INT. PARLOUR - INN - LAMBTON - THE SAME.
Kimihiro is crying with the open letter in his hand. Doumeki and Mr and Mrs Syaoran stand dumb, not quite knowing what to do. Kimihiro tries to speak but bursts into tears again. He cries for a long time.
DOUMEKI
Mr Kimihiro.
He cries on.
DOUMEKI (CONT'D)
Mr Kimihiro.
He eventually gathers himself.
KIMIHIRO
It is the most dreadful news. Fai has run away - with Mr Asura. They are gone together from Brighton to Lord knows where. He has no money, no connections, I fear he is lost forever.
DOUMEKI
(quietly to Kimihiro)
This is my fault - if only I had exposed Asura when I should.
KIMIHIRO
No, this is my fault. I might have prevented all of it by merely being open with my brothers rather than too proud with my knowledge.
Mr and Mrs Syaoran look at each other perplexed.
MRS SAKURA
Has anything been done to recover him?
KIMIHIRO
Father has gone to London. But I know very well that nothing can be done. We have not the smallest hope.
DOUMEKI
Would to heaven that anything could be said or done on my part that could offer consolation to such distress.
KIMIHIRO
Sir, I think it is too late.
MR SYAORAN
I am afraid we must go at once - I will join Mr Clow and find Fai before he ruins his family forever.
DOUMEKI
I am so very sorry. This is grave indeed. I will leave you. Goodbye.
Doumeki pauses at the door, look back at Kimihiro and then is gone.
EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT.
The Syaoran's carriage racing through the night.
INT. LONGBOURN - MRS CLOW'S BEDROOM - DAY.
Kimihiro, Lelouch, Mokona and Yuui are gathered around Mrs Clow who has take to her bed.
MRS CLOW
Why did the Forsters let him out of their sight? I always said they were unfit to have charge of him.
MOKONA
(smugly)
And now he is ruined.
MRS CLOW
You are all ruined. Who will take you now with a fallen brother? Poor Mr Clow will now have to fight the perfidious Asura and then be killed...
KIMIHIRO
He hasn't found him yet, Mama.
MRS CLOW
- and The Hideki's will turn us out before he is cold in his grave -
LELOUCH
Do not be alarmed, mama. Our uncle is helping in the search.
MRS CLOW
Fai must know what this will do to my nerves, such flutterings and spasms all over me...
EXT. LONDON - DAY.
We're looking directly down onto a London street. Mr Clow stands still against the passing pedestrian traffic. He tries to address a passer by.
MR CLOW
Excuse me.
They ignore him. He tries again.
MR CLOW
Excuse me, I'm looking for...
Mr Clow takes out a piece of paper.
INT. MESS HALL - BARRACKS - NIGHT.
Mr Clow walks timidly into the mess hall. It is smoky, drunken, noisy, boisterous and extremely threatening. Mr Clow stops at the threshold, gulps, then the whole room turns around to look at him and a sudden silence descends. Mr Clow is terrified.
MR CLOW
I am ... (his voice breaks up - he clears his throat) I am looking for a Mr Asura.
INT. UPSTAIRS AT LONGBOURN - DAY.
Kimihiro and Lelouch are outside Mrs Clow's room. From inside we hear a moan.
MRS CLOW (OFF)
We are ruined. Ruined.
KIMIHIRO
How long is this going to go on for?
LELOUCH
Don't be too harsh. this is hard for all of us.
They walk downstairs.
INT. DOWNSTAIRS - LONGBOURN - THE SAME.
Kimihiro and Lelouch walk into the drawing room. Yuui and Mokona are busying themselves.
KIMIHIRO
I can't bear not hearing anything.
YUUI
Look. It's Papa!
INT. LIBRARY - LONGBOURN - DAY. CONTINUOUS.
The boys rush into the library. Mr Clow slumps at his desk.
YUUI
- who is to fight Asura and make him marry Fai, now you've come home?
MR CLOW
For God's sake let me be!
(to Kimmy)
Kimmy, help me with my boots.
Kimihiro pulls off his boots for him.
LELOUCH
You suppose them to be still in London?
MR CLOW
(nods)
Where else could he be so well concealed?
KIMIHIRO
Oh father, I'm so sorry.
MR CLOW
It's been my own doing.
KIMIHIRO
You mustn't be too sever on yourself.
MR CLOW
No Kimmy. Let me once in my life feel how much I have been to blame.
(wan smile)
I am not afraid of being overpowered by the experience. It will pass away soon enough.