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
                             rk@soda.berkeley.edu
                                   ver 1.0
                               February 7, 1997


Based on characters created by 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. Since these stories contain
adult themes, situations, and language, parental guidance is advised. Please
read the full disclaimer at my web site for full details. Also, it would
help if you read my previous stories, for each story builds on top of the
other.

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 mail
me at the above email address.

Welcome to my 30th total written story of the HardKOR saga. Thanks for
reading my stories! I hope you enjoy reading it as I did writing it. If you
have suggestions or improvements, or like what you read here, then please
send me some email my way.


Additional Note: Sorry for the long delay in getting this story out. It
wasn't a particularly difficult chapter to write; I just needed to find the
free time to write it. I was in the process of moving in January, so that
didn't help.  But I saw that I should finish it around Chinese New Year, so
here it is.  Enjoy and thanks for your patronage.


Robert Kwong
Ark Productions -97-

Legend:
H=Hikaru
M=Ayukawa
R=Ryusei
K=Kasuga

[] Indicates Scene changes
<> Indicates characters thinking to themselves
() Indicates some form of action


Book B:         Chapter 7: Arrangements

[---At the warehouse---]

A mysterious man enters and lurks in the background, walking ever so slowly
towards the storeroom. There, the mystery woman is gazing at a sparkling item.

"Kasumi, you devilish joker vixen. You managed to pull this job off."

"Wasn't an easy maneuver to perform this time."

"Ah, but that gorgeous slinky body of yours combined with your former
acrobatic experience made it a work of art."

"I know, but that's why they call me the Master Thief. Now for my payment..."

"I thought that was agreed upon already. Your initial up-front fee, plus 50%
of the gross take. You have to wait for the deal to go down with the fence.

Kasumi: That's not what I had in mind, stud. (nuzzles her knee next to his
crouch) How about letting me get a taste of your warhammer? (licks lips)

"Hey baby, I sure would love that, but you know the kind of man I am. It'll
take all night. And my Master is waiting for me to report back. How about a
raincheck on that? (gives her a long passionate kiss, then departs)

[Back at the luxury apartments]

(#1 returns back and sees #2 watching a video)

#1: Up late still?

#2: Yeal. I'm rewatching ROLW, the classic anime RPG epic. I need to get some
inspiration for the storyline of my RPG. Did you see the sketches that
Hiyama-san drew for me? (holds up sketches) Aren't these characters  so cool
looking?

#1: (bored) Yes, very. Now to something really important. There is a problem.

#2: What problem? Taki is fast asleep and not disturbing anyone.

#1: No, not that. Something else.

#2: What? I snore in my sleep?

#1: No, not that either, although you do snore. It's about the Master.

#2: You mean ryu-san. What about?

#1: I think he's letting personal matters interfere with the business at hand.

#2: Now what makes you say that?

(#1's Flashback to the party and him spying on Ryusei dancing with Hikaru)
I have my reasons.

#2: Oh, I know. You mean the thing between him and Hiyama-san, right? I say
you can't blame him. It's only natural that they feel something for each
other. Why they -

#1: ENOUGH! No use in repeating the whole story. All I care is that it'll
affect the operation. We must distance him fruther away from any outside
entanglements.

#2: If you say so.

#1: (turns away and first and then turns his head back) One more thing. I have
a gift for you. (hands him the small cardboard box he was carrying) Start
outfitting the devices to these trinkets.

#2: Wow, so much costume jewelry. Where'd you get it.

#1: These....are props for the play. Make sure you outfit them with the proper
modifictaions.

#2: OK. I guess it's another all-nighter for me. Hey, where ya going?

#1: Out. Ja Ne.

[---At the Penthouse---]

(Ryusei is sitting in his couch, brooding in the dark after the party,
plotting strategy. Deva guardians now adorn each side of the chessboard.

Bishop X Rook.

"In the heat of the middle game, aren't we?"

R: Don't you ever knock?

"Why? You knew I was here."

R: Yes, I did. And yes, this is still the middle stage. tonight was a very
productive night for the cause. But there are still a great many unresolved
complications. And I hate uncertainty.

"True. But now we are on the inside now."

R: Yes, our new-found alliance allows us a greater reach over this world of
ours. But the new couple of weeks will be crucial. (places hands together as
in a prayer position) What of your mission?

"Successful as expected. J305 was able to complete the exchange maneuver
during the diversion."

