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 29: Festival of Darkness, Part Deux

Show opens with the regular theme

Mahoro and Suguru are in their bedroom getting dressed. Mahoro is finishing putting on her Vesper uniform while Suguru is straightening up the pants and long sleeve shirt he is wearing.

Mahoro: Do I really have to do this?

Suguru: You were the champion last year. You are expected to defend your title. Plus everyone else will be there… and Saori-sensei will be disappointed if she doesn't at least get the chance to challenge you to regain the title.

Mahoro: This is all so silly… and I wouldn't be in this situation if you had done what you were told and stayed home.

Suguru: I know… I know… You scolded me last year about that… (quietly) You have to admit though… you did have fun last year.

Mahoro: (Sternly) That's not the point, I had specifically told you not to leave the house and you deliber…

Suguru: (Walking up to Mahoro, facing her and holding both of her hands) Well… didn't you?

Mahoro: You deliberately diso…

Suguru: Hmmm?

Mahoro: (After a moment of silence and a deep breath) Yes I had fun… (Smiling) It really felt good to be back in a combat situation.

Suguru: Think of it the same way this year.

Mahoro: (Mahoro finishes dressing) So what am I supposed to do?

Suguru: Your part in this is quite simple. You wait at the Shrine. You only have to fight one of the people who make it to the Shrine by midnight. If no one makes it, you don't have to fight anyone.

Mahoro: What do you mean I only have to fight one person?

Suguru: As people arrive at the Shrine, they will fight to determine who will challenge you for the championship. Then after midnight the challenger will fight you to determine the champion.

Mahoro: So last year Saori only had to fight me?

Suguru: You were the only one to make it to the Shrine with your flower intact by midnight (Reaching to straighten the collar on Mahoro's blouse) Hold still for a moment… Let me straighten this.

Mahoro: (After Suguru straightens the collar) Thank you Suguru.

Suguru: If no one makes it to the Shrine by midnight, you won't have to fight anyone.

Mahoro: That would be nice… but then… I wouldn't feel right being called a champion if I won by default… It's almost time for us to leave.

Mahoro and Suguru exit their room walk downstairs to the living room while continuing their conversation.

Suguru: Don't worry. I don't think that will happen. At least one person will make it to the shrine. It may even be me.

Mahoro: That is what I'm worried about. I don't want to have to fight you.

Suguru: Why not? That might actually be fun. I did pretty well last year.

Mahoro: But… but… how would you feel if I did fight you and I won?

Suguru: So you win. It really doesn't matter. As long as I do my best, I can be happy with whatever the result is… I would be more disappointed if I didn't think you were doing your best.

Mahoro: Thank you, Suguru… (After a moment of thought) By the way… What did happen to you last year that you didn't make it to the Shrine?

Suguru: I made it to the Shrine… but then I remembered who the defending champion was. She spotted me but when I tried to run, I ran headfirst into one of the light poles. The only thing that saved me was your timely arrival… (Taking Mahoro by the hand) Let's go. You don't want to be late to defend your title.

Scene fades 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. Focus on Minawa, Hamaji, Riku and Kaito as Suguru arrives.

Minawa: (To Suguru as he arrives) Has Onee-chan gone to the Shrine, Suguru-kun?

Suguru: I just left her there. I think she's finally getting excited about tonight. I almost had to drag her here, but now she's beginning to wonder who she might have to fight.

Hamaji: I saw Saori-sensei earlier. She is really hyped up about tonight. She's ready to take on the entire town to get the chance to challenge Mahoro-san.

Suguru: I remember two years ago when she won the championship. She beat groups of six or seven people with no problem what so ever. Sensei may be the only human who could give Mahoro a challenge… …

Hamaji: Riku-kun… Kaito-kun… Where are the girls?

Riku: Miyuki said that she and Rin-chan and Chizu-chan were going out as a group and would meet up with us later.

Hamaji: They tried that last year and ended up taking each other out. Kiyomi-kun told me he is looking forward to fighting you Suguru-kun.

Suguru: I was doing very well last year… until someone decided to get involved. What where you trying to do with that thing you had?

Hamaji: I knew I couldn't beat either of you up close. You and Kiyomi-kun are just too good, so I tried putting my weapon on a rope and attack from a distance.

Suguru: (Shaking his head) Well, you managed to take out Kiyomi and yourself. Are you and Minawa-chan going to work together?

Minawa: At least until we make it to the Shrine… After that all bets are off.

Suguru: Minawa-chan sounds serious.

Hamaji: Oh! She is.

Riku: Do you think you stand a chance one-on-one against her Hamaji-kun?

