PRELUDE

//      A reconstruction of events after the breakup to serve as background
        and explanation of present and future details in HARD |< O R.

                              by RoK
                              ver 1.0
           Send comments or flames to rok@uclink.berkeley.edu
                           Finished 4-1-96

[]:Scene changes
<>: Characters thinking to themselves
**: Special sfx

Shi: Hello Hokkaido

Part A:

Here I was at last. The land of Hokkaido, my birthplace. It has been some time
since I last set foot on this fresh earth. Of course, I visited my ojjisan and
obaasan here before, but it wasn't the same feeling as actually moving back
here.
        My grandparents had a really nice place indeed, right next to the sea.
They were nice, kind, friendly countryfolk, much like the locals around hee.
It was really a spectacular place! The breathtaking, scenic, panoramic view of
the shoreline; the crisp, clean, fresh sea air; and the organic, pure,
cornacorpia supply of food, abound and plentiful. Yes, this was wonderful. But
as much as I wanted to call this my new home, I still felt uncomfortable and
uneasy in this wonderland of delights. Despite how much my head was teling me
this place was great, my heart was not into it.  It alone knew the lonliness I
felt. Imagine feeling homesick in one's own homeland!
        But there was really no time for me anyway to slack off and enjoy
myself here. This wasn't a vacation now; I was going to be here for the long
haul. Instead, I had to quickly get up to speed and catch up with my academic
work in my new high school.  School was an institution that never changes no
matter where you go. A static, constant reminder of where your future lies.
Failure would shackle you to the lower caste of society. Success merely meant
you proceeded on to the next level of schooling. To me, it was a never ending
cycle of terror. As you can see, I'm not too keen on my studies.
        But studied I did. I had no choice in the matter. I was already way
behind as it is. So I spend the first week of classes attending informal
sessions with school administrators and senseis to straighten up my
paperwork and requirements, and to  get me adapted to the ciricullum and course
"homework."
        Yes, homework was the way of life for the Japanese student. Even
during summer vacation, we have to do homework. <It's to keep our edge!>
Unfortunately, since I was a transfer, I had to complete a different set of
homework. Lucky for me that I didn't start on my Kouryou High homework! <Which
I usual saved till the last week anyway> Otherwise, I would have just been
wasting my time.
        So my first two weeks in Hokkaido was non-stop work. The task ahead of
me was formidable: cram a summer's full of work into two weeks. Yet
surprisingly, I was up to the challenge. One all-nighter after another didn't
drain me as much as I thought. My physical fitness training helped here. Also,
helping was my clear mind and empty heart, enabling me to focus on my
coursework. <i.e. no distractons> I guess there was still hope for me!
        My first week in school wasn't as traumatic as I expected it to be. In
fact, it was quite boring and dull. They're weren't many well-defined
personalities around anyway in this staid atmosphere. All the students tend to
congregate into their own special little groups and talk about dry stuff. And
they seemed reserved and laid-back. What else did I expect in this secluded,
country-like area of Japan? It sure wasn't the fast-paced, action-packed city
life of Tokyo. It was quite the opposite: hardly any exciting places to hang
out. It got to the point that I missed Hatta and Komatsu's childish
antics. (i.e. peeping tom or panty raids, etc) And I would have to endure this
for the whole semester!
        The classroom material wasn't too stimulating either. My courses
consisted of the following: Creative Writing, English, Calculus, and History!
I hated history! But I had to fulfill some stupid social science requirement.
All these subjects bored me to tears. Subsequently, I sat in the back, hoping
to doze off into my nice afternoon "napping" sessions.
        How about friends? Did I make any? Nope. No duo cute babes to befriend
me this time. As I said before, everyone had formed into their own social
"caste". I was way too late to the game, being an unknown, "foreign" transfer
student from that "violent" city Tokyo. No one bothered to come over to talk
to me. I tried to initiate the first contact, like Madoka-san suggested, but
to no avail. They either turned away and walked away or just plain ignored me,
brushing me aside.

(Yuusaku walking down the hallway, and hears whispers)
Student 1: Hey, there's that Tokyo castaway over there.

Student 2: I know. He looks pretty mean and tough. He probably beaten a whole
bunch of people. That's what they say about Tokyo delinquents.

Student 3: I disagree! He looks like a wimp to me. Why else would he move
here? He probably couldn't cut it in the Tokyo schools, so he thinks he can
get a free ride here. They're are the same.

Student 4: Yeah. A punk or delinquent, take your punk. He's someone to stay
the hell away from.

And that was basically the response or behavior I received: the cold shoulder.

        So that was the duality of the Hokkaido lifestyle for me. Beauty, but
isolation.I could have transferred to another high school, but what's the
point? I would have received the same treatment. And I would then be further
behind in my studies. This was a make or break year for my academics and my
future. I couldn't flunk senior year! The prospects of being a ronin, a second
class citizen was dreaded by all Japanese students. I just had to handle being
treated as an outcast, a pariah for now in order to avoid the inevitable.

