An Inevitable Outcome Feature
Written and Directed
by C. Richard Davies
TOGETHER AGAIN
1996 Chapter
Based on the works of
Naoko Takeuchi, Rumiko Takahashi,
Kosuke Fujishima, Matsumoto Izumi,
Masaki Kajishima,
and various interpretations therof.
Incorporating
original characters created
by C. Richard Davies
Dedicated to John Biles, Fred Herriot,
and Larry Mann.
ACT TWO
Establishing Shot: Sunrise in Nerima. A bird chirps.
AKANE (V.O.)
The next day dawned without any
signs of that which had happened
just before midnight ... no, wait.
Cut to late night Nerima, full moon.
AKANE (V.O.)
There were quite a few important
things on the second day which went
on before sunrise. For example --
Cut to a street in Nerima, rather cold and sterile in the moonlight.
AYEKA walks down the street, clutching her arms to herself to hold in
heat, and looking about anxioulsy.
AKANE (V.O.)
-- a certain Princess of Jurai was
walking the streets of Tokyo, scared
for the first time in nearly a year.
<imitates AYEKA> "Bitterly did I
repent at that moment the foolhardy
plan which I had formed at home.
AYEKA pulls the X-Files tankoubon that she bought yesterday out of her
purse and glares at it.
AYEKA
Lousy Guidelost piece of crap.
AKANE (V.O.)
<still imitating> "I acknowledged
that the situation was of my own
making, however."
AYEKA
Somehow ... somehow I *know* that
this is Ryouko's fault.
AKANE (V.O.)
I think that I would have been a
little more upset by Ayeka's efforts
to rewrite her story to her own
satisfaction if I hadn't realized
that I do the same thing sometimes.
AYEKA hears a scuffling noise behind her, and begins walking again, doing
her best to show no fear. We see her passing an alley ... and then the
GANGERS crawl out of the shadows of the alley. They are an extremely
scruffy looking company; if this were a few decades down the road, one
would expect them to have very obvious cyberwear. As it is, they have
tatoos, broken teeth, hair that looks like it should be on the head of a
Dragonball charcter, etc. They head out of the alley and start following
AYEKA. She hears them, and her face shows her concern.
AYEKA (V.O.)
If I use my powers, I can probably
deal very easily with whoever or
whatever is following me ... but it
*will* draw attention, and that's
not what I --
AYEKA looks up and examines the buildings, being careful not to slow down.
AYEKA (V.O.)
Perhaps not. The citizens of this
area are probably inured to violent
noises ... but --
Just then she passes another alley entrance ... and a very large ganger
jumps out in front of her.
GANGER #1
<pleasant> Boo!
AYEKA lets out a shriek, and jumps back -- right into the grasp of another
GANGER, a thin but wiry one. He holds her arms spread out, her feet a few
inches off the ground.
GANGER #2
<perfect diction> Well, well, look
what we have here. A nice young
lady, out on a stroll.
AYEKA
<more angry than afraid> LET ME GO!
A GANGER with red circles tattooed under his eyes steps up in front of
AYEKA, and caresses her cheek with one hand and her hip with the other.
GANGER #3
Now why would we do that when we
could all have such f-- OWWW!
GANGER #3 backs away from AYEKA, clutching the sensitive section of his
anatomy that she hs just kneed. Nearby, an authoritative GANGER wearing
wire-rim glasses sighs deeply.
GANGER #4
When will you guys learn to hold
their feet when you're doing this
routine? Short ONe, go handle it.
A very short GANGER, who has been laughing at GANGER #3's suffering, looks
indignant.
GANGER #5
Why do I always have to --
GANGER #4
Short One. *Skirt*.
GANGER #5 blinks, stares at AYEKA's sailor fuku skirt, and darts down to
grab her ankles firmly. Then he peeks up her skirt.
GANGER #5
Oh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy!
AYEKA
<outraged> THAT'S IT!
Her expression grows focused, and unseen by the GANGERS, tiny nexi of
force resembling small wooden logs begin to materialize around them --
-- only to suddenly vanish when GANGER #4 slaps AYEKA, disrupting her
concentration.
GANGER #3
Why didn't you do that when she --
GANGER #3
<harsh> Shut up. She's not scared
as much as she should be ... there's
something wrong here. <beat> Maybe
she's one of those ... *Soldiers*.
AYEKA blinks, confused.
GANGER #2
Hey ... you're right! Who *else*
would be wandering around *our*
domain in a schoolgirl outfit at
this time of night?
GANGER #4
And you know what that means, don't
you? <beat> Evidently not. It
means that we can start selling
pictures of her and make a fortune
from the perverts who --
SHAMPOO (O.S.)
<snort> You sound like pervert
girl's nasty sister.
The faces of all the GANGERS fall instantly, while AYEKA looks about,
confused.
GANGER #4
<mournful> Oh, *dung*.
The GANGERS' heads turn as one to look at a nearby rooftop. SHAMPOO is
sitting on the edge, her legs dangling, and smiling almost coquettishly.
SHAMPOO
<waves fingers> Hello, boys!
Shampoo *so* glad to see you out of
hospital again. Shampoo *miss* you
tons and tons!
GANGER #4 looks down at GANGER #5.
GANGER #4
It has been nice to know you.
SHAMPOO pulls out one of her bonbori from behind her back, and caresses
its head almost lovingly.
SHAMPOO
<wistful> Shampoo wishes that her
husband would spar with her, but he
... too busy. <cheerful> So Shampoo
very glad you-all volunteer to help.
And then she leaps down, and the fight begins. It is horribly uneven.
The GANGERS are more interested in getting the hell away from her than in
fighting with her, but she declines to let them have that option. O
course, AYEKA gets loose during the fight, and triest to stay the heck out
of the crazy melee. Unfortunately, one of the GANGERS gets knocked back
into her, causing her to fall to the ground, and scattering her purse.
AYEKA quickly gets back up and anxiously checks to see that the sailor
fuku is undamaged, thus not noticing the condition of her purse, nor the
small piece of paper which has landed in a muddy puddle. A few moments
later, it's all over. A few of the GANGERS are littered unconsciously
over the landscape, but most of them have been put to flight. SHAMPOO
surveys the area with a disatisfied expression. When she speaks next it
is in Mandarin.
SHAMPOO
I didn't even break a sweat. I've
*got* to find a better class of
thug to abuse.
She becomes aware of AYEKA suddenly, and speaks to her in Japanese.
SHAMPOO
<perfunctory> All right?
AYEKA nods, still a bit startled.
SHAMPOO
Fine. Go on way.
She turns to leave. AYEKA remembers her manners, and speaks in fluent
Mandarin.
AYEKA
Thank you very much.
SHAMPOO freezes in place, then slowly turns to look back at AYEKA,
startled.
SHAMPOO
<Mandarin> Excuse me?
AYEKA
Thank you very much for helping me
with my problems with these --
AYEKA breaks off as SHAMPOO comes up to her slowly, and begins to examine
her face carefully.
AYEKA
<confused> Um, is something wrong.
SHAMPOO
<suspicious> You're not ... but you
aren't Japanese either. <beat> So
where did you get that sailor suit?
AYEKA
<swallows> Um ... a friend gave it
to me ... so that I could blend in.
<beat> Is it really that obvious
that I'm not --
SHAMPOO
<sad smile> Only to a fellow alien.
AYEKA
<stunned> *You're* an *alien*?
SHAMPOO briefly rolls her eyes.
SHAMPOO
No, no, alien is also foreigner. We
are neither of us Japanese ... so we
are the evil aliens in their eyes.
AYEKA
<sad> Are they truly that fearful?
SHAMPOO kicks one of the unconscious thugs.
SHAMPOO
Ask this pillar of the community.
I caught him spraying graffiti on
the wall of our restaurant one day.
<tinny Japanese> "Chinese whore go
home no da!"
AYEKA flinches. SHAMPOO smiles slightly.
SHAMPOO
But words only make one stronger,
for they cannot kill. <beat> Are
you sure that you're all right?
AYEKA
<smiles> Very fine, thank you.
Well, I must be going. My train
will be coming shortly and --
She looks down at her purse and notes the fact that it has upended. Her
face falls.
AYEKA
Oh no!
She starts to gather up her possessions. SHAMPOO watches curiously.
AYEKA finally comes to the piece of paper in the muddy puddle. She stares
at hthe ruined railpass with a look of horror.
AYEKA
<tragic> Noooooo ...
SHAMPOO
<blinks> Something is wrong?
AYEKA
<teary voice> Something is wrong.
My railpass ... without this, I
don't know how I can get h-- back
to where my friends are.
SHAMPOO
Can't you call them and have them
come pick you up?
AYEKA produces a half-melted phone card from her purse. SHAMPOO blinks.
SHAMPOO
I didn't know it was *possible* to
go that far over the limit.
AYEKA
What am I going to do? I -- I've
been wandering around for hours,
waiting for the damn train to show
up, and now ... now I don't know
what I'm going to do ...
SHAMPOO stares at her with an odd expression on her face ... which clears,
finally, just before she nods. She taps AYEKA on her shoulder.
SHAMPOO
You can come rest at my place, all
right?
AYEKA
<blinks> But --
SHAMPOO
Get some rest -- you look dead on
your feet -- and then you can use
our phone to call your friends.
AYEKA
But ... I don't want to be an
inconvenience --
SHAMPOO waves her hand dismissively.
SHAMPOO
No trouble! Besides, it's the least
I can do for someone who speaks a
civilized language.
AYEKA blinks at that, then pushes herself to her feet, and bows slightly.
SHAMPOO bows back, deeper. AYEKA returns the bow, only deeper. SHAMPOO
returns the deep bow. AYEKA bows once more, even deeper.
SHAMPOO
Okay, if we keep this up we'll be
here all night. Let's go.
SHAMPOO starts to walk down the street, followed closely by AYEKA, who
stares at her with a strange half-smile on her face.
AKANE (V.O.)
Seeing Shampoo through Ayeka's eyes
was ... startling. <beat> I will
*never* like her. I don't *want*
to like her. She's mean-spirited
and vicious, and she's tried to kill
me. <beat> But ... I guess it's
more honest to say that I don't
understand her. Like she says, she
is an alien to us, just as much as
Ayeka is ... but Ayeka at least
*tries* to make herself seem like
less of a strange visitor from
another world. <beat> Anyway, at
about the same time, in another part
of the city ...
Cut to AETHAN perched on the edge of the roof of a twenty-story building,
looking much like a gargoyle. He does not move, he does not breathe. His
eyes stare down at the ground without really seeing.
AETHAN
Dammit.
We flash back, through a gauzy haze, to the previous evening. AETHAN and
MINAKO are seated on a park bench together.
MINAKO
Look, I think that I love you --
AETHAN
I love you too, but --
He is suddenly crushed by MINAKO's wild embrace, and she kisses him with
passion. AETHAN's eyes are wide. This goes on for several minutes before
she releases him.
AETHAN
<trying to regain composure> -- but
don't you think that you're moving
just a little too fast? <quick>
Evidently not.
Cut back to AETHAN on the building, as he winces at the memory.
Cut to the flashback. AETHAN reaches out and takes MINAKO's hand in his.
An ofuda streaks out of the darkness and slams into AETHAN's face, right
between the eyebrows. MINAKO stares at it, confused. AETHAN slowly
reaches up to tear the scroll off of his face, and stands, his fangs
clearly in evidence.
AETHAN
Do you *mind*?
RAYE is standing a few feet away.
RAYE
Stopping you from putting the moves
on my friend? Not at all, gaki.
MINAKO stands, her face very angry.
MINAKO
Raye! You promised that you weren't
going to do this sort of thing!
RAYE
I said I wouldn't do it unless he
showed signs of getting out of
control. He was --
MINAKO
He was *holding* *my* *hand*.
RAYE
Sure, first he holds your hand, then
he's clasping your shoulder, then
it's down your shirt --
MINAKO
<shocked> RAYE!
Cut back to reality.
AETHAN
Dammit dammit dammit. How do I fix
*this*?
He shakes his head and goes back to staring at the street below. Slowly,
a small point of light begins to descend from the night sky to the ground.
AETHAN notices this, and is visibly startled. Wehn the small point of
light is a foot or so above the ground, it pulses brightly ... leaving
behind a young man (MICHAEL GIDEON) dressed in blue jeans and a black
t-shirt. He is currently on his knees, gasping for breath.
MICHAEL
Okay. Okay. Next time I do that,
I'm getting SCUBA gear beforehand.
AETHAN is *very* surprised.
AETHAN
<whispered> Michael?
MICHAEL
<bellows> Aethan!!! I know that
you're somewhere around here? I
gotta talk to you!
AETHAN turns to mist. He rematerializes on the ground, standing behind
MICHAEL.
MICHAEL
<bellows> It's important, man! Very
big stuff! As big as --
AETHAN
So talk.
MICHAEL spins around, startled.
