[KOR][FanFic] HARD|<OR Book V Act V Part (2/5) End of the Road?

[Robert Kwong]

Hello,

This is Kimagure Orange Road Fanfiction.
This is HARD|<oR fanfiction.
This is my last Book V titled 'Final Acts'.
This is ACT V Part 1/5 titled: End of the Road?

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.

This is the final act of book V. However, it is split into 5 separate
parts, of which is very long in itself. Symbolically, I wanted it to
be explictly 5 Acts in total. Unfortunately, I had a lot more material
left, so I had to separate it into sub-parts for the final act V.
So there are 5 separate sub-parts for the final 5th ACT of Book V.
Hope that doesn't confuse you all out there!

Sorry for the delay in releasing this story. A lot of major current
events has transpired these past two weeks. Very depressing!
Hopefully, this story can be a change of pace.

Now onto HARD|<OR Book V Act V: (Part 2/5) End of the Road?

Enjoy!


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R D |<
A O
H R
2 Ni II
M E
O I
- V -
by
Robert Kwong
Completed 3 1 2 00 2

"Men are brutes! The sooner you realize it, the better off you are!"
Akane

"Why have a two-some when it's more fun with a threesome?"
Komatsu and Hatta

Act V Final Memories: The End of the Road?
Part Two


[On the airline]

"Boo!"

Muroke Koji: Kya!

"Ha ha! Scared ya!"

Muroke: What are you doing to me Kurumi?

Kurumi: I was bored, so I decided to bug you.

Muroke: Why are you on the same flight? I thought you were going to
Los Angeles!

Kurumi: Isn't there a stopover at Los Angeles?

Muroke: Oh, you're right. I forgot about that.

Kurumi: So you're not that smart after all. Whatcha reading?

Muroke: Nothing.

Kurumi: Honto? (grabs the pages)

Muroke: Heyyy!

Kurumi: You're reading some book? In fact, this looks like Manami's
writing..

Muroke: You know?

Kurumi: Course I know. I'm her twin sister. Reading her diary also
helps. But funny she didn't let me see it. Wait a minute. How did you
get a copy of it?

Muroke: I uhhhh...

Kurumi; Did you steal it from her?

Muroke: Now why would I do that?

Kurumi: Because. I think you have a crush on her!

Muroke: Crush? Ummm that's nonsense!

Kurumi: Oh yeah? I can see it all over your face! Muroke has a crush
on Manami!

Muroke: Shut up! You're making a scene.

Kurumi: In that case, I'm reading this for myself.

Muroke: Nooo!

Kurumi: Don't be so possessive! I'll save your place and read where
you left off. I read back to the beginning later. See ya.

Muroke: That doesn't make sense. But that's her sister for you.

Kurumi: Now what is Manami up to writing this.

(as she gleans across the page, we see...)

"When I came to, I felt this cold, stinging sensation ripple through
my spine. I shook my head a few times, awoke by the smell of acidic
vomit. Nasty blow to the noggin'. What a head job they did on me. As
I got up on my feet, I realized I was going nowhere fast with a row of
iron bars stopping me dead in my tracks.

I hollered out to the snoozing officer and moments later, the DA came
in.

DA: Fine piece of work you did back there.

Kit: You mind tellin' me what's goin' on?

DA: Playing dumb now Karson? Alright, we'll do it your way. You're
being charged with the double homicide murder of Rock Rocco, local
hoodlum and Henri Meyer, nudie photographer.

Kit: Based on what?

DA: Based on you at the scene holding the murder weapon.

Kit: Listen smart guy. If I was the killer, why would I be
unconscious?

DA: Tell that to the judge.

I wouldn't say anything more, so he read me my Miranda rights and
squirmed away like the worm he was. That was a real stinker. I was
reckoning that this Henri character was the one to shoot Hillary in
the buf. If he was, then my case would be over. But then again,
probably not, because someone else was after the film, which could be
the blackmailer himself. He probably was the one who wasted them. As
far as this Rocco character, all hoodlums belong to Rousseau. He
wouldn't be charmed to find one of his guys down for the count. Either
way, I was a wanted man.

As I was lamenting my fate, I sniffed a familiar scent in the air.
Who should walk in but the dame herself, Maljorie Ascott, decked out
in this hot, red spangled outfit that could send shock-waves to
Kalamazoo.

Maljorie: I heard of your predicament Mr Karson. I was expecting
better results from one with your reputation.

I could tell she was a little bit disappointed in me, getting easily
caught with my hand in the cookie jar. So I gave her the
smooth-talking run-around.

Maljorie: I see. Despite my doubts on the situation, a caged jailbird
won't do me any good. Bailing out a murder suspect isn't easy
pickings, but I called in a few favors. They should be releasing you
soon.

Kit: Gee, thanks dollface. You're a lifesaver.

Maljorie: Time is running short. Our hopes are resting with you.

Kit: I'll do what I can.

She gave me that look, a look of arid determination. Which filled me
up, like a shot of whiskey to the gut. Then she faded away like a pipe
dream as she sauntered out of the jailhouse.

True to her word, the slumbering copper came back in to let me out. I
collected my belongings, amid the sneers from the DA, donning my
trademark fedora. All that was missing was my peacemaker. That would
mean I would have no protection from here on out. Swell. As I
sauntered out the station, I looked at my watch. Half past midnight.


I mulled over why this simple blackmail case had snowballed into three
dead men already.

My next lead was to look into this Henri Meyer yahoo. If I could dig
up some more dirt on him, it might lead me to Maxmillian.

I made my way back to the lion's den, at the scene of the first
homicide: Wicked Pete's little establishment. Only a few coppers
remain, and their eyes were a wanderin' at the flashing neon lights of
the red-light strip.

I slipped in through the alley, and hopped on in through the
back. Once in, I surveyed the damage. Chalk-marks behind the counter
where Pete was plastered. Books and magazines tossed and strewn about
like a magpie's den. Checking the usual spots yielded zip, with the
killer and the badge men having picked the place cleaner than a
vulture. As I gave the place one last look-through, I had this sudden
sense of deja-vu. A faint smell of something familiar. As I ducked
below for a better smell, I caught a glimpse of something shiny below
the counter. Tucked away in the back, behind the ashtray, amid the
ashes was a lighter. On it was imprinted 'La Cage'.

I heard about this place before. An exclusive, members only jaunt into
sexual deviancy. It didn't surprise me that Pete was a card carrying
member. I decided this would be my next stop. Getting into the club
would be the challenge.

I went back to the office to pick up a few items and to change myself
up. As they say, when in Rome, act like a Roman.

Now all that was left was to figure out the password. And there was
one wise-ass street punk who know it. I made my way to his usual
hangout down in the Central area.

"Jack off somewhere else buddy. This is our turf."

It was the kid with his band of hoodlums, looking like a bunch of
little hobos gathered around a garbage can fire.

"I'm looking for Kat."

"Whose asking?"

A figure, decked out with a poncho slowly emerged from the back of the
fire.

"Listen Kat, this is your old pal, Karson."

Kat: Karson eh? Yer can go to hell, ya cross dress'r!

I had some history with Kat, having stiffed him and his boys out of
some money.

Karson: Ain't my usual attire. I'm on a case now.

Kat: Don't care what yer on. Haul ya sorry ass outa my alley!

Karson: Would this do the trick for you?

I waved a Jackson in the air and in one motion, he snatched it from
the air.

Kat: So yer got some moola.

Karson: There's some more of those in line for you. If you can provide
me the right information.

Kat: Peddlin' info is what me and my boys are good at.

Karson: So give me the code for getting into La Cage.

Kat: A code word, eh? That's nothin' fer my gang But it will cost ya.

Karson: How much this time?

Kat: 100 smackaroos, up front!

Karson: That's highway robbery!

Kit: So? Pay up or shut up.

I had no time to haggle, so I paid up in full.

Kat: He He! Here's da deal. Go walking up to da sleeze joint where my
boy will come up to ya. Give'im some change and he'll whisper it to
ya.

Karson: Sounds good.

Kat: L8'ter sweet toots.

I heard him and his boys laughing it up as I exited out. I deserved
that. There are times when a PI has to swallow his pride for the good
of the case. For the case always comes first.

Cleverly disguised on the second floor atop the pub, where the roars
and shouts below masked the real action upstairs. The entrance was
through the side alley, up a makeshift fire escape.

I was all dolled up as part of my disguise. Sticking to his word, a
street urchin darted out towards me and uttered the secret word to
me. Armed with that info, I made my way up the stairs and rapped on
the steel door.

"Who passes through?"

Kat: I come in the name of Bacchus.

I heard a sliding bolt indicating approval, as I passed through into a
waiting area. Through a black curtain, I was treated to a much
different scene, of cross-dressers and transexuals mingling freely
amongst themselves. I was glad I was dressed for the part, donning a
woman's wig and wearing makeup and lipstick, but I still felt as
awkward as a wolf in sheep's clothing. My stockings were in a snag.

It was my luck when I asked for anyone named Maxi where the barkeep
pointed me to a desolate looking fella right in the corner.

Kat: Hey, big fella, wanna drink together?

Maxi: Beat it butch. I feel like drinkin' alone tonight.

Kat: Listen buddy. I need to ask you a few questions.

Maxi: What are you stupid? I said to shove off!

Kat: Recognize this?

Maxi: Hey, that's my handkerchief!

Kat: Figures. I'm a friend of Hillary. She gave it to me. You know
her?

Maxi: You mean the divine Hillary Ascott? We've mingled a bit.

Kat: Where are the pictures?

Maxi: What pictures?

Kat: Don't play dumb with me! I'm talking about the nudie pictures!

Maxi: I really don't know what you're talking about. Only Henri does
that sort of thing.

Kat: Henri Meyer, right?

Maxi: Uh huh. He and I, we'll together. Understand buddy?

Kat: No I don't, but I have some bad news for you. He was found dead.

Maxi: Dead!? Oh heavens! You must be pulling my leg!

Kat: I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but he and another guy
were shot in cold blood tonight!

Maxi: (sobbing) How could this be? And with another man! We were
suppose to be together. We even exchanged rings! We had this terrible
fight last night. He left in such a storm. Oh, how could this happen
to my poor Henri!

Kat: There's a chance you can still help.

Maxi: What can I do?

Kat: For starters, where is his red room?

It was then I heard a shot ring through the air and then the lights
were out.

I dropped low, as I heard glasses breaking around me like pop-rockets.

I went to grab Maximillian, but he was already heading for the exits
as were the rest of this herd. I followed suit. I didn't want to lose
my man.

I had only to follow the trail of the bloodied Maximillian. As I waded
through the panicked masses, I saw the trail end abruptly up to the
sidewalk. Damn! Someone must have picked him up. I felt a slight
chill in my ear as I realized I had lost my wig.

Another car pulled up.

"Hooking ain't your style Karson."

It was one of Rousseau's men. Jack Bonds, his main lieutenant.

Kit: I'm ain't asking for trouble.

"You already have. Get in the car. The boss wants to see you."

I got the message, as the pistol he waved at me made it all the
clearer. They thought I killed one of their own. As they made their
way to the Dragon Den Casino, I reckoned my odds were not in my favor.

The cast-iron mob-mobile pulled up to the familiar neon green dragon
sign greeting its gambling patrons of the pleasures abode within. We
went through a back way, direct to the head honcho's personal suite.

Inside, I saw the man himself, amid this opulent office that would put
the president's den to shame. The big guy was leaned back in his black
exec chair, dressed in a royal red playboy vest, gold chains draped
around his neck smoking a Cuban. Atop his oak desk was perched a black
cat sporting a gold studded collar which was worth more than my net
worth.

"Here is the bum, as you requested boss."

He slowly inhaled his cigar and slowly puffed it towards my direction,
giving me the full whiff. Threw me into a dizzy spell.