R: Very good. Do you have the item with you?

"But of course. (takes out a long cylindrical box and opens it up to reveal
the stolen goods!)

R: Glittering stones of glory. How gorgeous! The perfect gift to seal the
alliance."

"What of the girl?"

R: What of her anyway? Hayakawa has seen  that she is takened care of. Part of
the puzzle is complete now.

"And what of the Big Boss?"

R: He is fully supportive of my efforts to further extend the reach of his
racket. I manage to deflect nagisa's scheme to discredit me with news of the
partnership. He was very pleased indeed. Still, I was surprised to see him
there without he notifying me. He rarely appears in public at all. But I must
watch my guard. Despite the fact he's going to Thailand, I have a feeling
Nagisa is relaying information back to him. But I am still in charge, as
usual. (head starts to wobble)

"Is there something wrong? You don't look too well."

R: It's alright. Just having one of my migrane headaches, as usual. Must have
occurred back at the party. Leave me now to rest.

"Yes Master. (bows and fades into the darkness)

R: 

[Hikaru returning back to her apartment]

Shuri: Hi Hikaru. You seem to be in a bubbly mood. How was the party?

H: It was WONDERFUL!

(Flashback to dance floor)

R: Sorry about my technique. I very rusty at this sort of thing. Long time
since I last danced.

H: No, no. It's not too clumsy. It reminds me of someone I used to know.

R: Then he must have been a very lousy dancer like I am now.

H: Oh, I wouldn't say that. What he lacked in finess, he made up with zeal and
enthusiasm.

R: You know, to tell you the truth, I have this funny feeling, dancing here
with you.

H: Which is...

R: Calmness. I was under a heavy stress these few hectic weeks, but today,
everything seems to be going my way; especially dancing with the most
beautiful girl on the dance floor.

H: (blushes) You don't have to say that. There's no one around to pretend.

R: No, I was only speaking frankly. Thank you so much for putting up with a
bumpkin like me. I feel so fortunate to meet a girl like you, who has aided me
so much in my silly schemes. I am really indebted to you. You saved my face
more than once.

H: You're making me blush!

R: Good. It accentuates the lovely color in your cheeks.

H: Now there, Ryu-san. Are you flirting with me?

R: Just exuding my charm. I know I keep it bottled up and hidden away, but I
do let it out once in a while for special occasions like now. Let's enjoy this
evening while it lasts.

H: Yes, let's do.


R: Btw. I have a little surprise for you, but I'll save it for an appropiate
time.

H: Oh, you're such a spoilsport!

(end of flashback)

[---In the other side of town, at the docks...---]

"Very ordered headquarters you have here, Kobyashi-san"

"Always, the pleasure Onazuka-san. I am honored by your presence here. And who
might we have here?"

"My prized pupil, Nagasi. She works directly under Haroken-san."

"I bet she does."

Nagasi: Charmed to meet you.

"No, the pleasure is mine. Funny how Haroken-san would not choose such a
delectable temptress as you as his future bride."

Nagasi: What do you mean?

"You mean you don't know? He declared his engagement to some unknown to me
personally. Showing her off so to speak. Originally, I had planned to used
this deal as an opportunity to arrange my own niece to him as a favor to my
brother. But that can't happen so we agreed to another arrangement. But I say
that certainly does not compare to you.

Nagasi: I flattered by your comments, by I was not aware of his actions.

"Now everyone. We didn't come here altogether to discuss personal matters.
business is the matter at hand."

"Of course, of course. But where is Haroken-san..."

"He will not be involved in the dealings tonight. I will dictate what needs
to be done on both sides in the next year, and he, being my right hand man
will execute it out on my behalf. With my aide here paying a close eye on him.
Tomorrow, I'll be departing for Thailand for an extended period to inspect the
status and condition of my "goods", so we do not have much time. Given our
new-found mutual cooperation and expertise in our various "fields", I would
like to obtain further information on your end. To shart out with, your
current cargo fleet, shipping schedule and other intangibles. In turn for your
services, you will receive a cut of the profits of the "goods" to be shipped
and our unmentionables. Is that satisfactory to you?

"Yes, indeed. Very lucrative."

"Indeed it will be. Now shall we get started?"

Nagasi: (grumbles) 

[---Next Morning at the Kasugas...---]

(Kyosuke slumped halfway between the floor and the couch and groaning and
muttering out something)

"RISE AND SHINE BIG BRO'!"

