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 4: Solemn Farewell
Show opens with the regular theme
Scene opens with Suguru at table eating a simple breakfast. He is dressed in formal black. Mahoro enters with the coffee pot. She is wearing a simple black dress.
Mahoro: Coffee, Suguru-san?
Suguru: (Somewhat distantly) Thank you, Mahoro-san.
Mahoro: So, what is Suguru-san thinking about?
Suguru: (Snapping back to reality) Oh!…Just some of the things that my grandfather said when he came to visit the last time. It wasn't that long ago, but most of it is a blur. (After a short silence) Did you know that my grandfather was the supreme commander of Vesper?
Mahoro: None of us knew. It wasn't until he came for his visit that I realized it, although I think Slash knew since your grandfather assigned him as my personal mecha. What did your grandfather talk to you about?
Suguru: It was after you sent us to bed…
Mahoro: For trying to peek in on Minawa-chan and myself while we were taking our bath.
Suguru: That was all his idea, but anyway, he asked me if I had any prospects.
Mahoro: Prospects?
Suguru: Prospective girl friends. He asked about me and Rin-chan, Miyuki-chan and Chizu-chan. I told him that I couldn't pick any one of them to be my girlfriend since they had been my friends for most of my life. I couldn't pick one and hurt the others. He even asked about me and Shikijo-sensei. I told him that she was my teacher and significantly older than me. Then he said something that I didn't understand then and I really don't understand now.
Mahoro: What is that?
Suguru: He said that I was a nice kid, but if I was to grow beyond being a kid, I needed to determine my own interests.
The sound of the doorbell ringing.
Mahoro: Suguru-san, the car is here for us. Are you ready?
Suguru: (Taking a last drink of coffee then taking a deep breath) As ready as I can be… I don't remember anything about my mother's funeral and very little of my father's funeral. I'm glad you'll be with me, Mahoro-san, to lend me support.
Mahoro: We will all be there to lend you support, whenever and whatever you need.
Suguru: Thank you Mahoro-san. Let's go.
(Still Images) Scene shifts to an image of a grave maker. The image pans down the maker to reveal the words "Grave of the House of Gonoe". There is a tent set up and a crowd gathered around, all dressed in black. By the grave maker is a large picture of Yuichiro Gonoe, Suguru's grandfather. By the picture is an elaborate altar with a incense urn. The surrounding area is decorated with white and yellow chrysanthemums.
(Live action) Mahoro and Suguru are standing next to each other, facing the altar. Commander Hayato and Deputy Commander Yoshihiko, wearing their formal Vesper uniforms, flank Mahoro and Suguru and a half step behind. Professor Hokato, Eimi Shina, as well as many others from the Vesper organization are also present but wearing civilian clothing . Rin, Miyuki, Chizu, Kiyomi and Hamaji along with other schoolmates and their parents are in the crowd . Shikijo (wearing a very conservative black dress), Ryuga and Sera are also in attendance. Slash is in the background.
Suguru steps forward to the altar and offers incense by placing his hands together and bowing, then taking some incense in the tips of his fingers, bringing it to his forehead, and then placing it in the incense urn. He again folds his hands in front of him and bows formally. Stepping aside, Mahoro then repeats the ceremony. This is repeated by Commander Hayato, Deputy Commander Yoshihiko, Professor Hokato and Eimi Shina.
Many of the people attending are surprised as Suguru's friends (Rin, Miyuki, Chizu, Kiyomi and Hamaji) come forward next. They are followed by Saori Shikijo, Ryuga and Sera
The scene draws back as silhouetted images continue offering incense and praying.
Scene shifts to Suguru thanking those who attended. When the crowd has dispersed all that remain are Suguru, Mahoro, Rin, Miyuki, Chizu, Kiyomi, Hamaji, Shikijo, Ryuga, Sera, Commander Hayato, Deputy Commander Yoshihiko, Professor Hokato and Eimi Shina.
Suguru: Thank you all for attending.
