X-Original-Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2003 22:38:18 +0000 (GMT) From: Chris Schumacher Subject: [KOR][FanFic] Ordinary World Begin -> Kimagure Orange Road - Ordinary World ! Kimagure Orange Road Ordinary World KOR (c) 1986, Matsumoto Izumi Written By: Chris Schumacher "I have to believe in a world outside my own mind. I have to believe that my actions still have meaning... even if I can't remember them. I have to believe that when my eyes are closed, the world's still there." -Leonard/"Memento" "What do you callll, those thrusters on the back of the Enterprise? AFT! Can you dig it?" -Aft/Kraft/Daft -Lady Kink ------------------------- [Cut to an exterior shot of Green Castle Apartments, early morning. The sky is blue and clear, the trees have young, fresh leaves that just recently blossomed from buds. Kasuga walks out of the entrance, wearing his school uniform and carrying his briefcase.] Kasuga: [checking watch] Ah, perfect timing. [He starts walking. After a moment, Manami and Kurumi come out the entrance, in lockstep with each other. Cut to a short while later, Kasuga is walking down the street to school, humming to himself. He stops before the stone fence outside Ayukawa's house and waits. After a moment Ayukawa strolls out. She smiles as she sees Kasuga.] Ayukawa: Good morning. [She walks over to him and the two kiss. They then turn and continue on their way to school.] Kasuga: Well, two days 'til the big day, are you excited? Ayukawa: Alternating between that and terrified, actually. Kasuga: You've played before audiences before, though. Twice in front of ones this size. Ayukawa: I know, but this is Tokyo, my hometown. There are going to be people I actually know there. Kasuga: Oh, you'll do fine. Ayukawa: I know, once I'm up there doing it, and after, I'm just fine. It's just the waiting... That's what really gets me. [Kasuga chuckles] Ayukawa: What? Kasuga: No, you'll slug me. Ayukawa: Now you're going to HAVE to tell me. Kasuga: It's just, you're so cute when you have stage fright. Ayukawa: [holding up briefcase threateningly] Why, you... [The tense moment passes, and the happy couple starts laughing. They continue on their way to school.] <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an exterior shot of Kouryou Gakuen, morning. Hikaru is leaning against the wall near the bike racks; she's waiting for someone. Ayukawa and Kasuga walk into frame. Hikaru brightens up a little when she sees them.] Hikaru: Hey! How's the happy couple? Ayukawa: Good morning, Hikaru. Kasuga: 'morning. Ayukawa: It's been a while since we've seen you, where've you been keeping yourself? Hikaru: Oh, I've been... busy. Kasuga: Are you going to the track meet after school? Hikaru: [nervous] Oh, I don't know. Ayukawa: Oh, come on, I insist! Hikaru: [sighs] All right, I'll meet you there, okay? Ayukawa: [smiles] We'll save you a seat. [Ayukawa and Kasuga walk off. Slowly pan around so that we can now see the front lawn. Kurumi's head pops out of from one side of a tree. She then slinks out from behind the tree and walks towards Hikaru. Hikaru is still glaring after Ayukawa and Hikaru and doesn't notice her. Kurumi taps her on the shoulder. Hikaru leaps up and screams.] Hikaru: [holding hand over chest, panting] Dammit*, don't do that! Kurumi: Sorry. You're a bit high-strung today. (* - actually 'che') Hikaru: [tender, but nervous, smile] Can you blame me? Kurumi: You're not having any second thoughts, are you? Hikaru: No, I'm just nervous. I mean, I'm never done this before. Kurumi: I doubt anyone around here has. [happy sigh] I can't wait for tonight. Hikaru: Me neither. <-> <-> <-> [Cut to a shot of a classroom. Kasuga and Ayukawa are sitting next to each other. A circuit diagram has been drawn on the board.] Teacher: This lead to the invention of the "transfer resistor", also known as the transistor. This consisted of two diodes joined back-to-back, most had three-electrodes, but there have been forms which have had more. These are used primarily in functions which required "switching" and logic applications... [As the teacher has been talking, the camera has slowly been shifting over and zooming in on The Happy Couple. The voice of the teacher fades out as we get closer to them. We see Ayukawa writing in her notebook. It looks like she's been doodling, but we quickly realize that she's actually using the lined paper to compose music. Above it is written: "Composition #16 - K. #1". Kasuga hands her a note.] Note: Have you sold that particular song yet? [Ayukawa flips the note over and writes a response. She hands it back to Kasuga.] Note: Young unproven people like me don't have contacts--we have to sell everything on spec. [Quickly shift to the front of the room. The teacher drops the piece of chalk into the chalk-tray and dusts off his hands.] Teacher: All right then, your semester project. You will build a crystal FM radio. Students: Ohhhhhhh! Student1: That's impossible! Teacher: To keep you honest, I will not allow an amplification assembly. The only power you can have -must- come from the radio waves themselves. However, you can use any and all circuity you deem necessary for this project. If you can find a way to work an IC or microprocessor into it, by all means do so. This project will be due on the 26th of March. Any questions? [All the hands in the room stick up.] Teacher: Good. [picks up his briefcase and starts to leave] Oh, and Seika-san, if you get help from Mr. Wozniak again, I'm going to flunk you. Seika: [sighs] All right. <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an exterior shot of the courtyard, noon. Several students are eating their lunch on the grass and on benches. Cut to an interior shot of the library, near the magazine racks. Manami, Kurumi, Ayukawa, Hikaru, and Kasuga are present. Manami takes a magazine off the rack, flips through it, stops at a certain page, and hands the book to Kasuga.] Manami: There. Kasuga: [reading] "Salt Flats" by Kasuga Manami. [double-take] You got published! [Manami has a wide smile. Ayukawa is reading over Kasuga's shoulder.] Ayukawa: [reading] Kasuga Manami, who we consider to be a cross between Emily Dickinson and Hugh Hefner, currently attends high school at an undisclosed location. Hikaru: Congratulations! Wahoo! Wahoo! [Ayukawa has taken the magazine from Kasuga and is