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 0.9
                               June 9, 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

Special thanks to my prereaders Mak Kum Shi and Matt Inaba for ironing out the
"kinks" in my story. You can visit their homepages at:
http://home.pacific.net.sg/~belldandy/kor.html and
http://www.icnet.net/users/mattj/ffic/ respectively.

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 35th 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.

Again, yet another long delay in the release of this story. (Almost 2
months!) The reason for that is that I've been focusing all my efforts on
the KOR TV Petition. That's one of the medium I based my KOR stories on.  If
you like to help out with the effort to release KOR TV in North America,
please visit the informational page I've set up at:
http://www.animeyahoo.com. Happy reading!

Robert Kwong
(c) 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 9: Mind Games

[At a remote location at night]
(We see 2 mysterious men, both dressed in black trenchcoats and wearing
sunglasses approach each other. Only the more distinguished looking one is
wearing a black fedora hat)

"Are you the one who speaks from hidden shadows?"

(face still hidden in shadows) (nods) "I am the one."

"Let me see the sign then."

(Man calmly draws into his pocket and draws out and object. He flashes this
large, golden, metallic cigarette case with the symbol of the
green dragon in the middle)

"You are the true master of the symbol. What do you desire of me?"

"I need for you to 'dispose' of the items appropiately." (flips over a pack of
cigarettes.) "Unroll the 4th cigrette in the first row. Your instructions will
be contained within."

"Anything more I can serve thee, my lord?"

"No. That is all. Leave me now!"

"It's my pleasure to serve thee." (slinkers back into the darkness)

[Morning. At the Ayukawa mansion]
(Madoka, having partied too hard and drunk too much during "Girls Night" at
Shin ABCB, wakes up suddenly and is surprised to see herself in her own bed.
She starts to sit up and rocks her head back, still clearly suffering from the
hangover from last night.)
//See Book B Chapter 8

M: (still woozy) How did I get back here last night...

(Madoka is still partially in her dress, which is all wrinkled and worn out
from last night)

"O-h-a-y-a-o- M-a-d-o-k-a-s-a-n!"

(Madoka opens her eyes slightly, squinting at the person with the loud booming
voice. She first sees a breakfast tray, with toast, scrambled eggs, coffee, and
orange juice. As she lifts her eyes up further, she sees... )

(fuzzy vision) "Kasuga? Is that really you who brought me home last night?"

"Yes it was me Madoka-san! But you shouldn't be so formal, you know. I think
we're "family" enough that you can call me by my first name."

(Madoka focuses her eyes and stares again at the figure. She then realizes
it's ...)

M: It's you Akane!

Akane: Yeah, its me! Who did you think I was?

M: Doesn't matter. What are you doing here?

(Akane, in her "typical" self, is still rooted in her tom-boyish ways. Her
hair is cut very short and tied back, and she is just wearing some t-shirt and
jeans. )

Akane: Madoka-san! How are you feeling?

M: (still groggy) (*groans*) Not too well at the moment. What happened last
night?

Akane: You partied a little too hard. A little overzealous with the bottle,
weren't you?

M: I have my reasons...

Akane: I bet it's because of my baka cousin Kyosuke again, isn't it? He hurt
your heart again.

M: It's not something to discuss,...

Akane: It just reaffirms my position that all men are scum! All they know is
how to break your heart. (cup of coffee begins to rattle from Akane's
quivering hand) Oh, gomen. I forgot about this. (places tray gently
down on Madoka's lap) Eat up before it gets cold. I made it especially for
you.

M: Arrigatou. (picks up the hot, steaming, black coffee and takes a long sip)
(we wait a few moments for the hot liquid "gold" to flow through Madoka's body
to rejuvenate her) Ahhh....that feels much better. I guess I must have overdid
it a bit. I must apologize, but I don't remember exactly what happened. Can you
tell me what happened last night?

Akane: Sure. (pulls up a nearby chair and sits down, with the back of the
chair in front of her) After the successful launch of JAWS
(JApanese Woman's Society) with the humiliation of Kyousuke and those terrible
hentai pervert friends of us, we had a grand celebration. You and the twins
were there. Even Shiori, Hayakawa's fiance was there. There was drinking, and
laughing, and merriment all around. To top it off, we hired a hunky gaijinn
exotic dancer to exploit himself. My, you were the bold one, especially when
you were dancing with him when he was only in his G-string.