Mahoro: You are all invited to the house for a small refreshment.
Hayato: Thank you Mahoro-san. We have cars here to take everyone there.
Suguru: Thank you Commander. I would like to introduce you to my friends. Kiyomi Kawahara…
Kiyomi: (Bowing to the Commander, Deputy Commander and Professor) Pleased to meet you
Suguru: Toshiya Hamaguchi…
Hamaji: (Bowing) Hello…Hamaji for short
Suguru: Miyuki Sakura …
Miyuki: (Bowing) Hello
Suguru: Rin Todoroki …
Rin: (Bowing very formally) My pleasure to meet you
Suguru: and Chizuko Oe …
Chizu: (Bowing) Hi…my friends call me Chizu.
Suguru: We have been classmates since we started school. You have already met Ryuga…this is his sister and shipmate Sera Tou…
Sera: (Bowing) Please to meet you.
Ryuga: (Bowing) Good to see you again
Suguru: And this is our Homeroom and Math Teacher Shikijo-sensei…
Shikijo: (Bowing deeply) Saori Shikijo …Pleased to meet you
Suguru: Mahoro-san, could you please do the rest of the introductions.
Mahoro: Of course…May I introduce Vesper Commander Daimon Hayato …
Hayato: (Bowing military formal) Pleased to meet you.
Mahoro:Deputy Commander Gunji Yoshihiko …
Yoshihiko: (Bowing) Very pleased to meet you all
Mahoro: Professor Minato Hokato
Hokato: (Bowing) Mahoro-san has talked about you many times.
Mahoro: And Eimi Shina-san.
Eimi: (Bowing) A pleasure to meet all of you, although it would be nicer under different conditions.
Hayato: Suguru-san's grandfather was our Supreme Commander and Suguru-san's father was our commander before he died.
Mahoro: The commander and deputy commander were my training offices and the professor helped design my weapon systems. And Eimi-san basically… ahhh… Eimi-san, what exactly is your title?
Eimi: Administrative coordinator for Vesper Operations, which is basically a fancy way of saying that I get to do the jobs that no one else wants to do.
Hayato: Eimi-san made all of the arrangements for the memorial today.
Eimi: While trying to coordinate the move of the Vesper Headquarters.
Miyuki: It sounds like Shina-sama could use a vacation after all of this is done.
Hayato: Ah…the cars are ready. We can talk more when we arrive at Suguru-san's house.
The crowd disperses, leaving Suguru and Mahoro. Suguru turns back to the grave, kneels, and prays one more time with Mahoro by his side. He gets up and walks away from the grave. Waiting by their car is Commander Hayato.
Hayato: Suguru-san, there is something I would like to make you aware of without the others around.
Suguru: What is it Commander?
Hayato: I'm not sure you realize it or not, but you are the sole inheritor of your grandfather's estate which includes all of Gonoe Industries. Currently the estate is being managed by Vesper in your name. This is something your grandfather arranged. Control of the estate will be turned over to you on your twentieth birthday. I just wanted you to know.
Suguru: That sounds fine to me, Commander. Right now I'm barely mature enough to run my own life, let alone a huge multinational corporation. I'll stick with just trying to get myself out of school successfully, and let you worry about my grandfather's estate.
Hayato: Actually, your grandfather set up Eimi Shina-san as the administrator. She is quite capable.
Suguru: I have no doubt of it. We better get going though or everyone is going to wonder where we are. They might think we disappeared again.
Hayato: I will see you at your house.
The commander moves toward the car that is waiting for him while Mahoro and Suguru get into their car.
Scene shifts to Mahoro and Suguru sitting next to each other in the back seat of the car. Suguru is sitting quietly, staring off into space.
Mahoro: Suguru-san, are you alright?
Suguru: (After a brief moment of silence) I just realized back at the cemetery, when the commander was telling me about my grandfather's estate, I have no living relatives. Both my mother and father were only children. Both of my father's parents died when I was very young. Now my grandfather has gone. Suddenly I felt so very alone.