MICHAEL
Gah!
A smile spreads slowly across AETHAN's face.
AETHAN
Hello, Michael. Are you well?
MICHAEL
<points, stutters> Y-y-you, man, you
r-really enjoy yankin' my ch-chain,
don't you?
AETHAN
<nods soberly> Indeed. <beat> What
does that mean?
MICHAEL visibly gives up, and grabs AETHAN in a sudden bear hug. AETHAN
smiles, and gently slaps MICHAEL on his back. MICHAEL lets go and takes a
step back.
MICHAEL
Am I well? Well, I am ... okay. I
think I finally got long-distance
teleportation down, since I was in
Liverpool before. This is Tokyo,
right?
AETHAN
Correct. Very impressive.
MICHAEL
Yeah, but it'll take a while before I
get used to it ... the Void is *very*
cold, man.
AETHAN
<nod> Yes, that fits with the usual
description of the "Empty Places" in
the Hermetic Texts. <beat> All
right, what's so vital that you risk
your health and sanity to come find
me?
MICHAEL
You're gonna say that I'm shitting
you, but I'm not. Okay? <beat>
Madeline told me to come find you.
AETHAN nods slowly.
AETHAN
I see.
MICHAEL
Really? You bel--
AETHAN
<shakes head> No, but since you
assure me that you are not, as you
say, "shitting me", I presume that
you have some way of establishing
your bona fides as a courier from
*my* guardian angel.
MICHAEL
Yeah. <taps head> Take a look.
AETHAN grimaces.
AETHAN
I *hate* telepathy. <beat> Very
well.
He pulls one of his gloves off, and slowly reaches out to press his left
hand to MICHAEL's left cheek. MICHAEL flinches for a second at the chill
of his touch, then settles in, closing his eyes. AETHAN closes his eyes
as well, murmuring in a Latin sounding language.
Cut to black. Against that black appears the image of a woman with long,
dark hair and pale skin, dressed in a white toga (MADELINE).
MADELINE
He's telling the truth. I met with
him.
AETHAN pulls back, nodding. MICHAEL opens his eyes.
AETHAN
<sober> All right. Convey unto me
the message given unto thee by my
aethereal patron.
MICHAEL takes a moment to revew everything, then nods shortly.
MICHAEL
Right. There were two main parts to
it. They're apparently interrelated
... anyway, the first is a warning,
but not for you. You're supposed to
act as another link in the chain for
this warning. <breath> "Three will
go in, two will come out." I think
that you'll know to pass it on at an
appropriate moment, but she didn't
say so, so don't --
AETHAN
All right. And the other?
MICHAEL
This is "marching orders" for you, I
guess. You have to protect the misty
cloud, at all costs. <beat> Does
that make *any* sense to you?
AETHAN
None whatever, which makes it fairly
standard for commands from Madeline.
It's not as bad as the time I was
told that I had to play chess with
death as the scorekeeper.
MICHAEL
So what happened?
AETHAN
I didn't understand it until I saw
the face of the young man who served
Roosevelt his last cup of cocoa,
while we were playing our last game.
<beat> Time-delayed poison, you see.
MICHAEL
Roosevelt? As in, Franklin *Delano*
Rossevelt --
AETHAN
Well it certainly wasn't Theodore, I
was in England then --
MICHAEL
Daaaamn.
AETHAN
In any event, Michael, I doubt that
you've made arrangements for a place
to stay. I'd be happy to let you
crash at my hotel room.
MICHAEL
That'd be great. <yawn> 'Scuse.
Man, I guess I musta been runnning
on adrenaline. That jump took more
out of me than I figured.
AETHAN
You'll be all right? If necessary,
I can carry you; it's not uncommon
for the local execs to do so, after
a debauch.
MICHAEL
<shakes head> I'll be fine. Just
don't expect me to go jumping on
rooftops ...
AETHAN
Wouldn't dream of it. <beat>
Michael, did Madeline give you any
indication as to why she didn't give
me the messages directly?
MICHAEL
<thinks> Uh ... no. Nothing I
picked up on, and like you said, I
didn't even bother trying to read
her mind. <beat> Hey, maybe *I'm*
this cloud you're supposed to --
AETHAN
I don't think so, Michael.
AETHAN starts walking. MICHAEL follows close to him. We see them from
above.
AETHAN
So how is your Japanese, anyway?
MICHAEL
Well, it could be a lot better, but
I think I figured out a way around
it when I was in the Pyrenees a few
weeks ago. What you might call "the
gift of tongues".
AETHAN
<startled> Seriously?
MICHAEL
The Basque guerillas sure seemed to
*think* I was speaking Euskady to
'em.
Cut to the halls of the underground base that KENT emerged from. NINIANE
walks purposefully down the stairs leading to the vehicle bay.
AKANE (V.O.)
But if almost everyone in Tokyo was
unaware of what was about to happen,
there was one person elsewhere in the
world who knew that *something* was
afoot.
NINIANE opens the door to the garage and marches across the concrete
floor, the clacking of her high heels blends with the sounds of manual
labor. She approaches what looks like a firing range, where ANDREW,
STENGOVITCH, and a short, wiry man in his early forties (BRAN) are engaged
in some work on a pair of large, cyllindrical devices with glass globes on
the business end pointed at a wall of foam padding. They are mounted on
the back of a heavy truck, with a seat placed between them. ANDREW, who
has been tinkering with the globe on the right side of the seat, finally
nods to himself.
ANDREW
Okay, let's see what this peashooter
can do.
He slides down the tube, and gestures for BRAN to take the seat. BRAN
sits and starts to work the two joystick controls in front of the seat,
causing the right handed tube to point at the foam. BRAN pulls a pair of
goggles over his eyes. ANDREW looks down over the side of the truck, to
note that STENGOVITCH is staring at the foam.
ANDREW
Goggles on, Stengy.
STENGOVITCH expresses disgust at his nickname, but puts on his goggles
anyway. Satisfied, ANDREW pulls his goggles down from his head as well.
To the side, NINIANE passes two of her fingers before her eyes, causing
the air in front of them to darken. ANDREW turns a key mounted into the
base of the left tube, which begins to glow and hum.
ANDREW
You may fire when ready.
BRAN, smiling grimly, flips up a catch over the big red button on the
right joystick. He takes a deep breath, and presses down on the button.
Immediately, the globe lights up brilliantly, and a half second later a
thin beam of green light streaks toward the foam, burning into it. It
holds out for a short interval, before the humming of the tube begins to
become a low whine. BRAN releases the red button, causing the hum to sink
to its original level.
ANDREW
Time?
STENGOVITCH checks a digital pocket watch.
STENGOVITCH
Twenty seven point zero four
seconds.
ANDREW
Okay, check it.
STENGOVITCH stands, peels off the goggles, and runs over to the foam wall.
He pulls a small ruler out of his overall pocket, and measures the hole
cut by the beam.
STENGOVITCH
Diameter twelve point one milli-
metres.
ANDREW
Hmph.
STENGOVITCH produces a small rod from the same pocket and holds it up to
the hole. He presses a button on the side of the rod, and a display
lights up a second later.
STENGOVITCH
All the way through. It's reading
a depth of three metres, and the
other side is concrete.
BRAN looks at ANDREW
BRAN
Three meters of high density foam.
ANDREW cups his chin and nods.
ANDREW
I think ... we can get it a little
narrower. I'm gonna want at least
six meters of penetration ...
NINIANE banishes the darkness in front of her face.
NINIANE
Andrew. I need to speak with you.
ANDREW looks up, annoyed.
ANDREW
Right. <to BRAN> Get more of that
foam up from the stores, and start
working on focusing the beam
BRAN
On it.
ANDREW clambers down from the truck bed. Running his hands together in a
reflexive gesture, he walks over to NINIANE.
NINIANE
What *is* that thing?
ANDREW
Behold, the Dragonslayer. <beat>
High powered maser, with a low power
targeting laser along the length of
the beam to confuse people. Useless
against any kind of metal or ceramic
armor ... but against organics?
NINIANE
What in the world are we doing with
such a weapon?
ANDREW
Reason Number One: Making sure no
one else has it. Reason Number Two:
Like I said, it's a Dragonslayer.
NINIANE looks at ANDREW as though she's not quire sure if he's sane or
not. He returns her look with inscrutability.
NINIANE
You *aren't* seriously proposing to
use something like this against
*that*, are you?
ANDREW
Bound to happen eventually.
NINIANE
<stunned> That is a child's toy
against the Sleeper in the Pacific.
If you imagine for one second that
your artificery will suffice in
a confrontation with --
ANDREW
<blunt> Save it. Is this little
lecture what you came to talk to me
about?
NINIANE takes a deep breath.
NINIANE
<calm> No. <beat> Something is
happening in Japan. I would
estimate a Gamma-class situation,
possibly developing into a Delta
class unless steps are taken.
<beat> I am being conservative.
ANDREW stares at her for a moment, then nods.
ANDREW
Okay. I'll check with the boys at
Fuji base, see if they report any
anomalies --
NINIANE
<quiet> Don't you trust my report?
ANDREW
<quizzical> This a trick question?
<beat> Of course not. I don't trust
any man, woman, or child on this
Earth. The exception being Kent.
Anyway, we gotta get confirmation
from onsite for a Gamma-class
situation.
ANDREW heads off towards the exit, leaving NINIANE fuming.
NINIANE
Kent trusts my judgement.
ANDREW
News to me.
She stares at his retreating back.
NINIANE
*McGovern* trusted my judgement.
ANDREW is at the door. He tosses his parting shot over his shoulder.
ANDREW
And look where that got him.
NINIANE snaps back as though slapped. Her eyes glow momentarily, but with
an effort she holds her anger in. Off to one side, BRAN and STENGOVITCH
are watching nervously.
STENGOVITCH
<muttered> How's it go again? "Do
not meddle in the affairs of wizards
for --"
NINIANE does not look back.
NINIANE
-- for they dance on the bones of
those foolish enough to speak of
them behind their backs.
She marches towards the door, her heels clicking once more. STENGOVITCH
swallows, noisily. BRAN stares at him, amused.
BRAN
Oughtn't you go get the foam the
Chief wanted?
STENGOVITCH glowers, but finally gives in.
STENGOVITCH
Sure, Pops.
BRAN
That's *DOCTOR* to you, *youth*!
Cut to the establishing shot of sunrise in Nerima.
AKANE (V.O.)
And so, after a rather eventful
night, the next day dawned. I was
at the train station that morning
just in time to see the train that I
was going to ride home break down,
leaving me stranded in Nekomi for
a few hours. Naturally, I called my
family to let them know I'd be a
little late, and naturally, they
were all out of the house. Why?
<grand> Tegasajutsu -- the ancient
art of umbrella fighting.
Cut to a pair of gi-clad youths fighting with umbrellas in a ring, inside
a large gymnasium. Their movements are one part kendo, one part fencing,
and one part pentjak silat. SOUUN, KENT, KASUMI, NABIKI, and RANMA are
seated in a rather large audience section. KENT is fascinated; so is
KASUMI, but not with the match.
KENT
<hushed> Incredible ... I'd heart
rumors and folktales, but I never
dreamed that anyone actually still
*practiced* tegasajutsu.
KASUMI
Oh yes. There are only a small
handful of them, but it's a very
useful self-defense tool, I'm told.
<beat> Ranma, doesn't one of your
friends practice tegasajutsu?
RANMA
<grudgingly> Yeah. Sorta ...
NABIKI
<muttered> Now if he'll just *show*
so that I can win those bets ...
RANMA
He'll never make it. When we were
kids he got lost in a --
NABIKI
Ranma, *dear*, I would love to hear
many stories of the halcyon days of
the youth of Saotome and Hibik,
teenage martial arts demigods, but
only when I'm trying to cope with
insomnia. <beat> He'll show. I
told him Akane would be here.
RANMA
In other words, you lied.
NABIKI
No I didn't. Do you think she'd
pass up something like this if she
were in town? So Akane *would* be
here ... if she were in Nerima.
RANMA tries to find fault with that statement, and can't. So he just
stares gloomily at the ring. A few moments later, the exhibition match
comes to a climax -- one of the fighters swings his umbrella over his head
and brings it down towards the other in a two handed blow that the other
just barely manages to parry --
-- and a crunching sound is heard. The umbrella of the fighter who swung
the overhand blow has snapped in two. The fighter stares at the half that
he still clings to, and slowly sinks to his knees. The victorious fighter
stands, and manfully represses the urge to gloat over his fallen opponent,
who is cradling the remnants of his umbrella, his lips moving in a silent
haiku on the subject of dying young. Since the author can no more write
decent haiku than good combat scenes, you'll just have to take his word
that it's very moving.
KENT
<musingly> Perhaps sometimes the
best offense is a good defense.
KASUMI
Ara?
KENT
Nothing, never mind.
SOUUN
And now, Kent, we shall see the
skill of one of the last true
masters of the art -- the great
Shujin Tega.
