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 15: The Picnic
Show opens with the regular theme
Scene in Mahoro and Suguru's sleeping quarters. Suguru is sitting on the couch. Mahoro enters.
Suguru: Is Ya-chan all right?
Mahoro: I calmed her down and got her to bed. We talked for a bit. She's never really talked to anyone about her father's death. It sounds like her mother has no desire to talk about it and she really does not want to burden her only real friend with it.
Suguru: At least I had Miyuki-chan and her dad to talk to after my father died. I don't think I would have made it without them. Maybe I could talk to her and at least offer support.
Mahoro: I think she could use that. You know, she hasn't been to the cemetery since the funeral. We could go with her.
Suguru: I know it was helpful for me the first time I went back. I had all of my friends with me and Miyuki-chan's dad and mom were there too.
Mahoro: Maybe we could arrange a day before the start of school.
Suguru: That sounds good. By the way, does she still think that you are an angel?
Mahoro: I think that I at least accomplished that. She wanted to know if I had seen her dad and if I had been sent by him to watch over her.
Suguru: Well, I think you're an angel.
Mahoro: Don't start that. That's all I need. She thinks Ryuga-san is an angel also. That's why she spaced out when she saw him. She said she had seen me and Ryuga-san before in a dream.
Suguru: (Standing up) Speaking of dreams, would you like to get some sleep now?
Mahoro: We can sleep later, but we can go to bed now.
Suguru: I don't know Mahoro. You're getting naughtier and naughtier every day.
Mahoro stands up and steps right up to Suguru and puts her arms on his shoulders and clasping her fingers behind his neck.
Mahoro: I don't hear you complaining. (In a seductive voice) I think you like when I'm naughty. And you know what, I like it when you are naughty too. (Several heartbeats pass. There is a sudden change in Mahoro's expression; from seductive to dismay; she removes her arms) Oh! What am I doing?
Suguru: Are you alright, Mahoro?
Mahoro: I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. It's just that whenever I'm near you, I feel all fluttery inside and I start to think all sorts of naughty things.
Suguru: What sort of naughty things?
Mahoro leans next to Suguru's ear and begins to whisper (inaudible to all but Suguru). Suguru's eyes begin to widen and he begins to blush brightly.
Suguru: Mahoro!
Mahoro: (Bowing her head) I'm sorry.
Suguru: Do you think it would be better if I slept on the couch tonight?
Mahoro: (Almost in a panic) No, please don't do that. Please stay close by me. Please!
Suguru embraces Mahoro and comforts her.
Suguru: I will stay with you. Let's get ready for bed.
Fade to black
Scene shifts to dining room the following morning. Everyone is gathered around the dining room table (including Ryuga and Sera). Yaeko and Shiori are sitting quietly by themselves at one end of the table, but otherwise there is general conversation around the table. Mahoro enters carrying a tray of food and with Suguru's help begins placing it on the table
Hamaji: Does anybody have any plans for today?
Rin: Not really. Kiyomi-kun and I found a video library upstairs. Some really terrible movies… at least I would never consider watching them. Other than the springs, though, there isn't much to do here but relax.
Hamaji: I have an idea. Minawa-chan and I went for a walk and we found a nice place for a picnic not too far from here. How would everybody like to go on a picnic?
Suguru: It sounds like a nice idea. Mahoro, would it be too much trouble to put together a picnic lunch or dinner.
Mahoro: Maybe a dinner. We could leave after lunch.
Rin: Would you like some help in the kitchen, Mahoro-san?
Mahoro: Of course. You know you're always welcome. So where is this place you found?
Minawa: It's a pretty spot at the top of a hill. You can see our lodge and the Vesper headquarters and all of the different hot springs.
Chizu: It sounds romantic. Did you spend a lot of time up there?
Minawa: Yes. It was nice and quiet. We were up there until after dark.
Hamaji: It's a good thing that Minawa-chan has such good night vision or we might have gotten lost out there until morning.
Miyuki: And how would have this been bad?
Hamaji: It got cool last night.
Miyuki: I'm sure you two could have found some way to keep warm.
Hamaji: I'm sure we could have.
Kaito: (With a somewhat puzzled look on his face) What is a picnic?
