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
                               April 15, 1997
				Revised April 21, 1997

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 33th 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.


Additional Note: Again, sorry for the long delay in getting this story out.
As you might expect, I had other obligations to worry about just as worrying
about my taxes as most of you are also. But now that dreaded day will soon
come to pass, so here's this eagerly awaited story to read as a relaxer. 
I also deferred most of my time composing the KOR TV Rally Page. It is an
effort to bring KOR TV over to the U.S. KOR TV serves as the backbone for
this whole shin KOR effort. To check out details of the effort, please
try this url: http://www.animeyahoo.com
I hope you enjoy it!



Robert Kwong
Ark Productions -97-

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

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


Book B:         Chapter 8: Conspiracy of Pictures

[Inside someone's daydream...]

(Inside this surreal techno environment in a cavern...; We see #2 with
some sort of cyber-gear on his head, carrying a console. #1 is with him,
carrying a Remington)

#2(Case): (through his holographic hookup) What happened Molly Manami?

Molly Manami: Tough shit man! Just got my eye construct busted by that bitch
3Nag. (Nagasi)

#2(Case): I'm  homed to your location. I'll come and get ya.

#1 (Maelcum): Listen Mon. T'rouble comin'. (cocks Remington)

#2(Case): (tap on shoulder) Who did that?

Manami: #2? Is there something wrong?

(View drifts back into the XYZ offices again)

Manami: What's wrong? You were calling my name out.

#2: I was? Oh yeah, I was, but it wasn't really you I was calling. I was just
confused for a moment.

Manami: Didn't get your morning coffee yet, did you?

#2: (in front of computer) Oh sorry 'bout that Manami-san. I was testing out
some of my cyber-role playing game and I guess I got carried away.

Manami: You shouldn't let your mind drift off like that.

#2: But it was such an interesting vision! I was imagining I was Case from
that novel...

Manami: ...Neuromancer.

#2: Right!

Manami: Yes, you talk about it constantly. And let me guess. You were probably
imagining me as Molly, right?

#2: Me? (bows head down slightly) Of course not. Hey...wait a minute...you've
read it?

Manami: Of course. I don't read science fiction as a rule, but since you bring
it up so much, I decided to give it a try. You weren't having dirty, perverted
thoughts, were you?

#2: Of you? Of course not! Rather, I was just thinking about the western story
you narrated to me and how much the main characters relate to each other. The
old style cowboy versus the techno cyberspace cowboy. Both had to deal in an
unexplored frontier where you had to follow your own  code and rely on your
own instincts to survive.


Manami: I guess you can see it that way.

#2: In fact, you can relate this common theme to many cultures out there such
as the samurai of Japan during the feudal days. Or the knights during the
Middle Ages. Or the...

Manami: You sure have a lot stored up in that little head of yours.

#2: I'm sorry if I'm boring you.

Manami: Quite the contrary. It's hard to find guys out there who's willing
discuss something intellectual with you. But you look like you need that cup
of coffee first. Let me go get it for you.

#2: Domo Manami-san.

[At Hikaru's apartment]

Shuri: Shouldn't you be turning that off?

H: What?

Shuri: The faucet.

(Hikaru is standing over the sink, and the faucet is running over the cup she
is holding)

H: Ooops. (turns off faucet) Gomen.

Shuri: Got a lot on your mind, don't you? (grabs a bite of a muffin) Probably
man trouble, isn't it?

H: No,...not exactly.

Shuri: Come on! You could never keep a straight face even if you were telling
a little white lie. Don't tell me; is it a person from work?

H: Kind of...

Shuri: Oh, you're no fun! Trying to get answers from you is like pulling
teeth. Well I gotta run. (grabs coat) Got an early practice today. See you
later.

H: (waves listlessly) Bye now.

Shuri was right. I did have a lot on my mind. First off, the shock of being
named to play the leading part in an upcoming play is enough to send any
dancer into a dizzing frenzy. Yet there was more to it than that. First was
the on/off, paradoxical behavior of Ryusei. One moment he could be so cold and
unemotional, and another moment be kind and compassionate. I didn't know what
to expect from him. And I didn't know what he expected from me. Did he have
feelings for me or is he just playing with me?

