Kimagure Orange College Episode 10 - Night of a Thousand Voices [Cut to the inside of a fast moving train on the Chuo line. On board are Hayashibara, Kasuga, Katsu, Saito and Kasamatsu. They all have backpacks and are carrying camping gear. As the train slows down, people start to lean forwards as the momentum shifts.] Voice on the train loudspeaker: Disembarking for Otsuki! Next stop...Hatsukari! Hayashibara: [Gets up and grabs his pack.] Let's go! The next Fujikyu train leaves in a few minutes! Katsu, Saito, Kasamatsu, Kasuga: [Each grabs his pack.] Right! [Gets up.] Kasuga Narration: It was the early part of June. With the summer about to start, we decided to beat the heat and go camping one weekend near the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National park. As it was just a month before the climbing season, we thought that our biggest problem was going to be the vacationing crowds. As it turns out, what ended up happening was exactly the opposite. [Cut to National Road 139. Mount Fuji looms majestically, dominating the skyline. Kasuga, Katsu, Saito and Kasamatsu are riding in a rental truck as Hayashibara drives. They pass by a sign marked "Katsuyama", only to see a large crowd of cars sitting in the parking lot.] Kasamatsu: [Forlorn expression.] Che!* By the time we set up camp, the lake won't have any fish left! *Mild Japanese expression of disappointment/irritation Saito: [Shrugs.] Well, that's what we get for coming up here at the beginning of summer. Katsu: [To Kasuga.] How do you think the girls are doing? Kasuga: [Smiles.] If I know Ayukawa, they're having a great time. [Also starts to look forlorn.] No doubt they'll be having more fun than us! Hayashibara: [Tries to cheer the others up.] Come on guys! It's a long road and it's not even mid-afternoon yet. It's a nice day so enjoy the scenery! [After another hour of driving through the beautiful, albeit crowded park, they pass another sign marked Motosu-ko*. Behind the sign, dense forest looms ahead. Surprisingly, the number of cars suddenly dwindles to almost non-existence.] *Lake Motosu Hayashibara: [Getting excited.] Look at this you guys! Kasuga: [Looks out the window.] This is beautiful! Hardly anyone here, Motosu-ko just a few miles away... Saito: [Nods in agreement.] It's perfect! Katsu: [Looking a little concerned.] I wonder why it's deserted though? There could be something wrong with this place... Kasamatsu: [Pats Katsu on the back.] Don't be a spoilsport! The only thing missing here is our tent spikes! Katsu: [Quickly checks his back for any paper.] Hayashibara: [Points.] Look there's a house! Let's just make sure it's not private property or anything like that! [Pulls over and stops the car. After closing the car door, he calls out.] Hello! Is anyone here? Kasuga: [Gets out and closes the door.] Looks like there's no one home. [Suddenly an old man opens the door. His face has a weathered texture like a raisin with too much sun. The few wisps of hair on his head are bleached white. His voice rasps like a broken whistle.] Old man: [Angrily, but with unconcealed concern.] What are you doing here? Hayashibara: [Bows.] Konnichiwa ojiisan*! We were wondering about the availability of camping grounds in this area. *In this context, old man. Old man: [Snarls.] We do not welcome visitors *here*! Kasuga, Katsu, Saito, Kasamatsu, Hayashibara: [Taken aback by his abrupt response.] ... Hayashibara: Err...we'd be willing to pay a fee naturally if you requi... Old man: That's not it! [Softens his tone.] It's for your own good that we discourage visitors. This forest is haunted! Kasuga: [Surprised.] Haunted? Katsu: [Equally surprised.] Really? Saito: [Almost to himself.] B***s***... Old man: [Meaningfully to Saito.] You would be wise not to so quickly discount the legends of the Aokigahara forest*! *Forest located at the foot of Mt Fuji infamous for suicides. Kasuga: *This* is the Aokigahara forest? [Looks around.] It looks normal enough. Katsu: [Observes] Other than the fact that there's no one else here... Old man: Don't you young people know the legends of the Aokigahara forest? In Jukai*, the spirits of the discontent still roam free...and they don't take kindly to those who would disturb their rest! At Shoji-ko**, the unhappy who died there continue to feed off the life of the foolish! *Sea of Trees **Lake Shoji Hayashibara: [Tries to be amiable.] Well of course we've heard of the Aokigahara forest, but... Saito: [Waves his hand and scoffs.] Come on! This is the twentieth century! There's no such