H       A       R       D
                                 |<      O       R
                               

                 K i m a g u r e O r a n g e     R o a d 
                        F a n f i c t i o n

                             by Robert Kwong
                             September 30,1996
                                  ver 1.0


Based on characters from the Kimagure Orange Road Series created by
the venerable Matsumoto Izumi.


As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure Orange
Road series. The turn of events and timeline depicted here occur right after
Shin Kor I, but before Shin Kor II. This is the graphic reaccount of the
adult lives of Madoka, Hikaru, and Kyosuke. Like the Shin KOR novels, these
stories contain adult themes, situations, and language.Thus parental guidance
is advised. Thus read with your own discretion!
Please read the full disclaimer at my web site for full details.

HardKor Web Site (With Disclaimer and back-stories:
Book A and Book B chapters)
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html

My SuperPage for the General Kimagure Orange Road enthusiast
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/Kor.html

My contact email address for comments or further correspondence:
rk@soda.berkeley.edu

Feel free to email me your impressions and suggestions for the series. Beta
readers always welcome. If you want new stories emailed to you, please e-mail
me at the above address.

Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR fanfic
on the web! Writing and releasing this story is very special to me, on the
dawn of the Shin KOR II release. Another reason is that this is my 24th
story. (12 HARD KOR A, 8 Prelude, 4 book B) I'm especially proud to reach
this momentous milestone. As usual, this story contains numberous
Shin KOR II spoilers, so read at your own discretion.
I hope you enjoy reading it as I did writing it. Thanks again.
Robert Kwong
Ark Productions -96-


Legend:
H=Hikaru Hiyami
M=Ayukawa Madoka
R=Ryusei Haroken
K="Darling" Kasuga Kyosuke



Book B: Chapter 4: ABCB

[Hikaru and Ryusei walking down a pathway...]

H: Dinner was wonderful!

R: I'm glad you enjoyed the meal.

H: Tonight was  one of the most interesting nights  of my life. In one way,
it was very exciting; in other, it was very scary. I could never forget this
night. How strange things have turned out.

R:  I myself had not anticipated the turn of events which transpired.

H: How could you? It's all in Fate's hand. Who knows what the future will
hold next?

R: I despise the unpredictability of "Fate" as you call it. I would like to
exercise a resonable amount of control over my daily activities.

H: (laughs) How could you say that? It would be so dull always knowing what
was going to come next. What fun would it be if I already knew the events of
the movie? I want to be surprised, amazed, dazzled. It's the
"unpredicatbility" as you call it that makes life worth living.

R: Still, I prefer order over chaos.

H: I know. You look like you do. (puts her hand to her mouth) I'm sorry. I
hope you are not offended.

R: None taken. Different mentalities exist for different people. I've learned
to deal with that.

H: Still, this night has not turned out all too bad. The moonlight filled sky
is clear and glistening with the sparkle of the stars. This is so romantic.

R: I did not intend it to be that way...that is...a romantic date.

H: I know you didn't; it just turned out that way. It was beyond your power.
Guess you'll have to blame it on Fate again.

R: Yes, you do. I'm surprised you'll so enthusiastic still about this "Fate"
thing despite the fact it doesn't seem to have been too kind to you in the
past, from what you've narrated to me before.

H: No, it hasn't. But I've learned to deal with the situation as it comes. To
handle whatever new misfortune or failure which comes my way. I found that in
overcoming these barriers helps make you a better person hopefully in the
long run.

R: (pats her on the back) Don't worry Hikaru. You have a bright future ahead.
You have the ability and the passion. You'll get your just due someday. Maybe
even have your own star in Hollywood. (points up to the sky)
But for now, you'll have to settle for a star in the sky. Like that one.
Star-chan. That's what I will call it. (gives a plucking motion) Just for you.

H: Star-chan...I like the sound of that. (Feeling bold, tries to clasp
Ryusei's hand to make the most of the romantic moment)

R: (moves away in time to avoid her grasp and raises hand up to look at watch) My,...it's getting really late now. I'd better give the boys a call before they fall asleep on me. (feels around in pocket) That's peculiar...

H: What's the matter?

R: I fear I've lost my cell phone. I can't seem to find it anywhere. Let me
double-check.  Nope. Not here. Hmmm...

H: Could it be possible you lost it during the robbery scnee?

R: Yes, that could be it. It's no big loss. I could just buy a new one. 

H: I know what. I have some change. Just give me the phone number and I can
call them up on the pay phone.

R: (turns away) There's another problem.

H: What is it?

R: I don't know their phone number.

H: Then how were you going to call them?

R: #2 programmed all the numbers in for me into the cell phone. 

H: I see...

R: But all is not lost. There's a simple solution to this. We'll just take a
cab back.

H: (giggles)

R: What the matter? Is there a problem?

H: I have a neat idea. Why not take the subway train back? (points to subway
sign indicator)

R: The subway?

H: Yeah, the subway. You sound like you haven't ridden in it before.

R: As a matter of fact, no.

H: Really? Then you have to try it! I'll show you. It'll be fun. It's been
ages since I last rode the Tokyo subway. Come on. (drags him away)

[Manami working late in the office]

Manami: Whew! That's the last of the folders to organize. Wow,...look at the
time. Time to go home Jingoro.

Jinogoro: (*MEOW*) (Darts and runs off)

Manami: JIngoro! Come back here! You're not suppose to go into the Boss's
office! (runs after him)

M: (*looks around in the dark*) Now where are you now?

Jingoro: (*MEOW*) (Sitting on the executive chair)

Manami: (walks over) (*shakes finger at him*) You've been a very bad cat
today.

Jingoro: (leaps down, causing drawer to fly open)

Manami: (lets out a little scream) Now look what you've done. Why are you
acting like Kurumi all of a sudden?!  (Starts to rearrange folders in the
drawer until she sees a secret wooden compartment fall out.)

Manami: What's this? I've never seen this contraption in any desk before. I
wonder what's inside.

