+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 A MATTER OF OPINION, VOLUME I
                      -------------------
                             PART I
                      -------------------
                            REVISED

                   AN ORIGINAL ANIME FANFIC

                          WRITTEN BY
                           ED HRZIC

                    COPYRIGHT (c) 1996 BY
                           ED HRZIC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

-----------------------------------------------------------------
This is the REVISED edition of Volume I of "A Matter of Opinion."
Those who have read the first volume before will notice some
minor changes, such as spelling corrections. If you've never read
it before, you're in for quite a surprise!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Questions? Comments? Send them to "bd981@@yfn.ysu.edu". Thanks!
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   AUTHOR'S NOTE: Text between < and > are used to denote a
   character's thoughts.

                       PART I -- "DUTARE?"

FADE IN ON:

DOCK OF A SMALL RIVER, CU, NIGHT

THE CAMERA PANS over the river. There is a large amount of fog
covering the entire river. A small boat circles this fog, its
lights trying in vain to pierce the thick of it.

SOUND, B.G.: ENGINE OF A SMALL BOAT

INT.      SMALL BOAT

The CAPTAIN of the vessel seems particularly angered about the
fog for some reason or another. The HELMSMAN simply steers the
ship, with an expressionless face.

                           HELMSMAN
          Captain, it's no use. We'll never get through
          that fog. It's too thick.

The CAPTAIN slams his fist down upon a panel.

                           CAPTAIN
          We have a missing person alert, and we don't
          know if they're in there or not! So many damn
          rocks in the middle of that lake. If someone
          had went there, they would have never been able
          to navigate without running into something.
          Let's keep circling for a while. Maybe it'll
          clear up.

                          HELMSMAN
          What about divers?

                          CAPTAIN
          I don't want to risk them either. You have your
          orders.

                          HELMSMAN
          Aye aye.

EXT.      PATH NEAR THE DOCK.

A young man was walking along the path. His name is RYUM. He is
medium height, with black hair that reaches his shoulders. He is
dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with the letters "ETH" prominently
displayed on them. He kicks a rock into the river.

                     RYUM (dejectedly)
          Stupid woman. Why can't she see that I like her
          too? 

He kicks another rock in.

                           RYUM
          Damn it! What am I supposed to say? Hell, I stay
          silent all the time. I ask her out, and she
          keeps ignoring me!

He stops and groans as he thinks for a moment. He then looks
about the river with his eyes, spotting the dock. It has a small
boat tied to it.

                           RYUM
          What about a boat ride?

He gets into the boat, and unties the rope. He picks up the oar
and begins paddling very awkwardly. He has never rowed a boat
before.

                           RYUM
          What IS the matter with me anyway? Why don't I
          have women falling all over me?

He begins to look around as he rows farther out into the river.

                           RYUM
          Where did all this fog come from?

INT.      SMALL BOAT

The HELMSMAN looks about the river, then does a double take

                    HELMSMAN (to CAPTAIN)
          Sir! There's a boat out there!

                   CAPTAIN (incredulously)
          What? Who would be out here at this time of
          night?

POV.      HELMSMAN LOOKING OUT OF THE WINDOW

                         HELMSMAN
          It appears to be a young man, sir. Shall I
          signal to him?

                     CAPTAIN (nodding)
          By all means!

EXT.      RYUM'S BOAT

SOUND: HORN. Ryum looks up to see the boat. The CAPTAIN is
standing along the edge of it.

                      RYUM (to himself)
          Huh? What do they want?

                      CAPTAIN (to RYUM)
          Hey! The river is restricted this evening due
          to the fog! We don't want anyone to get hurt!
          There are a lot of rocks out there!

                            RYUM
          Oh! Alright!

                          CAPTAIN
          Get back to shore as soon as possible!

                            RYUM
          Yes sir!

The boat vanishes from RYUM's sight.

                            RYUM
          Wonderful.

RYUM tries to begin rowing back, but the current is drawing him
farther into the fog. He starts paddling a little faster in the
opposite direction.

                            RYUM
          I can't go back?

He paddles harder and harder, and soon his arms and hands
disappear in a flurry of motion. He stops and pants heavily.

                            RYUM
          What's going on here?

He vanishes in the fog.

                            RYUM
          Geez this fog is thick!

He begins to row a little more. There is a "thunk" as his oar
hits something. He looks over the edge as he keeps going.

                            RYUM
          What did I hit?

He sees that he bumped into a rock about half the size of his
boat.

                            RYUM
          That's a pretty big rock!

RYUM suddenly notices that the river is picking up in speed.

                        RYUM (frantic)
          I gotta get out of here!

He barely misses another rock. He turns back to see it. Then he
turns around.

POV.      RYUM LOOKING AHEAD OF HIM

He sees a VERY large rock, and he's moving at full speed toward
it. It's too late to move out of the way.

EXT.      RYUM'S "SCARED TO DEATH FACE", CU

                            RYUM
          Gaaaaaaa! Ohhhh nnnnnnooooooo!

The boat crashes against the rock. It splinters into several
pieces. RYUM is propelled over the rock, and straight toward
another, smaller one. He smacks his head against it, then

FADE TO BLACK

FADE IN ON:

GIRL'S FACE, CU

INT.     FOREST, GIRL, DAY

SOUND, B.G.: BIRDS CHIRPING

The girl is named VEREE. She is short, with pink hair that
reaches her waist, and she wears a small pink robe. There is a
small wand sitting next to her. She is sitting at the bank of a
rover. She sticks her whole head into the river, and takes a long
drink. She pulls back out, shakes the excess water off of her
head, then stops.

                            VEREE
          Huh?

She sticks her head back into the water.

POV.      VEREE LOOKING UNDERWATER

RYUM is laying at the bottom of the river.

INT.      WATER, VEREE'S FACE, CU

She smiles and gurgles somewhat.

INT.      FOREST

RYUM is laying on the bank of the river. Soon, sunlight dances
across his face. It wakes him up.

                        RYUM (groaning)
          Huh? Wha-

INT.      VEREE'S FACE, RYUM'S POV

VEREE's face pops up right in front of his.

                             VEREE
          Wow! Lookee! A Worlder!

INT.      RYUM AND VEREE

RYUM looks at her. She smiles at him. RYUM screams and dives back
into the river.

                         VEREE (puzzled)
          How strange.

Bubbles rise to the surface of the river. RYUM comes back up
after several moments.

INT.      RYUM'S RIGHT SIDE

                     RYUM (pointing at VEREE)
          What?! Who are you?!

THE CAMERA PANS OVER TO VEREE

                   VEREE (pointing back at him)
          I'm Veree! "Veree" pleased to meet you that is!

She giggles at her own joke.

                            RYUM
          Where am I?

                     VEREE (looking around)
          Well, you're here, that's no doubt about it.

RYUM slaps his head.

                            RYUM
          I know that. Where IS here?

                            VEREE
          Oh! Why didn't you say so?

RYUM falls back into the river, then comes back up, kneeling in
the water.

INT.      RYUM'S BACK

                            RYUM
          I just did!

                            VEREE
          Oh!

INT.      VEREE'S FACE, CU

She giggles again.

INT.      RYUM AND VEREE

                         VEREE cont'd
          Well, this place is called Dutare.

She looks around.

                         VEREE cont'd
          Pretty nice if you ask my opinion. Say, what is
          YOUR name?

                            RYUM
          Ryum.

                       VEREE (laughing)
          Oh how nice!

She regains her composure.

                            VEREE
          Say, aren't you cold in that water?          

                            RYUM
          Uh-

RYUM gets out of the water, and onto dry land. He sits indian-
style in front of her. VEREE sits down, too.

                            VEREE
          It's nice to see a male around sometimes.

                            RYUM
          Huh?

                            VEREE
          Around here in Dutare, there are more women
          than men. Which makes males pretty well sought
          after.

                      RYUM (backing away)
          Uh, you're not going to-

                            VEREE
          Do what? Oh! Don't worry about me doing that!
          Others might-

                        WOMAN'S VOICE
          Veree! Who are you talking to? Or are you just
          talking to yourself again?

Both RYUM and VEREE look to the right of the camera. A woman
steps into the clearing where they are.

                            VEREE
          No! There's someone out here!

INT.      A WOMAN'S FEET, COVERED WITH BOOTS

THE CAMERA GLIDES UP HER FORM TO REST AT HER FACE.

The woman's name is SIALA. She has long blue hair the descends
down her back, and some fall on either side of her face down to
her stomach. She wears a tunic, and on her right hip is a sword
sheath with sword still in it. A dagger is in her left boot.

                      VEREE (cheerfully)
          Hi Siala!

RYUM stares at her. SIALA returns the stare.

                            SIALA
          A male? What's he doing here? Veree?

                  VEREE (pointing to the river)
          Oh, he was laying at the bottom of the river.
          I saw him when I was getting a drink of water.

                            SIALA
          Strange. What's your name?

RYUM is about to speak when he is cut off by Veree.

              VEREE (grabbing hold of RYUM's arm)
          His name's Ryum! I like him! Can we keep him,
          Siala?

                            RYUM
          What?! I'm not some kind of pet!

                            SIALA
          Veree.

                            VEREE
          Well, he's a Worlder.

                        SIALA (shocked)
          A...Worlder?

                            VEREE
          Yeah! His clothes aren't like an other people's,
          so that's what I thought.

RYUM raises his hand.

                            RYUM
          Excuse me, can I ask a question?

                            SIALA
          What is it?

He puts his hand down.

                            RYUM
          An interrogative statement, requesting
          information.

                    SIALA (shaking her head)
          No, what is your QUESTION?

                            RYUM
          Oh. What is this "Worlder" you keep calling
          me?

                       VEREE (cheerfully)
          People not from Dutare!

                            SIALA
          Just where are you from?

                     RYUM (holding his head)
          The last thing I remember was rowing in a boat,
          and I hit a large rock at high speed. That's it.

                            SIALA
          Looks like you came through a dimensional
          shift. Teleports you places.

                       RYUM (shivering)
          This is TOO weird.

VEREE stands up.

                            VEREE
          Hey, Siala? Can he come with us? Where we're
          going?

                            SIALA
          I don't know. He IS male, after all.

                            VEREE
          Yeah, but we can't just leave him here. Bad
          things might happen to him, or worse, even.

                            SIALA
          That's true.

RYUM stands.

                            RYUM
          I could use any help you can give. I need to get home. 

RYUM's eyes go wide as he remember's something.

                            RYUM
          What'll my parents think?! Oh no!

                    SIALA (crossing her arms)
          I think it would be better to leave him here.

                            RYUM
          You can't!

                            SIALA
          Want to bet?

                   VEREE (getting on her knees)
          Please, Siala?

                       RYUM (doing the same)
          Yeah, please?

                            SIALA
          Oh, all right!

RYUM and VEREE stand and cheer.

                            SIALA
          This is seriously going to complicate things,
          though.

                        RYUM (stopping)
          What do you mean?

                      VEREE (stopping, too)
          That's right.

                            RYUM
          What?

                            SIALA
          Could be pretty close.

                            RYUM
          WHAT!

SIALA eyes RYUM with a withering gaze.

                            SIALA
          Where we're going is for women only. The city
          of Souti.

                            VEREE
          I love Souti! So much candy!

She starts running around in a circle, arms outstretched like a
small airplane.

                        RYUM (to SIALA)
          What's her problem?

                            SIALA
          Too long to explain.

SIALA thinks for a moment, then turns to VEREE.

                            SIALA
          So, what do we do about this predicament, Veree?

VEREE stops running around and walk up to SIALA. VEREE whispers
into her ear. SIALA nods, making an affirmative sound. Then they
both stop.

                            SIALA
          That's a good idea. He IS rather thin.

                        VEREE (nodding)
          Yeah, with just a few changes...

                         RYUM (scared)
          What?

SIALA and VEREE both turn toward him. They both grin evilly. RYUM
looks behind him, then turn back to both of them.

                            RYUM
          What? What are you...?

Realization strikes him like a brick.

                            RYUM
          No! NO! NO! I WILL NOT!

INT.      DIRT PATH

SIALA is dragging RYUM along, who is struggling like mad. SIALA's
grip on his arm is too strong, though. VEREE floats behind them,
carrying their backpacks and some utensils.

                            RYUM
          No! You can't make me!

                            SIALA
          Keep still!

INT.      WATERFALL, CU

INT.      CLEARING

SIALA drops RYUM on the ground.

                            SIALA
          We'll set up camp a little farther off. Ryum,
          you'll need to start here.

RYUM resumes his indian-style position.

                            RYUM
          No! I refuse! It's not right!

              SIALA (taking the supplies from VEREE)
          Veree will cast the spell to remove much of
          your bodily hair.


                        RYUM (shocked)
          WHAT?! MY BODILY HAIR?!

VEREE thinks for a moment.

                            VEREE
          I haven't done that in a while. Let's see if I
          remember.

She begins to think again, and mumbles incoherently. SIALA begins
to walk off into the trees. RYUM jumps and grasps at her SIALA's
legs.

                            RYUM
          You're going to let HER cast it? What if she
          messes up? She'll turn me into a toad or
          something!

INT.      SIALA, RYUM'S POV

She shakes him off.

                            SIALA
          It would be appropriate.

She walks off. RYUM just continues to stare at her as she does.

                            RYUM
          What's her problem?

SOUND: VEREE SNAPPING HER FINGERS

                      VEREE (grabbing RYUM)
          I've got it! Now, you're going to have to take
          off most of your clothes.

                         RYUM (standing)
          WHAT?!

                            VEREE
          Trust me.

                            RYUM
          Now, are you SURE you know what you're doing?

                            VEREE
          Positive!

                  RYUM (thinking to himself)
          If this pink fruitcake messes up, I'll...

RYUM removes all of his clothes, except for his briefs. VEREE
sees them and giggles.

                            VEREE
          Nice!

                    RYUM (threateningly)
          Just get this over with!
                    VEREE (backing away)
          Okay! Just sit tight.

She closes her eyes a starts to glow a but. She opens her eyes
suddenly.

THE CAMERA PANS TO THE SKY

RYUM screams in pain.

FADE TO BLACK

FADE IN ON:

INT.      CAMP, DAY

SIALA is kneeling down in front of a pile of longs encircled by
stones. She extends her hand, and the logs catch fire. VEREE
walks in.

                            VEREE
          Well, it worked!

                            SIALA
          From that scream, I should hope so.

                       VEREE (sitting down)
          Well, you got your chance.

                         SIALA (stopping)
          What?

                         VEREE (winking)
          You know!

                            SIALA
          Veree! That was a long time ago.

She looks down at the fire.

                          SIALA cont'd
          People change.

                            VEREE
          And you don't believe men can?

                         SIALA (sternly)
          No.

                            VEREE
          What about...


                            SIALA
          I said NO!

INT.      WATERFALL

RYUM is washing himself off in the waterfall, standing up. VEREE
is hiding in one of the bushes, looking. RYUM is starting to walk
to shore.

                 VEREE (thinking to herself)
          WOW! I never knew that's what...

RYUM goes to shore and puts his clothes back on.

INT.      CAMP, NIGHT

                            RYUM
          I itch all over. At least I was left a general
          portion of my hair.

He strokes his head, and looks down for a moment. He then looks
back up quickly. VEREE giggles while looking at RYUM. SIALA hands
RYUM a bowl of a warm liquid.

                            SIALA
          Here. We'll give you the stuff you need
          tomorrow.

                            RYUM
          I STILL can't believe I'm doing this! What is
          this stuff?

                            SIALA
          Just eat it and be happy.

                            RYUM
          Okay! Sorry!

RYUM sips some of the liquid.

                            VEREE
          Siala, do you think we'll get away with it?

                            SIALA
          Who knows?

                            RYUM
          What is your business in that town...what did
          you call it?

                      VEREE (cheerfully)
          Souti!

                            SIALA
          We're bounty hunters...of sorts.
                    VEREE (sipping her soup)
          There's a bad lady there, and we'll be paid A
          LOT if we bring her back.

SIALA finishes her soup and throws the bowl next to the fire.

                            SIALA
          Yeah, then it'll be the good life for a while.

                            RYUM
          Can I help?

                            SIALA
          What?

                            RYUM
          I said, "Can I help?" I mean, you won't just
          leave me after you get there, right?

VEREE looks at SIALA, pleading with her eyes.

                     SIALA (shaking her head)
          Uh...no, no, of course not. When we can, we'll
          TRY to help you get home.

SIALA turns over, away from them.

                          SIALA cont'd

          Good night you two.

She promptly goes to sleep.

                            VEREE
          I'm going to sleep too!

She falls over and starts snoring.

                            RYUM
          This does not look promising.

INT.      CAMP, DAY

SIALA is packing up. VEREE walks in from the trees. SIALA looks
up when she does.

                           SIALA
          Well?

                           VEREE
          He's done!

She turns back.

                            VEREE
          Hey! Ryum!

RYUM steps into the clearing. His hair is straightened out. he
wear a small dress that barely covers him. Two anklets encircle
his ankles, and a bracelet covers each wrist. His lips are red,
and earrings dangle from each ear. He also wears thigh-high
stockings, with long boots. SIALA sees him, and giggles. Then she
laughs uncontrollably.

                      RYUM (turning red)
          This isn't funny!

RYUM's voice has obviously been changed to fit that of a woman.
SIALA laughs even harder when she hears him, then abruptly stops.

                      VEREE (hugging him)
          Isn't he neat! He looks nice in my clothes!

                            SIALA
          Very convincing.

                            VEREE
          And I changed his voice, too!

                            RYUM
          This underwear is crawling up my butt!

                            SIALA
          Oh, stop complaining. We have a long journey
          ahead of us.

                            RYUM
          And I have to go in THIS?

                            SIALA
          Yes, or would you like to get torn apart at
          the gate? Many of the women in Souti don't
          even like men.

                            VEREE
          Yeah, remember that one incident...

RYUM swallows VERY hard.

INT.      FOREST PATH

SIALA and RYUM walk along the path. VEREE floats next to them.

                            RYUM
          Say, I've got another question.

                      SIALA (groaning)
          Not another one.
                            RYUM
          You keep talking about males as if there was
          women supremacy in this place.

                            VEREE
          Well, we are supreme.

                            RYUM
          Huh?

                            SIALA
          What she's saying is that the men stay at
          home, cook, clean, and take care of the
          children. You know, typical men things.

                            RYUM
          What? Where I come from, it's just the
          opposite!

                      VEREE (disgusted)
          Ugh! That must be terrible!

                            RYUM
          Well, that's a matter of opinion.

                            SIALA
          Quiet you two! We're almost there.

                            RYUM
          It's about time! I'm pooped.

RYUM looks himself over in great distaste.

                  RYUM (thinking to himself)
          I hope this stuff doesn't get to me. Good
          thing I only have to wear it for a little
          longer. Can things get any worse?

EXT.      GATE TO CITY OF SOUTI

The gate to Souti is large. There is a draw-bridge that spans a
moat up to the gate. Two female guards stand at each side of the
gate. They wear full plate-mail armor, and carry large, spiked
spears. When RYUM, SIALA and VEREE cross the draw-bridge, the
guards bear their weapons.

                           GUARD #1
          Halt!

RYUM, SIALA and VEREE stop in front of them.

                      SIALA (whispering)
          Now we see if it works.

                           GUARD #2
          You are all female?

                            VEREE
          Take a look if you don't believe us.

                  RYUM (thinking to himself)
          Oh, THAT'LL help me A LOT, Veree.

GUARD #2 steps forward and looks at SIALA first, then VEREE, then
RYUM. GUARD #2 stares long and hard at RYUM. HE simply smiles,
swallowing his fear in a big lump. GUARD #2 turns to the other
GUARD and nods.

                GUARD #1 (lowering her weapon)
          You may enter. Enjoy your stay.

The gate opens. RYUM, SIALA and VEREE enter.

                   GUARD #2 (to GUARD #1)
          Odd looking girl.

                          GUARD #1
          Yeah, not bad though.

The two guards laugh.

INT.      CITY OF SOUTI

The city is a bustling place, even though it is nearing sun-down.
Everyone in the town is a woman, minus RYUM of course.

                       VEREE (to RYUM)
          You know what? We didn't even think of a name
          to give you.

                            RYUM
          What's the matter with Ryum?

                            VEREE
          It doesn't sound...feminine.

                            RYUM
          Well, I'm not female, am I?

                            VEREE
          How about Gigi, after my mother?

                            RYUM
          How about Ryuma?

                       VEREE (shrugs)
          I guess that's nice.

INT.      TAVERN, NIGHT

Women of all shapes and sizes are walking around and talking, and
several bar-maids serve drinks to people at various tables. SIALA
and RYUM sit at a table. She takes a mug of ale and drinks it
down. She puts the mug back on the table, and notices that RYUM
hasn't even touched his ale in front of him

                            SIALA
          Hey, Ryuma, why aren't you drinking?

                   RYUM (looking at his mug)
          I'm not a drinker.

                            SIALA
          Do it anyway.

She drinks from another mug that is sitting next to her.

                            RYUM
          Where's Veree?

SIALA finishes the drink.

                            SIALA
          She went to go get some candy.

RYUM sips a little from his mug, but almost spits it out. He
instead chokes it down, making a disgusted face. He puts his mug
down.

                            RYUM
          This stuff is terrible.

                            SIALA
          That's a matter of opinion.

RYUM is still looking at his mug when a woman steps behind him
and wraps her arms around his shoulders, giving him a kiss on the
neck. RYUM freaks out.

                            WOMAN
          Hey, cutie, what's your name?

                      SIALA (standing)
          Lay off her.

                   WOMAN (letting RYUM go)
          Oh, and why is that?

                            SIALA
          Because I said so. Leave her alone...NOW.

                            WOMAN
          Is she yours?

There is a long silence as SIALA looks at RYUM. RYUM returns her
glance with a curiosity. She swallows and looks away.

                            SIALA
          Yes.

                            WOMAN
          I'm sorry Siala. If wouldn't have done it had
          I known.

She pats RYUM on the left buttock. And winks at him as she waves
goodbye. The WOMAN didn't have the faintest idea that RYUM was a
man. SIALA sits back down when the WOMAN is out of view.

                            RYUMA
          Thank...thank you, Siala.

SIALA doesn't answer. She seems too wrapped up in another mug of
ale that she has just drunk. She signals to a bar-maid to order
some more.

INT.      TAVERN STAIRWAY

RYUM is walking up the stairs. He opens the door at the end of
the hallway, enters, and closes the door.

INT.      TAVERN ROOM

The room is spacious. There are two beds in the middle of the
room, and a small end-table at the head of each bed. There are
candles lit, one of each of the tables. A small chest-of-drawers
sits against the left wall, with a large mirror on top of it.
There is a window between the two beds, on the wall. RYUM leans
against the door, and sighs. He sits down on the bed that is
closest to the dresser and begins taking off his boots, then the
rest of the clothes, except for the underwear. He looks at the
pile of clothes and shivers slightly, knowing that he'll have to
wear them again.

                            RYUM
          What the hell is going on? One, I'm stuck here
          in another world. Two, I'm dressed up like a
          woman. Three, female supremacy society that
          HATE males, to the point of KILLING them.

RYUM shivers yet again, this time in fear of the situation. He
looks up as the door opens. An obviously drunken SIALA stumbles
in, walks up to the dresser and puts her knife and sword upon it.
She kicks off her boots, which land in a corner. RYUM is watching
intently. She turns around to face RYUM and begins to pull the
tunic over her head. RYUM then turns his head.

                       SIALA (slurred)
          Why-are-you-looking-away?

                            RYUM
          It's proper courtesy. Preserving one's sense of
          modesty.

                            SIALA
          I have none. You can turn back.

