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 0.9
                               July 21, 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 37th 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.

Robert Kwong
(c) 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 or description

Book B: Chapter 10:3some

[Kyousuke, in bed, lying naked]

K: (opens eyes slightly and peers to his right)
(murmurs) Ummm....Oh Madoka...

(We see a naked Madoka lying under the covers next to him sleeping peacefully)

(Kyousuke turns over to the other side)

(He feels something warm near his face)

(He opens his eyes and sees someone else there!)

"Ooohhh... Darling..."

(We see another naked body lying to Kyousuke's left)

K: (*SHOCKED!*) (*GASP@!) Hikaru! And Madoka! At the same time?!?

(Kyousuke jerks up)

(Back to the real world.)

(Kyousuke opens his eyes for real)

K: Whew! (wipes sweat away from brow) Thank god that was just a dream. Wait a
minute,...this is not right...what place is this...where am I?

(looks up and stares up at the ceiling. He sees a mirror reflection of himself
and two other figures to the side of him under the covers)

K: (*PANIC!*) Aikes! So it wasn't a dream after all?

(*SNORING!*)

K: Eh? I don't remember Madoka ever snoring? But Hikaru? Nooooo?


(slowly lifts up the covers to reveal....)

K: (shakes the covers) YOU GUYS!@!!!!

(We see Komatsu and Hatta, in terricloth robes, snoring away)

K: 

[Hikaru at Sugizawa's place]

As expected, I went to dinner with Sugizawa that night like I promised. He
took me to some new, trendy French resturant which had just opened up. It was
typical of the places he took me to while in Manhattan. I guess he still was
trying to impress me. As expected, their specialty was frog legs and snails.
And as you can imagine, I didn't eat much that night. He did most of the
talking, telling me what he had been doing ever since he left New York. Once
he got back to Tokyo, it didn't take him long to reacquaint himself and find
some new love interest. After me, he had relations with 3 other girls. To
make ends meet, he took on several odd jobs including modeling. That's how he
bumped into his latest fling, Nagasi. And now because of her, he was moving
up, being the lead male in an acutal play production. Such an occurence for
either of us would have been quite a miracle back in the big Apple.

We got back to his apartment. It was the first time I had laid eyes on his
new place. It was small and cozy, but certainly not modest looking.
Hanging around the walls were trip posters of various hotspots around the
world such as Hawaii, Bermuda, London, and Paris which he got while he working
at the travel agency at one time. In addition to the usual amenities such as
a TV and stereo, there was a small kitchenette. Lying on the side table were
minature models of sports cars: a BMW and a Porsche, of course.

Sugizawa: Please. Sit down. (picks up a few things off the floor) Sorry about
the mess. I'm still the same old slob.

H: Doesn't look that much different from your old apartment in NY.

Sugizawa: (smiles and flashes teeth) You remembered. We'll get right to
practicing our lines in a moment. But first, let me fix us something.

As he entered the kitchen to prepare something, I looked around the room for a
further inspetion. Off to the corner was the computer he used to use for
making travel reservations. Complicated piece of thing. He showed me once how
to use it. So darn complicated, using some funny computer language. That was
probably why I didn't have a good first impression of computers. In a small
display case was his track trophies from high school. That's how he stayed in
such marvelous athletic shape. At the side was a small bonsai tree. That was
the only thing that looked out of the place in the whole room. It was not a
flashy item to show off like the rest of the items. Instead, it was quiet and
simple and clean. It was the one, small part of Sugizawa I liked about him.
Beneath that cocky, manly exterior was a sensitive side. That's why I
initially fell for him. Too bad it surfaced too rarely  during the times we
were together in New York. If he had fostered the growth of that humble
"bonsai" side of him instead of stunting it, we might have had a chance.
(Sigh) I guess it seems that the more things change, the more
they stay the same.

Sugizawa: It's ready Hikaru! Fresh cappuchino! I just bought this slick
capuchino/expresso machine. Cost me 50,000 yen.
But it makes great  cappachino. Here. Taste it.

H: Arrigato. (sips it) It's quite good.

Sugizawa: It compares very well with the local coffee shops around here, but
it doesn't hold a candle to the ones in NY. That's probably the hardest thing
for me when I moved back to Tokyo. Getting my daily dose of freshly brewed
java. It's one of the things of New York I miss, frequenting the coffee
shops. The one thing I missed most about leaving is not seeing you. But 
you're here now. Say, are you still working at the coffee shop?

H; Yes. Master's been gracious enough to hold the job for me when I get back.

Sugizawa: So you're thinking of going back?

H: I haven't decided yet. Depends on how this goes.

Sugizawa: Let's say this becomes a great success. Would you go back then?

H: No, probably not. But I've learned not to depend on things going your way.
I've been burned too many times. Things can happen when you least expect it. 

Sugizawa: (flashes smile and teeth again) Then we better make sure we try to
keep you here as long as possible. Let's try to do our best so we can ensure
the play is a success.
(passes her the scripts books)

H: (nods) Hai.


[Back to Ryusei in Hong Kong]

(Still talking with the mystery woman)

"So what's wrong?"

R: Nothing's wrong.

"Then why'd you call me here? It's not your style be meeting in such an open
place like this. You would have found another way to meet me unless something
was up. So shoot. You know I'm a straight shooting gal.

R: I just wanted to see how you were. You happen to be in the same area, so
it seemed like a good time to revisit old acquaintances.

" Come on. Cut the sentamentalism crap. Tell me the real story."

R: (sardonic laugh) Sometimes you know me too well for your own good.

"Sometimes its dangerous to know too much. The less you know, the better."

R: (nods) Agreed.

"So what's up"

R: Me. Actually, I feel down. (looks up at the full moon) Sometimes, I wonder
if I can go on like this, leading this double identity.

I hate this decrepit, miserable life I'm leading and I hate what this place
represents for me.

"Such drab talk from you? I'm genuinely shocked. That's not the same spitfire
Ryusei I knew who wanted to take on the whole world."