(sticks hand in and pulls out a journal book)

(*Door flies open*!)

Manami lurches backwards into the executive chair, in fear of being exposed!

(*Light switch turning on*)

"Hiya Manami. Whatcha doin'?"

Manami: You scared the heck out of me! I thought you were someone else. What
the hell are you doing here?

Kurumi: To see what you're up to, that's what. You weren't home to cook for
me when I got up, so went to find you.

Manami: And how did you get in here? You don't have a key.

Kurumi: who needs a key when you have the Power!. And what do you have in
your hand?

Manami: What thing? (quickly places book behind her)

Kurumi: That! (levitates book above and over Manami's head)

Manami: Hey! Give me that!

Kurumi: Too late! got it! I wonder what juicy details you have in your diary
this time...

Manami: You're not suppose to read that.

Kurumi: This is wierd stuff you have in there. It doesn't even look like your writing.

M: It's not mine! And you shouldn't read it. (tries to grab it)

K: (floats book over her head and out of Manami's grasp) You want to read it
just as much as I do. Only you don't want to get in trouble for it. I have an
idea. I'll read it and tell you about it later so you can have a clear
conscious.

M: No deal. If you're so insistent upon reading it, both of us will read it.
(uses Power! to pull book down)

(Both eagerly read the first entry)

			Journal Entry #1	

	Today was my final day out of the clinic for rehabilitation. I had
slipped into a deep comatose state for 3 months, as a result of my drug
additiction. As a result of that ordeal, I suffered deep paralysis afflicting
my entire body. I was nothing but a damn, low-life junkie. I'm not afraid to
admit it now. Despite being an affluent, white-collar worker, I couldn't take
the pressure and resorted to drugs as my escape. I lost everything: my job,
my house, and most importantly, my wife. But my best friend --my only friend
in the world saved me from that. He was the one who pulled me out of the
gutter and into this hospital. I did not remember his face initally, due to
my amensia, but instincitvely I trusted him. From the first day of my
awakening, he arranged everything for my recovery, including setting up a
physical therapy and mental invigoration program. But most importantly, he
restored my identity, my past to me. Now my only goal is to gain my
vengenance and find the lowlife who took my wife away. I won't rest till I
find her. I have but one lead...a picture of her sister. It could be the key
towards restoring my life as I know it. I'm keeping this journal as a record
of the turn of events, in case I should meet with an untimely end.

			-Nobody
				'88

[Inside the subway train]

(Ryusei and Hikaru are sitting vertical with the train)

R: Gomen nasai about the subway fare. I promise to pay you back.

H: You shouldn't worry about that. Who knew you only carry large bills. And
I'm happy to be footing the bill for a change. Probably is the first time
I've ever treated you.

R: Nonetheless, I thank you wholeheartedly.

H: It's you I should be thanking. You saved me and Madoka from those
attackers. I didn't know you took up karate before.

R: I didn't; Just a gut reaction on my part. Probably just mimicked some
marital arts show I saw. But this is what I have to show for it. (Raises
hand with bandaged red bandanna wrapped around it) Not very good at fighting
am I.

H: No, you were wonderful. (gently cuddles bandanged hand)

R: Tell me something.

H: What is it?

R: This red cloth here looks very familiar. Did you wear this to the
audition?

H: It is. How did know?

R: It's my job to notice every little detail. I'm sorry for ruining it with
my blood. I'll be glad to get you a new one.

H: No  need to. I don't need one anymore.

R: (stares at it) (*Oww*) (places hand up to forehead)

H: What's wrong now?

R: I'm seem to be experiencing those headaches again. Must be from the motion
of the trains.

H: It could be some time of motion sickness you're experiencing.
Why don't you close your eyes and lie your head down and rest. I'll let you
know when we reach the stop.

R: That sounds good.

H: 

[Back at the studios]

Kurumi: Wow! That was some deep stuff. I wonder who wrote it?

Manami: I hear someone coming! You go distract them!

Kurumi: Why me?

Manami: Because you're good at it!

Kurumi: Oh, right.

(Manami quickly places journal back in secret compartment and rearranged
everything)

Nagasi: Now who the hell are you? And what are you doing here?

Kurumi: I was about to ask you the same question myself. How am I suppose
to know that you belong here?

Nagasi: I'm the director here you dumb bitch! I'm going to take care of you,
intruder!

Kurumi: (raises fists) You wanna fight? Fine with me. If it's a fight you
want, then it's a fight you'll get.

Manami: (Entering) Stop it! Both of you!

(both combatants gaze at her and drop their jaws, dumbfounded)

Nagasi: Now what the hell are you doing snooping around Ryu's office for?

Manami: Nagasi-san. If you only would allow me a moment to explain. If you
don't remember, I'm Haroken-san's new office assisstant, Kasuga Manami.

Nagasi: (nods her head in agreement) Yes,...the one with the glasses he
mentioned.

Manami: Well that's me. I was just putting some papters on his desk to look
over. In the meantime, I was working lateto oragnazie the backlog of
paperwork left behind by my predecessor. If you want to inspect the work,
then you'll welcome to do it. (pulls out file cabinet)

Nagasi walks over and carefully thumbs through the files.

Nagasi: You did all this?

Manami: Yes, and it wasn't easy.

Nagasi: (grumbles) Ok. You're off the hook for now. But that still doesn't
explain her. (points wickedly at Kurumi)

Manami: She's my sister Kurumi.

Kurumi: (pushes Manami) The other assistant. We're twins y'know. (bows
in front of Nagasi, while giving the "finger" in back of her)

Nagasi: Funny I haven't seen you at all this whole week...

Manami: She was ill this week. Besides, she'll be working next week.

Kurumi: And since Manami pretty much did everything this week, it'll be
an easy time for me.

Manami: (giving her the evil eye) It's getting late right now, Nagasi-san
and I don't want to waste any more of your time. Goodbye!
(whispers to Kurumi: Let's go now!)

Nagasi: (mutters) Crazy ass help Ryusei hires these days. Got to tell
Father about this!