K: (puts both hands to his head and writhing in pain from a hangover) please
lower the decibel level, will ya?

Kurumi: WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU. WHAT DID YOU SAY?

K: (*Aargh!*) (places pillow between his ears)

(Manami enters and holds up a tray with a coffee pot on top, brewing with the
aroma of thick black columbian coffee)

Manami: Oni-chan. Here. Drink this. It'll help your headache.

K: Domo. I feel so sick. What happened yesterday?

Manami: You don't remember, do you? What do you recall?

K: I remember dancing a while with Madoka and hitting it off with her. She
seemed to forgive me. Then I got this drink from this waiter and after that, I
remember nothing.

Manami: Well, you were quite a spectacle. While Kurumi and I were crawling
under the tables to escape those lecherous shieks, you started to go bananas.
You must have done something to anger Madoka-san because she slapped you and
stormed off. You staggered into the men's room and must have been knocked out
there. Hatta and Komatsu found you there and dragged you out and propped you
next to a eucalpytus plant near the stage area where they were giving the
showing. You totally missed the good part. Before they showed the jewels from
Arabia, they totally turned off all the night in the room momentarily for
about 30 seconds before the prince unveiled the glittering jewel. It was a
very neat effect to arouse suspense. I talked with Shiori-san, your co-worker
and explained that you were too inebriated to return to the station. She
understood. I think she even did the filming for you, even though you were
suppose to do it. Afterwards the whole show was over, Hatta and Komatsu helped
haul you back here where they dumped you.

Kurumi: And what an ungracious houseguest you are. Groaning and moaning and
talking in your sleep. 'The black dragon' you would wail. What's up with that
symbol anyway?

Manami: What black dragon?

Kurumi: You don't know, do you? Onichan had pictures of the robbers last time.
I took a look at it and found a symbol on their wrists in the form of a black
dragon. Pretty narly, isn't it?

Manami: A black dragon, you say? How does it look like?

Kurumi: Like this. (closes eyes and does some wireless twin communication)

Manami: (nods in agreement) Oh, I see... You know! I've seen such a symbol
before. One time, while leaving some papers on Mr Haroken's desk, I saw a
cigarette case with the same type of dragon insigina on it.

K: You did? Where? Show me.

Manami: Hold it! I just saw it one time. It is probably lying somewhere inside
his desk. I'll see if I can get a picture of it so you can see it and compare
it, if you like.

K: Thanks a bunch, Manami! That would really help me. I had no where to start
in my quest to figure the significance of that symbol.

Manami: No problem. By the way, you owe us.

K: (puzzled look) Owe you?

Kurumi: Yeah, for using the photo lab. Remember the deal we made? Well today
is Friday, so it time to pay up!

Manami: Right. Here's the address of where you're going to treat us tonight.

Kurumi: (devilish grin) And we're be saving our appetities for that.

Manami: No time for chit-chat for me. I'd better be going to work now. Ja ne!

Kurumi; Well I guess it's you and me now. Wanna wrestle?

K: (waves hands in front of him in dissension) No, no, no! I think I'll be
heading back to the station. (hands bracing across table)

(book falls off a table)

K: (picks it up) Is it yours?

Kurumi: No dummy! That's Hikaru's script book. She must have left it here by
accident.

K: Don't worry; I'll stop by the studio along the way and give it to her.

[---At the police station---]

Saeko: What's eating at you Jackson?

Jackson: It's that reception last night.

Saeko: Don't tell me you're still thinking about that. Nothing happened.
End of case. Out of hands. No need to worry. God knows we have enough to worry
around here in the precinct.

Jackson: I know, but it just doesn't feel right.

Saeko: (obnoxious) Oh, is that so? So maybe you would have prefered the jewel
thieves the hit afterall, huh?

Jackson: Stop screwing with me head will ya? Just cause you're the Chief's
daughter does not give you the right to mess with me!

Saeko: Touchy, touchy, aren't we? Guess you didn't get your morning coffee,
did ya? Well I leave you to sulk while I go talk with the Chief. Ta ta!

Jackson: Ah, what does she know?

Natsumi: (coming in as Saeko leaves) How's it hanging Jackson man?

Jackson: Now you're getting started with me!

Natsumi: What's your problem? I should be the one mad at you for stationing
us for shit work for the mayor last night while you got all the action inside.

