H       A       R       D
                               |<      O       R

                  K i m a g u r e O r a n g e     R o a d
                     	   F a n f i c t i o n

                               by Robert Kwong
                             rk@soda.berkeley.edu
                                   ver 1.0
                               November 7, 1996


Based on characters created by Matsumoto Izumi.

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. Since these stories contain
adult themes, situations, and language, parental guidance is advised. Please
read the full disclaimer at my web site for full details. Also, it would
help if you read my previous stories, for each story builds on top of the
other.

HardKor Web Site (With Disclaimer and back-stories: Book A and Book B
chapters) http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html

My SuperPage for the General Kimagure Orange Road enthusiast
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/Kor.html

My contact email address for comments or further correspondence:
rk@soda.berkeley.edu

Feel free to email me your impressions and suggestions for the series. Beta
readers always welcome. If you want new stories emailed to you, please mail
me at the above email address.

Welcome to my 25th total written story of the HardKOR saga. Thanks for
reading my stories! I hope you enjoy reading it as I did writing it. If you
have suggestions or improvements, or like what you read here, then please
send me some email my way.  Robert Kwong Ark Productions -96-


Legend:
H=Hikaru "the Hated" (just kidding) Hiyama
M=Ayukawa "the Immaculate" Madoka
R=Ryusei "the Mysterious" Haroken
K="Darling" Kasuga Kyosuke

[] Indicates Scene changes
<> Indicates characters thinking to themselves
() Indicates some form of action


Book B:         Chapter 5: Suspicions

[At #1 and #2's apartment, evening]

(#2 is tapping away at a computer and watching a ballgame on TV)

Go West.

        --you see a staff lying on the ground--

"...and the count is one and one"

Take firedoom staff.

        --you are assaulted by a band of 4 orcs and a wizard!--

"Two outs."

Cast fireball.
        S.F.:: Throw magic axe.
        N.Y.:: Shoot silver arrows.

        --you've inflicted 12 points of damage killing one orc.
          S.F. inflicted 9 points of damage killing one orc.
          N.Y. shoots 3 times for 15 points of damage killing one orc.
          Orc and wizard advances!--

"Man on 1st and second".

Swing BattleAx 3+.
        S.F.::Cast Magic Shield
        N.Y.::Shoot silver arrows.

        --you swing mightily and MISS! orc swings spiked club and causes 13
        points of damage to S.F. and 10 points of damage to you. Wizard casts
        spell. N.Y. strikes orc for 7 points of damage.--

"Score is tied 2-2"

Drink Elven Healing Potion.
        S.F.::Retreat.
        N.Y.::Equip battleaxe.

        --health boosted to 21. orc swings and misses! Dragon summon appears!--

"Bottom of the ninth inning".

Invoke invisible touch. 
        S.F.::Drink minor healing potion.
        N.Y.::Swing battleaxe.

        --you touched the wizard for 9 points of damage killing him. orc
        swings at N.Y. with spiked club for 5 points of damage. Dragon
        breathes on S.F. for 3 points of damage, on N.Y. for 13 points of
        damage, and you for  20 points of damage!--

"And the payoff pitch!"

Swing Crystal Sword.
        S.F.::Invoke Amulet of Luck.
        N.Y.::Cast Healing potion on TK.

"Swung on and hit sharply to the left fielder.

        --you strike the orc for 6 points, killing him. Dragon breathes
          and misses. Your health has increased to 6.--

"There might be a play at the plate. Here's the throw!"

Cast Holdheart spell.
        S.F.::Defend.
        N.Y.::Parry Attack.

"He slides! And the call is..."

        --Dragon chokes on his own flame and ..

"SAFE!"         --keels over!--

        --Each character receives 367 experience points--

Take all.

        --Dragon Mythic Scale Armor 5+
                Takened.
          Spiked Club.
                Takened by S.F.
          56 Gold Pieces.
                Takened by N.Y..--

"The Giants win! The Giants win! Your final score 3-2"

#2: Yoshi! Yahoo! (pumps fists into the air)

#1: (looks up from magazine) Will you pipe down a bit? I'm trying to listen
to some music!

#2: But my RPG team won! And my favorite baseball team, the Tokyo Giants
reigns supreme once again!

#1: I wonder how you can do two things at once.

#2: It's a gift. By the way, whatcha listening to?

#1: Nothing you would understand, but if you must know, it's an American
oldie that you know; that San Francisco song, with the "flower in your hair"
bit.

