Episode 30 - Remember Me

[Fade in to a hospital room seventeen years ago. A pale young woman lies in a bed with a tearful expression on her face. Surrounding her are a young man with his baby son, and an older couple. They are also in tears.]

Chibi-Kyosuke:*

[Crying.] Kaachan...!**

*Little Kyosuke
**Mom

Takashi:

[To Chibi-Kyosuke.] B-be brave, Kyosuke! For your mother's sake!

Akemi:

[Weakly.] My babies...are they...

Grandpa:

[Also crying, but trying to be brave.] They're all right...they're going to be fine.

Takashi:

[Fighting back tears as he holds Akemi's hand.] If only we had more time...!

Akemi:

If only...[Tears in her eyes as she looks at her baby son.] If only...I could...[Hand slowly goes limp.]

Grandpa:

[With his hand on her forehead.] One day you will.... [A tear rolls down his cheek.] I promise.

Chibi-Kyosuke:

[Crying.] KAACHAN!!!!

[Cut back to the present day in a restaurant. Grandpa motions for Kasuga to sit down, but Kasuga ignores him as he stands paralyzed with confusion. Sitting beside Grandpa and Grandma is a young woman slightly younger than Kasuga. Her long brown hair and delicate features contrast with the expression of absolute shock on Kasuga's pale face as the memories of the awful day from long ago echo in his mind.]

Kasuga:

[To himself.] M-masaka*...! Sh-she can't be...!

*Can't be

Grandpa:

[Concerned.] K-kyosuke! Please sit down. Everything will be made clear soon.

Young woman:

That's all right...from what you've told me, I guess we should have expected that.

Grandma:

[Calmly to Kasuga.] She's a relative from our village who's come to town to visit the university.

Kasuga:

A-a relative? [To himself as he forces himself to calm down.] I-I guess if it were her, she'd be quite a bit older by now. [Manages to compose himself.] I-I suppose you're right...

Grandpa:

[Jovially smacks Kasuga in the back.] Of course we're right! Sit down!

[As the evening passes...]

Grandpa:

...so you see, we'd like you to take her around with you tomorrow. Show her university life and what do you have to deal with. She left her home because she was curious to meet you and see what your life is like.

Kasuga:

Really? But almost no one leaves the village.

Grandma:

That's not entirely true and you know it. Besides, with society changing as it is, it may not be possible to remain secluded forever. [Drinks her tea.] Our older ways are fading away like the snow in spring; it's up to the younger people like you to see that we don't lose our identity.

Young woman:

I would very much like to get to know you. It would be...my fondest dream.

Kasuga:

F-fondest dream...? What do...?

Grandpa:

Whoa...it's getting late! You two better get going. I'm sure you'll have a long day ahead.

Kasuga:

Eh?

Grandpa:

[Jovially.] Oh my...I guess I forgot to mention it; she's staying with you tonight!

Kasuga:

EH?!? [Blushes.]

Grandma:

[Nods and smiles.] That's right. We wanted you two to get to know each other better. Besides, Kyosuke, you're not into that stuff, are you?

Kasuga:

[Embarrassed.] O-obaachan...!

Young woman:

Daijoubu* Kyosuke. I trust you completely.

*It's OK.

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Aa, ah...[Stands up, then stops.] By the way, what's your name?

Young woman:

Akemi.

Kasuga:

[Freezes for a moment.] ...

[After saying farewell to grandparents, Kasuga and Akemi leave.]

[Cut to Kasuga's room at Seishun-kan. Kasuga and Akemi are laid out on the floor side-by-side in futons. The soft glow of the digital clock silently counts as the minutes and hours go by, but neither one of them can sleep.]

Kasuga:

I-I just wanted to apologize for acting so strange at the restaurant.

Akemi:

Don't worry about it. [Pause.] Do I... really look like her?

Kasuga:

[Pause.] I... you see, I don't really remember her that well.

Akemi:

You... don't?

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Well, I was two when.... [Pause.] To be honest, I haven't thought about her in a long time. [Long pause.] Not since I was able to accept what happened.

Akemi:

Eh? When was this?

Kasuga:

Well...when I was about four, the family was spending the O- bon festival at the village. I remember still feeling bad about her passing and...a part of me was still blaming my sisters for her death. While everyone else was trying to celebrate, I was sitting off by myself. I was...kind of confused on how I was supposed to feel. But then, one of the relatives came over to see how I was doing. When I told him how I felt, he talked to me.

Akemi:

Who was he?