M: (points to herself in disbelief) I did that?

Akane: Yep. You're really the party animal, the life of the party.

M: (*Sigh*) 

Akane: (continuing the story) Then you got to a point where you just plain
exhausted yourself and just passed out on the bar. Out cold. The twins wanted
to take you back to your place, but I knew that wasn't a good idea.The bar was
about to close up, so I fished the keys to your Mercedes and drove you back
home to your residence here. I slept in the guest room. I hope you don't mind
me taking such liberties with your property.

M: No, no, ...not at all. I'm glad you were looking out for me last night. I'm
happy to have you as my good friend, who can watch out for me on my behalf.

Akane: Oh Madoka-san! You don't know how happy it makes me feel to hear you
say that.

M: (a little surprised at her reaction but maintains her composure) Thanks for
preparing breakfast for me. You didn't have to go through the trouble.

Akane: No, it was my pleasure.

Madoka: What time is it now?

Akane: (glances at her wristwatch) Almost 9 am.

M: (yawns and stretches out) I think it's time for me to prepare for work now.

Akane: (taking her cue) And I think I'll be going back now. I need to make a
call. Can I use your phone?

M: Please do.

Akane: Thank you. Hope you'll feel better. Bye! (waves and leaves the bedroom)

M: 

[Back at the Twins house]
(Manami and Kurumi dressed in stylish outfits, with Kazuya, eating breakfast)

Kurumi: Oniichan is sure up and early this morning.

Kazuya: Yeah, I know. I don't hear him snoring.

Manami: What did you guys do last night anyway?

Kazuya: (plays innocent and looks away) Oh nothing much,...just went to play
pachinko and then came back. (starts whistling)

Kurumi: Where is the bum now?

Manami: Still in the dark room, I imagine. Dunno why. Hope he didn't spend the
night there.

(focus to the dark room)

(We see Kyosuke, developing pictures taken from a long time ago)

Last night, seeing those "revealing" pictures of me, made me realized one
thing: the power of the picture. I forgotten that I had strayed away too far
from my true passion: photography. Doing camerawork was ok, but it just wasn't
the same. It didn't have the same impact as pictures. And I realized one other
thing. That I had been neglecting the one true "jewel" of my life: my Madoka.
Seeing Madoka last night, at the new ABCB, all alone, drinking herself to
misery, all account of me. It just killed me inside seeing her in that
condition. I wanted to go inside and just put my arms around her, and comfort
her. But I couldn't. Not just yet. I was not ready.

As I went back to the house, I knew I had a lot of soul searching to do last
night. I spent the whole night here, in the dark room, thinking about the
course of events which have passed through our lives, through the pictures
takened over the years. I gazed upon the passing memories of our young
lives. I also flashbacked to the tortuous, war-ravaged battlefields of Bosnia,
of which I still had bitter nightmares about. (stares at the unprocessed film
cannister) I finally came to this one important revelation: life was too
short; don't let your love slip away!

 I was a fool to put my career ahead of our love. I guess it was a
subconscious thing, being a Japanese male growing up in this male-centric
society of ours. We were the bread-winners, the providers, the one our women
depended on for hundreds of years. It was the samurai/geisha mentality. I was
not use to the fact that she enjoyed more successes than I ever will. She came
from a well-to-do family, was multi-talented, attractive, and set for life.
I guess I was asserting my Japanese manhood, somehow feeling threatened,...
jealous that I wasn't the provider, but instead was depending on her. It
somehow didn't feel right to me at the time. I somehow felt that I was not
good enough for her,...not up to her standard. That was why I was so insistent
on spending so much time pursuing this one scoop. I thought that if I, Kasuga
Kyousuke, could somehow help the police break the case open, that I would be
regarded as a "hero" to the city. That I would finally reach up to her
"level". But seeing her in that women's liberation moment finally opened up my
blinded eyes to the truth: that we, as men and women were equals, and that
each of us had a part in making the relationship work. I had takened Madoka's
love for granted for much too long. It was time for me to make penance and
hope that she forgives me for my indiscretions.

