Scene 11

(Lum's room in the hospital.)
(It is a four-bed room, but Lum {regulation hospital gown and robe, visible
bandages} is the only patient there. She is lying in bed with her eyes
closed. An IV tube is inserted in her left wrist.)
(Ataru and Ten enter. Ten floats over to Lum, while Ataru casually adds his
bouquet to a convenient vase.)
Ten: Lum, Lum, we're here. I didn't get lost this time.
Ataru: (comes over) Hm-m-m. She's still weak. Hopefully there's no permanent
damage.
Ten: (annoyed) Stop that! It scares me!
Ataru: Shut up, Ten! I didn't mean it. I just hope Lum will be alright.
Ten: (peevish) There's a first!
(They watch Lum for a minute or so.  Nice, sincere, boring.)
Ataru: Okay, Ten.  I want some time alone with Lum.
Ten: (petulant) Why?
Ataru: (annoyed) Because I need to be alone with her, that's why!!
Ten: (more petulant) How come I can't stay? Are you afraid I'll see you be weak?
Ataru: (angry) Shut up and leave!!
Ten: (angry) Are you gonna try and kill her while she's helpless?
Ataru: (outraged) Ten!! Scram!!
(He throws a bedpan at Ten, who dodges it.)
Ten: (into camera) Bi-i-i-i-i!!!  
(The end of Lum's IV stand slams him in the face, knocking him through the
(open) window!)
Ataru: (replacing IV stand) Obnoxious alien!!
(Ataru composes himself. He pulls a chair alongside the bed and sits down.
Pause as he looks at Lum.)
Ataru: Lum, I, uh, Lum, well...Are you alright? (hand to face) Yeah, right.
That was a stupid question. I mean, are you doing better than yesterday? I
hope you're getting better! I really do! (effort) I-I know I don't always
show it, but... I really do care about you.  
Lum: I know.
Ataru: (surprised) Huh?!? Lum!
(Lum opens her eyes and looks at him. She speaks slowly.)
Lum: (shining eyes) Darling. I'm glad to see you. (smiles) I knew you would
visit me.
Ataru: Uh, yeah. Actually I was just passing by, and I stopped to see if you
were still alive.
Lum: I'm so glad you stopped to see me! Your attention is even better than
the medicine!  
Ataru: (taken aback) Yeah, well...
(He takes refuge in anger.)
Ataru: Lum, Lum, Lum...
Lum: Yes, Darling??
Ataru: (In her face.) HOW COULD YOU BE SO CARELESS!?!?!  
(Lum looks surprised and confused.) 
Ataru: Stepping into a fight!  Come on!  
(He backs away, gesturing wildly.) 
Ataru: Everyone knows that if you try to stop a fight that way you'll get
hurt! The fighters are watching each other, not you!
Lum: Is that right?
Ataru: Yes! 
(He stops, places hands to his head in exaggerated shock.)
Ataru: Not only that, but it was Asuka and Benten! Have you gone crazy, or
did you try to commit suicide??!
Lum: (abashed) I'm sorry, Darling. I didn't think-
Ataru: (crossly) No, you didn't!
Lum: But, I'll remember what you said!  
Ataru: Do that. 
(Abruptly softening, he takes her hand.)
Ataru: Be careful, Lum. I don't want to lose you.
Lum: (touched) Darling...
(They lean close and touch lips. The brief kiss is interrupted by the sound
of the door opening! 
Lum: Hm?
Ataru: Wah!!
(Ataru dives over the bed and hides behind it as the door swings open.)
(Ten bobs along into the room. Behind him, Oyuki moves to stand in the doorway.)
Ten: (joyful) Lum!  You're looking better!
Lum: (happy) Ten! 
(Lum manages to sit up a little in bed.)
Lum: Don't worry, I'm getting better!
(They hug.) 
Ten: You look better, Lum! I found your room this time without Uncle and