Hamaji: Are you trying to be funny? … No chance what so ever.

Suguru: Well, it's almost time to start. I'll see you all at the Shrine. Good luck.

Hamaji: Good luck… Hey, if you make it to the shrine, do you think you have a chance against Mahoro-san?

Suguru: I have as good of a chance of winning against Mahoro as you have against Minawa-chan. Minawa-chan, please don't hurt Hamaji-kun too badly.

Minawa: I won't… At least no more than I have to. Good luck, Suguru-kun.

Minawa and Hamaji walk into the crowd.

Riku: Suguru-kun, I really don't understand what is happening tonight.

Suguru: The rules are very simple. Your goal is to make your way to the Shrine grounds before midnight with the flower you are wearing on your head still intact. Using the foam weapons you will receive, you must fight anyone you meet tonight. If the flower you are wearing is damaged or lost in any way, you are disqualified from the festival. If you make it to the Shrine grounds, you must fight the person who arrived there before you. At midnight, that challenger must fight last year's champion, Mahoro, to determine who is this year's champion.

Kaito: That sounds simple enough until you get to the part about defeating Mahoro-san.

Suguru: I can only think of a few people who could win against Mahoro… and two of them are androids also.

Kaito: Are Mahoro-san's sisters participating?

Suguru: No. Kanoko-san and Chiako-san are both working at the hospital tonight. The others weren't interested. They really don't understand why Mahoro is fighting. (Looking at his watch) It's almost time to start. I will see you at the Shrine at midnight.

Riku: Good luck, Suguru-kun.

Kaito: Please be careful.

Suguru: Thank you, I will. Good luck to both of you. Fight with honor. It may be that we will face each other before the night is over.

Suguru, Kaito and Riku each go in different directions.

Scene fades to Kenta standing in the park by the fountain, flower in place on his head and carrying a foam rubber sword.

Kenta: (To himself after swinging the sword several times) The balance is all wrong… and the flex in the blade is so annoying. (Swinging the sword again) It's going to have to do. (Kenta begins walking along down the sidewalk) Last year I tried the short cut to the Shrine and got taken out almost immediately. Suguru-kun said that he went the back way along the river and only had to face four or five people. Hmmm…I wonder if I'll get to fight Sera-chan?

Voice: (From behind and from the bushes) Kenta… Kenta Ogitsu.

Kenta turns to the sound of the voice. Stepping onto the sidewalk from the bushes is a man, dressed in black. Another man steps onto the sidewalk behind him. Two other men step onto the sidewalk from the bushes on the other side. These three men are dressed similarly and all four are carrying wooden clubs about 18 inches long.

Kenta: Yes, I'm Kenta Ogitsu. Are you here to challenge me?

Lead Man: Not exactly… More to give you a warning. It is quite obvious that you don't understand how much danger your association with certain people places you.

Kenta: My association with whom?

Lead Man: Certain people who have no place here.

Kenta: You mean the people from Saint?

Lead Man: (Laughing) The people from Saint are the least of your troubles, although they too are all part of the problem. No, your greatest danger is from Mr. Misato.

Kenta: Suguru-kun! He's one of my best friends.

Lead Man: As I said, you don't understand the danger he represents… Just how dangerous he is to you and to everyone else around him. (Slow fade to black as the men advance on Kenta) That is why my friends and I will explain it to you in terms you will more easily understand.

Scene fades to Saori standing triumphant over three defeated male townspeople.

Saori: (As she extends a hand to help each of the men up) Thank you. That was well fought. I have not had such a challenge in quite some time.

Man #1: (Bowing to Saori, who returns the bow) It is quite obvious that your skills have not diminished and have indeed improved since we last faced each other.

Saori: Thank you.

Man #2: (Brushing himself off and then bowing to Saori, who again likewise returns the bow) Do you think you have a chance to defeat Mahoro-san and regain your title?

Saori: Of course I have a chance… a very slim chance… but I have a chance. Mahoro-san's background has included extensive training in the martial arts. Far more than anyone else I know… except maybe for Ryuga. But there is always a chance.

Man #3: Well good luck. I hope you are the one to challenge Mahoro-san. I think it will be at least as good of a fight as last year.

Saori: I will do my best.

Man #2: We will see you at the Shrine.

Man #1: Be careful. There are several large bands of fighters on the main road to the Shrine. You might have an easier path through the park. The more skilled fighters go that way but you will not run into large groups.

Saori: (Bowing to the three men who return the bow) Thank you for the information. I can handle six or seven at once, but groups larger than that can be difficult.

Saori walks away from the men who are intently watching as she walks away.

Man #3: If I had to be beaten by anyone, I'm glad it was her.

