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 8: Flight
Show opens with the regular theme
Scene opens ship board, showing the exterior of the transport device. There is the sound of Shikijo still screaming as the door opens and everyone steps out. Shikijo has a firm grasp on Kiyomi who was standing next to her. Rin, Miyuki and Hamaji are somewhat awestruck. Suguru has his arms around Mahoro. Chizu is ecstatic.
Chizu: Wow! What a rush. That's better than anything at the amusement park.
Kiyomi: My ears will never be the same.
Miyuki: What was that?
Ryuga: Think of it as a high speed express elevator. I'm sorry if it caused you any discomfort, but it does take some getting used to.
Shikijo: (Still hanging onto Kiyomi for dear life) You could have given us some warning.
Ryuga: Would you have consented to using it if I had?
Shikijo: Ahhh…
Ryuga: I thought so
Kiyomi: (Muffled, since his face is now firmly planted between Shikijo's breasts and she is still hanging on tightly) Could you please let go, so I can breath.
Shikijo lets go of Kiyomi who is now panting, able to breath again.
Kiyomi: I thought I was gonna die.
Sera: (Who has just entered the scene) Welcome aboard. I glad everyone made it. Why don't we see to sleeping arrangements before we leave orbit?
Suguru: The commander said that he sent up some cots.
Ryuga: We'll have to see how those will work. The sleeping quarters are just that. There is not much additional space. Unfortunately, the other quarters are being used for storage right now.
Sera: Yes, Ryuga has turned into somewhat of… I think the Earth term is… pack rat. (Ryuga glares at Sera) And we didn't really think about the problem of mix of males and females.
Miyuki: Actually, I have a solution. Kiyomi-kun and Hamaji-kun can share one room. Rin-chan and Sen… Saori-san can share another and Chizu-chan and I can share the third.
Suguru: Yeah, but that leaves only one room.
Miyuki: Suguru-kun, you and Mahoro-san have been living under than same roof for more than a year. I'm sure you can come up with arrangements that will suitable for the two of you.
Suguru: Miyuki-chan, what are you…
Miyuki: If you two have behaved yourselves for more than a year under one roof, I sure that it won't be a problem to share a room for three days. Enough said.
Everyone is looking somewhat shocked at Miyuki and both Suguru and Mahoro are blushing a bit. After a moment, everyone regains their composure.
Sera: If that is OK with everyone, I'll show you to your quarters. Your gear is this way. You can get settled in and then join Ryuga and I on the bridge when we leave orbit.
Scene shifts to the sleeping quarters Suguru and Mahoro have been given. The room is just wide enough for the two beds (which are secured to the wall) and a four foot aisle way between them. There are two lockers at the foot of each bed for gear storage. Suguru and Mahoro are surveying the space.
Suguru: Maybe we could find some way to hang a blanket between the beds. I'm sorry Mahoro. I don't know what Miyuki-chan was thinking.
Mahoro: Don't worry. We'll work something out for the next three days. And maybe Miyuki-chan is right. We have lived under one roof for more than a year and northing has…
Suguru: Yeah, but we've never shared the same room.
Mahoro: Suguru, I trust you to be a gentleman. You have always been one and I don't think this situation will change you. Come on now, let's head up to the bridge and say goodbye to Earth for a few days.
Mahoro and Suguru move to the exit. Mahoro finds the button to activate the door which slides open and the two exit. In the hallway, they meet Rin and Shikijo, who are just exiting their quarters.
Rin: Do you remember how to get up to the bridge?
Suguru: Sera-san said to just walk to the end of the crew quarters, turn left and to keep walking toward the front of the ship.
Rin and Suguru move somewhat ahead of Mahoro and Saori.
Shikijo: Six months ago I would have fought tooth and nail to have the opportunity you have . Now I glad to see the right person with him.
Mahoro looks at Saori, wondering what she meant. Everyone proceeds to the bridge where Miyuki, Chizu, Kiyomi and Hamaji are already seated and strapped in.
