Robert Kwong
27th January 2005, 02:20 PM
Hi All,
Yet another reformatting done. This is HARDKOR Book C Chapter 7
titled 'Remembering Memory'.
Enjoy!
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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 11-11-98
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 7: Remembering Memory
[At the Ryokurin Ryo]
(At a study room in the house where the inhabitants are huddled in
various study groups preparing for the treacherous college
midterms. Shijama, Muroke, and Taku are at a table studying their
respective subjects. We start to hear drilling sounds.)
Muroke: How inconsiderate! Disturbing the train of thought of people
while other people are trying to study.
Taku: Who could be making such noise?
Shijama: I know. Must be my roomie, Shinohara! I'm going to march up
there and give him a piece of my mind.
Muroke: I'm with you!
Taku: I'll come along.
(All 3 march up to the room where Shinohara is wearing a welders mask
and wielding a welding tool, with the fiery sparks dancing around the
metalworks.)
Shijama: Are you nuts man? You're not suppose to operate heavy
machinery in here!
Shinohara: Lay off of me. This gift is for y'all.
Taku: For us?
Shinohara: Yep. But it's a surprise, so I'm saving it for our last
clean-up session. Y'all thank me later.
Muroke: And I thought you were concocting another elaborate prank.
Shinohara: Yep. Idea is good. Almost forgot those girls. Good time to
torment them again. Strike first and lay dormant. Strike again by
surprise. Mess with their minds.
Shijama: I don't know what you're doing, but you're making too much
noise! People are trying to study downstairs!
Shinohara: (nods) Right! Now I go back to work. (puts on a pair of
ear-muff protectors and continues drilling/welding)
Shijama: He's impossible!
[Back in New York]
(A CD of Pet Shop Boys plays in the background)
(Hikaru is tapping at her Apple Powerbook notebook, logging into the
'Fame BBS' to read the latest postings)
Hikaru: <Hmm...this might be interesting:)
DANCERS WANTED!!!
NEW MUSICAL PRODUCTION!!!
Many parts, many roles. Audition tryouts at Shubert
Theater Starting this Monday at 10am
Hikaru: <Gotta mention this to Shuri.>
(Shuri suddenly pops in)
Shuri: Hiya Hik!
Hikaru: Speak of the devil.
Shuri: W'hat?
Hikaru: Nothing. What's up?
Shuri: Wonderin' if you wanna crash this party tonight?
Hikaru: Sounds like a grand thing to do before this tryout.
Shuri: What tryout?
Hikaru: Just scanned the Fame BBS for the latest happenings, and
there's a new production in the works. Tryouts for all parts begin
this Monday.
Shuri: Way cool! Count me in!
[The Next Day after school]
Manami: Are you sure it's a good idea to hold a meeting so close to
Halloween weekend? Isn't that bad luck?
Akane: It's the perfect time! Right after finals week is over. A good
time for us gals to get together. What's the matter? You're chicken?
Us women aren't afraid of anything, especially the likes of bad luck.
Kurumi: Oh look!
(A black cat passes them by)
Akane: Only a cat. Could be any cat. Let's get going.
Manami: Hey, watch it!
(Akane walks right under a ladder!)
"Look where you're going! I'm painting."
Kurumi: Strike 2!
Akane: Superstitions. Don't believe those wives tales.
Manami: You never know.
(at the room)
Akane: Kurumi-chan. Can you get started with the handouts?
Kurumi: Okie dokie. Help me put my umbrella away. I thought it was
going to rain today.
"Oops!"
(Akane accidentally triggers the umbrella, springing it open)
(Both twins groan in unison)
Akane: Just coincidence! Don't put too much into it.
Manami: (whispers) I have a bad feeling about this.
(during the meeting)
Manami: Nothing bad happening yet. Maybe we were wrong.
Kurumi: Could be.
"What's that?"
"Aieee!"
Akane: W-w-what? What's all the commotion?
"Help! A ghost!"
(We see a bobbing apparition zig-zagging through the room)
Akane: (slaps her hand to her forehead) Not again!
[At Tokyo University...]
(at the role-playing and magic club)
Muroke: That was one of the best role-playing sessions I had!
Shijama: I'll say! Must be these goofy costumes we're wearing!
Muroke: Just fitting in with the mood of Hallow's Eve. I think that's
why I did so well.
Shijama: Well, at least you look well in your bard's costume. Look at
me. I look pathetic in this sorcerer's garb.
"Koji-san?"
Muroke: Taku-sempai! What brings you to the mathematics area?
Taku: Your assistance, if you could.
Muroke: Sure. What can I help you with?
Taku: I need to perform my astrometric analysis using the school
computers and I could require some of your computer expertise.
Muroke: No problem. Computers are my thing. Shijama. Why don't you go
on ahead of us?
Shijama: I'll meet you two back at the 'dorm.' Ja.
(as they leave, Shijama is approached by a person dressed up in a grim
reaper's costume)
"Care to perfect the craft of chemicals?"
Shijama: You're from the club?
(the hooded figure nods)
Shijama: I am an o-chem student. I'm surprised that you know my major.
"I have been studying ye and others for a great many a time. You seem
a likely prospect to attain the path of knowledge."
Shijama: It does sound intriguing. What is it you speak of that will
enhance my skills?
"Come with me and attend our special session tonight to see the way."
Shijama: Sure. I'm game. What's the harm?
[Back to Waseda University]
Akane: (picks up the culprit: a remote control flying object with a
semi-white silk sheet attached over it) Here is our phantom ghost!
Kurumi: You think it was the same person as before who pulled that
first prank on us?
Akane: I'm sure of it! Oh, how I wish to exact my revenge! But this
coward of a male just attacks and runs. How can we catch him?
Manami: This looks fairly complex to construct. I bet you if #2 had a
look at this, he might have an idea who.
Akane: Who?
Kurumi: She means that guy, Koji Muroke, the computer geek from work.
Manami: That's not a nice thing to say about a person!
Kurumi: Why? You got a crush on him?
Manami: No. I mean it is just not civil.
Akane: There's no need to be civil when it comes to dealing with the
enemy. That is the one common thread.
(Someone enters through the doors)
"Excuse me? Is this the location of the Woman's club meeting?"
Akane: Yep. If you're here for the meeting, you didn't miss much. It
was a short-lived meeting.
"Actually, I was looking for my friend. Kohama Yumi. I was suppose to
meet her here after the meeting. Have you seen her?"
Kurumi: I think she was scared off like the rest of them by a
prankster.
"That's just too bad. Do you need some help in cleaning up?"
Manami: We're fine, thank you.
"Ok. Konbawa."
Akane: We were just in the process of leaving ourselves. (picks up her
jacket, when 2 tickets fall out) Excuse miss!
(She turns around startled) "Is something the matter?"
Akane: I feel quite ashamed at the sabotage that our club has
suffered, and I feel badly for all our members, and especially your
friend. Do you mind accepting these 2 tickets on behalf of your friend
to make it up?
"That's nice. However, it is not my place to accept this."
Akane: No, no. Please. Here. (stuffs the tickets in her hand). Please
take it. It will make all of us feel a lot better. Right girls?
"UH HUH!"
"That really no choice for me then. Arrigatou. Thank you for your
generosity."
Akane: It's our treat. I do hope you enjoy the show.
[In the Physics computer lab]
Taku: You have been quite helpful to me. I would never have finished
my astrometrics lab simulation. Many thanks for taking the time to
assist me.
Muroke: That's what roommates are for. Plus you're a fast
learner. Why, pretty soon, you'll get the hang of these unix boxes in
no time.
Taku: I'm just curious what those people are doing over there in the
corner.
Muroke: (peers over) Oh, they're just playing X-trek.
Taku: X-Trek?
