rk@soda.berkeley.edu
			      HARD |< O R
			     A novella by Robert Kwong


			This Chapter finished
			    June 9, 1996
			     ver 1.1
			   Remodified on June 10, 1996

Please read Disclaimer on
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html 1st!
Send comments or flames to rk@soda.berkeley.edu

As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure
Orange Road series. The turn of events and timeline depicted here occur
right after Shin Kor I, but before Shin Kor II. This is the graphic
reaccount of the adult lives of Madoka, Hikaru, and Kyosuke. Like the
Shin KOR novels, these stories contain adult themes, situations, and
language.Thus parental guidance is advised. Thus read with your own
discretion! 

Notes:  Phrases in < > are characters thinking to themselves.
	[] indicates scene changes
	// indicates author comments
	** indicates special effects

Legend:
H=Hikaru
M=Madoka
R=Ryusei
K=Kasuga


BOOK A: Introductions

Chapter 12:

(Gunz N Roses blaring in the background)

(Apt Building, Living Room 11:11pm)

#1: Are you finished?

#2: Yes, I am. Whaddya think of it?

#1: You'd better start paying more attention to these movies instead of
telling me these silly little sissy stories. Now go and load the next
tape!

#2: Ahh whaddya you know anyway? (mutters: Can't recognize talent when it's
standing right in front of him!)

(Next Tape: Dirty Harry: The Dead Pool)

#2: Would ya quit pointing that think at me! It might accidentally go off!

#1: (massaging motion) No it won't! That's my peacemaker you're talking to.
She won't hurt anybody who didn't deserve it, isn't that right, ole Betsy?

#2: Gosh! You even name your gun? And I thought I was the weird one here...

#1: Listen fuckface! Don't you dare go talking about my piece like that! She
doesn't like to be referred to as the 'G' word. She prefers the term
"enforcer".

#2: What's with that "she" stuff? It's an inanimate object.

#1: That's where ya wrong. She's special; she's got a piece of history in her.
Got her custom made in 'Frisco from the barrel of a famous gunfighter in the
west. And she never let me down yet. I trust her judgement better than mine.
So you'd better be careful what you say, ok? She can HEAR you.

#2: Alright! Lay off me. Let's finish this goddamn movie anyway.

[XYZ Studios, Ryusei's office, dim setting,
 old Japanese folk music playing the background, 11:23pm]

(Ryusei sitting in the executive chair, scribbling something)

			Significant Journal Entry #35

	Finally, another week has mercifully ended.  Again, I was burdened
by the bickering, blundering assistant, Nagasi. But at least I got to
finally move and arrange all my lucky trinkets and talismans at my apartment
and here at the office. Now I can finally focus on getting some stuff done.
I'm already way behind as it is. Foolish I am to not realize the torrid pace
of a play and the constant monitoring it requires. I knew I should have done
more research, being it my first time at producing a play. But Nagasi
insisted on going 1000kph, arranging and signing off on things without my
authorization again. Alas, I've been too busy to keep an eye on her. But
that will come to an end soon. I'll get a grip on her soon enough. At least I
hope I can! She's been awfully crankly these past days, engaging with JADE
and her entourage and trying to "break" them. She deserves all the torment
she getting from them though. Who told her to lose that bet to Mr Harada?
Never was good at cards at all...I should have intervened, but that's water
under the bridge now.
	And she wasn't the only troubled person this week. Miss
Hiyama-san seem to be dejected in her spirits. I wonder if it had
anything to do with the engagement announced by Mr Kasuga and Miss
Madoka-san. Poor thing,...bitten by love's sting one too many times. And
to complicate things further, a Mr Sugizawa enters her life; of whom she
was clearly intimate with at one time. What a complicated tangled web to
have for one's love life. Might make a good subject for my next play
though. Triple interconnecting love triangles,...how intriguing...But at
least she's been around...to have felt some love from another at one
time. A feeling I have not felt in a long time...
	As for my search, nothing significant has surfaced. #2 informed
me that she didn't have a photo in the yearbook for her last year. So now
it seems she is really just a simple only child who grew up most of her
life in the Tokyo area. I think I should now give this investigation
thing a rest. Been draining at me for years.  I thought I was close this
time, but it was only a mirage. There are probably hundreds of young,
fresh, nubile faces just like that person in that picture. But she fit
the profile so well,..maybe I'm grasping at straws. If my obsession goes
to my head, I might need to see my personal shrink again. Lord knows I
hate those guys! Went through 3 months of hell and treatment from them to
recooperate from the shock and trauma from the crash. Anyhow, I'll stop
probing into her personal life and leave her alone. She's a good girl and
I wish her luck in her dream to be a great, wonderful dancer. I am just
glad I plucked her out from the masses and gave the doll her first big
shot.
	Just talked to Big Uncle and submitted my status on our big plans
we have for in store for my area. We're making good progress right now,
but we could do better. Lack of manpower seems to be our key problem. #1
and #2 alone can't scope out the whole city by themselves. So we would
need to seek out new recruits. As a result, it would take at least three
stages to infiltrate the entire city. A possible concern of getting new
people would be whether it would jeopardize the anonyminity of our
operation. So far, no one has guessed our true intentions here. The cover
of producing a play seems to be working out well. But that could soon
change. I would have defer to #1 on this issue. Beating down each of the
various bosses in each district could be a another major problem. I'm
more worried about establishing my command base first. From there, I can
network out. But all in good time.
	 Until next time.

						R.H.  1992

Ryu pulls open a drawer and places the journal book in a secret compartment
and lock up the drawer. He lights up a cigarette and leans back in the chair,
inhaling and enjoying the addictive aroma of the smoke and the symphonics of
the dub.

He raises a brow as he hears his door slowly open.

R: (calmly) Exactly who is at my door at this time of night?

"There you are, big boy. I knew I would find you here. You've really got
to do something about the lightning here or lack of it. 

R: I happen to like it this way. Now why are you here? Aren't you suppose to
be at some party or doing something with your new boyfriend?

Nagasi: Now don't sound so jealous, Ryusei honey! I only keep him around for
show. You know that. And he can only be interesting for only so long. I grow
tired of him. Tonight, I want some satisfaction -- from you.

R: (turns chairs to face her and lunges back into his chair) My God! I hope
you didn't parade yourself in public dressed like that!

N: No silly. Of course I wore a trenchcoat to cover my assets up. Saving it
all for your eyes, of course, whenever you do get a chance to see em.
What's wrong? You don't like it?

(She's wearing a scant, black leather, S&M outfit, with a bullwhip at her
side!)

R: (smiles) What's the occasion? Why don't you play this game with loverboy?

N: Nah. He doesn't have it in him; he's still a mama's boy. Not very
original. But with you, it's different. You really know how to handle
me,...to unleash my inner desires. 

R: (laughs) I'm flattered, but maybe some other time. I'm not your private
screwing machine and I don't dole out sex indiscriminately. I'm fatigued
tonight. I'll see you tomorrow. (Rises and starts to leave)

N: (blocks doorway) Na uh Uh. Not so fast, you big bad wolf! I don't
think you understand. You have no choice in the matter, SLAVE! Take this
and wear it! (tosses him a dog collar) I'm the MASTER now! Wear this or
I'll punish you! 

R: But Nagasi...!

N: Now! I, as the cat woman expect to be "served" tonight,

R: (groans) Not again...

[Sunday. A bright sunny morning day.]

[At the Kasuga household]

Kurumi is busy stuffing herself with blueberry muffins.

Manami: You're a mess Kurumi! You'd better wash up before we go. They're be
coming any minute now.

We see Kurumi raise her head up to reveal blueberry stains all over her face!

Kurumi: (*mumble, mumble*) Huh? You say something?

"My, my Kurumi-chan. Giving us your best impression of being a pig again?"

Manami: Oniichan! I didn't hear you come in!

(We see Kyosuke come down the stairs holding a box full of items)

Kurumi: (Raising her fists) So you're itching for a fight, aren't you
oniichan? Staying at that mansion not exciting enough for you? 

K: So silly. I just came back to pick up a few things. And to see what you
two were up to. (flashes wicked smile) You're not thinking of backing out of
our deal, are you?

Kurumi: Of course not!

K: So you don't have any other plans for today, right?

Manami: What do you mean, oniichan?

Kurumi: Yeah. What are you hinting at? (mean glare!)

