Robert Kwong
26th January 2005, 06:12 AM
Hi All,
Finished reformatting this story as well. Here is Chapter 5: Lover's
Lament.
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H A R D
|< O R
interlude Edition
K i m a g u r e O r a n g e R o a d
F a n f i c t i o n
by Robert Kwong
ver 1.0
Finished 9-20-98
Based on characters from the Kimagure Orange Road Series created by
the venerable Matsumoto Izumi.
As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure
Orange Orange Road Series. In the Prelude edition, it outlines the
events following the breakup of Hikaru and Kyousuke which sets the
stage for Shin Kor and HARD Kor series. These stories were written in
the attempt to clarify certain details assumed and to provide clues
for future Hard Kor episodes. Book A and Book B chapters provides the
events after Shin Kor I. This Book C will bridge the gap between Shin
Kor II and Shin Kor III.
HardKor Web Site (With Disclaimer and back-stories: Book A and Book B
chapters) http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html
My SuperPage for the General Kimagure Orange Road enthusiast
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/Kor.html
My contact email address for comments or further correspondence:
rk@soda.berkeley.edu
Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR
fanfic on the web! (31000 can't be wrong!)I hope you enjoy reading it
as I did writing it. Thanks again. Robert Kwong Ark Productions -98-
Legend: Akane = Akane Kasuga Kurumi = Kurumi Kasuga Manami = Manami
Kasuga Muroke = Koji Muroke Shijama = Shijama Zumi Taku = Taku
Morisaki Shinohara = Shinohara Asuma Shun = Shun Kisaragi Hasegawa =
Hasegawa Kazuya
[] - denotes scene changes () - indicates person thinking to himself
(**) - indicates action or special effects.
Interlude: Chapter 5: Lover's Lament
[At the Kasuga home]
Kazuya: What-cha beaming about?
Akane: Today is the big day! My first official Women's Liberation Club
meeting at Waseda! Isn't it exciting?
Kazuya: (bored) Yeah, swell. I just have another long, tedious day of
Junior High to endure.
Akane: Today will be the dawn of a new age for the new woman in Japan!
I shall sow the seeds of resistance into the minds of a generation of
capable young college women. This is just the beginning! Once I lead a
successful launch of the club , I envision starting chapters all
across the colleges and universities which will sprout out like
wildfire. We shall be unstoppable. We shall lead the way to a new
Japan, where the men of this country shall recognize and respect the
Japanese woman . We won't stand to be second-class citizens anymore!
"Akane! What with all that shouting?"
Akane: Gomen okaasan!
Kazuya: Yeah; she was just on her power trip just now.
"Kazuya. I think your friends is here to see you."
Kazuya: Eeek! It's the terrible twosome!
(We see both a cute brunette and blond girl standing across the
doorway, with both of them having their hands on their hips looking
sternly at Kazuya)
"It's my turn to walk with him to school!"
"No, it's my turn!"
(They both yank at each of Kazuya's hands and drags him off)
Akane: Don't forget to take this you two. It'll tell you how to
control the offending man in your life.
(Two in unison) "Lucky!"
Kazuya: Argh! They're coming to take me away!
[Back at Ryokurin Ryo]
Muroke is standing outside the door of Shijama's room.
Muroke: (knocks) Shijama? Are you ready yet? We're gonna miss the
train if you don't hurry up?
Shijama: Give me a bit more time. Come in and wait for me.
(Muroke enters and sees Shinohara, Shijama's slighty odd, egotistical
roommate hard at work on a odd contraption of sorts. He is wearing a
rag of a white t-shirt with oil and dirt stains, sitting cross-legged,
attaching some fur to a small, cylindrical object.
Muroke: Don't you have class to go to?
Shinohara: Nope. Off in mornings. Start up in afternoon.
Muroke: Lucky you. What are you working on?
Shinohara: Anti-crowd control. For the meek-minded.
Muroke: Rather strange way to be spending your time. So are you in
mechanical engineering or something?
Shinohara: Nope. Poly Sci and advertising.
Shijama: Ok. I'm ready. Let's go.
Muroke: Talk to you later.
(Shinohara nods, without raising his head; his eyes still fixed on the
mechanical contraption he is working on.)
Muroke: Strange fellow to be rooming with.
Shijama: We have our boundaries. I leave him alone to work on his
projects, he lets me alone to work on my chem research. Hope that
arrangement can last for the semester. By the way, where's Taku-san?
Muroke: He left much earlier; has an astronomy class early morning.
[Back in Hawaii]
(Ryusei Haroken, sporting his trademark dark sunglasses and black
Armani suit exits out of the chauffeured black limo.)
"We have been awaiting your arrival Haroken-san Ryusei."
Ryusei: Ah, Mishima-san I presume?
"You are correct. Please come with me. There is much to discuss.
Ryusei: I quite agree. Lead the way.
[Back to Ryokurin Ryo, Room 204]
Shun: Suka!
(We see a slumped over Hasukawa to the side of the floor, with gamepad
still in hand, with Setzer's theme playing in the background.)
Hasukawa: (mumbling in his sleep) Igarashi...
Shun: (bends over and lightly strikes Hasukawa's cheek) Suka-chan! Are
you alright? Speak to me!
Hasukawa: (half-heartily opens his eyes) I'm ok.
Shun: Are you sure? Maybe I should get your brother over here to
examine you just to be sure.
Hasukawa: No...don't. Gimme a moment...
Shun: You can't go on with these marathon gaming sessions Suka! It
ain't healthy.
Hasukawa: Yeah,...maybe you're right. But what can I do?
[On the subway]
(Kurumi is glossing through the latest pro-wrestling magazine while
Manami is engrossed in another of Sue Grafton's mystery novels.)
"My, my what a sight we have here."
(Manami glances up to see who is talking and sees Nagasi!)
Manami: Nagasi-san!
"So, from secretary back to the common life of school. Pity."
Kurumi: Eh? Who is she sis?
Manami: You forgot already? She works for Haroken-san. She was
formerly his personal assistant.
"That thankless job? Honey, am I glad you took over. But now I'm the
star performer in the show now."
Manami: So the play is finally going to be released?
"Of course not. I need to add a few more scene changes."
Kurumi: Figures. No wonder I didn't bother working so hard at that
place.
Manami: Kurumi, be civil. (looks toward Nagasi) Curious we should be
finding you here on the train. I thought you usually go in first class
in the company car.
"True, true, my dear. Call this an exception. It is so interesting to
see how you common folk travel."
Kurumi: Good for you. Now what are you bothering us for?
"Ah, you must be the testy twin here. Yet my affairs does not concern
you. But you dear, (looks at Manami) you may be of use."
Manami: Is there something you want of me?
"Yes. Ryusei-kun always did have an eye for attracting good talent to
the office. Even though they always leave much too soon. And I do
need you to do me a small favor."
Manami: What do you need?
"I need to find the whereabouts of that cheeky youngster, #2. #1 is
off on his little project. Without Ryu-baby here to order him around,
he's a wild animal. Be that as it may, I'll can do fine without
him. I only need the kid. He knows about the special stuff around the
studio. Do happen by chance to know where he is living now?"
