Mahoromatic – New Beginnings
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 3: Happy Greetings
Show opens with the regular theme
Scene opens with Suguru in his bedroom lying asleep in his bed.
Voice of Mahoro: (Through the door) Suguru-san…Suguru-san…It's time to get up for school. Breakfast is waiting for you.
Suguru: (yawning) I'll be there in a minute.
Suguru rubs his eyes and slowly gets out of bed to find that his school clothing has been neatly laid out for him.
Suguru: (To himself) It wasn't a dream
Scene shifts to Suguru entering the dining room where carefully arrayed on the table is his morning meal. Mahoro enters from the kitchen as Suguru sits down at his place at the table.
Suguru: Good morning Mahoro-san
Mahoro: (Pouring coffee for Suguru) Good morning Suguru-san. I hope you slept well.
Suguru: Yes (Sipping coffee) I guess I slep as well as I could. I was so afraid the I would wake up and it would all be a dream… and you would be gone.
Mahoro: No it wasn't a dream… I am still here.
Suguru: How did you sleep Mahoro-san?
Mahoro: (Somewhat bleary eyed) I slept a little, but… but… (Breaking into a broad Mahoro smile) but I knew there would be quite a bit for me to do so I was up early and took care of some things around the house.
Suguru tentatively begins to eat his breakfast with Mahoro standing off at a distance.
Suguru: Mahoro-san, why don't you sit down and join me for breakfast like before. I would feel a lot more comfortable.
Mahoro begins to look quite flustered at the thought of sitting down with Suguru.
Mahoro: I'm not really sure that would be a good idea…
Suguru: Mahoro-san… about last night… I… ahhh… I…
Mahoro: Suguru-san, It's all right. We have both been through a very difficult time… and… we were both very tired… and…
Suguru: It's not that. Last night… when I said that I love you… I meant it… even if I don't really understand everything I'm feeling. I have never felt this way before. I guess I love Miyuki-chan and Rin-chan and Chizu-chan. They have always been my closest friends, but… but this is different. You are someone who is truly special to me. This is all so different and I… almost feel ahhh… a little afraid…
Mahoro: (Bowing her head) I have faced death many times… in many battles… but I feel a kind of fear in my heart like I have never known. Suguru-san, you are special to me also, and… and… I love you. But with everything that has happened to us, I… I… I think we need time to think.
Suguru: (With a solemn face) Yes… maybe you're right. (After a short pause, then smiling) Hmmm… I have to get going…I don't want to be late for my first day back at school…
Mahoro: Oh, yes! (Smiling again) It would be really bad for you to be late today. Wait a moment though. I made your lunch for today.
Mahoro exits to kitchen and returns with Suguru's lunch, which is much, much larger than normal.
Mahoro: Here is your lunch.
Suguru: (Startled at the size of it) What is this? There must be enough here to feed my entire class.
Mahoro: (Acting somewhat shyly) Well actually… when I couldn't sleep last night, I sort of ran out of things to do, so I decided to make your lunch for today, but I couldn't decide what to make so I… I… I think I made enough at least to feed all of your friends… and there is something extra in there for Shikijo-sensei. I think she could use a good meal.
Suguru: Is this some kind of peace offering?
Mahoro: I just thought that maybe if she was better fed, she won't look like she was always trying to devour you.
Suguru: That would be good… Shikijo-sensei can be very frightening at times.
Mahoro hands the lunch package to Suguru. It is obvious by his reaction that it is very heavy. Suguru does his best to carry it, regardless of the weight. Suguru walks to the front door.
Mahoro: (Following Suguru to the door) Have a good day at school.
Suguru: (As he walks down the walk, mildly strained) You have a good day also. Give my regards to Commander Hayato and Deputy Commander Yoshihiko.
Mahoro: Yes I will
Mahoro re-enters the house as Suguru walks away (with Slash not far behind).
Mahoro: If I could access the Vesper systems I could summon the Sylpheed and I would just drop in on Vesper headquarters, but I guess I will just have to use the telephone.