R: Yes, I did wanted to take on everyone. I wanted to wipe out all my enemies.
But back then, it was different. Much different. I was driven by feelings
of revenge... vengeance.

"And that's how you became the most ruthless player in the 'game'."

R: Yes, the "game". Ruined so many lives, including mine.

"But it's what made you the person you're are now. Here is where you
"discovered" yourself.

R: (flashback) Yes, it all started right here...

[3 1/2 years ago]

(in a sterile, isolated, confined room at a special hospital installation)

(No windows around, concrete walls, semi-dim lighting)

(We see the patient, face covered in bandages, lying still, as if he had been
in that very same position for months)

R: (stirring) Argh..(swaying head a little)

(A soft, calm voice rings out from across the room)

"Don't move. You need to save your strength to recooperate. You'll only
aggravate your wounds if you fidget."

R: (slowly opens eyes to see an unknown face staring right back at him)
(whipers breathlessly) W-w-who-o-o...who are you? Where am I?

"You don't remember anything or anyone, do you? Don't worry friend. It'll come
eventually come back to you. In the meantime, you need to rest up. Just
remember. I'm the best friend you'll ever have and I'm here to help you.

(Ryusei shuts his eyes again)

(The Next Day)

(Ryusei is sitting up in bed, feeling much stronger than before. The same man
from yesterday walks in)

R: Hi there. You're the same fellow I saw yesterday.

"Yes I am. How are you feeling?

R: Not too bad now. But I still don't remember anything. I would like to know
why I am here and confined and covered up in this cast. But first, would you
mind telling me who I am?

"It's a long, long story. Are you sure you are ready to take it mentally?"

R: I don't think I've been one to avoid things, no matter how dire they may
seem. Just tell me straight out.

"If you insist."

(sits down on the hospital chair, places paper bag down, takes out an orange,
and starts tossing it up and down in the air.

"For starters, your name is Haroken. Ryusei Haroken to be exact. You are in a
special rehabilitation hospital in Hong Kong.

R: (shocked from hearing just this tidbit of news) Honto?

"And yes, you are Japanese."

R: Why am I here?

"You have been in a coma for over 3 months now. You suffered 3rd and 4th degree
burns all over your body. Luckily, you were treated with an experimental
artifical skin covering which saved your life. But that's another story. That
would explain why you are still in a cast. There's more to your 'condition',
but I'll save that for later."

R: Tell me this: how old am I?

"Your age...that's a good question. (starts to ponder)
Approximately...twenty-...twenty six."

R: What did I do for a living? Am I married? Do I have kids?

"You're awfully inquisitive for someone who has his first real waking day in a
long time"

R: Damn right I am! I'm in the dark now and I want some answers!

"Easy, easy. I'll answer your questions; don't worry. For starters, kids, you
don't have, thank god. And yes. You were formally married."

R: So I'm divorced?

"No. Widowed."

R: Widowed? Who was she? And why? What happened?

"Your wife...she died in the fire at the warehouse where you were working."

R: Warehouse? Fire? How come I don't remember any of this?

"The experience was probably too traumatic for you and your mind is
subconsciously blocking it out to shield you from the emotional shock. It's
probably best you don't remember that detail."

R: But why.

"It was an accident. You nearly died yourself rushing into the burning blaze
to try to save her. That is why you're here in this place.

(groans and touches the bandages around his scarred face)

"I'm sorry I had to tell you about that painful detail. I didn't know if you
were strong enough to take it."

R: (sinks head down into his pillow) You should have left me in there. It
would have been better if we both died together. Why was she in there in the
first place? How did I get out?

"I pulled you out. And I saved your life. So you owe me" (starts to peel
orange now)

R: Who are you anyway?

"I'm your #1 buddy. We went to college together at Waseda, remember?

R: Waseda? College? No, I can't say I do. And why am I here in Hong Kong when
I'm suppose to be in Japan?

"Well, it'll come back to you eventually. And that's a long story. Later on,
I'll help fill in the rest of the missing gaps for you. For now, we'll
celebrate your awakening from your comatose condition. (peels off 1/2 the
orange and hands it to him)

"Oranges are a lucky symbol of a new beginning, of good things to come, and
friend you are indeed lucky to be alive today."

R: Thanks for this offering, and your willingness to help pick up the pieces
of my life again.

[The Next Day at the Studios]

(We see the lovely Madoka walking in a casual garb: A white ruffled collar
blouse and blue jeans. In addition to her handbag, she's carrying black,
leather bag.)

I did a lot of deep thinking yesterday, of what Master told me, of our
relationship and how much our love meant to both of us. Master was right. I
was trying to drown my troubles in liquor instead of confronting it. The fact
of the matter is that I missed Kasuga. Very much and very deeply. Only that I
was too stubborn to admit it to him. I had become too independent and too
proud for my own good. I should have realize Kyousuke's concerns rather than
lash at at him. And look what happened. We had been separated for two weeks
now and I was miserable. I should have been there to support Kasuga's efforts
to be a photo journalist. Instead, I was selfish, monopolizing my time with my
work-related items. I should have made time for the both of us to spend time
with each other. I realized my mistake, and now, I was not afraid to admit I
was rash and wrong. But first, I had to do this.

(Enters office and sees #2:)

#2: (pushes sunglasses up) Oh hi there Ayukawa-san. I'm sorry, but if you're
looking for Haroken-san, I'm afraid he's still out on his business trip.

M: That's fine. I was looking for you instead.

#2: (points to himself in disbelief) You were looking for me? What for?

M: Well,...you seemed to be the most technically versed here, so I wanted to
ask you a favor.

#2: A favor? Of course. I'll be happy to help you with anything.

M: Thank you very much. (opens up black leather bag to reveal...)

#2: WOW! A new Powerbook! Amazing! What a nice, long, black, sleek design.

M: (smiles) I'm glad you know all about it. I was wondering if you can help me
set it up.

#2: Sure. What do you need?

M: I need to set it up to I can compose my music on it.

#2: Oh, I understand what you mean. Sure, no problem. And I know just the
thing that will do it. When do you need it by?

M: No hurry. Take your time.

