Card Reviver Ayame

Episode Three: “Ayame’s Sister”

By Minako134

 

 

Scene: A greenhouse in Tomoeda. Inside, Li is at work, spraying plants and checking several thermometers. He gets a wheelbarrow full of fertilizer and wheels it out the door to the back, where there are numerous flowerbeds. As he begins transplanting some violets, we hear someone running over the grass towards him.

 

Ayame: (wearing her school uniform, grasping her hat in one hand) Li-saaaaaaan!

 

 Li: (looks up) Good afternoon.

 

Ayame: (arrives next to him and stops to catch her breath) Good…afternoon…

 

Li: (goes back to planting) School’s over already?

 

Ayame: Yup!

 

Li: So, why are you here?

 

Ayame: (puts her hat on the ground and pulls on a pair of gloves) To help!

 

Li: Okay…

 

(scene cuts; Li and Ayame are weeding the flowerbeds)

 

Li: (watching Ayame silently picking the weeds) Anything happen at school today?

 

Ayame: (her hair is covering her eyes) No. Just school.

 

Li: (shifts his gaze to her arm) Why does your elbow have a bandage on it?

 

Ayame: I fell.

 

Li: (raises an eyebrow) All right.

 

(they continues picking, not talking)

 

Li: (getting up) I should call Daidouji to tell her you’re here.

 

Ayame: (stands up) NO!

 

Li: Why not?

 

Ayame: (bits her lip) I…

 

Li: (turns to go inside) It’ll only take a moment.

 

Scene: Li is on the phone inside the greenhouse. Ayame stands behind him with her head down, frowning. Li hangs up, sighing. He turns and looks down at Ayame.

 

Li: So, a fight? You sacrificed your safety yet again in order to prove yourself?

 

Ayame: (head up, mad) I don’t need to prove my self to anyone! I just…they were making fun of my friend, Itaru-kun…

 

Li: (crouches down so he’s at her eye level) I see now. You care about your friend, don’t you?

 

Ayame: Yes.

 

Li: You wouldn’t him to ever get hurt, correct?

 

Ayame: Right...

 

Li: Then it is my assumption that he would never want you to get hurt, either. You shouldn’t be so careless with other people’s feelings, Suzuki. You know as well as I do that Daidouji and your friend don’t want you to get hurt. I think it would be for the best if you honored their wishes.

 

Ayame: (after a pause) …okay.

 

Scene: Kiana is vacuuming in the entry hall. Ayame enters, and takes off her shoes.

 

Ayame: I’m home.

 

Kiana: (stops the vacuum) Welcome back. (takes Ayame’s hat) Ojou-sama (M’lady, or something like it) is waiting for you in the dining room.

 

Ayame: Thanks.

 

(scene cuts; Tomoyo is sitting at the table with a mug of coffee in her hands. She props her elbows on the table, but doesn’t drink any. Ayame enters)

 

Ayame: (bows) Good afternoon.

 

Tomoyo: (she looks somewhat disappointed) Good afternoon. Rika-chan called, and then Li-kun said you went to his greenhouse.

 

Ayame: I…wanted to help him with his gardening…

 

Tomoyo: (gets up from her chair and walks over to Ayame) Ayame-chan, I would very much appreciate it if you came home after school instead of going off somewhere. I worry about you.

 

Ayame: Sorry.

 

Tomoyo: (sighing) In any case, I do have some good news.

 

Ayame: Like what?

 

Tomoyo: When I was called back to work yesterday, my boss promoted me.

 

Ayame: Really?! That’s great!! Congratulations!

 

Tomoyo: (grinning) Thanks. This is especially rewarding because…(crouches down to Ayame’s eye level) I’ll make enough money to support more than one child.

 

Ayame: Huh?

 

Tomoyo: Ayame-chan…how would you like a sister?

 

Ayame: WHA?!

 

Scene: A car drives up to Ayame’s old orphanage. The car door opens, and Tomoyo and Ayame step out onto the sidewalk.

 

Tomoyo: (leans over and speaks to Kiana, who is at the wheel) We’ll be back in about fifteen minutes, okay?