(Outside)

Kurumi: Where's Jingoro?

Manami: Here! (floats him down) I had to put him utside, for fear of
inciting more trouble. Let's go home and get some rest. We have a big day
ahead of us tomorrow.

Kurumi: But what about the journal?

Manami: I'll talk to you about it tomorrow!

[Ryusei and Hikaru walking the streets]

R: I'm feeling better now. You don't have to help me walk up the rest of the
way. How far do you have to go?

H: Just right across the street.

R: You do? How much am I paying you anyway? Apartments around here aren't
cheap.

H: I'm sharing it with a roommate.

R: I see. Good to have a roommate. Well good nite then.

H: By the way. Where do you live?

R: (Points up to the top) Up there in the penthouse. (Unwraps the bandage)
The bleeding stopped. Do you want this back, or should I throw it away.

H: No, don't. I'll wash it.

R: I thought you said this wasn't of any value to you anymore.

H: I guess I was wrong. Thanks. See you next week. (runs across the street)

R: Strange, curious gir she is.

[Up in the penthouse]

Ryusei bows in front of the Buddha statue and says a little prayer.

R: Oh thank thee Amitaba that no one was hurt today. A blessing for all
around me.

(walks into the living room, sits down into big chair. The chess game is laid
flat on the table, with several moves already made.Ryusei makes a move.)

KB->QB5.

"Rather conservative, isn't it?"

R: Yes, so what? Things are going accordingly to as planned.

"But not as fast as I would like it."

R: Patience, patience, my old friend. All in good time. Victory comes to
those who knows hoe to take his time. Once everything is seeded and in place,
everything will fall into place. But tonight's events should never happen
again. I don't want any more incidents.

"As you wish, my Master."

[The next day (Saturday), at the Ayukawa Mansion]

Madoka, lying naked and alone in bed, awakens to see Kyosuke up and about,
all dressed up.

M: (eyes half open) Darling. Where do you think you're going? It's Saturday.

K: Can't stay dear. Have a ton of things to do today. Talked to Tamura-san
and she's giving me a second chance of sorts. She saw how well I did last
night and reassigned me to be on the Jewel Squad. I'm teamed up with the
lead reporter to help him with the investigation. Isn't it so exciting?

M: Yes very. But what did you mean by "second chance"?

K: I'll explain later. Gotta run! (*Flashes out*)

M: Shit. I was hoping to spend the day with you, but you had to run out
on me like that. Is that the way it's going to be? (lights up a cigarette)
So inconsiderate of him.

(*Ring Ring*)

M: yeah, who is it?

Hayakawa: My dearest Ayukawa. You don't sound like your cheery self today.

M: Excuse me tone, Mitsuru. I didn't know it was you. I'm sorry, but I'm
just not in a good  mood today. (puff away)

H:All me the chance to change that. I hope this is not too forward, but I
have two tickets to a noon music concert, and I was wondering if you would
like to go with me?

M: But what about Shiroi?

H: She was business to attend to at the station. Babbled something about that
jewelry-nabbing thing. By the way, you look fabulous on TV last night.

M: Thanks, I guess. And I know what you mean about work.

H: You'd probably have plans already for today, so I shouldn't bother you
further...

M: Wait! I would love to go.

H: Great! Pick you up at 11am. Later babe. (*click*)

[At the Gym]

We see Kurumi, Manami, Akane, and Kazuya, all dressed up in athletic gear.

Akane: Why did you drag me here?

Manami: Don't you want the chance to beat a bunch of guys?

Akane: Yeah! Let's do it!

Kazuya: This is boring!

Manami: Oh cheer up Kazuya. At least you're free of those two girls chasing
you around.

Akane: Hey, that's not a bad thing.

Kazuya: Well it is for me!

Akane: Gee, some people have all the luck. 

Kurumi: Here look. I think they're coming!

From one end of the gym enters #1 and #2, while on the other enter Komatsu
and Hatta.

(Both immediately point to each other and utters: What is he doing here!?)

Manami: Hi everyone. Glad all of you could come to this little gathering.

Komatsu: I thought you said we were going to play a little game. A game
that WE would like. (ecchi laugh)

Kurumi: Yeah, we are. We gonna play basketball!

Hatta: Basketball? I'm not in shape to play basketball!

#1: You don't look like you'll be in shape any time soon.

Hatta: Hey, what's that suppose to mean? (Grabs the ball) If that's a
challenge, then me and Komatsu will beat the pants off you.

Akane: Urgh! Not a sight I would want to see!

Komatsu: (to Hatta) You can play by yourself. I'm not playing. I don't
appreciate being led on.

Kurumi: But you don't know what the prize...

Komatsu: What "prize"?

Kurumi: The victor gets to ask anything of us.

Komatsu: Anything?

Kurumi: Anything.

Komatsu: (wicked smile) If you put it that way, then count me in! We're
going beat the crap out of those No-eyes guys!

Akane: Who said anything about you playing them? You're gonna play us.
All four of you.

#2: All 4 of us? Which 4?

Akane: You 4. (points to #1, #2, Komatsu, and Hatta) Men vs Women + little
boy.

Komatsu and Hatta: I'm not playing along with them!

Kurumi: Well then it'll be your loss (hikes her skirt up a little)

Komatsu and Hatta: Ok, ok. Enough teasing! You know our weak spot.

#1: No one ever ask if we're gonna consent to such conditions.

Kurumi: But you'll just have to, oh Lone wolf dear. Remember your promise.

#2: She's got you there. And you never break your word.

#1: (groans and turns head) Let's do this and get this over with.

Manami: Here's the rules. Best out of 10 wins. Each basket counts as 1 point.
It would be a case of the Kasugas versus the Outsiders. Given then, we'll
spot you 5 points.

Hatta: Really? Then we'll win for sure! We should easily take care a bunch of
girls. We don't need their help!

#1: Suit yourself. We're just sit here and watch guys.

Akane: Bunch of girls, huh? I'll show you!

