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 28: Destinations
Show opens with the regular theme
Show opens with Eimi, Ryuga, Saori, Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Rin, Kiyomi, Miyuki, Riku, Chizu, Kaito, Shiori, Yaeko, Nayoko, Umeko, Tori, Yasou, Kenta, Karen, Sera and Chitose gathered in a group around Hideki Tagami in the foyer of the administration building.
Hideki Tagami: Let me introduce myself. As Headmaster Yano said, my name is Hideki Tagami. I am a third year student and I will be graduating at the end of this term. I will be entering the University where I hope to major in Political Science and Diplomacy.
Eimi: My name is Eimi Shina. I am with Vesper.
Hideki Tagami: We have met before. You were on my interview board when I applied to attend school here.
Eimi: I thought you looked familiar.
Hideki Tagami: I also saw you here a number of times with Headmaster Gonoe.
Eimi: That would probably be the case. I was his personal assistant.
Hideki Tagami: Headmaster Yano is a good man, but everyone misses Headmaster Gonoe.
Eimi: (After a moment of silence) Why don't we continue with introductions? First we have Ryuga Tou, Saori Shikijo and Mahoro Andou. They will be teaching here beginning with the new school year.
Hideki Tagami: It's really unfair. They wait until I graduate to hire such beautiful teachers.
Tori: He'll do well majoring in Diplomacy.
Eimi: The students who are entering school here with the new school year are Suguru Misato… Minawa Andou… Toshiya Hamaguchi… Rin Todoroki… Kiyomi Kawahara… Miyuki Sakura… Riku Shinkibō… Chizuko Oe… Kaito Shinkibō… Shiori Shikijo… Yaeko Nishimura… Nayoko Owa… Umeko Kitamura… Tori Gotsubo… Yasou Keijiko… and Kenta Ogitsu. We also have parents of two of the new students… Karen Todoroki and Chitose Nishimura… and Sera Tou who is the sister of Ryuga-sensei.
Hideki Tagami: I am very glad to meet all of you. I recognize a number of the names from the news this summer. Everyone at the school has been following the developments since your trip to the Saint Command Ship. When Headmaster Yano selected me to be your tour guide, I was ecstatic.
Eimi: Originally Headmaster Yano was going to conduct the tour.
Hideki Tagami: You'll have to excuse the Headmaster. Everyone is excited. There is a rumor that the newly appointed Governor General will be inspecting the school today. Everyone has been wondering who would be appointed to take that position since it was vacated by Headmaster Gonoe.
Eimi: Well, I'll put your mind at ease. There will be no newly appointed Governor General here today for an inspection tour… only a group of new students.
Hideki Tagami: All right. Before we begin, does anyone have any questions?
Chizu: The headmaster said that classes were in session for a full day today. Are full day sessions on Saturday normal?
Hideki Tagami: Good question. I asked the same thing when I took my tour of the school. Actually, Saturday sessions are rare. We have them for the three Saturdays before midyear and final exams. Attendance is not mandatory unless your grades are below a particular level, but most students attend for the extra review. Any other questions?
Minawa: What are the school's policies on students dating?
Hideki Tagami: I suspect that you have someone in mind when you ask that question… The school does not encourage public displays of affection although no one will get into trouble for holding hands or an occasional hug or kiss or two. If you want to do something more than that on campus, I might suggest the study carrels in the library… or perhaps some of the less used club rooms.
Miyuki: Who else but Minawa-chan would come up with a question like that… (taking hold of Riku's hand) Could you include those study carrels on the tour?
Hideki Tagami: I think we can manage that. Are there any other questions?
Rin: My mother would like to know if you currently have a girlfriend?
Karen: Rin!
Hideki Tagami: Actually, at the moment, I'm not dating anyone. There hasn't been time for that with finals coming up, but after graduation I wouldn't mind going out for dinner and a movie with you mother.
Karen: I'll leave my phone number with you before the end of the day.
Rin: Mother!
Scene fades to Natsune and Yukio sitting at a table in what looks like a restaurant. It is relatively empty. Yukio is sitting with his head bowed.
Yukio: I'm really sorry about that Natsune-chan. I never intended for that to happen.
Natsune: Will you stop apologizing!
Yukio: You must think I'm the biggest pervert on the planet.
Natsune: No you're not. I understand things like that happen. And considering the conditions and the circumstances I might be more worried if something like that didn't happen.