#2: Hey, you know my roleplaying buddy in San Fran. says it's freezing over
there right now!

#1: I'm not surprised. The City's autumn and summer seasons are flip-flopped.

#2: You've been to the States?

#1: Of course. Where else did you think I got good 'ole Betsy here. (picks up
gun beside him and does a quick twirl of the gun on his right index finger)

#2: Easy man! We don't use guns in my MUD game. Unless you're playing in the
DOOM MUD. (Multi-User Dungeon)

#1: Shouldn't you be doing something more constructive?

#2: I guess I should. The baseball game's over, and I've already spent 5 hours
Mudding. Time to call it the day and work on my game.  But first, a quick
episode of the "X-Files" on the sci-fi channel! (*clicks remote*)

#1: You watching that stupid show?

#2: Of course! You don't like the X-Files? I'm shocked! Everyone loves the
X-Files! Coming from you though, I'm not surprised...

#1: I hate science fiction shows! Paranormal and esper activity, what bunk!
But if you're going to watch it, then I'm leaving. 

#2: Where to?

#1: That's for me to know.

#2: You're weird! You've been going out late at this time for the past few
weeks now. You belong to some secret club or something?

#1: A man just gotta have some time to himself. (places ole'Betsy gun piece
neatly inside his trench coat) Ja Ne! (exits out)

#2: Boy, Yitacki can be scary sometimes!

[In Hikaru's apartment...]

(We see Hikaru lying on her side on the couch, gazing at the script that
Ryusei has given her.)

----Part 1 Scene 3: Bored with ennui, that I am.

(A more lethargic tune sets the tone, with the slow ho-hum of the drums in
the background. We see the leader of the East Siders, Kammy Kat, sitting
high atop a fence alone, atop her "throne", with the city skyline behind
her. She is in the "Thinkers" pose.)

Kammy:  (sing-song voice)
        I'm the top cat in this town,
        that I know,
        that I am.

        Yet I feel something is missing,
        something unwhole,
        sitting way atop,
        my solitary throne.

        I wish there was more,
        Another catfight brawl,
        Or a looting of the mall,
        But all that has been done and more,
        What's a cat to do for fun for now?

        That is why I'm so bored,
        Done this, did that,
        Nothing more.
        How can I escape this boredom, ...this ennui I'm feeling?

(Jumps off fence and starts into a dance; music changes into a faster, more
rythmic beat)
(Chorus cats' faces emerge from behind the fence-like structure prop)

Chorus: She's bored,
        she's amissed,
        She needs something for her paws to pierce,
        To rip to shreds, to be torn asunder,
        And strike her enemies like lightning and thunder.

Kammy: I admit it, it's completely true.
       Wicked and ruthless, that is my way,
       Tyrannical and cruel, that is my rule,
       Where you must fight to prove your worth,
       In order to satiate my need for my truth.


Chorus:  A cat like her cannot endure
        to sit around to talk and bore,
        Her words are expressed through her moves,
        And through her moves will be her judgement.

Kammy:  No one worthy is left to fight,
        Either felled or defeated by my might,
        or fled away far out of my sight.
        A noble challenger, that I need,
        To show who's the top of my breed.

Chorus: That's why you all of you WATCH OUT!
        When you find our Kammy in this state,
        Her fever, her sickness, can only be curbed,
        With a pinch of aggression and a dose of violence.
        So whoever out there, please help our  queen,
        before she decides to turn on us!

(Chorus members start to rise up and flutter their hands about their head,
circling around Kammy, as a sign of respect. They then break off the circular
chain and head off the stage for the next scene)



(*Ring Ring*)

(Shuri picks it up.)

H: Is it for me?

Shuri: No, it's mine. I'll take it in my room. (Brings cordless phone over
and locks bedroom door) 

[Meanwhile, in Nagasi's headquarters where she is making a call...]