Man #2: Same here. Just don't let our wives find out.

The three men look at each other, intently nodding agreement as the scene fades and then shifts to Suguru engaged in combat with an unknown person. Suguru ducks under his opponent's first sword attack while blocking a second attack with his own sword. Combat continues for several more seconds with Suguru remaining on the defensive, ducking a quick succession of sword attacks.

Suguru: (Stepping back to catch his breath) Since when did you start using a sword?

Suguru's opponent does not reply, but renews the attack with increased intensity. Suguru uses his sword to easily block the barrage. Suguru ducks a wild swing from his opponent and his opponent is thrown off balance by the force of the swing. Suguru takes the opportunity to move to the offensive, driving his opponent back.

Suguru's opponent is successful at blocking or ducking Suguru's attack, but after several seconds Suguru's opponent missteps and losses his balance, allowing Suguru a clean shot that cleanly severs the flower from his opponent's head. Suguru's opponent falls backwards landing on the seat of his pants. Suguru extends his hand to his opponent hand help him to his feet.

Suguru: (As he helps his opponent to his feet) Well fought, but as I asked before, when did you start using a sword? You've always fought weaponless before.

Once Suguru's opponent is on his feet, pan and zoom to show that Suguru's opponent is Mr. Sakura.

Mr. Sakura: Well, after you beat me last year, I thought I might try something different. That was very well fought, Suguru-kun. You've really improved your skills since last year.

Suguru: Thank you, Uncle Sakura. I really haven't had that much time to practice, but Mahoro and Ryuga-sensei have been giving me pointers.

Mr. Sakura: Mahoro-san really is something else. She looks so gentle. It's hard to believe that she was a soldier.

Suguru: I thought the same thing when we first met. When she first explained her background to me, I couldn't believe it… but I've been told that she was a formidable opponent and after seeing her fight on several occasions, I know all of the stories are true.

Mr. Sakura: Have you two progressed in you plans for your wedding?

Suguru: We've started to make plans, but that is still at least two years in the future. About the only thing we've decided on is that Mahoro will wear my mother's wedding dress… and Oh… that we will wait until after the end of the school year. Have things settled down in your house since the proposal?

Mr. Sakura: For the most part. My wife still gets teary-eyed at times when she looks at Miyuki. Riku-kun has really become a part of the family. I've even been tempted to invite him to live with us, but I'm quite sure that my wife would object.

Suguru: I think I can imagine what she might say… and do.

Mr. Sakura: It's the "do" part that worries me the most. She has an uppercut that could knock out the best boxers in the world.

Suguru: Are you going to go to the Shrine to watch Mahoro defend her title?

Mr. Sakura: No… not this year. Miyuki is out with Rin-chan and Chizu-chan… and Akine, Natsune and Harune are at the new embassy with their friends from Saint. I promised that I would come home early tonight. I hadn't realized how long it had been since Kazuko and I had had a quiet evening together alone.

Suguru: Then don't let me hold you up. Send my best to your wife.

Mr. Sakura: Thank you. I will do that. Good luck.

Suguru: Thank you.

Suguru bows to Mr. Sakura who returns the bow. Suguru turns and walks down the road toward the river as Mr. Sakura turns to walk home.

Scene fades to Miyuki, Rin and Chizu walking as a group.

Miyuki: So, it's agreed. Nothing like last year.

Rin: Agreed. We're here together this year for fun.

Miyuki: That's right… for fun… considering that, even if you ignore the fact that there is no way we can beat Mahoro-san, we really don't stand much of a chance.

Rin: Tell me about it. I've been practicing with Kiyomi when we have the chance. I'm just not cut out for this type of thing.

Miyuki: You said the same thing about cooking at one time.

Rin: (Laughing) I know. But learning cooking from Mahoro-san is so much different from learning Kendo from Kiyomi… Thinking about that though, maybe there isn't all that much difference.

Miyuki: I think you're right. So Rin-chan, have you and Kiyomi-kun made any more plans for your wedding?

Rin: A few. Mahoro-san and Minawa-chan are considering having their weddings together. They were wondering if Kiyomi and I would like to join them. They are planning for the spring break two years from now. Kiyomi and I are considering it. Mahoro-san was wondering if you and Chizu-chan might be interested also.

Miyuki: Riku and I haven't thought that far ahead yet. My mom just got over asking, "You're not pregnant are you?" How about you Chizu-chan?

Chizu: No I'm not pregnant either.

Miyuki: That's not what I meant… Have you and Kaito-kun made any plans for your wedding?