 

(Ayame stares up at the house, which is covered in ivy. The lawn is over run with weeds, and a rusty bicycle is leaning against the front porch)

 

(scene cuts; Tomoyo and Ayame are in the entry hall, and Mrs. Hirano trots over to greet them)

 

Mrs. Hirano: Daidouji-san! I was absolutely thrilled when you called me! Please come right this way!

 

Tomoyo: Thanks! (takes Ayame’s hand and follows Mrs. Hirano, who begins rattling on and on…)

 

Ayame: (talking under Mrs. Hirano’s rambling) Tomoyo-san, I think I missed something. Why do you want another child?

 

Tomoyo: To tell you the truth, it’s two reasons. Both have to do with you.

 

Ayame: Me?

 

Tomoyo: I’ve gotten the impression that you don’t have many friends at school, am I correct?

 

Ayame: Well, there’s Itaru-kun…

 

Tomoyo: I guessed you might benefit from having a sibling to share your things with, to grow up with, and so on. In addition…(smiles at Ayame)…I’ve had a wonderful time raising you.

 

Ayame: (grins, blushing a little)

 

Mrs. Hirano: (who has been rambling the whole time)…I only have a dozen or so girls left, luckily people have finally understood how important adoption is! They’re all eating dinner now, I’ll show you into the dining room…

 

Tomoyo: Thank you.

 

(they enter a room where eleven girls are seated around a dining table, eating their meals. One girl is helping another two-year-old eat her hot dog, chopping it into little pieces. Ayame watches with a look of sad longing on her face)

 

Ayame: I remember eating here…

 

Mrs. Hirano: Oh dear, not again.

 

Ayame: Huh? (she turns her head, and notices another girl sitting against the wall, her head in a sketchbook. We can’t see her face, but her hair is blonde) Who’s that?

 

Mrs. Hirano: (walking briskly over to the girl) Himeko-chan! You’re missing dinner! Put that notebook away and sit at the table, please!

 

Himeko: (not looking up from the sketchbook, busily scribbling) I’ll be there in a moment, Hirano-san.

 

Mrs. Hirano: (abruptly takes the sketchbook) I’m sorry, Himeko-chan, but you need your nutrition!

 

Himeko: (reaching for the sketchbook) But…!

 

Ayame: (suddenly standing next to Mrs. Hirano) May I see that, please?

 

(both Mrs. Hirano and Himeko stare at Ayame)

 

Mrs. Hirano: Uh…here. (hands the sketchbook to Ayame)

 

Himeko: Wait! It’s not finished yet…

 

Ayame: (looks at the page she was drawing on) Wow…did you draw this all by yourself?

 

Himeko: Y…yes…

 

Ayame: (Mrs. Hirano stands there, perplexed, as Ayame and Himeko have a conversation) This is really good!! I used to draw a little.

 

Himeko: You draw too?

 

Ayame: Not anymore, I gave up because I wasn’t very good. (looks at the drawing; we see it’s a woman wearing a medieval costume, complete with a cloak) You should color it.

 

Himeko: I would, but there aren’t very good supplies here.

 

Ayame: Hmmm…I think have an idea. (turns to Tomoyo) Tomoyo-san!

 

Tomoyo: Yes?

 

Ayame: I found my new sister!

 

Himeko: (eyes shaking with happy disbelief) R-really…?

 

Ayame: What’s your name?

 

Himeko: (stands up, and bows) My name is Niiyama Himeko. What is your name?

 

Ayame: I’m Ayame! Suzuki Ayame!

 

Scene: A large van is parked at the top of the driveway in front of Tomoyo’s house. Two large men are taking a large package out of the back of the van, and Tomoyo is running around them, checking things. <scene cuts> Ayame throws open her bedroom door, Himeko behind her.

 

Ayame: And THIS is my-I mean, OUR room!!

 

Himeko: (they enter) It’s very nice.

 

Ayame: Thanks! (begins throwing the sheets off her bed) The movers just arrived with our bunk bed, so I got to get rid of my bed. You can put your things over there. (motions next to the closet)

 

Himeko: (places a single bag on the floor, then stands awkwardly in the middle of the room, looking at everything) You have a lot of space. I feel bad for moving in…

 

Ayame: (throwing a clump of sheets and covers out into the hall) It’s nothing! This’ll be really fun! You won’t miss the orphanage at all!