Kurumi: Now why would she know something like that?
"You do not know?"
Manami: Gomen, Miss Nagasi-san, but I'm not sure where he is right
now. I left a day before he did. He did not mention his whereabouts to
me.
"Great pity for me. To think that you would actually be useful. Woe
for me. "
(A man wearing dark sunglasses and wearing a black suit runs up)
"Madam! B called to say that C and D still is having trouble fixing up
the engine problems with the car."
"IS THAT SO!? Why can't you bums do anything right! What do I pay you
guys for A? To be yes-men?"
Man A: Yes maam. I mean no,..uhhh, we need to go at the next stop.
(as the train decelerates to the stop, Nagasi turns back to give a
look back at the twins)
"Ja girls. My adoring audience is awaiting me."
(gives them a mock wave)
Kurumi: Great! Just what we need on a Monday morning.
Manami: What are you griping at? She was targeting me, not you.
Kurumi: Yeah, yeah. I know I know. But it's always fun to step into a
potential fight! (rubs her fists together) And she did mention Lone
Wolf! I wonder how he's doing now...
Manami: (*sigh*) Don't you ever learn? <I have a feeling we have a lot
more to expect for this day>
[Back in New York]
(Hikaru is sitting prone on the bed, reading email on his Powerbook.)
Dearest Hikaru-chan,
How are you doing? I wanted to send you this email to let you
know what has happened since you departed back to the US of A.
I've finished my composition job for Haroken-san and am now
teaching music class at the Tokyo Conservatory.
Everyone else is going back to the school routine. Master's
new pub is doing very good business. The musical variety acts
is a big hit with the patrons. Everything is looking up for
everyone.
Anything new happening with you? Please let me know.
Keep in touch, AYUKAWA Madoka
p.s. K.K. wanted to let you know that he misses you too.
H: Ah Sempai. I miss you too. (gazes up at the partially finished
painting)
[At the apartment building]
"Argh! He chewed up my favorite red pumps! That mutt must be shot!"
"Quiet Kaori! Taki's sensitive."
"Sensitive? My foot! I never heard anything so ridiculous in my life!"
"You sure? This mish-mash case we're in comes pretty close."
Kaori: It's all your fault! You and your obsession to finding the
truth.
"Maybe so. But I'm determined to follow this to the end."
Kaori: You're just lucky I'm the manager around here. Without those
other cases to work on, we're be broke!
"Good thing the master's out for a while so I can lay low and plan."
Kaori: Damn right! But I'm still confused. Who controls what right
now?
"Pay attention this time! This is going to be the last time I explain
it to you. Here is the recap of things while you were gone. The big
kahoona left Ryusei in charge of his operations here while he leisured
in Thailand. Mighty big risk to leave control to a young,
inexperienced turk. There was three objectives that he needed to
accomplish. Hold the current territory, fending off his enemies. When
that was stabilized, expand the control and power. Last, go
abroad. Basic power plan for any organization. But it ain't a walk in
the park. Ryusei had to deal with his boss's bitter enemy, the
Shimazaki clan, headed by the elder boss Goro Shimazaki. Ryusei
couldn't approach him directly at first, so he went through an
intermediary. Kobayahsi Shipping lines's head guy. Ryusei's
entertainment connections managed to land him info that Kobayashi was
looking for a possible suitor for his niece. So Haroken used that to
his advantage and got into the door that way. The deal was for him to
marry the niece and use the family ties to turn Kobayashi as our ally
against Shimazaki. But Ryusei nearly ruined the whole thing by pulling
that fake marriage stunt with Hiyama-san.
Kaori: Who is she?
"You forgot already? (a wicked gleam flashes across his face) You'll
love this. She's the same girl you tussled with back in Hokkaido!"
Kaori: No way! How did she get involved in all of this?
"Long story. Much too long for this narrative. The plain facts is that
she's a dancer now. Haroken nearly lost control over her but he's back
to normal now. And back to my story, True to his skill, Ryu defused
the explosive situation and earned Kobayashi's help in the end.
Through Kobayashi's recommendation, Haroken manage to get the ear of
Shimazaki without any violence. In addition, it allowed another
shipping partner to help move the 'special' merchandise. "
Kaori: Ok. Got that now. What's next?
"Later on, there were several secret talks with Goro. He tentatively
agreed to a cease-fire, but for a price. An initiation of sorts to
test Ryusei's mettle. To present him with the prized ancient artifact
from Arabia. The famed jeweled dagger reportedly used by Sinbad
himself, although that's just one of the myths to circulate. This was
the most important phase; for Ryusei had to keep appearances with the
play while trying to figure out a way to obtain the dagger."
Kaori: So if you rubbed the thing, would ya get 3 wishes?
"That's a magic lamp baka!"
Kaori: Fine. Sue me later. So what happened afterwards?
"It became a hell of a mess to deal with. Lucky for #2 to figure out
an elaborate scheme to throw them off track. After that caper, it
would be off to Hong Kong to work on securing the shipping travel
routes from inspection for the upcoming shipments later in the
year. Mao has influence in the H.K. and N.Y. ports. Another goal was
to get needed capital for the next venture and phase."
Kaori: And now?
"Ryusei is in Hawaii now to deal with the Yamazumi Kensetsu
Construction firm on obtaining their cooperation in a little land deal
in Tokyo. They hold the key to swaying some building officials to
allowing the tearing down of certain "dead" areas and erection of
megaplexes."
Kaori: And now it's just you and me now to resume the investigation
and the search for truth.
(#1 nods)
Kaori: Ever thought we're like those secret agent types in the
X-Files?
"You know I hate that show!"
Kaori: Gomen. But I saw all the rerun episodes while I slacked in
Hawaii. And we're so much like them! I'm like the Sculley type, being
the straight, down to earth no nonsense gal while you're the obsessive
type who always plays with his guns.
"There's a difference; I don't work for the law and I don't believe in
little green men."
Kaori: Still, I have to marvel how you guys did so much with me gone
so long.
"Yep. I should send you off to Europe next so I can get some more work
done!"
Kaori: Baka! (hits him on the back of the head)
[Afterschool at Waseda]
(in one of the small conference rooms)
(inside are about 50 women!)
(as the ladies are chatting amongst themselves, a distinct,
dark-haired woman, dressed in black dress-suit peers around for her
friend)
"Muto-chan! Over here."
"Gomen for my lateness Yumi-san."
"No, I was beginning to worry you weren't coming!"
"A promise is a promise."
"Good. I would feel freaky attending this type of thing alone."
"Seems to be a crowd here."
"Yah. Lots of repressed individuals here."
"Here's the speaker now."
(Manmi and Kurumi enter first, flanking Akane as if they were her
bodyguards. Akane enters and walks up to the podium proudly. She
gently taps the microphone for testing.)
Akane: (*Ahem*) Welcome, ladies and non-gentleman.
(Dead silence)
Akane: (getting nervous as she shuffles her notes) Umm, let us first
start out by passing out these flyers to illustrate the principles of
our club.
