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 16: The Hero's Welcome
Show opens with the regular theme
Scene shows Mahoro and Suguru sitting next to each other on a tree branch (from previous episode).
Voice of Miyuki: What about you Mahoro-san? What would you wish for?
Mahoro: Ahhh… my wish… my wish is… My wish is to be the wife of Suguru Misato and to live with him forever.
Voice of Miyuki: Yes! It's official. We have an engagement.
Suguru: Mahoro, thank you. I love you.
Mahoro: I love you too.
Voice of 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. They hold the kiss for a moment and then come up for air. Suddenly realizing what has happened, they sit shocked, looking at each other.
Mahoro: Oh my! What did I say? What have I done?
Suguru: Well, for one thing, you have made me the happiest person in the world.
Rin: I know you two have been together for more than a year, but that sounded like a response to a proposal.
Miyuki: It was. See Suguru-kun, I kept my promise.
Chizu: What promise?
Rin: Miyuki Sakura, you knew about this and you didn't tell us. Come on, give us the details. Suguru-kun, when did you propose?
Suguru: Officially, on shipboard when we were coming back to Earth. Unofficially, I think I said that I wanted to marry her before we left.
Rin: Mahoro-san, what kind of a wedding do you want?
Mahoro: Wedding?
Rin: Oh! I can imagine you in a beautiful western style white wedding gown.
Chizu: I don't know, I think she would look beautiful wearing traditional kimono.
Mahoro: (Dazed) Wedding gown… kimono…
Suguru: Slow down a bit girls. I'm not sure Mahoro has gotten past the part about saying yes to my proposal. And there will be plenty of time to plan a wedding. We can't get married for almost two and a half years.
Miyuki: Minawa-chan, why don't you help your sister out of the tree before she falls and lands on her head.
Minawa: Sure (Minawa comes over to the branch where Mahoro is sitting) Come on Onee-chan. Hang onto me and I'll get you down to the ground.
Minawa stands Mahoro up on the branch, puts her arm around her with Mahoro doing the same to Minawa.
Minawa: On three… One… Two… Three…
On three they both jump, landing standing on the ground.
Minawa: There we go Onee-chan. (Minawa turns and gives Mahoro a hug) I'm so happy for you Onee-chan… so happy.
Mahoro: Thank you, Minawa-chan. Thank you.
Suguru: Minawa-chan, could you help me down please.
Minawa: Sure thing, Onii-chan
Minawa extends up her arms to catch Suguru, who slides off the branch into her waiting arms.
Suguru: Thank you Minawa-chan.
Minawa: You are very welcome.
Minawa quickly jumps back up to the branch and returns to Hamaji's side.
Hamaji: I'm still amazed when you do that Minawa-chan.
Minawa: (Putting her arms around Hamaji) I bet I can find other ways to amaze you too. (Minawa giggles)
Suguru: Mahoro are you going to be all right?
Mahoro: Yes, I think so. Suguru, I had a dream about this, when I was fighting Ryuga-san.
Suguru: I know. I think I had almost the same dream, when I was on the beach. I think you gave it to me. I think it was the one thing that gave me the hope to not follow the path I had seen in my dream. (Suguru puts his arm around Mahoro) Thank you Mahoro. (Suguru kisses Mahoro)
Rin: (To Kiyomi) They make a beautiful couple.
Kiyomi: Yes they do… Yes they do.
Kiyomi places his arm around Rin and Rin rests her head against Kiyomi. Scene zooms out slowly to show all of the couples in a similar state.
Scene fades to Suguru and Mahoro in their sleeping quarters, already in their bedclothes, sitting next to each other on the couch, Mahoro resting against Suguru.
Suguru: It's been a long and exciting day, hasn't it, Mahoro?
Mahoro: Yes, it has. It feels so much like a dream. I'm afraid that I will wake up suddenly and it will be all gone.
Suguru: I have the same fear, but I think this is real. I think though, that we need to talk more to Leesha-san or even Matthew about our dreams, and why we share so many of them. But that is for another day.
Mahoro: I'm sorry about earlier today. After I said that I wanted to marry you, my brain became… ahhh… ahhh… fluffy.