Yukio: Still, I don't want to do anything that might scare you or make you think I have bad intentions toward you. You're already going so far out of your way to help me.
Natsune: Let's get this straight. First, what happened didn't scare me and I don't think you're a pervert. Secondly, I consider you my friend and this is what friends do for their friends… Understand?
Yukio: I guess so…
Natsune: Come on; let's check out the menu. I didn't expect this place to be so fancy. Did you see the look on the guy's face when I showed him that card? I was sure that he wasn't going to let us in, but once he saw that, he couldn't find a seat for us fast enough.
Yukio: (Looking around the restaurant) I feel a little intimidated by places like this. There isn't anything like this on the Command Ship. Meals were usually served at home… or you could eat at the common dining room. Although I rarely went places where there were large crowds.
Natsune: You're going to be all right?
Yukio: I'll be fine. (Sigh) I wish I could explain it better… Even when I'm doing my best to block it out, there is still a background noise when there are a large number of people around me.
Natsune: Like if I'm in a very large crowd of people and I plug my ears, it doesn't completely block out the sound of them talking.
Yukio: I suppose you could think of it that way. But when you're with me, it's as if there is something else keeping the noise away. I don't have to work as hard to block the noise… and… and when you hold my hand, I don't have to block at all. I don't understand it… And I don't think Doctor Mihoshi understands it either.
Natsune: Do you think all of these tests will discover anything?
Yukio: I don't know. They've been running tests on me for as long as I can remember, but they can't find a reason for why I can't block out the noise.
Natsune: But you can't hear what I'm thinking at all?
Yukio: Not at all, no matter how hard I try. It's like there's a barrier around you… and when you're close to me, it extends around me.
Natsune: We can talk about it later, but I think we should order something to eat. I can tell what the waiter is thinking even without hearing it.
Natsune and Yukio pick up their menus.
Natsune: (After looking at her menu for a moment) Yukio-kun, I was wondering… What do your parents think about Harune and Akio-kun and all their talk about getting married?
Yukio: I don't think they are taking it all that seriously. My brother would have had a few more years before my parents began seriously looking for a wife for him.
Natsune: What do you mean?
Yukio: In the time before Leesha-san became Commander parents would seriously begin looking for a mate for their children when they turned thirteen years. My father was sixteen when he married my mother. My mother was fifteen.
Natsune: Before Leesha-san became Commander?
Yukio: Commander Leesha has been encouraging parents to let their children make their own decision about who to marry and when. The minimum age for marriage is still fourteen, but since Leesha-san became Commander more people are waiting until they are eighteen or twenty before they marry. I understand that is more the tradition here on Earth.
Natsune: That's true.
Yukio: Although it seems that your sister and all of her friends are not following that tradition.
Natsune: That is a little strange… Although, wouldn't Riku-kun and Kaito-kun be getting married at this age if they were on their own ship.
Yukio: This is true.
Natsune: Well, I'm not going to try to understand it now. I'm hungry. (Looking at the menu again) Everything they serve here is so fancy. I wonder if I could just get a hamburger?
Scene fades to the tour group exiting a classroom.
Suguru: I didn't mean for us to disrupt the class. I was just hoping to sit in and listen for a while, not turn it into a question and answer session.
Hideki Tagami: You really didn't disrupt the class. That was the current events class that I was supposed to be in if I weren't giving you your tour. When I was called down to the Headmaster's office, everyone was sure it was to tell me that I wasn't going to graduate for some reason. And since you and your friends are still considered "current events", it fit right in.
Umeko: Your class seemed to know quite a bit about Suguru-kun and the rest of the people who went to the Command Ship.
Hideki Tagami: Everyone in the school was quite interested in all of the events of last summer, but it became a full time project for our class for the fall term. Several members of our class even attended the Cultural Festival at your school. They were extremely impressed on how well your class's project was organized. (Nayoko beams) Although, the one thing they couldn't stop raving about were the pastries that your class served. It was difficult to get them to talk about anything else.
Both Mahoro and Rin break out into beaming smiles.
Tori: I couldn't help notice that your teacher seemed a bit nervous and distracted.
Hideki Tagami: It's the rumor of the appointment of a new Governor General and the supposed inspection today.
Rin: What is the Governor General?