things as ghosts! Old man: [Shouts as he watches them walk off.] Beware the dark or you'll be sorry! [Mutters almost to himself but still audible to the guys.] You'll all be sorry...! Kasuga, Katsu, Saito, Kasamatsu, Hayashibara: ... [Cut to the edge of the forest. Hayashibara stops the car as close to the forest as he can and gets out. The others follow suit and gather their stuff together.] Hayashibara: Now according to the map, there should be an open clearing a few miles away to the southwest. Once we set up camp, Motosu-ko is southwest of that by another mile. Shoji-ko is also here, [Puts his finger on the map.] but it's quite a bit smaller. Kasuga: [Looking at the map.] Well, it's also closer. We might try that too. Saito: [Points at the map.] Road 139 also runs right by Motosu- ko at the Road 300 junction. There'll likely be more people there too. Katsu: [Rubs his chin.] Didn't the old man say something about Shoji-ko? Kasamatsu: [Waves off.] He was probably drunk too. Stop worrying; what could possibly go wrong? [Cut to the forest clearing. Kasamatsu and Kasuga pull on one end of a rope with the other end tied to a nearby tree. As they keep the rope taunt, Katsu and Saito pull a large canvas sheet over the rope and tie down the corners. While they set up, the radio plays the daily news, but no one is really paying any attention as they are occupied with other activities.] Radio: ...hairman continues to deny any wrongdoing. In local news, Kofu Pharmaceuticals announced their new anesthetic would begin shipping to local hospitals despite protests of possible safety vio... Katsu: [Tying down the last corner.] OK guys, that should do it! Saito-san, get the other end! Saito: [Tying the other end of the main rope as Kasuga and Kasamatsu keep it tight.] Got it! Kasamatsu: [Pants as they releases the rope.] This is too much like work! Kasuga: [Rubbing his hands on his trousers to relieve rope burn.] Let's switch for the next tent! Kasamatsu: [Nods in agreement.] That's right...we're doing all the tough work! Hayashibara: [While carrying a large pack over his shoulder with the last of their stuff from the car.] Work's good for you; it builds character. Kasamatsu: [Drops in exhaustion.] That's easy for you to say. [Mutters to himself.] Some of us aren't perfect... Kasuga: [To himself as he too is exhausted.] I know the feeling...[Notices that Hayashibara's not even breathing hard.] Radio: ...promises to make amends. In sports, Butsumetsu University continues it's hot streak, sweeping Todai in 3 games to take the series. Doi and Hayashibara combined for 11 hits out of 24 at-bats to lead... Kasuga Narration: It's hard to compete with a guy like that; I confess that I couldn't help but be a little envious. [Watches as Hayashibara unpacks several heavy bundles with relative ease.] He promised me that he wouldn't pursue Ayukawa, but I was still nervous. Not that I didn't trust his intentions; he seemed to be a nice guy. But I realized that it was that very trait that made me nervous. Even though it seems impossible, for the first time, [Quick flash showing Ayukawa smiling as she and Hayashibara are talking between classes.] I was forced to consider the possibility that it was Ayukawa who was attracted to him... [Cut to a half-hour later. The tents are set up and their equipment is laid out. In the center of their camp, Saito and Katsu are starting a fire.] Kasuga: Hey! [Digging through the gear.] Where's the food? Hayashibara: [Stands up and looks around.] I don't know? Who was holding the food? Kasamatsu: Well...[Looks sheepishly at the ground.] Saito: You left it in the car? Well you'll have to go back and get it. Kasamatsu: [Whines.] It's almost 2 kilometers away... Radio: ...good news for all those who don't like the coming of the summer heat; a cold front is moving in that should bring relief but you people out there better hold tight. When all the moisture from the front hits the heat, we're looking at a whopper of a...[Click.] Hayashibara: [Sternly as he turns off the radio.] Well you'd better get started then. [Cut to the wooded glade about an hour later. Kasamatsu stops and leans against the nearest tree, setting his heavy load of food down for a moment. He puts his hands on his stomach, trying to assuage the stich in his abdomen.] Kasamatsu: Shoot!......Why does this stuff always happen to me? The least they could do was help! [After a few seconds, he manages to get his breathing down to a reasonable level.] Well, I'll pay them back for this...making mee...