Jackson: Sorry for snapping at you like that. I just have a hunch that
something happened last night.

Natsumi: What makes you say that?

Jackson: Just before the unveiling of the exhibit piece from Arabia, there was
a brief blackout.

Natsumi: It could have been part of the show.

Jackson: No. I choreographed the whole sequence and that was definitely not in
there. The strange part was that no one from maintenance knew the cause of the
outage. Plus there was no outage anywhere else in the city.

Natsumi: Spooky, isn't it?

Jackson: I'll say. Did you notice anything unusual while you out on patrol last
night?

Natsumi: Me and Kenji, we just saw the usual ins and outs of the deliverables
truck. The only strange thing I could remember was these 3 people walking
together to an ice truck or something like that.

Jackson: When was this?

Natsumi: About 15 minutes before the gig was over.

Jackson: Can you describe them?

Natsumi: They look square enough: 2 men and a women.

Jackson: Anything else?

Natsumi: Not much. The reason I notice them was because they all were wearing
sunglasses. And they were all covered up.

Jackson: That's gotta be it.

Natsumi: Hey! Where'ya goin'?

Jackson: To see my special "friend" for more details.

[---At the studio---]
(Kyousuke is wandering about in the studio lost.)

K: Damn! How do you get around here? I was here once. I should remember the
way.

(walks right into Nagasi!)

Nagasi: Watch where you're going asshole!

K: (backs away) Huh? Gomen. (bows) Madoka-san???

Nagasi: Who ya calling Madoka? I'm Nagasi the Great!

K: Oh sorry. I must have mistaken you for someone else.

Nagasi: Well don't! There's only one impeccable me around here.

K: I am really sorry...

Nagasi: And what the hell are you doing on private property. You're not
suppose to be on the premises.

K: Please miss. I  was  only to trying to find a friend here.

Nagasi: Miss eh? I like your style boy. Now that I examine you a little
closer, I recognize you. You're that reporter boy on TV who did that live
expose on that crime scene. Kasuga, isn't it?

K: Yes that's me.

Nagasi: So who are you looking for?

K: Hikaru. Hikaru Hiyama.

Nagasi: Oh her. I thought it was someone more exciting. At least you're not
looking that Jade girl. She was a no-show today and thank god. She was such a
bitch!

K: Uh...I think I best be going now. Sorry for troubling you.

Nagasi: Heh, heh big boy. Where're ya going so fast? Come with me. I'm the
director around here. The girl you're looking for is still in session, so I'll
drop you at the office. But for now (edges very close to him and leans into
him with her face until their lips are right next to each other) I think we
can work out a little deal which can be beneficial to both of us.

K: A deal?

Nagasi: Yeah. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. You help me with this
"problem" and I might possibly help you get the scoop on this jewel ring. But
it's not appropiate to speak about it here. Instead (hands him a card) give me
a call if you're interested. In the meantime, follow me to the office.

K: 

[---In the park---]

Detective Jackson is milling about, as if waiting for someone.

(Black Limo pulls up)

(windows rolls down)
"Get in, you old dog!"

Jackson: Nice to see you too pal.

#1: You've been ringing my pager like crazy. What the hell do you want?

Jackson: Your assistance of course.

#1: Why? What for?

Jackson: I know something happened last night and you know all about it.

#1: Listen. I only agreed to help you this one time to repay a debt. I always
honor my debts. The deal was if those thieves struck again, then I could get
the goods on them. But the crooks chose not to strike that night, so there's
nothing to say. Can't blame me for that. But as far as our agreement goes,
we're square now.

Jackson: But you just can't leave it like that...

#1: Now ifyou don't mind, I have many an important business to attend to, so
please get out of this limo before anyone sees you. Else someone might suspect
you were in cahoots with the Yakuza. An officer of the peace must always
keep your appearances from being besmirched by the mob. Now we wouldn't want
that on your head, would be?

Jackson: You son of a bitch! I know something's up and you're obviously have
some connection to it. How deep you are, I don't know, but I'll get to the
bottom of this sordid situation with or without your help.

(exits and slams door)

#1: You don't know how right you are, my friend.

[Back at XYZ Studios]

(Kyosuke and Nagasi walking along in chit-chat)

Nagasi: You're a friend of Hiyama, aren't you?

K: Yes I am.

Nagasi: Close friend?

K: Yes. Why do you ask?

Nagasi: Oh, no reason really. I thought you might be concerned about her
welfare.