Roman: Leave us now. I want to speak to him alone.

"As you wish."

Roman: We may talk about other matters.

Kit: Yes we can. Like what's the big idea dragging me all the way
here?

Roman: How bold of us to speak so freely, Mr Karson. Especially when
one of my men was found dead at your hands.

Kit: Listen, I can explain...

Roman: I thought we had an understanding. A gentleman's agreement
between me and Barlowe. He don't get in my business, I don't get in
his. He should have passed it on to you.

Barlowe M. Richards was my mentor who got me started in the PI
business. We were partners before he was shot down in the D'Angelo
case.

Kit: Let me tell it to you straight. He did tell me the rules of
engagement in this town. That's a code that should never be
broken. But now, someone has it in for me and you real good. Now they
want to pin this frame job rap on me.

Roman: You mold a good story boy. Too bad all you private dicks are
masterful liars.

Kit: Then let me put it to you this way. I'm no good to you dead right
now.

Roman: Oh really? I find many uses for dead bodies.

Kit: I bet you do. But what if the stakes are higher? There is some
double-cross going on here. The Ascotts involved and now you're
involved. I reckon it goes deep. Give me a day. That's all I ask.
One full day to prove my innocence. As a last favor for Barlowe.

Roman: Humph. Go. Before I change my mind. Your clock is ticking now.

I made my way outta there like a bat out of hell. Spinning yarns is a
gumshoe's best backup. I had a sneaking feeling though that I could be
right.

It was a long day already, so long it felt like D-day for me. I would
be the next casualty if nothing happened fast. But rest came first, as
I staggered back to the office, collapsing on my desk.

It was lights out for me, as I dreamt of cops and robbers games, like
I used to play as kids. As I lay slumbering, snoring like a pig, I
heard a voice over my shoulder.

It was the voice of my partner, Barlowe Richards! I looked around but
I saw nothing.

"Is that really you partner?"

"Don't forget...trust your senses, it'll save your life."

"Yo! Boss! Wake up!"

That was definitely not Barlowe. That screeching voice belong to my
secretary Mami.

"What's the big idea wearing my makeup?! You look like a clown!"

"Not so loud! Too early in the morning for that!"

"Fine! But you're paying for it. Here boss. Saw this with the paper
today."

It was a thick white envelope with no writing on the front nor the
back. I slowly opened it up to reveal a message.

It was a message in blood.

On it read the following:

"Max et Pax."

Clever play on words. The "Pax" as it was affectionately known was
Pan-American Exports, the largest shipping company in town. Their
whole operations took up the entire wharf. An obvious trap, with fat
cheese on the lever as bait.

"Mami! Dig out the D'Angelo files for me."

"That old file?"

"Yes. I have a hunch. I'll be back for it later. "

"You're leavin' in that?"

I realized I better ditch the 2 bit floosy look. It was good to be
back in familiar clothes, as I donned my fedora. I gulped a shot down
for good measure. One had to live day to day, or for me, second by
second.

Walking down the wharf through the thick fog in the morning was akin
to a mouse trying to navigate a maze. I wasn't sure what I was suppose
to look for, but my gumshoe senses led me thru to this dingy rat-trap.
The trail of dripping blood also helped.

It led to this boat named 'The Golden Carp.' Inside, this houseboat
had a few checkered banners and a Capricorn decorations. There was
this smell like incense nearby.

"Anyone here?"

"Who wants to know?"

I saw a man with his arm bandaged up real good, holding a pipe in the
other. His slicked up hairstyle could only mean one person. He also
seem be wearing some cheap strong perfume.

"You must be Maximillian."

"You must be a mindreader. Or a dick."

"Is it that obvious?"

"Yes. A little too retro, if you ask me. What do you want?"

"A nasty wound you have there."

"It is, isn't it? Now what's your business here?"

"Information. I wanted to ask you before, but we were interrupted last
night."

"You? I don't remember seeing you last night. Unless you were that..."

"Yes, that was me. That was an act, but this isn't. Your friend Henri
was dead and you could be next if you don't spill the beans."

"Eek! I'll talk."

"Good. Start talking. We know Henri had a propensity for taking nudie
pics. Where'd he keep the lot?"

"That I don't know. I would never allow Henri to keep them around
here. He knows I'm the jealous type."

"But he must develop them somewhere. Where was it?"

"I never asked. I know it must be some place in town. "

"Did he ever engage in blackmail?"

"My Henri? No, he would never do such a thing. He is not sophisticated
enough.

"Did you know he was photographing Hillary Ascott?"

"Heavens no! I happen to know her quite well. He knew I was seeing
her."

"Speaking of that dollface, what was your relationship with Miss
Ascott?

"Dinner party companions and drinking buddy. I kept her company during
her drinking binges.

"Who gave you a lift last night?"

"A friend. Nothing of note."

"Anything more you can tell me?"

"Nothing I can think of.."

"Then can I have a look around here?"

"I assume you will leave. I wish to be alone, if you don't mind."

"Understand. Just curious. How'd you guys come up with the name 'The
Golden Carp'?"

"Oh Henri picked it. Just his whim."

I was spurned by this latest lead, reeling in a bone.

I got back to the office, feeling like this was the end of the
line. This time, smart-cracking Kami was there to give me grief.

"Hey boss man. What's eating' you?"

"The sharks when they dump my body in the river if I don't get this
case solved."

"Very funny. Here. Mami dug up this file for you."

The D'Angelo Case. Details on that case was fuzzy, but it involved
extortion and smuggling of contraband. Father Thomas D'Angelo was a
missionary from down in Central America. He was the person Barlowe
sacrificed his life to save. This was critical, so I decided to pay
him a visit.

"My son, you look troubled. Are you here for confession?"

"I wish I was, but I don't have time for it. I'm in a snag and I was
hoping Father that you can shed some light on it."

"I will do my best my son."

"I need to know what went down that night Barlowe died. "

"A painful subject you speak of, my son. Senior Richards swore me to
secrecy as his dying wish ."

"I respect your vow to him, but I will be the one dying if you don't
tell me. I heard his voice come to me."

"I'm sorry, but a man of the cloth must be a man of his word, for He
is always watching."

"Then what can you do for me?"

"My son, say I cannot do, but give I can. Please, take this. Senior
Richards would have wanted you to have it."

He held my hands and slipped me something in my palm. I nodded,
carefully placing the object in my jacket pocket.

"Anything else father?"

"Stay away from smoking. I have seen many have succumbed to its
effects. Oh, and beware the holder of the griffin ring."

I was confused by his last comment; nonetheless, I thanked the father
and walked out..

I carefully examined what the father had given me. It was a just a
part of a coin. I looked at it long and hard, but I saw nothing of
significance. A regular copper Lincoln with 194 and the last digit
missing. I slipped back in my pocket just in case.

I got back to my office, slumped behind my desk, dejected and
depressed. I took another look at the pictures that Henry had taken
to see if I could find another clue. Any minor thing that someone
would kill for. As I was scoping the pics out, I started
unconsciously flipping the coin in the air. Old habit of
mine. Somehow, it slipped out of my hand and it landed harmlessly on
the photo. As it shimmered around a naughty spot, something clicked in
my head. I picked up the coin again, and dropped it again, as any 2
bit fool would do. Eureka! Underneath that coin laid the key I had
been looking for.

I still had a lot of work ahead of me. Who were the real rats I was
dealing with?

"Boss! Company!"

Who would walk in but a dame , but a different one. It was Maljorie's
sister. Hillary Ascott. She was draped in a orange-white getup, which
exposed her bosom quite nicely, like a fuzzy, plump peach. She sported
long white gloves as she held a letter in those tiny hands of hers.

"Hi big boy. Miss me much?"

"As much as I like going to the dentist. So why are you here?"

"You were lying to me. Your name ain't Joe Blow. But I wish it was."

"I don't know what's your game, but I don't have time to waste on a
pea-brain like you."

"Oh really? Then you wouldn't be interested in the note from the
blackmailer I got this morning."

She handed me a piece of paper. It had the scent of cheap perfume,
almost exactly like what Maxi had on.

They were instructions on where to make the drop-off, sharp at
midnight. The site was on the edge of town at a abandoned amusement
park.

"There big boy. You happy now?"

"Nope. There's one more thing I have to do."

I groped down into her dress.

"EEK! What are you doing? Frisking me?

"Don't flatter yourself. There."

"Hey, that's my necklace!"

"I know. It's what behind it I wanted to see."

She slapped my hand away and stormed off her merry little way. I
didn't care, for I'd already gotten what I wanted.

Next stop was City Hall where the public library was.

Scanning through the microfilm archives using the antiquated equipment
was like trying to eat steak with a straw. But my persistence paid
off after about a few hours of grunt work. I found the article I was
looking for. I made a photocopy and tucked it away in my trench-coat.

As I was walking out, I passed the passport office where there had been
a break-in the week before. I noticed the fountain display right
outside, the type people throw coins into. There was a fair maiden
surrounded by 5 fishes. Then it struck me. Fishes and passport
photos. I went inside, and sure enough, my hunch was correct. Henri
was working here in the passport office all this time. I talked to
some joes there and found out a H. Jones had not been reporting into
work for the past few days. That explained everything. The killer and
blackmailer seemed to be one step ahead of me. But I knew he hadn't
found what he was looking for, or else my case would have been closed
by now.

So if the photos weren't in the office, nor in the houseboat, where
the hell could it be!?

As I slumped my shoulders in disgust, I looked out the passport window
and saw the same fountain. However, water was flowing freely out of
the mouths of 4 of them but was trickling out of the last one.

Hmmm.

Would lightning strike twice?

I walked over and inspected the last fish. There seemed to be
something lodged inside it. I stuck my hand in and quickly plucked it
out before anyone would think I was a bum stealing money from the
fountain. I scooted on my way back to my car.

It was the film canister. The very thing everyone was dying for. That
for all intents and purposes was all I had to do to finish up this
case. But there was more to this case than meets the eye. It was
something beyond the pictures.

I drove my way back to the Ascott mansion. There was a loose end I
wanted to clear up.

I came across the delectable Miss Maljorie Ascott. She was wearing
plain white dress, but even in that, she looked liked a glittering
guardian angel.

"Miss Ascott, excuse the intrusion. I'm getting real close but I need
to ask you a question."

"It's no bother Mr Karson. What do you need to know?"

"Does your family own a black corvette?"

"Yes, we do. I own one."

"I see. I need to ask you another favor. Can you and your sister come
to the drop-site location at midnight?"

"We can, but does that mean we have to bring the money or not?"

"Just your presence is required. I'll explain things at that time."

I had a bad feeling about this as I went back to the office. My
feeling was confirmed when Mami told me that the guy Maximilliam I
visited in the morning was found hanging dead on the stern of his
ship. Somehow, I got the feeling that the coppers would try to pin
this murder on me as well. But I had only a few hours left before
another deadline. Developing the negatives and finding out what was
behind them would reveal all.


(Snoring sounds...)

(We see Kurumi soundly asleep in her airplane seat, with Manami's
story on her lap.)


[In the land of the unknown]

(Ryusei sitting inside the sanctum of the sanctuary collecting his
thoughts.)

I had stayed there for what was an unknown passage of time, but it
felt like a long while. It was eerie without the sun or stars to guide
the flow of life here. It was as if we were living like the deep
underwater creatures in the trenches of the seas. They too survived
without the sunlight.

The setting here was rather non-descript to say the least. Everything
was ashened. You could look straight up into what would be the sky
and just see blankness around you. No clouds or rain; things you take
for granted. Beyond the horizon, you could see the eruption of active
volcanos. That was the domain of the Worlons. I didn't know much of
the Worlons except they were the natural enemies of the Gifters
here. They rode on fiery lizards simply known as Droons. I tried to
learn more of them, but bringing up the subject would touch a nerve,
so I thought better of it.

