Robert Kwong
1st February 2005, 03:20 AM
Hi once again,
This is Kimagure Orange Road fanfiction.
This is from my fanfiction series called HARD|<oR.
This is Book D of my series titled: The Book of Four.
This is Chapter 3 titled: Adventures in Driving.
Enjoy!
---------------------------------------------------------------
H A R D
|< O R
Book D: The Book of Four
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 July 20, 1999
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. This is the 4th book in my fanfiction
series. The timeline for this occurs after ShinKOR II novel and covers
some details in Shin Kor III and beyond.
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
Feel free to email me your impressions and suggestions for the series.
Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR
fanfic on the web! (38000 can't be wrong!)I hope you enjoy reading it as
I did writing it. Thanks again.
Robert Kwong
Ark Productions -99-
Legend:
H = Hikaru Hiyama
M = Ayukawa Madoka
R = Ryusei Haroken
K = Kasuga Kyosuke
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
Tasuya = Tasuya Youta
[] - denotes scene changes
() - indicates person thinking to himself
(**) - indicates action or special effects.
Book D: The Book of Four Chapter 3: Adventures in Driving
[At Yakushima Island]
Ryusei is stopped by the guards at the entrance of this foreboding
mansion.
(We clear the clanking of 2 metal balls)
Goro: Haroken-san. Good of you to drop by. Please. Come in.
(Ryusei nods) We need to discuss amendments to the "venture."
Goro: We will. But first, a drink. In my study. (to the guards) You
may leave us now.
R: To what do I owe this drink to?
Goro: To steadfastness. (pours out a thick purplish, ghoulish looking
liquid) This is yours. Cheers!
(*CLANK!*)
R: (makes a face) This is so bitter and foul! What is the meaning of
this?
Goro: (evil laugh) The meaning? A reminder. Things do not always flow
as smoothly as one desires. In those times, allies drink the
misfortune together.
R: Is that your way of cheering me up? If that is so, then I am not
amused.
Goro: Ah, Haroken, you surprise me.
R: That is not my aim. Now you are trying my patience. You've let a
prized property slip through the cracks. Now what do you intend to do
to resolve this land deal?
Goro: Patience. It is indeed a virtue you need to master. All in good
time. Things comes to those who calculate and wait.
R: Are you trying to worm out of your end of the deal?
Goro: Not at all. Come now and let us finish this. No need to
worry. My agent is already at work now on a event. An event so
shocking and horrifying that it will Tokyo to its knees!
R: To that I will drink to. As long as our means are achieved. But no
tricks.
Goro: But of course. (evil sneer)
[At Tokyo University]
(Muroke is hanging around at his usual hangout: the computer lab!)
(In comes a surprise visitor)
"Hi Koji-san!"
Muroke: (looks up from the screen) Taku-san? What are you doing here?
Taku Morisaki: I came to ask a favor.
Muroke: Sure. What is it?
Taku: Remember how you did the lookup of my friend back in Kyoto?
Muroke: Uh yeah. You're not going to tell anybody about that, right?
What I did wasn't quite legal, y'know.
Taku: Oh sure. I'll keep your secret. I was wondering if you could do
that again to look up another person.
Muroke: Oh sure. Who is it now?
Taku: The lady we met back in Kyoto: Rikkako Muto.
Muroke: Her? Hmm...I remember. I did a search before for her.
Taku: Yes, but in the wrong area. That was why you couldn't find
her. I am sure if you tried the Tokyo area, you'll find something.
Muroke: Ok. Will get right on it. But why didn't you just ask her
directly?
Taku: I wanted to, but I didn't get a chance. Right after, we were
interrupted by the Shinohara and that other woman.
Muroke: You mean Akane-san. Yep, she can be a fiery hothead at
times. But it'll take some time. There are scores of schools littered
about in Tokyo. I have to search each and every directory. I'll give
you an answer when we get back.
Taku: Thanks! Appreciate it very much.
Muroke: No problem.
[Back at the Shin ABCB]
(in walks in the new "macho men" Hatta and Komatsu sporting outfits
like Miami Vice and wearing shades)
Komatsu: We're bad!
Hatta: Oh yeah!
Komatsu: We are definitely the ...
Hatta & Komatsu: --- MANGA KINGS---!
Master: Hello fellows. What will it be?
Komatsu: Don't you recognize us Master? (pulls down shades down to the
rim of his nose)
Master: (peers closely) Why, isn't it Komatsu-kun and Hatta-kun. I
could barely make out your resemblance.
Hatta: We're new men!
Komatsu: Couldn't have said it better myself.
Master: You two have been out for sometime. Must have been a wild
trip.
Hatta: It sure was! It was awesome!
Komatsu: We were like celebrities! People were swarming to get our
autographs.
Hatta: What a rush! Who would have thought that my comic 'Yurushite
Agerie' would make such a splash!
Komatsu: But of course! I was the brains behind getting Jumbo Comics
to back us up.
Hatta: Right you are. It was a team effort.
Komatsu: Oh yeah.
Hatta: You wouldn't believe the publicity we got. Everywhere on our
book tour, everyone wanted a piece of us. From Shinjuki to Kansai.
Master: Good for you. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Hatta: Hey, what does that mean?
Master: Don't you know? Fame is always fleeting. Relish it while it
lasts.
Komatsu: Ah, don't worry about us. We're just rolling in it.
Hatta: Sure am. Don't worry about us!
Master: Since you two are doing so well, it wouldn't be too much to
ask you fellows to collect your tab from last year?
Hatta & Komatsu: Oops!
[At Cable 12 Station]
Kyosuke is sitting down, sorting some items.
Someone comes up from behind him and covers his eyes.
"Surprise! Guess who?"
Kyosuke: Who could it be...Hori Chiemi?
"Baka Kyosuke!" (tap on the head)
Kyosuke: Ow! That really hurt Madoka!
Madoka: That is what you get for playing with a woman.
K: That'll teach me to be playful. So what's up?
M: I was thinking that maybe we can do lunch. I am on my lunch break
at the Conservatory, and I don't have to teach class until 2pm.
K: Ah sure. Let's go. And by the way. There's something I wanted to
ask you.
M: And what would that be?
K: There's going to be fund raising session at the station to help the
victims from the Kobe earthquake. Can you come and help out?
M: Of course. Definitely. I can round up a few others to help out. But
we'll discuss it over lunch.
[Back at Goro's mansion]
(As Ryusei departs after the meeting)
(A figure emerges from the shadows)
"My master."