K:Oh, I just had this strange premonition dream last night. That somehow, you
two were planning to have a "true" double date.

Kurumi: We have no idea what you're talking about!

K: (pretend to be surprised) Really? Then who were those other guys I saw in
my dream...

(*Ding Dong*)

Manami: Uh Oh! It's them!

K: (gleams) Now who could that be at this time? I thought Komatsu and Hatta
were suppose to pick you two up at 11? Hmm...

(*Ding Dong*)

K: Well? Aren't you going to answer that? If you're not, then I will!

Kurumi: Wait! I'll get it, you cur! (*Flash to Door*)

(peers through eyehole and opens door)

Kurumi: Akane! Thank god it's you! And Kazuya! Why is he with you?

Akane: My folks are going to see this concert today, and so I have to watch
over him again.  Bummer!

Kazuya: Hey! Don't think it's a picnic for me either! I think it's yucky
to be around girls, especially my weird cousins. 

Kurumi: (sighs to herself) 

Kazuya: (reading her mind) Ooooh! People kissing! Yuck! How sick! And
speaking of sick weirdo cousins, there's Kyo-niichan!  (Telepathic)

K: (facial change)

Kazuya: 

K: 

Kazuya:  (Starts running towards Kyosuke)

Akane: Wait! Kazuya, you crazy brother of mine! Whaddya think you're doing!

K: Gotta go! Bye! (*Flash*)

Kazuya leaps at Kyosuke's last position only to go through him just as Kyosuke
is beaming out. Instead, he lands into Manami who is just coming out of the
kitchen.

Manami and Kazuya: KYAAAAAAAAAA!

(* SMASH!* )

(We see Manami and Kazuya, slumped to the ground, dazed over the collision.)

Kurumi: Manami! Kazuya! Are you two alright?

Manami: What's happening? (looks at her hand and then at Kazuya) Oh no!
Ahhhhh! (gets up and runs right out the door!)

Kurumi: Hey Manami! Wait! What do you think you're doing? Come back here!

Akane: (walks over to Kazuya) Now as for you, young man, your behavior has
been most despicable, typical of your male species. This calls for a big
whooping for you!

Kazuya: Kazuya? I'm not Kazuya! I'm Manami!

Kurumi: Huh?

Kazuya: Yeah, but I feel kind of funny. Must be the collision I had.

Kurumi: Wait a minute now! If that's Manami, then who just ran out was...

Akane: KAZUYA!
//Oh brother! We're be in for a L-O-N-G day!


[Sunday Morning at the apartment building]
(Hikaru, dressed in a flowing, white, summertime dress and white hat)

H: (peers into Shuri's room) Shuri dear. I'll be out the whole day. Be
back by evening. 

Shuri: (Slumps up against bed) not gonna sleep in today? To rest those aches
and pains?

H: Nahh...not today. We haven't started dancing yet. I'm having brunch
with my childhood friend, Ayukawa Madoka. 

Shuri: You mean the songwriter? I heard her song on that drama show...

H: Pin Pon! That's the one. You haven't met her, have you? I've got to get
you two together. 

Shuri: Wow! That would be great! Have fun! Say hi for me to her.

H: Will do. See ya later.

I was so glad that Shuri allowed me to room up with her at her apartment.
She was also glad to have another person help share in the rent, which
was not cheap in this area. Shuri, Shuri, Shuri. What can I say about
her? Shuri Anzai was my close confidant in New York. We met at a Japanese
restaurant and instantly hit it off, with our common interests of dancing
and big dreams of making it in the Big Apple. She was one of the few good
people I met in the U.S. Next to Madoka-san, she was probably my next
closest friend. She always had been a lifesaver for me while we were back
in New York. Many times, she helped me out, lending me money to cover my
overdue rent at my place. She even gave me the scoop for the audition
here in Tokyo, which I failed miserably at. But it got me here and
eventually led me to the opportunity I have now. I felt happy for her;
she manage to land one of the minor roles and was competing to make the
final cut this fall. That was why she was so sore and tired, vigoriously
dancing her legs and heart out during the practice sessions. I prayed for
her continued success. //See Shin Kor I for details. 

Just as I was about to enter a taxi, I heard a voice yelling out my name.
Who could that be? I looked about to see who it was. It was then I saw a
man waving wildly from shiny red sports convertible. 

It was Hayakawa.

Hayakawa: Hello there! Hikaru? Yes it is! I knew it was you! How can I forget
a pretty face like yours! And you look even more beautiful in that dress.

H: Duomo and Good Morning.  Did you want something from me?

Hayakawa: Actually, you might be able to help me. What's a pretty girl
like you doing out on a gorgeous day like this all by yourself? You
haven't been back in Tokyo in quite a while, have you? Why not I give you
a personal tour of the new additions to the city? Plus you get to have a
spin in my shiny new car. Now that's an offer that's hard to pass up,
don't you say? 

H: Thanks, but I have other plans. I having brunch with
Madoka-san. That's where I'm headed off to right now.

Hayakawa: Then do me the courtesy of giving you a ride over there. It's the
least I can do for a lady in distress.

H: But I...

Hayakawa: Pleeeaasssseee! It would pain my heart to be rejected by a fair
miss like you. 

H: (thinking pose) Well,.... I don't see how it would hurt. Why not? But you
better behave! Remember I can handle "scumbags" like you.//Shin Kor I

Hayakwa: Right. How could I forget. Don't worry; I'll be the perfect choir
boy. Now just hop right on in!

(During the ride)

Hayakawa: Sooo. You and Madoka have known each other for ages. Right?

Hikaru: Yep. Ever since we were just toddlers.

Hayakawa: So do you know how to get Ayukawa to lighten up?



Hikaru: Lighten up? Why do you mean?

Hayakawa: I'll be workly with her closely on the scoring of the play. Got
Ryusei to get me involved on this project. But she can be so mercurial to
me at times, so I figure I'm taking the wrong approach with her. That's
where you come in. Maybe you can give me a few pointers on getting on her
good side. 

Hikaru: You're not being a jerk with her, are you? She definitely hates
guys to try to come on to her. 

Hayakawa: I'm not sure why she gets so put off by my style. I'm only
doing what comes naturally to me. In reality, if you get to know me I'm
just a simple, wholesome guy. Why not we do lunch sometime? 

Hikaru: Maybe some other time. You know I'll be very busy with the play and
such. And since we're exchanging information, maybe you can tell me more of
what you know about Mr Haroken?

Hayakawa: You mean Ryu-dy boy? He's just some chum agent and producer I
hooked up with a couple of months ago. We got involved through one of my
friends, who was a client of his. From there, we somehow got together on
some kind of venture of sorts. I'm kind of shady on the details. You can
ask my lawyers about it. But you want to know more about the guy right?
He ok, for a stiff! Eccentric and terribly obsessed with his work. Not a
very sociably guy to be around with. Doesn't participate in any physical
activities except for that golf match we had last month. Frankly, I
prefer to play tennis. I rarely seem him at any other social functions
other than lunch meetings and parties. He tends to keep to himself which
is cool with me. Anyway, what's the big deal about being an agent anyway?
It's the star that people come out to see, wouldn't you agree? 

H: And you don't know nothing more?

Hayakawa: What more do you want to know of him? He's just a talent agent,
that's all. Once you know one, you know em all. Not very interesting, in
my opinion. That's why I leave all the dirty work of the business to him
and his crew, while I get all the glamorous stuff. Pretty cool
arrangement, wouldn't you say? 

H: Yeah. Super.


[A few blocks away from the Kasuga residency...]

@Manami: (huffing and puffing) Ill, ill, ill, ill ill! This is SOOOO
disgusting! I can't believe it! I just can't believe it! I'M A GIRL! I'M
IN A DAMN GIRL'S BODY! (looks inside shirt) And I have BOOBS! URGH! And
I'm wearing a dress to boot! How humiliating! Today is the worst day of
my life; me, Kazuya Kasuga will never live down this day. Why?!? Why me?
Curse you Kyosuke-niichan! (shakes head and coughs violently!) Yuck,
bleh. Brgh! 


"Onee-san? Are you alright?"

@Manami: Huh? (looks up from stooped-over position) (*Gasp!*) 

We see the chibi Madoka and chibi Hikaru clones buddies of Kazuya there.

chibi Madoka-clone: Is there something wrong, miss?