I found it remarkable how these people were able to lead their lives
without the guidance of the sun. It felt like I was living in the
Middle Ages, being practically in perpetual darkness. The only light
was those lit by the coal lamps. Everyone had their function
here. Mostly were fisherman, stonesmiths, or miners. No farmers or
carpenters for there was no vegetation here at all. Without any
plants or trees, there were no birds, bees, or forest animals.
Everyone in the village had some special Gift! power in one form or
another. But mostly minor powers such as levitation and such. They
did not display their Power! or Gift! openly, and thus kept their use
of it to a minimum. That was the rule that Nana had them follow. I
would later find out that Nana was the spiritual leader in the
community. And that the house that Wowena and the other young ones
were living at was actually an orphanage.

I kept to myself, within the orphanage, for the people here were very
suspicious of any foreign elements. It was alright for me, for I was
orphaned from my own time and place. I felt there was still some doubt
about me and my identity as well from Nana, but she kept it well
hidden. I was still weak from my injuries. Although Nana had healed
the wound to my heart which I thought was fatal, it still took time
for it to heal to full strength. As such, I couldn't engage in any
strenuous activity. So I helped Nana watch over the kids. I even
served as a storyteller, telling them grandiose and wondrous events in
the other world which I came from. They found it intriguing to say
the least. Especially Wowena, who had taken a likening to me. Even
though I got my own room, she would often sneak in and beg me to tell
her more stories after the others were already asleep. I would swear
that she spent more time in my room than hers, mostly playing around.
But she was genuinely fascinated by my fantastic stories. For her, she
would listen eagerly as I read aloud some of my stories from my
journals. Speaking was uncommon for most communication was done
telepathically. That made it all the more fascinating to Wowena who
would often mimic what I was saying. I was more surprised that I still
had my journal book with me which I subsequently used to record my
experiences in this land. Wowena was bursting with curiosity and asked
me all sorts of questions regarding my stories of the other world
which seemed unreal to her. Eventually, she would fall asleep in my
own bed. I would take my rest in the chair nearby. I dared not sleep
in the same bed as she, for I feared temptation would take over. After
all, she was still a young woman!


And that's how it was. A regular, if not monotonous routine every
sleep cycle. That was the only way for me to keep some track of
"time" between events. It wasn't the perfect setup, but it would have
to do. I felt like a monk within a monastery. And here in the sanctum,
I could do my meditation and ponder things. There was a lot of hard
facts which acted like a deluge to my fragile mind still coming to
grips with who I really was. This time by myself allowed me to reflect
on the truths revealed to me before my ascension to this world.

Perhaps here, I can start my life anew again.


[On the summits of a mesa]

"Why are you wasting your time here?"

Madoka: Is someone there? Come out where I can see you.

A young child, with short hair and wearing a cap approaches her.

Madoka: What are you doing wandering out here by yourself? Are you
lost?

"No. But I know you are. Here. Catch this."

Madoka adeptly catches the ball with her hands.

"Nice catch."

Madoka: (looks down) A soccer ball. You sound like..."

"Call me Ayukawa."

Madoka: But you are me.

"No. That's not true. I was once you. But that is in the past. I've
only come to help you sort things out. Weren't you looking for me?"

Madoka: I guess I was, but this was clearly not expected.

"Nothing is in life. Sometimes you have to take the breaks in life and
sometimes you have to make your own breaks. At least that was the
Madoka I knew."

Madoka: That was a different time. I was alone by myself, so I had to
be strong and tough and independent. I couldn't abide by the rules.

"So you made up the rules as you went along. Why is it any different
now?"

Madoka: It's different because there are people I care for now. People
that are worried sick about me. I feel so bad just leaving them in the
dark about my current whereabouts. I'm just a terrible person! But I
feel I need to find something."

"You do. You need to rekindle your lost spirit. That's why you are
here now. Going back to them now in your current condition will make
things worst. "

Madoka: But what can I do? I don't think I have what it takes to be
the perfect housewife.

"You find it hard now, because as you grow older, you find there are
more rules and conventions you have to follow. But you must do what
you do best."

Madoka: And what is that?

"Throw me back my ball and I'll tell you."

As Madoka toss the ball back, the kid start to run away with the ball.

Madoka reaches her hand out towards the fading kid,...she hears...

"Remember...if you can't follow the rules, change them."

[In the land with no time]

Ryusei is staring intently at the cup on the table.

Wowena: What you tryin' to do?

Ryusei: I'm trying to levitate the cup.

Wowena: Here silly! That's how.

She easily levitates the cup.

Ryusei: I want to do it.

I was quite frustrated by my efforts. I thought this place would be
perfect in experimenting and exploring the extend of my experimental
powers. But surprisingly, none of them would work. It was as if they
weren't latent in this dimension.

The first time I learned of my Powers! was the day I got out of my
bandages. I didn't know who I was. So I didn't know what to expect
when I first looked into the mirror. Initially, I saw the face of a
boy, but then it started to morph. I panicked and began to freak out,
but #1 calmed me down. At first, I thought it was because of the
plastic surgery. I later heard the rest of the story from #1. I was
some part of secret government experiment. I was virtually dead, with
most of my skin layers gone from the fire which I thought consumed my
wife. #1 had a friend who was a theoretical scientist and he convinced
him to allow me to be a guinea pig to test their experimental new
technique. It involved doing something to my DNA to enable me to
quickly regenerate new skin. I later found out that I had the ability
to change my appearance at will with this new skin. With this ability,
I became the "Chameleon, master thief extraordinaire". Only one other
person knew of my alter ego, and that was #1. Together, we pledged to
infiltrate the Dragon Triad who I thought ruined my life by taking my
wife in the fire. So unlike Wowena, my Powers! were not naturally
occurring but rather artificially created by science. I recalled the
real details of a girl named Hikaru, a golden haired mare much like
what Wowena is. I reached in my pocket and plucked out the picture
which has haunted me for all these years. The fated swimsuit picture.

"What's that?"

Wowena appeared behind me, looking over my shoulder this time,
materializing out of thin air again.

"Wowena, you shouldn't surprise me like that!"

"But it's fun to surprise you. Who is she?"

"Someone special I knew in the other world."

"You seem sad when you look at that picture. You must really miss
her."

"I do, very deeply. It was too bad I didn't realize who she really was
until it was too late. But I guess these sort of things always happen
to me."

"She has the same color hair as I do."

"That she does."

"Please don't feel sad. I feel bad if you do."

"Sometimes, you have to feel sad."

"Then I'll make the sadness go away for you."

"How will you do that?"

"Like so."

She leaned over and directed a quick kiss on the lips before darting
away, giggling as if she was embarrassed she had done that. That was
Wowena, too playful sometimes for her own good. But I knew she had
good intentions. And I was glad she did it. It made me yearn for the
feeling of actually kissing Hikaru, even though that was an
impossibility now.

[Back on JAL]

(Muroke looking out the window as the plane is landing in Los
Angeles.)

We made our touchdown after many hours of flying and me having to put
up with the Kasuga family antics. Kazuya was making fun of my height
while Akane was still sore at my fluke strike-out which beat the
girls' team at the baseball game competition. The Kasuga ojiisan was
busy flirting with the stewardess while the obaasan was slowly sipping
her tea.

I boarded off the plane for the stopover since they had to re-fuel and
tidy the plane up. The Kasuga clan and those animation hentais known as
Hatta and Komatsu were off to do some animation show here in Los
Angeles. Before they left though,...

Kurumi: Here. You can have it back and finish the story.

Muroke: Thanks, I guess.

Kurumi: Now when you go up there, you'd better not be bugging Manami!
For if you do, I'll pound you myself.

Muroke: Okay! I get the picture. Now leave me alone!

She gave me a cold stare, like one of those wrestlers do when they do
one of those taunt sessions before storming off. That was very scary!

"Excuse me."

Muroke: Yes?

"I couldn't help notice your bag. It looks very familiar."

Muroke: Oh this? I was given this by the manager of our dorm house.

"You mean Greenwood?"

Muroke: Yes, how did you know?

"That baka 'Suka-chan'! How could he give away my stuff away so
casually!"

Muroke: Ah, you know the manager Hasukawa-san?

"Know him? Yeah, I know him. And that used to be my bag when I was
president of the dorm. I gave it to him when he became president."

Muroke: Well, I believe he's trying to influence me to be the next
manager, so that's why he gave me the bag. But if it is your bag, I
can give it back to you. But I have to go to the store and buy another
one so I can move my contents and all...

"Forget about it. I'm just waxing nostalgically. Seeing that bag just
brings back some memories. Anyway, if you return back to Japan, say
'Hi' to Suka for me.

Muroke: Who should I say the greeting's from ?

"Tell 'em Shin said hi. He'll understand."

[In the land of darkness]

The interesting thing about living among the Oilloniis people was
their fear of the natural rival, the Worlons. The blacksmiths would
make armor and other armaments which were used to fend off their
attacks. I tried to learn more about them, but no one would speak of
the subject to me. It seem taboo to make mention of the Worlons. But
as I was walking with Nana, helping her to the sanctuary, she stopped
abruptly and looked towards the volcanos.

Ryusei: What's wrong Nana?

Nana: A great rapture in the air. I can feel it growing stronger and
stronger with each cycle. I fear a major cataclysm coming. When the
lava overflows, the Worlons will grow desperate and attack.

Ryusei: Why the concern now? I thought they always had sneak attacks
on the village.

Nana: They won't be coming to steal food and supplies. They will be
looking for a sacrifice to appease their deity.

Ryusei: Sacrifice!?

Nana: That is their ritual. A young virgin maiden to be offered to the
Droon to calm the fires of the overflowing volcanos.

Ryusei: And you can't do anything about it?

Nana: Our Gift! helps us fend off the lower Droons. The Droon itself
presents a more difficult obstacle.It sleeps within the crater of an
extinct volcano, Mount Raganard. However, when the volcanos erupt, it
emits a field which neutralizes our Gift! We call it the Black
Wave. When it permeates our space, we become powerless against them.

Ryusei: What are the Worlons anyway?

Nana: A hideous race they are. Lizard-like in appearance and hideous
in nature. They are savage beasts who live up in those mountains.

Ryusei: How did such a race come into being?

Nana: Little is known of their origins. It is believed that during the
Great Falling, the powerful magic crossed man and beast together
during the ascension to this domain. Others believe that they were the
original beast inhabitants of the land and we entered their
dimension. Little else is known of them for those taken alive by them
never returned again.

Ryusei: How gruesome!

Nana: Yes stranger. That is why when we first encountered you, we
feared you were a fallen Worlon who was badly injured.

Ryusei: Then what to do if they're going to attack soon?

Nana: Nothing more than whatever is already done. We wait and see.

[In LA]

Akane: Hey, we're in Hollywood!

Kazuya: (sarcastic) Whoopie! Now I am complete.


Akane: You don't know what you're missing! There's bound to be so many
movie stars roaming about. Oh, they're the true idols!

Ojiichan: Ay! Don't forget why we are here!

Kurumi: Oh, I remember why! We're going to Disneyland!

(everyone shakes their head)

Ojiichan: We can but don't forget. We need to combine our ESPer power
to find Madoka-chan!

Kazuya: Oh yeah, that's why I was forced to tag along.

Obaasan: Oi, Oi!

Akane: But that cousin of mine is not here!

OJiichan: Oh, Kyosuke will be coming later. But while we wait, we
vacation, Kasuga family style!

(Kurumi and Akane jump up and down at the prospect)

Hatta: Yo! We didn't bring you two along to play! You're suppose to
help us set up for the Expo!

Komatsu: Yeah ladies. But after we're done setting up, we can have
some fun later afterhours.