Sera: That accounts for everyone. Now if the new arrivals will all take a seat and strap yourselves in we will be off to the command ship.
Mahoro, Suguru, Rin and Shikijo take four of the remaining seats and strap in (Saori making doubly sure that her straps are tight).
Hamaji: Where exactly is this command ship?
Sera: It is in synchronous orbit behind your moon. That is one of the reasons communication with the command ship is sometimes difficult. Now let me explain what we are going to be doing. Normally, Ryuga and I do not need to strap in, but you being new to space flight might feel a bit uncomfortable when we break orbit. Also, visually it will look as if the ship is flipping upside down with relation to the Earth. Those of you who have problems with such things might want to close your eyes until I tell you that the maneuver is complete. If everyone is ready…Firing main engines in five, four, three, two, one… Firing main engines.
There is a whine, which increases in intensity. Everyone feels themselves being pushed into their seat. Through the observation window, for those who cared to watch (Shikijo's eyes are tightly closed) the earth which had been at the bottom of the window, now filled the view as the ship rotates 180 degrees. The ride becomes slightly bumpy as the whine of the engines increase.
Sera: Main engines at full power.
Chizu: This is better than the amusement park.
Miyuki: It's hard to believe we live on that blue ball down there.
Rin: It's beautiful.
Hamaji: This is just like riding a roller coaster.
Mahoro: (To herself) I've seen this view before.
Suguru: (To himself, looking at Mahoro) She has been here before.
Sera: Main engine shut down in five, four, three, two, one…Main engines shut down… Ok, that is done. If you wish to unstrap, you may do so, but I would suggest that you remain seated for a few minutes. As we are leaving Earth's gravity and begin using the ships gravity generator, you may feel a little disorientated for a few minutes.
Chizu: Sera-san, are you the captain of the ship?
Sera: I am a tech support android. My area of expertise is in piloting and navigation.
Ryuga: Both Sera and I can pilot the ship. She is just much better at it than I am.
Sera: I would also suggest everyone get a good night's sleep. Meals are whenever you feel like fixing them, although I would suggest that you maintain your normal Earth time as much as possible, or you will have a hard time adjusting when you return home.
Shikijo: Is it safe for me to open my eyes?
Everyone looks at Saori, who is crunched up is as much of a little ball as she can, strapped into the seat.
The scene shifts to Mahoro and Suguru, who are back in their sleeping quarters.
Suguru: I don't see any way we can put anything up to divide the room, Mahoro. I'm sorry.
Mahoro: That's OK. You can stay here and change for bed. I will go into the shower and change there.
Suguru: I could change in the shower.
Mahoro: (Gathering her bed clothes) You stay here. I will be back in a few minutes.
Mahoro exits with her bed clothes and closes the door behind here. Suguru begins to change out of his clothing and into his pajamas. When he is done, he climbs into his bed, pulling the covers up to his neck. It is not more than a few minutes after that Mahoro opens the door to enter. Realizing that she does not know Suguru's state of dress, she turns her back to Suguru.
Mahoro: Oh, I'm sorry. I should have asked if you were ready for me to enter.
Suguru: It's Ok. I'm already changed and in bed.
Mahoro turns around and enters, closing the door behind her. She is in her pajamas and her hair, which is usually tied in a ribbon, is untied and hanging down to it's full length.
Mahoro: Well I suppose it's time to say good night.
Suguru: Yes, I suppose it is. Good night, Mahoro.
Mahoro: (Still standing) Good night, Suguru. (Mahoro begins to climb into her bed, but pauses) Suguru, may I impose on you for something?
Suguru: Ahhh… I guess so.
Mahoro: May I give you a kiss?
Suguru: Ahhh... Sure
Mahoro moves to the edge of Suguru's bed and sits on the edge. Suguru sits up. Mahoro puts her arms around Suguru and Suguru places his arms around her.
Mahoro: I love you, Suguru
Suguru: I love you, too
They kiss. After a moment of embracing after their kiss…
Mahoro: Good night, Suguru
Suguru: Good night.