#2: (lifts it up and still eyeing it) Awesome! So light! And smooth! Why you
can take it anywhere and work on it anytime.

M: That's what I had in mind. To free me from the shackles of the office.

#2: That's so cool. Great for telecommuting.

(a figure rushes into the office)

"#2! You didn't get my coffee yet!"

M: 

#2: (grumbles) Gomen. I'll get it for you right away. (exits room)

Nagasi: (eyeing her as if she's the competiton) Ahh, you're here. You're
dressed decently for once.

M: Likewise.

Nagasi: Look like trouble in paradise for you and your beau.

M: What are you insinuating?

Nagasi: Oh, I'm not one to spread rumors, but I hear your supposed boyfriend
has been visiting our star dancer, Hikaru Hiyama at a hotel room frequently,
ever since your little tiff with him. I believe I heard these "visits"
occurred at the Kingdom Hotel. And I heard another rumor that they're going to
meet again today. Of course, you of all people don't believe in
these silly little rumors, do you?

M: (retorts) Of course not.

Nagasi: (mockingly) It's good to hear how "strong" you two relationship is,
especially considering the feminine charm our star performer has on men,
especially old flames.

#2: (darts back into office) Here's your  coffee.

Nagasi: About time! Well, ...I'd be going back to work. Too-da-loo!
(arrogant wave of fingers)

M: (hastily) #2. I just realize something come up for me. I'll leave this
computer here with you so you can set it up and I'll pick it up from you
later. Would that be ok?

#2: Sure. No problem. I promise I'll have this baby running like a pro.

M; Thank you for your help. (waves goodbye)

[Back to Kyousuke]

K: Wake up, you clowns! (starts to shake them)

Komatsu: (murmurs) Oh yes! That feels good. More of that.

K: You kuso jerk! I'm no feel-good "hostess". Wake up before I slap you around.

Hatta: (mumbles in his half-awaken state) Yes! I want to be slapped. Please do
it. I've been a real ba-a-ad boy.

(sees a pitcher of water)

(*SPLASH!*)

Hatta and Komatsu: (drenched and looking quite pissed) What the fuck!

K: Yeah, right. You wish. Now where the hell are we?

Komatsu: No need to get rough with us. We friends, right?

K: I don't know what you sick, perverted wierdos were thinking, but being in
the same bed with the likes of you two is horrifying!

Hatta: Hey, don't think this was our idea! It wasn't! And don't think we
enjoyed this. I feel like hurling.

(tries the door)

Hatta: Shit! It's locked!

(throws up in the pitcher instead)

K: Where the hell are we?

Komatsu: You wanna know? I can tell you that. We're in the Mokkori House love
hotel in Ginza district. Remember? You specifically asked me how to get here.

Hatta: (wipes mouth) I feel much better.

K: (covers his nose and mouth) Yuck! Better stay back. You still reek.

(A small booklet falls from Kyousuke's jacket)

K: What this?

Hatta: Boy, you're in a forgetful mood today. That's my latest manga work.
Remember I showed it to you earlier? I call it the "Fearsome Threesome".

(Kyousuke flips quickly through pages)

K: 

[Turn back time 2 days ago]

I, Kyousuke, had returned safely home after narrowing escaping from the police
from Jade's flat. I figure someone robbed the place but left with most of the
goods intact. Jade, being a rich media star, probably had too much jewelry to
steal, so they only took the good stuff. Given the hard time I got with a
certain Inspector Jackson from the police, I didn't want to get involved. It
would look too suspicious and I would have to reveal my Esper powers.
Something I didn't want to do.
//See Book B: Chapter 4

I took a afternoon nap. I didn't realize I had slept on through until the
morning. Guess staying up for 3 straight nights took its toll on my body.
Today was the day for the photoshoot.
//See Book B: Chapter 9

I was hired by Nagasi, the bewitching vixen assistant of that Ryusei Haroken.
I didn't want to do anything with them, but a job was a job, even if it was
uncomfortable for me. Plus, I already got paid, so I was a man of my word.

But as I was making my way towards the Kingdom Hotel where I was going to make
the shoot, one thing was troubling my mind. No, it wasn't my obsession with
cracking the jewel theft mystery. Nor was it the recurring Bosnian flashback
nightmares I had been experiencing these past few weeks. No, what troubled me
the most was me being alone with Hikaru in such a "loaded" situation.
//bosnian flashback part of shin kor i

Yes, I had done other stuff with her before this such as having lunch
together, catching the early evening movie, and even going to the zoo. That
was for another purpose; mostly to keep her away from Ryusei's corruptive
influence. I didn't know what designs he had planned for her, especially given
his dark, shady, unknown history. And I was glad to hear he was gone away on a
business trip. The further away from her, the better. Yes, I was still concerned
for my friend Hikaru. But for these expeditions we went out on, I viewed the
situation much differently. It felt more like a friendly get-together more
than anything else. It felt safe, with so many people around. There was no
romanatic interludes and I think Hikaru understood that. However this
photoshoot was an altogether different beast. I wasn't sure if I would feel
comfortable snapping pictures of Hikaru in such provactive positions. And to
be alone by ourselves. That was a deadly combination.

I patted the black, vinyl case for my trusty Nikon camera. I always did that
for good luck before taking any pictures. It was just a ritual I would go
through beforehand. And somehow, I got the feeling I would need it this time.

As I entered the lobby of the Kingdom Hotel, I looked around for Hikaru. There
was the reception desk to the right and to the left was a  sparkling fountain.
Why there was even a brass laughing Buddha statue there.

"Sempai! I'm over here!"

The voice that I have heard a thousand times, but still sends chills down my
spine as if I heard it for the very first time. Bright and cheery and
uplifting. I knew it had to be Hikaru.

K: Hi Hikaru. I hope you weren't waiting too long for me.

H: I just got here myself. Funny place to take pictures, isn't it?

K: Yeah, I think so.

H: We're going to be shooting from a simple black silkscreen background. No
elaborate sets needed. We just need the pictures. After that, #2 and touch up
the pictures with fancy computer graphics or something like that to make it
look cool.