Kasuga:

[Long pause.] I never found out. One of my uncles, I think. Anyway, for some reason, there was something about him that made me trust him. I let my feelings pour out and he listened and tried to comfort me. He explained that he just recently lost someone very dear to him, too. He tried to teach me that life and death are part of the same cycle. He said that while my mom's death was tragic, I shouldn't blame my sisters for it. It wasn't fair to them and...mom would have never wanted that.

Akemi:

[To herself.] Kawaisou*...

*Poor, unfortunate

Kasuga:

Even though I wasn't feeling like it then, he promised that one day, I'd learn to deal with the grief without losing my memories and that things would get better.

Akemi:

It sounds like he was trying to offer you words of courage.

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Un. It wasn't until a few years later that I fully understood what he said, and I tried to find him. I wanted to thank him for helping me. [Regretfully.] I never saw him again. But I never forgot what he said either.

[Cut to the next morning. As Kasuga awakens, he turns to see the adjoining futon empty. As he stands up, a look outside his window facing the front porch confirms that the visit wasn't a dream as he sees Akemi downstairs talking to the other tenants. In his room, Kasuga starts dressing in silence.]

Kasuga Narration:

I haven't thought about my mother since that time two years ago when Ayukawa and I visited her grave on the island. Since then, I've tried to go on with my life and put the past behind me. Sometimes though, life doesn't seem to let me do that...

[Kasuga heads downstairs without a sound. Before he arrives, he hears Akemi's voice along with several others. He stops to listen.]

Egami:

...a slacker, I tell you! Always so indecisive! I tell you, what he needs is a good kick in the pants!

Kasuga:

[To himself.] Yaro*...!

*<Netiquette violator>

Fujimoto:

[Calmly.] Now, now, Isamu-san. Kasuga-san hasn't been late with his rent in over a year, has he? Don't you think that deserves some consideration?

Egami:

[Grumbles.] Well...

Fujimoto:

[To Akemi.] So you're a relative of Kasuga-san? [Looks closer.] You do bear a strong resemblance to him.

Akemi:

[Nods.] Un, I'm here to visit him for the day.

Fujimoto:

It's true that sometimes he's absent-minded...

Yoko:

[Deadpan.] Sometimes?

Fujimoto:

...but I'm glad that Eiji has such an honest role-model.

Akemi:

It's good to hear that he's such a good boy!

Eiji:

[Comes out of door #3.] Yoko-oneechan*, I'm ready! Okaasan, itte kimasu**!

*Older sister or female friend
**Mom, we're leaving

Fujimoto:

Chotto matte ne*...[Looks Eiji over and straightens his school uniform.]

*Just a minute

Eiji:

[Squirms.] Okaasan, you're embarrassing me!

[Akemi pauses and looks at Eiji and Fujimoto with sadness, then quickly looks away.]

[Cut to Room #4. Upstairs, Tanaka's eyes narrow as he watches Kasuga and Akemi walking towards the bus stop. He pauses, lights a cigarette, and smiles.]

Tanaka:

Omoshiroi*...[Takes a puff of smoke.] I wonder what Ayukawa will think when she finds out how Kasuga spent last night...

*Interesting

[Cut to the city bus enroute to Butsumetsu University. Crowded with students and salarymen, the bus accelerates towards the main thoroughfare leading to town. Inside, people talk amongst themselves in small groups.]

Akemi:

So, what are you supposed to do today? It's a school holiday, isn't it?

Kasuga:

Well, I'm going to meet a couple of friends at the student union. You see, our classes changed for the new semester and we're going to look at our schedules so we can set aside some time to study together.

Akemi:

It's good to have friends to study with.

Kasuga:

Un. Kimura Keiko and Katsu Ritsu have become close friends since I started college. Ayukawa thinks so too.

Akemi:

Ayukawa?

Kasuga:

Ayukawa Madoka. I met her in junior high. She's...someone very special.

Akemi:

[Muses.] Kimura-san and Ayukawa-san... [Smiles.] So, which one of them is your girlfriend?

Kasuga:

[Blushes.] A-akemi-san... We probably shouldn't talk about this stuff in public....

[Cut to Ayukawa's apartment. Inside, Ayukawa goes over her schedule as she finishes getting ready for the day. As she leaves the building, she nearly runs into Tanaka.]

Ayukawa:

Ah...suimasen*.

*Excuse me

Tanaka:

[Politely.] Not at all. Ohayo gozaimasu*, Ayukawa-san. Allow me to compliment on how... fresh you look... especially considering last night.

*Good morning

Ayukawa:

... I'm not sure I understand you. What about last night?

Tanaka:

Well, you know how thin are the walls at Seishun-kan. During the whole last night, I've heard Kasuga-kun talking to someone... someone female. Since I was sure only you would be spending a night at his place, I naturally assumed.... Forgive me for being presumptuous if this is not the case.