Auntie! I didn't get lost, either!
Lum: Ten, that's marvelous!
(Ten beams.)
Oyuki: Excuse me for interrupting. 
Lum: (quite happy now) Oyuki! Please come in! 
Oyuki: Thank you. Hello, Ataru.
Ataru: (covering) I dropped some coins under the bed, heh-heh-heh.
(He zips around the bed, offers a chair.) 
Ataru: Please sit down!
Oyuki: I should not impose on you.
(Ataru is sitting on the chair, patting his lap.)
Ataru: Please, be so kind as to sit here!
Oyuki: That would not be a good idea, given Lum's current condition.
Ataru: What about Lum?
(He looks at Lum, who is trying to gather enough energy to spark.)
Ataru: Well, since you mention it...
(He gets out of the chair.)
Ataru: (exaggerated manners) Please have a seat before Lum bursts a nerve.
Oyuki: (slight bow) Thank you very much, Ataru. 
(Oyuki sits, while Lum relaxes.)
Oyuki: (polite concern) How are you, Lum? Are you alright?
Lum: I'm feeling a little better now. It doesn't hurt as much as it did a
while ago.
Oyuki: That is nice, right? I came as soon as I could. How dreadful, to be
struck down while trying to stop a fight.  
Lum: Oh, it was an accident. They didn't mean it.
Oyuki: Is that right? Ran did not tell me it was an accident. I was so
worried...
Lum: (acidly) Ran doesn't tell you a lot of things. You be careful Oyuki, or
she'll sell the planet from under you someday.
Oyuki: Oh no, Ran would not do that, would she?  
(Lum gives her a knowing look. Oyuki ignores it and sees the flowers.) 
Oyuki: Those are pretty flowers.
Lum: (smiling) Yes, Darling brought them for me.
Oyuki: Really? (to Ataru) How nice, Ataru. You really are a good husband to
Lum after all.  
(Lum and Ten giggle. Ataru winces and groans.)
Ataru: Uh, o-kay now!! I think I'd better be leaving!! 
Lum: (plaintive) But you just got here!
Ataru: Well, I have to do, uh, some errands, before I go home. So, if
you'll excuse me...
Lum: Oh, alright. Goodbye, Darling!
Oyuki: Goodbye, Ataru.
Ten: 'Later, blockhead!
Ataru: (grins, waves) 'Later, everybody!  
(Ataru steps out the door and almost collides with Shinobu.) 
Ataru: Shinobu! What a pleasant surprise!
Shinobu: (out of breath) Ataru, is Lum awake?
Ataru: Yeah. What's up?
Shinobu: (urgent) I have to speak with Lum right now! It's about Asuka and
Benten! Please, Ataru!
Ataru: Sure, but you've got to have a <date> with-
(Shinobu goes around him into the room.)
Shinobu: Lum! Thank goodness you're awake!
Lum: Shinobu! How nice to see you!
Shinobu: Lum, I-I'm afraid I have some bad news.
Lum: Oh no! What could it be?
Ten: Is Ataru getting married again?  
Ataru: (lunges at Ten) Shut up, you!  
(Ten dodges him.)
Lum: Ten, Dsrling, be careful! (to Shinobu) Shinobu, what is it?
Shinobu: It's about Benten and Asuka. They are both blaming each other for
causing your injuries.
Ataru: (flippant) They've declared war on each other?
Shinobu: No, no, nothing like that!  
Ataru: (hopeful) They want me to stop the hurting?  
(Three cold glares and a frosty look drill into him.) 
Ataru: (waves hand) Hey, just joking, c'mon...
Shinobu: It's no joke, Ataru! (to Lum) Asuka and Benten have agreed to fight
a duel!
Lum: (shocked) No!! They can't!!
Oyuki: (concerned) Is this true?
Shinobu: Yes! It's going to occur at the school gym ten minutes from now!
It's even going to be televised on cable TV!
Ataru: Huh? On TV!