(We see the photograph develop to reveal a picture of a younger Madoka in an
attractive swimsuit during their frequent trips to the back way back then)

[Back at XYZ Studios]
(Hikaru darts into the office)
H: Manami! Is Ryusei in yet?

Manami: You don't know, do you?

H: Know what?

Manami: Mr Haroken had to leave on some business trip at the last minute. He left
yesterday night.

H: Oh, I see...

Manami: That's the second time you asked of him. I have his cell phone number.
Do you want me to get him for you?

H: No! That's ok. It's best I'd be going back to practice anyway. Ja!
(hurries out the office)

[Hong Kong airport]

(Ryusei walking through the terminal)
Here I was, in the busiest, most decrepit city in the world, where your word
was passed as loosely and as easily forgotten as a bet on your life. Not an
easy place to survive in the underworld here, being a constant breeding ground
for organized crime. In this type of "jungle", one had to be sharp on their
toes  and keep his wits about for the backstab, double-cross, and the ambush.
(*Sigh*) It felt good to be back.

Ahh,...(sniffs the air) the memory it evokes. Still looks exactly like the
same old place from lat I left it nearly 4 years ago. The place where I
started,...where I learned everything,...including how to love... and kill.

[Back at the Twins' residence]

(*Knock, knock, knock*)

K: What is it?

Kurumi: Telephone call for you.

K: For me? Really?

Kurumi: No, it's for the cockroach of an oniichan I have. Of course it's for
you! Now come get it before I open this door and ruin all your pictures!

K: Fine, fine. (starts to arrange the materials)

(Comes out of the dark room and picks up the phone)

K: Moshi moshi?

"Is this Mr Kasuga?"

K: Yes it is. Who is this?

"I'm the assistant of Mr Haroken. I believe we bumped into each other the
other day. I'm Nagasi-san."

K: Oh,...yeah,...I remember you. Why are you calling me here?

Nagasi: I believe I made a promise to you regarding a possible clue to the
case you're working on.

K: Yes, I remember. What do you know about this case anyway? Are you somehow
connected with this ring?

Nagasi: (wailing laugh) oh, you're so funny. You can be such the kidder. Of
course I'm not involved. But I do have my suspicions who.

K: Mr Haroken, isn't it? I knew it's him.

Nagasi: Nah uh. I'm not telling you anything until you promise to do something
for me.

K: Do something? Haven't I done enough?

Nagasi: There's still another favor I need to ask of you. You will enjoy this.
But first, you need to come down to the station.

K: Listen. I don't have time for this.

Nagasi: Especially when it involves your friend Hikaru Hiyamai?

K: Hikaru? What about her?

Nagasi: You won't know if you don't come down. I'll be expecting you.
Atikames!

(dial tone of phone)

Damn! Should I go? But if it involves Hikaru, I have to find out. Guess I have
to postpone my meeting with Madoka. (grabs jacket and teleports out)

(minutes later)

(*Ding Dong*)

(Kazuya comes to the door)

Kazuya: Who is it?

"Oh, Kazuya-chan? This is Madoka."

Kazuya: (quickly opens door and gives a flying hug) Madoka-san! I'm so happy
you're here. Are you here to see me?

M: (smiles) Yes, partial. I wonder if Kasuga is here?

Kazuya: (takes a moment to sense) Nope. He was here a moment ago. He must have
flashed out of here. But forget about him. Why don't you stay here awhile.

"Kazuya!"

Kazuya: Oh oneesan.

(Akane comes in behind Madoka)

Akane: Don't mind my meddling brother. Thanks for the ride back.

M: My pleasure. It's best I'd be going back to the work now. Bye bye!


[Back in Hong Kong]

An agent's work is never done. Scarcely a moment after I got off the plane, I
was quickly whisked away by limosine to the studio execs offices to do
business. Had to perform 2 contact renewels, 2 extensions, and 1
renegotiation. My clients were top-notched  and they expected nothing but the
best from their agent. I was all too happy to obliged. Thus, dealing and
haggling with the top brass was just part of the territory.

(at the boardroom in the middle of negotiation)

R: (in English)...my client has appeared in your studio's top 3 grossing
films already. He deserves nothing more than this offer. (pushes across
paper with a figure on it) ...and 3 weeks paid vacation time.

"No deal! That's highway robbery!"

"It's this or he walks ...all the way  over to your arch rivals. I'm sure they
would be happy to oblige him earning those millions for them rather than you.

