Episode 34 - Keiko's Fairy Tale

[Cut to Seishun-kan. With summer in full swing, the sun is high in the sky as the neighborhood engages in mid-day activities. Inside Room #3, Eiji sits on the futon with a home video game control in his hand and a thermometer in his mouth.]

Fujimoto:

[Pulls the thermometer out of Eiji's mouth as she looks at her watch.] Hmm...I'm afraid you do have a fever.

Eiji:

[Stuffed voice.] I could have told you that already...

Fujimoto:

I have to go to the pharmacy and the grocery store to get some medicine and food. I may be a while so I have a baby-sitter coming to keep you company while I'm gone.

Eiji:

[With hope.] Yoko-oneechan*?

*Older sister or older female friend

Fujimoto:

[Shakes head.] No, Kimura-san.

Eiji:

[Big sweats.] ...!

Fujimoto:

[Concerned.] I thought you liked Kimura-san.

Eiji:

Well...I sort of do... It's just that the last time she was here, she kept hugging me and squeezing me. She treats me like a stuffed toy or something. I really hate it when she does that.

Kimura:

[Cheerful voice from outside in the main hall.] Gomen kudasai*!

*Please excuse me (Standard greeting when entering a house)

Fujimoto:

[Reassuringly.] Well, maybe she won't do it this time... [Opens the door.] Come in.

Kimura:

[Bows.] Thank you for having me!

Fujimoto:

[Smiles.] Not at all. Thank you for agreeing to watch him on short notice.

Kimura:

It's no trouble at all. [Bubbly expression.] Eiji-kun! How are you? [Wraps her arms around him and gives him a hug.]

[Eiji looks at Fujimoto with a knowing expression as she tries to hide the embarrassment on her face.]

Kimura:

You poor thing...you're burning up!

Eiji:

Well, it's not so bad. I mean I get to miss school and everything...

Kimura:

Hmm...that's so sad. School is a lot of fun.

Eiji:

[Dryly to himself.] Says you...

Fujimoto:

Well, I guess I'll be going then. Is there anything else you think you'll need?

Kimura:

[Confidently.] We'll be OK... I'll take good care of him!

Fujimoto:

[Smiles.] Very well, you two take care. I'm off. [Leaves.]

Kimura:

[Bubbly.] Come back soon!

Eiji:

[Despairingly.] Very soon...

Kimura:

Well, what shall we do today?

Eiji:

Maybe you can play with me on "Killer Kops". I don't get to play 2-player a lot.

Kimura:

"Killer Kops"? Is that a manga title or something?

Eiji:

Oneechan...it's a cool video game! You get to shoot people!

[Eiji turns the video game console back on and hands Kimura the other controller. However, after only a few games, it becomes obvious that Kimura is not catching on.]

Eiji:

I can't believe it...you're even worse than the computer!

Kimura:

[Embarrassed.] Well...my parents were never fond of video games. They say it can damage your eyes.

Eiji:

Wh-what kind of nonsense is that?

Kimura:

Hmm...[Thinks for a minute.] I got it! I'll tell you a story!

Eiji:

[Sarcastically.] Do I have a choice?

Kimura:

[Self-absorbed.] Once upon a time, in a land far away...

Eiji:

[Mostly to himself as he reluctantly settles in.] I guess not...

---

[Cut to a dark forest in the middle of a strange and mysterious realm. Although the mid-day sun is shining, the only clearly lit area is the path leading to the village ahead. As he approaches a fork in the road, Kasuga pulls off his hooded cloak and checks his bearings.]

Kasuga:

Hmm...[Pulls out his map and looks at the sky.] That marker should be right about here...

Voice:

Don't tell me that you can't find the marker after only five years!

Kasuga:

[Sees familiar figure come from the opposite fork.] Katsu-san!

[Katsu walks up to Kasuga and after a brief reunion, they continue on their way.]

Kasuga:

Five years...Gee, has it been that long?

Katsu:

[Nods.] Since the two of us left the village. How was it at the Wizardry school?

Kasuga:

I can't complain. They taught me a lot about using the Power. What about the Alchemy college?

Katsu:

It was useful. [Sagely.] It's a changing world. Science is definitely going to be competing with magic one of these days.

Kasuga:

No way...eh?!

[Without warning, an ugly, dark-skinned creature leaps out of the trees. It bellows a blood-curdling cry with a weapon in hand. Kasuga concentrates, causing the creature to fly past both of them and land hard on a fallen log. Undeterred, the creature stands up and tries to charge at both of them.]