Kasuga's behavior towards me is even more peculiar. All this time in Tokyo, he
has avoided me for the most part, but now I seem to be meeting up with him
much more frequently. During the weekend after the ABCB opening, we went to
the zoo and caught a movie. I wonder why he's taken up a sudden interest in me
all of a sudden? I didn't know what I was to make of it. Of course, I couldn't
betray Madoka's trust. After all, we're just friends now, right? Both of us
had all these years to realize that. But why do I still quiver when he is
near? Force of habit I guess. And although I enjoyed being with Kyouske, at
the same time, I felt uncomfortable coping with my internal desires to bond
with him.

[At the Kasugas...]

(We see Kyousuke slumped to side of the couch sleeping)

(Dream back to the unveiling of the Arabian Jewels sequence)
//from HardKor Book B Chapter 6: The Ruse

(Kyousuke is throwing up on the eucalyptus plant he is propped up against)

(A slinky woman passes him by)

K: Excuse me.

(sees a glint of her jade bracelet flash by)

(*BLACKOUT!*)

K: What happened? Can't see...gotta use the POWER (eyes glow)

(sees whole sequence of mystery woman doing fancy acrobatics and sees the
exchange of jewelry in the dark)

K: (points) Hey....She's steal-l-l....(drops off into heavy sleep, overcome by
the alcohol)

"Hey you lousy bum! Wake up before the day is over!"

(Real Kyosuke stirs from his sleep and rubs his head)

K: What? Why are you up at this time?

Kurumi: Very funny. It happens that we have special guests here. Isn't that
right?

K: (looks over and panics) Madoka!!!

M: (cold tone) There you are Kasuga. I just come over to tell you one thing.
I want to call this whole engagement off.


K: What? No...say it ain't so...it must be a bad dream...

Madoka: You should have seen it coming. Your ungrateful behavior towards your
sisters and disrespect to your relatives.

K: Huh? What does that have to do with it?

Madoka: And another thing! You can have your ring back. (flips over ring to
him)

K: (catches object) Hey....wait a moment...you're not suppose to have the
ring...you're not Madoka!

"He-he!" (Madoka materializes to be ..."

K: (growls) AKANE!

"She got you good this time!"

K: And Kazuya! What the hell are you two doing here?

Kazuya: We were about to ask you the same thing. Cousin told us you moved out.

Kurumi: He did, but I guess he missed my daily beating.

K: Shut up!

Kurumi: Nah...he was kicked out by Madoka-san. Am I right?

K: (mutters) It's nothing that we should be talking about.

Akane: Really? Kyouske! You're really a baka blockhead when it comes to
relationships, aren't you? You always seem to mess them up one way or another.

K: Hey! I don't want my personal life aired out in the open! And what the hell
are you two doing here?

Kazuya: We're stayin' over for the week. Mama and Papa decided to take a
romantic vacation by themselves to Okinawa and felt it would be better if me
and 'sis came over and stayed with our cousins. Didn't know you would be here
though.

Kurumi: Yep, that's our bummy oniichan for you. Why he hasn't even shaved!
Guess I know why they had another person show those pictures on TV last night.

K: Pictures? What pictures?

Kurumi: Why the pictures you took of those jewel robbers.

K: What? It can't be. That's strictly confidential!

Kurumi: I saw it with my own eyes. It was on last night on TTV news. That had
the handsome anchor Johnny Oh delivering the story. He seems to be the head of
that special investigative reporting team you're on.

K: That jerk! He didn't attend any of the meetings and now he takes my
pictures and gets the credit for it! (punches fist) I've gotta go to the
station right away!

Akane: Don't forget to take Kazuya with you.

K: Kazuya? Bring him with me? What for?

Akane: Me and Kurumi are going out mall shopping and we don't want a noisy kid
dragging us down.

Kazuya: Who wants to hang out with a bunch of gossip-crazed girls anyway?
That's ok, Kyounichan. I'll be ok by myself all alone here in the house.

Akane: OH NO YOU DON'T! Otousan and Okaasan place all the responsiblity on me
and if you get into trouble, I'll get busted!

Kazuya: Boo hoo to you! (makes face) Like I care!

Akane: Why you!!!!

K: (waves hands) Hold it! I give up! I'll take him along. .