Ayukawa:

[Frowns.] Ahh...

[Cut to the student union. On the main floor, small kiosks offer everything from coffee to photocopy services. As Kasuga and Akemi enter, they are drawn towards one of the tables by familiar faces.]

Kimura:

Kyo-chan! [Waves her arm.] Kotchi, kotchi*!

*Over here

Kasuga:

[To Akemi.] There they are. [To Katsu and Kimura as he and Akemi approach the table and sit down.] Minna*, this is Akemi-san. She's a relative visiting from my grandparents' village.

*Everyone

Akemi:

[Bows.] Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu*.

*Please to meet you

Katsu:

Yoroshiku. So, are you Kasuga's cousin?

Akemi:

Ah...well...it's difficult to explain.

Katsu:

[Casually.] Heiki, heiki*. Don't worry about it. [To Kasuga.] So, are your classes finalized?

*That's alright

Kasuga:

Un. I've got my major courses in the morning this semester. I'm going to be tied up with the school newspaper in the afternoons.

Katsu:

That fine. Most of my labs are going to be in the afternoon.

Kimura:

Eh? Kyo-chan is working on the school newspaper?

Kasuga:

Un. It's a big step. So, what does your schedule look like?

Kimura:

[Excitedly.] Aa! I'm taking some advanced math courses just like Kajiyama-sensei promised! I'm in a research class with one of the professors in the math department!

Kasuga:

Hontou da? Sugee*!

*Really? Wow

Kimura:

Un! Hokusai-sensei asked if I want to work with him, and Kajiyama-sensei said it was OK! We're working on the Taniyama-Shimura conjecture, plus maybe we'll use the Langlands and Tunnell's theo...

Katsu:

[To himself.] Here we go...

Kasuga:

[Starts to sweat.] Ahh...what's that?

Kimura:

Oh, that's very simple! It was first suggested by Taniyama Yutaka around 1955 and states that all semistable elliptic curves with rational coefficients are modular. Kakkoii ne*?!

Isn't it cool

Katsu:

[Nods.] Ah, un. Kakkoii.

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Un. So, what else is going on this semester?

Katsu:

[Puts hand behind head.] Well, Egami's announcing a rent increase, so I'm going to have to find a job now. Maybe you can put in a good word for me at Chez Kooun.

Kasuga:

[Slightly nervous but nods.] Aa...sure...if you'd like.

Kimura:

[Slightly down.] My parents don't want me to get a job. They're worried it will distract from my studies.

Katsu:

That's too bad...[Thinks for a moment.] You know what? You'd make a perfect waitress for Chez Kooun.

Kimura:

Me?

Kasuga:

[Concerned.] Oi, oi. Her parents might not approve! [To himself.] In fact, I'm sure they won't.

Katsu:

The last time I was there, Aoki-san mentioned that Hitomi-san and Naoko-san would be leaving because they're going to be starting juken* classes for their senior year. [To himself.] Besides, this would be my chance!

*Cram school for college entrance exams

[Fade to imagination.]

Kimura:

[Romantically.] Ritsu-san, would you please go out with me? The truth is...you've always been my "special someone".

Katsu:

[Holds Kimura's hand while flipping an entree on the grill.] H-hontou da?

Customer 1:

[From the outside dining area.] Oi! How about some service?!?

[Fade back to reality.]

Katsu:

[To himself.] Kampeki da*...

It's perfect

Sakurai:

[Walks up towards their table.] Oi minna! Genki kai*?

Hey everybody! How's it going?

Kimura:

[Blushes.] Sakurai-sempai*!

Senior student

Katsu:

[To himself as the imaginary scene shatters.] Che*...

Mild Japanese expression of disappointment/irritation

Sakurai:

[To Kasuga.] And who is this lovely young lady? [Faked stern expression while waving finger.] Kasuga-san, I didn't take you for the kind of person who would two-time a girl. Especially if one of them is Ayukaw--

Kasuga:

[Indignantly.] Oi, oi! It's not what it looks like!

Kimura:

[Brightly.] Akemi-san is Kyo-chan's cousin!

Akemi:

[Slightly embarrassed.] Well, not really...

Sakurai:

[Smiles.] Eh? I would have never guessed that Kasuga-san's cousin would be such a beautiful young lady. How about I take you someplace to get lunch?

Kimura:

[Despondently.] But you promised you'd take me to lunch.

Sakurai:

Oh, of course. How silly of me! Hahahah...

Katsu:

[Grumbles.] ...

[Cut to the student-run cafe on campus. Several tables stand out in the open. The lunch hour is almost over, so there's no one here. Kasuga and Akemi choose a table and sit down.]