Chizu: It's a meal eaten outdoors. Usually cold foods. It's fun. Sometimes you play games or sometimes you can just be with someone special to you.
Suguru: Well then it's settled, after lunch, we're going on a picnic. Ryuga-sensei… Sera-san… will you be coming with us?
Sera: I don't think so. We've managed to clean out another of the sleeping quarters, but there is a great deal left to do.
Ryuga: She just doesn't understand the value of some of these things.
Sera: That's because they don't have any.
Rin: Miyuki-chan, doesn't this sound familiar?
Miyuki: Yeah, I thought I would be able to get away from bickering siblings for a little while longer.
Riku: On Earth, do siblings always argue like that, Miyuki-chan?
Miyuki: A lot of the time, but even my sisters and I get along at least some of the time. Actually most brothers and sisters get along pretty well.
Ryuga: Sera and I will be back tomorrow some time. Have a nice picnic.
Sera and Ryuga exit the dining room and then the main building.
Rin: I can't believe how much those two argue. I don't see them living under the same roof for very long.
Kiyomi: Especially if they start dating. (Kiyomi snickers to himself) Can you imagine the look on the guys face when Sera-san ask him if he'd like to check out the back seat of her spaceship?
There is general laughter from the group about that.
Miyuki: I can't image Ryuga-sensei dating. He seems so naive about girls.
Shikijo: Maybe he needs someone to teach him.
Miyuki: I'm sure you'd be a willing volunteer.
Shikijo: Well he is kind of cute.
Miyuki: And he is only four years old, so there is no problem with the age difference.
Shikijo: Ouch! I deserved that didn't I?
Miyuki: A few months ago maybe, but not now. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity.
Yaeko: Mahoro-san, would you mind if I helped you in the kitchen?
Mahoro: It's not necessary. Suguru will help me clean up breakfast.
Yaeko: But I would really like to.
Slowly everyone gets up from the table and disperse into their little groups. Mahoro and Suguru begin gathering things from the table and taking them to the kitchen.
Riku: Miyuki-chan, how would Hamaji-kun and Minawa-chan keep warm if they were outside in the cold?
Miyuki: I'll show you later.
Yaeko: (to Shiori) I'll be with you after I'm done helping clean up.
Shiori: Take your time. I'm going to go soak in the springs. Join me when you are done.
Yaeko: Sure thing.
Yaeko grabs the few things that are left on the table and carries them into the kitchen. Mahoro is already preparing to wash dishes and Suguru is putting leftover food away.
Suguru: (Upon seeing Yaeko entering the kitchen) Thank you Ya-chan. Just put those on the counter next to the sink.
Mahoro: You know it wasn't necessary for you to stay and help.
Yaeko: Actually I wanted to thank you for last night and apologize for the way I behaved.
Mahoro: There's no need.
Yaeko: (Stepping up to dry the dishes that Mahoro has washed) Suguru-san, Mahoro-san said last night I should talk to you about my father's death.
Suguru: My father died five years ago, and my mother died a few years before that.
Yaeko: Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up anything painful.
Suguru: It's not painful now, but it helps to have friends to talk to. Miyuki-chan and her dad were there for me. In fact, if you would like, Mahoro and I could go with you to the cemetery. I'm sure Shiori-chan would come also.
Yaeko: Thank you. I've been afraid to go back. I'm afraid that I would just start crying and not be able to stop.
Suguru: Sometimes crying is good. Tears help wash the heart clean.
Yaeko: Thank you again. Suguru-san, may I ask you something else?
Suguru: Sure.
Yaeko: How did your father die? My father got sick suddenly. One day he was fine and the next day he died.
Suguru: My father died in military action. He was a member of Vesper and died fighting against Kaemisa.
Yaeko: Oh! That's terrible.
Suguru: He died a hero, for the benefit of the people of Earth. I will always remember him that way. I will remember the things we did together. In that way I will keep the memory of him alive. You will learn to do the same thing, but it will take time.
Yaeko: Thank you. Mahoro-san, would it be OK if I visited you and Suguru-san after we get back home.
Mahoro: Of course. We have people coming and going all of the time. You are always more than welcome. Shiori-chan too. Her sister used to come and eat with us all of the time.
Mahoro and Yaeko finish the dishes while Suguru is putting them away.