(leans back in chair gives him the "death" stare behind his Rayban sunglasses)

(tense moments of silence, as beads of sweat flow down the studio lawyers and
accountants foreheads)

"Ok, ok. You've got a deal. But not a penny more!"

R: (gleams a smile) I'm glad you finally see things my way. Nice to do
business with you gentlemen. Now if you excuse me, I have a lunch appointment
to keep. Good day. (salutes and casually leaves)

Yes, that was the life I was leading now, being an entertainment agent, always
on the go. I was the "mask" behind the stars, the buffer between pushy
executives and reality. And taking trips was part of the job. These business
trips were now a regular routine for me throughout the year, going to Hong Kong,
Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Manilla, Melbourne and back again to Japan. Eeking
out the best deal in each of the different foreign entertainment capitals was
no easy task. But of course, I was up to the challenge. That was why I was
considered one of the best in the business. Before, I was the cosummate
workaholic, driving myself to battle the titans of the industry. But with the
forming of the agency, I lightened my workload a great deal, allowing me the
time to pursue my other interests,

Yes, it was a nice, glamourous, high-paying occupation. Usually, people think
agents hob-nob with the stars constantly, but actually, quite the opposite is
true. If you get the first-hand contact with them like I do, you'll find that
they're like you or me, excepting making a million times more than any mortal
can make in a lifetime. Of course, having that much money can breed strange
eccentricities, but that's another story. Dealing with the studios was
troublesome at times, but not as worse as dealing with some stuckup stars. I
had more than my share of "Jades" in my time. Thankfully, I managed to rid
myself clean of these "crybaby" actors.

Follow the schedule, I reminded myself. I quickly glanced at my watch. 4
minutes to 12. I was just about there at the rendeavous point to meet a couple
of my buddies.

As I entered the Planet Hollywood, I saw they were already waiting at the
designated table for me. I eagerly approached them.


R: (in English) Hi Andy, Jackie. Glad you guys could make it.

"Hi Ryu! Of course we can make time in our busy schedules for you."

R: There's seems to be a person missing...

"I'm right behind you."

(instinctively, Ryusei turns around and parries off several blows and briefly
spars with his "assailant". Then they stop and start to laugh.)

R: You almost surprised me this time. But I wasn't fooled.

"A little bit slower than before, old chap. You're so lucky to dodge my
blows. I'll get you next time."

R: I'm not as old as you think. Sorry for the lackluster  performance, but I
haven't found the time these past weeks to practice my karate. Please sit
down Jet.

"Thank you"

(all sit down)

R: (takes out his gold-plated cigarette case with the dragon emblem) Smokes
anyone?

Sure. (Andy and Jackie takes one)

Jet: Not for me. I'm doing some more stunts today and I need all the breath I
can take.

Jackie: Nice case. Bruce Lee fan?

R: Yes, I'm an avid kung-fu flic fan, especially Bruce's "Enter the Dragon",
But this case was made for you "Heavenly Dragon Kings" as you two are
affectionately known by.

Andy: Oh, you shouldn't get caught up in the hype. Everyone knows Faye or
Vivian are the stalwarts in the recording industry.

R: You know if I become your agent, I can quickly change that. I can boost
your popularity 10 fold. So whaddya say?

Andy: (laughs) Stop trying so hard. You know we've got iron-clad contracts
with our current agents.

R: You're right. I should business talk back at the office. Besides, it's the
only time in our busy lives to get a chance to meet up.

Jackie: (orders) 3 beers and tonic water.

R: I caught a preview of your upcoming film Jet. Quite a departure playing a
bodyguard instead of your conventional kung-fu superheros.

Jet: (nods) Needed to do something fresh and totally different. Don't want to
be typecasted as just a medieval martial arts actor all my life. Thought it
would help breed better relations with the mother country also. You know we're
going back in 1997.

R: Yes. But not until then. Let's celebrate the freedom that still exists here.
Cheers.

(all raise glasses in salute)

[Back at XYZ Studios]
(Kyousuke paces back and forth in the lobby.)

"There you are, my dear. I thought you would never come."

K: (snaps at her) There you are! You kept me waiting 10 minutes.

Nagasi: Gomen nasai. I had matters to attend to. But now I am here. Step into
my office.