They hug one more time and then break their embrace. Mahoro gets up and moves to her bed. Suguru covers up and Mahoro covers up in her bed. She reaches for a switch and turns out the lights.
Scene opens with Rin, Miyuki and Chizu, still in their bed clothes, sitting, drinking coffee in the ship's galley. Rin does not look like she has gotten any sleep at all.
Rin: She is worse than we used to be on a sleep over. She must have talked for nearly two hours after we went to bed. And I didn't realize that she didn't wear anything when she goes to bed.
Chizu: Shikijo… I mean Saori-san sleeps in the nude.
Rin: Yeah. I didn't realize how big her breasts really are. I can't imagine carrying that much weight on my chest.
Miyuki: Well your boobs aren't exactly small.
Rin: (Trying to indicate with her hands) Yeah, but hers are at least this big.
Mahoro and Suguru enter the galley, already dressed for the day.
Miyuki: And how did you two sleep?
Suguru: Actually, very well. How about you?
Rin: Saori-san is worse than a ten year old on her first sleep over.
Miyuki: Chizu-chan and I slept well, but I'm not so sure about Hamaji-kun and Kiyomi-kun.
Kiyomi: What about us?
Everyone turns to see Kiyomi and Hamaji enter, both bleary eyed.
Kiyomi: I would have slept fine if Hamaji-kun hadn't snored all night.
Hamaji: Me snoring. The human buzz saw here could be heard all the way back to Earth.
Miyuki: The truth is that you both snore. I could hear you through the cabin wall. I guess that's the advantage of having younger sisters. I can sleep through anything.
Mahoro: Well I bet everyone will feel better after a good breakfast. Why don't the rest of you get ready for the day and Suguru and I will put some breakfast together.
Chizu: There's only one shower room, ahhh…
Suguru: Why don't you girls take your showers first. These guys look like they could use some coffee.
Hamaji: Fine with me
Kiyomi: No problem.
Ryuga enters the galley.
Ryuga: Good morning all. I hope you slept comfortably?
Suguru: I think as well as could be expected under the circumstances.
Mahoro: Would you and Sera like some breakfast?
Ryuga: Sera and I had breakfast when we woke up, several hours ago.
Kiyomi: What time is it?
Ryuga: By Earth time… (looking at his watch) almost eleven in the morning.
Mahoro: I can't imaging sleeping that late. My internal clock should have awaken me at six.
Ryuga: Remember, you did not get to sleep until close to three in the morning. Your internal systems probably have a minimum sleep time that overrides your sleep alarm. I know that is the way it works for Sera and myself.
Mahoro: Well then, I guess I will start working on lunch.
Ryuga: Where is Shikijo-sensei?
Rin: She is probably still sound asleep.
Ryuga: Someone should go and wake her up, or she will be completely off schedule.
Rin: Not me. Someone else can do it.
Ryuga: I don't understand.
Mahoro: You girls go get your shower. I'll wake her up.
Ryuga: After you've eaten, I will give you a tour of the ship.
All: Great!
Scene shifts to Ryuga leading the group on a tour of the ship.
Ryuga: These are the training simulation rooms. They can produce a lifelike experience of a particular situation. Anything from driving a car to flying this ship. Unfortunately, I'm not sure that I have anything programmed that would be of interest to you, but when we are at the command ship, you can make requests of the technicians there, and they may be able to set it up for you.
Hamaji: You mean it's like a three-D video game.
Ryuga: I guess you could put it that way, but it is designed to react to your physical movement instead of a joystick.
Chizu: Cool. Could I play tennis against it?
Ryuga: I'm sure that the command ship has a program for that.
Chizu: Rin, you and I could play doubles against it.
Ryuga: Well that is the tour. You may go anywhere on the ship except those places that are marked for crew access only. I would ask though, that if you do go onto the bridge, please do not interfere with Sera's operation of the ship. (To Mahoro) Could I talk to you for a moment. (To Suguru) You may stay also.
Everyone leaves the area except Ryuga, Mahoro and Suguru.
