P r e l u d e

//      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
                              Finished August 26, 1996
           Send comments or flames to rk@ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu


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

Y=Yuusaku, Hino
H=Hiyama, Hikaru

ShiChi: Wairu

Part A:

<*Ring*>

"Mosh Moshi?"

"Hikaru-chan, dear. Is that you?"

"Yes, Mrs Yuusaku-ka-san. It's nice to hear from you again. Do you want to
speak to my okaa-san? "

"No, no. I rather want to speak with you instead. I was wondering if you had
any idea where my son might be at this time?"

"You mean he hasn't come home yet?"

"No, he hasn't, and it's not like him not to call back when he will be late.
He's such a good boy, but I'm afraid something terrible might have happen to
him. It's not safe for him to be out late himself, still being very unfamiliar
with this neighborhood."

"I'm sorry, but I really haven't a clue where he might be. I'm new here
myself and even I wouldn't go out alone. But there are some people I can call
for you to check around."

"Oh yes, please, if you may. Duomo arigotou. I'll get off now so you can make
your calls. Please call me with you have anything."

"I will. Good night to you."

"And likewise to you. Goodbye."

<*Click*>

(-Flashback-)
Hazy scene of Yuusaku riding off in his motorcycle with Kaori sitting behind me.

Y: I think it's time I take you up on your offer to show me around town.

Kaori: Ok. I know just the place...

(-End of flashback-)

I knew it. I knew there was something up with his strange, abusive behavior
this week. It was what I feared most: Yuu-kun falling in with the warui.
(wrong crowd) And that Kaori figure was the cause of all his problems!
Couldn't he see her for what she is? A delinquent who was up to no good. Who
skips out on classes, engages in scandalous activities, and worst of all: she
SMOKES! Why did he all of a sudden take an interest in her? Wait a moment,
what was I saying...I was like Kaori once. A delinquent,...lost and without
aim or direction...that was...until I met Kasuga. Then everything changed for
me. Was Yuusaku trying to do the same thing with her? Reform her from her
ill-gotten ways? If that was his true intention, then things would be different.
Maybe what me and Madoka was trying to teach him wouldn't be lost on him after
all. Then I would be finally proud of him. I have to admit that all my life,
Madoka and I have always looked after him like our bumbling little brother.
Despite his earnest efforts, he always seemed to be a failure at everything he
tried. Perhaps things will be different for him now, in this new environment
and setting. Without the pressures of city life bearing down on him. He was
trying to be more like Darling...good for him, doing the right thing. But even
then, I was still worried; I admit that I still had my doubts. Could he be as
strong as Sempai in reshaping this girl's life, or will he instead be corrupted
by her  ways? I had to assume the worst; he needed my help. He still needed me
to look out for him.

However, it really put a damper in my plans, for tomorrow was the school's
dance tryouts. It was for a play called 'Downtown Cats' which would be debuting
in the spring. So the whole fall was devoted to screening applicants, practice,
rehearsals, prop construction, etc. And I hoped to be among those to make the
first cut. I was practicing the whole night, doing ballet exercises and
standing and balancing on my toes like a ballerina. My okaa-san encouraged me
to try out as a means to get my mind off things and get more acquainted with
the school and this region. I secretly knew what she really meant. She knew
how devastated I was when Darling ungraciously dumped me. She thought that it
would help get my mind off him. At first, I thought she would be right, with
dancing helping me to slowly forget about him, but now I was afraid it would
have the reverse effect. My heart was filled with loniless and longing, and I
clinged to the hope that if I could dance the best I could, that he would
return to my loving arms. That he would attend my play after finishing his
grueling exams. He wouldn't be so cruel not to attend. And then when he saw me
after our long separation, he would be dazzled and enchanted by my performance
and return to me. Silly thoughts, I know, but it was what kept me going for
the time being. Now, I had to put those thoughts on hold; there was another
who needed my immediate attention.