RYUM turns back. SIALA is wearing nothing but her bra and
underwear. She sits down on his side of the bed and falls on him.

                            RYUM
          Siala?!

She rolls over and hold him to her chest, her eyes are closed.

                            SIALA
          You-know,-you-look-like-

                      RYUM (panicking)
          What are you saying?

                            SIALA
          You-know,-if-I-wasn't-drunk-I'd...I'd...


Her eyes close as she falls asleep.

                            RYUM
          Siala? Hello?

RYUM tries to struggle out of her hold, but can't get free at the
moment.

The door opens. RYUM panics yet again.

                            VEREE
          Hi! I'm he-

She stops when she sees RYUM on top of SIALA. 

                        VEREE (gasping)
          RYUMA!

                       RYUM (struggling)
          This isn't what it looks like! She was drunk
          and fell on me!

                         VEREE (calm)
          Oh! Poor Ryuma.

                            RYUM
          Please call me Ryum when we aren't in public,
          okay?

                            VEREE
          Okay!

She floats over to the other bed, eating something from the small
bag in her hand. RYUM finally breaks free of SIALA.

                            RYUM
          Siala is a little...apprehensive of me, isn't
          she?

                            VEREE
          Yeah, but it's just her way, after her
          childhood.

RYUM is intrigued by the comment. He gets up and walks over to
VEREE's bed.

                            RYUM
          Childhood?

                    VEREE (lowers her head)
          I've been Siala's friend since we were little.
          One day, while we were playing, a male raiding
          party came into our village. Siala's mother was
          out there with us. They came up to us. Her
          mother told us to hide under one of the carts.
          We did. Siala had to watch as they did horrible
          things to her mother. Then they killed her.

                            RYUM
          My God!

                            VEREE
          Since then, she hasn't been very warm to males
          ...or most anyone for that matter.

                    RYUM (looking at SIALA)
          So that's it.

                      VEREE (laying down)
          I'm going to sleep!

VEREE blows out the candle next to her bed.

                        VEREE (giggling)
          Good night...Ryuma.

RYUM ignores her comment and walks back over to her. He stares at
her for a moment, then shakes his head.

                   RYUM (thinking to himself)
          Pervert.

RYUM then thinks for a moment, somehow influenced by what VEREE
said.

                            RYUM
          Oh well.

He lays back down on top of her. He thinks for a moment, then
puts her arms back around them. He blows out the candle and puts
his arms around her waist.

                            RYUM
          Good night, Siala.

FADE TO BLACK

                        END OF PART 1
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 A MATTER OF OPINION, VOLUME I
                      -------------------
                             PART 2
                      -------------------
                            REVISED

                   AN ORIGINAL ANIME FANFIC

                          WRITTEN BY
                           ED HRZIC

                    COPYRIGHT (c) 1996 BY
                           ED HRZIC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Part 1 available at "ftp.cs.ub.ca" in the directory
"pub/archive/anime-fan-works/Miscellaneous/EdFics" along with
most of my other fics.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Comments welcome at "bd981@yfn.ysu.edu". Tell me what you think
about this Fic, and if I should continue it. See y'all!
-----------------------------------------------------------------

  AUTHOR'S NOTE: Text between < and > are used to denote a
  character's thoughts.

                      PART 2 -- "MATRY"

FADE IN ON:

ROOM OF AN INN, VEREE'S FACE, CU

The sun begins to rise, showering the interior of the room with
light.

SIALA'S FACE, CU

The light begins to wake SIALA up. Her closed eyes wince for a
moment, then they open. She looks around briefly, then sees that
RYUM has spent the night on top of her. His head is nuzzled on
her chest. A look of shock pours over her.

RYUM'S FACE, CU

RYUM begins to wake up. He slides off of her, onto one side of
the bed.


                        RYUM (groggy)
          Oh, good morning Siala.

SIALA sits up, unable to speak.

                            RYUM
          What's wrong?

                            SIALA
          Did...did I...what happened last night?

                        RYUM (puzzled)
          Huh?

                            SIALA
          Did I...did WE...do anything?

                            RYUM
          What?

RYUM imagination begins to take over as he realizes what she
means.

                            RYUM
          No! No!

All of the noise has woke VEREE up. She sits up, yawns, and
stretches.

                            VEREE
          I was having such a nice dream! What are
          you two yelling about?

                     RYUM (ignoring VEREE)
          Last night you got drunk. Do you remember
          that?

RYUM stands up from the bed. SIALA puts her hand to her head.

                            SIALA
          I...think so.

                            RYUM
          Then, you came up here, fell on top of me,
          then fell asleep. That's all.

                            SIALA
          Are you telling me the truth?

RYUM folds his arms.

                            RYUM
          You don't trust me, do you?

                            SIALA
          Should I?

RYUM shrugs his shoulders, giving up on the situation.
                            RYUM
          If you want to, that's your choice. If you
          don't want to believe the truth, that's your
          choice as well.

RYUM picks up the pieces of his dress on the floor and begins to
put them back on.

                            RYUM
          I try to be nice, and WHAM! Every time it
          backfires on me.

                            VEREE
          Ryum.

                            RYUM
          Every damn time.

SIALA simply stares at him.

CUT TO:

CROWDED STREETS OF SOUTI

RYUM is fully dressed again as RYUMA. SIALA leads the group,
RYUMA follows, and VEREE floats behind him.

                            RYUMA
          So, where's this woman you're supposed to
          hunt down?

                            SIALA
          That's what we're going to find out. That's
          why we're going to split up.

                            RYUMA
          Split up? Is that wise?

                            SIALA
          It's the quickest way. One of us is bound to
          find her.

                            RYUMA
          But, what if something happens?

                            SIALA
          Then, that'll be a shame.

RYUMA sneers at her. SIALA is about to walk off then stops. She
turns back to him.

                            SIALA
          Ryuma.

                            RYUMA
          What?

SIALA takes a small bag from her belt and gives it to RYUMA.

                            SIALA
          Just in case something DOES happen, go
          buy yourself a weapon.

                            RYUMA
          A weapon?

                            SIALA
          Yeah. You know, to protect yourself?

                            RYUMA
          What should I get?

SIALA is already walking off.

                            SIALA
          How should I know?


RYUMA glances down at the bag. VEREE begins hovering close to
him.

                            VEREE
          Be careful.

VEREE pecks him on the cheek, then giggles and floats off.

                            RYUMA
          Wonderful.

RYUMA looks around at his surroundings.

                            RYUMA
          Now, where do I go?

CUT TO:

INTERIOR OF A SHOP

The SHOP-KEEPER, a middle-aged woman, sits at a counter, reading
what appears to be a newspaper. The light of the day filters
through the closed door. The door opens, and she looks up. RYUMA
steps in.

                         SHOP-KEEPER
Can I help you?

                     RYUMA (looking around)
          Is this a weapon shop?
The SHOP-KEEPER laughs.


                         SHOP-KEEPER
          No, no. There are no such things here in
          Souti. This is an equipment shop, though,
          and, yes, I do sell weapons.

The SHOP-KEEPER looks intently at RYUMA.

                         SHOP-KEEPER
          You're not from around here, are you?

                       RYUMA (alarmed)
          Uh...no. How could you tell?

                         SHOP-KEEPER
          I know almost everybody in Souti.

                            RYUMA
          Oh. I arrived with some...friends of mine:
          Siala and Veree.

                         SHOP-KEEPER
          Oh, yes! Siala and Veree, the bounty-
          hunters, no?

                            RYUMA
          Yeah.

                         SHOP-KEEPER
          Well, any friend of theirs is a friend of
          mine. What can I do for you?

                            RYUMA
          I need to buy a weapon...to protect myself.

The SHOP-KEEPER glaces RYUMA up and down.

                         SHOP-KEEPER
          Oh, a pretty young lady needs something
          to protect herself, hmm? Trouble already?

                            RYUMA
          <I'M NOT A WOMAN!> Yes.

                         SHOP-KEEPER
          I can show you several things.

CUT TO:

AN HOUR LATER

INT.      SHOP

RYUMA is handling a thin, small sword.

                            RYUMA
          I think I like this one.

                         SHOP-KEEPER
          Well, if you insist. I've had that sword
          here for nearly ten years, and NOBODY
          wanted to buy it.

RYUMA looks at the face on the hilt.

HILT OF SWORD, CU

There is a face on the hilt, which appears to be slightly female,
with devilish eyes and a mouth baring fangs.

                            RYUMA
          Freaky design, though.

                         SHOP-KEEPER
          Yes, well, it's yours for a hundred gold.

RYUMA drops the pouch of money on the counter.

                            RYUMA
          I don't know what the local currency is.
          Can you count out how much you need?

The SHOP-KEEPER dumps out the pouch on the counter.

                         SHOP-KEEPER
          Yes. You have plenty.

She quickly counts out how much gold is needs, then puts the
other half back into the pouch. 

                         SHOP-KEEPER
          Here you go.

She hands RYUMA the pouch, the sword and the sheath.

                            RYUMA
          Thanks.

RYUMA sheaths the sword, and attaches it to the belt on his
waist. He begins to leave.

                         SHOP-KEEPER
          Have a nice day. Oh, and say hello to Siala
          and Veree for me.

                        RYUMA (nodding)
          I will.

CUT TO:

EXT.      SHOP DOOR, CU

RYUMA steps out of the shop.

                            RYUMA
          Hmmm, now where to?

In a fit of randomness, RYUMA begins walking down one of the
streets.

                        WOMAN'S VOICE
          Hey, kid. Where're you going?

RYUMA turns around, slightly startled.

                            RYUMA
          What?

MATRY is standing behind him. She has green hair, and is pulled
down over one shoulder in a pony tail. Her bangs shade a good
portion of her face. She wears leather armor, a metal gauntlet on
her left hand, and a sheathed broad sword at her waist.

                            MATRY
          I said, "Where're you going?"

                            RYUMA
          I...uh...just looking for someone.

                            MATRY
          A friend?

                            RYUMA
          Yeah, you could say that.

MATRY takes a step toward him.

                            MATRY
          Why don't I help you?

                       RYUMA (shrugging)
          Uh...yeah. Why not? I could use some help.

RYUMA and MATRY begin walking in the same direction that RYUMA
was previously going in.

[They begin walking.]

                            MATRY
          My name is Matry.
                            RYUMA
          My name is Ryum...

He catches himself on his mistake.

                            RYUMA
          Ryuma.

                            MATRY
          Ryum Ryuma?

                            RYUMA
          No, just Ryuma. Sorry, I got a bit choked
          up there.

Both RYUMA and MATRY have turned down a relatively dark alley.
RYUMA hasn't even noticed, since he is too busy talking. MATRY
stops. RYUMA stops as well when he notices that she has.

                            RYUMA
          Something wrong?

MATRY unsheathes her sword.

                            MATRY
          Hand over your money.

                            RYUMA
          What?

                       MATRY (repeating)
          "Hand over your money."

RYUMA stumbles back a step, and begins to fumble with the sword
that he just bought. He can't pull it out.

                            RYUMA
          What if I refuse?

MATRY takes a step toward him and laughs.

                            MATRY
          What are you going to do?

RYUMA stands his ground.

                            MATRY
          Give me your money.

                            RYUMA
          I don't have any.

                            MATRY
          I know you do.

She takes another step forward and punches him across the face
with her right hand. RYUMA falls to the ground.

(She punches him across the face. He falls to the ground.)

                            MATRY
          You could make this easy on yourself. Just
          hand it over like a good girl, and nothing
          will happen.

                            RYUMA
          <I'M NOT A GIRL!>

RYUMA is running out of options. In desperation, he jumps up and
tackles her.

                            MATRY
          You little wench!

Both of them get up an roughly the same time. MATRY swings at him
with her broadsword. RYUMA ducks in time, but trips and falls to
the ground yet again. He finally is able to pull out his sword.
MATRY laughs at the paltry weapon.

                            MATRY
          What are you going to do, girl? Hurt me with
          your needle there?

A sword stabs right in front of MATRY'S face.

                            SIALA
          Hers, no. Mine, on the other hand...yes, I
          think so.

MATRY sighs and drops her weapon.

                            MATRY
          Well, I've never been one to fight back.

RYUMA gets up.

                            SIALA
          Veree, please get our FRIEND'S sword and
          supplies.

                            VEREE
          Okay!

VEREE picks up MATRY'S sword, and takes MATRY'S belt off. RYUMA
walks up to the group.

                        MATRY (teasing)
          Oooh, the little woman is tough now.
The events of the last day have been catching up with him, not to
mention this one. He clenches his fist. He is about to boil over.

                        MATRY (teasing)
          What's wrong? Going to hit me again?

That was it. RYUMA pulls back and punches her across the face
with a right hook. MATRY staggers slightly from the blow.

                        RYUMA (shocked)
          <I can't believe it! I...I hit her!>

                            VEREE
          Ryuma!

RYUMA is going on a rampage.

                            RYUMA
          Shut up! I just want to see how tough SHE
          thinks she is.

MATRY dusts herself off.

                            MATRY
          I can never resist a challenge.

                            RYUMA
          I've never fought a woman before. I
          didn't intend to start now, but I will
          if I have to. <I've never fought ANYONE
          before! What do I do?>

                        SIALA (sternly)
          Ryuma, you don't know what you're-

RYUMA is going over the edge.

                            RYUMA
          Shut up! I'm tired of doing what everybody says I have
          to!

RYUMA looks straight at MATRY.

                            RYUMA
          This time, it's my choice!

He grips his sword tightly.

                            RYUMA
          Give her weapon back.

                         VEREE/SIALA
          What?!

                            RYUMA
          Do it!

                            VEREE
          Okay...

VEREE hands the sword to MATRY, who snatches it back greedily.

RYUMA'S anger is at its height.

                            RYUMA
          Your move.

RYUMA pauses as he tries to psyche himself up as much as
possible.

                            RYUMA
          <I don't know how to fight, but sure as
          hell, if I die, she's coming with me.>

MATRY shrugs.

                            MATRY
          Very well.

MATRY stabs forward, and with acute dexterity, RYUMA dodges, and
swings downward. MATRY blocks, and forces the sword upward,
making RYUMA nearly lose his balance. He recovers and swings down
yet again. MATRY barely dodges. SIALA and VEREE watch both of
them very carefully. MATRY and RYUMA stop slightly. RYUMA is
looking down at his sword inquisitively.

                            MATRY
          Not bad for a pretty-girl.

                            RYUMA
          Go to hell.

RYUMA swings downward again. MATRY grabs the sword with her
gauntlet, and counters back slashing his arm. RYUMA winces in
pain, and clutches at his arm with his free hand.

VEREE AND SIALA, CU

VEREE takes a step forward, but SIALA puts a hand on her shoulder
to stop.

                            MATRY
          Getting a little slow, aren't we?

                            RYUMA
          Not yet-

RYUMA hopelessly lunges forward.
                            MATRY
          Yes. You are.

MATRY thrusts her left hand forward. The area is showered in red
light as a ball of fire launches forth from her left hand. RYUMA
is caught square in the stomach, and is thrown backward into the
alley.

                         SIALA/VEREE
          Ryuma!

                       MATRY (gratified)
          Pitiful.

                            VEREE
          You killed him!

                            MATRY
She asked for it.

MATRY stops and looks closely at where RYUMA is.

                            MATRY
          Wait-

POV.      MATRY

RYUMA stirs, and stands. His sword, in hand, glows brilliantly.
He looks down at it.

                            RYUMA
          <The sword is glowing.> We're not through
          yet.

                            MATRY
          Who...what are you?!

RYUMA steps forward and rushes forward with incredible speed and
slashes. MATRY is stunned to the point where she barely blocks
the blow.

                            RYUMA
          <I can feel it speaking to me!>

                            MATRY
          Damn it!

RYUMA jumps backward, and, in mid-air, throws three blue bolts at
her. MATRY throws up her left arm, and a blue shield forms in
front of her. The first bolt is blocked, the shield buckles on
the second, and the third slams through the shield, and smacks
her in the face with such force that she is thrown back several
feet. RYUMA begins walking toward her.

                            SIALA
          What's happening?

MATRY begins backing away.

                            MATRY
          Who...who are you?! What the hell are
          you?!

VEREE runs over to RYUMA.

                            VEREE
          Ryuma! That was neat!

RYUMA falls to his knees.

                            RYUMA
          <What happened? This thing was speaking to
          me... I could feel it... Telling me what
          to do...>

VEREE goes to her knees to help him.

                            VEREE
          Ryuma?

                            RYUMA
          All...all of this is way too weird.

                            VEREE
          Are you okay?

                            RYUMA
          I really don't know.

SIALA is stunned by the events, even though she tries to hide it.

                            SIALA
          Veree, get her stuff. Let's get going.

CUT TO:

EXT.      FOREST PATH, DAY

SOUND, B.G.: BIRDS CHIRPING

SIALA, RYUMA and VEREE are walking inside of the forest again.
MATRY is walking, her hands bound, and tied to a rope which SIALA
holds.

                            SIALA
          Ryuma, what's going on? What happened
          back there?

                            RYUMA
          I don't know. I think it's this.

RYUMA holds up his sword.

                            RYUMA
          It was speaking to me...or something like
          that.

                            SIALA
          Are you sure?

                            RYUMA
          To tell you the truth, I don't know.

                            MATRY
          You three are the screwiest bunch of
          people I've ever met. The no-brain there-

                            VEREE
          Hey!

                            SIALA
          The leader...and that wench!

CUT TO:

WATERFALL, CU

CUT TO:

EXT.      CLEARING, DAY

                            SIALA
          We'll make camp here.

                            VEREE
          I'll go get firewood!

Without another thought, VEREE speeds off. SIALA, meanwhile, ties
MATRY to a tree, hands behind her back.

                            SIALA
          And you'll stay here.

                        MATRY (sighing)
          Whatever.

SIALA leaves. RYUMA sits down. There is a long silence. VEREE
comes back with an armful of twigs.

                            RYUMA
          I can't wait to peel this off.

RYUMA begins to pull off the dress.

                            MATRY
          No sense of modesty?

RYUMA ignores her and continues to undress.

                            RYUMA
          At this point, I could really care less.

                            MATRY
          You'd think you're a...a man or something.

                            VEREE
          He is!

MATRY turns to VEREE.

                            MATRY
          What?

                            RYUMA
          The name's Ryum, not Ryuma.

                            MATRY
          You...you ARE a man?

                            RYUM
          Gee, you catch on quick.

                            VEREE
          Fooled you, didn't we?

                            RYUM
          By the way, Veree? Could you get rid of
          this annoying voice of mine?

                            VEREE
          Sure! (She chants a bit.)

VEREE chants an incantation.

                            RYUM
          That's...better.

                            MATRY
          You ARE screwy. You know, I've heard of men
          who dress up as-

                            RYUM
          Shut up! I didn't exactly do it for fun!

RYUM disappears behind the bushes. There is a splash of water.

                            MATRY
          I can't believe it. I got the crap beat out of me by a
          man. How embarrassing.

                            VEREE
          He's so nice! You shouldn't have mad him mad.

MATRY resigns her tough-girl attitude.

                            MATRY
          He's cute as a girl though.

They both look over the bushes at him bathing.

                            VEREE
          Don't tell HIM that, though.

FADE TO BLACK

FADE IN ON:

INT.      CLEARING, NIGHT

SOUND, B.G.: CRICKETS CHIRPING

SIALA and VEREE are sleeping. MATRY is still tied to the same
tree. RYUM walks into the clearing, wearing his real clothes.

                            RYUM
          Feels great to act like a guy again.

                            MATRY
          That's a matter of opinion.

                            RYUM
          Look, you've already tried to kill me
          once today. I should be mad. No, I should
          be furious. But I'm not.

                            MATRY
          Oh, you're breaking my heart.

                            RYUM
          Now who's being the wench?

MATRY doesn't give an answer.

                            RYUM
          Why was there a bounty on your head?

                            MATRY
          I made one too many mistakes. And I got
          caught. That's it.

                            RYUM
          Uh-huh...

                            MATRY
          You don't look or act like any normal male
          that I've met.

                            RYUM
          Well, I'm not from here.

                            MATRY
          You HAVE flipped.

                            RYUM
          Somehow, I got from where I call home, to
          here. You think I'm weird? Try being in a
          place where everything else is backward!

                            MATRY
          You're screwed over.

                            RYUM
          Yeah, and so are you. At least I'LL be the
          one to admit it.

                            MATRY
          Sorry.

                            RYUM
          It's alright. What do I mean it's alright?
          Hell, I don't know what I'm saying.

MATRY smiles brightly while looking up at him.

                            MATRY
          Want to talk about it?

                            RYUM
          Huh?

                            MATRY
          Want to talk about it?

CUT TO:

INT.      CLEARING, NIGHT

It is a few hours later. MATRY and RYUM laugh.

                            RYUM
          How long have we been talking?

                            MATRY
          I don't know. Maybe four hours.
                            RYUM
          Geez, that's a long time.

MATRY tugs at her bonds.

                            MATRY
          My arms are getting stiff.

She looks at him.

                            MATRY
          I don't suppose you could untie me, could
          you?

                            RYUM
          Uh, I don't think so.

                            MATRY
          Why not?

                            RYUM
          You'd probably run away.

                            MATRY
          No I wouldn't.

                            RYUM
          Look, you tried to kill me!

                            MATRY
          Is that still bothering you?

                            RYUM
          Especially when no one else has made any
          attempts on my life? YES!

Despite the noise, SIALA and VEREE continue to sleep soundly.

                            MATRY
          They sure are heavy sleepers.

                            RYUM
          They sure are.

                            MATRY
          Please.

                            RYUM
          No.

                            MATRY
          Please.

                            RYUM
          I can't.

                            MATRY
          Just for a little while.

                            RYUM
          I can't!

                        MATRY (begging)
          Five minutes! That's all! five minutes!

                            RYUM
          Alright!

RYUM walks behind the tree and begins to untie her.

                            RYUM
          If you run away, not only will Siala kill
          me, but I'll kill you...first.

                            MATRY
          I promise I won't run off. I give you my
          word.

                            RYUM
          Well, from my experience, promises from
          women aren't carried through.

He finishes untying her.

                            RYUM
          There. Five minutes.

                            MATRY
          Yeah.

RYUM walks out from behind the tree.

                            RYUM
          Please just don't-

Without warning, MATRY grabs him.

                        RYUM (panicked)
          What are you doing?

MATRY smiles evilly.

                            MATRY
          Don't worry.

                            RYUM
          Let me go! Hel-

MATRY cuts him off with a long kiss. RYUM'S eyes widen with
shock.

                            MATRY
          A promise, sealed with a kiss. Does that
          make it okay?

                        RYUM (reeling)
          I...uh...gaa...uh...thee...

                            MATRY
          I guess I can take that as a yes.

CUT TO:

INT.      CLEARING, NIGHT

It is another hour later. MATRY is sleeping on the ground.

EXT.      WATERFALL

RYUM'S REFLECTION IN WATERFALL, CU

RYUM is sitting on a rock, near the edge of the waterfall. He is
looking down upon the sword that he bought.

RYUM, CU

RYUM looks up at the descending water.

                            RYUM
          <What the hell is this thing? When I
          fought, it was speaking to me. It was->

He stops and looks down at it, almost in horror. It begins to
glow.

                            RYUM
          <Yes. I- Yes.>

He starts shaking in fear.

                            RYUM
          What are you?

RYUM shakes his head. The glowing has stopped.

                            RYUM
          <Am I losing my mind?>

RYUM walks back to camp.

SOUND, B.G.: CRACKLING FIRE

He stops over MATRY. He looks down at her, then over to SIALA.


