pvallado@waynesworld.ucsd.edu (Paolo Valladolid) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUGAWARI ORANGE STREET A KOR universe fanfic By FOS Project http://waynesworld.ucsd.edu/ICR/users/pvallado/fos/fos.html Introduction: Fugawari Orange Street is a new fanfic series set in the world of Kimagure Orange Road. Its origin was a simple message on the KOR mailing list, which somehow evolved into a discussion of what might have happened to the original characters. Specific comments about Kazuya, and the mention that he is probably around the age Kyousuke was during KOR, led to the proposal of creating a fanfic to follow him as he travels through Kouryou High School. FOS is set in the manga universe, and attempts to follow its specific details and timeline as closely as possible. However, details on characters other than KOR's Big Three are sketchy, and ten years have passed since we last saw these characters. If you disagree with the liberties we've taken, send us comments. For convenience's sake, send comments to the main authors, for this episode pvallado@waynesworld.ucsd.edu jeoff@kali.nas.com, and greg@email.unc.edu. FOS will hopefully be released biweekly, in real time. However, the real world has this way of impeding such lofty plans. In any case, we hope you'll read this episode and all which eventually follow. As is the case with many fanfic series, {word} represents thoughts and [word] represents action within script dialog. Legal Disclaimer: Fugawari Orange Street is based on the characters and situations of Kimagure Orange Road, created by Matsumoto Izumi. New characters and situations are the copyright of the authors. Any use of copyrighted or trademarked elements should not be construed as a challenge to these statuses. --------------------------------------------- Episode 6 "Spring At The Beach! What I See Makes My Heart Tremble...." Kazuya felt a strange sense of deja vu as he stood there in front of Kyouko's house in Maiko's happy embrace. The warmth and fragrance of Maiko's body so close to his were hardly unpleasant sensations. Kazuya: {Hmmm...the piano music stopped.} Feeling Kazuya's body stiffen in her arms, Maiko raised her head from his shoulders and looked into his eyes. Kazuya: {Mai-chan isn't so bad-looking. In fact, she's.... What am I thinking?!} Maiko: {He's blushing... maybe I shouldn't have....} She didn't notice the blush forming on her own face as she abruptly released him and turned away. Kazuya: Mai-chan, do you.... Maiko: [quickly turning back to face him] Sumimasen*! I... I was just happy... I mean... Sami Beach sounds great!... ha ha ha... [*Sorry!] Inside the living room of her house, Kyouko sat at a piano, watching her two friends through the front window. Kyouko: {That's strange... one minute they're hugging like a couple, the next minute they look as if they're embarrased. Here they come... better open the door for them....} She stood up and opened the front door, waving in greeting. Kyouko: Hi guys! Come on in! Kazuya: We just heard some wonderful piano music coming from your house. Kyouko: [looking shyly at the floor] That was me. Maiko: Hontou*? You're pretty good, Kyou-chan! Really* Kyouko: [blushes] Arigatou*. Thanks* Kazuya: Gee... this is a nice piano.... He walked to the piano, which happened to be a Yamaha white baby grand. Sitting at the piano, he read "J.S. Bach Goldberg Variation No.22" on the sheet music propped up on the music stand. Looking up, he noticed from where he was sitting he had a nice view of the front walkway leading up to the house. Kazuya: {Oh no! She probably saw Maiko and I....} *GULP* Kyouko: Do you play too? Kazuya: [playing Bach's Minuet In G hesitantly] I learned a little from my cousin's girlfriend. But I don't really play piano that much. Maiko: Nee*, Kyou-chan.... What are you doing for Golden Week? [*Hey] Kyouko: I got invited to spend Golden Week in Sami Beach with... eito*... [glances at Maiko] a classmate. [*umm] Maiko: Hontou?* [*Really?] Kyouko: Hontou! I heard you were also invited, Kazu-kun.[smiles] Kazuya: N*! And so was Mai-chan, indirectly through me. [*Uh-huh!] Maiko nodded merrily. Kyouko: Yatta! All three of us will be together for Golden Week! Maiko: So, Kazu-kun, are we meeting in front of your house Monday morning? Kazuya: No... anou*.... {She doesn't know that....} [*umm....] Kyouko: We'll be meeting in front of Shimada's apartment! Maiko: E? What does Shimada have to do with this? Kazuya: Well, we're going to... [scratches back of head and laughs] Shimada-san's beach-house! Maiko: Nani?!?