Kazuya: 

K: 

Kazuya: 

K: 

Kazuya: <:) Why from you of course?>

K: 


Kazuya: 

[Inside Ryusei's penthouse]

(Ryusei lies in the recliner, staring at the radically changing chessboard of
pieces)

(#1 lets himself into the penthouse)

#1: Please excuse my tardiness Master. What seems to be the problem?

R: This unexpected complication. (switches on tv and plays back tape)

"Good Evening Tokyo! Newsanchor Johnny Oh! on special assignment. (*flashes
teeth*) I am pleased to bring you this exclusive pictures never seen before.
Tokyo has been struck by a series of heinous acts of crime orchestrated by a
sophisticated band of jewel thieves who have managed to baffle and befuddle
our bewildered but humble police force. Until now. For I am happy to report
that because of my efforts, I will present to the viewing public never before
scene photographs of the fleeing assailants. "

<*Click*>

#1: This is a grave problem...

R: Yes. It is. I would never imagine anyone would get wind of this
operation.

#1: No sir. I have a feeling I know know who took those photographs. Only one
person: Kasuga Kyousuke.

R: (slams hand on table) HIM! Yes,...it must be him. Oh, how he has been
a bane at my side.

#1: Yes, he has. Shall I deal with him?

R: No. I'll handle him my own way. He has bothered me long enough. Only
that it will be harder.

#1: You're not letting emotions cloud your decision making, are you?

R: No, of course not. He won't be a thorn at our side for long.

#1: Then I leave the details to you. Alert me when you are ready to proceed.

R: Yes, yes. Now leave me.

#1: As you wish. (scoots out)

R: (stares at the chessboard at the knight piece that is going to be
sacrificed) Please forgive Hiyama-san for what I must do.
(sulks head into hands) 


[As Hikaru is entering the dance studio]

"Good morning Hikaru."

H: Oh hi Sugizawa. You seem to be in a good mood.

Sugizawa: Of course. Congratulations on getting the lead in the play!

H: You heard about that? I guess you would. Thank you.

Sugizawa: Now we're be working together much closely now.

H: We are?

Sugizawa: Yes. You don't know? I play that lead male cat.

H: Oh yeah,...I forgot about that.

Sugizawa: So you want to have lunch later to discuss about things such as the
new script and all?

H: Ummm...I think I'm already receiving tutorledge already.

Sugizawa: You mean that Haroken-san? You don't have to worry about that old
bag anymore. Nagasi filled me in on more details. You don't have to go to him
for help with the English parts. I told Nagasi about my proficiency with
English already. So, from this point forward, Nagasi assigned me to you to
help you rehearse our parts together. It'll be fun. Just like old times.

H: Assigned?

Sugizawa: Yes. She's the director, so we got to follow orders, right? Makes
sense too, since we're the leads in the play.

H: That's true...but...

Sugizawa: C'mon! Get dressed up and I'll see ya at lunch. Ja ne!


H:

[---At the Tokyo police precinct---]

"J A C K S O N! COME INTO MY OFFICE AT ONCE!"

Saeko: You're going to get it now!

(Jackson throws up his hands in the air.)

Jackson: Now what does the chief want now?

(*Slamming of a door*)

Jackson: (sits down calmly in the chair) Somethin' important you wanted to see
me about?

Chief: You bet your badge buster! I don't appreciate this department getting
ridiculed by a bunch of lousy media primadonnas on the air! How could you let
this important evidence get onto the air?

Jackson: (condensending) If you may sir, I had no prior knowledge of this
unauthorized broadcast of sensitive police evidence. I'm sure the criminals
will be trembling once they learn we have pictures of them at their backsides.
Of course, if we had their faces, that would be helpful too.

Chief: Jackson!

Jackson: That is my name. Please don't wear it out.

Chief: Grrrr! You don't seem to understand the magnitude of this leak!

Jackson: Sir! If you may, the evidence was retrieved from an amateur
photographer who goes by the name of Kyousuke Kasuga who is working at the
station. I did obtain the negatives from him. However, he must have made some
duplicates of which appeared on TV yesterday.


Chief: How could such a fiasco happen!?