Muroke: Yeah. It's a network computer based on Star Trek.
Taku: Star Trek?
Muroke: You don't know what Star Trek is? I'm surprised! Very ironic,
especially for a future astronomer like you who peer into the stars.
Taku: Should I know what it is?
Muroke: Maybe they don't show it in your neck of the woods. It's a old
science fiction tv series in the U.S. about space ships traveling the
cosmos in search for new discoveries.
Taku: Like Macross?
Muroke: Yeah, kind of like that but a lot different. I'll rent some
episodes from some novelty video store so you can see that.
Taku: So what does it have to do with what they're playing?
Muroke: Oh yeah, that. Back to X-Trek, it a strategy simulation game
where you compete with the Klingons and Romulans for planets. Whoever
can assume the most planets win.
Taku: Is that so?
Muroke: Yep. Very addictive. I use to spend many sleepless nights
staying up and playing X-trek and other network related games.
Taku: Doesn't sound too healthy. Do you still do that?
Muroke: No, not anymore.
Taku: How did you quit?
Muroke: My parents put their foot down so to speak. I was in
withdrawal for weeks. But as I did other things, I got slowly weaned
off of it.
Taku: Sounds like quitting smoking.
Muroke: Yep. But let me introduce you to something more socially
active to help you with your blues.
Taku: Which is?
Muroke: IRC!
[Back at the Shin ABCB]
(We see Hatta and Komatsu at their customary positions at the
bar. Having been "evicted" from their studio room in an adult
bookstore in the redlight district, they have now made the Shin ABCB
their new "headquarters", spending most of their time there now. We
now see Hatta, with several pencils stuck behind his ear, with several
sketchpads strewn around the bar counter with Komatsu, dressed in a
checkered, tweed suit, constantly jabbering away in his cellular
phone.)
Komatsu: Come on Hatta-kun! J Publishers are getting on our back to
make this month's deadline.
Hatta: Hey, I'm drawing as fast as I can!
"You guys need help? Lemme help..."
Komatsu: Oh great! Mr drunk-it-all is at it again.
Hatta: What do you want now?
"I can help, I can help. I'm a master writer!" (starts grabbing at one
of the finished sketchpads and plucks a writing pencil from behind
Hatta's ear)
Hatta: Hey!
Komatsu: What the hell are you doing?
"Fillin' in the text bubbles for ya."
Komatsu: God damn fool! You're going to ruin this month's work!
Hatta: (peers over at what he's doing) He doesn't seem to be marking
up the pictures. And I really don't care what he writes as long as he
fills up those bubbles. Save me time to fill them in later.
Komatsu: (still sporting a frown) Humph! I guess it wouldn't hurt to
let him play around with the dialogue. After all, who care what they
say? It's the hentai drawings that our paying public is after.
"Finished one! Here. (hands him a sheet) What do you think?"
(Komatsu gives it a thorough look through.) Damn. Excellent
penmanship. You're suppose to be drunk! How come your hands aren't
shaky?
"Master writer has to be master of his pen. Gimme a drink now?"
Komatsu: What? I knew you sneaky weasel was up to something...
Hatta: Come on Komatsu-kun. He's helping us out. Least we can do is
get him a drink.
Komatsu: Fine. But don't he get any ideas that he can freeload off us
any time.
(Akane and company crashes in!)
Hatta: Woah! Beware the battling amazons!
Komatsu: Hey, that gives me an idea for your next ecchi manga. Hot,
steamy, oil-drenched amazons battling in the nude!
Akane: Shut you two! I'm in a smacking mood!
Komatsu: Hello!
Hatta: Watch out!
(Kurumi flips the electro-mechanical contraption on the bar counter)
Komatsu: What the hell is that suppose to be?
Kurumi: A clue to whoever been ruining our meetings.
Manami: Too bad the only person who might be able to help us is
nowhere to be found.
Hatta: And who might that be?
Kurumi: You know. The one you teamed up with in that basketball game
where you guys lost.
Komatsu: You mean those suits? Which one? Big guy or little guy.
Akane: The little one you moron!
Hatta: Hey, no need to get touchy. I mean, we like to get touchy with
you girls, but not the other way around. On second thoughts, I
wouldn't mind you you got 'touchy' with me...
Komatsu: And I wouldn't mind if you girls got in touch with my "big
guy". Hatta's the one with the "little guy."
(Komatsu and Hatta get glasses of water thrown in their face!)
Akane: That'll "clean" your dirty minds!
Komatsu: (wiping the water from his eyes) Don't think you've got the
best of us. This ain't the first time it has happen to us!
Hatta: We had much finer liquids thrown at us by more voluptuous
babes.
Komatsu: And to think I was going to tell you where the little tyke
was.
Manami: What? You know where he is?
Komatsu: Oops!
(Akane grabs him from the shirt-collar) You better tell us where he is
or else we'll do things to you more tortuous than you ever known.
Komatsu: You know, I'm not into that kinky S & M stuff.
Akane: Just shut up and drive us to the place.
Komatsu: Nowww?
Akane: Of course now!
[At the penthouse]
(The lights are dim, with Ryusei staring outside the window
overlooking the city. Instead of a chessboard on the table, a shogi
board takes its place.)
"A new hobby sir?"
Ryusei: Ah, #1. You finally surfaced. Yes, I have taken up this
advanced form of chess for the stakes are higher. There's a new game
in town.
"I take it that your dealings with the Kensetsu group went well?"
Ryusei: Quite well, indeed. It's a dangerous game taking former
enemies of the clan and 'capturing' them over to our side.
"What are the conditions?"
Ryusei: A joint venture of sorts. Meld their real estate influence
with our commercial interests for profit for both sides.
"Sounds simple enough. What is the payoff?"
Ryusei: The triangular triad.
[Back to the gang]
Komatsu: Here we are gals! How did you enjoy the ride in red
'Valerie.'? (taps the steering wheel)
Kurumi: You name your car? Sheesh! How tacky?
Komatsu: What's so tacky about naming such a gorgeous, sports car?
Don't you girls name your breasts?
(Komatsu receives a simultaneous double slap - one landing on each
cheek administered by each of the twins)
(Komatsu slumps unconscience in his seat from the blow)
Akane: I couldn't do it any better myself ladies!
(they all hi-fi each other)
Kurumi: What next?
Manami: He did tell us that #2 - I mean Koji-san should be living in
that run-down looking antiquated building.
Akane: Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go in!
(as they enter, they meet the attendant of the complex; a middle-aged
woman)
"What are you girls doing here?
Manami: We're here to see someone living here.
"Don't you know the rules here? No girls allowed here at night."
Manami: Why is that?
"Don't you girls know? This is still an all-boys dorm here. The rules
may have been relaxed to allow limited access to females, but not
during evenings.
Manami: But we just wanted to drop by and...
"No exceptions. Come back in the morning."
(as they get shoo-ed out outside)
Kurumi: That was a big waste of time!
Manami: I didn't know he was staying at a all-male dorm.
Akane: All is not lost girls!
Twins: Why is that? Akane?!
(They see a young man standing before them!)
Akane: You forget that I have the power of disguise.
Kurumi: You think you can pull it off?
Akane: Sure I can. I can be one of the boys, even though the thought
of it disgusts me.
(Akane now enters the building using her Esper powers to make her
appear as a young college male)
*Akane: Yo maam. I need to see Koji Muroke. Is he in?
"Is he an upperclassman?"
*Akane: I suppose you can say so.
"That's not my department. You have to talk to the RAs. Try room 210."
*Akane: Thank you.
"You're looking for Koji-san?"
*Akane: (turns around) Yes, I am and you ahh....
(Akane sees Shun Kisaragi who looks like a girl!)
*Akane: And you are????