(Teams huddle)

1-2-3 Go!

Action begins. But Hatta and Komatsu are no match for the powers of the
Kasugas. Akane uses her shape changing powers to confuse them, while
Kazuya, being smaller, reads their mind and steals the ball. Manami and
Kurumi just stand under the basket to lay the ball in. Soon, the score
becomes 5-5.

Komatsu: (huffing and puffing) Time out!

(Hatta and Komatsu walks over #1 and #2 with heads bowed down)  

Komatsu: (Whispers) You tell them

Hatta: No you tell them...

Komatsu: (pushes Hatta) No I insist.

Hatta: <*Ahem*> Apologies gentlemen, but it seems we're not a match for 4
people. So we humbly ask if you would assist us. 

#1: What's the magic word?

Komatsu and Hatta: (looking confused) Please?

#1: That's right. Now let's go. I'll do all the coaching. Listen to
everything I say. I have been studying their tactics. Here's what we're do.
(blah blah blah blah blah)

#2: Ok everyone, time in!

Action begins: Now Komatsu and Hatta are busy jostling with Kurumi and
Manami for position under the basket, poking their hands in places where
they not suppose to. Akane flashes her illusions, but #1 simply ignores them.
Kazuya can't get a read on what they're thinking, since he doesn't understand
their thoughts. Soon the score becomes 5-9, in favor of the men.

Kurumi: Time out!

(In the huddle)

Kurumi: We're gonna lose!

Akane: Stop whining and think of something.

Kurumi: Why don't you think of something? I got my hands full keeping myself
away from those two hentais. Come on Manami. You're the brains around here.
What are we going to do?

Manami: I'm just as clueless as you are. It seems hopeless.

Akane: Hey, where's Kazuya?

We see Kazuya talking to Komatsu and Hatta by themselves.

Kazuya: Hey guys. Nice to see you be the "sacrifical lambs" out there.

Komatsu: Hey, what do you mean?

Kazuya: Why those other guys are getting the glory, while you're just
cleaning up after them. You probably listen to what they tell you to do,
don't you.

Hatta: No it's not true!

Kazuya: All I can tell is that I know who'll get the girls around here, and
it's certainly not the unmanly ones.

Komatsu: Oh yeah, well we show you how well we can do! You just watch!

(Kazuya returns to huddle cackling with laughter.)

Game resumes. Komatsu and Hatta "asserting" themselves, makes a bungle out
of things, disobeying #1's explicit instructions. They wander ever which
way and even collide with #1 and #2. Soon the score is tied at 9-9.

#1: Time out!

(At the huddle)

#1: Just what the fuck are you fools doing out there? Didn't you listen
straight? We were about to win until you went off in your merry way.

Hatta: Hey, we just wanted to show we could play too.

#1: (sarcastic) We, you're sure showed them, didn't you? Now listen straight.
The object is to win, right? I don't care if you're kings of the basket.
You can get what you want afterwards.

Komatsu: Who are you anyway to talk to us like that?

#1 SHUT UP! I'm not taking any chances now. All I need for you two to do is
screen the defenders in front of me for half a second. I'll take a 3 pointer
and win it. Got it!? Now let's go!

Play resumes. Komatsu and Hatta do as their instructed. #2 flips the ball to
#1 and he takes a long rainbow shot which seems to take forever to arrive at
the basket. It is circling around the rim and is sure to go in. However, at
the last moment, for some strange explicable reason, it pops out into the
waiting hands of Kurumi, who lays it up to win it for the Kasugas!

Kazuya: Yeah! We win! We win!

Akane: Yahoo! Serves those MCPs.

#2: Are you alright #1?

#1: I can't believe it didn't go in. I was so sure.

Hatta and Komatsu: Thanks a lot buster! Last time we'll ever trust you.
Let's go.

Kurumi:  Wait a moment boys. Aren't you forgetting something?

#1, #2, Komatsu, and Hatta: What?

Manami: The terms of the game. If we win, YOU will have to do what we want.

#1, #2, Komatsu, and Hatta: Huh?

Manami: Yes. Since you boys lost, you've lost volunteered yourselves to
do some "community" work of sorts.

Komatsu and Hatta: I'm not going for this...

#1: (stops them) We all lost, fair and square to them. You'd better honor
their request. (menacing stance)

Komatsu and Hatta: Well if you put it that way...

#2: Where to?

Akane: You all just follow me in my car, and you'll see.

[At the broadcasting studio station...]

Shiori: You're early today, for a change.

K: Of course. Today's the start of the big project.

Shiori: You got that right. This jewelry case is sending our ratings
sky-high.

K: Is that all you're worried about?

Shiori: Well the station needs a dose of good news and this is it. Besides,
do you think I appreciate giving up my weekends to work? I had to turn
down Kazuto today to attend a noon concert.

K: I know what you mean. Madoka got awfully sore at me when I told her
that I was coming in too.

(in walks Tamura)
Tamura: I'm glad both of you could come in today. Unfortunately, our
ace reporter couldn't make it in today, so it'll be you two who will
be working 'round the clock on the story. And I have an additional surprise
for you two.

(in walks a stout looking man)

Tamura: Allow me to introuduce Chief Investigator Jackson-san.

K: But you're gaiijin!

Jackson: Yes, I am. Do you have a problem with that?

K: (meek voice) No sir.

Jackson: Good. As Tamura-san night have already indicated to you, I'm the
lead investigator working on the thefts. We had no leads up until now. We
saw your report yesterday and would like to gain additional information
from you.

K: But I've already made a statement to the police!

Jackson: Yes, but you mentioned taking some photographs. Do you have the
negatives?

K: yes, right here. (displays the cannister on his open palm)

Jackson: (takes it in one motion) We're have to confiscate it for analysis
and evidence.

K: But that was suppose to be the basis of our lead story!

Jackson: I'm sorry, but public security comes before any story you might
have. I'll release to you a copy of the photos for you to work with later on.
And Mr Kyouske, be prepared to be call on by us in the future for further
assisstance you might be able to accord to us. Do I make myself clear?