K: It's about time!

(just outside)

(As Madoka is about to enter the studios, we see a guy passing out
orange-colored flyers)

"Hi there maam. Please support the effort to stop the demolishment and
reconstruction of the Orange Road area!" (hands out a flyer)

M: (not paying attention) (takes flyer) I have to go now.

"Good day to you maam!"

(as she enters, she sees Kyousuke depart with Nagasi)

M: 

[At the other side of the studios]

(We see a comical sight, with the shorter #2 leading Hikaru by the hand into
the offices.)

H: #2! Do I have to come?

#2: Yes! You've been avoiding your lessons too long. With Haroken-san gone out
of town, I have plenty of time now.

H: Oh, I don't mind...

#2: But I do. I've need to repay you back for helping me draw those pictures
for my game.

H: Oh, they were just rough little sketches I drew.

#2: Don't sell yourself short.

H: I'm not sure if I'm up to this technological stuff anyway. I probably just
another dumb blonde anyway.

#2: No you're not! I know how you did in school!

H: (confused) What do you mean?

#2: (realizes he slipped up) Oh nothing. I mean, I can tell you were a good
student. Besides, it's the Mac. Anyone can get the hang of it in no time.

(sits her down in the chair facing the Macintosh II)

(the desktop background is a baseball scene from the movie 'Touch')

H: So you like baseball a lot, don't you?

#2: Yeah, I do. See? The computer not that threatening at all, is it?

H: No, guess it isn't.

#2: Good. Now are you have to do is move that thing over to your right called
a "mouse."

H: A "mouse"?

#2: Yeah. The designers wanted to make it as friendly as possible. So they
called it something cute like a "mouse." Better than calling it "mechanical
pointing device."

H:  I guess so. But calling it a "mouse" doesn't really make it attractive for
women to use, does it?

#2: Oh, that's an old stereotype, isn't it? Girls are really afraid of mice
are they?

H: No, I guess not. It depends on the person.

#2: I guess. Now as you can see, when you move that "mouse" around, a little
arrow on the screen moves. They call that the "pointer".

H: (moves it around) I see...

#2: You're doing fine. Now, you see that picture on the screen called
"Telnet"?

H: Yes. So?

#2: Just move the "pointer" over.

H: Done. Now what?

#2: Now, do you see that button on the "mouse"?

H: Yes.

#2: You need to double-click it. Or in layman terms, tap the button twice
very fast.

H: (tries it once) Oops. I don't think anything happened.

#2: That's ok. Most people need to try a few times before they can get the
hang of it. You just need to tap it twice in rapid succession. Like a video
game.

H: You mean like this? (*click click!*) Oh! Look! Something's happening.

#2: Yes. You running what computer geeks call a "program". It's what going to
allow you to do email.

H: Email. I heard you explain it before, but I couldn't quite understand it.
Can you explain it again?

#2: Certainly. As more and more people get computers, they want to have a way
to talk to each other. Before, in the olden days, they had something called a
BBS which stands for Bulletin Board Service. But it was mostly for techies to
talk with each other. And you were quite limited to only those who logged into
a particular BBS. Not very interesting at the time. But now, there is a system
called the "Internet". You can think of it as a lot of computers connected to
each other. With this system, it is now possible for a lot people globalwide
to talk to each other. I see you're logged in now.

H: Am I?

#2: Yeah. I created an automatic script to log my account in. You don't have
to worry about the details of that now.

(As #2 digresses further with his lesson, we jump back to Ryusei's lunch)

(As Ryusei is having a good time with the boys, a slinky woman passes him by)

R: Ah May...

Jackie: No, it's near the end of June.

R: No. Something else. 'xcuse me. I gotta go.

Andy: What a smart guy! Leaves us with the bill!

(Ryusei catches up to the lady in a gorgeous, featherly white dress.)

R: Ah May. Is that really you?

(she glances back in her Guicci sunglasses)"Yes. I have to go now."

R: Must you leave so soon? There's so many things...

"I know. But not here and now. Meet me at 9 tonight at our old spot."

R: Ok. (stares at her as she enters a waiting Mercedes and drives off)

[Back to the Studios]
K: (looks at Nagasi's lavish offices) Cozy office you have here. Now do you
mind telling me what your business here with me? And what does it have to do
with Hikaru?

