[KOR][FanFic] HARD|<OR Book V Act I: Dragon Dance

[Robert Kwong]

Hello,

This is <imagure Orange Road fanfiction.

This is the final book of my HARD|<oR series. The format here will be
different from the rest of my books. Prelude & Books A-D can be
thought of as the "TV" episodes style. The Acts contained in the Book
V series can be considered the "Movie" or "OAV" edition of my
fanfiction series. As such, they do not follow a chapter system.

Since these are the "Movie" editions of my series, they will
be considerably longer than the average chapter. As such,
it'll take me longer to reformat and spell-check. I will also
be proof-reading them since these are the final acts. Believe
it or not, I wrote all of these straight without even bothering
checking them for formatting, spelling, or grammatical errors.
I'll try to shoot for release at least one act per week.

Now this is BOOK V: Act I: Dragon Dance.

Enjoy!


-------------------------------------------------------------------

H A R D |< O R

M b o o k E
O - - I
V

by
Robert Kwong
Completed May 15, 2000


"Let us begin right where we left off."
Hikaru Hiyama

Act I: Dragon Dance

-=[Day One]=-

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

It was a long, long time ago since those words echoed in my head
again. As if revisiting a part of my past which was unfinished. Of
course I was speaking of the classic novel "The Tale of Two Cities" by
the great Charles Dickens. I remembered it was the first book I layed
my eyes upon during my rehabilitation. Though I did not finish it back
then, I do remembered how well Dickens conveyed the inner turmoil and
tough choices one faces in life. Now was my second chance to finally
finish up my reading of the book, since I had nothing better to do
during the long, maudlin, plane trip to the big metropolis of New York
City. I felt an eerie feeling reading the latter passages which served
like a reminder of my current situation. Where everything can be rosy
and perfect one day only to have it all fall apart on the next.

At least with all that free time to pass, I had a chance to write in
my journal the happenings of the past few weeks. Gave me a moment of
inner calm from my persistent headaches which had been acting up
again. No wonder. So many troubles careening on me like a tidal
wave. And it was up to me to fix it.

It was a light, overcast day as we touched down at JFK. As we exited
out the plane, I saw surprised as I saw a familiar face approaching
me.

"I trust you enjoyed the book I passed to you."

Ryusei: #1! How could you be here sooner than I?

#1: I had a more direct flight with no stopovers. So how was your
flight boss?

Ryusei: Long and tedious, as to be expected. I did enjoy the reading
fare. (holds up the book) "A Tale of 2 Cities"

#1: Glad it was to your liking. Shall we be on our way? The white
Lincoln Continental is waiting.

Nagasi: Hey! Wait up for me! And you! #1! Get my bags!

Ryusei: Yes. Let us depart. (breathes in the air) <New York City and
Tokyo. 2 cities so far apart yet so connected)

[Shubert Theater]

(We see Hikaru dancing on stage, performing several pirouette)

"Great job people! We got it going now. Keep it up now! That's a rap
for today. 5 days and counting people before the big day. Don't, I
repeat, don't break a leg! Got it? Now get out of herrree!"

That was my director. He always try to make the corniest jokes, but
usually fails miserably in the attempt.

"That was super Star-chan! I wish I was gifted as you."

Hikaru: I don't know if I'm that good. I only try to do my best.

"Tell me about it. Dance is so tough!

Hikaru: It is. But as long as you have the desire and work at it, you
will get good. And a little bit of luck doesn't hurt.

"I wish it was easy as you make it sound. But anyways I have to worry
about that killer line myself."

Hikaru: That's is a toughie.

"I know. Let's repeat it together, just for fun!"

Hikaru: I don't know about that...I don't think I even remember it no
more...

"Oh come on. Of course you do. Here goes...1 ...2...3...go!"

"Blessed Era, please forgive me. I have committed a sin so
great that, even if I were to bury myself for all eternity in
the soil of this beautiful country, it would not be
erased...And yet I continue to commit this sin every day. Even
if it meant I would turn into the seaweed that washes onto the
shore, I could not stop loving Atlas."

"Wow! That was great!"

Hikaru: I surprised at myself for remember that line. But you still
say it much better than I do.

"We each have our own specialty. I hope I don't blow it on stage on
opening night! Whew! I'm bushed. I'm going to take a shower. See ya
later"

Hikaru: Bye.

That was Natalie, a nice, young bubbly Chinese girl who was doubling
for the part of the princess in the play. She had a frame similar to
mine - small and petite and she a nice looking face. And her English
was excellent, given she was born here. She was third generation here
already. And she still possessed that young, sweet, naive innocence I
once had.

Everyone had left the rehearsal area, so I strolled secretly towards
the middle of the stage. As I stood up, I looked up into the
spotlights above me which will be shining upon me. It was what I
dreamed about a thousand times before - to be bathed in the
limelight. To be a beautiful dancer and fulfill my long-sought
dream. It was the dream of this upcoming moment that kept me going,
enduring grueling practice after grueling practice, suffering
countless setbacks and rejection. Why I took all those odds and ends
jobs just to meet expenses and keep my dream alive. Through it all, I
became independent and learned to survive in this city. And now, in 5
days time, it was finally coming together. That would mark the opening
of "Atlantean."

Yet despite all of this, I felt a strange emptiness in my
heart. Perhaps it was the longing for the old country with all my
friends and family. Because without their encouragement and support, I
would never had the courage to go out on my own to pursue this dream.

It was over a month now since I departed from Tokyo. Ever since I
learned of Ryusei's ruthlessness. The shocking truth of Ryusei's true
nature still gnawed at me. I thought I was a good judge of
character. He befriended me and I took him into my confidence. But I
guess even the new me could be tricked and deceived. Now I understood
why he took so much pains to conceal as much of himself as
possible. But now all of that was behind me now, and there was only one
more thing left for me: the play.

[Airport]

I, Kasuga Kyosuke have returned with my love Madoka to fulfill a long,
unfulfilled promise made in our days of innocence.

(clasps Madoka's hand firmly)

(flashback to Kyosuke and Hikaru pleading with him to attend her play
"Downtown Cats" in high school)

Kyosuke: <Hikaru. We are finally coming to see you on your big day!>

Kurumi: Yahoo! We're here!

As you can see, most of the clan decided to tag along for the
trip. Except for Manami, who decided to accept a special study-program
abroad in the western part of America. As for Akane and Kazuya, they
were looking after my cat Jingoro back home.

Master: (wearing a ABCB T-shirt) New York City. World Class town to
visit. I'm glad to be back. Is everyone here?

Kyosuke: Madoka's here with me. Where's ojiichan and obaachan?

Madoka: They're over there by the counter.

Kyosuke: Gya! What is he doing snapping pictures inside the airport
terminal! We haven't even gotten to the landmark attractions yet!

(walks up to him) Ojiichan! What are you doing? We're waiting for you!

Ojiichan: Watch who you're talking to, Kyosuke! Be nice to your
elders. Or I'll cause a scene! (camera starts to float from his
hands!)

Kyosuke: Okay, okay! Gomen. But as an expert photographer, I'm telling
you this is not the place to take vacation shots.

Ojiichan: Oh, but I'm enjoying the sights. See. (points to the group
of airline stewardesses) Kawaii!

Kyosuke: I should have known! But we have no time for this. We have to
get our bags and get going.


(as they are leaving, another group from another flight comes in)

Shijama Zumi: Sugoi! We've finally made it!

Taku Morisaki: New York seems very friendly towards the foreigners.

Muroke: Why do you say that?

Taku: Look at all the Japanese translations everywhere. Helpful for us
Japanese tourists.

Rikkako Muto: Thank you again Koji-san for the complimentary tickets.

Muroke: You're quite welcome. It is my pleasure to bring you all
along.

Taku: It reminds of the time we were in Hawaii on a field trip and
Rikky got me to lend her some money and...

Rikkako Don't you dare bring that up again bathtub boy! Or have you
forgotten already?

Shijama: (whispers to Muroke) Squabbling like a couple. Oh how sweet
it must be to be in love.

Muroke: I know what you mean. Too bad Manami couldn't be here.

[At Trump Towers]

Nagasi: Wowee! A 5-star hotel this time! What a view Ryu baby!
Gorgeous! Time Square. That's where the action is happenin'. All
those glittering neon. Ooooh! (shivers)

Ryusei: That's 'Times Square'. And don't get too exuberant. Don't
forget. I still consider this a business trip.

Nagasi: Business for you, but pleasure for me! I'm gonna experience
the joy of shopping. Ooh! Aah! I get an orgasm thinking about it! I'm
off! Ciao baby!

Ryusei: This city does strange things to people. But I have no time
for this foolishness.