Ryuga: There is sometime I needed to tell you and this seemed like the most appropriate place to do it. Come follow me.
Ryuga walks to one of the simulation rooms and opens the door. All three of them enter and the door closes behind them.
Ryuga: After the first time I met you in battle, and you let me live, I didn't understand why. I thought it some weakness on your part. So I gathered all of the information I could about you Mahoro-san. The way you fought… the way you moved… everything… (To no one in particular) Load Mahoro simulation one, revision five… (The room darkens and an image of Mahoro in her battle gear appears) I trained here for years against various simulations until I thought I could truly defeat you. That is when I came to earth to challenge you.
Mahoro: (Looking at the image of herself) Ryuga-san, I never understood, why did you lay down your sword?
Ryuga: It was because I realized two things. First, that you were not fully armed. When Slash called out for you not to use your one remaining weapon, I realized that in using it, you would perish by defeating me. Even at reduce power, we were evenly matched and I could not understand that. That is when I realized the second thing. You were not fighting as I was, to determine who was the better fighter; for the honor of battle. You were fighting to protect the life of someone dear to you, and you were willing to give up your life for him. It was that which powered your attacks. I was not defeated by your strength, but by your selflessness. And it was at that moment that I realized how important this thing called humanity was and how much I wished to be a part of it. I have you and Suguru-kun to thank for that… Unload simulation.
The image of Mahoro dissolves and the lights return to a normal level.
Ryuga: It is my intention that while at the command ship, to have my weapon systems removed and to live the remainder of my time on Earth.
Ryuga moves to the door and opens it. All exit to the corridor.
Ryuga: Thank you Mahoro-san. Thank you Suguru-san.
Ryuga bows to Mahoro and Suguru and they return the bow. Then Ryuga walks away in silence. Mahoro and Suguru just look at each other.
Cut to mid program break
Scene shifts to Mahoro and Suguru in their sleeping quarters, getting ready for bed. Suguru gathers up his bed clothes.
Suguru: Mahoro, I will go to the shower to change tonight.
Mahoro: I was thinking… Miyuki-chan is right. We've been living under the same roof for more than a year. I think we have developed mutual respect and trust for each other.
Suguru: What are you trying to say Mahoro?
Mahoro: If you face the door, and I face in the opposite direction, and we don't turn around until both of us say we are ready for bed, I don't think anyone has to go to the shower to change.
Suguru: Do you really think so?
Mahoro: I trust you not to peek before I'm ready.
Suguru: (Somewhat apprehensive) OK
Suguru turns toward the door and begins to change (head shot only). He can hear Mahoro's clothing rustle (and from is facial expression he is tempted to peek). After a moment he is changed.
Suguru: I'm ready.
Mahoro: I'll be ready in a moment… (There is some additional rustling) OK, you can turn around now, I'm ready.
Suguru turns around to find Mahoro not wearing anything (he is in shock). She walks up to him, places her arms around him, pressing her body against his. Mahoro puts her lips to Suguru's ear.
Mahoro: (Whispering) I'm ready for bed…
Scene cuts to Suguru and Mahoro sitting upright in their beds, both breathing as if suddenly awaken from a deep sleep.
Suguru: Mahoro… are you… alright?
Mahoro: It was just… a dream… that woke me…
Suguru: Me too.
Mahoro: (Catching her breath) Suguru… were you… ahhh… dreaming about… ahhh… you and me… ahhh…
Suguru: About you and me… ahhh… together and you were… ahhh…
Mahoro: And I was hugging… and ahhh… I said that…
Suguru: Oh! I'm sorry Mahoro
Mahoro: No I'm sorry
They sit silently for a moment in their beds. Suguru takes a deep breath.
Suguru: Mahoro, I love you very much, and someday it might be nice for us to be together like that. But I don't think I'm ready yet. But I do like being with you. I like hugging and kissing you. I liked when you were with me in the bath. And I will admit about fanaticizing about seeing you without your clothing, but for right now…
Mahoro: (Getting out of her bed and sitting next to Suguru) Thank you. I like being with you too. And I like when we hug and kiss. And I guess I am flattered that you would like seeing me without my clothing. And maybe… someday… when the time is right… we can… Oh, Suguru I do really love you.