Suguru: That's OK Mahoro. It is to be expected. Hmmm…
Mahoro: What is it Suguru?
Suguru: I was just thinking about what Rin-chan was asking. I'm trying to imagine you in both a kimono and a white wedding dress. I think you would be beautiful in either.
Mahoro: Thank you Suguru. I guess I will have time to make up my mind. Oh! I'll have to tell Commander Hayato, and Sub-Commander Yoshihiko, and Professor Hokato and all of my friends a Vesper.
Suguru: And Leesha-san and Ryuga-san and Sera-san too. In some ways I can't wait to get back home. There are so many people there I would like to tell also.
Mahoro: But right now, let's enjoy this quiet time together.
Suguru tightens his embrace of Mahoro and draws her closes.
Mahoro: Suguru…
Suguru: Yes Mahoro…
Mahoro: Would you think any differently of me if my breasts did get bigger?
Suguru: I would not think of you any differently. I am marrying Mahoro, whom I love, not her breasts.
Mahoro: Thank you Suguru.
Suguru: In fact, I don't think it would necessarily be very flattering if your breast were too big. They just would not go with the rest of your body.
Mahoro: Do you really think so?
Suguru: Yes I do. If they were too big, it would ruin the beautiful curve of your body.
Mahoro: (Giving Suguru a tight hug) You're sweet.
Suguru: (Smiling) So are you.
Fade to black
Scene of Mahoro and Suguru walking through the main hallway of the Vesper headquarters hand in hand. Mahoro is wearing a uniform like she wore during training.
Mahoro: I can't believe that they kept my locker here. I had forgotten about my old uniforms.
Suguru: This is the uniform you wore during training? I looks like a school uniform.
Mahoro: Well most of our initial training was in the classroom, learning history, culture and how to interact with humans.
Suguru: I think it looks cute on you.
Mahoro: So Suguru, are you sure about this?
Suguru: If this is what you want to do, I will support you, no matter what. I have great confidence in you.
They walk up to an office and open the door and enter. In the room behind a desk is a woman in a Vesper uniform working at a computer terminal, Eimi Shina, Commander Hayato's personal assistant. A moment after Mahoro enters, Eimi looks up from the computer.
Eimi: Oh! Mahoro-san it is good to see you. With everything that has been going on, I've not had a chance to come see you at the lodge.
Mahoro: You are welcome to come visit any time you like. We will be there until Sunday morning. If you'd like, we might even be able to find a bed for you to stay over night.
Eimi: I may do that. So Mahoro-san, Commander Hayato is waiting for you and Sub-Commander Yoshihiko and Professor Hokato are present also as you requested. Is there something wrong?
Mahoro: No, nothing at all. If fact, why don't you come in also. I think you will be interested.
Eimi walks to the inner door to the commander's office and knocks.
Voice of Hayato: Yes.
Eimi: (Opening the door slightly) Mahoro-san and Suguru Misato are here.
Voice of Hayato: Come in… Come in.
Eimi opens the door and all three enter the commander's office. Commander Hayato stands up behind his desk and Sub-Commander Yoshihiko and Professor Hokato stand from their seats to the right of the Commander's desk. Greetings are exchanged.
Hayato: Mahoro-san, Suguru-kun, please have a seat.
Mahoro: Commander, would you mind if Shina-san also remained?
Hayato: Not at all. So Mahoro-san is there some kind of a problem?
Mahoro: No there is no problem. If fact, everything is wonderful.
Hayato: So what may I do for you?
Mahoro: Well first, I would like to make an announcement, since you are as close to being my family as anyone. (Clears her throat) Suguru Misato has asked me to marry him…. And I have accepted.
There is the silence of shock for a moment as what Mahoro has said sinks in.
Hayato: (Slowly) That's wonderful Mahoro-san… Suguru-kun… but…
Suguru: Yes, Commander, I understand that we will not actually be able to marry until I am eighteen, and yes I understand the implications of marrying someone who is not human. But I do love Mahoro, and my intent is for us to live as husband and wife.