Akemi:

So you're with the school newspaper?

Kasuga:

Un. A friend of mine helped me get the position. I'm just starting, so right now I'm one of the junior writers with the sports desk.

Akemi:

Really? It sounds exciting. Do you like it?

Kasuga:

Well... yeah.

Akemi:

Eh? Is something wrong? You don't sound too sure.

Kasuga:

Umm... I... you see.... [Sighs.] I don't even know how to say this. You see... there's one guy whom I have to interview every now and then... [Akemi nods with understanding.] I mean, he seems to be a pretty nice guy, but, still... I can't help but feel envious... or maybe even jealous. I don't even know what to think or what to do.

Akemi:

That's true... Sometimes you have to use your judgement on important decisions. But you have so many good friends. I'm sure they can help you as well. [Takes Kasuga's hand.] Whatever you decide, I'm sure you will do what you feel is best.

Kasuga:

A-akemi-san...

Ayukawa:

[From behind Kasuga.] So here you are! I looked all over town for you!

Kasuga:

A-ayukawa...!

Ayukawa:

[Harshly.] When I heard about it, I didn't want to believe it! If you didn't want to have lunch with me, then I could accept that. But did you really sleep with her as well?

Kasuga:

[Starts blushing.] Ch-chigau yo*! K-koko ha**...! I mean...nothing really happened!

*Mistake (lit: False)
**This is

Ayukawa:

[Hurt expression.] I see... then you *did* spend the night with her.

Kasuga:

[Shakes head vigorously.] Damedamedame*! What really happened was... well...

*Nonono

Ayukawa:

[Bitterly.] Yes? Can't think of anything? Just say some neat and convenient lie, like that she's your long-lost cousin or something.

Kasuga:

B...but, Ayukawa, she *is* my relative, on my mother's side, and...

Ayukawa:

Oh, really? So you're telling me she knows of your little family secret and you wouldn't mind if I tell her?

[Akemi looks at Ayukawa sharply for a second.]

Kasuga:

Uhh...

Akemi:

[Sighs. Almost to herself.] I told otoosama this wouldn't work.

Kasuga:

Ehh?

Akemi:

[Softly.] Of course I know that he's an ESPer, Ayukawa-san. I'm more surprised that *you* know that.

Ayukawa:

[Lost. To Kasuga.] Did... did you tell her about that as well...?

Akemi:

[Shakes her head.] No, of course he didn't. [Sighs. Calmly.] As a matter of fact, it was me who told him about our powers. [Both Ayukawa and Kasuga look at Akemi without comprehension.] You see, he did tell you the truth - I *am* his relative; and nothing happened between us last night. But he didn't tell you all the truth, because he didn't know it. You see...Kasuga Kyosuke...is my son.

---

[COMMERCIAL BREAK.]

[Cut to the Tendou residence in the Nerima district of Tokyo. In his bedroom, Genma is sleeping under the lit lamp. Suddenly, the lamp flickers and goes out.]

Genma:

[Fearfully.] Sh-shimatta*!

*Oh shoot!

[Genma quickly gets out of his futon and scrambles downstairs. Looking outside, he sees all of Tokyo under power blackout. With determination, he pulls up a hidden panel under the floor. He then takes the stairs down to a secret basement filled with heavy machinery. Inside, he sees P-chan sitting on a treadmill in a cage as Kasumi finishes cleaning up the room. In the center of the room, there is a lighted pedestal with nothing on it.]

Genma:

Taihen da*!

*Terrible

[As Kasumi watches with confusion, Genma opens a hidden refrigerator door, pulls out a bottle of Budweiser with a picture of Ranma making a face at the reader. He puts it on the pedestal, then stands back.]

P-chan:

[Angrily at the bottle's picture.] Bwee...! Bwee...! [Starts running towards the bottle, which starts the treadmill moving again.]

[Outside, power comes back to Tokyo.]

Genma:

[Wipes brow with relief as he pops another bottle of beer.] Whew...!

[Writer's note: Standard Disclaimer.]

[END COMMERCIAL BREAK.]

---

[Cut to the cafe. Ayukawa stands frozen in shock. Kasuga pales at the pronouncement, but manages to maintain his composure.]

Ayukawa:

[Shocked.] B-but how...? You're younger than he is! We've visited her grave! You...

Akemi:

Well...it's difficult to explain. You see...[Looks away with uncertainty.]

Kasuga:

[Noticing Akemi's hesitation.] Daijoubu Ake- ah, okaasan...[To himself as he pauses.] That sounds so strange for me to say.... [To Akemi.] I...don't keep secrets from Ayukawa anymore.

Akemi:

[Surprised.] R-really? [Relieved.] Well, then that makes it much easier. Let's see...where do I start...