Of course, this was Yuusauku's fault, as usual. First, he was suppose to pick
me up for school today, but of course, like the dullard he was, he forgot.
Luckily for me, this Ryoga guy just happen to pass by in his rough and tumble
motorcycle. I was not inclined to accept his invitation to hitch a ride with
him, because of the fight between him and Yuu-kun. But I was running late, and
I had to turn in my dance application that very day, so I said what the heck.
Of course, when I came to school, I saw how angry Yuusaku was for riding with
the him, but it serves him right! He was the  one who forgot to pick me up
today.

I took the crumpled piece of paper out of my pocket and smoothed out the
wrinkles. Within it revealed a phone number. Of Ryoga Kinsu.

"Here's my number babe. Call me anytime if you need anything. See ya!"

Yuusaku was with that delinquent girl and who better to know where they are
than another delinquent. Since they were peas from the same pod, he was bound
to know where they were.

"Yep. Ryo here. What's up? Hush Taki!" (Background of dog barking)

"Uh...hi there. This is Hikaru Hiyami,...the girl you drove to school
earlier today..."

"Ah yes,...I remember you. That's right. So you decided to call me after all.
You wanna hang out tonight?"

"Not exactly,...I actually called on behalf of my friend, Yuusaku."

"(growls) Oh, that cur....what about him?"

"He doesn't seem to be home yet, and his folks are worried about him. I saw
him last with your relative, Kaori, so I was hoping you knew where they might
be right now."

"Know where they are,(ha ha ha)...GOD NO! Haven't a clue, baby. But I have
some inkling. You wanna come along and check it out with me?"

"Umm,...it's kind of late right now..."

"Well I'll scope them out for you, but only on one condition."

"Condition? What condition?"

"That you'll go out with me some time..."

"Go out with you? Who do you think I am? I'm not that type of girl!"

"Hold it right there. You got me wrong. Just a friendly, clean date. I
promise."

"Oh second thought, I'll think I accompany you tonight instead."

"Great! Pick you up at midnight. See ya."

"Wait! I mean I'm doing this in lieu of that other proposition..."

(*Dialtone*)

"Damn! I hope he understood what I meant."

Part B:
[At the sleazy bar...]
Me and Kaori edged away as the three punks approached us with their knives
brandished. My heart was beating heavily with trepidation as I tugged at my
Buddhist amulet hung around my neck, as if praying for some divine
intervention.

<*Beep Beep, Beep Beep, Beep Beep*>
Kaori: Oh, my beeper. Gotta get it. You take care of 'em for you, 'kay?

She nonchalently edged away twoards the pay phone.

Kaori: No time to mess with you boys when I'm on the phone.

Y: Wait!  What about me?

Kaori: Do your thing like you did at the courtyard.

Y: <Is she talking about the same guy?>

Punk #1:  What a cocky bitch!

Punk #2: Fuck her man. I'll say we get her after we'll done with this asshole!

"NO FIGHT IN THE BAR!"

I looked up to see this huge, sumo-like bouncer who had been hiding in the
corner among the shadows.

Punk #3: Come on man. Wo weren't gonna do anything. We're just having a little
fun with the new kid, aren't we punk! (gives Yuusaku a shove in the shoulder)

Bouncer: Good. No fight inside. Only outside.

I clenched my fists in anger when that thug shoved me and was getting ready to
retaliate when...

"Never strike in anger when you can strike in calm better."

One of sensei's silly sayings. Or so it was. Didn't know what the hell he was
talking about at the time, but I figured now was not the right time to take
action. I just gulped angrily.

Punk#1: (Menancing stare) (*growls*) We're finish with you later! (punches
fist into hand)

I slipped back over my stool to take a sip of my drink. I didn't bother
to look at them. Screw them. Why did I even bother to come down here with
Kaori? Now it seemed like a bad idea.

Kaori: Miss me? Looks like they're gone. You sure drove them off on their
butts. What ya do?

Y: It wasn't me! It was that big guy over there...

Kaori: You mean Bruno? He's just a big lug. Being big is his strong point.
Makes him useful in a dump like this.

Y: So why did you run off like that?

Kaori: Had to answer my page honey. It was Ryo baby.

Y: That guy...(clenches fist) What does he want?

Kaori: Don't get a cow man! He just wanted to check up on me. It seems that
your "sister" was poking around trying to find where you were.  What a big
baby you are...(tweaks his nose)

Y: Hey! Cut that out! And what sister? I'm an only child.