                            RYUM
          <At least SHE'S nice to me. It looks like
          nearly killing me is a compliment, next to
          what Siala does.>

After a short while, he lays down in front of MATRY, who is now
laying on her side. RYUM turns on his side, facing away from her.
He feels an arm drape over him, and hears a small laugh. He then
goes to sleep.

FADE TO BLACK

FADE IN ON:

INT.      CLEARING, DAY

The sun wakes RYUM up, not to mention the hustling around camp.

                            SIALA
          Ryum! Ryum! Get up!

RYUM sits up.

                            RYUM
          What...?

                            SIALA
          Matry is gone!

FADE TO BLACK

                        END OF PART 2
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 A MATTER OF OPINION, VOLUME I
                      -------------------
                             PART 3
                      -------------------
                            REVISED

                   AN ORIGINAL ANIME FANFIC

                          WRITTEN BY
                           ED HRZIC

                    COPYRIGHT (c) 1996 BY
                           ED HRZIC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Previous parts available at "ftp.cs.ubc.ca" in the directory
"pub/archive/anime-fan-works/Miscellaneous/EdFics" along
with most of my other works.
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Comments welcome at "bd981@@yfn.ysu.edu".
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  AUTHOR'S NOTE: Text between < and > are used to denote a
  character's thoughts.

                      PART 3 -- "JERANIUM"

FADE IN ON:

INT.      FOREST CLEARING, DAY

RYUM'S FACE, CU
                       RYUM (sitting up)
          What do you mean she's gone?!

SIALA folds her arms.

                            SIALA
          Just what I said!

SIALA looks thoughtfully over at the tree that MATRY was tied to.

                            SIALA
          Those were the tightest bonds I've ever
          made. She couldn't have got out by hers-

She stops abruptly, and turns to look at RYUM.

                            SIALA
          Wait... You...did YOU unties her?

                       RYUM (nervously)
          Well...I...um...you see...
                            SIALA
          SON OF A BITCH! 

VEREE points at RYUM.

                            VEREE
          Ryum! Shame on you!

                            RYUM
          Wait, you-

SIALA picks RYUM up by the shirt.

                            SIALA
          I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DID THAT! I...WE trusted
          you, and you let her escape?!

                       RYUM (struggling)
          She promised-

                            SIALA
          Promised?! Never trust a thief Ryum! I
          should kill you out of sheer rage!

SIALA drops him. RYUM falls flat on his duff.

                            RYUM
          Ow!

SIALA begins walking away.

                            SIALA
          I can't believe it!

VEREE floats close to him, with a stern look in her eyes.

                            VEREE
          I thought you were nice. Now, I'm not
          so sure. (She floats away.)

She floats away in the same direction that SIALA left in. When
everyone is gone, he screams.

                            RYUM
          I'LL KILL HER!

He picks up his sword on the ground, and looks around.

                            RYUM
          IF I FIND HER, I'LL KILL HER!

SOUND, B.G.: SPLASH OF WATER

RYUM stops when he hears the sound. He looks over the bushes to
look at the waterfall.

POV.      RYUM LOOKING AT WATERFALL

There is no one that he can see in the waterfall or the pool. He
walks around the bushes, and stumbles down the slope to the base
of the pool. Some clothing lies near it.

                            RYUM
          She's-

                            MATRY
          Hey there, stranger!

RYUM spins around and sees MATRY is sitting in the pool, water up
to her neck. She smiles when he sees her.

                            MATRY
          Care to join me?

                            RYUM
          You said you wouldn't do that!

                        MATRY (puzzled)
          Do what?

                            RYUM
          Run away!

MATRY swims closer to him.

                            MATRY
          I didn't! Can't a prisoner take a bath?

                            RYUM
          Well...I guess...

                            MATRY
          I'll come out then.

MATRY begins to stand. RYUM freaks out, and turns around.

                            MATRY
          What's wrong?

                            RYUM
          I...uh...

                            MATRY
          Forget I asked.

RYUM gulps. There is a silence as MATRY gets dressed.

                            MATRY
          I'm finished. You can turn around now.

RYUM sighs and turns around.

                            RYUM
          You still shouldn't have done it.

                            MATRY
          I know, but-

                            RYUM
          Siala is ready to kill me!

                            MATRY
          I'll have a talk with her.

CUT TO:

INT.      FOREST CLEARING

THE CAMERA PANS across the camp. No one is there. RYUM and MATRY
walk into the clearing.

                            RYUM
          Funny...I thought they'd be back by now.

RYUM cups his hands over his mouth for an amplifying affect.

                            RYUM
          Siala! Veree! It's me, Ryum! I've found her!

There is still silence.

                            RYUM
          Hello?

SOUND: VEREE'S SCREAM

RYUM and MATRY spin around when he hears it.

                            RYUM
          That's Veree!

                       MATRY (pointing)
          From in there!

They start to run into the forest.

CUT TO:

INT.      FOREST

VEREE ducks under the attack of a large, bipedal wolf.

                            VEREE
          Get away from me you...you brute!

VEREE promptly smack it on the head a few times with her wand.
The WOLF responds by swinging at her again.

CUT TO:

RYUM AND MATRY, RUNNING

                            RYUM
          I hope we get there in time!

                            MATRY
          Don't worry!

CUT TO:

INT.      FOREST

A giant spark blasts off of the WOLF'S hide. It howls, and is
obviously agitated.

                            VEREE
          I said, "GO AWAY!"

The WOLF steps toward her.

EXT.      TREE, CU

VEREE flies against the tree. She sits up and rubs the back of
her head.

                            VEREE
          Ow!

The WOLF looms over her. VEREE looks up at it.

                            VEREE
          Uh-oh...

She closes her eyes.

An energy bolt flies out from the darkness, and hits the WOLF in
the chest. It stumbles backward, stunned. It recovers quickly,
and growls as it sees RYUM and MATRY jump out of the trees.

                            VEREE
          Ryum!

                            MATRY
          Guard her, I'll take out this thing!

                            RYUM
          Gotcha!

RYUM grabs VEREE and holds her. MATRY stands between them and the
WOLF. It sees her as she readies herself. The WOLF howls and
starts its charge. MATRY crouches downward, and swings her left
foot forward, knocking the WOLF off balance. It falls, and MATRY
springs to follow-up. The WOLF swings its feet upward, knocking
MATRY down. It gets up and inhales deeply. MATRY stands. The WOLF
exhales a stream of blue energy, which MATRY blocks with her
energy shield. The WOLF then screams in pain, arching its back.

                            RYUM
          What happened?

RYUM, MATRY and VEREE look as the WOLF falls to its knees. SIALA
is standing behind it. The WOLF grips at its wound and whimpers.

                            VEREE
          Siala!

                            SIALA
          Are all of you alright?

                            MATRY
          I could have handled it.

                            SIALA
          YOU!

SIALA points her sword at MATRY.

                            SIALA
          You should be thankful that I don't slay you
          here on the spot!

                            RYUM
          Siala-

                    SIALA (glancing at him)
          Shut up!

RYUM lets go of VEREE and stands.

                            RYUM
          No! YOU listen!

                            SIALA
          Maybe I SHOULD kill you.

                            RYUM
          Do you want to?! DO YOU WANT TO DO IT SO
          BADLY?!

SIALA pauses to consider the remark. RYUM is impatient.
                            RYUM
          What are you waiting for?

                            SIALA
          Don't push my anger-

                            RYUM
          Don't push MINE!

RYUM'S sword begins to glow again.

VEREE'S FACE, CU

Fear rushes into VEREE'S eyes when she sees the blade.

                            VEREE
          No...

                            MATRY
          Ryum! What are you doing?!

                            RYUM
          Shut up!

SIALA raises her sword to strike. RYUM braces himself. MATRY is
too dumbfounded to move.

                            VEREE
          No!

RYUM, SIALA and MATRY stop and look at VEREE.

                            RYUM
          What?

                            VEREE
          The...the evil lady...

                            RYUM
          Huh? What do you mean?

She points above them.

                            VEREE
          The Evil Lady! She's...above you...

RYUM, SIALA and MATRY all look up. There is nothing.

                            MATRY
          Where? I don't see anything!

All there continue to look around.

                            VEREE
          She's right behind you Ryum!

RYUM spins around, scared, dropping his sword.

                            RYUM
          Where?! Where?!

                            VEREE
          She's...she's g-gone now...

SIALA walks over to VEREE, and sits in front of her. VEREE puts
her arms around SIALA.

                            SIALA
          Was it the lady in your nightmares?

VEREE nods silently.

                            RYUM
          I don't understand. What nightmares?

CUT TO:

INT.      FOREST PATH, DAY

RYUM, SIALA, and VEREE are walking again. SIALA leads, MATRY is
behind her (tied up), and RYUM and VEREE follow. VEREE seems to
be a little happier.

                            RYUM
          I've got it!

There rest of the party stops and looks at him.

                      SIALA/MATRY/VEREE
          Got what?

                            RYUM
This is just a dream! Yeah! I'm here because of a dream! I hit my
head! All I have to do is pinch myself, and I'll wake up! Why
didn't I-YOOOOOOCWH!

RYUM rubs his butt, then looks at VEREE.

                            RYUM
          Why'd you pinch me?!

                            VEREE
          Well, you were going to pinch yourself...

                            RYUM
          Hurumph.

They continue to walk again. They hear footsteps behind them.
MATRY looks behind her.

                            MATRY
          I think we've got a tag-along.

RYUM looks back.

                            SIALA
          Ryum, you shouldn't have fed that wolf.
          Now, it's following us.

                            RYUM
          Well, if VEREE hadn't been playing with its
          cubs, perhaps it wouldn't have attacked.

RYUM looks at VEREE. She sticks her tongue out at him. He stops
and turns around to meet the WOLF. It walks up to him, happily.
It grabs him by the shoulders and licks him in the face.

                       RYUM (laughing)
          Hey! Stop that! That tickles!

The WOLF barks. RYUM reaches up on his tip-toes to pat it on the
head.

                            RYUM
          I'm sorry, but you're going to have to go home.

RYUM emphasizes it by pointing deeper into the forest. The WOLF
looks to where he pointed, then back to RYUM.

                            RYUM
          That's right, you have to go.

The WOLF whimpers.

                            RYUM
          I know, but you have to. You've got other
          wolves to play with.

The WOLF lowers its head.

                            RYUM
          Don't do that. You have to.

The WOLF turns around and begins to walk back into the forest,
sadly.

                            RYUM
          Don't worry. We'll see you again.

The WOLF turns to look at RYUM, then leaves.]

                            SIALA
Let's go.

SIALA, MATRY and VEREE continue on. RYUM stays and watches the
forest for a while.

CUT TO:

EXT.      TOWN OF JERANIUM, DAY

There are a few people walking around in the town.

INT.      TOWN SQUARE

SIALA, RYUM, VEREE and MATRY step out into the square. Several
people look at the quartet. SIALA leads them to a small building.

INT.      PRISON

The SHERIFF, a large-built woman with short black hair, is
sitting back in her chair, with her feet on the desk. SIALA
enters. The SHERIFF rises.

                           SHERIFF
          Well, if it isn't Siala!

She slaps SIALA on the back.

                           SHERIFF
          Back from your hunt already?

                            SIALA
          Yep, and we brought back a little present.

SIALA leaves, and comes back in with MATRY in tow.

                           SHERIFF
          You caught her!

VEREE and RYUM enter.

                            VEREE
          Yeah!

                            RYUM
          Hmm, nice building.

The SHERIFF is surprised to see RYUM. She glances at him, then to
SIALA.

                           SHERIFF
          Who is this?

                            SIALA
          Oh. That's Ryum. We picked him up a while
          ago. It would take too long to explain.
          We'll talk about it later.

The SHERIFF walks up to MATRY.

                            SHERIFF
          Well, well. Thought you'd get away, huh?
          Good thing people are concerned about the
          well-being of their families.

MATRY doesn't say a word. She simply hangs her head down.

                           SHERIFF
          Deputy!

The DEPUTY, a medium-sized woman, enters. She has purple hair
tied up in a bun.

                            DEPUTY
          Yes ma'am?

                           SHERIFF
          Take Matry here to her cell.

The SHERIFF nods at the trio.

                           SHERIFF
          You may see her to it as well, if you wish.

INT.      PRISON DOOR, CU

The door closes. MATRY is inside, sitting on a bench.

                           SHERIFF
          Well Siala, you can go to city hall and
          collect your reward. You deserve it.

                            VEREE
          Ryum deserves some too!

                           SHERIFF
          Huh?

                            SIALA
          He...he helped us out some.

                           SHERIFF
          Is that so? I thought men were only good
          for housework!

RYUM fumes at the remark.

                           SHERIFF
          Oh, lighten up kid!
The SHERIFF slaps him on the shoulders. Her sheet strength almost
knocks him over. He barely catches his balance.

[Ryum stumbles and straightens up.]

                           SHERIFF
          You've got your whole life ahead of you!
          You'll make some woman a fine husband!

She winks at SIALA, who promptly looks away.

                            RYUM
          Gee...uh, thanks...I think.

                           SHERIFF
          Well, you'd better get going. I have a lot
          of work to do. Being a sheriff is hard work!

She leaves the cell area. SIALA and VEREE follow. RYUM stays and
looks at MATRY. She looks up at him. VEREE pops her head back
into the room.

                            VEREE
          Ryum, are you coming?

He looks at VEREE, then back to MATRY.

                            RYUM
          Yeah, just a moment.

VEREE leaves again. RYUM takes another long look at MATRY, then
leaves as well.

INT.      PRISON, OFFICE

RYUM enters. He sees the SHERIFF sleeping in her chair.

                            RYUM
          Hard at work? Hmm.

He leaves. SIALA and VEREE are waiting for him outside. They
begin walking.

                            RYUM
          What is this place?

                            SIALA
          Jeranium. My home.

                            VEREE
          And mine!

                            RYUM
          Neat. Are we going to city hall now.
                            SIALA
          No, not yet. I need to go home first.

                            RYUM
          You're the boss.

EXT.      HOUSE

A middle-aged woman, with knee-length brown hair, is shaking out
a rug in front of the house. She looks up as the trio approaches.

                            CATHY
          Siala?

                            SIALA
          Hi, Cathy!

They hug each other.

                            CATHY
          I didn't expect you back so soon.

                            SIALA
          It was easy enough.

                            VEREE
          Hi, Cathy!

CATHY hugs VEREE

                            CATHY
          Hi Veree. It's good that both of you've
          come. Samuel has just started dinner.

                            VEREE
          Great! Zoooooom!

VEREE runs off into the house. CATHY glances at RYUM, then back
to SIALA.

                            CATHY
          And who's this? Finally got yourself a man?

SIALA turns bright red.

                            RYUM
          Uh, I'm just a friend they picked up.

                            CATHY
          What's your name?

                            RYUM
          Ryum.

                            CATHY
          Well then, Ryum. You're welcome here as
          well. Please join us.

CUT TO:

DINNER TABLE

RYUM, SIALA, VEREE, CATHY and SAMUEL, a short man with brown
hair, sit around the table, eating. CATHY laughs heartily.

                            CATHY
          So that's the entire story?

                            VEREE
          Yep!

CATHY glances at RYUM.

                            CATHY
          I guess he WOULD look nice as a girl.

RYUM turns red.

                            RYUM
          Please.

INT.      KITCHEN

RYUM is helping SAMUEL clean the dishes.

                            RYUM
          So Sam, how are things?

SAMUEL looks at him.

                           SAMUEL
          What do you mean?

RYUM stacks a dish on the counter.

                            RYUM
          I mean, how is it around here? How do
          you feel about being the one who cleans
          up, and does all the housework?

SAMUEL wipes off a dish.

                           SAMUEL
          It's not so bad. Sometimes... sometimes
          I think about going out and walking around
          the world, like...like you do, Ryum.

He pauses to think.
                           SAMUEL
          But, I know this is where I belong. Cathy
          takes good care of me. She loves me, and I
          love her.

He stacks the dish on top of RYUM'S.

                           SAMUEL
          I still remember the day she asked me to
          marry her. I was dumbfounded.

He sighs, happily.

                           SAMUEL
          I barely knew her, except in a few cases
          where I would talk to her for a while. She
          could have chosen any of the men here, since
          she was so popular, but she chose me. She says
          it was because of my masculine charm.

                            RYUM
          Hmm, what a fantastic story.

SAMUEL picks up another dish and begins washing it.

                           SAMUEL
          Life does have a happy ending after all.

RYUM looks at SAMUEL as if he had just descended from another
plane.

EXT.      HOUSE, NIGHT

RYUM is sitting on the steps, looking up at the stars.

INT.      HOUSE, SIALA'S ROOM

SIALA is humming, while dancing with herself. She wear a long
dress that flows around her. CATHY stands from her seat in the
room. She stops in the doorway to look at SIALA briefly, then
leaves.

EXT.      HOUSE, NIGHT

RYUM is still looking up at the stars. He closes his eyes, and
sighs.

                            CATHY
          Why are you out here alone?

RYUM turns. CATHY is standing in the doorway with a shawl on.

                            RYUM
          Oh, nothing. Just thinking.
                            CATHY
          Do you mind if I join you?

                            RYUM
          Uh, no.

He scoots over a little.

                            RYUM
          Be my guest.

She sits down next to him.

                            CATHY
          What are you thinking about?

                            RYUM
          Just...just about everything, and the turn
          of events up to this point.

                            CATHY
          As in...?

                            RYUM
          Appearing here...nearly getting killed
          everyday... dressing up as a woman. It's
          getting pretty weird. Women running the
          world.

                            CATHY
          How is it where you come from?

                            RYUM
          Basically the opposite. Men seem to run
          the world, but women are catching up.

                       CATHY (laughing)
          So, are you married?

RYUM looks at her, incredulously.

                            RYUM
          I'm only eighteen! I'm too young to get
          married.

                            CATHY
          Well, I was married when I was sixteen.
          Samuel was sixteen as well.

                            RYUM
          Things are different where I come from.

SOUND, B.G.: SIALA'S SINGING

                            RYUM
          Is that...is that Siala?

                            CATHY
          Yes.

                            RYUM
          She has a beautiful voice.

                            CATHY
          She's a beautiful woman. When my sister
          died, I took her in as my own child. Since
          I can't have any of my own, I loved her as
          much as I could.

                            RYUM
          She's a little violent, isn't she?

                            CATHY
          How so?

                            RYUM
          She makes it a habit of threatening to
          kill me on a regular basis.

                            CATHY
          Oh, that's just her way.

                            RYUM
          I realize that. Veree told me about it. By
          the way, where is Veree?

                            CATHY
          Sleeping upstairs.

They hear SIALA singing again. CATHY looks back into the house.

                            CATHY
          I've never seen her this happy before.

He looks back as well.

                            RYUM
          Huh?

CATHY turns back to him.

                            CATHY
          Siala has never been a truly happy child.
          I've never seen her like this before.

RYUM turns back around.

                            RYUM
          Maybe it's a faze. She's happy she's home.

She looks at him intently.

                            CATHY
          No, I think it's something else.

There is a long pause. CATHY still continues to stare at him.
RYUM notices and turns back to her.

                            RYUM
          What? Why are you looking at me like that?

                            CATHY
          I think it's you.

                            RYUM
          What?!

                            CATHY
          Siala. She's happy now.

                            RYUM
          Oh please.

                            CATHY
          It IS about you.

                            RYUM
          That's a matter of opinion.

                            CATHY
          Just think about it for a moment.

RYUM stands.

                            RYUM
          Think about it? She's tried to kill me!

                            CATHY
          Just show her a little love and she'll
          return it.

CATHY stands.

                            CATHY
          I've got to get back in. It's almost time
          to go to sleep.

She starts walking back into the house.

                            RYUM
          Say, how do YOU know all this? Are you
          guessing?
                            CATHY
          No.

She smiles.

                            CATHY
          She told me.

CATHY walks into the house, and RYUM is left standing there for a
while. SIALA is still dancing. He watches her for a while, then
goes upstairs. SIALA stops and looks where RYUM was.

INT.      BEDROOM

VEREE is sleeping in a bed. CATHY and RYUM stand at the doorway.
A small bed-spread is set up on the floor.

                            CATHY
          Ryum, you'll have to share the room with
          Veree.

                            RYUM
          <Wonderful.>

He looks at VEREE.

                            RYUM
          Gee, she's a heavy sleeper.

                            CATHY
          Well, just be good.

She winks and closes the door. RYUM lays down. He closes his eyes
and goes to sleep.

CUT TO:

INT.      BEDROOM.

VEREE tosses and turns in her bed.

                            VEREE
          No...no...go away...stop...don't hurt him
          ...NO!

VEREE bolts straight up and screams at the top of her lungs.
CATHY, SIALA and SAMUEL open the door. SIALA goes over to VEREE.

                            SIALA
          Veree! What happened?!

VEREE cries.

                            CATHY
Where's Ryum?

She looks around, then up to the ceiling. RYUM is clinging there,
teeth chattering.

                            RYUM
          Uh...duh...huh...

                           SAMUEL
          Why are you clinging to the ceiling?

                            RYUM
          Just a habit of mine.

He laughs sarcastically, then becomes serious.

                            RYUM
          I was scared half to death!

He falls from the ceiling, hitting the ground with a loud thump.
He rubs his arm.

                            RYUM
          Ow... And I think I aged fifty years, too.

                            SIALA
          What was it, Veree?

                            VEREE
          That evil lady again...

RYUM gets up and walks to her bed. He sits down, and she throws
her arms around his waist.

                            CATHY
          Just a dream then? Don't worry, everything's
          alright, okay Veree?

VEREE looks around cautiously and then nods.

                            SIALA
          Just go back to sleep.

VEREE lets go of RYUM.

                            VEREE
          Okay...

                            SIALA
          Just think of good thoughts.

She rubs VEREE'S head.

                            CATHY
          Good night then.

SIALA, SAMUEL and CATHY exit. CATHY, leaving last, closes the
door. RYUM lays back down on the floor, drawing the covers over
him. VEREE lays back down after a little while. She doesn't go to
sleep.

                            VEREE
          Ryum?

RYUM is too busy sleeping to answer.

                            VEREE
          Ryum?

RYUM stirs.

                         RYUM (groggy)
          Wh...uh...Whuh?

                            VEREE
          Can I sleep with you?

                            RYUM
          What?!

                            VEREE
          Can I sleep down there with you?

                            RYUM
          Uh...ahh...sure...

VEREE gets up and sits down on the floor with him. She lays on
top and him, and puts her arms around his waist. He pulls the
blanket over them.

                            VEREE
          You're like a big teddy bear.

                            RYUM
          Uh...thanks.

She giggles and soon falls asleep. RYUM has yet to fall asleep.
He strokes her head.

                            RYUM
          <What was she dreaming about? The evil
          lady again? What the hell does this all
          mean?>

RYUM gives up for the time being. He kisses her forehead and goes
to sleep, too.

                         END OF PART 3
                     COMING UP IN PART 4 --
                       "Matry's Trial!"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 A MATTER OF OPINION, VOLUME I
                      --------------------
                             PART 4
                      --------------------
                            REVISED

                   AN ORIGINAL ANIME FANFIC

                          WRITTEN BY
                           ED HRZIC

                    COPYRIGHT (c) 1996 BY
                           ED HRZIC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Previous parts available at "ftp.cs.ubc.ca" in the directory
"pub/archive/anime-fan-works/Miscellaneous/EdFics" along with
some of my other works.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to all who have gave their opinions on 'A Matter of
Opinion'. It seems to be a fic people are interested in. SEND
COMMENTS NOW!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Comments welcome at "bd981@@yfn.ysu.edu". 
-----------------------------------------------------------------

  AUTHOR'S NOTE: Text between < and > are used to denote a
  character's thoughts.