Scene shifts to Suguru walking down the lugging his lunch. Miyuki, Rin and Chizu catch up with him from behind.
Miyuki: (Calling) Suguru-san.
Suguru: (Turning around) Miyuki-chan, Rin-chan, Chizu-chan, Good morning.
Rin: I see Mahoro-san already has you back to school.
Suguru: Mahoro-san said that I'd already missed enough school.
Rin: It's good to have you back.
Chizu: Mahoro-san really packed you a big lunch.
Rin: Is that all you can think of?
Chizu: But her lunches are always so good.
Suguru: I think Mahoro-san always keeps you in mind, Chizu-chan.
Miyuki: But Chizu-chan is right. Your lunch today is huge.
Suguru: Mahoro-san said that she included something extra in for Shikijo-sensei.
Miyuki: Maybe that's why it's so heavy. It's the rocks Mahoro-san included for sensei.
Suguru: Actually I think Mahoro-san really feels bad about Shikijo-sensei getting fired.
Miyuki: Considering how they fought before, I find that too much to believe.
Suguru: I guess you can believe what you want, but I don't think there are rocks in here. They would be lighter. I hope you brought your appetite. Mahoro-san said that she packed enough to at least feed all of us.
The four of them arrive at the gates to the school.
Suguru: Well here we are. For a while I wasn't sure I ever wanted to come back here again. I guess I'm glad I did. So, what do people think happened to me?
Miyuki: Most people thinks that you were is some kind of car accident and that is the reason you were not in school.
Chizu: (Laughing) And after the news about the space aliens broke, there were even rumors going around that you had been abducted by aliens.
Everyone just sort of glares at Chizu, not really thinking that the comment is funny
Suguru: Let's get to class. I don't want to be late my first day back to school.
Scene shifts to Mahoro exiting an official looking car. As she steps out, she is greeted by Commander Hayato, Deputy Commander Yoshihiko and Professor Hokato with Commander Hayato giving her a big hug.
Hayato: Mahoro-san, it is so good to see you. (Breaking the embrace) When the call first came in, we thought it was some kind of joke, but…
Yoshihiko: But all of the reports that we had received said that you had been killed. We had all thought that you had died…
Mahoro: Actually Commander, I did… and that is one of the things I need to talk to the professor about, but for now… (Giving Deputy Commander Yoshihiko a hug) It is so good to see you all. (Then giving a hug to Professor Hokato)
Hokato: It is good that you are back. I still don't know what to say.
Hayato: Don't say anything right now, it will take forever. Let's go in. There's quite a bit to talk about.
Mahoro: (As they enter the building) Is Eimi Shina-san here?
Hayato: No, actually she is at the Vesper Lodge. Our building here sustained a great deal of damage, especially on the upper floors. So Eimi-san is in charge of moving our operational headquarters to the lodge, at least while repairs are made to this building. We may even make the move permanent.
Mahoro: I haven't been to the lodge since… (Mahoro's face saddens when she realizes the last time she was too the lodge) since Commander Misato died.
Yoshihiko: You know of course about, Suguru-san's grandfather, Yuichiro-sama.
Mahoro: Yes
Hayato: And you know that…
Mahoro: That he was the supreme commander of Vesper…Yes. I learned that when he came to visit Suguru-san.
Yoshihiko: At the moment, no one is taking his place…I don't think anyone could. But we all feel so empty without him as our guide. Although I think Eimi-san is taking it the hardest.
Mahoro: It always seemed like she was very close to him, at least as close as he would let anyone.
Hayato: These are delicate times. With the news of Saint being made public and with the remnants of Kaemisa to be concerned about, we could still use his sure hand to guide us.
Mahoro: Don't doubt you own abilities Commander. I think you and Deputy Commander Yoshihiko will do an excellent job.
Hayato: Thank you Mahoro-san. I think right now, Professor Hokato would like to run some tests and talks with you so go with him and we will meet later for lunch.
Mahoro: I will see you later Commander…Deputy Commander.