(places the mini-statuette of the Buddha on the dresser counter.)

Ryusei: You're a foolish idealist #1. Only fools believe in fate. I
make my own future.

[Greenwich Village apartment]

There was an eerie silence as I entered my pad. No meowing sounds of
JG, my former cat. No music from my CD player, broken from that
incident. Just me, alone by myself, with the rumbling traffic noises
outside. No drop-ins from Shuri, who use to live across from me. Even
Officer Clancy who came over to just talk was being transferred
out. Yes, this year, 1995 was shaping up to be the year of silence for
me. So ironic, for in the play itself, I don't say any lines at
all. It was purely dance for me; the truest expression of the human
form.

(checking her messages)

"Hello baby! It's Big B. You doing anything tonite? Let me
know. Ciao!"

That was Bruno, my Italian steady. Things have been progressing very
nicely between us the past five months since the beginning of the
year. So much so that I've turned to him exclusively for my sexual
needs.

Hikaru: Not tonight Bruno. (giggles) Save your "salami" for some other
night.

I opened up my bag and pulled out my Powerbook notebook computer and
hooked it up to my phone line. That was my outlet now for
communication.

'Logging In................' 'Connected +++++


">>>Welcome to the FAME BBS Bulletin Board!<<<"


Select a choice:

1. Display messages: (1-10) 2. Read message 3. Post message
4. Reply message
5. More Options

>1 Sender Date Title

:John Burns 2 May Could you use $10,000?
R :"Stallion" 7 May wanna go out tonite? :CityLife 12 May
Highlights: Jazz Club Festival :<sp> 13 May WORK AT HOME FULL
AND PART TIME!!!!
R :A. Madoka 15 May Away on a trip... ^Stopped
>

As you can see, I was becoming more of an online junkie. This was
mostly the fault of #2, who introduced me to the wonders of online
communication through something called "e-mail". I still didn't quite
understand how it worked, but as long as I tap a few keystrokes and
click a few mouse buttons, I can pass messages back and forth anywhere
around the world.

But no new messages from Madoka. After all, she and Sempai are on a
vacation. They probably are in an exotic location like Okinawa for 2
weeks to celebrate their wedding. I could understand that. You might
ask why I didn't attend their wedding. Good question. In my gift to
Madoka, I enclosed a note, wishing them well on their wedding, but
telling them that I cannot make it due to my dance commitments. Of
course, that was only part of the reason. The other? The emotional
shock of seeing Kyosuke there, handsome and glittering as the
bridegroom would be too much for me. Yes, I know I've made my peace
with them already and have willingly given up Kyosuke, but it would be
too much to ask of me to break my heart again. Once was enough.

It was then I heard a knock on my door.

[Hotel Hilton Marquis Lobby]

(Muroke is leaning against one of the wall pillars)

(*sigh*)

"What a day."

It has been quite an adventure. To fly out thousands of miles away
from home to a place as worldly and cosmopolitan as New York is quite
an experience. We were, as to be expected, treated to a jarring taxi
ride through the city by one of the locals sporting a heavy accent of
some sort. Lucky for us that he was able to decipher our own poor
English. Then, trying to decipher the strange arrangement and elevator
system in this hotel. We were hunting for the check-in center on the
ground floor, only to discover that it was located on the seventh
floor! A strange idiosyncrasy of this establishment. The check-in
proceeded as expected; our rooms were located on the 25th floor. But
here is where we got lost. As we boarded the elevator and looked for
the 25th floor button, we couldn't find it! The highest number was
23. We thought the hotel had ripped us off! So we went back to the 7th
floor and manage to find a hotel worker who we asked for help. He told
us that for the higher floors, we had to go around the other side of
elevators which would take us there. So we did that and this time, it
worked! But we weren't all too happy about wasting time, going about
to and fro. We were already tired from spending 20 something odd hours
on the plane and the 40 minute taxi cab ride. I hope that all American
hotels aren't like this!

We were happy to finally be able to find our rooms without any
problems. I was rooming up with Shijama, while Taku was with Muto. But
first thing was first. I just placed my bags in the corner and jumped
into bed. Shijama was busy in the bathroom; he didn't quite take to
the airplane food. I was glad to get my first few moments of rest.

Some time passed, I'm not sure how much since I was napping, when the
phone rang. It was #1.

"#2, is that you?"

"Yeah, in the flesh. What do you want?"

"Just checking up to make sure you made it in, little buddy. We got
things to discuss. Meet me downstairs in the lobby area in 10
minutes."

"But I..."

(*hangup*)


And so I am here now, waiting for them to come, to find out what this
trip was all about. It was a pleasure trip for my friends, but
certainly not for me. #1 had something else in mind; that I knew.


[Hotel Room]

(Kurumi is watching TV)

(Suddenly, we see two bright flashes of light)

Kurumi: O-jii-chan! Stop teleporting in and out like that!

Ojiichan: You shouldn't be wasting your time watching TV!

Kurumi: But they have cable! This is so cool! That have a channel with
wrestling on all the time! Now I can experience body slams and
clothe-lines the whole day!

Ojiichan: You obviously don't know how to tourist.

Kurumi: To tourist? That doesn't sound right.

Ojiichan: Tourist-ing is an art. We have enough practice, traveling to
many different places, exotic and nice. We are the experts in this
area! Isn't that right obaachan?

Obaasan: Oi, oi!

Kurumi: Who wants to go out and see a bunch of old buildings and
stuff?

Obaasan: Oi?

Ojiichan: Ah, so she does not understand the true meaning. To tourist
is to appreciate what the olden people built before. A way to connect
to the past. And this New York place has so much history. Why, this
tour-book lists many sites we can start with. Empire State Building,
Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, World Trade Center, Guggenheim,
MET, Central Park...

Kurumi: Ok already! I'll go tourist-ing with you. But I'm not going to
like it!

Ojiichan: Where is Kyosuke and Madoka?

Kurumi: They're already on their way to Greenwich village to surprise
a certain someone.

[Greenwich Village]

Hikaru: Sempai! Madoka! What are you doing here?

Madoka: We're here to see you silly girl! Or should I say Star-chan?

Kyosuke: Yeah. Are you going to invite us inside?

Hikaru: Oh yes,...please come in. Sit down. Let me clear this
away. I've been kind of lax in keeping the place up. Do you want
something to drink?

Kyosuke: No, it's ok. Come on. Sit down yourself.

Hikaru: Are you sure? It's really no trouble.

Madoka: Yes, we're fine.

Hikaru: Wow, It's quite a shock for me to see you two here. It's just
starting to sink in.

(a moment of silence shared between the three as all three make eye
contact with each other)

Madoka: So Hikaru-chan. How have you been?

Hikaru: Oh, pretty much the same. The routine here is pretty
regular. Either I'm working or practicing my part in the play.

Kyosuke: So the big debut will be in five days. Ne?

Hikaru: Yes. I can hardly believe it.

Madoka: I'm so happy for you. We both are. This has been your dream
for a long time.

Hikaru: Yes, it has been. I must thank Hayakawa-san for being able to
glean my true ability in that talent show. Otherwise, I would have
never tried to develop it. Speaking of him, didn't he just get
married?

Madoka: Yes. He and Shiori tied the knot a couple of weeks ago.

Hikaru: Silly me. I forgot to ask about you two. Did you plan to come
to New York for your honeymoon?

Kyosuke: No, not exactly. We're not married yet.

Hikaru: What?! I don't understand. I thought you two were going to get
married in the first week of May.

Madoka: We were, but we decided to postpone it.

Hikaru: I hope it's not on account of me. Because if it was, I would
feel just terrible. You know how strongly I feel towards both of you
and that you're like family to me. I would never want to get between
the two of you ever again. And...

Kyosuke: Calm down Hikaru. It's ok. Rest assured. You're not to
blame. We only delayed the wedding because we wanted to take our time
and didn't want to rush into it. Plus we thought it would be the
perfect opportunity to see a fantastic dancer in what will be a
spectacular debut.

Hikaru: Yokata! I was really worried. There's so many things to say
and do. I don't know where to start.

Kyosuke: How about we three do our catching up over dinner in the
Village?

Madoka: That's Kyosuke. Always thinking with his stomach.

(both girls burst out laughing, with Kyosuke crossing his arms and
looking annoyed)

[In the Bronx]

Kurumi: Phew! I'm glad to be out of the subway! So hot and steaming!
This is worst than Tokyo! Don't they have air conditioning around
here?

Ojiichan: (waving a paper fan) Could be their way of having a
bathhouse steam bath. There Americans have strange customs here. Right
Obaachan?

Obaachan: Oi, oi!