* [*What?!?] * * * Kazuya, Maiko, and Kyouko stood in front of Emi's apartment building with their luggage neatly piled nearby. Kazuya glanced with concern at Maiko, who was chatting with Kyouko. She appeared to be in good spirits, but he knew she was not entirely happy at the prospect of being a guest of Shimada Emi for a whole week. Her cry of "Nani?!?" the previous Saturday night had been the only indication of her displeasure at discovering this. On this Monday morning, she had said not a thing about Emi when he met up with her. He hoped that she would eventually be able to enjoy herself on this vacation trip. Yukio approached the trio carrying his dufflebag. Kazuya had felt a twinge of annoyance when he called up Yukio and found out that Yukio had already been invited by Emi. However, Kazuya was in such a state of ecstacy at the prospect of spending a whole week's vacation in the company of both Emi and Kyouko that he had not remain annoyed for long. After greeting the girls, Yukio came and stood by Kazuya, leaning close. Yukio: [whispering] Nice going, Kazuya. I think you're finally getting somewhere with Shimada-san! Kazuya: [whispering back] No thanks to you! Yukio: What? You should consider, Kazuya, what an inconvenience it was for me to run for political office! Because of my noble sacrifice, she was able to win! If it were not for my help, would she have been in such a good mood so as to invite you? Kazuya: Thanks to your "help" she nearly had a heart attack from all the stress you caused her! I could have been celebrating with Emi, _alone_, a week ago! Yukio: Is it my fault that an admiring sports writer indulged in a fantasy? Kazuya opened his mouth to retort but was interrupted. "Ohayou gozaimasu, minna-san!*" *Good morning, everyone! Kazuya, Maiko, Kyouko, and Yukio all turned at the sound of Emi's cheerful greeting. Dressed in canvas shorts, t-shirt, and sandals, she somehow managed to look stylish in her usual way yet prepared for a day of fun. Kazuya: {Shimada looks more relaxed and loose than usual today....} Emi: I'm glad you all could make it! My dad is bringing out the van right now. As if on cue, a maroon Nissan minivan pulled in front of them with Emi's parents smiling cheerfully at them from inside. After greetings and introductions were exchanged, the quintet loaded up their luggage and climbed into the van with Emi and Yukio seated in the second row seat. Kazuya found himself sitting in the third row seat between Maiko and Kyouko as the minivan began moving. Mrs. Shimada: Our Emi, being an only child, used to be so bored by herself on our previous trips to Sami Beach. Now for the first time she has other children her own age! Isn't that wonderful? Emi: Okaasan!* [*Mom!] * * * After putting on her own swimsuit inside the bedroom she would be sharing with Kyouko, Maiko glanced puzzledly at her roommate, who was sitting on her bed next to her totebag looking at her own swimsuit in her hands. Maiko: What's wrong? Kyouko: I... I rarely went to the beach... even when I was in America. This swimsuit.... Maiko: Daijoubu*, Kyou-chan! I bet you'll look great in it! [*It's alright] Outside.... "Ah... what a lovely sight." Kazuya had to agree with Yukio as the two boys eyed the ladies walking about or just relaxing and taking in the sun. "Sorry we're late!" The two boys turned at the sound of Maiko's voice behind them. There, walking towards them, were Emi in a bikini and Kyouko and Maiko, who was bouncing a volleyball in her hands, in swimsuits. Kyouko kept her eyes on the ground, not looking at all comfortable in her present attire. Walking along the shore not too far away were two more familiar-looking girls. The pink-haired girl turned to her friend, the blue-haired girl, with a snort of derision. Pink-Haired Girl: A ghost... here?!? You've got to be kidding! Blue-Haired Girl: I'm serious! I heard there's a haunted ship with a ghost that takes people to the ship and does horrible things to them! Pink-Haired Girl: Baka mitai*.... [laughs then stops to point with a finger] Look, it's that naturally blonde Moriyama! [*What an idiot] Blue-Haired Girl: She's so pretty.... I hate her! Pink-Haired Girl: You're just jealous! I wish I had hair like that too. Blue-Haired Girl: Hmph! Hey, look! It's Yukio-sama! Kazuya: {Emi and Kyouko are the loveliest ladies here....