OVA 4 Screenplay (original work by Shadowsfall)

Per the request of fellow fanfic author Mister Nil, I will write a bit about my writing (and then what? write about the writing about the writing? Nah, jk). Dictated, but not read:

Since this was an adaptation (which I have done quite rarely) all the hard work of checking canon compatibility, plot formation, even coming up with the lines was already done! The task I had before me was comparatively simple: 1) not mess up a good thing, 2) adjust the form of the descriptions and character interactions (not so much the content itself) for (what I envision to be) better onscreen flow, and 3) (the most fun part) creative liberties as allowed me by the author.

With Number 1 guiding my overall work as the first law of robotics does an Asimovian android, numbers 2 and 3 overlapped fairly often, as part of the “fun” for me is making something suitable for the screen.

As mentioned to the author already (and okay’d by him), for informational purposes for anyone familiar with both versions:

I tempered Ryoko/Ayeka-ness–that is to say their catfights. While it pained me to do so (as it was near identical to my own writings for, say, Universe canon), I couldn’t help but envision OVA versions of these two as being slightly less childish, as I’ve always felt that Universe exasperates pre-existing traits from the characters (Ryoko, Ayeka, Mihoshi, Washu, etc.).

Dialogue was added, re-worded and occasionally altogether re-worked. Mostly, this was for the purposes listed above, being more compatible with what we would see on screen vs. what we would enjoy reading. As such, certain descriptors were left more bare while at other times I added in “pillow shots” with descriptions to make what audiences saw and heard during lapses in dialogue more engaging.

Paragraphs one and two above all stem from one factoid: my own process for character writing. Though much of my other processes have taken much personal effort and peer-evaluated sessions to improve and refine, dialogue has always been a strength for me. I’ve always had compliments about my own works, and follow up questions of “how do you do it?” The answer is also the reason why writing fanfiction (particularly Tenchi-flavored) has come easier to me than other endeavors: when I write dialogue for my characters, I know them, inside and out. It may not work this way for others or even most, but when I develop a character, and then a story (yes, in that order), I just sit on that premise/character for, oh, a while…often years. After such a time, and I’ve “met” these characters and are familiar with who they are, writing dialogue for them is as easy as writing down hypothetical dialogue for a daily interaction between my best friends; I don’t have to think about “what would so-and-so say, here?” I just know. Thus, when I’m writing for Tenchi Muyo characters, in most cases I feel I just know what so-and-so would say when-and-where because I’ve “known” them for so many years. I sense this feeling when I read others’ work here as well (which is so awesome!) and shadows is no exception. What minor tweaks I did were only in good faith of “well, I think she would say it a bit more like this” but these were so few and far between–because shadows knows them all so well–the end result should “feel” the same.

Other instances were the restrictions/conventions of the medium: we had envisioned chapters 1 and 2 being episode 1, but unless I were to go back and try writing in some cutaways, it just didn’t pan out here: chapter 1 corresponded to episode 1 (unless we’re dealing with Geminar-length episodes). Other little tidbits (I won’t name them all, you can try to spot them) were put in for fun, but are also tricks that writers employ to make TV shows more enjoyable for the audience. Prime example: the callback. A callback is just what it sounds like: something happens early on, and, usually in a humorous or emotional manner, it’s “called back” later so the audience goes “ohhhhh” or “hahahahaaa” whatev. In Ep 1 my biggest callback was adding to Tenyo and Tenchi’s interaction upon finding Ryoko’s cave: I made it more apparent that Tenchi wasn’t watching where he was going, that “something” just led him there (you know, his heart or whatever), painfully obvious as Tenyo is talking about “following your heart.” Tenchi still has lingering doubts, or difficulties understanding Tenyo. Later, when Tenyo is in turn asking Yosho for advice, he states “we men sometimes let our minds cloud what should be simple matters of the heart” because I thought that was a nice little tie in at the end of the episode to what happened earlier on (and it’s kind of the overall theme of the episode, and likely much of shadow’s continued work).

I think those are all of my “secrets” I can bear to give away for now, but perhaps some of you fellow writers found this interesting. Thanks everyone for reading, shoutout to Nil and a BIG thank-you to Shadows. I hope I don’t disappoint in the future.

FADE IN:

EXT. KATSUHITO’S OFFICE – DAY

TENYO emerges from Katsuhito’s office, sliding the door closed behind her. She heads towards the house.

EXT. MASAKI HOUSEHOLD

TENCHI sits on the steps just outside the door.

TENYO walks unnoticed up to TENCHI as he sits staring at his folded hands.