Mahoro rest her head on Suguru's shoulder and they put their arms around each other. Suguru draws Mahoro close to him. Fade to black.
Scene fades to ship's galley the following morning. Suguru and Hamaji are sitting at a table. Mahoro can be heard singing softly in the kitchen.
Hamaji: Mahoro-san seems very bright and cheerful this morning.
Suguru: Mahoro is always bright and cheerful in the morning.
Hamaji: It just seems… different today. Nothing happened last night, did it?
Suguru: No! Nothing happened last night. We just sat and talked for a while.
Hamaji: Just talked?
Suguru: OK… so we hugged a little bit.
Hamaji: Talking and hugging and…
Suguru: And… maybe a kiss or two… but that's it!
Hamaji: You two are really in love, aren't you?
Suguru: I guess you could call in that.
Hamaji: What does it feel like to be in love?
Suguru: (After a moment of thought) Nice… and scary.
Hamaji: Scary?
Suguru: That funny feeling of not really being sure about what is going on or where you are going. But the nice part is knowing that wherever it takes you, you'll be there with someone special.
Hamaji: Then it must be love that I'm feeling for Minawa-chan, because I'm scared to death.
Suguru: Scared of what?
Hamaji: Of not knowing what to say, or saying the wrong thing, or having been away for so long, will she still even remember me.
Suguru: Hamaji-kun. You will be fine. Just say what's in your heart. Take my word for it, she will remember you.
Mahoro (wearing shorts and a tee shirt) comes out of the kitchen with a tray with three bowls of miso soup and rice (and other breakfast items) and sets them on the table.
Hamaji: Good morning, Mahoro-san
Mahoro: Good morning, Hamaji-kun. What were you talking about, if I'm not intruding?
Suguru: Hamaji-kun is nervous about seeing Minawa-chan. He doesn't know what to say to her.
Mahoro: I can think of one thing.
Hamaji: What's that?
Mahoro: Happy birthday. Tomorrow is her fifteenth birthday. Commander Hayato told me that before we left. I'm going to bake a cake for her.
Hamaji: If I had known, I would have bought something for her… at least a card.
Mahoro: We can ask Ryuga-san and Sera-san. Maybe they have something on board that we can use to make cards and decorations.
Hamaji: You think so. I'll help.
Hamaji and Mahoro both begin to beam as they discuss possible birthday preparations.
Suguru begins to eat his breakfast, but after a few moments, Miyuki, Chizu and Rin enter, dressed and ready for the day. Mahoro and Hamaji are so engrossed in their conversation, they don't notice.
Miyuki: Hi guys, what's up.
Mahoro: (Her attention drawn away from her conversation) Oh! I'm sorry. Good morning. Let me get you some breakfast.
Mahoro get up and exits to the kitchen.
Rin: So what is the topic of discussion this morning?
Hamaji: Mahoro-san and I were talking about things we could do for Minawa-chan's birthday. The Commander told Mahoro-san that it's tomorrow.
Chizu: Minawa-chan's birthday is tomorrow. And she'll be…
Hamaji: Fifteen years old. Mahoro-san is going to bake a cake and we're going to make decorations and…
Mahoro enters with a tray with food for the girls and sets it on the table. The girls take their seats.
Mahoro: Where is Kiyomi-kun?
Hamaji: He got up early this morning. I guess he is using one of the simulators for Kendo practice. I guess that's one of the programs that Ryuga-sensei had available.
Mahoro: I will leave some food for him then. Rin-chan, is Saori-san awake?
Rin: She was getting her shower. You know, she doesn't even wear a robe when she goes to and from the shower.
Hamaji: Oh! That's scary.
Shikijo: (From the galley entry way) What's scary?
Hamaji: (Jumping) Nothing! Just stuff.
Shikijo enters the galley. She too is wearing shorts and a tee shirt (which looks several sizes too small).