Chizu: I don't think I'm going to get a chance. If my dad has his way, we'll have to rent the city convention center for all of the guests he wants to invite… and then there is the matter of the film crew.

Rin: You and Kaito-kun might be better off if you just ran off and eloped.

Chizu: That's what my mother said. She is going to let my father fanaticize about it for a while and then pull the reigns in on him. The one thing Kaito and I did decide is that after graduation, Kaito and I will go to the Command Ship for tests. My mom and dad may come along also.

Miyuki: With a film crew?

Chizu: Not even with his cell phone camera. We'll be going with the people from our class who are going to study at the Command Ship.

Miyuki: What do you think about having all of our weddings together?

Chizu: It seems fitting, especially considering all of the things we've done together.

Miyuki, Rin and Chizu enter the area around the fountain in the park.

Rin: It seems rather quiet here tonight.

Chizu: Everyone else is probably taking the main road to the Shrine, but we're really not good enough to stand a chance against so many people. This is the way Suguru-kun always goes.

All stop

Miyuki: That right. This is the way he goes every year.

Rin: That's why we came this way last year. We were all trying to get Suguru-kun.

Chizu: So much has changed since last year. I never could have imagined everything that has happened,

Rin: Honestly, I know we were all after Suguru-kun… but really, who did you think we would have been with if things hadn't happened like they did?

Chizu: In my heart… I think I always saw Miyuki-chan and Suguru-kun as a couple…. And Rin-chan and Kiyomi-kun…

Rin: That would leave you with Hamaji-kun.

Chizu: I guess there would have been nothing wrong with that… but everything is so different… and you know… I like it this way.

Miyuki: (Sigh) Same here… Although I always saw Rin-chan with Kiyomi-kun also.

Rin: What? … You mean that you didn't see me as having a chance to get Suguru-kun?

Miyuki: No, it's not that. I think I always saw you and Kiyomi-kun as a good match for each other. I don't know why, but to me it always seemed that was the way it was supposed to be… Just like when you think about it, that's the way it was supposed to be with Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun.

Chizu: You know, you're right. Let's get going or we'll never have the chance to even fight before midnight.

Rin: Right… Let's go this way… towards the river.

Rin, Chizu and Miyuki begin to walk down the trail. They only walk a short distance when they hear a moan from off of the sidewalk. They all stop for a moment, but continue walking.

Voice: (After the girls take three or four slow steps; Moan) Please…

The girls stop again, look at each other and tentatively begin to walk.

Voice: (Weakly) Help…

The girls stop, and with Miyuki in the lead, step off of the sidewalk toward the sound of the voice. They take about ten steps off the trail and are suddenly startled by a moan from someone lying on the ground at their feet. The scene pans and zooms to show the bloody face of Kenta.

Cut to mid-show break.

Scene opens with people gathered in the park. A pan of the scene shows the police talking with various people and an ambulance pulling away. The pan stops at Suguru talking with the Town Chairman, Ryuga and Saori.

Town Chairman: There were three other attacks, but this seems to be the worst of them.

Ryuga: Were the others who were attacked able to give you any information?

Town Chairman: Only that they were dressed in black, that they were carrying clubs and that no one recognized them as being from our town. And from the descriptions we received, it seems like there were at least three groups of people doing this.

Suguru: Why would anyone want to do something like this?

Town Chairman: There is one other thing in common among the attacks. All of those attacked were from your class… and they all said that the attackers mentioned you by name as the reason for the attack.

Suguru, Ryuga and Saori are stunned by this revelation.

Town Chairman: I'm sure the police will want to talk with you at some point. If you can think of anything that would help to find the people who did this, it would be greatly appreciated. Right now the police are searching the park area and the area by the river where all of the attacks occurred.

Suguru: I will help in any way that I can.

Town Chairman: I'm sure that you will… If you will excuse me, I need to talk with the police chief for a moment.

Suguru: Of course.

The Town Chairman steps away.

Ryuga: It sounds like Kaemisa.

Suguru: I know… but why would they attack people from my class. Why not just attack me?

Ryuga: I don't pretend to understand these people. The way that humans act has always confused me.

Saori: Couldn't it be some nut cases who don't like the idea of aliens on Earth?

Suguru: That is always a possibility. Everyone thought that it was Kaemisa that attacked Kanzaki-san, and it turned out to be Rin-chan's father… But why would I be the reason for the attack?

Ryuga: Suguru-kun… you are different. You are neither Terran nor Saint. Some might consider the mixture of the two races as a far greater threat than the people of Saint.

Suguru: It still doesn't make any sense why they would attack my friends instead of me.

As Suguru, Ryuga and Saori speak, Rin, Kiyomi, Miyuki, Riku, Chizu and Kaito approach.