[Hears something and turns around to take a look.] eee...eee...eeeyyyooowww!!!! [Runs out of the glade at top speed.] [Cut back to the open camping area. By now the rest of the camp has been well established. Hayashibara watches with astonishment as Kasamatsu collapses in front of him.] Hayashibara: Well that was quick...[Looks for the pack.] Where's the food? Kasamatsu: There's......something in the forest! Hayashibara: [A little concerned.] Eh? What? Kasamatsu: A GHOST! Saito: [After a few seconds to digest this bit of news.] He must have been sniffing out of Katsu's bag! Katsu: [Indignantly.] Hey don't blame me! Kasuga: [Helps Kasamatsu sit down.] Come on, you're just tired. Hayashibara: [Offers Kasamatsu some water.] That's right, exhaustion and dehydration can make you believe... Kasamatsu: [Waving off the help with frustration.] I'M TELLING YOU I SAW SOMETHING! Saito: [To Kasamatsu.] Who do you think you're talking to here? *I* helped you pull this gag on those girls in sixth... Kasamatsu: I'M NOT JOKING...[Remembers *that* time in his sixth grade.] THIS TIME! Hayashibara: [Stands up.] All right, let's go see your ghost. We may as well pick up the food while we're there. Katsu: [Gets his fishing rods.] Well, I guess we're going to go fishing then. [Pats Kasuga on the shoulder.] How about we catch dinner? Kasuga: [A little concerned about Kasamatsu.] Ahh...hai. [To Saito.] Want to come? Saito: [Pulls out his notebook computer.] Maybe later. [Starts typing a few keys.] Hayashibara: [Surprised.] You brought that thing? This trip was supposed to be for fun! Saito: [Indignantly.] This *is* fun! Hayashibara: I thought you said you wanted to know how to get a girl; that's not the way to impress one. Saito: [Defensively.] Well, Kimura-san thinks it's cute! Hayashibara: Hrumph! Kimura-san would think Gojira* was cute if he wore a ribbon. [Leaves with Kasamatsu.] *Godzilla [Cut to the shore of Shoji-ko. Kasuga and Katsu are holding fishing rods. Occasionally, one of them reels in their line and recasts it back into the water.] Katsu: So how long have you and Ayukawa-san known each other? Kasuga: Since third year junior high. We met when my family moved and I attended Kouriyougakuen Junior High. Katsu: So was it love at first sight? Kasuga: Yes...well, no...[Reels in his line and recasts it as he thinks for a moment.] In a way it was, but it took me a long time to realize it. [Looks down as the fishing float bobs up and down in the water.] There was another girl. For a long time, we were friends. We thought it could go on forever, but in the end, it reached a point where we realized it couldn't go on. It...still hurts when I think about...what happened to us. Katsu: Fishing... Kasuga: What? Katsu: [Reels in his line, and holds up the artificial fly lure.] You were fishing. When a guy doesn't know who he's after, he fishes and hopes for a bite. [Recasts his line out.] In your case, you got two, but had to throw one back. Kasuga: [While reeling in his line.] I don't know...sometimes I felt more like the fish than the fisherman. What about you; what was it like for you? Katsu: Well I...[Thinks for a moment.] never really found anyone special. Guess I was always too busy with my work. But...[Reels in his line and recasts.] Kasuga-san, what did you do when you think you've found someone you really care for, but don't know how to ... Kasuga: [Notices that his rod starts jerking.] Hey! [Starts reeling in his line.] Katsu: [Excitedly.] You got a bite! [Kasuga anxiously pulls his rod up, then suddenly both he and Katsu freeze in terror. The fish that comes out is a two footer. The only problem is that the fish has no flesh.] Kasuga: [Fearfully.] Ah...ah... Katsu: [Fearfully.] Th-that's no trout! Fish: [Lifts up its head.] Beware...the...dark! Kasuga and Katsu: YYYYEEEEOOOOWWWW!!!! [Dropping their rods and fearfully scramble away from the lakeside. As soon as they recover their wits, they both slowly and apprehensively turn around. Lying on the side are their rods, but the skeletal fish is nowhere to be seen.] Kasuga: [With a quivering voice.] You...don't suppose? Katsu: [Also with a quivering voice.] D-don't be ridiculous...there's gotta be a logical explaination! Kasuga: B-but... COMMERCIAL BREAK [Camera pan to a Neo-Tokyo office building. A Genom middle manager looks annoyed as he has to run across the room to pick up his ringing phone...] Middle manager: [Half-rhetorically with annoyance] Can't someone answer my phone? [Picks up the phone.] Sato here! Quincy's voice on the phone: [Angrily] YOU'RE DEAD