(Manami and Kurumi disperses into the crowd and starts passing out the
papers)
Akane: As you can see when you start reading this is that I've started
this club based on the mistreatment of woman by the males of our
society. In your cases, that would your boyfriends taking you for
granted or not treating you like an equal partner in the
relationship. Am I right ladies?
"Yeah!" "Right on!" "My boyfriend's the pits!" "Men are pigs!"
Akane: (beaming) Yes ladies. I know what brutes men can be. I hope
this club would be a therapeutic forum for all of you to air all your
grievances.
(*Scream*)
Akane: I know all of you excited but...
(*Eek!*) (*Help!*) (*Ugh!*)
Akane: I not sure what all this commotion is about...
"It's a mouse!!!"
"They're everywhere!"
(We hear screeching and chirping sounds surround the room from all
sides, as the girls all around start hopping and skipping and running
out to escape the scurrying, furry vermin!)
(Manami and Kurumi try to calm and restrain the group, but to no
avail. In a matter of minutes, the whole room is empty.)
Akane: (slumps into the folding chair in shocked disbelief) What just
happened here?
Kurumi: This is! (uses the Power! to levitate one of the mouse up in
the air)
Manami: That was a mean trick for someone to play.
Akane: (shakes her fist) Someone was trying to sabotage my meeting. A
male no doubt! I'm must find out who did this and crush him!
Kurumi: Guess there's no need to hold this up. (release the mouse)
(as the mouse drops, it makes a dull metallic thud against the floor,
spins around for a while, then dies, with a puff of smoke)
Manami: Woah, that's no ordinary mouse! It's a robot mouse!
Kurumi: Kooky pranksters we have here. Now I'm really mad!
(The bright roar of the motorcycle stammers in the background,
followed by a howling, hyena-like laughter.)
Akane: I recognize that sound! It must be the same bakayoyo fool who
ruined our booth the first day!
[Back to Ryokurin Ryo]
(In the eating area, with most of the residents looking up at the TV
displaying the evening news)
(Muroke, Shijama, and Taku are sitting at a table eating)
(Shinohara comes crashing in and lets out a big, extended laugh as he
sits right at their table)
Shijama: Now what are you bawling at?
Shinohara: Ho,ho ho! This is too much! Girls. Such silly saps. Ha ha
ha!
Muroke: You're not making much sense at all!
Shinohara: Boy I love myself. Broke up a silly sob session ranting of
sassy girls complaining about their boyfriends. Hilarious!
Shijama: Now what do you do now? Hey where're you're going?
Shinohara: Upstairs to freshen up and work on my next device.
(as he leaves)
Muroke: Strange fellow you're rooming with.
Shijama: You're telling me.
Taku: He harbors some sort of antipathy towards women, doesn't he?
Muroke: Sure does. Maybe he could use some of your love potion, right
Shijama?
Shijama: You know that was by accident. But for our resident lunatic
roommate, I might be able to do something...
(later in the week)
[At the conservatory]
"Sensei! You were saying about the harmonics of that chord..."
Madoka: What Yuki-san?
"You were explaining the complex intricacies of that passage."
Madoka: Yes, I was. Gomen.
(*bell rings*)
Madoka: Let me finish my thought next session. Don't forget to
practice!
(as Madoka is gathering her things)
My mind was definitely wandering and focusing on different
things. Days before, I was shocked when Yukari and Shuu approached me
with their proposition for me. For me to act on as their consultant to
advise them for their transition of settling down here. They were
growing tired of their on-the-road act and wanted something
different. Were they trying to tell me something?
I had known Yukari all the way back when we were in our early
teens. It was during a rebellious points in my life. By this time, me
and Hikaru were separated from Yuusaku who went to another school. It
was also the time that my parents left full-time to pursue their
careers as the prized musicians that they were abroad. It was a chance
of a lifetime for them and they wanted to turn it down because they
didn't want me entering one of the turbulent times of my life alone
without them. But I told them that I was used to it and for them to
not worry about me. I basically forced them to accept it on my behalf.
I told myself that I had to be a good, little soldier and to stick it
out by myself.
It was at this time that my cousin Shuu had just moved in and was
attending a nearby middle school. Shuu was new in town, so I dropped
and made frequent visits to him over by his school to see how he was
doing. It was there in this environment that I met Yukari.
She hung out outside alongside the school yards of the time, if she
wasn't already in detention. She was a rebel bordering on
delinquency. She was definitely with the "in" group. She cussed,
kicked dirt in people's faces, and even smoked!
Yukari was far from your goody-two shoes type. She was like me, being
scrappy and street-smart. She was only a few years older than me, but
she seemed much more mature. She was my idol. I had been aggressive
and tomboyish, but definitely I was developing my physical attributes
during this time. I began to emulate everything about her; her dress,
her walk, the way she behaved, even hanging with the same group she
did. She took an instant liking to me and took me under her wing. I
certainly learned a lot of "skills" a good girl wouldn't want to
have. Needless to say, this was my rebellion period and I was a very
BAD girl.
Now it has come full circle and the person I had admired before is
coming to me to ask for advice. That was why I was shocked for her to
make such a request of me.
Given her wishes, I talked to Master and arranged for her to do a few
stints at the ABCB just to get started. A lot of talented performers
played there and talent agents were beginning to get wind of this and
were frequenting the place more and more.
Today was going to be their first performance back in Tokyo. I was
probably more nervous for them than they were themselves. I desired so
badly for them to succeed. Sometimes, life is not fair to good people,
but you do need that lucky break.
[At Tokyo University]
(at the Role Playing Club)
(Muroke enters a chemistry lab)
Muroke: Shijama-san! Are you in here?
Shijama: Hey, nice of you to drop by here. (quickly mixes the contents
of two beakers he has in his hand into a cup.)
Muroke: Did you forget already? Today's the first meeting of the Role
Playing and Magic Users Club!
Shijama: Oh, yeah. Forget. Just let me mark my name of this container
and put it away. (scribbles away) So do you know where it is being
held?
Muroke: Not too far. Just a floor down.
(as they are walking)
Shijama: So you brought all the materials with you?
Muroke: Of course. My official D&D rule book, my lucky token, and my
18-sided dice. Hey, you forgot to take off your white lab coat.
Shijama: Oh yeah. How absent-minded of me. Well, we're there
now. Let's go in.
(as they enter, they are amazed a half-lighted room with people all
around dressed up in various costumes)
Shijama: Are we in the wrong club?
Muroke: Uhh...let's ask. Excuse me, where are we?
"RPG Magic club. Hey you forgot your costume. And what are you suppose
to be?"
Shijama: Ummm...mad scientist?
"Oh, I get it! Ha ha ha!"
Muroke: Woah...strange group. But then, they must be really hardcore;
that should make for some interesting competition. Let's play!
[Back in New York]
(Hikaru is soundly drunk, after another drinking session with Shuri to
relieve her loneliness and boredom)
(She is lying, half-collapsed on the futon, muttering)
....another miserable day in my so-called life...ummm...I need some
companionship tonight to help me pass through another sad, lonely
day...where is a man when I need one...
"You shouldn't go beating yourself up like that."
Hikaru: (looks around) W-w-who said that?