Rin: Have you heard anything about how Kenta-kun is doing?

Suguru: The Town Chairman said that his condition is not as bad as it first appeared. They don't think that there are any broken bones, but they want to make sure there isn't a concussion. Have you seen Minawa-chan and Hamaji-kun?

Miyuki: They are down by the river. They found Kioko-chan and Kyoshi-kun. They were more frightened than beaten up.

Suguru: The Town Chairman said that there were three people other than Kenta-kun attacked. Have you heard who else was attacked?

Kiyomi: I haven't heard anything. When I first heard about the attacks, I came to find Rin.

Riku: Kaito and I came to find Chizu-chan and Miyuki.

Rin: Have you talked with Mahoro-san yet?

Suguru: Only by link. She is going to get Nekoto-san, Sanako-san and Akiko-san to help with the search… And Commander Hayato says that Vesper will make their satellites available for the search.

Ryuga: Has anyone seen Sera?

Chizu: She was with Kenta-kun before they took him away in the ambulance, but I don't think she went with him to the hospital.

Kiyomi: Yeah, I think she took off to try to find the people who did this to Kenta-kun.

Suguru and Ryuga look at each other.

Ryuga: It would probably be good if we joined the search. Whoever did this better hope that we find them before Sera does.

Scene fades to Mahoro who is standing with Nekoto, Sanako and Akiko. There are a number of other townspeople standing in the immediate area. Mahoro is still wearing her Vesper service uniform, but her sisters are all dressed in their battle armor. Mahoro is talking with Commander Hayato via her wristband.

Mahoro: I understand Commander. I will do what I can.

Voice of Hayato: There are just too many people in the search area to use the infrared imaging. The picture we get is just one big blur of heat source. The only images that we can definitively pick out are you and the other combat androids. There are two other images that I assume are Ryuga-san and Sera-san.

Mahoro: Where are those images, Commander?

Voice of Hayato: One is stationary about two hundred meters west of you and the other is moving rather erratically along the area around the river.

Mahoro: Thank you Commander. I believe that the image by the river area is Sera-san. One of the injured students was Kenta Ogitsu. I don't believe that she is very happy about the situation. We're hopping to find the people who did this before Sera-san has a chance to demonstrate the error of their ways.

Voice of Hayato: I understand completely. I will link the tracking information to you, Nekoto-san, Sanako-san and Akiko-san, but I'm not sure how much good it will be.

Mahoro: Thank you, Commander. Any information will be of assistance. I will keep you posted.

Voice of Hayato: Thank you, Mahoro… and I will advise you of any information we receive. Hayato… Out.

Mahoro: Mahoro… Out. Hold link in standby.

Mahoro surveys the situation for a moment and then turns to her sisters.

Mahoro: Nekoto-chan… Sanako-chan… Akiko-chan… I would like you to go with Suguru and Ryuga-san. At least one of you should be with him at all times. He will introduce you to the Town Chairman. (As Mahoro begins to walk away) Work with the police chief and give them as much information and assistance as you can.

Sanako: Mahoro-chan, where are you going?

Mahoro: I'm going to catch up with Sera-san before she has the chance to do something really stupid.

Scene shifts to a secluded alleyway. There are a number of men gathered, all dressed in black. Two men are at the center of the scene. One (whose face can be seen; Man #1) is the lead man from the group that attacked Kenta. The other man (Man #2) is positioned so that his face cannot be seen.

Man #1: I did what I thought was necessary to get our point across.

Man #2: Your instructions were quite clear. You were only to do what was necessary to scare them. There was to be no injuries. And why that one?

Man #1: A lesson needed to be taught.

Man #2: A lesson… (Deep breath) A lesson. Do you realize what that lesson may have cost us? Because you decided to teach that young man a lesson, we have a full police presence. If you had done as you were instructed, the worst that might have happened is that someone might have reported some outside bullies scaring some junior high students.

Man #1: What do you hope to accomplish by scaring a few junior high students?

Man #2: Not just any junior high students. They were very carefully selected for their value in achieving our goal.

Man #1: How? Giving one of those valuable junior high students a bit more physical of a lesson should scare the rest of them all that much more.

Man #2: Idiot! You've placed our entire operation in jeopardy. (Makes a slight gesture with his head; slow fade to black) Although… You may still be of some use. (Sound of silenced gunshot) Now, the rest of you, blend into the crowd. I will contact you.

Scene fades to show a large number of people milling around, with police vehicles in the background. In the middle of the scene is a bench where Minawa and Hamaji are sitting to either side of Kioko and Kyoshi.