>From off, there is a long, high-pitched scream. KENT and RANMA both leap
to their feet almost instinctively, as a small OLD WOMAN comes running out
of one of the changing rooms. She is in hysterics. RANMA is in motion
first, heading down towhere the old woman is crouched, with KENT following
only a few moments behind. RANMA leans down to look at the OLD WOMAN.
RANMA
Hey, what's wrong?
The OLD WOMAN either cannot or will not answer, and babbles instead. KENT
kneels down until he's at eye level with her. He speaks in Korean.
KENT
Grandmother.
The OLD WOMAN stops babbling abruptly as she hears a gentle voice and a
familiar language.
KENT
What has happened, Grandmother?
She points a quavering hand to the door she fled out of.
OLD WOMAN
Tega ...
KENT considers, nods, and speaks gently.
KENT
Rest.
She swallows, and nods once. RANMA has been watching this exchange with
mounting confusion.
RANMA
Did she say something about Tega?
KENT
<nods> Wait here.
RANMA
Hey?! Why --
KENT
Just a h-- um, someone should stay
with this lady, and --
RANMA
You know how to talk with her, I
don't, so --
OLD WOMAN
<Japanese> I ... I am sorry, I did
not realize where I was.
KENT smiles at RANMA, briefly, before standing and heading into the
changing room. RANMA is annoyed.
RANMA
All I need now is --
RYOUGA (O.S.)
Saotome! What are you doing to that
old woman!
RANMA
<stares skyward> Come on, I didn't
even *say* it!
Cut to the inside of the changing room. KENT moves slowly towards the
showers. While there is a faint mist in the air, there is no sound of
running water. KENT keeps looking from one side to the other, never
turning his head, only moving his eyes. He is close enough to the shower
stalls now to hear the slow, steady dripping. KENT's face is a cool mask,
not showing any emotion. He stands before a shower stall with the curtain
closed in front of it. Through the curtain we can see a dark mass. KENT
lets out a deep breath, and with a single rapid motion pulls back the
curtain.
We see a single drop of red fall and splash to the floor of the shower.
We see KENT's eye blink, and hear the curtain being pulled back.
Outside the changing room, RANMA is fending off RYOUGA, while NABIKI has
come down to where they are and is trying to talk to RYOUGA.
NABIKI
Well, Ryouga, I'm sad to tell you
that --
RANMA
Why don't you just do what you do
best, Ryouga?
SHUT UP, RANMA! <to NABIKI> Just a
moment, Nabiki-san, while I punish
him for betraying Akane-san with
that woman --
NABIKI
<nonplussed> Right. Ryouga, do you
listen to yourself when you say
stuff like that?
RYOUGA looks at the confused OLD WOMAN for a second.
RYOUGA
<stubborn> It could happen.
RANMA looks completely disgusted with the idea.
NABIKI
*Any*way, Ryouga, you entered this
tournament to demonstrate your
skills in tegasajutsu, but if you go
beating up an opponent who doesn't
practice that form, you won't be
doing anything for your reputation,
which isn't that great as it is.
NABIKI (V.O.)
Besides, I haven't made any side bets
on that sort of thing.
NABIKI
So where's the percentage? You can
kick Ranma's tail any day --
RANMA
Like hell he can.
NABIKI
<glares> -- but a match like this
comes once in a decade, if that.
Have you forgotten your dream?
RYOUGA
My dream ...
We close in on RYOUGA's eye.
RYOUGA stands in the centre of a ring, naked to the waist and victorious
over an opponent (who looks like an unconscious bearded RANMA). Still he
does not seem happy
VOICES
Look! There is the skilled and
honorable practitioner of the art of
fighting with an umbrella! Isn't he
noble in his dedication to his art
to the exclusion of all else?
RYOUGA
Oh the loneliness of victory ...
AKANE (O.S.)
Ryouga-sama ...
RYOUGA turns to look out of the ring, and sees AKANE (dressed not unlike
Talia Shire in the final moments of the original Rocky) standing alone in
the stands.
RYOUGA
Akane-san!
The image freezes momentarily.
AKANE (V.O.)
Okay. Well before this point, I had
more or less figured out that Ryouga
had a crush of sorts on me, which
explained why Ukyou had always been
able to manipulate him like she had.
It was still a shock to discover
just how ... obsessed he was about
me ...
The image de-freezes.
AKANE
Oh, Ryouga-sama, I never dreamed
that you could be so puissant. I
forswear my silly, adolsescent
infatuation with Ranma in favor
of a healthy mature relationship
with you!
The first glimpse of hope appears on RYOUGA's face, only to be shattered
by the sound of many pigs oinking.
RYOUGA
But, Akane-san ... what about Akari-
chan?
AKANE bows her head for a moment. Then she lifts it up, with tears in her
eyes.
AKANE
For your sake, Ryouga-sama, I shall
learn to love her too!
Hope shines on RYOUGA's face.
RYOUGA
AKANE-SAN!
AKANE's lips move, but it is NABIKI's voice we hear.
NABIKI (V.O.)
RYOUGA! Leggo of me!
RYOUGA blinks. He is holding NABIKI tightly by the shoulders. She is
staring up at him with genuine fright in her eyes. RYOUGA becomes aware
that every eye in the gymnasium is on him. He lets out a small, sick
laugh, and releases his grip on NABIKI.
RYOUGA
Yes. Ahem. Yes. <to RANMA> Your
punishment can wait for another day.
I am going to demonstrate my skill
against the great Shujin Tega!
KENT has silently stepped through the door to the changing room.
KENT
No you aren't.
RYOUGA, startled, stares blinkingly at KENT, who doesn't meet his gaze.
KENT
Nabiki-san, please call the police.
<beat> And an ambulance, as well.
The OLD WOMAN begins to sob again. NABIKI opens her mouth to say
something in reply, then nods and heads off.
RANMA
<swallows> Is he ...
KENT nods, once.
RYOUGA
Wha? Who're you? What's happened
to Shujin-sensei?
KENT
He's gone.
RYOUGA
What do you mean, gone?
KENT, who stands a fair height over RYOUGA, leans in toward him.
KENT
<soft> He is *dead*.
RYOUGA is shocked by this.
RYOUGA
De--
He pushes past KENT, heading for the door.
KENT
Boy.
RYOUGA pauses, and turns back to look at KENT angrily ... and sees that
KENT isn't bothering to look at him.
KENT
If you go in there, you will learn
beyond any hope of unlearning, that
the martial arts cannot beat all
adversaries. If you go in there,
you will never feel safe again.
RYOUGA stares at him for a moment ... then snorts.
RYOUGA
Yeah, right.
RYOUGA walks through the door. KENT looks up at the confused, murmuing
crowd.
KENT
<clear and calm> Ladies and gentle-
men, there has been an unfortunate
occurance, but it's important for
everyone to remain --
RYOUGA (O.S.)
EEEEEEEYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
KENT
-- calm.
Cut to a strange, surreal place. RYOUKO stares directly at our point of
view, her face set in a strange smile.
RYOUKO
<sultry> Well, well ... this is very
interesting. You've made my life a
living hell, and now I find out the
reason. <beat> You. Want. Me.
RYOUKO's lips keep moving, but the voice is different.
SHAMPOO (V.O.)
To make breakfast?
Cut to AYEKA, blinking. She stares up at SHAMPOO, dressed now in her
waitress outfit.
AYEKA
Oh. Uh ... my goodness. What time
is it?
SHAMPOO
A little after nine in the morning.
We haven't opened yet, but we will
soon so --
AYEKA takes a look around at the futon and the room that she's in. It
contains a number of photos of SHAMPOO with RANMA (okay, a number of
photos of SHAMPOO glomping onto RANMA, with him looking as though he'd
rather be anywhere else), a few trophies, and not a lot else.
AYEKA
Oh dear -- did I put you out of your
bed last night?
SHAMPOO
<dismissive> Nah, I just took a
shower and curled up in the corner.
No big deal. <joking> You woke me
up a few times with your groaning,
though.
AYEKA's face goes very pale.
AYEKA
<small> I did?
SHAMPOO
<joking> Hot dream about your lover?
AYEKA
<shocked> NO! Not at *all*! It's
nothing like that --
SHAMPOO
<amused> Okay, okay, I'll take your
word for it. <beat> Breakfast,
then?
AYEKA
Thank you very much.
SHAMPOO smiles, and heads out of the room. AYEKA collapses in nervous
exhaustion as soon as the door closes.
AYEKA
Why ... why would *I* be having
dreams about that withered, evil,
foul, wicked, ugly, stupid, violent
*alien* --
AYEKA falls silent.
Cut to the interior of the Nekohanten's dining area, a little while later.
AYEKA is finishing off a bowl of rice while SHAMPOO cleans tables.
AYEKA
I honestly can't thank you enough
for this.
SHAMPOO
And I honestly can't keep saying
"It's no big deal" much more. It
*is* sort of my fault that your
pass got destroyed last night ...
and I know what it's like to be
alone in a country where nobody
understands you.
SHAMPOO heads back behind the counter, picks up the phone, and sets it in
front of AYEKA. She produces a phone card from within her blouse, and
hands it to AYEKA.
SHAMPOO
Well?
AYEKA
But what if what happened to my
other card happens this time, too?
SHAMPOO
<waves hand> Don't be silly, that
couldn't happen more than once.
AYEKA stares nervously at the card, then swipes it through the card reader
attached to the pone.
Cut to WASHUU's laboratory. WASHUU is asleep at her console. The screen
shows a diagram of a hemispherical dome covering the area of the Masaki
shrine and vicinity, with lots of notes indicating the dome's resilience
against various forces. A sudden buzzing noise awakens WASHUU. She
stares blearily at the screen as it changes to display TENCHI on the
phone.
TENCHI (MONITOR)
Ayeka-san, for God's sake, what are
you doing in Tokyo? <beat> No, I'm
*not* angry, I'm ... let's not go
into that. But --
WASHUU's face goes through several stages of panic, before hardening. She
reaches out to press a certain button on the console.
MIHOSHI (O.S)
Ano ... Washuu-chan?
WASHUU flinches, and slowly turns to look over her shoulder at MIHOSHI,
who is standing nearby. Her hands are folded in front of her as she looks
earnestly at WASHUU.
WASHUU
Mihoshi? How did you get in here?
MIHOSHI
<blink> Um, I used the main entrance,
just like anyone else --
WASHUU
No you didn't.
MIHOSHI
<nods> Yes I did.
WASHUU
No you *didn't*.
MIHOSHI
<nods> Yes, I really really did.
WASHUU
<crazed> NO, YOU DIDN'T! I closed
the only entrance to my lab
yesterday, and there is no way in
the universe you could *possibly*
have gotten in here --
MIHOSHI
<confused> Why did you do something
like that?
WASHUU stops in mid-rant. She takes a long, shuddering breath.
WASHUU
<*very* controlled> I'm doing a very
dangerous experiment, MIhoshi. You
are very lucky that I'm taking a
break, or you might have had your
molecules scattered over a hundred
thousand alternate universes.
MIHOSHI
<awed> That would hurt. <beat> So
you're watching home movies on your
break?
WASHUU
<blinks> Um, yes. Yes I am.
She taps a button on the console, dropping the sound coming from the
monitor -- on which we now see TENCHI still on the phone, with SASAMI
clamoring to use it.
MIHOSHI
This is really good camera work.
MIHOSHI sits down, and watches, entranced by the imagery. WASHUU stares
at her, looks at the button, stares at MIHOSHI again. Her face is
chagrined.
MIHOSHI
<smiling> I remember watching home
movies with my parents back home.
Oh the scrapes I got into when I
was a youth ...
WASHUU
<weak> Started early, huh?
MIHOSHI
I think family is the most important
thing in the world. Don't you think
so, Washuu-chan?
WASHUU
<swallows> Yes, it's a very important
thing. There's nothing that I
wouldn't do to protect my daughter,
Mihoshi. Nothing.
WASHUU is holding a hand behind her back. An energy bolt begins to form
in that hand. MIHOSHI blinks.
MIHOSHI
Oh! I didn't just mean that. I
meant ... well, what I mean is ...
what I'm trying to say --
WASHUU
<teeth clenched> Mihoshi, please get
to the point.
MIHOSHI
<deep breath> Well, what I'm trying
to say is that I like to think of
you and Tenchi and Sasami-chan and
all the rest as part of my family
too.
WASHUU's face freezes.
MIHOSHI
So ... please don't shut yourself
off from us like that? You should
have seen how upset Tenchi was when
he came looking for you and couldn't
get in ...
WASHUU
<very quiet> Really.
MIHOSHI
If the experiments are really that
dangerous, you should post warnings,
but it's really important for us to
be able to get to you if you need
help, Washuu-chan!
WASHUU steals a look over her shoulder. TENCHI nods a few times, and
hangs up. WASHUU winces at the imagined noise, and turnst back to look at
MIHOSHI.
