Mahoromatic – Seasons of Change

By Dr. Memory

(AKA Carl A. Potaczala)

Disclaimer

Mahoromatic and all associated characters are the property of Gainax, TBS, Pioneer LDC and the character creators, Ditama and Nakayama. This story is not written for personal profit, but as a tribute to a wonderful story that I think ended poorly and knowing that as long as I write, Mahoro lives. Any other characters are property of their respective copyright holders, not me.

Episode 8: Night Terror

Scene opens with Chitose and Yaeko exiting the train station and they begin walking

Chitose: You've had quite a busy day. You're going to need to rest if you are going to keep your promise to Shiori-chan to be in school Monday.

Yaeko: I could have rested just as well at Saori-san's apartment and you could have taken the train to get to work.

Chitose: I didn't bring my uniform with me.

Yaeko: If I remember correctly, you don't start work until noon. There would have been plenty of time for us to get home and for you to get to work in the morning.

Chitose: I didn't want to intrude on their hospitality. They are all doing so much for us already.

Yaeko: (Sigh) I understand. (Yaeko looks around for a moment and then stops) Mother, did we get off at the right stop? This doesn't look at all familiar.

Chitose: Oh course we got off at the right stop. (Looking around as she talks) It the stop… we… always… get off… You're right… this doesn't look at all familiar. I wasn't really paying attention, but I'm sure it was the right stop. Let's go back to the train station. We can always wait for the next train.

Both Chitose and Yaeko turn to face the direction they had come from, but nothing looks familiar. Chitose is now behind Yaeko.

Yaeko: (Zoom in on Yaeko) Mother… where is the… train… station? (Silence) Mother!

Yaeko turns around to find that her mother is being held by a large person robed in black, with a hood obscuring any view of the face. Standing to the left of them is a tall gaunt looking man, his face drawn and thin, dressed in black with large claw-like looking hands.

Yaeko: Mother!

Yaeko tries to run toward her mother, but finds that she cannot move. The gaunt man speaks.

Gaunt Man: Now little lady, we can't have you running off like that. You'll miss the show. Oh, you must love your mother so very much… you wouldn't want to see anything happen to her, now would you?

The gaunt man runs his finger (claw) along the sleeve of Chitose's blouse. The cloth falls away like it has been cut with a razor and there seems to be a slight trickle of blood on Chitose's arm. Chitose tries to struggle, but is unable to move against the grip of the hooded person.

Yaeko: What do you want? If you want me, let my mother go.

Gaunt man: Oh, no. I couldn't do that. (Moving to the right side of Chitose as he speaks) We need both of you. Actually, my friend here needs both of you. (Running his claw down the right sleeve, with similar results) I just enjoy doing this… but my friend here needs your emotions… your fear and terror. Needs it to survive, so I don't mind helping.

Yaeko: (Struggling to move) Please, let us go… Let my mother go!

Gaunt Man: Ah, my friend. Is this good for you? (A nod of the head can be detected beneath the hood) Would you like more? Of course you would. It has been such a long time since you've experienced someone like this.

The gaunt man begins to trace a line with claw on Chitose's blouse, just below her breasts. The cloth gaps and a thin line of blood starts to flow from the wound below.

Yaeko: Why my mother? Why me?

Gaunt Man: Because your emotions are so strong. How do you think we found you? It is just too bad your father wasn't stronger. He was so much better.

Yaeko: No!

The gaunt man runs his claw down the right cheek of Chitose and blood begins to trickle from the wound there. Yaeko begins to struggle all the more, trying to turn her eyes away from her mother.

Gaunt Man: No, I can't have you doing that. You are a strong one… lots of struggle… makes it all the better. But maybe this is enough for now.

The gaunt man takes his claw and begins to run it across Chitose's neck. At first there is just a small trickle of blood, but as his claw progresses across her neck, the amount of blood increases.

Yaeko: No! Don't! Please! Noooo! Noooooo! (Screaming) Noooooooo!

Scene cuts to Yaeko sitting upright in her bed screaming.

Yaeko: Nooooo! Please! (Sobbing) Nooooooo! Nooooooooooooo!

Cut to opening theme

There is a knocking at the door. Chitose goes to the door and opens it. Mahoro, Suguru, Saori, Shiori and Ryuga enter.

