H A R D |< O R PRELUDE Edition K i m a g u r e O r a n g e R o a d P r e m i e r F a n f i c t i o n by Robert Kwong ver 1.0 Completed September 5, 1997 Based on characters from the Kimagure Orange Road Series created by the venerable Matsumoto Izumi. As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure Orange Road Series. In the Prelude edition, it outlines the events following the breakup of Hikaru and Kyousuke which sets the stage for Shin Kor and HARD Kor series. These stories were written in the attempt to clarify certain details assumed and to provide clues for future Hard Kor episodes. 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 e-mail me at the above address. Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR fanfic on the web! 20000 visitors can't be wrong! I am just grateful that I have an audience to write for. It just goes to show you how entensible and how endearing the story of KOR is and the lasting impact it has. I just hope that I managed to capture that special "essence" which pervades KOR as I narrate the turn of events in their lives. Hope you appreciate my efforts and happy reading! Robert Kwong Ark Productions -97- Legend: H=Hikaru Hiyami Y=Hino, Yuusaku <> Indicates characters thinking to themselves * Denotes action [] Denotes change of events or next scene Prelude - Chapter JuHaChi (18): Overdose [At Hiyama house] "Hikaru! You forgot something!" H: What mama? "This." (hands her a small package) "Now don't forget to give this out in school." H: Mama! How do you know whether I have someone to give it to or not? "You should! Now go before you're late" Today was Valentine's Day. Yet I didn't feel too happy about it. I wish the day would just pass by and end. I wanted to stick my head below a pillow. I didn't want to go to school. I would feel too depressed seeing everyone's happy faces. Why did I feel this way? It would be my first valentine where I didn't have any person to give chocolates to. Darling was already accounted for now. I thought this would have been the perfect time to start something with someone else very close to me. But I blew it. Big time. Sempai and Madoka warned me not to blow my chance with him. They told me that he couldn't be waiting forever for me. Too bad I didn't listen. Now he has slipped through the cracks and into someone else's arms. More pain for my poor heart to bear. I thought about eating the box of chocolates myself to get rid of it and satisfy my sweet-tooth, but decided not to. I knew I had a strong chocolate craving and that it would be hard for me to stop once I get started. I would just feel more depressed. I'd probably give it to one of my girlfriends for them to give to their boyfriends. [In school] (Inside the classroom where an exam is taking place) (We see Muroke Koji, fidgeting with his pencil, beads of sweats flowing down his forehead) Muroke: Sensei: Time's up! Muroke: [Afterschool] (Yuusaku, in his thick black school uniform, sitting in a patch of grass, propped up by his motorcycle, his helmet hanging off the side) (Buzzing in the courtyard behind him, young men receiving small boxes of chocolate from young women. Today is Valentine's day) Ironic. This day is suppose to be the day where one declares one's love to another. A day for young lovers to be together. And to receive sweet chocolate delights from their girlfriends. Yet for me this day has always been a day of misery for me. Because for so many years, I had no one to celebrate with. Everyone, including the faculty was in a good, cheerful mood. The air was full love and chocolate. Quite intoxicating. Yes. I remember the times when I would pine away for Hikaru, hoping against all hope that she would send me a box of chocolates wrapped in red ribbon. Of course that would never happen as long as Kyousuke was around back in Tokyo. I did remember the last time I received chocolates. It was a long while ago, when me, Hikaru, and Madoka attended the same elementary school. At the time, Madoka-san was an extreme tomboy; she certainly looked more like a tough boy than I did at the time. Hikaru had a huge idol worship on Madoka. Little Hikaru was dressed up in the cutest sailor suit outfit, complete with lovely curls of her blonde hair. I,...well let's say I looked awkward and leave it at that. At our elementary school, we made our own valentine cards out of bright red construction paper. I remember would draw these cute characters on her card. Naturally, I made the card for her and was about to give it to her at the playground. Unfortunately, before that, I saw her give her card to Madoka! Imagine my shock and Madoka-san