
			      HARD |< O R
			     A novella by RoK

                        This Chapter finished
		             July 16, 1996
                             ver 1.0

Please read Disclaimer on
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html 1st!
Send comments or flames to rk@ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu

Notes:  Phrases in < > are characters thinking to themselves.
	[] indicates scene changes
        // indicates author comments
        ** indicates special effects

Legend:
H=Hikaru Hiyama
M=Ayukawa Madoka
R=Ryusei Haroken
K=Kasuga Kyosuke

//author's blurb Thanks to everyone for your kind email stating how much
you've enjoyed this fanfic series. I'm sorry for taking so long to come up
with new material, but I've been quite busy these past few months. (now I know
how Stephen Tsai feels!)Bolstered by the success of my page (6000+ people
can't be wrong, can they?) I'm renewing my efforts into this treasured saga.
Of course it contains some minor, subtle Shin Kor II spoilers, so be
forewarned. Thanks for the support and keep sending me your comments!

BOOK B: Quickening

Chapter 1: Frantic

[Another blase Monday morning...]

(Piles of folders stacked on Ryusei's desk)

(Ryusei sitting behind desk sorting it out)

Beauty: C. class        
Size: Medium
Talent: B
Pizazz: High


(tosses towards 1 pile)

Beauty: S. class        
Size: Big
Talent: C
Pizazz: Low


(tosses towards 1 pile)

Beauty: P. class        
Size: Small
Talent: A
Pizazz: Middle


(In pops #1 and #2)

#1: Hiya Boss! Whatcha doin'? (looks around) Woah! What a mess!

#2: Yeah! I'll say. Isn't Nagasi-san suppose to be doing this?

R: No, she is not. She just quit being my administrative assistant this
weekend. She wants to devote all her energies towards directing the play. All
these piles of papers you see here were suppose to be filed weeks agao.

#1: (moves some papers off the sofa and sits down) Man, what a drag. And
what's this? (pullls out a piece of nylon stockings out of the crease of the
sofa)

#2: Panyhose! How kinky? Did we miss something?

R: (goes over and snatches it away) It's not of your concern. And since you
two are here, why don't you take over this sorting for me?

#1 and #2: WHAT?!?

R: Yes, you heard me. I have other business to attend to. I don't pay you guys
to just sit on your butts in the limo and idle away. It's about time you two
earned your keep, especially with the scathing remarks from Nagasi. You guys
better watch yourself if you expect to keep your jobs intact.

#1 and #2: HAI! Master!

R: I have an appointment at 10. So I need one of you to drive me. Whose it
going to be?

#1: (jumps in) Why me of course! I'm the better driver around here. Let's go!

#2: Hey! You can't do that!

#1: (under his breath) Too late.

(They quickly exit out of the office)

#2: (*grumble grumble*) Why do I always end up stuck with the secretarial
work!

[Off in another station...]

Shiori: Hey big guy! Congratulations on your engagement Kyosuke-san! Now both
of us will get hitched up.

K: Arigatou Shiori-san. But how did you know?

Shiori: Oh, Kazuto told me all about it. You know how much he likes to blab.

K: Ahh,...

Shiori: So when's the big day?

K: We haven't really decided yet. But what we do know is that we will each
finish what we're doing now and wait for the right time. Tentatively, I would
say next spring would be the likely time frame.

Shiori: That's marvelous! Springtime is what we're aiming for too. So how do
you feel?

K: I feel great! Like a new man now! Now I'm really set and focused.

It was true. At that split instant of time, I made the most important decision
in my life. To propose to Madoka to be my bride to be. I finally did it. No
more questions or doubts as to whether marriage was the right thing for us at
our tender ages. Impulsive and daring, but deadly serious. Having committed
myself to such a serious proposition, the first responsible act in some time,
I felt a sudden surge in my maturity level. My mind was calmer and more
relaxed than before; not like the wild, rash thoughts which had been running
through my mind before. Marriage tends to do that to you: "sobering" up
your life.

During that whole weekend, I was busy, moving all my precious belongings into
Ayukawa's "palace". It was best for everyone. My sisters, Kurumi and Manami
would get the privacy they needed and deserved, while I would get to spend
more time with Madoka. After all, if we were going to get married, then living
together would be the first step in easing the transition for the fateful big
day. To get an idea of our daily habits. To be use to being around each other
constantly. And I never saw my sisters so happy when I told them the news!
They of course wished me good luck and quickly whisked me out with the last of
my possessions late evening Sunday.