                   PART 4 -- "MATRY'S TRIAL"

FADE IN ON:

DARK CASTLE ON A CLIFF, NIGHT

THE CAMERA PANS up from the waters below, and centers on the
castle itself.

INT.      CASTLE, THRONE ROOM

A figure is sitting upon the throne. He is dressed in armor, with
a flowing cape and a helmet. His name is CHAO. He looks into a
large crystal ball on a pedestal to his right. He waves his hand
in front of it. It glows faintly as he gazes into it. A picture
of RYUMA appears.

                            CHAO
          So, yet another worlder with the Jy-Blood
          comes. I will not tolerate it. We must do
          something about this young woman.

CHAO laughs evilly.
CUT TO:

EXT.       CATHY'S HOUSE, DAY

THE CAMERA PANS across CATHY'S house.

CUT TO:

INT.       CATHY'S ROOM

CATHY and SAMUEL are sleeping in each other's arms -- SAMUEL's
head resting on her shoulder.

INT.       SIALA'S ROOM

SIALA is sleeping peacefully in her bed.

INT.       VEREE'S ROOM

RYUM is sleeping; VEREE is still hugging him as she sleeps.

CUT TO:

INT.       KITCHEN, LATER

SAMUEL is making breakfast.

INT.       SIALA'S ROOM

INT.       DOOR, CU

CATHY opens the door to SIALA'S room.

                            CATHY
          Siala?

SIALA continues to sleep.

                            CATHY
          Siala?

SIALA still doesn't answer. CATHY moves closer.

                            CATHY
          Siala!

SIALA stir, then groans.

                            SIALA
          Just five more minutes...

SIALA puts her pillow over her head. CATHY stands over her.

                            CATHY
          You have that trial today, so you're going
          to have to get up. It's in another two
          hours.

SIALA groans again.

                            SIALA
          Okay...

She sits up and yawns. The pillow falls off of her head.

                            CATHY
          I'm going to go help Samuel.

CATHY begins leaving and stops at the door.

                            CATHY
          Will you wake up Ryum and Veree?

                        SIALA (yawning)
          Yeah...

CATHY leaves, and SIALA yawns yet again.

INT.       HALLWAY

SIALA is walking to VEREE'S room. SIALA is wearing a pink shirt
and pink underwear.

INT.       VEREE'S ROOM

RYUM AND VEREE, CU

The door to her room opens, and SIALA walks in.

                            SIALA
          Ryum, Veree, time to-

SIALA sees them on the floor, and her eyes go wide. She leans
down in his ear and screams.

                            RYUM
          Ryum!!!!

RYUM is shocked awake, he sits straight up. VEREE is still
attached to him, and is not awake.

                            RYUM
          Gaa...who?!...what?! ...where?!
          ...when?! ...why?!...how?!

He looks up at who it is.

                            RYUM
          Siala?

                            SIALA
          JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING WITH
          HER, RYUM?!?!?!

                            RYUM
          What-?

SIALA slaps him...HARD.

                            RYUM
          OWWWW!!!!!

RYUM rubs his cheek.

                            RYUM
          What the hell was that for?!?!?

                            SIALA
          Pervert! Taking advantage of her!

                       RYUM (wide-eyed)
          WHAT?!?!?!

VEREE wakes up now, and rubs her eyes, then yawns.

                            VEREE
          What's going on?

                            RYUM
          What did you think I was doing, Siala?!

SOUND, B.G.: CATHY'S VOICE FROM THE KITCHEN

                            CATHY
          Hey! Keep it down to a dull roar up there!

RYUM ignores both CATHY'S voice and VEREE.

                            RYUM
          Veree got scared last night and she wanted
          to spend the night sleeping down here with
          me! Is that alright with you?!

                            SIALA
          Veree, is he telling the truth?

                            RYUM
          Of course I'm telling the truth!

                            VEREE
          Yeah! He's so soft, just like a big teddy bear!

VEREE hugs him affectionately.

                            RYUM
          Veree. Please.

                            VEREE
          Sorry.

                            SIALA
          Then I admit my mistake.

SIALA begins to leave.

                            RYUM
          Hey! Don't I even get a REAL apology?

SIALA makes it to the door when RYUM gets an idea.

                            RYUM
          Siala!

                        SIALA (turning)
          What?

RYUM looks her up and down.

                            RYUM
          You know, I think pink is your color.

SIALA fumes. RYUM is satisfied with her reaction. She turns and
leaves quickly. After a while, VEREE and RYUM laugh.

CUT TO:

INT.       BATHROOM

SIALA empties a steaming bucket of water into the bath tub. She
starts to pull off her shirt.

SIALA'S LEGS, CU

SIALA steps into the tub.

SIALA IN TUB, CU

                            SIALA
          <Ooooohhh! That man!>

SIALA is about to hit the side of the tub with her fist, then
stops abruptly.

                            SIALA
          <I'd like to->

SIALA stops, and thinks for a moment.

WIPE TO:

FADE TO:

CITY STREETS, DAY

There is a middle-aged woman kneeling in front of a little girl
and a boy who is on the ground. The woman is obviously angry with
the girl -- her daughter.

                          SIALA'S MOM
          Siala! If you keep acting that way toward
          boys, you'll never make friends with any
          of them! Now shake hands with him.

                          YOUNG SIALA
          Okay mom...

SIALA help the young boy (who looks like a young RYUM) to his
feet. She shakes his hand.

                    SIALA (without meaning it)
          I'm sorry.

FADE TO:

INT.       BATHROOM

                            SIALA
          Oh well.

She sinks a little deeper into the water.

INT.       DINING ROOM

Everyone is at the table. Breakfast is over

                            RYUM
          My, that was another good meal Samuel.

                           SAMUEL
          Thank you, Ryum.

                            RYUM
          I hope I can cook as good as you when I
          get married.

                            CATHY
          I thought you said it was the opposite
          where you come from.

                            RYUM
          I did.

He wipes his mouth with a napkin.

                            RYUM
          My mother told me that I should learn to
          do housework, cooking, et cetera, since
          marriage is a 'team effort.'

CATHY glances at SAMUEL.

                            CATHY
          I guess you can say that.

                            VEREE
          Can I have some more strawberries?

                           SAMUEL
          Just a moment. (He leaves.)

SAMUEL gets up and goes into the kitchen.

                            CATHY
          When does the trial start?

                            SIALA
          In another hour.

                            CATHY
          Then you better get going.

                        VEREE (firmly)
          Not until I've had my strawberries!

CUT TO:

INT.       PRISON, OFFICE

RYUM walks in alone. The SHERIFF is posting some notices on the
wall.

                           SHERIFF
          Oh, hi! It's...

                            RYUM
          Ryum.

                           SHERIFF
          Of course...pardon me. What can I do for
          you?

                            RYUM
          Could I see Matry?

                           SHERIFF
          What?

                            RYUM
          You heard me. Could I see Matry?

                           SHERIFF
          Why?

                            RYUM
          Just to...well...it's personal.

                           SHERIFF
          Personal?

                            RYUM
          Well...I want to talk to her. I think
          she deserves another chance.

                           SHERIFF
          That's a matter of opinion.

                            RYUM
          Please?

                       SHERIFF (puzzled)
          Well...okay...follow me.

INT.       PRISON CELL

MATRY is sitting inside of the cell. She looks ragged, worn, and
worried. RYUM and the SHERIFF walk in.

                           SHERIFF
          I'll be out here in case you need me.

The SHERIFF exits.

                            RYUM
          Thanks.

There is a long pause as MATRY and RYUM look at each other. She
looks away.

                            RYUM.
          I came to see you.

MATRY doesn't even look at him.

                            MATRY
          Thanks. You needn't have bothered to.

                            RYUM
          I had to.
                            MATRY
          No, you didn't.

                            RYUM
          Will you please listen to me?!

She turns her attention to him. He walks up to the bars and grips
them.

                            RYUM
          Look, I've never been good at saying
          anything right. Listen, I want to thank
          you for what you've done for me.

                            MATRY
          What?

                            RYUM
          I don't know what I'm saying.

MATRY walks up to the bars.

                            MATRY
          Well, continue to not know.

                            RYUM
          Before I came here, I was virtually nothing
          ...a nobody. Now I'm somebody.

MATRY smiles.

                            MATRY
          The first time I saw you...as a man...I
          was glad. I was thinking how God could
          waste such a wonderful body on a woman.

                      RYUM (REALLY puzzled)
          Huh?

                            MATRY
          When I saw you in your "real" clothes, I
          wanted to...well, you get the idea.

                         RYUM (shocked)
          WHAT?!

                            MATRY
          Sorry. I'm no stranger to it. I've learned
          to be choosy.

MATRY turns to sit back down. RYUM grabs her arm.

                            RYUM
          Wait...

MATRY stops.

                            RYUM
          How am I supposed to react when a woman
          makes a move on me, since no one has ever
          done it before?

                            MATRY
          Make a move? That isn't what I meant.



                       RYUM (disappointed)
          It wasn't?

                            MATRY
          No. More than a move.

RYUM blushes. She takes his hand through the bars and kisses his
wrist. RYUM is still confused. Her actions have been thoroughly
brought to light things that he never thought would have
happened. RYUM stares blankly. She kisses his wrist again.

                            MATRY
          They're going to give me the death
          sentence.

                            RYUM
          What?

                            MATRY
          I will die today.

RYUM didn't expect that. There is silence as he thinks about it.
She bites into his wrist. RYUM stifles a yell. She draws blood
and licks his wrist. He does not notice it, but his wrist glows
for a slight moment.

                            RYUM
          <What am I getting in to?>

She drops his hand. She puts her hands up to his face and brings
them closer to the bars, and kisses him. After a bit, she ends
the kiss.

                            MATRY
          You'd better leave.

She turns around and sits back down, then points at his wrist.

                            MATRY
          The wound will heal.

RYUM leaves without a word.

FADE TO BLACK

FADE IN ON:

INT.       COURTROOM

Several people are filtering from the hallway. VEREE, RYUM, and
SIALA sit in the first row, behind the tables for the prosecution
and defense. CATHY and SAMUEL sit behind them.

FADE TO LATER:

The trial is still going on. VEREE is sleeping against RYUM'S
shoulder. RYUM is watching intently.

FADE TO A LOT LATER:

The prosecution and defense has ended. The judge, an old woman,
stands.

                            JUDGE
          Bailiff, will you please bring in the
          prisoner?

The BAILIFF, a middle-aged woman, leaves and comes back, pushing
MATRY into the courtroom. MATRY has her wrists bound.

                            JUDGE
          Does the prisoner have anything to
          say before the sentence is passed?

MATRY hands her head down.

                            JUDGE
          Then...nothing?

MATRY still does not say anything.

                            JUDGE
          Since you have nothing to say in your
          defense, I will begin. Matry, your crimes
          have caused for no debate upon my soul.
          The sentence for those crimes is dictated
          in the Law of Jeranium. Thus, I hear-by
          sentence you to-

                            RYUM
          STOP!!!!

The courtroom turn to RYUM. He stands, and VEREE falls over in
the seat, still sleeping. MATRY finally turns to him.

                            RYUM
          Since Matry will not say anything in her
          own defense, I will.

                            SIALA
          Ryum-

                            MATRY
          Ryum...stop.

The JUDGE hits her gavel.

                            JUDGE
          You are out of order! Bailiff!

The BAILIFF takes a step forward. RYUM turns to the BAILIFF.

                            RYUM
Take another step, and you'll be sorry.

RYUM is deadly serious.

                            RYUM
           I WILL do it.

The BAILIFF stops. RYUM turns back to the judge.

                            RYUM
          May I continue, unimpeded?

                            JUDGE
          Very well.

                            RYUM
          Your honor, when I first arrived here,
          Matry was the first one to threaten my
          life.

He glances at MATRY.

                            RYUM
          She was also one of the first to show me
          actual kindness. Between the few people
          sitting with me here, I have few friends.
          Matry is one of them. She does what she does
          because she, like me, has never had any
          real friends, or a real family. She does
          it to receive attention.

                            JUDGE
          My good man, that is taking things a bit
          too far. She committed these crimes with
          full knowledge of the outcome, with utterly
          evil intent-
                            RYUM
          Precisely my point. Look at her now? Does
          she seem to be evil? Does she seem to be
          the villain we have accused her of today?
          Obviously she regrets it. I talked to her
          earlier, before the trial. She knew that
          she would die, because everything and
          everyone was against her. She has not had
          a decent chance to explain herself.

RYUM'S statement hits home. The entire courtroom is silent.

                     RYUM (triumphantly)
          Just what I thought. I am Matry's only
          friend. If you want to take her from this,
          then there is nothing I can do to stop you.

RYUM sighs heavily and shakes his head.

                            RYUM
          You might as well sentence me for the same
          crimes. I've said all I can.

He sits down. The crowd whispers amongst itself.

                            SIALA
          Ryum-

He draws his arms around himself.

                            RYUM
          Leave me alone.

The JUDGE bangs her gavel again.

                            JUDGE
          We...we will have a ten minute recess due
          to...this man's speech.

She stands and exits.

RYUM returns MATRY'S stare of disbelief.

CUT TO:

TEN MINUTES LATER

                            JUDGE
          I have re-thought my decision.

She clears her throat.

                            JUDGE
          Matry, you should be thankful that you have
          a friend such as he. I was ready to inflict
          upon you the death sentence. Now, this
          young man appears, and tells of your troubles.
          I have no idea why, but I am withholding your
          sentence of death.

A few gasps come from the crowd.

                            JUDGE
          On several conditions. One, that you will
          NOT commit any other crimes. Two, you will
          be under the careful scrutiny of this man who
          he calls you 'friend.' You will do what HE
          says, and ONLY what HE says. Three, he will
          report to me every three months. If I hear
          that you have not been a model citizen
          during the next three years, I will not
          fear to punish you. Do you understand?

                        MATRY (head down)
          Yes.

                            JUDGE
          Good then.

The JUDGE bangs her gavel one last time.

                            JUDGE
          Court is adjourned.

She leaves. Everyone else begins to filter out.

                            SIALA
          Ryum-

                            RYUM
          I must talk with Matry.

                      SIALA (faintly hurt)
          If that's what you wish.

SIALA and VEREE exit. CATHY and SAMUEL follow. Soon, all of the
people are gone. The BAILIFF, before she leaves, removes MATRY'S
bonds. RYUM and MATRY stand for a long while, not speaking. He
walks up to her.

                            RYUM
          Well?

MATRY looks up at him. She slaps him. He doesn't say a word, or
even flinch.

                            MATRY
          How the hell did you know about all of it?!
          Every word! How did you know?!

                            RYUM
          I didn't.

He sighs.

                            RYUM
          I made it up. All of it.

                            MATRY
          What?

                            RYUM
          "Thou shalt not bear false witness against
          thy neighbor."

                            MATRY
          Huh?

                      RYUM (looking upward)
          Looks like I've broken another one.

                            MATRY
          Ryum.

She slaps him again, harder. He still does not say anything, or
flinch.

                            MATRY
          I don't need my whole god-damned life
          spilled out to everyone in this town!
          I sure as hell don't need YOU in my life!
          I sure as hell don't need FRIENDS! I don't
          need ANYONE!

RYUM stands there, staring directly into her eyes, as if he was
searching her soul for the truth. She looks away, and points at
the door.

                            MATRY
          Go. I would rather face death.

RYUM doesn't move.

                            MATRY
          I said go!

She looks at him...into his eyes. She sees how hurt them are. She
starts crying and runs to him. RYUM holds her. She continues to
cry. He strokes her hair.

                            MATRY
          Oh God...oh God...
CUT TO:

INT.       DARK CASTLE, NIGHT

                            CHAO
          Ratael!

An armored figure steps from the shadows.

                           RATAEL
          Yes my lord?

                            CHAO
          Gather the army. We find this worlder and
          capture her.

                           RATAEL
          What about the town, my lord?

                            CHAO
          Burn it. I want whoever saw her to be killed.
          Understood?

                        RATAEL (bowing)
          Yes, my lord Chao.

                        END OF PART 4

                    COMING UP IN PART 5 --
                      "The Prince Bride"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                A MATTER OF OPINION, VOLUME I
                     -------------------
                            PART 5
                     -------------------
                           REVISED

                  AN ORIGINAL ANIME FANFIC

                         WRITTEN BY
                          ED HRZIC

                   COPYRIGHT (c) 1996 BY
                          ED HRZIC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Previous parts available at "ftp.cs.ubc.ca" in the directory
"pub/archive/anime-fan-works/Miscellaneous/EdFics" along with
some of my other works.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
This episode is pretty long -- longer than the other ones.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Comment now! Send all fan-mail to "bd981@@yfn.ysu.edu". Thanks!
-----------------------------------------------------------------

  AUTHOR'S NOTE: Text between < and > are used to denote a
  character's thoughts.

                PART 5 -- "THE PRINCE BRIDE"

FADE IN ON:

ROAD, DAY

There is a rather large army that is marching along the road.
CHAO is being carried upon a throne by several warriors. He sits
back, with his hands folded in thought.

                            CHAO
          <Soon, Jy-Blood. Soon...>

CUT TO:

EXT.      CATHY'S HOUSE, DAY

MATRY, VEREE, RYUM, SIALA, SAMUEL and CATHY are standing outside.

                            CATHY
          Must you leave...now?

                            SIALA
          Yes, we have another job to do.

                            VEREE
          Rescue a princess!

                            CATHY
          Princess?

                            RYUM
          I thought it pretty weird too.

He looks around.

                            RYUM
          Well, I guess this is good-bye for a while.

CATHY steps forward toward RYUM.

                            CATHY
          Remember what I said.

She leans forward and kisses him on the cheek.

                            RYUM
          Uh...okay.

RYUM walks up to SAMUEL and shakes his hand.

                            RYUM
          Thanks, Sam.

                      SAMUEL (puzzled)
          You're welcome...but, what did I do?

                            RYUM
          Don't worry. You've done plenty.

                            MATRY
          We better leave, or the job may be completed
          by someone else.

                       SIALA (forcefully)
          We will be here as long as we need.

MATRY turns in anger.

                            SIALA
          Bye, Cathy.

RYUM, SIALA, VEREE and MATRY walk away. CATHY and SAMUEL wave to
them.

CUT TO:

INT.      FOREST, DAY

The quartet is walking along a wooded path.

                            RYUM
          I think I'm going to get to know this forest
          by heart already.

                            SIALA
          Not likely. The forest is called "Closed
          Heart" for some reason or another. It
          encompasses most of Dutare. You can get
          almost anywhere in the world from here.

                            RYUM
          I wonder if it can get me home...

                            MATRY
          I wouldn't be surprised.

MATRY and RYUM walk slightly behind SIALA and VEREE.

                            MATRY
          Ryum...I was thinking...

                            RYUM
          Uh-oh.

                            MATRY
          Shut up. Now, I have to do EVERYTHING you
          say, right?

                            RYUM
          That's what the judge says.

MATRY thinks for a moment.

                            MATRY
          This could be...interesting...

                            RYUM
          <I am DEFINITELY getting in over my head
          on this one. Well Ryum, look what you've
          gotten yourself into now.>

CUT TO:

INT.      CAMP, NIGHT

The party is sitting around the camp fire. VEREE looks slightly
concerned.

                      VEREE (nervously)
          I don't like it here.

RYUM looks around nervously as well.
                            RYUM
          Yeah...it is pretty scary around here.

                            SIALA
          This is one of the darker parts of Closed
          Heart. The road to Thine is like this all
          the way.


RYUM swallows.

                            SIALA
          You're probably going to have to dress up
          again.

RYUM stands.

                            RYUM
          Wait a minute! It thought I'd have to do
          that only once!

SIALA looks up at him.

                            SIALA
          Looks like you'll have to do it again. It
          would also be better for espionage.

RYUM sits back down, disgruntled.

                            RYUM
          Why me?

SOUND, B.G.: LEAVES RUSTLING

When they hear the sound, they stop and draw their weapons.

                            SIALA
          Veree? Ryum? Matry?

                       MATRY/RYUM/VEREE
          Ready.

A crossbow bolt flies out of the darkness of the forest, and
imbeds itself in RYUM'S left arm. He screams in pain. SIALA
rushes to him, but ducks and rolls back to avoid several more
bolts.

                            SIALA
          Come out!

Two armored troopers come out. TROOPEr #1 is carrying a two-
handed sword; TROOPER #2 carries a triple-crossbow.

                            MATRY
          Chao's troopers...

                            SIALA
          What?

TROOPER #1 swings, and the quarter scatters. RYUM'S wound still
bleeds. TROOPER #2 loads, and begins firing again. MATRY parries
them, and rushes. TROOPER #2 jumps backward into the forest
again. SIALA parries the attack of TROOPER #1, but is thrown back
from the force of it. VEREE fires a spark at him. TROOPER #1
holds up his hand. The blast stops. He pushes his hand forward,
and the blast is sent back at her.

                            VEREE
          Yipe!

VEREE ducks.

RYUM swings downward, but is easily blocked. TROOPER #1 laughs at
the futile effort. RYUM winces at his wound.

CUT TO:

MATRY, RUNNING

She stops abruptly, looking around for the trooper. She looks up,
then dodges to avoid the bolts that hit the ground where she was.

                            MATRY
          <Perfect spot for an ambush, up in the trees.
          Looks like I'll have to join him.>

MATRY closes her eyes, and dissolves into thin air.

TROOPER #2 looks around from his spot in the trees. He turns and
quickly parries MATRY'S now-visible attack with his crossbow. He
kicks her in the stomach, and hits her across the face with the
crossbow. She falls back to the ground.

CUT TO:

TROOPER #1

TROOPER #1 punches RYUM in the face. He doubles over, and TROOPER
#1 kicks him. RYUM flies back against a tree. VEREE minute blasts
bounce off of his armor.

                            VEREE
          Go away!

SIALA tries to attack the trooper's back. The sword clangs off of
his armor. The trooper drops his own sword and grabs the one out
of SIALA'S grasp.

                            SIALA
          What?!

He snaps it in half with his hands, and smacks her across the
face with the hilt. He turns the blade end around, and shoves it
into her stomach. She staggers and falls over.

                            VEREE
          Siala!


TROOPER #1 backhands her. She flies to the ground.

                          TROOPER #1
          Pathetic little fools.

He turns to go back for the sword. He sees that RYUM is holding
the two-handed sword to his left with one hand.

                            RYUM
          Looking for this?

He swings it rather clumsily, wincing at his wound. TROOPER #1
simply grabs the blade.

                         TROOPER #1
          Thank you.

RYUM, still holding the hilt, smiles.

                            RYUM
          Don't worry. I've got another present
          for you.

RYUM stabs TROOPER #1 in the lower unprotected portion of his
armor with his sword, in his right hand. TROOPER #1 stares down
at him in disbelief.

CUT TO:

MATRY retaliates with a concentrated energy bolt. It snaps the
branch that TROOPER #2 is standing on. He leaps downward to her
position. The front of the crossbow flashes a blade out. MATRY
grips her sword. TROOPER #2 swings. She parries and attacks. He
parries, kicks her, and slashes again. severing the top half of
her tunic. He stabs again. She dodges dropping, her own sword,
and grabs his arm. She bites downward, straight through his
armor.

                          TROOPER #2
          YOU BITCH!!!

MATRY lets go and smiles, blood running down her chin. She jumps
backward and extends her hands forward. She bares her teeth as
her eyes go red.

                            MATRY
          VIOLENT CHAIN!

A line of flaring energy flies into TROOPER #2'S chest. It grips
there for a moment, as TROOPER #2 struggles.

                            MATRY
          Good-bye.

She snaps the beam, creating a wave. It flies along the beam.
TROOPER #2'S chest explodes. He slumps to the ground. MATRY looks
satisfied.