A smile develops on the face of Professor Hokato and Eimi, but the Commander and Sub-Commander are still obviously in shock.
Hayato: I'm not sure what to say.
Eimi: Say congratulations, Commander.
Hayato: Congratulations, Mahoro-san… Suguru-kun. I'm sorry, that just took me a little by surprise. When did this happen?
Suguru: I proposed during the return trip to Earth…
Mahoro: (Without missing a beat) and I accepted yesterday.
Eimi: That is so romantic. Congratulations, Mahoro-san. You'll make a beautiful bride.
Yoshihiko: This calls for a party.
Hayato: You think everything calls for a party… (finally smiling) but in this case, you're right. I think though, that will be a matter for the future. On the other hand, if Mahoro-san does not object, I do believe that this calls for a drink.
The Commander looks at Mahoro, who nods her head in agreement. The commander opens a desk drawer and pulls out a bottle of sake and five small glasses.
Hayato: I officially declare us to be off duty.
The commander opens the bottle and begins to pour. When it is time for him to pour the fifth glass, he again looks to Mahoro, who takes the bottle from the Commander and pours the fifth cup for the Commander. The commander distributes the glasses, taking the last one for himself.
Hayato: A toast to the future newlyweds, Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun. May they have a long and happy life together.
They all touch glasses and drink. Suguru, not used to the drinking feels the burn of the sake, but tries not to make too much of a face.
Hayato: OK Mahoro-san. I distinctly heard you say that was the first thing. I am somewhat worried now. I am hoping that the second thing you need to tell us is not that you are going to have a baby.
Mahoro: No Commander, nothing like that… At least not yet.
There is a serious look from the Commander and a quiet snicker from the Professor which quickly stops when the Commander and Sub-Commander look at him.
Mahoro: Actually the second thing is a request. When I retired from active service at Vesper to work for Suguru, there was a great number of things to do to keep me busy. But over time, I find that there seems to be less and less to do. And to be quite honest, I am getting bored to tears. So I was wondering if there was some way I could change my current status with Vesper.
Hayato: I was wondering why you chose to wear one of your old training uniforms, but I don't quite understand. Even if you wanted to return to active combat service, there is no combat to return to. In fact, the other battle androids will be moved to retired status before the end of September.
Mahoro: Actually, I was thinking of a different type of service. During the last few weeks and especially when we were shipboard, it was pointed out what a good cooking teacher I would be. I was wondering if there might be a job available at the high school, even if it were part time?
Yoshihiko: You realize Mahoro-san, there is no real reason for you to have to work?
Mahoro: I know. It's just that when we were on board ship I had the chance to teach one of the girls from the group how to cook, and I found it to be a great deal of fun. And it would also give me a chance to spend more time with Suguru.
Eimi: A high school student engaged to his teacher. Somehow that sounds familiar from somewhere.
Hayato: I guess it could be arranged, but it might make for an uncomfortable situation for the two of you. Your relationship in school would have to be quite different than that outside of school.
Mahoro: You mean we couldn't make out in the halls like the other students?
Hayato: (Extremely shocked look on his face) Even considering that this is quite a liberal minded school, I think that the administration might have a problem with that.
Suguru: Commander, Mahoro is just joking… (Looking at Mahoro) I think... We have already discussed that aspect of school life and we understand that there would have to be a strict traditional student-teacher relationship. On the other hand, I doubt that I would be in any of Mahoro's classes.
Hayato: I would not be so sure of that. Boys take cooking classes at this high school and if a teacher like Mahoro-san started teaching, it might become even more popular. But if that is your wish Mahoro-san, I'm sure that it could be arranged.
Mahoro: Thank you Commander. I think that is all I have right now, so I will allow you to return to you duties.
Hokato: (After clearing his throat to get everyone's attention) While Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun are here, I would like to go over the results from the DNA tests that we did.
Suguru: Oh! You haven't told the Commander yet.
Hayato: Told the Commander what?
Hokato: No, when I said there might be an anomaly in the test results, he said not to bother him until I was certain of the results.
Hayato: (Much louder this time) Bother the Commander with WHAT?