K: Concerned? Why? Is she in some sort of trouble?

Nagasi: You wanna know?

K: Of course I do. I'm her friend.

Nagasi: (playing innocent) Well if you put it that way, I guess I could
tell you. If you don't already know, I'm the director of the play around
here. During our last few rehearsals, I've noticed a declining trend in her
performance. A lack of spirit, probably due to some emotional problems.

K: Honto? Why so?

Nagasi: Well-l-l, if I had to guess, I think it because she's spending too
much time with that guy.

K: (grits teeth) You mean that Ryusei guy.

Nagasi: (jovial) You're so correct. I guess you know already how dark and
gloomy a person of his nature is. She's succombing to his dark cloud of
influence. I'm afraid if no one helps her out, she would be trapped forever.

K: That jerk! I knew he was a bad influence on her. I just don't understand
what she sees in him.

Nagasi: Well you know, he is the boss...

K: Wait! What are you saying? She's not going with him to keep her part in
the play is she?

Nagasi: Well officially, no. But you know how things go in the entertainment
business. Here one day, gone tomorrow. Unless you keep the head guy happy.

K: Why that good for nothing...

Nagasi: Easy big boy. I'm going telling you this because I thought you can
help her.

K: But what can I do?

Nagasi: I think she needs her friends  more than ever to rescue her from
this void. So maybe you can help in that.

K: Me? But what can I do?

Nagasi: Why not spend a little time with her? Take her out to lunch, or
some outing. The less time she is with Ryu, the better. And you'll be
helping me out in the process, since she will perform better.

K: You're right in that. But I don't think I'm the appropiate person for
that at all. 

Nagasi: I see. You're not the true friend I had expected you to be. Sorry
to bother you about this trifling matter.

K: (retorts) But you don't understand. I...

Nagasi: Here we are. I leave you with Manami-chan. I have matters to discuss
with Ryusei.

Manami: Oniichan! What are you doing here?

K: Hikaru left this at your place the other day. I thought it was important
so I'd came by to drop it off.

Manami: That was nice of you.

(Nagasi and Ryusei exiting out for lunch)

(Kyosuke's eyes lock on with Ryusei)

R: Oh, it's the amateur photographer here again. What is this blight doing
here descrating these grounds?

(Kyosuke fumes and clenches fist)

R: Nothing to say? Just as I expected from a laggerd like you. Come along
Nagasi. We wouldn't want to miss our lunch reservation.

(Nagasi turns round and gives Kyosuke a wink)

(As soon they are out...)

K: THAT DOES IT! I'M NOT GOING TO LET HIM GET AWAY WITH IT!

Manami: Oniichan! What's gotten into you?

K: That...That...That fool! How could you work for such a guy like him?

Manami: He treats me and everyone else well. But for some reason, he just
doesn't like you.

K: Well I'm through with his tactics of manipulating other people's lives
like puppets!

Manami: Well don't you want to see it?

K: See what?

Manami: With Mr Haroken gone for lunch, now I can show you his golden
cigarette case.

K: Oh yeah. I forget about that. Sorry I snapped at you.

Manami: It's ok. You're under a lot of tension these days. You've been
under a lot of stress ever since you got back from that dangerous trip
you took. (looks around first and then leads him into the office)

Manami: Here it is, right on the left side of this desk next to the pens.

K: Ahh, yes. It looks like the same exact insignia as that mark I saw. But
the color of the dragon is green, not black.

Manami: Does it matter?

K: It might. Lemme get a picture of this first and I'll analyze it later.
(*Click*) There we go. Btw, do you know when Hikaru gets  off?

Manami: Usually after 7pm. Why?

K: No reason. Thanks. I have to go now. Tamura-san probably fuming at me for
my conduct last night. See ya!
//Tamura-san is Kyosuke's boss at TTV Studios, a super  media conglomerate
corporation in Tokyo

Manami: Don't forget the dinner you promised us!

(As Kyosuke darts out of the door and teleports out)

M: (taking a turn around) Was that Kasuga-kun here just now?

[---At the resturant---]

Nagasi: (puffs out a smoke ring) So Ryuu, do you have something to tell me?

R: (peers back in his sunglasses) (slow and deliberate) No. 

Nagasi: Really? Well I have something to tell you. I met that fellow
Kobayashi-san yesterday; our new partner. He had some very interesting things
to tell me.

R: Did he? Why don't you enlighten me?