Hideki Tagami: There is a Board of Governors who oversees the operation of the school. It is made up of fifteen business executives and scholars from all over the world. The chairman of that board is called the Governor General. Yuichiro Gonoe was both the Headmaster and Governor General of the school from the time it was established. When he passed away Yano-sensei was appointed to the position of headmaster, but the position of Governor General has remained vacant. Many people at the school are concerned because Gonoe-sama was so influential in the overall philosophy of the school. There is concern that with a new Governor General the basic philosophy of the school will change.
Eimi: That is why there has been no selection of a new Governor General to date. Careful consideration is being given to make sure that does not happen. It may even take a number of years before the right candidate for the job can be found. In the meantime I am the representative of Gonoe Industries on the Board of Governors… much to the displeasure of several people, I'm sure… Hideki-san, what is next on our tour?
Hideki Tagami: (Looking at his watch) It's almost time for lunch. Why don't we go down to the cafeteria before the crowd arrives and then after lunch we can tour the other classroom building since that is where the cooking classrooms are. I'll also show you the sports' complex and the dormitories.
Minawa: And the Library?
Hideki Tagami: And the Library.
There is general laughter from the group as they begin to walk down the hallway.
Scene fades to Doctor Mihoshi, Professor Hokato, Natsune and Yukio sitting in a lounge area. Both Hokato and Mihoshi have clipboards with papers on then. Natsune and Yukio are sitting next to each other (but not too close) on a couch.
Mihoshi: Obviously we don't have all of the results from this morning's tests. The complete genetic profile test will take three or four days to complete, but the preliminary results from the brain function tests are extremely interesting.
Yukio: Is there a simple way to explain this?
Mihoshi: (Smiling) Not really, but I'll try. (Taking a moment to think) Brain activity is nothing more than electrical signals. Normally, people from Earth can only detect the signals that are generated within their own brain and nervous system… although that may not be entirely true based on some of the research I've done . Most Saint people are at least somewhat sensitive to these signals and in the case of Yukio-kun and some others, very sensitive.
Yukio: But what does this have to do with Natsune-chan?
Mihoshi: It seems that although Natsune-chan is not herself sensitive to these signal, she seems to broadcast a very strong neural signal. I have detected this in other people from Earth, but in the case of Natsune-chan, the signal she broadcasts seems to stimulate your ability to block out the neural noise. That is more than likely the reason you cannot hear what Natsune-chan is thinking like you can with most other people and it is also probably the reason that her presence has stopped your attacks.
Natsune: (Looking puzzled) But what does this mean to Yukio-kun?
Mihoshi: In the short term, not very much. You need to be in relatively close proximity in order to have an effect on Yukio-kun.
Natsune: What do you mean by close proximity?
Mihoshi: Within three to five meters. I'm not sure of the exact distance. We would have to do a few more tests to determine that. On the other hand, it may be possible to determine what you affect in Yukio-kun's brain that enables his blocking ability. It may be possible to create a device that creates the same type of signal that you produce.
Yukio: Yes. It may be possible, but that is going to require an endless stream of tests… Natsune-chan, that's why I didn't want to get you involved with this. I have been the subject of more tests than I can remember, especially since my first attack. I don't want to subject you to the same thing.
Natsune: But if there is a chance that there might be something that will help you to live a more normal life, it will be worth it.
Yukio: You don't understand how much time it's going to require on your part.
Natsune: No, Yukio, you don't understand. Anything that I can do to help is worth whatever it takes. Do you understand? I want to do this… I want to help.
Scene fades to the school cafeteria. A pan of cafeteria shows members of the tour group seated at various tables in and among other students from the school. Hideki Tagami is seated at a table with Rin, Kiyomi, Karen, Chitose, Yaeko and Shiori. A further pan shows Mahoro and Suguru seated at a table with Saori, Ryuga and Eimi.
Suguru: I never could have imagined a school like this.
Eimi: Your grandfather believed that education was the key to the future of the Earth. He believed that a well-educated mind could better accept the concepts of peace and co-existence. He also used this school as a recruiting tool to find the best minds in the world and bring them into Vesper. Commander Hayato was a graduate of this school as well as many of the other commanders of Vesper.
Saori: How many students are there?
Eimi: At the moment there are slightly over one thousand five hundred, but there have been as many as two thousand.
Suguru: Wow!