[Back to the recording studio, with #2 thumbing through the files, confused]

#2: Drats! Now where do I place this file,...Is this girl a B or a C...

"Is that all your girlfriends..." rings a voice from behind.

"So ecchi! Seeing whose easy or not... 

#2: Whose there? (turns around to see the Kasuga Twins!)
Why its you two!

Manami: You must have such a cushy job, looking through all the profiles of
these beautiful girls...

#2: I-I-It's not what you think! I'm merely just sorting out for Master
Haroken-san. He made me do it. Honest!

Kurumi: Gawd! Don't get so edgy! Have a little backbone man! We're not the
police or anything. And where's Lone Wolf? I was hoping to discuss the terms
of his "compensation" to me.

#2: You mean #1? He's not around right now. He driving Master around town.

Kurumi: Why you always call Mr Haroken-san Master all the time? He doesn't own
a bar or pub at all, does he? And he doesn't have a Master's degree.

#2: No to both questions. It's just the way he wants to be referred to.

Kurumi: Boy you sure work for such a wierd guy...

Manami: Kurumi! You're embarrasing me...

Kurumi: Why? It's not like he's your boyfriend or anything...

Manami: (steaming) Why you....

Kurumi: I gotta go to the ladies room to freshen myself up. Where is it?

#2: Down the hall to your right.

Kurumi: Thanks. I'll just leave you two alone... (departs away)

#2: I glad to see you two come, but I'm sure it's not on my account. Are you
waiting to see Miss Ayukawa-san?

Manami: Nah, not really. I came by to return your computer. (takes out
notebook out of her handbag)

#2: Gee thanks!

Manami: Kazuya-kun really love playing with it!  Thanks again for letting him
use it the whole day. But I'm afraid he used up all your battery power.

#2: That's ok. I'll just recharge it.

Manami: Oh! And another thing. I just thought up another scene for the little
tale you were narrating to me yesterday...

#2: Really? Let me hear it.

Manami: Well it sounds very silly and  cliqued, but here goes:

[Country Western KOR Scene 4: Secrets]
Mad Dog: Over yonder. Stop over there (points to estate)

(Kyle applies brake to cart)(*SCREEEEECCCCCHHHHHHHHH*)

Mad Dog: (exiting out, while bracing wound with other hand) Now push it away.

Kyle: Ok. (give a heave *HO*)

Mad Dog: Let's move over to the north side by the covering.

Kyle: You know this place?

Mad Dog:Don't mind what I know. Let's git before we're spotted!

Kyle: Geez! Don't be so bossy!

Mad Dog: (weak voice) Sorry. Now look for a lose panel over near that spot.

Kyle: (feels around boards) Got it! Jeepers! How ya know it was there partner?

Mad Dog: Shut up and let's get in...(faints)

Kyle: Oh no! Wake up! Oh well, what's the use. You're out again.
(crawls through and pulls her in)

Kyle: There we are. (to unconscious figure) Hope ya happy now!

"Whose in there?"

Kyle: (hiding behind some boxes) 

(*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*)

H: (*Grrrr*) Who could that be at this time of day? (straps back corset and
pushes Kyle into closet with his clothes) Now git in and hush or ya be dead
today instead of 'morrow.

H: (opens door) Yes. What do you want?

(2 of Blackheart's gang outside)

Gang #1: (*Mmmmmm*) Looking mighty good maam. (gets shoved by Gang #2) Sorry to
bother you but we're looking for a couple of stowaways who've escaped us. One
dressed as a cowboy and the other in plain clothes.

Heidi: No I haven't seen anyone today!

Gang #2: Are you sure maam? We saw them escape in a mining rail cart which
happen to pass your way. We were waitin' for them at the end of line, but they
were no where to be found. We figured they'd jump off in the middle and now
we're tryin' to track them down.

Heidi: I told you before that I saw no one! If I were running away from the
likes of you, would I be foolish enough to be spotted?

Gang #1: No,...I reckon not. Sorry for wastin' your time. We're be leavin'
now. But keep your eyes pealed for those stowaways.