Mahoro: Well, I will start working on things for the picnic. I wonder if they have anything, like a basket to carry things in.
Suguru: I can give the Commander's office a call and see. I need to talk to them anyway.
Mahoro: Why don't you do that and I can start making some treats. I think I'll make that peach pie that Chizu-chan likes so much.
Suguru: That sounds good. I'll be back in a little while to help.
Suguru exits the kitchen, leaving Mahoro and Yaeko.
Yaeko: Suguru-san really is something special. It is hard to believe that we are the same age. He is so mature and wise.
Mahoro: I think he's something special too.
Yaeko: Does he know exactly how his father died?
Mahoro: (Somewhat taken aback by the question, Mahoro bows her head) Yes, he knows exactly how he died. I told him. I was there. I pulled the trigger that killed him. There was nothing I could do to prevent it.
There is a shocked look on Yaeko's face at the revelation. Then she embraces Mahoro.
Scene fades to Mahoro, Rin and Suguru working in the kitchen, making lunch. Professor Hokato enters carrying two large baskets. Rin is the first to notice the professor.
Rin: Good morning, Professor Hokato.
Hokato: Good morning… ahhh… Rin-chan. See, I'm not as absent minded as everyone seems to think I am.
Mahoro: Good morning, Professor. I see that they had some baskets for us.
Hokato: There was some debate when they found out you were cooking whether these would be enough or whether to send more.
Mahoro: Very funny, but you didn't have to bring them here. I could have come down and gotten them.
Hokato: It was no problem. I need to come up and talk with you, Minawa-chan and Suguru-kun anyway.
Mahoro: Well we are almost done with lunch…
Rin: Mahoro-san, you and Suguru-kun go ahead. I think I can finish up lunch.
Mahoro: Thank you, Rin-chan.
Professor Hokato puts down the baskets, but retrieves a small medical kit from one of them. Mahoro, Suguru and Professor Hokato exit the kitchen and walk through the dining room to the main hall. There Hamaji is just entering the lodge from the springs.
Suguru: Hamaji-kun, have you seen Minawa-chan?
Hamaji: She is still in the hot springs with Miyuki-chan and Chizu-chan. They were getting into some pretty deep girl talk, so I decided to escape while I still could. Would you like me to get her for you?
Suguru: Please. Tell her Professor Hokato need to talk to her.
Hamaji: No problem.
Suguru: (To Hamaji as he exits the building to the hot springs) We'll be in the main conference room. (To Professor Hokato) Professor, is there some kind of problem?
Hokato: Not really. It's just that it looks like some of the tests got messed up yesterday, so I need to get fresh samples.
Suguru, Mahoro and Hokato enter the conference room. In a matter of a few moments Minawa enters along with Hamaji. Minawa is wearing a towel loosely wrapped around her.
Hamaji: Is there a problem, Professor?
Hokato: No there is no problem. You can stay if you want to, since this somewhat affects you.
Hamaji closes the door behind him and everyone takes a seat.
Suguru: So what's up?
Hokato: Well we got the preliminary results back from the DNA tests we did yesterday.
Hamaji: DNA tests?
Hokato: Yes. Leesha-san contacted us and suggested that we get some cross match information from the twins and the Commander thought it would be a good idea to run them on everyone. Actually, the results were pretty amazing.
Suguru: How is that?
Hokato: The DNA structure of the twins is almost identical to that of people from Earth. There were only two minor differences that we could find. So it looks like the people of Earth and the people of Saint came from the same genetic pool.
Suguru: Does that mean that it's possible that Saint are originally from Earth?
Hokato: It could be that, or that Saint visited Earth long ago and colonized it.
Mahoro: I don't think so. Leesha-san and the twins say that in their history there is no record of Saint making contact with any other world that they colonized.
Hokato: Well, that is something for investigation once our peoples begin working more closely.
Suguru: Well that's interesting. So what samples do you need to get?
Hokato: Well it looks as if your DNA sample was contaminated somehow, so I need to get a fresh sample.
Suguru: (Snickering) I don't think you need to get a fresh sample. Let me guess… you think my sample was contaminated because you found evidence of Saint DNA in it.
Hokato: How did you know?