Goro: What is your assessment?
"His internal energy must be stronger than we thought. I am surprised
he could leave on his own power after injesting that poison.
Goro: Yes. With every test we administer, it only confirms our
suspicions.
"My master. Yet why do you still deal with him? We should cut him out
now!"
Goro: Oh, how little you know. We still have use for him. His
connections to the Chameleon allows us to steal the impossible. And
there is just one more artifact I need to obtain to complete the
circle. I only need to satisfy his need before he will agree to
another "run."
"Do we have such a luxury to wait him out? He is getting dangerous and
impatient. Such an enemy would strike unexpectedly."
Goro: Perhaps. But he is petty-minded; only interested in money and
power. He wants his reward for delivering the dagger. So I will give
him what he wants. All in due time. An issue for me to resolve. What
of your efforts?
"The cult is actively recruiting all the best chemists in the
country. They are heavily researching a way to replicate the "X"
formula. Lots of tests, but little success so far."
Goro: Then have them try harder! His operations suck into my money
supply. If that fat bastard does not deliver, he would need to pray
to save his neck from my wrath. I NEED that formula.
"As you wish, my master. I leave you now."
Goro: Begone. Bear better news before returning back.
[#1 driving Ryusei back]
#1: So boss. How was the powwow?
R: Not good. Shimazaki gave me the runaround again. And to top it off,
he offered me this thick, viscous purple liquid to ingest. Quite
disgusting.
#1: So more delays for the command base. I reckon that's gotta be a
#big downer
for you.
R: It is. But he assures me that he has everything under control. I'll
see what his moves are in the next week before deciding what to do.
[Back at Tokyo University]
Muroke is staring at the computer screen.
(*Ding*)
Muroke: Good. The search is finally done. (copies something down).
(*ding*)
Muroke: Huh? Oh, an email. Just take a quick look before I
go. Ah....(A big smile on his face)
[Back at the Shin ABCB]
[Akane and Twins arrive after school]
Akane: Man, first day of the semester is rough! I definitely need to
get a drink.
Kurumi: Hey, is that Kazuya-chan up there on stage?
Akane: What? What the hell is he doing up there?
Manami: Looks like he's playing with the rest of the 'Heartbreakers.'
Akane: Of course I can see that! There's Shuu, Shigi, and Ken.
"Hello foxy ladies!"
Akane: You guys are back! So soon?
Komatsu: But of course. We couldn't keep you girls waiting. We aim to
please and pleasure.
Akane: Oh please. Now I really need a drink. Master. Get me a bloody
mary, on the rocks.
Master: Coming right up.
(*groan*) "What all this racket?"
Hatta: Now you're up!
Izzy: Argh....you'll came back. Good. Buy me a drink.
Komatsu: No problem man. We're super rich now, so we can afford to be
charitable to the needy like you.
Akane: We're not gonna hang around you guys like it's a locker
room. Come on girls. Let's go to our table. We have business to
discuss.
[Back at Ryokurin Ryo]
Muroke: Hey Taku! sorry I'm late. I know you are very anxious about
knowing the whereabouts of your girlfriend. I was looking for Shijama
but he was nowhere to be found.
Taku: That is ok. So what did you find out?
Muroke: Looks like she's attending a quaint U called Rikkyo. Rikkyo
University. Kind of sounds like her name.
Taku: Ah, so that's where she is.
Muroke: Yep. So ends that little mystery. So you two are finally going
to get together now, right? You've been kind of blue for some time
now. Must be a relief finding her.
Taku: I'm afraid it's not as simple as you put it.
Muroke: Eh? More problems? She already have a boyfriend now?
Taku: No, I mean I don't know. I mean, I don't know where I stand with
her now.
Muroke: But didn't you two have some talk to flesh out your feelings.
Taku: Kind of. But we were interrupted, so we didn't get to the
important issues.
Muroke: So just call her up.
Taku: But I don't know her number.
Muroke: Oh. Ok. I'll look that up for you.
Taku; You can do that?
Muroke: Of course! Now you won't have any more excuses.
[Back to the Shin ABCB]
Akane: Hey, little boy! Finished playing your toy drums?
Kazuya: Who're you're calling little?
Akane: Why you, little brother. What the hell are you doing here at
this time? Did you cut school?
Kazuya: Nope. Our semester starts a week later.
Akane: Oh, how good it was to be young.
Manami: But why are you here then?
Kazuya: Wanted to vent out my frustrations.
Kurumi: From what?
Kazuya: From watching Jingoro for you guys! It was so boring watching
him!
Akane: Ooops. Forgot we dumped him on you.
Kazuya: That's right! Talked with Shuu and he let me fill in for
Mitsuru on the drums for a while.
Kurumi: Just like oniichan! I guess boys love to play the drums.
Akane: Still, you shouldn't be here! You might pick up bad influences.
Especially from those ecchi boys and the drunk with them.
Kazuya: You mean 'Izzy'?
Akane: You've talked with him?
Kazuya: Not really. He seems to rant about the days when he was a
writer.
Manami: You actually believe him?
Kazuya: Maybe. I know he wasn't lying, 'cause I read his mind. A
pretty messed and mixed up guy.
Akane: You have to go home now. Or else okaasan will yell at me for
corrupting you.
Kazuya: You already did. But who wants to hang out here now when
YOU'RE here?
Akane: Just scram. I take care of you later at home.
Kazuya: That's what you think! Bleah!!!
Akane: See! That's what I mean. See how men can be so irrational and
childish? That's what we're up against.
Manami: I don't think you can just isolate that to the male race.
Akane: Well enough about him. We have to brainstorm what event to come
up next. We're picking the event this time.
[Beginning of February]
(Muroke's narration)
A couple of weeks had passed since that the hiking incident. There was
a sort of quiet lull during that time which was good. There was time
to let things settle down. Shinohara was busy in his room, blasting
jpop music and tinkering with his next mechanical apparatus in his bid
to best the women's team. This time around, it was Akane's team that
would decide the event. I remember Shinohara muttering that it was
just like a woman to make us wait. But I could care less. As long as
he was out of my way which he was, then that would be fine with me.
As for Hasukawa-san, he was slowly resuming his role as the head
overseerer of the boarding house, as if he was trying to make amends
for his past neglect. We appreciated the more hands-on approach he
was adopting. I could tell Shun-san was happy, for it relieved him of
many of the duties that he had to take up for Hasukawa. However,
Hasukawa found it hard to kick the habit of playing videogames, and
thus was thoroughly engrossed in the playing "Breath of Fire" on his
SNES. I certainly know the feeling, having spent many sleepless nights
hacking my way through many a RPG game. But this was
different. Everyone was helping him out, taking rounds throughout
different times of the day, to take the burden off his medical school
studies.