} Kazuya gulped. He couldn't help but switch his gaze between Emi and Kyouko. Glancing around, he felt a twinge of resentment as he observed quite a number of other guys admiring Kyouko's delicate curves and Emi's slightly more athletic build. Of course, it never occured to him that they were also sizing up Maiko as well. Kazuya soon felt some satisfaction as he subsequently observed many of the same guys--those who were not alone-- being slapped or otherwise berated by their female companions for their inordinate attention. His eyes came to rest on Kyouko who at the moment seemed totally unaware of all the heads turning her way. Kazuya: {How lucky I am to be here with these beautiful....} At that very moment Maiko tossed the volleyball towards Kazuya. Kazuya recovered just in time to use the Power to deflect the ball away from his head while holding up his arms in the hopes that everyone would think the ball bounced off one of them. Unfortunately the ball was deflected straight towards Yukio's head! Yukio: Ita!* [Ouch!*] He rubbed his head and picked up the ball. Maiko: [giggling] Sorry about that! How shall we split into teams for our volleyball match? The two biggest fans of Motomura Yukio rushed up to him. Pink-Haired Girl: Are you alright, Motomura-sama? Blue-Haired Girl: [Whispering to the pink-haired girl] Don't be so disrespectful of Yukio-sama! [To Yukio] Are you all right, Vice President Motomura? Emi: It wouldn't be fair for both boys to be on one team.... Motomura-kun, you're with me! Asagiri, you and Kasuga-kun should be on the other team. Since you're a tomboy with ability, you should balance out Motomura-kun pretty well! [laughs] Maiko: [bristling] {I want to slap her, but Kazu-kun....} She instead smiled back at Emi. Maiko: Fine... watch Kazu-kun and I beat you! Emi turned to Yukio, who was still occupied with his two admirers. Emi: Motomura-kun! Let's start the game! Blue-Haired Girl: A game? Cool! Pink-Haired Girl: We want to watch! Kazuya glanced at Kyouko, who had laid down a towel near their improvised volleyball court and was sitting on it, hugging her knees to her chest and still blushing over wearing a swimsuit. Kazuya: Kyouko-san, why don't you play with us? Kyouko: I... I'll just watch.... The two newly arrived girls sat next to her. Pink-Haired Girl: Ohayou, Moriyama! We'll keep you company! Kyouko: Who... {Oh I remember... these girls are in my class!} uh, hi.... So commenced a furious game of two-on-two beach volleyball. Kyouko found herself becoming less uncomfortable in her current mode of dress as the game progressed. After an extended volley, Maiko spiked the ball straight at Emi. Taken aback by Maiko's apparently unexpected skill and ferocity, Emi froze as the ball sped past her. Kazuya and Maiko looked at each other and snickered while Kyouko and her two companions laughed openly. Even Yukio had a grin on his face. Of course, Emi silenced everyone quickly with glares. The game continued, as Kyouko and her fellow spectators cheered on the players. Kyouko: Mai-chan! Kazu-kun! Gambatte nee!* Do your best!* Pink-Haired Girl: Motomura-sama! Blue-Haired Girl: Yukio-sama! Kazuya: {If I used the Power, I'd totally dominate this game but somehow....} He glanced at Kyouko cheering him on, which naturally filled him with determination. Kazuya: {I can't cheat in front of her!} Eventually, it was Yukio's height advantage as well as the combined experience of a gifted athlete and one of the finest players on the Koryou High girls' volleyball team that proved to be the final factor in the game, despite a spectacular performance from Maiko and a solid showing from an inspired Kazuya. Blue-Haired Girl: Final score: 15-13, a win by Shimada-Motomura! Shimada-Motomura wins 2 games to 1! Yayyy! Pink-Haired Girl: Woohoo! Emi: [wiping herself with towel] I could use a swim right now! Kyouko: Why don't you join the Kouryou girls' volleyball team, Mai-chan? You're pretty good! Emi: Yeah, why not? I have to admit you gave us a hard time back there! Maiko: [Glancing at Emi] A certain volleyball team member doesn't trust me, remember? Emi: Are you sure? [Laughs and pats Maiko on the shoulder before running into the waves] A confused Maiko could only watch Emi run away. * * * "Itatatatata..." Kyouko gently rubbed ointment onto Maiko's sore back. Actually, Maiko's entire body felt sore. Kyouko: I hate to say "I told you so," Mai-chan, but... [continues to rub] I did warn you.... Maiko: I know, I know. But I couldn't refuse Shimada's challenge! Kyouko: Ok, I understand *one* freestyle swimming race. But twenty!?!? Maiko: Well, I did beat her 13 times out of 20! Heh heh... she can't be feeling that much better than me right now! Kyouko: You're terrible, Mai-chan! [smiles] Maiko: She can't be that bad off. She's got "mommy" to take care of her. Itatatata.... Outside, Kazuya had been doing pushups, abdominal crunches, and other stretches and exercises that are part of the beginning jujutsu student's training regimen. He now stepped through his kata*, motivated by fear of being berated by his jujutsu sensei for not practicing these past few weeks. He was right in the middle of kicking an imaginary opponent when he nearly fell off balance at the sight of Kyouko emerging from the house. [*Formalized sequence of movements intended to internalize fighting techniques] Kyouko: Is that a dance? Kazuya: No... ha ha ha... How is Mai-chan? Kyouko: She's still feeling sore but I managed to get her to fall asleep. Where's Motomura-san? Kazuya: He went to get some more ointment and other supplies for Mrs. Shimada. Where are you going? Kyouko: Tonight is a clear night. It's perfect for viewing the comet! Kazuya: I'd l-like t-to.... {Damn, it's that nervous feeling again!} C-C-Could I... umm... you know.... Kyouko smiled softly as her cheeks turned slightly pink. Kyouko: Would you like to go with me? Kazuya: H-H-Hai.... The two set off towards the shore, walking side by side. Kazuya occasionally made a nervous glance at Kyouko's hand, just inches away from his own. Upon reaching the beach, they remained in silent wonder. Each individual star sparkled gloriously in the night sky. But the comet was nowhere to be seen. Kazuya: It's not here. Kyouko: We won't see it right away. You just have to be patient. Moving to the edge of the grass atop a promontory overlooking the beach, Kyouko found a soft spot and sat cross-legged, propping her head on her elbows. Kazuya: {She sat down! What am I supposed to do?} After Kazuya spent about a minute frozen in his standing position, Kyouko melted the ice. Kyouko: It will be a while. You might want to... sit down. She shifted in her sitting position as Kazuya nervously sat down to her left. A blue haze seemed to form in Kazuya's mind as his heartbeat seemed to echo in his ears. Kyouko glanced at him quickly and then turned back to the sky. Time passed as Kazuya sat in a stiff upright position. What seemed like only minutes later, Kyouko began to slump to one side... her left side. Her eyelids shut, Kyouko's body gave way as she collapsed softly onto Kazuya's shoulder. Kazuya's heartbeat suddenly seemed positively thunderous. Glancing at his watch, Kazuya suddenly realized that over an hour had passed since they first took their positions on the grass. It had seemed to him like only minutes. Kazuya began to wonder if Kyouko had been nervous. Kazuya: {Stop flattering yourself. She wasn't nervous. She fell asleep. She was probably bored out of her mind!} Kyouko stirred in her sleep, slipping from Kazuya's shoulder to his lap. Kazuya caught her head in his arms, and without thinking, began to stroke her soft, silky blonde hair. Kazuya: {I can't believe this is happening. My dreams aren't even this good!} A soft moan escaped Kyouko's lips, interrupting Kazuya's deep gaze. He abruptly pulled his hand away from her hair. At that moment, something in the sky caught his eye. Kazuya: Comet Hyakutake! Look, Kyouko-san! He carefully lifted Kyouko's sleeping body off his lap, but she did not respond. Rationalizing that it was the only way to fix the problem, Kazuya held Kyouko's body up to his chest, then whispered into her ear. Kazuya: K- Kyouko! Kyouko's eyes slowly opened, then blinked a couple times. She broke out in a nervous smile as she realized where she was. Kazuya: The comet is here. [pause] You... fell asleep. Gomen nasai.* [*Sorry.] Kyouko: {Kazu-kun is so... nice. Why do I get so nervous then? He would never....} Her lips moved, but no words escaped her mouth. Feeling awkward, Kyouko at once wished she had not awakened. A part of her wanted to remain in Kazuya's gentle embrace. Her cautious side winning out, she sat up, freeing Kazuya's arms. Kyouko followed his pointing finger and gasped in awe. Kazuya: That must be Hyakutake. Nee*? [* right?] Kyouko: Ee.