Katsu:

Watch out! [Pulls out a glass vial from his vest and throws it at the creature's face. The creature wails in pain as acid burns into its face. It goes running off into the woods.] Wh-what was that?!?

Kasuga:

Oni*! But they only come out at night! What's going--?

*demon

[Interrupted by an explosion visible in the distance.]

Katsu:

The village!

[Cut to a small settlement located in a large clearing in the forest. What was once a quiet and peaceful village is under siege by a marauding band of oni and other creatures. Villagers everywhere run frantically to save what they can as the marauders loot the village and burn buildings. Amid the chaos, one lone figure of resistance is seen in the form of a dark-haired female warrior wielding a sword.]

Ayukawa:

[Visibly wounded but still defiant.] You vile creatures must be destroyed!

[Three oni leap off the roof of a nearby building, trying to flank and surround Ayukawa. Seeing this, she pulls out three picks with one smooth practiced motion, embedding each attacker in their arms, disarming them. Seeing his troops finally encounter real resistance, the largest oni, clearly the leader, approaches Ayukawa.]

Ayukawa:

[Readies her weapon.] I challenge you!

---

[Cut to the outer hallway in Seishun-kan. Kasuga and Katsu are coming in the main entrance.]

Katsu:

...so I told him, "Don't put that tube on the burner yet. I'll get to it when I can. But no, he *had* to do it, and now we're both in trouble." Anyway, what time is Ayukawa dropping by to pick us up for the show? [Stops when he sees Kasuga's attention is elsewhere.] Hey, Kasuga-san. What is it?

Kasuga:

I thought I heard someone mention Ayukawa.

[Kasuga goes over to Room #3 and puts his ear on the door. After a moment, curiosity gets the better of Katsu and he does the same.]

---

[Cut back to the village. With several of their brethren slain by Ayukawa, many of the creatures attempt an escape. However, the leader steps forward to challenge her. Although she manages to hold her own for a while, size, reach and battle fatigue finally takes its toll as she falls back towards a wall. Her sword is dashed from her hands and lands across the street.]

Kasuga:

Who is she?

Katsu:

Never mind that! She's fighting on our side! [Throws a vial of putricine on the ground, incapacitating a group of oni. Turns and sees Ayukawa's peril.] Kasuga! They're too close together for me to help her! Cast a spell or something!

Kasuga:

[Nods firmly.] Un!

Eiji Voiceover:

Oh come on, don't be silly!

---

[Cut back to Room #3 at Seishun-kan.]

Kimura:

Eh? What do you mean?

Eiji:

[Dismissively.] Kyosuke-oniichan* a wizard? That scatter-brained, wishy-washy guy couldn't turn cream into butter!

*Older brother or older male friend

Kasuga:

[Whispers from outside the door.] Why that little...!

Katsu:

[Whispers from outside the door.] Hey...he probably doesn't mean any real harm. Besides, he's got a point.

Eiji:

And Ritsu-oniisan? He's lucky he hasn't blown himself up by now!

Kasuga:

[Smirks as he whispers.] Sounds right to me...

Katsu:

Hrumph...!

---

[Cut back to the scene of the battle. Kasuga whispers as he concentrates his power. As he does so, the leader of the oni rears back for his final blow. Ayukawa steels herself, then suddenly hears a voice in her mind.]

Kasuga's voice:

"Don't worry! I've got your sword."

Ayukawa:

[To herself as she watches the sword lift off the ground unaided.] Wh-what?

Kasuga's voice:

"I can help you...but you have to trust me..."

[Ayukawa tenses as the oni leader is about to swing. Behind the leader, Ayukawa sees her sword start flying through the air towards her, handle first. Not seeing this, the leader takes his time with his final stroke. Just before he brings his blade down, Ayukawa lunges forward between the leader's legs, snatches the sword out of the air in mid-tumble, and imbeds it in the surprised leader's back.]

Katsu:

[Excitedly.] He did it!

---

[Cut back to the corridor outside Room #3.]

Kasuga:

[Smug whisper to Katsu.] "I did it..."

Katsu:

[Unimpressed.] Don't be so proud of yourself. It was my "chemicals" that gave you cover.

Egami:

[From down the hallway.] What are you two doing?!?

Kasuga & Katsu:

[In unison.] Shhh...!