Hamaji: Are you sure you're going to be all right?

Kioko: As well as I can be.

Kyoshi: It's a good thing you came along when you did. If you hadn't scared them off, I'm not sure what would have happened.

Minawa: It's just too bad I didn't realize what was happening or I might have been able to catch up with them.

Hamaji: Don't worry about it Mi-chan… the police will catch up with them.

Kyoshi: I just don't understand it though. All the one guy could talk about is the danger of us being associated with Suguru-kun. He just went on and on about it.

Kioko: Suguru-kun has always been a good friend. Why do people think he's dangerous?

Hamaji: I don't know. (Silence) What are you going to do now?

Kyoshi: The police still want to talk to us, but we've told them everything. I'm not sure there is anything else that I can say that will be useful.

Kioko: The one policeman said something about trying to get a sketch of the men, but I was so frightened I don't remember anything about the way they looked.

There is a long silence.

Hamaji: Are you looking forward to going to school on the Command Ship?

Kyoshi: It still doesn't feel like its real. It probably won't until we're actually on our way there.

Kioko: What is the Command Ship like?

Hamaji: I was only there for three days… and I'll admit that I was more than a little bit distracted. I really didn't see very much of the ship, but I can tell you that it is big.

Kioko: What did you think of it Minawa-chan?

Minawa: I wasn't on the Command Ship any longer that Hamaji was… and I was similarly distracted.

Kyoshi: (Laughing) I'm sure you were. I know you've been asked this more times than you can count, but how does it feel to be engaged?

Hamaji: I don't think there are words to describe how I feel. Wonderful doesn't even come close.

Kioko: You two look like the perfect couple… like you've always belonged together.

Minawa: You look like a perfect couple too.

Kioko: (Blushing) Thank you.

Kyoshi takes Kioko by the hand as the scene fades to show Mahoro walking along the river.

Mahoro: (Into her wristband) What is Sera-san's current location.

Male Voice: Her tracking signature has her about one hundred and fifty meters ahead of you along your current path and to the left about twenty meters. She is currently stationary.

Mahoro: Thank you. Please notify me immediately if there is any change in her position.

Male Voice: Of course, Mahoro-san.

Mahoro increases her pace to a full run. As Mahoro approaches Sera's location, she slows again to a walk.

Mahoro: (Into her wristband) Has there been any change of position?

Male Voice: Her position is unchanged…. but I am picking up a secondary non-tracking heat source in close proximity to Sera-san. Her signal is twenty-two meters due west of your current position.

Mahoro: (Into wristband) Thank you. (To herself) I just hope I'm not to late. (Out loud) Sera-sanSera-san… (Mahoro starts to walk toward Sera's position) Sera-sanIt's meIt's Mahoro

There is no answer from Sera, but Mahoro continues to walk toward Sera's position. Directly ahead there is a bluish-green glow, which is slowly increasing in intensity.

Mahoro: (Seeing the glow; Calling out) SERA-SAN… STOP… SERA-SAN…

Male Voice: (Screaming at the top of his lungs) HELP… PLEASE HELP ME… SHE'S GOING TO KILL ME.

Mahoro runs toward the glow and after pushing through some bushes, she finds Sera completely engulfed in a fiery bluish-green nimbus and a man dressed in black lying on the ground, his right arm up and blocking his direct view of Sera.

Mahoro: Sera-san… Don't do it… Don't… What do you hope to accomplish?

Sera: They need to pay for what they have done… Every last one of them needs to pay for what they have done.

Mahoro: They will pay… Every last one… But this isn't the way. This won't accomplish anything. What will Kenta-kun do without you?

There is a pause, several heartbeats in length. The glow around Sera quickly diminishes.

Man on Ground: Thank you… Thank you so much… She was trying to kill me.

Mahoro: And probably for very good reason. Now get up. I believe the police would like to have a talk with you.

The man gets up and brushes himself off. The man begins walking ahead of Mahoro and Sera toward the walkway along the river. When they reach the walkway, the man looks back at Mahoro and Sera and then up and down the walkway.

Mahoro: Don't try anything stupid. You'll find I'm not nearly as nice as Sera-san.

There is a beeping sound from Mahoro's wristband.

Mahoro: (Talking into the wristband) Open comm link… This is Mahoro.

Voice of Ryuga: Mahoro-san, what is your current location?

Mahoro: I am on the walkway by the river. I'm with Sera-san. She apprehended a suspect.

Voice of Ryuga: And he's alive?

Mahoro: (Looking first at Sera) He has not been injured.

Voice of Ryuga: Good. Bring him to the Shrine area. Maybe he can identify one of his friends who did not fair as well.