Nagasi: He claims you told him that you were engaged to that petite dancer.

R: Is that so?

Nagasi: Well is it true?

R: It's true...I have taken a liking to that dancer as you call it. She
dances beautifully.

Nagasi: (growls and slams hand to the table) WHAT!

R: ...but I'm not really engaged to her.

(Nagasi does a pratfall)


R: (drinks scotch) As you see, this was merely a business ruse I devised to
prevent myself from being "entangled" with the other side. Oimai are not
my thing and I didn't want to be "tied" to him. Although he's a "friend"
today, he could just as easily be a "foe" tomorrow. I hope the matter is
clear to you know.

Nagasi: One thing though. Why did you choose her instead of me to act the
part?

R: (smugly) Kobi-san knows too much about you and the "family" business we
run. I needed an outsider to serve my means and to throw him off.


Nagasi: Still you could have chose someone else. You know she drives me
crazy. Answer methis question. Do you have any feelings what so ever for her?

R: (stares coldly ahead and in a stone-cold voice) None whatsoever.

Nagasi: Good. That's what I wanted to hear.


R: I know.

[---At TTV Studios---}

Shiori: Kyousuke! You're late again!

K: I'm sorry. Btw, thanks for covering for me last night.

Shiori: That detective was here again. I dropped the last of the photographs
you gave to him, but he's still pestering me about your whereabouts. He wants
to have a long talk with you. I managed to divert him and made up an excuse.

K: That's great. Thanks for getting him off my back. I don't like the police
hanging all over me.

Shiori: One word of advice as a friend. Please don't take it the wrong way.
You need to get your act together fast. Getting drunk during that ceremony
with the mayor and important officials is not the way to endear yourself.

K: You're absolutely right. I'm been too much of a flake. I've just been
so obsessed with this project I've been placed on that I haven't been
acting rationally lately.

Tamura: (coming out of her office) KYOUSUKE! You're here finally! Come into
my office now. (slams door behind her)

Shiori: Uh oh. You're going to get it now.

K: (wipes sweat from brow) 

(inside office)

Tamura: (back turned to him) Please take a seat.

K: (nervously) Thank you.


Tamura: I assume you know why I called you in here?

K: Yes, I think I do and I apologize for all my misconduct.

Tamura: Oh, that's the least you can do! In addition to not cooperating
and misleading the police, you manage to almost bungle the whole affair
at the mayor's mansion last night. Luckily for you, your colleague, Shori-san
stepped in and resumed the footage shots.

K: (hangs head down) Yes. I was guilty of everything you stated. I don't
blame you if you want to let me go.

Tamura: Mr Kyosuke. Let me know one thing. Are you trully serious about
the job? When I interviwed you, I had high hopes for you. You seemed like
the high-energy go-get-em guy we needed in the department. Now I have my
doubts. What do you to say?

K: Ms Tamura-san. I realized I've erred many times already during my early
stint on the job, but I assure you that I can change and I'm learning from
my early mistakes. Just give me one more chance.  I am totally devoting all
my energies towards the investigation into these jewel heists and I promise
I'll get the scoop.

(long pause)

Tamura: Mr Kyousuke. Normally, I would just release those who have failed me,
but frankly, there would probably be another just like you to replace. But
you did openly admit your errors and have pledged an earnest effort to
improve. Because of that and only because of that will I give you another
chance. You already have two strikes against you, but your next strike will
get you out. Is that clear?

K: Yes maam!

Tamura: Now get out and do your job!




[--Later that evening at XYZ Studios---]

#2: Hi Hikaru! Finished with practice?

H: Hi Ni-san. Is Ryusei-san in?


#2: No. He's been gone the whole afternoon. I don't think he'll be coming
back.

H: I see...

"Hikaru..."

(She turns around and see Kyousuke!)

H: Hi Sempai!

K: Hi! I noticed you left something at my place so I came by to return it
to you. I wanted to drop it off earlier, but I forget. But here it is.

H: My playbook! How wonderful you hand-delivered it to me.

K: uh...and another thing. I was wondering if you wanted to go out with me
and my sisters to this new place opening up. Strictly a social gathering.
And I'm paying.

H: Oh Kasuga, I'll be honored to go with you (pause and adds)...and your
sisters also.

K: Great. I have the address right here. Are you ready to go?

H: Sure thing!

(~8 pm. walking up to the new place...)