Kurumi: (looking at the map) Are you sure this is the right area? I
don't see no harbor and I don't see no statue.

Ojiichan: It could be farther away than we expected. Let's walk up and
ask the locals for direction. There's one. 'Cuse me? Where is Statue
of Liberty?

"You're talkin' to me?"

Ojiichan: Yes sir. Do you know where Statue of Liberty is?

"'Course. Sure do. Just follow my lead."

Ojiichan: See how friendly these New York folks are?

(they follow the man into an alleyway)

Kurumi: This is not right. What the hell is going on?

Ojiichan: I'll ask the man. 'cuse me sir. We are near Statue of
Liberty?

"Sure am. (whistles)"

(3 menacing men come out)

"Meet my entourage, Mr Statue, Mr Of, and Mr Liberty. Go on now and
pay ya respects by givin' us all ya money or we will lay down the
hammer on ya!"

Ojiichan: Ha, ha, ha.

"What's so funny, old man? Don't understand English? I said GIVE ME
YOUR MONEY OR DIE!"

(they take out and brandish their knives)

Ojiichan: Oh, you serious. In that case ... (hands start to glow)

Kurumi: No ojiichan! No way you're stealing my fun! I want to deal
with these thugs my way!

"They ain't gonna give it up! I say we go get'em!"

"YEAH!" (They all charge!)

Kurumi: Yahoo! Time for some smashing!


Kurumi does a somersault split kick and smacks two of the charging men
down. Then with lightning quick speed, she runs behind the other two,
grabs them by the backs of their necks, and slams them together, head
to head before bodying slamming them into the ground. As the previous
assailants tries to sneak from behind, we see a spinning object coming
towards his ...


(*BLAMMMMMM*)

face. An out of control garbage can lid, courtesy of ojiichan.

Kurumi: Ahhh, that was too quick! Come on! Get up! I want more action!

(the men groan while lying on the ground)

Ojiichan: Now, now. We don't want to hurt the robbers.

Kurumi: Why not? They were trying to mug us!

Ojiichan: So they were, so they were. They should learn their lesson
now. But we made a mistake coming to the wrong area. So we catch the
train back.

Kurumi: Alright. (bares her teeth and shakes her fist at them) Don't
you scumbags ever cross my path again and I'll power-drive you into
the cement!

(The men nod their heads in fear and groan in panic)

Kurumi; That was fun! I got to get some more physical exercise.

[At the hotel lobby]

(A man bumps accidentally against Muroke)

"'cuse me."

(he hurries off)

Muroke: Gee, that was strange...hey...my wallet's missing! You!
Mister! Stop! (starts to run after him)

(the mystery man starts to run, with Muroke chasing him. After a few
side streets, the man descends down what looks like part of a
bookstore; Muroke follows him inside where he catches him at the end
of the room going down some stairs into some cellar.)

Muroke: You can't get away from me! Hey...who turned out the lights!
It's pitch dark here.

"Growwllll."

Muroke: Oh boy...what did I get myself into...

(light suddenly turns on!)

"Good of you to make it."

Muroke: #1! Kaori! Taki! You're all here!

Kaori: Damn right we are. This is a big and delicate operation.

Muroke: What the hell is going on? And why the elaborate deception?
And what's up with the disguise?

#1: (rubbing the black paint off his face) I had to be sure you
weren't being followed. There are a lot of eyes on certain people
these days.

Muroke: Now who would want to follow or track me?

#1: You were once an employee of the master. Those conspiring against
him will be very keen to monitor all his contacts, former and present,
including you.

Muroke: So that's why everyone's here. Is the master's life in danger?

#1: Not yet. But it will be soon when the Dragon Triad convenes.

Muroke: So it's true about the rumors I heard.

#1: That and more. I believe an elaborate trap is being set for the
master. That's why I wanted to bring you along to assist me.

Muroke: I'll do whatever I can to help.

#1: Good. That's what I wanted to hear.

Muroke: What type of place is this anyway?

#1: A secret command center of sorts, complete with reconnaissance,
cameras, and computer terminals. Kaori will be the point-person in
charge of operations here. She will coordinating the operation while I
do the dirty work on the outside.

Muroke: How will I get in?

#1: What you entered was the closet. The secret entrance is
voice-activated and will recede when you say something. Once through,
it will close after you.

Muroke: Then how do I get out?

#1: Over there. When you enter that door and close it behind you, a
trap door will appear. When you go through that, you will come back to
the original entrance.

Muroke: Damn. Why go through so much trouble?

#1: You can never be too careful. (spins out his shiny, silver gun and
points it at Muroke)

Muroke: Woah! Watch where you point that thing!

#1: This is to show you one thing. Always expect the unexpected, right
when you least expect it.

Muroke: Alright. I get you. Since I'm here, I might as well see what
your system capabilities are.

[At Riki Japanese restaurant]

Hikaru: I hope this place is alright for you two.

Madoka: It's fine Hikaru. Don't worry about it.

Hikaru: So, did you two come alone?

Madoka: No. We actually have a large group. Kurumi, Kyosuke's
grandparents, and even Master decided to come along.

Hikaru: Really. I really feel bad not having time to show you all
around.

Madoka: That's ok. We can find our own way here. That is part of the
fun.

Hikaru: Sempai? Is something the matter?

Kyosuke: No. Why do you say that?

Hikaru: You've been awfully quiet this evening.

Kyosuke: I'm sorry. I was deep in thought.

I definitely had a lot to think about. Seeing Hikaru looking so
radiant and beautiful and confident, while Madoka on the other hand
looking quite pale and fatigued in comparison was quite a
contrast. Madoka was strong still, but not as strong as before since
now she had to watch over herself for two living beings now. It still
hadn't hit home yet. That Madoka was with child, and that I would be a
father. From the moment these two wonderful ladies entered my life, my
life has never been quite the same since. From the youthful exuberance
of junior high to growing pains of high school to the maturation in
college and now the settling down stage of adulthood. To me it seemed
like I was approaching the end of that kimagure road. The end of the
best, most wonderful, carefree years of our lives. It seemed so scary
to me. I never had to think about serious stuff before. But now was
different. Now it mattered that I get a good paying job, for now I
a family to raise. I cannot be wild and carefree anymore. In that regard
I envied Hikaru-chan. She had it made. She was now a budding flower on
the verge of blossoming.

Hikaru: Sempai! Something must be the matter. That's the second time
you blanked out.

Kyosuke: Gomen for my lackadaisical behavior. I guess I'm still
recovering a bit from the jet lag from the trip.

Hikaru: Oh, I didn't realize that. After this, we should cut it short
so you two can get your rest.

Kyosuke: We can sleep in tomorrow. We're make the most of this day
while we can. So tell me Hikaru, I notice a lot of sketchbooks lying
around. Do I detect a future Van Gough here?

Hikaru: Oh sempai! You can be such a tease! Yes, I'm the guilty
culprit. But they're just doodles, nothing more. Something I do in my
spare time.

Madoka: I seen them too. They're quite good.

Hikaru: But lucky I don't have to depend on them to earn my way. Or
otherwise, I would really be a starving artist!

(the three of them burst out laughing)

As this merriment is going on, somewhere in the heart of Manhattan...

[At the Charaugurancha restaurant]

Ryusei: Good of you to be able to join me for dinner.

Nagasi: Oh Ryu-baby. Who do you take me for? I would never go out to
dinner alone by myself. I always let the man take care of all the
expenses.

Ryusei: Typical. How extravagant were you go today?

Nagasi: You know, the usual. 5th Avenue is a great place to shop. Only
bought 2 pairs of divine Guicci shoes. A chiffon. A red and white
dress suit. A brand new tan leather purse. And...

Ryusei: Ok. I get the point.

Nagasi: This place blows. We need to get out of this joint. Why don't
we do something fun tonight?

Ryusei: What do you have in mind?

Nagasi: Let's hang at a club. Really happening place this
time. C'mon. I wanna be wild tonite!

Ryusei: Today would be my only free day since my business starts
tomorrow...

Nagasi: So no objections then! We'll going dancin' tonight.

[Marquis Hotel]

"Hey Muroke! Where have you been?"

Muroke: Gomen, Shijama! I was making a house-call for a friend that
lives here and I didn't notice the time. I hope you all weren't
waiting for me!

Taku Morisaki: Not that much. We just did some exploring around the
immediate vicinity. Saw a lot of interesting places like the All-Star
Cafe, a cheese-steak restaurant, and Virgin Megastore.

Rikkako: We even got some souvenirs. Taku bought me this mini Statue
of Liberty.

Muroke: I'm glad you all had a chance to go exploring. Now it's my
turn to return the favor. I'm taking you to a restaurant in the
'Village'.

Shijama: Village? What village?