Jackson: Sir, if you like, I can go down there and arrest everyone there and
book 'em. Should I do that now?

Chief: What do you think this is? A police-state?

Jackson: No? Then maybe I should go out and shut down the broadcasting station
then?

Chief: This ain't the military! I wonder why I even promoted you...

Jackson: SIR! If you're dissatisfied with my performance, then I suggest you
tell me now and I'll exit immediately. (slams his badge on the table)

Chief: Always the cocky one, aren't you? (laughs) Pick up your badge. I'm not
going to demote you. However, I am going to reassign you to another case.

Jackson: (jumps up from seat) Chief! You can't!

Chief: I'm sorry Jackson. The mayor is on my back for that telecast yesterday
and he wants someone's head. That is why I'm going to reassign this case to
Saeko.

Jackson: That's nepotism!

Chief: Call it what you will, but you have to lay low until things cool down.
That is why I'm ordering you to stay off the case effectively immediately! Is
that clear?

Jackson: Yes sir.

Chief: Dismissed!

(As Jackson is leaving, we see his hands inside his pockets crossed together)

Jackson: 


[Kazuya and Kyousuke taking public transit to TTV station]
Kazuya: Kyousuke?

K: What now?

Kazuya: Do you still love Madoka-san?

K: Of course I do. What type of silly question is that to be asking me?

Kazuya: Then why were you thinking of another woman in your dream?

K: What? You were peeking at my dream also?

Kazuya: Of course. I can read anything that's on the mind. (*sigh*) That's the
curse of being an empathic esper.

K: Why you noisy brat! How dare you? Don't you know you shouldn't abuse your
powers?

Kazuya Sorry! It was just that you were sleeping so peacefully, so I was
wondering what you were dreaming of? Just to see if it was a wet dream or
not...

K: Kazuya!

Kazuya: Don't Kazuya me! You're the one thinking of another woman. I'm just
surprised it wasn't not Hikaru-san.

K: Why you...

Kazuya: So how long have you've been secretly meeting her?

K: Humph. (crosses arms) I don't know why everyone says I'm like you! I was so
reckless and irresponsible at that age.

Kazuya: Look who's talking now? Instead, you're a reckless, immature big kid!

K: 

Kazuya: 

K: 

Kazuya: 

K: 

Kazuya: 

K: 

Kazuya: 

K: 

Kazuya: 

K: 

Kazuya: 
//From Hardkor Book A series.

K: 

Kazuya: 

K: 

(Kazuya and Kyousuke lock pinky fingers to seal the agreement)

[At secret room in XYZ studios...]

Nagasi: Hello, my pets. What's the latest word?

#4: We've tailed Mr Kasuga this weekend like you ordered us to.

Nagasi: Yes? And?

#3: He seems to be spending most of his time with the dancer, Hikaru Hiyama.

Nagasi: Good! That's good fortune to my ears! What a good boy! Seems his
career takes centerstage nowadays. Now scram and wait for any impending news.

#3 and #4: Yes maam! (they clear out quickly)

Nagasi: (folds hands togethre) And with the arrangement I've made with
Sugi-poo poo, it seems I've finally rid myself of that meddlesome nuisance
Hikaru Hiyama from my puppy-dog, Ryu. I have everyone eating out of my hands
now. (echos an evil laugh that rings through the hallways)

[Somewhere else in the Studios...]

"Ayukawa-san. How are we doing today?"

M: Fine sir. You wanted to see me?

R: Yes. First, let me thank you for announcing my little message.

M: No need. I was happy to be the one to announce it. You're not making the
wrong choice going with Hikaru. She's really worked very hard to get to this
point.

R: I'm sure she has, but that is not why I asked you here.

M: Then what?

R: I'll be making a little trip shortly to Hong Kong.

M: That's nice. But what does that have to do with me?

R: (rolls chair to the side) The reason I'm going is to meet up with some very
important producers,...very influential record producers. And I want to
showcase to them a very new talent.

M: Is that so? Who is it?

R: You.

M: Me? You must have the wrong person.

R: No, I believe I do not. I believe I have the right person and you should
believe it too.

M: I don't know what to say...

R: (chuckles) Hayakawa told me you're say something like that.

M: But since you've talked with Mitsuru, then you know my position on singing.