WASHUU
<quiet> Mihoshi ... you're quite
right. I'll post those warnings
immediately. <beat> Was there
anything else?
MIHOSHI gives it some thought, then shakes her head enthusiastically.
MIHOSHI
Well, I guess I'd better go see if
anything's changed. <beat> I really
hope that Ayeka-san is okay ...
<beat> Washuu-chan, do you have any
way of --
WASHUU
<shakes head> I'm very sorry, but
all my resources are tied up in this
experiment, Mihoshi. I ... I hope
that she's all right, too.
MIHOSHI nods, and scampers off. WASHUU watches her go, almost rising out
of the seat as she turns out of sight ... then settling down. She turns
to stare at the monitor, which shows TENCHI speaking (silently) with
RYOUKO. She watches them with a tired, desperate expression for a moment,
and then closes her eyes.
And then WASHUU starts to scream.
Cut to the exterior of Ucchan's, in Nerima. It is a little before noon.
RANMA approaches the entrance, looking tired and upset. He takes the
handle of the door in hand, breathes deeply for a moment, and then slides
open the door.
RANMA walks into the dusty interior of Ucchan's.
RANMA
Okay, Ukyou, whaddaya wanna talk ...
to ... me ... about ...
He trails off, staring at UKYOU, who is seated at one of the tables in the
dining area, facing away from him. She doesn't look up as she nurses a
quiet bowl of sake. UKYOU is dressed in a yellow blouse and a light blue
skirt. She does *not* have her distinctive hair ribbon. After a moment,
she rises, and slowly turns to look at RANMA. Her eyes have dark circles
under them.
UKYOU
<slow, measured> Hello, Ranma.
RANMA
Uh. Er. <swallow> Um, how's it
been going ... Ukyou?
UKYOU
... Fairly well, thank you. <beat>
I've been out of town for a while.
I just got back this week.
RANMA
Oh? I ... well, I mean, I noticed
that you weren't working out of
here, anymore, but ... you didn't
tell me what was going on, so ...
UKYOU
<nod> I know. That's one of my
problems, I think ... I'm not as
direct as you are, Ran-- <beat>
Ranma ... I try to be too subtle.
<beat> Just like when we were kids.
I never told you that I was a girl.
I thought you knew ... so I didn't
have to tell you. I should have
though. I should have told you ...
but ...
RANMA takes a step closer to UKYOU.
RANMA
So ... what happened? Over this
last year, I mean --
UKYOU
Since I tried to murder Akane, you
mean?
RANMA takes a step *back* from UKYOU.
RANMA
I didn't say that.
UKYOU
It's true enough. I honestly wanted
to kill her rather than let her
marry you. <beat> Before I would
have let that happen, I owuld have
killed her, you, the Tendous, your
father, your *mother* ... and I
would have laughed as I did. I'd
laugh and laugh and --
UKYOU suddenly draws in a long, shuddering breath and slumps down in her
seat, covering her face. RANMA stares at her, appalled ... until he sees
her shoulder quivering. Then he starts towards her.
RANMA
<soft> Ucchan ...
UKYOU lifts her head up. Her eyes are bright with tears.
UKYOU
Don't. Not yet. Not until you know
why --
RANMA
Ucchan ... it's okay, it was probably
all Shampoo's idea, right? You just
went along with it to make sure that
things didn't get too out of --
UKYOU shakes her head.
UKYOU
No. <beat> Ranch-- Ranma, this is
what happened. <beat> Do you
remember how, a little more than a
year ago, I got sick?
RANMA
Uh, yeah! Of course I do. I was
really ... um, concerned. But, so
was everyone ...
UKYOU
<dry> Right. <beat> Well, after a
while, it seemed as though I had
gotten better ... but I hadn't. I
was still very sick for a few months
after I got better ... but it only
showed up in the way that I acted.
RANMA
You mean --
UKYOU
<not listening> It was like watching
myself through a haze, Ranma ...I
saw what I was doing, but it wasn't
*real* to me. <beat> Afterwards,
when we all ran home, Konatsu tried
to talk to me about something -- I
don't remember what, but ... I tried
to take his head off with my spat
when he did.
RANMA
Ucchan!
UKYOU
Konatsu is very very fast, did you
know that? <beat> I woke up ...
in the hospital that he'd managed
to find. <beat> The cure took six
months, and it almost killed me when
it took effect and I realized what
I'd done. <trembling> I was a
murderer, Ranma --
RANMA
No! Dammit, nobody really got hurt!
UKYOU
But if you *intend* to do something
then --
RANMA
Then nothing! Actions matter, not
thoughts! Hell, I've *wanted* to
tear Ryouga's head off more times
than I can count, but I *don't*.
UKYOU
I *tried*.
RANMA
You didn't *suceed*. <deep breath>
You were sick, Ucchan! Do you think
I'm gonna go hating you 'cause you
were sick?
UKYOU slowly turns to gaze at RANMA, something akin to hope being born in
her eyes.
UKYOU
You mean that you *forgive* me?
RANMA
Hell, yes! Ucchan, you're my best
friend in this whole crazy world!
I'm just upset that you didn't try
and talk to me sooner! Am I *that*
intimidating?
UKYOU lets out a long, shuddering breath ...
UKYOU
Ranchan ...
And quite suddenly she flings herself at him, glomping onto him (thusly
scaring the heck out of him) and resting her chin on his shoulder.
UKYOU
Yes ... you *are that imtimidating
Whenever I see you, I see the little
boy who always managed to defeat me
every day as I defended my father's
okonomiyaki cart --
RANMA
<strangled> Ucchan?
UKYOU
Yes, Ranchan?
RANMA
I can't breathe.
UKYOU releases her tight grip on RANMA, stepping back as she does so. She
smiles winsomely.
UKYOU
I'm sorry, Ranchan, it's just ...
if you've missed me, I've missed you
just as much.
RANMA nods, getting his breath back.
RANMA
Well, yeah. Course you did. <beat>
Lemme tell ya, there've been times
when I could really have used
someone to talk to.
UKYOU heads behind the grill.
UKYOU
Tell me about them. I want to know
all about your year.
RANMA takes his usual seat.
RANMA
Well ... after the fiasco, my dad
and Mr. Tendou finally fell out.
"Otousan" blamed oyaji for most of
the damage to the dojo, and insisted
that he pay up somehow.
UKYOU has begun to cook the first okonomiyaki.
UKYOU
And since your father has never paid
his way in his life --
RANMA
He ran. But not fast enough to get
away from my mom. Anyway, she and
Mr. Tendou came up with a way to
make some money off of dad.
UKYOU
Make him teach lessons at the dojo?
She tosses him the okonomiyaki, which has a partial heart drawn on it.
RANMA doesn't notice.
RANMA
<snort> Yeah, right. The world
needs more people with the neko-ken.
<beat> No, they sold him to the
Tokyo Zoo with instructions to only
bathe him in cold water.
RANMA starts to eat the okonomiyaki. UKYOU pauses in her preparation of
the second to look up, startled.
UKYOU
Seriously? <grinning> You *sold*
your father to pay for his crimes?
RANMA
Well, it wasn't *me*, it was --
UKYOU begins to laugh, a laughter which is located somewhere between
healthy amusement and maniacal hysteria, tending more toward the former
than the latter. RANMA pauses to stare at her a bit anxiously.
UKYOU
<regaining composure> I'm sorry, but
... that's so much *better* than
anything that I ever planned for
him, Ranchan.
RANMA
Um ... thanks, I think. Like I
said, it wasn't really my idea, but
... <beat> Anyway, even that wasn't
enough to fix all the damages to
the dojo. Mr. Tendou finally came
to the conclusion that he needed
students -- regular ones, not drop-
ins like Ryouga and the rest of
them. *This* is where I came in.
I spent most of last winter goin'
around and giving public demos of
musabetsu kakutou. It was kinda
fun. I learned a few new tricks.
So now we've got a couple classes
running all the time, and we're
doing okay.
UKYOU
I'm glad to hear that the Tendous
weren't too hurt by what happened.
But ... Ranchan, shouldn't you have
started university last year?
She tosses him the second okonomiyaki, with the first kanji of his name
written on it. He chows down.
RANMA
<shrugs> Yeah, but I ain't had any
time ... and let's face it, what am
I gonna do at university anyway?
Yeah, having a piece of paper would
probably help the rep of the school,
but ... maybe later. I'm too damn
busy now. <beat> One good thing
about university, though.
UKYOU
What's that?
RANMA
Me and Akane get along *great* now
that we never see each other.
UKYOU pauses in her preparation of the third, fourth, and fifth
okonomiyaki to look up, startled.
UKYOU
You mean she went off without you?
RANMA
<sourly> Yeah. She's taking classes
at some college in Nekomi. She's
supposed to be coming home later
today, and it'll be the first time
I've seen her in --
UKYOU
<hopeful> Looking forward to it?
RANMA
<reflexive> Why would I look forward
to seeing that uncute, bad tempered,
suspicious tomboy?!
RANMA bends down and starts taking large, savage bites out of his
okonomiyaki. UKYOU stares up at the ceiling with a beatific look on her
face and whispers (as though *screaming*) "Thank you". She reverts to
normal before RANMA looks up.
RANMA
Still, I'm hoping that it'll be ...
well, as calm as it *can* be. With
the day being like it's been so far,
I don't need any more hassles from
her.
UKYOU sends the three finished okonomiyaki across to RANMA.
UKYOU
What happened?
RANMA
<sigh> Hear about the tegasajutsu
competition?
UKYOU
Yeah, but ... <beat> Oh, Ranchan,
you didn't try and fight Ryouga with
his own style, did you?
RANMA
Nah. <beat> Well, not yet. No,
what happened was there was a murder
at the gym while the tournament was
just getting started.
UKYOU
<shocked> Murder? Someone *died*?
RANMA
Yeah. Ryouga didn't seem to be
handling it very well, either.
Cut to RYOUGA in a dimly lit chamber.
RYOUGA
<panicked> Look, I swear that I know
nothing about it! I was nowhere
near the place ... no, I don't have
an alibi ... but I swear! I'd swear
on my mother's grave ... if I knew
where it was, or that she was dead,
but ... I mean, I've *threatened*
to hurt people badly, but I would
never, ever do anything that awful
to another human being ... I-I-I-I
wouldn't even know where to start,
and --
The two POLICE investigators who have been listening take a moment to
converse behind their hands.
POLICE #1
<soft> What'd we ask him again?
POLICE #2
<soft> I *think* it was something
about the condition of the body
when he saw it. Are you sure that
we don't have anything on this
guy?
POLICE #1
Apparently, there was a file, but
it kept getting lost or misplaced.
We pull back from the windowed door to the interrogation room, leaving
RYOUGA still babbling, and move sideways to another windowed door, through
which we can see KENT seated, his arms crossed over his chest and his face
set in a frown. INSPECTOR ZENIGATA (*not* Interpol's Zenigata, but a
distant relative) is seated across the table from KENT, and engaged in a
staring contest with him. Neither man moves. Finally, ZENIGATA swallows
visibly. KENT still doesn't blink.
ZENIGATA
You probably don't remember me, do
you ... Mr. Masefield. <beat> I
was only a junior clerk when you
last visited Nerima. <beat> I
still remember how my superiors
complained every time you were
present at the scene of one of those
crimes, but always produced enough
evidence to demonstrate someone else
was the guilty party. <beat> You
drove some of my superiors to drink.
KENT
I discovered the body under the
circumstances which I have already
described. If you intend to arrest
me, please do so.
ZENIGATA
What, and deny you the chance to
solve the case, thus demonstrating
the idiocy of the police once more?
KENT
I'm on vacation. I don't feel
obligated.
ZENIGATA stares at him with a very cold expression, and then stands.
ZENIGATA
Very well. You will, of course, be
required to remain in this district
for the duration of our inquiry.
KENT
I will remain in this district for
the duration of my vacation and not
one moment longer.
ZENIGATA
It is *very* unwise to insult the
police in such a manner, Mr. --
KENT stands. He looms over the Inspector.
KENT
It would be *unbelievably* unwise
for you to harass that old woman
simply because she is of Korean
descent.
ZENIGATA blinks, very startled.
KENT
You blind, bigoted, petty idiot.
You truly have no idea what you're
dealing with, do you? You're so far
out of your league that it's not
even funny. <beat> I could kill
you right now in any of a thousand
ways, and the only question that
*my* superiors would ask would be
why did I consent to be interrogated
in the first place. But you're not
worth my time. Good day.
KENT walks around ZENIGATA, opens the door, and steps out without saying
another word.
ZENIGATA blinks. He is seated at the table, but KENT is gone from the
other side. ZENIGATA turns to stare at the dark mirror on the wall of the
interrogation room.
ZENIGATA
What just happened?
A VOICE comes from above, through an intercom.
VOICE
<confused> You spent a few moments
staring at one another ... and then
he got up and left, while you kept
right on staring.