Nagasi: "Hello there? Hi! Guess who? You don't know? This is your old friend
Nagasi. Yes, I know it's been a long time, and my accent's changed since
moving back here to Japan. But you sound like your good old self. How are
things going for you? Great, great, that's good to hear. What's the matter,
you say? Nothing much, I just called to see how you were doing. But since I
got you on the line, there is a little something you can help me on, if you
can. You're well connected around the big Apple last I heard, right? Could
you use your influence to help me obtain some info? What for? Well, we have a
prospective dancer who hails from your area and I want you to do a background
check on her. Specifically, I want you to dig up all the dirt and skeletons
she might have in her closet. I want to make sure she's "clean" for our
production. And if you help me do this, I'll return the favor to you. Like
what? How's getting my love bunny to sponser a play for you? Oh, no need to
gush; you're doing the favor for me. Do I have a fax number? Yes, here it is.
XXX-XXXX. (//number has been hidden to protect the identies of the
participants) Domo for all your help dear. The name? Oh yes, I almost forgot:
it's Hikaru Hiyama. Thatis H-I-K-A-R-U and a H-I-Y-A-M-A. Got that?
Good...Sorry to do this, but I have to go now. I see my hubby coming so I
talk to you later? Yes, same to you. I'll be looking forward to your
response.  Toodaloo!

(*Nagasi emits an evil cackle*)

Sugizawa: Hey baby. Are you ready to go?

Nagasi: Yes Sugi-bear! (*picks up purse and swings arm around Sugizawa*)

Sugizawa: You're sure in a good mood today!

Nagasi: I have good reason to be. Let's go rock this town!

[Manami and Kurumi returning back home from a party...]

Kurumi: Thanks guys for taking us to that party! I loved the food!

Komatsu: (waving from sports car) Sure, anytime! Call on us anytime you need
us.

Hatta: (shouts) We do mean ANYTIME!

Komatsu: (shoves Hatta) Stop it! We're not that desperate!

Hatta: Oh, you take what you can get.

Manami: (walking to the door with Kurumi) Those guys can really be something
sometimes...

Kurumi: (practices basketball shot motion and punches both fists in the air
in a victory motion) I beat Lone Wolf! I beat Lone Wolf. Again!

Manami: You didn't beat him fair; you used the Power to cause his shot to
fall out, didn't you?

Kurumi: So what if I did? He's a good sport about it. And besides, we needed
his muscles to help move the furniture around to renovate ABCB. He seems to
be the only jock among those 4 bumpkins.

Manami: That's true. It's so cool to have Master come back! I was crushed
when he closed down the original ABCB's. I had many a happy memory in that
place.  And now, I just can't wait to see it reopen again!

Kurumi: I never saw you so excited before. Except maybe when you get to those
hot love scenes in those romantic mangas you read.

Manami: (blushes) Kurumi! How dare you use that against me!

Kurumi: Hey. Did you leave the light on before we left?

Manami: No, of course not. I made sure to turn off all the lights before
locking the door.

Kurumi: Then we have an intruder! (slams fists into her hands) Oh boy, we're
going to have some fun tonight! Let's go pound these cat burglars!

Manami: We just can't go and storm the place! We have to be careful! It might
be dangerous. There might be weapons involved. Maybe we should call the
police...

Kurumi: Oh, to hell with the police! I can handle it myself. If you're too
chicken, then I'll do it myself.

Manami: WAIT!

(Too late, as Kurumi flashes fist first into the apartment)

[Kyosuke inside the dark room, developing some photos]

K: There. That's the last of them. Now I just need a few moments for these to
develop and then I can finally get to examine these pictures for clues.

Kurumi: Esper Power!

K: KYA!

(*CRRAASSHHHHHHH!!!*)

(We see the dark room in disarray, with the photos flying all about. At the
bottom of the pile is Kyousuke. Standing on top of him is Kurumi, who pounds
her chest in defiance)

Manami: (entering) What happened?

Kurumi: It looks like I saved the day again. But what's with this red light.
Definitely retro. Switch on some real light to see who's the unlucky devil.

K: NO! DON'T!

(*Click*)

Kurumi and Manami: Onii-chan!

K: You baka fools! You ruined my pictures! Now I have to redevelop them again!

Kurumi: (grabs him by the scruff of his collar and lifts him up) Who ya
calling fools? Why the hell are  you in OUR place? Didn't you move in with
Madoka already?

Manami: She does have a point. You did move out. At the very least, you
could have told us  you were stopping over.

K: Will you let me go first?

Kurumi: FINE! (releases grip, causing Kyosuke to fall to the floor again. He
angrily brushes himself off)

K: I'm sorry I didn't tell you two earlier, but you weren't home when I got
here. And I really had to get these pictures developed, so I let myself in.
But thanks to you two, I now have to redevelop these pictures again.

Manami: I'm sorry oniichan...

Kurumi: What do we have to be sorry about? (Thrusts her nose into Kyouske
face) Listen, you bozo of an oniichan, this is OUR photo studio, and if you
want to use it, then you have to pay us!