[align=center]TENYO

Tenchi?[/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

(looking up)

Oh, hey Sis. Have a good talk with Grandpa?[/align]

[align=center]TENYO

(shrugs)

Sort of, I guess. How about you? Have a good talk with the girls yet?[/align]

TENCHI glances over his shoulder toward the door.

[align=center]TENCHI

Nah…

(beat)

…you think they’ll go for it?[/align]

[align=center]TENYO

(shrugs)

Only one way to find out.[/align]

TENCHI’S gaze returns to his hands.

[align=center]TENCHI

Yeah. But it’s not just some experiment to ‘find out’ what will happen…not when it’s their feelings at stake.[/align]

TENYO places her hand gently on TENCHI’S shoulder. He looks up at her.

[align=center]TENYO

(smiling)

You’re always so concerned about others’ feelings, Tenchi, and that’s wonderful…but right now, this is about you’re feelings. Clear everything else from your mind: this is about how you feel.[/align]

TENCHI looks down at his hands.

[align=center]TENCHI

How I feel….[/align]

TENCHI clenches his hands and stands up.

TENYO glides past TENCHI and slides the door open for him.

[align=center]TENCHI (CONT’D)

Thanks, Tenyo.[/align]

TENCHI marches confidently through the door with TENYO lingering behind.

INT. MASAKI HOUSEHOLD

TENYO slips away towards the kitchen as TENCHI enters the living room.

RYOKO, AYEKA and MIHOSHI lie fast asleep on the couch, seated upright and leaning on one another.

[align=center]TENCHI

(clearing throat)

Ryoko, Miss Ayeka….[/align]

The three snore on in reply.

[align=center]TENCHI (CONT’D)

(sotto voce)

Once again, I find myself awakening Ryoko….[/align]

TENCHI walks behind the couch and leans in between their heads.

[align=center]TENCHI (CONT’D)

Ryoko, Ayeka–[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

(startled)

GAH![/align]

RYOKO falls forward off the couch. She drags AYEKA with her, who in turn drags MIHOSHI with her.

[align=center]RYOKO (CONT’D)

Tenchi! Um…

(pointing)

…Ayeka fell asleep first![/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

Hey! You were asleep too, ya know! Besides, Mihoshi here was the first one to doze off![/align]

All three look over at MIHOSHI, still fast asleep on the floor.

AYEKA sighs.

[align=center]RYOKO

(pointing to MIHOSHI)

Ya want me to–[/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

(interrupting)

Never mind, leave her alone. You two are the ones I need to talk to anyway.[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

Are we in trouble?[/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

No, Ryoko.[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

Is Ayeka in trouble?[/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

No![/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

Well, then, what is it Tenchi?[/align]

TENCHI begins to sweat slightly.

[align=center]TENCHI

Well, I….[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

Lord Tenchi?[/align]

AD LIB TENCHI stuttering before falling flat onto the floor.

[align=center]RYOKO

Tenchi![/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

Lord Tenchi![/align]

NOIKE emerges from O.S.

[align=center]NOIKE

Well, you two are shouting again, which means Tenchi must be back–

(notices TENCHI – panicking)

Tenchi![/align]

NOIKE rushes to TENCHI’S side. She checks his breathing.

[align=center]NOIKE (CONT’D)

(relieved)

Still breathing.

(beat)

What did you two do this time?[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

(indignantly)

This time?[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

We didn’t do anything! Tenchi just walked in the house and fainted.[/align]

[align=center]NOIKE

(under her breath)

Yeah, right.[/align]

NOIKE places her palm onto TENCHI’S forehead.

[align=center]NOIKE (CONT’D)

He’s just passed out, I think, but all the same go get Washu.[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

On it.[/align]

RYOKO phases into thin air as AYEKA huddles next to TENCHI opposite of NOIKE.

[align=right]FADE OUT.[/align]

FADE IN:

INT. WASHU’S LAB

TENCHI lies atop a single-mattress bed with various high-tech instruments scanning and monitoring his systems.

RYOKO and AYEKA stand nervously next to TENCHI’S bedside as WASHU sifts through data on her holographic terminal.

[align=center]WASHU

Believe it or not, folks, it appears the most powerful boy in the universe has just suffered a minor anxiety attack.[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO AND AYEKA

(simultaneously)

Anxiety attack?![/align]

[align=center]WASHU

Yup.[/align]

NOIKE, TENYO, SASAMI and RYO-OHKI enter from O.S.

[align=center]NOIKE

Is he alright, Washu?[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

Oh sure. He just had an anxiety attack.[/align]

[align=center]NOIKE, TENYO AND SASAMI

(simultaneously)

An anxiety attack?![/align]

[align=center]RYO-OHKI

(concerned)

Meow?![/align]

[align=center]WASHU

What, is there an echo in here? Yes, people.[/align]

[align=center]SASAMI

Why, Miss Washu? What happened?[/align]

WASHU walks towards TENCHI.