Cut to the hallway. KENT walks down to the waiting area, where SOUUN is
seated. SOUUN quickly stands.
KENT
<distracted> Thank you for waiting,
Sensei.
SOUUN
Of course. Were you able to assist
the police.
KENT
Well, with personnel if nothing else
... um, yes.
Suddenly, the sounds of a squabble break out down the hallway. KENT and
SOUUN look to see RYOUGA being physically ejected from the interrogation
room.
RYOUGA
But ... but ...
POLICE #1
Just *leave*, damn you! WE get the
message, you know *nothing* about
this case. LEAVE!
They finally get him out the door, and shut it behind him. RYOUGA stares,
not fully comprehending.
RYOUGA
Am I under arrest?
KENT
This ... person is one of Ranma's
friends?
SOUUN
In a manner of speaking. He wants
to kill him over a loaf of bread.
KENT
I see -- WHAT? <beat> No, never
mind. Sensei, I have to go and do
some things in town ... I will be
back by supper. In any case, I'd
be deeply indebted if you'd take
him back to the dojo with you.
SOUUN
Certainly ... but why?
KENT
A hunch.
KENT bows and heads off, lost in thought. SOUUN goes over to get RYOUGA.
AKANE (V.O.)
Kent's display of his psychic powers
did not, as he believed it might,
lead to Inspector Zenigata's removal
from the police force. <beat> I
used to wonder at times if the
secrecy that psychics, magic users,
and some martial artists almost
obsess over is really intended to
protect them, of if it's designed to
provide thme with something to laugh
about as they walk among the
"mundanes". Certainly many of them
don't seem to take it as seriously
as they ought to ... for example:
Cut to a pair of ornate, closed doors. Beside them is a chalk sign which
reads:
KASUGA FAMILY REUNION
Members of the Kasuga Family
ONLY
May Enter
Unless You have Godlike
ESPer Powers
In Which Case We Can't Stop You
Now Can We?
Cut to insides a large dining room with a raised stage and a podium.
Several elderly people are seated at the head table. KASUGA-OJIISAN is
speaking.
OJIISAN
-- and so, by the simple virtue of
having outlived all my aunts and
uncles, I am to be considered the
head of the family. It is a silly
and irresponsible way to choose a
leader, and I have enjoyed the
heck out of it.
We see the many branches of the Kasuga family of psychics -- focusing for
several moments on KYOUSUKE, MANAMI, and KURUMI (neither of whom have
changed very much). There are four chairs around the table.
OJIISAN
And so, in the spirit of silliness
and irresponsibility, let us toast.
<suddenly serious> To those who are
not silly, who are responsible; who
come into our lives, taking the
burden of our secret as their own.
To those who are no longer with us.
KYOUSUKE looks sadly at the unset place at his family's table. OJIISAN
notices.
OJIISAN
And to those whom we hope will soon
be able to join us. To the other
part of our family. Kampai.
The toast is made. We close in on KYOUSUKE's left eyeball ...
... and pull out of MADOKA's left eyeball. She and several other people,
all in fancy dress, are seated in a waiting room. Beside her is seated a
light haired young man (SHIKEN) who is obviously very put out by the
situation. He is talking, but MADOKA is not paying any attention to him.
SHIKEN
-- don't you agree? <beat> Ma'am?
MADOKA
<blink> Excuse me?
SHIKEN
Don't you agree that it's ridiculous
that we should be forced to wait out
here while the family members are
doing some ... family bonding thing?
MADOKA
Not really.
SHIKEN
But ... have you been through this
before, then?
MADOKA
Yes. Once.
SHIKEN
Then do you have any idea what goes
on?
MADOKA stares at him for a moment, then nods soberly. She looks around to
make sure no one is listening, then bends close to SHIKEN's ear.
MADOKA
I think it involves cannibalism.
SHIKEN clearly believes her completely, and is shocked.
SHIKEN
Why ... why that's *horrible*.
<beat> Well. When I marry Akane --
MADOKA is visibly startled.
SHIKEN
-- I'll make it quite clear that
that sort of thing is unacceptible,
and --
MADOKA
Excuse me. You're ... engaged to
marry Kasuga Akane-san?
SHIKEN
Yes. Do you know her?
MADOKA
I thought I ... er, yes, I do. I
haven't seen her in years, though.
SHIKEN
<introductory> Koyama Shiken.
MADOKA
Ayukawa Madoka.
SHIKEN
<thinks> Ayukawa ... I think I've
heard that name somewhere before
now ...
The doors to the dining room open up, and a young woman in a waiter's
uniform gestures for all those waiting to enter. SHIKEN stands, with a
frightened yet eager expression on his face. MADOKA watches him go,
shakes his head, and stands herself.
MADOKA
<muttered> Who'd have thought?
Cut to a hotel room. There is the sound of a shower running. MICHAEL is
curled up in bed, sleeping peacefully, when the phone rings. The phone
moves telekinetically to his ear. MICHAEL never even opens his eyes.
MICHAEL
<half asleep> Yo?
MINAKO (TEL)
Uh ... I think I have the wrong
number, sorry.
MICHAEL
'Sawright.
The phone hangs up. A minute later, it rings again. MICHAEL's eyes blink
open, and he grabs the floating phone.
MICHAEL
<bark> Hello?
MINAKO (TEL)
Is ... there an Aethan DeGales
there?
MICHAEL closes his eyes.
MICHAEL (V.O.)
Aethan, phone for you. Some girl.
The sounds of the shower stop.
MICHAEL
Just a minute.
AETHAN comes out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist.
His skin seems to be very pink, instead of its usual pallor. MICHALE
holds out the phone to him, and then curls up again.
AETHAN
Minako?
MINAKO (TEL)
Um ... hi.
AETHAN
Hello.
MINAKO (TEL)
Are you still angry at me?
AETHAN
I never was angry at *you*.
MINAKO (TEL)
Really? <quick> Yeah, yeah, yeah,
you wouldn't say something like that
if it wasn't true. <beat> So ...
do you wanna do something today?
AETHAN
I would very much enjoy going out
with you today. Where did you have
in mind?
MINAKO (TEL)
Well, there's this shopping mall in
Nerima that just opened up. I've
wanted to see it for a while now,
and --
AETHAN
That sounds good, Minako. Shall I
meet you at your place?
MINAKO (TEL)
Yeah! Um, when will you be here?
AETHAN
An hour, no more. I'll see you
then.
MINAKO (TEL)
Seeya!
AETHAN hangs up the phone, plucks the reciever out of MICHAEL's
telekinetic grip, and sets it down. MICHAEL doesn't look up.
MICHAEL
Awfully young, isn't she?
AETHAN
By my age, the difference between
your years and hers are neglible.
MICHAEL
I thought you prefered older women.
AETHAN heads into the bathroom.
AETHAN
She has a very old soul.
MICHAEL reacts as though stabbed.
MICHAEL
No ... you didn't just use *that*
old chestnut, did you?
AETHAN (O.S.)
*Verrry* old soul.
MICHAEL pounds his head against the pillow.
Cut to NINIANE, seated in a large, dimly lit reading room, immersed in a
thick tome entitled "De Vermis Mysteriis".
AKANE (V.O.)
Meanwhile, another old soul was
waiting impatiently. In a way,
Niniane puzzles me more than any
of the others. She *should* have
known, just as much as Washuu and
Tsunami did, what was happening,
but it wasn't until she was as up
to her neck in it as the rest of
us that she did.
ANDREW steps into the reading room. NINIANE doesn't look up.
ANDREW
I finally managed to get in touch
with Fuji Base. Around midnight,
Japanese time, something happened
there.
NINIANE
Really.
She delicately blows on her left thumb and pointer finger, then uses those
digits to turn the page of the tome.
ANDREW
They're not sure *what* it was, but
it knocked out all their commo gear,
as well as setting the construction
for Fuji-2 back --
NINIANE
<bored> Is that the aerial battle
fortress made out of tin foil or
the one made out of balsa?
ANDREW
Okay, go ahead, laugh. Meanwhile,
Kunikida's getting permission from
the Japanese government for us to
come in and investigate. I presue
that you want in.
NINIANE looks up.
NINIANE
Correct.
ANDREW
Fine, we launch in an hour. Be
ready by then.
ANDREW turns to go.
NINIANE
I'll take an apology now.
ANDREW looks back.
ANDREW
For what?
NINIANE
For doubting my veracity.
ANDREW
<blinks> Which part of "We need to
get on-site confirmation," do you
not understand.
NINIANE stands.
NINIANE
If *Kent had said that there was a
Gamma-class situation --
ANDREW
He's on-site, technically.
NINIANE
-- in *Brazil*, you would have been
damn the archers, charge!
ANDREW
<considers> Yeah, probably.
NINIANE
And you see nothing wrong with this?
ANDREW
No. He's *Kent*. You're *not*.
ANDREW turns and marches away, while NINIANE glares daggers at his back.
When he closes the door behind him, NINIANE angrily throws her tome at the
floor.
Cut to a shot of a different, equally heavily book dropping to hit the
floor. MINAKO bends down to pick it up.
MINAKO
Drat.
She sets it back on the shelf, and hurries away to where AETHAN is
examining the Japanese edition of "Vampire: The Masquerade" (Kyuketsuki:
Masukaraido) with bemused interest. MINAKO peers over his shoulder.
MINAKO
See any friends?
AETHAN
<snort> No indeed. The original
publisher of this gave me a turn a
few years back when they come up
with something that *was* based
But this is almost all nonsense,
and what they get right is ...
well, to be charitable, they get
a few things that we've let slip
into the public domain.
MINAKO
Like the tanning booth thing?
AETHAN
Like the tanning booth thing.
<casual> You *do* realize that we
are being followed.
MINAKO doesn't look up.
MINAKO
We are? Dammit! I knew I shouldn't
have told Amy about this.
A few metres away, AMY, SERENA, LITA, and RAYE are peering at AETHAN and
MINAKO from around the corners of the bookshelves.
AMY
<sigh> I wish she hadn't told me
about this ...
RAYE
You did the right thing, telling the
rest of us, though.
LITA
Yeah. Now we can make sure that no
overzealous religious fanatics mess
with their date.
RAYE and LITA share an extremely unfriendly look.
SERENA
Not to mention scoping them out in
the process. Ooh, what a hunk.
RAYE
Se-REE-na!
SERENA
<serious> Raye, why can't you just
be happy for Mina like the rest of
us?
RAYE
Because I don't *trust* that guy!
He's gonna break her heart, if he
doesn't actually *hurt* her in a
physical sense, and I wouldn't be
surprised if he did.
AMY
Raye, by all accounts, Aethan is
a decent entitly. I don't think
this is a terribly rational way of
dealing with any *potential*
problem that he might pose to her.
RAYE
I'm not a terribly rational person.
AMY
<cool> I'd noticed.
LITA
Hey, where'd they go?
They all peer around the corner. AETHAN and MINAKO have escaped.
RAYE
Argh! Now we're going to have to
search though this whole damn
mall again --
LITA
Assuming they didn't decide to go
elsewhere.
RAYE starts grinding her teeth.
RAYE
Okay. I think we ought to split up.
We can cover more ground that way.
LITA
Uh-uh, Raye. No way am I gonna let
you go off on your lonesome so that
you can mess up their date. <beat>
Serena, what do you think?
SERENA
Ummmm ... well ... Raye, do you
promise that you won't try and break
them up?
RAYE
If I see him slavering over her --
SERENA points out the wrist communicator they're all wearing.
RAYE
<grudgingly> -- I'll call all of you
before I do anything.
SERENA
Okay, then there's no problem, right
Lita?
LITA
<slow> Right ...
They split up.
Cut to the parking lot of the shopping mall. The Masaki family van pulls
into a parking space. MIHOSHI hops out of the driver's seat, while TENCHI
climbs out of the passenger side. RYOUKO and SASAMI exit from the rear of
the vehicle.
TENCHI
Okay, I think this is the mall where
Ayeka said that she'd meet us.
RYOUKO
Pretty big place.
TENCHI
Yeah ...
RYOUKO
Maybe we should split up to look for
her?
TENCHI
<suspicious> Ryouko, you wouldn't be
planning to do something to Ayeka if
you found her?
RYOUKO
Does that sound like the sort of
thing I'd do?
TENCHI
Yes.
SASAMI
Ryouko-neechan ...
RYOUKO
Okay, okay, I *promise* that I won't
try anything with Ayeka ...
TENCHI
All right. Whether we find her or
not, we all meet back here in an
hour, all right?
A quick group nod, and they head into the shopping mall.
Cut to an entrance on the far side of the building from where TENCHI and
company have entered. AYEKA and SHAMPOO approach.
AYEKA
Once more, thank you very much. If
ever you are in the Okayama region,
please feel free to visit the Masaki
shrine.
SHAMPOO
<nods> I may take you up on that.
From what you say, it sounds like a
good place to train.