Egami:

[Surprised.] Eh?

Katsu:

[Whispers while pointing towards Room #3.] Kimura-san's telling Eiji a story.

Egami:

[Dismissively.] Pah...! Probably all about bunnies and cute little puppy dogs. [Walks over and puts his ear by the door.]

---

[Cut to the village. While many of the villagers struggle to rebuild what they can, the mayor of the village listens to a small gathering to plan the next move.]

Ayukawa:

...and so my village elder bade me to investigate your village. Apparently, the plague of evil has already begun.

Egami:

Then your village has also seen the signs of unrest.

Ayukawa:

Yes, your honor. Since the oni have already attacked you as well, it will only be a matter of time before this evil threatens us all.

Egami:

[Nods.] I agree. [To Kasuga and Katsu.] Therefore we must find and defeat this great evil at its source. I'm assigning the two of you to accompany Ayukawa-san to the city of Guilder. There you must learn as much as you can and seek whatever means you need to defeat this evil.

Katsu & Kasuga:

Eh?

---

[Cut back to the hallway outside Room #3.]

Egami:

[Smugly to Kasuga and Katsu.] That's right...art is a reflection of life after all. I'm lord of the land.

Kasuga:

[Unimpressed.] Aren't you exaggerating just a little?

Katsu:

[Matter-of-factly.] And you're drafting us to defend your honor again.

Egami:

Wh-what did you say...?!

Kasuga:

Shh...!

---

[Cut to the edge of the mysterious forest. As the trees give way to open plains, the city skyline is visible on the horizon.]

Katsu:

[Rhetorically.] The city-state of Guilder...rumors say it's a hive of scum and villainy.

Eiji Voiceover:

Oneechan, you stole that line!

Kimura Voiceover:

It's all right, no one will ever know!

Ayukawa:

[Pulls out a large leaf, rolls it into a thin cigarette, then lights it with a match.] It's a pit, but it's the only place we can get help. The ruler of the city is...someone who I think will help us.

Kasuga:

[Coughs as the acrid smell of burning leaf fills his nostrils.] You know, you shouldn't smoke! You'll never have healthy babies!

Eiji Voiceover:

That line sounds so corny! Even Kyosuke-oniichan wouldn't say something that weird, would he?

Kimura Voiceover:

Aa...umm...well...Madoka-san says he did.

Eiji Voiceover:

[Flatly.] I should have known...

Ayukawa:

[Coldly.] My health isn't your concern. Besides, [Takes a drag from the cigarette, then deliberately tosses the burning stub into the brush.] it's our village's tradition before going into battle.

Kasuga:

[With trepidation.] Battle?

[The brush begins to smoke, drawing out several previously-hidden figures from the surrounding bushes and tall grass. Their armor markings declare their allegiance as clearly as their grim faces declare their intentions.]

Kasuga:

Guilderian soldiers! They're here to help us!

Ayukawa:

[Rolls her eyes.] What an idiot...

---

[Cut back to the hallway outside Room #3. Kasuga, Katsu and Egami are engrossed in listening in, and fail to notice the main door open. Ayukawa walks in and stops as she looks surprised by the trio of people leaning against door #3. After a moment, she clears her throat.]

Ayukawa:

A-hem...!

Katsu & Kasuga & Egami:

Waah...! [Recover composure.] Shh...!

Ayukawa:

Eh? What are you guys doing? It isn't nice to be eavesdropping on people.

Katsu:

[Whispers as he points towards the door.] We're not eavesdropping! We're listening to a story!

Kasuga:

Keiko-san is telling Eiji a fairy tale!

Ayukawa:

Eh? [Walks to the door and starts listening in.] Is it a romance story?

Egami:

[Smirks.] Not quite.

---

[Cut to the dungeon of the castle. The cell door slams shut, echoing the sound of imprisonment throughout the dungeon.]

Katsu:

[Angrily from behind bars.] Hey! What do you think you're doing?!

Guard Captain:

[Unconcerned.] These are difficult times. Until you can prove your identity, we're going to have to keep you here. [Turns and leaves.]

Katsu:

H-Hey...!

Kasuga:

[Frustrated.] Che...why did you have us surrender? We could have taken them on.

Ayukawa:

Yes, but I doubt they would be willing to help us afterwards. We'll never get their help if we end up fighting them. This way, they got us here without too much fuss.

Katsu:

But we can't get help unless they let us out of this cell!