reading it, a small trickle of sweat runs down her brow.] Kasuga: We need to celebrate this! Manami: We could do something after the track meet. [Kurumi and Hikaru's eyes meet for a sliver of a second, then they both look away.] Hikaru: I have something I need to do... Kurumi: Yeah, and we've got school tomorrow. How about we do something before? Kasuga: [a little confused] I suppose... [turns, pats Manami on the shoulder] Good job, Manami. [To Ayukawa] Let's hurry before all the benches get taken. Ayukawa: [parched] J..Just a minute. [Kasuga, Hikaru, and Kurumi wander off. Ayukawa closes the magazine and puts it back on the rack. She looks a little numb.] Ayukawa: That was very... [searches for words, then gives up] Manami: [innocent smile] Yes, wasn't it? Ayukawa: They say it's always the quiet ones... Do you have any other poems I can read? [Manami picks up her briefcase and sets it on a table near them. She flips it open and sifts through her notebooks. She finally gets to a green one that has "waka" (poetry) written on it. She hands it to Ayukawa.] Manami: You'll probably not want to read that in class. A nice hot bath is probably the best place. [smirk] [Ayukawa smiles, a little embarrassed.] Ayukawa: I'll take that under advisement. <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an exterior shot of Hoshi All-Girl's School. Pan over to the fields next to it, slowly zoom in on a field-hockey game being played. Akane, wearing a jersey and white sweat-band, is playing aggressively. She gets the ball to the other end of the field and slams it towards the goal with a perfect slap-shot. The goalie manages to block it.] Akane: Why, you stupid bitch! [Akane lunges at the goalie, the two of them start to fight with their sticks. Akane strikes an extremely powerful hit and snaps both sticks in half.] Coach: KASUGA! GET OFF THE FIELD! Akane: [to girl] Your ass is mine, Youhei. Youhei: [laughing] You wish, I don't swing that way. [Cut to an interior shot of a hallway of Hoshi's. Akane, still clad in her jersey, storms down the hallway. After a moment she stops and fumes.] Akane: [She looks down the hallway, to a sign hanging over a door. The sign reads: "Principal".] Akane: Fuck this... [Cut to an exterior shot of the school, a brief time later. Akane walks out of school, crosses the street, and continues walking. Cut to a shot of her walking from the front (steadycam).] Akane: [she starts to turn red] [She grits her teeth.] <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an exterior shot of Ayukawa's house. Cut to an interior shot of her bedroom. She's sitting on the bed, the first few buttons of her blouse are unbuttoned and she's fanning herself with her left hand. In her left hand is Manami's (open) Poetry notebook. There's sweat running down her face and chest; she looks truly flustered. After a moment she puts down the notebook and goes out into the hallway, to where the phone sits on a table. She picks it up and punches in a phone number.] Ayukawa: Hey, Kasuga? I have an idea for something we should do after the track meet. <-> <-> <-> [Exterior shot of Green Castle Apartments. Cut to interior shot of the Kasuga's kitchen. Kasuga is making one of those instant curry dishes on the stove. He's grinning like an idiot. After a moment Kurumi comes down. She's humming to herself, obviously happy, she's wearing a revealing white-and-yellow dress.] Kasuga: [looking up] A little overdressed for a trip to the arcade, aren't you? Kurumi: Well, we're not coming back to change, so I put this on now. Kasuga: You're still overdressed; it's a track meet, not a senior formal. [smirks] Was your dress kimono in the wash? [Kurumi grits her teeth and sits down at the table.] Kurumi: Even you can't get on my nerves today, oniichan. Kasuga: Today? What's so special about today? [Kurumi looks worried for a second, but quickly recovers.] Kurumi: I just seem to be having a very good day today. Kasuga: [confused] But you cracked one of your molars at lunch. Kurumi: [shrugs] It could still be a good day. Kasuga: [suspicious] You didn't take some 'street grade' pain killers for that tooth, did you? Kurumi: Is it so impossible for you to believe that some people just have a sunny temperament? Kasuga: Some people; no. You? Most certainly. [Kurumi rises from the table.] Kurumi: I'm going to go wait for Hikaru and Ayukawa on the curb. [She climbs down the stairs. Cut to a split screen of the faces of Kasuga and Kurumi.] Kurumi&Kasuga: <-> <-> <-> [Cut to a shot of one of the fields outside Kouryou Gakuen. There are several people running in a relay race on the track. Slowly pan over and zoom in on a particular section of the bleachers. Ayukawa and Kasuga sit next to each other, holding hands. Manami sits next to Ayukawa, and Hikaru next to her. There is a space between Kasuga and Kurumi.] Kasuga: It's too bad Hatta isn't here. Ayukawa: Why? He wouldn't be impressed. Well, at least not openly. Kasuga: Komatsu would really want to rub it in his face. But I suppose Cannes needs him. C'est la vie. Kurumi: Did any of you understand what that movie of his was supposed to mean, anyway? Manami: I think it was a parable about infidelity and sodomy in Tokyo during the 1970s. Kasuga: You think everything's about that! [looks to his left] Hey, Musouka! Musouka, over here! [After a moment Musouka comes in, carrying bags of peanuts and boxes of popcorn. He sits in the empty space between Kasuga and Kurumi.] Musouka: Thanks, I'd lost my bearings. Kasuga: You've been scatterbrained lately. Well, I mean, more than usual. [Musouka hands out the items he got from the vendors to their group and then sits back.] Musouka: Has he been up yet? Kasuga: You would've heard the roars if he had. Ayukawa: Hey, is Akane coming? Kasuga: I thought she said she was going to make it. Musouka: I don't think so, she was pretty moody earlier. Kasuga: Why was she moody? Musouka: [shrugs] She's moody because she's been moody for the past two weeks. Ours is not to reason why--HEY! YOU SUCK! MY CAT COULD'VE JUMPED THAT HURTLE! PA Voice: We would like to remind the audience that heckling is not appreciated, nor is it conducive to the spirit of this assembly. Manami: Wouldn't it defeat the purpose if heckling was appreciated? PA Voice: Now, what I'm sure you've all be waiting for. Winner of the Gold Medal for pole-vaulting in