K: Do you know where we're at?

H: At a meeting room on the second floor. It's reserved for us and apparently
everything is already set up beforehand. That's what #1 told me. so we just
need to go up and start shooting. Are you ready?

K: (takes a deep breath) As ready as you are.

H: (flashes wonderful divine smile)  Good. Let's go.

K: (glances over at the Buddha statue) 

[Back at the police station]
(Inspector Jackson in Chief Nogami's office)

Jackson: Like I was telling you before, I had no idea of crime beforehand.

Chief Nogami: (slams hand on table) Damn you Jackson. Cut the bullshit.
You know something and I know you're hiding it from me. Now I'm going to ask
you again. What the hell were you doing at a crime area?

Jackson: (throws hands in the air) I just happen to be in the area.

Chief Nogami: J-A-C-K-S-O-N!

Jackson: And...

Chief Nogami: And what?

Jackson: I was tailing a bogey. That's how I just happen to be in the area.
Like I said, nothing special.

Chief Nogami: Like hell it is! I warned you before not to interfere with the
case. You specifically disobeyed my orders.

Jackson: You told me now to follow up on new leads, which I didn't. This was
an old lead, so that doesn't count.

Chief Nogami: Wise guy, are you? We'll see when we get to your displinary
action. But give me the name of the man you were tracking.

"Daddy, daddy! Good news!"

Chief Nogami: Saeko! How many times do I have to tell you to call me by my
official title.

Saeko: Sorry dad, I mean chief. Sorry to interrupt you but you would want to
know this right away. I think we finally found the ring leader in this jewel
theivery case.

Chief Nogami: You did? Really? Wonderful! Who is the crook?

Saeko: Ahem. (points thumb at Jackson) Not in front of blabbermouth here.

(Chief motions Jackson to go)

Jackson: (gets up to leave) I was just on my way. (whispers to Saeko in
passing) I'll get you next time.

Saeko: (whispers back) In your dreams.

[Back to the Kingdom hotel]
The second level we were on had a very strange configuration. In the middle
were a series of meeting rooms. To the right of it was the mini-gym type area.
Everywhere else was just regular hotel rooms. One room next to the meeting
room was rented to allow Hikaru to change. I kept thinking about the situation
and thought it was strange for Nagasi to just have me photograph Hikaru only and
not the rest of the play cast. Not even the male lead. What was she up to
anyway?

Although I expected the worse, I was pleasantly surprise how smoothly the
photoshoot was going. Hikaru looked gorgeous and confident in her skin-tight
leotard cat/tigress looking costume. To her, it was a performance and she
treated it that way. She was very cooperative, and I was amazed at her
flexibility and the variety of positions she could assume. I marveled at the
natural exuberance she exuded that I captured with my camera. Probably, the
only person who was uncomfortable was me. I hate to admit it, but with each
passing picture I snapped of this beauty, with her free-flowing hair and form,
I was feeling a growing attraction to her.

I thought to myself if I didn't have Madoka, it would be easy to fall in love
with Hikaru. But I shouldn't be muddling my heads with such thoughts. I went
through that before and I didn't want to go through this ordeal. By gazing at
that mature beauty at close range through the lens of camera was slowly
eroding my resistance and making it harder and harder to resist her charm. Now
foreign thoughts was beginning to invade my mind. What if I had chosen Hikaru
instead of Madoka back then? How would it be different now?

H: Sempai! I hate to sound rude, but how many more pictures do we need to
take? Two hours have already passed and I'm feeling a little tired.

K: (*Snap*) Just a couple more. Lift your chin up. R-r-right. Good. Hold that.
(*snap*) Now kick your legs up one more time. Great. Now hold it. (*snap*) Ok.
That should about do it. Just finished up this roll of film. I think we have
plenty of material from which to work with.

H: That's great. I'm going to go change in the next room.

K: Let me pack up my stuff first and I'll meet you there.

H: (nods)

(a few minutes later)

I entered the "changing" room so to speak. It looked very similar to the room
she was in back to that fateful night we were in bed together. I had a sense
of deja-vu upon entering it again. I knew it wasn't the same room, but just
the look of it made me shutter.
//Refer to Shin Kor I Novel

Hikaru was taking a shower, so I decided to wait for her by sitting up on the
chair and helped myself to some room service refreshments that had been
brought up earlier. While munching away on a carrot, I started to tap my feet
in unison. Kind of a bad habit I had. I was nervous. I was tense.

All this felt so eerie to me. Me lying on this bed. In this very position.
A very familiar feeling. Just like it was 3 years ago...

Back then, I was 19 years old. I was unexperienced, young, scared, and
vulnerable. That was a dangerous time. My very first sexual experience could
have easily been with Hikaru of future, instead of with my beloved Madoka. Why
I didn't give in at that time I didn't know.

I remember my present 22 year old self advising my 19 year self, warning him,
I mean me about myself. That my 22 year old self could not resist if placed in
the same situation. And here we are. In the same place. And in the same
setting. What was to happen?

(Shower sound stops)

K: (breathing heavily now) I can't control it anymore! I have to get out of
here! Before she sees me like this.

(*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*)

K: (whizes head back and forth) Who is that?

(Kyousuke opens the door to reveal...)

K: Ayukawa!

(Hikaru exiting out of the bathroom in nothing but a bath towel)

H: Semapi! I'm done. Thanks for doing a great job.

K: (slowly back away) Ahh...Madoka...It's not how it looks. Really!

H: (shocked) Madoka-san!

M: I think I know what's going on. (turns to Kyousuke) How could you!

K: (waves hands frantically) I...I...

H: Madoka. (walks directly up to her) I don't what you're thinking, but I'm
going to tell you straight. Me and Kyousuke did not do anything indecent in
this bedroom. I was taking a shower and he was resting up after our long
photography shoot. That's it.

K: 

M: (hurt voice) Why should I believe anything you have to say to me?

H: (extends her hand and places it on Madoka's shoulder) Because you are my
friend. I value that more than anything else. I wouldn't do anything to
jeopardize that.