Yuko:

[Shrouded in the shadows in the back of the room.] Save your energy.

Kasuga:

Eh?

Yuko:

Those guys won't do a thing without the Prince's permission.

Ayukawa:

[Suspiciously.] Who are you?

Yuko:

Me? [Innocently.] I'm an honest merchant who specializes in hard-to-get items and material transport.

Katsu:

[Deadpan to Kasuga.] A smuggler.

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Probably a thief too.

Yuko:

[Indignantly.] They never proved that! [Faked hurt tone as she grabs Katsu by the waist.] Please protect me from those awful men!

Katsu:

[Embarrassed.] Let me go!

Ayukawa:

Shh! [Motions towards the outer stairs. As they go silent, the sounds of approaching footsteps can be heard. A few moments later, the outer door is unlocked and two guards enter. Behind them, a tall handsome figure enters, his mustache lending dignity to his face.]

Hayashibara:

Are these the prisoners?

Guard 1:

[Salutes.] Yes, my Prince! [Holds the torch closer to the cell to better illuminate the interior.]

Hayashibara:

[Surprised expression.] Ahh...you...?

Ayukawa:

[Bows slightly.] Hello, Prince Hayashibara. It's been a long time.

---

[Cut back to the hallway outside Room #3.]

Egami:

[Quietly croons.] Ohh...the handsome prince likes the warrior maid! [Rhetorically to Ayukawa.] I wonder where she got that idea...?

Ayukawa:

[Turns red.] Th-that's probably just a coincidence! Princes and warriors are all over the place in fairy tales!

Kasuga:

[To himself.] Hmm...is it that obvious Hayashibara likes Ayukawa?

Miyasato-tachi:

[Coming from the front door.] What are all of you doing here?

Katsu:

[Whispers.] Shh...! [Motions to Yuko.] Come here...you're just in time. You're being introduced now!

Yuko:

Introduced?

Ayukawa:

Kimura's telling Eiji a story, but she's using all of us to tell it.

Yoko:

Wait a minute...what about me? [Puts ear on door.]

Egami:

[Gruffly.] Wait your turn!

---

[Cut to one of the main dining areas of the castle. Banners of various kingdoms and allegiances hang from the high ceiling. Hayashibara sits at the head of the table, listening intently as Kasuga goes over the events of the past few ways.]

Hayashibara:

I see...so this plague of evil isn't an isolated event.

Kasuga:

We don't think so. It's happening in several places at once.

Ayukawa:

What's more, the methods for attack are similar.

Hayashibara:

[Thoughtfully rubbing his clean-shaven face.] I see...then whoever it is uses the same creatures to attack the villages?

Eiji Voiceover:

Wait a minute! I thought you said he had a mustache!

Kimura Voiceover:

I did?

Katsu:

The creatures we saw were identical to the ones who attacked Ayukawa's village.

Hayashibara:

[With a mustache.] If so, then we face a great crisis. Clearly, the evil wizard Tanaka-san has decided to expand his empire of evil.

Kasuga:

E-evil wizard?

Katsu:

Empire...?

Kimura Voiceover:

But you know...he looks so much more handsome without it!

Ayukawa:

Then we have to stop him! Could you tell us what you know about him?

Hayashibara:

[Distracted manner without a mustache.] Un. I've heard that he's a powerful dark lord of magic. It was thought that his power was sealed away many years ago by...

Eiji Voiceover:

But you should be consistent. I mean, I don't see you changing anyone else.

Kimura Voiceover:

Hmm...ee tou...

Hayashibara:

[Snaps at the ceiling.] Make up your mind!

Kimura Voiceover:

Aa, sorry!

[Cut to the remote reaches of the land. With dark and stormy clouds perpetually overhead, the region has an ominous atmosphere of fear and dread. In the center of the tallest mountain in the range, a dark and sinister-looking castle looms into the sky. The castle is dark and foreboding with only one lit window visible from the outside. Inside the main throne room, a hooded figure watches a large crystal ball with a thin cruel smile.]

Tanaka:

[Pulls back his hood slowly.] So... The prince believes these foolish young people can stand again me...[Pours himself a glass of blood-red wine.] The game begins...

---

[COMMERCIAL BREAK.]

[Cut to a junior high school. Kurata runs down the hallway in a panic. When she opens the door, she sees her classroom in complete chaos with objects being thrown back and forth and people chasing each other around the room. Mitsuya is sitting in front of the class room crying.]