Hokato: Ahhh… After evaluating the test results, we have determined that the DNA structure for Saint and Terrans is nearly identical. There are only two minor pattern differences that we could determine.
Yoshihiko: So that means that Terrans and Saint came from a common genetic base.
Hokato: Basically.
Hayato: So what was the anomaly that concerned you?
Hokato: I thought that there might be some sample contamination, but as it turns out that was not the case.
Hayato: Which means?
Hokato: That I didn't have to draw new samples for everyone and that the original results were indeed valid.
Hayato: (Voice raised) And those results WERE?
Hokato: Oh! That Suguru-kun has both of the Saint genetic traits.
Yoshihiko: How is that possible? There must be some kind of mistake.
Suguru: No actually, there is no mistake. After my grandfather rescued the crew of the Saint ship from Kaemisa, Leesha-san and my grandfather lived together as husband and wife for nearly twenty years. They had a child who was my mother. Leesha-san is in fact my grandmother.
Hayato: How long have you know?
Suguru: Leesha-san told me when I was on the command ship, but I've had a feeling about it since I was rescued on the beach.
Hokato: That could explain why you healed from your injuries so quickly, just like Minawa-chan.
Hayato: Minawa-chan?
Hokato: Oh, yes. She also has the Saint genetic traits, but I need to confirm with Saint if that might have something to do with her treatment.
Hayato: Hmmm… The implications of this are far reaching. I think I need another drink. Anyone care to join me?
Even before anyone can respond, the Commander begins to pour five more cups of the sake.
Cut to mid-show break.
Scene shows Suguru and Mahoro walking on the trail to the lodge.
Suguru: I'm glad that they gave us a ride back. I've never had that much to drink before. I'm not sure I would have made it all the way back if we walked.
Mahoro: We should had stopped after the third cup, but the Commander insisted on finishing the bottle.
Suguru: I wonder what will happen to the other battle androids after they are retired?
Mahoro: They will probably be given the same options that I was. I think they will all take the options to have their weapons systems disabled and removed. After that, it will be up to each of them to decide what to do. They are much newer than I was when I retired, so they should have a relatively long life.
Suguru: And all of the Vesper battle androids are female? Do they all look similar to you?
Mahoro: No, each one looks quite different.
Suguru: Someday I would like to meet all of your sisters.
Mahoro: We'll have to arrange that. Hmmm… It's almost lunch time. Rin-chan said that she would take care of lunch by herself today. I wonder what she made?
Suguru: Rin-chan has become quite domestic since our trip began. That is something I never would have expected from her.
Mahoro: I think it's for Kiyomi-kun's benefit.
Suguru: I think you're right. I think they will be good for each other. I would not doubt that he will propose to her before very long. I just hope there are no problems because of that with her father.
Mahoro: Why should there be a problem?
Suguru: Rin-chan's family has a strong traditional background. It would not surprise me if her father has already picked out someone for her to marry.
Mahoro: Oh! That would be terrible. Why would he do that?
Suguru: Because in traditional families, marriages are arranged for the benefit of the family, not necessarily because of love.
Mahoro: That would be terrible.
Mahoro and Suguru reach the front door of the lodge and enter. The both walk toward the dining room where Rin is setting the table. Suguru tries to stand upright, but the sake and heat are really starting to get to him.
Rin: I'm so glad that you are back. Lunch is almost ready. Nobody wanted anything too much, so I'm making ramen with vegetables.
Suguru: That sounds good. I think it's a bit to hot for anything heavier.
Rin: (Noticing Suguru's lack of stability and detecting the smell of alcohol on his breath) Suguru-san, have you been drinking?
Mahoro: Yes he has… both of us have. We went to tell my friends at Vesper about our engagement and the Commander wanted to celebrate.
Rin: How much did you have?
Suguru: (Slurring his speech on purpose) Ooooh…three or four.
Mahoro: (Also slurring her speech) More like five or six.
Rin:Now you two are just being silly.
Suguru: Yes we are. (Laughing) I'll go get washed up for lunch.
Suguru exits the dining room, leaving Rin and Mahoro.
Mahoro: Is there anything I can do to help?