@Manami: (panicky) Umm, ...umm,...


chibi Hikaru-clone: There's nothing stuck in your throat, is there? Say, you
look like Kazuya's cousin.  You're Manami-san, right?

@Manami:  (straightens up) Ahem! Yes, I am.  How
can I help you pretty girls today?

chibi Madoka-clone: (giggles) You talk funny. Just like Kazuya's sister,
Akane-san.

chibi Hikaru-clone: Ignore her.  She doesn't know any better. Say,...have you
seen Kazuya around?

@Manami-clone: Kazuya?  You want to find him? Let's see,...what happened
to him...(pauses, thinks, taps feet) ah ha! Now I remember.  He's off on
a little trip today. Somewhere across over there (points in the opposite
direction towards some far-remote area) He'll be gone for a long, long
time. Not sure when he'll be back. Could be days, weeks, or even months! 

chibi Madoka-clone: Really? That's too bad...

chibi Hikaru-clone: There's something that sounds very fishy,...doesn't
seem quite right.  Just yesterday I talked to Kazuya and he didn't
mention anything about a trip at all! 

@Manami:Don't worry about it.  You two better be going and do your girl
stuff. Shoo, shoo shoo.  I'm waiting for someone here! And you know how
us girls need our privacy. 

(Clones walking away) "Girl stuff? Gee. Is all of Kazuya's relatives all act
like this?"

@Manami: 

(*Beep beep*)

@Manami: 

A motor vehicle pulls right up beside her.

(Car window drops down) "Hello there. It's me, #2. I didn't know you were
waiting outside for us. Come and hop in.

@Manami: 

#2: What's wrong? Forgot to bring something?

#1: And where's ya sister, Kurumi anyway?

@Manami: My sister? You mean Akane, don't you?

#1: Akane? I didn't know you had another sister!

@Manami:  No, I mean she's with
Akane, that's right!  She's a cousin of ours.

#2: Well what are you waiting for? Get in.  We'll drive up to your place and
pick Kurumi there.

@Manami: No! Wait. I mean uh...she's going to meet us at the place.  She
needs to finish something up. Her,...her makeover, that's what! 

#1: Is there a problem? Why are you just standing there?

@Manami: Oh yeah, right.  Thanks.
(enters limo)


[At the country club...]

H: Thanks for the ride, Hayakawa. I'll see you later.

Hayakawa: Allow me to escort you.  This is a familiar retreat for me.

H: No. That's not really necessary. Really.

Hayakawa: Come on. I insist.

"Harrasing the pretty woman again, Hayakawa?"

Hayakawa: Madoka-san! I didn't see you from behind.

M: You bet you didn't.

Hayakawa: Why this is such a beautiful day today. Mine if I join you two? To
eat of course.

M: You welcome to join, but I believe Shiori is looking for you.  Urgently.

Hayakawa: Oh really? I didn't realize that. I guess I better be going then.

M: I think you should to.  Good bye.

H: Bye now.

(As Hayakawa drive off, Madoka giggles)

H: (sits down) What's so funny?

M: (hehe) I told Hayakawa a little white lie.  Shiori really didn't call
me at all. I only said that to get him out of our hair.  I want this day
to be just for the two of us. It's been a long time since we've been
together like this, all alone to ourselves. 

H: I know.  Speaking of lies, there's something I've been meaning to tell
you all the while, but couldn't find the appropiate time to tell you. 

M: Now Hikaru, what nonsense are you babbling about? New York didn't get to
your head, did it?

H: It's about that and more.  (very somber) Madoka-san. I have a
confession to make to you. 

M: What is it Hikaru? I hope you're not in some kind of trouble...

H: No no, it's not like that. It's more like a charade,...a scam I've been
trying to pull. I've haven't been totally honest with you over my supposed
relationship with Ryusei.

M: I'm not sure what you mean...

H: Me and Ryusei. We aren't really seeing each other. In fact, I don't even
know the guy at all. I only made it appear like I was involved in order to
hide the fact that most of my other relationships were complete failures.
I wanted you two to think that I was happy again.  I didn't want my love life
losses to burden you two.

M: But Hikaru...

H: Wait. There's more. I also didn't want you and Kasuga to get the wrong
idea over why I came back. I didn't want to be a wedge in you two's
life,...to divide us 3 again, so that's why I arranged the whole thing. 
But now I don't have to worry about that anymore, now that you two are
officially engaged. Congratulations to the both of you. 

M: Thank you Hikaru. That means so much, especially coming from you. But
you shouldn't have gone to such lengths to contrive such a scheme. We
wouldn't have doubted you for one moment; you know that.  In fact, we're
ecstatic that you finally decided to come back. Things haven't been the
same around here since you left. We missed your peppiness and spunk!
Welcome back home Hikaru! 

H: (tears start to swell up in her eyes) Madoka-san! You truly are a
true lifer! Thank you so much for understanding.  I don't know what I
would do without confidants like you. There's so much pain I went
through, with all my disasterous encounters. It's so comforting to know
that you and Kasuga will always be there for me when I most need it. 

M: (hugging and consoling her) Now, now Hikaru.  Now's the time to wipe the
slate clean.  To start out on a fresh start. Here is your golden opportunity
now, to fulfill your dream now to be that wonderful dancer we all know you
are.

H: Thanks. I needed that TLC just now.

M: I'm just curious. If you two don't know each other, how did you manage to
get Ryusei-san involved in this? He doesn't seem like the type who would go
along with this...

H: Oh Ryusei? He's such a lifesaver! It's funny how we met, just out of
the blue like that. I was so bummed out after my failed audition that I
was all prepared to leave Tokyo without a whimper. Easy come, easy go. No
one would ever know I was here in the first place. Save everyone the
trouble. Then he comes along at my our of need and offers me the chance
of a lifetime! I couldn't believe it! It was just like the story
Cinderella, with him being my fairy godfather, rather than fairy
godmother. He had just come back from NY and needed someone badly. He
instantly thought I was the one for the part. I thought he was joking,
but he was dead serious. I felt it was a handout, but he convinced me
otherwise. Well, one thing led to another and eventually, quite by
accident,I wounded up at Kyouske's celebration party. Ryusei was my
chapperone so to speak when I discovered that you two were there! I
didn't know what to do, so I made it appear that he was my boyfriend. As
crazy as my scheme sounded at the time, he still was gracious enough to
play along, which was certainly out of his realm, given his demeanor and
temperment. But now we don't have to go through this deception anymore.
And I feel fortunate to be working under him. 

M: Let's switch to another topic. I think we had enough seriousness for one
day. It's time for the two of us to have some fun! Just like old times.


We talked some more while munching on our brunch. It was a very pleasant
meal. It was such a cathartic experience to spill my guts out to
Madoka-san. But I couldn't tell her everything just yet. To admit that I
still had strong feelings I was harboring for Kyosuke. That would just
break her heart,...I just know it. Some secrets were better left
unrevealed. I'd just have to suck it up and hide my feelings for sempai
when I'm around him. But it gets harder and harder not to submit to my
desires every minute I'm around him. That's why I had to avoid seeing him
at all costs. Or who knows what might happen ... 

[Back at the Twins' house]
Akane: Here Kazuya. I mean Manami. Drink this!

@Kazuya: What is this?

Akane: It's suppose to be an "undo" spell potion to reverse the effects
of the soul-switching. 

@Kazuya: Are you sure this is going to work?

Akane: Of course! Don't you just me little brother? I mean cuzin?

@Kazuya: Well here goes then! (*Gulp, Gulp, Gulp*)

Akane and Kurumi: How do you feel? Are you back Kazuya? Or is it still you
Manami?

@Kazuya: I feel a tingling sensation...it's making me feel light-headed and
I...

Kurumi: Hello? (Waves hand in front to mesmerized figure)

(We see @Kazuya staring straight ahead in a trance-like state, frozen)

Kurumi: What's wrong!? I thought this was suppose to work!

Akane: Uh Oh,...did I add too much tobasco sauce...I must have! I knew I
shouldn't have doubled the portions!

Kurumi: You did what!? Are you crazy?

Akane: I just wanted to speed up the effects of the potion, that's all. Who
knew it would cause adverse side-effects.

Kurumi: So what the hell is wrong with him? or her? or whomever? He's not
moving at all!