Mitsuya:

[Crying at her desk.] This is so terrible...! Our classroom is going to lose its Internet access if we don't find a way to make it profitable!

Kurata:

[Very rapidly.] Oh no oh no! [Starts running around the room, waving her arms.] What do we do?!? What do we do?!? Internet is supposed to be about having fun and writing love-letters!

Hayama:

[Icy-calm.] Baka...You're an 11-year old girl. You can't vote and don't have a clue how big money-making companies make the money to buy the computers that give you that fancy Internet. So basically you don't have the slightest idea what you can really use the Internet for besides your silly ideas.

Kurata:

[Angrily.] Hayama-akuma*...! *Devil

Logo:

Work the Web.
WWW.Lotus.Notes.

[Writer's Note: Standard Disclaimer.]

[END COMMERCIAL BREAK.]

---

[Cut back to the hallway outside Room #3. Everyone present is listening intently against the door.]

Yuko:

[Whispers.] This isn't fair! My character hasn't even gotten to do anything yet!

Katsu:

Well, it's not like you can do anything about it. You're in jail.

Yuko:

And that's another thing...why am I supposed to be a thief? [Look at the door.] It's not like I stole anything from her.

Egami:

Well, it's about as believable as Kasuga-san being a wizard.

Kasuga:

Oi...!

Ayukawa:

Shh...! I think she's continuing!

---

[Cut to the next morning. The palace courtyard is filled with activity. Katsu, Kasuga, and Ayukawa are on horses, with their equipment packed. Behind them, a large company of men are making preparations for an extended campaign. Hayashibara stands in front of the horses with a look of concern and hope.]

Hayashibara:

The castle is several days' ride from here. As I explained last night, it's protected by a powerful mystic field that prevents our armies from approaching directly.

Kasuga:

Then how are we supposed to get past that?

Hayashibara:

Tanaka had a student who might be able to help you. She's supposed to be a pretty powerful sorceress in her own right, but she has no alliance with the Kingdom. However, it's possible she might be willing to talk to a small group of you. She lives in the mountain range to the north.

Ayukawa:

OK. If she does have a solution, then what?

Hayashibara:

We'll give you a week to make contact with her and bring the mystic wards down. Once they're down, we'll lay siege to the castle. Be careful, though; even without the field, many evil and powerful creatures serve him.

Kasuga:

[Whispers to Katsu.] What's wrong?

Katsu:

[Checks his poaches.] My picks and tweezers are missing. I could have sworn I packed my set of chemistry tools.

[Cut to the dungeon of the castle. Yuko looks around and sees no guards in the area.]

Yuko:

[Indignantly.] Of all the nerve of those two... calling me a thief! [Pulls out a set of picks and tweezers and begins working on the lock.] It's not like I stole everything he had...! [After a few minutes, the cell door unlocks.] Lucky!

Figure in the shadows:

[Mockingly.] So...I see you haven't lost your touch...

Yuko:

[Apprehensively.] Who's there...?!

Yoko:

[Menacingly as she steps out of the shadows.] It's a shame you never learned to work for the winning side!

Yuko:

Oh no! It's my evil twin Yoko!

---

[Cut back to the corridor outside Room #3.]

Yoko:

[Angry whisper.] What...?!

Everyone else:

Shhh...!

Yoko:

[Frustrated whisper.] How come I'm always the "evil twin"?!

Yuko:

[Whisper.] At least you're not a thief!

---

[Cut to Tanaka's castle. Yuko is bound and chained against a stone wall. As she struggles, she watches Tanaka talk to Yoko.]

Yuko:

Let me go!

Yoko:

Would you shut up...?!

Tanaka:

[Cold amusement.] Let her rant...for all the good it will do... [Turns serious.] Do you remember what to do?

Yoko:

Just so long as you remember to pay my fee. [Turns towards Yuko.] Unlike some people, I'm a professional thief.

Tanaka:

[Eyes narrow.] Then impress me with your professionalism.

Yoko:

[Tries to hide her exasperation.] I'm supposed to infiltrate Kasuga's band of travelers, lead them into the mouth of the ancient dwarven mountains, then slip away when the oni attack.

Tanaka:

For which you will be paid a substantial fee, of course. [Gives Yoko a small badge.] This will let the oni know you serve me, so they won't attack you. Now go. [Watches Yoko leave.]