As for the lowerclassman, Tatsuya Youta, the young man who me and Taku
met was busy organizing the rest of the gang in the timeless classic
game of springtime baseball. Outside my window, I could hear the
sounds of balls and strikes ringing through the air. Sometimes, I
would take a peek outside and see him as the pitcher. Boy, he could
through a wicked curve that would just paint the corners. It was a
sight to see.
Taku,...well what can I say? I could tell he was love-strucked. Ever
since I found the phone number to the apartment where Rikkako Muto was
staying at, he had this look on his face as if he was literally seeing
stars. Guess he didn't anticipate the impact of cupid's arrow being
mightier than a speeding comet through the cosmos. Although the
strange part was that they hadn't had a chance to meet up together
since that hiking trip. Of course, studies came first, or does it?
Shijama, however, was another case. I don't know what was up with
him. He used to be a very hyper person who was easily worked up over
the littlest of distractions, but now, he's become a rather mellow,
bland person. I thought it might be the stress getting to him and that
he would return to his old self during a nice, long holiday vacation,
but I was wrong. He even ditched going to the RPG club altogether,
citing that he had busy work to do in the lab. But I was skeptical of
that excuse. So one day, I decided to cut the RPG club and track him
to see what he was up to.
I placed a listening device on his briefcase. However, the device had
a limited range, so I had to follow him. Like I suspected, he wasn't
really staying at the lab to do work. Instead, he was going off-campus
somewhere. So it was time to don my disguise and resume my role as
super-spy #2!
After several subway stops, he got off an exit along Shinjuki way. I
tried to casually follow him, with a newspaper in hand. He stopped off
in some building that looked like some old-fashioned style temples. I
stood outside, trying to make out what was said.
"Peace with you Zumi-san. Glad you could make it to another round of
the Master's sermons."
Shijama: Oh, I would never miss any of the meetings. He has brought to
me an inner calm and peace I have not had in my life before.
Muroke: <Hmm, so Shijama is getting a little religion in his life. So
that was the big secret? What was I so worried before. But why is he
hiding it from me?
"The master would be glad to hear your humble words. Have you brought
over your customary offerings?
Shijama: Of course! I would never forget to bring the reagents. As the
master says, with these chemicals we will concoct the formula to bring
together a new order. Here.
Muroke: Oh shoot! He handed him the briefcase!
[At the Shin ABCB]
(Manami comes in with Akane)
Akane: Thank god we've made it! I've gotta go. (rushes towards the
bathroom)
Manami: That Akane. Shouldn't have left her bento lunch out all
night. That's what you get when you forget to put it in the
refrigerator.
"Konichiwa Manami-chan. The usual?"
Manami: Yes please.
"Coming right up!"
Izzy: Oi? Oh, it's you, the wannabe.
Manami: Excuse me?
Izzy: Wannabe. Wannabe writer.
Manami: But why should I be a writer when you've obviously quit
because of it?
Izzy: Oh please. Don't get me started on it.
Manami: You brought it up. You should explain yourself.
Izzy: Oh great. You're one of those people. Fine. I'll lay out the
whole stinking story to you if that's what ya want.
Manami: By all means.
Izzy: Is anyone around?
Manami: No. We're alone here at his end of the counter. You can speak
freely.
Izzy: Well ok. Here's the lowdown: don't write for money.
Manami: Is that all?
Izzy: That's the short story. You wanna hear the long one?
Manami: As long as it makes more sense than the short one.
Izzy: Well O-K. If you insist. Way back when, I used to write for TV.
Manami: You mean for the drama shows?
Izzy: Hai, hai! Those soap operas. The gripping, touching dramas
neaatly wrapped up in 12 episodes or less. I was hooked up in all of
that. Perhaps you've heard of some of my work such as "La La
Vacation", "How Many Chances?", "Replacement Love", or my best one
yet: The Doctors Suzuki.
Manami: You wrote all that? How can I tell that you're not making this
up?
Izzy: It's up to you to believe what you want. It's doesn't matter to
me; I'm a drunken fool now.
Manami: Hmm...let's say hypothetically you did do all that. What's so
bad being a drama writer. I would think it's an exciting job.
Izzy: You would think. It's not a bad job. Write a good story, get
lots of money. It was so easy. Scribble a few lines about love and
conflict. Cast a bunch of hot young actors to do the rest. Nothing to
it. Mix it all up and mess with the audiences' head and decide whether
it's a happy or sad ending. In the beginning, it was ok. I was paid
so I didn't care. But later, production wanted me to write the same
kind of stories but in different settings. It became so formulaic that
I didn't care anymore. But then I realized that I was only writing for
the money. And once I discovered this myself, I lost the fire -- the
desire inside me that compelled me to initially become a writer. After
that I was a mess. I couldn't write anymore and I was fired. That's
why I don't write anymore. And why I go day by day, down at the end of
a bottle.
Manami: But don't people have to write stuff they don't like to make
things meet? There should be no shame in that.
Izzy: Sure. I'm just whacked. Too full of principle for my own
good. But I couldn't go on being a big phoney.
Manami: Gee, that's not very encouraging.
Izzy: I'm just warnin' you. You have potential. You should go with
it. Should not throw it away like I did.
Manami: OK. Looks like Akane done. Thanks for the talk.
Izzy: Much obliged. (slumps head against counter again)
[Back to Ryokurin Ryo]
Taku: How was your day Koji-san? Koji-san?
Muroke: What? Something the matter?
Taku: I was talking to you, but you seem to blank out for that moment.
Muroke: Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about stuff.
(*flashback*)
(Inside another room where the briefcase was being takened to)
"Did the kid bring the stuff?"
"Checking it now colonel. (pause) Everything is in order."
"Good. when can the next test begin?"
"As soon as another reactant arrives. The other student bringing that
in is not here."
"Get done unpacking this. I'll push Zaki to do better on the next
test.
Muroke: That voice. Colonel? Where have I heard that voice before?
"Koji-san?"
Muroke: Huh? What again?
Taku: You blanked out again. Are you sure something's not the matter?
Muroke: Gomen. I've become really spacey these days. What's up?
Taku: I have a request to ask of you.
Muroke: Go right ahead.
Taku: It's just that Valentine's day is coming up and...