Kaori: (Br-ha-ha-ha!) I'm talking that impish new girl, (*taps chin*) what was
her name...

Y: You mean Hikaru.

Kaori: Oh yeah. That's her. She sure acts like your big sister from what I saw
in the gym...

Y: She does? (sighs) Alas, I guess you're right. She does look over me. Say
let's get out of here. It's getting kind of late and I'm sure my folks are
worried sick about me.

(Kaori lights up a cigarette and crosses her bare, silky smooth legs)

Kaori: What? So soon? What's the big rush? The night is still young. Let's say
we use it to get to know each better. It's not everyday I get a night off,
right boss?

Boss: (Grr) Whatever. Just make sure you don't ignore the customers when you
ARE on shift.

Kaori: (puffs) Very funny. (whispers to Yuusaku) He really the slavedriver
around here, if you know what I mean.

Y: About that,...this isn't the part of town I wanted to get to be familiar
with. I was hoping for a shopping mall or park...

Kaori: Those places? They're so boring. I wanted to show you some place
excitin'. Besides, I bet you didn't expect this in a country-bumpkin area like
Hokkaido. I'm sorry you're disappointed.

Y: I didn't mean it that way...

Kaori: Forget it. Man, it doesn't matter to me. I have to work here and that's
that.

Y: But why? Don't you have family to support you?

Kaori: The only family I have is cuz' Ryo. I ran away from my folks long ago.
(puffs smoke in his face) Ryoga was already an orphan...lucky him,...nothin'
to tie him down. So I'm shackin' up with 'em.

Y: (takes another sip) I don't like him at all. Do you know he's a gang
leader?

Kaori: Of course! That's the lifestyle I'm into, wild and free. And you?

Y: I was hoping to escape this type of chaos when I moved from Tokyo.

Kaori: So you're from Tokyo, eh? I knew you were weren't from this province,
but I wasn't sure where exactly. So ya family must be real reich, being able
to move around like that.

Y: Me? Not exactly,...we had other reasons. Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not
some sort of playboy from Tokyo, but me and my folks get by. Just take a look
at my crappy bike and you'll know.

Kaori: (puffs another smoke ring) It does look well run-in. Anything more?

Y: Like what? There's really nothing to say about me...I'm just your normal,
average teenager. I've had a dull existance up until now, just working out and
practicing my karate.

Kaori: So what's up with you and that Hikaru girl of yours? Something up with
her?

Y: Me and her...something going between us...Hell no. <I wish!> There's nothing
going on. Like you said, we're just old acquaintances.

Kaori: Is that so...so you two from the same area?

Y: Well yeah, you can say that. I've know her since childhood. But that's
about the extent of it. She just likes to boss me around.

Kaori: Good! Then there's no competition for me.

Y: (dazed by alcohol) whatcha say?

Kaori: Oh nothing honey. Say, why don't I take you someplace special?

Y: (getting tipsy) Fine..., whatever...

Kaori: Steady now. This way...

[Ryoga and Hikaru riding on the motorcycle...]

H: Thanks for helping me out in this precarious situation.

Ryoga: Glad to be of service. Normally, I wouldn't be doing this for anyone,
but you're something else.

H: (ignores comment) You know where they might be?

Ryoga: Sure do. If I know Kaori, she'll be showing your friend around the
various nightclubs downtown.

H: So is it true what they say about you in school,...being in a gang?

Ryoga: Gang? (laughs) Is that what they call it? I prefer to call it my elite
"posse". Members selected by invitiation only. We keep the order around here.
At least in my territory on the east side. And I'm the head guy.

H: Order heh? From what?

Ryoga: Why from the other competitin' districts, that's who. They would
just love to get their hands on the hot bed of downtown, but of course that's
under my jurisdiction. No one dare messes with my group there.

H: Whose to say you're not just as bad as those other gangs?

Ryoga: Ooh! You're brutal babe. I prefer to think of it as the lesser of two
evils. If we don't control it, someone else and far worse than me will.

H: Why are you into such stuff? You don't sound too bad like other normal,
dense rejects.

Ryoga: Thanks babe. I'm flattered.