Muroke: That's just slang for Greenwich Village. Over here, they like
to use abbreviations and acronyms. So you have to get with the lingo.

[Grand Central Station]

Kurumi: We're finally back where we started from!

Ojiichan: Baka! 5 hours riding the subway. So terrible.

Obaachan: Oi, oi.

Kurumi: Blue line, red line, green line and purple! So confusing! No
wonder we kept riding in circles. I wish Manami was here!

"Hello everyone."

Kurumi: Master! What are you doing here?

Master:I was worried about you folks. New York City is not one for the
uninitiated.

Obaachan: No need to worry on us. We Kasugas can handle the foreign
elements.

Kurumi: Don't mind him Master. He's just being his crusty old
self. Where's oniichan?

Master: He's and Madoka are not back yet.

Kurumi: Hmm, where could they be?

[Hikaru, Madoka, and Kyosuke walking along the Theater District]

(They pass by billboards of plays playing such as Victor Victoria,
Cats, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Sunset Boulevard, and the Phantom
of the Opera.)

Kyosuke: This is certainly the play capitol of the world!

Madoka: You must feel lucky to be part of the big scene now.

Hikaru: I am. And I'm glad you two are here. Speaking of which, here
we are. This is the place where I have been auditioning at. The
Shubert Theater.

(They see the billboard for "Atlantean")

Kyosuke: Wow,you must be really excited. Soon, this street will be
filled with people waiting to see the opening debut.

Hikaru: Yeah, I guess. I mean it's my dream right? And...

(Hikaru stops in mid-sentence and stands there for a moment)

Madoka: Is something wrong Hikaru?

Hikaru: Oh nothing. For a brief moment, I felt a strange feeling. But
it's gone now.

Kyosuke: What's that noise down the street?

Hikaru: Oh, that's the new club that just opened up. They call it the
Mood Paradise. You wanna go in and check it out?

Madoka: Sounds nice, but maybe another time. I'm feeling a bit tired
now.

Kyosuke: Yes, we probably need our rest, from the trip and all. We
need to check in with the rest of my family too.

Hikaru: Ok then. You know my number. We can talk later to arrange how
I can show you around.

Madoka: Sounds good. Ja ne!

Hikaru: Atikamess! (waves her hand goodbye and makes a 'V' symbol)

[Mood Paradise Club]

Nagasi: What was that all about back there?

Ryusei: My chronic headache began acting up. That's why I felt dizzy
suddenly outside the entrance.

Nagasi: Gee, you're no fun. Guess you just sit there and watch me have
fun. (picks up a hunky male) Hullo stud muffin! Let's get down and
dance!

Ryusei: (slumps his chin on his palm) <Just as well. But why did my
headache act up again? >

-=[Day Two]=-

(We see Kyosuke dressed up as a Southern aristocrat and Hikaru dressed
up as a Southern belle. They are in her bedroom chambers.)

"Oh Ashley sempai, please don't go."

"I'm sorry Scarlet Hiyama. I must leave you now."

"Nooo! Not until you hear this. I love you. I love you with all my
heart!" (She grasps onto him and they embrace, but then he breaks out
of this)

"No, Scarlet Hiyama. This can't happen."

"How can you say that? You know you cannot resist me."

"I would be lying if I said I wasn't attracted to you. But I cannot
stay with you. I am going to marry Melanie Madoka."

"How can you marry her when you and I love each other?"

"Scarlet, how can you say that?"

"What do you mean? Don't you love me?"

"Love you? I loved you the first day I ever laid eyes upon you. But it
was not true love, ...the type of love that makes you want to spend
the rest of your life with. You were a happy, carefree free spirit,
and that was what drew me to you. But you played with me along with the
rest of us who sought after you."

"How can you say that? I told you already I love you."

"Love me? How can you say that you love me? You don't even know the
meaning of the word."

"Of course I do. I know enough that I can't live without
you. Please...please don't leave me." (grabs onto him)

"Please Scarlet. Don't make this harder than it has to be. Someday,
you will understand the love that me and Melanie share. Until then
goodbye."

(As Kyosuke leaves with Hikaru sobbing, a mysterious figure cloaked in
a black cape and dress, and wearing a black mask enters)

"What stranger dares enters my room? Don't you know who I am?"

"Ha Ha Ha. 'Course I know who you are. Scarlet O'Hikaru, the belle of
all belles. Pity it's true what people say about you."

"I don't care what they think of me. What I do care is to know who the
hell you are and what are you doing here?

"Allow me to make my introduction. Captain Butler at your service."
(does a bow)"

"Captain Butler? (*oh!*) I heard of you. You're the scoundrel
smuggler!"

"The very scoundrel, milady."

"Get out! I don't want to associate with ill folk like you!"

"A sharp tongue you wield. Too bad it's attached to a spoiled brat
like you."

"How dare you speak like that to a lady!"

"You, my dear are not a lady. That much is evident."

"Humph! If you don't leave right now I'm going to scream!"

"Go ahead. Yell at the top of your lungs. I don't care."

"I really would! I'm not lying."

"If you want to behave like a baby, then I'm not stopping you."

"You're the one to talk. You don't even show your face."

"How right you are. I have been told it's a very ugly face."

"If you're not afraid of me screaming, then I'm not afraid of your
face."

"Ok. Suit yourself."

(as he removes the mask, he reveals himself to be....)

(*DING DING DING DING*)

(alarm clock sounds)

Hikaru opens up her eyes.

Hikaru: <Gee, what an odd dream. I almost found out who that person
was. But why did I have such a dream in the first place. Does it mean
something? Omigosh! I'm going to be late for work!>

[At the Physics Symposium Conference at New York University]

Taku: This is super great! I'm glad I came along with you on this
summer trip. I've read even Michio Kaku is here to speak!

Muroke: Yeah. There's a dissertation in progress now.

....time is not an absolute constant concept, but rather an
ever-changing, ever-varying current, which runs through our
minds. That is why the passage of time, in terms of perceived
duration, varies from individual to individual. I hypothesize that
this is an unexpected corollary of the Heisenberg uncertainty
principle. Just as we cannot never ascertain the true position of an
electron, the same holds for biological perception of time. For even a
fruit fly can experience an entire lifetime within a single day. A
hummingbird just a little bit longer. With different sensory
perceptions of time by different organisms, who is to say what is the
true reference of time? But with that, we can delve into the true
dimension beyond the 4th dimension of time. Beyond the absoluteness we
are accustomed to, tuning our clocks and determining our reference
planes, as dictated by the laws of relativity. Not the time travel
business jumping back and forth from the past to the present and
future. That is beyond our comprehension and level in this time, no
pun intended. Rather, I surmise that the human process of thought is
the next dimension. Why, you might ask? Inanimate objects, without
thought or sense, will experience the normal passages of time. A rock,
without stimuli, in a vacuum will still be a rock and have no regard
for time. For these objects, the passage of time is constant and knows
no variables. But for living beings, that is another matter. We
possess the unique ability to form and shape time as we know it, within
our limits. That is why our perception of time varies accordingly to
the level of our sensory perception, which in turn, triggers chemical
body functions which control the aging of our cells. As we actively
engage the mind through some enjoyable, recreational activity, we are
slowing down the passage of time, according to our reference, or
speeding up the passage of time if taken from the reference of the
environment, explaining the adage why "Time flies when we are having
fun." ...

Taku: Wow, what a fascinating lecture!

Muroke: I can tell you can get totally engrossed here today.

Taku: You bet. Physics and the stars and the mystery of the universe
dominate my life now.

Muroke: Aren't you forgetting someone?

Taku: Rikkako? I didn't forget her. I consider her a star in my life.

Muroke: Nice recovery. Too bad she's not here to hear it.

Taku: She probably would hate it. She's very particular about what she
likes and doesn't like. But we'll meet up with her later.

Muroke: That's true. Hey, if we hurry, we can catch the quantum fusion
lecture!

[New York Precinct]

"Detective Jackson reporting for duty sir!"

"Buddy! You're back man! I thought I lost you there in the land of the
orient. How's it feel to be back in the good'ole US of A?"

"It feels good sir. Except for that 5am flight! But other than that, I
should be cool. I do need some time to get back into the old groove."

"'Course man. How long were you over there anyway?"

"Coming up on 2 and half years now. I was just startin' to get settled
in. Which is why I can't figure out why you suddenly recalled me
back.

"I think I might be able to answer that."

(A lady enters the chief of police's office)

Jackson: And you are...

"Officer Kanuka Clancy."

(performs a slight bow)

Jackson: Aren't you my counterpart who's suppose to be going back in
my place?

Clancy: I am. But first, there is unfinished business here that I must
brief you on.