Oyuki: Why?
Lum: Oh, so someone can make money- (revelation) Ran! She was with Benten
and me that day!
Oyuki: (shocked) Lum, do not say such things. Ran would not convince Benten
to fight in order to make money. That is terrible.
Lum: (pointedly) Who are we talking about?
Oyuki: I do not believe that.  
(Lum gives her that look again.) 
Oyuki: Well, she would not do it. She could not do it.
(Her shoulders slump.)
Oyuki: (sadly) She did it.
Shinobu: Lum, what are you going to do?
Lum: Me?
Ataru: Her?  Lum isn't going to do anything! She's injured, with three
slipped discs, two fractures, and a concussion!  
(Everyone looks at him.) 
Ataru: What are you looking at?!
Shinobu: How do you know all her injuries?
Ten: Yeah! Only Auntie knows that!
Ataru: (embarrassed) Uh, I uh, overheard Mom on the phone with the hospital.
Heh-heh-heh...
(Lum looks happy. Ten and Shinobu just look. Oyuki lowers her face to hide a
slight smile.)
Oyuki: Shinobu-san, what could Lum do about the duel?
Shinobu: She can stop it! She's the only one who can!
Ataru: Impossible! The last time Lum tried to stop them, that happened!
(Ataru points at the IV for emphasis.)
Ataru: How is she going to stop them this time?!?
Lum: (energized) Darling, I can! Shinobu's right! I know both of them,
they'd listen to me separately. They can listen to me even if they are
fighting! I can get them to stop this silly duel! I know I-oh-h-h-h... 
(She sinks back onto the bed.)
All: Lum!
Ataru: Lum, stop! You'll wear yourself out! (to Shinobu) Now see what you've
done!  
Lum: Darling... Darling, I'm alright. I need to stop them...
Ataru: No you don't!
Lum: Please, Darling. My friends mustn't fight.
Shinobu: She's right, Ataru. She has to stop her friends from hurting each
other.
Oyuki: Please, Ataru. Let Lum stop the duel before something regrettable
happens.
Ataru: (arms folded) I won't let her do it!!
(Lum actually looks a little pleased. Shinobu steps forwards.)
Shinobu: (gently) Ataru, your new devotion to Lum's health is wonderful.
It's the most marvelous thing we've ever seen.
Ten: You're kidding!!
Shinobu: (to Ten) No, it is!! Trust me! (to Ataru) But, Ataru, you'll have
to let Lum get up and stop this duel! If Lum doesn't stop her friends,
they'll hurt each other badly over some meaningless point of honor! If that
happens Lum will be very sad, and so will you, because you could have
prevented it. (pressing) Ataru, let Lum suffer a little to prevent others
from suffering a lot.
Ataru: I dunno... 
Shinobu: (crossed hands on chest) Also, just think of poor Asuka and Benten,
lying in hospital beds, looking even worse than Lum, because they fought
each other and damaged their looks.
Ataru: <Okay, okay>, alright already!!! You win!! Lum can try to stop the
duel! But, how is she going to do it? Lum can't fly there before it starts!
Ran won't let her in to stop the spectacle! What are we gonna do?
Lum: My ship... Get me there. Communications linkup...
Shinobu: I understand! Lum can talk to them over the view-screen!
Lum: Right, Shinobu.  
(She tries to get out of bed, but cannot stand.) 	
Lum: O-o-oh, Darling. Please help me...
(Ataru and Shinobu steady her.)
Shinobu: Be careful, Lum!  
Ataru: Take it easy, Lum! You won't be flying there with your concussion!
Shinobu: Oyuki, can you help us get Lum to her ship?
Oyuki: Yes, I believe I can.