Sera and Mahoro look at each other and continue walking with the man in front of them. Scene fades to the Shrine area. Standing together are Saori, Ryuga, Mahoro, Suguru, Sera, Minawa and Hamaji with the police chief.

Police Chief: Roka Asozawa confirmed that the man you apprehended was one of the men that confronted him.

Hamaji: How is Roka-kun doing?

Police Chief: He's more than a little shaken up, but there was no physical injury. On the other hand, the gentleman that you apprehended is babbling on about Sera-san glowing or some such thing.

Sera: Actually, he's not really babbling… it's a… little trick a few people from Saint can do… (Sera closes her eyes and after a moment a bluish-green aura appears around her. After several seconds is goes away.) It really doesn't do anything, but it happens sometimes when I get angry.

Saori: Impressive.

Hamaji: I know I would be intimidated by it.

There is some activity behind the characters that draws their attention. Scene shifts to show a gurney with a body (in a body bag) being wheeled to a coroner's vehicle. Scene shifts back as the entire group walks to the gurney when it arrives at the vehicle.

Police Chief: (As they walk) We found the body in an alleyway that opens onto the shrine grounds. No identification. The gentleman you apprehended either can't or won't identify the dead man. Single bullet wound to the head.

When the group arrives at the gurney, the police chief opens the body bag (Note: At no time should the body be shown). Saori, Hamaji and Suguru are visible shaken by the sight.

Mahoro: Oh, my!

Police Chief: You know this gentleman?

Mahoro: Not by name… But the last time we saw him, he was in the employ of Rin Todoroki's father.

Police Chief: Ichiro Todoroki… of the Todoroki Group?

Ryuga: He was one of Todoroki-san's personal assistants who came with him when the matter of his daughter disagreeing with his choice of a fiancé for her came up.

Sera: He and I were involved in a bit of a disagreement.

Police Chief: Disagreement?

Sera: I slugged him and flattened him.

Police Chief: (Deep breath) You don't pick on the light weights, do you? You hadn't seen him at all tonight before this?

Sera: No, not at all.

Police Chief: Well, at least that give us a start on identifying him. You realize I may have some additional questions for you later.

Sera: Of course.

Police Chief: Thank you for your help. (To someone out of the scene) OK, you can load him up now. (To the group) Later.

Mahoro: Yes, later.

The police chief walks away as the body is loaded into the official vehicle. Hamaji still looks visible shaken.

Minawa: Hamaji, are you going to be all right?

Hamaji: In a moment… I've never seen a dead person like that.

Minawa: I'm sorry. Come on… Let's find a spot where we can sit down for a while.

Minawa leads Hamaji out of the scene.

Ryuga: Saori, are you all right?

Saori: I'm fine… now. But that did take me a bit by surprise too. (Ryuga takes Saori's hand) Don't worry… I'll be fine.

Suguru: None of this makes any sense. Who is behind this? At first I thought it sounded like Kaemisa was involved…. Or some fanatic group who has something against the Earth's association with Saint… But this is the second time there has been a tie in with Rin-chan's father.

Mahoro: We'll pass all of the information we have on to Vesper and let them work with the police to investigate this. Beyond that, there isn't much we can do.

There is a tense silence.

Sera: Mahoro-san… I want to thank you for before… but… what did you think I was going to do to him?

Mahoro: I thought that you were going to discharge some type of weapon or… it looked like you were in some kind of auto-destruct mode.

The tense silence continues for a moment, then Sera begins to smile and laugh. Ryuga is also smiling. Mahoro, Suguru and Saori look confused at the reaction. After a moment Sera gains her composure enough to speak.

Sera: (Breathless from laughing) Mahoro… san… I'm a… tech support android. The only weapons they gave me are my fists. What you saw was nothing more than a glorified work light.

Mahoro: Work light?

Sera: Unlike my brother who has his targeting system to provide him vision when there isn't any light, I need a light source to do my work.

Suguru: It does look intimidating. I have to admit that I would be scared to death if I saw something like that in a dark alley.

Ryuga: But Sera doesn't need special effects like that to be scary. She does that quite well on her own.

Sera glares at Ryuga and looks like she is about to say something.

Saori: Children… behave!

Sera: (After a moment to calm down) I need to get to the hospital and see how Kenta-kun is doing.

Mahoro: Why don't you do that and let him know that we all are wishing for a speedy recovery for him.

Sera: Yes, I'll do that.

Sera exits.

Suguru: (Sigh) Well tonight turned out to be quite a mess. I hope Kenta-kun isn't too badly hurt. It always seems like the people that are the closest to me are always the ones who are hurt.