 

Himeko: Is it true that that’s where you came from, too?

 

Ayame: Mm-hm! Tomoyo-san adopted me when I was three.

 

Himeko: I see.

 

Gal: (flying in from the hallway) Good grief, Ayame-chan!! Didn’t you realize that I might be SLEEPING on your bed? I nearly suffocated…oops…

 

Ayame: (grabs Gal and shoves her behind her back) Eh-heh-heh…that was a really big bug, huh…?

 

Himeko: (staring) What…was that…? It talked…

 

Ayame: (nervously) What? What are you talking about?

 

Gal: (gasping for breath as Ayame clenches her) Erk…Ayame-chan, lighten up your grip a bit please…

 

Himeko: (trying to walk behind Ayame, but she turns) What is it?

 

Gal: LET GO OF ME!!!

 

Ayame: Okay, fine!! (let’s go of Gal, who floats to face Himeko)

 

Gal: (massaging her middle, where Ayame was gripping her) Ow…um, my apologies, Ojou-san (‘”Ma-am” or “Miss”)…

 

Himeko: Are you a fairy?

 

Gal: Nope. My name is Galhados, the Neo-Guardian Beast of the Seal, and Chooser of the mistress to the Cards. And you are?

 

Himeko: My name is Niiyama Himeko.

 

Ayame: (sliding between the two) Hey!! What’s with this?! You can tell Himeko-chan, but I can’t tell Itaru-kun? (crosses arms) Life is not fair.

 

Gal: Something tells me he’ll find out sooner or later. Besides, unless I heard wrong, Himeko-chan is a member of your family now.

 

Ayame: (sighs) Good point. (to Himeko, happy again) Well, Let’s go grab a bite from the kitchen!

 

Himeko: Okay. (they exit the room, leaving Gal nodding her head, saying, “Yes, yes, yes…”)

 

Scene: Himeko is standing next to the kitchen table, which has two glasses on it. Ayame grabs a gallon of milk out of the refrigerator and takes it to the table.

 

Himeko: Ayame-san, why do you have a…Guardian Beast of the Seal?

 

Ayame: (pouring the milk) You can call me Ayame-chan. I got Gal-chan out of a magic book called the Clow. (screws the top back on the milk) Gal-chan chose me to revive all of the Sakura cards, which have magical powers. Their master died a while ago, and I need to revive them to protect Li-san, Tomoyo-san’s friend. (cute face) I’ve become a super-hero!

 

Himeko: Wha…what?!

 

Ayame: (puts back the milk) Yeah, I didn’t really expect you to believe me. I’ll show you later though; I can use magic.

 

Himeko: (eyes wide) Just like…just like…you’re a real live sorceress!!!

 

Ayame: Er…?

 

Himeko: (hyper, clenching her fists) I’ve read all about sorceresses!! Do you have a special robe you wear? What spells do you know? Do you use incantations? Have you ever used for magic for your own ends, only to have it blow up in your face?

 

Ayame: (sweatdrop) Um…It’s not that exciting…but I do have an incantation to turn my key into a wand…

 

Himeko: (almost yelling in Ayame’s face) Really?! Can you show me?! Pretty-pretty-please?!?!?!?!!!!!!

 

Ayame: (holds her hands over head) Stop yelling at me…!!

 

Himeko: Oh…um…(blushing)…I’m sorry. I got little carried away.

 

Ayame: A little…?

 

Tomoyo: (enters, looking a little sad) Oh, dear…

 

Ayame: What’s wrong?

 

Tomoyo: The movers made a mistake. We have to take the bunk bed back.

 

Ayame: Is something wrong with it?

 

Tomoyo: Yes…(goes chibi worried) The color wasn’t very vice at all! It looked like some sort of dark brown…

 

Ayame and Himeko: (sweatdrop) O…kay…

 

Tomoyo: Anyway, Himeko-chan won’t have a place to sleep until we get the new bunk bed.

 

Himeko: It’s all right. I can sleep on the couch.