[align=center]WASHU

Well, I don’t know for sure, Sasami dear…

(eyes RYOKO and AYEKA)

…but I’d wager these two had sumthin’ ta’ do with it.[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

Hey, we didn’t do anything! We were asleep on the couch when Tenchi woke us up, said he had to talk to us, then just collapsed.[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

It’s all true, Miss Washu. Come to think of it, he did look a bit pale before he fainted.[/align]

TENYO places her cupped hands over her mouth in shock.

[align=center]TENYO

Oh no….[/align]

WASHU stops typing and looks up from her terminal.

[align=center]WASHU

Do you…know something, Tenyo?[/align]

[align=center]TENYO

Washu, I can’t. Tenchi would be upset.[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

Well, it would sure help if I knew what was stressing him out in order to make him better, now wouldn’t it?[/align]

[align=center]TENYO

I–I can’t.[/align]

TENYO’S eyes circle the now-crowded laboratory.

WASHU examines TENYO’S expression for some time.

[align=center]WASHU

(clapping her hands)

Okay, everybody out! Come on, move it! Too crowded in here as it is.[/align]

Everyone except TENYO, WASHU and RYOKO slowly shuffle towards the door. RYOKO obliviously hovers near TENCHI in a seated position.

[align=center]WASHU (CONT’D)

That means you too, Ryoko![/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

Fine, fine, I’m going.[/align]

RYOKO phases out of view.

WASHU and TENYO stand in a silence permeated only by WASHU’S machines and TENCHI’S steady breathing.

[align=center]WASHU

Well, girly, spill it. What’s up?[/align]

[align=center]TENYO

I can’t bring myself to tell you, Miss Washu. But Grandpa should be able to fill you in.[/align]

WASHU walks away from TENYO seemingly in no particular direction.

[align=center]WASHU

Fine. In that case, you watch TENCHI while I go straight to the source![/align]

Without a word or gesture from WASHU, an inter-dimmensional portal appears in front of her. Stepping inside, WASHU and the portal disappear.

TENYO stands over TENCHI, looking down on him tenderly.

[align=center]TENYO

It’s funny: here I am again, watching over you after all these years, Tenchi.[/align]

In the unseen shadows of WASHU’S lab, RYOKO hovers high over TENYO, staring precisely where WASHU’S portal appeared only moments ago.

[align=center]RYOKO

Hmmm….[/align]

INT. KATSUHITO’S OFFICE

YOSHO (KATSUHITO) sits at his table sipping a cup of hot tea.

WASHU’S voice emanates seemingly from within the room, yet she remains out of sight.

[align=center]WASHU

Knock, knock! Mind if I drop in?[/align]

YOSHO turns his attention towards the wall on the far end of the room.

[align=center]YOSHO

Of course, Washu, come in, have some tea.[/align]

WASHU’S portal appears exactly where YOSHO’S gaze is directed.

WASHU steps through the portal and into YOSHO’S office as if she had walked through the open door.

[align=center]WASHU

Thank you, Lord Katsuhito. Ya’ know, you’re the only one who doesn’t seem to mind my little ‘shortcuts’ to and fro.[/align]

[align=center]YOSHO

True, most visitors simply use my front door…

(sips tea)

…but everyone has his or her own door to walk through, and seldom is there ever only one from which to choose. I should write that one down for later.[/align]

YOSHO scribbles in a notebook set atop the table.

WASHU sits at the table across from YOSHO. He pours her a cup of tea.

[align=center]WASHU

(sips tea)

As much as I’d love to talk about doors, or life, or even this fine tea, I’m here to talk about Tenchi.[/align]

[align=center]YOSHO

(stops writing)

Oh?[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

He had an anxiety attack today, just as he was about to talk to Ayeka and Ryoko.[/align]

YOSHO closed his eyes and crossed his arms.

[align=center]YOSHO

I see. So Tenyo wasn’t exaggerating. There really is a problem here.[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

I’m curious as to what that problem is, exactly. I have a hunch, and Tenyo seems to be in on it, but she wouldn’t tell me the details. She did, however, point me in this direction. Care to elaborate?[/align]

YOSHO slowly stands and walks towards the window.

CUTAWAY

Outside the office RYOKO and AYEKA look away from the window and press themselves against the wall just as YOSHO comes into view.

BACK TO SCENE

[align=center]YOSHO

You know, Washu, after my father named me heir, people immediately began to complain. Despite the arrangement made for Ayeka and me to share the throne, many systems spoke of secession. Then Ryoko attacked: unbeknownst to her or me at the time, she became my way out.