[Pulling out a pair of binoculars and peering through them] Sugoi*... [*Incredible] Kyouko rubbed her eyes to shake off her sleepiness as she and Kazuya stood up. She offered her binoculars to Kazuya. There, not far from the North Star, hung what looked like a glowing ball in the sky, with a very visible tail behind it. Kazuya: [Looking through the binoculars] It looks like it's not moving at all. Kyouko: Yet it's racing at high speed towards the sun. It's kind of scary, just thinking of what could happen if one of those things were headed straight for the Earth. We'd have no protection at all, and.... Her somewhat nervous speech was interrupted by Kazuya's warm hand on her shoulder. Kyouko looked at him and smiled. Kazuya: We espe.... I mean... I would never let anything happen to you! The determination in Kazuya's own voice surprised him. Instead of pulling away from him, Kyouko broadened her smile. Kyouko: I'm glad I have a protector. What would you do, stop the comet with your bare hands? [Laughs] Are you some kind of superman? Kazuya: Ee? *GULP* {She doesn't know I'm an esper.... Better try and play it cool} Ha ha ha.... I'd wave a magic wand and turn it into snow! Then we'd watch the snow fall.... maybe even build an ice castle of our own like the ones in Sapporo! There was a sudden sound in the dark. Crying with alarm, Kyouko threw both arms around Kazuya. Kazuya responded with one arm around her waist, the other cradling her head. He pulled her close as his eyes sharpened. Despite his rudimentary jujutsu training, he knew what his true weapon was. His body began to vibrate with the Power. Kyouko: What was that?!? COMMERCIAL BREAK Ranma Saotome is sitting at the dinner table with his father and Soun and Nabiki Tendo, finishing off a delicious Kasumi-made dinner, when suddenly, Kasumi and Akane enter from the kitchen. Akane is carrying a plate of cookies. Kasumi [In her normally cheery way] Look, everyone! Akane made dessert all by herself. [Smiling, looking at Ranma] And I know just who wants to try the first one. Ranma glances around, but sees no convenient escape. He briefly considers abandoning subtlety and making a break for it, but reconsiders when he sees Akane, smiling maliciously, with one hand in her interdimensional mallet storage area. Kasumi takes a cookie and slowly puts it in Ranma's mouth. Kasumi: Now isn't that good? Ranma makes the mistake of swallowing. His stomach immediately protests. Looking around, he sees the only thing which can help him: a carton of milk. He reaches to pick it up, but finds it empty. Ranma: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! Announcer and Slogan: Got Milk? END COMMERCIAL BREAK Kazuya: Don't worry Kyouko-san.... Remember, I'm your protector.... Somehow, Kazuya's words as well as the physical sensation of being close to him reassured Kyouko. She pressed her body closer against his. They stood like this for an indeterminate amount of time. until.... Kazuya: {Both Shimada-san and Mai-chan smelled nice, but Kyouko-san....} Something seemed to leap at them. As Kyouko screamed, Kazuya used the Power to redirect the momentum of the flying object towards the ocean. It landed with a splash and yelled, "Heeeeelp!". Kyouko and Kazuya looked at each other puzzledly for a moment before they switched on their flashlights and scrambled down the promontory rocks to the sand. They directed the beams of their flashlights at the fallen object. It was the pink-haired girl! They quickly pulled her out of the water. Pink-Haired Girl: Ghost.... haunted ship.... took my friend.... Kazuya: Shh... please relax.... He glanced at Kyouko. He knew she was still a bit shaken by the pink-haired girl's dramatic and sudden appearance. He knew he had to lighten the mood a little, so he started chuckling a little. Kyouko joined him in laughter as they continued supporting the pink-haired girl's weight on their shoulders on their trip back towards the beach house. Not long after, Kyouko and Mrs. Shimada had washed up the girl, dressed her in some of Kyouko's and Emi's spare clothes, and tucked her into Kyouko's bed. Apparently, the girl had too much to drink and had gotten lost. Since Kyouko's bed was now occupied by the pink-haired girl, she opted to sleep on the couch in the living room. Kazuya moved his futon from the room he was to share with Yukio and set it next to the couch. Kyouko: Gomen nee*, Kazu-kun, but after that scare and that girl's babbling about a ghost ship.... [*Sorry] Kazuya: Daijoubu. I don't mind at all! {I *really* don't mind at all!