(They both break down and hug)

(A few moments later...)

(Madoka goes up to Kyousuke)

(*SLAP!*)

K: (rubs his tingling cheek) What was that for?

M: Even though you two didn't do anything, I know you were thinking it. But I
forgive you and your dirty thoughts.

K: Thank you, ... I guess.

M: Now shoo! (pushes him towards the door)

K: What for?

M: That's our secret, right Hikaru? (winks)

H: (winks back) Right.

K: (walking down the hallway) 

[back to Kyousuke in the love hotel 2 days ahead]

That was my second incident with Hikaru. It was just as scary as the first
time I was in that position. Lucky for me that Madoka popped in the way she
did. Otherwise, I didn't know if I could control myself. But that alone was
not the reason why I had that wet dream. No, it was what we did afterwards
...

I was milling about in the lobby a bit before sitting next to that statue,
lamenting my bad luck. I wasn't that religious, but I found it easy to pour my
troubles out to the laughing Buddha. I guess that's one of the reasons people
turn to religion. Gives them someone to talk to during the tough times of
life.

I had remembered that I left my bag upstairs in that room. I figured those two
were done with their girl talk. But when I got up there, I was surprised to
see the both of them, dressed in swimsuits. They were going to go up to the
top for a swim. Hikaru looked marvelous wearing a pinkish maroon bikini which
complementing her long, flowing golden hair.  Madoka looked simply divine,
wearing a yellow-black floral swimsuit.  Of course, I was the only one that
knew what layed underneath.

K: Uhh...Hi girls. Just came to get my bag. Then I'll be on my way.

H: (giggles and looks at Madoka) Do you know what I'm thinking?

M: (nods) Hai!

I was instantly "assaulted" by the girls. Not that it was a bad thing.
I was dragged all the way to the top floor. I was trully amazed. A swimming
pool so high up and so near the sky. I didn't know how to describe it, but it
was a see-through skyline, much like a greenhouse. With us so high up, we
could see the vast blue sky and clouds. It was like we were in the heavens,
with the sun shining brightly through.

They wanted me to swim with them. I went into the changing room and rented a
pair of swimming trunks. Although I hated to be near water,the prospect of
swimming with two of the most beautiful girls in the world tempered my fear.
Still I was afraid.
//Refer to manga story where Kyousuke saved a boy from drowning and to TV
series where he was taking a bath and accidentally got zapped into Ushiko and
Umao's car.

I near the pool with trepidation. I could only go as far as dipping my toes
into the water. Both of them giggled. I heard them whispering behind me, as if
they were plotting something and soon, they approached me from behind. For one
brief moment, all 3 of us were sitting alongside each other, each girl flanked
on each side of me. Then came my surprise. With a surreptitious wink, they
simultaneously pushed me into the water.

As I plunged into the water, I felt a release. It wasn't as bad as I thought
it would be. The water felt wonderful - cool and relaxing. Madoka and Hikaru
soon followed after me. I felt so blessed to be surrounded by my two best
friends. It triggered a past memory I had. It was a photograph from Madoka's
childhood that she had when we looked over her picture album. It was Madoka,
Hikaru, and some other guy together at a bathhouse when they were little kids.
Of course they weren't fully developed then, but I remembered how jealous I
was of that guy to be in such a position. Now I was in that very same position.
Made me feel so lucky to be alive.

[Ryusei standing in the middle of the bridge overlooking all of Hong Kong]

Another uneventful day passed. Met another round of elite cliental.

I went back down to the river again.

I stood by the river all alone by myself now, left to let my thoughts wander.
My old friend had a new family and life. Good for her. Going along with the new
changes she assumed was a new name and identity. Her original name was Minerva
May, of mixed descent.  I used to call her ah 'Min' for short back in the old
days. Now I just call her plain 'May'. At least she kept that part of her name
intact.

She was right about my coming here. Although my primary purpose here was
business, that wasn't why I was here. True, I had to meet with some power
brokers, haggling over contracts and money, but I could have done it by cell
phone. Rather, I was here for "other" business.

Here in this hellhole of a place of Hong Kong is where I got started. The
incensed-filled atmosphere intensified the secret, nefarious, illegal
activities of its inhabitants. Whole streets devoted to shops specializing in
the art of piracy and other counterfeit goodies. And Hollywood's worst
nightmare. The rude, ruthless, cutthroat mentality that pervaded this area
honed my killer instincts. Of course, I don't even  have to mention the power
of the triads here. Much like its American couterpart, Hong Kong could be
labeled the "New York of the Orient".

Yes, I only got to see the ugly side of HK, for that was what I was exposed
to. Over time, I come to embrace this side, this edge. Every year, I would
make a "pilgrimage" of sorts back here to revisit the roots of my past which
holds the seeds to my future.

But this time it was different. As I walked down the banks and looked out
beyond its wide expanses with the small fortilla of boats drifiting by, I
wondered why I returned back to the origin of my past. I guess I needed to
find myself, my true self again before I was to return. However, my soul was
in a state of chaos caused by what man dreaded most: to be done in by the
wiles of a woman.

[Kyousuke back home]

K: (breathing heavily) 

Kurumi: (from behind) What's up big bro? You sound like you just ran a
marathon. (gives him a big whack on the back)

K: URGH! (makes a twisted face upon impact from the blow)

Kurumi: Still as weak as ever. What a wimp.

Kazuya: (sitting on the couch) I could have told you that. So Kyonichan.
Whose chasing you this time?

Manami: Kazuya! You know its rude to read someone else mind without their
permission.

Kazuya: Sorry. But I could tell from experience that he was being chased by
someone. Why, that's how I'd act when I'm chased by those two girls all the
time. All breathless and worked up.

Kurumi: Well, I doubt two girls were chasing oniichan. Especially with his
awful luck with women. So who was chasing you?

K: That's none of your business.

Kurumi: Touchy aren't we?

Manami: Kurumi! You shouldn't be so disrespectful of oniichan.

Kurumi: You're no better yourself! Always grumbling how he leaves his clothes
all around the house. At least I have the guts to tell him how irresponsbile
he is to his face!