[Fade to 17 years ago. The scene of tragedy replays as Grandpa gently holds dying Akemi's hand. He tries to be strong as Takashi does his best for Chibi-Kasuga's sake, but can't stop from breaking down in tears.]

Akemi voiceover:

The last thing I remember was the feeling of...sadness. Not just for myself but for the pain my passing would cause. I remember thinking to myself, "Now I'll never know what Kyosuke will become. I'll never be there for him." [Pauses.] And my father knew what I wished for.

[Show Grandpa with his hand on Akemi's forehead and quietly concentrating.]

Akemi voiceover:

Before I died, he did what I didn't even think was possible, even for someone as powerful as him. He read my mind - all of it: my memories, my feelings, my... soul if you will. You see, he was determined that... he was going to do whatever it took to fulfill my last wish.

[Flashback of Grandpa praying for strength in front of a village Shinto temple.]

Akemi VO:

He couldn't place my memories anywhere else, so...

[Cut to Grandpa, still dressed as in the hospital scene, materializing next to his house in the village. He turns around the corner and sees Akemi. She looks younger. There's a bird with the bandaged ankle hopping nearby.]

Akemi VO:

He went back in time and talked to me - I was only 18, and just met Takashi. I didn't really understand him then, but I trusted him. So he put my older memories into my body - and brought me here, seventeen years after my death.

[Cut back to the present.]

Akemi:

[Smiles sadly.] This explains why I don't look 35 now, doesn't it?

Kasuga:

[Nods.] So - what... now?

Akemi:

[Simply.] I will have to go back. 18-year-old me needs her body.

Kasuga:

But what will happen to those memories? And what about the current ones? From today and yesterday?

Akemi:

It... well... they came from seventeen years ago. Maternity ward, room 108. But where they go... it depends.

Kasuga:

Wh-what do you mean? Is there a choice?

Akemi:

[Silent for a moment.] We all have our choices.

Kasuga:

...

Ayukawa:

Th-that's really some story. Even for ESPer powers, that has to be the most impressive feat I've heard of.

Akemi:

That's true. To be honest, I'm a little surprised that you know about our family secret.

Kasuga:

Well, like I told you before, Ayukawa is very special.

Akemi:

I'm sure. H-how did you two meet?

Kasuga:

We met in junior high. Our family had just changed schools and I was trying to adapt to a new town.

Ayukawa:

Kasuga-kun was the second person in town to... to be kind to me. You see...there was a time when I was involved with some bad people. The truth is...if I hadn't met Kasuga-kun, I probably wouldn't be attending college. [Looks thoughtful.]

Kasuga:

[Blushing.] A-ayukawa. You did a lot of that yourself....

Akemi:

It sounds like...you two do have something special.

Ayukawa:

[Nods.] I met him for the first time on...[Shakes her head.] no, that was the second time, I guess. [Smiles, then laughs.] When ESPers time-travel, things can get confusing!

Kasuga:

[Shakes head.] Not really, Ayukawa... For me, the moment on the stairs was our first time.

Ayukawa:

[Shakes head.] No, it was our second. [Thinks, then smiles again.] Just like 99 1/2 stairs... [Pauses for a moment and looks at Akemi.] You know what? You two actually do look similar.

Akemi:

Really?

Ayukawa:

[Nods.] Un. There's the eyes... and maybe the smile. And... [Notices something.] Say, what kind of pendant is that?

Akemi:

What? You mean this one?

[She holds her pendant on the palm of her hand. The finely engraved pattern on them resembles two intertwined snakes, eating on each other's tail.]

Ayukawa:

That's a very interesting design. [Long pause.] Well, I have a music rehearsal to attend this afternoon and...I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about. [Stands up, turns around, then stops.] Kasuga-kun...I'm sorry I thought you were cheating. After all we went through...I should have known better. [Leaves.]

Akemi:

I can see why you consider her special. I remember how I felt when I first got to know Taka...[Trails off.]

Kasuga:

Otoosan?

Akemi:

[To herself.] It really was just like this... [Looks at Kasuga, then looks away.] What it would be like to see it all over again...this time with Kyosuke and Madoka... [Starts to cry.] D-do I really want to go through with it?

Kasuga:

O-okaasan, d-daijoubu?

Akemi:

Kyosuke...have you ever had to make a difficult decision where...either choice you made would hurt someone?

Kasuga:

Eh? What do you mean by that?

Akemi:

Well... I mean.... [Sighs.] Tell me, Kyosuke, what do you think about your sisters? Are the three of you close?