Akane: I fear he's in some kind of stassis or something like that.

Kurumi: Then what happened to Manami?

Akane: I'm afraid she's still trapped inside. Sorry!

Kurumi: (steaming) You're suppose to be good at this stuff, mixing chemicals
and ingredients together. And to think you're a chemistry major!

Akane: Hey! I don't you see you helping me any!

Kurumi: Why you...

<*Ding Dong*>

Akane: Now who could that be?

Kurumi: Damnit! It's must be Hatta and Komatsu. Quick! Change into Manami
now! You owe me this much. 

Akane: Oh OK. Damn this whole situation anyway!

(twirls around and goes through an elaborate Sailor KOR transformation
sequence that takes five minutes. Nah! Just kidding. ^_^)

Komatsu: Hello cutey pies! Looking hot and sexy as usual.

Hatta: Manami-chan looking fine as usual.

Komatsu: Are you wearing any underware today? (bend down and try to look
under Kurumi's dress)

Kurumi: (shoves his face right back up) Now listen here! I don't have any
time for your shenanigans, so don't piss me off! I'm in a bad mood as it is
already! Just be happy that we're goin' with you guys. Now just be a good
boy and keep your hentai comments to yourself 'kay? Now help bring Kazuya
to the car. 

Komatsu: What!? He's coming along?

Hatta: Yeah, what's the deal here? We didn't agree to bring that brat along!

Kurumi: We're promised to "babysit" him for my aunt.

Komatsu: Isn't he a little too old to be looked over. Why he's almost
thirteen!

Kurumi: Yeah so? What's your point?

Hatta: Just leave 'em here. And look at him! He looks like a statue there.

@Manami: We can't do that! He's sick!

Komatsu: Sick? of what?

@Manami: He's uh,..he's suffering from some sort of condition.
It's,...it's,...it's called niastopocylonia.

Hatta: Huh?

@Manami: He's suffering from some kind of sleeping sickness?

Komatsu: (Laugh) Yeah, like what? Couldn't get enough sleep and so becomes
frozen like that?

@Manami: No you dummy!  You see, it's like this.  Akane was performing an
experiment extracting the serum from some type of africanized insect
flies and Kazuya, up to no good, got himself bitten by it. Now do you
understand? 

Kurumi: Yeah, so that's why we have to watch him. In case he goes into some
seizure or sorts.

Hatta: Hey, then why isn't Akane watching over him? She his sister after all.

@Manami: Numbskull! Can't you see that she's dutifully at the lab trying to
find an antidote!

Hatta: Gawd! Sorry I ask! You seem more feisty than usual Manami. What's up
with you? Having PMS now?

@Manami: Why you! (Bops him on the head with her purse)

Kurumi: (smiling) Good one Manami! (winks at her)

@Manami: (gleaming) Yeah,...that felt good.

Kurumi: Now bring him over to the car!

Komatsu and Hatta: We going, we going! No need to yell! (*Grumble, grumble*)

Kurumi: (whispers) Nice going Akane. So far so good.

Akane: I just hope that stuff wears off fast enough so we can try the switch
again!

[Inside the Limo...]

@Manami: Wow man! This is so kewl!

#2: Glad you like it! Have you tried to cookies yet?

@Manami: Really? Thanks. Super! Coookies. (starts stuffing face with cookies)

#1: We let you fiddle with the gadgets back there.  Have Fun!

@Manami: Thanks!

(Divider rises up)

#1: Don't you think she's acting funny today?

#2: Now what are you saying?

#1: Don't know.  Something doesn't seem right. Gut feeling.

#2: (haughty) You should keep your guts to yourself! How would you know how
she is We just met them for five minutes at a party. And what would you know
about a woman's behavior anyway? You never been involved before.

#1: You're wrong, mon ami. You just don't understand, do you? You'll learn 
Now I learn never to have anything get in the way of my "work". For
you would only be hurting the ones you care for. That's why you have to
isolate yourself. 

#2: Boy, you lead such a cold life. But then what 'bout now with Kurumi-san?
Goin' to break her heart too?

#1: Of course not. I'm not going to make the same mistake of getting too
involved again.

#2: I understand. Just make sure you don't endanger anyone with this
operation.

#1: I won't. You have my word on it.

[In the back seat]
@Manami: Boy! These guys are not fun at all! I can't even understand their
thoughts at all! One guy is thinking in English and the other in some strange
symbols. But are Manami and Kurumi stupid for hanging around these oddballs.
But at least I get to have a little fun at their expense. He He he!

//#1: Take me down to the               //#2:main()
	paradise city, where the                PickTwins();
	grass is green and girls                if (MakeSmallTalk==boring)
	are pretty...                           SwitchTopic();
						GiveGift();
						if (Goofup) then
						for (i=0; i<100; i++) Gomen();
						PayBill();

Let me see here...what goodies are here for me to play with. Woah! A TV!
I wonder if it gets the playboy channel. Aw,...it doesn't. A phone! Cool!
Now I can make prank calls, but maybe later on.  And liquor! I always
wanted to drink! Here goes! Bottoms up! (emptys glass) (*Cough, cough,
cough*) oww! That stings my throat! But what a feeling! I've gotta try
more! Urgh! What's with my head...why do I feel like fainting,...I
must,...I must... 

[At the location...]

(They pull up in Hatta's red sports car)

Hatta: We're here! This is the place! You girls sure now how to pick the 
place. This is one my favorite eateries...

Komatsu: Don't mind him ladies! Every food place is his favorite eatery,...

Kurumi: (pushes front seat away) Can we crawl out now?

Komatsu: Whoops! Sorry about the cramped space in back. But it's a sports 
car after all...

Kurumi: For impressing the girls you go out, no doubt...

Komatsu: It's not entirely like that...

Kurumi: Then what is it like?

Komatsu: (stammers) Well I,...

@Manami: Hey! I think I just saw Master enter that store just now!

Hatta: There? Or you sure? That store is closed down now. Been like that
for months.

Komatsu: Yeah,...very strange,...I wonder what would Master be doing in a 
place like that....

Kurumi: (glares at @Manami) Or you sure you got your glasses on straight?
What's Master doin' in a place like this? He's in the countryside enjoying
himself!

@Manami: Of course I'm not lying. I believe what I see.

Kurumi: We're see! (walks over)

Hatta: What are you doin'?

Kurumi: I'm gonna go and see who's really there. 

Komatsu: Wait up! We're coming along with ya!

(They are converge on the doorway and peer inside)

Kurumi: See! I told you! There's no one in there! You gotta get your eyes
checked sis!

@Manami: (growls)

Kurumi: (turns around) Now since that's settled, I'd better ... (*GASP*)

Hatta: MASTER!

Master: Hi kids! I didn't expect to see you all so soon.

Komatsu: Wow! Neither did we! What are you doing here? Aren't you suppose
to be resting up and enjoying retirement?

Master: I was but to tell you the truth, I got bored of the leisure life. 
Doing nothing all day except idle only go so far. So that's why I decided to
move back here.

@Manami: You are? That's so exciting? What are going to plan to do?

Master: Well since I have so much extra cash stored up still, I decided
to pursue a dream of mine and start my own music nightclub. Music has
always been a passion with me and all my buddies, so I decided to go for
it. They're provide the act, while I provide the place for them to
showcase their talents. It's a good deal for everyone: They can
vicariously live out their pop star fantasy and I get to enjoy the dub
and keep my peace of mind in the process.After all, what did I have to
lose? 

Kurumi: You're going to start a nightclub? That's way cool! Where?

Master: (chuckles) Actually, I'm still deciding on the place. Right here is
one of the choices I'm evaluating. I am somewhat leaning towards this place;
somehow, I get good vibes here.

Hatta: Really?  That's great!

@Manami: And we would be honored if you let us help you in fixing up the 
place once you decided? Can we, can we?

Master: With an offer like that, how can I refuse?

Kurumi: Banzai! This is going to be fun! 

Komatsu: So what are you thinking of calling the new place?

Master: I'll stick to my old roots and call it 'ABCB'

Hatta: Wow, that'll be super! Now we're have a place for us grownups.

Master: I'm glad that you're as enthusiastic about this project as I am.
But what are you kids up to now? I must have interrupted your activities.

Kurumi: Actually, we on a date, of some sorts?