Chitose: I'm sorry to call you so late at night, but I didn't know who else to call. You helped her so much at the cemetery…

Mahoro: It's OK. We'll do what we can. What happened?

Chitose: We came home from the festival after we stopped for dinner. We sat and we talked for a while and watched TV. Yaeko-chan said that she was tired, so she went to bed. About two hours ago, she started screaming and I ran in to see what the problem was. When she saw me, she ran to me and grabbed onto me and wouldn't let go. She just cried and sobbed, saying that she wouldn't let them have me. It took a while, but I got her calmed down enough to call Saori-san.

Saori: I got in touch with Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun and Ryuga and we got here as soon as we could.

Suguru: We were able to borrow one of the cars Vesper lent to the embassy. Where is Ya-chan?

Chitose: She is in her room. (Walking from the entry way with everyone following, across the living room, down a short hallway and to a door there) I finally got her calmed down, but I don't think she went back to sleep. Whatever the nightmare was, I don't think she really wants to go back to sleep. (Pausing and tuning toward the door) Yaeko-chan, may I come in? I have some of your friends here.

There is no reply, but Chitose opens the door and all enter.

Chitose: It's Shiori-chan and Her sister and Ryuga-san and Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun. May I turn on the light?

There is a quiet sound of agreement from Yaeko. Chitose turns on the light. Yaeko is lying under the covers in her bed. The room is simply furnished with a bed, dresser, student desk and chair. But it is what is on the wall that is amazing. There are pencil sketches hung all over the room. Some are simple landscapes, whiles others are sketches of Shiori and others who are apparently schoolmates. The images that immediately catch everyone's attention are several sketches directly over Yaeko's desk. One is obviously a sketch of the Saint Command Ship. There are several others that look similar, but are obviously different from the Command Ship. There are also sketches of Mahoro and Ryuga.

Shiori: (Going over to Yaeko's bed and sitting on the edge) Ya-chan, are you all right?

Yaeko: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get everyone up in the middle of the night. It was just a nightmare. I'll be fine. You don't have to worry.

Mahoro: It's OK. Your mom is worried about you. She thought we might be able to help. Would it help to talk about it?

Yaeko: (Closing her eyes for a moment and shuddering) It was so awful. I don't want to remember it, but the image is so vivid that it is burned into my head. I can't escape it. (Getting slightly frantic) If I close my eyes, I see it as clearly as if it were right in front of me. I don't want to remember it. (Sobbing) I want it to go away. (Yaeko wraps her arms around Shiori)

Ryuga: We'll do whatever we can to help you.

Shiori: (Consoling Yaeko) It's OK. We're all here to help you.

Suguru: (Looking at the sketches over the desk) Ya-chan, you really are quite an artist. The sketches of Mahoro and Ryuga-sensei are quite good.

Yaeko: (Weakly) Actually I did those just after my father died. I drew them from my dream.

Ryuga: (Coming over to look at the sketches with Suguru) Did you draw these from your dreams also? (Indicating the drawings of the ships)

Yaeko: Those were some of the last sketches I did before father died. I would have such vivid dreams and father and I would talk about them. He told me that I should sketch the things I saw in my dreams so I would remember them later.

Ryuga: You really are an excellent artist.

Yaeko: Do you really think so Ryuga-sensei?

Ryuga: Yes I do… Do you feel well enough to sketch what frightened you so much in your dream?

Yaeko: But I don't want to remember that. I want to get it out of my mind and forget about it.

Ryuga: It may help us to figure out why you had the nightmare.

Yaeko: (After a long moment of silence) If you think it would help?

Chitose: Please don't push yourself.

Yaeko: (Smiling weakly) I'll be fine… Do you think I could have some tea?

Chitose: Of course… I'll make tea for anyone who would like some.

Suguru: Some tea right now would be very good.

Ryuga: Why don't we go and let Ya-chan and work?

Shiori: Ya-chan, would it be all right if I stayed here with you?

Yaeko: Of course it would, although I don't have any beer.

Shiori: That OK. I think tea will be just fine right now.

Chitose: It won't be long… I'll be right back with your tea.

Chitose, Saori, Ryuga, Mahoro and Suguru exit the bedroom.

Yaeko: Thank you for staying with me.

Shiori: No problem. If there is anything that I can do to help, just ask.

Yaeko: Just having you here with me is plenty. Shiori-chan, I have never been so frightened in my life. It was so terrible… I would just like to be able to forget about it.