Jackson: But....(looks towards the chief)

"It's out of my hands Jackson. This is the work of internal
affairs. They're the ones who called you back, not me. "

Jackson: Oh brother. What rat's nest did they get me into?

[At Apollo Couriers]

(Hikaru rushes in, huffing and puffing)

"About time Double-H! You're 15 minutes late!"

Hikaru: Very sorry boss. I promise it won't happen again.

"Better not! Or else it's comin' outa of ya pay."

Hikaru: I understand.

"Don't just stand there! Here are the packages to deliver. You gotta
make up the time along the way."

Hikaru: Gotcha boss. Bye! (rushes out the door with a head of steam)

"That girl...whew! She's gonna get trouble followin' her."

[At a ballroom]

We see a fashion show in place where Ryusei is sitting near the front
of the catwalk.

(*flashback to hotel room*)

Nagasi: Aiee!

Ryusei: Don't shriek like that. You know how that gets on my nerves.

Nagasi: Look!

A black arrow is stuck on the side of the wall.

Nagasi: Who would do such a thing?

Ryusei: We shall soon see. (yanks the arrow cleanly in one motion and
plucks out the note attached to it)

Welcome Chameleon. You managed to fool a lot of people, but
not me. Want to find out who I really am? Now's your
chance. Arrive on 5th avenue alone to the fashion show and I
promise to make it worth your while. Until we cross each other
again.

Y

(*end flashback*)


[In Greenwich Village in the techno cafe area]

Madoka: It's hard to believe we're back here again so soon.

Kasuga. I know. Thank god it's for pleasure this time instead of
business.

"Yo man. You two are back again."

(They see a black man in dread-locks)

Kasuga: Huh?

Madoka: Excuse my forgetful boyfriend. Chiru Chiru Michiru, right?

"Correct mon. Back in the neighborhood so soon?"

Madoka: Yes. We're here on vacation and I always had a soft spot in my
heart for this particular area.

Kasuga: I didn't know that!

Madoka: Now you know. How are things with you Michiru?

"Easy come, easy go. Odd jobs on and off. Back spoofing in the cafes
again."

Madoka: Is that so? You happen to have an empty terminal point?

"If you need one then you shall have one. Need a jack?"

Madoka: No, I brought my own. (takes out her Apple Powerbook)

Kasuga: Want me to get you anything?

Madoka: A latte would fine with me.

Kasuga: Coming right up. <What's up with Madoka and this place
anyway?>

[Hikaru riding on her courier bicycle, with her free flowing golden
hair swaying in the wind]

(Suddenly, a person darts out from a corner)

(Hikaru neatly swerves to avoid the collision)

Hikaru: Miss, are you alright? Oh, it's you!

"Damn right! You're almost killed me! I should have expected it,
Hiyama"

Hikaru: Nagasi-san, you can't be serious. I didn't do it on
purpose. And what are you doing in town anyway?

Nagasi: I would tell you to shove off, but seeing how pathetic your
life is, I might was well throw you a bone. Me and Ryu baby are going to
be hitched up in the Big Apple! What do you think about that, huh?

Hikaru: Omento. It's great you two are getting together.

Nagasi: You're not jealous? Humph.

Hikaru: Why should I be jealous?

Nagasi: Don't tell me you don't notice the way he looks at you.

Hikaru: How can I tell anything? He's always wearing those sunglasses.

Nagasi: You are so dense. Explains why he pitied you.

Hikaru: What do you mean?

Nagasi: (smirks) You a street girl now. You should know what I
mean. Don't you ever wonder why you got the part in this play? Hmmm?
You better watch yourself or you'll end up like Anita! Chow!

Hikaru: <What? Did Haroken-san have a hand in my getting this part?>

[At the Fashion show]

Ryusei is sitting in the front, near the catwalk. as the models come
in and out adorned in the latest, slinky fashion, cameras flashing,
and the announcing buzzing with commentary. But Ryusei is looking at
his watch wondering when it will be all over. As he is about to leave,
the final model, an exotic Asian female wearing a peculiar
Egyptian-style outfit appears and catches his eye. As she approaches
him, she gives him a look and then turns away.

As she walks away, Ryusei notices a piece of paper left behind on the
catwalk. He reaches out and picks it up. Inside it reads:

You have come and so have I. Having piqued your curiosity,
it's time for business. I have a proposition you cannot
resist. Go to the firecracker shop on Canal Street at 5:55pm.

Y

Ryusei: <So, the plot thickens. One who is as mysterious as I
am. Intriguing.>

[At the police precinct, inside a conference room]

Jackson: So what's the deal here? I don't like my chain being jerked
around.

Clancy: It is all elementary Detective Jackson. The nature of this
operation is very sensitive.

Jackson: Isn't it always. Still don't see what this has to do with me.

Clancy: We require your talents in making this operation a success. A
gathering of the top Asian underworld will be amassing in New York in
the next few days. Heading the list is Goro Shimazaki.

Jackson: Shimazaki! That guy is slipperier than a snake!

Clancy: So you heard of him.

Jackson: 'course. My department have been trying to crack into his
secret network, but with no success. All the informants have been sent
back in body-bags.

Clancy: Because of your experience with him, you know him better than
anybody. That is why we require your assistance. We hope we can shut
down his syndicate in one fell swoop.

Jackson: Somethin' still don't make sense.

Clancy: I believe the objectives are spelled out clearly in the
document you hold.

Jackson: No, not that. Why is the NYPD involved? Why should they care
about an international crime boss?

Clancy: Perfectly valid questions. Unfortunately, I can reveal the
answer to you yet. Every piece of information is on a need to know
basis. I hope I still can enjoin your cooperation.

Jackson: Hey, I'm here, ain't I? I got a job to do and I aim to do it
well. So when do we start?

Clancy: Review the documents first and report back here tomorrow
morning at 10am. That will be all for today. (bows and leave)

Jackson: <She's definitely hiding something big. But what could it
be...?>


[Inside the bookstore]

Kaori: I'm starving! When is he coming back?


Taki: Ruff!


#1: I'm back.

Kaori: Where the hell were you? I was cooped up here most of the day.

#1: Doing stuff. Here.

Kaori dives into the Chinese take-out on the table.

Kaori: (*munch, munch*) Did you get the Mongolian beef?

#1: In the other carton. What is the latest status?

Kaori: Ryu attended some fashion show in the morning. He then made
some stops along Broadway before departing for Wall Street. He had
lunch, took a walk through Central Park, and then made his way to the
docks.

#1: That's good. (brandishes his silver glittering gun)

Kaori: Do you have to take that out?

#1: Of course. Ole Betsy had a good cleaning by Mad Ivan, the best gun
man in the city. (*spins the barrel*) Now she's ready for action!

[At the Shubert theater]

Natalie: Yo Star*Chan! What's up with you? All your twirls are off!

Hikaru: I'm not feeling like myself today.

Natalie: That's a major bummer. You gotta snap out of it.

Hikaru: Yeah, you're right.

Natalie: 'Course. Only 3 more days before the big day!

Hikaru: Tell me about it.

Natalie: Whatever you got, you gotta get it out of your system. I'll
getting out of here. Can't miss tonight's episode of 'Friends'.

Hikaru: See you later. <I still can't shake this nagging feeling. Was
Nagasi right? Was I chosen simply because of him? >

[Canal Street, Chinatown]

5:55pm

(Ryusei enters the firecracker shop, where he sees an old Chinese man
inside).

Old Man: (in Cantonese) You want to buy something?

Ryusei: No. I am waiting for someone here.

Old Man: No wait. We closing. 6pm close.

Ryusei: That 5 minutes away!

Old Man: We close early. You go. (pushes him out)

Ryusei: Now that was a waste of time.

(A red objects rolls towards him at his feet)

(It is a stick of dynamite!)

(Ryusei picks it up and reads the roll-up note)

This is the final stop for you, but only the beginning for
your task. Inside this cannister lies the key to fulfilling
your obligation to Shimazaki-san. Until then, I shall be
watching you.

Y (in the form of a
dragon)

-=[Day Three]=-


[Marquis Hotel]

"Muroke!"

Muroke: <*Yawnnn*> W-w-what now Shijama?

Zumi: A surprise. Guess what I got?

Muroke: No, what?

Zumi: Yankee tickets today!

Muroke: Cool!

Zumi: Why are you so tired?

Muroke: Oh, I had a late night yesterday...

(*flashback to last night*)

Muroke: What's the big idea calling me out here in the middle of the
night?

#1: There could be a person who you want to meet here.

Muroke: (taken aback) Haroken-san!

Ryusei: #2, good to have you back on the team.