Master: Really? Then I let you all go so you can enjoy yourselves. No need
for an old crony to take up more time than he's entitled to. It's been
really good to see you are here again. You all have fun now!

Everyone (in unison): Thanks Master! Bye now!

(As they enter the restaurant, the limo pulls up)

(Divider lowers)

#2: We're here Manami-san! Manami-san? 

(loud snoring sounds!)

#2: Woah! She's fast asleep! She must be knocked out!

#1: Told you something strange is going on. Must be drinking all that booze.
I can smell the alcohol on her breath.

#2: I don't get it,...she doesn't look like the type that would do such a 
thing...

#1: Who knows? Let's go in and confirm our reservation.  Kurumi might already
be there. We don't want to keep her waiting. We're explain the whole thing
to her later on.

#2: Alright. Pleasant dreams, Manami-chan!

(Entering the restaurant, with Komatus and Hatta's back to the entrance)

Kurumi: (ducks under the table) 
(pulls @Manami down with her before #1 looks over their way>

Komatsu: Hey,...what's up? What are you two doing?

Kurumi: We ahh,...I lost my contact lens. And I'm trying to find it!

Komatsu and Hatta: I didn't know you had a prescription! Let us help! 
(both bend down on the floor and start looking around on the carpet.)

@Manami 
 
Kurumi: (points out from under the table)

@Manami: 

Kurumi:  Hey guys! I think I found it! 
If you would excuse me, I'm going to the ladies room to put my contacts back
in.  Later!

(walks over to #1 and #2's table right across the other side of the restaurant)

#1: Kurumi-san. Glad you could make it. We thought you never get here.

Kurumi: Hi Lone Wolf! Sorry I'm late! 

#2: Hey, that's no problem. But we're sorry about your sister, Manami-san.

Kurumi: Manami? You've found my sister?

#1: Yes, of course. We picked her up along the way but she got a little
too intoxicated for her own good. She's sleeping it off in our limo right
now.

Kurumi: Really? That's great! I mean it's bad that's she not feeling too
well. Well I just got here, so I have to freshen up in the ladies room.
I'll be back in a while. Thanks!

(Back at the other table)
Kurumi: (to @Manami) 

@Manami: 

Kurumi:  Guys! We need to freshen up again together. You wouldn't
understand. It's a girl thing.

Hatta: (munching the appetizers) (*Munch, munch*) OK. Go right ahead.

(Girls head out the door)

Komatsu: Don't you think something fishy is going on here?

Hatta: (still eating) No. Why?

Komatsu: Well I do! I think I'll take a peek at them in the ladies room!

Hatta: Great thinking! Their might be other cool babes we can spy on here!

(at the other end of the restaurant)

#2: (seeing the two girls exit out of the restaurant) Hey look over there!
Damn! You just missed it!

#1: Miss what?

#2: I saw Kurumi with Manami-san!

#1: That's impossible! Manami Kasuga couldn't have just woken up that quickly
from the spirits she imbibed. She should be out for at least an hour. 

#2: Call me crazy, but I know what I saw! And I saw Manami-san there with
Kurumi-san!

#1: I don't want to do this, but I relish the opportunity to prove you 
wrong again, brains! We're do some investigating outside.

(Komatsu and Hatta is walking on one side and #1 and #2 and walking from 
the other. They converge on a meeting point in between.)

(Everyone) YOU!

#2: You're the guys at the party!

Hatta: And you're the guys working for Mr Haroken!

(Everyone) WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE! 
I ASKED YOU FIRST! 
NO, I DID!

#1: Ok. Let's stop this nonsense right away.

Komatsu: I quite agree. What business do you guys have here?
						    
#2: We're on our own personal business, that's all. I see nothing wrong
with that. And you?

Komatsu: Same thing.

#1: Well I don't see what might be the problem here. Both parties have
the right to dine at the same restaurant.

Hatta: True, true. But both of our sakes, I believe we should stay away
as far apart from each other.

#1: Agreed. 

Komatsu: Good we have all this straighten out. Now if you would excuse us,
we need to use the gents.

#2: Good riddance. I mean good day.

Hatta: Humph!

(Both haughtily turn away and sneer at each other)

Both parties: 

(In the parking lot)

We see Kurumi using her telekinesis power to float Kazuya behind her, while
Akane is floating Manami.

Akane: There, by the glade covering over there would be the perfect place.

#2: Argh!

#1: Now what?

#2: I saw two Manami-chan!

#1: Say what?

#2: I saw two of those girls, both being Manami-san!

#1: Are you sure you have your glasses screwed on straight! You got to 
realize that they're twins, Kurumi and Manami Kasugas. 

#2: Yes, I know that! But I swear I saw two Manami wearing the same exact
outfit. And to make things stranger, the second one was floating in the air!

#1: You really saw too many sci-fi flics this time! Now it's got to your 
head!

#2: Look. I saw them just disappear over at the clearing. We're go over there
and ask them what's going on. I'm sure there's a good reason for all of this.

(Behind the clearing)

Kurumi:Why is this taking so long? I thought you were performing the quicky 
spell.

Akane: (busily mixing chemicals and reagants)I am! But I'm doing the two for
one spell to reverse the soul-switching and paralysis of both bodies.

Kurumi: Well can you hurry it up? I have an errie feeling that someone is
coming.

Akane: Ok,...just one more thing,...and,...GOT IT! Kas Lor Wiz lem SHALLA!

#1 and #2 a few feet away.

#2: Woah! What was that flash?

(Both run up)

#2: Manami-san!

Kurumi: (leans over towards Manami) Manami-chan? Is that really you in there?

Manami: (groggy) Urgh,... (rubs head) Yes, did you want me to clean  
something Kurumi?

Kurumi: Yep! She's back!

Akane: Kazuya bro'! Are you ok?

Kazuya: Yeah,...I guess so. But why does my body feel so sore?

Akane: It's a long story,...I'll explain later.

(#1 and #2 converge on the scene)
#2: Just what the hell is going on here? And what was that flash a moment
ago?

Kurumi: Oh that? I think it's the reflection of the sun, isn't that right
Lone Wolf?

#1: What flash? I didn't see a thing with my sunglasses on and all.

#2: I'm not crazy! I know what I saw! And just what are you girls doing out
here anyway?

Kurumi:  We just came out to tell Akane and her brother Kazuya that we
couldn't join them today because we were having our get together with you
guys. I hope you don't mind.

#1: No, not at all. In fact, they're welcome to join us. You know what I say,
"The more the merrier!"

#2: You never said that!

#1: You were never "really" there to hear it. Now let's us all get back.
Our food should be coming just now!

[At #1 and #2 table in the restaurant]
#1: With the girls gone, it looks like it's just us guys here now.

#2: Cute kid.

Kazuya: Who are you calling cute? Only girls are cute! Boys are not!

#2: Sorry! (mutters: kids these days...)

Kazuya: Has anyone told you that you look funny wearing those sunglasses
all the time?

#1: Yes, constantly, but we have to remind them that it's part of our jobs.

Kazuya: What are you anyway? Bodyguard agents?

#1: Yes,...in a way, but more like limo drivers.

Kazuya: (sarcastic) Oh swell,...we're be in for a fun time.

#2: (to #1) Let me try. My name is #2.

Kazuya: Why do you always refer to yourself as a number?

#1: Again, it's part of our jobs.

Kazuya: Gee, whatever job you have, I would't want to have. Way too creepy
for me.

#2: I don't like it myself.  The number that is. Why don't you use my 
nickname I had in high school: Bullethead.

Kazuya: Bullethead,...I guess that's certainly better than that lamebrain #2.
Bullethead, bullethead, bullethead! (laughs out loud)

#2: Good! I'm glad you're having so much fun with my handle. So what's a
soon-to-be adolescent doing with a bunch of girls?

Kazuya: How do you know that I'm about to be  a teenager? Hey,...you can't
read my mind, can you?

#2: No, of course not! Unless I have ESP which I don't.  I got it through my
computer of course. I punch in a few special keys, and voila!

Kazuya: (shocked) You can get information on me just like that?

#2: Yeah, of course. Your records are public, being filed away in the
county office. The trick is to know how to quickly access it. Here!
(brings a rectangular object into view and plops it on the table)

#2: Here it is! My laptop beauty!

Kazuya: Wow! A tiny computer! 