K: Yes sir! (salutes)

Jackson: That'll be all for now. I thank you Tamura-san for all the
assistance you have given us and I'll make sure you will be the first ones
to know of any hot leads we might have. Adieu!

K: (to Shiori) God, what an asshole, coming in like that and pushing his
weight around. And who does he think he is, taking my film without asking
him. What nerve!

Shiori: I have an awful feeling that we'll be seeing more of him
soon...


[On the expressway, we see Akane driving in her Honda, followed by #1 and #2
in the limo, and Komatsu and Hatta in their red sportscar]

Komatsu: (driving) Hey everyone, look at me! (Waves hand out and passes #1
and #2 and Akane)

Akane: What a showoff!

#1: Not very prudent of him.

#2: Why?

#1: Look.

(*Police siren from a motorcycle*)

Komatsu and Hatta come to a stop. Coming towards them is a woman police
officer.

Komatsu: Woah mama! You look too pretty to be a traffic cop. Has anyone told
you that you look simply dazzling with your hair down? What's your sign,
baby?

"That's Officer Tsujimoto to you fellas. Did you know you were pushing 120kph
back there? I need to see your driver's license.

Komatsu: Nah, let's not talk about that. Why don't you give me your phone
number and we'll leave it at that.

"I'm seen enough of your like to not react violently. You don't want to see
me when I blow up. But I'm feeling charitable today. For your sake and my
counselor,  I'm going to give you a final chance. Please let me see your
driver's license."

Komatsu: Or else what? You're gonna arrest us? On a traffic offense? Come on!

"Alright! That does it! GET OUT OF THE CAR! BOTH OF YOU, YOU GOOD FOR NOTHING
SHITHEADS! I'M GONNA BE CRACKING SOME SKULLS TODAY! (swings nightstick
mightily!)

(We can see Komatsu and Hatta visibly shaking at her outburst)

(behind her) "Alright. That's enough. Look at them. They're scared stiff.
You should learn to control your temper better, Natsumi."

"And who the fuck are you to talk to me like that, asshole?"

(turns around and walks up to stranger)

(bauble bauble)

Hatta: Who was that? What are they saying?

Komatsu: I can't hear; they're too far away.

(Behind the red sports car)
Natsumi: And how the fuck do you know my name, you no-good busy-body
dickhead!

"Of course I know your name. Because I'm the same fucker who taught you
everything you know, bitch, including how to cuss with the best of 'em,
that's who!" Maybe this'll refresh your memory. (takes off his sunglsses)

Natsumi: Yitacki, is that really you?

"In the flesh baby, in the flesh."

Natsumi: Well, you ole' son-of-a-bitch! Why did you tell me sooner instead
of leading me on like that!

#1: I thought it would be more fun like that. Besides, it's good to tease
you whenever I get the chance.

Natsumi: Oh, you can be such a dumbass sometimes.

#1: (smiles) I know. Anything new or exciting happening?

Natsumi: For me? Just the usual stuff. Cruise down the side streets, chase
after the speeders and give out my daily quota of tickets. No more exciting
chases for me like the ones I used to have with Miyuki. Yep, I've settled
down now.

#1: That doesn't sound like your style.

Natsumi: That's the way things goes.  You see your friends come and go;
there's no stability except in the job. But enough about me, what about you?
What are you doing now since you've been off the force? How long has it been
anyway...

#1: About 4 years now. And I'm doing fine as a limo driver, ferrying all
the rich folks over the place.

Natsumi: I see you've settled down yourself. No more Harleys for you?

#1: Only when I get free time to work on my bike. Maybe we can get together
some time and race?

Natsumi: Sure. You know where to find me. I'll even get the "Kenster" to
come along. He says he can whip your butt anytime!

#1: That' old buzzard still at it again, taking snipes at me with his big
talk? Well, we'll have to show him, won't we?

Natsumi: I'll show both of you that I can whip both your asses!

#1: I'm sure you will, after I retire! Now how about letting these guys off,
as a favor to me?

Natsumi: These guys friends of yours? If so, I'll say your taste in people
has certainly gone to the shits.

#1: Hell no. But they're friends of a girl I'm trying to impress, and you
know how these things go...

Natsumi: (goading sound) Ohhh, do I detect a hint of commitment here?

#1:Perhaps. I am getting up there in the years, and I can't maintain my
youthful looks forever...

Natsumi: OK. Stop it. I hate it when you grovel. I'll let 'em go, but only
as a favor to you. But you owe me big time.

#1: I have to go now. Keep in touch.

(both hi-fi each other as their own special salute. We see Taki stick his
head out of the limo window and bark wildly)

Natsumi: (on her bike) So it was you who abducted T-bone? Now I can take
you in on two counts!

#1: Just leave the counting to me, will ya? Now drive off and buzz some
punks for me, will ya?

Natsumi: Will do. See ya. (waves goodbye)

#1: (walks over to Komatsu and Hatta's car) Let's go.

Komatsu: How'd you talk her out of not taking us in?

#1: Don't ask. (walks away)


[At Ryusei's penthouse]

(Ryusei is in the middle of a call.)

R: Yes, Kobyashi-san. I would very much like to do more business with you.
Furthering the ties between the families could only benefit both sides. You
run a very successful shipping business, much as I handle my ventures. What?
You're throwing a party next week? Downtown city hall? Let me check my
schedule...it looks like I can make it. What? You want to discuss a possible
oimai with your niece,...I don't know about that. Maybe we can discuss it
further at the party. And also what? Your associate partner will also be
attending? Good...I look forward to meeting him.(smiles)

[At a place with lots of things being moved...]

Kurumi: Master!

Master: You scared me Kurumi-chan! To what do I owe the pleasure of your
visit?

Akane: You got the new place, didn't you?

Master: Just, just finalized the loan this Friday. Gonna try to rennovate the
place for the opening next week.

Manami: Well, we have a big surprise for you!