Commander Hokato and Deputy Commander Yoshihiko walk down one corridor as Mahoro and the Professor walk down another.
Scene switches to Suguru at school where it is lunch time. Everyone has left for lunch, leaving Suguru with Shikijo-sensei who is sorting through some papers, seemingly oblivious to the presence of Suguru. Suguru gets the lunch Mahoro has made for sensei and approaches her at her desk.
Suguru: Sensei…
Shikijo: Yes Misato-kun.
Suguru: Mahoro-san asked me to bring this for you.
Suguru tentatively presents the bento to Shikijo, not quite sure what her reaction will be
Shikijo: (Raising her brow) From Mahoro-san (to herself) She wouldn't try to poison me…that's not her style. (to Suguru) Thank you, Misato-kun.
Suguru: Mahoro-san thought you could use a good lunch.
Shikijo: Thank Mahoro-san for me please. I am certain that I will enjoy it. Mahoro-san is an excellent cook. (Suguru leaves; to herself) Maybe Mahoro-san is not such a bad person… person after all.
Suguru: (To himself as he walks to lunch) She didn't try to attack me. I wonder what's wrong.
Scene shifts to Mahoro and Professor Hokato sitting in his office
Hokato: Well, Mahoro-san…as far as I can tell, all of your systems are functioning perfectly. Your attack and defense systems are running at about 30 of full capability, just like before. Your energy reserve is at full power. You're as good as new.
Mahoro: So everything is as it was before.
Hokato: Actually, better than before. You are using less than one quarter of your energy reserve than you did before to maintain the same capability, although I'm not sure I understand why. Ideally, your lifespan should be more than four times longer.
Mahoro: Matthew mentioned something about using the newest Saint technology.
Hokato: That may, more than likely, account for the difference. As far as I can tell, there were no terran parts used in the creation of this android body, which was the real limiting factor of your previous body.
Mahoro: Professor, something has been bothering me. By your best estimate, how long would it take to create a battle android such as me?
Hokato: Normally, it takes no less than eight months to build… create and commission a typical battle android.
Mahoro: Typical… How about a battle android built to very specific requirements?
Hokato: That is a much slower process. It might take as long as a year, even longer.
Mahoro: And would producing another android body for me be such a case?
Hokato: Most definitely.
Mahoro: Then how is it then that this android body was ready for me two weeks after my original body ceased functioning?
Hokato: I don't know… (Thinking for a moment) but somehow I think our Supreme Commander had something to do with it.
Mahoro: You are probably right, but the real question is why? I still have many questions, but I don't think I am ready to hear the answers yet.
Hokato: (Bowing his head) Mahoro-san… I am so glad that you are back. I felt so bad because there was nothing that I could do for you before…
Mahoro: It was out of everyone's hands. I know you did the best that you could, and I thank you.
Hokato: (Looking at his watch) It is lunch time Mahoro-san. I think the Commander has some plans to celebrate your return.
Scene shifts to Suguru and friends sitting in the school yard with Suguru's lunch.
Hamaji: Mahoro-san didn't expect you to eat all of this, did she?
Suguru: No, she told me this morning that it was for all of us.
Kiyomi: I think you could feed everyone in our class and still have some left over.
Miyuki: Mahoro-san never could do anything on a small scale.
Suguru: This is really huge. I have no idea what Mahoro-san packed. (Suguru opens the package and finds a note) Ah a note from Mahoro-san (Reading aloud from the note while Chizu starts to unpack the bento, her eyes widening with each thing she removes) I packed a small party for you and your friends to celebrate your return to school. I am sure Chizu-chan will appreciate the peach pie. Enjoy. I will be visiting my friends at Vesper today, but will try to be home before you arrive from school. Send my regards to all your friends. With all my lo….(Suguru clears his throat and blushes while everyone stares at him, realizing what he was about to say) Mahoro.
Rin: I haven't seen this much food…
Miyuki: …Since Mahoro-san's Christmas buffet…
Chizu: …and it all looks so good…
Chizu begins sampling a little of each item (and sometimes more than a little)
Kiyomi: When did she have time to make this?