the '84 Olympics. Kouryou Gakuen's very own.... SEIJI KOMATSU! [Komatsu, clad in a track uniform, walks out onto the track. Everyone in the place cheers, we hear women screaming for him, signs go up reading "Komtasu Forever!" "We Love Komatsu!", "2Samuel 14:30", et cetera. Cut back to our heroes.] Kurumi: Seiji? His name is Seiji? [Manami and Kurumi exchange looks.] Manami: It never occurred to me that he actually -had- a name other than Komatsu. [Cut back to the field. The announcer is there, holding a microphone.] Komatsu: I'm aware that there's an official from Guinesses's here tonight. Voice: ALL RIGHT, FREE BEER! Komatsu: I'll try not to disappoint him. [Cut to a shot of Komatsu chalking up his hands. He grabs the pole and runs down the track, towards the hurtle. Just as he is about to slam the pole into the ground, we cut to our heroes in the bleachers. Musouka is showing Kasuga his hand, driving him to distraction.] Musouka: Does this look infected to you? [The crowd goes wild, Kasuga looks out towards the field, a slight bit pissed.] Kasuga: You made me miss it! Kurumi: Oh, calm down oniichan. If you've seen one pole-vault, you've seen them all. PA Voice: Yes, we do have confirmation, that -is- a world record! Kasuga: [disappointed] AW, fuck! Manami: [sighs] Why can't you ever be happy for other's people success? Kasuga: I'm pissed because I missed it! [Ayukawa takes Kasuga's hand.] Ayukawa: [soothing] It's all right Kasuga... [smiles] Isn't it? Kasuga: [he just remembered] Oh! Yeah... I mean, hey, maybe he'll break it again next month. [Pan over a small tad so that we can see Musouka behind them. He's smiling glibly at the happy couple.] <-> <-> <-> [Cut to the front of Kouryou Gakuen, dusk. Quite a few stars are appearing in the dark-blue dome of the sky. Our heroes from the bleachers are standing on the sidewalk, waiting.] Hikaru: I can't wait any longer, I need to get home. Ayukawa: But the sun has hardly even set! Hikaru: [nervous] My mother was very specific, she's... she's mad about something. [Hikaru rushes off. Kurumi checks her watch.] Kurumi: I promised I was going to meet someone... [nervous] Er, someone else, that you don't know.. Um... About right now. Kasuga: Then why are you still here? [Kurumi nods several times and walks off, going in the exact opposite direction of Hikaru. After a moment Komatsu comes out, dressed in street clothes and carrying a gym bag.] Komatsu: You guys want to have dinner somewhere? [Kasuga checks his watch impatiently.] Kasuga: I'm sorry, Komatsu, I know this night is special and everything, but there's some place else I...WE have to be. [puts his hand around Ayukawa's shoulder, pulling her closer.] Komatsu: [face falls] Oh... Musouka: [yawns] I'm afraid I'm going to have to take a raincheck as well. I didn't get much sleep last night. I'm going to turn in early. [The three of them walk off, the happy couple peeling off after a while. Komatsu turns to Manami.] Komatsu: Looks like it's just you and me kid. Manami: [sighs] All right then. Just as long as you don't make me do something completely demeaning and degrading. Komatsu: Oh, come on, Karaoke's FUN! <-> <-> <-> [Aerial shot of Tokyo, rapid pan around its buildings off towards the horizon; this is time-lapse so the sky quickly changes from crimson and is plunged into darkness; the stars come out. Continue to scream across Tokyo until you edge out of the city into the wilderness outside it. There is a small cliff in a forested area which overlooks Tokyo. There is lush green grass everywhere; cars are parked on the cliff. This is, obviously, Lover's Lane. Ayukawa and Kasuga walks along it. Ayukawa is wearing a backpack.] Kasuga: I didn't know that places like this even existed in Japan. Ayukawa: You just need to look hard enough. [sighs] Which is what we have to do if we plan to be alone. [She spots a grove and motions for Kasuga to follow her. They walk through trees for several moments and then come out on a small grass-covered ledge. The view of the city is breathtaking.] Kasuga: It's beautiful! Ayukawa: [smiles] I doubt we can find a better place. [She lays down her backpack and takes out a blanket. She shakes and whips it open and spreads it on the ground. They two of them sit down on it. Suddenly they hear the sound of a car's engine.] Kasuga: Damn, I guess we're not as far from them as we thought. Ayukawa: Even if they can find us, I doubt they'll bother us. We all come here for the same reason. Car Radio: [faint] o/~ What has happened to it all? o/~ [Kasuga and Ayukawa kiss. It's a quick, chaste kiss. Kasuga takes a deep breath and they kiss again; it's a deep, long kiss.] Car Radio: [faint] o/~ Crazy, some'd say/ Where is the life that I recognize?/ o/~ [Kasuga unzips the back of Ayukawa's dress, without support it falls off, exposing her bare shoulders and bra. As they continue to neck, he reaches behind her, trying to undo the catch.] Car Radio: [faint] o/~ gone away... But I won't cry for yesterday/ There's an ordinary world/ Somehow I have to find o/~ [Kasuga's shirt is off. Kasuga finally gets Ayukawa's bra off, they throw their clothes into a pile next to them. Ayukawa lays down and Kasuga straddles her--the two are still kissing passionately.] Car Radio: [faint] o/~ And as I try to make my way/ To the ordinary world/ I will learn to survive o/~ <-> <-> <-> [Cut to a shot of a janitor mopping the floor. The elevator music from The Blues Brothers plays. He seems to be mopping some sticky stuff, possibly dried soda, from the floor. Every few moments he wrings out the mop and slops some more water onto the floor. After about a minute of this, we cut to...] <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an exterior shot of a love hotel somewhere in Tokyo. Cut to an interior shot of a room inside that hotel. Kurumi, fully dressed, sits on the bed. She looks extremely nervous. After a moment there is a knock at the door; Kurumi jumps.] Kurumi: Wh-Who is it? Hikaru: [behind door] It's me. [Kurumi leaps up and opens the door. Hikaru stands there, looking almost as nervous. Cut to a few moments later. Hikaru, now in her bra and panties sits on the bed. The covers have been pulled back partially. We can hear the shower running in the bathroom. After a moment Kurumi comes out in her bra and panties and sits on the bed next to Hikaru.] Kurumi: I can't