Rin: If you could get some iced tea to put on the table, and some glasses, although I think Saori-san and her sister may have beer.
Mahoro: They can get that for themselves, although, even I may have some later.
Both Rin and Mahoro go into the kitchen. Rin begins stir frying the ramen and vegetables and Mahoro fills a pitcher with iced tea from the refrigerator.
Rin: Mahoro, how does it feel to be engaged?
Mahoro: It's kind of difficult to explain. I feel all warm and secure, but frightened, all at the same time. I love Suguru very much and I want to be with him, but there is still that feeling like this is all a dream and I'm going to wake up and none of it will be true.
Rin: I envy you a little. Miyuki-chan, Chizu-chan and I all competed for Suguru-kun's affection for as long as I can remember. A little competition to see who would go to bed with him. We never understood that he loved us all so much that he would never choose one of us over the other. But I am so happy that you two will marry. It's almost like you have been together forever.
Mahoro: Sometimes I feel that way too. But you and Kiyomi-kun look like the two of you belong together, just like Suguru and me.
Rin: I hope it works out that way. I'm not sure Kiyomi-kun will fit into my father's plans for me. I think my father has already picked out someone for me to marry, but he just hasn't told me yet.
Mahoro: But you love Kiyomi-kun. What will you do?
Rin: I don't know. Kiyomi-kun is well aware of the situation. I just don't know.
Rin finishes the ramen and puts it into a large serving bowl. In the dining room, voices can be heard as everyone gathers for lunch. Mahoro puts the pitcher and glasses on a tray and both Rin and Mahoro exit to the dining room. There, in addition to everyone else is Ryuga.
Rin: It looks like I need to get another place setting.
Ryuga: Sorry to arrive unannounced, but I was going to take Shiori-chan and Ya-chan up to the ship today. Sera finally relented on the cleaning effort. We have all but one of the sleeping quarters cleared. Saori-san, I brought down the last few cases of beer. I won't need any on board until we head back to the command ship in a few weeks.
Rin goes back into the kitchen to get another place setting
Mahoro: Why are you going back to the Command Ship?
Ryuga: To bring Leesha-san here for the signing of the treaty of peace and co-operation between Earth and Saint.
Miyuki: Wow! Another media zoo. I'm glad that we won't have to be involved with it.
Ryuga: Don't count on it. I'm sure that you'll get involved in some way.
Rin returns and sets a place right next to Yaeko.
Ryuga: Thank you Rin-chan.
Rin: You're very welcome
Rin takes her seat next to Kiyomi and after saying "Idatakimasu", they begin to eat.
Scene shifts to later in the afternoon. Shikijo, Mahoro, Rin, Miyuki, Chizu and Minawa are sitting on the back porch of the lodge. Rin, Miyuki, Chizu and Minawa have glasses of iced tea, but Saori and Mahoro both have beers.
Chizu: I can't believe it is so hot.
Rin: It's even to hot to go into the springs.
Miyuki: I can't believe you can actually drink that stuff, Mahoro-san. I can still taste what I had yesterday.
Mahoro: Actually, I've actually grown to like the taste, but right now, it's just that's it cold.
Shikijo: You got that. So where are the guys anyway?
Mahoro: Ryuga-san is having them help him and Sera-san move into their apartment.
Rin: You mean they're back in the city.
Mahoro: No they are just moving boxes on the ship so that when we do get back, they can get stuff moved down quickly. I guess Ryuga-san is going to put a beacon on the roof of the building and move stuff down that way. when we get back. But Ryuga-san doesn't want to use the transport during the day, at least for now.
Chizu: It's hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day here. We should do something really special.
Shikijo: I don't know. I'm all for finishing off the rest of the beer. Once I get back home, I'm going to have to be on my best behavior.
Rin: I just want to spend time with Kiyomi-kun while I have the chance.
Miyuki: Same with me and Riku-kun. Once we get home we won't be able to be together quite as much.
Chizu: I wonder if we might be able to do this again next year.
Mahoro: I don't think the Commander will object. Especially since I will be working for him again, indirectly.
