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 17: Life Lessons
Show opens with the regular theme
Scene of Suguru, Mahoro, Minawa, Kaito and Riku entering through the front door of the house.
Suguru: (As they enter) It feels so good to be home.
Mahoro: Yes it does. I can't believe that they set up that entire festival for just one day for us.
Suguru: Well, Kaito-kun and Riku-kun, welcome to your new home. The Commander said that they set up your futons in the guest room where Minawa-chan was sleeping and all of Minawa-chan's things have been moved to my old room.
Mahoro: We will just have to re-arrange Suguru's belongings into our room over the next few days so that everyone can get settled in.
Slash enters the living room from the dining room.
Slash: Welcome home everyone.
Mahoro: (Walking over and giving Slash a hug) Thank you Slash. It's good too see you. Oh! You may not know the news yet.
Slash: You mean that you and Suguru are going to marry?
Mahoro: How did you…?
Slash: I was at the festival grounds when Suguru announced it. I can't say that I am surprised. Congratulations!
Mahoro: Thank you again. I'm glad you approve.
Minawa comes over to Slash.
Slash: And welcome home to you Minawa-chan
Minawa: (Also giving Slash a hug) Thank you. I missed you.
Slash: I missed you also.
Mahoro: Well, let's get everyone settled for the night. I'm sure everyone is tired.
Kaito: I must admit that today has been somewhat overwhelming.
Riku: I have never been around that many people before. I think there were as many people today at the festival as there were on our entire ship.
Kaito: I guess it will also take some time to get used to the concept of day and night.
Mahoro: I hadn't thought about that. Daytime and nighttime would be something unique to living on a planet.
Riku: We use the terms day and night, but they only refer to the time when you are awake or asleep.
Suguru: Mahoro, do you want a bath before you go to bed?
Mahoro: That would be nice.
Suguru: I'll get it ready for you.
Mahoro: Why thank you Suguru. I'll make sure everything is ready for bed.
Mahoro and Suguru go to tend to their tasks leaving Slash, Minawa and the twins alone in the living room.
Minawa: It does feel good to be home.
Slash: Minawa-chan. I never had the chance to say this before, but I apologize for the way I treated you before everything happened.
Minawa: That's OK. You were perfectly correct in not trusting my motives. I just wish I had not caused so many problems.
Slash: Everything turned out well in the end, even if I don't understand why. Well I must return to my guard duty. Sleep well Minawa-chan. Good night, Kaito-kun… Riku-kun…
Kaito: Good night Slash.
Riku: Good night.
Slash exits
Kaito: Minawa-chan, may I ask a question?
Minawa: Of course.
Kaito: Those bright flashes and loud noises in the sky at the end of the evening… what are they called?
Minawa: Oh… fireworks.
Kaito: What was their purpose?
Minawa: They are used for celebrations.
Riku: What were they celebrating?
Minawa: (Giggling a bit) They were celebrating everyone coming home and they were welcoming you.
Kaito: Why were they welcoming us? Most of those people don't even know who we are.
Minawa: That's just the way most people on Earth are. Even though they don't know you, they are glad you are here.
Voice of Mahoro: Minawa-chan, could you come help me for a moment.
Minawa: I'll be right there Onee-chan.
Minawa exits, leaving the twins alone in the living room.
Kaito: I never expected anything like this. People who have never met us are happy that we are here. It means nothing to them that we are twins.
Riku: One person said, when Miyuki-chan told them we were twins, how wonderful that was… Miyuki-chan is so nice to be with.
Kaito: Chizu-chan is the same. I've never felt like this before about anyone. It doesn't matter to them that we are not even from the planet.
Riku: Leesha-san said that was true of many of the people that she met when she was here.
Kaito: I'm glad they let us come.
Mahoro enters the living room.
Mahoro: Let me show you where your room is and where the bathroom is and stuff like that.
Kaito: Thank you Mahoro-san.
Kaito and Riku exit with Mahoro.
Scene changes to bath. Suguru is kneeling by the bath, just finishing getting the bath water ready. There is a knock on the door.