H: I'm sorry. It came out the wrong way. You could go places if you really
applied yourself.

Ryoga: Listen,...I've been in high school for 6 years now, and I'm not itchin'
to be sufferin' more. Gonna be glad to get my freedom.

H: So why do you go to school anyway? Couldn't you just drop out if you can't
stand it?

Ryoga: Can't officially. Would violate the terms of my parole. I wouldn't want
to get my butt back into the slammer. Now sit tight and watch this move as I
greet my people.

(Does a wheelie on his motorcycle as he passes the "red-light" district)

[Outside the bar...]

(Kaori carrying Yuusaku over one shoulder to his motorcycle)

Kaori: Boy, you're heavy!

Y: Gomen. I must of drank too much. Gotta drink some coffee...

(Emerging from the dark alley...)

Punk #1: So there's the happy couple. Been waitin' for you.

Punk #2: (slapping club) Yeah. We have a big surprise for you.

Punk #3: (wielding crowbar) Something to deliver a "jolt" into your system.

Kaori: Well I have a surprise for you guys. (slings Yuusaku over into the back
seat and winds up motorcycle!)

(*Brrrrrrr, Brrrrrrrrrr, Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!*)

Kaori: (riding off) Eat my dust, suckers!

Punk #1: After them! I'm not gonna fucked lose face by those two!

(The punks hop onto their bikes and the chase begins!)

Chase scene. Kaori veers the motocycle past several obstacles on the street,
barely colliding with them. i.e. garbage can, food cart stand, moving freight
truck. Finally, they get out on the open road and into the abandoned, old
industrial area. Kaori has lost them inside some warehouse until the bike
skips on a object and flies off into some cardboard packing boxes. Nearby
outside, we hear the sound of the trailing motorbikes in their pursuit.

Punk #2: They must be close. I saw 'em turn that corner back there.

Punk #3: They might be inside one of these abondoned buildings.

Punk #2: Let's try this one. (points to warehouse where Kaori and Yuusaku are
in)

Punk #1: Wait a minute. Over there at the headlight! There's someone coming
straight towards us.

Punk #2: Do you think it's them? What's up with that?

Punk #3: Tryin' to get away and now coming to us. Too easy.

Punk #1: It look like 'em. The guy and the girl.

(All three get off their bikes and approach the motorcycle brandishing their
weapons)

Punk #2: So you decided to finally stay and fight. Good. We plan to teach you
a good lesson.

"It's you three I'll be teaching the lesson to."

Punk #3: Hey! That's not the right guy.

Punk #2: Our business not with you. We were dealin' with another couple.
Move on and we won't hurt cha.

Ryoga: I'm sorry to inform you, but this is my territory, and thus I make it
my business.

Punk #3: Well, well,.. big talk from a nobody from you.  We're teach you some
respect.

Punk #1: Yeah buddy, you'll be sorry you interfered. Let's get 'em!

(All three rush him)

Ryoga neatly jumps off his bike, grabs the nearest iron pipe and neatly
disarms all three charging combatants in one smooth, slice motion.

Punk #2: Who the hell are you!?

"Kinsu's the name."

Punk #3: Oh no! Let's get outta here!

(All three quickly scramble to their bikes and flee off)

H: Wow, you were great! How you singlehandedly handled all three.

Ryoga: Nah, it's nothin'. They're just your common street punk with low
skills. Nothing to worry about.

H: But it's funny how they dashed off when they heard your name.

Ryoga: Let's just say I'm "legendary" in these parts. People around here know
not to mess with me.

H: Do you think they're here?

Ryoga: The bartender said they just left when we got there. And I saw these
punks driving off into the distance. If I know Kaori, she must have stirred up
trouble, so the way I figure it, they were chasing them. That skid mark
leadin' into this warehouse looks fresh. Let's check it out there.

H: Ok. You're the expert here.

(As they enter the dark warehouse, Hikaru takes out a mini-flashlight out of
her handbag and shines it around. She directs the light to some scattered
bunch of boxes. )

H: I think I see 'em!

Among the cardboard boxes, we Yuusaku and Kaori lying together, with his hands
firmly implanted on her breasts!