(turns to face WASHU)

Of course, that’s how I ended up here. My mother told me much later that even the most contentious systems ceased their grievances when it was revealed that I was missing.[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

You attribute Jurai’s relative political stability to your absence, and should you have remained you believe war might have broken out?[/align]

WASHU smiles subtly.

[align=center]WASHU (CONT’D)

If you were anyone other than the Crown-Prince of Jurai, I’d say you were thinking too highly of yourself.[/align]

[align=center]YOSHO

(smiling)

Says the self-proclaimed “Greatest Scientific Genius in the Universe.”[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

(cheerfully)

Title’s still up for grabs, somebody prove me wrong![/align]

[align=center]YOSHO

At any rate, though I did not leave Jurai for such reasons, I remained off-world to ease the tension and make things easier for Ayeka.[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

So basically you left everything behind to keep others happy?[/align]

YOSHO’S glasses glint with sunlight from the window.

[align=center]YOSHO

Now, now, Washu, I’m not that dull-witted just yet: you’re setting me up to foolishly portray myself as some sort of saint. My actions were far more selfish than that.[/align]

YOSHO sits back down opposite of WASHU.

[align=center]YOSHO (CONT’D)

But in truth I did think about the on-going situation back home, and the potential repercussions of my return. With such thoughts in my head, combined with my love of Earth’s hills and valleys, I knew making my home here was the right choice.[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

You chose your ‘door’ and now Tenchi must choose his: Earth or Jurai, Ryoko or Ayeka….[/align]

WASHU takes a sip of her tea in mid-thought.

[align=center]YOSHO

He wants them both.[/align]

WASHU hiccups and spills her tea slightly at the revelation.

A handkerchief appears through a portal behind WASHU as she reaches towards thin air.

[align=center]WASHU

(wiping her lips)

Well, now…why did I not see that one coming?[/align]

CUTAWAY

RYOKO and AYEKA lean in towards the door. RYOKO presses her ear against it.

[align=center]RYOKO

(whispering)

‘Both’? Wait, does he mean–[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

Shhhh![/align]

[align=center]WASHU (O.S.)

(muffled through wall)

Seems I’ve miscalculated. I figured Tenchi’s anxiety stemmed from choosing one girl over the other.[/align]

BACK TO SCENE

[align=center]WASHU (CONT’D)

But if he chooses both he feels he’s trapped within a paradox: for obvious reasons it likely wouldn’t go over well if Ryoko were made a queen of Jurai…[/align]

[align=center]YOSHO

(continuing)

…and if Ayeka wants to go back to Jurai, he would be unhappy to remain here without her.[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

Quite.[/align]

An uneasy quiet hovers in the confined space of the office.

[align=center]WASHU (CONT’D)

Of the two, would Ayeka remaining on Earth not be the more practical solution if she could be persuaded?[/align]

YOSHO shakes his head slowly.

[align=center]YOSHO

Ayeka would be giving up any right to the throne. In her mind, she’d be turning her back on her people. And Tenchi wouldn’t want to keep her from her home.[/align]

WASHU rubs her chin contemplatively.

[align=center]WASHU

Huh. I see your point.[/align]

WASHU suddenly rises to her feet.

[align=center]WASHU (CONT’D)

Well, well, much to do. This predicament may end up causing Tenchi more mental distress in the future.

(bowing)

Thank you for the tea, Lord Katsuhito.[/align]

YOSHO raises his tea cup and smiles as WASHU disappears through her portal.

[align=center]YOSHO

(sotto voce)

There is much on everyone’s mind, today. Good thing I have plenty of tea.[/align]

YOSHO’S expression tightens slightly. His eyes glance at the door.

EXT. MASAKI SHRINE

YOSHO slowly opens the door of his office as if expecting to see someone.

A gentle breeze passes quietly through the shrine.

[align=center]YOSHO

Hmmm…..[/align]

[align=right]FADE OUT.[/align]

FADE IN.

INT. ONSEN – MORNING

RYOKO sits alone in the bath, staring aimlessly at the glass ceiling of the intricate biosphere.

[align=center]RYOKO

(ears perking up)

Huh?[/align]

AYEKA enters the onsen. She makes eye contact with RYOKO, but neither says a word.

AYEKA hesitantly slides into the water of a bath adjacent to RYOKO’S.

Both girls sit in an idle manner quietly washing themselves.

[align=center]RYOKO AND AYEKA

(simultaneously)

We need to talk…Hey, I was first![/align]

AD LIB RYOKO and AYEKA muttering.