Voice of Mahoro: May I come in?
Suguru: Of course, the bath water is ready.
Suguru stands as the door slides open and Mahoro enters wearing her robe and slides the door shut.
Suguru: It won't be as nice as at the hot springs.
Mahoro: I know. I think I was kind of getting spoiled.
Suguru: (Walking to the door) Enjoy.
Mahoro: Suguru, aren't you going to stay and take a bath with me.
Suguru: I thought you might like the chance to sit and soak by yourself.
Mahoro: Don't be silly. I want to spend time with fiancé.
Suguru: OK, then. Why don't you get into the bath and I will go change and get my robe?
Mahoro: I'll be waiting for you.
Suguru opens the sliding door and exits. Mahoro undoes the sash on her robe and she lets it slip to the floor. She then draws water to wet herself and soap up, drawing additional water then to rinse herself off. She then goes to the bath, steps in and let's herself sink neck-deep into the hot bath water.
She is not in the water for more than a moment when there is a knock at the door.
Voice of Suguru: Excuse me, I am coming in.
Mahoro: It's OK, come in Suguru.
Suguru slides the door open, enters and then slides it closed. Mahoro notices that he is being somewhat careful to avert his eyes from the bath where Mahoro is sitting. Like Mahoro, Suguru washes and rinses himself and makes his way to the bath. Once in the water, he takes a spot next to Mahoro.
Mahoro: Suguru, is there something wrong?
Suguru: No, why do you ask?
Mahoro: Because it seemed like you didn't want to look this way when you entered.
Suguru: Because sometimes when I look at you when you are naked, I develop a problem that I'm not sure I would be able to deal with.
Mahoro: But isn't that normal for a boy to react that way?
Suguru: I guess so, but it is still rather embarrassing.
Mahoro: Please don't be. I guess I take it as a bit of a complement that I do that to you.
Suguru: Thank you Mahoro, but I think I will still be embarrassed by it.
Mahoro: (After a moment of silence) May I ask you something that may also embarrass you?
Suguru: Go ahead.
Mahoro: If you had not met me, which of the three girls would you have had as your girlfriend?
Suguru: (Very shocked at the question) Ahhh… Ahhh… Oh! I wasn't expecting a question like that. Ahhh… I guess… Ahhh… I guess it would have probably been… ahhh… Miyuki-chan… I… ahhh… guess.
Mahoro: I guess I'm surprised. I would have expected it to be Rin-chan.
Suguru: (Starting to gain his composure) No, Rin-chan used to make fun of me sometimes when I did something silly, where Miyuki-chan would be very supportive of me. In many ways you and Miyuki-chan are very much the same, except until she met Riku-chan, she was very much a tomboy.
Mahoro: (Putting her arm around Suguru and drawing him close to her) Suguru, I'm going to apologize in advance. I don't know if it's the hot bath water, or just being close to you, but I feel like doing something very silly right now.
Suguru: What do you mean?
Mahoro embraces Suguru, pressing her body against his. Scene slowly pans to ceiling. There is the sound of giggling and splashing of water.
Suguru: (Slightly startled) Mahoro!
Mahoro: Oh, this feels so nice.
More giggling and splashing. Fade to black
Scene shows the inside of Kaito and Riku's room. They are still both asleep.
Voice of Minawa: Riku-kun… Kaito-kun… It's time to wake up for breakfast.
The two boys stir and awaken.
Kaito: Minawa-chan?
Voice of Minawa: Yes. It's time to wake up and have breakfast.
Kaito: Riku-kun… Riku-kun… It's time to wake up… Riku-kun… Minawa-chan, we will be out in a few minutes.
Voice of Minawa: Thank you Kaito-kun.
Scene shifts to dining room where Minawa enters. She is wearing her maid's uniform, as is Mahoro, who is standing by the table, where Suguru is seated.
Minawa: Kaito-kun said they will be here in a few minutes.
Suguru: Minawa-chan, you know you don't have to work as a maid here.
Minawa: I know, but that is what Onee-chan was training me to do, so I will continue to do that and wear the uniform as long as Onee-chan does.