at such a gesture. Naturally, she was embarrassed at receiving a card from Hikaru. I quickly hid my card beneath the bench I was sitting on. All 3 of sat together. Little H: Here everyone! I brought treats for everyone. (passes chocolate bunnies to Madoka and Hino) Hikaru always came prepared when it comes to packing treats and bento lunches. That would be the last time I received chocolates. Although I received it indirectly, I was still happy that Hikaru thought of her friends first. I did receive an additional suprise when I found Hikaru's valentine card in my backpack. Madoka must have put it in my backpack when I was wasn't looking. That would be my only happy valentine's day. But that was when we were kids. Now, I and everyone else was on the eve of adulthood. This would be the last valentine's day of my youth. And what killed me was that I would have no shot at Hikaru at all. But I've already accept that fact. I knew we all had tough choices to make in our lives. I guess in a way it's good we made a clean break and start out new. Plus there might be undiscovered love still lying yonder. As my ojiichan advised me, better to go and find out whether I have real feelings for Kaori rather than wait and live with regret with not finding out. Could this day signal the end of one love of mine and the start of another for me? It could be. But that would have to wait. For I still had to attend karate practice. (As Yuusaku walks into the gym, Hikaru comes out walking alone) (She sees Ryoga's motorcycle.) H: (she places the choclates on top of the seat of the motorcycle before going back inside) [Inside the gym] (As Yuusaku enters the gym, he is surprised to see someone already there punching a bag) Y: Muroke! What are you doing here? Muroke: Venting out my frustration, that's what! Y: Damn, I never seen you so riled up before! Muroke: What do you care? Come on! Let's spar! Or are you chicken? Y: You're not still mad at me for shunning you, are you? I'm sorry about that. Muroke: Ah, who needs your boring company anyway. Just come and fight. (throws a punch and lands a glancing blow on Yuusaku) Y: Hey! This isn't like you! Muroke: Not use to the more assertive me, are you? Are you afraid? Jealous? Y: What's wrong with you? Are you on something? (In enters the sensei) Sensei: What we have here? 2 pupils? Y: Hai sensei. (bows) Didn't want to be late for the workout. Muroke: Hi again. (bows) Sensei: You two have no life, do you? Y: No sensei. Absolutely none. Muroke: I have nothing better to do, that's all. Sensei: Too bad. I do. I have other matters to attend to today. You two can practice on your own or you can go. Sayonara! (exits gym) Y: What? You can't go! Muroke: Fine with me. But I'm sparring alone. I get more practice with the punching bag than sparring with a stiff like you! Y: Muroke! What has gotten into you? Muroke: You. I never seen such inepitude with the girls in my life. How pitiful you are. You can fight big, bad Hunada and Ryoga, but you don't even have the guts to confront a girl. And to think I was pathetic. Y: (getting steamed) Why are you doing this?! Muroke: I'm going. No good to spar with a coward like you. Ja man! (exits) Y: What is this day becoming more and more difficult? Why even Muroke is acting wacko! I was surprised to hear him confess his affections for Kaori. Could it be that love does trully drive a man insane? [Back at the apartment] (Taki dog sitting at the edge of the couch sleeping. Kaori is slumped on the couch, taking it easy.) (Ryoga enters) Kaori: Ryo. Back so early? Ryo: Yeah. I am. Couldn't stand the lovy-dovy atmosphere at school. (takes off his black leather jacket) Here. You probably could use this. Kaori: A box of chocolates? For me? That's so nice of you! And a cute symbol you drew on it too! Ryo: Don't hold your breath! Someone left it on my bike. Guess some girl at school still has the hots for me. I don't eat this stuff so I figure I give it to you. Kaori: Really Ryo! I didn't think you bought those chocolates for me for a minute. And don't you know it's bad luck to give a girl choclates on this day! It's suppose to be the other way around. Ryo: I don't care for such traditions at all. Do what you want with it. Kaori: Fine. I've gotta cover the late afternoon shift at "Yoshida's". (takes the box) If I see some cute guy, I'll give it to him. Humph! Ryo: You're trying to spite me, aren't you? Too bad it's not going to work. Kaori: Ryo. I hate you! (slams door) Ryo: Women. Never will figure them out in a million years! Taki: (*RUFF!