Shiori: Ryuga-sensei seems to think that if you can draw what frightened you, it will help… Ya-chan, have you been having nightmares like this all week?

Yaeko: No, this is the first time I've had a nightmare, but it's been really strange all week. It's like I can here people talking behind me, but when I turn around to look nobody is there. And it's the same thing at night… I close my eyes to go to sleep and it sounds like someone is talking to me, but when I open my eyes, there is no one there.

Shiori: Weird. I'll just sit here and let you work.

Yaeko: Thank you.

Yaeko get up out of her bed and goes over to her desk, followed by Shiori. She sits down and pulls a sketchpad and a pencil from the drawer of her desk. With Shiori looking on, Yaeko begins to draw.

Scene fades to the living room. Saori, Ryuga, Mahoro and Suguru are seated on the couch as Chitose enters with a tray of teacups and a pot of tea.

Chitose: Ya-chan is drawing, but she won't let me see what she is doing… I am really sorry for pulling you all out of bed, for something like this, but Ya-chan was so frantic…

Mahoro: It really isn't a problem, as long as she is all right.

Saori: You said at school that she hasn't been feeling well all week and that you thought that she wasn't sleeping. Has she been having nightmares like this all week?

Chitose: (Pouring tea for everyone) I don't think so… In fact I'm sure she hasn't. She always tells me about her dreams.

Ryuga: About those pictures over her desk…

Chitose: Oh, those. She is always drawing thing from her dreams… landscapes… buildings… people… Those are probably some kind of spaceships that she dreamed about.

Ryuga: Not just any spaceships. I'm sure that Mahoro-san, Suguru-kun and Saori recognize the one ship. It is the Command Ship that is currently positioned behind the Earth's moon, but the others are three of the City Ships that make up the main portion of our fleet… And she drew those long before she ever met any of us.

Chitose: But how could she have known…

Ryuga: I don't know.

Voice of Yaeko: Ahhh… I'm done.

Everyone turns to the sound of Yaeko's voice. Yaeko is standing near the hallway that leads to her bedroom and is holding her sketchpad. Shiori is standing beside her.

Yaeko: I did the best I could, Sensei.

Chitose: Are you all right, Ya-chan?

Yaeko: I'm fine.

Ryuga and Mahoro get up and walk over to where Yaeko and Shiori are standing.

Shiori: I have to tell you that these are two really ugly dudes.

Ryuga takes the sketchpad from Yaeko and examines it.

Ryuga: I don't recognize who they might be. (Handing the sketch to Mahoro) How about you, Mahoro-san?

Mahoro: (Looking at the sketch) I don't recognize them either… but I know someone who might.

Suguru: What do you think is going on?

Mahoro: I'm not sure.

Scene fades to Chitose and Yaeko with overnight bags packed, standing and talking with Mahoro, Suguru, Saori, Shiori and Ryuga.

Chitose: This wasn't really necessary. I'm sure Ya-chan would have been fine.

Mahoro: I have a bad feeling about all of this.

Suguru: And I've learned to trust Mahoro's intuition.

Chitose: But this is inconveniencing all of you.

Saori: Not at all. I have another spare futon at my apartment. I don't think Shiori would mind sharing the guest room with Ya-chan and if you don't mind sharing a room with me, everything will be fine.

Chitose: But what about work?

Ryuga: It is very late and you haven't had any sleep. We'll get you settled, let you and Ya-chan get some sleep and then we'll work things out from there.

Shiori: So how are we going to get everyone back to our apartment? I don't think everyone will fit into the car we came in.

Suguru: Mahoro made arrangements with Vesper to send another car.

Mahoro: It should be here any minute.

Chitose: (Resigned) So what is the plan?

Saori: You and I and Shiori-chan and Ya-chan will go with the driver to my apartment.

Mahoro: And I'll drive Ryuga-san and Suguru in the other.

Ryuga: Mahoro-san, do you think it might be a good idea to have Slash stay with them?

Mahoro: Actually, that would be a very good idea.

Saori: I wouldn't mind having him there either.

Mahoro: Behave yourself!

Saori: No I don't mean it that way. Slash is very nice to talk to. We had some wonderful opportunities to talk when he was staying with Karen-san and Rin-chan.

Suguru: I don't know. I don't think Slash has been around for the last few days. At least I haven't seen him or sensed him.

