Kimagure Orange College Episode 9 - Girls' Night Out [Cut to a slow pan outside Ayukawa's apartment. It's early in the evening, the sun painting the sky reddish as it sets for another night. Inside, music can be heard as Ayukawa dresses in front of the bedroom mirror. As she applies the finishing touches, she hears a knock on the door.] Ayukawa: Coming! [She walks over towards the door and looks through the peephole. Satisfied, she opens the door.] Keiko-san, come in! You're early. Kimura: [Nods] Un! Okaasan* said I have to be home before eleven o'clock, so I wanted to have as much time as I've got! *Mother Ayukawa: Right. [Both leave the apartment as Ayukawa closes and locks the door.] Let's go! Kasuga Narration: It was the first month of summer. While I was out camping with Katsu, Hayashibara, Saito, and Kasamatsu in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National park, Ayukawa and Kimura were meeting Akane and the Miyasato twins in Shinjuku for a night on the town. It was a chance for both of us to get to know some of our new friends better. Of course that was the idea... [Cut to the Shinjuku Train Station. Dozens of shops, restaurants and other facilities within the station entertain thousands of people on a weekend night. On the loading platform, hundreds of people are walking back and forth on the loading ramp as the train readies itself for its next destination. Amid the din, Ayukawa and Kimura make their way off the ramp.] Overhead announcer: Ikebukuro train disembarking...repeat...Ikebukuro train disembarking. Now loading for Shin-Okubo... Kimura: [Looking around with wide-eyed wonder.] Wow...look at this place; so big! Ayukawa: [A little surprised.] Eh? Have you ever been here before? Kimura: No...[Still looking around with wonder.] okaasan never took me. Ayukawa: [Leads Kimura to the exit of the train area.] Well, let's go. The others are waiting for us! [Cut to the Raven's Antique Pub. Akane, Yoko, and Yuko are sitting in the first level basement in front of the waiting for the next train.] Akane: [Looks at her watch.] When was their train suppose to arrive? Yuko: Any minute now. [Picks up the last piece of sushi and gulps it down.] Yoko: [Was reaching for that last piece.] Hey! Ayukawa: [Enters the pub and points.] There they are! Kimura: [Jumps up and down and waves.] Ya-ho! Akane: [Walking towards Ayukawa and Kimura.] Are you ready? Both Miyasato twins in unison: [Joining the group.] Let's go! [Cut to the Inuhanten Pit Inn night club. The basement locale shows it's age with the exposed pipes and bare concrete walls. A live band starts it's evening performance, as a combination of jazz and blues music can be heard from the outside on the street. Ayukawa, Kimura, Akane, Yoko, and Yuko each pay their cover and receive a drink coupon.] Akane: Good music...[notices the bare cracks on the walls.] but what's with this...decor? Ayukawa: This place has been popular for nearly 20 years. They just place more emphasis on their music than the atmosphere. Yoko: [Pokes her finger on the exposed piping.] Obviously... Yuko: Have you been here before Ayukawa-san? Ayukawa: [Nods.] Sure...[As they enter the club proper, it becomes increasingly difficult to engage in casual conversation. Ayukawa gestures towards the last of the empty tables.] Let's sit down! [They manage to work their way over to the empty table on an elevated section of the floor. As soon as they sit down, a waitress comes over to collect their drink tickets and initial orders.] Akane: I'll have a rum-coke. Ayukawa: Whiskey for me. Kimura: Me too! Both Miyasato twins in unison: Beer! Waitress: [Finishes writing the tab and closes the book.] Arigato gozaimasu, o-kyaku-sama*! *Thank you very much honored customer! Ayukawa: [To Kimura] Are you sure you can handle whiskey ? Kimura: [Look of surprise, then smiles reassuringly.] Oh don't worry! I've had sake before! Ayukawa: I've heard...Katsu made me promise to keep you from drinking too much. Kimura: [Looks a little hurt.] Hrumph! [A few minutes later the waitress arrives with five drinks on her tray. She carefully sets each drink down on the table, along with a listing of the featured drinks of the evening.] Waitress: If you need anything else, I'll return in a few minutes! [Bows and leaves.] Akane, Ayukawa, Yoko, Yuko, Kimura: [They raise their glasses and toast.] Kampai*! *Literally "dry glass"; traditional salutation or toast before drinking [As the evening progresses, and the drinks start to flow freely, the conversation starts to loosen up.] Yuko: ...said to me, "I'm going to be a manga writer when I grow up!" Che!