SATO!!! THAT PACKAGE YOU PROMISED NEVER GOT HERE!!! Sato: [Absolute look of terror on his face with cold sweat.] ... [Then with a falsetto voice] This isn't Sato, this is Sato's secretary, please hold! [Immediately pressed the "Hold" button on his phone and starts dialing another number on the next line.] Sato: [With normal voice.] Hello Federal Express? I need a package check fast! [Presses the phone line button and switches back to Quincy's line and his falsetto voice.] He's coming; I can hear him down the hall! Voiceover: At Federal Express we have the best package tracking system in the business. We can check the status of your package in seconds. [Show a row of clerks sitting in front of a row of computer terminals. As the clerk speaks on her headset telephone, a package tracking number appears on the screen, along with Brian J. Mason's name and a timestamp of 9:32. The address below shows "Genom Industries."] Voiceover: Other companies can take days...and you may not have that long! Sato: [With renewed confidence and his own voice.] That package was delivered and signed for by Brian J. Mason at 9:32am! Quincy's voice on the phone: [Quietly] Oh...sorry! Sato: [With falsetto voice.] That's OK! Voiceover: Federal Express. Our most important package is yours! [Writer's note: Standard Disclaimer.] END COMMERCIAL BREAK [Cut back to the camp. Saito is sitting alone in the middle of the camp, apparently oblivious to the world around him.] LCD: LOGIN: Saito: [Typing.] saito LCD: PASSWORD: Saito: [Typing.] BakaTare LCD: Last login: Thu Jun 22 17:39:10 from ccnet3.cs.yokohama.ac.jp NEC OS Release 4.1.3: Fri Jun 23 15:19:23 Use of Butsumetsu computer and networking facilities requires prior authorization. Unauthorized access is prohibited. Usage may be subject to security testing and monitoring. Abuse is subject to criminal prosecution. Welcome to the Computation Center Workstation Facility You have mail Saito: [Typing.] mail LCD: Mail version SMI 4.0 Type ? for help. "/usr/spool/mail/saito": 1 message 1 new >N 1 chun-li@ugrad.edu.butsumetsu.ac.jp Tue Jun 13 13:16 21/770 Re: Thanks & Message 1: >From chun-li@ugrad.edu.butsumetsu.ac.jp Tue Jun 13 13:16:46 1988 Date: Tue, 13 Jun 1988 10:54:22 +0900 (GMT) Subject: Re: Thanks To: baka@ugrad.cs.butsumetsu.ac.jp Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Thanks for sending me that info on how to get on-line help. It was a lifesaver! I didn't learn to use a computer until I start college and I'm still first year. It's really nice for guys like you to help people like me. I think you're great! I always did have problems relating directly to people when I was younger, but it's nice guys like you who make this transition of my life easier. Hopefully this will be the start of something more than just a learning relationship and I look forward to your next letter. Until next time! Chun-Li & [Saito smiles as he starts to type his reply, but before he can start, he is interrupted by a voice from behind him.] Woman: [Hesistantly.] Um...excuse me? Saito: [Looks surprised.] Eh? [He turns around and sees a woman standing behind him. She has a solemn expression, tempered with a look of sadness. Her expression tells Saito that she's looking for someone.] Hello...can I help you? Woman: Yes, I'm looking for my son Akira. Saito: Aki- Are you related to Hayashibara-san? Woman: I'm Hayashibara Minako; I'm Akira's mother. Saito: Well nice to meet you. [Bows.] I'm Saito! Woman: I'm his mother. [Smiles.] You're one of Akira's friends aren't you? Saito: Well, I guess so...I didn't know his family was coming here too. If you wait a bit, Hayashibara-san will be back in a little while. Woman: No...[Sadly.] I'm afraid I don't have the luxury of time. [Smiles.] I'm glad that he's making friends. I just wanted to pass a message to him. [Pauses as her smile slips; showing a face of sadness.] Tell him, how proud I am of him...how much I love him. [Turns around and walks away.] Saito: [Stunned for a moment by the suddenness, then gets up.] Wait a minute! Hayashibara: [Comes back behind Saito with his arms full of wood.] ...told you there wasn't any ghosts! Kasamatsu: [Behind Hayashibara, holding the food.] I'm telling you I saw something! [Sees Saito standing up and looking around.] What's going on Saito-san? Saito: [To Hayashibara.] Your mother was just here; she left me a strange message about being proud of...[Turns around only to see that the woman is nowhere to be seen.] Hayashibara: [Stiffens.] Nonsense...