Akane: In your dreams!

Komatsu: Trust me! I have, in my dreams. (flashes ecchi smile!)

(Both girls start to stick their index finger into their mouth to
express their horror)


[On the mesa]

Shaman: You are leaving us today?

Madoka: Yes I am.

Shaman: You find what you're looking for?

Madoka: Yes and no. But at least I know what path to take. What lies
at the end of it, I don't know.

Shaman: Good travels to you on your journey ahead. You need one more
thing in your journey. Take this blanket. It will keep you warm on
those nights.

Madoka: Thank you and your tribe for your hospitality.

Shaman: It is my honor. Very few are capable of searching for the
"oneness" within them. I hope you find your "oneness."

Madoka: As do I. Sayonara!


[On the flight to the Bay Area]

I finally had some peace and quiet by myself. I gleaned at the place
where Kurumi had left off and started from there.

(At the PI's office) I made a few calls in town to make all the
arrangements. Rousseau wanted my head on a platter. The coppers were
preparing a noose for me. Most of all, the killer was waiting to make
his move. It was either put up or shut up time for me.

Final stop was Malta Sands Amusement Park. It was put out of business
by the casinos run by the mob. Back in its heyday, it was the site of
the exposition. Now, it's a forgotten relic.

I walked around the place and came across the merry-go-round. I
remember how all the little tykes would try and reach for that brass
ring. It was a simpler time back then. As a whim, I went over and
plucked the brass ring for myself. I reckoned I needed a good luck
charm for the impending showdown.


I carried the briefcase in my hand, ready to expose the truth.

Hillary and Maljorie were there by the ferris wheel as I instructed.
They were quite a pair, both sporting black attire suitable for
attending funerals.


Hillary: Why did I have to come along? He's a bad man!

Maljorie: Pay no attention to her, Mr Karson. What do you have there?

Karson: I'll give you three choices: the money, the negatives, or
nothing at all.

Maljorie: Please give us a straight answer.

Karson: Why should I?

Maljorie: Why the sudden hostility?

Karson: Oh, maybe because no man likes to be played.

Maljorie: I don't understand what are you saying.

Karson: Of course you don't, Maljorie Ascott.

Maljorie: What do you mean?

Karson: Did both of you come up with this blackmail sham? Nah, the
younger one ain't got enough wits about her. So I reckon you were the
mastermind here.


Maljorie: That's enough from you. (pulls out a derringer!)

Karson: My, my, my. Pretty ladies like you shouldn't handle guns.

Maljorie: Go open up the briefcase.

Hillary: Right away-e!

(opens up and sees the pictures of Hikaru nude on top along with the
negatives.)

Maljorie: You did well, Mr Karson. I commend you on that. I wish it
didn't have to come to this.

Karson: Neither did I, dollface.

Maljorie: So you already knew.

Karson: I didn't want to believe it dollface. But you left too many
tracks. Your father's stroke was an obvious lie. So was the money
thing. You control Ascott's empire, not your pop. The blackmail
ransom was child's play. And the black corvette that I tracked at the
crime scene. All the facts would point to you Maljorie Ascott as the
ringleader in all of this.

Maljorie: Yes, you're right. I was the one who sent you on this wild
goose chase to protect the honor of our family. Too bad this case will
be your last.

Karson: So, this whole rigamarole was merely to get the
pictures. Henri didn't really blackmail you."

Maljorie: No. When you're a lady of high society, you don't deal with
the lower elements. My foolish sister willingly posed for these
pictures. I knew in time this would lead to blackmail eventually. Any
threat to the well-being of the Ascott family is unacceptable. That is
why I sent for you to rid of the problem before it festers. I'm sorry
you had to find out this way.

Karson: No. The joke's on you. You sound convincing, ...very
convincing. I would have believed that this pretty dollface of yours
was capable of murder. But my sixth sense tells me otherwise. You
don't that killer instinct.

Maljorie: No, you're wrong about that. I was the one who did all those
horrible things.

Karson: No dear. I'm afraid another did the dirty work. (turns to
Hillary) You on the other hand are as cold-blooded as they get. Your
snake tattoo showed your true nature. You were the one who murdered
those two men at the scene.

Hillary: Little miss me? Why would you think so? Sis already admitted
the whole thing.

Karson: Maljorie can't hold a gun well enough to save her life. You
thought you could trick me by riding her car. You slipped up when I
smelled your perfume just before you struck me on the head.

Hillary: Ha ha ha. Lucky guess, but you're only half right. It was all
his fault! That stupid Rocco was trigger-happy and killed Henri by
accident. I was so mad at him that I shot him.

Karson: Sounds just like you. Then you try to frame me in the process.

Hillary: You were mean to me. Better you than me. Who told you to be
so nosy?

"I've heard enough!"

Maljorie: Who's there?

(out emerges Roman Rousseau holding his cat, with his entourage, Jack
Bonds and body guards)

Hillary: (runs over to him) Roman! Why are you here?

Roman: I'm here at the bequest of this ragged gumshoe who soon will be
chopped liver.

(*meow*)

Karson: Why Mr Rousseau. I thought you would be happy that I revealed
the killer of your man to you.

Roman: I would be had it not been her.

Karson: I see. So my suspicions were true. You and her are having a
secret affair, with Maxi acting as a liaison and alibi for Hillary the
whole time.

Roman: My, you are good. Still, someone has to take the rap for the
murders than my precious Hillary. Better you than her. Say hi to
Barlowe for me.

(the hoodlums raise their guns)

Karson: Before you blast me up like swiss cheese, I suggest you look
at the last picture. They do say a picture is worth a grand of words.

Roman: Go check it. (nods to Jack Bonds)

Jack Bonds: Here it is boss.

(We see a picture of 4 men around a table, brandishing weapons)

Roman: What is this suppose to be?

Karson: Elementary as a famed dick in my profession would say. Those
guys were involved in the 1945 mint heist. Two of them are already
murdered: Henri and Wicked Pete. The one in the middle you should
recognize.

Roman: It is the godfather!

Karson: Yes, the original boss in town before he died many years back.
There's one piece of the puzzle I couldn't figure out. The 2 murders
at the site were a fit of passion. But the other 2 murders: Wicked
Pete and now Maxi was done in by another person.

Hillary: Maxi's dead!? This cannot be true!

Karson: Yes it is. We have another smoking gun here. The last man in
the picture. The mastermind of the heist. He wanted to kill off all
his former partners so he could claim the loot for himself.

Hillary: That's stupid!

Karson: Not so. You see, the money from a mint heist would be easily
traceable. So they made a pact to wait for the statue of limitations
to expire. Today is that day as you can see from this headline.
(holds up the photocopied newspaper article's front page heist news)
But they couldn't trust each other, so had a arrangement where each
other had some key which would reveal the location of the stash.

Maljorie: Other two?

Karson: Yes. The one who took this picture is not shown. But my
partner Barlowe knew him. That was why I was involved. He thought I
would possess the key. As for Roman, he too must have the other part
of the key.

Roman: You are mistaken, for the don did not leave me any trinket.

Karson: Ah, but you are forgetting about the former don's most
precious possession. His cat. She holds the key around her neck.

(out of the blue, another group of 3 men stick guns in the backs of
Roman and his men, and they subsequently drop their weapons)

Another figure emerges from the shadow, wearing a black cape, and
holding a strange looking gun and wearing a griffin ring on his gun
hand.

Karson: Ah, the third party. I was wondering when you were coming out.


"You are quite clever fellow. I was wise to allow yaw to solve my
puzzle."

Karson: Slick of you to blackmail Ms Ascott to do your bidding. You
knew I would bring out Roman for you.

"Smart. I did blackmail her. It was so easy when Henri showed me the
pretty pictures. How do yaw know so much? "

Karson: Because you're the type wouldn't trust two women for fear they
would double-cross you. Especially when it comes to money from the
1945 mint heist. That's why you nailed Wicked Pete. You nailed Maxi
also because you were afraid Henri told him your secret. Nice touch
trying to pin the blackmail thing on Maxi before you killed him.

"So it seems you found out my dirty little secrets. Too bad none of
yaw would live long enough to tell anyone else."

Karson: There's one more murder unaccounted for. You were the one who
killed Barlowe?

"That man? He got in the way of my pursuit of my former partner."

Karson: I figured as much. Just wanted to hear it for myself. Before
you let me have it, who do I beg the pleasure of speaking to?

"Adolf. Adolf Arnold. Now say bye, bye!"

(a shot rings out and hits Roman down!)

(Roman is slumped over, in Hillary's arms)

Hillary: ROMAN! NOOO!

(the cat runs off!)

"You two get da cat! I need the pendant. (turns to Kit) Now, it's your
turn."

Karson: So soon? You don't even have the key from me yet.

"I will, when I search your dead body."

Karson: Before you blare a hole the size of Alaska in me, can't you
let me smoke my cigar as a last request?

(pulls out an exotic looking, pungent smelling cigar)

"Sounds like a good idea. But I'll smoke it instead and then I'll
shoot you."

(grabs the cigar from Kit and lights it up and inhales deeply)

"Ohh, ironic you and I smoke the same brand."

(*cough, cough, cough, cough, COUGH!*)

(As Adolf is coughing violently, Kit grabs the gun and they struggle
around for control of it.)

(!!!*BANG*!!!)

Adolf: Ha ha ha. You missed me.

Maljorie: Karson!

(We see Maljorie slump over, for she got shot!)

(Karson finally wrests the gun away from Adolf and points it directly
at his head.)

Karson: Now, this is for Barlowe!

"Freeze! Nobody move!"

(We see the area swarming with FBI agents now)

"Book everyone here! And get an ambulance here pronto!"

(A figure approaches Kit)

Karson: Who the hell are you?

"FBI. Don't shoot him. We need him for questioning."

Karson: Humph! (turns the weapon and knocks Arnold on the side of the
head, knocking him unconscious!)

"Watch it! Anymore like that and I'll blow your brains out!"

Karson: Sorry. Reflex action. Here. (Hands the weapon over) I had a
inkling, but I'll leave my revenge to the justice system. So you
G-men were involved as well, You're...?

"Agent Conolloy. I've been investigating this case for a long time. I
have been monitoring your progress all this time."

Karson: Someone else watching the PI. How ironic. So my murder rap
gets cleared?

"I'll look into that."

Karson: Listen. Can I spend some time with the lady?

"Only for a moment. After that, I gotta bring you in for follow-up
questioning."

Karson: Understood maam. Now if you will excuse me...

(Karson rushes over to Maljorie's side)

Karson: You weren't so lucky today, dollface. Where'd you get hit?

Maljorie: Left arm. (*urgh*) I hope I'll live.

Karson: You will. You are a tough broad.

Maljorie: So tough guy. You figured everything out.

Karson: No. Not everything. I didn't know how deep you were in, so I
bluffed, guessing the blackmail scheme was fake.

Maljorie: I am sorry I couldn't tell you about Mr Arnold. I didn't
know what I was getting myself into.

Karson: Next time, trust the professionals. Being a pawn in Adolf's
game could have gotten you killed.

Maljorie: What about my sister?

Karson: She should get life in prison, but since she shot a hoodlum,
and with the lawyers you hire, she should be out in 3 to 4 with good
behavior.

Agent Conolloy: Time's up! You go into the ambulance. You come with
me!


(The next day)

And that's how it was. I was debriefed by the feds and they dropped
all the charges against me. They found that Adolf Arnold had been
planning a one way ticket to South America the next day. He was a
escapee war criminal involved in smuggling various contraband. Lucky
for me that I knew he smoked those exotic cigars based on the ashes he
left behind at Wicked Pete's or else I would have been a goner. So my
partner Barlowe saved me once again with that premonition. With the
case wrapped up, I had other things to attend to.