Heidi: I'll let Mr Billingsby when he gets back. I'm sure he knows how to
find your boss.  Now if you don't mind, git off the property now!

(*slams door*)

(opens closet and drags Kyle out) Hey...you're all dressed...

"Enough of the hanky panky. And why the hell is he here?"

(in unison) Heidi: Rochester!
            Kyle: Mr Billingsby!

Heidi: (looking ashamed) I didn't hear you come in...

Rochester: You know that I always come in from the back. But you haven't
answered my question.

Heidi: I caught him and the Mad Dog trying to sneak in here.

Rochester: I should have known. And Mad Dog Abrams here also? What a boon!
Where is she now?

Heidi: She's upstairs recooperatin' from a gunshot wound. But I manage to
patch her up real good. But the shell still in her.

Rochester: Alright then. Bring the troublemaker upstairs and look both of 'em
in. They won't be meddlin' at the next town meetin' tonight and no one will
stop me from sellin' this wretched town!

Kyle: Why you two-faced liar! You were cahoots with those scoundrels all
along.

R: (evil laugh) BrrHa ha ha! Of course! You should realize this is dead man's
canyon out here. The only thing you worry about is surviving. There's only one
person you need to worry about is yourself. Now take him away!

I was led away upstairs to my "cell." Though it wasn't all bad being cellmates
with Ashley Kate. I mean Mad Dog. There were so many things yet unexplained in
this peculiar town. A year back, I was just a pokey city slciker from Boston
who had grandious dreams of living it up and roughing it out here in the "Wild
West." But now, in this position I was in, I realized it wasn't all that it
was touted to be. Mr Billingsby was sure right about one thing. Survival was
indeed key to living out here.

"What are you muttering about? And what are you doing in my bedroom?"

Kyle: Sorry Mad Dog for stirring you up. But why do you say this is your room?

M: Hey mister! Why are you calling me names. You of all people ought to know
it's not proper nor polite to insult young girls!

Kyle:  Then what should I call
you then?

M: Why by my name of course: Ashely Kareneia Abrams.

Kyle: What a peculiar name!

M: It's a perfectly fine name! And who are you? I never seen you before...are
you a friend of my father?

Kyle: Your father?

M: Yes slly. My papa, Rutherford B. Abrams.

Kyle: Ah yes. I am. My name is Connor. But you can call me Kyle.

M: (giggle) I also have a nickname. My friends call Kara.

Kyle: Then please to meet you Kara.

M: Likewise, Kyle. (*ooh*) My chest hurts. You must be father's private
physician, aren't you?

Kyle: Uh...yes I am. I've just finished bandaging you up.

M: What happened?

Kyle: Oh, you were involved in a little accident.

M: I was? Was anyone else hurt?

Kyle: Not that I know of. Who else could it be?

M: I'm just worried for Rocky and Heidi. They're my playmates.

Kyle: Pardon me for asking, but how old are you?

M: Umm,...I think I'm 12 years old now sir. Does it matter?

Kyle: Oh, just wanted to get the ages straight. So you live in this big house
all by yourself.

M: Yes sir. Ever since my mama died when I was four, it's just been me and my
pa. He's famous around here, y'know? Why he owns the copper mining facilities
in town. He even named our town: Copper Ore City or Core City. Wager you
didn't know that!

Kyle: No I didn't. So your father was the founder of this town?

M: Yes. Didn't I just say that? Say, you look very young to be a doctor.

Kyle: I'm precocious for my age. And you should be getting some sleep now. You
need plenty of rest to heal your wounds.

M: OK mister. I like you. Can you be my friend?

Kyle: Yes, most certainly! That would be swell. I would like to be your
friend.

M: Me too. Goodnight then.

Kyle: Goodnight!

As I watched that sweet angel slumbering, I was struck with a feeling of awe
over the amazing transformation I witnessed of the rough and tumble Mad Dog
into the sweet and adorable Kara with a big blank in between those years. What
must have happened in those span of years to trigger such a change in
character? I found my talk raised even more questions than before. But first
and foremost, how was I going to get out of here?

#2: And?

Manami: And what? That's it for now. I've think I've told you enough for one
day. I'll save the rest for later.

#2: Oh come on Manami-san.

Manami: No, no #2. You have to be patient.