Manami: Don't think because because I look shy and demure that I'm not
assertive!

(bookcases from far sides of the room starts to rumble and stir)

Kazuya: Will you all be quiet! Look! (points to TV)

"Good evening. We interrupt this program to bring you this special report.
After many weeks of panic and concern, it seems the reign of terror of the
notorious jewel ring is finally over. Earlier today, police responding to a
emergency call stumbled upon the stolen merchandise. The real surprise is
that the suspect is reported to be a once prominent entertainment star.

(transitions to camera footage)

We have this live shot outside police headquarters. A crowd has gathered
around to see who this infamous instigator of injustice is. There is a ring of
police officers surrounding the suspect and escorting her to the jailhouse to
be booked.

(The suspect's face is covered in a veil and she is wearing sunglasses, but
she's wearing the all too familiar green garb which would reveal her to be...)

K, Manami together: That's JADE!

[Down at the police station in the lounge]

Natsumi: Jackson-san. Have you heard the good news?

Jackson: I know, I know. They caught the thief.

Natsumi: Yep. How'd you know?

Jackson: Inside tip. How about you?

Natsumi: Me and "Kenny" brought the suspect in by police escort.
High class suspect too. That's why we were called in.

Jackson: Where is she? Where are they holding the movie star?

Natsumi: How you know it's a dame?

Jackson: (gently strokes her cheek) Hey, I didn't get to be inspector for
nothing.

Natsumi: Well, hotshot, she's not assigned yet. They questioning her right now.

[back to Twins' place]

(Kyousuke agonzing with himself)

K: 

[Back to Tokyo police station]

(inside a questioning room with Chief Nogami and Saeko on one side.
The ever quizzical Jade and her lawyer are on the other side.)

Chief Nogami: Miss Jade...

Lawyer: It would behoove you if you would call my client by her proper name.

Chief Nogami: And what might that be?

Lawyer: Her official appellation is  Jade.

Chief Nogami: Is that her first name or last name?

Lawyer: Neither. Just plain Jade would do..

Chief Nogami: Whatever she wants to be called. Does she understand the
charges levied against her?

(Jade leans over and whispers something into his ear)

Lawyer: Yes. She claims no foreknowledge of those stolen pieces of jewelry at
her apartment complex.

Saeko:  Is that so? Then how did it get there in
the first place?

Lawyer: Young lady! No need to be rude around my client.

Saeko: Listen here buster. I bust my hump everyday catching the low-lifes in
this city  and I don't need a lecture from you on how to treat people with
respect. Understand?

(Jade whispers some more things into lawyer)

Saeko: What the hell is she saying now?

Lawyer: The madam says that you are acting quite  uncouth and unladylike.

Saeko: Is that so? Well you can tell Miss High and Mighty that she can go
shove it up her...

Chief Nogami: INSPECTOR SAEKO! That would be enough from you. (to lawyer)
Please excuse the "enthusiasm" of my officer here, But do tell me. How does
she explain the appearance of stolen items retrieved from her apartment?

Lawyer: As she has stated before, she can't. But I believe there are outside
forces at work here, trying to discredit my client.

Chief Nogami: How so?

Lawyer: I believe, whoever did break into her apartment did so with the
intention of planting this evidence to ruin her name.

Saeko; Why that's the most preposterous BS I've ever heard.

(just outside, we see Jackson overhearing the questioning)

Jackson: My, my Saeko. I never knew you had this sharp edge to you. Why,
you're tenacious as a bulldog when it comes to interrogating people.

(fellow police officer comes running)

Jackson: Woah man. Stay cool. What's your hurry?

Breathless Officier: I've got to report this to the chief.

Jackson: He's in there conducting a formal questioning of the prime suspect.
But you can tell me and I'll let him know, ok?

Officer: I'm not sure sir...

Jackson: I'm the chief's top inspector. Surely you can trust someone as high
up as me with the information.

Officer: Well, if you put it that way, I relay the infomation to you. There
was a call from the museum curator. The famed jeweled dagger of Arabia they
have in the museum is a fake!

[Back to Kyosuke in the love hotel]

Hatta: We're locked in! How are we going to get out of here!

Komatsu: Quit your whining, will ya? (to Kyousuke) Hey wiseguy! You're the one
who got us into this mess. What to do now?

K: Me?

Komatsu: Yes you! It was you who came to us asking for information...

[Another flashback yesterday]

Mokkori House. That name ran through my head. I checked all the establishments
for that name but came up empty. Then it hit me. Who else would know more
about this stuff than Hatta and Komatsu.

I remembered one time they left their address with me. I searched all over and
finally, I found the slip of paper in my jeans that still needed to be washed.
//In Book A Series.

I had to take care of some errands in the morning, so I stopped over at their
place mid-afternoon.

Their place was located near the seedy part of town in the old areas. Nearby
was a ramen shop for quick food and a couple of hentai bookstores; perfect to
supply their needs. I maneuvered my way around the crooked streets, with flags
of laundry flying overhead. Despite the old-style feel to this part of time,
it was still a busy, bustling place. I finally found the building where they
were at.

After zig-sagging awhile, I finally found their studio haven. The door was
left partially open. As I peered in from the side, I could see Komatsu sitting
back on the couch reading some hentai magazine while Hatta was busy drawing
his next manga piece.

K: (pushes open door) Hi guys. Mind if I drop in?

Komatsu: (looks up from magazine) Kyousuke buddy! How are you man?

K: I'm feeling great. How's things going here? Business for manga good?

Hatta: (still squibbling) Could be better. Let me finish this part and I'll be
with you.

Komatsu: Don't mind him. He's such a perfectionist. Since you're here, I'll
let you have a peak at our latest, greatest creation.

Hatta: (raises pen up) That's right. I call it the "Frearsome Threesome".

Koamtsu: Yeah man. We got preadvance copies from the publisher. Here. You get
to be the first person to read this.

(Kyouske glances at the first few pages)

K: (turning blue) That looks like me. And those girls he's with. They look
like Madoka and Hikaru!