Muroke: Oh, I get it! You want me to act as liaison in bringing her
chocolates? Is that right?
Taku: No, that's not it. This Valentine's is going to be our first one
together, so I wanted to make it special. That's why I'm asking you if
you can teach me how to drive?
Muroke: Say what? You want me to teach you how to drive? How do you
know that I know how to drive?
Taku: Don't you remember? When you were telling me about your job this
past summer, you mentioned that you drove around town in a limousine.
Muroke: Oh yeah. I did say that.
Taku; Was that just boasting? Is that's what it is, then I can
understand.
Muroke: No, no. Of course I can teach you how to drive. The problem is
that we have only a few days. I can show you this weekend. But first,
where to get some wheels?
Taku: Let me handle that. I figure something.
[In New York City]
Things slowly returned to normal for me, which was a big deal in my
eyes. I resumed my dancing lessons at Actors Studio College. I would
keep in touch with Madoka and the rest of the gang through this email
thingy. I would have a good talk with Officer Clancy who would drop by
every so often to see how I was doing. To make ends meet, I even took
up a job in a package delivery service on my days off, for a small
private firm called "Apollo's Couriers."
You might be wondering about the play I auditioned for. I didn't
receive any word from them ever since the incident, so naturally I
assumed they rejected me. It was already February and I had to prepare
for a get-together with my Italian friend Bruno for Valentine's
Day. It was then I received this call...
It was the production house sponsoring the new play based on the
sunken continent Atlantis.
"Hello? I wanna talk to Star Hiyama."
I had forgotten that I signed my registration form with that nickname
that Shuri had pinned on me before during the auditions.
"Speaking."
"This is H.S. Jameson calling on Andrew's behalf. You were one of the
finalists for the princess part. You see it's like this. We're
starting up production for "Atlantean" and we need a fill-in. Would
you want to try out for it?
"Excuse me?"
"You see, it's like this. We couldn't decide on who to play the
part. It was between you and another girl. So Andrew here had this
novel idea of dual people for the role. To give some variety to the
production. He tought it would be a blast, especially for the
critics. Still interested?"
"Sounds good to me."
"That's super babe. You can come by the Shubert theater this Monday
and we'll give you the lowdown on the schedule.
"Thank you very much."
"Don't thank me; someone up there is lookin' over you kid. And love
the name. Don't change it."
"Ok."
"And one other thing. Don't forget to tell them Howie sent you."
"I will. Goodbye now."
[Weekend before Valentine's day]
Taku: Hi Koji-san. Are you ready?
Muroke: I am. So you found a vehicle.
Taku: I did.
Muroke: That's great. Where did you get it from?
"Me. I'm lending out my limo."
Muroke: Shinohara!
Taku: I asked him if it was alright to use the limo we rode from the
airport.
Muroke: But do you know what that means?
Shinohara:. For me, you two owe me!
Muroke: What! I'm not going to agree to those terms again! I learned
my lesson already.
Taku: Come on Muroke. This is my only chance.
Muroke: (stammers) B-b-but...
(Taku pushes him outside)
Muroke: Why did you borrow it from him.
Taku: Gomen Koji-san. But I really want to learn. And I was very
desperate.
Muroke: (*sigh*) <I guess love does that to people> Ok. But it's going
to be tough trying to learn in such a big vehicle like that.
Taku: I'll be extra careful.
Muroke: Ok. Let's get you started on the basics...
[At the Shin ABCB]
Akane: Play?
Manami: Yes. I think we should make the next competition more
artistic.
Akane: I don't know...whose going to write it up?
Manami: Since I suggested it, I'll write it up for you.
Akane: If that's the case, then I'll let Shun know. It would also be a
perfect opportunity to spend some time with her to get to know her
better. Perhaps I can lure him to our side.
Manami: Uh oh. This sounds like trouble.
[Kyosuke's narration]
I was walking towards the station holding in my hand a part of myself
that I wanted to put behind me forever. For it revealed a dark truth
that I had buried deep within me. A wild side of youth and
indiscretion. One that nearly consumed me. Now I wanted to get it into
the open so I could find closure. Madoka and I were looking forward
to getting married, after she had finished her courses to get her
master degree in the bachelor arts. From there, we can begin our new
life together, and it will be the end of my adventures.
"So Kyosuke! What are you up to now?"
K: Oh the usual Aso.
Aso Tamaki: You can help out with this. (hands him a bag full of
letters)
K: What's this?
Aso: It's all the donations from the fund-raising telethon! Hotori was
taking care of it, but he's sick today. It's a slow day. Can you help
out?
K: Sure. No problem. I'm glad I could be of help.
Aso: It should be I to thank you and your whole group. Your finance
Madoka and all your family did a splendid job helping out answering
the phones and passing out the flyers. It was a team effort.
K: One other thing. I have a packet to pass to you.
Aso: Packet? (eyes the package) What's in it?
K: Open it up and you'll see.
Aso: (takes out the contents) These photos...and these faces...these
are your pictures takened from Bosnia?
K: Yes they are. Now you can get a chance to emulate your idol.
Aso: No, I can't, I simply cannot take these away from you.
K: Please. It took me this long to gather enough courage to develop
these. Now the whole country needs to see the human side of this
conflict. I would be honored if you were the one to do the expose.
Aso: I don't know what to say.
K: Just give it some time. You'll know what to do then.
[Driving Lessons]
Taku: We've been driving around this lot for half an hour. When are we
going to hit the real streets?
Muroke: You shouldn't be so ambitious the first day!
Taku: But...I wish to surprise Rikkako by driving her to a dinner date
on Valentine.
Muroke: Wow, very romantic. But highly unlikely. You don't even have a
license or a vehicle. And I don't thing Shinohara would lend this limo
to you twice.
Taku: Perhaps you're right. Too foolish to dream.
Muroke: (looking at his dejected expression) Let me tell you
what. I'll help you work on getting the necessary stuff so it'll look
like you're legit.
Taku: You mean fake license?
Muroke: Shhh! Not so loud! Like I said, I'll get it done for you so
you'll won't get in trouble. Only thing left is the car and your
driving ability. Let's start by getting you to drive once around the
block.
Taku: Rogai!
(after a few rounds around the block)
Muroke: Ok. Very good. Looks like you're getting the hang of it.
(Just then, a kid on a skateboard comes flying by the street where
Taku is about to turn)
Taku: Wow! Watch out!