Suguru: I've been trying to get Mahoro out of her uniform for a long time now.
Mahoro: But you have gotten me out of my uniform, several times now.
Suguru: (Blushing) You know that is not what I meant.
Minawa: And now he's trying to get me out of my uniform too. He's almost as bad as his grandfather. You better keep a close watch on him.
Mahoro: Oh don't worry, I will. (Bends down to give the blushing Suguru a kiss) He is so cute when he is embarrassed.
Suguru: Now stop that.
Kaito and Riku enter the dining room.
Mahoro: Good morning. Come and sit. Minawa-chan and I are just serving breakfast. Sit down and make yourself comfortable
Mahoro and Minawa exit to the kitchen and Kaito and Riku sit at the table where Mahoro had indicated.
Suguru: Good morning Riku-kun… Kaito-kun…
Kaito: Good morning Suguru-kun.
Riku: Good morning.
Suguru: How did you sleep?
Kaito: I think Riku-kun fell right to sleep, but I am still having problems falling asleep with all of the sounds during the night. And this morning some strange noises woke me up just when the sun was coming up.
Suguru: Strange noises?… Oh! Like chirping sounds?
Kaito: Yes. There were the same type of sounds at the lodge.
Suguru: Those are birds. They usually wake up with the sunrise and start to sing.
Riku: Birds?
Suguru: I can imagine that there would be very little wildlife on board your ships. We share the Earth with a great deal of other animals, of all shapes and sizes. I guess we will have to give you a grand tour
Mahoro and Minawa enter the dining room. Mahoro is carrying a tray with breakfast and Minawa is carrying a coffee pot.
Mahoro: Minawa-chan, why don't you pour the coffee while I put breakfast on the table.
Minawa: Yes, Onee-chan.
As Minawa pours Suguru's coffee a vision returns of when Minawa first arrived. This time there are no incidents.
Suguru: Thank you Minawa-chan.
Minawa finishes her duties and takes her seat.
All: Idatakimasu!
Mahoro: (Once she is sure everything is proper around the table; to the twins) Miyuki-chan called this morning. She and Chizu-chan want to take you out shopping today.
Kaito: I guess I still don't understand the idea of shopping.
Suguru: There are many different thing you can buy using money; different kinds of clothing, different kinds of food, different kinds of entertainment. You use the money you earn to buy the things you want.
Riku: On our ship, all the clothes and food we needed were provided for us, but everyone wore the same type of clothing and we all ate the same food.
Suguru: I guess to us on Earth, that would sound a bit boring, but there are places like that here on Earth.
Mahoro: I was thinking that I would like to do some shopping too, so we could all make a day of it. How does that sound Minawa-chan?
Minawa: (Head bowed) Ahhh… Hamaji-kun and I had planned on going to see a movie today. I'm sorry.
Mahoro: No, please don't be sorry, Minawa-chan. I think it's a marvelous idea.
Suguru: We could all take the train into the city together and then head in our own directions.
Minawa: I guess so.
Suguru: Just remember, people will more that likely recognize you. It still may be difficult for you and Hamaji-kun to have some time alone.
Minawa: I hadn't thought about that.
Mahoro: That doesn't mean that you shouldn't try. The girls will be here in about an hour and a half. We can get our chores done and then go to the train station..
Riku: Train?
Suguru: (Laughing) We'll explain when we get there. This should be a very interesting day.
Scene shifts to Mahoro and Minawa finishing up in the kitchen. The door bell rings.
Voice of Suguru: I'll get it.
Mahoro: Minawa-chan, I can finish up here in here. Why don't you change out of your uniform and into something a bit more appropriate for going out on a date. (Minawa begins to protest) I intend on doing the same. Go and find something pretty to wear for Hamaji-kun.
Minawa: Yes, Onee-chan.
Minawa exits and Mahoro takes care of the few remaining dishes. Slash enters.
Mahoro: Good morning Slash. And how are you this fine morning?
Slash: I am well… Mahoro-san, are you sure it is wise to let Minawa-chan and Hamaji-kun go off by themselves.