Hatta: Well, they should be ! That's how I drew them.

Komatsu: Yeah, but that's nothing. They're all wearing clothes in the
beginning. Wait till you see the middle parts. (chortle, chortle)

(In the beginning, all 3 are dressed up in safari-like costumes, roaming about
in the jungle. As they progress in this flesh fest, they slowly start to loses
pieces of clothing. They encouter what looks like a sinkhole with black mud.
But later it turns out to be a big, bad, black, blob tentacle monster!

Kysouke, is amazed to see all 3 of them naked, battling this blob
creature)

Komatsu: Like it?  (gives him a mudge with his elbow)

K: (grimaces) Like it? We're all naked here!!!

Komatsu: That's the way it's suppose to be.

Hatta: You forgot about the big, bad blob monster. Guess whose he's suppose
tobe.

K: How the hell am I suppose to know? It's just a blob!

Hatta: Well, for your information, I had the hokey Harkoen be the inspiration
for this creation.

K: Mr Haroken?

Hatta: Yeah. You know. The strange and mysterious guy who we met at that
party  about 3 months ago. Fits his M.O., don't  you think? Kind of
undefined as he flings out his tentacle claws and wraps it around each of
those fearsome threesome of you all and does all these naughty things.

K: YOU GUYS ARE SICK! And I hate tentacle stories! This can't go out! I'll be
ruined. How could you do this, drawing us all naked and trapped in all those
positions together.

Komatsu: Well, we know how your dirty mind works. I bet you think about doing
both of them at once, didn't you? The French has some fancy word for it, but
we simply call it a threesome to make it simple. We know you were too shy to
admit it, so we did it for you, so to speak. (he he)You defeat the big, bad,
blob monster and you get to do whatever you want with them as your reward.
Cool fantasy world, isn't it?

Hatta: (gleams) It's every teenage boy's fantasy come true. Resuce the dames
in distress in the hot, muggy jungle from the bad creature and get his sexual
delights.

K: That's not the point. If someone I know sees this, I'll be ruined!

Hatta: Hey we didn't use your real names. I used hot American names like Helen
"hurtme" Heliose, Madam "master me" Adams, and of course you as Kimba
"keep coming" Kavenaugh. And this isn't set here. It's somewhere in the
Americas, where they have jungle and pyramids and stuff like that. You 3 are
British explorers roaming in this dense bush looking for this famed lost
spaceship who later have their inhibitions stripped away by the call of the
wild. Just like those old B movies of the '50s only hentai sytle!

Komatsu: Don't worry man. (pats Kyousuke on the back)Besides. This is going
to make me and Hatta tons of money. Say, you have seen Madoka naked, haven't
you?

K: That's none of your goddamn business!

Komatsu: No, that's not what I mean. I just want to know if her "parts" were
anatomically correct, that's all.

Hatta: How about Hikaru? Have you seen her naked? What are her measurements?

K: You guys! You're so sick and demented! How immoral!

Komatsu: You didn't come here to badger us with your social commentary, did
you. If so, we'll going downstairs to get a drink.

K: Wait, wait,wait! (shoves manga into his jacket) The real reason for me
coming here is to get your expert opinion.

Hatta: Expert opinion? On what?

K: Do you guys know all the love hotels in this city?

Komatsu: Are you trying to mock us? Do birds fly?

Hatta: Now that sounds more like our good old buddy.

K: This place. (flips matchbox to Komatsu) Where is it?

Komatsu: (eyes matchbox carefully) This place....very fancy...and expensive.
Where did you get this?

K: I just did. Have you been there?

Komatsu: No. They have a fairly elite set of cliente. You need some special
password to get in.

K: Just tell me where it is. I can get in my own way.

Komatsu:  Tricky place. Really a place within a place. In Oska, Ginza
district.

K: Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!

Hatta: Not dressed like this! You look like a bum!

K: Then how else should I dress?

Komatsu: Well, since this is short notice, you can borrow my spare Armani
trenchcoat to cover yourself. That way, you look important.

Hatta and Komatsu did drive me to the location in their fancy red sports car,
through the jam-packed streets of Tokyo. Bright lights, big city. That was the
fast-paced life they were living. Living life on the edge, day to day. Very
exciting but very dangerous.

We entered this love hotel called "The Pleasure Dome". It's name was certainly
not MOKKORI HOUSE, but they assured me this was the right location. We were
greeted warmly by the hostess. Komatsu did all the talking while me and Hatta
looked around.

Hatta: Check out those bodacious babes!

I had never been in a love hotel before, but I've heard so many stories about
them during my high school and college years. It was regarded as a scandalous
place to be, which it was. But I was curious to see what it was like, if only
once. Let's hope my first trip in one doesn't prove fatal. Otherwise,
curiousity would really have killed the cat.

Komatsu struck a pleasant converstion with the hostess and even took time to
flirt with her. That's why I never trusted my sisters in the clutches of those
two hentais. But they were better equipped to handle themselves than for me to
defend them.

Hatta: (tugs at his collar) Hey, take a look at that serving girl. I wish she
would "serve" me.

K: Get a hold of yourself, will ya.  I'm here on business, not pleasure.

Hatta: What? Are you working undercover to do some expose on the love hotel
hotspots in the city for that station of yours?

K: Uhh...yeah. Something like that.

Hatta: Then you should have asked our opinion! There's better love hotels that
this place.

K: But I need to do my report on this one. Do you understand?

Hatta: Fine, fine. You do your research while we have fun. Just don't mention
our names in it, understand?

K: Sure, sure. Looks like Komatsu is finished with his chat.

Komatsu: Hey guys! Great news!

Hatta: What?

Komatsu: This secret paradise place known as the MOKKKORI HOUSE is located on
the 3rd floor. She wouldn't tell me any details but said the place which I was
looking for was up there. Cost me plenty, but she's agreed to let me up there.
She took a look at us and said we were perfectly matched. But she said we were
on our own once we get up there. Said it was "out of her juridiction".

K: Well what are we waiting for? Time's a wasting. Let's go!