Nagasi: Charming as usual, aren't you. And so touching to see the concern for
her.

K: I don't have much time for this idle chatter. What do you want?

Nagasi: (Ha, ha, ha) Impatient little devil, are you? (causually takes a
cigarette and lights it) Care for one?

K: I don't smoke.

Nagasi: Too bad. (puffs a ring into his face) You're really missing out.

K: If you just here to mess with my head, then I'd be leaving.

Nagasi: I guess I could tell you what proposition for you before you leave.
You're a photographer, right?

K: Yes. What is it to you?

Nagasi: (laughs again) Well, if you're not too busy, then I have a job for
you.

K: A job?

Nagasi: Yes. That is, if you have the time.

K: Why do you have me in mind?

Nagasi: Well, it is publicity shots for the upcoming play. Marketing stuff.
Quite boring in fact. But necesary. As a result, we need to someone capable of
doing a photoshoot for us. Are you interested?

K: Why should I?

Nagasi: Well, ...I thought of all the people in this world, you would be most
willing, since your friend, Hikaru Hiyama will be the lead in the play. You
have takened pictures of her, haven't you?

K: Yes,...a little when we were younger.

Nagasi: So it's settled then. You'll do the photoshoot. Tomorrow, at the
Kingdom Hotel. 3:00 o'clock. Hall A.

K: (puzzled look) Why there?

Nagasi: Why not? It's up to my whim anyway.

K: You're have very odd tastes.

Nagasi: So is it a deal?

K: Yes, yes. I'll do your stinking photoshoot.

Nagasi: So enthusiastic, aren't you. By the way, here. (hands him an envelope)
Your payment is enclosed. I trust you'll find the compensation adequate.

K: (sticks into his jacket) Thanks, I guess. Ja!

(exits quickly!)

Nagasi: (laughs wickedly) How how I love to manipulate these puppets of mine.

[Back to #2 and Hikaru]

#2: See how it easy it is?

H: Yeah. It wasn't so bad as I thought it was.

"There you are!"

H: (turns around) Oh, Sugizawa. What are you doing here?

Sugizawa: Looking for you. What are you doing?

H: Ni-san was here teaching me how to email.

Sugizawa: Oh that...that's no big deal. I can teach you anytime. I have a
comptuer back in my place. Much better than this old junk.

H: So what do you want?

Sugizawa: It's time for lunch. Let's go. We need to go over our lines again.

H: Now?

Sugizawa: Yes. With the new scripts, we haven't much time to go over it.
Come on. (grabs her by the hand and leads her away)

#2: (looking glum) (*Waves back*) Bye now. 

[focus back to Kyousuke back at the TV Studios]

(takes a look inside the envelope. Inside is 100,000 yen! And also a note)

K: (notes the address) I wonder what this address leads to?

Shiroi: What are you look at Kyo?

K: This address. I wonder what it leads to.

Shiroi: Want me to run it through the computer?

K: You can do that?

Shiori: Of course. (snatches paper) But that means you owe me.

K: Fine. Next lunch on me.

Shiori: You're on. Be right back.

[Back to the Studios]

(Madoka bumps into Nagasi)

Nagasi: O-h-h-h,...it's you again.

M: Fine day to you too.

Nagasi: Your boyfriend dropped by just now. Don't you want to know what
happened?

M: (turns head away and folds arms ) I frankly don't care.

Nagasi: Well, he was having a smashing time in my company, unlike the dull,
dreary existence he has with you. Well too-da-loo. (waves fingers mockingly)

M: (steaming) 

[Focus back to Hikaru]

H: Gawd, Sugizawa. You can be so pushy at times.

Sugizawa: That's my style. That's the only way to get things down in this
town. Either take the initiative or let it pass you by.(flashes teeth) Say,
you have time tonight.

H: Well...

Sugizawa: Don't tell me you have to wash your hair. And the Haroken guy is out
of town. Perfect time for you to visit my new place,... to rehearse of course.
So what do you think?


H: Uhh....

Sugizawa: You really shouldn't be so indecisive at a time like this. Yes or
no? Simple choices.

H: (flails arms) Ok, ok. I'll go, I'll go. Just let me finish my salad.


Sugizawa: Sure. I'll even treat you to dinner tonight.