Mahoro: I don't see why not. Minawa-chan is more than capable of dealing with any problem that might arise.
Slash: Yes, she is more than physically capable of dealing with a problem, but will she be able to determine a reasonable solution.
Mahoro: I think that between her and Hamaji-kun they will be able to.
Suguru enters the kitchen.
Suguru: Good morning Slash. (to Mahoro) The girls are here, Mahoro.
Mahoro: They are a bit early.
Suguru: I think they are just anxious to see the twins.
Mahoro: Well, I am done here, so I am going to go get out of my uniform. Care to help Suguru.
Suguru: (Blushing a bit) No I will entertain our guests until you are ready to go.
Mahoro: You're no fun.
Mahoro exits.
Suguru: Mahoro sure has changed a lot since she came back.
Slash: That she has.
Suguru: Will you be coming with us today?
Slash: I think not. Mahoro-san is right. Minawa-chan can take care of herself and Hamaji-kun. The Commander asked me to check up on Kanzaki-san. The Commander had expected him to be at your arrival yesterday. We know he has been keeping a low profile since his article was published and he left Vesper headquarters, but the Commander is concerned.
Suguru: Do you know where he is?
Slash: Not specifically, but I think I will be able to find him.
Suguru: Take care
Slash: You take care also. Please don't do anything silly.
Suguru: Don't worry, I won't.
Suguru exits the kitchen.
Slash: (To himself) I'm not worried about you Suguru-kun.
Scene shifts to living room. Suguru has just entered. Seated there are Kaito, Chizu, Riku, Miyuki and Minawa. The twins are dressed in their standard Saint clothing, but the girls are all dressed in tee shirts and shorts.
Minawa: (To Suguru) I called Hamaji-kun. He said that he would meet us at the train station in about a half hour.
Suguru: I hope you don't mind Mahoro and I coming along.
Miyuki: No problem. In fact, maybe we can find some new swim suits to wear to the beach. We'd like to take the twins before the end of summer break.
Suguru: I don't understand why girls need to buy new swim suits every year.
Chizu: Well, because a girl's body changes quite a bit in one years time, and if you remember, our swim suits from last year did not survive the day.
Suguru: Oh, right.
Mahoro enters the living room. She is wearing a tee shirt and a very short skirt.
Suguru: (Wide eyed) Wow!
Miyuki: I second that. Very pretty Mahoro-san.
Mahoro: Thank you Miyuki-chan. By your reaction Suguru, I take it that you approve also.
Suguru: Most definitely. You make the outfit look good.
Miyuki: Oooo! He's getting good at this.
Minawa: Hamaji-kun will meet us at the train station Onee-chan.
Mahoro: Well if everyone is ready, let's get going.
Everyone gets up and heads for the door, Mahoro and Suguru trailing behind.
Suguru: You really do look very pretty, Mahoro.
Mahoro: Thank you.
Suguru and Mahoro exit the house hand in hand.
Cut to mid-show break.
Scene in train station. Hamaji is waiting as Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Riku, Miyuki, Kaito and Chizu enter
Hamaji: (Looking somewhat glum) Hi Minawa-chan… Hi Guys.
Minawa: (Running over to Hamaji and taking his arm) Hi Hamaji-kun
Suguru: (As he walks past Hamaji) Don't worry. We're only riding the train with you. After that you're on your own.
Minawa holds Hamaji's arm tighter as a smile returns to his face.
Chizu: It's strange not having Kiyomi-kun and Rin-chan here with us.
Hamaji: I stopped by to see Kiyomi-kun on the way here. His dad is working his tail off, making up for the time he was away.
Miyuki: His dad has never been very nice.
Hamaji: I guess Kiyomi-kun tried to call Rin-chan this morning and was told that she was not available.
Miyuki: I had the same response this morning when I called to see if she wanted to go shopping with us.
Kaito: I hope this is not because of us.
Mahoro: No, this has to do with her father. He has some very strange ideas sometimes. But there isn't much we can do about it right now.
Minawa: We can talk about this later. Here comes our train.