Eimi: Most of the student body lives on campus, but of course that won't be necessary… or practical with you, since there are no mixed dormitories.
Suguru: And it really isn't that far from home.
Saori: Although it might be a good idea for Shiori to stay on campus.
Eimi: How is your mother feeling?
Saori: She is still in the hospital and we aren't sure when she might be coming home.
Mahoro: I hadn't realized your mother was ill.
Saori: Since Monday. She became very disoriented and she didn't recognize Shiori. (Quietly) She attacked Shiori but my father and Kaori were able to stop her before Shiori was hurt. Shiori has been staying with Ya-chan and her mother since then.
Suguru: I'm so sorry. Is there anything that I can do to help?
Saori: Doctor Mihoshi has been seeing my mother and she would like to do some additional tests, but at the moment it doesn't seem like there is much more that can be done. My mother doesn't remember Shiori at all and even the mention of her name agitates my mother to the point that they have to sedate her.
Mahoro: Does Shiori know about this?
Saori: There seems little point in hiding it from her. All of us knew that this day would come. We just hoped that it would not come quite so soon.
Eimi: So what is going to happen to Shiori-chan?
Saori: Chitose-san has said that at least for now Shiori can stay with them, but once she starts at school here, it may be easier for her to live on campus.
Eimi: Of course we can arrange that, if necessary. Maybe Ya-chan would like to stay on campus with her?
Saori: It might be worth talking to Chitose-san about that.
Suguru: Eimi-san, what is all of this talk about Governor General?
Eimi: It was one of the positions your Grandfather held. Ideally it was Gonoe Industries' representative on the Board of Governors, which of course was your Grandfather because he was the CEO of Gonoe Industries. At some point Gonoe Industries will appoint a formal replacement to the position, but that hasn't happened yet and it isn't likely for at least the next few years.
Mahoro: So why would people here think that had happened?
Eimi: If I had to bet, I think it was Commander Hayato who started that little rumor.
Mahoro: Why would he do something like that?
Eimi: Maybe a little payback. You see, Commander Hayato was a student here about the same time Headmaster Yano started as a teacher. To listen to the Commander, Headmaster Yano made the Commander's life a living nightmare… although I would really be interested in hearing Headmaster Yano's side of the story. I'm going to assume that the Commander started that rumor to make the Headmaster's life a bit more interesting… at least for today.
Suguru: But obviously there is no Governor General to make an inspection. I can't believe that the Commander would start a rumor like that, that was so obviously false.
Eimi: Well… It isn't so obviously false when you think about it. Since when you turn twenty, Suguru-kun, that is one of the positions you might hold as the Chief Executive of Gonoe Industries. So in fact, the future Governor General is making an inspection tour of the school.
Suguru looks a Eimi with a look of stunned shock on his face for a moment.
Suguru: Headmaster Yano must know that Yuichiro Gonoe was my grandfather.
Eimi: If he has looked at your records at all. I'm sure that he understands that you are the eventual successor to take over Gonoe Industries.
Suguru: (Shaking his head) That's all I need.
Cut to mid-show break.
Scene opens showing Doctor Mihoshi, Professor Hokato, Natsune and Yukio entering a room. The scene shifts to show two chairs side by side surrounded by some electronic equipment. The scene shifts back to show Mihoshi, Hokato, Natsune and Yukio. Yukio's head is bowed.
Natsune: What kind of a test is this?
Yukio: (Quietly) It's a noise test.
Natsune: A what?
Mihoshi: A neural signal sensitivity test, but Yukio-kun's description is quite accurate. It measures a person's sensitivity and tolerance to the noise generated by the thoughts of people. We use a device that generates signals similar to what a Saint brain and nervous system would generate. It seems that the people of Earth generate very similar signals.
Yukio: The only difference is that this device generates the same amount of noise that a thousand people would generate.
Natsune: So what is the point of this test?
Mihoshi: A normal Saint with Yukio-kun's ability can block noise up to about a power of seventy, give or take a little. Yukio-kun though can only block the noise up to a power of four, under normal circumstances. We're going to test how effectively he can block the noise when you are present, Natsune-chan. We'll also check what close proximity really means.
Natsune: What are we supposed to do?
Mihoshi: I'd like you and Yukio-kun to sit next to each other in the chairs. We'll hook you up to the brain function monitor and take some readings at various power levels.