(*Skreeeeeeecccchhhhhhhhhhhhhh*)
[End of Chapter]
This is Kimagure Orange Road fanfiction.
This is from my fanfiction series called HARD|<oR.
This is Book D of my series titled: The Book of Four.
This is Chapter 3 titled: Adventures in Driving.
Enjoy!
---------------------------------------------------------------
H A R D
|< O R
Book D: The Book of Four
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 July 20, 1999
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. This is the 4th book in my fanfiction
series. The timeline for this occurs after ShinKOR II novel and covers
some details in Shin Kor III and beyond.
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
Feel free to email me your impressions and suggestions for the series.
Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR
fanfic on the web! (38000 can't be wrong!)I hope you enjoy reading it as
I did writing it. Thanks again.
Robert Kwong
Ark Productions -99-
Legend:
H = Hikaru Hiyama
M = Ayukawa Madoka
R = Ryusei Haroken
K = Kasuga Kyosuke
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
Tasuya = Tasuya Youta
[] - denotes scene changes
() - indicates person thinking to himself
(**) - indicates action or special effects.
Book D: The Book of Four Chapter 3: Adventures in Driving
[At Yakushima Island]
Ryusei is stopped by the guards at the entrance of this foreboding
mansion.
(We clear the clanking of 2 metal balls)
Goro: Haroken-san. Good of you to drop by. Please. Come in.
(Ryusei nods) We need to discuss amendments to the "venture."
Goro: We will. But first, a drink. In my study. (to the guards) You
may leave us now.
R: To what do I owe this drink to?
Goro: To steadfastness. (pours out a thick purplish, ghoulish looking
liquid) This is yours. Cheers!
(*CLANK!*)
R: (makes a face) This is so bitter and foul! What is the meaning of
this?
Goro: (evil laugh) The meaning? A reminder. Things do not always flow
as smoothly as one desires. In those times, allies drink the
misfortune together.
R: Is that your way of cheering me up? If that is so, then I am not
amused.
Goro: Ah, Haroken, you surprise me.
R: That is not my aim. Now you are trying my patience. You've let a
prized property slip through the cracks. Now what do you intend to do
to resolve this land deal?
Goro: Patience. It is indeed a virtue you need to master. All in good
time. Things comes to those who calculate and wait.
R: Are you trying to worm out of your end of the deal?
Goro: Not at all. Come now and let us finish this. No need to
worry. My agent is already at work now on a event. An event so
shocking and horrifying that it will Tokyo to its knees!
R: To that I will drink to. As long as our means are achieved. But no
tricks.
Goro: But of course. (evil sneer)
[At Tokyo University]
(Muroke is hanging around at his usual hangout: the computer lab!)
(In comes a surprise visitor)
"Hi Koji-san!"
Muroke: (looks up from the screen) Taku-san? What are you doing here?
Taku Morisaki: I came to ask a favor.
Muroke: Sure. What is it?
Taku: Remember how you did the lookup of my friend back in Kyoto?
Muroke: Uh yeah. You're not going to tell anybody about that, right?
What I did wasn't quite legal, y'know.
Taku: Oh sure. I'll keep your secret. I was wondering if you could do
that again to look up another person.
Muroke: Oh sure. Who is it now?
Taku: The lady we met back in Kyoto: Rikkako Muto.
Muroke: Her? Hmm...I remember. I did a search before for her.
Taku: Yes, but in the wrong area. That was why you couldn't find
her. I am sure if you tried the Tokyo area, you'll find something.
Muroke: Ok. Will get right on it. But why didn't you just ask her
directly?
Taku: I wanted to, but I didn't get a chance. Right after, we were
interrupted by the Shinohara and that other woman.
Muroke: You mean Akane-san. Yep, she can be a fiery hothead at
times. But it'll take some time. There are scores of schools littered
about in Tokyo. I have to search each and every directory. I'll give
you an answer when we get back.
Taku: Thanks! Appreciate it very much.
Muroke: No problem.
[Back at the Shin ABCB]
(in walks in the new "macho men" Hatta and Komatsu sporting outfits
like Miami Vice and wearing shades)
Komatsu: We're bad!
Hatta: Oh yeah!
Komatsu: We are definitely the ...
Hatta & Komatsu: --- MANGA KINGS---!
Master: Hello fellows. What will it be?
Komatsu: Don't you recognize us Master? (pulls down shades down to the
rim of his nose)
Master: (peers closely) Why, isn't it Komatsu-kun and Hatta-kun. I
could barely make out your resemblance.
Hatta: We're new men!
Komatsu: Couldn't have said it better myself.
Master: You two have been out for sometime. Must have been a wild
trip.
Hatta: It sure was! It was awesome!
Komatsu: We were like celebrities! People were swarming to get our
autographs.
Hatta: What a rush! Who would have thought that my comic 'Yurushite
Agerie' would make such a splash!
Komatsu: But of course! I was the brains behind getting Jumbo Comics
to back us up.
Hatta: Right you are. It was a team effort.
Komatsu: Oh yeah.
Hatta: You wouldn't believe the publicity we got. Everywhere on our
book tour, everyone wanted a piece of us. From Shinjuki to Kansai.
Master: Good for you. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Hatta: Hey, what does that mean?
Master: Don't you know? Fame is always fleeting. Relish it while it
lasts.
Komatsu: Ah, don't worry about us. We're just rolling in it.
Hatta: Sure am. Don't worry about us!
Master: Since you two are doing so well, it wouldn't be too much to
ask you fellows to collect your tab from last year?
Hatta & Komatsu: Oops!
[At Cable 12 Station]
Kyosuke is sitting down, sorting some items.
Someone comes up from behind him and covers his eyes.
"Surprise! Guess who?"
Kyosuke: Who could it be...Hori Chiemi?
"Baka Kyosuke!" (tap on the head)
Kyosuke: Ow! That really hurt Madoka!
Madoka: That is what you get for playing with a woman.
K: That'll teach me to be playful. So what's up?
M: I was thinking that maybe we can do lunch. I am on my lunch break
at the Conservatory, and I don't have to teach class until 2pm.
K: Ah sure. Let's go. And by the way. There's something I wanted to
ask you.
M: And what would that be?
K: There's going to be fund raising session at the station to help the
victims from the Kobe earthquake. Can you come and help out?
M: Of course. Definitely. I can round up a few others to help out. But
we'll discuss it over lunch.
[Back at Goro's mansion]
(As Ryusei departs after the meeting)
(A figure emerges from the shadows)
"My master."
Goro: What is your assessment?