Yuko:

You dirty rotten b--[Interrupted by Tanaka slapping her across the face.]

Tanaka:

Such language! One would think you were a foul-mouthed commoner instead of a cultured professional that you claim to be. [Calms down and them smiles sinisterly.] But I forget my manners. After all, with the Kingdom soon to be crushed beneath my boot, I can afford to be magnanimous.

Yuko:

You'll never make it! Even Yoko would never do anything to kill so many people!

Tanaka:

Ahh...but your sister Yoko will soon no longer be in a position to do anything...[Smiles evilly.]

Yuko:

[Turns pale.] B-but...you made a deal with her!

Tanaka:

Of course I did...I just didn't tell her the whole deal. It's true that oni will be waiting for the heroes at the entrance of the cave. What I failed to mention was the ancient and powerful dragon who sleeps in the giant cavern just past the entrance.

Yuko:

D-dragon...?!

Tanaka:

[Pours himself a brandy and takes a whiff.] The dragon hates to be awaken. When he does, he will destroy them all, except for the one I have chosen to be my consort. [Smiles.] Heheh...Sadly, your sister Yoko isn't the chosen one.

Yuko:

You dirty rotten b--

Eiji Voiceover:

Oneechan, can't you come up with any other dirty language than that?

Kimura Voiceover:

[Embarrassed.] Well...I mean...little kids shouldn't be hearing such harsh language!

Eiji Voiceover:

[Exasperated.] I heard it already...

[Cut to the edge of the mountain range. Visible across the horizon, the city skyline fades behind Kasuga, Katsu, and Ayukawa as they enter the range.]

Katsu:

...and so we decided to make our fortunes in the big city. Both of us just got back from five years of study at our respective colleges.

Ayukawa:

[To Kasuga.] And you decided on ... magic?

Kasuga:

Since I was a little kid, I always seemed to have this...power to make things move. My grandfather said that I had inherited the power from our family bloodline and that the Wizardry school would be the best place to study.

Katsu:

Since I didn't have any special power, I decided to study chemistry and alchemy. [To Ayukawa.] So...how did you become a warrior?

Ayukawa:

Well...my parents are very good musicians, but they tend to travel from village to village a lot performing. I suppose I fell into the wrong crowd and had to learn to defend myself.

Kasuga:

That's rough. [Long pause.] Did you...ever find anyone sp...

Ayukawa:

[Abruptly.] Well, we'd better not let ourselves get distracted. There's no telling who or what might be working with the evil wizard.

[Cut to the cliff overlooking the valley. Yoko watches the party's progress through a spy glass as she chews on a weed.]

Yoko:

[Looking through a spy glass.] There they are...[Sinisterly.] Just you wait...!

---

[Cut back to the corridor outside Room #3.]

Katsu:

[Whispers.] You are so sneaky! Can't you even challenge us face-to-face?

Yuko:

[Faked hurt tone.] How could you do such a thing? Turn against your own sister for money?

Yoko:

[Indignant whisper.] D-don't put the blame on me! [To the door.] You'd think she'd be more grateful after I took her to a ball game!

Katsu:

Oh? And how did you treat her at the ball game?

Yoko:

What do you mean by that?

Katsu:

Weren't you the one who called her a putz who lived in her own little world?

Yoko:

[Off-guard.] I-I didn't say that...exactly...

Katsu:

[Aloof.] I see...

Ayukawa:

[Slightly nervous whisper to Kasuga.] Kasuga-kun...you didn't tell her about...?

Kasuga:

[Shakes his head.] Not that I know of... she's just getting lucky...[To himself.] I hope...

---

[Cut to the mountain range. Kasuga, Katsu, and Ayukawa hide in some rock outcroppings as they scan the trail in both directions of the canyon.]

Katsu:

[Whispers.] Are you sure about this?

Ayukawa:

[Whispers.] I could have sworn I heard something! [Her eyes narrow on a boulder in front of their path.] Metal on rock maybe...[To Katsu.] Do you have any more of those foul-smelling mixtures? [Gestures towards the boulder.]

Katsu:

[Nods.] No problem. [To Kasuga.] Ready?

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Un.

[Katsu pulls out a two-chambered glass tube and lofts it over the boulder. The tube shatters against the rocks, enabling the binary compounds to mix, rapidly causing a billowing cloud of noxious fumes. Amid the cloud, a figure can been staggering out from behind the rocks and the sounds of choking and gagging can be heard.]