Shun: How rude of me! I'm one of the RAs here for the new setup we
have here. You're looking for Koji Muroke, right?
*Akane: (still shocked and mesmerized by Shun) Why, yes, I am! Do you
*know if
he is in?
Shun: We can check. Come with me upstairs and we can take a look.
(as they walk upstairs together)
*Akane: So how did you become RA at this facility?
(*step*)
Shun: From my past connection before. I was a former border here in
high school here. When it came time to move on, I decided to stay on
with a handful of others to act as a bridge for lower and
upperclassmen to live together.
(*step*) (*step*)
*Akane: Is that so? So all the RAs are like you?
(*step*)
Shun: Pretty much. We all are former residents of this place before
and we all know each other fairly well.
(*step*)
*Akane: Wow, I would never imagine this to occur, especially at an
*all-boys
dorm.
Shun: I hear you. Everyone thought the idea of mixing the student
living here was a bad idea. But so far, it's working.
(*step*) (*step*) (*step*)
*Akane: That's not what I mean.
(*step*) (*step*)
Shun: Here we are. Room 312. Let me see if they're in.
(*knock knock knock*)
Shun: Hmm. They must be still out. Or they could be at Zumi-san's
room. Let us go check there next.
*Akane: Are they friends?
Shun: I think so. I believe they went to high school together in
Hokkaido.
(they pass by the open door to reveal Shinohara on his way out wearing
his motorcycle helmet, and shielding his face)
Shun: Matte. Have you seen Koji-san around?
Shinohara: Nah. I'm going out for a spin on the Hog.
Shun: Ok. Don't forget about the curfew.
Shun: There you have it. They haven't returned for the evening. Do you
wish to wait for him?
*Akane: Probably not. It's getting late, so I have to get going.
Shun: Do you want me to leave a message for you?
*Akane: No, you don't have to do that. I come again another
*time. Thanks for
the help.
(as Akane leaves, she hears the revving of the motorcycle and sees the
figure spin off)
Akane: (points) Ah ha! That's him! That's our man!
[at an apartment]
"Yumi-chan."
"What is it Rik-chan?"
"Why did you skip out on me? I came at the right time."
"Gomen nasai. I was still in shock and I forgot."
"Shock from what?"
"I received such a fright from that club meeting. There was this
ghostly figure flying about. Scared everyone half to death. I ran out
as did everyone else. I totally forgot."
"Hmm Yumi-chan. You're such a yellow-belly sometimes. You shouldn't
scare that easily."
"Ah come on Rik-chan. No one can be as stout-hearted as you."
"Well I forgive you. How about we attend this play to make it up?"
"Play? For what?"
"I got these tickets from the officers of the women's club. They
seemed sorry for that incident and wanted to do something."
"A play? I never been to one of those before. Have you?"
"Why of course. A well-mannered, cultured, Tokyo girl like me has
attended many plays. It's not a big deal.
"Wow, you're really amazing!"
"I know."
[Halloween weekend]
[Morning at Ryokurin Ryo]
(*knock knock*)
Muroke: (yawns) Who is it?
"Cleaning time."
Muroke: Oh Shinohara-san. It's you. You're awfully early today. Give
us a moment.
(*knock knock*)
Muroke: I said we'll be out in a moment.
(*knock knock*)
(Muroke opens the door)
Muroke: What is your problem?
Shinohara: Just come out and see for yourself.
Taku: What is going?
Muroke: We won't know unless we come out and see what all the fuss is
about.
(as they enter the hallway, they see a strange, robotic figure with a
mop in one hand and a bucket of water and soap in the other.)
Shinohara: Observe. My latest creation. Clean-o-bot.
Muroke: You built that? What for?
Shinohara: For our last cleaning. I despise dirtying my hands. This
mechanized robot will perform in our place.
Taku: That looks complicated.
Shinohara: Only to those lacking the tools.
Muroke: Where's Zumi-kun?
Shinohara: Still sleeping I presume. He returned late last night. But
we do not require his help now.
Taku: How does this contraption work exactly?
Shinohara: Let me demonstrate.
(*switches on remote control, where robot eyes turn on.*)
(Robot then proceeds with cleaning a portion of the floor, using the
mop to moisten the floor, and using its on-board scrubbers to do the
actual cleaning.)
Muroke: This is fancy technology you have at work here. How did you
get the parts to do this?
Shinohara: If I want it, I get it.
Taku: You're really coming around, Shinohara-san.
Shinohara: Ha! It wasn't to help you. I just wanted to save my butt to
do this stupid cleaning. Pure selfishness.
Muroke: I should have figured as much.
Shinohara: Now go on and do your own little thing while the
Clean-o-matic does its thing.
[At the Twins apartment]
Manami: I don't believe it.
Kurumi: Believe what?
Akane: What's so difficult to understand? The one I met wearing the
motorcycle helmet is our man. I recognize that roar anywhere.
Starting from the club orientation to disrupting our club meeting.
Kazuya: No, you dope! She's talking about what you said about the
short kid.
Akane: You're the dope! And what's wrong with what I said about
Koji-san. It's obvious that he is in league with the enemy. You said
so yourself Manami-chan that the kid was a technology wizard. It makes
all perfect sense now. Koji-san is the mastermind behind this while
that big buy is the dumb brute to carry out the dirty deed!
Manami: It doesn't make sense. He was nice and very helpful in the
office.
Akane: There's where you're wrong! Men are all the same: SCUM. Sure,
they may seem nice at first, but after they use you up, they just
throw you away. It's all beginning to make sense now. The whole house
is on this. They are secretly conspiring to overthrow our
movement. They must feel so threatened by us.
Manami: Now you're getting paranoid.
Akane: I might be. One thing I just don't get is why the whole house
is being run by the ladies?
[Just outside Ryokurin Ryo]
(Muroke on his way out)
(A white limo passing by suddenly slows and starts to track Muroke)
(One of the tinted windows rolls down)
"#2. Pleasant surprise to meet you here."
Muroke: Haroken-san. What are you doing here?
Ryusei: Doing a little prospecting of this whole area. Is that the
place you're living at now? (pointing to the decrepit building)
Muroke: Oh yeah. It may look bad on the outside, but it's not too bad
inside. I beginning to get use to its cozy features.
Ryusei: Don't get too attached to it. A word of advice for you. I
would start looking for a new place next spring.
Muroke: Why so?
Ryusei: Let's just say I know something on the up and up. And one more
thing.
(hands him an envelope)
Muroke: What's this?
Ryusei: Study hard #2. Bye.
(limo drives away)
Muroke: (opens the envelope) Tickets?
[Back to Ryokurin Ryo]
(the lowerclassman are playing baseball again)
(The batter hits a straight foul back)
"Oh no! Not the window again."
(The ball slips through the open space)
"Whew! That was close."
(Unfortunately, the baseball has impacted with the Clean-o-matic
cleaning on the second floor. It starts go haywire and
short-circuit. It starts spinning back and forth, overdriving its
engines and it starts to spew out foam and soap bubbles all around.)
Hasukawa: What is that annoying whine?
(opens the door to see the whole hallway filled with bubbles!)
"ARRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
[At the "Stray Cats" opening premiere]
(Hayakawa Mitsuru and Ryusei Haroken are sitting above in the luxury
seats)
Hayakawa: It may be a late asking you now, partner, but I'll ask
anyway. What's up with the cats concept? Ain't it been beaten to
death ?
Ryusei: It may, but experience tell me that people are like sheep. No
matter how many knockoffs of a legendary performance you make, people
would just eat it up. It is with Andrew's blessing. Andrew got a kick
out of our 'imitation.'
<And it is one of the few lingering memories I can recall. Could it
help stir up the rest of my past memory like I hope?>
Hayakawa: You're the business brains boss. I'm anxious to see how it
turns out.