Kasuga:

My sisters? Well, Kurumi and Manami are sometimes a handful. I have to admit that sometimes they can make my life more...ahh...interesting. But when it comes right down to it, they're still family. We've helped each other out a number of times and the truth is, I think I'm a better person, having looked after them from time to time. Which reminds me, I still haven't got them a birthday present....

Akemi:

"A better person"...[Smiles.] I see.

Kasuga:

The truth is...if not for them...I might not have had the strength to do... what was right. [Seeing Akemi's confusion.] You see, not too long ago, I did face a difficult decision.

Akemi:

What choice was that?

Kasuga:

Well...when I was in junior-high, there was...another friend who was very close to Ayukawa and me. But when we were about to graduate and I had to choose... [Stops, then continues.] You see, I knew that no matter which one I chose, someone was going to be hurt. What made it worse was that a lot of it was my own fault, because of my own indecisiveness.

Akemi:

How did you make your choice?

Kasuga:

[Long pause.] I made the only choice I could. It was the choice my heart told me was the right one...[Long pause.] no matter how much it cost me...

Akemi:

[Pause.] Do you have any regrets?

Kasuga:

[Nods.] I've always had some regrets...about what I did, and the mistakes I made. Recently I was able to go back and put some of the pain behind m...us. But...if I had to do it again...well...I think I would have made the same choice. [Stops.] I guess a lot of this doesn't make much sense.

Akemi:

[Smiles.] Not at all... it makes a lot of sense. In fact, you've been a great help to me.

Kasuga:

Eh?

Akemi:

You see, Kyosuke...I'm...facing a very difficult choice. One that can...will...change the direction of my life. A part of me...wasn't sure I would have the courage...to do what I felt was right. But...I want to follow your example. [Looks up to the sky.] Follow my heart to make the decision I feel is right.

Kasuga:

[Fearfully.] Wh-what are you talking about?

Akemi:

[With more determination.] You'll see, Kyosuke.

[At this moment, the clock in the tower chimes five o'clock. Akemi looks around at the lengthening evening shadows and shudders.]

Akemi:

Kyosuke... I think we should go.

Kasuga:

Where?

Akemi:

To the train station. I promised to meet my father there. He... he will take me back.

Kasuga:

Do... do you have to go?

[Akemi silently nods.]

Kasuga:

[Gets up.] Then, I guess, we should leave. When do you have to be there? We can take a bus or we can walk; it's not that far.

Akemi:

I still have some time; let's walk.

[Kasuga nods. Akemi gets up and they leave the campus. Akemi looks around.]

Akemi:

[Points at a peaceful looking street, lined with blooming cherry trees.] Can we take that street?

Kasuga:

Yes, it's in the right direction.

[They enter the street. Immediately, the blooming cherry trees obscure the bustle of the city, muting the traffic noise as well. The street is empty, and there is no one else in sight. Kasuga and Akemi walk in silence for a while. The gust of wind rushes around them and the tree branches tremble. A white shower of cherry petals descends upon Kasuga and Akemi.]

Akemi:

[Looks up.] Kirei, ne*?

*Aren't they beautiful

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Very. [Hesitantly.] Do you... really have to...leave? I mean...couldn't you stay just a little longer? I mean...there's so much I want to tell you...

Akemi:

[Nods sadly.] Un. There's so much I would like to hear and say as well. Kyosuke, I know that...this day has been only a slice of what your life is like. Believe me when I say that...I'd like nothing more than to be with you for the rest of my life. But...I can't...

Kasuga:

Demo...naze da...*?

*But why

Akemi:

Because of you, Kyosuke...and your courage.

Kasuga:

Eh?

Akemi:

Remember when you said, "I made the only choice I could... the choice my heart told me was the right one, no matter how much it cost me..." You made me realize that... no matter how much I may have wanted to do so, my dilemma had only one real choice. I must follow through with my destiny.

Kasuga:

[Fearfully.] D-destiny...? [Thinks for a moment.] M- masaka...*

*It can't be

Akemi:

[Holds Kasuga's hand.] I know it sounds unfair. But...what kind of person would I be if I put myself before my own children? Life and death are part of the same cycle.

Kasuga:

Life and death? You mean...

Akemi:

[Nods.] Un...you remember what happened...many years ago. But from that tragedy, your sisters were born. [Long pause.] I know it must be difficult for you. I can't begin to apologize for the pain I know it must be. But...no matter what happens, please don't think less of me.

Kasuga:

[Long pause, then nods.] Un... yakusoku yo*.

*Promise

Akemi:

You see, Kyosuke, if I don't choose the path destiny had laid out, then Kurumi and Manami would have never been born.

Kasuga:

[Beginning to understand.] Then...then...the choice you were talking about...was...your life or theirs?