H: 

[Back at the TV Station]
Shiori: Here you go. You wouldn't believe it.

K: Believe what?

Shiori: (hands paper back) That's the address of the pop star Jade!

K: Really?

Shiori: Why do you have her address for?

K: Dunno. Got it as some inside tip for the case.

Shiori: Is that so? Think you'll follow up on it?

K: Maybe. But the source is pretty unreliable.

Shiori: Still...it's better than nothing. A good reporter follows up on all
leads, no matter now minute.

K: I'm no reporter. Just a lousy, second-rate cameraman.

Shiori: You shouldn't say that about  yourself. You're a lot more talented
than you give yourself credit for. Why, it takes real courage to go to Bosnia
to reveal the true story. That's what you're all about, isn't it? To find the
truth.

K: I guess so. Thanks.

Shiori: You just needed a boost. Go now. I'll cover for you. I've even keep
Johnny off your back.
//detail from chapter b8

K: Good Hope this is a case-breaker!

[Later than afternoon, at the shin ABCB]

"Hi Madoka-chan."

M: (sits up behind the bar) Hi Master. Give me the usual.

Master: Sure. (takes a cup out and starts pouring the drink) I would like to
say I appreciate you coming in so often and helping my business, but you've
been in here much too frequent for your own good.

M: (sigh) I guess. (empties bottle)

Master: Trouble in paradise?

M: You bet. That cad is driving me out of mind again.

Master: (smiles) You mean Kyosuke-chan?

M: Yessss. Himmmm. Tell me Master. Nothing against you and all, but why can
men be so insensitive sometimes?

Master: I wouldn't be too concerned. We men are like that when we're young.
Brash, arrogant, ready to take on the world. You've got to let me have his own
space,... his own time to go out and find himself.

M: So you think I'm smothering him?

Master: No, no not at all, Mado-chan. But he needs room to explore,...to find
out what he's all about. Sometimes, that means being alone to do it.
That's the time when he would need your support the most. Be strong for him.

M: Thank you Master. I think I understand. I'll see you later.

Master: Not too soon, I hope.

[Back to Kyousuke]

K: (inside the huge building complex, walking along the "hotel-like" hallways)
This seems to be the right place. Kind of the "Sunset Blvd" for entertainers.
I wonder if I should be up here. Suite #4122. I should turn left at the next
corner.

(*COLLISION*)

K: Sorry sir! I didn't mean to...

"Kuso!" (runs off to the elevator)

K: Gee, what a rude guy. I wonder why he was in such a rush. (looks down at the
ground and sees a matchbox) Hey mister! You dropped this.

(elevator door has already closed)

K: Damn. Missed him. His loss. (pockets it)

(starts to turn the corner of collision and walks up to the apartment)

(focuses inside the suite)

K: Seems like no one inside. Can't hurt to take a look around. (looks around
before flashing in)

[Inside this rich suite, we are treated to a glittering glow of green all
around. Green carpet, green terricloth robes,  green silk dresses,
green-tinted drinking glasses, and even a green crystal chandelier.]

K: Awww! (rubs his eyes in a double-take) Who can stand to live in a place
like this? Gotta bring my shades next time.

(after a few minutes of exploring he find nothing unusual. Sees a partially
opeend door.)

(we also hear some sirens in the background)


K: I wonder if this is the bedroom (gently opens door with his foot)
Wow!

(Inside Jade's bedroom, we see a mess, as if someone had burglarizd it.
However, the strange part was that the jewelry was still there. In fact a lot
of jewelry. And watches. And gold chains and other marvelous stones all strewn
about the room.)

K: That's very peculiar. Either she's a slob or someone robbed her. But what
thief would leave the jewels behind?

(*Knock knock knock*)

"Hullo there? Are you in there Mrs Jade-san? This is Officer Najimi of the
Tokyo Police Force."

K: Oh shit! The police! Why are they here? Gotta get out of here!

(officers outside hear something rustling inside and they signal to each
other.)

"1 - 2 - 3!"

(Door bursts open just as Kyousuke flashes out of the place.)

(The officers search the place for any intruders before giving up)

"All clear here. I could have sworn I heard someone inside."

"Me too. But what till you get a load of the stuff in this room."