} Kazuya reached to turn off the light, then slipped onto his futon. He reached out his hand to pat her in assurance but instead his hand encountered hers. Holding hands, they both grew silent. Kazuya was not sure how long he lay awake, nor was he sure exactly when Kyouko fell asleep. He knew only that sleeping is difficult with a fiercely beating heart. * * * The light of dawn shone on Kazuya's face, gently awakening him. He sat up and turned to where Kyouko lay on the couch. The morning sunshine highlighted her hair, creating a golden aura. Kazuya simply sat there and gazed at her. Kazuya: {How nice it would be... to wake up next to an angel like this every morning....} He was still staring at her when she startled him by opening her eyes and smiling softly. Kazuya glanced away quickly, then back at Kyouko. Kyouko: Ohayou gozaimasu, Kazu-kun. [yawns] Kazuya: O-Ohayou g-gozaimasu... K-K-Kyouko-san. Kyouko: [sniffs] Mmm... I smell something good! Kazuya: Smells like okonomiyaki! Emi emerged from the kitchen. Emi: You're awake, finally! Ohayou gozaimasu. Kyouko: Ohayou gozaimasu! Emi began to smile conceitedly as she looked at Kazuya's futon arranged next to the couch where Kyouko sat, running her hands through her hair. Kazuya: Ohayou gozaimasu! Ha ha ha... I can't wait to taste that okonomiyaki.... Emi's mother appeared behind Emi. Mrs. Shimada: Not before you clean up the living room and wash up, young man! Same goes for you, young lady! Emi left the living room still smiling, in spite of her aching body. "Hai....", Kazuya replied somewhat dejectedly as he started folding his bedsheets and futon. Kyouko giggled as she folded her own sheets. Kazuya: {I wonder if she's thinking about last night.... Sorry Mom and Dad, but I've got to know!} He began to focus his mind on Kyouko and encountered... music?!? Instead of the coherent, easily readable thoughts Kazuya usually came across when venturing into another person's mind, he was awash in a sea of soaring violins, murmuring cellos, and sparkling piano. Kazuya: {What's this?!? I can't pick up her thoughts at all! Just music... nothing but music!} Kyouko noticed Kazuya just standing there staring at her with a corner of his bedsheet in one hand. Kyouko: Don't you want to taste Mrs. Shimada's okonomiyaki? Kazuya: E? Oh yeah... of course! Kyouko giggled and set down her own neatly folded sheets. Kyouko: I'll help you fold your sheet. She reached for Kazuya's sheet and grasped it at the same place to which Kazuya's hand was reaching. They both blushed as their hands touched. * * * Kazuya, Kyouko, Emi, and Mr. Shimada knelt at the dining table savoring every morsel of Mrs. Shimada's okonomiyaki. They had just been joined by Maiko. Kyouko: How are you feeling, Mai-chan? Maiko: I feel great! [stretches arms then winces slightly] Emi: Heh, you're just as sore as I am! Maiko: [grins at Emi evilly] Say, Shimada.... Why don't we race again after breakfast? Emi glared at Maiko and was about to reply when her eyes widened in surprise as the pink-haired girl greeted everyone and sat down at the table. Mrs. Shimada smiled and set down a plate of okonomiyaki in front of the girl. Emi: Anou.... Who? Pink-Haired Girl: Thank you everyone for taking care of me. Maiko: I was wondering who you were. When I woke up this morning, I thought Kyou-chan had dyed her hair! Then I saw your face.... Kyouko: You said something about a ghost taking away your friend. Maiko: Ghosts... no way! [laughs] Kazuya: [to Maiko] She was drunk, though, when she was telling us these things last night. Pink-Haired Girl: Drunk or not, there's no mistaking that someone... or [shivers] something took away my friend. Emi: Speaking of missing people... where's Motomura-kun? Mrs. Shimada: He wasn't here this morning. Kazuya: Kyouko-san and I were in the living room the whole night. We would have had to open the door for him had he returned. Kyouko: I don't think he returned last night. Pink-Haired Girl: Oh no! Did the ghost get him too? Emi: For once, I agree with Asagiri. There couldn't have been a ghost! Pink-Haired Girl: Well, I don't care what you think. I'm going to look for Yukio-sama and my friend! Kazuya: Why don't we all go looking for them? Kyouko: A mystery to be solved? Sounds like fun! Maiko: Why not? Emi: I'm not sure if those fools deserve to be rescued. Maiko: [glaring at Emi] You're talking about your own Vice President, you know! Emi: Hey, I didn't say I _wouldn't_ go with you guys! Mr. Shimada: And I'll go call the authorities. Mrs. Shimada: Are you all trying to get away from cleaning up your breakfast mess? All six looked sheepishly towards