The group advances to toward the chairs. Natsune observes a small table on which is a syringe full of a clear liquid.
Natsune: (Indicating the syringe) I though you said that there wouldn't be any more needles.
Yukio: That's not for you Natsune-chan. It's for me.
Natsune: What?
Mihoshi: It's a cardiac stimulant. On two previous occasions the stress of the test stopped Yukio-kun's heart.
Natsune: It did what?
Mihoshi: That was before we understood the full extent of Yukio-kun's condition.
Natsune: (Agitated) You mean to tell me that your going to do something to Yukio-kun that could kill him.
Mihoshi: We'll keep the levels carefully under control. There's no real danger to Yukio-kun.
Natsune: (Very agitated) No real danger, then why do you need to have that… that…
Mihoshi: Cardiac stimulant…
Natsune: … Cardiac stimulant.
Yukio: (Taking Natsune's hand in his) Natsune-chan… Natsune-chan… Don't worry… Don't worry. I'll be fine. Doctor Mihoshi is right. There is little risk. That's only there as a precaution. Lets get this over with.
Natsune closes her eyes and takes a deep breath.
Natsune: Sorry… What do you need me to do?
Mihoshi: Have a seat in the chair on the right. Yukio-kun will you please have a seat in the other chair.
Both sit as directed with Yukio sitting in the chair next to the table with the syringe.
Mihoshi: Professor Hokato, would you be so kind as to attach the monitoring leads to Natsune-chan. I will take care of the leads for Yukio-kun since I will need to attach a few different ones from the tests we did this morning.
Doctor Mihoshi attaches the test leads to Yukio while Professor Hokato attaches the test leads to Natsune with the whole process taking about thirty of forty seconds. Once everything is in place Doctor Mihoshi and Professor Hokato step back to a control panel.
Mihoshi: One last thing. If it isn't too much trouble, could I ask you to hold hands again?
There is no vocal response from either Natsune or Yukio. Only a blush from the pair as Natsune takes hold of Yukio's hand.
Mihoshi: All right. I'm going to start the test at the lowest power setting and allow it to increase slowly. I will monitor your brain functions from here, Yukio-kun, but if you feel any discomfort at all, let me know and I will shut off the unit.
Yukio: I understand.
Mihoshi: And although this should not affect you Natsune-chan, I would ask you to do the same.
Natsune: I will.
Doctor Mihoshi adjusts several controls on the control panel and all stand or sit while nothing apparently happens.
Yukio: I'm ready to start the test any time you are Doctor Mihoshi.
Doctor Mihoshi and Professor Hokato look at each other for a moment.
Mihoshi: We already started the test… in fact the output is currently at (looking at the control panel) sixty units… sixty-five… seventy. You don't feel any effect?
Yukio: I didn't even know that the device was turned on.
Mihoshi: The signal output is currently at one hundred units and holding. I don't dare take it any higher unless. Without some type of shielding, the noise would affect me at any higher level.
Natsune: So what exactly does that mean?
Yukio: What it means is that I am currently blocking a signal that is twenty-five time stronger than I can normally block and I not feeling any effect from it.
Natsune: But that's only because I'm right next to you?
Mihoshi: That's true, but the data that we are collecting may be able to pinpoint exactly why Yukio-kun cannot block noise normally. I'm going to turn to power down to a more reasonable level now and then we can move to the last phase of the testing we will do today.
Yukio: Which is?
Mihoshi: Which is to determine how close Natsune-chan has to be to you to activate your blocking ability.
Yukio: How exactly do we do that?
Mihoshi: Well first I'll ask Natsune-chan to let go of your hand.
Natsune looks at Yukio who silently nods to her. Natsune releases Yukio's hand.
Mihoshi: Do you feel any difference?
Yukio: I can't really say… maybe a mild pressure, but nothing more than that.
Doctor Mihoshi made some notes on a pad after making some minor adjustments to the control panel.
Mihoshi: All right. Now Natsune-chan, I'd like you to stand up. Professor, could you stay by her and make sure the test leads don't get tangled.
Hokato: Of course.
Professor Hokato walks over to Natsune and helps her stand up and takes hold of the bundle of wires that are attached to her test leads.
Yukio: What exactly is this supposed to prove?
Mihoshi: I'm going to have Natsune-chan move away from you until you begin to sense noise. Then we will know what the range of her effect on you is.