CUT TO:

RYUM, CU

TROOPER #1 pulls the sword from his chest, and backhands RYUM.
RYUM clutches at his wounded arm and face. VEREE jumps on TROOPER
#1'S back and starts smacking him repeatedly on the head.

                            VEREE
          Get away from him...you...you...

TROOPER #1 grabs VEREE and throws her into the tree again. He
steps toward RYUM, just as RYUM backs up some. TROOPER #1 stops
as a something grabs him from behind. The WOLF has grabbed his
neck, and there is a loud snap. It flings him into the tree. The
WOLF pants. RYUM struggles to stand. The WOLF has remained in the
shadows.

                            RYUM
          Panting?

The WOLF barks happily.

                            RYUM
          Whew! Am I glad to see you!

The WOLF barks again. SIALA wakes up. RYUM sees and rushes over
to her.

                            SIALA
          Ryum...

                            RYUM
          Siala...are you alright?

She clenches her teeth, as she pulls the blade from her stomach.

                            SIALA
          Now I am.
She throws the blade away.

                            RYUM
          We've got to do something about that
          wound.

SIALA glances at his arm.

                            SIALA
          What about yours?

He looks down to what she means.

                            RYUM
          Oh, I forgot. Would you?

He closes his eyes. She grips the bolt and rips it from his arm.
RYUM winces from the wound.

                     RYUM (gripping his arm)
          Ouch!

The WOLF whimpers for him.

                         SIALA (to RYUM)
          Stop whining.

MATRY stumbles in from the forest. She looks dazed. The WOLF
turns and growls.

                        RYUM (to the WOLF)
          It's okay. Matry?

                            SIALA
          Matry?

MATRY walks up to him and collapses on him. He struggles to keep
her up. He then realizes that her top is missing.

                            RYUM
          Matry!

CUT TO:

INT.       FOREST CAMP, NIGHT

SIALA, MATRY, VEREE and RYUM are around the camp fire. The WOLF
is standing. RYUM is tackled by four little wolves, who lick and
nip him all over. He has a bandage over his wound.

                        RYUM (laughing)
          Hey! Cut it out! That tickles!

SIALA AND VEREE, CU
                            VEREE
          Hold still, Siala.

VEREE begins chanting, putting her hands near SIALA'S stomach
wound. Her hands glow and the wound disappears.

                            SIALA
          Thanks Veree.

                       RYUM (sitting up)
          She brought her cubs with her.

The cubs start to play amongst themselves. The WOLF barks at
them. They go to her.

                        RYUM (standing)
          You're leaving?

The WOLF barks.

                            RYUM
          Oh...okay.

The WOLF walks up to him, and licks his face.

                            RYUM
          We'll see you again, right?

The WOLF barks again, and goes into the forest. The little cubs
follow her, yapping all the way. RYUM turns to SIALA.

                            RYUM
          What were those things?

                            SIALA
          They're called "wolves."

                            RYUM
          I know that! I'm talking about those
          people trying to kill us!

                            SIALA
          Matry said something about "Chao's
          troopers".

                            VEREE
          The mage?

                            SIALA
          I'm not sure. Maybe she was delirious
          after the trial.

They all turn to look at MATRY, who is sleeping.

                            RYUM
          We'll ask her tomorrow. Right now, it's
          been quite an eventful night, and I don't
          want to have any more interruptions. I'm
          going to sleep.


He lays on the ground.

                            SIALA
          I might as well, too.


She lays down as well.

                            VEREE
          Uh...why is...

Everyone is asleep. VEREE walks over to RYUM and lays next to
him, putting her arms around his waist.

FADE TO BLACK

FADE IN ON:

INT.      CAMP, DAY

The quartet is walking along a brighter section of the forest. It
soon leads into a larger path.

                        RYUM (stretching)
          It's nice to be out of there!

                            VEREE
          Yeah! Sunlight!

                            SIALA
          Another hour, and we'll be there.

                            RYUM
          Good.

                            SIALA
          But first...

She looks at RYUM, and soon VEREE and MATRY follow.

                            RYUM
          No...please...why do I...

SIALA stares at him. RYUM sighs after a while.

                            RYUM
          Okay.
CUT TO:

EXT.      FOREST PATH

The are walking once again. RYUMA is now with them.

                            MATRY
          I was right.

                        RYUM (grunts)
          What?

                            MATRY
          You DO look cute as a girl.

                        RYUM (grunts)
          That's what Siala said...though she was
          drunk at the time.

SIALA gives no reaction.

CUT TO:

EXT.      CASTLE OF THINE, DAY

INT.      THRONE ROOM

The KING and QUEEN are sitting upon their thrones. The QUEEN'S
throne is slightly higher than the KING'S. RYUM, SIALA, VEREE and
MATRY have just been lead into the throne room by GUARD #1 and
GUARD #2. The QUEEN has long green hair that pools in her lap.
She wears a white dress. A young man stands next to the king. All
three look preoccupied.

                           GUARD #1
          Your highness.

The QUEEN looks up.

                           GUARD #1
          Hunters to help find your daughter, your
          highness.

                         QUEEN (sighs)
          Very well, you may go.

GUARD #1 and GUARD #2 leave.

                            SIALA
          Your highness, my name is Siala. This is
          Veree, Matry and Ryum...Ryuma.

SIALA points to the respective people.

                            KING
          Ryum Ryuma?

RYUMA groans.

                            SIALA
          No, just Ryuma. Excuse me, your highness.

                            QUEEN
          You want to find my daughter?

                            SIALA
          That is right.

                            QUEEN
          There were several others who have tried.
          What makes you think YOU can?

                   VEREE (whispering to SIALA)
          Why DO we think so?

                   SIALA (whispering to VEREE)
          Be quiet.

                            QUEEN
          Well?

                            SIALA
          Just call it a quirk, but we think we can
          handle it. We have a great diversity of
          skills.

                            RYUMA
          Give us a chance.

The QUEEN glances at the KING.

                            QUEEN
          Very well. Her name is Loti.

She then points at the young man.

                            QUEEN
          This is Geth, my daughter's fiance. He
          is prince of Mynale. It is three days
          before the wedding. If she is not found,
          the wedding will be called off, and the
          treaty between Mynale and Thine will not
          be secured.

                            RYUMA
          So, do you think it might be someone who
          doesn't want the treaty to be signed?

                            QUEEN
          We have thought so. But we don't know who.

                            MATRY
          Could she have run away?

                        QUEEN (laughing)
          Why would she do that? She has everything
          she would want here.

MATRY gives the QUEEN a skeptical look, which she does not see.


                            SIALA
          We'll start immediately.

                            GETH
          Please, hurry.

CUT TO:

INT.      TOWN OF THINE, DAY

                            MATRY
          I think this is a bunch of horse shit.

                            VEREE
          What do you mean?

                            MATRY
          If you want my opinion, I think she ran
          away.

                            SIALA
          Now how could she do that? She's a
          princess. Everyone would know her, she
          wouldn't have been able to get out of the
          town without being noticed.

                            RYUMA
          Who said she had to leave the town?

                        SIALA (nodding)
          Okay then, let's split up.

                            RYUMA
          Do we have to? Remember last time?

                            SIALA
          Since you're so scared, you can take
          Matry with you. Would that ease your
          tensions?

RYUMA clenches his teeth.
                            RYUMA
          Siala...

                            SIALA
          Go.

                     RYUMA (grabbing MATRY)
          Come on Matry.

                     SIALA (grabbing VEREE)
          Come on Veree.

                            VEREE
          Gaa...whuh?

CUT TO:

MATRY AND RYUM

                            RYUMA
          Do you really think that she may still be
          in the town?

                            MATRY
          I wouldn't wager a whole lot on it, but
          where could she go? Most of the towns in
          Dutare lead to paths that stretch for a
          long time, like the one to Thine. She's
          royalty. I doubt she knows how to do much
          of anything.
                            RYUMA
          You're probably right.

RYUMA is suddenly knocked over. The figure than ran into him is
knocked over as well.

                            RYUMA
          Hey watch where you're going!

The figure's hood falls down. The woman has green hair that is
cut short near her head.

                            ITOL
          Hey! Watch where YOU'RE going!

                            RYUMA
          Why don't you watch where YOU'RE going?!

RYUMA stands up. ITOL sticks her hand up to him.

                            WOMAN
          Help me up.

                        RYUMA (laughing)
          Help you up? Ha! You're being awfully rude.
          I don't know why I should.

                            WOMAN
          Isn't it customary to help ro...to help people
          up out of kindness?

                            RYUMA
          I don't care if you're a member of the
          bloody royal family. Haven't you heard
          of the Golden Rule?

                          MATRY/ITOL
          Golden...what?

                            RYUMA
          "Do unto others as you would have them do
          unto you."?

                        ITOL (to MATRY)
          Is she alright?

                            MATRY
          No, she hadn't been the same after the
          "accident".

                            ITOL
          Hmm. PLEASE, would you help me up?

                            RYUMA
          That's better.

RYUMA helps her up. MATRY'S eyes fall to the ring on the woman's
finger.

                            RYUMA
          What is your name?

                            LOTI
          I...Itol.

                            RYUMA
          Itol?

                            ITOL
          Yes, it's a...family name.

                            MATRY
          Well, Ryuma, we better get searching again.

                            ITOL
          What are you searching for?

                            RYUMA
          We're looking for the missing princess.

                            ITOL
          M-missing princess? Oh yes. Do you have
          any ideas on where she might be.

                            MATRY
          Uh...no, but we're getting...pretty close.

                            ITOL
          Oh well then. I'm glad I met both of you.

               MATRY (grabbing RYUMA by the waist)
          Good. Let's go Ryuma.

                            ITOL
          Good-bye.

ITOL pulls her hood back up and walks away.

                            RYUMA
          Nice girl.

MATRY hits him on the head with her fist.

                            MATRY
          Ryum! You idiot! That was the princess!

                     RYUMA (rubbing his head)
          What are you talking about?

                            MATRY
          You know? The princess we're looking for?

                            RYUMA
          Her?

                            MATRY
          Yes!

                            RYUMA
          Siala was right. You ARE delirious. She's
          just an uptight girl.

                            MATRY
          Do all uptight girls wear rings with the
          royal seal?

                            RYUMA
          Hmm...I guess not. So that means-

They both look at ITOL, who is leaving.

                          MATRY/RYUMA
          Follow her.

CUT TO:

INT.       TOWN OF THINE

RYUMA and MATRY duck through the crowds, following ITOL at a good
distance. She ducks into a house at the middle of town.

                            MATRY
          Why hide in the middle of town where
          everyone can see her?

                     RYUMA (winking at MATRY)
          "The best place to hide something is out
          in the open."

                            MATRY
          Itol?

                            RYUMA
          Easy. It's "Loti" spelled backwards.

                       MATRY (thumbs up)
          We've got our girl.

CUT TO:

STREETS OF THINE, DAY

                            RYUMA
          Should we say where she is yet? I mean,
          to the queen?

                            MATRY
          Maybe not yet. We can hold out for more
          money.

                            RYUMA
          I'd say your alignment is C.G.

                            MATRY
          C.G.?

                            RYUMA
          Chaotic Greedy.

They look up. SIALA and VEREE are walking toward them. VEREE runs
up to RYUMA and hugs him.

                            VEREE
          Ryuma! I've missed you so much!

                            RYUMA
          Veree, we've been gone only an hour.

                            VEREE
          It seems like days.

                            RYUMA
          Uh...yeah, whatever. Say, Siala?

                            SIALA
          What?

                            MATRY
          We've got a lot to talk about.


CUT TO:

INT.      TAVERN

                            SIALA
          SHE'S HERE?!

                            RYUMA
          Shhhh! Keep it down!

                            SIALA
          So, what do we do?

                            RYUMA
          We could hold out for more money.

                            VEREE
          Ryuma! I'm disappointed in you!

                            RYUMA
          Sorry, Matry is getting to me.

MATRY hits him again.

                    RYUMA (rubbing his head)
          Sorry Matry.

                            MATRY
          As Siala said, "what do we do?"

                            VEREE
          We could see what she has to say.

                       RYUMA/MATRY/SIALA
          What?

                            VEREE
          Maybe she ran away for a reason.

                   RYUMA (to SIALA and MATRY)
          You know, that sounds crazy enough to be
          valid.

                            SIALA
          Okay Ryuma, since you think it's such a
          good idea, why don't you do it?

                            RYUMA
          Me?

                            MATRY
          Yeah.

                            RYUMA
          No way. I'm not good with people.

                            MATRY
          Oh really? From the turn-out in that court
          room, I'd say differently.

                        RYUMA (sighing)
          Okay, but let it not be said that I don't
          do things for women. It's late, so let's
          start tomorrow.

                            VEREE
          Okay.

CUT TO:

INT.       INN

SIALA grabs the male INN-KEEPER by the shirt.

                            SIALA
          What do you mean you have only one room left?

                          INN-KEEPER
          Just what I said!

                            MATRY
          Aggressive.

                            VEREE
          Get's the job done.

                            RYUMA
          Nice butt.

                            SIALA
          What about any other rooms?

                          INN-KEEPER
          They're either taken, or being repaired.
          But we've got a small room with two beds.

SIALA lets him go.

                            SIALA
          Okay. How much?

CUT TO:

INT.       ROOM, NIGHT

                            SIALA
          Hmm, this is a small room though.

                            VEREE
          There are two beds too!

VEREE jumps up and down on one of them.

                            VEREE
          Wheee!!!

                            MATRY
          How are we going to do this? I'm not
          sharing a bed with you, Matry.

                            SIALA
          Neither will I.

                            RYUMA
          Fine. I'll...I'll sleep on the floor.
          That's one less person to worry about.

                            VEREE
          I'm sleeping with Ryuma!

                            RYUMA
          Then it's settled. Veree and I will take
          the floor. Each of you take a bed.

                     MATRY (glancing at SIALA)
          Fair enough?

                            SIALA
          Fair enough.

CUT TO:

INT.       ROOM

RYUMA is sitting on the floor. VEREE, SIALA and MATRY are
starting to undress to wear their night attire. RYUMA looks
around nervously.
                            RYUMA
          Uh...should I be averting my eyes?

VEREE'S shirt falls on his head.

                            RYUMA
          Thanks.

CUT TO:

INT.       ROOM

VEREE, SIALA and MATRY are sleeping soundly. RYUMA is at the
window, looking out.


                            RYUMA
          Yeri...I haven't thought of you in a while.
          I wonder why. I wonder if I'll ever see you
          again.

                            SIALA
          Who's Yeri?

                      RYUMA (turning around)
          Siala? You're awake?

SIALA is sitting up in her bed. She stands up and walks over to
the window with him.

                            SIALA
          I couldn't sleep.

                            RYUMA
          Neither could I.

                            SIALA
          Well?

                            RYUMA
          Yeri...she's a girl I have an interest
          in, back in the real world. Excuse me,
          HAD an interest.

                            SIALA
          Why do you say "had"?

                            RYUMA
          I was frustrated one-too-many times.
          There's also more to worry about than just women.

                            SIALA
          How so?

                          RYUMA (sighs)
          I thought just getting through high-
          school was hard enough. Then worrying
          about college, money, my parents, AND
          women...my life's a confusing mess. Now
          I'm here...where everything is different
          ...All I have to worry about it surviving
          to the next day.

He looks down at his wound, which is no longer there.

                            SIALA
          I'm sorry...

                            RYUMA
          Sorry about what?

                            SIALA
          A lot of things. You being here...
          away from your family...and just being
          uncooperative.

                            RYUMA
          Uncooperative?

                            SIALA
          Sometimes when I get angry...

                            RYUMA
          What are you trying to say?

                            SIALA
          It's hard to say.

                     RYUMA (turning to her)
          Well, try to.

                            SIALA
          I've...I've taken a liking to you, Ryuma...
          I mean, Ryum.

                            RYUMA
          Oh...

                            SIALA
          I know it's not much of a compliment...

                            RYUMA (smiles)
          No, it is. I've never really had any woman
          tell me that before, other than Matry.

SIALA reaches out and hugs him. She then lets go.


                            RYUMA
          What was that for?

                            SIALA
          I don't know you well enough to go any farther
          ...yet. So that will have to do.

RYUMA blushes.

                 VEREE (mumbling in her sleep)
          Ryum...

RYUMA and SIALA turn to look at her.

                            RYUMA
          I hope it's not another nightmare.

                            SIALA
          Then go to her.

RYUM lays back down and holds VEREE. SIALA sits next to them.

                            SIALA
          She's taken a liking to you as well.

                            RYUMA
          Uh-oh.

                            SIALA
          Not like that Ryum...more of both a mother-
          father figure.

                            RYUMA
          Huh?

                            SIALA
          Veree stayed with my family for most of our
          lives. There was an absence of a "real" father
          or mother in her life. Cathy and Samuel tried
          their hardest, and I believe it turned out
          well, but...

                            RYUMA
          So, I'm a surrogate now?

                            SIALA
          I guess so.

RYUMA strokes VEREE'S hair and smiles.

                            RYUMA
          Never thought I'd be a father...and a
          mother...so soon.

                            SIALA
          I better get back to bed. Good night,
          Ryum.

                            RYUMA
          Good night.

CUT TO:

LATER THAT NIGHT

VEREE screams.

                            RYUMA
          Veree! It's okay!

RYUMA holds her and rocks her back and forth.

                        VEREE (crying)
          It was the lady again...

                            RYUMA
          It was just a bad dream...go back to sleep
          ...it's okay...

                            VEREE
          She was going to...

                            MATRY
          What's this all about?

                            SIALA
          Never mind. Go back to sleep.

                            MATRY
          Hurumph.

FADE TO BLACK

FADE IN ON:

EXT.      HOUSE, DAY

                            SIALA
          There you go Ryuma. Knock 'em dead.

VEREE hugs him.

                            VEREE
          Good luck, Ryuma.

                            MATRY
          Go get her.

                            RYUMA
          Gee, your support is overwhelming.

VEREE, MATRY and SIALA filter into the neighboring alley. RYUMA
takes a deep breath, then knocks on the door. An old LADY answers
the door.

                            LADY
          Yes? May I help you?

                            RYUMA
          Yes, I'm looking for someone I...bumped
          into yesterday. She dropped this.

He holds up a bracelet.

                            LADY
          I'll give it to her-

                            RYUMA
          Could I give it to her instead? I'd like
          to talk to her. She seemed like such a nice
          person. <Yeah right.> I'd like to talk to
          her more.

                     LADY (apprehensively)
          O-Okay...just a moment...Will you come in?

                            RYUMA
          Yes.

The LADY moves into the house, and RYUMA follows.

INT.      HOUSE

The house is much bigger that it appeared to be on the outside.

                            LADY
          Wait here, and I'll get her.

The LADY leaves. RYUMA looks around the house at the paintings,
pictures, tennis rackets, etc.

                            ITOL
          Yes?

RYUMA turns around.

                            RYUMA
          Itol?

                            ITOL
          Oh, you're the one I bumped into
          yesterday.
                            RYUMA
          Yes, you dropped this.

He holds up the bracelet. She takes it and look at it
quizzically.

                            ITOL
          Oh, thank you.

                            RYUMA
          There's another reason.

                            ITOL
          What is it?

                            RYUMA
          I know who you are, Loti.

                         ITOL (shocked)
          Loti? Who's Loti?

                            RYUMA
          You're not calling a good bluff.

                            ITOL
          I don't know what you're talking about.
          Please leave.

RYUMA turns to leave.

                            RYUMA
          Ooooookay. But I think the queen would like
          to know that a "nobody" is wearing a royal
          signet ring. Maybe I will tell them. Bye.

RYUMA takes a step.

                            ITOL
          Wait!

                            RYUMA
          For what? You don't have anything to fear.

ITOL grabs at his arm.

                            ITOL
          Please! I'll tell you anything you want...
          do anything you want, just don't tell them
          where I am.

                            RYUMA
          That's better.

ITOL sits down on the couch.
                            ITOL
          You're right. My name is Loti.

                            RYUMA
          Matry and I figured that out when you
          bumped into us. It was pretty easy to
          guess that "Itol" was "Loti" backwards.

                            LOTI
          I'm not very bright, am I?

                            RYUMA
          Staying in the same town? No.

                            LOTI
          I wanted to run away, but couldn't leave.
          This is my home.

                            RYUMA
          Why did you run away?

                            LOTI
          Marriage.

                            RYUMA
          Marriage? To that guy? What's his name...
          Gerth? Garth?

                            LOTI
          Geth.

                            RYUMA
          My mistake.

                            LOTI
          What do you think of him?

                            RYUMA
          Geth? <How do I get into these messes?> I
          can't really make any assumptions without
          knowing him.

                        LOTI (standing)
          Well, I can. I know him. Boring is the
          word.

                            RYUMA
          People can change. I should know. I have.

                            LOTI
          Well, I'm not going back. Not to marry him.

                            RYUMA
          So, you're going to cause a war between
          two countries, because of your own ambitions?

                            LOTI
          Whatever it takes. I'm NOT marrying him. I
          don't want to.

                            RYUMA
          Don't want to? We've all got to do things
          we don't want to. Without it, we wouldn't
          have any people in the government.

                            LOTI
          What?

                   RYUMA (shaking his head)
          Nothing. Don't sacrifice hundred of lives
          because YOU want to be stubborn.

                            LOTI
          What do you know about it?

                       RYUMA (standing)
          Look at me.

                            LOTI
          And?

                            RYUMA
          What do you see?

                            LOTI
          A woman.

RYUMA laughs heartily.

                            LOTI
          What's so funny?

RYUMA reaches for the top of his dress.

                        LOTI (puzzled)
          What are you doing?

He pulls the top of the dress down.

                            RYUMA
          Look. I have to dress up like this to
          survive in this world. I don't like to
          do it, but now it's a part of me. 

                            LOTI
          You're not a woman?

RYUMA reaches for the lower part of the dress.
                            RYUMA
          Shall I show you some more identification?

                   LOTI (putting her hands up)
          No.

RYUMA pulls his dress back up.

                            RYUMA
          Good then. I've said all I'm going to. I
          could say more, but I doubt you'd listen.

RYUMA begins to leave.

                            LOTI
          You're...you're not going to tell them
          where I am, are you?

                            RYUMA
          No...that's your decision. You want to live
          in your own little world? Go ahead, if you
          don't want to accept any responsibility in
          your life. Good bye.

He leaves.

EXT.      HOUSE, DAY

                            SIALA
          Well?

                            RYUMA
          It's her alright.

                            SIALA
          Then we'll go get her.

                            RYUMA
          No.

                       SIALA/MATRY/VEREE
          What?!

                            RYUMA
          I promised.

                            SIALA
          You dumb schmuck!

                            RYUMA
          I'm going to tell the king and queen that
          we know where she is, though.

                            MATRY
          You're insane!

                            RYUMA
          That's a matter of opinion.

INT.      CASTLE, THRONE ROOM

RYUMA is escorted into the throne room by GUARD #1 and GUARD #2.

                            QUEEN
          So, have you found anything yet?

                            RYUMA
          Yes, I have.

                            KING
          Where are your friends?

                            RYUMA
          I have no wish to endanger them with what
          I will say.

                            QUEEN
          What have you found?

                            RYUMA
          It took a long while, but I have found her.

The QUEEN and KING gasp.

                        QUEEN (rising)
          Where is she?

                            RYUMA
          I cannot say.

                            QUEEN
          What do you mean you cannot say? You said
          you know where she is!

                            RYUMA
          I made a promise.

                            QUEEN
          You will tell us where she is, or you will
          be thrown into the dungeon.

                       RYUMA (defiantly)
          No, I won't.

                            QUEEN
          Guards!