Shikijo: Mahoro-san, may I trouble you for some breakfast?
Mahoro: It's no trouble at all. There is plenty.
Shikijo: Thank you.
Mahoro again exits to the kitchen and returns quickly with food for Shikijo.
Shikijo: (Sitting) What are people's plans for today?
Chizu: Ryuga-sensei said that the training simulators can be set for zero-G simulation. I've always wanted to try that, just like the astronauts.
Miyuki: That does sound like fun.
Suguru: (Laughing) Just like the astronauts… Chizu-chan, we are astronauts
Chizu: I guess we are. I never thought of it that way. Who wants to try it with me?
Hamaji: Count me in
Rin: Sure.
Miyuki: I'll try it.
Suguru: Mahoro, how about you?
Mahoro: I did something like that during my training, although in an airplane… I does sound like fun.
Suguru: I'm in too. Saori-san, would you like to try?
Shikijo: I don't think Ryuga-san brought enough beer on board to get me to try that. I'm just getting use to being on the space ship. Go have fun.
Chizu: I'll check with Ryuga-sensei about when we can do it.
Kiyomi: (Form galley doorway) Try what?
Chizu: Zero-G simulation. Do you want to try it? (Chizu finally gets a good look at Kiyomi, who looks rather battered and bruised. With alarm) Oh! What happened to you?
Everyone turns around to look at Kiyomi
Shikijo: Kiyomi-kun, you look terrible. Are you alright?
Kiyomi: I didn't realize that the simulation could hit back. I had it on the lowest response setting, but that hurt. On the other hand, it was one of the best kendo workouts I've ever had. I'll be better prepared the next time.
Mahoro: Before you go and try it again, let's get you patched up.
Scene fades with Mahoro walking off with the bruised and limping Kiyomi.
Scene shifts to Mahoro and Suguru walking with each other around the ship.
Suguru: That observation room should be around here somewhere.
Mahoro: Ryuga-san said it was at the end of the right-hand main corridor on the left-hand side.
Suguru: I never realized how big this ship is. (They reach the end of the corridor where this are doors to both the right and top the left) This must be the place.
Mahoro presses a button by the door and it slides open. They enter a large room. Half of the ceiling curving down to the floor is transparent like glass. Through this observation window, Mahoro and Suguru can see the Earth, appearing as a blue ball with white streaks. Both just stand and stare in silence, for a moment before finding a bench-like seat against the back wall. They sit down next to each other. Mahoro rests her head on Suguru's shoulder.
Mahoro: I don't know how to explain this… (she takes a deep breath and then sits upright) When I died… I remember being out in space looking at the Earth, very much like this… Then I decided to give it one last hug good bye… Then I realized, I didn't want to let go. When I heard a voice calling to me, I tried to hold on as hard as I could… but I finally had to let go. I couldn't hold on any longer…
Suguru: I'm sorry, I didn't realize…
Mahoro: No, don't be sorry. Because now I know what I was trying to hold onto so hard.
Mahoro and Suguru embrace and kiss. They are suddenly startled by the sound of someone gasping at the door.
Shikijo: Oh! I'm didn't mean to interrupt anything… (she turns to leave)
Mahoro: Saori-san, please don't go.
Shikijo: I am really sorry, but
Mahoro: Don't worry. We were just looking at the Earth… and I was telling him about something I remembered about when I… ahhh… died.
Shikijo: Oh… ahhh… you know, this is the first time I've been close enough to a window to look outside. That tiny thing is the Earth. Hard to believe.
Suguru: Are you alright, Saori-san?
Shikijo: I'll be fine… I didn't realize how much I missed you Mahoro-san until two or three days after I heard you had died. We were always arguing and fighting. I was so rude all because I though you were stealing Suguru-kun away from me. I was so stupid. He was never mine to begin with… (Sigh) Mahoro-san, may I ask a favor of you?
Mahoro: A favor?
Shikijo: With your permission, and most definitely with Suguru-kun's permission also, may I give Suguru-kun… ahhh… a… ummm… ahhh… kiss?