[align=center]AYEKA

Ryoko…what Yosho said the other day….[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

(sipping sake)

Yeah, about that….[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

I…I can’t force Tenchi to come with me, but…I have certain responsibilities on Jurai that I cannot avoid forever.[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

(sitting upright)

Does that mean you’re leaving?[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

Yes…eventually. But Tenchi will not be accepted on Jurai, not as Emperor.[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

(angrily)

Whaddya’ mean he won’t be accepted?[/align]

AYEKA stares at her own reflection in the water.

[align=center]AYEKA

Yosho…the reason he never came back was because he wasn’t accepted. Auntie Funaho faced similar prejudice. If Tenchi were to try to claim the throne, it could cause conflict.[/align]

RYOKO stares at her own reflection in silence.

[align=center]RYOKO (V.O.)

(inner thoughts)

Why don’t you just say it outright, Princess? Why hold back? It’s me that would be the real problem.[/align]

RYOKO phases and appears next to AYEKA in her bath water.

[align=center]RYOKO

Come on, you’re not giving up, are you?[/align]

AYEKA looks into RYOKO’S eyes. She giggles.

RYOKO looks back dumbfounded.

[align=center]AYEKA

Ryoko, are you saying you want me to stay? I thought you might be happy if I left.[/align]

RYOKO’S cheeks redden.

[align=center]RYOKO

What?! No! I mean, yes! Err, whatever….[/align]

RYOKO takes another drink of sake before AYEKA snatches the bottle from her hand and takes a big swig.

She then politely hands the bottle back to RYOKO.

[align=center]AYEKA

(smiling)

I see. Well, I was raised to take the throne after all…

(tears welling – still smiling)

…and, um, I will be leaving, so he’ll just stay here, and…

(biting her lip)

…be happy….[/align]

AYEKA suddenly begins to sob.

RYOKO looks on anxiously as AYEKA cries. She looks away as she starts to simmer with anger. She looks upwards as tears begin to well in her eyes.

[align=center]RYOKO

(choking back tears)

NO![/align]

RYOKO leaps to her feet and throws the empty sake bottle across the onsen. It shatters O.S.

AYEKA ceases crying and looks up at RYOKO in shock.

[align=center]RYOKO (CONT’D)

I…I won’t let you go![/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

Ryoko?[/align]

RYOKO sniffles a bit before staring at the floor.

[align=center]RYOKO

If you left, Tenchi would be unhappy…

(murmuring)

…everybody would be unhappy.[/align]

AYEKA rises out of the bath and places her arms comfortingly on RYOKO’S shoulders from behind.

AD-LIB RYOKO sniffling quietly.

[align=center]AYEKA

(softly)

Okay, okay, that’s enough now. We’ll find a way, alright? We’ll find a way to make it work.[/align]

RYOKO strides away from AYEKA before wiping her nose.

[align=center]RYOKO

Thanks, Princess…

(sniffles)

…too much warm bath water.[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

And sake, perhaps?[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

No such thing. Come on, let’s get dressed and check on Tenchi.[/align]

AYEKA smiles warmly.

RYOKO smiles mischievously.

[align=center]RYOKO

Or we can leave out the ‘get dressed’ part.[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

Ryoko![/align]

The two walk towards the onsen doors with towels draped about their waists.

As they reach the door, Ryoko turns to face Ayeka.

[align=center]RYOKO (CONT’D)

(menacingly)

If you ever tell Noike that I cried–[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

(interrupting)

Oh, please, as if I’d bother! I’ve got better things to do anyway.[/align]

AYEKA winks at RYOKO. RYOKO smiles as the two exit the onsen together.

INT. WASHU’S LAB

TENCHI rests right where the girls left him. Tenyo sits next to him.

RYOKO and AYEKA quietly enter the lab and creep up to TENCHI’S bedside.

[align=center]RYOKO

How is he?[/align]

[align=center]TENYO

Still sleeping, though not entirely peacefully. Must be having quite the dream.[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

Did Washu say anything? Any change in his condition?[/align]

[align=center]TENYO

No, but she expects him to wake up on his own soon enough. The only thing she’s prescribed him thus far is rest.[/align]

RYOKO phases and appears next to TENCHI’S right side, hovering above him.

TENYO offers AYEKA her seat on TENCHI’S left.

[align=center]AYEKA

(softly)

Thank you, Tenyo.[/align]

[align=center]TENYO

I’ll give you all some privacy.[/align]

RYOKO nods at TENYO as she quietly makes her exit.

RYOKO and AYEKA quietly gaze at TENCHI.

[align=center]RYOKO (V.O.)

(inner thoughts)

Tenchi…I’ve waited so long to hear you say–[/align]

AYEKA suddenly giggles aloud, unintentionally interrupting RYOKO’S train of thought.