Master: A surprise? For me? You really shouldn't have.

Manami: But's it's a wonderful surprise! We brought you big, strong
volunteers to assist you in your renovation.
(In pops #1, #2, Hatta and Komatsu)

Master: Glad to see you all. I could use all the help I can get. I know you
two already(Hatta and Komatsu), but you two...

#1: I'm the #1 guy here and he's my second. We're with Mr Haroken.

Master: Yes, I remember seeing him at that welcoming party. I'm happy you
want to help out.

#1: It will be our pleasure.

Manami: I'll make a list of tasks we need to perform.

(An hour later)

Manami: What's the matter Ni-san?

#2: I don't think I'm cut out for this type of manaul labor. I'm exhausted
already!

Manami: Come on! You need to build up your muscles.

#2: But I'm getting so bored doing this!


Manami: I have an idea. I'll make more interesting for you. I'll finish
the Country Western KOR story you started. How's that sound to you?


Kurumi: You're going to tell a story? I want to listen, I want to listen!

Kazuya: Me too!

Akane: What story? I don't want to be left out.

Hatta and Komatsu: Count me in!

#1: Is that the silly little story you were telling me about, #2?
If you really must, then I'll listen also.

Manami: OK. We can take a short break for a quick story. Here goes:

//Country Western KOR: First portion of story in HardKOR Chapter A11

Act VII: Rescue


Mad Dog and Kyle rush over to the lumber mill to see Kennedy and Hatford tied
up to the lumber rollers, getting ready to be diced up! Of course, Mad
Dog manages to stop the cutting machine before it nearly slices them in half.

Hatford: Why did you save us?

Mad Dog: I wanted you to see what type of character you were dealing with.
I reckon you'll return the favor when the time comes, since you owe me
your lives.(to Kyle)
Let's get the other two.

(return back to the house)
Kyle opens up the outhouse to see Rochester and Heidi, tied back to back and
gagged.

Heidi: Thanks for putting down those gags! It's been so tortuous in there,
especially for a lady like me.


Kyle: Let's go. (Pushes them along)

Rochester: Why aren't you untying us!?

Mad Dog: Listen! You're in no position to make demands, y'hear?
Kyle. Put em out on the horses. We'll ride into town.

(as they are riding, with Kyle riding alongside Mad Dog, with our prisoners
trailing behind)

Kyle: What are those two to you? Do you know them from somewhere?

Mad Dog: What would you know about that?

Kyle: Just have a feeling, from the way they address you as Kara.

Mad Dog: That's a dead name to me, a thing of my past. That all died when
my father past away. I just go by the name Mad Dog. You understand?

Kyle: Yes, but I just can't help feeling you owe me an explanation.

Mad Dog: Do you want to be stringed up like they are?

Kyle: No.

Mad Dog: Then shut your lip, will ya? I've heard enough from you.

(in town)

Mad Dog: (to town drunk) Rouse everyone up and alert them to a specail
meetin' now, at the town hall.

Drunk: (hollering and staggering about) WAKE UP! WAKE UP EVERYONE! SPECIAL
MEETIN' NOW!

(at the town hall)
People wearing robes to cover their pajamas and long johns. Muttering all
about wondering what the hell is this all about.

Mad Dog: (slams gavel) Sorry folks to make my acquaintance like this,but
you best know me as the Mad Dog. What I bought you all out of bed for is to
expose to you a lie propagated by none other that your major!
(opens curtain and pushes the guilty party forward)

(*GASP*)

Rochester: Don't believe her! She's an outlaw! She's making it up. Untie me
at once?

Mad Dog: What this man was trying to do was to sell the whole town cheap to
the rails in return for added profiteering on his part. And here's the proof.
(holds up two documents) The deeds to prove it. One, showing
Mr Rochester signing away his share of the land to the rails and another.
is your shares. Being given away to the rails. It was all agreed upon
beforehand. He was planning to feed you to the buzards!

(everyone boos and throws vegetables at the two)

Rochester: Ah, it won't matter at all. Blackheart and his gang will be back
tomorrow once he realizes he doesn't have the titles and he'll be a shootin
his way through. You'd be lucky if you find anyone left standing alive.

(Panic rushes all across the room)

"Ohno, he's right! What are we going to do?"

Kyle: No need to get in such an uproar over this.  Things are not as
bleak as they seem.

"And what do you expect we to do?"

Kyle: I wish for us to work and stick together. Only together will we have
a chance against Blackheart.

"But we can't go againt a bunch of train killers. Especially since we don't
have any constables to protect us"

Kyle: We have to learn how to fend for ourselves. If we don't make a stand
tomorrow, we will never to able to stand up to crooked outlaws such as
Blackheart. Now who's with me? Come on! Any hands?

(Everyone starts to trickle out)

Kyle: Wait! Come back here! Don't you want to save the town?

(Soon, whole room clears out with just Kyle, Mad Dog, Heidi, and Rochester.

Kyle: Guess our pep-talk didn't work, did it?

Mad Dog: That's what you get in a town with no backbone.
Let's get out of here. Let the town go to hell.

Kyle: I'm not leaving! I'm going to stay till the very end. And if it is just
me versus all of them, then so be it. At least no one will call me a
coward.

Mad Dog: You're gonna take on the gang, all by yourself?

Kyle: Yep. If that's what I have to.

Mad Dog: Well expect no help from me. I got my arm in a sling.

Heidi: What about us?

Mad Dog: I reckon since no one cares around here about your chicanerous
activities, I let cha go. Here. (removes bonds with one pull)

Rochester: (wrings out wrists) Ahh, that feels much better.

Heidi: (to Rochester) You'd better help them out or I'll leave you!

Rochester: Come on honey. Can't you see if futile to go up against a gang
of cutthroats like Blackheart? I've realized that; that's why I sold out
while the going was good.

Heidi: You'd never had any gall to stand up and fight for your own when we
were little, and you're still the same. What type of man are ya?

Rochester: A man who gets to live another day.