K: Pay you? But we're family!

Kurumi: That's true...So...in that case...I'll charge you half price!

K: (falls back)

Kurumi: So that means you have to treat us to a free dinner, 'kay?

K: Fine, fine, you little blood suckers! If that's what it takes to get you
out of my hair, then I'll take you both out.

Kurumi: Good then! This Friday night, and we choose the place.

K: I said I'll do it, alright? Now please leave me alone with my work, ok? I
really do need to get this developed ASAP and I don't want any more
disturbances from the likes of both of you! Do you understand?

Manami and Kurumi: (mocking in unison) Yes O-n-i-c-h-a-n!

Kurumi: (walking out) Gawd, how touchy!

Yes, I Kasuga Kyosuke was spending my Sunday nights in a stuffy dark room
developing pictures when I should be back home with my soulmate Madoka. That
is the curse of getting too involved with your work sometimes. But this was my
first big chance of proving myself, and I wasn't about to blow it. I was sure
Madoka would understand my dilemma. I made a promise to myself that I would
make it up to her.

Why was I developing my own pictures when I could have gone to a photo
development store to do it instead? First, there were photos from the crime
scene where I managed to get a few snapshots of those black-handed
assailants.  I didn't want anyone else to see it, for fear they might spread
it around and sell it to the tabloids. Second reason why was that I was
hiding out from Inspector Jackson. He was probably looking for me at the
mansion, but I figured as much and hid out in my own stomping grounds
instead. That day when me and Shiori had my first encouter with him, I
inadvertainly passed to him the wrong cannistor of film. Blame it on the old
Kyouske curse of always seemingly choosing the wrong path, when the right
path is right in front of your nose. But it allowed me to get a head start
in determining who was responsible for these thefts. Why was I so obsessed
with this? Because of the ring. That was the second most special item I ever
gave Madoka, and the first since we reached adulthood. (//The first, of
course was the red destiny hat). It was the symbolic token which confirmed
my bond with her. So I made a vow to myself that I would not rest one moment
until it is recovered. That is why I was in a hurry to get those pictures
developed. I needed to find a clue in those pictures to unmask this secret
gang which had eluded the police so far.

[#1 riding on his motorcycle on the outskirts of the city, near some
toxic dump site]

(#1 hops off his bike and walks along the weed-infested plot)

#1: (mutters) Where is that bum ?

(Hears a rustle behind him and makes a quick side-step and turns around,
with 'ole Betsy whipped out front to point to a man cloaked in a similar
looking trenchcoat)

#1: Gotcha!

"I thought I could get you this time."

#1: (brushes off gun and places it back into holster) You obviously thought
wrong. No one ever gets the best of the 'Lone Wolf.'

"You still have to personify the rebel samurai, don't you?"

#1: I don't have to pretend; I am.

"You still have to improve your reflexes. You were a half a second slow just
now."

#1: Still way faster than you'll ever be.

"But I'm not what you're up against; It's them X'ers you're facing."

#1: Fine, fine. Maybe I'm not feeling well this week. Now lay off the
bullshit. What did you call me here for?

"I need for you to stake out a place for me."

#1: (turns around and walks away)

"Now where the hell you're going?"

#1: I don't do the shit work anymore; you forget that I was fleeced off 
the force long ago. (smiles) I'm the outlaw now. I have no loyalties there
anymore...

"Then do it as a favor to me."

#1: You? HELL NO!

"Listen, you shithead! I didn't want to bring this up, but you forced my
hand.  Now it's payback time for me for al the times I saved your butt from
the Chief. Now pay up or walk away like a coward.

#1: (smiles) Finally got you going, didn't I? Fine, I'll do your bidding.
Then it's even between us, ok? So what do you need done?

"You know about the case that's been baffling the whole department for weeks
now. A series of well designed hits at the affluent rich in this big town.
These are professional thieves we're dealing with; not some troubled
juvenille, amateur gang here. The rub is that there is absolutely nothing left
at the crime scene for us to investigate. No fingerprints or other forensic
evidence. Nada.

#1: So what's it to me if the police can't do their job? And why should I care
for those rich folks anyway? The stolen items is chump change for them. Let
'em rot for all I care.

"The point is that there is a serious problem here which doesn't present
itself well to the public. This is an election year you know and...

#1: Don't tell me. The mayor is breathing down the necks of the top brass at
the department, and they in turn are on your case to get something done so
they don't look like idiots, right?