believe that I'm doing this... Hikaru: [worried] You're having second thoughts? Kurumi: No! No, not at all. I definitely want to do this. It's just, I never imagined myself actually doing it... Hikaru: [smiles] I know what you mean. But... this feels RIGHT, doesn't it? Kurumi: [lets out a deep breath] Yeah, it does. I don't give a damn what our parents or society say. [laughs nervously] You know, it's funny, if it wasn't for that incident with Ayukawa*, I never would've even wondered if I was a lesbian. (* - See "The War") Hikaru: [sighs] I can relate. Kurumi: Ever since I admitted it to myself, I've felt at peace. All that bile and aggression finally left me. [Their two eyes meet. Shot of Kurumi's hand lying on top of the duvet. Hikaru takes it in hers. Cut back again, the two of them, holding hands, kiss.] <-> <-> <-> [Black screen.] Car Radio: [faint] o/~ You bring a lifetime of promises/ And a world of dreams o/~ [The "black screen" vanishes as we pan up, realizing that the camera was simply centered on a dark patch of trees. Ayukawa and Kasuga, both naked, lay under the blanket. Both glow with perspiration and look deeply satisfied. Kasuga is smoking a cigarette.] Car Radio: [faint] o/~ You speak the language of love/ Like you know what it means/ o/~ [Kasuga takes the cigarette out of his mouth and offers it to Ayukawa. She shakes her head.] Ayukawa: [jovial] If I smoke at my age, I won't have healthy babies. [Kasuga snorts and starts laughing; after a moment he's laughing uncontrollably. It seems to be catching, as Ayukawa starts laughing as well.] Car Radio: o/~ And it can't be wrong/ Take my heart and make it strong/ Cause you're simply the best/ Better than all the rest/ Better than anyone/ Anyone I ever met/. Kasuga: I guess third time's the charm 'eh? Ayukawa: Well, the first two times weren't bad. [sighs] Of course, they were in a stuffy love hotel and my parent's bedroom. [stares off into Tokyo] Hardly compares with this. Kasuga: Let's just hope that -something- compares with it. I wouldn't want to peak early--and I have the feeling we're going to be together for a looong time. [Ayukawa gives him a million dollar smile, the two cuddle.] Car Radio: [faint] o/~ Deep in your heart/ I see the star/ Of every night and every day/ And in your eyes I get lost/ I get washed away/ Just as long as/ I'm here in your arms/ I could be in no better place/ 'cause you're simply the best... o/~ <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an interior shot of the room in the love hotel. Kurumi and Hikaru, both naked, lay under the covers of the bed in the spoons position. They both look sweaty and satisfied. Hikaru takes a look at the clock on the bedside table.] Hikaru: We've only got the room for fifteen more minutes. Kurumi: I just want to lay like this forever. Hikaru: [breathes deeply] I know exactly what you mean. <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an exterior shot of Green Castle Apartments, and more aptly, the apartment building next door. Slowly zoom in on said apartment building. Cut to an interior shot of a bathroom. Musouka is laying on the floor, grasping his head, gritting his teeth.] Akane: [through the door] Oniichan? Are you all right? Musouka: I'm fine! Go away. Akane: [ttd] Should I call a doctor or something? Musouka: Go away! [Musouka crumples up, grabbing his throbbing head.] <-> <-> <-> [Cut to a shot of the streets near Green Castle apartments, late. Say around midnight. Several salarymen are staggering home, Kasuga walks along, his hands in his pockets, whistling. After a moment Kurumi comes out of a cross street. Both stop and face each other.] Kasuga&Kurumi: You're home late. (pause) Jinx! Double-Jinx! Triple Jinx--no take backs! [Both of them groan, then fall into step and continue on their way home. Kurumi spares a look at her brother.] Kurumi: Heh. Kasuga: What? Kurumi: [coyly] I know that smile. You had sex, didn't you? Kasuga: Well, you have the same look. Anyone I know? Kurumi: You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Kasuga: That bad, huh? [Kurumi just shakes her head. They arrive at the front of Green Castle Apartments and walk in. Cut to an interior shot of the apartment. Manami is sitting at the kitchen table. Kurumi and Kasuga take their shoes off in the entryway and walk into the kitchen.] Manami: [not looking up from her book] It's really irresponsible of you to abuse our father's absence like that. He may be on the other side of the world, but that's still not, [looks up, stops.] Oh, that's what you were doing. Never mind then. [She closes her notebook and sticks the mechanical pencil behind her ear. She walks towards her bedroom.] Manami: [mumbling] Can't believe I'm the only one around here not getting any... -Commercial Break- [Cut to an exterior shot of a parking lot, night. A white guy , a Korean guy, and a green humanoid demon with horns are standing around in a circle.] Jang: I want you to sing "My Boyfriend Is A Pilot" as loud as you can. Chris: Why? Lorne: How much do you know about yourself if you've never sung? [Cut to a black screen.] Chris: Wait, let me start earlier. [Cut to an interior shot of an office with Chris at a desk.] Supervisor: I want you to dearj all those archives from the 90s and turn them into Zip files. Chris: But WinRar works perfectly fine with arj files, they also have a better compression rate. Supervisor: WinRar? Do we look like fucking amateurs, we're a business! Chris: But can't we just leave them uncompressed then, that's only about 60 MB of space. Supervisor: Waste space on your own drive at home, buddy. And when you get a moment, take smoke.exe off my computer, 'kay? Chris VO: Like everyone, I wanted a change. [Cut to a shot of Chris walking out of a theatre.] Chris VO: I couldn't sit through an entire movie. [Cut to a shot of Chris sitting in a doctor's office.] Doctor: No, you can't die from boredom. [Cut to Chris sitting at his home computer.] Chris VO: I'd peruse web sites all night wondering "If I was a member of the Space 1999 crew, who would I be?" [Cut to Chris watching a rerun of Space 1999 on a black and white TV set; he looks half-dead.] Chris VO: This is our life, and it's ending one minute at a time. I prayed for a different life. [Cut to a shot of Chris and Jang sitting next to each other on an airplane.] Jang: GTO. Chris: What? Jang: The comic is called GTO. [He snaps open his briefcase, we see its stuffed with copies of the Kodonasha bilingual GTO manga. Jang hands Chris one of the promotional bookmarks from one of the manga. Cut to a shot of Jang, smoking a cigarette, playing a Street Fighter V machine.] Chris VO: This is how I met Jang Choe. [Cut to a shot of the trio in the parking lot, Chris is singing, Jang has clamped his hands over his ears.] Jang: Damn it, your singing hurt my ear! [Cut to a shot of people watching a third-generation copy of 'I Can Hear The Sea' on a TV in a classroom.] Chris VO: It was on the tip of everybody's tongue. [After it ends someone stands up, holding up their own video tape. On it is written 'Omoide Poro Poro'.] Adam: Can I be next? Chris VO: We just gave a name for it. [Cut to a large basement with a giant big-screen TV on one end. Jang is standing in front of a small crowd of people.] Jang: Hello ladies and gentlemen; welcome to Anime Club. [Cut to a shot of Chris and Jang drunkingly playing golf in the warehouse district. Instead of balls they're using porcelain Hello, Kitty dolls.] Chris: Oooh, good one. Jang VO: The first rule of Anime Club is, you do not talk about Anime Club. [Cut to a shot of Chris sitting at his desk, his feet propped up, reading the TPB of "Phoenix: Dawn". A bunch of phonebook manga are piled up onto his desk. His supervisor looks into his cubicle.] Supervisor: Is that your manga? Chris: [looking over the top of his book] Some of it. Chris VO: After Anime Club, we all started seeing things differently. [Cut to a shot of Andres and a girl.] Andres: You ever think of, oh I don't know, bows and maybe... I dunno, a school uniform? [The girl slaps him. Slam into the logo.] ANIME CLUB Coming soon to an alternate dimension near you. (if they ever finish Anime Park, I'll give a shot, okay?) --End Commercial Break-- [Cut to a shot of a classroom. Akane sits, alone, at one of the desk. They're those desks that accommodate two students. Before her sits a piece of paper. Akane looks around, a little confused. She looks down at the piece of paper. It's a picture, a line drawing of something you'd expect to see in a children's book. Written very large at the top, in circus poster letter is "What Is Wrong With This Picture"? Said legend being the first obvious example. Akane sticks the eraser of her pencil between her lips and looks at it. She looks up at the windows, where powerful light is streaming in, but no exterior is visible. She looks back at the piece of paper; the scene on it has changed.] Akane: It changes when I'm not looking at it. [Cut to a shot of Akane's bedroom. It's at an odd-angle, the camera shifted a few degrees left-of-center, like you'd see in the old Batman TV series. Akane, dressed in the Kouryou Gakuen uniform (not the Hoshi one) sits on top of the (made) bed. She looks around; the poster on her wall, which is of some Japanese idol, starts to shift to one of Bruce Springstein, then shifts back. She gets up and walks over to her desk. The paper from earlier is still on, but the legend now reads "What Is Right About This Picture?". Cut to a shot of opening eyes. Pull back to reveal Akane lying in bed. She's in her pajamas and sunlight wafts in between the blinds. On the nightstand sits an alarm clock. It reads "SAT 6:42." Akane looks like she hasn't slept at all. Akane: [She walks over to her closet and gets a bathrobe. She slips it on and walks out into the hallway.] <-> <-> <-> [Cut to a sidewalk near Hoshi All-Girl's School. Akane walks along, looking quite tired. She yawns.] Akane: [Standing next to a lamppost a few feet in front of her is Fumiko.* She looks giddy.] Fumiko: (heart) Hellllo, senpai! Akane: [grumbles] Morning. (* - see Vol 3, Story 9 for her only appearance) Fumiko: If you have time before class, there's something I want to show you. Akane: [shrugs] Whatever. [Cut to a shot of the sports fields of Hoshi All Girl's School, slow zoom in on the equipment shed. Pan over it to show the back, Fumiko and Akane are walking across the grass. Akane looks surly and a little bit confused.] Akane: What was it you wanted me to see? [Fumiko cranes her neck to look around. Satisfied, she leans in close and kisses Akane on the lips. Akane, livid, pushes her away.] Akane: What the hell are you doing?! I told you, I don't swing that way anymore!** (** - You're going to have to read the story mentioned above--she -is- lying, though) [Fumiko looks shocked and hurt. She starts to cry and runs away. Akane wipes off her mouth and sighs.] Akane: [grumbles] Like I'd ever go with "Model Lesbian Schoolgirl" there... Is there nothing left but clichés in this world? <-> <-> <-> [Cut to a shot of one of the hallways of the Hoshi school. Akane walks towards a cluster of girls.] Akane: You won't believe what happened this morning. Fumiko- Girl1: Yes, we heard. Girl2: We didn't know the two of you were fighting. Akane: We weren't, it's just she tried to-- [pauses] "The Two of Us", what the hell is that supposed to mean? Girl3: She was really hurt, Kasuga. Girl2: [close to tears] I just hate it when perfect relationships like this fall apart. You two were like Romeo and Juliet, Gunivere and Lancelot... [pauses] And... Uh, I'm sure there are some that didn't end in tragedy. Akane: Like I would go out with that popsicle stick of a girl? What's up with you guys? Girl4: Oooh, you're mean! Girl2: If you want to break up with her, at least have the courtesy to tell her to her face! You can't just act like nothing happened! [Akane looks at them confused; and maybe just a little bit scared.] Akane: Akane: All right, that's it. You got me. Girl1: What are you talking about? Akane: Your practical joke, you got me. Girl2: Are you telling me that you seriously don't remember Fumiko being your girlfriend? [Akane gets an angry and determined look on her face.] Akane: Forget it. You can have your little joke--I don't have to take this. I'm going home. Screw you guys. [Akane walks away from them. Her friends exchange worried looks.] <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an exterior shot of Ayukawa's house, early evening. Cut to an interior shot of the living room. Kasuga, Ayukawa, Hikaru, Kurumi and Akane sit around the coffee table. A tea-kettle is set in the middle. Everyone has tea-cups and a plate of cookies set in front of