Heidi: At least get that bullet out of Kara. She at least deserves that much.

Mad Dog: I don't want to be operated on by a traitor!

Heidi: Come on Kara! Stop being so stubborn!

Mad Dog: No! I'm not! And stop calling me Kara!

Rochester: If you would let me interrupt you ladies, there something I must
say.

Heidi and Mad Dog: What?

Rochester: This: (applies a neck pinch to Kara, causing her to pass out)

Kyle: What the hell did you do?

Rochester: Don't worry, my foolish hero. She's just passed out. Temporary
stoppage of the flow of blood to the nerve centers of the brain. Serves as
a rudimentary anthesia when it's not available. Now Heidi! Go get my
surgeon tools while I get ready to cut her up.

Kyle: Hey! You shouldn't be operating on her!

Rochester: And why shouldn't I? I'm the best surgeon there is out here.
Graduated cum laude at John Hopkins.

Kyle: Then why'd you become mayor?

Rochester: Easier money, my son, easier money. Now if you excuse me, I have
a patient to operate on.

(All alone in the hall...)
Kyle: That just leaves me all by myself. What am I going to do? Why do I
care so much for this town if no one else does?

"You have to stick to what you believe in, even if you're the only person
believeing it"

Kyle: Mr Machintosh! You came!

Mackenzie: Yes. How can I not come on behalf of my favorite apprentice?
Am I late? Where is everyone?
                               
Kyle: They came earlier, but they decided to skip out. They don't care at
all. So I'm gonna have to go at it all alone again.

Mackenzie: No you don't. I've have a change of heart. Before, I was yellow
like the rest of the folks in town. Who could blame them. But I got to
thinking what you said to me earlier. Standing up for one's principles.
Stuff I was telling you. So I figure what good of a mentor am I if I don't
follow my own advice. Besides, I know I'll die someday out here in the wild
confines of the west, either by a stray bullet or a barroom brawl or whatever.
But it seems that now's a good time as any to die for what you believe in.
So it'll be two against all of them gang. I reckon we can pick off a few of
them by ourselves? (smiles) Guess I'll be holding a "going-out-of-business"
sale.

Kyle: Still it's not fair.

MacKenzie: Don't worry about it. Get a good night's sleep. Life has a funny
way of surprising you when you least expect it.


[Act VIII: Showdown and Finale]

(Morning)
MacKenzie: Rise and Shine Connor! Time for a good ole fashion shootout.

Kyle: So soon? I want to die later.

MacKenzie: You have to wake up! I have a surprise for you.
(comes over and brings a wooden box over) This is for you.

Kyle: What is it?

MacKenzie: Open it up and you'll see.

(Kyle opens up the box to reveal a beautiful, shiny, old-fashioned European
pistol, with ivory handles)

Kyle: Golly. What's this?

MacKenzie: This was the shooting pistols of my great-great-grandfather back
in good ole Scotland. The type they use in duels. It was passed down as an
heirloom from generation to generation, but I won't be needing these with
where I'm going. I figure you make the best use of it.

Kyle: (sticks in in his pants) Thanks. (runs off)


MacKenzie: Hey! Where 'ya goin'?

Kyle: I have to see someone before I go!


(out in the street, runs into  Heidi and Rochester)

Kyle: Where is she? Is she alright?

Rochester: She's fine. Tricky little bugger, that buckshot was. But I cleaned
it out nice and smooth. Problem is she won't be doin' any shootin' for at
least a month. Doctor's orders.

Kyle: I want to see her.

Heidi: Too late. She left at the crack of dawn already. Said she was going
to trek on to Carlsbluff. Mighty far from here.

Kyle: But I wanted to say my goodbyes to her.

Rochester: Why? Say, do you two have a thing going?

Kyle: Well not exactly...

Heidi: I think it's great what you're doing, sacrificing yourself for the
town and all. I think you deserve a little somethin' before you keel over.
Here. (Grabs and gives him a long kisssss)

Rochester: (motions to her to enter stagecoach) Let's get out of here before
the killing starts. I hate the sight of blood.

(stagecoach rides off)

A cry from a bystander: "They're coming! Everyone run for your lives!"

(Scene of everyone furiously scrambling around, tyring to get their
possessions and leave the town)

Waiting in the center of the square is Kyle with his silver star proudly
attached, sparkling in the high noon sun. Beside him stands MacKenzie,
holding a double-barred shotgun.

Blackheart: It's you again! I thought I've finished you off. But it doesn't
matter to me. I be sure to finish the job this time. And your new friend
over there. Prepare to meet your maker!

"Not so fast! He's not going to die alone!"

Blackheart cohort: Who said that?

"We did!"
Out from all over the place pops various townsfolk who stayed behind,
including Mary, Kate Dixon, and the Pub Master. All are brandishing some
form of weapon.

MacKenzie: Mary! You shouldn't have come!

Mary: How can I let you die alone? Plus your little helper saved me before.
It's only fitting I return the favor.

Kate Dixon: Yee haw! (holding a shotgun in each hand) It's time we kick ass!

Blackheart: You pitiful few! You're no match for my boys. We're easily take
you out.

Pub Master: Not without taking some of you with us!

(*BANG*)

Everyone looks to the side where the sound emanated to see Kennedy and
Hatford.

Kennedy: Your days are numbered, Blackheart.

Hatford: Yeah. We've got a score to settle with you.Since you double-crossed
us, we decided to call on the U.S. Marshall. Come on boys.

(Out pops the Marshall and 20 deputies with Winchesters in each hand)

(the whole gang starts to panic and ride off)

Blackheart: What the hell! Come back here, you disloyal fools! We could take
'em on! Even with them and the Marshall! Come back here you lousy
son-of-a-bitches!

(After the dust settles, Blackheart is left standing by himself, surrounded)

Blackheart: You! (points to Kyle) It's you who ruined everything for me!
I won't rest easy until I see you dead! I challenge you to a duel!

Marshall: You don't have to listen to him. Now Blackheart, we're goning to
take you in. You can come quietly and go in a body bag. It's your choice.