"You got it. Hey, it's not for me to get wrangled up in their beaucracy. And I
do have a job to do, whether I like it or not. Sooner or later, things might
go awry in these heists and someone will get hurt. I wouldn't want that on my
conscious.

#1: Still have that police code of honor embedded within you, don't you?

"Yes, and I bet you still do even though you don't want to admit it."

#1: Nah, it was gone the day I was unceremoniously discharged for my alleged
insubordination. So my conscious is not in the least troubled at all.

"You can believe what you want, but there's some dangerous criminals still out
there. Here's what I suspect. I believe we know the gang's next target. This
week, the mayor will hold a special ball for a foreign delegation. It is also
a campaign dinner to help fill his warchest coffers for the upcoming relection
campaign. Anyone that matters in Tokyo will be there. There will be a lot of
big names and power there, including the rich bigwigs. I most certain suspect
this is where they will strike next. That is why I want you there. I want to
set a little trap for them."

#1: This might not be a bad gig after all. Some dancing and smoozing with
those stuck-ups. Sounds like my type of fun...

"This is not a pleasure trip! I've already arranged for you to pose as
one of the hotel attendants. You will be there, along with several other
undercover officiers who will be stationed at various checkpoints to look for
suspicious people. You are free to roam on your own to check things out.
You just got to make sure you are free that night and not be recognized."

#1: You're making me work? You bum you! Guess I'll have to loaf off on the
job, like usual. And don't worry about my appearance. I'll just put on one of
my master disguises. No one will recognize me. But I still think it's a waste of
time. And you know I have other things to worry about.

"I know of the project you're involved in. And I think this case has a lot
to do with what you're investigating."

#1: How the hell you know about that...

"Let's just say I pulled a few strings with some of my friends up there, and
they manage cavort some info on you my way. But it's still very sketchy.
Whatever you're into must be some really top secret stuff.

#1: Yeah, it is. Always the craft snoop, aren't you. No wonder you got your
promotion, you fox you. So when is this gig you're planning?

"This Friday. Here's the location and time. (hands him a scrap of paper)"

#1: Fine. It's best I'd be getting back before i worry the 'Kid'. He's
a bit too worry wart for his own good.

"And you're too reckless for your own good!"

#1: (hops onto motorcycle) Hey. A man's gotta live, doesn't he? Take care,
old friend.

"Same to you buddy. I gotta go to. Have to track done a troubling photographer
who gave me the wrong evidence the other day..."

[Next Day...]

(from the morning TV shows)

"...and in Entertainment News, here's the hot rumor of the day. This fallen
star might once again rise to the top. There is speculation that the music
artist formally known as Jade might be reprising her role once more as the
hard talking,rock singing, hardsuit robo metal babe in the legendary Babylon
Gunn Clash series. It has been nearly 10 years since it abruptly left the
scene with its last OAV with an unresolved cliffhanger.  Her current status
is unknown though, and sources are unsure whether she will be available to
play the part. But it is agreed that it would be a coo to revitaalize her
sagging image and career. In other news, there is plans for American
football...

[At XYZ Studios....]

#2: Oh hi Hiyamai-san! You're here early.

H: Hi Ni-san. Yes, Haroken-san called me to come see him early today.

#2: Right now he's in a meeting with Hayakawa-san.

H: Oh, I almost forgot. (Takes out sketchbook) I had some spare time to
doodle over the weekend, so I drew several figures for you to evaluate. You
can pick and choose whoever you like.

#2: (scans and flips through a whole bunch of pages) Wow, this is impresive!
Kirei! Suteki! Yoshi! I think I'll incoporate each and every drawing into my
game! Thank you so much!

H: Don't mention it. It allows me to reexamine a skill I had long lost
forgotten about.

#2: You know, all these characters looks very familiar. All they people in
your life?

H: In a way, yes. I decided to draw upon the faces of the people in my life.

#2: Wonderful. Let's see, these two girls look like the kawaii Kasuga twins.
So cute! Manami-san can be my munitions buyer, while Kurumi-san can be the
weapons seller. This one looks like Akane-san. She can be the alchemist. Akane
the alchemist. I like the sound of that. And here are those two arrogant
roughnecks I met over the weekend. What were their names ...ah yes. Komatsu
and Hatta. Hatta's the chubby one, so I can make him monk selling scrolls like
Friar Tuck. This Komatsu guy seem kind of sneaky so I'll make him the head of
the Thieves Guild. There's that kid again, Kazuya-san I believe. He'll be the
street urchin informant. Hayakawa-san's here too  eh? He can be the gypsy
street performer. This that guy looks like the Master guy I just saw over
the weekend.