Mahoro: Suguru-san, I will do what I can…we will all do what we can to keep the loneliness away.
Suguru:Mahoro-san, when I heard your voice just now…the loneliness…went away.
Mahoro: (After a moment of silence)Suguru-san, what about your mother's mother?
Suguru: I really don't know anything about her. Grandfather had so many different stories. When it came to Grandmother, it was difficult to know what to believe. I never met her. I guess she left my Grandfather before I was born…Although I have this funny feeling about her…I don't know why.
There is a short silence
Suguru: Ah! Mahoro-san, do you know what today is?
Mahoro: Ummm….ah…
Suguru: Today is one year since we first met and you began to work for me.
Mahoro: Ah…so it is.
Suguru: I'm so glad you came. (Suguru takes hold of Mahoro's hand) I'm so glad you came back.
Slow zoom to Mahoro and Suguru's hands.
Scene shifts to outside of Suguru's house. Outside the door is a table with a bowl (of salt) on it. Gathered at the door are Suguru, Mahoro and all those who came from the cemetery. Suguru begins by taking a small pinch of the salt and throwing it over his shoulder and enters the house. Mahoro follows in turn. Each follow, repeating the action. Ryuga and Sera, who are last in line with Shikijo, look a bit confused and ask Shikijo.
Ryuga: I do not understand the significance of this.
Shikijo: It is an old custom to throw salt over your shoulder after returning from a funeral. It is to purify yourself before entering the house.
Ryuga: Ah! I understand; an Earth superstition. I still have quite a bit to learn about humans
Shikijo: Even in a lifetime, you cannot hope to learn everything.
Ryuga, Sera and Shikijo perform the ceremony and enter the house. The scene shifts to everyone at the dining room table. Mahoro has changed into her maid's uniform and is standing at the head of the table.
Mahoro: I have prepared a small luncheon for you. I wish to apologize, that I did not have time to prepare something more elaborate.
Hayato: That means that she only had enough time to prepare enough food for a small army.
Mahoro glares at the commander for a moment, but then smiles. A pan of the table shows a wide array of dishes, all of which are vegetarian. Mahoro seats herself next to Suguru.
Mahoro: Lets' eat.
All: (As if on some silent queue) Idatakimasu!
Scene of stills of the group eating. As always Chizu reaction to the food is somewhat startling, especially to Professor Hokato, whom she is sitting next to. The meal proceeds with much polite small talk. When the meal is over, Suguru stands to speak.
Suguru: I wish to thank you all for coming today. The last several months have been very difficult for me and I could not have made it without the help of all of you. Thank you so very much.
Hayato: Suguru-san, I have one last bit of business to take care of. When we were going through you grandfather's papers, we found this letter which specifically stated we should deliver it to you after his memorial service. (The commander hands the letter to Suguru) The instructions from your grandfather said that you should read the letter aloud, since it is not only to you, but to everyone who would be gathered afterwards.
Suguru opens the envelope and takes out the letter. He takes a moment to examine it and then smiles.
Suguru: It seems that my grandfather was blessed with a vision of the future, since the letter seems to address everyone here. (Suguru clears is throat and begins to read) Suguru…If you are reading this letter, it means you have returned from my memorial service and you are eating or just have completed eating a wonderful and somewhat large, meal prepared by Mahoro-san. (Everyone is surprised at the mention of their name) You are with your friends Kiyomi-kun and Hamaji-kun…the lovely Rin-chan, Miyuki-chan and Chizu-chan…Mahoro-san's closest friends from Vesper, Commander Hayato, Deputy Commander Yoshihiko, Professor Hokato and my administrative assistant Eimi Shina… your most lovely Shikijo-sensei along with Ryuga-sensei and although I never actually met her, his associate Sera-san. Suguru, you have good friends… treasure them.