Kyle: I accept your challenge.

Everyone: What?

Kyle: Yes. It's between me and him now.

Mackenzie: My unwise apprentice. Are you sure you know what you're doing?
The battle's already won. You rallied the town and we got our town back.
What more do you want?

Kyle: I made a promise to that dying sheriff that I would uphold the honor
of the badge, and I aim to keep that by avenging his death at the hands
of Blackheart.

Marshall: Move away. You've gotta respect a MAN's decision.

Blackheart: It'll be my pleasure seeing you die. (Br-ha-ha-ha)

Everyone gathers around for the final showdown drawl. Anxiously, they wait,
as sweat beads down each dueler's forehead. Kyle and Blackheart stare
heavily at each other, not one blinking an eye the whole time. Finally the
time has come.

Marshall: On a count of 3. 1 2 3!

(*BANG BANG*)
        (*BANG*)


Both men are down!

Blackheart is shot, right through the heart and is instantly dead. But left
on face is an insane smile.

Mary and Kate Dixon:(bending down around him) Connor, Connor!


MacKenzie: Look! He's not dead!

Mary: There's no blood at all!

Kate Dixon: Could that Blackheart fella have missed?

Pub Master: He out. Here. Sprinkle this on his face. (takes out brandy)

(Kate just splashes the whole thing all over his face!)

Kyle: (*Couth, couth, cough!*)

MacKenzie: Are you alirght, son?

Kyle: Where am I? Are you Peter? Is this heaven?

Kate: No silly. You're still alive. You gotta thank your lucky stars.

Kyle: But I was shot! I felt an intense pressure against my chest.
See. Hey look.

(Points to Sheriff's star which is dinged badly)

Mary: Look. That look like there's the bullet!

Pub Master: It must have ricochet off your badge.

Kate: That's impossible. The bullet would have to have collided it at an
angle in order for it to deflect. Otherwise, it would go right straight
through.

MacKenzie: Say, don't you think it's strange there was 3 shots instead of 2?

Kate: Yeah. I could swear I saw both of them shoot only once.

MacKenzie: Me too. Then where did the third shot come from.

Hatford and Kennedy: Make way, make way. How's the boy doin'?

Kate: (growls) What are you guys still doing here? You're still gonna
lynch the town for all it's worth, aren't you?

Hatford: Heh heh! We were only carrying out orders.

Kennedy: Yes. But there's been a change in plans. The rail is no longer
interested in the town.

"What?"

Hatford: Yes. We negotiated a new deal with your mayor, Mr Rochester, and
he's agreed to let us use his share of the land to build the rail, thus
protecting your share and the town itself.


KYle: Really? So he wasn't such a bad guy after all.

MacKenzie: What still gets me is where that 3rd shot came from.

Kyle: That will be one mystery we'll never find out. 


ACT IX: Epilogue

(At the train station)
MacKenzie: I'm sad to see you go.

Kyle: Me too. But back east is where I figure I belong. I came out here to
the West to find adventure, but instead was humbled by its external forces.
But I don't regret the experience altogether. I got to experience new things
and make very fine friends.


Mary, Kate, Pub Master, Kennedy, and Hatford: We will all miss you! Don't
forget to telegraph back once you're back.


Kyle: I will. So long everyone.

(Kyle is sitting in the window seat of the train, looking back at all his
friends and sighs in contemplation)


Kyle: If only I had a chanee to tell Kara how I really felt about her.


"Is this seat takened?"

Kyle: No, it is not. (looks up to see a fair maiden miss decked out in
a sensible, attractive dress) And you are...?


"The one you've been looking for all your life."

Kyle: Kara? Is that really you? I didn't recognize you.


Kara: You mean in my drab cowboy clothes? Yes, the transformation is quite
striking.


Kyle: why are you here?

Kara: My career as a maverick cowboy bounty hunter is over. Permanently
wrecked my good shooting hand with that last shot.

Kyle: So it was you!

Kara: Of course. I was on the rooftop all along watching the proceedings.
I knew Blackheart was a crack shot. You didn't stand a
chance against him. So I decided to even the odds. Lucky I caught it in
mid flight. A half a millisecond more and you'd would have been a goner.


Kyle: But that must have been over 200 feet away. Wow, you're amazing!


Kara: Not as amazing as you.

Kyle: So what are you going to do now?

Kara: I'll heading back East myself to find myself a new life. Maybe
I'll attend college. That'll be a first for a woman! Too bad I don't know
anyone who I can stay with.

Kyle: (gleam in his eyes) You can stay at my folks place in Boston. It's
real nice, you're like it. It has 4 rooms, and a

Kara: Just shut up and kiss me!

(Scene closes with them about to kiss, then Kyle pulls down the window
shade of the train window)


End Credits:

Characters                      by
Connor 'Kyle' Cassidy           Kasuga Kyosuke
'Mad Dog' Kara Abrams           Ayukawa Madoka
Heidi Johannsen                 Hikaru Hiyami
Rochester Billingsby            Ryusei Haroken
Kate Dixon                      Kurumi Kasuga
Mary                            Manami Kasuga
Hatford 'Deadeye' McCoy         Hatta
Kennedy 'the Kindred' Smith     Komatsu
Barkeep(Mallory)                Master
Shopkeeper(Mackenzie Macintosh) #2
'Blackheart' McGee              ??
Local Drunk                     Ojiichan

[End of Country Western KOR]

#2: Wow! That was such a dreamy ending.

#1: I personally find it unrealistic. It would have been better in the end
for Kyle to die.

#2: Oh, what do you know, you unromanatic.

Akane: Hey, will you two be quiet and look outside! I think I see Madoka-san!

Kazuya: You're right. Who's that guy she's with? It ain't Kyo-nichan!

Kurumi:  Say, isn't that Madoka-san riding in Hayakawa's
convertible?

Manami: You're right! I wonder what's going on here. I wonder if trouble's
brewing between the two of them?

[End of Chapter B4]