Suguru: I don't think she slept very well last night.
Hamaji: There is no way we can eat all of this?
Suguru: I think she meant it for everyone. Let's just set it out and let everyone who comes by have some.
Hamaji: Why don't we get Shikijo-sensei? She could make a sizable dent in what we have here.
Suguru: Mahoro-san made a special lunch for sensei. If she eats even half of what Mahoro-san made for her, she won't have to eat for a week.
Rin: Well, then, I suggest you start inviting other people to join us, before Chizu-chan eats it all.
Scene shows Chizu with something in both of her hands and her mouth full of food.
Scene shifts to Mahoro walking with Professor Hokato. They are greeted at the entrance to the dining room by Commander Hayato and Deputy Commander Yoshihiko.
Hayato: (To Mahoro) I hope you and the professor had enough time to talk about everything you needed to talk about.
Hokato: There are still a number of details that to not fit together correctly, but as far as I can tell, Mahoro-san is fit and better than new. Although this body is functionally identical to Mahoro-san's previous body, the Saint technology that was used far exceeds anything we could have done. There is so much attention to detail even in the normal body functions, that without extremely close examination, it would be impossible to tell that Mahoro-san was an android. Even the blood chemistry is so close to human…
Hayato: Professor!
Hokato: I'm not sure a commercial lab…
Hayato: Professor!
Hokato: Ahhh… yes Commander.
Hayato: If I let you keep going, we won't eat for another two hours.
Hokato: I'm sorry, It's just that…
Mahoro: That's OK professor. Sometime when people aren't so hungry, I'd love to sit down with you and discuss the technology. But I think the Commander and Deputy Commander are ready to eat.
Hayato: With the short notice we had that you were going to be here, we didn't have time to do anything elaborate, but the chefs did there best to put a special treat together for you. I hope you like it.
Mahoro: I'm sure that it will be absolutely wonderful..
Yoshihiko: Everyone from Vesper is so glad to have you back, alive and safe.
Hayato: Let's go.
The Commander opens the door to the dining room and they all enter. The room is packed with Vesper staff. Upon seeing Mahoro, applause and cheering begin as everyone stand to acknowledge Mahoro. Mahoro feels a warm feeling inside of her as she smiles (and even blushes a bit).
The scene shifts to Shikijo-sensei who is sitting in her classroom, eating the lunch Mahoro prepared.
Shikijo: (To herself) Mmmm… This is delicious. Mahoro-san really knows how to cook. And it looks like she put so much effort into it, it's so beautifully arranged. Why would she do this for me after all of the terrible things I said to her and did to her? Maybe she feels sorry for me because I've lost my job. I'm sure she knows about it already. I'll sure she's gloating over it right now… but then why would she do this? And all of this about being a battle android… Right! Although that would explain a lot of things. I bet I could really mess things up for her if I let that information leak out. No… that wouldn't be right. I couldn't do that, especially after all she's been through.
The school secretary sticks her head into the classroom doorway.
School Secretary: The principal would like to see you before the afternoon sessions begin.
Shikijo: I will be there in a moment.
The secretary leaves. Shikijo takes the time to eat a few more bites of her lunch.
Shikijo: (Again to herself) I should have known. I'm sure Misato-kun just reported to homeroom, so the principal probably just found out that he is back in school. He probably is going to tell me that I need to keep my hands off of Misato-kun and behave myself if I want to keep my job to the end of the spring term. Well. I guess I better go and get this over and done with.
Shikijo packs up the remained of her lunch and takes it with her to put into the faculty room refrigerator.
Scene shifts to the school yard. There is still food, but no one is eating. They are just sitting looking quite stuffed.
Chizu: (Lying on ground, moaning) I don't think I could eat another bite.
Mid show break
Scene shows Mahoro sitting with Commander Hayato and Deputy Commander Yoshihiko. in the Commander's office
Mahoro: Thank you again for the wonderful lunch Commander.