R: Yes, I know it's quite clear. But this venture is  for something altogether
different.

M: I'm not sure what you're saying. But I'm firm in my position in not
pursuing a pop star career.

R: I'd never said you had to. What I hope to sell is your lyrical and rhythm
talent.

M: Excuse me?

R: Hayakawa tells me you compose just the most divine of compositions,
including his last hit song.  There is a market out there for good song
writers. Since you were willing to write for him, I was wondering if you would
do the same for me?


M: I don't know about this Haroken-san,...I've only agreed to compose the
score for this play.

R: Yes. I'm sure you're do a fine job. But what are you planning after this? I
know you are not prepared with the responsibilities of fame that goes along
with a pop star, so the only alternative I see for you is to be a song writer.
You can be very successful at it and stay out of the limelight.

M: I see your point, but I feel I'm being rushed into this.

R: Sometimes, you can't control when opportunity knocks on your door. However,
if you don't respond to it quickly, it might never come again.

M: So what are you saying?

R: I just need you to record and sing some samples of your own privately
written songs that you've composed as a demo tape I can show to these
producers.

M: Sing? I thought you said that what's involved is just writing the songs.

R: Of course, but I just can't give these people a sheet of paper with just the
lyrics on it. Presentation is everything with these people. How is anyone
suppose to know how the song is suppose to be sung? Only its creator would
know.

M: True.

R: Which is precisely why I require the assistance of your great talent. Would
you do this as a favor to me?

M: (pauses in thought and then looks up) Haroken-san! You have treated me very
well here and I wish to thank you for that. Given that,  I don't see how it
can hurt. So yes, I agree. But only for this one time.

R: Thank you very much! I will be indebted to you always. (press intercom) #2!
Please escort Ayukawa-san to the recording area.

#2: Whatever you say, boss.

[Back to Kasuga and Kazuya]

"Where is he?" growls Kyouske.

K: (storms in) Where is that kuso jerk?

Shiori: Who are you looking for?

K: HIM! The primadonna himself, Johnny!

Shiori: Oh, the squealer! I think he's in his dressing room powdering his nose.

Kazuya: Powder his nose? What a sissy!

K: What floor is it on?

Shiori: 6th floor. You're not thinking of barging in, are you?

K: Watch me!

Shiori: Wait! You're going to jeopardize the situation.

K: As if he hasn't done that already. It's time he got a second opinion!

Shiori: Just one thing.

K: What?

Shiori: Teach him a good lesson!

K: Hai! (salutes and leaves)

Kazuya: Oh right! We're going to have some fun now! Is it like this everyday?

K: Nah. Only on the off days.

[Back at XYZ Studios before noon]

Manami: Oh hi Hikaru! Nice of you to drop in.

H: Is Ryusei-san in? I want to talk to him.

Manami: You just missed him. He was meeting with Madoka-san earlier.

H: Really?

Manami: If it's really urgent, you can leave a message with me.

H: That's ok. I can find him later.

"Hikaru! Ready for lunch?"

H: (turns halfway) Oh hi Sugizawa. Sure. Let's go.

Sugizawa: Cheer up! (nudges Hikaru's chin up) You got to be in high spirits if
you expect to be the lead. (puts his arms around her as they walk)

H: 

[On the 6th floor]

(We see Kyousuke and Kazuya sneaking around)

Kazuya: So this is where the  bigshots roam.

K: Where could that jerk be...ah....there it is. His placard: Johnny Oh!.

Kazuya: He even has a star like you see in those famous film stars.

K: That's what he is: merely an actor dishing out the news on TV. Well here
goes! (knocks on the door)

"What is it?"

K: Kasuga Kyousuke. I would like a word with you.

"Oh, you must be the daredevil photographer of ours. Come in."

(They enter to see a dressing room of sorts. Johnny is busy staring himself at
the vanity mirror)

Johnnny: What pray tell do you want?

K: It's about the telecast last night.

Johnny: Oh, that little bit. Yes, that was a real ratings booster for the
station. There was a great solo performance on my part. I'll say I'd couldn't
have done it better myself. (flashes teeth in mirror)

K: Those were my photographs. Who gave you permission to use them on the air?