#2: Oh, you're such a spoil sport!

Manami: (give a playful glance) Now you have to sort all these papers out?

#2: Yep. Master ungraciously dumped all this work on me and I'm having a
fickle of a time organizing it all out. If only I could do this all on my
computer...

Manami: (picks up a handful of folders) This doesn't look too hard...(peers
inside) You put this over here and that one over there...(quickly sorts out
all the folders!)

#2: Wow! That's amazing! How did you do that?

Manami: Dunno. Must have a knack for it.

#2: Why that gives me an idea...Say Manami. Do you have a job this summer?

Manami: No, not particularly. Why?

#2: Do you want a job here? To be Mr Haroken's administrative assistant?

Manami: Me? Oh I don't now about that...

#2: But you really should. You seem to be a natural for it. Or all you
planning on a trip this summer?

Manami: No. I'm saving my money up this summer.

#2: Well then here's the chance to make more! You know my boss pays his
workers handsomely well. And you get to see your friends here at work: Miss
Hiyami-san and Miss Ayukawa-san.

Manami: Well I...

Kurumi: (interrupting) Well if she doesn't want it, then I'll take it!

#2: But ...

Kurumi: But what?

#2: I'm not sure if you're qualified or not.

Kurumi: Get a clue man! We're identical twins! So that means we should be
alike in every way.

Manami: (under her breath) You wish!

Kurumi: I heard that!

#2: Alright! I'll talk it over with Master. Maybe you two can take turns or
something.

Kurumi: Agreed! This will be so radical!

Manami: Eh,...I didn't agree to anything at all...

Kurumi: Oh you can't decide on something even if it was for your own good.
Besides, I get to hang out with Lone Wolf more...

Manami: So that's why...I knew there had to be more to your "altruistic"
gesture than meets the eye.

Kurumi: "Altruistic?" What's that mean?

Manami: Oh forget it. But I better not be referred to as a number like #3.
Right #2? Hey #2? Now what are you doing?

#2: (looks up from computer screen) Oh I'm sorry. I though I'd do some email
while you had your sisterly go-around.

Kurumi: Email? Sounds complicated.

#2: It really isn't. It's like regular mail except you do it with computers.
It's much faster and it's free. And you can mail to people anyway around the
world. Right now, I'm replying back to my RPG pals Robocop in S.F. and Iczer
in NYC.

Kurumi: Hey Madoka-san! Hikaru-san! You better come over here and check this
out. This guy is doing some fancy computer tricks right now.

(exchange of greetings)

M: I don't believe we've met before...

#2: I'm #2. We both work for the same guy, Mr Haroken.

H: So what's all the commotion about?

#2: I was just showing them the wonders of electronic mail.

M: You mean e-mail right? I've done that before in the university before.

Twins: You have?

M: Yes. Just started trying it out last year. Allows me to keep tabs with all
my university friends. But the setup can be very painful.

#2: I know. But that's because you're probably using Unix.

H: Unix? I've heard of that term before...

#2: It's just a term used to describe one of the early software used to run on
networked computers. But it's only used by those hard core computer geeks like
me. But definitely not  for the casual user.

H: So what's it good for?

M: You can use it to send mail to anyone anywhere.

H: Even in New York?

M: (smiles) Especially in New York.

Kurumi: And it's free!

H: It is?

#2: Well almost. Using a modem, you might have to pay the cost of a local
call. But that's it.

H: Why that sounds like a very economical way to stay in touch with cherished
friends abroad. You've got to teach me sometime how to do that sometime #2.

#2: No problem.

Manami: So Madoka-san, you must use computers a lot, don't you?

M: Me? Not really. I try to refrain from it as much as possible. I used a
personal computer  when I was younger and found it too be quite user
unfriendly. It's geared more towards number-crunching rather than something
like composing music.

#2: (takened aback) Excuse me? That's simply not true nowadays. Back then, you
were right. Computer were downright pain to configure and setup. But nowadays,
with the advance of technologies, they're getting easier and easier to use.
And they're getting to be a part of our daily lives. For instance, the Apple
Macintosh popularized the notion of the graphical interface and intuitive
commands. And they made setup of hardware and software a snap, and building in
great stereo sound support. Not your the old beeps of your PC speaker.

M: Are you really sure this has happened?