			Scene 12

(Tomobiki High School Gymnasium. The crowd is filing in and taking its seats
around the ring. Ran has somehow managed to acquire the Death Ring from The
Super Gal. It squats in grim foreboding in center screen.)
(Ran {black tie and tails, fishnet hose, high heels} can be seen conferring
with the Principal.)
(Onsenmark-sensei and Kotatsu-neko are serving as ushers.)
(Mr. Fujinami is dashing about selling refreshments. Everything is about ready.)
(Shutaro Mendo, millionare high school dreamboat, meets Megane and the Guard
at ringside.)
Shutaro: Good evening, Megane. So, you didn't find Moroboshi?
Megane: That is right. We have looked everywhere, but he is nowhere to be found.
Parma: There's no sign of him anywhere!
Shutaro: Anywhere?
Megane: He is not even inside the girls' dressing rooms!
Shutaro: (amazed) Incredible! (pause) Oh well, let's forget him. May good
fortune keep him far from this place.  
(He turns and starts to leave.) 
Shutaro: Come on, there's some seats over here- 
(He stops, and turns to look at Megane and Guard, who have not moved.)
Shutaro: Why aren't you coming? Don't you want to see the duel?!?
Megane: Yes, of course we do!
Chibi: It's just that...
Shutaro: What is it!?!
Megane: We are going to sit on Benten's side of the ring!
Shutaro: (surprised) Wha-a-at?!?!? You're actually going to cheer for her?!?!
Megane: Yes we are, Mendo. Miss Benten is Miss Lum's dearest friend. We must
support her for Lum!
Kakugari: Yeah! We gotta do it for Lum!
Shutaro: (angry disbelief) I don't believe this! You mean you would back an
alien against a true daughter of Nihon!?!?!  
(Megane and Guard firmly nod.) 	
Shutaro: Ridiculous! You would choose not to support Mizunokoji Asuka, my
adorable fiancee! She, who is a model of beauty, courtesy, and decency! A
source of happiness, tenderness-
Chibi: -injured men, holes in walls, shattered nerves-
Shutaro: Silence!! How dare you slight my fiancee!! That slander is-
Megane: -absolutely true! Face it, Mendo! Most of the students here would
rather support Benten!
Shutaro: (incensed) WHAT!?!?! Impossible!! Apologize at once!!
Megane and Guard: (tongues out) Ble-e-eah!!
Shutaro: (brandishes sword) I'LL TEACH YOU NOT TO INSULT ASUKA!!
(He chases them all around the ring.)

			Scene 13

(Benten's dressing room.)
(Benten is ready to kick butt. In fact, she is drinking a beer.)
Benten: (solo toast) To victory!  
(She takes a swig. There is a knock on the closed door.) 
Benten: Yeah, come in!
(Ryunosuke enters, dressed in an antique man's kimono, in the style worn by
Sumo referees.)
Ryu: Hey, Benten. Howya doing?
Benten: (brandishes bottle) Great!! I'm gonna kick some ass!  	
(Benten takes another look at Ryu.) 
Benten: What's with the funny clothes?
Ryu: (grimacing) They picked me to be the referee. I'm the only "guy" that
Asuka won't clobber out of hand.
Benten: This your old man's idea?
Ryu: No, but he liked it a whole *@%&# lot!
Benten: (laughs) Well, at least there'll be one friendly face in the ring
with me!
Ryu: Well, I have to be neutral, you know. As the referee...
Benten: Yeah, yeah, I understand. Don't worry, I won't play dirty! (fierce
grin) I won't have to!
Ryu: That's good! Well, gotta go. See ya.  
(Benten casually waves as Ryunosuke leaves.)
Benten: Nothin' to do now but wait.  
(She takes another swig of beer. There is a polite knock.) 
Benten: Yes!?!?! C'mon in!!!
(The door opens and one of the Mendo puppeteers enters and kneels, offering
a note on a stick.)
Puppeteers: Please accept this humble message from an admirer, Mistress.
Benten: Huh? 
(Benten takes the note and reads it aloud.)
Benten: "To Milady Benten, Ever-Victorious Warrior, greetings. I wish you
luck in tonight's duel. You have a humble friend who can provide some small
assistance if things become difficult." Humph! "Should you desire
assistance, you must only say this: "No defeat, only victory." A diversion
will then be created, distracting the referee long enough for you to ensure
your victory." Is that so? "Please accept this humble token of support on
your behalf. May you win all your battles! Sincerely, a Concerned Admirer."
Hm-m-m.
Puppeteer: What reply shall I make, Mistress? 
Benten: Tell 'em I'll, I'll think about it.
Puppeteer: Yes Mistress, I shall. 
(He bows and leaves.)
Benten: (puzzled) "A concerned admirer?" Who?? Why?? What the hell?!?