There is a knock at the door.

Mahoro: Our ride is here. We'll get together after you've had some time to rest.

Chitose: Thank you again.

Saori: Let's go then. I have to be at school by eight.

Ryuga: I thought that Matsuhira-sensei said that the teachers didn't have to be in until nine.

Saori: Forget Matsuhira-sensei. That was superseded by decree of Nayoko-sama. I will be so glad when this festival is over.

There is laughter from the entire group as they exit the apartment. The driver opens the back door where Shiori, Yaeko and Chitose sit. Ryuga opens the front door for Saori and she enters the car. Ryuga and the driver close the open doors and the driver gets in and the car departs. Ryuga gets into the back seat of the other car while Mahoro (who is driving) and Suguru get into the front seats. After a moment, they too drive off.

A moment after both cars are gone, two figures step out from the shadows. They are the Gaunt Man and the hooded person (although looking smaller) from Yaeko's dream.

Gaunt Man: I have no idea why that Vesper agent is involved here, or who the others might be, but it doesn't matter. We'll be able to find her. She is a strong one. It won't take long to track her down.

Scene fades to the interior of the car Mahoro, Suguru and Ryuga are riding in.

Ryuga: So what do you suspect, Mahoro-san?

Mahoro: I'm not sure, but I have this feeling that I've had contact with them before. I have this strong feeling that they are Kaemisa cyborgs.

Suguru: What would Kaemisa cyborgs want with someone like Ya-chan and her mother?

Mahoro: I don't know, but I'm hoping that Minawa-chan might be able to tell us.

Ryuga: You think she might have had some contact with them if they are from Kaemisa?

Mahoro: I hope that's the case.

Scene fade to Chitose and Saori in Saori's bedroom. Chitose is already in bed and Saori is covering up, but it is evident that Saori is not wearing any nightclothes.

Saori: I'm sorry. I should have warned you, but I can't sleep if I'm wearing anything… unless I am extremely drunk. If it makes you uncomfortable, I can sleep out on the couch.

Chitose: No… that's fine. It just took me a little by surprise.

Saori: You're sure?

Chitose: Yes… I want to thank you again for helping. I've never seen Ya-chan that agitated.

Saori: That's fine. We are all glad to help.

Chitose: (Short silence) You and Ryuga-san seem quite close.

Saori: (Quiet snicker) I suppose you could say that. We are kind of dating.

Chitose: But he's from… ahhh…

Saori: Saint. Yes he is from Saint. He's a… oh… has anyone explained this all to you yet?

Chitose: You mean about Mahoro-san and Ryuga-san and Sera-san being androids? Yes, Shiori-chan and Ya-chan sort of explained it to me… as well as they could.

Saori: Ryuga is a combat android from Saint. It's funny. In combat he is very sure of himself and of what he is doing… but around women… and especially me… she is very quiet and shy and unsure of himself. It's really kind of cute, but I think he's the best thing that could have happened to me… It must be very difficult for you having lost your husband? I mean having to work and take care of Ya-chan.

Chitose: My husband was a commercial artist, and although we were not starving, I still had to work. It was always his hope that someday he could sell his art and I would not have to work… But that never happened.

Saori: Do the doctors know what he died from?

Chitose: They were never quite sure. There was no evidence of a sickness or condition that would cause it. The doctors just said that there was a terrible stain on his heart from some unknown source. That is why I'm so worried about Ya-chan. I don't think I could stand for the same thing happening to her.

Fade to Shiori and Yaeko in the guest room.

Shiori: It doesn't bother you for us to share the same futon?

Yaeko: No. In fact I think I need to be close to someone if I'm going to get any sleep.

Shiori: You can cuddle up as much as you need to.

Yaeko: Shiori-chan, you usually don't wear night clothes do you?

Shiori: No, usually I'm like both of my sisters and go without, but I though that you might feel more comfortable if I wore some.

Yaeko: No, that's OK. If you would sleep better without them, it's all right with me.

Shiori: No, that's fine. I'm so tired now that I don't think it would matter one way of the other.

Shiori climbs into bed and turns on her side. Yaeko gets into bed and cuddles up behind her, putting her arm around Shiori.

Yaeko: Good night, Shiori-chan.

Shiori: Good night, Ya-chan. Sleep well.

Yaeko cuddles up more closely. Shiori smiles and closes her eyes.