* What a moron he was! *Mild Japanese expression of disappointment/irritation Akane: So what happened? Yuko: I told him to go to hell! I don't want a guy who's going to be a pauper when he grows up! [Calmer.] Anyway, there's a lot of fish in the sea. Kimura: [Longingly with a doleful look in her eyes.] But you're so lucky to have a boyfriend! [Eyes start glittering with romantic visions.] I want to find a boyfriend! I want to find someone special to be with me and spend our lives together! Yoko: Oh gawd...! You read too many novels. [Points to Kimura.] Well, don't get your head too high in the clouds. It's not all fun when your [Sarcastically imitating Kimura's romantic style.] "special someone" two-times you. Yuko: [Indignantly to Yoko.] Well that's not my fault! Akane: Oh don't start that again... Kimura: [To Ayukawa.] You and Kyo-chan are so lucky to find each other! Ayukawa: [To Kimura.] I guess we are. But why haven't you gotten a date yet? You're a nice girl; no one's asked you out yet? Kimura: [Shakes her head.] Okaasan and otoosan* wouldn't let me. They're always around to tell me what to do and where to go. I know they want the best for me, but sometimes I feel like they don't understand what I want. You know what that's like don't you? *Father Ayukawa: Well...[Looks away for a moment.] no, not really... Akane: [Tries to steer away to a less uncomfortable subject.] So how about those Giants? Ayukawa: [Suddenly notices someone on the other side of the music stage.] Oh shoot! Akane: What is it? Ayukawa: [Empties her drink, then sets the glass down.] My roommate. Yuko: So what? Is there something wrong with her? Ayukawa: I don't know. Most of the time she's arrogant and condescending. Occasionally, I get the feeling that she trying to make friends but doesn't know how. Kimura: [Gets up.] I'm going to go find out! Yuko: Hey! Ayukawa: Let her go. [With a trace of hope in her voice.] If anyone can get Ikemoto to open up, Keiko-san can. [With the pulsing music and flashing lights concealing her, Kimura slowly creeps up to Ikemoto's table. Ikemoto is slowly swirling her drink, letting the ice clink against the glass. A cigarette slowly burns as it sits on the ashtray. For several seconds, Ikemoto doesn't react to Kimura's presence. Then she firmly puts her drink down.] Ikemoto: [Irritated.] Alright, what do you want? Kimura: [A little surprised by Ikemoto's abrupt greeting.] I just wanted to see why you're so unhappy. Ikemoto: Oh yeah? [Looks at her condescendingly.] What makes you think I'm unhappy? Kimura: Most people smile when they're happy. [Sweetly.] And you looked kinda lonely sitting here by yourself. Ikemoto: [Quaffs the rest of her drink.] Maybe I want to be alone. Kimura: [Shakes her head.] No one likes being alone. Otherwise why would they come here? Ikemoto: [Starts to retort but is lost for an answer.] ... Ayukawa: [From behind Kimura.] I didn't know you came to places like this. Ikemoto: [Look of surprise for a moment, then puts her guard back up.] What do you mean by that? [Take a puff then extinguishes her cigarette in the tray.] Ayukawa: [Nonchalantly.] Not a thing. [Considers for a moment.] Why don't you come join us? You look like you could use the company. [Cut back to their original table. The next round of drinks are already on the table as Ayukawa, Kimura, and Ikemoto sit down.] Akane: [To Ikemoto.] So you're in finance. Any stocks you care to recommend? Both Miyasato twins in unison: [Lean forward to listen.] Ikemoto: [Condescendingly.] You don't have the money to make it worth it. Both Miyasato twins in unison: [Lean back with disappointment.] Che! Ayukawa: By the way, your mother called. She asked me to have you give her a call. Ikemoto: [Plainly not interested.] Whatever... Ayukawa: [Thinks for a moment.] I see...