			Scene 14

(Asuka's dressing room.)
(The situation is a little more solemn-and crowded! {All those retainers
standing about, y'know.} Asuka has just finished getting into her armor.)
Retainer 1: Milady Asuka, you look so splendid! 
Asuka: (not paying attention) Yes.
Retainer 1: (contrite) Oh, I'm sorry, Milady! (bows) Forgive this unworthy
servant for clumsily intruding upon your pre-combat meditation!
Asuka: (smiles) Oh, please do not be concerned! I was not thinking about
anything serious. (smile turns mean) I-Iwas only just thinking about
smashing that bad person's face!
Retainer 2:(to another) Ever notice that when a Mizunokoji gets angry, their
eyes resemble a pair of sights?
Retainer 1: (nervous) T-that's nice, Milady! That's the winning spirit!
Asuka: I will win!! 
(Asuka strikes the rear wall, knocking it over!) 
Retainer 1: (really nervous now) G-g-good, Miss! Y-you're definitely g-going
to be v-victorious!!  
(Someone knocks on the door.) 
Retainer 2: W-who is it?!
Shutaro: (off-screen) Mendo Shutaro has arrived! Wouldn't Miss Asuka be there?
Asuka: (overjoyed) Elder brother Mendo!!
Retainer 2: Won't you please come in?!?!
Shutaro: Of course!  
(The retainers let him in. Shutaro goes to Asuka.) 
Shutaro: My dear Asuka!
(He takes her hands.)
Shutaro: I am still at your service, if you should possibly require a champion.
Asuka: (blushing) Elder brother Mendo... You are so kind, but I must
regrettably refuse your offer. This-this must be my struggle.
Shutaro: (politely disappointed) I understand. 
(He looks into her eyes wit a practiced manner.)
Shutaro: Asuka dear, please be careful. I don't know what I'd do without you... 
Asuka: (blushing even more) Oh, elder brother... 
(Shutaro hastily suppresses a grimace.) 
Asuka: You care about me that much?? 
Shutaro: (nod) Yes!
(Weeping with joy, Asuka gives Shutaro a great big hug!) 
Asuka: Elder brother!! Thank you very much!! You are so wonderful and kind!!
Shutaro: (in great pain) A-Ah-Asuka... Puh-lee-eese... L-let g-go...
Asuka: (alarmed) Elder brother Mendo, are you alright?!?! Elder brother?!?!
(Asuka hugs him even harder! Shutaro passes out.)
Retainer1: (to Retainer 2) I think she's ready now...

			Scene 15

(Back in the hospital. A nurse approaches Lum's room, carrying some things
on a tray.)
Nurse: Lum, it's time for your medicine!  
(She enters the room.) 	
Nurse: (offscreen) Lum, you- (pause) Lum?  (pause) Oh no! 
(She comes out of the room and hurries down the hall.) 
Nurse: Doctor, doctor!!  Lum has disappeared!!

			Scene 16

(Back to the ring. The crowd is just about seated.)
(Pan to a special booth, which houses the Mendo and Mizunokoji families.)
(The Mendos are kindly lending support to their future in-laws. The
Mizunokojis are disinterestedly interested in the proceedings outside.)
(Shutaro is recovering from his visit to Asuka.)
(Tobimaro is aloof, still angry that he isn't the one protecting his
sister's honor.)
(Ryooko is watching the proceedings with an attitude similar to that of a
leopard.)
Ton-san: Humph. I still think my little sister shouldn't be doing this.
Mrs. Mendo: (to Mrs. Mizunokoji) Isn't he a considerate brother?
Mama M.: (dryly) Yes, he is, isn't he?
Mrs. Mendo: (missing the point) Yes, he is!
Ton-san: It's too dangerous!
Shutaro: Ah, don't worry, Ton-chan. You know Asuka's capabilities. She'll
easily win!
Ton-san: You surprise me, Shu-chan. How could you think Asuka could do well
in this duel?!?
Shutaro: Ton-chan, don't you recognize Asuka's capabilities?!? She cannot be
stopped by any known means!
Ryooko: (watching the crowd outside) Dear elder brother, it may not be as
easy as that. This duel could be a lot closer than any of us could possibly
guess.
Shutaro: (leaping up) Ryooko, what are you planning this time!?!?!
Ryooko: (surprised, hurt) Elder brother, what do you mean?
Shutaro: (points accusing finger) You're planning something! I know it! Stop
your scheme at once!!
Ryooko: (taken aback) I-I do not understand what you are saying!
Shutaro: Yes you do! Don't you dare hurt Asuka to please your warped sense
of humor!
Ton-san: Shu-chan, Ryooko wouldn't want to hurt Asuka, would she?
Shutaro: Yes she would, if it pleased her!
Ton-san: (reprovingly, to Ryooko) Ryooko, how could you!?!
Ryooko: (in tears) Stop it!! Elder brother, stop saying such cruel things!
Beloved lord Tobimaro, how can you agree with him! Boo-hoo-hoo!
Mr. Mendo: Shutaro! Stop bothering your sister!  
Shutaro: But, Father-
Mr. Mendo: Stop it, or I'll cut your allowance and forbid you the use of our
self-defense force for an entire month!
(Shutaro subsides into surly silence.)
(Tobimaro looks irate, and a little guilty, at finding himself in agreement
with his rival.)
(Ryooko stops crying, and sticks her tongue out at Shutaro behind her hands.
Shutaro is nettled, but is prevented from retaliating as the fun begins
outside.)