                            RYUMA
          It's all up to her. She will be the one to
          come to you. I will not bring her.

                            QUEEN
          You will tell us NOW!

                            RYUMA
          No!

                            QUEEN
          Guards! Seize her!

GUARD #1 and GUARD #2 walk up to her. RYUMA turns to them.

                            RYUMA
          You would be wise to let me through.

GUARD #1 hefts her halberd.

                            GUARD #1
          And just what are you going to do, pretty
          girl?

                            RYUMA
          <I'm NOT a girl!> Care to find out?

GUARD #1 swings downward. RYUMA side-steps and jumps on the
shaft. It snaps.

                            RYUMA
          They just don't make weapons like they used
          to.

GUARD #1 swings her fist. RYUMA moves backward.

                            RYUMA
          I don't want to hurt you two.

                            QUEEN
          You will not leave here alive.

                            RYUMA
          We'll see about that.

He unsheathes his sword. GUARD #2 rushes.

                            LOTI
          Stop!

GUARD #2 stops and turns.

                            QUEEN
          Loti!

                     LOTI (pointing to RYUMA)
          I have returned. With her help.

RYUMA sheaths her sword.

                            RYUMA
          Told you she would come to you.

                            LOTI
          We have some things to discuss, mother.

INT.      RECEPTION HALL

It is after the wedding. RYUMA, SIALA, MATRY and VEREE are
sitting at a long table. SIALA holds a chalice and looks at it.


                            SIALA
          Hey, it's nice of them to throw a dual-
          banquet in our honor.

VEREE chews on a long string of licorice.

                            VEREE
          Yeah!

                            RYUMA
          We better get going soon, too.

                            MATRY
          Bored already?

RYUMA thinks for a bit.

                            RYUMA
          I'm not much for parties.

LOTI appears and touches his shoulder.

                            LOTI
          Ryuma?

                       RYUMA (turning)
          Yes?

                            LOTI
          May I talk with you?

                            RYUMA
          Sure.

INT.      HALL

                            RYUMA
          That's a nice wedding dress.

                            LOTI
          Care to borrow it sometime?

                            RYUMA
          Uh, no. I don't like to dress up like a
          woman any longer than I have to.

                            LOTI
          Oh...I wanted to thank you for making realize
          what I have to do. We can't be immature all
          our lives, or nothing will get done.

                            RYUMA
          That makes sense.

                            LOTI
          You're the one who told me.

                            RYUMA
          Me? I didn't say anything of the sort.

RYUMA winks at her. LOTI kisses his cheek.

                            LOTI
          Thank you.

                            RYUMA
          I do what I can.

INT.      TOWN, DAY

RYUMA, SIALA, VEREE and MATRY are walking again.

                            RYUMA
          Back to Jeranium?

                            SIALA
          To get more work? Yeah.

As they walk from the town, GETH and LOTI are waving from the
castle wall.

INT.      FOREST, DAY

RYUMA, SIALA, MATRY and VEREE walk along a path.

CUT TO:

INT.      JERANIUM

The quartet steps into the edge of town. It is in ruins, and
burning. They run to the middle of town. Most of CHAO'S army is
there. CHAO sits upon his throne. He sees them when they enter.

                            CHAO
          Ah! It is the Jy-Blood woman! 

CHAO bows.

                            CHAO
          So nice to make your acquaintance.

                        END OF PART 5

                   COMING UP IN PART 6 --
                   "Is Jeranium Burning?"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 A MATTER OF OPINION, VOLUME I
                      -------------------
                             PART 6
                      -------------------
                            REVISED

                   AN ORIGINAL ANIME FANFIC

                          WRITTEN BY
                           ED HRZIC

                    COPYRIGHT (c) 1996 BY
                           ED HRZIC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Previous parts available at "ftp.cs.ubc.ca" in the directory
"pub/archive/anime-fan-works/Miscellaneous/EdFics" along with some of
my other works.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Mail all comments to "bd981@@yfn.ysu.edu". Gracias! Arigato! Thanks!
-----------------------------------------------------------------

  AUTHOR'S NOTE: Text between < and > are used to denote a
  character's thoughts.

              PART 6 -- "IS JERANIUM BURNING?"

FADE IN ON:

INT.      JERANIUM

RYUMA, VEREE, SIALA and MATRY stare in disbelief at the destruction of
the town.

                            SIALA
          Who the-

                            CHAO
          Now, Jy-Blood, you will come with me.

                            RYUMA
          Why do you keep calling me that?! My name
          is Ryuma!

                            CHAO
          It still does not matter. Come with me...
          Ryuma.

                            RYUMA
          And just who, pray tell, do you claim to be?

                            CHAO
          My name is Chao. Supreme magician of
          Dutare...ruler of the coastal town of Seed
          ...master-

                        MATRY (groaning)
          Oh, just shut up! Are you going to talk us
          to death?

                            CHAO
          Oh! You do not have very good manners.

MATRY is bowled over by a gravity wave from CHAO'S outstretched hand.

                            CHAO
          Now, before the rest of you have to die,
          come with me, Jy-Blood.

                            RYUMA
          Like hell!

VEREE is pulled toward CHAO.

                            VEREE
          What? Help me! Ryuma!

RYUMA reaches for her, but it's too late. CHAO grabs her and wraps his
arm around her neck.

                            CHAO
          I can break her neck now, Jy-Blood. Don't
          make me.

                            RYUMA
          Just let her go.

RYUMA starts walking forward.

                            CHAO
          Very well. 

                            SIALA
          Ryuma! He's  going to kill us anyway!

                        RYUMA (stopping)
          <Wait a minute.>

                            CHAO
          What are you waiting for Jy-Blood? Another
          invitation?

                            RYUMA
          Let her go.

CHAO throws VEREE back to where she was.

                            RYUMA
          Why do you want me?

                            CHAO
          There is more than one use for young women.
          The second is for sacrifice.

                            RYUMA
          Sacrifice? Like in virgin sacrifice?

                            CHAO
          Yes, but I doubt that you, like most of the
          people where you come from, are virgins
          anyway.

                            RYUMA
          Huh? You know-
                        CHAO (yawning)
          From Earth. Yes. A rather boring place.
          You're people visit often. They have a
          certain value here.

                       MATRY (to RYUMA)
          You really ARE from somewhere else?

                            CHAO
          Now, you will come with me.

                    RYUMA (walking forward)
          Well, looks like I won't see my parents
          again...

                            CHAO
          Don't fret, you'll be put to good use...
          summoning a nice underling for me.

                            RYUMA
          Will you grant a man...er...woman a last
          request?

                            CHAO
          Why not?

                            RYUMA
          A fight.

CHAO pauses to consider his request.

                            CHAO
          What are your terms?

                            RYUMA
          Winner take all. I win, you leave and
          never bother us again. I lose, I go with
          you. Fair enough?

                            CHAO
          Fair enough.

RYUMA is knocked to the ground with another gravity wave from CHAO.


                            RYUMA
          Damn it. You coward.

CHAO leaps down from his throne.

                            CHAO
          But it's the best way!

RYUMA gets up and brandishes his sword.

                            RYUMA
          Okay. <Let's see... combat situation...
          How did I do it before?>

He looks down at the sword, and ducks under an energy bolt of CHAO'S
just in time.

                            RYUMA
          Hey!

                            CHAO
          You said that you wanted to fight.

RYUMA rushes in and wings. CHAO ducks.

                            CHAO
          Too slow...

CHAO'S fist glows bright blue. He launches himself upward in a jumping
uppercut position. RYUMA flies high and far. He hits the ground
painfully.

                            RYUMA
          Ow!

                            CHAO
          Women are so stubborn...

                       RYUMA (sitting up)
          Woman? I'm not a woman!

CHAO glances at his troops.

                            CHAO
          That's a matter of opinion. I would say
          otherwise.

                        RYUMA (standing)
          I'm not!

CHAO'S troopers start to laugh uncontrollably.

                            CHAO
          Okay then...I suppose that you're a man
          dressed up as a woman?

                            RYUMA
          Well, actually...

                            CHAO
          SHUT UP!

RYUMA is knocked down again by yet another gravity blast.

                            RYUMA
          This is really starting to suck.

RYUMA quickly stands back up. CHAO rushes forward and punches him,
sending RYUMA back several more feet.

                    VEREE (stepping forward)
          Ryuma!

MATRY stops her.

                            MATRY
          This is his fight. We can't get involved.

                            VEREE
          But-

                            MATRY
          Trust me.

RYUMA starts to glow slightly.

                            CHAO
          Hmm? What's that?

RYUMA stands and a blaze of fire erupts from him body, rocketing
toward CHAO. CHAO erects a shield and deflects the blast without
effort.

                            CHAO
          Very good, Jy-Blood.

He points to the crater where the blast ended.

                            CHAO
          That is why I chose you. I do not have to
          kill you. You could be my bride and we
          could rule the world. There are other Jy-
          Blood that may be used.

                            RYUMA
          <I think I'm going to puke! Bride?! Ugh!
          I AM going to puke...>

                            CHAO
          Well?

                            RYUMA
          No thanks.

RYUMA throws an energy bolt at CHAO. He blocks it.

                            CHAO
          Well then, looks like I'll just have to
          do it the hard way.

CHAO concentrates hard for a moment. RYUMA starts running to attack.
CHAO throws his arms forward. A blast hits RYUMA, making him stop, and
arch his back. CHAO hen throws another ball of energy. It envelopes
him in a barrier. RYUMA drops his sword and screams in agony.

                            VEREE
          Ryuma!

                            SIALA
          We HAVE to do something!

                      CHAO (concentrating)
          You see Jy-Blood, you don't know the
          power you are dealing with. Now, I will
          kill you...by making you kill yourself.

RYUMA continues to scream. His front starts to waver, then almost
seems to peel off of him. Another RYUMA is separating from him.

                            CHAO
          You are not female...

The new RYUMA fully separates from him and hovers in front of the old
RYUMA.
                            CHAO
          But this one is...Now-

CHAO'S voice is cut as two blasts catch him in the chest.

                            CHAO
          What-

CHAO'S concentration is broken. The new RYUMA is thrown back into the
old RYUMA. RYUMA drops.

                            CHAO
          What happened-

CHAO'S armor on his chest is slashed open. MATRY jumps backward as
SIALA follows up, slashing again. Another gashes appear on CHAO'S
chest. He steps backward.

                            CHAO
          You WENCHES...

RYUMA lays, smoking, on the ground. VEREE runs to him.

                            VEREE
          Ryuma!

                            CHAO
          I can't believe...the Jy-Blood was a man
          ...I will return to kill you all and claim
          the other. But I will leave two small presents
          for you...

CHAO raises his arm, extending his index finger upward. TROOPER #3 and
TROOPER #4 walk forward.

                       MATRY (whispering)
          Not two more! Wonderful.

She readies her sword. CHAO begins to glow. He disappears, along with
the rest of his army. TROOPER #3 steps forward and brandishes his two
sabers. TROOPER #4 heft her battle-axe.

                           TROOPER #3
          I haven't had a good battle in quite some
          time.

                           TROOPER #4
          I agree. The villagers were no challenge.
          Like that woman and her husband at the edge
          of town.

                            SIALA
          Oh my God...

                           TROOPER #4
Jumping in the way of her husband. What a fool.

The images of CATHY and SAMUEL enters SIALA'S mind.

                            SIALA
          NO! I'LL KILL YOU ALL!

SIALA rushes forward in a blind rage. TROOPER #3 parries. TROOPER #4
swings the flat of her axe into SIALA'S stomach. She doubles over.
TROOPER #3 knees her in the skull. SIALA falls backward.

                            MATRY
          Siala!
She fires several energy bolts at the troopers. They dodge. SIALA gets
back up, and holds her head.

                            SIALA
          You assholes...

TROOPER #3 lunges at SIALA. She parries, swings, and TROOPER #3
dodges. TROOPER #3 launches into a hefty stab, slicing up SIALA'S
shoulder. She staggers backward. TROOPER #3 is about to close in, when
he sees MATRY bearing down upon him with an overhead strike. TROOPER
#3 tries to parry with both swords, smiling. The smile turns into a
wince of pain as SIALA sinks her sword into his stomach. TROOPER #3
jumps back. MATRY fails to see TROOPER #4 closing in. Her axe sinks
deep into MATRY'S side. She screams.

                            VEREE
          Matry!

VEREE stands and fires a flame from her wand. The flame bounces
harmlessly off of TROOPER #4's armor. TROOPER #4 drops her axe to the
ground, and picks up MATRY by the neck with her left hand. She begins
to rain blows upon MATRY'S stomach and her wound. SIALA tries to save
her, but is knocked down by TROOPER #3'S fist.

POV.      MATRY

Her visions becomes hazy. She is starting to fall unconscious.

                         SIALA/MATRY
          Ryum...

The troopers continue to laugh as they rain blows upon MATRY and
SIALA, who are helpless. VEREE sinks to her knees and begins to sob.

                            VEREE
          I can't do anything-

FADE TO:

DARKNESS

RYUMA floats in nothingness. He looks around and begins to see
pictures of his life.

                            RYUMA
          Am I dead?

One picture is of him talking to a young lady. Another is of him
falling over in front of a crowd. Everyone laughs.

                            RYUMA
          That was two years ago...

Another picture shows him reading while sitting in bed.

                            RYUMA
          What is going on?

The picture shatters, and another appears, one of RYUM giving a young
lady flowers.

                            RYUMA
          This...what is this?

Another picture is of him getting beat up by some students. Another
gives way to him crying.

                            RYUMA
          This is insane! What is the purpose of this?!

There is a laugh from the depths of the darkness.

                            RYUMA
          Who's there?!

                            VOICE
          I am.

The voice sounds female. The picture fades, and shows him at a
funeral.

                            RYUMA
          What do you want from me?

The voice laughs again.

                            VOICE
          What everyone wants: life, happiness, a
          chance to change...

                            RYUMA
          I don't understand.

                            VOICE
          Of course you don't. If you did, you wouldn't
          help me.

RYUMA searches desperately for the source of the voice, to no avail.

                            RYUMA
          Help...you...?

                            VOICE
          Yes, I need your help.

                            RYUMA
          And what makes you think I'll help you? I
          don't even know who...or what you are!

                            VOICE
          In time that will become all too apparent.
          I think that you have no choice in the
          matter.

                            RYUMA
          And what makes you say that?

                            VOICE
          Take a look.

Another picture appears. It is the battle that goes on as RYUMA is
unconscious.

                            VOICE
          As you float here, helpless, you friends
          are being slaughtered.

                            RYUMA
          No!

                            VOICE
          Oh, yes. It is happening. Right now.

                            RYUMA
          Stop them!

                            VOICE
          And why should I do that? How would I
          benefit from it?

                            RYUMA
          You said you needed help, right? If you
          can help them, I'll help you! Alright?
          Help for help!

                            VOICE
          Do you really mean that?

                            RYUMA
          Yes! Just stop them!

                            VOICE
          Despite the consequences?

                            RYUMA
          Yes! Yes!

                            VOICE
          Very well. I will stop them for you, since
          you seem to be incapable of doing it
          yourself.

                            RYUMA
          What?

The darkness glows red, then blue. From the distance, a figure floats.

                            VOICE
          See who she is?

RYUMA looks closer.

                            RYUMA
          No.

                            VOICE
          Look closer, Ryum.

RYUMA looks closer. The figure comes closer. It is himself.

                            RYUMA
          What...who is this? Me?

                            VOICE
          Of sorts, but all you really need to know
          is that it IS you.

                            RYUMA
          I don't understand any of this!

                            VOICE
          Precisely.

                            RYUMA
          What?

The figure has reached him. It reaches out and touches him.

                            RYUMA
          What is this...?

RYUMA and the figure glow green. Behind him, a winged shape appears.
It touches him, and they all begin to glow red. They all disappear.

                            VOICE
          You will not remember any of this.

FADE TO:

JERANIUM

RYUMA starts to glow green.

                            VEREE
          Ryuma?

RYUMA stands up.

                            VEREE
          Ryuma? What are you-

RYUMA starts walking toward the troopers. VEREE'S vision narrows on
RYUMA as he picks up his sword. 

                            VEREE
          What is that?

She looks at him a little closer.

              RYUMA (with a raspy, possessed voice)
          Drop her.

TROOPEr #3 and #4 turn around. They see him, and TROOPEr #3 drops
MATRY.

                           TROOPER #4
          Well, since you're so ready for your chance
          to die, why should I stand in your way?

TROOPER #4 swings. RYUMA grabs the blade of the axe as it comes down
upon him.

                           TROOPER #4
          What?!

RYUMA pulls TROOPER #4'S arm forward, and with his other arm, brings
his fist down upon her forearm. There is a loud snap. TROOPER #4 howls
in pain, and drops her axe.

                           TROOPER #4
          YOU WENCH!

She swings her other arm around. RYUMA puts his first three fingers of
his right hand forward. The resulting explosion sends TROOPER #4
backward into a ruined building. TROOPER #3 watches in shock.

                       TROOPER #3 (swinging)
          What do you think-

RYUMA, faster than TROOPER #3 can move, jams his sword into his chest.
TROOPER #3 staggers backward.

                           TROOPER #3
          What the...hell...are you...?

VEREE is still peering at RYUMA. A vision begins to appear. Her vision
adjusts to see RYUMA'S aura. He is glowing red with rage, with wings
sprouting out of his back. It is high above him, with wings sprouting
from his back.

                            VEREE
          It's her again...

RYUMA pulls backward with his blade. It starts crackling with black
energy. He thrusts it forward.

                            RYUMA
          VORTEX STRIKE!

The sword apparently pulls RYUMA along with it. TROOPEr #3 watches in
horror as the sword slices into his chest. The black energy wraps
around his body. He screams as he starts to be compressed together.

                           TROOPER #3
          What-is-this-

His chest ruptures from the pressure. With a final gasp, he drops.
RYUMA looks down in satisfaction. He turns to the now-risen TROOPER
#4.

                           TROOPER #4
          We're not finished yet...

RYUMA'S sword rises from his grasp, floats high, and begins to glow.

                            VEREE
          Ryum...my God-

RYUMA cups his hands in front of him, and a ball of energy whips
forth. TROOPER #4'S head explodes.

                            RYUMA
          Yes, we are.

                       SIALA (getting up)
          Ow...damn it...what hit me?

She sees RYUMA.

                            SIALA
          Ryuma?

RYUMA starts to waver, and begins falling backward. SIALA catches him
around his back and chest. The sword falls and imbeds itself in the
ground.

                            RYUMA
          What happened...? I feel so weak...

                            SIALA
          They're gone...

                     VEREE (rushing to RYUMA)
          Ryuma! Are you alright?

SIALA thinks for a moment, then a horrible realization comes to her.
She looks down an RYUMA, shock framing her face.

                       VEREE (seeing SIALA)
          Siala, what is it?

                            RYUMA
          What...?

                            SIALA
          Ryum...your chest...

RYUMA looks down.

                            RYUMA
          What...?

RYUMA brings up a hand to feel his chest.

                            RYUMA
          Oh...no...

RYUMA faints.

                         END OF PART 6

                     COMING UP IN PART 7 --
                         "Dawn of Eil"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 A MATTER OF OPINION, VOLUME I
                      -------------------
                             PART 7
                      -------------------
                            REVISED

                   AN ORIGINAL ANIME FANFIC

                          WRITTEN BY
                           ED HRZIC

                    COPYRIGHT (c) 1996 BY
                           ED HRZIC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Previous parts available at "ftp.cs.ubc.ca" in the directory
"pub/archive/anime-fan-works/Miscellaneous/EdFics" along with most of
my other works.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Send comments to "bd981@@yfn.ysu.edu".
-----------------------------------------------------------------

  AUTHOR'S NOTE: Text between < and > are used to denote a
  character's thoughts.

                    PART 7 -- "DAWN OF EIL"

FADE IN ON:

RYUM, CU

RYUM is kneeling. There is darkness all around him. His eyes are
closed as he holds himself.

                            VOICE
          Come Ryum...

RYUM looks up.

                            VOICE
          Come...Ryum...

Several feet in front of him, a statue of a winged woman materializes.
It is highlighted with a red glow.

                            VOICE
          Come to me Ryum...I have been waiting...

RYUM stands and begins walking toward it.

                            VOICE
          Ryum...

STATUE, CU

The stone of the statue begins to crack. Pieces fall off, revealing a
shadowed form. It laughs.

                            RYUM
          What are you?

It shadow begins walking for him.

                            RYUM
          No!

RYUM turns to run away. It grabs his arm, and spins him around. Its
red eyes stare down into his.

                            VOICE
          You and I...we are alike, Ryum...

                            RYUM
          <What?> No! Let me go!

Wings sprout from its back, and it roars. It bears its pointed teeth
at him and smiles.

                            RYUM
          Oh God No!

The scene is washed in blood.

CUT TO:

INT.      ROOM, DAY

RYUM is in a bed. He wakes up screaming. He pants heavily, as he is
covered with sweat. He looks around as he holds his head.

                            RYUM
          <Where am I?>

He sees that VEREE and SIALA are next to him.

                            VEREE
          Ryum?

RYUM looks down. He puts a hand to his chest to feel it.

                            RYUM
          It wasn't a dream...

RYUM lays back down, disappointed. SIALA puts a hand on his shoulder.

                            SIALA
          Ryum? Are you alright?

                            RYUM
          No...

There is a long silence.

                            RYUM
          Where are we?

                            SIALA
          In one of the houses at the edge of town
          ...one that they didn't destroy...

                     RYUM (closing his eyes)
          Is anyone left...alive?

SIALA turns her head.
                            SIALA
          No...

                            RYUM
          Damn it... What's happened to me...

                            VEREE
          You've turned into a woman...

                            RYUM
          How the hell can that happen?!

                         VEREE (hurt)
          I don't know...

                       RYUM (sitting up)
          I'm sorry Veree...it's just that...

                            SIALA
          Maybe when Chao was making that duplicate of
          you that was female...and when it was thrown
          back into you...you became...

RYUM gets out of bed.

                            SIALA
          Ryum?

RYUM leaves the house.

EXT.      TREE

MATRY is sitting against the tree, outside. She looks up as RYUM
leaves the house. RYUM continues walking.

                            MATRY
          Ryum?

RYUM doesn't answer. He sits under a tree across the path. She stands
and walks over to him.

                            MATRY
          Ryum.

                            RYUM
          Leave me alone.

                            MATRY
          Ryum...

                            RYUM
          I said LEAVE ME ALONE!

RYUM looks away. MATRY kneels next to him.

                            MATRY
          Ryum. You never left me. I'm not going to
          leave you.

                      RYUM (nearly crying)
          Look at me...I'm a woman...I won't be able
          to have the same feelings or emotions...I
          won't be able to love anyone the same
          anymore...

MATRY puts her arms around him and holds him.

                            RYUM
          Oh God Matry... What's going to happen to
          me?

RYUM lets it all go and begins crying.

CUT TO:

INT.      ROOM

SIALA has seen RYUM and MATRY outside.

                            VEREE
          So, what do we do?

                            SIALA
          HOW THE HELL SHOULD I KNOW?!

                            VEREE
          Siala...

SIALA doesn't reply.

                            VEREE
          You're taking this to heart, aren't you?

                            SIALA
          Leave me alone.

                         VEREE (sighing)
          Then we have to do something. Face it
          Siala. You love him.

                            SIALA
          I DO NOT!

                            VEREE
          Fine. Say what you want. I know better.

                 SIALA (glancing out the window)
          What about your magic?

                         VEREE (shocked)
          Siala, what do I look like? An Arch-mage?
          That's what CHAO is. I am not. There's no
          way I'm going to be able to reverse a spell
          of that caliber. Forget it.