Yukio: This is stupid…
Yukio starts to stand up but Natsune motions for him to remain seated.
Natsune: Yukio-kun, I don't mind. And this isn't difficult.
Mihoshi: And once we do this, you'll be done.
Natsune: (To Yukio) See… (To Doctor Mihoshi) OK, what do I have to do?
Mihoshi: I want you to slowly move away from Yukio-kun and toward me. Yukio-kun, the moment you sense any noise at all, tell me. I will shut down the transmitter and we will take a measurement and have a rough idea of the area of effect. Is everyone ready?
Yukio: As ready as I can I'll ever be.
Professor Hokato nods his head.
Natsune: Here I go…
Natsune begins to slowly move away from Yukio and toward Doctor Mihoshi. Professor Hokato stays next to Natsune managing the test lead wires. Doctor Mihoshi carefully monitors the indicators on the control panel.
Natsune moves to a point that is just slightly over three meters from Yukio when suddenly a hard gasp can be heard. Focus moves to Yukio, who is standing with a wild-eyed expression on his face. After freezing in that pose for a moment, he crumples to the ground.
Natsune: (As she runs to Yukio's side) STOP! Turn it off! Turn it off! You're hurting him! TURN IT OFF!
Natsune kneel down next to the motionless Yukio.
Scene fades to the tour group exiting a classroom with Hideki Tagami, Mahoro and Suguru in the lead.
Suguru: So, Mahoro, what do you think of your classroom?
Mahoro: It's a nicer kitchen than Vesper headquarters. And It's huge.
Hideki Tagami: Girls are required to take two years of Domestic Sciences and can take a third year if they choose. Boys may take Domestic Sciences if they choose, but I have a feeling once they guys see who the cooking teacher is, there may be a waiting list to sign up.
Kenta: I know I'll be on that list.
Hideki Tagami: First year boys aren't allowed to take cooking. You'll have to complete the technology classes before you'll be allowed to take cooking.
All of the boys in the group (except maybe for Suguru) look crest fallen.
Eimi: (Observing the boys reaction) I'm sure some accommodations can be made.
Hideki Tagami: The Headmaster is usually quite firm about these requirements.
Eimi: Headmaster Yano understands the special nature of this class. As I said, some accommodations will be made.
There is a moment of stunned silence on the part of the tour guide.
Kenta: What kind of technology courses?
Hideki Tagami: There are a number of options… from woodworking… to computer technology and robotics… to aeronautics…
Kenta: I wonder if my flight training would count?
Hideki Tagami: Are you learning to fly an airplane?
Kenta: Actually I'm learning how to pilot one of the Saint Exploration ships. Sera-chan has been giving me lessons.
Hideki Tagami: I'm sure the Headmaster will make some allowances for that. Next on the tour are the dormitories. I understand a number of you will be living off campus, but just in case some of you are interested, we'll give you an opportunity to see what they are like. Please follow me.
The tour guide leads the group down the hallway as the scene fades to a small room furnished with a hospital bed and an array of medical monitoring equipment. Yukio is lying on the bed, connected to a number of the medical monitoring devices. Natsune is sitting in a chair next to the bed. She is staring off into space. After a moment Yukio's eyes begin to flutter and he wakes up. He turns his head and sees Natsune.
Yukio: (Somewhat weakly) Natsune-chan?
Natsune: (Startled) Yukio-kun… (Smiling) You're all right.
Yukio: I've felt better. What happened?
Natsune: Doctor Mihoshi isn't quite sure, but you suddenly stood up and looked like you were in a great deal of pain and then you fell to the floor… (Silence) Your heart stopped.
Yukio: I know. I have a headache from the cardiac stimulant.
Natsune: (Voice trailing off as she speaks) Doctor Mihoshi injected it right into your heart…
Yukio: That's the way it's done. I should have warned you. How long was I out?
Natsune: About an hour.
Yukio: Not bad. I've been out for as long as four days.
Natsune: Are you feeling all right?
Yukio: I'll be fine. It was strange. One moment it was absolutely silent and in the next moment it was as if a million people were screaming in my head.
Natsune: I was so afraid that you had died. I was really frightened.
Yukio: (Smiling) I really appreciate your concern. I'm sorry to put you through all of this.
Natsune: As long as you're all right, it doesn't matter.