(As Suguru reads, the voice shifts from that of Suguru to the voice of his grandfather) Suguru, I know that you and Mahoro-san have many questions. I will try to answer some, other questions you will need to find the answers to on your own. And the answer to some questions, I am not sure we will ever find the answers to.
Suguru, when I came to see you the last time, I knew that there was little chance that I would see you again, but I needed to know that you were indeed a man of honor. I know that now.
The fact that Mahoro is by your side is most likely your biggest question. I knew that Mahoro only had a limited amount of time remaining, but her service to Vesper deserved special consideration. Over a year ago, with the help of Saint we began to prepare a new android body for Mahoro, but the process required time. I was afraid to get your hopes up Mahoro, so I could not tell you about the plan. Even then, it was your will to remain alive that allowed the plan to succeed.
Mahoro, I owe you the greatest of apologies. By now you know that the war between Earth and Saint was nothing more than a cover for what was really a war against Kaemisa. Far too many times I placed you life in jeopardy to maintain a plan, that, in the end, failed. Please forgive me.
Commanders, unfortunately our victory over Kaemisa was not complete. A key member of the organization, Doctor Cannon, posses the greatest threat to the world. He was able to obtain sufficient data to build battle type androids. And although they will not have the emotional capability of Mahoro or Ryuga or Sera, they will be quite formidable opponents for you and the world. It is my estimate that he will not be able to produce a working model for at least six months to a year.
Commanders, the job of continuing Vesper's work falls to you. Ryuga will be able to help you with many of your dealings with Saint. They are not our enemy. Leesha will be of great assistance to you.
To all of Suguru's friends I wish to give you thanks. You have helped my grandson in ways you cannot imagine. You have all received by this time the invitation to the Vesper run High School. Please accept the offer. I think you make a good team and should keep close ties.
I know that Suguru always was uncomfortable when I handed out advice. I think he was afraid that I would embarrass him. But I am going to do it one more time, even if I do embarrass him, because I'm dead and there is nothing he can do about it.
You will soon be given rare and exciting opportunities to do things you could not ever imagine. Do not let them pass you by. It is rare to get a second chance. And if a second chance does present itself, only a fool would not take it.
(Voice fades back to that of Suguru) Thank you for taking the time to listen to the ramblings of an old man. I wish you the best in life Suguru, Mahoro and Friends. Yuichiro Gonoe…PS…I would have really liked to spend some more time with that lovely teacher of yours.
Suguru takes one last look at the letter and then sets it down on the table. There is a bit of silence.
Rin: Your grandfather was something special.
Kiyomi: But what did he mean by rare and exciting opportunities?
Suguru: Who knows. Most of the times my grandfather spoke in riddles. It's sometimes very difficult to figure out what he was trying to say.
Hokato: I think he brought up more questions than answers.
Suguru: Who is this Leesha he spoke of?
Ryuga: She is the commander of the Saint exploration mission.
Suguru: I thought this Matthew was in charge.
Sera: Matthew is the guiding force of all Saint. A joining of all of the spirit of Saint. It is quite difficult to explain.
Hayato: There is one last order of business to take care of. Mahoro-san, if you will assist me.
Commander Hayato and Mahoro leave for the kitchen.
Miyuki: What is that all about?
Rin: Sera-san, have you ever met Matthew?
Sera: Matthew is not a physical being, although he may have been when we first began our exploration…but that was so long ago that no one can remember.
Hamaji: So Matthew is like a god?
Ryuga: No, not in the sense you speak of a god. When a Saint dies, their spirit joins with the greater spirit…joins with Matthew. Most spirits stay with the greater spirit for all time, but some return to the living, usually to take care of some uncompleted task. A few, like Mahoro, Sera and myself, return for new service to the greater spirit.
Chizu: This is all still very confusing.
Mahoro and the Commander return from the kitchen. The commander is holding a tray with 14 Sake cups. Mahoro is talking quite strongly to the Commander.
Mahoro: Commander Hayato, I must still strongly protest this. Suguru-san and his friends are far to young to be partaking in this.