[Sets the wood down, pauses and looks away.] My mother died fifteen years ago. Saito: ... [Just then, Kasuga and Katsu return from their fishing trip.] Kasuga: [Panic in his voice.] You won't believe what we saw! Katsu: [Voice quivering slightly.] N-now Kasuga-san, let's not jump to conclusions! Kasamatsu: [Jumps up triumphantly.] A ghost right? Hayashibara: [Crosses his arms.] Oh come on now! Next thing you know you'll all be telling me Shiro's* spirit made all these trees grow. [Turns to Saito.] This is the twentieth century right? *Name of the dog from Japanese fairy tale "The Old Man Who Made the Trees Bloom". Saito: [Nervously.] Well...[Shakes his head and tries to put what he saw out of his mind.] that's right. [More confidently.] We're just letting that old man's story get to us! Katsu: That has to be it. [Nods and turns to Kasuga.] Right? Kasuga: Uhh...[Thinks for a moment.] hai. We're just jumping to conclusions. Kasamatsu: [Thinks for a while, then shakes his head.] I think you guys aren't seeing the truth in front of your eyes. [Returns to his tent.] Kasuga: [Watches Kasamatsu return to his tent.] What I think we need to do is relax a bit; how about we go swimming before it gets too dark? Katsu: Sounds like a good idea. [Gets his trunks from his bag.] Go on ahead; I'll join you in a bit. Saito: [Sets his laptop down.] Yeah...I think I could use a swim right now. Hayashibara: I think I'll stick around and make sure that Kasamatsu-san is going to be OK. Right now I don't think he wants to be alone. [As they leave, no one watches as the portable computer's LCD screen ghosts for a moment and some letters flicker.] LCD: [Letters appearing one by one as the cursor blinks across the screen.] B e w a r e t h e d ... [Cut to Motosu-ko. Kasuga is floating on an inflated tube wearing his swimming trunks. The surface of the lake is as flat as glass, except where his tube floats. The eerie quiet slowly eats away at Kasuga's peace of mind.] Kasuga: [With a little concern to himself.] Kasamatsu-san sure looked spooked...[Leans back.] Sometimes he is a goofball, but he seemed pretty sincere that time. [Starts paddling to shore.] I'll have to admit that this place is a bit weird being so empty. [He gets out of the water and towels himself off. He reaches into his bag and pulls out an onigiri*. However, as he brings it up to his mouth he freezes in fear. Walking up in front of him is a human form. Although he looks like he was once a young man, there is now blood and bodily fluids dripping off his frame.] Ah...ah... *riceball with a filling like salted salmon, pickled plum, fish eggs, tuna, or chicken in the middle Dead man1: [A piece of his jaw flaps as he points at Kasuga's snack.] You wouldn't happen to have another one of those would you? Kasuga: [Panics, drops the onigiri, and scampers back into the water, sending his inner tube rolling down the shore.] Who...what...ahh...? Dead man1: [Puts what's left of his hand behind his head.] Ahh...sorry. I'm Hitouchi Yoshi. [Picks up a piece of mochi from Kasuga's bag and takes a bite.] *rice cake Kasuga: [Stuttering.] You're...you're...d-d- Hitouchi: [Swallows; the food visibly going down his throat.] Well yeah...Let me tell you something; you never *know* how many people care about you until you die. The funeral...[Shakes his head.] something else I'll tell you. [Takes another bite.] There were a *lot* of people there. Kasuga: [Unable to believe the casualness of Hitouchi's speech.] Y-you must have been well-liked... Hitouchi: [Finishing the mochi.] ...and Mi-chan; she's was my girlfriend, she was crying her eyes out. Kasuga: W-why are you here? Hitouchi: [Leans forwards for emphasis.] I'm here to warn you guys! Get out of this area before nightfall! Kasuga: W-what? Hitouchi: [Holds up a skeletal finger.] There's one guy out here who's not so friendly! When he finds out there's fresh meat out here, he'll... Kasuga: B-but...why are you telling us? Hitouchi: [Incredulously.] You think I'm doing this for fun? If he gets his hands on you guys, you'll end up like me! I'm not having a good time here! Kasuga: W-who is he? W-why tonight? Dead man2: [Comes out from the woods, with a snarling, hollow voice.] BEWARE...THE...DARK!! Hitouchi: [Waves him off.] Yeah, yeah, I was just getting to that Nakamura-san. Nakamura: [Points at Kasuga, who's completely paralyzed with fear by now.] You young people need to learn some respect for the old ways! Hitouchi: [Points his skeletal finger towards his mouth.] Listen old man, if I gotta hear about how great Hirohito* was again, I'm gonna lose my