(*Meow*)
(Hikaru looks right above her head to see JG, her cat right above her
standing top the futon frame)
Hikaru: Boy, I must be really drunk! A talking cat...what am I
thinking? Hey, did I have this conversation before...
"You're thinking too narrow-minded right now. Try to look on the other
side."
Hikaru: Oh god...I must really be going out of my mind. And I'm not
asleep yet like last time. Or am I?
"No you're not. You need to be your tough self during tough times. You
know you have it in yourself. That is what makes you so special."
Hikaru: Y-y-you bet I'm special. So special that I can understand
c-c-cats now.
"Happy you find humor in situation."
Hikaru: I don't know what to believe in this make-believe
hallucination I'm in, but I better make the best of it. What am I to
do? Nothing encouraging on the dance scene; still stuck in first
gear. And I'm so alone by myself. Who can I turn to?
"Remember those who love you. They are the only ones who can protect
you now."
Hikaru: That's a joke! The people I love are either dead or takened
already. There's no hope for me...
"There's always hope if you let it inside you."
Hikaru: I wish I could believe that.
"In time of great despair, must never stop believing. Remember that."
Hikaru: (muttering...) Believe...believe...believe...(falls asleep)
[Shijama and Muroke walking back]
Shijama: Not a bad first meeting!
Muroke: Uh huh. Loads of fun. Costumes do really bring out a better
sense of play. I especially liked the guy in his necromancer outfit
with the hood and the skeleton mask.
Shijama: Say, isn't that Taku-san standing right in the middle of that
footbridge?
Muroke: Yeah, sure is. Wonder why he's out there just staring at the
passing cars?
Shijama: You haven't had time to get to know him.
Muroke: No, not really. I wonder if something is bugging him. Why
don't you go on ahead while I go check up on him.
Shijama: Ok. He's your roommate.
(Muroke crosses the footbridge and approaches him)
Muroke: Taku-san? Is something the matter? You're not stargazing out
here are you?
(Taku continues to stare idly at the passing cars)
(Muroke leans out a bit and looks around to see if anything special is
going on, but to no avail)
Taku: This footbridge wasn't here before.
Muroke: Is that so? I wouldn't know, since I was not around this area
at the time.
(more moments of silence)
(Muroke grows tired of waiting for a response, so he just stands next
to him and mimics his pose, with his shoulders perched on the railing
cradling his whole body. After a while, the silence is broken)
Taku: Listen. Can you hear it?
Muroke: Hear what? It's just the traffic noise.
Taku: No, I hear something else.
Muroke: Like what?
Taku: The gentle gliding sounds of the wind as the cars pass by. A
swishing sound. Reminds me of the ocean waves back home.
Muroke: You must be homesick, aren't you?
Taku: Yes. I was struck by what Shinohara-san said the other day.
Muroke: You're bothered by comments made by that yahoo? You shouldn't
take him seriously.
Taku: No. I meant his remark about girlfriends complaining about their
boyfriends. It reminded me of the nature of my relationship with
Rikky.
Muroke: Rikky-san?
Taku: She was the person I told you to help me look up. (chuckles) She
was certainly one to complain about everything and everyone. That's
the lasting impression she's left on me.
Muroke: So she must have meant a lot to you.
Taku: I'm not sure. She is a hard enigma to figure out. Perhaps
because of our different backgrounds. It must have been hard for her
with her parents divorced and her possessing that proud attitude of a
Tokyo native.
Muroke: I don't seem to understand.
Taku: Different focuses for both of us. She came from a well-to-do
family here in Tokyo and despised moving to Kochi. Maybe it was a
curse for me to come from a very average family in such a rural
atmosphere as I did. But I am not ashamed. I had the ambition and
desire to reach out for more to better our family name; to do well in
school and have a chance to attend one of the more prestigious
universities in Tokyo. She wanted so bad to be here to just run away
from her emotional struggles, but instead resigned herself to the
local U. Maybe I should have been content with my lot and attended
the local university also.
Muroke: Wow, so you must really like her?
Taku: I'm intrigued by her. We spent but a few moments together. I
just would like the chance to know her better.
Muroke: I know the feeling. There's a girl I had the lucky opportunity
to work with that I wished I had the chance to interact with more.
Taku: We're just two miserable wretches, aren't we?
Muroke: Maybe so. But it does no good to stay out here all night and
pick up a nightly chill. There's a place I know of we can drop by
at. Might soothe away the longing for both of us.
[At the Shin ABCB]
(Shuu, Yukari, and the rest of the band are on stage performing)
(Hayakawa is here with Shiori, as they are chatting away with Madoka)
Shiori: Great of you to invite us to your cousin's debut in this club.
Madoka: Don't mention it.
Hayakawa: Speaking of which, where's your cavalier fiancee,
Kasuga-san?
Madoka: He's a little late in getting here. But he should be here
soon.
Shiori: So what is he working on right now?
Madoka: Nothing too big these days. He still taking it slow to decide
what he will pursue next.
Shiori: If he's still interested, I'm sure Tamura-san would be keen in
having Kasuga-san come back to the station.
Madoka: I'm sure he would be happy to know he has that option.
(at the other side of the bar is Hatta and Komatsu, and the resident
drunk who goes by the name 'Izzy')
(Yukari is performing one of her more soulful, sorrow tunes of the
evening, LOST LOVE)
Komatsu: My, my, my, Yukari-san looks just as fine as ever in that
skimpy outfit of hers.
Hatta: I'll say. A bit taller than Madoka but boy check out the rack
on that broad!
Komatsu: Yah! Yum yum!
Hatta: Woof Woof! (wolf whistle calls)
'Izzy': H-h-have you guys no s-s-shame? Making lewd comments while the
lady is bring tears out of my heart?
Komatsu: Hey buddy! Stop talking to us! We didn't ask for your
opinion!
Hatta: Hey man, what do you have to be sad about anyway to be ranting
like that?
'Izzy': I-I-I had a lost love once.
Komatsu: You? In love? In your condition?
Hatta: That's almost laughable.
'Izzy': It's true! Honest to goodness true. I ain't lyin' to you
'cause I'm drunk! And drunk men don't tell lies.
Komatsu: If that's true, then tell us who she is?
'Izzy': I iz a respectable man, so I ain't r-r-revealin' her name to
protect her honor. She was such a swell gal. Could write like the
wind. I admire her ability. Who would have though that a screenplay
writer and a manga writer could hit it off together? But it wouldn't
last. She despised my alcohol breath and left me soon after. Boy, I
miss N.Y. (with that,he slumps onto the table)
Hatta: (to Komatsu) This guy is crazy; mistaken a city for a girl.
(Akane, Manami, and Kurumi are mingling amongst themselves)
(Akane is still fuming over the incident)
Manami: I still don't believe you haven't gotten over that incident.
Akane: Of course not! It just broils my blood of the evil men will do
to suppress the truth and spread their chauvinistic, egotistical ways.
Kurumi: So whatcha gonna do about it?
Akane: I don't know now, but whatever I come up with, my revenge shall
be exacted, slow and painfully.
(two guys enter the pub)
Kurumi; Hey Manami-chan! Doesn't that guy look familiar?
Manami: (looks over) Hey, that looks like #2!