Hayato: It is not as if I'm going to let them get drunk. It's just a toast.
Mahoro: Even so…(Mahoro breaks off her argument when they reach the table)
Hayato: (Clearing his throat) It is a custom among the officers of Vesper to toast the memory of a fallen comrade. (Hayato distributes the cups to everyone. Mahoro fumes at him when offered a cup, but she takes it anyway. Hayato takes the last cup) To the memory of the Supreme Commander of Vesper, Yuichiro Gonoe. May his brave deeds be an inspiration to all of us.
All but Suguru: To Yuichiro
Suguru: To my grandfather
Everyone drinks. There is a long moment of silence.
Miyuki: Oh! Suguru-kun, I almost forgot. My father has extended an invitation to anyone who would like to use the baths today.
Shikijo: That a great idea. It has been a long day.
Hayato: It sounds good to me also, but I'm not sure we have the time.
Eimi: There was nothing on your schedule today that it could not be put off until tomorrow or completely ignored. Besides that, I think the Supreme Commander would have approved.
Mahoro: Especially if it were a mixed bath.
Eimi: There is that.
Rin: I don't know about the rest of you, but a nice long soak would feel good right now.
Chizu: Count me in. A nice relaxing bath after one of Mahoro-san's delicious meals can only make a good thing better.
Suguru: Why don't you all go and Mahoro-san and I will join you as soon as we get things cleaned up here.
Sera: We can all help with the clean up, Suguru-san.
Mahoro: There really isn't that much to do. Suguru-san and I can take care of it in no time at all.
Eimi: The least that we can do is to bring everything to the kitchen.
Everyone gets up and begin to collect the dishes from the table and carry them to the kitchen. The scene fades to everyone leaving with Mahoro and Suguru waving good bye
Suguru: (Calling out as he waves) I will see you all in a little while at the bathes.
Suguru closes the door
Suguru: I'll help you clean up Mahoro-san
Mahoro: No, I can take care of cleaning up. You should sit down and rest.
Suguru: Let me help. I need to be doing something.
Mahoro and Suguru start walking side by side toward the kitchen. After a few steps, Suguru stops, lowering his head. Mahoro continues, but stops after a few more steps. She turns around to face Suguru. Suddenly Suguru steps quickly up to Mahoro, embraces her and begins to cry.
Cut to mid program break.
Scene shows Mahoro and Suguru entering the Sakura bathes. They are greeted by Miyuki's father.
Suguru: Hello, Uncle Sakura. Thank you for inviting us to the bathes today.
Mr. Sakura: No problem. You and Mahoro-san are always welcome here. It's just good to see you again after so long
Suguru: It's good to be back.
Mr. Sakura: I'm glad that both of you are feeling better. Miyuki-chan tells me that you were both out of commission for quite a while.
Mahoro has a puzzled look on her face from the "out of commission" comment.
Suguru: (Responding quickly) Both of us need rest and recuperation time, but we're both fine now. Good as new.
Mahoro: Maybe even better.
Mr. Sakura: Well, I think everyone is waiting for you. Stay as long as you like. Maybe you and Mahoro-san would like to join us for dinner. I know Harune-chan would not be happy if you didn't stop in and at least say hello, and maybe you and I can get a chance to play a game or two of Go.
Suguru: You mean before your wife drags you away again.
Mr. Sakura: Please don't remind me. (Suddenly he feels a presence behind him. He turns to find his wife standing directly behind him. Startled) Oh! Hello dear!
Mrs. Sakura: Maybe you can get one game in if you get all of you chores done after dinner.
Mr. Sakura: Yes, dear.
Mrs. Sakura: And of course Suguru-kun and Mahoro-san, you are more than welcome to stay for dinner.
Suguru: Thank you very much for the offer. Mahoro-san, would you like to stay for dinner.
Mahoro: If it is not too much of an intrusion.
Mrs. Sakura: No problem. Suguru-kun used to come for dinner quite often.
Mahoro and Suguru look at each other for a moment.