                            SIALA
          Are there any other alternatives?

                            VEREE
          We could go to Liki Country.

                            SIALA
          Why?

                            VEREE
          Like I said, I can't reverse it. Someone
          THERE might be able to. I don't know.

                            SIALA
          It's better than nothing.

SIALA walks outside. RYUM is sitting against the tree. MATRY sits on
the other side of the tree.

                            SIALA
          Ryum!

RYUM looks up.

                            RYUM
          What?

                            SIALA
          We're going to Liki Country.

                            RYUM
          Where?

CUT TO:

INT.      FOREST, DAY

RYUM, SIALA, VEREE and MATRY are walking along the path.

                            SIALA
          You've been awfully quiet Ryum.

                            RYUM
          I bet you would be too if YOU were suddenly
          turned into a GUY.

Everyone is quiet.

                            RYUM
          Can we stop here for the day? I'm getting
          pretty tired.

                            MATRY
          I agree.

                            SIALA
          Okay then.

CUT TO:

EXT.      HOT SPRING, NIGHT

RYUM is standing at the bank of the hot-spring. She looks down at her
reflection in the water and shakes her head madly. She pulls off her
clothes and looks down at her own body. She shivers and enters the
water.

                            RYUM
          <Why did this happen? Am I being punished
          for something? Tell me...please...>

CUT TO:

INT.      CAMP, NIGHT
VEREE is laying down. MATRY is leaning against a rock. SIALA walks
into the camp.

                            SIALA
          Where's Ryum?

                            MATRY
          He went to take a bath.

                            VEREE
          Tell him to come back soon. I can't sleep
          without him.

CUT TO:

HOT SPRING
SIALA enters the area. She hears RYUM crying. SIALA, fully dressed,
runs into the water and takes RYUM into her arms.

                            RYUM
          I don't want to be like this... I can't
          even look at myself Siala... I CAN'T live
          like this...

He stands, braking her hold.

                            RYUM
          Look at me... Even as a woman I'd be a
          failure. I'm afraid something's going to
          happen to me which I'll have no control
          over...

                            SIALA
          You're still good-looking...even if you are
          a woman Ryum.

                            RYUM
          It's going to have to be Ryuma...at least
          until we get this changed back to normal.
          Probably forever. What would my parents
          think if they saw me?

                            SIALA
          You're still their child. I'm sure they'd
          understand.

CUT TO:

INT.     CAMP, NIGHT

MATRY is sleeping. VEREE is laying down, with an impatient look on her
face. SIALA and RYUM walk into the camp.

                            VEREE
          Ryum!

RYUM lays next to her

                            RYUM
          It's going to have to be Ryuma for a while.

                            VEREE
          Okay...Ryuma...
RYUM lays down, and VEREE lays on top of her.

                            VEREE
          You're still my teddy bear...only softer
          now.

                            RYUMA
          <Please don't say that.>

FADE TO BLACK

FADE IN ON:

INT.      FOREST, DAY

The quartet is walking once again.

                            MATRY
          Say Ryuma, you seem a little happier
          today.

                            RYUMA
          It's called 'acting.' What is this place
          called Liki Country?

                            SIALA
          It's the homeland of most of Veree's race,
          the Likis.

                            RYUMA
          Hmm? Why go there?

                            SIALA
          There might be a way you can get cured there.

                            VEREE
          But we're not sure. It's a long way to Liki,
          and we may have to stop in Giths as we go
          there.

                            RYUMA
          Giths?

                            MATRY
          Another town...I did one of my first robberies
          there.

                            SIALA
          I'd be surprised where you haven't been.

                         MATRY (smiling)
          Well, I haven't been in Ryum's pants yet.

                            RYUMA
          Leave ME out of this!

CUT TO:

LATER

                            RYUMA
          I can't get used to this...

                            MATRY
          What?

                            RYUMA
          My chest. It's too heavy...

                            SIALA
          I'm not surprised... You've got bigger
          breasts than I do...

                            RYUMA
          Never knew women had it so...difficult...

                   VEREE (whispering to SIALA)
          We better do something quick. This is
          REALLY getting to Ryum. Would you want him
          changed back, only to have him think like a
          woman?

SIGN, CU

The sign reads "Giths -- Town of adventurers. Last chance equipment
store. Population: 58."

                            SIALA
          Here we are.

CUT TO:

INT.      TAVERN, NIGHT

RYUMA drinks a mug of ale. SIALA, RYUM, VEREE and MATRY are sitting at
a table.

                            SIALA
          That's your fifth one! You said you hated
          that stuff!

                            RYUMA
          Well, I've changed my mind!

RYUMA burps slightly.

                            SIALA
          You're going to get drunk!

                            RYUMA
          Looks who's talking! That's YOUR fifth as
          well! You're going to get drunk, too!

CUT TO:

INT.      CHAO'S CASTLE, THRONE ROOM, NIGHT

                            CHAO
          Damn it...

                           RATAEL
          Master...

                            CHAO
          SILENCE! You have failed me! I told you to
          find them and kill them!
                           RATAEL
          He is a Jy-Blood sir, and...

                            CHAO
          I should have YOU killed!

                       RATAEL (kneeling)
          Forgive me master, it won't happen again.

                            CHAO
          Your loyalty to me over the past years
          has granted you another chance. You fail
          me again, and I shall have your head and
          heart in each of my hands.

CHAO gazes down into RATAEL'S face with burning eyes.

                            CHAO
          Understood?

                       RATAEL (fearfully)
          Y-Yes sir...

                            CHAO
          Good.

CUT TO:

INT.      TAVERN, NIGHT

RYUMA is lifting a man into the air by his neck.

                         MAN (gasping)
          I'll...never do it...again! I...promise!

RYUMA throws him into another table. The tavern quiets down. RYUMA
begins to stumble away.

                            RYUMA
          I'm going...to the room...

RYUMA leaves. The tavern resumes its usual demeanor.

                            MATRY
          This IS getting to Ryum. All he did was
          touch her...I mean his...I mean... Ryuma
          got slapped in the ass by that guy.

                            SIALA
          The guy deserved it.

The MAN is being helped up by some people.

                            MATRY
          You do have a point.

                            SIALA
          No, that's just my hair.

MATRY stops, then shakes her head.

                            MATRY
          Whatever. I'm going for a walk outside.
          Make sure Ryum doesn't get into any more
          trouble.

                            VEREE
          Gotcha!

MATRY stands and leaves. She walks along the roads of the town.

                            MATRY
          <Damn it. What the hell is going on?
          There's more to this situation than
          meets the eye. Chao... The Arch-mage...He
          kept chanting "Jy-Blood"... Is Ryum somehow
          important in the scheme of things... Hell,
          now I'm in love with a "woman"... This
          could complicate things severely...>

CUT TO:

INT.      ROOM, NIGHT

RYUMA is standing in front of a mirror. SIALA enters the room as RYUMA
sheds all of her clothes.

                            SIALA
          Ryuma? Are you sure you're alright?

RYUMA turns to her.

                            RYUMA
          Well, what do you think?

                            SIALA
          Ryum!

                            RYUMA
          Remember, it's Ryuma. So, how do I look?

                            SIALA
          What do you mean?

RYUMA turns back to the mirror.

                            RYUMA
          My body! Nice, doncha think? I would
          go after this body... If I was still
          a man...

                            SIALA
          Ryum...

                            RYUMA
          It's Ryuma, remember?

SIALA slaps him. Twice.

                            SIALA
          Ryum! Will you quit this silly shit?! You
          are a MAN!

                            RYUMA
          No! I'm not! Look at me! I'm a WOMAN! I'm
          going to be like this for the rest of my
          life!

                            SIALA
          No! We'll find a cure! You won't be like
          this forever!

                            RYUMA
          That's a matter of opinion!

RYUMA walks over to the bed and sits down on it.

                            SIALA
          Ryum, you're drunk.

                            RYUMA
          Funny, isn't it?

                            SIALA
          Have you ever been drunk before?

                            RYUMA
          No. I think I'm going to go to sleep.

RYUMA lays down, naked, and falls asleep. SIALA sits down next to him.
She takes RYUMA into her arms and holds her.

                            SIALA
          Poor Ryum.

She kisses her on the forehead.

CUT TO:

INT.      ROOM, DAY

SIALA is up, and packing her stuff. RYUMA wakes.

                            RYUMA
          Ow... My head... It feels like my brain
          was put in a dish-washer...

                            SIALA
          Well, live with it... Hangovers are like
          that. We've also got a lot of marching to
          do today. We probably can make it to Liki
          by sunset.

                            RYUMA
          Joy... Wait a minute...

RYUMA looks at herself.

                            RYUMA
          I'm naked!

                            SIALA
          ...And?

                            RYUMA
          What did I do last night? It's all a blur...

                            SIALA
          You did just the same thing I do when I'm
          drunk. You fell asleep.

                            RYUMA
          How reassuring.

CUT TO:

INT.      FOREST, DAY

RYUMA, SIALA, VEREE and MATRY are walking again. RYUMA rubs her chest.
MATRY slaps his hand away.

                            MATRY
          Stop playing with yourself!

                            RYUMA
          Sorry...I'm not used to them. I think
          they're going to fall off or something...
          They're also sorta "neat"...

                            MATRY
          Neat? You DO need to get changed back...
          and fast.

                            VEREE
          Are we at Liki yet?

                            SIALA
          A few more miles...

As they walk by, TROOPER #5 scans them from the branches above.

                          TROOPER #5
          <Ah, there they are...going to Liki Country.
          Ratael will be pleased.>

He jumps down and heads in the opposite direction.

CUT TO:

EXT.      CITY, SUNSET

                            SIALA
          There it is!

They all look at the rather large city, with houses made of white
marble. They walk through the open gates.

                            VEREE
          Hey, where is everybody?

                           RATAEL
          Greeeeeeeetings!

They turn to look behind them. RATAEL'S troops close the gates.

                           RATAEL
          So nice to make your acquaintance, Jy-Blood.

                            RYUMA
          The name's Ryuma. You call me "Jy-Blood"
          once more, and I'll spill your guts over
          the pavement.
                           RATAEL
          Pavement?

RYUMA points to the ground with her sword.

                            RYUMA
          THE GROUND YOU NIMROD! THE GROUND!

                           RATAEL
          Oh, you worlders are so confusing...

                            RYUMA
          I'm sick to death of this. What are you
          here for?

                           RATAEL
          To either bring you to Master Chao...or
          to kill you.

                            RYUMA
          Well, looks like it's going to have to
          be the latter, since I don't have any
          intentions of being married any time soon-

                           RATAEL
          I could come back later...

                            RYUMA
          -or any other time!

RATAEL pull our what appears to be the hilt of a sword.

                           RATAEL
          Looks like I'll have to kill you then.
          Chao will be so disappointed.

                     RYUMA (sarcastically)
          Oh Gee! Just shut up and start fighting!

                           RATAEL
          Very well. To make sure your friends don't
          help you, I've got some companions for them,
          too.

RATAEL makes a motion with his hand, and TROOPERS #5, #6 and #7 appear
behind VEREE, SIALA and MATRY.

                            MATRY
          Not AGAIN! I'm REALLY getting sick of these guys...

                           RATAEL
          Shall we dance then?

                            RYUMA
          Your sword appears to be broken.

RATAEL grins and a bright neon blade flashes out from his hilt.

                           RATAEL
          Really?

                            RYUMA
          Uh oh...
RATAEL attacks and RYUMA parries. RATAEL knees her in the stomach.
RYUMA retaliates by tackling him.

CUT TO:

VEREE

A large chain wraps around her body, and she is dragged close to
TROOPER #5.

                          TROOPER #5
          Oh, what a pretty little prize!

VEREE struggles against his grip. He strokes her cheek.

                          TROOPER #5
          What a nice young face!

                            VEREE
          Let go of me you brute!

VEREE knees him in the groin.

                          TROOPER #5
          Ow!

VEREE starts chanting.

                          TROOPER #5
          What do you-

TROOPER #5 disappears.

                        VEREE (smiling)
          That ought to keep him out of trouble for
          a while.

CUT TO:

EXT.      SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAIN, DAY

                      TROOPER #5 (shivering)
          Uh, hello? Is anyone out there? It's
          a little nippy here...

CUT TO:

INT.      LIKI

MATRY deflects two daggers. Two more imbed themselves in her left leg.

                            MATRY
          Ow...

MATRY looks at TROOPER #6 and glows.

                            MATRY
          PHOENIX CHARGE!

She rushes at TROOPER #6.

                          TROOPER #6
          What the-
She skewers him on her blade as they are propelled toward a wall.

                            MATRY
          Die!

TROOPER #6 gurgles and falls. She pits on him. She pulls the two
daggers out of her leg and looks at them.

                            MATRY
          Nice...

CUT TO:

RYUMA

RYUMA'S breathing has become ragged. Her clothing is ripped and gashed
from wounds. RATAEL appears to be the same.

                           RATAEL
          For one who doesn't have formal training,
          such as I, you're very skilled.

                            RYUMA
          Grace under pressure.

RATAEL smiles and attacks again.

CUT TO:

SIALA

The body of TROOPER #7 drops.

                            SIALA
          This is almost too easy...

                            CHAO
          And so it is my friend!

Everybody turns and look. CHAO is standing on the wall of Liki.

                            RYUMA
          ...not again.

                            CHAO
          And hello again Jy-Blood. I have returned
          to kill you.

                        END OF PART 7

                    COMING UP IN PART 8 -- 
                       "Eil, Herself"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 A MATTER OF OPINION, VOLUME I
                      -------------------
                             PART 8
                      -------------------
                            REVISED

                   AN ORIGINAL ANIME FANFIC

                          WRITTEN BY
                           ED HRZIC

                    COPYRIGHT (c) 1996 BY
                           ED HRZIC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Previous parts available at "ftp.cs.ubc.ca" in the directory
"pub/archive/anime-fan-works/Miscellaneous/EdFics" along with
some of my other works.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Send comments to "bd981@@yfn.ysu.edu". Thanks!
-----------------------------------------------------------------

  AUTHOR'S NOTE: Text between < and > are used to denote a
  character's thoughts.

                  PART 8 -- "EIL, HERSELF"

FADE IN ON:

INT.      TOWN OF LIKI, NIGHT

CHAO is standing upon the wall to LIKI. RYUMA, SIALA, MATRY and
VEREE are standing on the ground, looking up at him. RATAEL is
looking as well.

                   RYUMA (pointing at CHAO)
          I am REALLY getting tired of you!

                            CHAO
          And I tire of chasing after YOU.

                            RYUMA
          Then STOP. Look, it's really simple...

                            CHAO
          Ratael!

RATAEL stands at attention.

                           RATAEL
          Yes sir?

                            CHAO
          Please move away. I need to rupture this poor
          man's body.

RATAEL takes a big step to the left, clearly away from RYUMA.

CHAO begins harnessing energy. He glows blue.

                            RYUMA
          I'm a woman.

                        CHAO (stopping)
          Whuh?

                            RYUMA
          I said...

He cups her hands over her mouth

                         RYUMA cont'd
          I'M A WOMAN!

                            CHAO
          First you're a man...now you're a woman...
          WILL YOU MAKE UP YOUR BLOODY MIND?!

                            RYUMA
          Hey! It's not MY fault! You're the one who
          tried to make a clone! It backfired and now
          I'm a woman!

                       CHAO (shrugging)
          It does not make any difference. I will
          kill you anyway.

CHAO begins charging again.

                            RYUMA
          Like hel-

RYUMA tries to step forward.

                         RYUMA cont'd
          What?

RYUMA cannot move.

                            RYUMA
          Siala! Matry! Help! I can't move!

CHAO chuckles. SIALA and MATRY run to RYUMA and try to move her.
She still can't move. CHAO continues chanting. A large ball of
energy appears in front of him, and continues to grow.

                    RATAEL (glancing around)
          I think I'd better leave. I don't want to
          be at ground zero when Chao let's loose...

RATAEL and his troops disappear in a cloud of smoke, running from
the town at high speed. SIALA and MATRY are still trying to free
RYUMA from the invisible force.

                            MATRY
          It's no use!

                            RYUMA
          Run then!

                            SIALA
          What?

                            RYUMA
          Run! There's no use in you two dying as
          well!

                            MATRY
          We can't just leave you here!

                            RYUMA
          You can't do anything to help me anyway!

                            SIALA
          Ryum...

                            RYUMA
          Run! It was fun while it lasted!

                            MATRY
          Ryum...

                            RYUMA
          GO! GET OUT OF HERE!

SIALA and MATRY retreat to the buildings. RYUMA looks up at CHAO
despicably.

                            RYUMA
          You coward...Not even giving me a fair
          fight...

                     CHAO (concentrating)
          But, I am winning.

CHAO throws his hands forward. The large energy ball flies toward
RYUMA at incredible speed. RYUMA braces herself for impact. There
is a huge explosion that rocks the town. SIALA and MATRY shield
their eyes from the dirt. CHAO folds his arms and laughs.

                            SIALA
          Ryum...NO!!!

MATRY'S eyes narrow to where RYUMA was.

                            MATRY
          Siala! Look!

CHAO looks to where RYUMA was.

                            CHAO
          What?! I don't believe it!

RYUMA is still standing there, a bright shield surrounding her.

                     RYUMA (glancing around)
          What? What is this?

                            CHAO
          You should be dead!

                            RYUMA
          Look's like I'm not!

                            CHAO
          But...how?

                            VOICES
          Us!

CHAO, MATRY and SIALA look to the sky. There, floating above the
city, are several people.

                            CHAO
          The people of Liki! I told Ratael to
          imprison you!

                            MAN
          Well, we aren't. Everyone! Fire!

The people start raining energy bolts down at CHAO. CHAO does his
best to deflect them.

                            CHAO
          You cannot do this! I am Chao! The most
          powerful mage on Dutare!

RYUMA begins to move. CHAO'S spell is broken.

                            RYUMA
          Looks like you're not having a very good
          week.

RYUMA'S sword begins to glow. She looks down at it. CHAO makes a
sweep of his arm. A large gravity wave comes forth, hitting the
people in the sky, making them stop their attack.

                            CHAO
          That's better. Now, where were we?

CHAO looks to where RYUMA was. RYUMA taps him on the shoulder.

                            RYUMA
          Excuse me.
                        CHAO (turning)
          What?

                            RYUMA
          Have you ever danced with the devil
          in the pale moonlight?

RYUMA gives CHAO a right hook. CHAO falls on his back, while
still on the wall. He stands back up. RYUMA readies her sword in
both hands.

                            CHAO
          You little wench...

CHAO catches himself.

                         CHAO cont'd

          ...bastard...

He shakes his head.

                        CHAO cont'd
          ...whatever...

                            RYUMA
          Take your pick, it doesn't matter.

CHAO throws his right arm outward to his side. 

                            CHAO
          You call THAT a sword? Let me show you a sword!

A HUGE flamberge appear in his hand. He swings downward. RYUMA
parries. Several blows are exchanged, and the fight appear to be
even. Suddenly, CHAO gets in a few extra hits, making RYUMA to
start losing her stamina and will.

                            CHAO
          So it seems that you weren't strong enough.
          Don't worry. I'll make it end painlessly
          for you.

RYUMA'S eyes flash, and the sword begins to glow brightly,
brighter than ever before.

                            CHAO
          Now what?!

RYUMA starts to float in mid-air. Light pours from her body. CHAO
shields his eyes.

                            CHAO
          What is going on?!
A ball of energy flies from RYUMA at CHAO.

                       CHAO (blocking)
          What?!

Another fireball flies toward him. CHAO parries. Another, and
another, and another take its place.

                            CHAO
          This...is...getting...monotonous!

RYUMA screams in rage. An energy wave pours from her body, making
CHAO throw up a shield.

                            CHAO
          I...don't understand...

He jumps up and hovers in the air. Several more fireballs fly
from RYUMA. CHAO is hit several times.

                            CHAO
          This isn't over yet!

CHAO twirls his cape around himself.

                          CHAO cont'd
          I'll be back!

CHAO vanishes in a vortex of wind. RYUMA continues to glow.

                            SIALA
          He's gone!

RYUMA'S aura starts to fade.

                            MATRY
          Ryum!

MATRY runs from her cover. RYUMA falls as the aura finally fades.
MATRY catches her.

                            MATRY
          Ryum...

RYUMA fails to respond.

CUT TO:

DARKNESS

RYUM is floating in the darkness, eyes closed.

                            RYUMA
          Ryum...
RYUM looks up. RYUMA is floating in front of him.

                            RYUMA
          It's time for you to come out Ryum.

                            RYUM
          What?

                            RYUMA
          We are a part of each other now.

She takes his hand into hers.

                         RYUMA cont'd

          We are one. You must accept it. Call me
          when you need me...

                            RYUM
          What-?

RYUMA begins to float away.

FADE TO BLACK

FADE IN ON:

INT.      ROOM, DAY

RYUM is laying in bed. VEREE is sitting in the chair next to him.
He sits up.

                            VEREE
          Ryum!

                    RYUM (holding his head)
          What...What happened?

                            VEREE
          You're alive!

RYUM pulls the covers off of him and looks down.

                            RYUM
          I'm a guy again!

He then realizes that VEREE is there and is looking as well. She
turns red.

                            RYUM
          Gaaaaaaa!

He quickly pulls the covers back over him and turns red.

                            RYUM
          Well, at least I'm back to normal.

                            VEREE
          Yes, I noticed...

CUT TO:

INT.      ROOM

RYUM (dressed), SIALA, MATRY and VEREE are sitting around a
table. The ELDER comes in. He is the typical elder stock -- white
hair, white beard, cane, etc. He takes a seat across from RYUM.

                            ELDER
          It seems that you have a unique gift,
          Ryum.

                            RYUM
          For drawing trouble?

                            ELDER
          No. As a Jy-Blood, you have powers
          different than that of those here on
          Dutare. They can be somewhat unpredictable.

                            RYUM
          Wonderful. So, hypothetically, if I'm
          having a bad day, it's possible that I can
          blow up the planet. Is that correct?

                            ELDER
          Speaking hypothetically, yes.

                            RYUM
          Gee, that's swell.

                            ELDER
          But you're unlike the other Jy-Blood here...

                            RYUM
          There's another person from my world here?!

                            ELDER
          Yes, he appeared several days ago.

                            RYUM
          Can I see him?

                       ELDER (standing)
          I don't see why not.

CUT TO:

INT.      ROOM

A young main with blond hair is sitting at a table, eating some
soup. RYUM steps in.

                            RYUM
          Chance! It's you!

CHANCE does a double-take.

                           CHANCE
          Ryum?! What are YOU doing here?!

CHANCE stands to shake his hand.

                            RYUM
          I should ask you the same question.

                           CHANCE
          Well, I was out boating when I hit this
          weird fog that had appeared. Then I hit
          a rock. Then I appeared here.

                            RYUM
          Sounds like how I got here.

                           CHANCE
          I never thought I'd see another person
          from earth here. I was beginning to wonder
          if there's a way to get home.

                            RYUM
          Wait a minute! You're the missing person!

                           CHANCE
          Huh?

                            RYUM
          There's a missing persons alert out for
          you. Come to think of it, now that I'm
          here, there's probably one for me too.

                           CHANCE
          Well, I've got to say that these people
          are friendly here. I haven't had any
          problems.

                         RYUM (sitting)
          I don't think things can get any worse for
          me. I've been through most everything that
          could be thrown at me.

                            CHANCE
          Things can't be THAT bad.

                            RYUM
          That's a matter of opinion.

                       CHANCE (sitting)
          Okay, tell me. Why are things soooo bad?

                            RYUM
          First, I had to dress up as a woman to
          get into a city that tolerates only
          women.

                           CHANCE
          Okay.