They bow politely, and AYEKA heads into the shopping mall. SHAMPOO gazes
up at the sun.
SHAMPOO
About two in the afternoon. The
umbrella fighting competition should
be about over. <beat> Time to go
remind my husband that I still
exist ...
She walks off, passing KENT MASEFIELD, who seems to be deep in thought as
he enters the shopping mall.
Cut to a pet shop in the shopping mall. SERENA is gazing at a bunny.
AKANE (V.O.)
I actually think that what happened
at this point may be one of the most
significant events in history.
SASAMI (O.S.)
Excuse me, oneesan?
SERENA turns blinkingly to look at SASAMI, who is dressed in a "normal"
outfit for a girl of her age. SERENA crouches down to be at eye level
with her.
SERENA
Yes?
SASAMI
I'm looking for my big sister. Have
you seen a pretty lady with dark
hair and red-brown eyes?
SERENA
Hmmm. Except for the eyes, she
sounds like my friend Raye ... but
no, I haven't seen anyone like
that.
SASAMI looks very frustrated.
SASAMI
She said she'd be here, and I don't
know where to start looking for her,
and --
SERENA
Wait a minute, are you searching
all by yourself?
SASAMI
Well, yes ...
SERENA
Oh, geez, that's not safe! Well,
it's probably not as bad as going
around in Juuban by yourself, but
... I've heard very strange rumors
about this neighborhood. <beat>
Listen, why don't I take you over
to the security desk, and we can
have them page her?
SASAMI
Gee, thanks!
SERENA extends a hand to SASAMI, who takes it. They walk off together,
not realizing that they're walking *away* from the security desk, which is
located right next to the pet shop.
Cut to the lingerie section of a clothing store. RAYE walks through it
alertly, but she is also acutely conscious of all the frilly undergarments
around her. She finally pauses to examine a bustier, running a finger
along the lace. Her eyes slowly close ...
RYOUKO (O.S.)
Are you going to pick that up or
not? 'Cause if you're not, I'd like
to try it on.
RAYE's eyes snap open. She is quite embarassed, and naturally gets rather
angry. She spins around to yell at the person who has so upset her ...
and her mouth hangs open.
RYOUKO, carrying a small pile of lingerie under her arm, stares
irritatedly at RAYE.
RYOUKO
What?
RAYE closes her mouth slowly, and starts to back away.
RAYE
<shakes head> Noooothing.
She turns and heads off quickly. RYOUKO stares, then shrugs.
RYOUKO
Weirdo.
RAYE finally stops in an isolated corner of the store, and flips up the
lid of her wrist communicator, and presses all four buttons on it.
Cut to LITA, wandering down the concourse of the mall. Her wrist
commnunicator beeps, and she flips up the lid.
RAYE (DISTORTED)
I haven't found Mina, but I think
I've found something *really* bad!
LITA is looking down at her watch, and doesn't see TENCHI walking past
her.
Cut to AMY, who is sitting at a table in a restaurant with MINAKO and
AETHAN.
AMY
-- was a bit shocked, but ... well,
I think my cousin has been dating a
vampyre as well.
AETHAN
Truly?
AMY
<nod> She keeps dropping little
hints, and --
AMY's wrist communicator begins to beep. AMY opens it up.
RAYE (DISTORTED)
Amy, come quickly, I --
AMY
I've found Mina, by the way.
RAYE (DISTORTED)
Good, bring her! We'll need her!
Get to the Penmart, quick!
MINAKO blinks.
MINAKO
It's nice to be needed, I guess.
<beat> Aethan, I --
AETHAN nods.
AETHAN
Go on. If you need me, I will be
there in a twinkling.
AMY and MINAKO stand, and head off.
MINAKO
It's a good thing that you're
wearing your communicator, Amy,
because --
Cut to MINAKO's bedroom. ARTEMIS leaps up onto the dressing table and
sees the beeping communicator.
ARTEMIS
AAGH! She forgot it again!
Cut to RAYE's location. She is staring intently at the wrist
communicator. Only the yellow and white lights are still blinking.
RAYE
Come *on*, Serena, where *are* you?
Cut to SERENA and SASAMI having ice cream cones while seated on a bench.
SASAMI
Uh ... Serena-neechan, your watch is
beeping.
SERENA (V.O.)
Hmmm ... it's probably just Raye
calling to let us know that she's
found Mina. Well, the others can
probably keep them from killing each
other, but if I go off, who'll look
after Sasami-chan? So, I guess I'd
better be responsible and stay here.
SERENA
It's just an alarm to remind me that
... um, my lunch break at my school
is almost over. Yeah. Nothing
important.
Cut to RAYE still staring at the communicator with an irritated
expression.
RAYE
... irresponsible little ... OOOH!
She stabs the white button, and shuts the communicator's cover.
Cut back to SERENA.
SERENA
See? Just stopped.
SASAMI
Oh. <beat> Anyway, I think I'd like
to have a little brother like you
do, Serena-neechan.
SERENA
<shakes her head> No way ... they're
*way* too big a pain in the neck.
I wanted a little sister --
Cut to RAYE standing at the entrance to the clothing store, as AMY, LITA,
and MINAKO come a-running.
LITA
Where's Serena?
RAYE
<impatient> She didn't answer her
beeper, we'll just have to deal with
this on our own. <beat> There's a
demon in this store. It's walking
around buying lingerie.
Dead silence greets RAYE's pronouncement.
MINAKO
Raye, are you feeling well?
RAYE
YES! Dammit, I sensed vast amounts
of malevolent power coming from this
"person".
MINAKO
But you also sense malevolent power
from Aethan.
RAYE
Your point being?
The others sigh, and bow their heads.
RAYE
Look, better to be safe than sorry!
Do we *really* want a repeat of what
happened in a certain park three
years ago?
MINAKO jerks as though she has been slapped.
MINAKO
Okay. Okay, Raye ... we'll go in,
see what's happening ...
RAYE
Right!
MINAKO
... and if you're wrong, you'll
apologize to Aethan.
RAYE's eyes bulge.
RAYE
WHAT?
MINAKO
If you're wrong about this, then you
could be wrong about him, couldn't
you? <beat> If you don't agree, we
don't go in. You're *not* in charge
here.
Her face is stern and set. RAYE closes her eyes, and takes a deep breath.
RAYE
... iagree.
MINAKO
<blink> Seriously?
RAYE nods shortly.
MINAKO
Wow. You're easier to bluff out
than I thought! <beat> Let's head
for the bathrooms ... I think it's
time to reapply some ... makeup.
MINAKO runs into the store. RAYE has a pole-axed expression on her face.
AMY and LITA share a look.
LITA
Think she'll learn from this?
AMY
She rarely does ...
They start after MINAKO, with RAYE following closely behind a few moments
later.
Cut to a hot ramen stand. AETHAN sits on the bench in front of it.
AETHAN
One bowl, please.
Seated beside him is KENT, busily consuming a dish of noodles. Neither
looks at the other. They speak in English.
KENT
Aethan.
AETHAN
Kent.
There is a long silence as AETHAN's bowl of soup is delivered and paid
for. He holds it in his hands.
AETHAN
I heard about Bartholomew. You have
my condolences.
KENT
Thank you. <beat> I heard about
the Shadowfall. Your people did
good work.
AETHAN
Yes they did. It didn't save them,
but they did the job. <beat> What
do you want of me, Kent?
KENT
Something is wrong in this city.
There was a murder this morning
which no living human could have
committed. Do you know anything?
AETHAN
Nothing about this. <beat> However,
I was instructed to deliver a
warning to someone when I felt it
was time to do so. I believe that
now is the time. <beat> "Three
will go in, two will come out."
KENT turns to look at him.
KENT
Did you recieve this from your
"mysterious patron"?
AETHAN
<nods> Indeed. <beat> Anything
else?
KENT
I am alone. <beat> If it comes to
a fight, will you help?
AETHAN gazes down into his bowl.
AETHAN
Ever since the Shadows fell ...
ever since Celestine died a mortal
... I have felt very strange. I
finally remembered, recently, when
I last felt this way. <looks up>
'Twas on the eve of Hastings. <beat>
I feel as though an age is ending,
Kent. Our age. And I wonder who
shall take up the torch in our
failing hands. <beat> Yes. When
you call for me, I shall come.
<odd smile> And possibly not alone.
Not all the Shadows fell, and ... I
travel in odd company these days.
KENT
I don't doubt. <rises> I cannot say
how much of a warning I can give
you, but I shall try to give as much
as I can. <beat> Aren't you going
to eat that?
AETHAN
Eh? <beat> Oh, this. No. It's to
warm my hands. The young lady I am
with commented on how cold my touch
can be. So ...
KENT nods and turns to go.
AETHAN
Kent. <beat> Have you felt as I
have said? That Yeats' great rough
beast had begun to slouch its way
towards Jerusalem to be born?
KENT is silent and still for a long moment.
KENT
No. <beat> The only great beast I
know of still sleeps, and hopefully
shall for some time to come. <beat>
Stay sharp, Aethan.
He walks off, alone.
Cut to RYOUKO, carrying a somewhat larger pile of lingerie and whistling
as she walks casually towards the check-out counter.
RAYE (O.S.)
Hold it right there!
RYOUKO halts, and slowly turns towards the sound of the voice. Sailor
Mars, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Venus are all standing on
various objects that lift them a level above her head. RYOUKO blinks.
RYOUKO
<muttered> You have *got* to be
kidding me.
RAYE
I don't know how you were able to
trick all the other people here, but
I can see past your cute act to the
vicious demon within!
RYOUKO
<muttered> Candid Camera ... got to
be ...
RAYE
And in the names of planets Mars --
MINAKO
-- Venus --
AMY
-- Mercury --
LITA
-- and Jupiter, we will right wrongs
and --
RYOUKO starts to edge away.
RYOUKO
<muttered> Or maybe this is all just
some weird dream, like the one I had
about me and --
RAYE notices.
RAYE
I SAID HOLD IT! MARS FIRE IGNITE!
A jet of flame leaps out towards RYOUKO, who is knocked back into a rack
of dresses by the force of the fire. She is unhurt, but the underwear is
burnt badly. She holds up a halter-top brassiere, and watches it slowly
disintegrate into ashes.
RYOUKO is pissed.
RYOUKO
<hissed> All right, little girls.
You wanna play? We'll play.
RYOUKO manifests her sword with a sweeping gesture and leaps into the air,
diving towards RAYE. MINAKO notes the sword, and nods. She presses her
fists together in a horizontal bar.
MINAKO
VENUS LOVELY BLADE!
She pulls the fists apart, and a bright yellow blade materializes in the
space between. MINAKO is leaping even as she does so, and manages to
parry RYOUKO's slashing strike towards RAYE.
RAYE
Told you so ...
MINAKO has RYOUKO's blade locked, but RYOUKO is slowly forcing the two
blades down towards RAYE ... thus leaving her back wide open.
LITA
JUPITER ...
AMY
SHINEY ...
LITA
THUNDERCLAP ...
AMY
AQUA ...
LITA
ZAP!
AMY
ILLUSION!
The two attacks combine, increasing their combined power exponentially,
and slam into RYOUKO's back. RYOUKO lets out a hollow scream, and her
sword dematerializes as she falls to the ground, her eyes closed.
LITA
<sigh> Well, that wasn't as hard as
I --
RYOUKO's eyes blink open, and she shoots back up into the air again,
hovering in clear sight of all four of the Sailors and glowing blue.
RYOUKO
<scary> THAT. HURT.
She swivels around and directs an energy blast in AMY's direction, which
AMY just barely dodges and which carves out a two foot diameter hole in
the wall behind her.
RYOUKO
Please permit me to return the
favor!
Cut to the entrance. We see people fleeing the store in panic as the
sounds of the fight can be heard in the distance. TENCHI approaches and
looks up in shock.
FLEEING BYSTANDER
Run! Run! It's the Sailor Senshi
fighting some demon! Run!
TENCHI
<resigned> Ryouko ...
Cut to the bench where SASAMI and SERENA are licking at their ice cream
cones.
SASAMI
No, really, Serena-neechan, I think
you'd make a great big sister! I
don't understand why your little
brother is such a pain when he has
you for an example!
SERENA is blushing immensely.
SERENA
Aw, stop it! You're embarassing --
Just then the crowd of people running from the fight in the clothing store
surge past them.
FLEEING BYSTANDER
Run! Run! It's the Sailor Senshi
fighting some demon! Run!
SERENA and SASAMI are both stricken.
SERENA (V.O.)
Oh no! The Scouts need me! But --
SASAMI
<quick> Serena-neechan! I saw my
oneesan running past!
SERENA
Really! Well then --
SASAMI gets up and starts heading after the crowd.
SASAMI
I'd better hurry up and catch her!
Thanks for the ice cream, Serena-
neechan!
SERENA
Bye!
SERENA dashes off in the direction that the crowd was fleeing from.