Ryusei: <So do I. So do I.>
(In the front left side of the theater)
Kurumi: Hey watch the elbows!
Komatsu: Wasn't me?
Hatta: Where's my pencil?
Izzy: It waz me. S'orry.
Akane: Men. Kazuya! Stop squirming!
Kazuya: This place sucks!
Manami: All of hush! We're not at a wrestling match here. This is a
performing arts event. Everyone be on their best behavior.
Everyone: Yes, Manami-ka-san!
(on the middle left side)
Yumi: Are we late?
"No. People are just getting into their seats. That is why the lights
are half-dim."
Yumi: Wow, this is so exciting. I never attend such a event before. In
the city or anywhere.
"There's a first time for everything I suppose."
(A few minutes later, the play begins. As the opening cast stream onto
the stage for the alley/fence scene, Muroke and his friend arrive to
take their seats, late.)
Taku: They started already.
Muroke: Don't worry. I'm sure it happens all the time, with late
stragglers coming in.
Taku: I appreciate the invite. Too bad Zumi-san was too tired and
Shinohara disinterested.
Muroke: Fine arts is not his thing.
(they sit just a few rows behind where Kohama Yumi and her friend is
sitting.)
(The opening scene continues, with the introduction of some of the
characters and the explanation of the situation by the narrator in the
trash can. As expected all the characters are of one form or another
felines. Another dance routine ensures to reflect the dilemma of the
queen cat. Act 1 finally ends with the arrival of the stranger.)
"I'm not feeling too well Yumi-chan."
Kohama Yumi: Is your anemia acting up now?
"I think so."
Yumi: Daijoubu? Do you need me to help you?
"No thanks. I'll freshen up in the ladies room."
(as she leaves...)
Taku: Break time. Do you want some refreshments?
Muroke: I'm fine.
Taku: I'll pick up some tea for you.
Muroke: Thanks.
Taku: Will be back in a sec.
(as Kohama's friend enter the restroom, Taku enters the lobby area and
waits in line at the snacks center)
(inside the theater)
Komatsu: Wow, I love the arts! Especially the cat-suits!
Akane: (sarcastic) I bet you do.
Hatta: I'm a believer in the arts now. Hey you! What do you think of
your play?
Izzy: W-w-what? My play? It's so-so work, but that's what you get when
you pay me so-so.
Kurumi: He must be out of it. I smell alcohol in his breath.
Manami: Drunk at his own play. That's really something.
(Just As Taku leaves the lobby to get into his seat, the weakened
woman emerges out of the bathroom )
Taku: Here's your green tea.
Muroke: Thank you.
(on the other side)
Yumi: Feeling better?
(sitting down) "Much. Ingested some quick energy drops. I should last
the evening fine."
(Act II continues, with the backdrop of the competing factions
striking the main faction hard with a fierce effort. But despite this,
the head queen is too enamored with her new visitor to pay
attention. Her right-hand aide assumes control of the campaign, but is
too secretly infatuated with this new visitor. This male cat, playing
both sides later reveals his true stripes. Act II ends with the
revelation that he is a double-agent pawn for the competing side.)
(Act III begins, with the male cat trying to seduce the right-hand
aide into betraying her master by preying on her feelings for him. The
right-hand aide is not sure of herself anymore. They replay a scene
from her past where the Queen picks her off the streets and grooms her
to be her protege. An important battle is looming, as the cats do wave
after wave of mock battle and skirmishes. Finally the right-hand aide
makes her choice and tells the visitor to meet her by the border where
they will unite the forces and overthrow the queen. The decisive
moment comes as all 3 of them meet. Then the right-hand aide declares
her intentions and she fights the Queen one on one, while he watches
the two of them. The battle rages on for quite a while with finally
the right-hand aide gaining the advantage and holding the knife up to
her former Queen's throat. She brings the Queen up to the double-agent
who then reveals himself to be the King of the warring faction and
orders for the Queen's death. With that proclamation, the right-hand
aide drops the dagger she once held at her beloved Queen's throat, and
out emerges the Queen's troops who had been gathering around the spy's
troops during the battle and now has ambushed them. The King awaits
his death blow, but instead gets a kiss from the Queen, who still
loves him, and intends to join with him in uniting the two
factions. The final scene ends with the wedding ceremony. During this
time, the right-hand aide, the loyal female servant of the Queen
departs in self-exile, despite being forgiven by the queen, to now
lead the life as a stray cat to serve penance for betraying herself.)
(Loud applause follows, followed by curtain calls and the whole
works.)
Hayakawa: Man, that was really something. So what are your impressions
boss?
Ryusei: A pleasant surprise. Not spectacular, but not a total disaster
either. <I wonder why I feel so flat. Perhaps there is no memory left
to stir within me anymore>
(as the crowd is clearing out the theater)
Muroke: The trick is to slip and slide, just like in the subways. Just
follow my lead.
Taku: Wait. Someone from your blind side...
(*Collision*)
(As Taku turns and walks over to help Muroke, Yumi and her friend pass
right through the same path seconds later)
Yumi: Are you sure you're feeling well?
"Yes. That candy really did help. "
Yumi: Let's get you back home as soon as possible.
(As Muroke and the person he bump into rises, Muroke picks up her
purse and hands it to her. As their eyes meet...)
Muroke: Gomen na-sai. Here is your purse...Manami-san?
Manami: #2?
[In New York]
(Hikaru is doing several things at once, with a toothbrush in her
mouth, her hair in rollers, while she is trying to get into her
stockings)
"Knock Knock"
Hikaru: sh-uri?.
(sticks her head partially through the door, with her hands bracing
it) Shuri: Ping pong. Came to check up on ya. Ready for the tryout
today?
Hikaru: gimme a moment. (spits something into the sink and chucks the
toothbrush to the side) Ah. That's better. No, I'm not really
prepared. I have a million things to do. But it will have to suffice.
Shuri: That's strange.
Hikaru: What is?
Shuri: Your signature. Why'd you put an asterisk there?
Hikaru: That? That's suppose to be a star.
Shuri: A star? (starts to turn paper with her signature in a circular
motion) Oh, I see it now.
Hikaru: Stop goofing around! My handwriting is not that bad.
Shuri: It's barely passable ...for a doctor. Thank goodness your
drawing skill is much better. So why the star?
Hikaru: Oh, I decided to try something different ever since I got back
to New York. A fresh, clean start again for me. I remembered some
trivia that a friendly person I met told me about my name meaning
light, like from a star.
Shuri: Oh, I get it! Neat twist to it. You're going to be the 'star'
of the show?
Hikaru: I wish. But I'll try my best. Speaking of friends, there
something I wanna give you.
Shuri: A gift? For me? You shouldn't have!
Hikaru: Of course I should! It's not everyday a girl celebrates her
birthday.
Shuri: You know? How?
Hikaru: (beaming) Oh, I have my sources down in the village. Cost me a
few favors to find out, but it was worth it. And here is my
gift. Please accept it.
(pulls up a white sheet covering the canvas to reveal the portrait of
Kyosuke!)
Shuri: Jeepers! That's your first painting in the city...and of that
guy. I'm impressed. But....
Hikaru: But what?
Shuri: This is way too much. I can't take this. Your very first
painting and all. And this painting must evoke so many good memories
for you. I can't take that away from you.
Hikaru: Yes, it has, but now I have to leave the past behind me and
look forward to the future. And you have been a major part of helping
me on my future hopes with your support and understanding. During the
tough times in the city, you have been an instrumental part in helping
me brave through the turbulent waves.
Shuri: I'm so touched. Thank you. Thank you so much. Arrigatou.