 

Ayame: (frowning with disapproval) No, you won’t! Himeko-chan needs a real bed to sleep in her first night with us!! (gets an idea) Hey, I have an idea! Tomoyo-san, can we take a trip to the summer cabin?

 

Tomoyo: But, it’s so short notice…

 

Ayame: Oh, it’s not that bad! We have a week off of school, and it’s only the four of us going, anyway! (hugs her around her waist, looking up with huge eyes) Pleeeeease…!!

 

Tomoyo: (sighs) You know just how to get what you want, don’t you, Ayame-chan…?

 

Ayame: (overjoyed, hugs her) Thank you so much!!! (runs to Himeko, and grabs her arm. Ayame runs upstairs, dragging Himeko with her) We’re going to the summer cabin!!!!!

 

Scene: Mab is flying on a large dragonfly across a foggy dark sky. Ahead of her, an island appears. When she gets closer, we see the island is floating in midair. Mab approaches the ‘shore’, and lands. She pats the dragonfly on the head, and it rubs against her in a playful way. She steps forward.

 

Mab: I’m back, Davi-sama. (she says this to the large fortress on the island, which is covered in plants so it looks like a small mountain)

 

Davi: (sounding very ominous; he is unseen, and the sound seems to be coming from the mountain-fortress) Welcome back, Mab-chan. Can you tell me why you left without my permission?

 

Mab: I…I went to kill Syaoran Li, like you wished…

 

Davi: (interrupting) Wrong. I wished him to be dead. I did not wish for the Clow book to be opened. I did not wish for Syaoran Li to see you. I did not wish one of the Sakura cards to be revived. (pause) Do you understand now?

 

Mab: Yes, master.

 

Davi: In any case, I still have enough faith in my own pupil to take advantage of a second chance. Go back to this “Ayame” and use whatever means necessary to annihilate her and destroy the Cards.

 

Mab: (runs to her dragonfly and mounts it) Right away, Davi-sama. I will not disappoint you again. (the dragonfly begins buzzing its wings, and they take off into the foggy night)

 

Scene: A large cottage overlooking a lake stands amongst a forest of tall trees. We see a white mini-van approaching from the right; it reaches the cottage and stops, the engine turning off. The side door slides open, and Ayame jumps out, followed by Himeko.

 

Ayame: (stretching her arms up, facing the cottage) Ta-daaaa!!!! (in Japanese, she would say, “Jaaaaan!!”)

 

Himeko: It’s so pretty…(looks out over the lake)

 

Tomoyo: (appears from the van, wearing sunglasses, carrying a bunch of bags and pillows and a sleeping bag) Ayame-chan, come help me with these bags.

 

Ayame: Sure! (takes some bags and pillows; Himeko takes some, too)

 

Himeko: (following Ayame to the side door of the house) Does this cabin belong to Tomoyo-san?

 

Ayame: Yup! (plops the baggage on the small cement porch, fumbling in her pockets) She bought it about five years ago, just for the fun of it. (she finds the keys, and unlocks and opens the door)

 

Kiana: (from the wheel) Where should I park, Ojou-sama?

 

Tomoyo: Here’s fine. I need to get all the equipment out of the back and into the den.

 

Ayame: (while Himeko lugs the baggage inside) What equipment are you talking about?

 

Tomoyo: (looks at Kiana, then back to Ayame, winking) I have a sewing project I’m working on.

 

Ayame: (inhales, smiling) Really?!

 

Tomoyo: (opens the trunk of the van) Actually, I mostly have to fix up some outfits for this Saturday’s fashion show. Then, I can help you with your costume.

 

Ayame: (sighing, happy) This is so…cool…

 

Scene: Mab, atop the big dragonfly, flies across the lake toward the cabin, very close to the water.

 

Mab: It’s bright daylight now. We could be spotted. Shrink! (in a small pop, Mab is now flying a normal-sized dragonfly, and she’s no higher than three inches tall) Ha! That little brat has no idea what I’ve got planned for her. I’ll be done with this job before dusk!