them.] Akane: ...and they didn't let up, even for a second. I wonder if I did something to piss them off. [sighs] This is the cruelest trick anyone's ever played on me. [She picks up a cookie and munches on it; the silence in the room is deafening. She looks up, everyone is staring at her.] Kasuga: Ah... Uh... Akane, I... [stops, sighs] [Hikaru gets up and goes over to a bookshelf.] Akane: What, you guys are in on it too?! Who's idea was it? It was Musouka, wasn't it? [Hikaru comes back to the table with a brown photo album. She opens it up and flips through several pages.] Ayukawa: I don't know quite how to say this, Akane, but... [Hikaru hands the book to Akane. Akane reluctantly takes it and looks at it, her eyes bug out of her head.] Akane: WHAT?! [Everyone crowds around.] Kasuga: Hey, that's from when we went to Okinawa last December. [Cut to the photo, all of them, Musouka excepted, are standing on the beach, posing for a picture. Akane has her arm around Fumiko's shoulder--Fumiko looks to be in bliss.] Akane: But... [finally admitting it] I don't remember any of it. [taps page] Can I have this picture? Ayukawa: I already gave you all the duplicates. Akane: I don't know what I did with them. Ayukawa: I'll give you the negatives then. Kasuga's dad can develop them when he gets back from America. [Akane continues to stare at the picture. Everyone else looks nervous.] Kurumi: So... Uh... You nervous about your recital tomorrow, Ayukawa? Ayukawa: Oh, no, not really... I've done it twice before. Ayukawa&Kasuga: Third time's the charm. [They both start giggling perversely, getting odd looks from everyone--except Akane, who is still staring at the photo album.] <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an exterior shot of the Ayukawa house, night. Cut to an interior shot of the front hallway. We can hear music being played on the piano, slowly pan down the hall and into the living room. Ayukawa is sitting at the piano. The only other person in the room is Hikaru, laying on the sofa. For several moments Ayukawa continues to play; her playing and the music itself are both beautiful. The song (which is a rondo) builds to a crescendo, and then completes with one last refrain played in minor keys. Ayukawa leans back a little and cracks her knuckles. Hikaru claps. Ayukawa stands and bows.] Ayukawa: Thank you, thank you. Hikaru: Is that what you're going to play tomorrow? Ayukawa: No, this is just something I worked out. It needs a little tinkering. I haven't played tomorrow's song to anyone before. [Ayukawa walks over and sits on the sofa across the table from Hikaru.] Ayukawa: Listen, I think it was about time we talked about Kasuga. [pauses] We seem to be ignoring what happened, even when we're alone we don't talk about it-- Hikaru: It's all right, I understand. Ayukawa: To tell you the truth, after you caught us kissing, I never thought that you'd ever speak to me again. Hikaru: I will admit that I was deeply hurt... But sometimes when you're in the greatest pain, you learn the most important things about yourself. [pauses] I've been keeping a secret from you. Ayukawa: Oh? Well, it's only fair, I suppose. Hikaru: When I saw the two of you kissing I felt a great deal of hatred--but it wasn't for you, it was for Kasuga. Ayukawa: That's understandable-- Hikaru: You don't get it. [stands up, walks towards the back door, looks out] I didn't hate Kasuga because he chose you. I hated him because he took you away from me. Ayukawa: But we've stayed friends. Hikaru: NO! [turns around] It was you, Ayukawa Madoka, it was you that I was in love with. I don't know when, or how I started feeling differently about you, but I did. [Ayukawa looks stunned. Hikaru continues to pace.] Hikaru: I can't keep this from you anymore. It would be dishonest. [stops, turns to look at her friend] If we are to remain friends, we need to be honest with each other. Secrets and lies almost destroyed this relationship once. Ayukawa: But can we be friends? [Hikaru averts her eyes embarrassedly.] Hikaru: Well you see, I don't think that's going to be a problem. You see, I've found someone. Ayukawa: [relief] Oh? Anyone I know? Hikaru: Well, I don't know if I should tell you. We're kinda keeping it secret for the time being. Our parents wouldn't approve. I don't know if I should tell you... you might tell her brother. [smiles] Ayukawa: Good lord... KURUMI? Hikaru: [laughs blissfully] She's so sweet and strong, she's kind of like a younger version of you. [pauses] Except I don't think she can play the piano... or any instrument... or sing on key... [shakes head] Anyway... Ayukawa: [laughs] Well, I can honestly say that I didn't see this coming. Hikaru: You won't tell Kasuga, will you? Ayukawa: Of course not; Kurumi will tell them when the time is right. [smiles] I'm really happy you found someone, Hikaru. Hikaru: So am I. I can't believe what a wonderful feeling it is. Unlike senpai, it goes both ways. We really love each other. Ayukawa: That's the way it should be. <-> <-> <-> [Zooming aerial shot through Tokyo. The sky rapidly darkens and then the sun shoots up and stops about three-quarters of the way to the other horizon. Cut to an interior shot of Akane's room. She is sifting through the things on her desk. She pulls out one of the side drawers and comes out with a stack of photographs. These are the duplicates spoken of earlier. She takes out the Okinawa shot we saw early and looks at it. A moment passes and the picture "shudders". Fumiko slowly fades out, then fades back in. Akane looks at is suspiciously.] Musouka: [through the wall] Ooof. Oooh... [Akane puts the picture down and goes to the door. Cut to a shot of Musouka's room. He lays on the cover of his bed, looking wiped out. Sensing someone, he sits up and sees Akane standing in the doorway.] Akane: I think we should talk. <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an aerial exterior shot of a concert hall somewhere in Tokyo. Cut to an interior shot of Ayukawa's dressing room. Kasuga, Ayukawa, Hikaru, Kurumi, and Kazuya are there. They're all dressed in formal attire, Ayukawa in a smashing black dress. Her hair is done up in a stylish ponytail.] Kasuga: Nervous? Ayukawa: I've done this before, Kyosuke. Kasuga: Yeah, but never in your hometown, Madoka. Kazuya: Since when were you two calling each other by your first names? [Ayukawa