Komatsu: (whispers to Hatta) I never seen him so eager before. Must not be
getting any.

We noticed one obstacle when we entered the elevator. There was only buttons
to go up to the first 2 floors, but the third.

Hatta: Damn! We're stuck!

Komatsu: And this elevator so cramped. Let us get out of here.

Hatta: How?

Komatsu: Press the open door button, dummy!

Hatta: I can't see the damn button asshole! The markings faded. So so dark in
here!

Komatsu: Just press all the buttons, will ya!

(Hatta simultaneously presses all the buttons)

(Elevator starts to go up)

Komatsu: Damn it Hatta! You must have pressed the wrong button.

K: Kool it guys! Your incessant whining is starting to get on my nerves.

Komatsu: Well it wasn't my idea to come here.

Hatta: Well, whereever we are, we're going to get a chance to get out. Look!
The door's opening.

Komatsu: I'm going to use the stairs!

K: What for? I think we've found the place!

(The elevator opens widely to reveal a neon sign flashing)

MOKKORI HOUSE

Hatta: Hey, we're on the 3rd floor! But that's strange. I could have swear it
was listed.

K: You must have pressed the right combination of buttons to get us up here.
Good. We got past the first obstacle. Good job!

Komatsu: Yeah, but I see trouble ahead. How are we going to get past that?

(See an "amazonian" type woman wearing an officer's hat and wearing nothing
but leather and chains and carrying a whip)

Enforcer: So what brings you boys up here.

Komatsu: (unsure of himself) Umm...we want to get in.

Enforcer: Looking for some sadistic fun, aren't you? If you made it this far,
then you should be able to show me the sign.

Komatsu: The sign. Right. (takes out a cigarette and pops it into his mouth.
He takes out the matchbox and shows it to her) Is this it?

Enforcer: (nods) So far, so good. Now what is the secret word?

Hatta: (whispers to Kyousuke) Uh oh, she got us there!!!

Komatsu: You want the secret word. (nervous laugh) Yes,...the secret word. Let
me search my memory banks. (takes out a cigarette and pops it into his mouth.
He then opens the matchbox to get a light)

Enforcer: (slams handle of the whip into her other hand) Are you going to tell
me or are you waiting for me  to  kick you scumbags out?

Komatsu: (just as he is about to close the matchbox, he something inside and
smiles) The secret word,...could it be....GOTO.

(take out cigarette and blows smoke into her face)

Enforcer: Go on. Get inside. Before I change my mind.

(The boys quickly scoot inside)

K: (catching his breath) Woah! That was a close call. How'd you guess the
password.

Komatsu: You have to be cool and calm in such a situation. And have a little
luck. Like this.

(reveals the written password inside the matchbox)

Hatta: We're in! Now we can enjoy ourselves!

K: Thanks guys for getting me in. I'll go on my own. You two do your own
thing.

(Komatsu and Hatta gets escorted by two beauties wearing geisha costumes)

Hatta and Komatsu: Boy, we're going to have fun tonight!

"How about you sir? You don't seem to have a companion tonight. Do you wish to
be hooked up with one?"

K: Ummm...yeah sure. Show me the room.

"Right this way."

I was led away by one of the pretty escorts through this narrow corridor. I
could hear moans and groans of pleasure eminating from each of the rooms I
passed by. Finally, I got to my assigned room.

"You seem to be new here sir. What type of companion to you wish to sample
tonight? Submissive, seductive, sexy, or succulent? "

K: You mean I have a choice? Hmm...just get me the plainest one you have.

"Plainest? None of them are plain."

K: Then you choose for me. I don't care.

"Whatever you wish sir. "

I was alone in the room by myself now. Very tacky looking room with a waterbed
and mirrors on the ceiling. The pornographic wallpaper left something to be
desired. I shudder to think what Madoka would do to me if she knew I was here.

(Transcend back to Kyousuke and friends stuck in the room)

Hatta: Yeah, nice story, but it still doesn't explain why we 3 are here!

K: Tell me. What happen to you guys once we got separated.

Komatsu: Well the lady brought us into this room and told us to strip down and
change into these nice, soft, fluffy terricloth robes, while company was
arriving. We were more than happy to oblige. Then some chick came in with some
special "mood" tea. We thought it was some kind of upper-class, cultural thing,
so naturally we drank it. Next thing we know, we wake up right next to you.

Hatta: Same thing happen to you?

K: Nope. I did not bother to stay in the room. I tried to sneak out and find
the main office. I figure they would have records of all their clients here.

Komatsu: Now is that all you came down here for? To do some snooping?

Hatta: That sounds more like undercover, investigative reporting.

K: Yes it is. I made my way back at the entrance.

Komatsu: And no one saw you?

K: Well, I did wrap myself with those robes you're wearing now over my
clothing, so no one suspected anything. I think I followed one of those ladies
who was serving the tea to a different part of the building. She went into the
kitchen, but straight ahead, at the end of the hallway, I saw a lone room,
quiet as a mouse. I had a hunch that was the place. So I sneak inside.

Hatta: Then what happened?

K: Sure enough, it was an office of some sort.  I saw some file cabinets and a
computer. I didn't know how to use the computer, so I ignored it. Since I knew
how the guy I was looking for looked, I decided to thumb through their folders.
Wasn't no pictures there though. Just inventory stuff. I saw some disks on the
table, so I pocketed it. I left the office. I thought I was home free.

Komatsu: So you made it back to your room and drank the tea yourself?

K: No. I didn't make it that far. While wandering in the hallway, I was
knocked over the head and fell unconscious.

Hatta: And now we're stuck here. They must think we're spies of some sort.
(yells) HELP! HELP! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!

K: 

[Back to the night before.  Hikaru comes back to her apartment from dance
session to change before going back downstairs again where Sugizawa is waiting
for her]

Sugizawa: You'd better hurry! We don't have too much time tonite.

(Hikaru rushes into her apartment and notices an odd, ornate package wrapped
in green. The card reads: To H.H. )

(She picks it up and begins to unwrap it)

and...

[End of Chapter B10: 3some]