Suguru: I guess then we will be staying then.
Mr. Sakura: (Quietly, to himself) That's good. I'll have someone to talk to tonight.
Mrs. Sakura: What was that?
Mr. Sakura: Nothing dear.
Suguru: We'll see you later then.
Mahoro and Suguru take the opportunity to escape into their respective locker rooms.
Scene shifts to Mahoro entering the bathes. She has already undressed and rinsed.
Miyuki: There you are Mahoro-san. What took you so long? We thought you might not be coming.
Mahoro: (As she gets into the bath) No, Suguru-san and I were talking with your parents. They invited us to dinner tonight.
Miyuki: You didn't accept did you? Do you realize what you're in for?
Mahoro: I don't understand.
Rin: She's talking about her sisters.
Miyuki: It's absolute chaos at the dinner table. My sisters are the things nightmares are made of.
Mahoro: I can't believe they could be that bad.
Chizu: Believe it.
Miyuki: Then add mom and dad screaming at them; it's a wonder that no one has called the police.
Rin: Maybe people have, but the police are too afraid to come.
Miyuki: That could be the case. Just fair warning Mahoro-san; prepare yourself for battle.
Mahoro settles into the bath, sitting next to Eimi.
Mahoro: Eimi-san, it's good to see you. It's been quite a while, hasn't it?
Eimi: Over a year, Mahoro-san. I'm sorry I didn't get to talk with you earlier, but I've been busy with several projects. I really thought the Commander was playing a practical joke on me when he called to tell me that you were alive. I wanted to drive right back to the city to see you for myself.
Mahoro: I'm assuming that you made all of the arrangements for the service today. It was beautiful.
Eimi: Thank you.
Mahoro: The Supreme Commander was very special to you, wasn't he?
Eimi: I was his personal administrative assistant, so I was one of the few people who actually got to see him face to face. Although, if you would, I would prefer if the Commander not find that out. But I had known Yuichiro-sama since I was very young.
Mahoro: I didn't realize that.
Eimi: Both of my parents were Vesper operatives. When they were killed by Kaemisa, Yuichiro-sama sort of took me in under his wing. When I was old enough, I was given the job as his personal assistant. I really do miss him.
Eimi's eyes begin to tear and she reaches out to hug Mahoro. Embracing Mahoro, Eimi begins to cry.
Mahoro: I am so sorry.
Scene fades to the men's bath where Suguru has already joined the others in the bath.
Kiyomi: Glad to see you could make it, Suguru-kun. We though you stiffed us.
Suguru: No, Mahoro-san and I were talking with Miyuki-chan's parents. They invited us for dinner.
Hamaji: Do you think Mahoro-san will survive the experience?
Suguru: I think so. Mahoro-san has told me about facing some pretty terrifying things.
Kiyomi: I'm not sure anything could prepare Mahoro-san for dinner at the Sakura house.
Ryuga: What exactly are you talking about?
Suguru: (With a broad smile) Miyuki-chan's younger sisters.
Hayato: I can't believe they could be that bad.
Hamaji: Believe it. I've experienced dinner time with Miyuki-chan's family. I had flashbacks and nightmares for at least two weeks.
Suguru: Now I have to defend Harune-chan. She's nothing like Natsune and Akine.
Kiyomi: Only because she likes you. She can be a bigger terror than the others. I have scars to prove it.
Yoshihiko: Maybe we should sign them up. It sounds like they're already battle hardened warriors.
Hayato: It sounds like killer robots might be a little tame for them at this point.
Hokato: But you boys need not worry about Mahoro-san. She has sufficient defensive capabilities to handle almost any such situation. And if they don't work, she can use her ultimate defensive tool.
Hamaji: What's that?
Hokato: She can run for her life.
There is general laughter from the entire group.
Hayato: So Suguru-san, how are you holding up? This has been a difficult two months for you.
Suguru: It was starting to get to me earlier, but with Mahoro-san's and everyone else's help, I think I'm feeling a lot better.