			Scene 17

(The lights go down, except for those focussed on the Death Ring.)
(Ran appears in the spotlights, holding a microphone.)
(Applause.) 
Ran: <Ladies and gentlemen!!> Welcome one and all!! Tonight we have a
special presentation for you! (dramatic tone) Two young ladies have a
dispute that they feel cannot be solved by peaceful means. They have agreed
to a formal public duel to settle their dispute, once and for all! Before
your eyes they will battle to the finish!
(Applause.)
Ran: Now, to introduce the two lovely combatants!
(Applause and cheers, mostly male.)
Ran: Our first performer does not actually reside in Tomobiki-cho, but she
is a frequent guest. She is a an experienced fighter, and is a good friend
of our favorite alien, Lum! (outstretched arm) Ladies and gentlemen, BENTEN!!
(Benten comes flying in on her (repaired) hoverbike and swoops around the
crowd's heads a couple of times before landing at ringside.)
(Benten vaults into the ring to loud applause.)
Benten: (smug) Yeah, they love my style!
Ran: Our next performer is a resident of Tomobiki-cho, where she lives with
her family! She is the undisputed debutante champion of the social elite!
(outstretched arm) Ladies and gentlemen, MIZUNOKOJI ASUKA!!
(Asuka enters on a platform that is the centerpiece of a procession of
Mizunokoji retainers dressed as samurai. The dazzled audience applauds wildly!)
(Asuka leaps onto her corner-post, where she waves to the crowd!)
Ran: Now, if the performers will please meet in the center of the ring? The
referee will explain some things for you.
Mr. Fujinami: Ryu-no-su-ke!! Do your manly duty as a referee!!
(Ryu punts her father into the cheap seats.)
Ryu: I'M A WOMAN!!!
(Asuka and Benten clank over to the center of the ring. Ran steps back and
Ryunosuke comes forward.)
(Ryunosuke stands between the duelists, underscoring her words with gunsen fan.)
Ryu: Okay girls, a few rules before the fun starts. One, no ranged weapons.
This is hand-to-hand combat only. Two, don't use me as a weapon. (smirks) I
will be forced to disqualify you! Three, stay in the ring. If you step
outside the ring, the automated defence systems will activate and attack
until you are back in the ring. Four, I am the final arbiter of all calls
inside the ring. What I say goes. Understand all that?
Asuka and Benten: (nod) Yes!
Ryu: Good. Go to opposite corners, and come out swinging when they strike
the gong. May the best woman win! <Okay, go!>
(Asuka and Benten retire to their corners of entry. Long drum roll, then the
sound of the gong.)
(The crowd bursts into noisy support as the two girls hurtle at each other!)
(Oof!! Good thing Lum wasn't between them that time!)
(Asuka and Benten quickly recover and go at it with a will!) 
(There is enough gratuitous hand-to-hand combat in the ensuing fight to
appease even the most jaded Saint Seiya fan. The girls take turns trading
brutal attacks in the usual martial arts/boxing manga tradition. Every
wrestling and martial arts stunt in the book, and a few not in it, comes
into play.)
(Benten gains an early advantage when she knocks apart Asuka's armor with a
vicious body-slam!)
(However, Benten's chain attack backfires, and she gets whipped into a
corner-post. Asuka is too familiar with that style, due to numerous
mother-daughter tiffs.)
(Both girls each get a dose of the automated weapons, as well as a headache
from impacting into various things.)
(No, Benten, that ponytail is too thick for you to pull off!)
(Asuka, Benten's right heel is not going to fit into her left ear, no matter
how hard you pull her leg around her neck!) 


                                        (To Be Continued)




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