[End of Chapter]
Finished reformatting this story as well. Here is Chapter 5: Lover's
Lament.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
H A R D
|< O R
interlude Edition
K i m a g u r e O r a n g e R o a d
F a n f i c t i o n
by Robert Kwong
ver 1.0
Finished 9-20-98
Based on characters from the Kimagure Orange Road Series created by
the venerable Matsumoto Izumi.
As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure
Orange Orange Road Series. In the Prelude edition, it outlines the
events following the breakup of Hikaru and Kyousuke which sets the
stage for Shin Kor and HARD Kor series. These stories were written in
the attempt to clarify certain details assumed and to provide clues
for future Hard Kor episodes. Book A and Book B chapters provides the
events after Shin Kor I. This Book C will bridge the gap between Shin
Kor II and Shin Kor III.
HardKor Web Site (With Disclaimer and back-stories: Book A and Book B
chapters) http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html
My SuperPage for the General Kimagure Orange Road enthusiast
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/Kor.html
My contact email address for comments or further correspondence:
rk@soda.berkeley.edu
Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR
fanfic on the web! (31000 can't be wrong!)I hope you enjoy reading it
as I did writing it. Thanks again. Robert Kwong Ark Productions -98-
Legend: Akane = Akane Kasuga Kurumi = Kurumi Kasuga Manami = Manami
Kasuga Muroke = Koji Muroke Shijama = Shijama Zumi Taku = Taku
Morisaki Shinohara = Shinohara Asuma Shun = Shun Kisaragi Hasegawa =
Hasegawa Kazuya
[] - denotes scene changes () - indicates person thinking to himself
(**) - indicates action or special effects.
Interlude: Chapter 5: Lover's Lament
[At the Kasuga home]
Kazuya: What-cha beaming about?
Akane: Today is the big day! My first official Women's Liberation Club
meeting at Waseda! Isn't it exciting?
Kazuya: (bored) Yeah, swell. I just have another long, tedious day of
Junior High to endure.
Akane: Today will be the dawn of a new age for the new woman in Japan!
I shall sow the seeds of resistance into the minds of a generation of
capable young college women. This is just the beginning! Once I lead a
successful launch of the club , I envision starting chapters all
across the colleges and universities which will sprout out like
wildfire. We shall be unstoppable. We shall lead the way to a new
Japan, where the men of this country shall recognize and respect the
Japanese woman . We won't stand to be second-class citizens anymore!
"Akane! What with all that shouting?"
Akane: Gomen okaasan!
Kazuya: Yeah; she was just on her power trip just now.
"Kazuya. I think your friends is here to see you."
Kazuya: Eeek! It's the terrible twosome!
(We see both a cute brunette and blond girl standing across the
doorway, with both of them having their hands on their hips looking
sternly at Kazuya)
"It's my turn to walk with him to school!"
"No, it's my turn!"
(They both yank at each of Kazuya's hands and drags him off)
Akane: Don't forget to take this you two. It'll tell you how to
control the offending man in your life.
(Two in unison) "Lucky!"
Kazuya: Argh! They're coming to take me away!
[Back at Ryokurin Ryo]
Muroke is standing outside the door of Shijama's room.
Muroke: (knocks) Shijama? Are you ready yet? We're gonna miss the
train if you don't hurry up?
Shijama: Give me a bit more time. Come in and wait for me.
(Muroke enters and sees Shinohara, Shijama's slighty odd, egotistical
roommate hard at work on a odd contraption of sorts. He is wearing a
rag of a white t-shirt with oil and dirt stains, sitting cross-legged,
attaching some fur to a small, cylindrical object.
Muroke: Don't you have class to go to?
Shinohara: Nope. Off in mornings. Start up in afternoon.
Muroke: Lucky you. What are you working on?
Shinohara: Anti-crowd control. For the meek-minded.
Muroke: Rather strange way to be spending your time. So are you in
mechanical engineering or something?
Shinohara: Nope. Poly Sci and advertising.
Shijama: Ok. I'm ready. Let's go.
Muroke: Talk to you later.
(Shinohara nods, without raising his head; his eyes still fixed on the
mechanical contraption he is working on.)
Muroke: Strange fellow to be rooming with.
Shijama: We have our boundaries. I leave him alone to work on his
projects, he lets me alone to work on my chem research. Hope that
arrangement can last for the semester. By the way, where's Taku-san?
Muroke: He left much earlier; has an astronomy class early morning.
[Back in Hawaii]
(Ryusei Haroken, sporting his trademark dark sunglasses and black
Armani suit exits out of the chauffeured black limo.)
"We have been awaiting your arrival Haroken-san Ryusei."
Ryusei: Ah, Mishima-san I presume?
"You are correct. Please come with me. There is much to discuss.
Ryusei: I quite agree. Lead the way.
[Back to Ryokurin Ryo, Room 204]
Shun: Suka!
(We see a slumped over Hasukawa to the side of the floor, with gamepad
still in hand, with Setzer's theme playing in the background.)
Hasukawa: (mumbling in his sleep) Igarashi...
Shun: (bends over and lightly strikes Hasukawa's cheek) Suka-chan! Are
you alright? Speak to me!
Hasukawa: (half-heartily opens his eyes) I'm ok.
Shun: Are you sure? Maybe I should get your brother over here to
examine you just to be sure.
Hasukawa: No...don't. Gimme a moment...
Shun: You can't go on with these marathon gaming sessions Suka! It
ain't healthy.
Hasukawa: Yeah,...maybe you're right. But what can I do?
[On the subway]
(Kurumi is glossing through the latest pro-wrestling magazine while
Manami is engrossed in another of Sue Grafton's mystery novels.)
"My, my what a sight we have here."
(Manami glances up to see who is talking and sees Nagasi!)
Manami: Nagasi-san!
"So, from secretary back to the common life of school. Pity."
Kurumi: Eh? Who is she sis?
Manami: You forgot already? She works for Haroken-san. She was
formerly his personal assistant.
"That thankless job? Honey, am I glad you took over. But now I'm the
star performer in the show now."
Manami: So the play is finally going to be released?
"Of course not. I need to add a few more scene changes."
Kurumi: Figures. No wonder I didn't bother working so hard at that
place.
Manami: Kurumi, be civil. (looks toward Nagasi) Curious we should be
finding you here on the train. I thought you usually go in first class
in the company car.
"True, true, my dear. Call this an exception. It is so interesting to
see how you common folk travel."
Kurumi: Good for you. Now what are you bothering us for?
"Ah, you must be the testy twin here. Yet my affairs does not concern
you. But you dear, (looks at Manami) you may be of use."
Manami: Is there something you want of me?
"Yes. Ryusei-kun always did have an eye for attracting good talent to
the office. Even though they always leave much too soon. And I do
need you to do me a small favor."
Manami: What do you need?
"I need to find the whereabouts of that cheeky youngster, #2. #1 is
off on his little project. Without Ryu-baby here to order him around,
he's a wild animal. Be that as it may, I'll can do fine without
him. I only need the kid. He knows about the special stuff around the
studio. Do happen by chance to know where he is living now?"
Kurumi: Now why would she know something like that?