Hayato: You know that if you ever need anything all you need to do is ask. Vesper will do anything within it's power to help you.
Suguru: At least for now, I think everything will be fine, but I'll keep that in mind for the future.
Suguru relaxes in the bath while conversations continue around him.
Fade to the main entrance to the bathes. Mahoro, Suguru and Miyuki are saying good bye to Hamaji, Kiyomi, Rin and Chizu. (The others have already left).
Suguru: I'll see you all in school tomorrow.
Kiyomi: That is if you survive dinner tonight.
Suguru: It's not as bad as everyone says it is.
Hamaji: Well, you can tell us all about it in the morning.
Mahoro: I still don't believe all of the terrible things you keep saying about Miyuki-chan's sisters.
Rin: I guess Mahoro-san is just going to have to experience them for herself like we all have.
Chizu: Just watch out for anything Akine-chan throws. She has the arm of a professional baseball player.
Miyuki: Yeah! It's a good thing to not get caught standing between Akine-chan and Natsune-chan.
Kiyomi: Well, you guys just be careful.
Suguru: We will.
Kiyomi, Hamaji, Rin and Chizu depart, leaving Miyuki, Mahoro and Suguru standing in the main entry way to the bathes.
Miyuki: Are you really sure you want to go through with this? There is still time to back out.
Suguru: Come on, let's go in. I just had a chance to just say hello to your sisters at the cemetery. We haven't really seen them in…
Miyuki: Almost a year. When you and Mahoro-san came when your boiler broke.
They begin walking toward the entrance to the residence. Mahoro is walking next to Miyuki.
Mahoro: I guess the problem I have believing everything people say about your sisters is because whenever I see them, like at the cemetery today, they are so well behaved.
Miyuki: Don't let that fool you. They were basically under a death threat to behave.
As they approach the door, an indescribable noise can be heard. There are various voices, screaming at the top of their lungs, but everything blends so, that it is impossible to understand what is actually being said.
Miyuki slides the door open, and the full impact to the noise can be both heard and felt.
Writer's note to director: Although written in dialog format, the conversations occurring are somewhat overlapping, including those where two people are specifically talking (yelling) to each other.
Natsune: WHY DO I HAVE TO SET THE TABLE? I SET THE TABLE YESTERDAY. IT'S AKINE-CHAN'S TURN.
Akine: WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT YOU SET IT YESTEDAY. YOU HAVEN'T SET THE TABLE FOR A WEEK.
Natsune: I SET THE TABLE YESTERDAY BECAUSE YOU TOOK OFF BECAUSE YOU SAID THAT I HIT YOU.
Akine: WELL YOU DID HIT ME.
Mrs. Sakura: I DON'T CARE WHOSE TURN IT IS! YOU! (Pointing at Akine) GET THE TABLE SET! YOU! (Pointing at Natsune) START GETTING FOOD FROM THE KITCHEN.
Natsune: WHY CAN'T HARUNE-CHAN HELP?
Harune: AKINE-CHAN HIT ME.
Akine: I DID NOT, MY ELBOW SLIPPED.
Harune notices that Suguru has entered the room with Miyuki and Mahoro.
Harune: SUGURU-KUN!
Harune launches herself at Suguru, throwing her arms around his neck. Suguru can barely maintain his balance and only Mahoro's steadying hand keeps him upright.
Harune: IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I'VE SEEN YOU.
Natsune: AKINE-CHAN IS BLOCKING THE DOOR SO I CAN'T BRING THINGS IN FROM THE KITCHEN.
Miyuki: It was only this morning, Harune-chan. Now let go of him so he can breath.
Harune: BUT THIS MORNING MOM AND DAD SAID I COULDN'T GIVE HIM A HUG.
Akine: I'M NOT BLOCKING THE DOOR. NATSUNE-CHAN IS JUST TOO FAT TO GET BY ME.
Suguru begins to look like he is gasping for air. Miyuki takes hold of Harune and removes her from Suguru.