 

(scene cuts; Mab lands at the shore close to the forest. She pops, and is normal height again)

 

Mab: (holds her hands outstretched) Beast of the Earth…I conjure thee!! (a yellow circle appears on the ground before her, and a large hairy creature jumps out, then lands heavily on the ground. Mab reaches forward and pats the gorilla on the head) When the little girl with brown hair is alone, attack. I’m counting on you. (the gorilla grunts an affirmative)

 

Scene: Kiana is in the kitchen, preparing dinner. In the den in the downstairs section of the cabin, Himeko and Ayame watch Tomoyo set up her sewing kit and other accessories.

 

Ayame: So, when do you think you’ll finish the costume, Tomoyo-san?

 

Tomoyo: I don’t know, Ayame-chan. (she hangs up numerous clothes hangers on the pipes on the ceiling) I really have to get these other outfits done first. I did start it, though.

 

Ayame: Really?!

 

Himeko: Can we see it?

 

Tomoyo: (cute face) Of course! (she takes a plastic-wrapped costume from her bag and uncovers it) I just have the main piece there. I was hoping to add gloves and shoes.

 

Ayame: I like the color. (sweatdrop) There sure are a lot of ribbons…

 

Himeko: Is that standard uniform for a Card Reviver?

 

Ayame: Well, the only standard is Tomoyo-san’s. She made lots of costumes for Sakura when she sealed the cards, like I was telling you in the van.

 

Himeko: (impressed) Awesome…(looks at the sewing machine) …I can sew, too, if you want help, Tomoyo-san.

 

Tomoyo: Don’t worry about it! You kids should go goof off.

 

Ayame: Okay.

 

Himeko: (still looking at the sewing machine, she shifts her gaze to the unfinished costume) If you just cut a hem right there…(takes the costume from Tomoyo’s hands, who stands there looking puzzled) …You could cover it up with a strip of black velvet…(she sits at the sewing machine, inspecting the costume)

 

Ayame: (sweatdrop) Um…what are you doing…Himeko-chan…?

 

Himeko: Do you think I could experiment a little with this?

 

Tomoyo: Well, it’s all right with me.

 

Ayame: Um, sure! What are you going to do…?

 

Himeko: I’m not sure yet. I bet a short cape would like nice, and it could match the shorts underneath…

 

Tomoyo: Ah…I never thought of that…and then the colors would be more balanced…

 

Himeko: Yeah. Purple’s nice, but different shades will give it more flavor, definitely…

 

Ayame: (looking left out, she edges towards the door) Um…I’ll just go get firewood for tonight’s fire.

 

Tomoyo: Okay! Don’t wonder too far!

 

Ayame: Okay. (exits)

 

(scene cuts; Ayame is walking across the lawn toward the forest. Gal flies up to her from behind)

 

Gal: Good afternoon!

 

Ayame: WAAAAIIIII~! (falls over) Do you ENJOY giving me daily heart attacks?!

 

Gal: Well, YOU weren’t the one trapped in the van for fifteen minutes! I nearly died from heat exhaustion! What are you doing?

 

Ayame: (continues walking) Getting firewood. We’re gonna have S’mores tonight.

 

Gal: Mmmm…your memory tells me that those are extremely delicious.

 

Ayame: You got that right. (sighs, stretching her arms up as they approach the forest) Well, life can’t get much better than this. I have a new sister, and Mab hasn’t shown up for over a week!

 

Gal: Haven’t you ever heard of jinxing yourself?

 

Ayame: Oh, please. I don’t believe in that kind of stuff.

 

Gal: Well, I do. (points ahead) Because there’s a big, scary gorilla staring at us from behind that tree.

 

Ayame: (blinks) Eh…? (she stops walking)

 

(suddenly, the gorilla bursts out from the trees and charges them, roaring)

 

Ayame and Gal: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! (they both bolt back towards the cabin. As the gorilla lumbers after them, shaking the ground, they reach the door to the den and scramble inside, slamming the door behind them)

 

Tomoyo: What’s wrong?!

 

Ayame: THERE’S A HUGE GORILLA ATTACKING US!!!!

 

Gal: Where’s Kiana-san?! We have to distract her so she doesn’t see it!!