[align=center]RYOKO

(surprised)

What’s so funny?[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

Do you remember the time we tried using Father’s books to woo Tenchi?[/align]

RYOKO’S face flushes as she grins embarrassingly.

[align=center]RYOKO

(laughing)

Oh yeah. You looked pretty foolish.[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

I looked foolish? You knocked him flat on the ground, then immediately tried to come across as demure![/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

(grinning)

True…but a certain little Ryo-Ohki told me all about a certain anonymous love letter….[/align]

AYEKA gasps before blushing angrily.

[align=center]RYOKO (CONT’D)

You still owe her some carrots, by the way.[/align]

AYEKA lets out a chuckle before gradually giggling, unable to contain her laughter or hold on to her anger.

RYOKO begins to laugh heartily. Soon both laugh loudly at one another, not in contest but in good nature.

[align=center]TENCHI

(stirring)

Do you think you could hold down the noise?[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO AND AYEKA

(simultaneously)

Tenchi![/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

(sitting up)

Or not, that works too, I guess.[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

How do you feel, Lord Tenchi?[/align]

TENCHI rubs his head.

[align=center]TENCHI

Honestly? My head hurts.[/align]

RYOKO gently caresses TENCHI’S head.

[align=center]RYOKO

(softly)

Oh, Tenchi….[/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

Huh?[/align]

[align=center]AYEKA

We’re just so happy you’re awake![/align]

AYEKA and RYOKO both wrap TENCHI up in a warm embrace.

[align=center]TENCHI

(stunned)

Am I dead?[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

Say what?[/align]

RYOKO and AYEKA pull back.

[align=center]AYEKA

Whatever do you mean, Lord Tenchi?[/align]

TENCHI gazes at them both silently before hugging them both at once.

RYOKO and AYEKA gasp in shock.

[align=center]TENCHI

Sorry, it’s just…I figured I’d have to be in heaven to see you two getting along with each other.[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

(tearing up)

Oh, Tenchi! I could hit you![/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

What’s happened, anyway?[/align]

[align=center]WASHU (O.S.)

You had an anxiety attack.[/align]

All three wince at unexpectedly hearing WASHU’S voice.

[align=center]RYOKO

Washu![/align]

WASHU stands in an unassuming posture near the foot of TENCHI’S bed.

[align=center]AYEKA

You nearly gave us all an anxiety attack, Miss Washu.[/align]

WASHU summons her holographic terminal as she walks around the bed.

[align=center]WASHU

How ya’ feelin’ champ?[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

I was fine until you showed up.[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

(miffed)

Not you, ya’ dingbat![/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

Ugh…like a truck hit me.[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

(typing)

Well, I’m not surprised. Your body can’t keep this up, my boy. You may very well be the most powerful being in existence, but you keep stressing yourself out like this I don’t care how many lighthawk wings you can generate, it won’t be pretty.[/align]

TENCHI takes a moment to absorb WASHU’S words.

[align=center]TENCHI

How long was I out anyway?[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

Just the greater part of the day.

(banishes holographic terminal)

But everything seems fine now. Take it easy for a while…

(eyes RYOKO and AYEKA)

…avoid sources of undue stress, and you’ll be fine.[/align]

RYOKO and AYEKA silently glare at WASHU.

[align=center]AYEKA

(gently)

Lord Tenchi, we need to talk.[/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

About what, Ayeka?[/align]

WASHU summons a pillow cushion to sit on.

[align=center]WASHU

You’re right, Miss Ayeka. I should sit in on this as well. I might have a few ideas.[/align]

RYOKO phases and appears right in front of WASHU’S face.

[align=center]RYOKO

What business is it of yours, Mom?[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

I don’t think I like your tone, Little Ryoko. You’d benefit from gaining perspective from your elders. But fine, have it your way, I’ll leave you three to it….[/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

(fidgeting)

Actually, Miss Washu, I’d like to talk to you and Tsunami.[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO AND AYEKA

(simultaneously)

Tsunami?[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

(to TENCHI)

About?[/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

Well, I…I’ve been having this recurring dream lately…a strange dream…yet it feels too real to be an ordinary dream.[/align]

TENCHI slumps his head.

[align=center]TENCHI (CONT’D)

(muttering)

I’m…I’m….[/align]

RYOKO gently grasps his hand with hers. TENCHI looks into her eyes, and she his.

[align=center]RYOKO

(barely audible)

Scared.[/align]

AYEKA grasps TENCHI’S other hand.

[align=center]AYEKA

You’re scared, Lord Tenchi?[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

About what?[/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

Please, Washu, just get Tsunami. Then I’ll tell you both.[/align]

WASHU opens a portal directly behind her before leaping off of her perch.