Suguru: Because, if you take a fresh sample, you will find the same evidence again. As it turns out, my grandfather and Leesha-san were romantically involved when she was here on Earth. Leesha-san is my grandmother.
Hokato: Oh my! There were always rumors of something like that but… but if your sample can be trusted then…
Suguru: Then what?
Hokato: That means we should probably trust the results we got from Minawa-chan. Her results show that same DNA trait. At least one of her grandparents, if not one of her parents were full blooded Saint.
Hamaji: Wooo! Professor, were you able to find out anything about her parents from the Kaemisa records?
Hokato: Nothing yet, but that may explain why the cybernetic implants did not work completely. I will have to get back to the Commander about this.
Mahoro: Was there anything else?
Hokato: Actually, yes there was. I'm so glad you had us do a regular physical on you Mahoro-san, instead of depending on your internal diagnostics for information. They more than likely would not have shown anything.
Suguru: Shown what?
Hokato: Well, both Mahoro-san and Minawa-chan are showing a change in their blood chemistry. Now I might expect it for Minawa-chan, but seeing that change in Mahoro-san was completely unexpected.
Suguru: What change? Is there something wrong?
Hokato: No, but by all indications, Minawa-chan and Mahoro-san are right in the middle of going through puberty.
Mahoro: Puberty? But I'm an android. How is that possible?
Hokato: Well, evidentially, you are a very human android. By all indications your body is producing the hormones necessary for the development of secondary sexual traits. Actually almost twice as many as a normal human might produce. I'll need to run another test on you also Minawa-chan.
Minawa: Does that mean Onee-chan and I are going to get bigger boobies?
Everyone just looks at Minawa and then begin to laugh.
Hokato: I don't know Minawa-chan. You'll just have to wait and see. Now, I need to draw another blood sample from each of you.
Scene shifts to a few minutes later as Professor Hokato, Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa and Hamaji exit the conference room.
Mahoro: Professor Hokato, you are welcome to stay and have lunch with us.
Hokato: I would love to stay for one of your meals, Mahoro-san, but I need to get these samples back to the lab. I will most likely be back tomorrow. Enjoy your picnic.
Mahoro: We will do that. Take care.
Suguru: (Quietly to Mahoro) Hmmm, that could explain why you've been feeling so strange lately.
Mahoro: That could be. I guess I don't fully understand what it all means.
Rin stands at the entrance to the dining room.
Rin: Hey you slowpokes. Lunch is ready and on the table. Come on before we eat it all.
Suguru: Come on Mahoro, let's go and eat lunch and worry about this later.
Mahoro and Suguru follow Minawa and Hamaji into the dining room, from which can be heard "Idatakimasu".
Cut to mid-show break.
Scene shifts to a wooded trail along which we find (in order) Minawa and Hamaji, Mahoro and Suguru (each carrying a picnic basket), Shiori and Yaeko, Miyuki and Riku (hand in hand), Chizu and Kaito, Rin and Kiyomi, with Saori bringing up the rear (carrying a beer cooler).
Suguru: (To Hamaji) How much farther is this place?
Hamaji: Not all that much further.
Mahoro: Suguru, if that is too heavy for you, I can carry it.
Suguru: No, it's not that. I was just wondering how far they walked last night.
Minawa: It's just around the curve up ahead.
The group continues to walk down the trail and past the curve. About a hundred feet ahead, the trail ends and opens up to a grassy hill. There are no trees on the hill other than one rather large one at the top, maybe a quarter of a mile away. The sun is brightly shining and the sky is almost completely blue, with only a few cloudy wisps. Upon taking in the view, Suguru and Mahoro look at each other questioningly, but say nothing.
Minawa: Isn't it beautiful. Hamaji-kun and I sat out here last evening and watched the sun set.
Hamaji: I've never seen a sunset like that before.
Minawa: It's nice and flat at the top of the hill under the tree. It will be nice place to set up our picnic.
Shikijo: We have to walk all the way up there?
Shiori: Come on Onee-chan. Don't be such a wimp. And it's not as if you're wearing your heels today. It should be an easy walk. I'll even help you carry the beer.
Again Suguru and Mahoro look at each other.
Mahoro: There is something so familiar about this, but I can't place why.
Suguru: I know. It feels like I've been here before, but I know that I haven't.