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Part B:
Sensei: It is good of you to stay late everyday this first week. You've made a
lot of progress in getting acquainted with the learning material. The extra
effort you're exerting won't go unnoticed!

Y: It what I should do anyway. I appreciate the extra time I was given to
finish the summer coursework.  If there is nothing more, I would like to go
now.

Sensi: One more thing.  Are you feeling comfortable here in the school? Are
you still having problems adapting? I've noticed that the other students have
shied away from you.  Please forgive my students. I'm sure they're come around
and welcome you eventually.  You just have to give them time.

Y: Please don't worry about it.  I know how it is; I would have behaved the
same way if I was them.  We Japanese don't tend to welcome outsiders too
warmly, even our own.  I'm a late transfer senior student. I would be
hard-pressed to socialize with my peers at this time. I just want to get
through this year and be done with it. Thank you for your concern.  I have to
go. Good day to you! (leaves hurridly)

(Walks outside into the courtyard to see a gang of boys cornering a rather
diminutive looking boy.)

Punk #1: There's the little shithead! We've been waiting outside for you for a
long time.

boy: Urr... Hello guys.  Long time no see.  What do you want now?

Punk #2: We want to beat the shit out of you, that's what!

boy: (backing away towards school wall) Why? What did I do?

Punk #3: You asshole! Trying to pretend you don't know!

Punk #2: You screwed up the summer work we turned in!

boy: What's wrong with it? Didn't I do the whole thing for you guys? You want
to beat me up because of that?

Punk #1: Baka! We all turned in the same copy! You were suppose to create 3
separate versions.

Boy: But you weren't suppose to copy it word for word!

Punk #2: Too late for excuses now! Now you die! (cracks knuckles) GET HIM!

Boy: Kya! (ducks under gasping arms of his assailants and starts to run around
courtyard to flee) Help! Somebody!

(runs into Yuusaku, who is about to walk toward his motorcycle.) Umph! Sorry!
Please help me! Those guys are out to get me!

<Triggers a Flashback...>
(On a street in Tokyo)

Bully: Hey! You're the new kid on the block, aren't you?

Little Y: Ummm... yeah.  Why do you want to know?

Bully: Ha ha ha! Just because I want to know, that's why. (minions cackle in
the background)

Little Y: Leave me alone! I'm going to buy candy now.

Thug #2: Ahh,... so you have money huh?

Thug #3: Good. Hand it over kid. (grabs Yuusaku's hand)

Little Y: Heeyyy! LET GO!

Bully: Not until we shake you down for all your money kid!

Little Y: Mommy! Help me!

"So  you pathetic fools have gone to picking on poor little boys now.  Not
very manly of you."

Thug #2: Hey! Who said that? (Everyone turns around)

Thug #3: It's just a girl. And her sissy looking boyfriend.

Bully: You 2 scram! Before we get you next.

Chiba Madoka: The nerve! How dare they call me a boy! Get ready to feel my wrath!

Thug #3: Ooooohhh!  (sarcastic) I'm soooooooooo scaarrrreeeeeddd!

Thug #2: Get lost, you little pipsqueaks!

Girl winks at Madoka: Humph! Pipsqueaks, huh? Well you boys asked for it!
Madoka, ... let's get im! Don't say I didn't warn you. (Both girls leap into
battle. Thugs release Yuusaku and they engage). Yuusaku cowers on the ground,
trembling and covering his eyes as the battle ensures)

( POP! KNOCK! CRASH! PUNCH! CRACK! SMACK! CRUNCH!)

"You may open your eyes now, little boy.  You're safe now."

Yuusaku opens his eyes to see the mystery girl looking at him. He looks across
to see an amazing sight. The troublemakers are all laying on the ground, on
top of each other, groaning and moaning after their ill-fated encounter.

"You're lucky we were here! They were really going to hurt you!

Little Y: (kneels on ground and starts to bow) Oh thank you kind misses so much
for saving me!

"Misses? We're not that much older than you.  I think you're overexaggerating!
Get with the program!"

Madoka: How old are you anyway?

Little Y: Seven, I think. I just moved here.

Madoka: I see,... you seem pretty small for your age. But girls develop faster
than boys, so you'll grow out of it.

"Well, we did our good deed for the day.  Let's go, Madoka-san!

Yuu: <So the big, tough, tomboyish looking one is named Madoka. But who's the
kawaii-looking girl who spoke up for me?>

Madoka: We can't just leave him here like this! You know those boys are bound
to take revenge on him.

"Darn! I never thought of that,...but what can we do?

Madoka: When we agreed to save him from trouble, he became our responsibility.