"His internal energy must be stronger than we thought. I am surprised
he could leave on his own power after injesting that poison.
Goro: Yes. With every test we administer, it only confirms our
suspicions.
"My master. Yet why do you still deal with him? We should cut him out
now!"
Goro: Oh, how little you know. We still have use for him. His
connections to the Chameleon allows us to steal the impossible. And
there is just one more artifact I need to obtain to complete the
circle. I only need to satisfy his need before he will agree to
another "run."
"Do we have such a luxury to wait him out? He is getting dangerous and
impatient. Such an enemy would strike unexpectedly."
Goro: Perhaps. But he is petty-minded; only interested in money and
power. He wants his reward for delivering the dagger. So I will give
him what he wants. All in due time. An issue for me to resolve. What
of your efforts?
"The cult is actively recruiting all the best chemists in the
country. They are heavily researching a way to replicate the "X"
formula. Lots of tests, but little success so far."
Goro: Then have them try harder! His operations suck into my money
supply. If that fat bastard does not deliver, he would need to pray
to save his neck from my wrath. I NEED that formula.
"As you wish, my master. I leave you now."
Goro: Begone. Bear better news before returning back.
[#1 driving Ryusei back]
#1: So boss. How was the powwow?
R: Not good. Shimazaki gave me the runaround again. And to top it off,
he offered me this thick, viscous purple liquid to ingest. Quite
disgusting.
#1: So more delays for the command base. I reckon that's gotta be a
#big downer
for you.
R: It is. But he assures me that he has everything under control. I'll
see what his moves are in the next week before deciding what to do.
[Back at Tokyo University]
Muroke is staring at the computer screen.
(*Ding*)
Muroke: Good. The search is finally done. (copies something down).
(*ding*)
Muroke: Huh? Oh, an email. Just take a quick look before I
go. Ah....(A big smile on his face)
[Back at the Shin ABCB]
[Akane and Twins arrive after school]
Akane: Man, first day of the semester is rough! I definitely need to
get a drink.
Kurumi: Hey, is that Kazuya-chan up there on stage?
Akane: What? What the hell is he doing up there?
Manami: Looks like he's playing with the rest of the 'Heartbreakers.'
Akane: Of course I can see that! There's Shuu, Shigi, and Ken.
"Hello foxy ladies!"
Akane: You guys are back! So soon?
Komatsu: But of course. We couldn't keep you girls waiting. We aim to
please and pleasure.
Akane: Oh please. Now I really need a drink. Master. Get me a bloody
mary, on the rocks.
Master: Coming right up.
(*groan*) "What all this racket?"
Hatta: Now you're up!
Izzy: Argh....you'll came back. Good. Buy me a drink.
Komatsu: No problem man. We're super rich now, so we can afford to be
charitable to the needy like you.
Akane: We're not gonna hang around you guys like it's a locker
room. Come on girls. Let's go to our table. We have business to
discuss.
[Back at Ryokurin Ryo]
Muroke: Hey Taku! sorry I'm late. I know you are very anxious about
knowing the whereabouts of your girlfriend. I was looking for Shijama
but he was nowhere to be found.
Taku: That is ok. So what did you find out?
Muroke: Looks like she's attending a quaint U called Rikkyo. Rikkyo
University. Kind of sounds like her name.
Taku: Ah, so that's where she is.
Muroke: Yep. So ends that little mystery. So you two are finally going
to get together now, right? You've been kind of blue for some time
now. Must be a relief finding her.
Taku: I'm afraid it's not as simple as you put it.
Muroke: Eh? More problems? She already have a boyfriend now?
Taku: No, I mean I don't know. I mean, I don't know where I stand with
her now.
Muroke: But didn't you two have some talk to flesh out your feelings.
Taku: Kind of. But we were interrupted, so we didn't get to the
important issues.
Muroke: So just call her up.
Taku: But I don't know her number.
Muroke: Oh. Ok. I'll look that up for you.
Taku; You can do that?
Muroke: Of course! Now you won't have any more excuses.
[Back to the Shin ABCB]
Akane: Hey, little boy! Finished playing your toy drums?
Kazuya: Who're you're calling little?
Akane: Why you, little brother. What the hell are you doing here at
this time? Did you cut school?
Kazuya: Nope. Our semester starts a week later.
Akane: Oh, how good it was to be young.
Manami: But why are you here then?
Kazuya: Wanted to vent out my frustrations.
Kurumi: From what?
Kazuya: From watching Jingoro for you guys! It was so boring watching
him!
Akane: Ooops. Forgot we dumped him on you.
Kazuya: That's right! Talked with Shuu and he let me fill in for
Mitsuru on the drums for a while.
Kurumi: Just like oniichan! I guess boys love to play the drums.
Akane: Still, you shouldn't be here! You might pick up bad influences.
Especially from those ecchi boys and the drunk with them.
Kazuya: You mean 'Izzy'?
Akane: You've talked with him?
Kazuya: Not really. He seems to rant about the days when he was a
writer.
Manami: You actually believe him?
Kazuya: Maybe. I know he wasn't lying, 'cause I read his mind. A
pretty messed and mixed up guy.
Akane: You have to go home now. Or else okaasan will yell at me for
corrupting you.
Kazuya: You already did. But who wants to hang out here now when
YOU'RE here?
Akane: Just scram. I take care of you later at home.
Kazuya: That's what you think! Bleah!!!
Akane: See! That's what I mean. See how men can be so irrational and
childish? That's what we're up against.
Manami: I don't think you can just isolate that to the male race.
Akane: Well enough about him. We have to brainstorm what event to come
up next. We're picking the event this time.
[Beginning of February]
(Muroke's narration)
A couple of weeks had passed since that the hiking incident. There was
a sort of quiet lull during that time which was good. There was time
to let things settle down. Shinohara was busy in his room, blasting
jpop music and tinkering with his next mechanical apparatus in his bid
to best the women's team. This time around, it was Akane's team that
would decide the event. I remember Shinohara muttering that it was
just like a woman to make us wait. But I could care less. As long as
he was out of my way which he was, then that would be fine with me.
As for Hasukawa-san, he was slowly resuming his role as the head
overseerer of the boarding house, as if he was trying to make amends
for his past neglect. We appreciated the more hands-on approach he
was adopting. I could tell Shun-san was happy, for it relieved him of
many of the duties that he had to take up for Hasukawa. However,
Hasukawa found it hard to kick the habit of playing videogames, and
thus was thoroughly engrossed in the playing "Breath of Fire" on his
SNES. I certainly know the feeling, having spent many sleepless nights
hacking my way through many a RPG game. But this was
different. Everyone was helping him out, taking rounds throughout
different times of the day, to take the burden off his medical school
studies.