 

Himeko: (standing up from the sewing machine) Is it one of Mab’s creatures?

 

Ayame: That’s what I bet! (the whole house shakes; outside, we see the gorilla has landed on the roof) Hey!!

 

Tomoyo: I think it’s on the roof!

 

Gal: Tomoyo-san! You need to get Kiana-san to safety!

 

Tomoyo: Right! (exits)

 

Himeko: Ayame-chan! You should wear your costume!

 

Ayame: (sweatdrop) You finished it already?!

 

Himeko: (holds it up) Hurry!!

 

Scene: Ayame, wearing her purple and gold costume, is standing outside with Himeko and Gal. She has her key in her hands. The gorilla is near the chimney, roaring loudly.

 

Ayame: I hope this works…I know Sakura’s speech won’t have any effect…

 

Gal: Well, if you’re going to do something, do it fast!

 

Himeko: Come on, Ayame-chan! Knock ‘em dead! (she’s most likely say “Ganbare kudasai!” in Japanese)

 

Ayame: (looks at Himeko, and nods) Right!

 

(the camera zooms out from the floating Ayame key. Ayame stands before it, holding her hands in prayer, then opening them)

 

Ayame: Key that holds the power of hope, reveal your true form to me! I, Ayame, order you under our contract. Release!! (the keys spins, then stretches out into the wand form. She grasps it, spins it around, and poses)

 

Gal: Hah Haaaaah!!

 

Himeko: Awesome!!!

 

Ayame: (looks at the wand, grinning) Good girl. (looks up at the gorilla) How am I gonna get up there…?

 

Gal: Well, I was hoping you’d seen enough Sakura tapes to figure this one out for yourself…

 

Ayame: Ah, please, I was just talking out loud. I could use Jump, Float, Windy, or…Fly. Fly’s good.

 

Himeko: (whips out a sketchbook) This is so cool!! Real magic!! (begins scribbling madly)

 

(Ayame holds the Fly card, and flings it before her, sending it spinning.)

 

Ayame: O card sealed by Sakura…awaken from thy sleep and be revived…in the name of Ayame, thy new Mistress. FLY!!

 

(she pulls the wand back, and then thrusts it forward like a sword at the card. It hits the card, and the image bursts with light, revealing a picture of a bird)

 

Ayame: Whoa…!! (the bird comes out of the card and begins to spin like a tornado around Ayame. It picks her up high into the air, and then bursts; Ayame is holding the wand in front of her with both hands, wings coming out of either end) Cool! Just like a hang glider!

 

Himeko: Ayame-chan!! The gorilla!

 

Ayame: Right! (she circles around the gorilla, who roars at her menacingly) Time to go back to…wherever it was you came from! (she lands on the rooftop, and prepares another card) FREEZE!! (a huge blizzard rushes at the gorilla, freezing it in seconds)

 

Himeko: You did it!!

 

Gal: What’s happening to it…?

 

(the gorilla, in its crystal cage, morphs like jello, and then gets slurped up ten feet into the air, where the ice bursts off it. The gorilla suddenly gets jetted over to the forest, getting sucked back into the yellow magic circle)

 

Ayame: (watching it leave) It got sucked up by one of those yellow glowy things. (throws out a card) FLY! (she flies down to Himeko and Gal; the wings disappear as she lands) I guess it really was one of Mab’s creatures.

 

Gal: Mm-hm. We better keep our eyes open for more attacks. Mab’s not going to give up easily.

 

Ayame: Yeah. But still…(holds up the Fly, smiling) …I got another Ayame card! (to Himeko) Thanks for the costume, Himeko-chan.

 

Himeko: (smiling) It was nothing.

 

Ayame: Hey, did you draw something in your sketchbook?

 

Himeko: (holding her sketchbook away, blushing) Uh, no, it’s just…

 

Ayame: Ooo, can I see? (reaching for the sketchbook) Just a peak…!

 

Himeko: It’s not that good!! It’s just a quick sketch…

 

Gal: (holding her chin) Hmm, it appears Himeko-chan has quite a lot of talents, yes yes…(keeps nodding, while Ayame continues to try to see Himeko’s sketchbook, as the camera zooms out)