Miyuki: You mean that you won't be a Maid for Suguru-san any more.
Mahoro: No I'll still be doing that, although I think that relationship will change slightly. No I took the suggestion you gave me. I'm going to be teaching cooking at your high school next year, at least part time.
Rin: Wow! That's great. You'll get to spend more time with your future husband.
Chizu: I can imagine you two walking through the halls.
Mahoro: The Commander said that would not be allowed.
Chizu: He's no fun.
Rin: (Sigh) Tomorrow is our last full day here. I think I'm really going to miss being here.
Shikijo: You know… maybe everyone should spend tomorrow with that special someone. Make it a day to remember.
Miyuki: But doesn't that sort of leave you out Sensei?
Shikijo: Not really. Of late, I really haven't spent much time with my sister and maybe Ryuga-san will be around.
Rin: Hmmm… It sounds like Sensei might be making a move after all.
Shikijo: You never know, but I know he can help me finish off the beer.
There is general laughter from the group.
Fade to scene of everyone in a large stretch limousine.
Hamaji: (sitting next to Minawa holding her hand) I've seen pictures of cars like this, but I never imagined that I would be riding in one.
Kiyomi: We were still an hour from home and there were welcome home banners all over the place.
Rin: (Who is sitting next to Kiyomi) And there were people all over the place waving. I felt like I should be waving back.
Chizu: You're more famous than an idol singer. We all have an adoring public.
Suguru: At least for now. Hopefully they will get over it quickly and our lives can get back closer to normal.
Both Kaito and Riku are staring out the windows, somewhat in shock.
Chizu: Kaito-kun, are you all right?
Kaito: I could never imagine that there were this many people on Earth. Just on the ride home I've seen more people than are on our home ship.
Riku: And all this open space. It's all kind of scary.
Miyuki: Don't worry. I'll be there for you.
Mahoro: We'll all be there for you.
Hamaji: Did the Commander give you any idea of what to expect when we get home, Mahoro-san?
Mahoro: I understand that they have turned the whole thing into a huge festival with booths and games and fireworks. When we get there, there will be speeches and the town chairman will officially welcome us home and welcome our guests. Then there will be a big party for the rest of the day and into the night. Eventually we will get to go home.
Suguru: What are we going to do? Our house isn't ready for this many people.
Mahoro: The Commander said that they brought extra futons in and moved the things from your room into my room and Minawa-chan's things are now in your old room. The twins will be in the guest room. We should be able to get everything organized in the next few days.
Suguru: It is going to take some getting used to having this many people in the house.
Mahoro: I'm assuming that since Sub-Commander Yoshihiko was back at headquarters, that Slash has been watching the house.
Shikijo: I haven't seen him since we called him a pussycat back at the lodge.
Mahoro: Eimi-san told me that he is a bit sensitive about that. He got caught spying on the women in the baths and was severely reprimanded.
Shikijo: I took it as a complement. I'll have to tell him that he can observe me any time he likes.
Mahoro: I need to be there when you do it. I'd like to see him blush.
Suguru: That doesn't sound like the Slash I know
Mahoro: Rumor has it that someone tricked him into doing it. Slash got caught and took the heat for it while the person who set him up got away.
Suguru: I'll bet it was my grandfather that set him up.
Shikijo: What makes you say that?
Suguru: Because he tried to do the same thing to me when he came to visit the last time, except I chickened out at the last minute and we both got caught.
Mahoro: I like to think that you did the honorable thing.
Suguru: None the less, I chickened out.
Shikijo: I'm afraid to ask who you got caught spying on.
Mahoro: Minawa-chan and me.
Suguru: But the more I think about it, the more I think that it was my grandfather that set Slash up. My father would tell stories about grandfather that I though just could not be true, but the more I learn about my grandfather, the more I think those stories were quite accurate.
Hamaji: But if your grandfather was the one who tricked Slash, wouldn't that mean that Slash knew that your grandfather was the Supreme Commander.
Minawa: And maybe even knew about your grandfather and Leesha-san.
Mahoro: Someday Slash and I will have to talk about it.
Kiyomi: We should be exiting the main highway soon. We should probably roll down the windows and wave to the crowd.