"So what are you thinking then?"

Madoka: I think he should stay in our company for a while, so those bullies
will think he's with us.  Then they will think twice before turning on him.

"What? I don't want to be bothered by taking care of a little, weak boy like
this! And our club's exclusive! You know that!

Madoka: He's the same age as you are! And you're the one who said we should
help that poor little kid.  Besdies, it'll be fun to have a "kid brother"
hanging around.

"Time out! Meeting, meeting. (girls huddle and chatter among themselves)

(Moments later...)

"Alright, kid. We've made our decision. Even though I don't like it, we
decided to let you temporarily into our club.  But it's only temporarly, so
don't be getting any ideas. And you better not be a pervert like all the other
boys!"

Little Y: Arigatou, big onee-sans!

Madoka: What's your name?

Little Y: Yuu-sa-ku.  Hino Yuusaku. I just moved here.

Madoka: I know.  You just said that.  Well please to meet you. New in town,
eh? Then we just have to show you around. Oh, by the way, my name is
Ayukawa Madoka and this is...

(interrupting) "Hikaru.  My name is Hikaru Hiyami.  Now let's get going...
before we get into more trouble!

Little Y: Hi-ka-ru! That is such a pretty name for a girl like you.
<I'll be in her debt forever!>

Hikaru: You think so? You might not be so bad after all...

[End of Flashback]

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Part C:
"Hey you! Over there! Hand over the nerd!"
(The boy is hiding behind Yuusaku, shaking with fear)
Yuusaku snaps back to attention from his brief flashback and focuses his
attention to the present situation at hand.

Y: You're talking to me?

Punk #1: Yeah, we're talking to you! You got a problem with that?

Punk #2: Hey,... aren't you that new retarded tranfer from Tokyo? What's the
matter man?  Couldn't hack it in the big-time? So you're going back to
preschool?

Y: It seems you guys have some learning to do for yourselves. Like potty
training.

Punk#3: Ooohh! Tough guy here wants to make a joke. (mock laugh) Ha ha. Very
funny.

Punk #2: I'm not amused! And I sure don't like his 'ape-assed' look! (makes
monkey sounds)

Y: Likewise. It looks like you three are doing well in at least one course:
Uglification.  Go back and thank your mommies for your sorry faces.

Punk #1: You've just insulted us! Wrong move buddy!

Punk #2: That does it!

Punk #3: We're going to kill them both!

(They converge on the two who are backing away)

(Yuusaku whispers to boy) Liten closely.  You stay back a few feet behind me
while I'll engage them.  Then go and run for help.

"Are you sure?  But what about you?"

Y: Don't worry.  I'll take care of the rest.

"I'm so sorry for involving you in this..."

Y: No need to apologize.  Those goons have to be taught a lesson anyway. Now
go!

Y: (to attackers) Come on! What are you waiting for?

(They rush at him: Yuusaku subdues his assailant to the right with a mid-range
chop hit to the chest, sweeps the guy to his left, and parries and punches the
guy in the middle in the stomach. They are clearly surprised at his skill;
they rush at him again, and again Yuusaku sends them to the ground. Still
reeling from the blows, the gang muster up another attempt to rush at him.)

"Enough already! Stop beating up my men!"

Punk #1: Ryo-san! you're here! Help us!

A large, intimating guy walks over from the gym exit and picks up each of his
men across the colar.

"What's the meaning of this?"

Punk #2: This guy here came and screwed with our shakedown of 4-eyes.

Punk #3: The nerd-boy managed to escape.  So we wanted to take our revenge on
him.

"You incompetant idiots!" (Slaps all 3 of them across the face in 1 motion!)

"I'll decided your punishments later. Now go! Before I get in a bad mood!"

(The startled punks pick themselves up and run out of sight)

(turns to Yuusaku) "Now it's your turn. You mess with my men, you mess with
me! Time to finish you off!"
(Raises fists to strike)

"You shouldn't do that, my dear!"

[Out from a covering reveals a rather curvacous, young sassy looking girl
walking towards them...]

"Kaori? What are you doing here?"

"To watch your tail, that's what! You forgot to tell me you were staying late
again.  I was waiting for you at our hangout."

"I had an extended practice session and lost track of the time. Now I'm going
to take care of this bakayaro here.  It won't take long...

Kaori: Not playing fair, aren't we?

"What do you mean by that?"

Kaori: I saw the whole thing.  This poor boy heroicly spent all his ki
fighting and beating up your lackeys. He ain't half bad with his hands at all.
Now he has to fight you at less at his best.

"I see your point.  Fine. I'm a honorable person. We're settle this in a fair
fashion. Tomorrow, Saturday, in the gym.  Be there! If you're ot, then I know
you're just a chicken-hearted, yella coward who should die in dishonor.
(turns to Kaori) Let's leave."