[Evening night in Hong Kong]

(Ryusei walking along the Kowloong river with the mysterious women, wearing a
seductive, slinky, black bodysuit of a dress)

R: I'm glad you came down here to our old retreat and see me.

"Yes,...like old times. Why did you return?"

R: I had some business here to attend to and...

"No. why did you really return?"

R: (glances over in his sunglasses  and smiles) You see right through me, even
when I'm wearing my protection, don't you?

"Call it a woman's intuition. It's been a long time, hasn't it?

R: Too long.

"You know I'm married now..."

R: Don't worry; I didn't come back to reawaken the past. Yes,...I remember the
good times we had. But there wasn't any substance to our relationship. It was
purely physical - sexual. We were at a time when both of us needed comfort and
aid. We were just lucky we were there to provide it to each other. Two lost
souls, wandering aimlessly for the one true purpose in life. But thankfully,
all that is behind us now.

"Is that why you came back...to find your spirit?

R: In a corny way, yes. To find myself again.

"How quaint. You're just as wild and cavalier as you've always been."

R: Have I? I thought I mellowed out a little over these years.

"It wasn't that long ago."

R: I know. But with the life I've been leading so far, it has felt like an
eternity to me.

"Ah the pity. Be be so stricken at such a young age."

R: I'm not as young as I used to be.

"And you're not as old as you think you are."

R: What matters to the mind is how old you feel. And believe me, I feel very
old.

"They say that this city is on the edge of nowhere, caught in a false duality.
It's soul echoing the cries of ancestral ghosts of the past and its shell the
modern cold, nuclear  steel and technological age of the present. Are you
caught in that same dilemma?

R: (looks out at the river) It's true. I am caught between many a things that
binds me. I feel like a worm, caught and bounded by the web strands of life
fabric, unable to change my woven destiny. All as the spider of the grim
repaer waits on the outskirts, biding its time until it goes out and claims
me.

"That bad, huh? Maybe you should avoid the sweets so you can run away next
time. (pats his stomach)

R: (chuckles) You always knew how to lighten things up when the going got
tough.  Thanks for cheering me up. I'm glad we got a chance to meet tonight.

"Me too, old friend."

[Back to Tokyo, at the scene of the crime]

(A police car pulls up to the pack of 2 other police cars already there)

(A rugged looking female exits out and approaches the trench-coat figure)

"Chief Inspector Jackson. What the hell are you doing here at this crime
scene?"

"Greetings to you too, Saeko-san. Isn't it a pleasnt surprise?"

"Hardly. You know you're not suppose to be here. You're suppose to be pushing
papers. Yet my officers said they saw you parked here when they got here.
Exactly what do you know about what happened here?"

Jackson: Nothing at all. I just happen to be passing in the neighborhood.

Saeko: An unlikely story. Tell that to my father and see if he'll buy it.

Jackson: I was hoping I wouldn't have to, being that you're the pick of the
litter.

Saeko: Ha! Your charm wears thin on me.

Jackson: Maybe so. Perhaps I should approach one your sisters instead?

Saeko: You wish! Don't matter now. You nosing around my case didn't help you
after all.

Jackson: What do you mean?

Saeko: (waves hand and starts walking towards the scene) You'll see.

[Late at night at XYZ Studios]

(We see two mysterious men, dressed in black suits and wearing sunglasses,
tip toeing inside the studios in semi-darkness, constantly looking back and
forth and over their shoulders to see if anyone is following them. They
approach an ominious room.)

(*Knock, Knock, Knock*)

Nagasi: Who disturbs me at this time?

"Uh..it's your lackeys."

Nagasi: Oh, you two. So why the hell are you here at this late hour, my pets?

#3: We got...

#4: ...what you've been looking for.

Nagasi: (puts hands on her hips) Well! What is it?

#3: Here. (passes her a package.)

(postage mark: from NYC)

Nagasi: (licks her lips) Indeed, it does look like what I've been expecting.
You did a good job, you two. I might upgrade you two, after I get rid of the
other #1 and #2.

#3 and #4: Yes Maam! (salutes and leaves)

Nagasi carefully unearths the contents of this package to reveal some
photographs.

Nagasi: (snickers) I've finally found the real you...what a perfect picture 
to complement my collection. Now I have my ace in the hole!

[End of HardKor chapter b9]