K: Huh? (looks back at the piece of paper)

H: Is something wrong?

K: This can't be. Look. (points up to the flashing sign)

        A       B       C       B

H: I don't believe it myself! Could it be...

K: Let's go inside and find out.

(They enter a cool, night-club setting as festive jazz music fills the air.
We see Komatsu and Hatta at the bar, while the twins are milling about)

Manami: Oniichan! Hikaru! Glad you two could make it.

Komatsu: (comes over and gives a phantom punch to the shoulder to Kyosuke)
Hey, you old cassanova you! You're managed to snag Hikaru for the opening.
Good going! (winks at him)

Hatta: Yeah, you sly fox you!

K: Guys! You got the wrong idea! I thought we were going to spend dinner with
my sisters at some expensive resturant.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you then."

K: Master!

"Yes, it good to see you two again. Very good. Seeing you two so grown up and
mature makes me very proud indeed."

K: (mouth agaped and still in amazement) Master. I didn't know. I thought
you had retired for good. What happen?

Master: I knew you would ask that. Well, retirement is not all that is
cracked out to be. I frankly was not one for the country and I decided that
I needed new challenges. Corresponding with my old friends, we threw around
the idea of starting our own "joint" where we can play music. And so here
now is the realization of it: the new Shin ABCB!

Komatsu: Isn't it cool? First there was the original ABCB when we were young,
and now here's the new and improved ABCB for us adults now!

Kurumi: Yeah and what a cool place it is! I'll tell all my friends about it.

Hatta: Too bad there isn't more food around here.

Manami: Wow! Look! #1 and #2 managed to get here also.

Komatsu: (sneers) Oh those guys. They helped out so I guess they could come.

Kurumi: Hey, they did more work fixing this place up that you ever did.

Hatta: Of course. A manga artist's hands cannot be sullied.

#2: Hi Manami. Hi everyone.

Manami: Glad you two could make it.

Kurumi: What's with all those people entering? They weren't invited.

#1: They're the caterers. Although he cannot be here, Master got wind of this
and decided to send his compliments.

Hatta: Wow! You guys gotta get a load of these appetizers! Blue fin tuna
finger sandwiches!

Master: I'll provide the drinks to wash it down.

H: Just like old times isn't it?

K: Yes, it is. I wonder if Madoka is going to come or not.

(Master on the stage)
"Thank you everyone for coming to the opening night premier of ABCB. I hope
you enjoyed the swoonful tunes of my old buddies here. Me and my pals have a
lot of people to thank for their efforts in making this happen, but so little
time. So without further adieu, but I would like to offically mark the
opening my introducing my "prodigy" of many years, Ayukawa Madoka!

(from behind a curtain emerges Madoka in a dazzling black nightgown)

"Thank you all for coming out here to witness such a wonderful occasion.
As you all might already know, I've worked with Master at the original
ABCB and believe me, it was such an enriching experience. His kind and
intelligent advice and his thoughtful nature is what help make me what I am.
I come to regard him as father-figure to me. That is why I'm honored that he
allow me the opportunity to sing this little song I've composed for this
occasion. It's titled "ABCB: Cafe of Memories".

(Insert Lyrics here)

Madoka gives a stirring and tearful rendition of the song which brings the
crowd to its feet.


M: Thank you,...thank you everyone. And now. I have an announcement to make.
Hikaru? Hikaru are you out there? If you are, can you please join me on
stage?

H: 

(Kyosuke sitting at the bar with another person in the barstool beside him)

"They make a cute duo up there, don't they?"

K: (gazing at the lovely pair on stage) They sure do.

"Allow me to i-i-introduce myself. M-m-m-y name is I-z-z-y. I'm an old
friend of the barkeep. And y-y-yours?"

"Kyosuke. Kasuga Kyouske."

"Please to meet ya Mr Kappawski. Did I tell you that I was a playwright once?

K: Hush, will ya? She's about to announce something.


(Hikaru with Madoka's arm around her)

M: First I have good news and bad news. You all might not know this, but
I'm in the process of composing a score for a new and exciting upcoming
play. Well, the bad news one of the major cast members, JADE has decided to
leave us to another studio to pursue other opportunities. The good news is
that I'm happy to announce that Hikaru Hiyama has been chosen to replace her
in the lead role! (raises both hers and the shocked Hikaru's arms up )

(*CHEERS CHEERS*)

[End of Chapter B7]