lunch! *Emperor of Japan during WWII Nakamura: [Sarcastically points at Hitouchi's incomplete abdomen.] Better watch it young man...you don't have much to lose! Kasuga: [Manages to get Hitouchi's attention.] Ahh...what did he mean by the dark? Hitouchi: [Voice turns mysterious and ominous.] On every full moon, the newly deceased gather and wait to be judged; those who lived their lives well; the kind, the brave, those who made something of themselves go through a portal to the next level. They pass the test. They go to the light. Kasuga: [Dreading the answer that he already suspects.] A-and those who don't pass? Hitouchi: [Even more ominously.] Well...you know what they say; where there's an up, there's a down. Those who don't go to the light, go to the dark. Trust me, you don't want to be here when *that* portal opens up. Kasuga: [Still confused and scared.] T-then why are you guys still here? [Points at Nakamura.] P-particularly him. Nakamura: [Still rambling.] ...hatever happened to nationalism? Whatever happened to our devotion to the Emp... Hitouchi: [Back to a casual tone of voice.] Oh...shut...up...! [To Kasuga.] Some of us are still waiting. Those whose lives were cut off before they could fulfill their destiny; those whose lives were ended incomplete. We wait on this world for a chance to complete what we were meant to do; a chance to set the scales right. Nakamura: [*Still* rambling.] ...back in my day where death was an honorable way to die; where service to the country was more important th... Hitouchi: [Looking at Nakamura with some disdain.] Well...*some* of us are interested in moving on... Kasuga: Then...you're here to... Hitouchi: Try and make a difference? I don't know. I like to think I lived my life OK, but I hurt a lot of people doing what I did. I guess I thought if I could...[Stops when his finger drops into Kasuga's carry bag of food.] Ah jeez, I'm sorry about that! [Holds up his hands and checks to see that he still has eight left.] Kasuga: [Unable to take anymore, he panics and runs back to the camp.] YYYYAAAAHHHH!!!! Nakamura: [Chortles at Hitouchi as Kasuga runs away.] Well, now you've gone and done it! Scared the guy away with your so-called modern philo- Hitouchi: [Shakes his head] ... [Cut to the path on the way to Motosu-ko. Katsu and Saito are walking towards the lake with swim gear and carry bags.] Katsu: ...kidding me! You're going out with Miyasato Yoko? Saito: [Shakes his head.] No that's Miyasato Yuko; there's a difference. Katsu: Yeah, Yuko-san's started wearing that ribbon in her hair. Saito: [Shakes his head again.] No, there's more to it than that. Yuko-san's nicer than Yoko-san, [Pauses to consider his words.] but don't tell her I said that. Katsu: Right...[Smiles.] I wouldn't want you to have to wear a cast for a month. [More seriously.] So you and Yuko-san are going steady? Saito: Well...[Getting nervous.] I wouldn't quite call it that. Let's just say that we're friends. [Gets a little more excited.] But there's this other girl I'm writing to via e-mail; I really think she's going to be a special person. Katsu: [Interested.] So what does she look like? Saito: Well...[Sheepishly.] I don't really know. Katsu: [Stops walking.] You gotta be kidding! You don't even know what she looks like? Saito: Hey it's personality that counts right? Katsu: [Almost to himself.] This coming from someone who never went out with anyone in high-school? Saito: What was that? Katsu: [Smiles.] Nothing. Saito: You know you shouldn't talk. I mean you had a girl sleeping in your room a month and a half ago. Did anything come out of that? Katsu: [Getting defensive.] That's a cheap shot...besides, I...[Unable to continue.] Saito: [Suddenly recognizes that he may have hit a nerve.] Hey, you...really like her? Katsu: I...don't know right now. It's just a feeling I had when I met her. I mean, how many people do you know that are like her? Saito: Not too many I'll tell you that- [Just then, Kasuga comes bursting through the bushes and trees. He is near incoherency and keeps pointing back towards the lake.] Katsu: [Grabs Kasuga with concern.] Kasuga-san what's wrong? Kasuga: [Pointing back towards the lake and his food bag.] F- finger...! D-dark is c-coming...! Saito: [Trying to get Kasuga to calm down, then looks into his bag.] Oh my god... [Cut back to the camp grounds. Hayashibara is looking at Kasamatsu as he curls up inside the tent. The sun is almost down, painting the sky a dark crimson and orange hues with the other side of the sky is already beginning to turn dark blue. Almost unnoticed, clouds begin to gather, obscuring the stars.] Hayashibara: [To Kasamatsu.] You know you'll feel better if you have something to eat. Kasamatsu: [Depressed.] No thanks. Hayashibara: [Sympathetically.] Listen, I know what it's like not being accepted for who you really are. Kasamatsu: [Sits up on his cot.] Oh yeah? What do you know about not being accepted? Everyone looks up to you. Hayashibara: [Almost to himself.] Sometimes it looks that way...