#2: Well, it's not that tiny; rather a notebook actually. I have several
games you can play on it. But you want a man's game, right? Not a sissy game.

Kazuya: Yeah!

#2: (taps away some more) Let me see what's your level,...ah,..here we go.
Ever play Street Fighter II?

Kazuya: yeah, all the time on friend's Nintendo. I'm a pro! Ryu's my
favorite character. 

#2: Well, let's see you match wits with the computer,...not as easy as you
think it will be. (attaches a portable gamepad) Let play a match or two,..
I'll play Ken just to make it interesting...

[In the ladies room]

Komatsu: That's weird,...I don't see them in there applying their makeup,...
they must be in the stalls. But there doesn't seem to be any chick
occupying it at all...

Hatta: Better make it quick! I see someone coming...

Komatsu: Too late! Make for the stalls!

(*Banging of stall doors*)

In comes Akane, Manami, and Kurumi!

Kurumi: Whew! That was a close one!

Akane: I know! I thought we were goners back there.

Manami: I still kind of feel dizzy.  I need to splash some cold water on my
face...

Akane: Wait a minute,...I sense something strange in here,...
(looks down under the stalls) Hey,...that looks like the trousers of a 
couple of hentais I know....

(uses power to open the stall doors revealing Komatsu and Hatta)

Akane: Ah ha! Caught you peeping toms!

Komatsu: (panicky) It's not what you think, despite what you know of our
nature!

Kurumi: (glares at him with an evil eye) Oh really,...then how are you 
going to explain your way out of this mess guys?

Hatta: (stammers) I-I-It wasn't my idea!

Komatsu: Great! Nice going. Make it worst for the both of us!

Manami: I've had enough surprises for one day. Let us go back to our table
and we're worry about this later.

Akane and Kurumi: WHAT?

Komatsu: Manami dear! Thanks for understanding! You're a real gal!

Kurumi: (mutters to Komatsu) I'll get you next time!

[As they are making their way towards the table...]
Komatsu: (to Manami) (Laughs) Do you want to know a funny thing? Those two
weirdos that stopped off at the party happen to be here right now.

Kurumi: You know?

Hatta: Yeah, why not? We thought it was a far-out coincidence. Why should
you be concerned?

Akane: Oh nothing. You know Kurumi,...always getting hyper over everything...

[Back at the other table...]
#1: Look there! There's those two jerks over there and they're with the 
the ladies!

#2: Hey! What gives? I thought they were with us a minute ago! 

#1: I guess you were right. There is something strange going on. There's only
one way to resolve this. Let's go.

#2: Ok! (to Kazuya) Here. You can play this fighting game. You know how to
play right? With Ryu and Ken ?

Kazuya: Of course!


#1 and #2 march over to table with everyone there!

Kurumi: Lone Wolf!

Komatsu: You guys again! I thought we agreed to stay out of each other 
business!

#1: Yes we did, ...but not when it concerns these ladies here. 

Komatsu: Now look here,...they're our girls...

#2: They're suppose to be on a date with us!

Hatta: No! You got it the other way around. They're on the date with us!

Kurumi: (interrupts) Komatsu! I need to see you for a moment. Alone.
Excuse us for a moment!

Komatsu: (devilish smile) 

[at the pay phone area...]

Kurumi: (seductive voice) Komatsu.

Komatsu: (nervous) Yes?

(back him against the wall and moves face close to his) There's something
I want to do to you.

Komatsu: (scared) (*Gulp*) You do?

Kurumi: Yes, of course. (moves both hands to touch his face)
How does that feel?

Komatsu: (closes eyes) That feels good!

Kurumi: Good,...you're relaxed,...so now you should have no problem obeying
every command I issue to you for today starting right NOW!

(Presses his temple!)

Komatsu: Oww!

Kurumi: Now what do you say?

Komatsu: (robotic-like state) I will do everything you say.

Kurumi: That's a good boy!  

[Going back to the table...]
Kurumi: We're back! I talked to Komatsu already, and he's put the whole 
matter up to a contest.

Komatsu: Yes, that is right.

Hatta: Hey, Komatsu buddy? You don't look too well. Feeling ok?

Komatsu: (monotonic tone) Yes. I feel o.k.

Kurumi: Since we made dates for the both of you guys, then it's only fair
that you compete in a contest to resolve who we will be with today. 

Hatta and #2: What? Now we have to try to "win" your company?

Kurumi: Yep. It's the fairest way to go. I'm sorry I made the plans with the
two of you at the same time, but it couldn't be helped, and it was too late
to change. 

#1: Ahh,...so it's like that.  Very ingenious of you, Kurumi-san. So what's
the game.

Kurumi: Drinking contest!

Hatta: Really? Then no problem! I'll easily beat those two laggards!

#2: Listen buddy! You watch what you say! You don't know what you're up 
against.

Hatta: yeah, yeah. We're see.

Manami: I don't think this drinking contest is the way to allieviate this
situation...(starts to feel weak and teeter)

Kurumi: I think the best thing for you now is a little nap. Right Akane?

Akane: Right! (Eases Manami's head on the table) Good girl.

(Manami falls instantly asleep)

Kurumi: Now let's begin! Waiter! Bring on your strongest sake! And all the
food you can carry over to the ladies table!

Hatta: This is goin' to be a piece of cake! I'm going wipe your clock!

#1: Foolish words from a foolish enemy!

[Two hours later]
A crowd has gathered around the drinking table where two combatants sit
across from each other. Manami is sleep-eating  and is busily gobbling up
all the food along with Kurumi and Akane. I don't know if the crowd is more
shocked at the endurance of the drinkers or the voracious appetite of the
girls!

Kurumi: (*munch munch*) Come on Lone Wolf! You can do it! Try your best!
Waiter! Bring along round of food here!

#1: (in a drawl-like tone) What's the count now?

Kurumi: (*crunch crunch*) You're on your 273th bottle. Hatta looks pretty
strong still. 

Hatta: Come on buster! No cheating! Go and drink it up now!

#1: (starts teeter in a drunken fashion) Woah! Nearly lost it there. give
me the drink!

Kurumi hands it to him, as he shakily brings it to his lips. He empties half
the bottle and looks like he is about to faint. The crowd jeers in 
anticipation of the end of the contest, but #1 merely raises his hands,
regains his composure, and calmly empties the rest of the drink. He slams
the shot glass on the table in defiance.

#1: I believe it's your turn sir!

Hatta: Fine! I'm not gonna take the sissy's way out!
(grabs the glass and quickly empties the booze down his throat)

Hatta: There!

#1: You forgot to put down your glass, (points to the right) over there.

Hatta: Thank you. 

We see Hatta fall over as he tries to place the glass in an area where the
table simply doesn't exist, due to his double vision. He promptly keels
over and immediately is off to dreamland, loudly snoring in the process.

Akane: (mouth full) WE HAVE A WINNER!

Loud cheers and groans from both sides of the crowd as they start to 
exchange money and thin out.

Manami: (waking up) (*Yawns*) Hmmmmm... what's are the commotion all about. 
And why is my mouth full of food?

Kurumi: The situation is all taken care of. See! I told you I'll fix 
everything.

Waiter: Miss. Here's the bill!

Kurumi: (eyes bulges in seeing the total then smiles in delight) Komatsu!

Komatsu: (robotic tone) Yes?

Kurumi: Pay the bill!

Komatsu: O-K.

#1: He doesn't have to cover the bill. 

Kurumi: (stopping him) No,no! The losing party have to pay the bill. That's
the way it's suppose to be! And what's this...

(Kurumi catches a glimpse of a picture as Komatsu is taking out his
credit card)

Kurumi: Let me see that Komatsu!

Komatsu: Yes, see it.

Kurumi: (eyes open in wonderment and then she bursts out laughing)

Manami: What's wrong sis? Something got you all choked up?

Kurumi: (HA ha, ha ha ha) No,...here...look!

She passes Manami the picture and she starts to burst out laughing!

Akane: What's are the commotion about cuz?

Manami passes the picture to Akane and she bursts out laughing!

#2: Ummm, what's so funny girls? 

Kurumi and Manami and Akane: OH NOTHING!

#1: That's a lot of mirth over nothing.  Let's go!

Kurumi: Hey,...wait up! 
(to Akane) These two boys are all yours to do what you want. 
(to Komatsu) Komatsu dear. Now you shall obey everything Akane tells you.