Everyone begins the trek up the hill, with Minawa and Hamaji again taking the lead and Shikijo following behind. Kaito and Riku are simply in awe of everything they see.
Riku: (To Miyuki) It would have been impossible for me to imagine anything like this existing. On board our ship, we had green space but you could see the limits of it. You knew that eventually there was a wall. Here, you feel like the green goes on forever. It is beautiful. I've never felt like this before.
Miyuki: I'm glad you like it. I'm glad you're here with me to enjoy it. It seems so much nicer seeing it with you. Thank you Riku-kun, for being here with me.
The group spreads out. Minawa, Hamaji, Chizu and Kaito are already at the top.
Chizu: Come on slowpokes. You have to see it from up here. Come on, hurry up.
Shikijo: (To no one in particular) I don't know where she gets all that energy from.
Rin: (Who is walking with Kiyomi, just ahead of Shikijo) I think it's from all that food she eats. She never puts on any weight. I have to watch everything I eat or I'll blow up like a balloon.
Shikijo: I know how you feel. Guess where anything I eat ends up going.
Rin and Kiyomi just look at each other and shake their heads.
Eventually everyone makes it to the top of the hill. Pan of scenery show the lodge below and the Vesper headquarters further in the distance. The wooded valley goes on for some distance, but several towns can be seen and very far in the distance a larger city can be seen. In the other direction are the mountains.
The top of the hill is relatively flat and green except for the area under the single large tree there. The tree is about thirty feet tall with long thick branches extending from the main trunk. The lowest branch is about six feet up from the ground, but from there the branches are such that it would be easy to climb.
Mahoro and Suguru set the baskets down and they each pull a blanket from the basket they are carrying and spread them out on the ground with the shade of the tree, but still on the grass.
Miyuki: I can't believe how much food you brought. There must be enough to feed three times this many people.
Mahoro: I figured we would be up here all day and past sunset. I brought snack food and beverage in my basket and Suguru carried up our dinner.
Suguru: Mahoro figured we would be here for a while. She even brought flashlights.
There is the sound of a pop top opening. Every one looks in the direction from which it came, which is where Shikijo has opened a beer.
Shikijo: What? This is my idea of a picnic; in the outdoors on a beautiful hot day, beer in hand; this is perfect.
Shikijo sits herself down on the blanket, right next to the beer cooler.
Shikijo: This is the life.
Shiori sits down next to her sister.
Shiori: Onee-chan, may I have one, please?
Shikijo looks at Mahoro.
Mahoro: (Shrugging her shoulders) Don't look at me. She's your sister.
Shikijo: (After a brief moment) Sure, go ahead. You know, mom doesn't really approve, but she knows that there is no real way to stop you.
Shiori: I know. (Taking a beer and opening it) Thank you Onee-chan. (Takes a deep draw from the can)
Shikijo: Would you like one Mahoro-san?
Mahoro: Maybe later. On the other hand, I have ice tea for anybody else who doesn't want beer.
Kiyomi: That's great. Your ice tea is the best.
Mahoro: There are snacks also whenever you want them.
Chizu: Oooo! Mahoro-san made her snack sandwiches. Kaito-kun, try them. They are the best.
Kaito: Maybe later. I'm still full from lunch. I guess Mahoro-san doesn't do anything on a small scale.
Chizu: No she doesn't, but everything she makes is so good and has so much love in it, you can't help but eat it.
Kaito: Food has love in it?
Chizu: Well, sort of. Mahoro-san cooks with the feelings of others in mind, so she takes great care to make sure it tastes good. Because of that, you can taste her love in the food.
Mahoro: Why, thank you Chizu-chan.
Chizu: (Looking into the snack basket and pulling out a Frisbee) Hey! There's a Frisbee in here. Who wants to play Frisbee?
Hamaji: Count me in. How about you Minawa-chan?
Minawa: I guess so. The last time I tried playing with one, I got hit in the head.
Miyuki: Oooo! I remember that, but I'm sure you'll do better. Count me in.
Suguru: Would you like to play Mahoro?
Mahoro: Sure.
Riku: What is a Frisbee, Miyuki-chan?
Miyuki: It's a flying disk. One person throws it someone and they try to catch it. Just watch. You'll catch on real fast. Rin-chan… Kiyomi-kun, are you going to join us?