Kaori: (*moaning sounds*)

Ryoga: (bends over) Kaori baby. Just what the hell do you think you're doing?

Kaori: (opens her eyes) Ooh! Hi Ryo dear. Not nice to sneak up on us like that.

(Hikaru walks over and neatly picks the unconscious Yuusaku up in one motion
by the sleeve collar)

(*s-s-s-S-l-l-L-a-a-A-p-p-p-P!*)

Y: (*OWWWWWWWW*!) (Opens his eyes, and puts hand to cheek) Hikaru! What are
you doing here? And what did you do that for?

H: You know very well buster what you did wrong, you dirty-minded hentai! I'm
quite disappointed in your conduct.

Y: But what? What did I do?

H: Shut up and let's go home. You'll do your explain' later. (to Ryoga) Thanks
a lot for bringing me out here. You go ahead and take her home while I use
his bike.

Ryoga: Sure you're up to it.

H: Positive.

Ryoga: (to Kaori) Let's go babe. You should choose better next time.

Y: (oblivious to the whole situation after getting out of the bar)
What the hell just happened to me?

Part C:
[Back at Ryoga's place...]

Ryoga: (entering door) Hiya Taki! How ya doin'?

Taki: Bow Wow!

Kaori: Nice doggie!

Taki: Grrrrrr!

Kaori: Gawd! What a crazy mutt you have there.

Ryoga: Watch yourself. I wouldn't insult the dog if I were you. He could
easily get into your room and do stuff, if you get my drift.

Kaori: Yeah, who cares. I'll just lock my door next time.

Ryoga: That was a crazy stunt you pulled back there. What the hell were you
trying to accomplish gettin' in his pants for?

Kaori: Just wanted to make it interesting. You're not jealous are you?

Ryoga: Course not. Why should I?

Kaori: You're just as much of a pervert as he is. Don't think I don't know
about that peeping hole in the shower.

Ryoga: Now listen. I pay you to get information, not to wise up. Now what's
the scoop? Give me the goods on this guy. Is he our man?

Kaori: You're totally wrong about him! He just a shy, awkward, boring little
boy. He's not the guy you've suspected with the connection.

Ryoga: He could be lying to you, trying to fool you in front of that gang.

Kaori: Listen. I've been in these parts for as long as you have and I could
tell these guys were serious about hurtin' us.

Ryoga: Oh come on! They just put up a better show then what you'll used to. I
still bet he get some connection with them somehow. I could sense it.

Kaori: Hey, why does it have to be a guy? There's two new transfer students to
the school. Who's to say that Hikaru girl you were with is not the one?

Ryoga: No way.

Kaori: And why not? You think women are not capable of leading the "bad" life
as men are? I think she'll make the perfect snitch. Goody two shoes on the
outside, but secretly a mean hell-bitch on the inside who willing to sell
everyone out.

Ryoga: You lay off it! I'm telling you she's not the one and that's that.

Kaori: What? Are you letting your emotions affecting your judgement? Don't
tell me you got the hots for her?

Ryoga: Look here,...I'm keeping a eye on her my own way, just to cover our
bets. Besides, I figure we can get this Yuu guy to reveal his true colors once
I make the moves on his girl.

Kaori: That's not gonna work.

Ryoga: You have a better idea?

Kaori: As a matter of fact, I do.

Ryoga: Now what have you come up with in the hair-brained head of yours?

Kaori: You know the old saying about honey attracting more flies than vinegar.

Ryoga: Yeah, so what?

Kaori: I'll say you make a truce with the guy and get him to join your boys?

Ryoga: Him!? Never!

Kaori: Why? Still sore almost losing to him? Come on! If he indeed is the guy
you suspect, then what better way to get to him by making him part of your
team? He's bound to slip up somewhere if he indeed is the man.

Ryoga: On second thoughts, that might not be a bad idea. And I have the perfect
plan. I'll set up a "loyalty" test for him. If he is in any way affliated with
the other side, he'll tip them off and then we'll nail all of them!

Kaori: (wicked smile) I DO love the way your crooked mind works.

Ryoga: And you likewise. Let's get some sleep for tomorrow.

[End of Prelude Chapter 7]