Cut to mid-show break

Scene opens with Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Kaito and Riku sitting at the dining room table eating breakfast.

Suguru: I didn't realize you were here last night.

Hamaji: My mom and Akiko-chan are spending the weekend at my aunt's house, so Minawa and I decided to spend the night here.

Mahoro: So you recognize the people in the sketch, Minawa-chan?

Minawa: (Shuddering slightly) There is no way you could call them people. They are two of the most horrible cyborgs that Kaemisa ever created. Although the picture here exaggerates its size, I'm sure that the hooded one is number 117. They call it the Leech. For lack of a better way to say it, it has the ability to feed on a person's thoughts and emotions, but the process drains the subject, leaving them weak. The other is number 183. He is called the Knife or the Blade. He was the master assassin for Kaemisa. His claws are razor sharp, but his most terrible weapon is his ability to intrude on peoples' dreams. He enjoys torturing his victims that way before he actually kills them. The two of them have been working together for as long as any can remember.

Suguru: But why would Kaemisa pick Ya-chan as a victim?

Mahoro: That is the way Kaemisa has always worked. Never striking directly, but striking at those their true victim finds most dear.

Minawa: There may be another explanation, Onee-chan. Cyborg 117 needs a source of strong emotions to counteract the pain caused by its cybernetic implants. It's like a drug. It cannot survive for very long without it. Random chance may be the only reason Ya-chan was selected as a victim.

Mahoro: That just seems too unlikely.

Suguru: In either case, we need to find some way to protect Ya-chan.

Mahoro: I will contact Vesper headquarters to see what support they can offer.

Hamaji: But what can we do right now to protect her?

Minawa: We have already taken her out of immediate danger. 117 and 183 must be relatively close to their victim to affect them.

Suguru: So you think that those cyborgs were near Ya-chan's apartment?

Minawa: At least within 100 meters.

Suguru: So they most likely saw us leave last night.

Minawa: I would think so.

Hamaji: So they may already know where Ya-chan and her mother are.

Minawa: That might not be the case. The appearance of those two cyborgs is rather conspicuous. That limits their ability to move around easily. I would be more concerned that they may have recognized Onee-chan. She is a known Vesper agent. I'm not sure of their current ability to track her.

Mahoro: I will talk to Commander Hayato and see if my sisters can help provide protection for Ya-chan and Chitose-san. And Saori-san should bring Ya-chan, Chitose-san and her sister to school with her today.

Hamaji: Speaking of school, we better get going or Nayoko-chan is going to have an absolute fit.

Suguru: She can get pretty scary when things aren't going the way she feels they should.

Mahoro: I think that we have enough snacks and pastry to last for a while, so I will go and get Kanoko-chan and Chiako-chan from the university. Apologize to Rin-chan for me and tell her that I'll be there as soon as I can.

Suguru: I'm sure that she will understand… Riku-kun… Kaito-kun, are you ready for school?

There is silence. When Suguru turns to look at the twins, they are looking at Yaeko's drawing of the two cyborgs.

Suguru: Riku-kun… Kaito-kun, is there something wrong?

Kaito: (Breaking the silence) In the stories that the elders tell aboard our ship, when they talk about the doom that will befall our planet, these are two of the images they often describe.

Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa and Hamaji stand looking at the twins. Fade to Saori, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Rin and Kiyomi, talking with Nayoko.

Saori: Calm down, Nayoko-chan. If Mahoro-san says that she will be here, she will be here.

Nayoko: I don't understand what was so important that she couldn't be here this morning.

Suguru: It's very difficult to explain. You will just have to trust me. Mahoro will be here.

Rin: Besides, we have more than enough food prepared to last us for almost the entire day. Minawa-chan, Miyuki-chan and I can handle everything until Mahoro-san arrives.

Nayoko: I would just like some explanation about what is going on.

Minawa: You really don't want to know… really.

Rin: We have everything having to do with refreshments under control, so go find something else to worry about.

Nayoko: (Not looking all that convinced that things are really under control) OK (sigh)… Sensei, when did the Ambassador say that the Embassy staff would be here?

Saori: Ambassador Hoshi said that the staff will be here at 9:30 this morning and since the festival does not open until ten, they will be here with plenty of time to spare.

Voice of Mahoro: I'm sorry I'm late.