Mahoro and Suguru look at each other for a moment. Mahoro turns back to Shikijo and quietly nods her head. Shikijo moves to sit next to Suguru, gently puts her arms around him and kisses him first on the cheek, but then kisses him squarely on the lips. After a moment (which seemed like an eternity to Suguru and Mahoro), Shikijo breaks contact and stands up.
Shikijo: Misato-kun, you are a very good kisser. Mahoro-san, you have taught him well. I'll be going now. You two enjoy yourselves, kissing under the Earth light.
Saori leaves. Mahoro and Suguru look at each other for a moment and then Mahoro sits back down next to Suguru. They continue looking at the Earth, holding hands.
Scene cuts to Mahoro and Suguru entering their sleeping quarters. Suguru is looking somewhat green.
Suguru: Mahoro-san, remind me never to try that zero-G thing again after one of your big meals.
Mahoro: I tried to tell people that they should wait for a while after dinner to try it.
Suguru: I think I'll be fine if I just sit down for a while.
Mahoro: Would you like some tea to settle you stomach?
Suguru: Maybe some of your special tea would help.
Mahoro: I did bring some with me (going to her locker and retrieving it) I will make some for everyone. Why don't you sit for a bit and I will bring it back here for you.
Mahoro exits and Suguru sits on his bed.
Suguru: (To himself) So much has changed over the last two months. We're in space, on our way to be goodwill ambassadors to a race of people from outer space. The people around me are changed. Shikijo-sensei is so different. Miyuki-chan and Rin-chan have changed. (Snicker) Hamaji-kun is in love. I'm in love. And even though it is very subtle Chizu-chan and Kiyomi-kun have changed also. And I get the feeling this is only the beginning. And why does the Saint Commander want to meet Mahoro and me?
Scene fades to some time later. Suguru is now lying on his bed. Mahoro enters the quarters carrying a tray with two cups of tea.
Mahoro: Are you awake?
Suguru: (Sitting up) Yeah. I was just thinking.
Mahoro: How are you feeling?
Suguru: Better.
Mahoro: (Handing Suguru a cup of tea) Here, have some tea
Suguru: Thank you, Mahoro (Takes a sip) You make the best tea in the world.
Mahoro sits down on her bed, facing Suguru, tea in hand.
Mahoro: So what were you thinking about?
Suguru: About everything that's been happening. About everything that's changed. About you and me. About how different Miyuki-chan and Rin-chan have been lately. Sometimes I feel like they are pushing us together. And how Shikijo-sensei has changed.
Mahoro: Hmmmm… Yes… She gave you quite a kiss. How was it?
Suguru: (Laughing) Oh… It was good… but not as good as a kiss from you. Maybe you could give me some more private lessons.
Mahoro: Drink your tea.
Scene fades. There is the sound of giggling.
Cut to ending theme
Preview:
Scene shows Mahoro, Hamaji and Suguru working on party decorations. Zoom to Hamaji holding up a pencil sketch of Minawa. Scene shifts to Suguru sitting next to Saori on the observation deck. Switch to image of the Saint Command Ship, then to image of Leesha greeting the group. Scene shifts to Minawa stepping into the docking bay
Voice Over
Voice of Suguru: I'm glad that they could find something on the ship to make decorations.
Voice of Miyuki: It was easy. You wouldn't believe some of the things Ryuga-san has on board.
Voice of Sera: Oh! Believe it. I don't know what I'm going to do with him.
Voice of Mahoro: Hamaji-kun is quite an artist.
Voice of Rin: He's been able to do that as long as I can remember.
Voice of Chizu: Hey Suguru-kun what were you talking to Saori-san about.
Voice of Suguru: Mostly about what she was going to do for a job.
Voice of Miyuki: Will you look at the Command ship. It's beautiful.
Voice of Kiyomi: And the Commander isn't bad looking either.
Voice of Rin: Look Hamaji-kun… There's Minawa-chan.
Voice of Minawa: I'm sorry.
Episode 9: Reunion