[More directly to Kasamatsu.] Tell me, have you ever heard of someone who wears a mask? Kasamatsu: [Annoyed.] What kind of stupid question is that? Of course I've worn a mask before! There was the time in junior high I scared the dickens out of two gi- Hayashibara: [Cuts him off.] That's *not* the kind of mask I'm talking about. I'm talking about the kind you wear when you play those pranks. The kind that makes you think I'm just someone who everyone looks up to. Kasamatsu: [More subdued.] What are you saying? That I'm not being myself? Hayashibara: [Pats him on his shoulder.] Just have some faith in yourself. Don't let people make you into something that you're not. Kasamatsu: Well... [Just then, they are interrupted by Kasuga, Katsu and Saito running back into the camp. Their pace is frantic and their expressions are etched with fear.] Katsu: G-guys, we've got a problem! Saito: [Holds up the finger out of Kasuga's bag.] L-look at what the ghost left behind! Hayashibara: [Looks at Saito's item.] That's a stick! Kasuga: [Insistently.] It's a finger! It was left behind by a ghost! He said that we have to leave this area before the dark portal opens up! Kasamatsu: [Stands up confidently.] I told you guys! Hayashibara: Oh come o...[Suddenly stops as a light appears out of nowhere above them.] Katsu: [Points up into the sky.] Look! [In the air above them, a doorway of lights opens up. All around the guys, several small balls of light spiral up into the doorway, giving off sounds of voices as they go. As each ball enters the doorway, there is a burst of light. After several minutes and the last one enters, the doorway snaps shut, sending a blast of light, sound, and wind through the camp. After the light fades, one of the guys finally finds his voice.] Kasamatsu: [Fearfully.] Explain that Mr. Know-it-all! Hayashibara: [Voice shaking.] N-now there's a p-perfectly logical reason for all this! Kasuga: [Voice also shaking.] G-great, let's hear it! Hayashibara: The place is haunted! Kasamatsu: [Sarcastically.] Oh thank you so much...! [Kasamatsu's outburst is interrupted by a slow groaning sound of snapping branches. The wind slowly picks up and grows colder. Above them, clouds begin to gather and darken the night sky.] Saito: [Fearfully and quickly.] I say we get out here and ask questions later! Hayashibara: [Haltingly.] I think you're right... Lightning from above: CRACK! Kasuga, Katsu, Hayashibara, Kasamatsu, Saito: [Grab the nearest bag or item next to them and run back towards the car.] YYYYAAAAHHHH!!!! [All around them, the groaning of long-dead voices begins as the sounds of footsteps converge on the guys. The ground beneath them begins to split open in a variety of places and skeletal hands reach into the air.] Kasamatsu: [Pointing at one of them.] C-corpses...! Hayashibara: Head for the car! [The others follow Hayashibara's lead and run through the woods, with the sounds of voices and footsteps right behind them. Above them, the rain is starting to pour as lightning streaks across the sky.] Kasuga: [To himself.] If I were alone, I could use my power to escape. But I can't abandon everyone. [Just before they get to the clearing with the car, a lightning strike knocks down one of the trees, blocking off the car from behind.] Katsu: [Fearfully to Hayashibara.] Now what? Hayashibara: [Haltingly.] W-well, I'm open to suggestions! Kasamatsu: [To Saito.] Th-this is all your fault! Y-you and the twentieth century! Saito: [Fearfully and incredulously.] M-my fault?!? Y-you picked the place! Kasuga: [To himself.] N-no choice now! Have to use my power to keep them away! [Concentrates.] [All around the guys, the wind picks up even more, whipping the trees around them. Branches, twigs, and leaves start blowing into the ghosts. However, they continue to close relentlessly.] Kasuga: [Frustratedly.] Shoot! No effect! Katsu: [Points forwards.] W-WE'RE TRAPPED!! [Suddenly behind them, two more forms approach their car, then start climbing up the hill into the forest towards the guys' position. Their movements are slow and stiff. Their