All turn toward the door where Mahoro (wearing her maid's uniform) is standing with Kanoko and Chiako (wearing their Vesper uniforms).

Rin: See, she's here in plenty of time.

Mahoro: I would have been here sooner, but traffic was terrible. And I had to drop the car off at the Embassy. (Noting the somewhat icy stare from Nayoko) Nayoko-chan, I'd like to introduce you to two more of my sisters (indicating as she names them). This is Kanoko-chan and this is Chiako-chan.

Nayoko: I'm pleased to meet you.. (To Mahoro) So everything will be ready for when the festival opens this morning?

Rin: As I said before, everything is under control. Mahoro-san, Minawa-chan and I will get started in a few minutes and everything will be fine.

Mahoro: (To Saori, ignoring Nayoko) Where is Ya-chan?

Saori: She is with her mother and my sister in the faculty workroom. Ryuga-sensei is with them right now. Why don't I take your sisters there and you can go with Rin-chan and Minawa-chan to be ready for the opening of the festival?

Mahoro: A would really appreciate that, Sensei.

Kanoko: Don't worry Mahoro-chan. You can go take care of what you need to do and Chiako-chan and I will stay with your friends.

Mahoro: Thank you, Kanoko-chan. I will come and talk to you and Chiako-chan when I get a break. Rin-chan… Minawa-chan… Let's go. (Mahoro moves to exit followed by Rin and Minawa) I have something I would like to try. Chizu-chan will love it and I haven't heard a good scream from her in so long.

Mahoro, Rin and Minawa exit the room.

Saori: I'll take you to the workroom and introduce you. Ryuga-sensei will have to get to his classroom soon.

Kanoko: Thank you Sensei.

Suguru: I'll go with you. I'd like to talk to Nishimura-san and Ya-chan for a moment.

Saori, Suguru, Kanoko and Chiako exit the room, leaving Nayoko looking on with Hamaji and Kiyomi.

Nayoko: Could someone please explain to me what is going on?

Hamaji: Like Minawa said, you really don't want to know.

Fade to the faculty workroom. Yaeko and Shiori are sitting next to each other; Ryuga is sitting facing the girls talking with them, while Chitose paces.

Chitose: I don't understand what all of the commotion is about. I know that Ya-chan's nightmare was terrifying for her, but it was only a dream.

Ryuga: I don't understand either. I only know what Saori told me this morning, but apparently Mahoro-san thinks that Ya-chan will be safer here with us.

Chitose: But safe from what?

Voice of Suguru: I'll try to explain.

All turn toward the entrance where Suguru is standing with Saori, Kanoko and Chiako.

Chitose: Suguru-kun, do you know what is going on?

Suguru: I do, but first may I introduce Kanoko-san and Chiako-san. They are two of Mahoro's sisters. Kanoko-san… Chiako-san… This is Yaeko Nishimura, her mother Chitose Nishimura, Saori-sensei's sister Shiori and I believe you have met Ryuga-sensei.

Chiako: Only briefly during Commander Leesha's speech at the United Nations.

Chitose: I'm pleased to meet you.

Yaeko and Shiori: (Standing) Pleased to meet you.

Chitose: Suguru-kun, can you explain why everyone is taking Ya-chan's nightmare so seriously?

Suguru: I'm not sure of all of the reasons, but I will explain what I can.

Kanoko: Suguru-san, do you think that is wise? This may be no more than a nightmare as Nishimura-san said.

Suguru: I've learned to trust Mahoro's intuition and considering the other information we have, I think there is sufficient reason to be concerned… Not knowing is sometimes a far worse nightmare than knowing some frightening facts. As it turns out, Minawa-chan did recognize the two figures that you drew from your dream. They are two Kaemisa cyborgs.

Yaeko: Kaemisa? … Isn't that one of the groups involved in the war with Earth and Saint?

Suguru: Exactly. They were the group that Vesper and Saint were fighting against.

Chitose: I thought that they were destroyed? And why are they after my little girl?

Suguru: Most of the highest-level leaders were killed or captured, but not everyone in the organization was accounted for. Some of the middle level commanders were able to escape and several of their cyborgs remain unaccounted for. Commander Hayato confirmed that the two cyborgs in Ya-chan's nightmare are two of the cyborgs on the unaccounted for list. As to why they are interested in Ya-chan, we don't know. (Squatting down in front of Yaeko) And actually, I was hoping that Ya-chan might remember something from last night that might help us figure that out.