Akemi:

[Nods.] Un. One life...or two. Kyosuke, when I see you now, I have a million reasons to want to live my life. To watch you and Madoka-san grow together...spending my years with your father... just being alive. But Kurumi and Manami...their entire lives are ahead of them...I'm sure they have even more reasons.

Kasuga:

I...[Looks downcast.] I guess I understand. Okaasan - I... I admire you. I didn't think anyone could be that selfless.

[The wind picks up; more cherry blossoms are falling down.]

Akemi:

[Shakes her head.] It's just that I see the things clearer now. [Pauses.] Death is much less scary if you see it up close. When the body is dying, all the fears are running away, like the rats from the sinking ship. But something remains, like the captain, till the very end. Call it soul, if you will.

Kasuga:

But - what about the desire to live? An instinct? Can you really turn it off?

Akemi:

[Firmly.] Yes. Because that's what makes me human - not the fact that I am alive; but the fact that I can sacrifice my life for another.

Kasuga:

Two lives.

[Akemi nods. By now, they are walking in a constant shower of white fluttering petals, descending on earth.]

Akemi:

Did you see my pendant? The one with two snakes? [Kasuga nods.] I always liked it: two snakes, biting on each others tail. This is the way I see life and death - now, that I've seen both. They are like two snakes - and when they eat themselves, life and death become one. [Looks up.] Like these cherry blossoms. They die, to give birth to fruit. Fruit drops the pit, which bears another tree; and the tree blooms. [Smiles.] I hope I don't sound like I'm preaching - because I'm not, really. I'm trying to convince myself rather than you.

Kasuga:

[Nods and pauses.] It is still... unfair. Why do you have to go!?

Akemi:

[Simply.] Because I fell in love with your father.

Kasuga:

W..what?

Akemi:

There's an old saying in my village that ESPer/non-ESPer couples won't do well. I think it might be so because we're not... entirely compatible. My father tried to stop me from marrying Takashi because he knew of the dangers. So I wanted to ask you...

Kasuga:

Y..yes?

Akemi:

...please be careful with Madoka-san. I would hate it if what happened to me would happen to her as well.

[Kasuga nods, gloomily. They reach the end of the alley and enter the busy street. Kasuga walks ahead, while Akemi stops for a while and looks back into the cherry lane, where the flutter of petals is dying out. Then she sighs and catches up with Kasuga.]

Kasuga:

Wait! [Pulls on Akemi's hand.] There's one thing that I want to do. I want something to remember you by.

[Akemi looks where he's pointing. She nods and they enter the photo booth. Kasuga drops a coin into a slot, and the booth starts taking pictures.]

[Flash!]

Akemi:

I'm glad you thought of this.

[Flash!]

Kasuga:

I just wanted a picture of you and me - before you go.

[Flash!]

Akemi:

[Nods.] Yes - before I... go. Back, to 1971.

[Flash!]

Kasuga:

1971?

Akemi:

Yes... the year your sisters were born.

[Flash!]

[Cut to the Butsumetsu train station. The sun is beginning to descend from the sky and the activity of the train station is increasing due to the large number of working people returning from their respective offices. Amid the crowd, Kasuga and Akemi wait on the bench.]

Akemi:

[Looks at the clock in the train station.] Otoosama should be here in a few minutes.

[Kasuga nods. For a few seconds, they sit next to each other on the bench, unsure of what to say. Then Kasuga yawns.]

Akemi:

[Smiles at him.] Tired?

Kasuga:

Uh, no. Just sleepy. And you?

Akemi:

I'm sleepy, too. We were up for almost all night, after all.

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Do you mind - if - if I take a nap? Just for a minute.

Akemi:

[Smiles.] Be my guest. You can put your head in my lap.

Kasuga:

[Blushes.] O...okaasan...

Akemi:

What, are you afraid to be personal in public?

Kasuga:

[Pauses.] I... I guess it doesn't really matter.

[He puts his head down in Akemi's lap and closes his eyes.]

Akemi:

[Looks down at him wistfully. Quietly.] That's just how it used to be, Kyosuke. Seventeen years ago for you; yesterday for me. You're still my little boy, Kyosuke. [Pauses and rocks him gently, humming an old lullaby.] Kyosuke? Kyosuke? [Smiles.] You're asleep. You always fell asleep really fast.

Voice:

You too, Akemi.

[Akemi looks up and sees Grandpa who looks wistfully at her and Kasuga.]

Grandpa:

You also used to sleep in my lap, years ago.

Akemi:

I don't remember.

Grandpa:

I do; although it had been more time since then for me. [Pause.] So - have you decided?

Akemi:

[Nods. Quietly.] Yes. I'm going - back.