*) [Yuusaku riding along the road ] As I drove on my sputtering motorcycle, I got to thinking what Muroke said to me. Despite his weird behavior, he was right in a way. I do melt under the pressure when I try to approach a girl. I never really trully expressed my feelings. Probably explains why I failed miserably with Hikaru. Didn't have the courage to tell her exactly how I felt about her. And now I have mixed feelings about Kaori. I didn't quite know what to make of my feelings for her. But I decided that I should tell her what I do know and take it from there. And so that was where I was going. To go to the bar where she worked downtown. [In the language lab] (Hikaru has headphones on, listening to the English lessons) Tape: "...Good morning to you sir." H: (repeating) Guud mourning to yuu sir. "Hey Hik-chan! I need your help!" H: "I would like to order some orange juice." (takes off headphones) Hi Sario-chan. What are you doing here? Sario "I can't find Futaro anywhere! I'm frantic! Have you seen him?" (waves the golden-colored box of chocolates) H: No. I haven't. Are you sure he's not sick today? Sario: Positive. I asked around and they said he showed up for homeroom. But no one seen him since after that. I'm desperate! I'll be ruined if I don't get him these box of chocolates! H: You shouldn't take it too seriously. It's not the end of the world. Sario: I know, but I was so hoping we could strengthen our relationship. I'm so scared he's leaving me. H: Maybe he went home sick. Why don't you give him a call? Sario: Great idea! Thanks Hik! You're the best! H: (*Sigh*). Back to those lesson tapes again. [Downtown] I drove back to the place where it all started. Yoshida's Bar. Where me and Kaori got first hooked up. I remember the only reason I came down here in the first place was because of a fight with Hikaru over something stupid. I wanted to show her that I wasn't dependent on her and so asked Kaori to show me the sights. Before that, she had been throwing signs at me left and right. Kind of daring and risque for a girl her age. But somehow, I got the feeling that she was much older than she really looked. It was the way she acted. Her walk, her manner. She certainly gave me the impression that she was "experienced" in a great many things; none that I cared to find out about. And there was the uneasiness I felt about the situation: Why would she so interested in a naive kid like me? I entered the bar. I gave a nod to the "sumo" bouncer to my left who saved my butt the last time I was here. I saw Kaori over on the right, serving drinks in her typical, skimpy outfit. Boy was she a looker. I gulped, trying to stay my courage. I reminded myself that I had to do this. So I forced myself to sit at one of the bar stools. Barkeep: So what'll it be, kid? Y: Who? Me? Barkeep: Yeah you. It's your pudgy face I'm looking at. Y: Umm, I just want to talk with one of your servers. Barkeep: No talk unless you order somethin'. Y: Uhh,... alright. I'll order some lite beer. Barkeep: Lite beer? Mighty low on your spirits to be ordering that, aren't you? Y: Oh...Uhh....Umm... "Ah don't mind him and his horrible bartender puns." Barkeep: No one asked for your commentary! Kaori: Sorry Boss. Just that my friend here is not the mingling type. Say now. I've been working like a dog this whole afternoon. I'm taking my 10 minute break now. Barkeep: Your call. Kaori: Thanks boss. (puts away her tray) Kaori: So you came after all! I'm glad you took me up on my offer. Especially my last week here. Y: Your last week? I don't understand. Kaori: You don't know? Me and Ryo and splitting away from this town to other joints. Y: I didn't know; sorry to hear that. I had another reason for coming but I guess it doesn't matter anymore. Kaori: Hey, what do you mean? Y: Well, it's funny if you thing about it. I came down here to find out what exactly where we stood. Kaori: Like what? Y: Like how you feel about me. Kaori: You? How do I feel about you...(pauses a moment) I guess you're an ok guy to be with. But you seem to get into a lot of trouble for a new guy around here. Y: That's for sure. Must be my perpetual bad luck. Anything else about me? Kaori: That should be it. Is it what you were expecting? Y: I don't really know. I thought there might have been something deeper, but I guess I was wrong. I just wanted to find out for myself, especially before you left. Well thanks. I guess I'd better be going. Before I get you in trouble with the Master again. (Ryoga enters the bar and sees Kaori talking with Yuusaku) Kaori: One moment. Before you go, please accept this gift from me. (pulls something from under the counter and passes it to him) Y: A box of chocolates? Are you sure I am the right person you should be giving this to? After what you have said? Kaori: Consider it as a parting gift from me to you. Besides, I need to watch my figure. And I'll only be wasting it, so you take it hon, ok? Y: Thanks. Ja! Kaori: Ja ne! (as Yuusaku exits...) Ryoga: What was that all about? Kaori: Just unloading the gift you passed to me, that's all. Ryoga: Oh, is that it? Kaori: Why? Jealous? Ryoga: Why should I be? Just a stupid box of chocolates. Kaori: So when's the last meeting with the rest of the gang? Ryoga: Tonight. 