Kiyomi: Not right now? Maybe in a bit.
Chizu: Come on, Kaito-kun. Let's play.
Kaito: Show me how.
Shiori: (Finishing her beer) Come on, Onee-chan. Come on a play.
Shikijo: You and Ya-chan go and play. I'll sit here and watch.
Shiori: Come on Ya-chan. Let's show them how this is done.
Shiori and Yaeko join the group playing catch with the Frisbee. (Stills) Yaeko gets to show off almost immediately by making an acrobatic catch and throwing it to Shiori while she is still in the air. Minawa ducks a fast thrown Frisbee from Miyuki which then hits Hamaji square in the head. Riku manages to catch one in the air and tentatively throws it to Mahoro, who bullets it to Suguru who has to jump to avoid getting hit. There are several other stills of the play and an occasional shot of Shikijo drinking another beer.
Finally, exhausted, they all return to the blankets. Shiori plops down next to the beer and grabs one and opens it, taking a deep drink. Chizu and Miyuki sit down near her.
Chizu: Shiori-chan, don't tell me you actually like that stuff.
Shiori: (Finishing that beer and taking another) Well, not really, although this is better than the stuff I sneak at home.
Miyuki: Then why do you drink it?
Shiori: For one thing, it's cold. On the other hand, my sisters have been drinking beer for as long as I can remember and look at them.
Chizu and Miyuki both look at Shikijo, who is quite obviously hanging out of the blouse she is wearing (several buttons are undone). Shikijo looks at them, rather confused. Chizu and Miyuki look at each other for a moment and then back at Shikijo, who has just opened another beer.
Miyuki: Hand me one of those, Shiori-chan.
Chizu: Same here. I'll take one too.
Mahoro: Girls!
Miyuki: If there is any chance that I can get bigger breasts by drinking this, I'll do it
Rin: Maybe I should try some too.
Chizu: You don't need any more.
Shiori hand them each a beer and they open them. They look at each other and simultaneously take a drink. Their faces scrunch up into a yuck face.
Chizu: Miyuki-chan, are you sure having big boobs is worth drinking this?
They both look at Shikijo again, who is drinking another beer. They look at each other again and then take another drink.
Shiori: Actually, you get used to the taste really quick.
Miyuki: Maybe if we have something to eat with it.
Chizu and Miyuki go over to the snack basket. They find something to eat in the basket and then wash it down with the remainder of their beers. Kaito and Riku join them there.
Chizu: Everything Mahoro-san makes is so yummy, it's hard to pick one thing. (To the twins) I never thought of this before, but what kinds of foods did you eat when you were home?
Kaito: Nothing like this. Although we had rice and several other grains that were cooked like rice. Many different vegetables and occasionally we had meat.
Riku: But the food had little taste compared to what we have eaten here. The food tasted better when out parents cooked it, but after they died, we ate at the common dining hall and the food there was terrible.
Miyuki: If I may ask, how long ago did your parents die?
Kaito: About two of Earth years ago.
Miyuki: And now that you're here on Earth, you won't be able to visit their grave.
Riku: I don't understand. What is a grave?
Miyuki: (There is a somewhat shocked look on both Miyuki and Chizu's face) Ahhh… In many cultures on Earth, the bodies of those who die are buried, and a memorial marker is made to help remember them.
Kaito: On our ships, there would be no space to do that. We hold a memorial service, and the body is returned to the ground to renew the land, but there are no memorial markers.
Chizu: I guess I really don't understand.
Kaito: It is not that they are forgotten, but in the limited space in our ships, there would simply be no room. We keep their memorial in our hearts and minds. And we keep pictures and other such things.
Miyuki: I guess we do the same, but visiting the grave of a loved one is an important part of our culture. We even have festivals devoted to it.
Riku: Festivals?
Miyuki: Big public parties, celebrations… Don't tell me you don't have such thing aboard the ships.
Riku: I guess not quite as you describe it. On the agriculture ships, the various levels have celebrations after a good harvest and we have a public prayer for the new year…
Miyuki: I guess on Earth we're more party people. There's nothing better than a good party.
Shikijo: The only thing better is a good party is a good party with plenty of beer.
