glances sadly at Ryoko. MISAKI: Oh, Ryoko! My poor, poor Ryoko! Oh, how awful you must feel! I'm so sorry! SASAMI: Mother, you know Ryoko can't remember anything. Misaki frets, looking at Sasami and Ryoko. She turns, weepingly, to Sasami. MISAKI: Oh, Sasami! How will we ever get our dear, sweet Ryoko back! Oh! Ryoko backs away, frowning in alarm. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: I think I'll come back later. 73 INT. MAIN HALL Washu walks past Tenchi and Kimiko as Ryoko emerges from the kitchen. WASHU: Hey, Ryoko. Supper ready? RYOKO: Not quite. Hey, Mom. Where are we? I can't figure out what I'm doing here. WASHU: (a little surprised) Oh! This is Tenchi's house. We're on Leo, remember? RYOKO: (looking around) I remember Leo, but I've never been here. KIMIKO: Washu, does this mean what I think it does? WASHU: About the future? Oh, I already tried to change it. Sorry, I've never had any luck with that. Ryoko's better at paradoxes than I am. CU. KIMIKO A little annoyed. KIMIKO: No, I meant whether Ryoko was really a victim of a dissociative reaction. How are you going to handle this? CU. WASHU WASHU: (casual) Same way I just handled Lania-- just set them free and let nature take its course. There's no use in getting all bent out of shape when things go wrong every now and then. At least I was able to save Mihoshi. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (grimacing) Whoa! Mihoshi? Where is she? What happened? MAIN HALL Washu looks at the statue of Callisto and turns away in disgust, then looks at it again. WASHU: She's in the spare room, of course. Damn, Kimiko! Can't you give this lady some dignity? This thing is really bizarre! Tenchi rushes over to the spare room, and hurries in. KIMIKO: Dignity? The statue represents the duality of fantasy, Washu. You can't spare dignity for symbolism like that-- RYOKO: Little Washu, I just saw Sasami and her mother. They were really upset about something. It wasn't anything I did, was it? WASHU: Don't worry about it, Ryoko. Those two are always weeping about something. KIMIKO: What happened to Mihoshi? Nothing you couldn't fix, I hope. WASHU: Just some nerve damage and a leg I had to replace. (sigh) I really hate to play doctor. Therapy is such a pain. KIMIKO: I've never trusted that girl. I just know she isn't as stupid as she pretends to be. WASHU: (chuckling) Boy, you can say that again! THE END