Harune: MOM!
Mrs. Sakura: ENOUGH! LEAVE SUGURU-KUN ALONE HARUNE-CHAN. LET HIM GET IN THE DOOR. WHY DON'T YOU GO TELL DAD THAT DINNER IS ALMOST READY. HAVE HIM PUT THE SIGN UP. I'D LIKE ALL OF US TO EAT TOGETHER. AKINE-CHAN, SET THE TABLE FROM THIS SIDE. Miyuki-chan, can you help Natsune-chan bring in the food?
Miyuki: Sure mom.
Miyuki walks toward the kitchen with Natsune while Harune runs off to retrieve Mr. Sakura. Akine finishes setting the table. The silence is almost painful. Mrs. Sakura turns her attention to Mahoro and Suguru.
Mrs. Sakura: I'm so sorry about all of that noise.
Suguru: There is no need to apologize. That's just the way it is around here.
Mrs. Sakura: I think Mahoro-san was a bit unprepared.
Suguru looks at Mahoro and sees that here eyes are somewhat glazed.
Suguru: Are you alright, Mahoro-san?
Mahoro: (Somewhat mechanically) Sensory overload, resetting operational parameters.
Mrs. Sakura: What?
Suguru: Mahoro-san will be fine in a moment. Loud noises sometimes disorient her… ahhh… ever since the accident. She'll be fine.
Mahoro's eyes finally clear after a moment.
Suguru: Mahoro-san are you going to be alright?
Mahoro: I'll be fine, Suguru-san.
Miyuki and Natsune return with the food and Akine finishes setting the table. Harune returns with her father and everyone sits down around the table. Initially Mahoro sits between Natsune and Akine, but very quickly Suguru switches places with her having her sit between Miyuki and Akine.
Mr. Sakura: (Once everyone is seated) Idatakimasu!
Everyone Else: Idatakimasu!
The scene of everyone eating fades to Mahoro and Suguru walking home together.
Suguru: Are you sure you're OK? You had me worried there for a moment.
Mahoro: I'll be fine Suguru-san. It wasn't so much the noise, but when it stopped so suddenly. My internal protection systems could not adjust fast enough and they thought my auditory system had been damaged. Once people starting talking again, the system reset.
Suguru: I'm not sure what Miyuki-chan's mother thought when you started talking about resetting operational parameters.
Mahoro: I guess you're right. Maybe I should have Professor Hokato change the repair mode responses. I must admit that was a totally unexpected experience. Is it always so loud around their house?
Suguru: Only when there are two or more sisters in the same room. Although I guess I'm sort of used to the noise. I barely hear it when I'm there.
Mahoro: Why is that?
Suguru: After my father died, I would go to Miyuki-chan's house for dinner three or four times a week. I almost became part of the family. It's funny though.
Mahoro: What is?
Suguru: I used to be so envious of Miyuki-chan because she had her sisters, and she was envious of me because I was an only child.
Mahoro: Are you feeling alright now?
Suguru: I think the bath and dinner and Miyuki-chan's house was exactly what I needed… and most of all, having you here with me.
Suguru reaches and takes hold of Mahoro's hand. At first, she is unsure of what to do, but she quickly relaxes and they walk down the street toward the house, hand in hand. Scene zooms in on their hands. Fade to black.
Cut to closing theme
Preview:
Scene shows Suguru, Kiyomi and Hamaji examining a magazine. Scene switches to Mahoro finding the magazine in Suguru's room and then Mahoro greeting Suguru at home waving her finger at him
Voice Over
Voice of Miyuki: Do you honestly think hat you'll ever be able to hide your magazines from Mahoro-san?
Voice of Rin: No matter how hard you try, how well you think you have them hidden...
Voice of Chizu: Mahoro-san will find them because… all together now
Voice of All Three: I think Ecchi is bad!
Voice of Chizu: Mahoro-san, what's wrong? You didn't join us.
Episode 5: I Think Ecchi Is …