breathing is heavy and coarse.] Hayashibara: [Turning around and pointing with fear.] Z- ZOMBIES!!! Kasuga: [Cowering.] TH-THIS IS IT!!! Kasamatsu: [Quivering] I WANNA GO HOME!!! Saito: [Fearfully.] I DON'T WANT TO DIE!! Katsu: [Cringing.] W-WE'RE GONERS!! Man1: [Points at them with his finger.] YOU! Kasuga, Katsu, Saito, Kasamatsu, Hayashibara: YYYYAAAAHHHH!!!! Man1: [Shining a flashlight in their faces.] Are you gentlemen alright? This area suppose to be evacuated. Kasuga: [With a still-terrified look on his face.] E-evacuated? Man2: [Coming up from behind the first place.] Sorry to disturb you guys, but you'll all have to come with us! There's been an accident down the road. One of the Kofu trucks carrying a quantity of CN-20 tipped over and there's been a leak. I'm surprise you guys were missed in the sweep! Katsu: [Barely able to spit out his words.] W-wait a minute! CN-20? That's a hallucinogen! Man1: Sure it is! [Reassuringly.] Don't worry! In small doses, it's not really dangerous; just a little disorienting. [Laughs.] I'll bet you guys have been seeing ghosts and ghouls all night, eh? Kasamatsu: [Almost in tears.] T-that's not funny! Man1: What? [Pauses and sees the fearful expressions on their faces.] You guys weren't really scared were you? Don't you know there's no such things as ghosts? Kasuga, Katsu, Saito, Kasamatsu, Hayashibara: ... [Slowly pull back from the frozen scene. In the black background, the viewer sees a photo of the boys arguing among themselves with expressions of exhaustion and disbelief.] Kasuga Narration: Eventually we found out that the whole thing was just our own imaginations combined with some group hysteria. It was quite a bit later that we were all able to look back on that night and laugh at our own foolishness. [Cut to a week later at Omiya City Cemetary. Kasuga is standing alone in front of a particular stone with a recent inscription. He puts a bouquet of flowers on the flat surface in front of the stone. The name on the stone is Hitouchi Yoshi.] Kasuga Narration: It was nearly a week later after some searching that I discovered an entry of Hitouchi Yoshi in the local area newspapers. His parents tell me that he killed himself after failing the Juken for the third time; and that they had only recently put that memory behind him. Logic and common sense tells me to forget the whole thing; to accept that what I saw, or thought I saw was a chemically-induced hallucination. It would be the easier thing to do, but I can't. I don't know what I'm doing here...but if there's the slightest chance. If what I saw was something more, and if he really did have something to do with warning us, then I hope that somewhere...he's at peace. END CREDITS New Characters Designer/Writer Stephen Tsai Co-writer/plotter Andy Combs Doujinshi Artwork Tony Jung Pre-readers Ravi Konchigeri Jim Ramberg Robert Carragher Charles Winata Lisa Richardson Robert DeLoura Pascal Janin Very special thanks to Hitoshi Doi A tip of the hat and a deep bow to Matsumoto Izumi for starting the whole thing. For the new readers: I'll be doing character profiles, major location descriptions, and situation updates on a rotating basis for each episode. If there is a particular character, place or event that you would like to know more about, and it is not being covered, don't hesitate to email me and I will send you either a note or a copy of the episode it is introduced. Focus on Hayashibara Akira [Introduced in Episode 2]: One of Kyosuke's mathematics classmates. In addition to being a freshman business major, he is also the current starting shortstop for the University baseball team. Exceptionally handsome, he is often surrounded by girls and fans seeking his attention. Although he does his best not to slight their entreaties, he is not a womanizer and tries to stay as clean-cut as he can. Hayashibara's father, Hayashibara Takao, is the president of one of Tokyo's largest shipping companies, making him one of the richest individuals in Japan. Widowed when his son was very young, he has taken it upon himself to raise Akira to the best of his ability. More than any other single influence, he has pushed his son to the levels of excellence that he himself has achieved in the business world. Visual Description: An exceptionally tall guy with well groomed brown hair and an athletic build. He possesses exceptional good looks and his teeth gleam when he smiles. Close anime comparisons include (but are not limited to) Mitaka Shun from Maison Ikkoku, and Sanzenin Mikado from Ranma 1/2.