(They hug)
Hikaru: <My first opportunity in the States in quite a while. I wonder
what this will lead to.>
[End of Chapter]
Yet another reformatting done. This is HARDKOR Book C Chapter 7
titled 'Remembering Memory'.
Enjoy!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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 11-11-98
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 7: Remembering Memory
[At the Ryokurin Ryo]
(At a study room in the house where the inhabitants are huddled in
various study groups preparing for the treacherous college
midterms. Shijama, Muroke, and Taku are at a table studying their
respective subjects. We start to hear drilling sounds.)
Muroke: How inconsiderate! Disturbing the train of thought of people
while other people are trying to study.
Taku: Who could be making such noise?
Shijama: I know. Must be my roomie, Shinohara! I'm going to march up
there and give him a piece of my mind.
Muroke: I'm with you!
Taku: I'll come along.
(All 3 march up to the room where Shinohara is wearing a welders mask
and wielding a welding tool, with the fiery sparks dancing around the
metalworks.)
Shijama: Are you nuts man? You're not suppose to operate heavy
machinery in here!
Shinohara: Lay off of me. This gift is for y'all.
Taku: For us?
Shinohara: Yep. But it's a surprise, so I'm saving it for our last
clean-up session. Y'all thank me later.
Muroke: And I thought you were concocting another elaborate prank.
Shinohara: Yep. Idea is good. Almost forgot those girls. Good time to
torment them again. Strike first and lay dormant. Strike again by
surprise. Mess with their minds.
Shijama: I don't know what you're doing, but you're making too much
noise! People are trying to study downstairs!
Shinohara: (nods) Right! Now I go back to work. (puts on a pair of
ear-muff protectors and continues drilling/welding)
Shijama: He's impossible!
[Back in New York]
(A CD of Pet Shop Boys plays in the background)
(Hikaru is tapping at her Apple Powerbook notebook, logging into the
'Fame BBS' to read the latest postings)
Hikaru: <Hmm...this might be interesting:)
DANCERS WANTED!!!
NEW MUSICAL PRODUCTION!!!
Many parts, many roles. Audition tryouts at Shubert
Theater Starting this Monday at 10am
Hikaru: <Gotta mention this to Shuri.>
(Shuri suddenly pops in)
Shuri: Hiya Hik!
Hikaru: Speak of the devil.
Shuri: W'hat?
Hikaru: Nothing. What's up?
Shuri: Wonderin' if you wanna crash this party tonight?
Hikaru: Sounds like a grand thing to do before this tryout.
Shuri: What tryout?
Hikaru: Just scanned the Fame BBS for the latest happenings, and
there's a new production in the works. Tryouts for all parts begin
this Monday.
Shuri: Way cool! Count me in!
[The Next Day after school]
Manami: Are you sure it's a good idea to hold a meeting so close to
Halloween weekend? Isn't that bad luck?
Akane: It's the perfect time! Right after finals week is over. A good
time for us gals to get together. What's the matter? You're chicken?
Us women aren't afraid of anything, especially the likes of bad luck.
Kurumi: Oh look!
(A black cat passes them by)
Akane: Only a cat. Could be any cat. Let's get going.
Manami: Hey, watch it!
(Akane walks right under a ladder!)
"Look where you're going! I'm painting."
Kurumi: Strike 2!
Akane: Superstitions. Don't believe those wives tales.
Manami: You never know.
(at the room)
Akane: Kurumi-chan. Can you get started with the handouts?
Kurumi: Okie dokie. Help me put my umbrella away. I thought it was
going to rain today.
"Oops!"
(Akane accidentally triggers the umbrella, springing it open)
(Both twins groan in unison)
Akane: Just coincidence! Don't put too much into it.
Manami: (whispers) I have a bad feeling about this.
(during the meeting)
Manami: Nothing bad happening yet. Maybe we were wrong.
Kurumi: Could be.
"What's that?"
"Aieee!"
Akane: W-w-what? What's all the commotion?
"Help! A ghost!"
(We see a bobbing apparition zig-zagging through the room)
Akane: (slaps her hand to her forehead) Not again!
[At Tokyo University...]
(at the role-playing and magic club)
Muroke: That was one of the best role-playing sessions I had!
Shijama: I'll say! Must be these goofy costumes we're wearing!
Muroke: Just fitting in with the mood of Hallow's Eve. I think that's
why I did so well.
Shijama: Well, at least you look well in your bard's costume. Look at
me. I look pathetic in this sorcerer's garb.
"Koji-san?"
Muroke: Taku-sempai! What brings you to the mathematics area?
Taku: Your assistance, if you could.
Muroke: Sure. What can I help you with?
Taku: I need to perform my astrometric analysis using the school
computers and I could require some of your computer expertise.
Muroke: No problem. Computers are my thing. Shijama. Why don't you go
on ahead of us?
Shijama: I'll meet you two back at the 'dorm.' Ja.
(as they leave, Shijama is approached by a person dressed up in a grim
reaper's costume)
"Care to perfect the craft of chemicals?"
Shijama: You're from the club?
(the hooded figure nods)
Shijama: I am an o-chem student. I'm surprised that you know my major.
"I have been studying ye and others for a great many a time. You seem
a likely prospect to attain the path of knowledge."
Shijama: It does sound intriguing. What is it you speak of that will
enhance my skills?
"Come with me and attend our special session tonight to see the way."
Shijama: Sure. I'm game. What's the harm?
[Back to Waseda University]
Akane: (picks up the culprit: a remote control flying object with a
semi-white silk sheet attached over it) Here is our phantom ghost!
Kurumi: You think it was the same person as before who pulled that
first prank on us?
Akane: I'm sure of it! Oh, how I wish to exact my revenge! But this
coward of a male just attacks and runs. How can we catch him?
Manami: This looks fairly complex to construct. I bet you if #2 had a
look at this, he might have an idea who.
Akane: Who?
Kurumi: She means that guy, Koji Muroke, the computer geek from work.
Manami: That's not a nice thing to say about a person!
Kurumi: Why? You got a crush on him?
Manami: No. I mean it is just not civil.
Akane: There's no need to be civil when it comes to dealing with the
enemy. That is the one common thread.
(Someone enters through the doors)
"Excuse me? Is this the location of the Woman's club meeting?"
Akane: Yep. If you're here for the meeting, you didn't miss much. It
was a short-lived meeting.
"Actually, I was looking for my friend. Kohama Yumi. I was suppose to
meet her here after the meeting. Have you seen her?"
Kurumi: I think she was scared off like the rest of them by a
prankster.
"That's just too bad. Do you need some help in cleaning up?"
Manami: We're fine, thank you.
"Ok. Konbawa."
Akane: We were just in the process of leaving ourselves. (picks up her
jacket, when 2 tickets fall out) Excuse miss!
(She turns around startled) "Is something the matter?"
Akane: I feel quite ashamed at the sabotage that our club has
suffered, and I feel badly for all our members, and especially your
friend. Do you mind accepting these 2 tickets on behalf of your friend
to make it up?
"That's nice. However, it is not my place to accept this."
Akane: No, no. Please. Here. (stuffs the tickets in her hand). Please
take it. It will make all of us feel a lot better. Right girls?
"UH HUH!"
"That really no choice for me then. Arrigatou. Thank you for your
generosity."
Akane: It's our treat. I do hope you enjoy the show.
[In the Physics computer lab]
Taku: You have been quite helpful to me. I would never have finished
my astrometrics lab simulation. Many thanks for taking the time to
assist me.
Muroke: That's what roommates are for. Plus you're a fast
learner. Why, pretty soon, you'll get the hang of these unix boxes in
no time.
Taku: I'm just curious what those people are doing over there in the
corner.
Muroke: (peers over) Oh, they're just playing X-trek.
Taku: X-Trek?
Muroke: Yeah. It's a network computer based on Star Trek.