Johnny: Permission? (*snooty laugh*) Ha ha ha! I don't need no permission to
use material that was clearly meant to be presented by me on the air. You're
the junior. (*sweeps his hand*) I, on the other hand am the grand performer
that people pay to see.

K: Listen. You made a grave mistake in doing that. I gave my word to the Chief
Investigator Jackson from the Tokyo Police precinct that I would not allow
those sensitive documents to be broadcast on the air.

Johnny: You? Gave your word? Ha ha ha! You certainly have a lot to learn about
the media business. I do not bother with such trifles as the Tokyo Police
Department. What matters is the ratings. Too bad for them anyway. And that is
not my concern. Now I believe you've wasted enough of my precious time. Scoot
along and let me get my beauty rest.

K:  Why the hell did they make you lead investigative reporter of
this case? It seems you spend more time doctoring your face with makeup than
hitting the streets for the cold, hard facts. What type of journalist are you?

Johnny: One who obviously has gotten much farther than you young, foolish
idealists ever will.

K: (clenches teeth and fist)

Johnny: No use denying the hard, cold facts. You do all the dirty work and I
take all the credit. That's the way things work.

Kazuya: (tugs at Kyouske) let's go, let's go.

K: Whatcha doing? Stop that!

Kazuya: 

(Kyousuke angrilly backs away and slams door!)

K: Thanks Kazuya. You're obviously much cooler headed than I am.

Kazuya: Don't worry about it cuz. And you're wrong about me. I'm just as
hot-headed as you are. I just have a better own way of getting revenge at the
block of pus. (*flicks finger*)

(Inside, we see the powder buffer suddenly jump and hit Johnny squarely in the
face, spilling powder all over his precious face and causing him to cough
violently)


[At a little open-air cafe]

Sugizawa: Is today such a wonderful day?

H: (nods)

Sugizawa: You don't seem to be your bright, chirpy self, are you?

H: Mondays are not good for me.

Sugizawa: (jovial laugh) Me neither, but somehow, I find a way to get through
it. It's been such a long time since we got together like this. Tell me. Why
have you been ignoring me for all this time you've been back?

H: Ignoring you?

Sugizawa: Yes. I practically invite you daily to come by my place to get
together for the evening, but it always seem to pass over your head. You're
not still sore at me for breaking up with you?

H: No. I thought we put "that" behind us already.

Sugizawa: At least I know I did. Let me be frank here. I realize we were
young, aspiring fools back in our time in New York. People make a lot of
mistakes when they're young. I admit it. I was rash and foolish. But I don't
regret going with my feelings. And I don't regret the brief relationship we
had, although looking back on it, I saw it wasn't right for us at that time.
But that was way back in the past. We shouldn't allow that to affect our
working relationship right now, should we?

H: No, I guess not.

Sugizawa: There! I said it. I feel better know. I know it was tough for you
when I left so abruptly and I don't blame if you still feel so bitter about
the whole affair. But I believe you would agree with this.  We should leave
the old memories in the past where it belongs and instead look forward to the
future. How about we toast to that?

H: (raises glass meekly)

Sugizawa: TO OUR FUTURE!

(*CLINK*)


Sugizawa: (laughs merrily) Kampai! Let it be a signal for a fresh start for
the both of us.

H: (finally raises her head) You're right about one thing: we should learn to
let bygones be bygones.

Sugizawa: Good! I whole heartily agree. Let's drink to that.

(*clink glasses again*)

H: < Sugizawa is still the same old charmer, isn't he? But he's not that bad
now. He seems to mature a lot since our last experience. And he still has his
good looks!>

[Back at the station...]

Shiori: Hi Kasuga-san. How did it go upstairs?

K: I couldn't get through to him. I'm not sure if I can stand to work with
such an inconsiderate jerk.

Shiori: You musn't quit on account of him. Tamura-san hates his guts too!

K: Then why he hell she assign him to this team?

Shiori: Because he was kicked out of all the other groups. Unfortunately,
Tamura-san's group is the bottom of the ladder so to speak, so there's no
where else to transfer him.

K: I can't believe that for such an important, newssetting story such as this
jewel ring can't be in the capable hands of a more seasoned journalist. At
least a serious one at that.