Mrs. Shimada. After attending to those few morning chores, Kazuya and the four girls set off towards the beach. The sun had already made the beach's sands uncomfortable to walk on. The pink-haired girl led excitedly, with Kazuya and Kyouko trailing and Emi and Maiko walking slower, several paces behind. Pink-Haired Girl: [Stopping and pointing in the distance] We walked out to the rocks on that promontory to watch the comet. Emi: [From behind] And to drink unmolested? Pink-Haired Girl: [Embarassed] That too. Kyouko: So when did the ghost come? Pink-Haired Girl: I don't know... just at some point this pale figure climbed out of the ocean to get us. The pink-haired girl stood silent for a few seconds. Pink-Haired Girl: You're right, that does sound kind of stupid now. Kazuya: {Hmmm... this is close to where Kyouko-san and I watched the comet} So you ran back, and slipped somewhere near here? Kyouko: And that's when we found you? Pink-Haired Girl: Hai... I guess so. I can't remember much from last night. Kazuya: [Noticing the path to the promontory is very narrow] Why don't we take a rowboat out there? The thought caused Emi to wince in pain. Emi: So long as you're rowing! Maiko: [smirking at Emi] _I'll_ help you row, Kazu-kun. Not long after, all five sat in a rowboat with Kazuya holding one oar and Maiko holding the other. Unfortunately, Maiko turned out to be too sore to be of much help, so she relinquished her oar to Kazuya. Emi: Ha ha ha.... Some help you are! Maiko: Hey, at least I tried! So much for all the hot air you've been blowing about "teamwork" and "support" at school! Emi: Why, you.... Kazuya: [laughing nervously] Ladies, ladies.... We're on a rescue mission, remember? With the five of them in one boat, Kazuya found rowing very difficult. However, more difficult for him was how he was going to find the two missing people. "I could send out a telepathic call to Yukio," Kazuya thought as he rowed methodically. "It's so easy, but I couldn't explain that away. But how else are we going to find them?" The group landed at the base of the rock outcropping. Several broken beer bottles remained on the rough rocky surface. Emi: [To the pink-haired girl] I see you were busy last night. Maiko: Be quiet, Shimada! We should be looking for clues. Like looking for... [noticing something] footprints! Emi: So what? Those were probably made by the drunkards last night. Kazuya: No, the tide would have wiped them out. [Looks to where Maiko is looking] You're right! Someone has been here. [indicating a particular set of larger-than-average footprints] These are Yukio's! Kyouko: They lead straight to the water! Maiko: [To Kyouko] Did you bring the binoculars you used last night? Kyouko: Yes, I did! [Digs them out of a small duffel bag] Maiko: [Snatching the binoculars away from Kyouko] We need to look for another rowboat which might have visited here recently. [Scans the horizon] Found one! Let's chase it down! Kazuya: Umm... okay. With that, Kazuya found himself rowing again. Maiko watched the seas ahead through the binoculars. Kyouko also watched excitedly. Emi sat back, bored and mildly amused. The pink-haired girl looked worriedly around. Maiko: Faster, Kazu-kun! Kyouko: [To Emi] Nee, Shimada-san, isn't this exciting? Emi: This is stupid. Kazuya: {This is my chance to impress both Kyouko and Emi!} Kazuya began to apply a bit of the Power. The boat jumped a bit, and soon was moving faster. Kazuya: {Damn, I wish I could have done that smoother.} Maiko: Looks like we're gaining on them.... Oh no! The rowboat is moving towards that yacht! Kyouko: Nani? Kazuya: {I've got to go even faster!} Maiko: [Peering through the binoculars] I can almost see his face... Damn! He's reached the yacht, and is climbing up. I can't see a thing! Kazuya: I've got an idea! We'll go around to the other side, and I'll board the ship and make the rescue! Kyouko: That's like something out of a swashbuckler's tale. That's too cool, Kazu-kun! Kazuya: {I've successfully impressed Kyouko!} [Looks at Emi's bored facial expression] {But what about Emi?} Emi: {That fool. We don't even know if this is the right boat. This is all just another prank to him. I have to admit, though...} Kazuya: {What is she thinking? To hell with it, I've got to know!} Kazuya began to focus his telepathy on Emi. Emi: {...Kasuga-kun does have courage!