Kasuga:

[Concentrates.] Gotcha!

[The figure is pulled towards the group and dropped to the ground in front of Ayukawa who readies her sword. The group comes to a stop when the see who the figure is.]

Kasuga:

You...!

Katsu:

It's the thief from Guilder!

Yoko:

I am not a thief! [Sniffs her clothes and recoils.] What is this stuff anyway?!

Katsu:

Methyl mercaptan mixed with butane and DMSO. It should work its way out of your clothes and skin in a few days or so.

Yoko:

A-a few days?! You mean I have to smell like this for a few days?!

Ayukawa:

[Seriously with a pointed sword.] If you don't explain what you were doing hiding behind that rock, you won't have to wait a few days!

Yoko:

Aa...err...I heard about your mission and I came to help!

Kasuga:

I see. And just how can we be sure we can trust you?

Yoko:

Because it's written in the script!

Kasuga:

Eh?

Yoko:

[Catches herself.] Aa...I mean...if you fail, then I'm also going to suffer under that wizard's evil rule. My many travels have taken me to many places, including the cave you're going to. I can be your guide!

Kasuga:

[After a moment's consideration.] OK, I guess that makes sense. [Gestures.] Lead on then.

Yoko:

[To herself.] Trusting fool...[Starts ahead of the group and heads towards the cave. Katsu and Ayukawa hesitate before proceeding.]

Katsu:

I guess we'll take whatever help we can get.

Ayukawa:

Maybe...[Starts off, then stops.] Wait a minute...how did she know we were going to a cave?

---

[Cut back to Room #3.]

Eiji:

So, she already figured out she was a traitor? Did Madoka-oneechan stab Yoko-oneechan in the back?

Kimura:

[Shocked.] Wh-what? That's a terrible thing to say! Madoka-san would never do anything so devious as that!

Eiji:

[Deadpan.] I see...and Yoko-oneechan would?

Kimura:

[Freezes.] Well...I...ahh...

[Cut back to the corridor outside Room #3.]

Yoko:

[Whispers.] So, you were going to stab me in the back?

Ayukawa:

No way! When I threatened you, I was standing in front of you.

Yuko:

What about me? What's happening to me?!

Kasuga:

If Tanaka's an evil wizard, well, probably all manner of things!

Katsu:

Unless maybe you do what Yoko did and turn evil.

Yoko:

Oi!

Yuko:

[Indignantly.] No way! Even if I am a thief, I would never be on the side of evil!

Egami:

That's true. Anyway, Tanaka the wizard already said you weren't good enough for him!

Yuko:

[Big sweats.] ...!

---

[Cut to a cavern deep under the mountain. Inside, there are signs of a once-grand civilization, long-ago gone. Carvings to various deities and prominent figures adorn the walls and ceilings. Kasuga, Katsu, Ayukawa and Yoko step carefully as dust stirs with every step.]

Katsu:

[Admiring a carving of a gargoyle.] Wow...this thing almost looks real!

Kasuga:

So this was the "Great Dwarven Mountain"?

Ayukawa:

Eh? What do you know about it?

Kasuga:

Well, according to my Wizard classes, the Dwarven center of civilization was here over 1000 years ago. They were supposed to be master craftsmen and traded with other races until some great earthquake changed the structure of the mountain, leaving these caverns unstable. They say a lot of the Dwarven people are buried here...

Ayukawa:

[Fearfully.] A lot of old ghosts...!

Yoko:

[Deviously to herself.] And a few new ones pretty soon... [With trained movements, Yoko slips away from the party. On the ground away from the others, she sees signs of fresh intrusion.] That must be them. [Pulls out her badge, and listens carefully and is rewarded by the barely audible sounds of several swords being carefully pulled out of their sheaves. To Kasuga as she returns to the group.] I think we should go this way.

Kasuga:

Is this they way out?

Yoko:

Yes. Your destination should be on the other side of the mountain pass at the end of the cave system.

[As they proceed, Yoko deliberately slows her pace, letting the others pass her. As soon as she is behind the three of them, she starts running away from them.]

Yoko:

Now!

[Without warning, a dozen oni of various sizes, armed with several different weapons come pouring out of concealed locations.]

Ayukawa:

I knew it! [Readies her sword.]

Katsu:

Shoot! We're sitting ducks!