Shiori: Although the story is big, there is really not much to report on. You
can only say "the police are working on it" for so long before people tire of
hearing it. That's why it's been dumped to our side.

K: And that Johnny guy is taking advantage of the precious little footage we
have to further his own career.

Shiori: Now you're catching on!

K: That scum! How dare he!

Shiori: I think you have to cool off. You look like you need a good drink.

K: I agree. And I know just the place.

Kazuya: (jumps up and down) Me too, me too!

K: Woah boy! Calm your horses! It's root beer for you only.

Kazuya: Awww....I hate being a kid!

(as they are departing in Shiori's car, a mysterous car starts to follow them)

[Evening: At the airport]

(Inside a private jet, we see Ryusei sitting comfortably, making a phone call)

R: #1, I'll be leaving for a few days for the meeting. Please take care of
affairs for me.

#1: (other side of phone call) Don't worry about it. Everything's under
control.

R: It better be still when I get back. Oh, one more thing.

#1: Yes.

R: I forgot to arrange the promotional publicity shots for our new lead.
Please make sure that gets done.

#1: Understood sir. I know the perfect person for the job.

R: Good. I'll leave it in your hands then. Ryusei out.

(grabs a tape out of his pocket)

Now let's see what this girl is made of.

(inserts demo tape made by Madoka into tape player and the whole compartment
starts to resonate with the soothing, lonesome tunes of Madoka-san, while the
jet is taking off)


[At the Shin ABCB]

(Madoka sitting very seductively at the barstool, drinking away)

"Don't you think you're overdoing a bit?"

M: I can hold my liquor just fine thank you. And who are you? Why isn't
Master here?

"(chuckles) You can call me Pan.  I'm an old friend of his. He had business to
attend to, so I'm filling it for him tonight. Something troubling you that you
want to talk about?"

M: (hesitantly) No..., not really.

Pan: I may not be a good server, at least I can lend a sympathetic ear. Tis
the trait of all bartenders. Let me guess, is it problems with your
signficiant other?

M: (snaps) So what if it is?

Pan: That will always do it. You guys had a big fight, did you?

M: You bet we did! H-h-e's so bullheaded and headstrong and inconsiderate!
What a baka jerk he is! (empties another shot)

Pan: I think that's the liquor talking more than anything else.

M: Hey, I-I-I'm n-n-n-ot d-d-drunk! If I was d-d-drunk, could I s-s-sing like
t-t-this. (starts wailing out a sorrowful tune)

Extras in the background: Who is that and what's with that atrocious noise?

(In walks Akane, Kurumi, and Manami)

Akane: (points) Look! Madoka-san!

Kurumi: Kool! She can join our club too!

Manami: Yeah. Perfect for girls nite out! I glad Master thought of the idea.

Akane: And the perfect way to mark the inaguration of Akane's "Woman
Liberation Club!"

Kurumi: When do we get to eat?

Manami: Madoka-san. Are you ok? You don't look too well.

Madoka: I-I-I'm p-p-perfectly f-f-fine thank you.

Akane: Oh dearest Madoka-san. Would you be interesting in joining our own
private club to further woman's rights in Japan?

Madoka: (nods head up and down) Hai, hai, hai. Women's rights. Go women go!
Woman are superior, men are scum!

Akane: That's the spirit! (folds hands) I'm so happy we see it from the same
viewpoint.

(walking outside is Kyouske, Kazuya, and Shiori to the ABCB)

Kazuya: Hey look! Is it those 2 hentais?

K: Yep. Those are my two perverted buddies, Hatta and Komatsu. I wonder what
they're up to. You wait here.

(sneaks up on them and taps them on the shoulder)

Hatta and Komatsu: (raises hands up and then points to one another) I'm
innocent officer! He did it!

K: Easy guys. It's just me.

Komatsu: Kyousuke! You nearly gave me a heart attack sneaking up on me like
that.

Hatta: Yeah! We though you were the cops or worse...

K: What the hell are you guys doing now peeking into the club? Why don't you
just go in?

Komatsu: No can do man. Today is "Girls Night". Only ladies are allowed in.
And what fine ladies they are. Especially your kawaii twins. They're dressed
especially fine tonight.