Hayato: Thank you for being here to enjoy it with us. It is still beyond my understanding how this came to be…
Mahoro: My discussion this morning with Professor Hokato created more questions than it answered. But you said that you had information for me.
Hayato: Yes. I'm sorry but this is going to sound like one of the pre-battle briefings we had when you were still in active service, but I'm not sure there is any other way to do it, although you seem to know a great deal already. To the point, on June 1st the Supreme Commander of Vesper, with the aid of Slash, led an operation against Kaemisa. During that raid, all of the top level commanders and the entire leadership council of Kaemisa were either killed or captured.
Yoshihiko: But there are several middle level commanders still unaccounted for as well as the key member of their scientific staff, Doctor Cannon. There are also still thirty of the Kaemisa cyborg units still missing or unaccounted for.
Hayato: The most disturbing thing though is that we believe that Kaemisa was collecting data through the cyborg Minawa on the construction and commissioning of V1046-R type androids, and we believe that Doctor Cannon escaped with that information.
Mahoro: I can confirm that they have information about my weapons systems. In my encounter with the cyborg Feldrans, he had a weapon that mimicked my Shining of the Dark. It was fortunate that he really had no idea of the power and uses of it, or things might have ended quite differently for everyone.
Hayato: To add to all of this, our ability to track the remaining Kaemisa personnel is hampered by the fact that a major portion of our communication and tracking systems are still off line, and will probably remain so for at least another month. Our concern at this time is for your safety Mahoro-san, the safety of Suguru-san and his friends.
Mahoro: Is that why they have all been invited to attend high school at a Vesper screening facility?
Yoshihiko: Yes, this was set up, apparently, by Yuichiro-sama before he died.
Hayato: We have also invited Ryuga-san to teach there. He has agreed to help watch over Suguru-san and his friends while they are at school.
Mahoro: Do you really think that is necessary?
Hayato: I don't really know, Yuichiro-sama seemed to think so. We've had a chance to go over some of his papers and for some reason the Supreme Commander believed the Suguru-san would play some key role in the future relationship between Earth and Saint. And from what we can tell Kaemisa seemed to think the same way.
Mahoro: That is what Matthew told me also. He said that Suguru-san was key to the futures of Saint and humankind. And what about the conflict between Earth and Saint?
Hayato: It was all a ruse to keep Kaemisa off guard, and none of us realized it until the very end. Most of us had no idea Kaemisa existed, but they have been meddling in human affairs for many centuries, and their greatest desire was to obtain Saint technology to move their domination out into space. The real war has always been Vesper and Saint against Kaemisa.
Mahoro: Ryuga-san says that the robot that held Commander Misato as a human shield was not from Saint, but from Kaemisa.
Yoshihiko: It's true. It apparently was their first attempt to capture you.
Mahoro: (Quietly) So the Commander gave up his life to prevent me from being captured.
Hayato: Yes…we have also learned that it was Kaemisa who was responsible for the death of Suguru-san's mother. A form of retribution for Yuichiro-sama leaving Kaemisa.
Mahoro: So, Suguru-san's grandfather was a member of Kaemisa then.
Hayato: According to his writings, he was part of the team that recovered that first Saint craft trying to make contact with earth after it was shot down. When he found out their intent to torture and kill the ship's crew for information about their technology, he helped them escape. With Saint's help, he set up Vesper.
Mahoro: Commander, did you know anything about building a replacement android body for me?
Hayato: No Mahoro-san. It looks like this was all the work of Saint from what Professor Hokato tells me. Your new android body is far beyond our current technology.
Mahoro: That still leaves a number of unanswered question for me. Oh! Suguru-san wanted me to ask… Have all of the arrangements been made for the memorial service?
Yoshihiko: Yes, all of the arrangements have been made for the morning of the 24th. We will send a car to get you and Suguru-san at about nine o'clock.
Mahoro: Good. After the memorial, I would like to invite you and the professor to a small luncheon at the house. We will have Suguru-san's friends there. Oh that reminds me, we decided to tell his friends about myself and Ryuga-san and Sera-san being androids as well as the things we know about Saint. They needed to know.