Kasuga:

[Concentrates.] Head for the end of the corridor! [Oni in front of them look surprised as unseen energy picks them up and hurls them aside, leaving the front corridor clear. Behind them and to their flanks, the Oni charge.]

Katsu:

Kasuga! [Pulls out another two-chambered vial filled with tin tetrachloride and ammonia and throws it into the crowd. Billowing smoke immediately appears, blocking the oni's line of sight.]

Kasuga:

[Runs to follow Katsu and Ayukawa.] Thanks!

Ayukawa:

[Throws three picks at the first wave of charging oni, disabling them.] I thought there was something wrong with her!

Katsu:

Worry about that later! Let's go!

[The three run down the corridor, with Ayukawa guarding their rear flank. Behind them, the oni charge ahead, bellowing rage and anger. In front of them, the corridor opens up and Kasuga and Katsu take up flanking positions at the cul-du-sac as Ayukawa assumes point to the charging oni. Just then, a loud crashing sound is heard echoing throughout the cave. Upon hearing this, the rest of the oni flee immediately.]

Katsu:

What the-?! [Hears the sound again.] That's no oni!

Kasuga:

[Hears the sound again.] Sounds regular...like footsteps!

Ayukawa:

[Hears the sound again.] Big footsteps...coming this way!

[Just then, a giant reptilian foot comes down right in front of them. Looking up, Ayukawa, Kasuga, and Katsu are momentarily paralyzed with fear as a dragon stands before them, with flames flickering in his mouth and an evil expression blazing from his eyes. Seeing his prey, the dragon roars a deafening bellow of rage.]

Ayukawa:

D-dragon!

Katsu:

It's huge! And it's blocking our way!

Kasuga:

We've got to get past this big monster and reach the sorceress! If we don't, then the Guilderian army will never survive!

Ayukawa:

Then we can hold it off! [To Katsu.] Katsu! We'll lead it away! You've got to get to the sorceress and get her to help you take those wards down!

Katsu:

You can't expect me to leave you two behind!

Kasuga:

If one of us doesn't reach that sorceress, the whole Kingdom will suffer! It's be OK! [Pauses.] We'll be right behind you; I promise!

Katsu:

[Hesitates, then briefly takes Kasuga's hand.] Good luck! [Runs down the side corridor and disappears around the corner.]

Ayukawa:

[Take Kasuga's hand.] Let's go! We've got to buy Katsu some time!

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Un!

[Ayukawa and Kasuga run away with the dragon's crashing footsteps right behind them. They find a small passage on the side of the main cavern and enter, trying to lose the dragon in smaller corridors.]

Ayukawa:

[Running through the corridors.] You're supposed to be a wizard! Do you have any magic that can affect it?

Kasuga:

[Shakes head as he runs.] Nothing that big, no!

Ayukawa:

[Turns the corner, then comes to a sudden stop as she faces a solid wall of rock.] Kasuga-kun, we're trapped!

Kasuga:

[Frantically looks over the cave wall.] There's got to be another way around!

Ayukawa:

[Turns around and freezes as the dragon reaches them.] I-it's no use! There's no way out!

[Seeing his prey stop, the dragon rears back as he inhales deeply. Kasuga and Ayukawa cringe in anticipation as he breathes...]

---

[Cut back to Room #3 at Seishun-kan. Eiji is leaning forward as he hangs on Kimura's every word.]

Kimura:

[In reverie.] "...and breathed fire onto the helpless couple. The flames filled the corner of the room; nowhere to run, nowhere to go..." [Pauses.]

Eiji:

[Bursts out after a few moments.] Well?! What happened next?! Did they die?!

Kimura:

Well, [Looks up at the desk clock.] Oh my...! Look at the time! You poor thing...I kept you up way too long! [With concern.] If you don't get some rest, you'll never get better. [Starts to tuck Eiji back into bed.]

Eiji:

[Indignantly.] Wh-wh-what...?!? How am I supposed to get back to sleep after you leave me hanging like that?!

Kimura:

[Unsure.] Well...

Eiji:

[Firmly.] If you don't finish that story, I'll never get any sleep.

Kimura:

[Thinks for a moment, then acquiesces.] Well...OK!

TO BE CONTINUED...

END CREDITS

New Character Designer/Writer           Stephen Tsai
Pre-readers                             Robert Carragher
                                        Herbert Fung
                                        Daniel Lee
                                        Vladimir Zelevinsky
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 stsai@netcom.com.

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

Hope you enjoyed it and thanks again!