Rin: I guess that would only be fair, but it's still hard to imagine why what we did is so special.
Miyuki: Because we did something that most people only dream about doing. That makes us special. Just think, Rin-chan. If a year ago someone told you that you would be going into space, what would you have said?
Rin: I guess I would have told them that they were crazy. But it could have been anyone that did what we did.
Chizu: That doesn't make any difference. We were the ones who did it, we get stuck with being famous. But you know what, I don't think it could have been anyone. I think this task was set aside for us.
These is an extremely quiet silence for a moment.
Hamaji: I hope we don't have to make any speeches. I have trouble doing an oral report in school.
Mahoro: I don't think so. I hope all they will do is introduce us. I'm not sure if I could talk and make any sense.
Miyuki: Here is our exit. Shall we roll down the windows and wave?
Rin: Let's do it.
Everyone rolls down the windows by their seats. The streets are packed with crowds from the moment they exit the highway, who cheer and wave as the limo passes them. Many people have signs welcoming back the travelers.
But also among the signs are several asking Mahoro to marry them. One sign says "Suguru Misato, Please consider marrying our daughter". Other signs are proposals of marriage for Rin, Miyuki and Chizu.
The crowd is enthusiastic, returning the waves from the people in the limo. The limo moves quickly toward the festival grounds where a platform has been set up with seating and a speaker's podium.
The limo pulls up along the platform. From the car that was leading the limo steps Commander Hayato, Ryuga and Sera. The Commander comes back to the limo and opens the door where Suguru and Mahoro are sitting, moving down the line to open the remainder of the doors. Everyone steps out of the limo and begin to walk to the steps that lead up to the platform.
Standing at the base of the steps is the Town Chairman, who greets Suguru.
Town Chairman: You really have turned this place upside down, Suguru-kun. I am glad you waited for Sunday to come home. It gave us time to set up this little festival in you and your friends honor.
Suguru: It's good to be home. I just hope things will get back to normal quickly. I'm not sure how much of this I can take.
Town Chairman: And welcome to you Mahoro-san.
Mahoro: Thank you very much.
Town Chairman: Now, let me see if I can remember the rest of the names… Rin-chan…Chizu-chan… Kiyomi-kun… Miyuki-chan… (Getting to Hamaji) ahhh…
Hamaji: Toshiya Hamaguchi, but my friends usually call me Hamaji.
Town Chairman: Hamaji-kun… (again stumped when he gets to Minawa)
Minawa: Minawa Andou.
Town Chairman: Ah! You are Mahoro-san's sister. You were away because you were sick.
Minawa: I was injured, but the people from Saint saved my life.
Town Chairman: And you are Saori Shikijo, their teacher.
Shikijo: Yes, and this is my little sister and her friend. They came to visit us while were at Vesper headquarters.
Town Chairman: I am pleased to meet you. (Turning to Ryuga) And you are also a teacher.
Ryuga: Ryuga Tou and this is my sister Sera. It is correct that I am one of their teachers but Sera and I are from Saint.
Town Chairman: I guess I don't fully understand.
Ryuga: We were sent here to observe Earth life in preparation for peaceful relations. My sister is the captain of our ship.
Town Chairman: And these two are our new guests from space.
Suguru: They are Kaito-kun and Riku-kun of Saint. They will be staying at my house with Mahoro, Minawa-chan and myself.
Town Chairman: I will ask you to introduce them and maybe give a little speech. Nothing too long.
Suguru: I'm not very good at giving speeches.
Town Chairman: Just a few words, that all. Well… let's get started.
The chairman leads the group up the stairs to the top of the platform and indicates that everyone should sit on the chairs provided, while the chairman moves to the podium.
Town Chairman: Good afternoon. It is indeed a rare occasion when someone who is world famous comes to visit us in our little township. But it becomes a special honor when those world famous visitors are residents of our little town.
But that is the case today. Students and teachers from our very own community who have not only made a contribution to world peace, but to interstellar peace. I wish to welcome our goodwill ambassadors home. They have bought a great honor to our community though their service to peace. I would now like to introduce, Suguru Misato, who will say a few words and make the remainder of the introductions.