Hayato: I understand. It will make some things a little easier.
Mahoro: Yes…well I need to be going now. I promised Suguru-san that I would be home when he returned from school. I was wondering though, would it be possible for me to get replacement battle armor and weapons. I sort of lost them.
Yoshihiko: It might take a few days. We never kept armor or weapons here at headquarters. Everything was kept on the command ship, but we will do what we can.
Mahoro: I was also wondering if the car I used before was still available. It was well armed, it handled well, and got great gas mileage.
Hayato: Unfortunately, it was damaged when our headquarters were raided, but I'm sure we can find something for you to use for basic transportation.
Scene shifts to Suguru's classroom where the class has been dismissed for the day. Others rush out, but Suguru is the last to leave.
Shikijo: Misato-kun, may I have a word with you before you leave?
Suguru: Yes, sensei.
Shikijo: (As Suguru approaches her desk, not quite sure what to expect) Will you thank Mahoro-san for me for the lunch. It was excellent. I still have enough of it left for a full dinner tonight.
Suguru: I will tell Mahoro-san. She will be really pleased. (After a short silence) Sensei, is there something wrong?
Shikijo: (Laughing weakly) You probably already know by now, Misato-kun. The school has asked that I not return to teach for the fall term. They say that I am a poor teacher.
Suguru: That is not true. You are a very good teacher.
Shikijo: Thank you for your confidence in me, Misato-kun, but they say I am a bad influence on the students… that I set a poor example. And I know they're right. I drink too much… I dress inappropriately… and I have really made a nuisance of myself to you and Mahoro-san. Maybe the principal is right…. I'm not really cut out to be a teacher.
Suguru: As I said before, Sensei, you really are a good teacher, even with all of your faults. And if you know what they are, you can work on fixing them… I'm sorry. I've said to much.
Shikijo: No… not at all. Of course you're right.
Suguru: I'm sure that everything will work out
Shikijo: Again, thank you. And again, my most humble thanks to Mahoro-san for my lunch.
Suguru: Your welcome, sensei.
Scene shifts to the outside of Suguru's school. A large crowd of students have gathered so that Suguru cannot see what is happening. Suguru moves through the crowd until he can see what has captured their interest. It is a very large, very powerful looking motorcycle. Mounted on the cycle, in her maid's uniform is Mahoro.
Mahoro: Suguru-san…Suguru-san
Suguru: (Approaching Mahoro) Mahoro-san
Mahoro: I asked the Commander if I could use the car that I had used before, but he said that it wasn't available, But this is one of the other vehicles I had used before so they said I could use this one. How would you like to go for a ride? (Offering him a helmet)
Suguru: (Taking the helmet and putting it on) Sure.
Suguru climbs onto the motorcycle behind Mahoro. Mahoro puts on her helmet, starts the cycle and the two drive away with Suguru's arms wrapped around Mahoro's waist. The crowd starts to dissipate, leaving Slash in the background.
Slash: (To himself) Mahoro-san, what are you thinking?
Scene switches to Suguru's house where Mahoro and Suguru have just arrived and are getting off of the motorcycle.
Mahoro:So what do you think, Suguru-san?
Suguru: That was something else. The motorcycle is beautiful, but don't you think it is a little conspicuous?
Mahoro: It was either this, or the Vertical Take-off and Landing Jet.
Suguru: (Laughing) Good choice, Mahoro-san.
Mahoro: Commander Hayato said that I could use it as long as I want. It isn't as well armed as the car was, but it will do until Vesper can get me replacement battle armor and personal arms.
Suguru: Do you really think it's necessary?
Mahoro: At least until the remaining Kaemisa operatives are tracked down, the Commander thinks that your and my lives may be in danger. We can talk about it over dinner… Oh!
Suguru: What is it Mahoro-san?
Mahoro: I just remembered. With all of the cooking I did last night and with me spending the day at Vesper Headquarters, I didn't do any shopping and I don't think I left anything in the house to cook. I seem to remember running out of things to cook sometime around four in the morning.