Yaeko: The only thing I can remember right now is that they were hurting my mother… and … (Getting hyper) how his claws were cutting her… and… I… ahhh… (almost in tears) oh, I can't remember. I don't want to remember.

Ryuga: It's all right. Just relax.

Suguru: (Holding Yaeko's hand) Don't worry about it, but if you do remember anything else, please tell one of us.

Chitose: I don't understand why they would have any interest at all in Ya-chan?

Suguru: (Releasing Yaeko's hand and standing up to face Chitose) Unfortunately, it may have everything to do with Ya-chan's association with me. It was my Grandfather who was responsible for the damage that was done to Kaemisa. They may be striking at me through my friends. I'm sorry to involve you and Ya-chan and everyone else in this. I will do everything in my power to protect Ya-chan… and everyone else.

Chitose: Thank you. I know you will. I don't think I could take losing both Ya-chan and her father.

Suguru: I will do my best.

Chitose: (To Kanoko and Chiako) I would assume that you are androids like your sister Mahoro-san.

Kanoko: Yes we are. Is… there a problem with that?

Chitose: No… Not at all. Actually… after getting to know Mahoro-san and Ryuga-sensei… that gives me a great deal of confidence… and comfort. Thank you.

Saori: Ryuga, we need to get to our classrooms. I'm sure Nayoko-chan is already looking for me to resolve some perceived crisis.

Ryuga: You're right. My class is putting on a science fair. I need to get there and make sure they don't do anything to damage themselves or the school. Why is it that the first thing students want to demonstrate is how to make an explosive device?

Saori: I don't know. Maybe it's just the nature of Earth children.

Suguru: Saori-sensei, do you know if Doctor Mihoshi will be here today?

Saori: It was my understanding that she was.

Suguru: It might be good if she had a look at Ya-chan.

Chitose: Actually, I had already made an appointment for Ya-chan to see her on Monday afternoon, after school… Although I'm not sure Doctor Mihoshi will find anything different from the other doctors we have seen.

Suguru: It couldn't hurt. I'll stop by during the day. (Turning to Saori and Ryuga who are starting to walk toward the exit) Saori-sensei, I need to talk to Mahoro for a moment. Let Nayoko-chan know that I will be back to do my assigned tasks in a few minutes.

Saori: As I said, I'm sure she is already looking for me.

Scene shifts to the hallway outside the faculty workroom. Standing next to the door is Nayoko.

Nayoko: (To herself) Androids?… Cyborgs?… I don't understand.

Saori, Ryuga and Suguru exit the workroom, visibly startling Nayoko

Saori: (Startled by the presence of Nayoko) Nayoko-chan!

Nayoko: I'm sorry Sensei!

Saori: What can I do for you?

Nayoko: I had a question for you, but I think I figured out the answer. (Starting to walk away quickly) I'll go take care of it. I'm sorry to have bothered you. (Almost running)

Saori, Ryuga and Suguru look at each other questioningly.

Scene fades to Suguru walking with Doctor Mihoshi in the school hallway. The Doctor is carrying a brief case.

Suguru: I'm glad I caught you before you left the Embassy.

Mihoshi: It's not really a problem, but from what Nishimura-san described, it doesn't sound like any more than exhaustion. And if Yaeko-chan has been having nightmares like you described, I can understand why she might not be sleeping well at night.

Suguru: But Ya-chan said that last night was the first time she had a nightmare… and I'm concerned because of the specific nature of the nightmare.

Arriving at the faculty workroom.

Mihoshi: It sound like you have other concerns as well.

Suguru: I do, but I think it would be better if you examined Ya-chan first before I explain them.

Suguru and Doctor Mihoshi enter the workroom. Yaeko, Shiori, Chitose, Kanoko and Chiako are sitting and talking. There are several other faculty members in the workroom at various desks. They turn and face the entrance as Suguru and Doctor Mihoshi enter.

Chitose: Good morning, Doctor Mihoshi.

Mihoshi: Good morning, Nishimura-san.

Chitose: Please call me Chitose. I'd like to introduce you to my daughter Yaeko-chan.

Yaeko: Please call me Ya-chan. And this is my friend Shiori-chan. She is Saori-sensei's little sister.

Mihoshi: Pleased to meet you.