The chairman steps away from the podium and motions Suguru to come forward. Suguru stands and begins to walk to the podium, when he steps back and takes Mahoro by the hand and indicates that he would like her to step to the podium with me.
Suguru: Please Mahoro. It will help to calm me. (Suguru steps to the podium with Mahoro at his side. He adjusts the microphone to his height.) Good afternoon and on behalf of all of us I wish to thank you for your warm welcome… I wish to make several other introductions at this time. Many of you are acquainted with Mahoro Andou, who has been my maid and housekeeper. I'm sure that this will be a disappointment to some of the people who had signs asking Mahoro to marry them, but she is already spoken for. I have asked her to be my wife, and she has accepted.
There is a moment of quiet shock, followed by gathering applause and cheering from the crowd.
Suguru: I would also like to introduce Mahoro's sister, Minawa Andou. She was severely injured in an incident several months ago. Although doctors on Earth were unable to help her, she received medical treatment from doctors from Saint and has now recovered from injuries. Her return to Earth was the major reason for our trip into space. (Suguru waits for applause from crowd)
I would also like to introduce my classmates who accompanied Mahoro and me on our voyage; Rin Todoroki… Miyuki Sakura… Chizuko Oe… Kiyomi Kawahara and Toshiya Hamaguchi. (Again Suguru waits for applause)
Our teacher Saori Shikijo also was with us as was Ryuga Tou and his sister Sera-san. Ryuga-sensei is a representative of Saint who has been here observing life on Earth and his sister Sera-san piloted the ship which took us to and from the Saint Command ship.
The last introductions I wish to make are, I believe, the most important. This voyage has given me an opportunity to learn a great deal about myself and about the universe that surrounds us. Learning that we are not alone in the universe has given me an insight that we are all more tightly related than I could have ever imagined. We will have two guests from Saint who will be staying with us, learning to live in a new world that in many ways is different from their own, but in so many ways is not so different. I wish to introduce Kaito-kun and Riku-kun.
There is a great swelling of applause from the crowd. Suguru and Mahoro turn and gesture for the twins to stand and come forward. They are hesitant at first, but with encouragement from Miyuki and Chizu, they stand and step forward. There is an increase in the cheering and applause.
Miyuki and Chizu step forward to join the twins, taking hold of their hands. Hamaji and Minawa step forward as well as Rin and Kiyomi. Finally Shikijo steps forward (with Shiori and Yaeko) and Ryuga and Sera.
Suguru notices that the twins are both, for the first time, really smiling.
Cut to ending theme
Preview:
Scene opens with Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Kaito and Riku at home talking with Slash. Scene shifts to Kaito and Riku talking to each other. Scene shifts to Mahoro and Suguru in the bath. Scene shifts to Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Miyuki, Riku, Chizu and Kaito standing together on a city street. Scene shifts to Suguru, Kaito and Riku carrying a large number of packages with Mahoro, Chizu and Miyuki walking with them. Scene shifts to Chizu pointing out something in a tree to Kaito., Scene shifts to an image of a bird in a tree. Scene shifts to a frazzled and frightened Rin standing in the doorway with Mahoro and Suguru.
Voice Over
Voice of Miyuki: I am so glad to be home, even if it's with my sisters.
Voice of Chizu: I think everyone is happy to be home… and it's really nice to see the twin smiling like that.
Voice of Miyuki: Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun really look happy to be home too.
Voice of Chizu: Well, what do you expect? Now they can have time to themselves to be kissee-kissee as Minawa-chan would say.
Voice of Miyuki: Well, now we can get Riku-kun and Kaito-kun out and show them around.
Voice of Chizu: And take them out shopping. Don't forget the shopping.
Voice of Miyuki: I know, don't forget the shopping… but everything is going to be new for them. I'm sure they are going to have a ton of questions.
Voice of Chizu: You know, it's too bad that Rin-chan couldn't be with us today.
Voice of Miyuki: I know, but she doesn't look particularly happy. I hope everything is all right for her.
Episode 17: Life Lessons