There is a knock at the door and after a moment it cracks open and Doctor Mihoshi looks in and seeing that Yukio is awake enters the room.
Mihoshi: I see you are awake. How do you feel?
Yukio: Like someone took a hammer and hit me over the head with it… several times. Any idea what happened?
Mihoshi: Not yet. I'm still analyzing the data. It may take several days before we pinpoint the exact cause, but I have a guess. Natsune moved just out of her range of effect and you were overwhelmed by the signal. I had expected a gradual drop off to occur, but apparently that isn't the case. As I said, we'll know more in a few days. Are you feeling well enough to go home?
Yukio: Maybe in a little while. No more tests?
Mihoshi: No. No more tests. I think we have enough data at least for now. It's very interesting. With Natsune-chan acting as your shield, I was able to get some of the clearest readings on the brain function test. We may be able to pinpoint the exact part of your brain that is causing your problem. But I'm not going to worry about that now. I'll leave you two for now and get back to the data analysis. When you feel that you can go home, come out to the main lab area. I'll be working on setting up some additional equipment.
Natsune: For more tests on Yukio-kun?
Mihoshi: No, for another of my patients. I'll see you in a while.
Doctor Mihoshi exits the room, sliding the door closed behind her.
Yukio: (A moment after Doctor Mihoshi leaves) Don't worry. There will be more tests… just not right away. I'm sorry you got dragged into this.
Natsune: Please don't be sorry. I'm kind of glad that I did.
Natsune reaches and takes hold of Yukio's hand (which is lying by his side). Yukio turns his head to Natsune and smiles. Natsune returns the smile.
Scene fades to and pans the tour group standing in foyer of the administration building. Saori, Ryuga, Chitose, Yaeko and Shiori are standing and talking in a group, as are Rin, Kiyomi, Karen and Hideki Tagami. Chizu, Kaito, Minawa, Hamaji, Umeko, and Tori make up another group. Nayoko, Yasou, Sera and Kenta are fourth group, while Miyuki, Riku, Eimi, Mahoro and Suguru make up the last group. Scene focuses on Miyuki, Riku, Eimi, Mahoro and Suguru.
Eimi: So what do you think?
Miyuki: I don't know what to say. I never expected anything like this.
Riku: The idea that there are almost as many students going to school here as there was on my home ship is still something I find hard to comprehend.
Suguru: (To Eimi) So all of us will be in the same homeroom?
Eimi: That is the plan at the moment. Saori-sensei will be your homeroom teacher and will also teach your mathematics class.
Miyuki: So things won't be very much different from junior high school?
Eimi: Yes, at least at the moment. Well, I need to report back to Commander Hayato and report that the Governor General's tour was a success.
Suguru: I wish you wouldn't bring that up. I don't want something like that to complicate things.
Eimi: I understand.
Miyuki: I wonder where my sister is. We really didn't make any arrangements for where to meet.
Eimi: I'll call the Professor's lab and see if they are still there. If they are still there, I'll have them come here to meet you.
Mahoro: If you would like Miyuki-chan, I can take you to Professor Hokato's lab. He wanted me to come in for some tests if I had the chance.
Miyuki: If it isn't too much trouble?
Mahoro: It's no trouble at all.
Eimi: I'll call the Professor and make the arrangements.
Eimi walks away leaving Mahoro, Suguru, Miyuki and Riku alone. Suguru takes Mahoro by the hand as they stand.
Suguru: It's nothing serious?
Mahoro: No, nothing serious. Just precautionary.
Suguru smiles at Mahoro for a moment as Miyuki and Riku look on.
Miyuki: (Somewhat hesitantly) May I ask you sometime rather personal?
Mahoro and Suguru look at each other for a moment.
Suguru: I suppose…
Miyuki: Have you and Mahoro-san done it?
Suguru: (Shocked, blushing and stammering) What… what do you mean?
Miyuki: You know what I mean. Have you gone all the way? Have you had sex together?
Mahoro: (Looking just as flustered as Suguru) Why… why do you ask?
Miyuki: (Smiling) Saori-sensei was right.
Mahoro and Suguru only return a blank stare.
Miyuki: Saori-sensei said that once you had gone all the way the first time, that certain look you have would change. When I see you smile at Mahoro-san now, it is just that little bit different. (There is a moment of tense silence) I really have only one question for you Mahoro-san. How did it feel? Was it really wonderful?