Suguru: And this is Kanoko-san and Chiako-san. They are Mahoro's sisters.

Mihoshi: Also pleased to meet you. Suguru-san, is there some medical facility in the school that I could use… at least something a bit more private?

Suguru: I'm sure the school nurse would not mind if you used her office. I'll take you there.

Scene shifts to Cyborg 183 in an alleyway, opening a cell-phone looking device. Scene goes to split screen (Cyborg 183 on the left and a person back shot answering a phone on the right Unidentified Male voice)

Cyborg 183: It's me

Unidentified Voice: Yes.

Cyborg 183: I tracked our subject, but she seems to be under the protective care of several Vesper agents and several other persons.

Unidentified Voice: Can you identify the Vesper agents?

Cyborg 183: V1046 R Mahoro, V1046 R Kanoko and V1046 R Chiako.

Unidentified Voice: You would pick someone as a subject who has some rather formidable friends. Do not engage the Vesper agents.

Cyborg 183: I was hoping for some assistance. My friend's situation is somewhat critical.

Unidentified Voice: But engaging any one of these agents will make the situation far more critical. Who is this subject anyway?

Cyborg 183: It's the daughter of one of our previous subjects. Her emotions are far stronger. A much better subject for our purpose.

Unidentified Voice: By whose authority are you tracking this subject?

Cyborg 183: By the highest authority… with the highest priority.

Unidentified Voice: Well, bide your time. An opportunity will present itself, but do not engage the Vesper agents.

Cyborg 183: That is easy for you to say. It soon will not be an option… or shall I bring by friend there to meet my friend's needs.

Cyborg 183 closes his communication device, cutting the connection. Scene goes to a single image of the unidentified person hanging up the phone.

Unidentified Voice: (Shaking his head) They never understood the problems they were creating. Maybe I should have let them engage those agents… two fewer things to have to worry about.

Scene shifts to the School Nurses office (show sign). Inside Shiori (sitting), Chitose standing) and Suguru (half sitting on the edge of a desk) are waiting in an outside office. Enter Mahoro.

Mahoro: How is everything?

Suguru: Doctor Mihoshi is checking Ya-chan out.

Chitose: I've never seen any kind of medical equipment like that before. But Doctor Mihoshi thinks it's just a case of exhaustion.

Suguru: It would be wonderful if that were the case… Mahoro, how did you escape from cooking duties? I figured after your late arrival Nayoko-chan would have you chained at the stove.

Mahoro: Actually, Nayoko-chan is who everyone is looking for. No one has seen her all morning.

Suguru: The last time I saw here was this morning just before I came to see you. She looked rather flustered. Saori-sensei, Ryuga-sensei and I thought that the pressure had finally gotten to her. She said something about asking Saori-sensei a question, but she said that had figured out the answer and took off. Is something wrong?

Mahoro: Not really. The principal wanted to talk to her, but he said that it could wait.

Doctor Mihoshi enters the outer office from an inner office with Yaeko, Kanoko and Chiako following behind.

Suguru: So Doctor, what is the diagnosis?

Mihoshi: I'm going to have to run some more tests. Is there some way that I can get in touch with Professor Hokato?

Chitose: What's wrong? Is it serious?

Mihoshi: Actually, under other circumstances I would say that her condition is perfectly normal and treatment would be simple and straightforward… if she were Saint.

Cut to closing theme

Preview:

Preview opens showing the sketch of the two cyborgs. Scene shifts to Mahoro, Suguru, Chitose, Yaeko, Shiori, Doctor Mihoshi, Kanoko and Chiako talking in the nurses office. Scene shifts to Principal Matsuhira, Ryuga, Doctor Mihoshi, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji and Doctor Mihoshi walking together.

Voice Over

Voice of Rin: Those are two ugly looking dudes.

Voice of Miyuki: You can say that again.

Voice of Rin: Those are two ugly looking dudes.

Voice of Miyuki: That's not what I meant and you know it.

Voice of Rin: I just couldn't pass up the opportunity for the cheap joke. At least it looks like Ya-chan is doing better. Any idea what was wrong?

Voice of Miyuki: I'm don't know, but I'm sure we'll find out. By the way, has anyone seen Nayoko. The principal was looking for her a while ago.

Voice of Rin: It looks like they are still looking for her. Hmmm…. I'm not sure the excitement is over yet.

Episode 9: Regrets