Taku: Star Trek?
Muroke: You don't know what Star Trek is? I'm surprised! Very ironic,
especially for a future astronomer like you who peer into the stars.
Taku: Should I know what it is?
Muroke: Maybe they don't show it in your neck of the woods. It's a old
science fiction tv series in the U.S. about space ships traveling the
cosmos in search for new discoveries.
Taku: Like Macross?
Muroke: Yeah, kind of like that but a lot different. I'll rent some
episodes from some novelty video store so you can see that.
Taku: So what does it have to do with what they're playing?
Muroke: Oh yeah, that. Back to X-Trek, it a strategy simulation game
where you compete with the Klingons and Romulans for planets. Whoever
can assume the most planets win.
Taku: Is that so?
Muroke: Yep. Very addictive. I use to spend many sleepless nights
staying up and playing X-trek and other network related games.
Taku: Doesn't sound too healthy. Do you still do that?
Muroke: No, not anymore.
Taku: How did you quit?
Muroke: My parents put their foot down so to speak. I was in
withdrawal for weeks. But as I did other things, I got slowly weaned
off of it.
Taku: Sounds like quitting smoking.
Muroke: Yep. But let me introduce you to something more socially
active to help you with your blues.
Taku: Which is?
Muroke: IRC!
[Back at the Shin ABCB]
(We see Hatta and Komatsu at their customary positions at the
bar. Having been "evicted" from their studio room in an adult
bookstore in the redlight district, they have now made the Shin ABCB
their new "headquarters", spending most of their time there now. We
now see Hatta, with several pencils stuck behind his ear, with several
sketchpads strewn around the bar counter with Komatsu, dressed in a
checkered, tweed suit, constantly jabbering away in his cellular
phone.)
Komatsu: Come on Hatta-kun! J Publishers are getting on our back to
make this month's deadline.
Hatta: Hey, I'm drawing as fast as I can!
"You guys need help? Lemme help..."
Komatsu: Oh great! Mr drunk-it-all is at it again.
Hatta: What do you want now?
"I can help, I can help. I'm a master writer!" (starts grabbing at one
of the finished sketchpads and plucks a writing pencil from behind
Hatta's ear)
Hatta: Hey!
Komatsu: What the hell are you doing?
"Fillin' in the text bubbles for ya."
Komatsu: God damn fool! You're going to ruin this month's work!
Hatta: (peers over at what he's doing) He doesn't seem to be marking
up the pictures. And I really don't care what he writes as long as he
fills up those bubbles. Save me time to fill them in later.
Komatsu: (still sporting a frown) Humph! I guess it wouldn't hurt to
let him play around with the dialogue. After all, who care what they
say? It's the hentai drawings that our paying public is after.
"Finished one! Here. (hands him a sheet) What do you think?"
(Komatsu gives it a thorough look through.) Damn. Excellent
penmanship. You're suppose to be drunk! How come your hands aren't
shaky?
"Master writer has to be master of his pen. Gimme a drink now?"
Komatsu: What? I knew you sneaky weasel was up to something...
Hatta: Come on Komatsu-kun. He's helping us out. Least we can do is
get him a drink.
Komatsu: Fine. But don't he get any ideas that he can freeload off us
any time.
(Akane and company crashes in!)
Hatta: Woah! Beware the battling amazons!
Komatsu: Hey, that gives me an idea for your next ecchi manga. Hot,
steamy, oil-drenched amazons battling in the nude!
Akane: Shut you two! I'm in a smacking mood!
Komatsu: Hello!
Hatta: Watch out!
(Kurumi flips the electro-mechanical contraption on the bar counter)
Komatsu: What the hell is that suppose to be?
Kurumi: A clue to whoever been ruining our meetings.
Manami: Too bad the only person who might be able to help us is
nowhere to be found.
Hatta: And who might that be?
Kurumi: You know. The one you teamed up with in that basketball game
where you guys lost.
Komatsu: You mean those suits? Which one? Big guy or little guy.
Akane: The little one you moron!
Hatta: Hey, no need to get touchy. I mean, we like to get touchy with
you girls, but not the other way around. On second thoughts, I
wouldn't mind you you got 'touchy' with me...
Komatsu: And I wouldn't mind if you girls got in touch with my "big
guy". Hatta's the one with the "little guy."
(Komatsu and Hatta get glasses of water thrown in their face!)
Akane: That'll "clean" your dirty minds!
Komatsu: (wiping the water from his eyes) Don't think you've got the
best of us. This ain't the first time it has happen to us!
Hatta: We had much finer liquids thrown at us by more voluptuous
babes.
Komatsu: And to think I was going to tell you where the little tyke
was.
Manami: What? You know where he is?
Komatsu: Oops!
(Akane grabs him from the shirt-collar) You better tell us where he is
or else we'll do things to you more tortuous than you ever known.
Komatsu: You know, I'm not into that kinky S & M stuff.
Akane: Just shut up and drive us to the place.
Komatsu: Nowww?
Akane: Of course now!
[At the penthouse]
(The lights are dim, with Ryusei staring outside the window
overlooking the city. Instead of a chessboard on the table, a shogi
board takes its place.)
"A new hobby sir?"
Ryusei: Ah, #1. You finally surfaced. Yes, I have taken up this
advanced form of chess for the stakes are higher. There's a new game
in town.
"I take it that your dealings with the Kensetsu group went well?"
Ryusei: Quite well, indeed. It's a dangerous game taking former
enemies of the clan and 'capturing' them over to our side.
"What are the conditions?"
Ryusei: A joint venture of sorts. Meld their real estate influence
with our commercial interests for profit for both sides.
"Sounds simple enough. What is the payoff?"
Ryusei: The triangular triad.
[Back to the gang]
Komatsu: Here we are gals! How did you enjoy the ride in red
'Valerie.'? (taps the steering wheel)
Kurumi: You name your car? Sheesh! How tacky?
Komatsu: What's so tacky about naming such a gorgeous, sports car?
Don't you girls name your breasts?
(Komatsu receives a simultaneous double slap - one landing on each
cheek administered by each of the twins)
(Komatsu slumps unconscience in his seat from the blow)
Akane: I couldn't do it any better myself ladies!
(they all hi-fi each other)
Kurumi: What next?
Manami: He did tell us that #2 - I mean Koji-san should be living in
that run-down looking antiquated building.
Akane: Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go in!
(as they enter, they meet the attendant of the complex; a middle-aged
woman)
"What are you girls doing here?
Manami: We're here to see someone living here.
"Don't you know the rules here? No girls allowed here at night."
Manami: Why is that?
"Don't you girls know? This is still an all-boys dorm here. The rules
may have been relaxed to allow limited access to females, but not
during evenings.
Manami: But we just wanted to drop by and...
"No exceptions. Come back in the morning."
(as they get shoo-ed out outside)
Kurumi: That was a big waste of time!
Manami: I didn't know he was staying at a all-male dorm.
Akane: All is not lost girls!
Twins: Why is that? Akane?!
(They see a young man standing before them!)
Akane: You forget that I have the power of disguise.
Kurumi: You think you can pull it off?
Akane: Sure I can. I can be one of the boys, even though the thought
of it disgusts me.
(Akane now enters the building using her Esper powers to make her
appear as a young college male)
*Akane: Yo maam. I need to see Koji Muroke. Is he in?
"Is he an upperclassman?"
*Akane: I suppose you can say so.
"That's not my department. You have to talk to the RAs. Try room 210."
*Akane: Thank you.
"You're looking for Koji-san?"
*Akane: (turns around) Yes, I am and you ahh....
(Akane sees Shun Kisaragi who looks like a girl!)
*Akane: And you are????
Shun: How rude of me! I'm one of the RAs here for the new setup we
have here. You're looking for Koji Muroke, right?