Muroke/#2: Oh sure...I'm glad to help out. What is the assignment this
time?

Kaori: This one's a whopper!

Taki: (*RUFF!*)

#1: That's right Taki.

Ryusei: The job at hand involves "removal" of a certain object.

Muroke: Removal? You mean you want me to help you guys steal
something?

Kaori: You wish. It's more like taking back what is ours.

Muroke: What do you mean?

#1: Here's the story. Picture this...

50 years ago in 1945, Japan surrenders to the likes of General
MacArthur aboard the Missouri. It was a dark day in Japanese history
made even more darker with the looting of several ancient, prized
Japanese royal treasures. One of them was a ornate royal chest, dating
all the way back to the inception of Japan 500 years ago.

Muroke: So you want to steal the chest back, right?

Ryusei: No. Originally, it was thought to contain nothing
inside. However, it has come to my knowledge that indeed, there is a
old artifact stored inside a false, secret compartment. Our job is to
retrieve that item, whatever it may be. We can leave the chest alone.

Muroke: So you want me to do what in this little endeavor?

Kaori: A lot! There's why you're here!

Ryusei: Specifically, we need to bypass several key mechanisms of the
security systems in place. Here are the blueprints to the building.

Muroke: Man, this looks like a fortress!

#1: You can say that. It a cross between Fort Knox and the Pentagon.

Kaori: From what I have gathered already, this underground complex has
all the latest surveillance systems running. Palm-print, voice, and
retina scans at every checkpoint, 5 second automatic lockout when any
alarm is triggered. Motion, thermal, and humidity sensors. Everyone
in the building is tracked. Any foreign object will be shot on sight,
including people. The holding rooms are a pressurized vacuum; without
a special suit, you'll choke to death or be crushed. And to top it all
off, lasers surround each and every object.

Muroke: Kami-sama! What could be so valuable that they should go
through such security measures?

Kaori: The US government disavows of any knowledge of this hidden
underground installation. That means the CIA is involved somehow.

#1: Make sense. The 'Company' has a lot of secrets to protect, along
with the goods they've stolen. They can't afford to let even one slip.

Muroke: This seems impossible!

Ryusei: Nothing is impossible #2.

Muroke: The security systems I probably can hack away and disable for
a while. But there's nothing I can do about the vacuum rooms.

#1: You don't need to worry about that. We will. Just allow us to get
past the electronic systems.

Muroke: Fine. Suit yourself. So what's your ETA for this operation?

Ryusei: 3 days from now.

Muroke: So soon?

Ryusei: A necessary deadline before Shimazaki's arrival.

Muroke: I'm just curious; if this info is so hush hush, how did you
get access to these blueprints anyway?

Ryusei: Goro Shimazaki's messenger was all too obliging. I saw the
sign of the Y.

(*end flashback*)

[At the UN Plaza building]

Kyosuke is there along with Madoka exhibiting the photos which he took
in Bosnia.

Madoka: Whose idea was this?

Kyosuke: It was Tamaki-san's suggestion. She heard I was going to New
York with you and called up her old friends over here to arrange the
whole thing. I didn't want to bother at first but she insisted that I
do it. Said it would give the victims of this conflict a face to the
public here and bring awareness. That was the least I owed them. I
thought about it and finally agreed to it. And so here we are,

Madoka: Very noble of you, even though someone had to twist your arm
to do it.

Kyosuke: Madoka!

"Excuse me. Are you the photographer of these pictures?"

(They see a tall, think lady dressed in black and wearing shades and a
veiled hat)

Kyosuke: Why yes I am! You speak Japanese too? That's great. Do you
have any questions about them?

"Do you sell your photographs?"

Kyosuke: Uhhh...I never thought about that. Madoka, what do you
think...

(Kyosuke turns his head but doesn't see her)

"Your friend seem to have stepped away."

Kyosuke: I dunno...what photograph were you interested in anyway?

"This one."

(points to the closeup picture of one of the soldier's side profile)

Kyosuke: You want that one?

"Yes I do. And I prepared to offer you one thousand dollars for it."

Kyosuke: $1000! Holy smoke! You got a deal lady!

(smirks) "Goood. Here you go." (hands him a wad of crisp, clean
hundred dollar bills) I'll be taking this." (plucks the picture away
and starts to walk away)

Kyosuke: Excuse me. May I ask your name please?

(tips her shades down a bit and in a sultry deep voice) "Yayoi"


[Hikaru riding on her bicycle to go see Kyosuke's exhibit]

(just then, she sees Ryusei Haroken enter a cab)

Hikaru: Haroken-san! So he is here with Nagasi. Did he have a hand in
getting me picked for the part. I must know! Otherwise, there's no way
I can dance for the premiere!

(Hikaru follows the cab from 45th street up to the Sony Plaza up on E
55th Street)

Hikaru pulls up to a corner intersection and looks around.

Hikaru: Where could he have gone? I only took my eye off him for a
second...

"Hiyama-san, is that you following me?"

(Hikaru turns around and sees Haroken-san right behind her, sporting
those trademark sunglasses)

Hikaru: Oh, Haroken-san. Gomen. I was. Forgive me. How did you know?

Haroken: I am an agent. I have a sense for these things. And having
these sunglasses with side reflections allows me to see things
from behind.

Hikaru: Oh. I'm sorry for that. I needed to talk to you.

Haroken: Talk? To me? I'm surprised you're still very civil and
polite. Last thing I remembered was something along the lines of you
hating my guts and never wanting to see me again.

Hikaru: You are right; I did not forget. I could tell you that you are
an unfeeling, ruthless, cold person who doesn't give a damn for the
little people. But then you already know that. But my business with
you now is professional.

Haroken: I would love to stay and listen to you berate me, but I have
an important business meeting to attend to. If you will excuse me...

Hikaru: You can't brush me off like that until you tell me something!

Haroken: You are very persistent when you're angry. Very well. We will
resolve whatever matter you have on your mind later. I will meet you
in your apartment at a later time and discuss it. Now is not the time
nor the venue.

Hikaru: You know where my apartment is?

Haroken: (looks back) I know everything about you. That is why I'm an
agent. Ja!

(from afar, Kanuka Clancy happens to chance upon seeing Hikaru and
Haroken-san together)

Kanuka: Hikaru knows that man!? This could get more complicated.

[At the UN Building]

Kurumi: Hey oniichan! Pretty depressing pictures here.

Kyosuke: Of course it is! It's suppose to depict the human condition
and the hidden suffering of this Balkan conflict. About time you guys
made it to my exhibit. What took you so long?

Ojiichan: Sight seeing expedition. Views wait for no person. Right
obaachan?

Obaachan: Oi, oi!

Kurumi: It was so kewl! We went to Madison Square Garden where they
have this wrestling event going on! They were hitting each other with
chairs and smacking each other silly! They also were wearing these
super looking outfits. Really pumps up the adrenaline.

Kyosuke: Sounds lovely.

Ojiichan: Where's Madoka-san?

Kyosuke: She in the bathroom again.

Kurumi: Gee, by the way Madoka's been acting these few days, you would
think she's pregnant or something. (ha ha ha)

Kyosuke: (nervous laugh) Yeah. Very funny. Hey...why not we do this?
I'm buying you all lunch today!

Kurumi: Yahoo! I love free food.


[At St Patrick's cathedral]

We see #1 enter a confession booth.

#1: Forgive me my father for I have sinned.

"You're one hell of a sinner to dare enter this box."

#1: Lord knows I'm bad to the bone, Casey,

"I didn't come down here to listen to a sermon of sin. Get to the
point. What do you want?"

#1: I need a fav from the higher ups at the 'pol.

"You always need a favor. What is it this time?"

#1: I need access to Area 55.

"Baka! Are you nuts! All the fives' installations are off limits!"

#1: I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't important.

"There is no way that's going to happen."

#1: Not even if it means a chance to infiltrate the 'X-pers'?

"Shhh! Don't mention that word again! You know it's taboo."

#1: So you know what I'm dealing with.

"It appears the stakes have been raised. It will be a prickly task
to convince the top brass, but I'll try my best. But I'm not making
any assurances."

#1: I need you guys to pull it off. We will begin the operation in 2
days.


[At Hikaru's apartment]

I manage to arrive at Kyosuke's exhibit where I met up with everyone
again, although I was sad that Manami-chan could not make the trip. It
was as if everyone did not change. Kurumi was still her tough, brusque
self. Master was still the kind "uncle-like" figure. Kyosuke's
ojiichan and obaachan were their same jolly selves. Madoka was in her
quiet, demure self, while Sempai was still bumbling around. Yes, it
seems that everyone was the same except me. They all asked me so many
different questions, of which I was happy to oblige. But I had this
strange feeling being the only one that really changed among the whole
group. It was one thing to meet them on my return trip back to Japan,
but it was another for them to be on my home turf. Somehow, I felt
exposed and open. I was afraid they might see that I was not totally
independent. A part of me was still my scared little self that needed
someone to cling to.