Cut to another part of the mall. AYEKA walks down the hallway, looking
for a familiar face. She hears a distant rumble, and jumps to the side
just as the crowd of FRIGHTENED BYSTANDERS dash past.
FLEEING BYSTANDER
Run! Run! It's the Sailor Soldiers
fighting some demon! Run!
AYEKA closes her eyes, sighs, and nods.
AYEKA
Of course. <beat> What in the
world are Sailor Soldiers?
SASAMI (O.S.)
ONEESAN!
SASAMI runs up to her sister, and they share a tight embrace. SASAMI is
crying, a little.
AYEKA
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry ...
There is a sudden bawling from the sidelines, and AYEKA and SASAMI both
turn to see MIHOSHI sobbing her eyes out.
MIHOSHI
I'm sorry, Ayeka-san, I'm *so* sorry
that you had to come all the way to
Tokyo to get that stuff so that
Sasami could make haggis and ... oh,
this is all too dramatic!
SASAMI, who knows what haggis is, reacts with nausea.
AYEKA
<quick> Yes, well, let's go and see
what we can do for Ryouko's newest
victims.
Cut to the exit of the shopping mall. KENT exits, looking very
distracted. Immediately after he wanders out of sight, the crowd bursts
out the door, still panicing.
Cut to the battlefield inside the shopping center. RYOUKO is dancing
rings around Mars, Jupiter, and Venus, while Mercury has stepped back to
try and analyze the situation. RYOUKO keeps sending stray energy bolts
her way to throw her off-balance. Of course, the fire, lightning, laser
bolts, and coruscating bolts of radiant energy have not been kind to the
store's decor. LITA suddenly manages to get in close enough to grab
RYOUKO in a headlock and immobilise one of her arms. RYOUKO shoots up
towards the ceiling, but LITA keeps on holding on.
RYOUKO
All right, you living spark plug ...
let's see you take a little of your
own medicine!
RYOUKO charges her aura with electrical energy. LITA lets out a hollow
scream, but somehow manages to keep her muscles clenched around RYOUKO's
throat.
LITA
MMMMMMAAAAARRRRRRRSSSSSS!
RAYE swallows, and then grows very still.
RAYE
Mars.
Her left hand glows with her symbol and a red light.
RAYE
Flame.
The light pulses, forming a bow of fire and an arrow, already set in
place. She pulls back on an invisible string.
RYOUKO stares down at RAYE even as she continues to electrocute LITA.
Their eyes meet.
And RYOUKO sees death in RAYE's eyes.
RAYE
SNI--
RYOUKO suddenly teleports, leaving LITA in midair. RAYE banishes her
attack, while MINA rushes forward to catch LITA before she hits the
ground. LITA is groggy and her uniform is smoking, but she's otherwise
all right. RAYE breathes a sigh of relief ... and then feels a breath on
her neck.
RYOUKO is standing immediately behind her, with her energy sword out and
blazing.
RYOUKO
<soft> All right. No more foreplay.
She hefts her sword high, and swings it downward at RAYE and --
A hurled ice cream cone knocks her off balance. RAYE blinks.
SERENA (O.S.)
How dare you destroy this excellent
shop of fine clothing and menace my
friends at the same time?
RYOUKO gazes at SERENA, now transformed to Sailor Moon, and standing a
little ways away, flanked by MINA and AMY. LITA is weakly bringing up the
rear. The ice cream is quickly melting on RYOUKO's head.
SERENA
Even if the manager forgives you, I
won't! I am the pretty sailor-
suited soldier of love and justice,
Sailor Moon! In the name of the
moon ... YOU'RE GONNA GET IT!
RYOUKO blinks. She lets out a long sigh, and covers her eyes with one of
her hands.
RYOUKO
<muffled> Look, why don't we just
call it a draw?
SERENA blinks repeatedly.
SERENA
Um ... what?
RYOUKO
Look ... even *I* can only take so
much inanity in one day ... let's
just pretend this whole embarrassing
incident never happened, and I'll go
my way and let you go yours --
TENCHI (O.S.)
That's a very mature attitude to
take, Ryouko.
RYOUKO
Oh, damn ...
TENCHI steps around the remains of one of the store's shoe stands, looking
very annoyed.
TENCHI
It's a shame it didn't occur to you
*while* you were destroying this
store ...
RYOUKO
Um! Tenchi! Uh ... well, you see,
it was like this ... I was looking
for you-know-who and I thought I
might find her here among all these
girly clothes and then these ...
people just *attacked* me without
*any* provocation and without giving
me a chance to explain or --
TENCHI
<sarcasm> Gee, where've I heard
*that* before?
RAYE has stealthily made her way back to the other Sailors.
RAYE
No reason? You call you being a
demon no reason?
RYOUKO
A demon? Me? That's absurd! <beat>
I'm just a simple, honest space
pirate.
TENCHI
<shocked> Ryouko!
RYOUKO
Right, sorry, *retired* space --
AYEKA, SASAMI, and MIHOSHI arrive suddenly. AYEKA looks at the battle
damage with a cynical, "I-knew-it", air ... then sees and is seen by RAYE.
They stare at each other. AYEKA closes her eyes and re-opens them. She
stares at RAYE confusedly.
>From AYEKA's perspective, we see an image of RAYE in her normal clothes
(what she was wearing before she transformed) superimpose itself over RAYE
in her uniform.
AYEKA
Raye-san?
RAYE blinks, VERY startled.
RAYE
Um ... who? I --
SASAMI looks in equal confusion at SERENA.
SASAMI
Serena-neechan? Why are you wearing
that swimsuit when there's no pool
in this mall?
SERENA
<blink> Sasami-chan ... you can
recognize me?
SASAMI
Well, yes! Of course! <beat> Why
shouldn't I?
AMY has been quietly working with her computer since TENCHI arrived ...
and she looks up now.
AMY
Sailor Moon ... none of these people
are human beings.
There is a long silence as that sinks in.
SERENA
<nervous> You know, this truce idea
sounds ... really, really nice.
Cut to WASHUU's laboratory. WASHUU is slumped, staring at a diagram that
looks a bit like the schematics that SKULD was examining earlier. Her
eyes are even more bloodshot then before. There is a rustling noise
behind her, and WASHUU lets out a sigh.
WASHUU
Come to gloat, Tsunami?
MADELINE's face is cool.
MADELINE
Wrong.
WASHUU wearily looks over her shoulder, and flinches.
WASHUU
Awwww ... not one of you guys ...
not today ...
MADELINE
I take it from your perusal of these
patterns that you failed in your
efforts to keep your daughter and
her friends out of the growing
maelstrom?
WASHUU
Yep. <beat> They're doomed, aren't
they.
MADELINE
Perhaps not. <beat> Know, Washuu,
that we have been preparing for this
exact moment for nearly a millenium.
*If* our pawn succeeds, those near
to him *should* be protected. Lend
their strength to him ...
WASHUU
<interrupt> How do I know that I can
trust you?
MADELINE
You are fully aware, Washuu, that it
is impossible for us to lie.
WASHUU
I am *also* fully aware that what is
about to transpire is impossible for
you to fully calculate and predict.
How can you be *sure* that my child
will survive this Gathering intact?
MADELINE
You of all entities should be aware
that no one *ever* emerges from the
Gathering "intact". But think,
Washuu, think. Is there any place
safer to be during the Gathering
than at the side of the Defender?
WASHUU
Go back a few million years and say
that to my mother.
MADELINE blinks, non-plussed.
WASHUU
Oh, I'll do it, all right. I s'pose
you've been honing your weapons for
so long that the slightest touch on
your part would make them useless?
MADELINE
Correct. <beat> Well, then?
WASHUU casually taps a key on her keyboard.
Cut to the parking lot of the shopping mall where the Masaki van is
parked. All four tires suddenly blow out.
Cut to the base. ANDREW, who has changed out of his overalls into a set
of beige combat fatigues, is walking down the hallway at a fast pace.
AKANE (V.O.)
In Nekomi, the train had finally
been fixed, and I had started my way
home. Everywhere, it seems, things
were beginning to speed up.
There is a flash of light beside ANDREW, startling him. A tall, lanky man
with short cropped blond hair and green eyes (ALISTAIR MCGOVERN) is
standing beside him, wearing a long black trenchcoat and a fedora. He
starts walking immediately.
MCGOVERN
Don't stop.
ANDREW hurries to catch up with him.
ANDREW
McGovern?! But --
MCGOVERN
It's nice to see you again, too.
ANDREW
But we all thought you were dead!
MCGOVERN
<startled> Really? <beat> Wow. It
worked better than I thought, then.
You were supposed to. You had to
find your way into this Gathering
without my guidance, before I could
come and help out.
ANDREW
<confused> Gathering? <beat> Then
there *is* a Gamma class situation
in Japan?
MCGOVERN
Gamma? No. <beat> Omega, if things
go wrong.
ANDREW
<appalled> Shit.
MCGOVERN
What have you done so far?
They reach an elevator. ANDREW swipes a card through a scanner, and the
door opens. They step in. The elevator is very silent.
ANDREW
The Helifortress is fueling now,
Patricia is on board, I've called in
the Ops teams and put them on stand
by.
MCGOVERN
Who've you got manning the boards
back here?
ANDREW
Well ... the new girl. Came on
after you ... uh, *left*. Got a
real knack for computers ...
MCGOVERN
Linda Maverick?
ANDREW
That's the one.
MCGOVERN
Good. She's a cyberpsi.
ANDREW
WHAT?
MCGOVERN
I don't *know* how she slipped past,
Andrew, but she did. It's not an
issue now, but if this works like it
ought to, she'll be important. Make
it seem like you always knew, get
her working in design -- you'd be
amazed what you can do by combining
a CAD tool with a direct neural
interface to the computer.
ANDREW
So you know how this all works out?
MCGOVERN
Sort of.
The doors to the elevator open, and they are in a hangar. The immense
bulk of the Helifortress -- a vehicle about the size of a jumbo jet with
helicopter blades set in its wings fills the space.
MCGOVERN
You have, I hope, guessed that I'm
from the future?
ANDREW
Yeah, a while back. <beat> I don't
suppose you know a Corporal Ted --
MCGOVERN
Not now, Andrew. <beat> The only
primary source for this sequence of
events was lost a long time ago.
But we've worked a few details out,
and ... <beat> Based on probability
studies, humanity has three days to
live if extraordinary measures are
not taken within that time.
ANDREW is beyond aghast.
ANDREW
Three days?
MCGOVERN
Highest probability is that the
forces involved devastate the planet
and then move on to other worlds.
Next highest involve the Gathered
heroes giving their lives to defeat
the forces, leaving the immediate
future in the hands of SEELE.
ANDREW
<disgusted> *Those* idiots? C'mon.
MCGOVERN
I'm quite serious. They aren't
involved in this mess, but they will
profit from it. <beat> Slimmer
probabilities have this as a typical
victory of the Defender --
ANDREW
Who?
MCGOVERN
-- which means that universal
armageddon is postponed another
moment longer. Those are the ones
that we're aiming for, by the way.
ANDREW stands in front ot MCGOVERN. NINIANE comes down the steps leading
up to the interior of the Helifortress. ANDREW is blocking her view of
MCGOVERN.
ANDREW
There's something you're not tellin'
me.
MCGOVERN shrugs, and smiles.
ANDREW
Okay, whatever. I trust you. What
do you --
NINIANE
<acidly> I thought you trusted no
one on this Earth. Who is --
MCGOVERN peers around ANDREW's shoulder, smiling broadly and goofily.
MCGOVERN
I'm newly arrived, so I don't get in
his bad books as much. <beat> Hi,
love.
NINIANE's eyes bulge, and her jaw drops. And then she's running to throw
herself at him, shoving ANDREW out of the way, sobbing, covering his face
with kisses, behaving like a much younger woman -- but still taking time
to throw a triumphant glare at ANDREW, who wearily looks away.
Cut to a reinforced cargo hold. PATRICIA, wearing a set of clothes that
vaguely resemble a typical Japanese schoolgirl's phys ed uniform, is
leaning against the wall. She looks very anxious.
ANDREW (INTERCOM)
Patricia?
PATRICIA
Yes?
ANDREW (INTERCOM)
Are you ready?
PATRICIA looks as though she wants to say no ... but she closes her eyes,
and swallows.
PATRICIA
I have to be. There's no one else.
ANDREW (INTERCOM)
Right. <beat> We'll be taking off
in just a few minutes. It's a few
hours to Japan, so if you wanna get
some sleep ...
PATRICIA nods, then grins sheepishly at her mistake.
PATRICIA
Right, Uncle. I'll be fine.
She pulls a thin, silver capsule out of her belt, and stares at it.
PATRICIA
<whispered> I have to be fine.
MUSIC VIDEO SEQUENCE #1
As the opening bars of Europe's "The Final Countdown" begin to play, we
cut to the cockpit of the Helifortress, where Andrew is completing the
preflight checklist. He gazes at PATRICIA's image on a monitor set into
the control panel with a vague look of regret on his face ... then shakes
his head, and goes back to work.