"You do not know?"
Manami: Gomen, Miss Nagasi-san, but I'm not sure where he is right
now. I left a day before he did. He did not mention his whereabouts to
me.
"Great pity for me. To think that you would actually be useful. Woe
for me. "
(A man wearing dark sunglasses and wearing a black suit runs up)
"Madam! B called to say that C and D still is having trouble fixing up
the engine problems with the car."
"IS THAT SO!? Why can't you bums do anything right! What do I pay you
guys for A? To be yes-men?"
Man A: Yes maam. I mean no,..uhhh, we need to go at the next stop.
(as the train decelerates to the stop, Nagasi turns back to give a
look back at the twins)
"Ja girls. My adoring audience is awaiting me."
(gives them a mock wave)
Kurumi: Great! Just what we need on a Monday morning.
Manami: What are you griping at? She was targeting me, not you.
Kurumi: Yeah, yeah. I know I know. But it's always fun to step into a
potential fight! (rubs her fists together) And she did mention Lone
Wolf! I wonder how he's doing now...
Manami: (*sigh*) Don't you ever learn? <I have a feeling we have a lot
more to expect for this day>
[Back in New York]
(Hikaru is sitting prone on the bed, reading email on his Powerbook.)
Dearest Hikaru-chan,
How are you doing? I wanted to send you this email to let you
know what has happened since you departed back to the US of A.
I've finished my composition job for Haroken-san and am now
teaching music class at the Tokyo Conservatory.
Everyone else is going back to the school routine. Master's
new pub is doing very good business. The musical variety acts
is a big hit with the patrons. Everything is looking up for
everyone.
Anything new happening with you? Please let me know.
Keep in touch, AYUKAWA Madoka
p.s. K.K. wanted to let you know that he misses you too.
H: Ah Sempai. I miss you too. (gazes up at the partially finished
painting)
[At the apartment building]
"Argh! He chewed up my favorite red pumps! That mutt must be shot!"
"Quiet Kaori! Taki's sensitive."
"Sensitive? My foot! I never heard anything so ridiculous in my life!"
"You sure? This mish-mash case we're in comes pretty close."
Kaori: It's all your fault! You and your obsession to finding the
truth.
"Maybe so. But I'm determined to follow this to the end."
Kaori: You're just lucky I'm the manager around here. Without those
other cases to work on, we're be broke!
"Good thing the master's out for a while so I can lay low and plan."
Kaori: Damn right! But I'm still confused. Who controls what right
now?
"Pay attention this time! This is going to be the last time I explain
it to you. Here is the recap of things while you were gone. The big
kahoona left Ryusei in charge of his operations here while he leisured
in Thailand. Mighty big risk to leave control to a young,
inexperienced turk. There was three objectives that he needed to
accomplish. Hold the current territory, fending off his enemies. When
that was stabilized, expand the control and power. Last, go
abroad. Basic power plan for any organization. But it ain't a walk in
the park. Ryusei had to deal with his boss's bitter enemy, the
Shimazaki clan, headed by the elder boss Goro Shimazaki. Ryusei
couldn't approach him directly at first, so he went through an
intermediary. Kobayahsi Shipping lines's head guy. Ryusei's
entertainment connections managed to land him info that Kobayashi was
looking for a possible suitor for his niece. So Haroken used that to
his advantage and got into the door that way. The deal was for him to
marry the niece and use the family ties to turn Kobayashi as our ally
against Shimazaki. But Ryusei nearly ruined the whole thing by pulling
that fake marriage stunt with Hiyama-san.
Kaori: Who is she?
"You forgot already? (a wicked gleam flashes across his face) You'll
love this. She's the same girl you tussled with back in Hokkaido!"
Kaori: No way! How did she get involved in all of this?
"Long story. Much too long for this narrative. The plain facts is that
she's a dancer now. Haroken nearly lost control over her but he's back
to normal now. And back to my story, True to his skill, Ryu defused
the explosive situation and earned Kobayashi's help in the end.
Through Kobayashi's recommendation, Haroken manage to get the ear of
Shimazaki without any violence. In addition, it allowed another
shipping partner to help move the 'special' merchandise. "
Kaori: Ok. Got that now. What's next?
"Later on, there were several secret talks with Goro. He tentatively
agreed to a cease-fire, but for a price. An initiation of sorts to
test Ryusei's mettle. To present him with the prized ancient artifact
from Arabia. The famed jeweled dagger reportedly used by Sinbad
himself, although that's just one of the myths to circulate. This was
the most important phase; for Ryusei had to keep appearances with the
play while trying to figure out a way to obtain the dagger."
Kaori: So if you rubbed the thing, would ya get 3 wishes?
"That's a magic lamp baka!"
Kaori: Fine. Sue me later. So what happened afterwards?
"It became a hell of a mess to deal with. Lucky for #2 to figure out
an elaborate scheme to throw them off track. After that caper, it
would be off to Hong Kong to work on securing the shipping travel
routes from inspection for the upcoming shipments later in the
year. Mao has influence in the H.K. and N.Y. ports. Another goal was
to get needed capital for the next venture and phase."
Kaori: And now?
"Ryusei is in Hawaii now to deal with the Yamazumi Kensetsu
Construction firm on obtaining their cooperation in a little land deal
in Tokyo. They hold the key to swaying some building officials to
allowing the tearing down of certain "dead" areas and erection of
megaplexes."
Kaori: And now it's just you and me now to resume the investigation
and the search for truth.
(#1 nods)
Kaori: Ever thought we're like those secret agent types in the
X-Files?
"You know I hate that show!"
Kaori: Gomen. But I saw all the rerun episodes while I slacked in
Hawaii. And we're so much like them! I'm like the Sculley type, being
the straight, down to earth no nonsense gal while you're the obsessive
type who always plays with his guns.
"There's a difference; I don't work for the law and I don't believe in
little green men."
Kaori: Still, I have to marvel how you guys did so much with me gone
so long.
"Yep. I should send you off to Europe next so I can get some more work
done!"
Kaori: Baka! (hits him on the back of the head)
[Afterschool at Waseda]
(in one of the small conference rooms)
(inside are about 50 women!)
(as the ladies are chatting amongst themselves, a distinct,
dark-haired woman, dressed in black dress-suit peers around for her
friend)
"Muto-chan! Over here."
"Gomen for my lateness Yumi-san."
"No, I was beginning to worry you weren't coming!"
"A promise is a promise."
"Good. I would feel freaky attending this type of thing alone."
"Seems to be a crowd here."
"Yah. Lots of repressed individuals here."
"Here's the speaker now."
(Manmi and Kurumi enter first, flanking Akane as if they were her
bodyguards. Akane enters and walks up to the podium proudly. She
gently taps the microphone for testing.)
Akane: (*Ahem*) Welcome, ladies and non-gentleman.
(Dead silence)
Akane: (getting nervous as she shuffles her notes) Umm, let us first
start out by passing out these flyers to illustrate the principles of
our club.
(Manami and Kurumi disperses into the crowd and starts passing out the
papers)
Akane: As you can see when you start reading this is that I've started
this club based on the mistreatment of woman by the males of our
society. In your cases, that would your boyfriends taking you for
granted or not treating you like an equal partner in the
relationship. Am I right ladies?