*Akane: (still shocked and mesmerized by Shun) Why, yes, I am! Do you
*know if
he is in?
Shun: We can check. Come with me upstairs and we can take a look.
(as they walk upstairs together)
*Akane: So how did you become RA at this facility?
(*step*)
Shun: From my past connection before. I was a former border here in
high school here. When it came time to move on, I decided to stay on
with a handful of others to act as a bridge for lower and
upperclassmen to live together.
(*step*) (*step*)
*Akane: Is that so? So all the RAs are like you?
(*step*)
Shun: Pretty much. We all are former residents of this place before
and we all know each other fairly well.
(*step*)
*Akane: Wow, I would never imagine this to occur, especially at an
*all-boys
dorm.
Shun: I hear you. Everyone thought the idea of mixing the student
living here was a bad idea. But so far, it's working.
(*step*) (*step*) (*step*)
*Akane: That's not what I mean.
(*step*) (*step*)
Shun: Here we are. Room 312. Let me see if they're in.
(*knock knock knock*)
Shun: Hmm. They must be still out. Or they could be at Zumi-san's
room. Let us go check there next.
*Akane: Are they friends?
Shun: I think so. I believe they went to high school together in
Hokkaido.
(they pass by the open door to reveal Shinohara on his way out wearing
his motorcycle helmet, and shielding his face)
Shun: Matte. Have you seen Koji-san around?
Shinohara: Nah. I'm going out for a spin on the Hog.
Shun: Ok. Don't forget about the curfew.
Shun: There you have it. They haven't returned for the evening. Do you
wish to wait for him?
*Akane: Probably not. It's getting late, so I have to get going.
Shun: Do you want me to leave a message for you?
*Akane: No, you don't have to do that. I come again another
*time. Thanks for
the help.
(as Akane leaves, she hears the revving of the motorcycle and sees the
figure spin off)
Akane: (points) Ah ha! That's him! That's our man!
[at an apartment]
"Yumi-chan."
"What is it Rik-chan?"
"Why did you skip out on me? I came at the right time."
"Gomen nasai. I was still in shock and I forgot."
"Shock from what?"
"I received such a fright from that club meeting. There was this
ghostly figure flying about. Scared everyone half to death. I ran out
as did everyone else. I totally forgot."
"Hmm Yumi-chan. You're such a yellow-belly sometimes. You shouldn't
scare that easily."
"Ah come on Rik-chan. No one can be as stout-hearted as you."
"Well I forgive you. How about we attend this play to make it up?"
"Play? For what?"
"I got these tickets from the officers of the women's club. They
seemed sorry for that incident and wanted to do something."
"A play? I never been to one of those before. Have you?"
"Why of course. A well-mannered, cultured, Tokyo girl like me has
attended many plays. It's not a big deal.
"Wow, you're really amazing!"
"I know."
[Halloween weekend]
[Morning at Ryokurin Ryo]
(*knock knock*)
Muroke: (yawns) Who is it?
"Cleaning time."
Muroke: Oh Shinohara-san. It's you. You're awfully early today. Give
us a moment.
(*knock knock*)
Muroke: I said we'll be out in a moment.
(*knock knock*)
(Muroke opens the door)
Muroke: What is your problem?
Shinohara: Just come out and see for yourself.
Taku: What is going?
Muroke: We won't know unless we come out and see what all the fuss is
about.
(as they enter the hallway, they see a strange, robotic figure with a
mop in one hand and a bucket of water and soap in the other.)
Shinohara: Observe. My latest creation. Clean-o-bot.
Muroke: You built that? What for?
Shinohara: For our last cleaning. I despise dirtying my hands. This
mechanized robot will perform in our place.
Taku: That looks complicated.
Shinohara: Only to those lacking the tools.
Muroke: Where's Zumi-kun?
Shinohara: Still sleeping I presume. He returned late last night. But
we do not require his help now.
Taku: How does this contraption work exactly?
Shinohara: Let me demonstrate.
(*switches on remote control, where robot eyes turn on.*)
(Robot then proceeds with cleaning a portion of the floor, using the
mop to moisten the floor, and using its on-board scrubbers to do the
actual cleaning.)
Muroke: This is fancy technology you have at work here. How did you
get the parts to do this?
Shinohara: If I want it, I get it.
Taku: You're really coming around, Shinohara-san.
Shinohara: Ha! It wasn't to help you. I just wanted to save my butt to
do this stupid cleaning. Pure selfishness.
Muroke: I should have figured as much.
Shinohara: Now go on and do your own little thing while the
Clean-o-matic does its thing.
[At the Twins apartment]
Manami: I don't believe it.
Kurumi: Believe what?
Akane: What's so difficult to understand? The one I met wearing the
motorcycle helmet is our man. I recognize that roar anywhere.
Starting from the club orientation to disrupting our club meeting.
Kazuya: No, you dope! She's talking about what you said about the
short kid.
Akane: You're the dope! And what's wrong with what I said about
Koji-san. It's obvious that he is in league with the enemy. You said
so yourself Manami-chan that the kid was a technology wizard. It makes
all perfect sense now. Koji-san is the mastermind behind this while
that big buy is the dumb brute to carry out the dirty deed!
Manami: It doesn't make sense. He was nice and very helpful in the
office.
Akane: There's where you're wrong! Men are all the same: SCUM. Sure,
they may seem nice at first, but after they use you up, they just
throw you away. It's all beginning to make sense now. The whole house
is on this. They are secretly conspiring to overthrow our
movement. They must feel so threatened by us.
Manami: Now you're getting paranoid.
Akane: I might be. One thing I just don't get is why the whole house
is being run by the ladies?
[Just outside Ryokurin Ryo]
(Muroke on his way out)
(A white limo passing by suddenly slows and starts to track Muroke)
(One of the tinted windows rolls down)
"#2. Pleasant surprise to meet you here."
Muroke: Haroken-san. What are you doing here?
Ryusei: Doing a little prospecting of this whole area. Is that the
place you're living at now? (pointing to the decrepit building)
Muroke: Oh yeah. It may look bad on the outside, but it's not too bad
inside. I beginning to get use to its cozy features.
Ryusei: Don't get too attached to it. A word of advice for you. I
would start looking for a new place next spring.
Muroke: Why so?
Ryusei: Let's just say I know something on the up and up. And one more
thing.
(hands him an envelope)
Muroke: What's this?
Ryusei: Study hard #2. Bye.
(limo drives away)
Muroke: (opens the envelope) Tickets?
[Back to Ryokurin Ryo]
(the lowerclassman are playing baseball again)
(The batter hits a straight foul back)
"Oh no! Not the window again."
(The ball slips through the open space)
"Whew! That was close."
(Unfortunately, the baseball has impacted with the Clean-o-matic
cleaning on the second floor. It starts go haywire and
short-circuit. It starts spinning back and forth, overdriving its
engines and it starts to spew out foam and soap bubbles all around.)
Hasukawa: What is that annoying whine?
(opens the door to see the whole hallway filled with bubbles!)
"ARRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
[At the "Stray Cats" opening premiere]
(Hayakawa Mitsuru and Ryusei Haroken are sitting above in the luxury
seats)
Hayakawa: It may be a late asking you now, partner, but I'll ask
anyway. What's up with the cats concept? Ain't it been beaten to
death ?
Ryusei: It may, but experience tell me that people are like sheep. No
matter how many knockoffs of a legendary performance you make, people
would just eat it up. It is with Andrew's blessing. Andrew got a kick
out of our 'imitation.'
<And it is one of the few lingering memories I can recall. Could it
help stir up the rest of my past memory like I hope?>
Hayakawa: You're the business brains boss. I'm anxious to see how it
turns out.