Cut to the passenger compartment, where we see MCGOVERN and NINIANE seated
in one row of seats, talking quietly together, while STENGOVITCH tries to
peep over the back of the seat at them, until BRAN pulls him down.
SONG
We're leaving together,
Cut to a communications center. A young woman with short cropped blonde
hair is staring at a computer terminal, watching information flash across
it. She looks up at a big monitor to see the Helifortress' rotors begin
to spin.
SONG
But still it's farewell
In the hangar bay, a large section of the roof begins to slide back,
revealing the daylight.
SONG
And maybe we'll come back,
To earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame
We're leaving ground
The giant skids of the Helicarrier slowly retract into its body, leaving
it hovering just above the floor.
Cut to ANDREW's face as he silently counts down from five over the next
line, before pulling back on the throttle.
SONG
Will things ever be the same again?
It's the final countdown...
The Helicarrier lifts up into the desert sky above Area 51, and begins to
make its way to the East.
Cut to the kitchen of a certain shrine in Nekomi. BELLDANDY is cheerily
washing dishes. She hums while she works.
AKANE (V.O.)
Okay, I'll admit it. The first time
that I actually *met* Belldandy, as
opposed to the times I'd seen her on
campus without knowing who she was,
I wondered what had happened to my
oldest sister that she had that
strange hair dye and those colour
changing contact lenses. <beat> To
say nothing of her ... strange
fashion sense. <beat> And even
after I *knew* that they were two
different people, I kept seeing ...
echoes. <beat> I had never seen
anyone who took as much pleasure in
the mundanities of life as my eldest
sister ... and this week I met two.
There is a sudden jangling alarm. BELLDANDY is startled.
BELLDANDY
Oh my! The alarm!
She sets the plate that she's drying down, and wipes her hands on a towel,
before heading out to see what caused the alarm. She walks out of the
shrine to the temple gate ...
Where she sees Banpei (the Temple's guardian robot) standing over a charm
covered, seriously injured MARA.
BELLDANDY
Mara?!
MARA
<hoarse> Truce!
BELLDANDY
Truce? <beat> Really, Mara? A
truce?
MARA
No, I enjoy lying here and drowning
in my own blood and feeling the tiny
incisions these charms are making in
my skin. It gets me off. <beat>
YES, I REALLY WANT A TRUCE, DAMMIT!
Cut to the living room of the temple. BELLDANDY is gently cleaning MARA's
wounds while KEIICHI stands by and looks on apprehensively.
BELLDANDY
What in the world *did* this to you?
MARA
<snort> That's the hell of it. I
don't know. <beat; notices KEIICHI>
What're you looking at, Morisato?
KEIICHI
Um ... well, I --
MARA
<cooing> Oooh! Could it be that you
don't trust me? Could it be that
you *doubt* Belldandy's faith in me?
OUCH!
BELLDANDY's smile is rather strained as she pulls the cloth back from
MARA's face.
BELLDANDY
You will admit, Mara, that you have
not exactly given Keiichi-san reason
to trust you --
MARA
Of course! <to KEIICHI> I'd think
you were a bloody idiot if you did!
<beat> Of course, I think you're a
bloody idiot *anyway*, but OUCH!
BELLDANDY is holding the lobe of MARA's ear between her thumb and
forefinger.
MARA
ANYWAY ... the point is, there are
far worse things in the hells than
me. <beat> And last night, one of
the mortals called one of the worst
into this world.
BELLDANDY gasps.
KEIICHI
Someone summoned a demon from ...
uh, Niffelhelm?
MARA
You wish. This particular being is
elder than all the demons in
*Nifflheim*. He's spoken of only in
whispers among the mightiest of our
people. <beat> He is called the
Adversary.
BELLDANDY
<nods> I believe that I learnt of
him in one of my graduate classes.
There was not much information on
him ...
MARA
It's said that he taught Hela how
to make the Hand of Glory, and kept
Fenris as a lap dog for a year,
before his binding.
There is a long silence.
KEIICHI
I should be impressed by those
references, shouldn't I?
MARA looks ready to make a cutting retort, then realizes that BELLDANDY is
still holding her earlobe.
BELLDANDY
Those are two of the Elder Demons of
Mara's office, Keiichi-san. <beat>
It is also said that this Adversary
told Loki where to find the Almighty
in the earliest days.
MARA
<blink> I never heard *that* ...
KEIICHI
So ... what's going to happen?
<beat> Is ... is the Almighty going
to do something about this?
MARA
<laugh> Yeah, right.
BELLDANDY
Unfortunately, the Almighty may only
intervene in the destiny of the
world if he is asked to do so by a
mortal, in a specific manner -- and
the Silmarils have been lost a very
long time, Keiichi-san.
KEIICHI clearly doesn't get the reference.
KEIICHI
Oh. Right. <beat> So ... what *is*
going to happen?
BELLDANDY shakes her head.
BELLDANDY
I don't know, Keiichi-san. Nothing
like this has ever happened before.
MARA
So where's Urd and the brat? OW!
BELLDANDY
My sisters have gone into Tokyo on
some expedition of which they sought
to keep me unaware. I don't know
what they might be about.
Cut to a placid Nerima street. An old woman (the one who occasionally
provokes RANMA's transformation by accidentally splashing him) is walking
slowly as two shadows fall on her. She turns around. SKULD and URD are
wearing trenchcoats and mirror shades.
SKULD
Excuse me, we're with the Secret
Police. Have you witnessed any
unusual events in this neighborhood
that you'd like to discuss with us?
The old woman slowly shakes her head and starts to back away slowly.
URD
I don't think this is working ...
SKULD
I don't get it ... I thought that
Japanese people had a high degree of
respect for the police --
URD
Skuld, I don't think the Japanese
police go around wearing black
trenchcoats and mirrored sunglasses.
I *do* think you've been watching
that American TV show too much --
SKULD
But Scully-sama is so intellectual!
URD rolls her eyes.
URD
Right ... let's keep working on it.
They walk along the street.
Cut to the entrance hall of the Tendou home. KENT is silently slipping
off his shoes as KASUMI enters from the kitchen.
KASUMI
Ara! Kent-san ... I didn't hear you
come in ...
KENT
I forgot to announce myself. I was
thinking ...
KASUMI
I see ...
KENT looks at her for a moment, and then shakes his head.
KENT
No ... no, I'm afraid you don't.
<stands> Kasumi-san ... you are a
wonderful, kind, decent, and gentle
human being. <beat> I'm not. It
would not work out.
KASUMI is shocked.
KASUMI
Then ... you know?
KENT nods.
KASUMI
Oh my. <beat> I ... hope that I
have not embarassed you by --
KENT
No, no. It is very flattering, but
I am ...
He searches for the words.
KASUMI
Not available?
KENT
<shakes head> Not so much that as
... I am not a good person to love,
Tendou Kasumi-san. The last three
people to try ended up terribly hurt
at the end. <beat> I hope only
that I have not hurt you by waiting
this long to tell you.
KASUMI
<smiles sadly> Oh no. Well, perhaps
a little ... from the ending of the
last of my childish dreams ...
KENT
Forgive me.
KASUMI
I do. <beat> One of Ranma's friends
will be cooking dinner for our
family this evening, as partial
recompense for ... certain events in
which she was involved a year ago.
Do you like okonomiyaki, Kent-san?
KENT
Yes ... I like it quite a bit.
Cut to KENT looking mildly ill as he watches RANMA wolf down several
okonomiyaki from a large stack of them. RYOUGA and UKYOU (who are very
carefully avoiding looking at each other) are also seated around the
table with the Tendou family.
SOUUN
So, Kent-san ... how was your day
after leaving the police station?
KENT
Well ... I did a little poking to
see what more I could find out about
this crime.
RYOUGA
Are you some sort of private
investigator or something like that?
KENT
Yes to the "something like that"
part. <beat> I discovered that
Shujin-san was not the only martial
artist to have disappeared or died
mysteriously within the last twenty
four hours.
Stunned silence greets that announcement. RANMA stops eating.
KENT
The first was an elderly priest of
one of the local Shinto shrines,
noted for the quality of his charms.
He died of a heart attack a few
minutes after midnight. According
to his family, he was in excellent
health for a man of his age. <beat>
Over the course of this day, a total
of twenty people in the Nerima ward
have either died of mysterious and
unlikely "accidents" or simply
vanished without trace. Shujin-san
was the first to have been clearly
murdered, however. But all the
victims have a common quality.
KENT sips at his tea.
UKYOU
*What?* What common quality?
KENT
They all had either honed their
training in their chosen styles of
the martial arts to the point where
they were possessed of nearly
supernatural capabilities ... or
actually practiced other arts which
could be generally described as
magic. <beat> In the course of my
career, I have encountered a similar
pattern of crimes once before. The
individual responsible for the
murders in that instance was a being
which, for lack of a better term, I
will refer to as a demon.
RANMA
There's a *demon* in Nerima?
KENT
Yes. And it wants to eat the souls
of martial artists. <beat> Like I
said earlier, Ranma. Some things
you can't fight with the art alone.
He looks at RYOUGA just after he says that. RYOUGA swallows, nervously.
KENT
At this point in its growth, the
demon will avoid large quantities of
its prey, preferring to pick it off
one by one. <beat> For now, there
is safety in numbers. Ranma, are
there any other major martial
artists in town that you know about?
RANMA thinks, and is about to shake his head ... then pauses.
RANMA
<slow, grudging> Yeah. There's
Shampoo and the old ghoul. Mousse
is out of town right now, off on a
training --
KENT
Is there some reason these people
are named for hygeine products?
NABIKI
Linguistic coincidence. We hope.
KENT
In any event, it might be a good
idea to call them and invite them
up here, for mutual protection. It
will come here eventually, and the
only chance to defeat it is to make
a strategy to beat it in familiar
territory ...
KASUMI
Excuse me, Kent-san ... but if
there's going to be a fight, here,
should non-combatants such as myself
leave?
KENT takes a quick look at SOUUN, who is quietly having a conniption fit.
KENT
<quickly> Not just yet, Kasumi-san.
NABIKI
Well, someone's going to have to go
and pick up Akane at the train
station.
KENT
... Akane?
NABIKI
Yeah, my little sister. Akane.
<amused> The only person who
consistently beats a certain martial
arts demigod I know.
KENT slowly turns to stare at RANMA.
RANMA
Hey! It's not like that! She --
UKYOU
What she does is sneak up on him
and whack him with that mallet of
hers.
RYOUGA looks as though he is about to take issue with UKYOU's
characterization of AKANE, but KENT interrupts before he can.
KENT
Um ... excuse me. <beat> This ...
mallet. She carries it around with
her ... right?
RANMA
I guess so. I dunno where she hides
the damn thing ...
KENT
She always has it handy. <beat> And
she only uses it when she's angry?
NABIKI
No. Only when she's really angry.
If she used it when she was angry,
she'd use it all the --
KENT
Great Scott. <beat> In other words
she can materialize a physical
object from her anger-based ki?!
The implications of that statement slowly sink in, and KENT, RANMA, and
RYOUGA all bound to their feet at about the same time --
Just as a great light shines into the TENDOU dining room from outside.
Cut to the Nerima train station.
AKANE (V.O.)
And then I arrived.
We see AKANE, wearing a yellow sundress and carrying a large suitcase in
her left hand, step off the train. She seems tired, but otherwise much
the same. She looks around for any sign of her famiy coming to pick her
up, but sees no one. This causes her to frown. She walks out of the
train station, and is startled.
KUNOU
TENDOU AKANE-SAN!
AKANE slowly looks over her shoulder to see that KUNOU is standing nearby,
in his usual kendo outfit, with his bokken in one hand and a bouquet of
roses in the other. AKANE lets out a long, slow sigh.
AKANE
<annoyed> Hello, Kunou-san. How
have you --
KUNOU
Ah, my heart is once more filled
with the voice of Tendou Akane-san!
Oh joyous occasion! At last, you
have fought free of the coils of
foreign slavery unto which the --
KUNOU continues to rant.
AKANE
<muttered> -- foul sorceror Saotome
did cruelly place you, yadda yadda
yadda ... where *is* Ranma?
It is at that point that the train station explodes. We see AKANE's
shocked face as she looks up at the debris flying away from it towards
her.
AKANE (V.O.)
All the pieces were in place. The
Adversary was there. The heroes had
been gathered. And I was there, as
well. <beat> The last Gathering of
the Palladins had begun.
TO BE CONTINUED
Chris Davies, Advocate for Darkness, Part-Time Champion of Light.
"Damn it all, how am I supposed to sit here and wallow in self-pity and
disgust with all this racket going on?" -- Yuusaku Godai, Maison Ikkoku.
http://www.ualberta.ca/~cdavies/hmpage.html