(as she unlocks the door to her apartment)

Hikaru: Haroken-san! What are you doing here?

Ryusei: You weren't here so I let myself in. But I'm not here for idle
chit-chat. You want to discuss something so out with it.

Hikaru: Yes, I do. What I need to know from you is whether you had a
hand in me landing the part for the play Atlantean.

Ryusei: Atlantean? Hmm...I might have heard of it.

Hikaru: Don't play dumb with me! I know you are well versed in the new
opening plays around the world.

Ryusei: I might have come across it, along with a dozen other plays. I
am a busy man. But why would I help you?

Hikaru: You had a habit of doing stuff for me before in the past.

Ryusei: Those were just small favors. Consider it an employee perk. But
now you are my ex-employee. So you can rest assured that I had nothing
to do with the selection process.

Hikaru: Honest?

Ryusei: What objective would I gain? I only do things that serve my
best interests.

Hikaru: That's true. I've seen it with my own eyes.

Ryusei: Is that all?

Hikaru: Yes. I'm sorry to put you through all this trouble just to
squash a nagging doubt of mine.

Ryusei: Then my business here is done. Good day then. (stands up and
leaves)

Hikaru: (as she is closing the door) Why do I get this strange feeling
whenever he is around?

[At the NYPD police precinct]

Detective Jackson is stuck in a room going through a stack of papers.

(Kanuka Clancy enters)

Jackson: About time you came back! I didn't travel half the globe just
to be cooped up in this hellhole reading this crap!

Clancy: You must be fully briefed on the particulars before you can
proceed onto the next step.

Jackson: Operation and procedure blah blah blah. I know this stuff
already. What do you take me for?

Clancy: I leave no stone unturned. So you've finished perusing the
particulars?

Jackson: Hell yeah. Now mind telling me why you're jerking my chain?

Clancy: I not sure where you come from, but on my watch I do things by
the book. I seen too many king-pen bosses slip away because some rogue
officers failed to follow procedure. And this operation can ill incur
any mistakes. And that's the way it's going to be. Now if you don't
like the way I do things, I can just ship your sorry ass back to the
hellhole you came from. Do I make myself clear?

Jackson: Yes maam!

Clancy: Now that I have your full attention, we can discuss Operation
Overlord.


-=[Day Four]=-

[At the bookstore secret area]

#1: You're awake?

Muroke: Huh? What time is it?

#1: It's 5 minutes to 6.

Muroke: What! I stayed the whole night!

#1: Yep. How far did you get?

Muroke: Oh, that. (looks at the screen) I manage to get a schematic of
the outer systems. I can work here another 2 hours before I have to
get back. Otherwise, my friends will start to get suspicious. Where's
Kaori?

#1: Picking up supplies for the raid. You better work fast. We have
less than a day tomorrow before we start.

Muroke: (tapping away at the keys) I know, I know. Don't worry. The
system will be cracked before you know it.

[At the hotel]

Madoka: Kyosuke. Are you awake?

Kyosuke: (*yawwnnn*) What is it Madoka?

Madoka: How do you feel about me?

Kyosuke: Y'know I love you, don't you?

Madoka: Yeah, but anything else?

Kyosuke: You know you're the greatest. Why you're going to be the
mother of my child. That's why I have to look after you and our
precious from now on. You don't have to do anything from now on. I'll
take care of everything. Now go back to sleep and get your rest.

Madoka: <Am I so helpless now in your eyes now? Have I lost my edge?>

[At Hikaru's apartment]

(as Hikaru wakes up from her sleep, she slowly punches both arms in
the air like a prized fighter)

I felt like a new woman reborn again. Today was the final day for me
as Hikaru, the dreamer. Tomorrow I will be Hikaru the dancer. I never
thought that I would reach this point 4 years ago when I was a
wide-eyed girl just graduating from high school. And through the
years, I have suffered and endured, through heart breaks, sorrow,
hunger, rejection, and violence. I didn't know if I could make it to
this point or not. But I never stopped hoping and believing in
myself. But I owe it all to one person who never stopped believing in
me. He was the one who pushed me to pursue my dreams. Now he is
watching me from above, like my guardian angel. My only regret was not
realizing how special he was to me sooner. But it's too late now, and
I learned never to live in the past; just worry about the here and
now. At least I can keep one of the promises I made to him.

[At New York Harbor]

(Ryusei is walking along the docks, amidst the foggy overcast)

(He gazes across and sees a ship come in. On it's side is labeled "The
Kamui")

As the ship drops anchor, Ryusei patiently waits to get on-board. As
the plank is assembled, Ryusei is soon greeted by the Captain.

Captain: Haroken-san! Never fancy meeting you here.

Ryusei: This shipment is very important to me. I'm here to see it
through.

Captain: It's good you're assisting Kobayashi-san. Without your help
at the cape, we would have been grounded for weeks.

Ryusei: I trust that everything is intact?

Captain: Yes it is sir. I run this ship tightly from stem to
stern. All the cargo is safe 'n sound.

Ryusei: That would be all then. (hands him an envelope) You and the
rest of the crew can have shore leave for the rest of the week. My own
people will be coming in to handle the unloading.

Captain: Mighty generous of you sir! We will certainly paint the town
red!

Ryusei: <As will I.>


[Hilton Hotel]

(*ring ring*)

Nagasi: Ryu-baby...get it!

(*ring ring*)

Nagasi: I SAID GET IT!

(*ring ring*)

Nagasi: Bakayo! (picks up receiver) Who is it?

"Hullo. I wish to speak to Ryusei Haroken."

Nagasi: Well he sure ain't here.

"He isn't? That's too bad. I've come a long way to see him."

Nagasi: Tough luck. Now who is calling?

"You may tell him that 'Big Red' is seeking him for the
gathering. I'll be in touch."

(*CLICK*)

Nagasi: That was rude! I'm gonna tell Ryusei to tell off this 'Big
Red' asshole for ruining my beauty sleep!

[At Central Park]

(a crowd has already amassed at what seem to be a concert)

Kurumi: Great gig master! How did you know about this?

Master: (wearing his ABCB shirt and holding up a camcorder) I never
miss the chance to see my most favorite artist. Pan and the boys will
be jealous when I show them this tape.

Ojiichan: Humph!

Kurumi: What's wrong?

Ojiichan: This loud noise is so harsh to the ears.

Kyosuke: It's not so bad. It's not even heavy metal.

Ojiichan: Oh, how I pine for the sweet Kyoto drums.

Kyosuke: Are you kidding? This is 'Genesis' we're talking about!
They're part of the music I grew up listening to. Right Madoka?

Madoka: Shhh. They're playing my favorite song.

"...and we holding on now Invisible Touch now...."

[On the other side of Central Park]

Ryusei is walking along and stops at a chess game being played between
a young boy and old grandfather.

He also hears the music in the background. As he is standing there, he
starts to teeter about.

Young boy: What's the matter mister?

Ryusei: I seem to be experiencing a slight headache. Where is that
music coming from?

Young boy: That? You mean the charity concert today at the park.

Ryusei: So that's it. I seem to have heard this music before.

Young boy: It's Genesis at the park day.

Old Grandfather: Are you going to play or talk to the man?

Young boy: I'm still thinking!

Ryusei: Thanks for the info kid. I don't want to bother your game any
further. One more thing kid.

Young boy: What?

Ryusei: Bishop takes knight, mate in 5.

[At Hikaru's apartment]

(*ding dong*)

(Hikaru peers through the eyehole and quickly opens the door)

Hikaru: Officer Clancy! What a pleasant surprise! Come in.

Clancy: Thank you, Miss Hiyama. How are you doing?

Hikaru: Oh just fine. I didn't recognize at first without your
uniform.

Clancy: I'm off duty right now. Everything in order?

Hikaru: Just about. Only feeling a bit of the butterflies for
tomorrow.

Clancy: That's right. You're big debut is tomorrow.

Hikaru: Bingo! And I have a ticket for you!

Clancy: Oh, I'm not sure if I can attend. Better save the ticket for
someone else.

Hikaru: Oh nooo...I want you to have it. You've been such a big
support line for me since the incident, I don't how else I could repay
you.

Clancy: Well thank you very much. I see if I can swap shifts with
someone. By the way, I caught a glimpse of you talking with this
fellow down by East 55th street.

Hikaru: Oh, you must mean Haroken-san. Actually, it's quite
embarrassing. I was trying to follow him.