#2: Positive. Why look here. I have before me a high-end Macintosh which was
suppose to be for Nagasi to work on, but of course was left idle. You're into
music right? Let me bring up this music composition program I use to program
my game music.  A few clicks here and voila! Let me play it for you to hear.
(A funky techno-beat blams from the speaker.)

"What's that hideous sound?"

#2: Master! Sorry for the noise pollution. I was just demonstrating the
wonders of computers.

R: Well put on headphones next time.

H: Ryusei-san. I was wondering if I can talk to you in your office alone?

R: Please feel free.

M: You two just go along. I'll just talk more with this gentleman about
musical scoring with the computer. Good luck. (winks at Hikaru)

(Inside the office)

R: (sits in his executive chair) Excuse the mess here. It will be cleaned up
soon. Now what's the big rush to talk to me for?

H: Ryusei. I have to level with you. I followed your advice and told my best
friend Madoka-san the truth about us. How I forced you to play along as my
boyfriend to keep up appearances to them. How I deceived them. They know all
about our mock relationship now.

R: Good for you! Getting things out in the open helps relieves the burden
you've been carrying inside you. It's not good keeping secrets from your
friends. I take it that they took the news well?

H: Yes. Well I only told Madoka. But I'm sure she explained it to Kyosuke for
me. They're engaged now, you know?

R: I'm glad to hear it. But I would't say it was such a "tortuous" task
pretending to be your significant other.

H: Oh, you're such a flirt. But I do must thank you for engaging in this
masquerade for as long as you did. But now you don't have to play along
anymore. 

R: So you thought my performance was inadequate no? I certainly don't come
across like a romantic cassanova.

H: No, of course not. Well maybe you do need some work in the etiquette of
relationships. You need to be less stiff and more loose and relaxed. Maybe for
starters like removing those hideous sunglasses?

R: These things? I think not. They're embody too much of my persona. Besides,
it keeps people wondering what's behind those shades.

H: That's for sure. And one more thing. (slips off jade bracelet) I appreciate
the pretty trinket, but it really should belong on the hand of someone you
trully care for.

R: Now, now Miss Hiyami! I thought we discussed it before. Please don't feel
that accepting this gift in anyway obligates you to anything. Like I said
before, it's to symbolize our partnership in the play.  Otherwise, I'll just
throw it away.

H: How can you say such a thing? You mustn't act on such irrational thoughts.

R: Then keep it and be the best dancer you can be. Okay?

H: (slips in back on again) Well ok, if you put it that way. I think it's time
to practice being the best dancer I can be before Nagasi gets on my case.

R: She's not giving you a hard time, is she?

H: No. She has her hands full already with that JADE girl. I see you later.

R: GoodBye.

[Back at the news station]

Shiori: So Kyosuke-san? How are you doing on those Bosnian war shorts?

K: That? Why I haven't started on that yet.

Shiori: You didn't? Ms Tamura-san been's buzzing me about it the whole week.

K: I'm sorry. I really haven't the time, with me moving out and such and with
the events that transpired last week...

Shiori: Don't worry. I can hold off Ms Tamura-san for a while for you.
International news actually has takened a back-burner to the top headline.

K: Which is?

Shiori: Haven't you been watching the news? Or watching the broadcasts?

K: I was too busy studying how to operate the equipment and all...

Shiori: Enough excuses already. I hear it enough with Hayakawa.  Here's the
scoop. There's been an outbreak of muggings and
robberies of the social elite this past week. From the reports, it seems they
target the high-class districts of Tokyo, striking their targets at large
gatherings where it is easy for them to run and escape. I find the whole
matter shocking. It's unthinkable that people still have to resort to crime.

K: That's true. Even in Tokyo, one of the safest areas in the world, we too
are still plagued by the ravages of serious crime.  By the way...can you give
me more details of these robberies like the weapons they used?

Shiori: I do believe from the police reports that they just use knives and
switch-blades. No guns. Though that would be enough to "persuade" those rich
types into giving up all their money.

K: When was the latest heist?

Shiori: Just last night. The Murayamas' lost close to 2 million yen in money
and jewelry! And so far, the police has no real leads to go on. All the
assailants wore masks to cover their faces.

K: Sounds like an interesting case to tackle...