[align=center]WASHU

(banishing pillow)

Okie Dokie! Be right back.[/align]

WASHU exits.

RYOKO and AYEKA caress TENCHI’S hands in silence for several moments.

[align=center]AYEKA

It’s alright, Tenchi. Washu will be back with Tsunami very soon.[/align]

RYOKO leans in to whisper into TENCHI’S ear.

[align=center]RYOKO

(whispering)

It’s okay, Tenchi. I’m here. We’re here. Everything’s okay.[/align]

Several moments later, a portal appears and both WASHU and SASAMI walk through it.

[align=center]SASAMI

So what’s the matter, Miss Washu?

(noticing TENCHI)

Oh, Tenchi, you’re awake![/align]

SASAMI rushes to TENCHI’S side.

[align=center]TENCHI

Hey there, Sasami, good to see you. I’m really sorry, but I need to speak to Tsunami as soon as possible, if that’s okay.[/align]

[align=center]SASAMI

Okay, Tenchi….[/align]

SASAMI closes her eyes. TSUNAMI suddenly appears, her ethereal form standing over SASAMI.

[align=center]RYOKO

Tsunami, tell us what’s bothering Tenchi.[/align]

TSUNAMI walks over to Tenchi and places her hand on his forehead.

WASHU closes her eyes.

TSUNAMI smiles with her usual warmth as she gazes into TENCHI’S mind.

Suddenly her face contorts as if reacting to something horrible.

TSUNAMI pulls her hand away from TENCHI and opens her eyes widely.

[align=center]TSUNAMI

Oh my. Washu, Tokimi should see this.[/align]

WASHU’S eyes still remained closed.

[align=center]WASHU

I’ve been trying to contact her. She won’t answer.[/align]

[align=center]TSUNAMI

Tenchi, how long have you been having these dreams?[/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

I don’t really know. A while.[/align]

RYOKO and AYEKA look distraught.

[align=center]RYOKO

Hey, what about Tenchi’s dreams? Dammit! Washu, Tsunami?[/align]

[align=center]TSUNAMI

(hesitantly)

Well, you see–[/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

(flatly)

I kill.[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

Hmm? Well, sure, you axed Kagato but he was–[/align]

[align=center]TENCHI

(interrupting)

No, not just one, and not just someone evil like Kagato…millions.[/align]

RYOKO and AYEKA gasp.

[align=center]AYEKA

(tears welling)

Oh, Tenchi, you’d never do such a thing![/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

(to TSUNAMI)

How? Why?![/align]

[align=center]TSUNAMI

I don’t know. His dreams are all mixed up. And, in the end….[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

(matter-of-factly)

He destroys Jurai.[/align]

RYOKO, AYEKA and SASAMI gasp.

[align=center]AYEKA

Why?![/align]

[align=center]TSUNAMI

That is not revealed in the dream.

(to TENCHI)

These dreams have been becoming more frequent, haven’t they?[/align]

TENCHI nods solemnly.

RYOKO leans in closely to TENCHI.

[align=center]RYOKO

Is that why you haven’t been sleeping well?[/align]

TENCHI nods gravely.

RYOKO somberly cradles TENCHI’S head in her arms.

[align=center]RYOKO (CONT’D)

Oh, my sweet Tenchi! I’d hoped you’d never have to feel the kind of pain I’ve felt.[/align]

AYEKA leans in to RYOKO.

[align=center]AYEKA

How do you know he hasn’t been sleeping well?[/align]

RYOKO pauses, blushes, and releases her grip on TENCHI.

[align=center]RYOKO

(embarrassed)

I’ve…been watching him sleep at night. Just, sometimes, of course…it calms me when I can keep an eye on him once in a while.

(concerned)

But lately, he’s been tossing and turning so much, I didn’t know what else to do–[/align]

RYOKO stops herself short and averts her gaze from everyone.

[align=center]AYEKA

“Didn’t know what else to do”?[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

Nothing.[/align]

[align=center]WASHU

What did you do, young lady?[/align]

[align=center]RYOKO

(fidgeting)

Nothing! Just, sometimes…I’d sing to him. It seemed to calm him down.[/align]

TENCHI sits bolt upright.

[align=center]TENCHI

That was you?

(beat)

I…thought I heard singing sometimes in my dreams, and it helped…all along, it was you, Ryoko….[/align]

RYOKO looks nervously around at everyone before meeting TENCHI’S kindly eyes.

[align=center]RYOKO

Your mother used to sing it to you as a child. I often heard it as you two went on walks next to the cave…[/align]

RYOKO slowly hovers away from TENCHI, towards the center of the room.