Scene shifts to downtown street outside a restaurant. The group (including Hamaji and Minawa) exit the restaurant.
Hamaji: Thank you for lunch Suguru-kun. I didn't realize that movie we wanted to see didn't start until two this afternoon. I didn't exactly plan for a meal.
Suguru: Don't worry about it. You and Minawa-chan still have some time to kill before the movie. I think the girls are going to shop for new swim suits to go to the beach.
Hamaji: Remember going swim suit shopping last year. We ended up running into Saori-sensei.
Suguru: The girls had each picked out a suit for Mahoro. Then Mahoro ended up picking out one on her own.
Chizu: (To Minawa) Minawa-chan, would you like to come with us to buy a swim suit for when we go to the beach?
Minawa: Would Hamaji-kun like to see me in a swim suit?
Hamaji: Of course I would. We still have plenty of time before the movie starts.
Chizu: Then come and follow me. I know this place that has the tiniest swim suits.
Scene shifts to the old apartment building of Takanori Kanzaki. Slash examines the apartment where Slash had found him the first time. It is obvious that the apartment has been ransacked. It does not take much investigation before Slash finds the badly beaten reporter on the floor between the bed and the wall.
Slash: Let's see if I can do this. Open a com link, Ryuga-san… Sera-san… are you on line.
Voice of Ryuga: Slash, is that you?
Slash: Yes, it's me. Are you on the ship?
Voice of Ryuga: No, but I can be. What do you need?
Slash: I have the reporter Takanori Kanzaki. He is badly injured. I need a transport from this location to Vesper Headquarters. I can't move him myself.
Voice ofRyuga: Hold your current position and we will use your com signal as a beacon to transport to the roof of the building you are in and we'll take it from there.
Slash: Holding position.
Kanzaki returns to consciousness
Kanzaki: Slash… Do you mind if I call you Slash?
Slash: Of course you can.
Kanzaki: Slash, it's good to see you.
Slash: Any idea who did this?
Kanzaki: My best guess are some leftovers from Kaemisa. They were definitely looking for something, but I don't think they found what it was they were looking for.
Slash: We'll have you to medical treatment in a few minutes.
Kanzaki: A few minutes. You'll be lucky to get an ambulance team up here in a hour.
Ryuga and Sera enter through the door.
Kanzaki: Oh! Now if you had told be that was the kind of help you were getting, I would have believed you. Good day, Ryuga-san. Sera-san, my angel, you are as lovely as ever.
Sera: Kanzaki-san, it seems you make quite a habit out of having this happen to you. I suggest you find a safer line of work.
Kanzaki: What, like a human cannonball in the circus?
There is no reaction from anyone, not really understanding the reference. Ryuga moves the bed and lifts the injured reporter, carrying him out with Slash and Sera following.
Scene shifts to outside the swim suit shop as the group exits.
Hamaji: I can't imagine something made of that little cloth costing so much.
Suguru: Last year, I could not have imagined any of them wearing something that tiny out in public, especially Mahoro.
Miyuki: Thank you Mahoro-san. We didn't expect you to pay for our swim suits.
Mahoro: Don't worry about it. The Commander gave me the card to use for things like this. He said it was a thank you for all of us from Vesper. All he said was to keep the charges reasonable.
Chizu: What kind of a limit do you have on that card?
Mahoro: I guess if we wanted to drive home instead of taking the train, I could buy a car or two with it.
Hamaji: So that's why the clerk's eyes lit up when she looked at the card.
Suguru: Minawa-chan… Hamaji-kun… It's almost time for your movie.
Minawa: Thank you.
Mahoro: Enjoy the rest of your afternoon. We will see you later at home.
Minawa: Don't worry about dinner. Hamaji-kun's parents have invited me to eat at their house.
Suguru: Then we will see you much later at home. Behave yourselves.
Mahoro: (Quietly to Suguru) Oh you're no fun.
Hamaji and Minawa begin to walk away.
Hamaji and Minawa:Good bye
Miyuki: OK, now it's time to shop for the twins. Any suggestions?