[Empties her drink.] That's it isn't it? Ikemoto: [Sets her drink down and lights another cigarette.] What? Ayukawa: She's your mother. You need your family. Ikemoto: [Rhetorically.] Is that so? [Takes a long puff, making Yoko and Yuko hold their noses.] I don't *need* anyone. I've got my own career and my own life. I've got financial security and stability in my life and I'll run it the way I see fit! Kimura: [Innocently.] Is that why Ikemoto-san's drinking alone? Ikemoto: [Almost chokes on her drink.] ... [Then gets up.] That's it, I'm leaving. Ayukawa: [Gets up.] Come on, let's go... Yoko: [Protests.] But it's only 8:30! We're not going home yet are we? Ayukawa: [Thinks for a moment.] Let's go to Dyson's Garage. It's right next door and the atmosphere is better for talking. Akane: [Gets up.] Oh well, sounds good to me! [The girls file out of the club and exit on the street. Ikemoto takes one last puff of her cigarette and tosses it carelessly into the ashcan by the exit. The cool night air blows away the feeling of intoxication.] Ayukawa: You know what I think? You need some excitement. Ikemoto: [Annoyed.] Yeah right...don't tell me what I need. Ayukawa: Just trying to break the ice. Ikemoto: [Coldly.] I like ice; leave it alone. Yuko: [Equally annoyed.] Well, you're not going to make friends with that attitude...or business associates either. Ikemoto: I can handle my business affairs just fine. Akane: [Shakes her head.] What a sourpuss...! Kimura: [Smiles.] Don't worry! Things will pick up! [Just as the get to the last lane of the parking lot, Ikemoto suddenly comes to a complete stop. She points to a vacant parking slot and screams.] Ikemoto: KYAAAA!!!! SOMEONE'S STOLEN MY CAR! Ayukawa: [A few seconds later to Ikemoto.] Come on, let's go file a report with the nearest koban.* [To Akane.] Why don't you get a taxi and we'll meet you shortly. *Small police outpost or police box. Akane: OK. [Cut to the street corner in front of the Isetan Department Store. Kimura, Yoko, and Yuko are seated on a bench while Akane tries to flag a passing taxi.] Akane: Shoot...seems like you can never get a taxi when you need to go anywhere. Punk1: Hey...you don't need a taxi. We'll take you where you want to go! Punk2: [Talks into the alleyway.] Check these ladies out, guys! [Around the corner, three more roguishly dressed guys come into view. To almost anyone, their intentions are obvious.] Kimura: [Brightly.] Really? Do you guys have a car? Yoko: [Threateningly.] Take it somewhere else you punks! Punk3: [With a mocking fearful expression.] Ohh...she a tough one! Baby you can be my woman! Punk4: [With a leering expression.] I'll take the cute little redhead! Akane: [To Kimura.] Get behind me! Punk3: [Grabs Yoko's wrist.] Come on! I'll show you a good time! Yoko: [Shakes her wrist loose.] THAT DOES IT! Yuko: [To Yoko.] Are you crazy, there's five of them! Yoko: I DON'T CARE! [Punches the punk in the jaw.] Punk3: [Coughs up a little blood and spits out two teeth.] WHY YOU LITTLE B****...! [Pulls out a switchblade and pops it open. The other members, seeing their comrade injured, pull out their weapons too.] Yuko: [Pulls Yoko back.] Well now you've done it! Akane: [Tries to keep Kimura behind her.] Oh shoot...we're in for it now! [As the punks step forward, suddenly the leader drops his knife and starts howling in pain while clutching his hand. Lodged in the back of his hand is a guitar pick.] Punk3: What the-? Ayukawa: [Stepping from around the corner.] Get lost you punks! Punk5: [Steps forward and reaches to grab Ayukawa by the shoulders.] Heh...come here little gir-! [Misses as Ayukawa sidesteps him.] What the-? [Has the wind driven out of his gut by Ayukawa's knee. As he pitches forward, she drives her elbow into his upper spine, causing him to fall unconscious.] Punk2: [Charges Ayukawa.] You're gonna pay for that! [Take a swing at Ayukawa. She blocks the blow, then delivers a knife hand to the bridge of his nose.] ARRGGHH!! [Drops to his knees as tears and blood hits his eyes.] Punk3: [Carefully pulls the pick free from his hand.] YEEOOWW!! Kuso...now you're gonna die screaming! [Starts to charge Ayukawa but is interrupted by Yoko.] Yoko: [Grabs Punk3 by the shirt lapels.] The only one who's gonna scream is you! [Pulls him forward and drives her knee between his legs.] Punk1: You're gonna pay! [Runs away.] Punk4: Yeah! We're gonna get you back for this! [Runs away.] Ayukawa: [After a few seconds of silence, she stands up and flips her hair back.] Come on let's go get another ride. Ikemoto: [Speechless from watching the fight.]