and Kasuga exchange meaningful looks and secret smiles. There is a knock on the door.] Ayukawa: Come in. Kurumi: How do you know it isn't an axe-murderer or something? Kasuga: Would they knock? [The door opens and Hayakawa* enters.] (* - This guy appeared in an important manga story which took up almost an entire volume. If you really want to know, get the AnimEigo tape of the OAV translation--it's a compressed version, but you'll get the point. And yes, this is the guy who Ayukawa(1996) was talking to in the Shin-KOR movie.) Hayakawa: Hello Ayukawa. I just came to wish you good luck. Kasuga: [Ayukawa rises. She looks a little suspicious, as does Kasuga. Kurumi and Hikaru looked smitten, though.] Ayukawa: Why, thank you. I didn't know you were in town. Hayakawa: I couldn't miss Amadeus's first performance in Vienna, now could I? Hikaru: Uh, what's he talking about? Kurumi: Ayukawa, you didn't tell us you knew Mitsuru Hayakawa! Kasuga: [mumbles] It's not like anyone is going to know who he is in ten years. Hayakawa: [good naturedly] I have a feeling you're right, Kasuga. Which is why I'm here to wish good luck to this rising star--so that she'll remember me when no one in the industry will answer my phone calls. [laughs] Kasuga: [low] That had better be all you're here for. Hayakawa: [smug smile] You no longer need to worry about your precious Ayukawa, Kasuga. I've moved onto greener pastures. [There is another knock at the door and Manami comes in. She's dressed in a white dress with a white shawl thrown over her shoulder. She takes Hayakawa's arm.] Manami: Don't you think we'd better take our seats? Kasuga VO: Mitsuru Hayakawa and MY SISTER?! Hayakawa: All right, I admit it, I'm actually here as Manami's guest. Kasuga: Who are you to call her by her first name?! [suddenly realizes what that must mean.] Aw, damn... Hayakawa: However, my little rose-petal is right, it's time we took our seats. [bows to Ayukawa] I look forward to your performance. [As they're leaving, Manami leans in close to Kasuga.] Manami: [whispering] Six inches off the mattress, I guarantee. [She chuckles and leaves. Kasuga looks mortified.] Kasuga: Hearing my sisters talk about sex makes me very uncomfortable. [Kurumi and Hikaru smile and exchange glances. Ayukawa, looking into the mirror, adopts a slight smile as well.] <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an interior shot of Musouka's bedroom. Akane is sitting on the bed next to him.] Akane: Let me tell you a little story, oniichan. You can stop me if I get anything wrong. [Musouka sighs] This story is about a brother and a sister. They were part of a family of ESPers, and they both had telepathic powers which manifested themselves in different ways. Strangely enough, they had an old brother who had no powers. Which was odd considering that every child of an ESPer they knew had at least some remnant of The Power within them. You with me so far? Musouka: I don't see how-- Akane: Ah, ah, ah, let me finish. Now, I'm thinking to myself, what if this older brother actually -did- have powers. Not only did he have powers of a telepathic nature like his siblings, but he was also the strongest ESPer they had ever encountered. In fact, he might have been the strongest who ever lived. What if his powers could not only read minds and create illusions, but actually erase and implant memories? Wouldn't the first thing he would do to protect himself would be to erase all knowledge of these powers from the people around him? [Musouka looks away, guilty.] <-> <-> <-> [Cut to a shot of the concert hall. Cut to the seats; Kasuga sits at the end. Next to him is Kurumi, next to whom is Hikaru, next to whom is Manami, next to whom is Hayakawa. The lights dim and Ayukawa appears on stage, walking into the spotlight, and sits down at the piano. She starts to play. People who have seen the Shin-KOR movie will recognize the piece she plays as "Kyosuke No. 1". Pan across our heroes as the moving music plays. Hikaru and Kurumi shares looks. They smile at each other and hold hands. Manami sees this and starts, but smiles once the shock wears off. Pan over to Kasuga; his gaze is fixed on Ayukawa, and he's smiling--it's a moment of perfect, unadulterated happiness.] Kasuga: <-> <-> <-> [Cut back to Musouka's room. Akane is now standing up, stomping back and forth across the room.] Akane: Was this some sort of power trip for you? HUH? Do you enjoy playing with the hearts and souls of people? Did you get off on their sexual escapades?! Musouka: [indignant] It wasn't like that at all! Once I realized the true extent of my powers, I realized that I could use it for so much good. I wanted to create a perfect world for the people that I cared about. I looked deeply into their hearts and saw what they truly wanted and needed. Akane: How DARE you play with their hearts, no... their SOULS the way that you did! What gives you the right? What gives you... [she breaks down into sobs] Why the hell did you leave me out? [She falls to her knees and continues to cry.] Akane: Why didn't you let me take part? What kind of sick twisted person would let me suffer like that? Musouka: You have to believe that I tried. But when I looked into your mind, I found disharmony; conflict. Despite what you'd like people to believe, Akane, you don't despise men. You're not a lesbian--you're bisexual. And that creates all sorts of problems. Despite what those hippy social engineers tell you, you can't have an intimate relationship with more than one person at a time. Human nature simply won't allow. I gave you a boyfriend, and you wouldn't accept it. I gave you a girlfriend, and the memories wouldn't even take root. I couldn't give you one kind of happiness because you couldn't satisfy the other sort at the same time. [sighs] That's why this failed--my grand design couldn't incorporate you, and now everyone else is going to have to suffer. <-> <-> <-> [Cut to the lobby of the concert hall. A placard is stuck on a music stand that reads "Intermission". In the lobby Kasuga and Hayakawa stand together. Hikaru, Manami and Kurumi are talking to some other people.] Hayakawa: Even though I'm no longer interested in her, I just want you to know that you're a very lucky man, Kasuga. Kasuga: [stiff] Thank you, I know that. Hayakawa: So, your sister, has she got those powers too? Kasuga: [grumbles] Oh, shut up. <-> <-> <-> [Cut to Musouka's bedroom. Akane is standing threateningly before her brother.] Akane: Change it back; all of it. Musouka: [standing up] I will. [Suddenly Akane gets a stunned look on her face and falls to the ground.] Musouka: Oh, you can't move. I can control all aspects of the brain; I'm blocking all the impulses that you send to your limbs, arms, what not. Can't have you attacking me. I don't have to do this but you'll understand if I'm pissed. I almost had it completely perfect, you understand. They were happy, perhaps more happy then they will ever be in this 'real world' of yours. Akane: [mouth not moving] But at least that world is real. Musouka: For the purposes of this discussion, yes. But the really funny thing is that you're not going to stop most of what you saw from coming to pass. Kasuga, and Ayukawa, they're both well on their way. In five years, they'll be the people they are now. I don't know if Kurumi or Hikaru can ever accept their homosexuality. They'll go through a lot of pain if they don't. Akane: They're gay?! Musouka: I can't really hate you for ruining this... After all, you are my sister, and I love you. And I feel sorry for you. I doubt you'll ever find any joy in life. [sighs] But you'll get what you want for now, at least. I'm going to set everything back the way that it was. But I'm not going to stay--it will pain me too much to see things as they are, instead of how they should be. Akane: You're leaving? Musouka: If I stayed, one of you might eventually remember this world, and be the worse for it. And if I leave, you'll miss me, and maybe try to find me. So I do the only thing I can do, and the thing that only I can do. For all of you, it will be as if I had never existed. It's much easier to erase a memory than to create one. [He walks out of the room, and it slowly begins to darken. Akane lays in a spotlight.] Akane: [She is swallowed by the darkness. The stage lights fade up, and Akane is laying on Musouka's bed, snoozing. However, all the posters, clothes, and what-not are gone. After a moment Akane wakes up and looks around.] Akane: <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an exterior shot of the Kasuga family room. Kasuga, Hikaru, Kurumi, Hikaru and Manami are laying on the ground; their bodies are laid end-to-end and form a circle around the coffee table. They're all wearing formal wear. Slowly, they all wake up.] Kasuga: What the hell happened? Manami: I remember... the Spring Ball... but that's about it. Kurumi: I don't even remember it that well... Hikaru: Someone must've spiked the punch. Ayukawa: Why are my fingers so sore? <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an exterior shot of an alley in the seedier parts of Tokyo. Hayakawa is laying in a mound of trash. He's wearing his tuxedo from earlier, but his belt and shoes are missing. He jerks awake and looks around.] Hayakawa: What the hell? [He walks down the alley, looking around, several other bums are around. One of them has a can of sardines.] Bum: [offering] Want a sardine? <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an exterior shot of ABCB, afternoon. Cut to an interior shot. Ayukawa walks in, Master stands behind the counter.] Master: Good afternoon, Ayukawa. Ayukawa: 'afternoon, Master. Not many customers today. Master: No, it's been pretty quiet since lunch. Ayukawa: I'll get started on the dishes in back, then. [Ayukawa walks into the back. After a moment we hear the bell over the door ring and Kazuya enters. He goes over to the bar and sits on a stool. Master walks over to him.] Master: Why hello, Kazuya. Can I get you something? Kazuya: I want some free ice cream. Master: I could give you some ice cream, but you'll have to ask nicely. Kazuya: You'll give it to me free, or I tell. [Master's composure drops for a moment, but he quickly recovers.] Master: I don't know what you're talking about. Kazuya: It's not going to work, you know. Why does Ayukawa have to work? What does she need the money for? [Master sighs, suddenly 'Master' vanishes, and Musouka stands in his place.] Musouka: What, you're exempt to my powers too? Kazuya: My mind isn't fully developed yet--I can remember things that I'm not supposed to. Musouka: How much do you remember? Kazuya: Everything--though there's a lot of it that I don't understand. Musouka: So it is with all things. Kazuya: But you don't need to worry--I'm not going to tell. I like the world the way it is. Before none of the older kids wanted to play with me, they were always off doing stuff to each other. I won't tell anyone if you give me free ice cream for life. [offers hand] Musouka: [sighs, shakes] All right then. <-> <-> <-> [Cut to an interior shot of the kitchen of the Kasuga apartment. Kasuga comes in, dressed in his uniform and carrying his briefcase. He lays it down on the table and looks around.] Kasuga: [The phone rings, he goes over and picks it up.] Kasuga: Hello, Kasuga residence. Takeshi: [os] Hey, Kyosuke. Kasuga: Oh, hi dad! Good day at work? Takeshi: Um... Yeah. Listen Kyosuke. Do you have any idea what I'm doing in Nebraska? -==End==- Author's Note: Regarding Akane's bisexuality. I'm sorry if some people are going to have problems with this. I would've loved to simply have Akane be a lesbian, but Matsumoto Izumi has gone on record to say that she's straight--this was the only compromise I could come up with that would mean that both statements were true. I still think that if the series came out five or ten years later, Akane would've been 100% lesbian but, hey, what can you do? Begun: January 29th, 2003 Completed: March 7th, 2003 Please direct all questions, comments, praises, flames to: kensu@optonline.net Do -not- use the reply field, I only check that address about once a month. "Did you know that the first Matrix was designed to be a perfect human world? Where none suffered, where everyone would be happy. It was a disaster. No one would accept the program. Entire crops were lost. Some believed we lacked the programming language to describe your perfect world. But I believe that, as a species, human beings define their reality through suffering and misery. The perfect world was a dream that your primitive cerebrum kept trying to wake up from. Which is why the Matrix was redesigned to this: the peak of your civilization." -Agent Smith