Miyuki: I'm not so sure about that. Shiori-chan, do you really think this will help grow bigger breasts?
Shiori: I don't know, (finishes her current beer) but all of the evidence points to it, so I'm not going to take any chances.
Chizu: So what do you want to do now?
Suguru: I don't know. It's getting awfully hot this afternoon.
Hamaji: Why don't we move under the tree? It's shady and cool under there.
There is a general consensus from everyone, so the baskets and blankets are gathered up and the whole party moves under the tree.
Rin: It's much cooler under here.
Mahoro: (Sitting down next to Suguru) It is much more comfortable under here.
Yaeko, who has been quite quiet most of the afternoon, sits down next to Mahoro, letting out a quiet sigh.
Mahoro: Ya-chan, are you feeling OK?
Yaeko: Yeah, I guess so. It's just that… you all have been so nice to me, but I'm afraid that after this week, I won't ever see you again. After the end of the school year, I probably won't even see Shiori-chan, since she is going to that private high school.
Mahoro: Ya-chan, as I said before, you are always welcome to visit Suguru and me at our home. And as for school, you could always go to the same school as Shiori-chan.
Yaeko: My mother could never afford to send me to a private high school. We are having a hard enough time making it now.
Mahoro is just about to respond to Yaeko, but is interrupted by Miyuki.
Miyuki: Take a look at Minawa-chan. How did you do that?
Mahoro looks up to see that Minawa is sitting on the lowest branch of the tree.
Miyuki: Minawa-chan, give me some help. I want to climb up in the tree. Come on everyone, let's climb the tree.
Mahoro and Suguru look at each other again.
Mahoro: I know I've been here before. This is all so familiar, but I can't remember why.
Suguru: I know. It's as if I should know exactly what happens next, but it is such a blur.
Mahoro: Not exactly, because things are different, but it is as if you and I are tied to some event that will happen here. Something that will change everything.
Chizu: Come on you two. Except for Sensei, you're the only two on the ground.
Mahoro and Suguru look and in fact, everyone is in the tree, sitting on a branch with their partner and Shiori and Yaeko sitting together.
Shiori: I think my sister has had too much to drink to climb a tree. But you two, get up here. Minawa-chan will give you a hand.
Mahoro and Suguru walk to the branch where Minawa and Hamaji are sitting.
Minawa: Come on, Onee-chan. I'll help.
Mahoro: Here, help me with Suguru.
Mahoro stands behind Suguru and bends down, grasping him around his waist. She proceeds to lift him as if he is as light as a feather. Minawa grabs Suguru's arm and helps guide him to the branch where he takes a seat.
Minawa: Suguru, are you all right?
Suguru: I'm fine. Thank you.
Minawa: OK, Onee-chan, show them what you can do?
Mahoro stands beneath the branch and crouches slightly. Then on some silent count, Mahoro jumps into the air, does a flip and lands lightly on the branch next to Suguru.
Shiori and Yaeko: (In unison) Wooo!
Minawa: Come on Hamaji-kun, let's go over there so everyone has their own branch.
Minawa and Hamaji get up and with Minawa's help, they move to the next highest branch.
Rin: Look at it. They sky is so blue. It just feels so special being here.
Chizu: It's almost magical. I feels like anything you could wish for could come true.
Kaito: I've heard that word before, but I'm not exactly sure what it means. What does wish mean?
Chizu: Wishes are dreams… hopes… good things you would like to happen.
Shiori: Like, I wish that Ya-chan could come to high school with me.
Yaeko: Oh! Thank you Shiori-chan, but I don't think that will ever happen.
Suguru: Don't be so sure of that. I talked with Commander Hayato earlier today about it. He said that he would talk to your mother about that after we got home, but you are welcome to attend with all of us and there would be no expense to your mother.
Yaeko: (Looking somewhat unsteady on the branch, Shiori takes hold of her to steady her) Oh! You two really are angels.
Shiori: How about you, Minawa-chan? What's your wish?
Minawa: To not be so clumsy… to be with Hamaji-kun… and to have bigger boobies.
There is a look of shock on Hamaji's face, but general laughter from everyone else.
Miyuki: Hamaji-kun, what do you wish for?
Hamaji: I already have my wish.