Suguru: We could go shopping now and eat later. I'm still rather full from lunch.
Mahoro: Unfortunately, at this point, mostly everything will be closed.
Suguru: Or… we could go out for dinner.
Mahoro: You mean you and me go out together…
Suguru: Of course I mean you and I going out together.
Mahoro: You mean… like… a… date.
Suguru: I guess… sure… why not? You and I could go out on a date together. The last time we went, it was a lot of fun… even if Shikijo-sensei kept trying to interfere.
Mahoro: Do you think it would be OK?
Suguru: Yes, I think it would be OK, and I would be delighted to go out with you. Let's go into the house and get changed and then we can decide where I will take you out to dinner… and maybe we could go for a walk afterwards.
Mahoro: Oh, Suguru-san.
Mahoro and Suguru begin to walk toward the door, side by side. Suguru takes Mahoro by the hand. At first Mahoro looks startled, but then she smiles and they walk hand in hand to the door. Slash is standing in the shadows, looking at everything that is going on.
Slash: (To himself) What are they thinking?
Scene shifts to Mahoro and Suguru sitting across from each other in a restaurant; eating and talking.
Suguru: So how did everything go today at Vesper?
Mahoro: Needless to say, they were surprised to see me. Commander Hayato and Deputy Commander Yoshihiko are in charge of things now that your grandfather is gone. Oh… The Commander says that all of the preparations have been made for your grandfather's memorial service. They will send a car to pick us up on the morning of the 24th… If you don't mind, I invited the Commander, and some of his staff to a luncheon at home after the service. I was hoping to invite your friends as well as Ryuga-sensei, Sera-san and Shikijo-sensei.
Suguru: I had been thinking the same thing. Ah! Shikijo-sensei sends her thanks for the lunch you made for her. She is not taking being let go as a teacher very well. I feel bad.
Mahoro: I feel bad also, but I'm not sure what we can do about it.
Suguru: I don't know either.
Mahoro: Otherwise, Professor Hokato says that all of my systems are working perfectly… if fact, better than before. He said that it would be impossible to tell this body from a human body.
Suguru: Did they have any idea who built it?
Mahoro: No, other than they are certain that it wasn't Vesper. More than likely it was Saint, but that brings up a whole new set of questions.
Suguru: Well, at least everything is well with you. My first day back at school wasn't to bad, except for everyone asking me where I had gone and what had happened to me. By the end of the day, telling them that I had been kidnapped by space aliens sounded like a good idea.
Mahoro: What did you tell them?
Suguru: Most everyone thought that I was involved in some kind of accident and that was why I was not in school.
Mahoro: It's probably best to let them think that.
There is a short silence (although to them it seems like forever). Mahoro and Suguru sit ant look at each other.
Suguru: Mahoro-san… I've had a chance to think a bit about last night…
Mahoro: I understand completely, Suguru-san. We were both under a great deal of stress and not really thinking…
Suguru: Mahoro-san, please let me finish.
Mahoro: (Mahoro bows her head) Yes.
Suguru: After thinking about last night, I want to tell you, I am certain of it now. I love you.
Mahoro: I love you too.
Suguru extends his hands across the table and Mahoro does likewise. Scene zooms in on Mahoro and Suguru holding each other's hands
Cut to closing theme
Preview:
Scene shows Mahoro and Suguru riding in the back seat of a car, hand in hand, wearing black. Scene switches to a view of a grave marker (House of Gonoe) and then a view of a picture of Yuichiro Gonoe surrounded by white and yellow chrysanthemums, followed by a view of incense burning.
Voice Over
Voice of Ryuga: I've never been to a memorial service before. What am I supposed to do?
Voice of Shikijo: You don't really need to do anything. Just quietly observe what is going on.
Voice of Ryuga: This is all very strange to me. I guess I have a great deal to learn about living on Earth.
Voice of Sera: Ryuga, will you please be careful where to throw that salt. It scratches when it gets in there.
Episode 4: Solemn Farewell