Komatsu: Yes,...I will obey everything Akane tells me to do.

Kurumi: That's a good boy! 

Akane: (folds her hands in anticipation) Ha ha ha ha ha! Today would be the
first day towards Japanese woman liberation! By punishing these male
chauvinist pigs!

#2: (to Kazuya) We have to go now.  

Kazuya: Ahh Damn! I was in the middle of a game! You ruined my concentraton.

#2: Sorry. I didn't know you were so absorbed with my laptop.

Kazuya: Yeah! this is so cool! Way more interesting than pachinko!

#2: I was about to take it back, but how about this? I let you keep it for
the whole day, and when you're finished, you can return it to Manami. 

Kazuya: Super! (looks a little downtrodden) I'm sorry for behaving so
badly before.

#2: Don't worry about it. I was like that when I was your age.

Kazuya: You're not that bad after all,...Thanks! But I would wipe off those
dirty thoughts of Manami-ni-chan if I were you. (flashes devilish smile)

#2: Now how'd you know I was...


[Outside, near a park...]
Kurumi: That was fun! Where to next?

#1: Let's take a stroll in the park. Me and Kurumi will head this way while
you and Manami-san will head towards that pond over yonder.

#2: Hey wait! But I...

#1: (whispers to #2) Don't worry kid! You're going to do fine! Just remember
what I told you in the limo! Be cool and manly! Girls dig that sort of
thing. 

#2: I hope you're right!

(As #1 and Kurumi head to a picnic area, #2 and Manami walk nervously
together along the dirt path.)

#2: (sheepishly) So Manami-san? What do you want to do now?

Manami: Why not sit by that bench by the pond?

#2: OK. (nervously trudges ahead)

#2: (helps Manami to her seat before sitting down) So we're here.

Manami: Yes we are.

#2: Umm,... (trying to think of something) Do you want me to buy you anything
to eat?

Manami: No thank you. Surprisingly, I feel full for some reason...

(Silence for a few moments)

Manami: So Mr #2. Where're you from?

#2: Where am I from? Why I reside from the province of Hokkaido. And you?

Manami: Me--just here and there, but mostly in Tokyo. So you work for
Mr Haroken-san, don't you? How long have you been working under him?

#2: Just this past month. I'm only going to work the summer months, since
I have to attend school the reset of the year.

Manami: Oh,...so you're still a student. What college are you attending?

#2: Oh, it's nothing major, really. Just Tokyo U. Are you still in school?

Manami: Me? Yeah,...I'm attending Waseda University. What year are you?

#2: Incoming freshman. My very first year. How about you?

Manami: I'm coming up on my junior year, but I'm still undeclared.  Have you
decided on a major yet? 

#2: Yeah. For me it's easy:  computer science. Computers have been the focal
point of my life ever since I was just six. So I know all about 'em. So what
are your interests?

Manami: I'm keen on literature and the liberal arts. I also like to write.

#2: Really? What genre do you like to write for?

Manami: Mostly mystery stuff and whodunits. They have a flair for the
suspense which intrigues me.

#2: Why that reminds me,...I brought a gift for you. (Takes out a small
package from his suit and hands it to her)

Manami: (rips it open in 1 motion) You got me a book...by Sue Grafton! One
of my all-time favorite mystery writers! How did you know?

#2: Well, a fair angel told me, that's who. 
I hope you haven't read it yet. 

(Book Title: M is for Murder )

Manami: No, I haven't, but I've read all her previous books prior. I was just
about to pick it up myself. Arigatou!

#2: If you're interested in mystery writing , you can find a lot of resources
on the Internet. There, you can find multiple discussion groups on literature
and mystery. But you're need an account for that.

Manami: (puzzled look) The enter-what?

#2: I-n-t-e-r-n-e-t. I'm sorry for confusing you, spewing all that
technical jargon. How can I explain it,...in layman terms,...let's see,...
the Internet is like a bunch of computers connected together so they can
talk to each other. You know what a computer is, right?

Manami: Yeah, but very generally. But what do you mean "talk to each other?"

#2: It's like making a phone call to another person, except it's computers
talking instead of real people over the lines.

Manami: Hmm,...

#2: So you can think of the Internet as a computer network instead of the
phone network. And it's on a global scale!

Manami: Global? How so?


#2: It means that if you're computer is connected to the Internet, then 
anyone else who is connected to the Internet can connect to you, no matter
where you are in the world.

Manami: Really? That sounds amazing!

#2: It is! But most people use the Internet for email.

Manami: Email,...I vaguely remember hearing the term before. I believe my
university was offering some free internet email accounts if I recall
correctly. But I didn't get one, because I thought it was all too 
complicated for me.

#2: I encourage you to try to get one again if you can. Through email, you
can correspond with many famous authors on the net, such as William Gibson.

Manami: Who?

#2: Oh, he's just a famous sci-fi cyberpunk creator. But that's not
important. If you have qualms about creating or using your account, I'll
be happy step you through the process.

Manami: Yes; I would like that very much.

#2: You can do a lot of other cool things on the Internet like have live
chat sessions through something called IRC. Or you can play real-time
role-playing games called MUDS. Or an exciting emerging technology to look
for is called the World Wide Web, or WWW for short.

Manami: Web? Is that for people interested in spiders?

#2: (laughs) No, no. It's just a term used to described how computers are
connected to each other, like a spider's web. 

Manami: See? I was partially right.

#2: I guess you are. The exciting part about it is that it promises to unify
all the major internet services into one easy to use interface called a web
browser, which lets you view stuff on the WWW. It's so kewl! Using my
beta version of Netscape, I'm surfin' the net.

Manami: (still perplexed) Pretty strange all this Internet stuff, with all
the pecuiliar terms and such. 

#2: Don't worry about remembering everything I told you. It's scary at
first, but you'll get used to it once you get the hang of it. But for me,
I'm busy on another computer-related project. 

Manami: Too complicated to explain to me?

#2: Not at all. It's a role-playing computer game I'm working on. It's set
in the post-nuclear age; about 2073. I working on the fighting engine and
terrain, but I'm need help with a story plotline and character graphics. 
Maybe you could help write me up a story?

Manami: It may be a little out of my league. And I haven't written much
of note at all...

#2: PLEASE! I sure it would help you polish your skills as a writer.
I beseech you! I beg you!

Manami: Alright. I'll give it a shot. But I'm not guarenteering you anything.

#2: Thanks. But there's still the problem about the graphics,...too bad I'm
such a lousy artist. 

Manami: Did you know Hikaru used to draw before? She's very good. I think
she might be the person to help you,if you can coax her into it. 

#2: Thanks for the info Manami-san. I particuliarlly see her everyday at the 
studio, so I can bug her enough until she gives in. Say,...do you want to 
hear a little story I made up?

Manami: Sure.

(#2 tells her story (See Chapter A11 for more details) up to a certain point)

#2: I'm not sure what to make-up after that. #1 thinks my story-telling is
BORING. Maybe you can help me out.

Manami: Well you're kind-of putting me on the spot, but what about this:


		Presenting.....

		Showdown at the O'Kor Korral
			Act III

Connor is awoken to the sounds of the crackling campfire in the middle of
nowhere, with his head swelling from a blow to the temple. Across from his
sits the shrouded stranger, hunched over, face hidden by the front rim of
the cowboy hat.

Connor: (shirks back) W-Who are you stranger? Why you abduct me? Are you 
part of Blackheart's gang?

(Hat slowly rises up to reveal the face of

Connor: 

Mad Dog: So you've heard of me.  Good!

Connor: It's you! I thought I would never see you again.

Mad Dog: What type of character are you anyway?

Connor: (stands to attention) A mighty foolish one, maam. I'm Connor Cassidy.

MadDog: Connor, is it? Kyle seems to be a better name for you.

Kyle: You can call me anything you like. As long as you tell me what you
plan to do with me. 

Mad Dog: My plan? I was just saving your naive hide from Blackheart and his
gang. I reckoned they were going to ambush you in your sleep. (*grumbles*)
City folk! So green and stupid!

Connor: Now who ya calling stupid!

(In one motion, Mad Dog whips her gun out and points it straight at Connor's
forehead)

Mad Dog: Me thinks ya plain dumb!

Connor: (*Gulp!*) You not gonna shoot me partner, are you? 