Shiori: Like don't be getting any ideas in your head. You're still an intern
here. And it's not your beat. It belongs to Sachimoto. But you might still be
in the thick of the action yet.

K: Like how?

Shiori: They might call you up in the middle of the night to provide camera
support.I have to go prepare the top of the hour news for the radio broadcast.
ja ne.

[Back at the studio...]
R: Miss Ayukawa. I would like a moment of your time if you may.

M: Why of course Ryusei. I was just finished with my chat with #2.

#2: Uhh boss, one thing before you go...

R: Yeess? What is it? 

#2: (crackled voice) Well you're looking for a new administrative assistant
right?

R: As of last week, correct.

#2: Well I think I have just the person to fill that role. I mean two people.

R: Well that sounds good. Just have them leave their resume here and I'll
look at it later.

#2: Umm but they're here. The people I'm referring to are these twins you see
here.

R: (looks them over) Ahh yes, I seen you before. You two were the hostesses
for that party some weeks ago.

Kurumi: Yes we were sir.

R: (chuckles) No need to call me sir. Mr Haroken would be fine. So you two are
intrested in being my assistants?

Kurumi: yeah. (nudges Manami)

Manami: (half-heartily)Yes we are.

R: Well judging from the way both of you coordinated that banquet, I'm sure
your capable for the job. Since I don't have no time to waste and that I'm on
a tight schedule, you're both hired effectively now. You two can start by
helping #2 out with all these files filing.

Kurumi: Thanks! You won't regret it. 

R: Let's hope not. (to Madoka) This way in.

(inside the office)

M: What's the urgency? 

R: For starters, let me congratulate you on your engagement to Mr Kyosuke-san.
You too will make a happy couple.

M: Thank You.

R: And another thing. I didn't realize it was your birthday last week. So in
light of these events, allow me to present you with a late combinational
present . (takes out an envelope and hands it to her)

R: Please don't open it now. I would prefer you look at it later, for fear
you might reject the gift.

M: I wouldn't dream of such a thing.  But you really shouldn't have gone
through all this trouble. I only work for you.

R: No no. It's best for an employer to maintain a good working relationship
with his employees.

M: And it was a nice gesture hiring Manami and Kurumi. Take it from me; they
won't disappoint you.

R: I'm sure I won't. Now if you excuse me, I have other business to attend to.
Adieu!

(Meanwhile, a little before, around the hallway)

"Hey Hikaru! Going in for today's session?"

H: (turns around) Oh hi Sugizawa. 

Sugizawa: You know...we never really had a chance to talk ever since you got
back. With all the practice sessions and all, we don't have time to chat
except in between.

H: Well, we can talk now. But only for a little while. Session's about to
start. And I don't want to get on Nagasi-san's bad side today!

Sugizawa: don't worry about her. I'll put in a good word for you. So what's
been keeping you busy nowadays? Have you finished moving in with your
girlfriend ?

H: Yes I have. And I've been to a flurry of events this past week, revisting
old friends and old places and such.

Sugizawa: Catching up on old times right? Speaking of that, I wonder if we
could get together some time this week afterwards. Maybe for dinner perhaps
and later on dancing? Or maybe see a play perhaps? It will be just like old
times.

H: I appreciate the invitation, but I'm not sure about my schedule for this
week. Plus I'm seeing someone else, you know.

Sugizawa: You don't say? Please don't get the wrong idea about me Hikaru. I
realize that what we had in New York was a mistake for both of us. But that
can't stop us from being friends, can it?

H: (starting to waver under his charm) No,...I guess not.

Sugizawa: Let me tell you what. Why don't you leave me your number and I'll
give you a call to see when you're available. How's that sound?

H: (pause) I wish I could give it you, but we're in the rpocess of installing
a line for myself. And I really shouldn't give you her number, since it would
invade her privacy. I mean, she's not my message keeper and I wouldn't want to
put her through the trouble.

Sugizawa: That's fine. Let me know when you do get the new line.  In the
meantime, whose the lucky devil you're with now?

H: The guy I'm seeing now,...ummm

(Ryusei appears walking down )

H: Oh ryusei darling! Am I so glad to see you! (starts to hug him)

R: 

(From the far end of the hallway, we see Nagisa approaching, with a glare on
her face.)

Nagasi: 

  [End of Chapter 1 Book B]