(hospital room)

"What are you doing here!? You almost got me killed!"

Karson: For a guy who got shot in the chest, you're in high spirits.

"2 inches to the left and I would be in a coffin. And your corpse in
the river."

Karson: Lovely sentiment. Sorry about your jailbird girlfriend.

"I trust you'd keep that under wraps."

Karson: Of course. I'll never squeal. That's the PI code. Besides, I
got better things to do. I believe that belongs to you.

(the cat pops out from inside his trench coat jacket)

"Gingersnaps! Come to Papa!"

I was done with that affair. Now to the final loose end.

(in the church)

Karson: Good day Father.

Father: Pleasant afternoon, my son. I see the Lord has watched over
you safely.

Karson: Yes, I don't mind the divine intervention. I wanted to return
this.

(Karson passes him the copper)

Father: It served you well?

Karson: It did. Now I understand why Barlowe wanted to protect your
past identity.

Father: You have discovered the truth on your own. Just as well. The
promise I still keep to Senior Richards.

Karson: That you can. You were the money changer for the gang among
your other activities. They entrusted you with stashing the loot
because they couldn't trust themselves for fear of the
double-cross. Giving up your criminal ties for the cloth. I reckon
that was a mighty dangerous change for you. Only Barlowe knew your
secret and he died trying to protect it. Now the secret has passed
onto me.

Father: Everything is known now. I deeply regret it. What of me now?

Karson: Nothing except to keep the faith. But there's one more
mystery to solve. The whereabouts of the missing loot. You left each
man a "key" to which if combined would yield the location of the
stolen mint: Cat, Fish, bird, and griffin. Am I right?

Father: Everything comes full circle when you look up for divine
inspiration.

Karson: I see now. (gazes up at the stained glass and sees a crest of
the 4 animals!) It's here. It's been here all along. Lying right under
our noses. You constructed this whole church with the stolen loot!

Father: Senior, every man needs a place to retire to.

And there ended the Maljorie Murder Mystery case. Or MMM for my
shorthand memory. Roman was still ruling the casino racket. Adolf
Arnold got sent to the Rock. Ole Hillary got sent to the looney bin
instead of hard time. And me? I was still my own poor self, downing
shots of whiskey amid the wailing of my temperamental secretaries. You
might wondering about the dollface. Let me say this. Like the father
says, everything comes full circle.

THE END

Kasuga Kyosuke: Kit Karson, the PI
Kurumi/Manami: Kami and Mami, the Secretaries.
Ryusei: Roman Rousseau
Madoka: Maljorie Ascott, the Client
Hikaru: Hillary Ascott
Hatta: Henri, the Photographer
Komatsu: Maxi, Spurned Lover
Pan: Wicked Pete
Bruno: Rock Rocco
Kazuya: Kat, the Street Rat
Akane: Trudy, Street walker informant
Hayakawa: Mack, the DA
Master: The General
#1: Jack Bonds
Kanuka Clancy Agent Conolloy
Takashi Kasuga Father Thomas D'Angelo
Goro Shimazaki: Adolf Arnold.



[In the City, downtown]

Dana Kim: Thanks for coming with me to the City.

Manami: Sure. No problem. I did come by myself but it's always more
fun with a friend.

Dana: I always dreamed of visiting. San Francisco has a rich history
and culture. It's fascinating.

Manami: I've been to a few places like Chinatown and Japan-town and
Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. And Little Italy is nearby too. But it
feels much chillier during summer than in Tokyo.

Dana: This is not so bad. In Korea, we have very harsh winters, so to
me, this is just fine. We can walk around downtown and hit the
malls. I need to bring back some gifts before I go back.

Manami: Me too.

Dana: Hey, look at that!

Manami: What?

Dana: That play. It seems to be related to greek mythology. That's
what our final book we gonna read is about.

Manami: At-lan-te-an. It couldn't be.

Dana: What?

Manami: Give me a minute. I need to check something.

(walks over and looks at the credits)

(...starring H. Chan)

Dana: What's the matter?

Manami: (sigh) For a moment, I thought someone I knew might be in this
play.

Dana: It opens in 3 weeks. We can come back later and see it
together. It might be interesting to see if it relates to the book at
all or not.

Manami: That's true. In addition, I get to see what the play is all
about. My family has seen it already.

[Portent of impending doom]

(inside the sanctuary)

(Ryusei starts laughing)

Nana: Have you lost your wits now stranger?

Ryusei: No, Nana. I find it ironic how art imitates real life. I seen
a play that nearly mirrors your dire situation.

Nana: A play? What is that?

Ryusei: It is a made-up story re-enacted by a group of people for
others to see. Such is the enjoyment you do not have here.

Nana: Indeed, your world is quite different from ours stranger.

Ryusei: But we share the same perils nonetheless. In that play, a
young Atlantean maiden who fell in love with the wrong person was to
be sacrificed to a sea serpent to appease the anger of a god.

Nana: I can smell them coming. The putrid stench of the rotting flesh
of the lower Droons flying overhead, releasing their noxious gases.

"Boo! I'm here!"

Ryusei: Wowena! Where'd you pop up from?

Wowena: I was bored so I followed you guys here. Secretly of
course. He he!

Ryusei: Now's not the time to be cheerful! The Worlons will be here
soon. You must hide yourself, or they will try to take you.

Wowena: No! I can protect myself. I have the Gift! I can become out of
sight.

Nana: No, little one. You must listen to him. The Gift! with diminish
with the coming of the Black Wave.

(banging at the Sanctuary's doors)

Ryusei: Nana! You take Wowena away and both of you hide! I'll take
care of them myself! Quick! Hurry!

(as they scurry to the back, the doors burst open!)

[City by the Bay]

The flight up to San Francisco wasn't that long after from LA.

I felt good finishing up Manami's story before I arrived.

My friend who I played online rpg game with had picked me up and let
up me stay at his home for my stay here. Trebor Lee was his name. He
was third generation here. He was an avid sci-fi and baseball fan,
especially of the local team here called the Giants. Incidentally, he
was attending UC Berkeley. He often stayed late in a place called
"The Web" to play the online rpg with me and our other team member in
New York. But when I mentioned Stanford, he scoffed at the
name. Apparently, there was some sort of rivalry between the two
schools. I was wondering how Manami was doing over there.

His house was in an area of San Francisco called the Sunset District.
He told me typically this area was quite foggy. But today was clear; I
was even able to see the Golden Gate Bridge from the streets. As I
gazed far down the streets down to the ocean, I noticed the rolling
hills, much like what was like in Tokyo. I imagined this was going to
be an interesting experience being in San Francisco. As Trebor
constantly reminded me, the headquarters of Star Fleet Command was in
the heart of San Francisco.

Muroke: Hey, aren't they JAL flight attendants?

Trebor: Oh that? Yeah, I guess so. My mom told me that they take their
kids here on Saturdays down at Lawton Elementary. You must be missing
home. Tell you what. I'll let you get settled down in your room
first. You must be dog tired. Later, I'll take you down to J-town.

[Oilloniis attack!]

As soon as they burst through the doors, they
grabbed me and whisked me away, riding away on their Lower Droons.

As if satisfied with the prize they had secured, the entire raiding
party returned back to camp.

High above, towards the fiery mountains we headed, amid the screeching
roars from the Droons as they flew.

I was flung and tied to the back of the lower Droon, who seem to fly
of its own accord.

As I soon learned, the Worlons were not really lizard people, but
rather scruffy looking men wearing head-dresses and other scaly
coverings. They looked more like cut-throats and I was about to find
out how true that observation was.

As we neared the peaks, I soon saw that they weren't really mountains,
but they appear to be pyramid-like structures instead!

We landed on the semi-tops of one which seemed like a ceremonial
altar.

"Drakarn! Here is a live one!"

I was carried off by two of the lizard-men towards an imposing figure,
adorned in pirate's clothing and even waring an eye patch and holding
a cutlass. He seemed to be the leader of the clan.

He grabbed me by the chin and gazed menacingly into my face.

"She looks delicious! Pity she shall be wasted on the sacrifice!"

"Do not spoil the offering!"

That voice rang out rang out from below the floor.

"Who are you to command me? I rule my men here newcomer!"

"One should speak more respectfully, especially to your new-found god
who has fallen from the heavens!"

A figure emerged from the steps below the altar.

I was aghast when I saw who it was.

It was Yayoi!


[Castro Street, S.F.]

My first thoughts was that San Francisco was a lot like New York. New
York was the gateway to the east for immigrants while S.F. served as
the gateway to the west. Both had their fair share of liberal minded
people. There was a large contingent of New York ex-patriots living in
the area. I heard their grumblings about how bad the MUNI was versus
the NY subway. There were the homeless Downtown, wandering, pushing
their shopping carts carrying their life's possessions. There of
course was the red-light district and the Chinatown. And the tourists
attractions all around along with the tourist traps. But despite the
similarities, there seemed to be a different air here. The pace
seemed less fast-paced. The density less packed. The streets less
riddled with cabs. Even the traffic rules a bit different allowing you
to turn right on a red light. I almost learned the hard way. In
general, the atmosphere wasn't the cut-throat, ruthless drive I had
been accustomed to before. That didn't mean it was good or bad, but it
was different, and that was something to get use to.

Up to this moment, what I strived for was to be a great dancer in a
Broadway play. That was my dream, my goal, dating back to my high
school senior year. To that end, I sacrificed college, my country,
and my friends and family back home. Many times, I felt like quitting
and giving up on myself through all the pain and agony of life
travails; through my failed relationships, to my poor judgment in life
matters. After the pyramid affair, I thought it was all over. My play
had been canceled. I lost my best friend in New York -- Shuri.
Despairing from the shock, I went back to Hokkadio. What pulled me
through was believing in myself, but most of all, not letting my
friends down, especially the one friend who died believing in me to
the end. I could never betray his memory.

When it seemed my dream was over, it was plucked back from
oblivion. There was a mysterious new backer funding the play. Of
course, I was overjoyed and immediately came back to New York to
resume my preparation. As I later learned from #1, the last minute
funds turned out to be Ryusei's doing. He went through great pains to
hide it from me, for fear I would drop out if I had known. I didn't
know what I would have done, but that's water under the bridge now.

I worked extra hard after that, after tasted the bitterness of lost
dreams. I wasn't going to succumb to despair again. I waited for my
chance. And when it came, I took full advantage of it. I reached the
pinnacle, dancing that finale solo in the end on opening night, I felt
a dizzyingly rush of euphoria. I had did it! I really did!

But now that I had achieved that goal, I wondered what next?

That's why I had accepted this West Coast assignment after only a
month and a half into the play. I knew Natalie-chan deserved a chance
as well, and so I felt it was best for me to step aside and pursue
this engagement. Hayakawa Mitsuru's new production company had help
funded the expansion to the west. I told him he didn't have to, but
he insisted it was the last thing he could do for his former partner.

A whole new troupe of performers was casted in the past week, with me
being the lone veteran to help them see them through. It would be more
of a challenge for me, knowing what I had done before and working even
harder to re-enact the success on stage. That meant being involved
with all the dance routines aside from my own, and assisting the local
director in any which way. Andrew entrusted me to assist in faithfully
recreating the passion of his masterpiece play for West Coast
audiences as was the case with his past releases.

I welcomed the work, for it helped calm my mind from the shock of the
events in New York. Yes, I was in denial, but so be it. For re-living
the truth would upset me even more and cause me to lose control. And
I, Hikaru "Star-Chan" Hiyama wasn't about to let that happen to me. I
had to set bigger and loftier goals so that not only my friends, but I
can be proud of myself.


[Japan-town mini-mall]

Trebor: I know it's not like the real thing, like in Japan and stuff.
There's a lot of knick-knack shops around here where you can buy all
sorts of novelties. Prices are on the high side here though. In fact,
you probably know about all this stuff anyway. But it might curb your
homesickness.