... Yuko: [To Ayukawa.] Wow...you were awesome! Akane: [Nods and smiles.] Madoka-san's always great! Yoko: Mado... [Sudden flash of realization.] you're Madoka the Pick? Ayukawa: [Slightly embarrassed.] Well I haven't been called that in years. Yoko: I remember you when we were with th- Yuko: [Clamps her hand on Yoko's mouth.] Geez, don't tell them the whole sordid story. [As the rest of the girls wander to the next block to hail a taxi, Kimura dawdles behind.] Kimura: [Looks around to make sure that no one else is watching. Then she looks down at Punk3, who's just barely recovering consciousness, pulls down one eye and sticks out her tongue.] Beeee...! Ayukawa: [Grabs Kimura.] Come on! Kimura: [While being dragged off, waving to the punk.] Bye-bye! Punk3: [Wiping the blood from his nose, he reaches into his jacket and shouts.] I'M GONNA GET YOU FOR THAT! Kimura: [Trying to get Ayukawa's attention by pointing at what the punk pulled out.] Wow...is that a real g...? Ayukawa: [With understandable fear when she see what the punk pulls out.] Oh shoot...! [Quickens her pace and catches up with the other girls.] [Behind them, more roguishly dressed guys come out from the alleys. They quickly check on Punk3, who's still sprawled on the ground in pain.] Punk3: [Pointing at the girls.] Get them! Get those girls! [At his direction, several more punks come running towards the girls.] Ayukawa: Uh oh! We're in trouble now! Ikemoto: [Angrily to Yoko while running.] This is all *your* fault! Yoko: [Retorts while running.] My fault?!? I was saving our lives! Ikemoto: Don't do me any more favors! Yoko: Oh don't worry about that! Akane: [Points to a man starting his car.] Look! Over there! Ikemoto: [Waves her hand while running.] WAIT! PLEASE STOP! [They reach a cream-white Mazda 929 sedan, open the doors, and pile in, much to the surprise of the driver, who was just starting the car. As soon as the last person is in, they slam the doors.] Kimura: [Looking out with curiosity.] Oh look, here they come! Punk3: [From outside the car a short distance away and closing.] GET THEM! GET THEM! Ikemoto: [Frantically to the driver.] GO GO GO! [Calmly but quickly, the driver, a young man with black hair in his early thirties, pulls away from the curb, squealing tires as they go. Behind them, the street punks shout obscenities, as they helplessly watch the girls drive away.] Ikemoto: [With obvious relief.] Oh thank God you came along! Those guys were out of their minds! Driver: [Nods and smiles.] Always glad to be of help. [Tips his cap.] I'm Morita Takeo... you never know who you run into these days! Ikemoto: [Nods.] That's right! It's a good thing...[Stops when Yuko taps her on the shoulder.] What do you want? Yuko: [With apprehension in her voice.] Uhh...there's something I think you ought to know... Ikemoto: [With irritation at being interrupted.] What? Yoko: [With apprehension in her voice.] This man doesn't have any keys... Ikemoto: [Expression freezes.] Wait a minute! You mean... Akane: [Nods with a nervous smile.] He's a car thief and he's *stealing* this car... Ikemoto: [Slowly turns her head back towards Morita and looks at him with an inquisitive and fearful expression.] Tell me they're just kidding... Morita: [Looks at Ikemoto and winks.]