"Yeah!" "Right on!" "My boyfriend's the pits!" "Men are pigs!"
Akane: (beaming) Yes ladies. I know what brutes men can be. I hope
this club would be a therapeutic forum for all of you to air all your
grievances.
(*Scream*)
Akane: I know all of you excited but...
(*Eek!*) (*Help!*) (*Ugh!*)
Akane: I not sure what all this commotion is about...
"It's a mouse!!!"
"They're everywhere!"
(We hear screeching and chirping sounds surround the room from all
sides, as the girls all around start hopping and skipping and running
out to escape the scurrying, furry vermin!)
(Manami and Kurumi try to calm and restrain the group, but to no
avail. In a matter of minutes, the whole room is empty.)
Akane: (slumps into the folding chair in shocked disbelief) What just
happened here?
Kurumi: This is! (uses the Power! to levitate one of the mouse up in
the air)
Manami: That was a mean trick for someone to play.
Akane: (shakes her fist) Someone was trying to sabotage my meeting. A
male no doubt! I'm must find out who did this and crush him!
Kurumi: Guess there's no need to hold this up. (release the mouse)
(as the mouse drops, it makes a dull metallic thud against the floor,
spins around for a while, then dies, with a puff of smoke)
Manami: Woah, that's no ordinary mouse! It's a robot mouse!
Kurumi: Kooky pranksters we have here. Now I'm really mad!
(The bright roar of the motorcycle stammers in the background,
followed by a howling, hyena-like laughter.)
Akane: I recognize that sound! It must be the same bakayoyo fool who
ruined our booth the first day!
[Back to Ryokurin Ryo]
(In the eating area, with most of the residents looking up at the TV
displaying the evening news)
(Muroke, Shijama, and Taku are sitting at a table eating)
(Shinohara comes crashing in and lets out a big, extended laugh as he
sits right at their table)
Shijama: Now what are you bawling at?
Shinohara: Ho,ho ho! This is too much! Girls. Such silly saps. Ha ha
ha!
Muroke: You're not making much sense at all!
Shinohara: Boy I love myself. Broke up a silly sob session ranting of
sassy girls complaining about their boyfriends. Hilarious!
Shijama: Now what do you do now? Hey where're you're going?
Shinohara: Upstairs to freshen up and work on my next device.
(as he leaves)
Muroke: Strange fellow you're rooming with.
Shijama: You're telling me.
Taku: He harbors some sort of antipathy towards women, doesn't he?
Muroke: Sure does. Maybe he could use some of your love potion, right
Shijama?
Shijama: You know that was by accident. But for our resident lunatic
roommate, I might be able to do something...
(later in the week)
[At the conservatory]
"Sensei! You were saying about the harmonics of that chord..."
Madoka: What Yuki-san?
"You were explaining the complex intricacies of that passage."
Madoka: Yes, I was. Gomen.
(*bell rings*)
Madoka: Let me finish my thought next session. Don't forget to
practice!
(as Madoka is gathering her things)
My mind was definitely wandering and focusing on different
things. Days before, I was shocked when Yukari and Shuu approached me
with their proposition for me. For me to act on as their consultant to
advise them for their transition of settling down here. They were
growing tired of their on-the-road act and wanted something
different. Were they trying to tell me something?
I had known Yukari all the way back when we were in our early
teens. It was during a rebellious points in my life. By this time, me
and Hikaru were separated from Yuusaku who went to another school. It
was also the time that my parents left full-time to pursue their
careers as the prized musicians that they were abroad. It was a chance
of a lifetime for them and they wanted to turn it down because they
didn't want me entering one of the turbulent times of my life alone
without them. But I told them that I was used to it and for them to
not worry about me. I basically forced them to accept it on my behalf.
I told myself that I had to be a good, little soldier and to stick it
out by myself.
It was at this time that my cousin Shuu had just moved in and was
attending a nearby middle school. Shuu was new in town, so I dropped
and made frequent visits to him over by his school to see how he was
doing. It was there in this environment that I met Yukari.
She hung out outside alongside the school yards of the time, if she
wasn't already in detention. She was a rebel bordering on
delinquency. She was definitely with the "in" group. She cussed,
kicked dirt in people's faces, and even smoked!
Yukari was far from your goody-two shoes type. She was like me, being
scrappy and street-smart. She was only a few years older than me, but
she seemed much more mature. She was my idol. I had been aggressive
and tomboyish, but definitely I was developing my physical attributes
during this time. I began to emulate everything about her; her dress,
her walk, the way she behaved, even hanging with the same group she
did. She took an instant liking to me and took me under her wing. I
certainly learned a lot of "skills" a good girl wouldn't want to
have. Needless to say, this was my rebellion period and I was a very
BAD girl.
Now it has come full circle and the person I had admired before is
coming to me to ask for advice. That was why I was shocked for her to
make such a request of me.
Given her wishes, I talked to Master and arranged for her to do a few
stints at the ABCB just to get started. A lot of talented performers
played there and talent agents were beginning to get wind of this and
were frequenting the place more and more.
Today was going to be their first performance back in Tokyo. I was
probably more nervous for them than they were themselves. I desired so
badly for them to succeed. Sometimes, life is not fair to good people,
but you do need that lucky break.
[At Tokyo University]
(at the Role Playing Club)
(Muroke enters a chemistry lab)
Muroke: Shijama-san! Are you in here?
Shijama: Hey, nice of you to drop by here. (quickly mixes the contents
of two beakers he has in his hand into a cup.)
Muroke: Did you forget already? Today's the first meeting of the Role
Playing and Magic Users Club!
Shijama: Oh, yeah. Forget. Just let me mark my name of this container
and put it away. (scribbles away) So do you know where it is being
held?
Muroke: Not too far. Just a floor down.
(as they are walking)
Shijama: So you brought all the materials with you?
Muroke: Of course. My official D&D rule book, my lucky token, and my
18-sided dice. Hey, you forgot to take off your white lab coat.
Shijama: Oh yeah. How absent-minded of me. Well, we're there
now. Let's go in.
(as they enter, they are amazed a half-lighted room with people all
around dressed up in various costumes)
Shijama: Are we in the wrong club?
Muroke: Uhh...let's ask. Excuse me, where are we?
"RPG Magic club. Hey you forgot your costume. And what are you suppose
to be?"
Shijama: Ummm...mad scientist?
"Oh, I get it! Ha ha ha!"
Muroke: Woah...strange group. But then, they must be really hardcore;
that should make for some interesting competition. Let's play!
[Back in New York]
(Hikaru is soundly drunk, after another drinking session with Shuri to
relieve her loneliness and boredom)
(She is lying, half-collapsed on the futon, muttering)
....another miserable day in my so-called life...ummm...I need some
companionship tonight to help me pass through another sad, lonely
day...where is a man when I need one...
"You shouldn't go beating yourself up like that."
Hikaru: (looks around) W-w-who said that?