Chizu: That's cheating. How about you Sensei? Other than more beer, what would you like?
Shikijo: I don't know. I guess to be like you and have a wonderful relationship with someone.
Miyuki: I guess then Ryuga-sensei would be a good match for you. He's probably the only one other than Mahoro-san who can drink you under the table.
Shikijo: That is one good point in his favor.
Minawa: And the fact that he's cute is another point in his favor.
Shikijo: That too. How about you Rin-chan? What is your dream?
Rin: (Looking at Kiyomi) Being somebody's pretty bride someday.
Miyuki: I don't know. I always imagined you becoming an Idol Singer. You're so pretty and you have a beautiful voice.
Rin: Do you really think so?
Chizu: My father thinks so.
Miyuki: Your father… Oh! That's right. Your father is a film director of some kind.
Chizu: Yeah. I showed a picture of you to him and he said, "That girl has potential. She could be the next Asaoka Riho."
Rin: That's awesome! Wait, who is Asaoka Riho?
Chizu: Oh! She's a famous porn start. She is really very pretty and she has really big breasts. You see her in magazines all of the time, right Kiyomi-kun?
Rin: I think I'll pass on that.
Kiyomi: I like the idea of a pretty bride much better. Miyuki-chan, you have it made.
Miyuki: What do you mean?
Kiyomi: Well, you have the Sakura bathes that you could run once your father decides to retire. All you need is a groom.
Miyuki: A groom, huh? (Looking at Riku). I know what Chizu-chan will be… a chef!
Mahoro: (Before Chizu can answer) I don't think so. I think she wants to be a food critic, so she could travel all over Japan, tasting food and telling people how good it is.
Chizu: (Looking at Mahoro) Mahoro how did you know that?
Mahoro :Oh my! I don't know.
Miyuki: Think about it Chizu-chan. That one was easy. What about you Mahoro-san? What would you wish for?
Mahoro: (Appearing to space out, but thinking to herself) How did I know that? I have been here before. I have seen most of this before in a dream. And Miyuki-chan is asking me what my wish would be and I'm going to say…
Suguru: (Also thinking to himself at the same time) I knew that. I have been here before. I have seen most of this before in a dream. And Miyuki-chan is asking Mahoro what her wish would be and she is going to say… Oh! My she is going to say…
Miyuki: Mahoro-san… Mahoro-san…
Both Mahoro and Suguru snap out of their daydream at the same time.
Mahoro: Oh! I'm sorry. Ahhh… my wish… my wish is…
Suguru: (To himself) She is going to say it
Mahoro: My wish is to be the wife of Suguru Misato and to live with him forever.
Miyuki: Yes! It's official. We have an engagement.
Suguru: Mahoro, thank you. I love you.
Mahoro: I love you too.
Shikijo: …And by the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.
Mahoro and Suguru look at each other for a moment and then embrace and kiss, to the cheers of everyone.
Cut to ending theme
Preview:
Scene opens with Mahoro standing next to Suguru by the tree, looking at people up in the tree. Scene zooms back to show all of the couple sitting in the tree. Scene shifts to Mahoro (wearing one of the uniforms she wore during training) and Suguru in an office with Commander Hayato, Sub-Commander Yoshihiko, Professor Hokato and Eimi Shina drinking a toast. Scene shifts to an exterior view of a stretch limousine on the highway. Scene shifts inside showing the crew waving through the open windows
Voice Over
Voice of Miyuki: Well, Suguru-kun and Mahoro-san are going to get married.
Voice of Rin: I guess I'm happy about that. They do look like they belong together.
Voice of Miyuki: I always thought that it would be one of us getting married to him.
Voice of Chizu: I'm perfectly happy the ways turned out. Suguru-kun is happy and so are we.
Voice of Rin: What do you think Commander Hayato will say about it?
Voice of Miyuki: I'm not sure what he'll say, but I think the Professor will be happy about it. Mahoro-san seems very special to him.
Voice of Chizu: Will you look at that car.
Voice of Rin: Only famous people ride in cars like that.
Voice of Chizu: Well, duh, I think we qualify.
Voice of Miyuki: Hamaji-kun, do you have your speech finished yet.
Voice of Hamaji: What!
Episode 16: The Heroes Welcome