Mahoro: Suguru, you can't think that way. It's not you. It's the people who want you to think that way that are at fault. We'll figure this out… We will.

Saori: I guess I won't get to challenge you tonight, Mahoro.

Mahoro: No. The Town Chairman cancelled the remainder of the festival. Maybe next year.

Saori: Mahoro, may I ask you one question though?

Mahoro: What is it?

Saori: (As the beginning of the theme from Rocky plays) Who is Adrian?

Mahoro, Suguru and Ryuga stand and look at Saori with confused looks on their faces.

Scene shifts to the hallway of the hospital. Sera is standing outside a hospital room talking with Mr. and Mrs. Ogitsu (Kenta's parents). Mr. Ogitsu looks considerably older than Mrs. Ogitsu.

Mrs. Ogitsu: The doctor thinks that he may have suffered a minor concussion, but other than that there are no broken bones, just a number of cuts and bruises.

Sera: That's good to hear. If you would like, I could arrange for Doctor Mihoshi from the Saint Embassy to come in and see him. She is very good.

Mrs. Ogitsu: The nurse that is taking care of him already suggested that.

Sera: Nurse Hanaki?

Mrs. Ogitsu: I believe that is her name… yes.

Sera: She is also very good. I had the chance to talk with her when I took her to the Command Ship. She was attending to the injuries of the younger sister of a friend of mine.

Mrs. Ogitsu: (After a brief silence) Sera-san… about Kenta.

Sera: (Deep breath) I understand that you don't approve of my association with your son and…

Mrs. Ogitsu: Sera-san, It's just that there is such a large difference in your ages. I don't understand why you have an interest in a boy who is so much younger than yourself.

Sera: I can't explain it. It's just that your son is very special to me and I love him very much.

Mrs. Ogitsu: But certainly you could find someone closer to your own age…

Mr. Ogitsu: (Interrupting) Dear, please. Sera-san, I can understand the nature of the objections my wife has to your relationship with our son, but I have also pointed out to her on a number of occasions that, if you and Kenta wanted to, you and he could simply board your ship and there would really be very little we could do about it.

Sera: Mr. Ogitsu, I would never consider doing anything like that.

Mr. Ogitsu: I know. You are a very honorable person. I can sense that. I also know that you are very special to Kenta. He has been asking to see you since he arrived at the hospital. My wife and I have talked about it and, so long as your relationship continues as it is now, we have no objection to you continuing to see him.

Sera: Thank you Mr. Ogitsu… Thank you so much Mrs. Ogitsu…

Mr. Ogitsu: Now, as I said, Kenta's been asking for you. Why don't you go in and see him?

Sera smiles a beaming smile as she opens the door and enters Kenta's hospital room.

Cut to closing theme

Preview:

Preview opens with Suguru, Hamaji, Kiyomi, Riku, Kaito, Kenta and Ryuga sitting in the living room of Suguru's house. Scene cuts to Mahoro, Minawa, Rin, Miyuki, Chizu, Sera and Saori in the kitchen cooking. Scene cuts to Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Rin, Kiyomi, Miyuki, Riku, Chizu, Kaito, Sera, Kenta, Saori and Ryuga all sitting together. There is a large tray of different kinds of chocolate and all of the guys are holding a chocolate treat. Zoom in to show Riku taking a taste of the treat. Scene cuts to Yaeko and Shiori making chocolate and pouring the chocolate into molds. Scene shifts to show a male hand touching the leg of one of the girls. The hand is moving to lift the girl's skirt.

Voice Over

Voice of Kiyomi: Ah… The smell of chocolate. That can mean only one thing… Valentine's Day.

Voice of Hamaji: I'll finally get to taste a treat made by Mi-chan this year.

Voice of Kiyomi: She really did have a problem last year, but I don't think there will be any problems this year.

Voice of Hamaji: The girls really do have beautiful voices.

Voice of Kiyomi: I recognize Mahoro-san's voice… and Rin's, but I don't recognize the others.

Voice of Hamaji: One of the voices is Mi-chan, but I'm not sure who the other voice is.

Voice of Kiyomi: I never realized how many different kinds of chocolate there are.

Voice of Hamaji: And I never realized that the twins have never had chocolate before.

Voice of Kiyomi: Apparently they don't grow chocolate on the Saint ships.

Voice of Hamaji: Well, at least with all of her problems right now, at least Shiori-chan and Yachan look happy.

Voice of Kiyomi: I wonder who they are making their treats for,

Voice of Hamaji: I don't know. Hmmm… it looks like someone is making a move.

Episode 30: More Chocolate Than Anyone Could Hope For