Muroke: Thanks for bringing me here. It's a nice thought.

Trebor: Right around the corner is a video store which sells LDs, jpop
music, and anime titles. I go there to browse mostly. If I want to
buy, I know of this place down in the neighborhood.

Muroke: That's alright.

Trebor: Right. To you it's probably old hat. By the way, who's at the
top of the charts in Japan now?

Muroke: I can't be quite sure, but I believe Norika Sakai and Maki
Ohguro are the more popular female singers. Although there's an up and
coming singer who already has a few hits named Amuro Namie.

Trebor: I see. here in the middle is a glitzy Japanese restaurant. Are
you hungry?

Muroke: Not at the moment.

Trebor: Yeah, this restaurant might be overkill. There's a nearby shop
where we can get some snacks. We can head on up to the top floor where
they have the bookstore.

(as they are ascending the escalator on one side of the plaza)

Dana: This place is great! I bought all these Hello Kitty erasers and
pencils. Did you get anything at the bookstore?

Manami: Yeah. Bought a few books for class.

Dana: I'm starving? Want to grab something downstairs?

Manami: Sounds good. Let's go.

(they descend down the escalator on the other side right when Trebor
and Muroke reach the top)

Muroke flinches when he turns around and catches a glimpse of Manami's
hair going down.

Trebor: Something wrong?

Muroke: Oh no. Thought I saw someone I knew. Must be my imagination.


[Worlon Domain]

Drakarn: Bind your tongue sorceress! The only master in this forsaken
domain is the Great Droon!

Yayoi: You may resist and disbelieve, but if you continue to oppose
me, your reign here would be short-lived.

Drakarn: Bah! My men are loyal to me and me only! They won't take
orders from a woman!

Yayoi; Maybe not from a woman, but from you perhaps?

(Yayoi transforms into the likeness of Drakarn)

(the guards cower back in confusion)

Drakarn: Is that the best you can do? Tricks are for the weak and
cowardly.

Yayoi: (changes back) You are a brave man. But I have no taste for
your kingdom. Otherwise, you would have been dead by now. But I know
an imposter when I see one. The one before you is no maiden!

(as she clicks her fingers, Ryusei's illusion wears off)

Drakarn: (holds the cutlass to his throat) Speak! Who are you?

Ryusei: I'm a stranger to this land. I go by the name Haroken Ryusei.

Drakarn: What trickery is this woman? Is this your doing?

Yoyoi: His powers are his own. But his interests are against us.

Drakarn: Lock him up in the brig. I have more questions for him later.
Now you all go grab me another sacrifice or the Great Droon will blow
over! We must appease our god!


[Back in Japan]

(We see Kyosuke looking different. He is clean shaven now and looking
more serious.)

(He is sitting at the Shin ABCB bar, looking over some papers)

Master: Another fill-up of cappuchino?

Kyosuke: Thanks Master! Sifting through all the articles and
documentation here is much harder than I thought. But I need to be
informed on both sides.

It was quite mortifying sifting through the archives of the Nanking
affair. It was hard to follow the journals accounts from the
missionaries mostly German. Tamaki-san did a lot of the groundwork in
translation, but she wasn't quite finished yet. But I didn't need any
translation in viewing the photographs. Old and faded as they were,
they still conveyed the fear and sadness in their faces. The same look
I saw and captured when I was in Bosnia. That same everlasting,
haunting look.

I guess what they say about war having no face is definitely wrong. It
was difficult trying to keep my objectiveness. We didn't cover much on
World War II in school, especially Japan's involvement. It was taught
that Japan's foray and encounters in other countries was to unify the
region against foreign imperialism into Asia as a means of
justification. As such, we were taught that we were the victims of the
war, especially after the two atomic bombs were dropped at Hiroshima
and Nagasaki.

Whose right and whose wrong was a matter of interpretation and how
nationalistic you were. At times, it wasn't as simple as black and
white. Supposed facts could be distorted or misinterpreted. Although
the findings so far seem bad, I was determine to hear the whole story,
or as much of it as possible before forming my own opinion on the
subject.

Not helping matters was my otousan sending me a note that he would be
taking photographs in Laos and later Burma. During the past year, he
has been all around Southeast Asia taking scenic photography. However,
there was much instability in some of the region areas, especially
rebel or guerilla fighting. I was tempted to advised him to stop this
and instead go somewhere else for his pictures. But was I to tell him?
I myself had went into Bosnia, probably the most dangerous place to be
in a nation in war.

With Madoka gone and my research into the Nanking affair had
reawakened my nightmares in Bosnia. That's why I drank much coffee
these days. Staying up to read up on the archives and minimize my
sleep time so I had less chance for nightmares. But even then, I would
get these flashbacks, even during the waking moments. That was
something different. Something inside me still burned, troubling my
psyche.

But I had to fight these recurring nightmares and stay true to the task at
hand. Help Aso Tamaki finish up her research for that professor and
find Madoka. Madoka was waiting for her "superman" to return.


[In the galleys]

(Ryusei is dumped in the galleys with another prisoner. It is dim,
with rags and garbage all around)

(It is an old man, shirtless, with a long, grey beard)

"New here, aren't cha?"

Ryusei: Yes. Who are you?

"People call me Johnny here. I call myself Jim though. At your
service."

Ryusei: Are you a Worlon?

"Me a whore? No moron! I'm a prisoner here just like ye in this cursed
land!"

Ryusei: So you know where we are?

"A demon land I tell ye! Bewitched and enchanted. Me and my maties
were whisked away by a ill whirlwind. Sucked under by the sea and
layed up in the bowels of hell!"

Ryusei: This is hell?

"Surely it is, I tell ye. That where we pirates would go after our
days of pillaging are over. We surely perished in the eye of the
whirlwind. No sun, no rain, no hope! Indeed it is hell!

Ryusei: Then why are you locked up here for?

"Madness, they tell me! Stark raving lunatic is what they call me. But
ye believe me?"

Ryusei: I don't know what to believe anymore.

"Don't pay any attention to that crazy cook!"

Ryusei: Whose there?

(A figure peers across the other cell. It is a young man in his
twenties, with his hair in locks)

"Don't encourage him! He'll talk your ear off with his nonsense."

Ryusei: So you are a prisoner here as well?

"Yes, for disagreeing with the skalawag captain whose ruling the
place. What is your crime?"

Ryusei: I too have trouble with the captain. Drakarn, I presume?

"Yep. That Treasure Island wanna-be. "

Ryusei: So is what Johnny here says it's true?

"His name is not John. His real name is Chauncey. Weak in the head as
you can see. I am John. John Paris. He assumes my name to annoy me. He
lost his wits long ago. Doesn't surprise me though. Living under these
circumstances will drive anyone to the edge."

Ryusei: How long have you been here?

"I can't be sure, but I daresay it feels like 5 years and
counting. Was a writer from the East Coast riding on a steamer to
California. We made it round Cape Horn till we hit that heavy tropical
storm. We thought we were all goners. Instead we ended up here in this
place. You would never believe the sorts of characters you'll find
here. A fantastic story I could write, but alas, I am imprisoned in
this untold land. Not the place to write books and make your
fortune. What's your story?"

Ryusei: Similar circumstances. I was on a ship out at sea and there
was a big storm as well.

"Short story, but fine just as well. What do you go by?"

Ryusei: Oh, you can me Ryu-sei.

"Roy-son? Nice Icelandic name. I'll be taking a nap, so wake me up
when they make the food rounds."

[Manju Shop]

Manami: This is really good mochi!

Diana: I wouldn't know it suppose to taste like. It does taste good
though.

Manami: Yeah, and the manju's not half bad. (looking at her watch) I
pooped.

Diana: Me too. We should be getting back now. I've heard the public
transportation gets full during rush hours.

(as they are leaving and walking up the street, carrying their
shopping bags)

Trebor: Here's the place I was talking about. Shuei-Do Manju shop. The
owner was a World War II War Veteran y'know. Hey, something the
matter?

Muroke: I'm sorry. I must have phased out again.

Trebor: What's the matter? Not feeling well? Tired from the trip?

Muroke: I'll be alright. I just had this strange sense of deja vu
again.

Trebor: Deja vu? You mean you've been here before?

Muroke: Not that type. I mean, someone familiar seems to be
nearby. But it must be my imagination.

Trebor: It's not as far-fetched as it sounds. I've read some
supernatural books in my spare time and it talks about ancient
mysteries and special powers and stuff. For instance, was Stonehenge
really a signaling apparatus for aliens in space? Or the Easter Island
head figures. How did the natives ever move them? Or something related
to what you're feeling now is the phenomenon of twins and how they
somehow can feel what the other is thinking or even experiencing.

Muroke: Ah, twins. That's it. I must have wished that Manami was here.

Trebor: Whose Manami?

Muroke: Oh, just someone I know. let's get in and talk and eat some
more.

[In the cell]

I sat there, with my thoughts, next to a raving lunatic on one side,
and a indifferent writer on the other.

But what disturbed me more was the appearance of Yayoi.

She should have perished in the seas.

But then again, she was an X-per. Powers of the X-per, including my
own, are unknown.

But what irked me the most was the revelation that she was my mother.
There's no way she could be my mother! But yet, she knew that very
detail of my bandanna. How?

It must have been a lie. But still, she had the same ability I do. To
change form and shape.

And there was another mystery. What happened to the Murasume sword?

I had totally forgotten about it! I was laying unconscious when Wowena
and Nana found me. Did they find the sword with me? Or did it fall in
other location in this cursed land?


Where ever it was, it could not fall in the wrong hands, especially of
those of either Drakarn or Yayoi.

"Prisoner! Your turn is next! Drakarn wants to speak with you."

[Manju shop]

Trebor: Hey, Mr Ozawa! I bought a buddy here from Japan here!

John Ozawa: Is that so? Friend of Yoshida's?

Trebor: Nah. He just a friend visiting.

Muroke: Nice to meet you. Do you speak Japanese?

John Ozawa: Yeh. Tourists come in all the time.

Trebor: But he never bring up his war days up. Tends to scare away the
patrons, if you know what I mean.

Muroke: Actually, I don't know.

Trebor: I mean he and Sergeant Yoshida was part of the 441st corp.

John Ozawa: 442nd! Proud of my division. It was either that or the
camps.

Trebor: Yeah. Back then, the US was pretty racial to us
Asians. Rounded up all the Japanese-Americans up, just like the Native
Americans. Before that, they had the Chinese Exclusion Act around the
turn of this century.

John Ozawa: It was unfair, but you don't look back. You just work on
and hope things change for the better.

Trebor: That's for sure. Thanks Mr Ozawa for the story. We gotta go
now. Sorry we couldn't stay longer to hear one of your World War II
stories.

John Ozawa: Don't worry about it. Give a salute to the Sergeant for
me.

Trebor: Will do?

(outside)

Muroke: Whose this Sergeant Yoshida person?

Trebor: Oh, he was my ROTC instructor back in high school. He brought
us to this place before. That's how I got to know Mr Ozawa. The two of
them would go on with their war stories and such. But I figure that
type of thing would bore you. Plus you must have had a long day. Get
some rest and we can plan the rest of the week later.

[In the interrogation room]

I was escorted into a very ornate room, with exotic adornments all
around. It must have been the captain's area. He was there, Drakarn,
with the eye patch and even the obligatory parrot!

"You scurvy scum! You shall swear loyalty to me or I shall cut thy
throat!"

Ryusei: Swear loyalty? What for?

"You have the same power as that cursed witch! I speak to you man to
man. She'd be the ruin of my domain, wretched as it may be, but it is
mine. No woman shall take it away from me! Are you in league with
her?"

Ryusei: No, I am not, but I cannot swear loyalty to you.