Clancy: Follow him? What for?

Hikaru: Oh, it was some nagging doubts in my mind. I thought he pulled
a few strings for me, being my former employer and all, but it turns
out that it was just my silly mind playing tricks on me.

Clancy: So you worked for him before. In what capacity may I ask?

Hikaru: Oh, it was way back when I returned to Japan to audition for
this part. To make a long story short, I got hooked up in his play
production. I stayed there for a few months before deciding to return
back here. Why the sudden interest?

Clancy: Oh, I was concerned about your personal relationships. I mean,
you do have your Italian boyfriend you're seeing right now. Wouldn't
want to mix up the pot with too many men in your life.

Hikaru: Ain't that the truth! But he's getting married anyway. To his
assistant no doubt. Say, why don't we crash down to the new club,
'Mood Paradise'? If you have time.

Clancy: Why not? I'm off duty right now.

Hikaru: Yippee! Let's go!

[At the loading docks at the 'Kamui']

Foreman: Load these containers down to warehouse 55!

(As we see the scores of men moving the crates, we see one of the men
to be Inspector Jackson!)

Jackson: <Let's see what's inside!>

[Back at the Marquis Hotel]

Shijama Zumi: You're finally back! Where were you the whole morning? I
couldn't find you?

Muroke: Oh, I...<what can I say...>

Shijama: Doesn't matter know. Taku and Muto-san are waiting for us.

Muroke: For what?

Shijama: We only have one more day left before we fly off Monday
midnight. So we gotta pack in all the sightseeing today.

Muroke: Oh, but I can't...

Shijama: Of course you can! Here they are now. Hi guys!

Taku: Hello.

Shijama: What are we up for today?

Rikkako: We already covered the Empire State Building, Rockefeller
Center, the Guggenheim, and Times Square. The remaining attractions
are Central Park, Greenwich Village, Chinatown, Ellis Island, and the
Statue of Liberty.

Shijama: Then we better get a move on. Let's go!

[Back at the bookstore secret area]

(Ryusei staggers in)

#1: (helps Ryusei to a chair) What's wrong boss?

Ryusei: My chronic headaches. Urgh. It has returned.

#1: What triggered this episode this time?

Ryusei: This song ...I heard...in the park. Must have awoken a hidden
memory inside. I...I can hardly contain the pain within.

#1: What do you see this time?

Ryusei: I see...a veiled face against a dark backdrop. I'm trying to
see who it is so I try get closer...and closer...and....

(*A shriek of terror by Ryusei!*)

#1 quickly applies an injection to his arm.

Kaori: What'd you do?

#1: Gave him some medication. That should keep him asleep for a few
hours.

Kaori: This is bad. If he's out, how can we possibly conduct the
operation tomorrow?

#1: It will happen. He just needs his rest and some temporary amnesia.

Kaori: Temporary amnesia?

#1: The "juice" inside him not only puts him out to sleep, but erases
his short term memory.

Kaori: How long has this been happening?

#1: The headaches started a couple years back. Virtually anything can
trigger memory flashback, from a scent or taste of a food, to even
listening to an old tune. Unlucky he had to hear the tune today.

Kaori: But you're just playing with his mind.

#1: Better than insanity which is what will happen if left untreated.

Kaori: How do you know if he will go crazy or not?

#1: I just know. We have our hands full preparing for penetration into
the compound.

[Mood Paradise]

(Hikaru and Officer Clancy enters)

(Multi-color strobe lights flash all around them.)

Hikaru: So what do you think?

Clancy: Seems like a real happenin' place.

Hikaru: Wanna drink?

Clancy: No thank you. I'm fine.

Hikaru: Ok. I'll get myself something.

(As she approaches the bar...)

Hikaru: Master! What are you doing here? And serving drinks?

Master: Oh, hi Hikaru-chan!

Kurumi: Hey, Hikaru's here!

Ojiichan: Oh Hikaru-chan! You've grown so big! And firm...(eyes
bulging)

(*smack on the back of the head*)

Kurumi: Ojiichan! Don't be so hentai!

Obaachan: Oi, Oi!

Ojiichan: Owww! Respect your elders!

Hikaru: Wow, just about everyone's here. What are you all doing here?

Master: We just came back from the Genesis concert. I suggested we
drop by my good friend's new club. And here we are.

Hikaru: Where's Madoka and Kyosuke?

Kurumi: Oh, Madoka wasn't feeling too well, so both she and oniichan
went back to the hotel.

Ojiichan: So you want to dance Hikaru-chan?

Hikaru: Uhh Sure. I would love to.

(as they enter the dance floor, Ojiichan looks hilarious wiggling
around and dancing like a yokel)

As this is going on, we see Nagasi enter, with another man in her
arms.

As Hikaru's gaze turns upon them...

Hikaru: Bruno!? What are you doing with her!!???

[Marquis Hotel]

Shijama: Wow, what a day! We got to squeeze in all the sights.

Muroke: (flops on the bed) Yeah. Now I'm sooooo tired!

Shijama: (turns on TV) Hey look!

(they see the X-Files!)

Muroke: Looks like it just started.

"Welcome to the season finale of the X-Files!"

Shijama: Cool! We get to see what happens in the end before anyone
else in Japan does!

[Madoka and Kyosuke]

Kyosuke: How are you feeling Madoka?

Madoka: Much better than before. Am I showing?

Kyosuke: Of course not! You've always had a fantastic figure. You hide
it well.

Madoka: So I see...

Kyosuke: What's been bugging you Madoka?

Madoka: What do you mean?

Kyosuke: You've haven't been yourself ever since we got off the plane.

Madoka: You have to realize all the events that have transpired these
past few weeks. First the demolition of Orange Road and then the
shocking death of Mishima.

Kyosuke: You know he tried to kill me!

Madoka: I know. But his dying words shall always remain with me. And
that's something I have to live with for the rest of my life.

Kyosuke: You don't think he's haunting you, right?

Madoka: I don't know what to think anymore. All I know now is that I'm
not as strong as you think I am.

Kyosuke: Maybe I'm being too insensitive. (puts his arms around her to
comfort her) There Madoka. There's nothing for you to worry about. You
will not be alone anymore.

[At the X-Files last episode viewing]

"...nothing vanishes without a trace!"

Shijama: What a cliffhanger!

Taku: I wonder what happened to Mulder.

Muroke: It's gotta be the supernatural stuff going on, in the desert
near Area 51.

Shijama: Say Taku-san, I never asked you this, but I'm wondering,
since you're studying astronomy, do you believe in extraterrestrial
life?

Taku: Being of a scientific discipline, I can't say I believe in that
stuff, but then again I can't discount the possibility. What do you
guys think?

Shijama: I'm with you on that, scientifically speaking. Although it
makes for good science fiction, there's no way there's ESPer type
activity going out there.

Muroke: I have to disagree with you.

Shijama: So you're actually a believer, like Mulder.

Muroke: You got to have both types in this world in order to make it
work. And there's just too many strange phenomenon that can't be
explained away. Telekinesis, levitation, amazing feats of strength,
and unexplained auras. At least that's my take on it. Who knows? We
humans might evolve to possess ESPer like qualities in another couple
of hundreds of thousands of years.

Shijama: Well, I'm not holding my breath for that.

Muroke: Very funny.

Taku: I've gotta be going. Or else Rikky would get on my
case. Konbonwa!

Muroke: I've got to go too. Bye!

Shijama: Gawd! Is everyone doing a disappearing act on me?


-=[Day Five]=-

[Morning]

Ryusei: Where am I? Why am I here?

Kaori: You finally woke up boss. Lucky for you today is the day.

(#1 enters)

#1: So our 'Sleeping Dragon' has awakened.

Ryusei: Was it because of my condition?

#1: Yep, but I took care of that.

Kaori: What are you holding?

#1: The key to our success today. My 'associate' came through.

Muroke: <*snoring*>

Ryusei: #2 is here as well?

#1: Sure have. He's been a real trooper for us. Now are we need is for
you to execute.

Ryusei: I know what I have to do. Let us begin.


[At the Shubert Theater]

Natalie: Hey Star-chan! What's eating at you?

Hikaru: I've been through my ups and downs this whole week.

Natalie: Like it's so like the play itself. Y'know, greek tragedy and
all.

Hikaru: I sure hope today is an up day for me.

Natalie: 'course. You're lucky. If you're nervous, you can dance your
way out of those early jitters.


Director: Final preparations people! This will be the final practice
run-through. So gulp your morning mocha and stay alert! Now places,
places people! Props, sound, stage, ready!

Natalie: Just a few hours more and it's action!

Hikaru: Ok. Yoshi! Let's dance!


[-END ACT I-]

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