9:00pm at the old hangout. Kaori: Are you sure tonight's the right night? Don't they want to be with their girlfriends? Ryoga: Girlfriends? They wish. They don't any lives. Besides, it'll be peaceful. All the juvenilles will be lumped together in the parks. We'll be by the cliffs. No one to bother us. [Back at school] (in the lockerrooms) (We see a figure prying at a locker) "Baka me. Leaving the new stuff in here without even taking a sample. And on the day I run out of my old stash. I only need a pinch from you." (sniffs the substance) "Ahh. That hit the spot. Now to get my revenge!" [9:10pm] Bento: Hey boss. Glad we can have this last meeting. Aki: Yeah. We'll be missing you. Chiko: Who'll lead once you leave? Ryoga: I'll get to that later. By the way, what the hell is "Flamingo Kid". Daisuke: Last I saw him, he told me he'll be on his way. Ryoga: I can't go over the plans until he comes. Bento: We can talk about it now, right? We can tell him later. Ryoga: No. He has to be here. Aki: Everything's still based on the tournament, right? We make no move unless they do. Chiko: Hey! What's that? (A bunch of motorcycles buzz in) Daisuke: It's Toro's gang! They here! Bento: Let's get 'em! Ryoga: Wait! Not unless I give the order! (Dark helmeted guy accompanied by Hunada walks up to the group) Ryogo: Toro! Glad you can lend your ugly face to the festivities. What brings you here? No one invited you to the party. Toro: A party you say? Pity it looks more like your "last meal". Chiko: Hey! We're going to bust your heads because of that. Ryoga: Easy! What do you want? Toro: I heard a distinct rumor that you'll be leaving here. Ryoga: That's none of your business. Toro: Ahh. But it is my business. The "truce" we have was made between me and you. If indeed you should be leaving, then I see no need to honor it. Aki: As if you had any! Toro: A childish response from an idiot like yourself. Aki: Why You!!! (stands up) Ryoga: Sit down! (pulls him back down) Trying to worm your way out, aren't you? You must be more afraid of us then I give my group credit for. Toro: Pity you're just a man of words and not action. Ryoga: Force I used only when needed. It's up to you. Toro: Just giving you fair warning. Tough shit this gang business. Only the strongest survive. Ryoga: So it is. Now get the hell out of there before I unleash my boys to kick your asses out! Toro: We'll meet again. (motorcycles race off) (A few minutes later...) Chiko: Look over there! There seems to be a lone bike approaching us. Daisuke: It's must be the "Kid". Aki: Hey! He'd better watch out for that! (points) (The motorcycle starts to ebb and weave. He was still going on fine until...) Aki: Hey! He hit something! Bento: He's beginning to swerve. Chiko: Oh no! Watch out! (We see the figure thrown from the motorcycle) (They race to him) Ryoga: Get an ambulance! Quick! (Ryoga removes the helmet to reveal Futaro! The "Flamingo Kid".) [The next day] Shijama: Finally found you? Where were you? Muroke: Ah, I felt just so depressed after the test. What do you want anyway? Shijama: To erase that bad attitude of yours, that's what! Here! You were suppose to drink the antidote potion yesterday. Muroke: Lay off, will ya! I'm going to drink the thing, ok? (gulps it down with one swallow) Shijama: Wow! So bold! Muroke: I'm feeling a little woosy from this stuff. Shijama: You gotta sit down. (helps him to a chair) (something falls out of Muroke's jacket pocket) (A plastically wrapped object with white looking powder inside) Shijama: What's this? Muroke: Oh that? Just something I fished out from my locker. Dunno how it got there though. Shijama: Well, while you're resting there, I can perform a quick examination to see what it is. [At the hospital] Kaori: I heard the news of the motorcycle accident. How is he? Ryoga: Getting worse. Doctors say he's lapsed into a deep coma. Kaori: That's terrible! Was it the head injuries he sustained from the crash? Ryoga: No. It's something far more serious. Kaori: Then what is it? Ryoga: He OD on the new designer 'Dust'. [End of prelude chapter 18]