H: Master? Does he have a beard and kind brown eyes?

#2: Yeah, that's the guy. I was helping clean up this new place he's going to
set up. Apparently is going to be a night-club with live music and all. Going
to be called ABCB. Kind of a strange name if you tell me.

H: No, it's perfect name. Do you know when it will be open for busines?

#2: Sometime this week, I'm not sure. You have to ask Manami-san about that.
She seems to know what's going on. Master the designation they give to
bartenders, so he can run a bar in my rpg world also. (glances back down) Ah,
here a girl I don't recognize.

H: That's Shuri. She's my roommate.

#2: She's sure is good-looking. She can be the local enchantress in town. Ah,
now we're getting to the main characters part. This is Ayukawa-san, isn't it?

H: Yes.

#2: I'll make her part of my main band of adventurers. She can be the bard.
Hey, there a whole bunch of drawings of this guy. I've seen him before...on
TV...Oh I know! He's that Kasuga Kyosuke figure who was rescued by the UN.

H: Bingo!

#2: I don't know much about him, but he seems to be the adventure-some type
given his daring traveling into a dangerous country like that. He can be my
main protypical male adventurer hero knight. Hey, how come I don't see a
picture of you?

H: Me?

#2: Yeah you. I want to make you part of my game too! You're be part of my
main group.

H: Oh, I don't think so...

#2: You deserve it, especially since you're helping me so much. It's the least
I can do to pay tribute to you to recognize your work. I beg you to draw me a
picture of yourself so I can include you in the game. Please please please?

H: Boy, I can be such a pushover sometimes. But you will have to wait later
for that.

#2: Great! You know, your name translate to "light" like that from a star or
sun. And since the light has some healing properties, I'll make you the cleric
of the group. (flips to last page) Oops! I almost miss one. This dark hooded
figure.

H: Oh you're not suppose to see that. I forgot to rip it out...

#2: No, no. That's fine. He has that mysterious look to him. I can't see any
of his face except his eyes glowing inside the hood like the jawas in Star
Wars. Funny, but I wager that he's the boss, Haroken-san!

H: No, it's not really...

#2: I'll add him to the band too! He'll be the magic user. You always need a
magic user in these rpg game y'know? There. The band of 4. The ideal
complement in your classic rpg game. I thank thee so much! Now to repay you,
I'll show you all the wonders of email. It's going to be the wave of the
future.  Here. (pulls up a chair next to the computer) Now you do this and
then...


[Inside Ryusei's office and XYZ Studios...]

Hayakawa: Haroken-san. I hope you're not too busy now...

R: No; I'm never too busy for my partner. What can I do for you?

Hayakawa: I carried out the first phase of the plan like you mapped out. The
word is out. Now starts the bidding war starts.

R: (places tips of fingers together) Excellent! Very good work you've done.
Now finally Jade will become a fine "prize" for us. Perfect timing. Let say
we "auction" her off at that banquet the mayor is holding.

Hayakawa: About that, were you able to reserve some places for me and my
entourage?

R: But of course. I have business to attend to and I'm aim to take advantage
of it. Not every day you get the major players all in one place. One final to
take care of though. 

[Manami walking along the hallway to work...]

(out of nowhere, a women pops out from one of the doors and crashes into
Manami)

"Ouch!"

Manami: Gomen nasai!

(points to floor) "My earring; lost." (bends down on floor to look for it)

Manami: Let me help you find it. (bends down on floor too)
Ah, I think I found it. (plucks out a jade earring)

(lady nods head in thanks as Manami hands it to her)

(Manami noticing the two jade bracelets on both hands)

Manami: I couldn't help notice those jade bracelets you were wearing. It sure
looks very similiar to the one my friend has also. 


(lady walks away as Manami is saying this)

Manami: Gee, that was rude! Not very talkative either. I wonder who she is...

[Inside Ryusei's office again]

H: You wanted to see me sir?

R: Yes. I'm embarrased to ask you this, but I wonder if you were willing to
perform a little task for me.

H: Task? What task?

R: Will you accompany me to another party this Friday?

H: (shaking finger at him) Is this a date you're asking me out to?