Chizu: I think we need to just go to the department stores and hit every department.
Miyuki: Then let's do this
Suguru looks at the twins, who obviously don't understand what is going on and then rolls his eyes as Miyuki, Chizu and Mahoro drag their male counterparts along.
Scene shifts to the group exiting the department store some time later. Suguru, Kaito and Riku are buried in bundles.
Miyuki: I'm glad that they were willing to deliver the rest of the things we bought to the house.
Suguru: I'm just wondering how we're going to manage this stuff on the train, especially right now.
Mahoro: Maybe we should find a place to put everything down and figure out what to do next.
Chizu: Isn't there a little park around here somewhere?
Mahoro: Yes, right this way.
Everyone begins to follow Mahoro for several blocks.
Mahoro: I'm sorry. It was further than I thought.
Suguru: (Finding an available bench and setting his packages down on it) Guys, set you packages down until we figure out what we are doing.
Kaito and Riku set down their packages. They have a somewhat blank expression on their faces, trying to take in everything around them.
Chizu: (Walking over and taking Kaito by the arm) Are you OK, Kaito-kun?
Kaito: Yes, but it's just that I never could have imagined that Earth could be anything like this.
Riku: (Sitting down on the bench and Miyuki sitting next to him) Leesha-san tried to describe it to us, but even her description couldn't prepare us for how large and open everything is. It is kind of frightening.
Kaito: And the number of people. On our ship, there were no more than five thousand people, but we were an agriculture ship. The largest of our city ships would have no more than twenty thousand people. If you combined the population of all of our ships, it would still be less than the number of people in this city.
Miyuki: I guess that's one of the things we take for granted here on Earth. When I was on the command ship, I felt very confined. The ship was huge, but I knew that there were walls. And it was so quiet. Sometimes the lack of background noise almost hurt.
Riku: Yes, Earth is a very noisy place. People here seem to thrive on it.
Suguru: Not everyone and not all the time. People on Earth put a lot of effort into finding peace and quiet.
Mahoro: And even that peace and quiet isn't always very peaceful or quiet.
Kaito: What are birds? Suguru said that the sounds that woke me this morning were birds singing, but I still don't understand what a bird is.
Chizu: (Looking around to see if she can find any in the park) Birds are a group of animals that have feathers and wings and most can fly.
Miyuki: There are thousands of different kinds all over the world of different sizes and colors and songs.
Chizu: (Finally spotting a small sparrowish looking bird in a tree) There's one (Pointing at it) in the tree there.
At first the twins do not see it, but finally the bird flits to another branch, and it becomes visible to them.
Kaito: It's hard to believe that something that small can make so much noise.
Chizu: After a while, you don't even hear it any more. It just becomes part of the background noise.
Suguru: So what do you want to do? Right now the trains will be packed.
Mahoro: We could find someplace here to have dinner and then we could go home when the trains are less crowded.
Miyuki: I would have to give my parents a call to let them know I won't be home for dinner,
Chizu: Same here.
Suguru: I'm sure we can find a phone on the way to dinner, but where do you want to eat?
Chizu: I know this little restaurant not to far from here that has wonderful shrimp dishes. And they are almost exactly like the ones that Mahoro-san makes… but hers are better…
Miyuki: (Quietly to Suguru) Why am I not surprised?
Everybody starts to pick up packages so that everyone is carrying something and the begin to walk, following Chizu.
Scene shifts to outside of restaurant as the group exits. Along with them is the cook.
Cook: Mahoro-san, you and your friends are welcome to come and visit any time you like.
Mahoro: It's been good seeing you again.
The group begins to walk down the street.
Miyuki: (Shaking her head) Why am I not surprised?
Chizu: So Mahoro-san, the cook at the restaurant was a cook for Vesper and he was one of the people who taught you how to cook?
Mahoro: He was one of the cooks while I was in training. They would rotate through the various cooks so that there would not be away from their restaurants for too long.
Chizu: So there are more world famous cooks who are part of Vesper?
Mahoro: More than likely, but I only had the chance to work with six or seven of them.