... [After a few blocks...] Ikemoto: [As nicely as she can.] Look, just let us out anywhere and I promise we won't tell a soul about this. [Sees no response.] Akane: [To the twins.] I'll tell you she's losing it. Ikemoto: [Indignantly.] I am *not* losing it! [With an excessively deliberate manner.] I am in *complete* control! Both Miyasato twins in unison: [Nod to each other.] She's losing it! Morita: [Casually.] Look, it's going to be OK! I've just gotta drop this off, then you girls can go. I'm really a nice guy; trust me! Ikemoto: [Unable to believe what she's hearing.] Trust you? You're stealing someone's car, and taking us who knows where and you're asking us to trust you? Morita: [Shrugs and smiles.] Well, you gotta start somewhere... [After a few more blocks...] Morita: ...told me I had no future. [Clears his throat.] So there you have it; no job, no family. [Shrugs.] I wasn't any good at school, or sports, so the only this I could do was... Akane: [Tentatively.] ...steal cars? Morita: [Thinks about it, then nods.] Yeah I guess. That and a little work with running numbers. Ikemoto: [Fearfully trying to be friendly.] Diversity is good. Ayukawa: [To herself, as she tries to keep track where they are.] Have to bide our time if we're going to get out of this without anyone getting hurt. Morita: Ahh...here we are! [As they approach the warehouse, the front loading door opens. Inside, there are several cars in various stages of disassembly. Surrounding them are several working men. One of them comes up to Morita as he brings his appropriated car to a stop.] Working man 1: [With some agitation in his voice.] Hey, who's in the car? Morita: [Casually.] They got in the car as I was driving away...they're harmless. Yoko: [Angrily] HARML...?!? [Abruptly gets gagged by Yuko.] Working man 1: [Waves Morita in.] Let's take care of them inside. [Pan to the inside of the warehouse. As Morita pulls the Mazda 929 to a stop, several men converge on the car. Many of them are armed with pistols and rifles. A few of them are dressed in strict business attire. As the girls exit the car, work slowly grinds to a halt. The workers stare with curiosity, the old men in formal suits stare with suspicion.] Old man 1: [Gravely and seriously.] Who are these...girls? Morita: [Steps forward.] Umm...they came with me. [One of the other older men steps forward and slaps Morita hard across the face.] Old man 2: [Furiously.] What are you, stupid?!? They could tell people where we are! Kimura: [With a bubbly expression.] Oh, we wouldn't do that! That wouldn't be nice! Ayukawa: [Hopefully, but knowing the chance they're going to be believed is virtually nil.] That's right! [To the others.] No one will ever know right? Akane: [Trying to stay cheerful.] Right, you can trust us...[To the Miyasato twins.] right? Both Miyasatos in unison: [Nervously.] Un! Ikemoto: [Almost babbling.] You see you don't have anything to worry about; we'll just be on our wa... Old man 1: [Firmly interrupts them with some sarcasm.] Take the Sailor Senshi upstairs...[Coldly.] We'll deal with them after we've finished our deal... [As they girls are being escorted upstairs to the warehouse office, two eighteen-wheeler flatbeds pull into the warehouse with several cars are loaded on for transport. Among them is a black Nissan 300ZX, which provokes a reaction from Ikemoto.] Ikemoto: [Points.] MY CAR! [Cut to a dark office on the top level of the warehouse. There is a desk covered with loose papers and several locked steel file cabinets. Old cigarette butts and a half-empty bottle of sake sit on the desk. An old window-unit air conditioner is mounted by the skylight, and the ceiling shows some signs of water damage. Suddenly, the entrance door bursts open. Ayukawa, Kimura, Yoko, Yuko, Akane and Ikemoto are rudely shoved into the room by an armed guard who then closes and locks the door.] Ikemoto: [Stumbles into the room.] Oh my God, this can't be happening to me! Akane: [Obviously enjoying Ikemoto's inability to handle her predicament.] Yes, it's just not your night is it? Kimura: [Offers a roll of chocolate-covered banana-nut morning candy to Ikemoto.] You want some candy? It'll make you feel better! Ikemoto: [Snaps sarcastically.] I'm standing in a locked warehouse with a bunch of armed thugs outside stripping my car for parts and you think a little candy going to make me feel better? Kimura: [Hopefully.] Well, it won't hurt. Ayukawa: [Looks out between the bars.] Look! [Watches as they drive away a flatbed truck with several cars on it; Ikemoto's 300ZX being one of them.] Yuko: [Dejected.] Well, that's it! You're not going to see it again! Who knows where's it's going now? Akane: Just a minute. [Picks up a book off the table. The book has several entries in rows like a ledger, but the entries are made in seemingly random Romanized lettering.] Take a look at this! Yoko: [Looks over Akane's shoulder with confusion.] Looks like gibberish to me! Ayukawa: [Looks over Akane's other shoulder.] Looks like code to me! Yuko: [Shrugs.] Who know what it says? Kimura: [Looks under Akane's arm.] It says "Nissans to Roppongi..." Ayukawa: Well that's a good guess but...