Mad Dog: You're just lucky I saved your sorry ass! 

Connor: But why do you want to save me? Do you care for me?

Mad Dog: (*hyena's laugh*) You're funny! No partner! I don't particularly
care for your foolhardy, weak, ilk. But you might be valuable yet! A mighty
high bounty has been placed on your head. I reckon to claim it, dead or
alive.

Connor: (*double GULP!*) But drats why? I didn't do nothin' wrong? 

Mad Dog: Ya don't have to kill someone to get a bounty on your head. Only
piss off the wrong people with thick carpetbags. To the tune of $10000.

Connor: (*sweating profusely*) Would you mind removing that gun away from my
head?

Mad Dog: And should I? I could collect my bounty right now!

Connor: Well, then you could have done me in long before. Noo,...I think you
need me,...because we're in the same fight: to save KORe city!

Mad Dog: I have my reasons for interfering, but not because I care for this
town.  But you seem to be the only one in town with enough balls to keep
the town together. So preservin' your life is what is important right now.

Connor: Then why? How come they call you Mad Dog anyway?

Mad Dog: Will you lay off with all the questions? I'm not in a courthouse!
You get me riled up enough I'll put a bullet through your head just to
shut you up! Now git some shuteye now!

Connor: Yes Maam. You get some sleep also, y'hear?

Mad Dog: (mutters) Nuisance.

[The next day...]

Connor is awakened by the bright rays of the rising sun as he stretches out
and yawns to shake the sleep out of his system. 

Connor: (*YAWNNNN*) Good Mornin' Miss Mad Dog. (looks around) Miss Mad dog?
hullo? Huh? Where'd she go? (yells out:) HULLO? ANYONE THERE? WHERE ARE YOU
MISS MADDOG? 

(We hear the echos from the nearby mountains. Connor then feels the barrel of
the gun nudged right in the back of his head)

Connor: (raises hands) I give up! Don't shoot!

"You lamebrain dunce! Why'd you start yelling? Don't you realize they're
lookin' for us? You're tryin' to get us shot?

Connor: Mad Dog! 

Mad Dog: Yes. That's my name. Don't wear it out. 
(shots of gunfire erupt from the background)

Mad Dog: Damnit! They've locatedus! (grabs Kyle's hand) We've gotta move fast.
They're track us down in no time! Now move!

Connor: But where are you takin' me?

(She ignores him as they zig-zag across the terrain towards a nearby mine)

Mad Dog: We're almost there.

(Several men spring up from the hiding places)

MadDog:AMBUSH! Get down! 

(Mad Dog rolls around the ground and quickly draws out both her six-shooters
and fires with deadly precision aim, nailing each of the "targets". 

Connor: (gets up and looks curiously over the fallen bodies)
Woah! That was impressive. Now I know! You fight like a mad dog!

Mad Dog: Damn you fool! Watch out! (leaps at him as a shot whizzes by)

Mad Dog: urgh! (falls to the ground)

Connor: What happened? Mad Dog? What's wrong ? 
(more shots ring out)
Connor looks up only to see sharpshooters in the hills.

Connor: (panicky) What to do, what to do?

Mad Dog: (weak voice) Take me inside the mine? It's the only chance we got.

Connor scoops her under his arms and rushes inside the mine. He takes off her
gunbelt and strings it around his own waist.

Connor: Don't worry, Miss Mad Dog. If they storm in, I'll start shootin'.
Miss Mad Dog? Are you OK?

Mad Dog: (delirious) Papa! Kara will protect the town for you, I promise!

Connor: Huh? What's she mumbling about? Oh my! Look at that bloody mess!
(Gunshot splattered her entire left shoulder area.) We need to get you
bandaged up quick! (he starts to unbutton her blouse)

(Mad Dog opens up her eyes and see what's happening and unleashes the mighty

(*SLAP!*) 
which sends Kyle reeling across the mine shaft.

Kyle: Oww! Why you do that for?

Mad Dog: What are you trying to do taking advantage of me in my condition!

Kyle: I only wanted to bandage you up to stop the bleeding.

Mad Dog: You were? I'm sorry, but you can't!

Kyle: Why not? You're bleed to death.

Mad Dog: 'Cause I-I-I'm not wearing a bra...

Kyle: (goofy face) You're not? (stammers) well I'd didn't know that...

Mad Dog: AWRGH! (screams in pain)

Kyle: (regains his composure) I know you have your dignity to protect, but
something still has to be done about that wound. (rips off both his long
sleeves off his shirt and proceeds to wrap around her shoulder) There!
That should hold the bleeding for a while. But we still have to get the
wound cleaned and sealed or you're still a goner. Problem is that
we're stuck here, with Blackheart's gang in waiting. What can we do?

Mad Dog: Stop whining! There's hope yet. Come over here and I'll tell you
my plan.

[Outside the mine] Blackheart: Har har har! What do you know? We got you
trapped, Mad Dog and pretty boy! Surrender now and we won't have to kill you
(mutters under his breath) until later. Now come out or we're comin' in! 

No Answer.

Blackheart: I'm giving you a count of 3. 1,...2,...thre-

(*ZOOOOOMMMMMMM*)
A miner's cart flashes out along the trackways furiously at 100mph. Gunfire
from the gang erupts on all side of the cart, but to no avail as they 
bounce harmlessly away with a metallic clang.

Blackheart: Follow them! I don't want them to slip through my fingers again!

(A mile away)

Heads pop out of the cart and look back at the angry rustlers.

Connor: Gotta handit to you Miss Mad Dog!We've escaped them. But one small 
detail: where does this track lead to and how do you stop/

Mad Dog: It'll lead up to the ore processing plant. Blackheart will be 
waiting for us there. We're have to stop off along the way.


Kyle: I have a funny feeling that we're have more surprises ahead of us.

[End of Act III]

Manami: How's that sound?

#2: Wonderful! You really have the flair for the dramatic! Much more 
interesting and action-packed than my account. What's next?

Manami: I'll have to think about it. It's getting late so I think I should
be heading on back.

#2: Yeah. Me too. This whole day has been such a draining experience for me.
Let's find #1 and Kurumi-san.

(They walk back to the starting point on to find #1 and Kurumi-san engaged
in a hand-wrestling match!)

#1: This is last match, Kurumi. Remember I spotted you 1 game for free! 
I won the first wrestle. Best out of 2 of 3.

Kurumi: I know! And remember our bet! You have to accompany me to the gym
and give me a few pointers for my wresting techniques if you lose.

#1: And you have to cook me dinner for a week if you lose.

Manami: (whispers to #2) That's not much of a prize, if you ask me.

#1: Begin!

#1 gets the early lead, with his superior strength. Kurumi is slowly but
surely losing ground, an inch at a time. It is then we notice a mysterious
glowing tinge emanating from her.

Kurumi: URGH!

Somehow, it looks like somehow Kurumi got her second wind and now is in
the lead herself and is pressing down on #1. #1 is clearly shocked at the
sudden burst of strength from her. But Manami realizes what is going on:
Kurumi is clearly misusing her Power! to gain the upper hand. So Manami
flashes with the Power! herself and tries to counteract Kurumi's unfair
advantage. 

Kurumi: (yells) Whatcha doin' Manami! You're trying to mess me up!

Manami:You have to play fair!

Kurumi: No way!

#2: (taps Manami's shoulder)  What's going on?

Manami: (turns around instinctively)Huh? 

This breaks Manami's concentration and the energy boost she was giving to
#1, allowing Kurumi to unleash her full might, slamming #1's hand down for
the victory!

Kurumi: I won! I won! 

#1: (buries head in face) I don't believe it...

Kurumi: Don't pout, my pup! We're have tons of muscle-building fun in the
gym.

#2: We're leaving now!

Kurumi: We've gotta go back t the restaurant to pick up Akane and company.

[Arrives back at the restaurant]
Manami: Hi Akane? Ready yet?

Akane: (*flash*) Yet. I'm finished with my pictures. Look. (points across)

We see Komatsu and Hatta down to their t-shirts and red-hearts boxer shorts.
Hatta is still sleeping, while Komatsu is mindlessly dancing on his tippie
toes like a ballerina around Hatta.


The whole gang: HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!

[End of Chapter 12]
[Fini of Book A]
{Act IV of Showdown at the O'KOR Korral in Book B Chapters}