Miyuki: Well that's one mystery solved. The second mystery is how does Chizu-chan know about all of these famous chefs?
Chizu: Simple! These are the places my mom and dad take me when we go out for dinner. My dad will travel all the way across Japan to have fish cooked a certain way.
Miyuki: Why am I not surprised?
Suguru looks at the Command Ship wrist band which Suguru has set to display the time and has been using it as a watch.
Miyuki: You're still wearing the wrist band from the Command Ship?
Suguru: Yeah. I figured out how to set it to display the time, so I've been using it as a watch.
Chizu: Leesha-san said that we could use it to talk to each other. Any idea how to do that?
Kaito: Leesha-san showed us how. It's not very difficult.
Chizu: Maybe we should all start wearing them again. Then we can keep in touch with each other without using the phone.
Riku: I wonder if you could use it to talk to Rin-chan.
The members of the group look at each other like 'Why didn't I think of that?'
Suguru: I don't think now is the time or the place to try, but the trains should be less crowded now. How about we head home?
Scene shifts to our group walking home from the train station.
Mahoro: Even this late, the trains were still packed.
Chizu: I can't believe that someone would recognize us and want an autograph.
Miyuki: That's the price of fame.
Suguru: We'll walk you two girls to your houses and then we'll head home.
Chizu: Suguru-kun… Mahoro-san… My parents were wondering if Kaito-kun could come over to my house tomorrow night for dinner.
Miyuki: My parents asked the same thing. Could Riku-kun come over for dinner and to visit for a while?
Mahoro: I don't see any reason why not.
Suguru: I think it would be more in Riku-kun's case, is he ready to face your sisters, Miyuki-chan.
Miyuki: If they are a problem, I'll just beat them more senseless than they already are. No, dad put them on best behavior, or they have to clean the bathes for a month.
Chizu: Oh! That's harsh. I like it.
Riku: Why are you sisters like that?
Miyuki: Maybe they are a little jealous. They are at the age when they are starting to notice boys, but the boys aren't noticing them back. (Taking a sharp look at Suguru) Maybe you could come over later tomorrow. Dad was thinking of letting us use the girl's side as a mixed bath after we close. Although I'm not sure he has talked to Mom about it. He is such a coward sometimes.
Suguru: No offence Miyuki-chan, when it comes to your Mom I would be a bit of a coward too. I've seen her drag your father on the floor.
Miyuki: Oh, you've missed the times she has thrown him into the bathes.
There is a general laugher from everyone. As they are laughing, the arrive in front of Chizu's house.
Suguru: Well Chizu-chan. Here we are.
Chizu walks up to Kaito, puts her arms around his neck and draws him down to her and then gives him a little kiss. In the process, Kaito drops the packages he is carrying. They both embrace each other for a moment and then Chizu begins to walk toward her front door.
Kaito: Could you wait a moment?
Kaito catches up with Chizu and, taking her hand, walks her to the front door. He rings the bell and waits for the door to open. When it does, it is Chizu's father and mother standing there.
Kaito: (Bowing) Mister and Misses Oe… I wish to thank you for the honor of letting your daughter spend the day with me. (Placing the hand of Chizu into her father's hand then bowing again.)
Mr. Oe: (Bowing, but not quite knowing what to say) Thank you, Kaito-kun.
Kaito: Good night, Chizu-chan.
Chizu: (Also not quite sure what to say) Good night Kaito-kun. I will see you tomorrow.
Kaito turns to leave, but Chizu follows after him and puts her hand on his shoulder. Kaito turns and Chizu throws her arms around him again.
Chizu: (Whispering) I love you Kaito-kun. (She gives Kaito another kiss)
Chizu runs back to her parents (who are somewhat dumbstruck) and enters the house with them. Kaito returns to Riku, Miyuki, Suguru and Suguru and picks up the packages he was carrying. Then they begin walking down the street.
Miyuki: What was all that about?