Drakarn: You dare defy me? (sticks out a sword at his throat)

(It is the Murasame!)

Ryusei: I have died many times already. One more won't make any
difference.

Drakarn: Bold words from a fool! But if I slay you, who knows what
that witch will do? I'll let you go. But listen carefully! If you rise
in treachery of me, I shall not hesitate to slay you with a real
sword, my cutlass!

(throws the Murasame down to the ground)

Ryusei: My interests are only for the Gifters! Not you Worlons or
Yayoi.

Drakarn: That'd be your downfall, for she aims to destroy every one of
them!

Ryusei: What?

Drakarn: Tis is true! She is the one who has awakened our god! Upon
the release of Droon with the blood of the sacrifice, he will fly down
and raze the valleys below.

Ryusei: Why are you telling me all this?

Drakarn: Ha ha ha! I can live in a devil place but not with a devil
woman. Rid me of her and you can save your bloody Gifters. You think
long and hard stranger. Now back to the brig you go!


[Japan, XIA Headquarters]

(We see #1, walking in an exaggerated manner, sporting his sunglasses,
with a goofy smile on his face)

(He is in an dark, cylindrical elevator, descending down to an unknown
location.)

(As the doors open, we see a familiar figure in black uniform. It is
that of Kanuka Clancy.)

Clancy: Good day, Agent 10764568.

#1: You can call me any number you like 'Kasey', as long as I can get
your number. But enough of the pleasantries, Miss Clancy of the
XIA. Why did your foxy self call me in today to your private
playground of yours?

Clancy: High spirited and unpredictable as usual. In spite of what you
may think, I need your assistance in a matter.

#1: Hey, I don't owe you or the agency anything anymore! Ryusei is
gone, and my revenge is complete. I'm going to lead the peaceful life
as a PI driving fast cars and oggling my pretty lady clients. That is
my life now.

Clancy: Are you so sure? You haven't met an old acquaintance of yours.

#1: Oh yeah? Who would that be?

Clancy: He is over there.

(In the oval sanctum, there is a lone chair in the center. The chair
slowly revolves around to reveal...)

#1: (face turns white) What hath you done here?

[Disneyland L.A.]

Kazuya: Why do I have to carry all the stuffed animals!?

Akane: 'cause you're the youngest!

Kazuya: Great! My feet are killing me!

Kurumi: Yahoo! Space Mountain was great!

Kazuya: Looks like someone is having fun around here.

Akane: Oh, put a sock in it!

Ojiichan: Now, now Kasuga clan! We mustn't be arguing. We must save
our energy for the task at hand.

Kazuya: Which is what?

Ojiichan: Huh?

Kazuya: Stop leering at the young ladies' skirt and tell us what to
do.

Obaasan: Oi, Oi!

Ojiichan: Gomen. In a few days, after sightseeing is done, we need to
join all our Powers! to locate Madoka-chan of course!

Kazuya: Couldn't we do that now?

Ojiichan: Moon is not right! We need to wait for a full moon to
amplify our Power! for the search. She could be anywhere in this big
land.

Kurumi: Wouldn't it be better if oniichan was here to help as well?

Ojiichan: Hai! But if that blockhead is not here. So let's party now!

Kazuya: Hey, I thought you just said we need to save up our energy!

Ojiichan: Oh, that too. Bye! We're off to Never Never Land!

[Las Vegas]

(At a club)

(A brunette lady walks in, in blue jeans, and white t-shirt. She walks
up to the bartender)

"Is the owner in?"

"Yeah. Whose asking?"

"A traveling musician looking to make her way around."

"He ain't interested in your act. You better go on and look somewhere
else."

"Alfred, we shouldn't be rude to the customers."

(A bearded man coaxes in behind her)

"Sorry sir."

"Are you the owner?"

"Yes maam. What can I do for you?"

"I saw the sign out. I'm looking for a temporary gig. Can I have it?"

"Direct and to the point. No talking around the bush. I like that,
especially from a mighty fine lady standing here."

"So what's your answer?"

"Yes and no. Depends on good you are."

"Fair enough. Allow me to give a demonstration?"

"Why not? What do you play?"

"You have a sax?"

"Do birds fly?" (snaps his fingers and one of the guys comes over
hauling the instrument)

(This mysterious lady picks up the mighty instrument.)

"You can handle it?"

(she nods)

Emitting from the instrument is a soulful rendition of a familiar
ballad. She plays for a few minutes, ending with a rousing climax.

"Well. How was it?"

"You good. Very good."

"Does that mean I got the gig?"

"Sure. As long as you like."

"Thank you. Mr...."

"Name's Mayberry. What's yours?"

"You can call me Meryl."


[The Brig]

(Outside, we hear the sound of shattering glass!)

(2 hooded figures come into the brig)

Ryusei: What do you want from me now?

(The 2 figures remove their hoods to reveal Wowena and Nana!)

Ryusei: What are you two doing here?

Wowena: Nana wanted to go alone. I snuck behind her because I wanted
to save you too!

Nana: Hush child! We must go now.

"Is that a lady's voice I hear?"

Ryusei: John, these are my friends Nana and Wowena.

Wowena: (kawaii) Hiiii!

"My eyes be sore! Heaven sent such a dashing damsel for us mortals to
behold!"

Wowena: He's a talker.

Chauncey: What's the fuss?

Ryusei: Sorry guys. Looks like I have to go.

Wowena: It was nice meeting you! Bye!

(as they scurry out of the brig)

"You are too late!"

(there is a flash of light and now they in a chamber like room with a
huge statue of a cat!)

"Welcome to my inner sanctum!"

(We see Yayoi, dressed up in egyptian like clothing, wearing a
headband, sitting on a throne)

Ryusei: Yayoi! What have you done? Where are we?

"You don't recognize this place my son? Why don't you let my sister
tell you?"

Ryusei: Sister?

"Why the pasty appearance now? Don't tell me you don't recognize your
old sister."

Wowena: (telepathically) Nana, what is she talking about?

(telepathically) "Don't think I can't listen to your thoughts as
well!"

Wowena: (cries out) She's scary!

"Why the silence sister? Cat caught your tongue! Br ha ha ha!"

Nana: What do you intend?

"Is that all you can say to your older sister? Don't you remember? We
used to play here wistfully during our younger days. Perhaps it is
hard for you to remember in that drab appearance. Here. Allow me to
change that."

(Yayoi snaps her fingers and Nana transforms into a younger woman! She
also has a upside down triangle appear on her forehead.)

"There. Much better. Why hide your true form?"

Nana: You claim to be my sister, but she is dead.

"Is that a fact? How about this?"

(she removes the headband and on her forehead is a triangle pointing
the other way)

Nana: Impossible...

"You would think so. I thought you would be non-existent as well
too. But then again, we were the Channelers. Our longevity is in our
blood. Pity our race has gone downhill."

Nana: You are one to speak. Our fate was your doing.

"Yes it was. Now, I've come to finish the job."

Ryusei: You? You caused the Great Falling? The collapse of Oilloniis?

"Is that what she calls it, my son? Amusing. I call it liberation of
our people."

Ryusei: Why do you persist in calling me your son? I cannot be related
to someone so evil.

"Nor did I want a son. You were an accident I thought I've gotten rid
of. But you may prove useful yet to me."

Ryusei: I don't know what game you're playing, but Drakarn is plotting
against him!

"As I of him! But he is just a pitiful human. Once his god does my
bidding, he would be of no use to me.


Wowena: This is so confusing to me.

"Don't worry. I'll make it very clear to you all. You, little girl
shall be my sacrifice to appease the Droon demon!"

Nana: (stands in front of Wowena with her hands spread out) You cannot
take her.

"How touching. A mother wanting to protect her daughter. But your
powers are useless. I saw to it to release a special haze which would
neutralize your powers."

Wowena: What is she talking about?

"You have the same mark as your mother. Don't think I forgotten how to
tell the difference of our royal heritage."

(We see the same mark of the upside down triangle on Wowena's
forehead)

"This petty game ends now. Join Father and Mother for me
Nanagawanchanitop!"

(The flash of the Power!ball races toward Nana!)

Ryusei: No!!!

(Ryusei lunges across the path!)

(Ryusei glows with the Power! himself!)

"Petty son. How dare you interrupt me!"

Ryusei: As long as this Power! courses inside of me, I shall resist
you!

"So be it, my son. I'll take care of you later. I have another matter
at hand!"

(Yayoi flashes away!)

Nana: Wowena!

(As they look around, she is gone!)


[Shinjuku, Japan]

(#1 comes in look paley white)

Kaori: What's wrong with you?

#1: Don't even ask!

Kaori: I think I know what's wrong with you!

#1: How would you know? You weren't following me...

Kaori: Hey man! What did you do? You didn't grab another girl's ass
again, did you? Why you... (grabs her purse for something)

#1: No, no, no! Hold your hammer! It ain't nothing like that.

Kaori: It better not!

#1: What were you going to tell me anyway?

Kaori: That bottle of whatever that #2 left you! I had someone did a
check on it and it seems to be a super strong amorous concoction.

#1: Amor what?

Kaori: It means it makes you super horny, you dumb ass!

#1: Oh, that's all? Thanks buddy!

Kaori: What are you so thankful for?

#1: You're right. I shouldn't be thankful. ya de ya de ya.

Kaori: You're talking nonsense. No wonder. You reek of alcohol. You
know you shouldn't be boozing on the job!

#1: Fine. I take a nap e nap. Wake me up if there any customers. 'kay?

(staggers into his office)

Kaori: What's gotten into him?


[In the silicon valley]

I had time to rest to get over my jet lag. It was July already. Trebor
took me to Berkeley to show me around the campus, especially the
computer facilities. Down in a place called Evans Hall in the basement
was an area called 'the Web'. It mainly consisted of dumb terminals in
the front with the funky monochrome screens. Up in front were the more
deluxe Sun Workstations. This is where Trebor hung out when we hooked
up together for our RPG quests. I used the time to check up on my
email. I took time to write Manami an email as well, although I wasn't
sure she would get it, since it was to her account in Waseda. I didn't
know if she had a Stanford email at all.

Trebor: What are you up to buddy?

Muroke: Oh, just checking up on stuff.

Trebor: Cool. When you're done, we can get in a few rounds on the
MUDD.

[Back in the inner sanctum]

(Ryusei prying at the walls, trying to get out. But he is repelled!)

Nana: Stop trying and save your strength. This place requires the
correct usage of the Gift! Only she and I knows the secret to
exit. The black wave has sapped my Gift!, but in here, I can
regenerate. But it will take time.

Ryusei: What is this place?

Nana: A ceremonial hall honoring our revered creature.

Ryusei: Now that we are speaking frankly, tell me the truth about
everything.

Nana: (*sigh*) Alright. What is it you need to shed light on?

Ryusei: What is the story about these Worlons? They're people also,
not lizard-man as you made them out to be!

Nana: That was a tale designed to keep the villagers away from this
area. Our royal structures had landed on some volcanic craters which
were over-run by these flying lizards. It was for their safety that
they don't pry around. Over time, we would receive mysterious, normal
non-Gifted! humans into this dimension. They settled in this area and
in time learn to use the Droons for hunting and food.

Ryusei: So is it true? You and her are sisters?

Nana: She was a sister of mine, but no more. It is her I spoke of.
Never did I believe she would return back here. Much time has passed
so long and far ago.

Ryusei: It was partly my fault. She performed a ritual to open up a
portal into your dimension. She wanted to bring a hoard of X-pers over
to take over the world!

Nana: That is like her to think of such a foolish plot. Her insurgent
sect, those left behind have long repented their ways. They would not
follow her.

Ryusei: I think she realized that. That is why she aims to destroy you
all by awakening the Great Droon. And Wowena's the sacrifice!