[Stops suddenly and looks down at Kimura.] What did you say? Kimura: [Smiles.] I said they're moving Ikemoto-san's car to Roppongi! Yuko: [Look of disbelief.] You...can read this stuff? Kimura: [Brightens.] Oh sure! It's using a 56-bit, dual-prime encryption key code with a XOR random 2-bit table for a single logical right rotation sequence. [Pulls out the police report.] I took a guess that Ikemoto's car would be one of the last couple of entries, and compared the auto registration number with the last few entries on all the columns. [Points to one of the entries.] That's it right there. Once I found the key, I reversed the logic and reread the numbers on the destination column here [Points to the last column of numbers.]. The numbers stop being readable here, [Points to the entries above the last seven entries.] so they must have changed the sequence sometime today. Ne? Ayukawa, Akane, Yoko, Yuko, Ikemoto: [Absolutely stupefied looks on their faces.] Ahh...hai. Ayukawa: [To Kimura.] Are you sure about this? Kimura: [Nods and smiles.] Un! [Blushes admittingly.] Well...ninety-seven percent sure; plus or minus zero point five percent. Ayukawa: [Still somewhat in disbelief.] Ahh...it'll do Keiko- san. [To herself.] Well now I know why Kasuga-kun hasn't asked for any help with math this semester. But for now, [Starts looking around.] we gotta find a way out of here. Yuko: [Following Ayukawa's gaze. Then points up to a water- damaged hole high up on the ceiling.] What about that? If one of you can give me a lift, I think we can fit through there. Ikemoto: [Shakes her head vigorously.] You gotta be kidding! That's almost four meters up! Akane: [Sarcastically.] Your point? [Cut to the top of the warehouse. The warehouse's roof is made of corrugated metal, with steel beams inside as a support structure. On the main beam of the structure, Ayukawa surveys the roof area and points at an opening at the other side of the warehouse roof.] Ayukawa: See that ventilation fan? We'll go out and drop down the side. [Points back inside the office.] Get that chain. Yuko: [Grabs a chain wrapped around the rafter and climbs up after Ayukawa.] Hai. Yoko: [Climbs up after Yuko.] Are you sure about this? Akane: [Climbs up after Yoko and looks at the steel girder.] Are you kidding? That's thing's practically a balance beam! Ayukawa: Just don't look down! Ikemoto: [Climbs up after Akane and looks down.] Oh God...I think maybe I could use that candy! Kimura: [Climbs up after Ikemoto and whispers to Ikemoto with gleeful excitement.] This is just like gym class...! Ikemoto: [Unable to believe what she's hearing or doing.] They don't point guns at you in gym! Ayukawa: [Reaches the ventilation fan and looks out the air vents, which are unfortunately, too small.] Shoot! Yuko: [Right behind Ayukawa.] Now what?!? Yoko: [Right behind Yuko.] We gotta find another way out! Akane: [Fearfully behind Yoko.] I don't think so...[To Ayukawa.] We're in trouble! Ikemoto: [Sarcastically.] What a revelation...! Akane: No I really mean it! [Points down. From the warehouse floor, Morita is looking directly at them.] Yuko: [Fearfully to Ayukawa.] What now...? [Morita looks left then right and notes that no one is paying any attention to him. He then looks up and discretely points to one of the rear upper corners of the warehouse.] Ikemoto: [Look of disbelief.] What th...? Yoko: [To Ayukawa.] Do we trust him? [Morita winks.] Ayukawa: [Firmly, but still whispering.] Hai! We don't have much choice anyway! [They reach the end of the warehouse. One of the panels in front of them is loose and flapping with the gentle evening breeze.] Yuko: [Looking over Ayukawa's shoulder.] What now? [Gives her the chain.] Ayukawa: [Ties it to the steel supports in the warehouse roof, but the chain comes