Kaito: Among the Saint, when a marriage is arranged, the girl continues to live with her parents. Over the next year or so, before the actual wedding, the boy and girl spend time together. When the boy returns the girl home to her parents, the boy thanks the parents for opportunity and privilege of spending time with her. I never though I would have the chance to do that. I could not pass up the opportunity.
Riku: If you don't think it would cause too much of a problem with your sisters, Miyuki-chan, I would like to do the same when I take you home.
Miyuki: I would be honored, Riku-kun.
They continue walking down the street towards Miyuki's house. Suguru and Mahoro look at each other and smile.
Scene shifts to Mahoro and Suguru in their bedroom, dressed in their nightclothes, sitting on the edge of their bed.
Suguru: Is Minawa-chan home?
Mahoro: Yes, Hamaji-kun just brought her home. He apologized for having her home so late. His parents wanted to talk.
Suguru: I wonder what Minawa-chan said.
Mahoro: I guess she didn't get to talk much. Most of the evening was taken up by Hamaji-kun's father telling embarrassing stories about Hamaji-kun.
Suguru: Poor Hamaji-kun, but it does sound like they have those two married already.
Mahoro: I think you're right. It's just a matter of one of them proposing.
Suguru: I'll place my bet on Minawa-chan.
Mahoro: I'm afraid to say I think you're right. (silence, but then Mahoro takes Suguru by the hand) Suguru, about last night. I want to apologize for the way I behaved. I don't know what got into me, but I needed to hold you close to me… as close as possible.
Suguru: No harm was done and I must admit it felt good when you pressed your body against me.
Mahoro: It's funny. When we held each other like that, I never felt so warm all over… Suguru, do you like holding me close like that?
Suguru: Yes Mahoro, I like touching you, and holding you, and feeling you close to me.
Mahoro: Would you like to touch me now?
Suguru:(Swallowing hard) Yes Mahoro, I would like to touch you.
Mahoro begins to unbutton her nightshirt. It takes a moment for Suguru to build up the courage, but he begins to reach to touch Mahoro's breasts. He is just about to make contact, when the door bell rings. Suguru pulls back his hand, startled by the door bell. It rings again. This time several times somewhat frantically. Suguru jump off of the bed and heads to answer the door, with Mahoro following closely (still unbuttoned). The door bell continues to ring. Suguru reaches the door, unlocks and opens it, finding Rin, frightened and almost crying.
Suguru: Rin-chan! What is the matter? Are you all right?
Rin: Suguru-kun… Mahoro-san… I need your help. Please!
Mahoro: (Who has reached the door and is standing behind Suguru) Come in Rin-chan… Come in.
Mahoro reaches out to Rin and takes her hand to lead her into the house and to the couch in the living room. At this point Minawa, Kaito and Riku have also come into the living room to find out what is happening.
Mahoro: (As both of them sit down on the couch) What's wrong, Rin-chan?
Rin: I need a place to stay for the night. I'm leaving home.
Cut to ending theme
Preview:
Scene opens with a frazzled and frightened Rin standing in the doorway with Mahoro and Suguru. Scene sifts to Rin sitting on the chair and Mahoro and Suguru sitting across from her on the couch. Minawa, Kaito and Riku are standing around, listening. Scene shifts to Mahoro and Rin in the bedroom, changed into nightclothes (although what Rin is wearing doesn't fit very well). Scene shifts to Rin and Kiyomi sitting on the couch with Ryuga and Sera standing to one side of the couch and Mahoro and Minawa standing on the other side. Across from them are standing four men and one woman (off to the side)
Voice Over
Voice of Kaito: Rin-chan doesn't look very happy.
Voice of Riku: No she doesn't, but I think it has something to do with something her father did.
Voice of Kaito: I hope it doesn't have anything to do with us.
Voice of Riku: No, I don't think so, but it looks like Rin-chan and Mahoro-san are trying to figure something out.
Voice of Kaito: I hope so, those men don't look very friendly… and who is that lady who is with them?
Voice of Riku: I think that is Rin-chan's mother. But you are right. I'm glad that Ryuga-sensei and Sera-san are here to help
Voice of Ryuga: This is gonna be great.
Episode 18: Rin's Revolt