(*Meow*)
(Hikaru looks right above her head to see JG, her cat right above her
standing top the futon frame)
Hikaru: Boy, I must be really drunk! A talking cat...what am I
thinking? Hey, did I have this conversation before...
"You're thinking too narrow-minded right now. Try to look on the other
side."
Hikaru: Oh god...I must really be going out of my mind. And I'm not
asleep yet like last time. Or am I?
"No you're not. You need to be your tough self during tough times. You
know you have it in yourself. That is what makes you so special."
Hikaru: Y-y-you bet I'm special. So special that I can understand
c-c-cats now.
"Happy you find humor in situation."
Hikaru: I don't know what to believe in this make-believe
hallucination I'm in, but I better make the best of it. What am I to
do? Nothing encouraging on the dance scene; still stuck in first
gear. And I'm so alone by myself. Who can I turn to?
"Remember those who love you. They are the only ones who can protect
you now."
Hikaru: That's a joke! The people I love are either dead or takened
already. There's no hope for me...
"There's always hope if you let it inside you."
Hikaru: I wish I could believe that.
"In time of great despair, must never stop believing. Remember that."
Hikaru: (muttering...) Believe...believe...believe...(falls asleep)
[Shijama and Muroke walking back]
Shijama: Not a bad first meeting!
Muroke: Uh huh. Loads of fun. Costumes do really bring out a better
sense of play. I especially liked the guy in his necromancer outfit
with the hood and the skeleton mask.
Shijama: Say, isn't that Taku-san standing right in the middle of that
footbridge?
Muroke: Yeah, sure is. Wonder why he's out there just staring at the
passing cars?
Shijama: You haven't had time to get to know him.
Muroke: No, not really. I wonder if something is bugging him. Why
don't you go on ahead while I go check up on him.
Shijama: Ok. He's your roommate.
(Muroke crosses the footbridge and approaches him)
Muroke: Taku-san? Is something the matter? You're not stargazing out
here are you?
(Taku continues to stare idly at the passing cars)
(Muroke leans out a bit and looks around to see if anything special is
going on, but to no avail)
Taku: This footbridge wasn't here before.
Muroke: Is that so? I wouldn't know, since I was not around this area
at the time.
(more moments of silence)
(Muroke grows tired of waiting for a response, so he just stands next
to him and mimics his pose, with his shoulders perched on the railing
cradling his whole body. After a while, the silence is broken)
Taku: Listen. Can you hear it?
Muroke: Hear what? It's just the traffic noise.
Taku: No, I hear something else.
Muroke: Like what?
Taku: The gentle gliding sounds of the wind as the cars pass by. A
swishing sound. Reminds me of the ocean waves back home.
Muroke: You must be homesick, aren't you?
Taku: Yes. I was struck by what Shinohara-san said the other day.
Muroke: You're bothered by comments made by that yahoo? You shouldn't
take him seriously.
Taku: No. I meant his remark about girlfriends complaining about their
boyfriends. It reminded me of the nature of my relationship with
Rikky.
Muroke: Rikky-san?
Taku: She was the person I told you to help me look up. (chuckles) She
was certainly one to complain about everything and everyone. That's
the lasting impression she's left on me.
Muroke: So she must have meant a lot to you.
Taku: I'm not sure. She is a hard enigma to figure out. Perhaps
because of our different backgrounds. It must have been hard for her
with her parents divorced and her possessing that proud attitude of a
Tokyo native.
Muroke: I don't seem to understand.
Taku: Different focuses for both of us. She came from a well-to-do
family here in Tokyo and despised moving to Kochi. Maybe it was a
curse for me to come from a very average family in such a rural
atmosphere as I did. But I am not ashamed. I had the ambition and
desire to reach out for more to better our family name; to do well in
school and have a chance to attend one of the more prestigious
universities in Tokyo. She wanted so bad to be here to just run away
from her emotional struggles, but instead resigned herself to the
local U. Maybe I should have been content with my lot and attended
the local university also.
Muroke: Wow, so you must really like her?
Taku: I'm intrigued by her. We spent but a few moments together. I
just would like the chance to know her better.
Muroke: I know the feeling. There's a girl I had the lucky opportunity
to work with that I wished I had the chance to interact with more.
Taku: We're just two miserable wretches, aren't we?
Muroke: Maybe so. But it does no good to stay out here all night and
pick up a nightly chill. There's a place I know of we can drop by
at. Might soothe away the longing for both of us.
[At the Shin ABCB]
(Shuu, Yukari, and the rest of the band are on stage performing)
(Hayakawa is here with Shiori, as they are chatting away with Madoka)
Shiori: Great of you to invite us to your cousin's debut in this club.
Madoka: Don't mention it.
Hayakawa: Speaking of which, where's your cavalier fiancee,
Kasuga-san?
Madoka: He's a little late in getting here. But he should be here
soon.
Shiori: So what is he working on right now?
Madoka: Nothing too big these days. He still taking it slow to decide
what he will pursue next.
Shiori: If he's still interested, I'm sure Tamura-san would be keen in
having Kasuga-san come back to the station.
Madoka: I'm sure he would be happy to know he has that option.
(at the other side of the bar is Hatta and Komatsu, and the resident
drunk who goes by the name 'Izzy')
(Yukari is performing one of her more soulful, sorrow tunes of the
evening, LOST LOVE)
Komatsu: My, my, my, Yukari-san looks just as fine as ever in that
skimpy outfit of hers.
Hatta: I'll say. A bit taller than Madoka but boy check out the rack
on that broad!
Komatsu: Yah! Yum yum!
Hatta: Woof Woof! (wolf whistle calls)
'Izzy': H-h-have you guys no s-s-shame? Making lewd comments while the
lady is bring tears out of my heart?
Komatsu: Hey buddy! Stop talking to us! We didn't ask for your
opinion!
Hatta: Hey man, what do you have to be sad about anyway to be ranting
like that?
'Izzy': I-I-I had a lost love once.
Komatsu: You? In love? In your condition?
Hatta: That's almost laughable.
'Izzy': It's true! Honest to goodness true. I ain't lyin' to you
'cause I'm drunk! And drunk men don't tell lies.
Komatsu: If that's true, then tell us who she is?
'Izzy': I iz a respectable man, so I ain't r-r-revealin' her name to
protect her honor. She was such a swell gal. Could write like the
wind. I admire her ability. Who would have though that a screenplay
writer and a manga writer could hit it off together? But it wouldn't
last. She despised my alcohol breath and left me soon after. Boy, I
miss N.Y. (with that,he slumps onto the table)
Hatta: (to Komatsu) This guy is crazy; mistaken a city for a girl.
(Akane, Manami, and Kurumi are mingling amongst themselves)
(Akane is still fuming over the incident)
Manami: I still don't believe you haven't gotten over that incident.
Akane: Of course not! It just broils my blood of the evil men will do
to suppress the truth and spread their chauvinistic, egotistical ways.
Kurumi: So whatcha gonna do about it?
Akane: I don't know now, but whatever I come up with, my revenge shall
be exacted, slow and painfully.
(two guys enter the pub)
Kurumi; Hey Manami-chan! Doesn't that guy look familiar?
Manami: (looks over) Hey, that looks like #2!
[End of Chapter]