As for the lowerclassman, Tatsuya Youta, the young man who me and Taku
met was busy organizing the rest of the gang in the timeless classic
game of springtime baseball. Outside my window, I could hear the
sounds of balls and strikes ringing through the air. Sometimes, I
would take a peek outside and see him as the pitcher. Boy, he could
through a wicked curve that would just paint the corners. It was a
sight to see.
Taku,...well what can I say? I could tell he was love-strucked. Ever
since I found the phone number to the apartment where Rikkako Muto was
staying at, he had this look on his face as if he was literally seeing
stars. Guess he didn't anticipate the impact of cupid's arrow being
mightier than a speeding comet through the cosmos. Although the
strange part was that they hadn't had a chance to meet up together
since that hiking trip. Of course, studies came first, or does it?
Shijama, however, was another case. I don't know what was up with
him. He used to be a very hyper person who was easily worked up over
the littlest of distractions, but now, he's become a rather mellow,
bland person. I thought it might be the stress getting to him and that
he would return to his old self during a nice, long holiday vacation,
but I was wrong. He even ditched going to the RPG club altogether,
citing that he had busy work to do in the lab. But I was skeptical of
that excuse. So one day, I decided to cut the RPG club and track him
to see what he was up to.
I placed a listening device on his briefcase. However, the device had
a limited range, so I had to follow him. Like I suspected, he wasn't
really staying at the lab to do work. Instead, he was going off-campus
somewhere. So it was time to don my disguise and resume my role as
super-spy #2!
After several subway stops, he got off an exit along Shinjuki way. I
tried to casually follow him, with a newspaper in hand. He stopped off
in some building that looked like some old-fashioned style temples. I
stood outside, trying to make out what was said.
"Peace with you Zumi-san. Glad you could make it to another round of
the Master's sermons."
Shijama: Oh, I would never miss any of the meetings. He has brought to
me an inner calm and peace I have not had in my life before.
Muroke: <Hmm, so Shijama is getting a little religion in his life. So
that was the big secret? What was I so worried before. But why is he
hiding it from me?
"The master would be glad to hear your humble words. Have you brought
over your customary offerings?
Shijama: Of course! I would never forget to bring the reagents. As the
master says, with these chemicals we will concoct the formula to bring
together a new order. Here.
Muroke: Oh shoot! He handed him the briefcase!
[At the Shin ABCB]
(Manami comes in with Akane)
Akane: Thank god we've made it! I've gotta go. (rushes towards the
bathroom)
Manami: That Akane. Shouldn't have left her bento lunch out all
night. That's what you get when you forget to put it in the
refrigerator.
"Konichiwa Manami-chan. The usual?"
Manami: Yes please.
"Coming right up!"
Izzy: Oi? Oh, it's you, the wannabe.
Manami: Excuse me?
Izzy: Wannabe. Wannabe writer.
Manami: But why should I be a writer when you've obviously quit
because of it?
Izzy: Oh please. Don't get me started on it.
Manami: You brought it up. You should explain yourself.
Izzy: Oh great. You're one of those people. Fine. I'll lay out the
whole stinking story to you if that's what ya want.
Manami: By all means.
Izzy: Is anyone around?
Manami: No. We're alone here at his end of the counter. You can speak
freely.
Izzy: Well ok. Here's the lowdown: don't write for money.
Manami: Is that all?
Izzy: That's the short story. You wanna hear the long one?
Manami: As long as it makes more sense than the short one.
Izzy: Well O-K. If you insist. Way back when, I used to write for TV.
Manami: You mean for the drama shows?
Izzy: Hai, hai! Those soap operas. The gripping, touching dramas
neaatly wrapped up in 12 episodes or less. I was hooked up in all of
that. Perhaps you've heard of some of my work such as "La La
Vacation", "How Many Chances?", "Replacement Love", or my best one
yet: The Doctors Suzuki.
Manami: You wrote all that? How can I tell that you're not making this
up?
Izzy: It's up to you to believe what you want. It's doesn't matter to
me; I'm a drunken fool now.
Manami: Hmm...let's say hypothetically you did do all that. What's so
bad being a drama writer. I would think it's an exciting job.
Izzy: You would think. It's not a bad job. Write a good story, get
lots of money. It was so easy. Scribble a few lines about love and
conflict. Cast a bunch of hot young actors to do the rest. Nothing to
it. Mix it all up and mess with the audiences' head and decide whether
it's a happy or sad ending. In the beginning, it was ok. I was paid
so I didn't care. But later, production wanted me to write the same
kind of stories but in different settings. It became so formulaic that
I didn't care anymore. But then I realized that I was only writing for
the money. And once I discovered this myself, I lost the fire -- the
desire inside me that compelled me to initially become a writer. After
that I was a mess. I couldn't write anymore and I was fired. That's
why I don't write anymore. And why I go day by day, down at the end of
a bottle.
Manami: But don't people have to write stuff they don't like to make
things meet? There should be no shame in that.
Izzy: Sure. I'm just whacked. Too full of principle for my own
good. But I couldn't go on being a big phoney.
Manami: Gee, that's not very encouraging.
Izzy: I'm just warnin' you. You have potential. You should go with
it. Should not throw it away like I did.
Manami: OK. Looks like Akane done. Thanks for the talk.
Izzy: Much obliged. (slumps head against counter again)
[Back to Ryokurin Ryo]
Taku: How was your day Koji-san? Koji-san?
Muroke: What? Something the matter?
Taku: I was talking to you, but you seem to blank out for that moment.
Muroke: Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about stuff.
(*flashback*)
(Inside another room where the briefcase was being takened to)
"Did the kid bring the stuff?"
"Checking it now colonel. (pause) Everything is in order."
"Good. when can the next test begin?"
"As soon as another reactant arrives. The other student bringing that
in is not here."
"Get done unpacking this. I'll push Zaki to do better on the next
test.
Muroke: That voice. Colonel? Where have I heard that voice before?
"Koji-san?"
Muroke: Huh? What again?
Taku: You blanked out again. Are you sure something's not the matter?
Muroke: Gomen. I've become really spacey these days. What's up?
Taku: I have a request to ask of you.
Muroke: Go right ahead.
Taku: It's just that Valentine's day is coming up and...