Hatta: Oh yeah. Never before has there been such a concentration of such fine
ladies. Look at them. They're wearing those cute mini-skirts. Now if they
would only bend over more often...

"Kyousuke!"

(Kasuga jumps up at the mention of his name)

Shiori: Sorry if I started you. Bad news for you. The bouncer told me that
only ladies are allowed in for tonight. So I have to leave Kazuya-chan with
you.

K: Sure, no problem. Just make sure you drink for me also.

Shiori: (smiles) Will do. Ja!

(as she goes in...)

Komatsu: Hey! What are you doing?

K: Lemme some room will ya? I want a peek inside too!

Hatta: (pats Kyouske back) I always knew you were the hentai at heart!

K: Nah. I just curious what's going on.

Komatsu: Yah. Sure you are. And I'm the empereror of Japan.

Kazuya: (tugs at the pants of the guys) Hey, I want a look too!

Hatta: (lifts him up to the small circular window) Here! Let the hentai
masters indoctrinate you to the wonderful

K: Hey! Put him down! I don't want him corrupted by your moral values.

Komatsu: Shut up! Something's going on!

(Inside the ABCB)

Akane: Hello ladies and ladies only. Welcome and thanks for attending the
first ever Tokyo Woman's Liberation Club. It is to provide a forum for us
Japanese woman to air out the injustices and liberties denied to us. It is a
way for us pursue justice and uphold our rights. Together and united we can
make it happen. Tonight though, we're concentrate on more levity and fun. That
is why I am proud to have fellow member Ayukawa Madoka perform the unveiling
of the "PIG" of the month.

(Behind them, we see a 6 foot object covered by a red blanket.)

Akane: Madoka-san. Will you do the honors?

Madoka: I-I-I just want to say that I have personal experience with the
subject I will be unveiling and let me tell you, ...he's no hot stuff in bed.

(oohhs and ahhs in the audience)

Madoka: Once you see this, y-y-y-you'll know what I mean. (yanks off the
blanket to reveal...)

(A lifesize photo blowup of Kyouske in a white dress!)
//From Hardkor Book A chapters.

Hatta, Komatsu, and Kazuya: (bursts out laughing rolling on the ground)
HAHAHAHHAHHAAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAHAHAH!!!

K: (green in the face) WILL YA GUYS STOP IT? IT'S NOT THAT FUNNY!

(All 3 pause for a brief moment, look at each other and then resume laughing)

(This lasts for a few minutes)

K: (mutters) Ayukawa,...how could embarrass me like this...to be done in by a
picture...how ironic! I hope your revenge is sweet.
//since he is a photographer.

Hatta: (tears in his eyes) Gee Kyouske, I didn't know you were the type of guy
who preferred to be in "drag."

Komatsu: Tell me. Do you dress like that when you go to bed?

K: (grits teeth) You guys know perfectly well how that picture was takened,
you sick perverts! Of all the dirty, rotten things you two have ever done, I
don't believe you gave such an embarrasing piece of material to Madoka!

Komatsu: Hey,...wait a moment. We didn't give it to Madoka!

Hatta: Eh? That's right! I thought we still had it. Then how did they end up
with our prized "blackmail" photo?

Komatsu: I thought I lost the negatives! How did they get it? I remember we
were at that resturant and...

(Inside)

Akane: And now everyone, a special bonus treat for you. Although you now see
the "true" side of my cousin, this by no means completes the picture. Why,
what better way  to finish off our display of the "pig" than to include his
chauvinitic buddies. Manami, Kurumi: will you do the honors?

Twins: With pleasure! (both flash a 'V' symbol)

Hatta: Huh? What's going on?

Komatsu: What the hell?

(The scantilly clad twins push out another covered object on the stage. This
time it is draped with an orange blanket)
//like the assistants of a magician or magic show act

(With each twin on opposite sides, they each pull the blanket to reveal..)

Komatsu and Hatta slumped on top of each other wearing only a white t-shirt
and baggy underwear!

K: (snickers) Ahh...And I thought I was embarrased. Look at you two now. I
didn't realize you two had THAT type of relationship going.

Hatta and Komatsu: (slap their foreheads simultaneously) Our reputation's
ruined!

[End of Chapter B8: Conspiracy of Pictures]