R: (waves hands) No, no. You know my rule; I don't get personal with my
personnal. It's for another matter. (bends head down) I need to pretend that
I am  engaged.

H: Excuse me?

R: Yes, it's the same arrangement where I pretended to be your boyfriend. Now
I need to ask the same favor of you in kind. I need you to pretend to be my
future wife.

H: WHAT? But why?

R: There's a powerful shipping magnate of which I wish to do business with.
However, he's too busy trying to arrange oimai for his niece who's back from
school in America. I'm afraid I'm part of his hit list, since I'm a bachelor.
So I will try to convince him that I'm unavailable. So I told him that I was
engaged to be married. That means I have to bring someone to the party.

H: But why me? Why don't bring someone else you know like Nagasi-san?

R: I thought about that, but you must realize she's too much of a loose
cannon. She's more likely to blow the deal for me by shooting off that mouth
of hers. I'm only asking you since we had practice pretending to be a "couple".
Of course, if this is too much of a demand on you, I withdraw my request.
I'll look for another woman to go with me...

H: NO! (lower voice) I mean no, you shouldn't. I'll be delighted to go with
you.

R: Good. Thank you for your assistance. I'll make sure you get to meet some
major players in the entertainment industry.

H: When is it?

R: This Friday, at around 5:00pm. Now onto other issues. Any problems with the
script so far?

H: Kind of a quirky style. I've only read up to part one.

R: That's good. I must warn you that Part two is riddled with English
portions that you must memorize...for Jade of course. You mentioned you still
had problems adjusting to the language, didn't you?


H: Yes, I do.

R: Well, if you need assistance, then I'll get #1 to help you out.

(*Door Open*)

#1: Hiya Boss! Gotta favor to ask you!

R: Can't you knock first?

#1: Whoops. Sorry.

R: What is it?

#1: I need to take this Friday off. It's really urgent.

R: But I have an important occasion to attend to on Friday.

#1: Don't worry about it. I've talked to #2 about it, and he said he can take
care of the car duties the whole day for you. So can I?

R: Yes, fine. Attend to your personal business. And one other thing, since I
have you here. With your excellent English acumen, will you assist Hiyami-san
here with the English portions of the script?

#1: No can do boss. I just drive around here. Plus I'm a lousy teacher.
Besides, your're better than I am. Why don't you tutor her yourself instead. I
have to go now. Bye now!

R: But wait...

(*Door close*)

[At the Twins residency]

(Kurumi entering the photo lab to see Kyouske sleeping in the developing room,
with the developed pictures all around him.)

Kurumi: Oniichan! Wake up!

K: Huh?

Kurumi: I can't believe you're here the whole night!

K: Oh yeah, I was. I was too busy looking at this pictures.

Kurumi: What for? (picks up a picture) Hey, these guys look like ninjas! Did
you take these picturese for some upcoming action flic?

K: No, you dummy! It's pictures from the jewel theft crime scene! (covers
mouth) Oops.

Kurumi: Really? Wow, that's super. You're the first one to actually catch
these thieves on film. I bet you use the Power, didn't you?

K: You're not suppose to see these pictures! I'm scanning them for clues. I
must have fell asleep...

Kurumi: Did you give Madoka-san a call where you were at the whole night? She
must be worried sick about you.

K: (slaps forehead) Oh no,...I forgot. And I didn't get to spend any time with
her this whole weekend because of this...

Kurumi: No wonder she decided to take a joy ride with Hayakawa-san.

K: Joy ride? What joy ride?

Kurumi: You mean she didn't tell you? I saw her riding in Hayakawa's
convertible. Not sure where they were going.

K: 

Kurumi: Say, this one has a funny mark on his wrist.

K: What? What are you talking about?

Kurumi: Here. Look. (Points to a small black mark.) It looks like a small
smudge mark to the untrained eye, but of course we Kasugas know better. Part
of this guy's wrist is exposed, just between his black glove and his arm
sleeve. Don't you see it?

K: What? (gazes intently at the picture) I still don't see it?

Kurumi: You don't? I see it so clearly. Must be a power I have and you don't.
Ha ha ha! I have a Power you don't have!

K: Quit messing around and tell me what it looks like.

Kurumi: Gee, so rude of you! Well if you really must know, if you blow up that
portion of the picture up several magnifications, you will see a small black
tattoo mark of what looks to be a black dragon.

K: A black dragon? Could this be a sign of some triad?

[End of Chapter B5: Suspicions]