up about 5 meters short from the ground.] Jump! Yoko: [Look of fear.] Down there? You gotta be s***ting me! Ikemoto: [Hisses.] Watch your mouth! Yoko: [Look of disbelief.] Watch my mouth?!? You gotta be s***ting me! [Ayukawa climbs down the chain and drops the rest of the distance, falling and rolling deliberately to absorb the shock. As the others drop, she helps them up. After taking a moment to get their bearings, they head towards the street and hail a taxi.] Taxi driver: [Pulls up.] Where to ladies? Ayukawa: [Getting in along with the others.] Higashi-Nakano station and hurry! COMMERCIAL BREAK [Show a picture of Ranma sitting at a dojo with martial arts training equipment in the background. His name is written with white lettering on a red box.] Ranma: [Picks up his shoe and shows it to the audience.] Ryouga doesn't know about this yet... but this is the new Reebok all- purpose pump athletic shoe. It's got a lot of new features like this extra... [Cut to a picture of Ryouga sitting on a log in the middle of the forest. In the background, several shattered boards and other practice dummies have been set up. His name is written with white lettering on a blue box.] Ryouga: [Holding the same shoe and picking up on Ranma's dialog.] ...support in the heel. The air pump fills the shoe bladder, insuring a form-fitting custom fit. The extra comfort is a real asset... [Cut back to Ranma.] Ranma: [Picking up on Ryouga's dialog.] ...when maximum traction and comfort is needed. It's not available to the general public yet...[evil smile.] but I've got it right now! Because Reebok ... [Cut back to Ryouga.] Ryouga: [Picking up on Ranma's dialog.] ...really wants me to win... [Cut back to Ranma.] Ranma: [Picking up on Ryouga's dialog.] ...at Barcelona! Voiceover: Come watch as Japan's best square off to decide who will capture the title of world's greatest martial artist! Ranma: Heh...heh...he... Ryouga: ...eh...heh...heh... Ranma's shoe: [With a finger pressing the air bladder.] Ryouga's shoe: [With a finger pressing the air bladder.] Voiceover: To be settled at Barcelona! [Writer's note: Standard Disclaimer.] END COMMERCIAL BREAK [Cut to Higashi-Nakano train station. As the door to the passenger compartment opens, the girls scramble on board.] Ikemoto: [Sitting down with fatigue.] Well this is a fine mess we've gotten into! Kimura: [Hopefully.] Well it could be worse. Ikemoto: [Sarcastically.] Oh really? I've had my car stolen! We've been assaulted, kidnapped and locked up! So here we are on the late train chasing after car thieves! It can't get any worse than this! Akane: Well...[Leans back with fatigue.] the night is young! Ikemoto: [Searches her purse and sighs.] On top of everything, I am dying for a cigarette! Ayukawa: You shouldn't smoke. Ikemoto: [Harshly.] What do you know about smoking? Ayukawa: [Looks Ikemoto straight in the eye.] Trust me on this! [Cut to Roppongi subway station. Even at this late hour, there are a large number of people milling about the station as they board and disembark a large number of trains passing through.] Ayukawa: [Getting off.] Well here we are. [Looking a little dejectedly.] Not that it'll do us much good since we don't know where in Roppongi those guys are taking the car. Girl: [Nonchalantly.] You girls look a little lost. Akane: We're not lost. We just...took a couple wrong turns this evening. [Akane looks the girl over. She has flame-red hair, braided to one side down her shoulder. She's tall and slender, with her figure even more accentuated by a fancy dress and some jewelry. In addition, the confidence and sense of familiarity she displays says that she spends a lot of time in this area of town.] Yoko: I'll say... Girl: I'm Hoshino Emiko. [Extends her hand.] Kimura: [Steps forwards and beams a bright smile.] I'm Kimura Keiko! This place is so cool...