Ryusei: <So do I. So do I.>
(In the front left side of the theater)
Kurumi: Hey watch the elbows!
Komatsu: Wasn't me?
Hatta: Where's my pencil?
Izzy: It waz me. S'orry.
Akane: Men. Kazuya! Stop squirming!
Kazuya: This place sucks!
Manami: All of hush! We're not at a wrestling match here. This is a
performing arts event. Everyone be on their best behavior.
Everyone: Yes, Manami-ka-san!
(on the middle left side)
Yumi: Are we late?
"No. People are just getting into their seats. That is why the lights
are half-dim."
Yumi: Wow, this is so exciting. I never attend such a event before. In
the city or anywhere.
"There's a first time for everything I suppose."
(A few minutes later, the play begins. As the opening cast stream onto
the stage for the alley/fence scene, Muroke and his friend arrive to
take their seats, late.)
Taku: They started already.
Muroke: Don't worry. I'm sure it happens all the time, with late
stragglers coming in.
Taku: I appreciate the invite. Too bad Zumi-san was too tired and
Shinohara disinterested.
Muroke: Fine arts is not his thing.
(they sit just a few rows behind where Kohama Yumi and her friend is
sitting.)
(The opening scene continues, with the introduction of some of the
characters and the explanation of the situation by the narrator in the
trash can. As expected all the characters are of one form or another
felines. Another dance routine ensures to reflect the dilemma of the
queen cat. Act 1 finally ends with the arrival of the stranger.)
"I'm not feeling too well Yumi-chan."
Kohama Yumi: Is your anemia acting up now?
"I think so."
Yumi: Daijoubu? Do you need me to help you?
"No thanks. I'll freshen up in the ladies room."
(as she leaves...)
Taku: Break time. Do you want some refreshments?
Muroke: I'm fine.
Taku: I'll pick up some tea for you.
Muroke: Thanks.
Taku: Will be back in a sec.
(as Kohama's friend enter the restroom, Taku enters the lobby area and
waits in line at the snacks center)
(inside the theater)
Komatsu: Wow, I love the arts! Especially the cat-suits!
Akane: (sarcastic) I bet you do.
Hatta: I'm a believer in the arts now. Hey you! What do you think of
your play?
Izzy: W-w-what? My play? It's so-so work, but that's what you get when
you pay me so-so.
Kurumi: He must be out of it. I smell alcohol in his breath.
Manami: Drunk at his own play. That's really something.
(Just As Taku leaves the lobby to get into his seat, the weakened
woman emerges out of the bathroom )
Taku: Here's your green tea.
Muroke: Thank you.
(on the other side)
Yumi: Feeling better?
(sitting down) "Much. Ingested some quick energy drops. I should last
the evening fine."
(Act II continues, with the backdrop of the competing factions
striking the main faction hard with a fierce effort. But despite this,
the head queen is too enamored with her new visitor to pay
attention. Her right-hand aide assumes control of the campaign, but is
too secretly infatuated with this new visitor. This male cat, playing
both sides later reveals his true stripes. Act II ends with the
revelation that he is a double-agent pawn for the competing side.)
(Act III begins, with the male cat trying to seduce the right-hand
aide into betraying her master by preying on her feelings for him. The
right-hand aide is not sure of herself anymore. They replay a scene
from her past where the Queen picks her off the streets and grooms her
to be her protege. An important battle is looming, as the cats do wave
after wave of mock battle and skirmishes. Finally the right-hand aide
makes her choice and tells the visitor to meet her by the border where
they will unite the forces and overthrow the queen. The decisive
moment comes as all 3 of them meet. Then the right-hand aide declares
her intentions and she fights the Queen one on one, while he watches
the two of them. The battle rages on for quite a while with finally
the right-hand aide gaining the advantage and holding the knife up to
her former Queen's throat. She brings the Queen up to the double-agent
who then reveals himself to be the King of the warring faction and
orders for the Queen's death. With that proclamation, the right-hand
aide drops the dagger she once held at her beloved Queen's throat, and
out emerges the Queen's troops who had been gathering around the spy's
troops during the battle and now has ambushed them. The King awaits
his death blow, but instead gets a kiss from the Queen, who still
loves him, and intends to join with him in uniting the two
factions. The final scene ends with the wedding ceremony. During this
time, the right-hand aide, the loyal female servant of the Queen
departs in self-exile, despite being forgiven by the queen, to now
lead the life as a stray cat to serve penance for betraying herself.)
(Loud applause follows, followed by curtain calls and the whole
works.)
Hayakawa: Man, that was really something. So what are your impressions
boss?
Ryusei: A pleasant surprise. Not spectacular, but not a total disaster
either. <I wonder why I feel so flat. Perhaps there is no memory left
to stir within me anymore>
(as the crowd is clearing out the theater)
Muroke: The trick is to slip and slide, just like in the subways. Just
follow my lead.
Taku: Wait. Someone from your blind side...
(*Collision*)
(As Taku turns and walks over to help Muroke, Yumi and her friend pass
right through the same path seconds later)
Yumi: Are you sure you're feeling well?
"Yes. That candy really did help. "
Yumi: Let's get you back home as soon as possible.
(As Muroke and the person he bump into rises, Muroke picks up her
purse and hands it to her. As their eyes meet...)
Muroke: Gomen na-sai. Here is your purse...Manami-san?
Manami: #2?
[In New York]
(Hikaru is doing several things at once, with a toothbrush in her
mouth, her hair in rollers, while she is trying to get into her
stockings)
"Knock Knock"
Hikaru: sh-uri?.
(sticks her head partially through the door, with her hands bracing
it) Shuri: Ping pong. Came to check up on ya. Ready for the tryout
today?
Hikaru: gimme a moment. (spits something into the sink and chucks the
toothbrush to the side) Ah. That's better. No, I'm not really
prepared. I have a million things to do. But it will have to suffice.
Shuri: That's strange.
Hikaru: What is?
Shuri: Your signature. Why'd you put an asterisk there?
Hikaru: That? That's suppose to be a star.
Shuri: A star? (starts to turn paper with her signature in a circular
motion) Oh, I see it now.
Hikaru: Stop goofing around! My handwriting is not that bad.
Shuri: It's barely passable ...for a doctor. Thank goodness your
drawing skill is much better. So why the star?
Hikaru: Oh, I decided to try something different ever since I got back
to New York. A fresh, clean start again for me. I remembered some
trivia that a friendly person I met told me about my name meaning
light, like from a star.
Shuri: Oh, I get it! Neat twist to it. You're going to be the 'star'
of the show?
Hikaru: I wish. But I'll try my best. Speaking of friends, there
something I wanna give you.
Shuri: A gift? For me? You shouldn't have!
Hikaru: Of course I should! It's not everyday a girl celebrates her
birthday.
Shuri: You know? How?
Hikaru: (beaming) Oh, I have my sources down in the village. Cost me a
few favors to find out, but it was worth it. And here is my
gift. Please accept it.
(pulls up a white sheet covering the canvas to reveal the portrait of
Kyosuke!)
Shuri: Jeepers! That's your first painting in the city...and of that
guy. I'm impressed. But....
Hikaru: But what?
Shuri: This is way too much. I can't take this. Your very first
painting and all. And this painting must evoke so many good memories
for you. I can't take that away from you.
Hikaru: Yes, it has, but now I have to leave the past behind me and
look forward to the future. And you have been a major part of helping
me on my future hopes with your support and understanding. During the
tough times in the city, you have been an instrumental part in helping
me brave through the turbulent waves.
Shuri: I'm so touched. Thank you. Thank you so much. Arrigatou.
(They hug)
Hikaru: <My first opportunity in the States in quite a while. I wonder
what this will lead to.>
[End of Chapter]