Mahoro: (After a moment to regain her composure and after turning and smiling at Suguru) It was absolutely the most wonderful feeling in the world.
Scene fades showing Mahoro and Suguru smiling at each other and then kissing and fades to a person (Matthew) dressed in a robe and cloak with the hood of the cloak obscuring the face. Matthew is standing on a raised platform at the top of a series of stairs. Leesha is standing on the stairs three stairs down from the top). There is non-descript music in the background, sounding very much like a huge choir, but there does seem to be one distinct female voice, although not distinct enough to identify.
Leesha: All of the arrangements have been made as you requested. Those students who are not coming to the Command Ship will be attending school with the others on Earth.
Matthew: Thank you for your effort Leesha. When will this occur?
Leesha: Once the school graduation has occurred.
Matthew: Please do you best to keep everyone safe until that time.
Leesha: I will do my best, but it will be difficult to do without raising any more suspicions. Mahoro and Suguru have already observed that all of the members of his class at school have been accorded quite special treatment.
Matthew: I would expect nothing less from either of them.
Leesha: Suguru has again expressed a desire to speak with you. He would like to come to the Command Ship with his classmates after graduation and meet with you.
Matthew: I can understand his desire to do so, but I don't think the time is yet appropriate for us to speak.
Leesha: It will impossible to prevent him from coming to the Command Ship without some explanation.
Matthew: (Sigh) Do not prevent him from coming to the Command Ship… Is there anything else?
Leesha: Only some very preliminary reports from the Silvaplanna expedition.
Matthew: We will review that at a future time.
Leesha: (Bowing) Then I will take my leave.
Matthew: Thank you Leesha.
Leesha turns and exits the scene. After a moment there is a brief bright light from off scene.
Matthew: (After an additional moment of silence) Go ahead and say it. You know you want to.
Voice of Yuichiro: How long do you think you can put him off? He already suspects far more we expected him to.
Matthew: He already suspects far more than we could ever explain to him without destroying everything that has happened so far. But everything is out our hands now.
Voice of Yuichiro: You know that everything has been out of our hands from the very beginning.
Matthew: But there is still a delicate balance.
Voice of Yuichiro: A delicate balance that could crumble in a moment.
Matthew: That is why I am reluctant to meet with Suguru and Mahoro, but I fear you are right. We will not be able to put him off very much longer without some explanation.
There is another long moment of silence (except for the music in the background)
Voice of Yuichiro: Her voice is as beautiful as ever.
Matthew: I never tire of listening to it.
Fade to black. Music continues for a moment more.
Cut to closing theme
Preview:
Preview opens with Mahoro and Suguru are in their bedroom getting dressed. Scene cuts to a pan of a large crowd of town's people, all carrying foam swords (and other foam weapons) and with flowers on their heads. Cut to scene of Saori standing over three men on the ground. Scene cuts to Kenta taking a few practice swings with his foam sword. Scene cuts to Miyuki, Rin and Chizu walking as a group. Scene cuts to four men dressed in black who are all carrying wooden clubs. . Scene cuts to Saori, Ryuga, Mahoro, Suguru, Sera, Minawa and Hamaji standing with the police chief looking at an open body bag on a gurney. Scene cuts to Sera completely engulfed in a fiery bluish-green nimbus and a man dressed in black lying on the ground,
Voice Over
Voice of Rin: It's time for the Festival of Darkness again.
Voice of Miyuki: It looks like Suguru-kun finally convinced Mahoro-san that she has to defend her title.
Voice of Chizu: Look at all those people. Do they actually think that they can beat Mahoro-san?
Voice of Miyuki: It looks like Saori-sensei thinks that she has a chance
Voice of Rin: If anybody stands a chance, it's Saori-sensei.
Voice of Chizu: It looks like Kenta-kun is going to try.
Voice of Rin: Do you think we stand any chance of winning against Mahoro-san?
Voice of Miyuki: We stand about as much of a chance as Hamaji-kun has to win against Minawa-chan
Voice of Chizu: Hey I don't recognize those guys.
Voice of Rin: They don' look very friendly. And those definitely don't look like foam weapons.
Voice of Chizu: It looks like something happened, otherwise the police wouldn't be here,
Voice of Miyuki: Well, whatever happened, it doesn't look like Sera-san is very happy about it,
Episode 29: Festival of Darkness, Part Deux