[align=center]RYOKO (CONT’D)

…I’m glad it helped you as you slumbered, Tenchi, because, well…it helped me when I felt trapped and alone.[/align]

As RYOKO speaks, TENCHI rises from the bed and gently grasps RYOKO’S hand.

RYOKO shudders.

[align=center]TENCHI

Thank you for watching over me, Ryoko.[/align]

Tears well up in RYOKO’S eyes as she finds herself unable to reply with anything other than a smile.

Suddenly TENCHI pulls RYOKO in close and passionately kisses her on her lips.

EVERYONE gasps, too stunned for words.

RYOKO’S eyes widen in sheer shock before she slowly wraps her arms around TENCHI’S neck and gives in to her long-imprisoned desire.

[align=right]FADE OUT.[/align]

Script notes to come later.

EDIT: Revised script notes to come very soon.

I didn’t expect anyone to notice this anyway (and ideally people wouldn’t pay much attention to the nuts and bolts, the idea being a flowing, continuous reading) but for those with very keen eyes there may be a few ever-so-slight differences in my personal use of screenplay format between episodes thus far, mostly stemming from the fact that my re-posts here on the board are not spaced appropriately: nothing hard-and-fast with format rules, just subjective ways of trying to make the rigid nature of a script’s outline flow smoothly at all times; I am currently refining my own “style” in this regard as I consult and (attempt to) recall several different sources for reference.

Episode 2 in script form ended up shorter page-wise than I had originally anticipated, and in fact may need revising, but 1: the pacing felt much slower, translating to longer screen time with fewer words/pages, and 2: it just felt like a good place to stop (probably doesn’t help that I was typing this way too late into the night); again, I may go back and revise soon, as the ending with Tenchi kissing Ryoko would be an even better cliffhanger ending, time allowing (as shadows envisioned).

Once again, some smart-ass dialogue added for our favorite smart-ass (Washu) and a bit added for Yosho as well. The onsen scene, as written by shadows, is wonderful: to that end, I focused most of my efforts this go-round into polishing and refining it to be a big, emotional climactic moment. It’s playing on a theme that I’m noticing thus far in shadows work (how will it turn out later? I’m excited to see!): Tenchi’s in despair, and as time marches on the residents of the Masaki household–namely Ryoko and Ayeka–are starting to realize perhaps the never-ending bliss they all shared living together may not in fact be never-ending; the carnival, in short, seems to be coming to an end. It adds a level of drama similar to Tenchi Forever, one which I believe OVA at this point desperately needs (for the fans who have stuck with it for literally decades of their lives). Shadows hit this spot-on, and it’s an honor to work with; as such, in these first episodes I’ve been adding small, interspersed moments of comedic relief, 1: it’s needed sometimes to ease up the heavy tension (I think), and 2: if this was actually to be an animated work, I think producers would demand it.

Though this may not be what some of us here would like, if Ryoko and Ayeka (and whoever else) end up with Tenchi, effectively ending their long-time feud, there has to be development to warrant it. I applaud Shadows for doing this, as it’s being done so well thus far it’s actually becoming more believable for me. I did my best to maintain this atmosphere of gradual bonding between “frenemies.”

Shadows has also done an excellent job of finding some sort of plausible conflict and plot to work with now that Tenchi’s reached “God mode” with internal conflicts, “facts of life” circumstances we all have to face as we take on responsibilities and become “grownups,” and relational strain and strife (in addition to making politics of Jurai interesting again). I didn’t really change anything here, only doing what I can to make it fit plausibly within Kaji’s canon (no easy task, I assure you).

Hope you all like it, I’d appreciate feedback (especially if there are suggestions to make it even better), and be sure to check out Shadows’ original work as we go.

In order to do this, I cut out only one significant scene: Washu interacting with Sasami in the kitchen. It pained me to do so, but if we’re talking Tenchi OVA-length (standard, not Episode 7), it had to be done. Another reason I felt this one could go was (as cruel as this may sound) an exercise I’ve been trying to do with my own works, a lesson which was hammered into my head during my time in school: every scene needs to have a purpose. Did I love it? Yes. Was it well written? Absolutely. But did we really, absolutely need it? When times are tough and you gotta’ make cuts, well…you may judge me at your own leisure.

The other change I made was the time frame Tenchi was out cold: for lack of better words, it just didn’t “flow” for me; I couldn’t visualize such a construction on screen (written, it works fine). Originally, I had kept this, if breaking Chapter 2 up into two episodes (which would have been difficult as well), but keeping Chapter 2 virtually synonymous with Episode 2, I did what I thought best.

That should be everything, other than perhaps some very minor dialogue tweaks. I must say I’m enjoying reading through Shadows’ work and getting to interact with it in this hands-on way!