Muroke: Oh, I get it! You want me to act as liaison in bringing her
chocolates? Is that right?
Taku: No, that's not it. This Valentine's is going to be our first one
together, so I wanted to make it special. That's why I'm asking you if
you can teach me how to drive?
Muroke: Say what? You want me to teach you how to drive? How do you
know that I know how to drive?
Taku: Don't you remember? When you were telling me about your job this
past summer, you mentioned that you drove around town in a limousine.
Muroke: Oh yeah. I did say that.
Taku; Was that just boasting? Is that's what it is, then I can
understand.
Muroke: No, no. Of course I can teach you how to drive. The problem is
that we have only a few days. I can show you this weekend. But first,
where to get some wheels?
Taku: Let me handle that. I figure something.
[In New York City]
Things slowly returned to normal for me, which was a big deal in my
eyes. I resumed my dancing lessons at Actors Studio College. I would
keep in touch with Madoka and the rest of the gang through this email
thingy. I would have a good talk with Officer Clancy who would drop by
every so often to see how I was doing. To make ends meet, I even took
up a job in a package delivery service on my days off, for a small
private firm called "Apollo's Couriers."
You might be wondering about the play I auditioned for. I didn't
receive any word from them ever since the incident, so naturally I
assumed they rejected me. It was already February and I had to prepare
for a get-together with my Italian friend Bruno for Valentine's
Day. It was then I received this call...
It was the production house sponsoring the new play based on the
sunken continent Atlantis.
"Hello? I wanna talk to Star Hiyama."
I had forgotten that I signed my registration form with that nickname
that Shuri had pinned on me before during the auditions.
"Speaking."
"This is H.S. Jameson calling on Andrew's behalf. You were one of the
finalists for the princess part. You see it's like this. We're
starting up production for "Atlantean" and we need a fill-in. Would
you want to try out for it?
"Excuse me?"
"You see, it's like this. We couldn't decide on who to play the
part. It was between you and another girl. So Andrew here had this
novel idea of dual people for the role. To give some variety to the
production. He tought it would be a blast, especially for the
critics. Still interested?"
"Sounds good to me."
"That's super babe. You can come by the Shubert theater this Monday
and we'll give you the lowdown on the schedule.
"Thank you very much."
"Don't thank me; someone up there is lookin' over you kid. And love
the name. Don't change it."
"Ok."
"And one other thing. Don't forget to tell them Howie sent you."
"I will. Goodbye now."
[Weekend before Valentine's day]
Taku: Hi Koji-san. Are you ready?
Muroke: I am. So you found a vehicle.
Taku: I did.
Muroke: That's great. Where did you get it from?
"Me. I'm lending out my limo."
Muroke: Shinohara!
Taku: I asked him if it was alright to use the limo we rode from the
airport.
Muroke: But do you know what that means?
Shinohara:. For me, you two owe me!
Muroke: What! I'm not going to agree to those terms again! I learned
my lesson already.
Taku: Come on Muroke. This is my only chance.
Muroke: (stammers) B-b-but...
(Taku pushes him outside)
Muroke: Why did you borrow it from him.
Taku: Gomen Koji-san. But I really want to learn. And I was very
desperate.
Muroke: (*sigh*) <I guess love does that to people> Ok. But it's going
to be tough trying to learn in such a big vehicle like that.
Taku: I'll be extra careful.
Muroke: Ok. Let's get you started on the basics...
[At the Shin ABCB]
Akane: Play?
Manami: Yes. I think we should make the next competition more
artistic.
Akane: I don't know...whose going to write it up?
Manami: Since I suggested it, I'll write it up for you.
Akane: If that's the case, then I'll let Shun know. It would also be a
perfect opportunity to spend some time with her to get to know her
better. Perhaps I can lure him to our side.
Manami: Uh oh. This sounds like trouble.
[Kyosuke's narration]
I was walking towards the station holding in my hand a part of myself
that I wanted to put behind me forever. For it revealed a dark truth
that I had buried deep within me. A wild side of youth and
indiscretion. One that nearly consumed me. Now I wanted to get it into
the open so I could find closure. Madoka and I were looking forward
to getting married, after she had finished her courses to get her
master degree in the bachelor arts. From there, we can begin our new
life together, and it will be the end of my adventures.
"So Kyosuke! What are you up to now?"
K: Oh the usual Aso.
Aso Tamaki: You can help out with this. (hands him a bag full of
letters)
K: What's this?
Aso: It's all the donations from the fund-raising telethon! Hotori was
taking care of it, but he's sick today. It's a slow day. Can you help
out?
K: Sure. No problem. I'm glad I could be of help.
Aso: It should be I to thank you and your whole group. Your finance
Madoka and all your family did a splendid job helping out answering
the phones and passing out the flyers. It was a team effort.
K: One other thing. I have a packet to pass to you.
Aso: Packet? (eyes the package) What's in it?
K: Open it up and you'll see.
Aso: (takes out the contents) These photos...and these faces...these
are your pictures takened from Bosnia?
K: Yes they are. Now you can get a chance to emulate your idol.
Aso: No, I can't, I simply cannot take these away from you.
K: Please. It took me this long to gather enough courage to develop
these. Now the whole country needs to see the human side of this
conflict. I would be honored if you were the one to do the expose.
Aso: I don't know what to say.
K: Just give it some time. You'll know what to do then.
[Driving Lessons]
Taku: We've been driving around this lot for half an hour. When are we
going to hit the real streets?
Muroke: You shouldn't be so ambitious the first day!
Taku: But...I wish to surprise Rikkako by driving her to a dinner date
on Valentine.
Muroke: Wow, very romantic. But highly unlikely. You don't even have a
license or a vehicle. And I don't thing Shinohara would lend this limo
to you twice.
Taku: Perhaps you're right. Too foolish to dream.
Muroke: (looking at his dejected expression) Let me tell you
what. I'll help you work on getting the necessary stuff so it'll look
like you're legit.
Taku: You mean fake license?
Muroke: Shhh! Not so loud! Like I said, I'll get it done for you so
you'll won't get in trouble. Only thing left is the car and your
driving ability. Let's start by getting you to drive once around the
block.
Taku: Rogai!
(after a few rounds around the block)
Muroke: Ok. Very good. Looks like you're getting the hang of it.
(Just then, a kid on a skateboard comes flying by the street where
Taku is about to turn)
Taku: Wow! Watch out!
(*Skreeeeeeecccchhhhhhhhhhhhhh*)
[End of Chapter]