Grandpa:

Are you...really sure you're going to go through with it?

Akemi:

Otoosama...I think you knew in your heart what my choice would be.

Grandpa:

[Looks down.] Call it a father's last hope. Before you go... I want you to know that... what you're doing... I think it's very brave. Kurumi and Manami... well... I'm sure you would have been proud to see how they turned out as well.

Akemi:

Then what I did... what I will do... I'll have no regrets. Kyosuke... he's everything I had hoped for... and more....

Grandpa:

I want you to know that... if there were any other way... I would have...

Akemi:

Please. Don't make this harder.... I know in my heart that you would do anything for me. But you can't blame yourself because you've done more than enough. You've already given me so much more than I could have hoped. A chance to see my son... and the man he will become.

[Kasuga stirs and opens his eyes.]

Grandpa:

Well, I'm just in time, I see. I hope you two had a good time! [Stops when he sees their expressions.] I see...

Kasuga:

[Gets up and looks at Grandpa with mixture of confusion and regret.] Why...why didn't you tell me who she was...?!?

Grandpa:

I was hoping to spare you the pain of reliving it. [Sees Kasuga's skepticism.] I knew this wouldn't be a long-term matter. What's more, if too many people knew, there would have been chaos and all of destiny would have been threatened.

Kasuga:

What do you mean by "destiny threatened"?

Grandpa:

Akemi had to make her *own* choice. [Looks sad.] Deep in my heart, I knew what it would be.... If everyone knew, they would have done everything they could to convince her to stay.

[Pause. The clock chimes six.]

Grandpa:

[Looks up.] It's time to go.

[Akemi gets up from the bench and three of them stand in silence amid the lengthening shadows.]

Kasuga:

[Pleading.] Can you stay... for a little more? Please?

Akemi:

[Shakes her head.] The more time I spend with you, the harder it would be for me to leave. [Smiles at him.] You know, all depends on the right point of view. Think of it as me tricking death - and getting another day to leave. So - in the end, I win.

Kasuga:

[Quietly.] But you're going to die.

Akemi:

No. I already did. Seventeen years ago, in a snow-white hospital bed. Maternity ward, room 108. Nothing can happen to me anymore.

Kasuga:

[Pauses.] Okaasan... are you trying to convince yourself again?

[Akemi looks at him and does not reply. The three of them walk towards the departure area, where other passengers are already boarding the train.]

Akemi:

Kyosuke... before we leave... could you promise a couple of things for me?

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Anything.

Akemi:

Please don't tell your sisters. I don't want them to go through the burden of knowing... the choice that had to be made. [Kasuga nods.] By the way, you mentioned that you didn't get a present for their birthday.

Kasuga:

Yes?

Akemi:

[Smiles.] You should consider yourself partly responsible for their lives now. You helped me to make the right choice. You can think of it as a present you gave them.

Kasuga:

Uhh... I see.

Akemi:

Please take care of them, ok?

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Un. And?

Akemi:

Please promise me another thing. I'm... even more afraid of being forgotten than of dying. Please, Kyosuke - try to remember me...

Kasuga:

[Leans forwards to kiss her.] I'll never forget you....

PA:

This is a last boarding call for the Chuu-oo train, departing from track two with stops at Higashi-Nakano, Kouenji, and Ogikubo.

[Kasuga stands back as he watches Grandpa and Akemi board the train heading northward. His hand clutches the photos.]

Kasuga Narration:

I stood there for a long time, watching them leave. I couldn't help but wonder... what might have been if... things had been different. How my life would have turned out. Somewhere, in the back of my mind, I've always wondered what okaasan would have said to me about...the choices I made with my life. Maybe now...I can take comfort in knowing that she approves....

[Akemi and Grandpa turn and look back at Kasuga from the train entrance. As the train doors come to a close, Kasuga puts his hand on the glass sliding door, as Akemi puts hers on the opposite side. Then she says just two words, which Kasuga can't hear through the glass. But he sees her lips move soundlessly.]

Akemi:

Remember me.

END CREDITS

New Character Designer/Writer           Stephen Tsai
Co-writer                               Vladimir Zelevinsky
Pre-readers                             Bob Carragher
                                        Greg Dreher
                                        Herbert Fung
Very special thanks to                  Hitoshi Doi

A tip of the hat and a deep bow to      Matsumoto Izumi for starting 
the whole thing

If I left anyone off, my apologies. Any mistakes/embarrassing faux pas are entirely my own. If there is anything here you must flame, mail them to mailto:stsai@netcom.com.

Thank you for taking the time to read this episode of my series. I have the next episode in the works.

Hope you enjoyed it and thanks again!