} Kazuya smiled as he rowed the small boat alongside the other side of the yacht. Kazuya: Mai-chan, tie this rope to the bottom rung of the ladder. I'm going up! Maiko: Ganbatte*! *Go for it! Kyouko: Kazu-kun, be careful... [worriedly clenches her fists] Ever-determined to be the hero, Kazuya pulled himself up the ladder, rung by rung. There couldn't be a ghost at top. Whatever is was, he knew he could handle it. He trusted in his Power. "Boo!" What was that? Surprised at the appearance of a head peering over the side of the boat and directly over his head, Kazuya reached for the next rung and missed it. He released his other hand, expecting to have a grip, but found nothing to support himself. He began to fall! Maiko and Kyouko: KAZU-KUN!!!! Emi: [simultaneously] Kasuga-kun!!!! Maiko recovered from the surprise quickest. She knew she couldn't get the boat out of Kazuya's way in time. Since she was already standing, all she had to do was brace herself for his falling body. If she couldn't catch him, she could at least use his momentum to redirect him into the water. That's exactly what happened a split second later - Maiko caught Kazuya in her arms and half threw/pushed him to the side so that he landed in the water in a big splash that caught the girls in a spray. Thoroughly drenched, Maiko and Emi reached over the side of the boat to pull Kazuya in. Wincing, they managed this. Maiko: {I'm glad I have jujutsu training - I never imagined that all those throws I've been practicing in the dojo would someday save Kazu-kun from serious injury.} Emi and Kyouko both sighed with relief. Meanwhile, after clearing the salt water out of her eyes, Maiko looked up at what had just caused Kazuya to fall. Squinting through the glare of the sun off the white fiberglass sides of the yacht, she could just make out.... Yukio? "Hey, Kazuya!!!" Yukio yelled from above. "I didn't think I was that scary!" * * * After Kazuya's scare, he and the four girls boarded the yacht, as invited guests, and sat on deck in several nice deck chairs. There, they met both Yukio and the blue-haired girl. Soon, a short, scrawny individual, perhaps 13 years of age, came from inside, struggling to carry a tray of drinks. "Well, I think I found enough for all these surprise guests!" Yukio: Allow me to introduce my cousin, Shonosuke. Kazuya: Your cousin? Shonosuke: [With his hand behind his head] Yeah, I don't look a thing like my younger cousin! Kazuya: Younger? Shonosuke: I guess it's all because my mother doesn't look at all like my uncle. And so we don't look anything alike. Yukio: I guess I should explain how I got here. Last night, I called home, and my father mentioned that his sister and her family were also visiting Sami Beach. They were cruising on their yacht, and so I called them up and went to visit for the night. I was going to tell Mrs. Shimada upon returning with the supplies I picked up for her but the whole family was asleep, as was Maiko. Moriyama-san and Kazuya were still out for some reason.... Yukio smiled at Kazuya. Maiko glanced at Kazuya and Kyouko while Emi looked away with another conceited smile. Maiko: {E? They're both blushing....} Yukio: When my cousin came in his boat to pick me up we weren't expecting to have to rescue some girls! Pink-Haired Girl: Rescue us? Yukio: When we found the two of you alone on what looked like an island last night, we thought you were stranded! So while my cousin waited in the boat, I got back out and walked towards you, intending to invite you onboard. But you both ran away. You mysteriously ran without falling, but she [motioning to the blue-haired girl] slipped and fell. So I brought her here. It wasn't until I came back this morning that I saw it wasn't an island, more like a peninsula. Pink-Haired Girl: Yukio-sama, you put up my friend for the night? Yukio: Uhh... yeah. Pink-Haired Girl: [To the blue-haired girl] You lucky scum! I hate you!!! The blue-haired girl smartly got up and ran away from the coming pink-haired tornado of doom. Pink-Haired Girl: [Chasing her] How could you sleep with my Yukio-sama?!?! Blue-Haired Girl: [Running faster] NOTHING HAPPENED!!!!! End Episode 6 Fugawari Orange Street Episode 6 Credits | Release Date: 3/24 ------------------------------------------------+----------------------- Writers: | Paolo Valladolid | Greg Dreher | Jeoff Wilks New characters and concepts and pre-reading: | Tony Chen | Greg Dreher | Daniel Lee | Paolo Valladolid | Jeoff Wilks This series would not exist if it weren't for: | Matsumoto Izumi-sama ------------------------------------------------+-----------------------