                            RYUM
          Second, I'm almost killed by a thief, who
          now has taken some sort of interest with me.

                           CHANCE
          Okay.

                            RYUM
          Third, I've got some maniacal mage on my
          back who wants to kill me.

                           CHANCE
          Okay...

                            RYUM
          Fourth, he tried to make a clone of
          me, failed, and turned me into a woman.

                           CHANCE
          Okay...

                            RYUM
          Fifth, now, I exist as part woman-part man.

                           CHANCE
          You mean like your upper body is male and
          lower is-

                            RYUM
          No, you moron! It's like I switch bodies
          but not really minds.

                           CHANCE
          Ah...

                            RYUM
          Not to mention that I have to wear an
          embarrassingly short costume when I AM
          a woman...

                           CHANCE
          Hmmm...

                            RYUM
          What are you 'hmmm'ing about?

                           CHANCE
          You're right. Things are as bad as you say
          they are.

RYUM slaps CHANCE on the shoulder.

                            RYUM
          Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence.

VEREE enters the room, soon followed by MATRY and SIALA.

                            VEREE
          There you are! We've been looking for you!
          It took us forever!

                            RYUM
          Veree...You could have just asked the elder.
          HE knew where I was.

                    VEREE (stupid expression)
          Oh...

                            SIALA
          Anyway, we found you. Ryum, I'd be careful.
          I think Chao's not going to give up until
          you, and/or he, is dead. Come to think of it,
          death probably won't stop him either.

                            MATRY
          Who's your friend?

                            RYUM
          Oh, this is Chance. He's from my world too.
          Chance, this is Veree-

VEREE jumps right in front of his face.

                            VEREE
          HI!!!

                           CHANCE
          Uh...pleased to meet you.

                            RYUM
          Sit down Veree.

                            VEREE
Okay.
VEREE sits down on the floor, happily.

                            RYUM
          And these two are Matry and Siala. Matry
          was the one who tried to kill me earlier.

                           CHANCE
          Oh...pleased to meet y'all too. Ryum? Have
          you found a way to get BACK?

                            RYUM
          No. We've been working on it though.

The ELDER walks in.

                            RYUM
          It's getting crowded in here...

                            ELDER
          Ryum, have you spoke with the other Jy-Blood?

                            RYUM
          HOLD IT! HOLD IT! HOLD IT!

                            ELDER
          Yes?

                            RYUM
          What is the actual meaning of this 'Jy-
          Blood' everyone's been calling us?

The ELDER coughs to clear his throat.

                            ELDER
          Well, you see, everyone here on Dutare
          has some soft of magic flowing though their
          veins, along with their blood. Thus, everyone
          here would be called a 'Ny-Blood.' But-

                           CHANCE
          There's always a but some-place...

                 RYUM (whispering to CHANCE)
          Yeah. Siala's is pretty good.

                            SIALA
          Huh? What was that?

                     RYUM (innocent smile)
          Oh...nothing.

                            ELDER
          MAY I CONTINUE?!

                            RYUM
          If you wish.

                            ELDER
          'Jy' means 'without magic.' You have no
          actual magic in your bodies, but you can
          harness it from the world around you. Thus,
          your magical properties are much more powerful
          than those on Dutare. A magic-user here can
          only use what he has-

                            VEREE
          Hey!

                            ELDER
          Excuse me...or SHE, has in her body. That
          can be quite a bit, as in Chao's case, but
          not as much as a Jy-Blood's ability.

                            RYUM
          How convenient for the plot.

                            ELDER
          Exactly.

a Likian comes running into the room.

                           LIKIAN
          Elder!

                            ELDER
          What is it?

                           LIKIAN
          Eil's Cave is glowing!

                            ELDER
          How so?

                           LIKIAN
          Like the last time!

                            MATRY
          What's going on?

                            ELDER
          There is a cave to the north of the
          town, called 'Eil's Cave.' Inside, a
          succubus was imprisoned by a young warrior
          one hundred years ago.

                            SIALA
          Let me guess...he was a Jy-Blood, right?

                            ELDER
          As a matter of fact...yes.

SIALA, MATRY, VEREE and the ELDER look at RYUM.

                            RYUM
          Uh... Why are you looking at me like that?

MATRY picks up RYUM and begins dragging him out of the room.

                            MATRY
          Come on Ryum. You know as well as I.

                            RYUM
          Oh well. See you later Chance.

                           CHANCE
          Okay.

CUT TO:

ROAD TO EIL'S CAVE

                            RYUM
          This is getting freaky.

                            MATRY
          What? Did you eat something that didn't
          agree with you?

                            RYUM
          No. Everything that's happened.

                            VEREE
          Don't worry! You're still my Ryum!

She hugs him around the waist.

                            RYUM
          Thanks Veree.

Ahead of them, several Likians are watching the cave from a good
distance. It is glowing green, blue and red. A lightning bolt
arches across the sky.

                            RYUM
          Nice touch.

The Likians part to allow the quartet access to the cave. RYUM
looks at the cave.

                            RYUM
          The entrance is sealed!

A ghostly IMAGE appears before them.

                            IMAGE
          Ryum. You already know your true destiny.
          You will have to adopt the evil that resides
          inside to truly know who you are and unlock
          what you are.

                            RYUM
          Duhhhhhh...whuh?

The IMAGE disappears. The entrance promptly opens after the image
disappears.

                            SIALA
          Shall we go in?

                            VEREE
          It looks scary in there...

                            RYUM
          C'mon. There's nothing to be scared of.
          It's ONLY a succubus.

                            SIALA
          I'm sure you'd like that.

                            RYUM
          You know... you're right.

CUT TO:

INT.      EIL'S CAVE

The group walks down a long tunnel. A blue light illuminates
their entire trip. They eventually come to a sealed door. RYUM
tries to open it, unsuccessfully.

                            RYUM
          Now what?

                            SIALA
          We could break it down.
                            MATRY
          That might be sacrilege. What if there's
          a spell sealing it? It could blow up on us.

                            RYUM
          Gee, that makes things a WHOLE lot easier on my mind.

RYUM takes another look at the door.

                         RYUM cont'd

          What do you think Veree? You got something
          to help?

VEREE doesn't even answer.

                     RYUM (turning around)
          Veree?

SIALA and MATRY turn around as well. VEREE is sitting upon the
floor as if she fell on her bottom. Her hands cover her mouth. A
look of shock frames her face.

                            MATRY
          What is it?

                            SIALA
          What's wrong?
                            RYUM
          What's she looking at?

RYUM'S follows her gaze to where VEREE is looking...above the
door. There is a face of a woman carved upon it.

                            RYUM
          Oh man...

                            SIALA
          What is it?

RYUM remembers the face of the statue from his dream.

                            VEREE
          The evil lady...

                            SIALA
          WOULD SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT THE HELL IS
          GOING ON?!

                            RYUM
          She's right.

                            SIALA
          RIGHT ABOUT WHAT?!
                            RYUM
          The woman above the door-frame is the same
          face on the hilt of my sword here.

RYUM pulls his sword out. MATRY takes a look at it.

                            MATRY
          Geez...

The door slowly opens.


                            RYUM
          Uh-oh...

                            SIALA
          We've got to check it out.

                            RYUM
          Okay...let's go.

                            MATRY
          Veree won't move. I'll stay with her. You
          two go in. If there is any danger, scream
          really loud.

                            RYUM
          Don't worry, we will.

INT.      LARGE ROOM

The room looks like a huge cathedral.

                            VOICE
          Ryum...

                            RYUM
          What? Did you say something?

                            SIALA
          No.

                            VOICE
          Ryum...

RYUM stops.

                            RYUM
          Do you hear anything?

                            SIALA
          No.

                            VOICE
          Ryum... I've been waiting for you...to
          release me...

                            RYUM
          What?!

Something in the darkness begins to glow red.

                            SIALA
          What the hell is that?

                            RYUM
          Oh my G- <It's from my nightmare...>

There, a statue of a winged woman glows.

                        END OF PART 8

                     Coming up in part 9 --
                    "A Chance In A Million"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 A MATTER OF OPINION, VOLUME I
                      -------------------
                             PART 9
                      -------------------
                            REVISED

                   AN ORIGINAL ANIME FANFIC

                          WRITTEN BY
                           ED HRZIC

                     COPYRIGHT (c) 1996 BY
                           ED HRZIC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Previous parts available at "ftp.cs.ubc.ca" in the directory
"pub/archive/anime-fan-works/Miscellaneous/EdFics" along with some of
my other works.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Send comments to "bd981@@yfn.ysu.edu". Thanks!
-----------------------------------------------------------------

  AUTHOR'S NOTE: Text between < and > are used to denote a
  character's thoughts.

              PART 9 -- "A CHANCE IN A MILLION"

                            RYUM
          Geez... Look at it.

                            SIALA
          I...don't like this.

                            RYUM
          You and me both.

MATRY enters in behind them.

                            MATRY
          Veree's okay. She's calmed down a lit-

She sees the statue.

                         MATRY cont'd
          What in HELL is that?!

                            VOICE
          <Ryum...at last you've come!>

RYUM puts his hands to his head.

                            RYUM
          Stop it!

                            SIALA
          Stop what? Ryum...?

                            RYUM
          A voice...in my head...

                            MATRY
          ...In your head?

                            SIALA
          ...In your head?

A hole in the floor opens. ED pops out.

                              ED
          Zombie!

He disappears.

                            VOICE
          <I've dreamt of you for one hundred years...
          you will relieve my solitude...a soul to
          share...>

RYUM kneels on the ground.

                            RYUM
          Stop it, please...

                            VOICE
          ...your face...your tears...I could see them
          ...COME TO ME!

RYUM stands and walks toward the statue blindly.

                            MATRY
          Ryum! What the hell are you doing?! Get back
          here!

                            SIALA
          Ryum!

He takes a step.

                            RYUM
          <Who are you?>

                            VOICE
          <I am Eil.>

RYUM takes another step.

                            RYUM
          <Eil?>

                            VOICE
          <Yes. I am hated. I am abhorred. I am evil.
          I am a daemon.>

SIALA runs in front of him.

                            SIALA
          Ryum! Get back!

The statue begins to glow brighter and brighter.

                            MATRY
          Siala! The statue!

                        SIALA (turning)
          Wha-

SIALA is flung past MATRY, against the wall.

                            VOICE
          <Ryum...>

                            MATRY
          Ryum!

RYUM reaches the statue.

                            VOICE
          <Ryum...>

                            MATRY
          RYUM! ANSWER ME! WHAT IS GOING ON?!

                            CHAO
          I would like to know that as well!

MATRY turns. CHAO is holding VEREE by the neck.

                            MATRY
          Chao?!

                            CHAO
          Yes. I am back. I told you I would be.

                         RYUM (turns)
          Chao...

                            CHAO
          YOU! I SHALL KILL YOU NOW!

CHAO throws VEREE down, and launches a crackling ball of energy at
RYUM. He is hit and flies back to the opposite wall, behind the
statue.

                            VEREE
          Ryum!

RYUM fails to move.

                            MATRY
          Ryum! Get up!

RYUM still does not move.

                            CHAO
          Damn it. I thought it would be more of a
          challenge, like the other fights he put up...

                    MATRY (turning to him)
          Bastard! You bastard!

                            CHAO
          So I'm a bastard now?

He raises his hand, which begins to glow.

                         CHAO cont'd
          SO BE IT!
He flings a ball of energy at MATRY. She tries to parry, but her sword
and barrier are not enough. She flies back.

                            CHAO
          Hmmm. Not that impressive.

                            SIALA
          Chao!

CHAO turns. SIALA leaps in the air and brings her sword downward. He
throws up a barrier. SIALA hits it and is held in mid-air.

                            SIALA
          What?!

CHAO smiles. He pulls back his fists and slams one into her chest, and
another into her face. She falls backward.

                            CHAO
          I hate those who stand against me. Now,
          sadly, you will have to die with him. Why are
          all of my enemies good looking women?

                        SIALA (rising)
          You sicken me.

                            CHAO
          Is that so?

He hears footfalls behind him. He spins, and side-steps away from
MARY'S down-swing. He extends a claw and rakes it across her face, and
grabs her neck. She gasps. He throws her across the room. SIALA tries
to attack again. CHAO calmly ducks, and punches her in the stomach
again. He stands straight and continues to pummel her. She coughs up
blood onto the floor. CHAO swings around with a perfectly placed
roundhouse kick, sending her sprawling to the floor. He walks over and
kicks her prone body.

                            CHAO
          I can be far worse.

He cracks his knuckles.

                          CHAO cont'd
          And you will experience it as ever nerve in
          your body screams to be killed.

SIALA stirs somewhat, but can't move. CHAO takes another step. He is
knocked into the wall by a fireball.

                            VEREE
          Siala!

VEREE runs over to her.

                          VEREE cont'd

          Siala! Are you badly hurt?

SIALA doesn't answer. CHAO gets up.

                            CHAO
          You little wench...
VEREE readies herself to cast another spell.

                            CHAO
          No you don't!

CHAO sprints forward and give her an uppercut. VEREE flies upward.
CHAO pulls back and launches a fireball. VEREE is hit and flies
backward.

                            CHAO
          Pathetic fools.

He looks over at the motionless body of RYUM.

                            CHAO
          I wish you could have survived to see the
          end... I wish this would have been more of
          a challenge.

He sees that the statue is glowing.

                          CHAO cont'd
          What the hell...?

He shakes his head.

                            CHAO
          No matter...

SIALA begins to move.

                            CHAO
          I'll have to finish them.

He turns and thrusts his hands forward. Strands of light fly forth and
form a cage of-sorts around SIALA. The cage then begins its shock
treatment. SIALA screams.

                       CHAO (laughing)
          See?

He then turns to MATRY. He throws his arms forward, and she is
enveloped in a red mist. She grasps at her throat.

                            MATRY
          ...can't...breath...

He finally turns to VEREE.

                            CHAO
          Since they are taken care of, it's time for
          you, my little dear...

VEREE sits up. CHAO raises his hands above his head and begins to
harness more energy.

RYUM FACE, CU

RYUM begins to move.

                            RYUM
          Ow...damn it...what did he hit me with?

RYUM sees the current situation.

SIALA'S FACE, CU

MATRY'S FACE, CU

                            RYUM
          No... NO!!!! DAMN YOU!!! NO!!!!

CHAO continues his harnessing.

                            CHAO
          So you ARE alive, Jy-Blood! But it does
          not matter. Your friends will all die
          within a matter of moments.

                            RYUM
          No!

                            VOICE
          <Ryum...I can help them...>

                            RYUM
          <What? ...Then do it! Please!>

                            VOICE
          <Not without your help...>

                            RYUM
          <Anything! Please help them!>

                            VOICE
          <I need you, Ryum...>

                            RYUM
          <What?>

                            VOICE
          <You must free me...I must become part of
          you...>

FADE TO:

EXT.       EIL'S CAVE

                            IMAGE
          ...You will have to adopt the evil that resides
          inside...

FADE TO:

INT.       EIL'S CAVE

                            VOICE
<Ryum...>

He pauses a moment to consider it.

                            RYUM
          <Very well.>

                            VOICE
          <Do you see the hole in the base of the
          statue?>

BASE OF STATUE, CU

He sees the hole.

                            RYUM
          <Yes.>

                            VOICE
          <Slide the blade of your sword into it.>

RYUM looks at his sword briefly, and sticks it in. the statue, plus
the sword, start to glow gold. It catches CHAO'S attention.

                            CHAO
          What in the-

The statue starts to break. RYUM still holds onto the sword. He
screams as chains of lightning wrap around his body, originating from
the sword.

                            CHAO
          I don't believe it...

The is a huge burst of light. CHAO has to shield his eyes. He opens
them up. MATRY and SIALA are free. RYUM is gone.

                            CHAO
          What?!

There is a woman with red hair, wings and horns. She kneeling where he
was. She stands and looks up at CHAO.

                            CHAO
          I don't understand...

She bares her teeth and her eyes glow.

                            CHAO
          Who are you?!

                             EIL
          I am Eil. And you shall be dead...

EIL disappears.

                            CHAO
          What-?

CHAo is flung against the wall. EIL appears in front of him. He hands
glow with fire as she grabs CHAO and begins to burn him. He screams,
then kicks out of her grasp. He moves to a more strategic position.
CHANCE is watching the battle from the entrance. CHAO unleashes
several more fireballs. EIL flies upward, and retaliates with her own.
CHAO parries, and concentrates for a more powerful blast. He tosses
it. EIL dodges, and the blast imbeds itself in the ceiling. She
charges downward upon CHAO. She kicks him in the stomach, grabs him
around the waist, and pulls him up into the air.

                            CHAO
          Let go of me you bitch! 

CHAO calls upon his flamberge and smacks her across the face with the
hilt. She lets go of him, and he flips to the ground.

                            CHAO
          Enough with these games!

EIL lands on the ground several feet away from him.

                            CHAO
          We end this now.

He brandishes his sword. EIL calls upon her own sword, which is RYUM'S
as well.

                             EIL
          With pleasure.

They clash. CHAO punches her in the face. EIL slashes his chest. He
slashes back. EIL stumbles backward from the force of the blow. CHAO
charges up and fires again. EIL is hit, but stays up. Sword glowing,
she slashes downward, sending an energy wave out at CHAO. He blocks
with a barrier and shoots again. EIL dodges, and the blast rips into
the wall.

VEREE'S FACE, CU

VEREE gets up. She holds her head.

                            VEREE
          What happened?

She sees the fight.

                         VEREE cont'd
          Chao...

She sees EIL.

                         VEREE cont'd
          Who the...? Where's Ryum?

CHAO and EIL clash again.

                            CHAO
          You WILL die.

                             EIL
          That's a matter of opinion. I've been dead for
          a hundred years. I already know death. I have
          seen his face every moment of my existence. The
          question should be, "do you?"

CHAO slams his knee into her stomach. She doubles over. He kicks her
in the face and slashes her as she tumbles to the ground.

                            CHAO
          Looks like we'll never know. And you shall see
          death... again.

His flamberge disappears and he throws his arms into the air.

                            CHAO
          HEAR ME MASTER! GRANT ME THE POWER I DESIRE
          TO LAY WASTE TO THOSE WHO OPPOSE YOU!

CHAO grows brightly. EIL clutches at her chest wound. VEREE has pulled
MATRY to the exit. CHAO'S energy is shaking the entire cave. Rocks are
beginning to fall. Wall upon wave of energy clashes against the walls.
There is another bright flash as the back wall of the cave begins to
shimmer.

                            MATRY
          What is THAT?

PORTAL, CU

Through the portal, the image of a dock and a lake can be seen.\

                            VEREE
          It's...it's a portal! RYUM can get home!

                            CHANCE
          Home! We can get home!

A beam hits EIL. She flies backward into the wall, falling
unconscious. Her body starts to ripple. RYUM takes her place.

                         RYUM (groggy)
          Ow...

                            CHAO
          DIE NOW, JY-BLOOD!

                          ELDER V-O
          <You can harness it from the world around
          you...>

                            RYUM
          <You better be right...>

He stands, painfully, and begins to concentrate.

                            CHAO
          You stand against the assault?! You have
          made me happy Jy-Blood! When I spill your
          entrails upon the ground!

                            RYUM
          Will you, for once, SHUT THE HELL UP?!?!?!

RYUM continues to concentrate. CHAO does as well.

                            RYUMA V-O
          <Concentrate, Ryum...concentrate.>

VEREE, MATRY and CHANCE watch from the exit. The cave continues to
fall apart. CHAO and RYUM launch their energy blasts simultaneously.
The blasts meet each other. CHAO'S seems to overwhelm RYUM'S.

                            CHAO
          See how much power I have, Jy-Blood? You
          cannot win!

RYUM screams in anger and hate. RYUM'S blast gains power and begins to
take over CHAO'S. It goes through and throws CHAO against the wall,
neat the exit. CHAO smokes from the attack. A chasm opens in the
floor.

                            CHAO
          I... I will not be destroyed...so easily...

CHAO gets up and runs past the three spectators, down the hall.

                            MATRY
          Chao!

MATRY begins to chase him. CHAO punches her in the stomach and she
falls to the ground. RYUM collapses to one knee. CHANCE runs out to
him.

                            CHANCE
          Ryum! We can get home!

He points to the portal.

                          CHANCE cont'd

          That portal will take us home!

The cave continues to collapse. RYUM looks at the portal and then over
to SIALA, who is still unconscious. The portal begins to fade.

                            CHANCE
          RYUM! The portal!

Ryum glances one more time from the portal, then at SIALA.

                            RYUMA
          Know you priorities, Ryum. Do what you must.

                            RYUM
          I...can't.

                            CHANCE
          What?!

                            RYUM
          Take the portal home. Tell my parents that I'm
          alright. I'll get back somehow.

RYUM stands.

                            RYUM
          I have to save SIALA!

                            CHANCE
          I admire you, Ryum. I hope you will be able to
          get home soon.

                            RYUM
          Me too.

                            CHANCE
          See ya, RYUM.

                            RYUM
          Yeah, see you, Chance.

CHANCE dives through the portal as it vanishes.
                            MATRY
          Veree! We've got to get out of here!

                            VEREE
          But...what about Ryum and...

                            MATRY
          There's no time!

They all leave through the exit. RYUM jumps over the chasm to SIALA.

                            RYUM
          Siala! Wake up!

He takes her into his arms and stands up.

CUT TO:

EXT.       EIL'S CAVE

The Likians are still outside. The rumbling of the cave can be heard.

                          LIKIAN #1
          What's happening?!

                          LIKIAN #2
          Eil's cave is collapsing!

The cave begins to collapse. VEREE and MATRY stumble out.

                            VEREE
          RYUM! SIALA!

                            MATRY
          Ryum...

The front of the cave explodes. The people shield their eyes. A blue
light rises from the rubble.

                            ELDER
          What is... It's Ryum!

Everyone cheers.

                            MATRY
          Ryum!

RYUM lays SIALA on the ground.

                            RYUM
          No way out but down...

VEREE hugs RYUM tightly.

                            VEREE
          Ryum! We thought you were dead!

She begins to cry.

                            MATRY
          Me too.

MATRY wipes away a tear.
                            RYUM
          I almost was.
He thinks for a moment.


                            RYUM
          Where is Chao?!

                            ELDER
          He flew to the south.

                            RYUM
          Then I do so as well.

                            ELDER
          What?

RYUM body starts to ripple. He turns into EIL.

                        ELDER (shocked)
          It's Eil!

                     LIKIAN #3 (terrified)
          It's Eil! She's alive again!

EIL spreads her wings and rise up into the air. She flies in the
direction that CHAO went.

                            MATRY
          Good luck, Ryum.

SIALA begins to wake up.

                            SIALA
          Ow... What... ouch... I...

                       VEREE (kneeling)
          Don't speak SIALA. It's alright.

                            SIALA
          What... What happened?

                            VEREE
          Ryum fought off Chao. He also saved your
          life.

                            MATRY
          He had a chance to go home with Chance. It
          was a chance in a million. He didn't though.

                            SIALA
          Why...didn't he?

                            VEREE
          He saved you. He had to make a choice...and
          he did.

                            SIALA
          Where... Where IS Ryum? I want to talk to
          him...

                            MATRY
          He left.
                            SIALA
          Where?

                            MATRY
          To destroy CHAO.

SIALA struggles to stand.

                            SIALA
          Then...I have to go...

                            VEREE
          Siala! Don't move! You're hurt!

                            SIALA
          I have to. I have to go with him.

CUT TO:

EIL'S FACE, CU

                            RYUM V-O
          Your time is coming...Chao.

                          END OF PART 9

                     COMING UP IN PART 10 --
                     "The Last Severe Fight"