Kaori: One more thing. (walks over to Yuusaku) See ya later. (kisses her index
finger and runs it across Yuusaku's surprised cheeks)

The pair leaves. Yuusaku gets on his motorcycle and rides off.

Y: <This will be an interesting semester after all.>

(Boy returns to courtyard carrying a bat.)
"Hey! Where did everybody go?"


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Part D:

[In Calculus class, with Yuusaku sleeping again in the back]

*Tappng on Yuuskau's shoulder*

"Hey wake up!"

Y: What? Class started already? Sorry !

"Calm down! It's just me."

Yuusaku looks up from his desk to see that it is the guy he saved yesterday!

Y: Hey,... you're the guy I bumped into yesterday.  What are you doing here?

"I'm in this class. And I had the chance to properly thank you for saving me
yesterday.  Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Muroke Koji, 1st year.

Y: Huh? How can you be in this class? You're a freshman!

Muroke: I'm on an accelerated program. Some may even consider me to be a nerd.

Y: So that's why those guys were harrassing you...

Muroke: Yes. It's one of the curses of being so smart.  You're forced into
servitude by the bullies of the school, doing their work for them. And since
I'm skinny and weak, I can't defend myself;thus I let myself be takened
advantage of by them. As long as I do what they ask of me, then they won't
hurt me. Otherwise,...

Y:...they'll jump you like yesterday!

Muroke: Right.  What happened yesterday? I went to look for help, but when I
came back, no one was there.

Y: It was wierd! I managed to knock off the three punks who was trying to get
you. Then out of nowwhere, their leader-  some guy name Ryo comes out and
wants to get me.

Muroke: You mean Ryoga Kinsu, the school's karate champ? Wow! What happened?

Y: He's the school karate champ?

Muroke: Yep. Since he transferred in last year. He's one vicious delinquent.
Heard he's been in and out of half a dozen high schools already. Hookd up with
gangs too. And he has a police record! Seems that the only thing he's good at
is fighting. Now he's this school's problem.

Y: I see...

Muroke: So what happen afterwards? Did he fight you? Did you win?

Y: We were going to fight until some girl came out and stopped us.  I believe
he called out her name, ...Kaori I think.

Muroke: You probably mean Kaori Kinsu. She transferred in at the same time as
Ryoga. Seems she's a problem child too, though I don't know to what capacity.
I think they're cousins, but I'm not sure. So you didn't fight?

Y: No.  He acutally challenged me to meet him today in the gym so we can fight
it out there. I was planning to go but now that you mentioned he's the karate
champ in the school, then I'm not so sure...I'm only have a rank of 2-dan.

Muroke: I don't blame you. Don't go. I wouldn't want you to get hurt on behalf
of me. Fighting never ever solves anything anyway. I always try to look for the
peaceful alternative.  By the way, I didn't get your name.

Y: Yuusaku. My name is Hino Yuusaku.

Muroke: Well Yusaku-san. I am forever in your debt. Whatever you need, please
don't hesitate to ask me. If you want to find me, I'm usually found in the
computer labs. I hope we can be friends; I hope you have no objects to
associating with underclassmen.

Y: No,...of course not.  I could use any friend here...

Muroke: Good.  Looks like class is about to start. Talk to you later after class.

(During the boring lecture, Yuusaku's eyes wander aimlessly around the room.
He looks out the doorway to see a girl pass by)

Y: <WAIT A MOMENT! Wasn't that Hikaru-chan I just saw pass by? No way..., it
can't be! Must be my eyes playing tricks on me. It must be! My mind must be
suffering from some sort of delirum or what. I can't miss Hikaru that much,
can I? Alright, I do! Damnit! How can I concentrate now not knowing who that
girl is? I'm gotta get out of here...> (Raises hand)

Sensei: Yes Yuusaku-kun?

Y: I need to go to the bathroom.

Sensei: Go ahead. (resumes lecturing)

I sneaked out and proceeded down the hallway, looking through each of the
doorways of the rooms. No sign of that girl I saw. I went down to the end of
the hallway and looked out onto the courtyard. I scanned the whole premises.
Zip, zero, nada. Nothing. I guess I wanted to see something that wasn't there.
My mind, or rather my heart was playing tricks on me.

Behind me, a voice rang out:

"Now what are we doing outside idling around when we are suppose to be in
class making productive use of ourselves?"

It was the principal's voice!

Y: Gomen Naisai! I wasn't playing hookey if that's what you're thinking. I was
going to the bathroom and got lost. Honest! Really! (turns around to face
principal and bow for forgiveness)

It was there I saw her! Standing right next to the principal. It was really
her! In the flesh! Hikaru was here in Hokkaido!

[End of Prelude Chapter 4: Hello Hokkaido]