Nana: An error in judgment for not spotting her following me earlier.

Ryusei: But why did you come for me initially? I told you two to hide!

Nana: I could not let a total stranger give up his life for the sake
of us. I being the community leader had to at least try to rescue
you.

Ryusei: I understand. Sometimes I become too good-hearted for my own
good. Is this your true form?

Nana: Nothing is truer the the form within oneself. But yes, for us,
we age slowly. After the Great Falling, we were disorganized and
dispirited. Everything life accorded to us was taken away from us. We
lived liked the Gods up in the Heavens, but were sent crashing
down. We barely escaped death; although being relegated to this
wasteland was too cruel. The remaining royal family went into hiding;
we were blamed for this catastrophe; I didn't blame them. I took the
disguise of an old lady, caring for an orphange. Only those of us with
royal blood had to ability to change forms indefinitely. All the
others' Gift! could not do that. And so I have led this life up until
now.

Ryusei: So are you people aliens?

Nana: Aliens?

Ryusei: I mean, in my world, there is talk of ESPers and
X-pers. Humans who possess extra-ordinary abilities. Such as the power
of levitation, teleportation, great strength, and other astounding
feasts a normal being wouldn't possess. Were your ancestors from outer
space?

Nana: You are one with the Gift! also, so they are your ancestors as
well. As for your question, the origin of our people I do not
know. Father only said to me one time that there was something greater
than us up beyond where we were whose wrath we should not arouse. That
is all I know of it. Another place which might have answers is our
ancient library. Its location though is unknown even to me; I fear it
was not transported to this dimension and still resides in the old
world.

Ryusei: What does the mark on your forehead represent?

Nana: There were two main sects of those possessing the Gift!. The
normal ones possessed this symbol I have. The special ones possess the
other symbol which she has. With that, it signified Channeling
ability. She was the last great Channeler. But she went against Family
and brought the downfall on our kingdom, as it was prophesied.

Ryusei: Prophesied?

Nana: The oracle told of a day when the sky would blackened up by our
own hand of folly and power. It was a question of when. Little did I
know it would be my own older sister.

Ryusei: What about Wowena? Is she your child?

Nana: She is my child. Her father helped in the Great Circle to help
transport our remaining kingdom into this dimension. Unfortunately, he
did not make it. I have raised her the same as the other kids in the
orphanage.

Ryusei: Then what about me? Am I her son, or is she lying?

Nana: I cannot tell whether or not it is true, but you have the same
mark as she does.

Ryusei: You don't mean...

Nana: Yes. You may see for yourself. (plucks out a mirror)

(We see the same right-side up triangle mark on his forehead,
interposed on top of his 'V' scar!)


[Trebor's house]

We got back to his house and we didn't waste time delving into his
extensive Star Trek collection on tape.

Trebor: You're a lucky man! We get to have a Star Trek marathon
viewing session this weekend. This place is where it's at. San
Francisco is the headquarters of Star Fleet and Star Fleet
Academy. And my place is Star Trek Grand Central. So what's your
pleasure? I have old Star Trek, including "The Cage" pilot. I have the
STTNG episodes, including the finale 2 parter where the series ended
on May 23, 1994. Or we can watch the movies. They're also showing DS9
episodes on the local channels.

Muroke: Wow, you're a real Trekkie fan!

Trebor: I prefer the term Trekker. Are you up to the Star Trek
challenge?

Muroke: Umm, I guess so. I don't care what we start out with. Do you
care to suggest one?

Trebor: Since you arrived in the great city of San Francisco, I
suggest one of my favorite STTNG episodes starring Mark Twain in the
coldest winter place he's ever been. It's a two-parter as well and it
has these aliens with the snake eyes.

Muroke: Sounds good. Phasers away!


[In a dorm room]

Dana: How are you doing on the reading?

Manami: It's quite an extensive book. I'm taking a break now.

Dana: You writing again? (picks up her notebook)

Manami: Yes. Random bits and pieces as they come to me. How about you?

Dana: I have a killer history oral coming up. I need to practice, so
I'll see you later.

Dana was this proud Korean exchange student who I was rooming up with
in the International wing of the dorm. At first, she was leery of me,
being from Japan and all. I didn't understand why at first. I thought
it was the case of 2 foreigners and the natural period of feeling each
other out, with both of us in foreign soil. I understood later when we
had a heart to heart talk. Korea was one of the long occupied
territories by Japan before and during World War II. Thus, her family
had an ill opinion of Japan in general and that was passed down to
her. I understood her general mistrust, but I leveled with her. Judge
me on who I am, rather than where I come from. So far, it has been
working so far as we both are working hard to earn each other's trust.

I plucked a piece of paper that was wedged in my notebook earlier. It
was a printout of an email I got from Muroke, which was forwarded from
my Waseda account to my Stanford account.


[After 15 hours of watching of the Trekkathon]

Trebor: That was awesome! I feel fulfilled!

Muroke: Wow, that was some great sci-action going on!

Trebor: But of course. The best sci-fi and to be in San Fran. Luckily,
we avoided all the cheesy Trek moments which would have ruined the
whole thing. Gawd forbid we should relive the Star Trek V, the Final
Frontier faux pax. Or the first few seasons of TNG for that
matter. But the Trek universe is going good with the launch of 4th
series called Voyager. Whose your favorite Trek character?

Muroke: I have to say Commander Data. But only because I'm fascinated
on how he was programmed and his quest to be human-like.

Trebor: A lot of my friends like Data too. But mine has to be a
toss-up between Bones and Spock. The two together were a powder keg
waiting to explode. Well, you better get some rest. Next week, we'll
have another sci-fi bonanza!


[Anime Expo]

(We see Akane and Kurumi manning the Yureshite Manga booth.)

(They are dressed up in sailor-suited Angel uniforms!)

Akane: I'm going to kill them! Kill! Kill! Kill!

Kurumi: Oh come on. They did pay all our expenses here. Besides, I
like my headdress and wand. (twirls it) We can be a tag-team and call
ourselves the Killer Angels!

Akane: I wouldn't mind smacking those two hentais around myself.

Hatta: Looking good ladies!

Akane: You finally came! Where were you when we were building up the
booth by ourselves? Do you know how hard it was wearing these skimpy
uniforms?

Hatta: (starts to drool) Oh, I should have been there.

Akane: Knock it off!

Kurumi: Hey, let's do some wand fighting!

(they begin to do an en gaude type position)

Hatta: Stop it girls! You're going to ruin the booth of the
world-renown hentai artist!

Kurumi: Eh? By the way, these costumes has nothing to do with your
manga.

Akane: Yeah! How lecherous can you get!

Hatta: Now, now ladies. We have standards to uphold for my
fans. You're the eye candy for my masterpiece booth.

Akane: Typical.

Hatta: But you're wrong on one account. It does relate to my new manga
which I will be debuting today for all my adoring fans. I call it
"I'll Forgive You." It stars 3 lovely Angels who fight the evil "Devil
Adeulf". See! (Shows a poster from the pile of flyers he is holding)

Akane: So that's why you're dressed up in that tacky vampire get-up.

Kurumi: But there is only two of us. Manami is not here to be the
third angel.

Hatta: Alas, I thought that would be a pity too. But that's why I have
a backup plan. Allow me to introduce the third angel!

"Hello ladies"

Akane and Kurumi: Kya!!!

(It is Komatsu dressed up in a sailor suit, with a glint of his
shaved, once hairy legs!)


[In the classroom]

(Manami is in the classroom listening to the lecturer)

Today is the beginning of the final journey in this class of epic and
myth. We started out this class with Modern myths and stories such as
the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland - the illustration of
fanciful imagination of the protagonists leading to a realization in
the end through their experiences and journey. Then we migrated back
in time towards the Middle Ages with Canterbury Tales and Grimms Fairy
Tales, with stories of travelers going town to town whose simplistic,
yet true nature would always shown through to either a good or
not-so-good ending. They're not the sugar-coated endings that most of
you are accustomed to see in Disney narrations. Indirectly, it laid
forth a value system for people to follow: simplicity over slyness;
earnestness over boastfulness; to be humble rather than engage in
bravado and false talk. We then go further back to the start of it
all: Greek Mythology. The building blocks of Western thought. During
the past week, we covered in depth some of the key mythic stories such
as Psyche and Cupid, Prometheus and the Gift and Fire, and Pandora's
box. The final book we will be reading is the Odyssey. Some of you
have read it before, but I implore you to read it more carefully this
time, knowing what you know now. Look for the key elements alluded to
in the literature from the modern and middle eras to find common
themes. Odysseus was the hero in the end of the Iliad for concocting
the stratagem of the Trojan Horse. Although when he tries to return
back home is where his real journey for him begins. Not the ten years
of fighting at Troy. Nor the prior years of going through the ranks of
the army. No, his legacy would be shown in the 20 years of struggle he
went through to get back home. Going home, after a long while abroad
is a common, universal theme we all can relate to. I know many of you
are from diverse parts of the world. Try to see how much in common
your experiences are versus Odysseus. So, everyone first 5 chapters
this week. Next session, we'll have a discussion on it.

[On a footbridge in between 2 pyramids.]

(Below the footbridge are smoke and fumes from the lava below)

Yayoi drags Wowena by her hair to the middle!

Yayoi: Say your prayers, little girl, for you will provide a delicious
treat for the Droon.

(She ties her up, with Wowena struggling to break free)

Yayoi: It is foolish to struggle. Br ha ha ha!

Drakarn: You call that a laugh? This is a laugh! BRHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Yayoi: You just do what I tell you. Now start chopping down this
footbridge to send her on her way.

Drakarn: Aye. (pulls out his cutlass and starts to whack at the
reptilian rope holding together the footbridge.)

Yayoi: Faster! Put your back into it!

Drakarn: You'd best hold your tongue witch! Lest you taste the cold
hard steel of my saber!

Yayoi: Don't you even think about crossing me!

"You still playing the sacrifice game?"

Yayoi: You escaped. I should have expected as much from my son! But
you're no match for me!

"A mother shouldn't fight her son. Between sisters, that's different."

Yayoi: Reverted to your old lady form? Don't think I will have mercy
on you! Little sister, you are no match for me! You're powers should
be diminishing as we speak.

Nana: I may not be able to defeat you Yayaveshamaya, but I won't let
you hurt them!

Yayoi: Let's us see about that!

(the two sisters clash in a flash of light!)

Ryusei: Drakarn, I believe the fight is between you and me now!

Drakarn: Easy prey. Now taste the steel of my cutlass!

(as he launches an overhead swipe, it meets another clang)

(Ryusei is holding the Murasame, like a samurai!)

Ryusei: Since you didn't like this, I decided to borrow it."

(Drakarn and Ryusei spar for several minutes, with each impact of the
metals clashing with each other growing stronger and stronger!)

Drakarn: Har! I have no time for this! Droon shall have a taste of her
first!

(gives a mighty whack at the footbridge, and the rope now is slowly
breaking on its own accord, from the weight of the bridge!)

Wowena: (*Screams*!)

"Dang it woman! You got a great pair of lungs!"

Wowena: Who are you?

"Call me John. I'm helping my buddy here to save you. Now hold still while
I untie you!"

(Right as he says that, the bridge collapses!)

John and Wowena: Arghhh!!!!

John is holding onto the remains of the footbridge, with Wowena hands
holding onto him.

John: Crazy old man! Pull us up!

Chauncey: Hoe de hoe! Pulley it! One and two! Three and ugh!

(he is zapped by a fireball of light and slumps over)

Yayoi: Nice try old man!

John and Wowena: Woahhhhh!!

(Now they are bouncing up and down like a bungee cord!)

(They hear a roar from below!)

(It's is that of the great Droon awakening beneath the lava pits!)


-=| End Part Two |=-