[Looking around with wide-eyed wonder.] just like a romance novel! Hoshino: [Somewhat surprised by the greeting, then turns to the others.] She doesn't get out much, does she? Ayukawa, Akane, Yoko, Yuko: [Shake their heads.] Uhh...no. [Just then, the station lights begins to power down; signaling that the trains were no longer running.] Kimura: [Notices the clock.] Oh my gosh! It's already past midnight! I was suppose to be home an hour ago! Ikemoto: [Condescendingly.] Well you're not going to make it. Kimura: [Pleading.] But my parents are going to worry! Ayukawa: Sorry Keiko-san, we don't have a phone! Hoshino: Here, [Hands Kimura a flip-down mobile phone.] you can use mine. Ayukawa, Akane, Yoko, Yuko: ... Kimura: [Takes the offered phone.] Thank you so much! [Dials a number, then puts her ear to the phone.] Hello? Otoosan? It's Keiko! [Listens.] Well I know it a little late, but we've had some problems...[Listens.] Eh...? Well, Ikemoto-san's car got stolen then we got attacked by some guys on the street. So we got into another car, but there was this guy who was stealing it, so we ended up in a warehouse full of cars. They were going to lock us up, so we ran away. Then we took the next train to get her car back...[Listens.] Eh...? Where are we now? Well, [Looks at the station destination sign.] I think we're in Roppon...[Stops to listen.] Otoosan...why are you crying? Yuko: [Smiles with amusement.] I'll bet he's crying. Yoko: [Turns around with disbelief.] I'm not hearing this! Akane: [Listening in.] Are you kidding; this is better than watching video dating! Ikemoto: [Annoyed.] We're wasting time! Ayukawa: Shh...let her finish. Kimura: [Still on the phone.] ...well I don't know when...[Pauses.] Okaas... [Jerks the phone away from her ear. As soon as the volume drops to a listenable level, she puts the receiver back to her ear. As she listens, her eyes get a doleful expression.] I'm sorry okaasan. I'll be home soon...[Looks at the other girls' expressions, then adds.] I think. [Listens.] Yes I'm staying out of trou...uh, just a sec...[Taps the interrupt switch on the phone.] Hello? Eh...? [Listens.] Bakku*? I don't unders... * Hoshino: [With an exasperated voice.] Gimme that! [Takes the phone away.] Hi it's me! [Listens.] No I can't do bakku with you right now! [Listens.] No you've never seen her before. [Listens.] I can't tell you her name. [Listens.] No she's not available. [Listens.] Well, yes she's cute, but she's not your type. [Listens.] Yes I'm sure, trust me. I'll get back with you. [Taps the interrupt switch and give the phone back to Kimura.] Here. Kimura: [Puts phone to her ear.] Okaasan? [Listens, then brightens.] Oh that was Hoshino-san! She's very nice; she's letting me use her phone! [Listens.] What does she do? Just a sec...[To Hoshino.] Okaasan wants to know what you're doing here at this hour. Hoshino: Well...[Whispers into Kimura's ear.] Kimura: Really? [To the phone.] She says she's a call gir...[Jerks the phone away from her ear. For several seconds, everyone present can hear the tiny speaker's garbled speech. Slowly, Kimura puts the phone back to her ear and listens.] He's what? [Listens, then gets a confused look on her face.] I don't understand...why is otoosan lying on the floor? Akane, Yoko, Yuko: [Burst out laughing as they are unable to hold it in any longer.] BHAHAHAHAHAH... Ikemoto: [With exhausted resignation.] You need to teach this girl the facts of life Ayukawa-chan. Ayukawa: [Covers her mouth as even she can't suppress a smile.]... [Then to Hoshino.] Thank you for your time! Hoshino: [Nods and smiles.] Sure. Take care of yourselves; and [To Kimura.] just be yourself and whoever you find...he'll be special just being with you. Kimura: Thank you ...[Takes her hand.] for everything! Hoshino: [As the girls are leaving.] Oh by the way...[Slips Kimura her phone number.] let me know how your search turns out! Kimura: [Nods and smiles.] Un! [Cut to the street. There's noticeably less activity in the city business districts. The night life establishments however are just beginning to pick up steam.] Yuko: Where do we go now? Ayukawa: I...don't know. [To Kimura.] Did that ledger say anything about where they were taking the cars? Kimura: Just that there was suppose to be a lot of cars going there. Also something about a meeting. Ayukawa: Any streets or buildings? Kimura: [Shakes her head.] No. Yoko: Then I guess we're stuck. Unless we get ridiculously lucky... [Just then, a new Toyota Camry pulls up.] Driver: [Rolls down the window.] You girls need a lift? Ikemoto: [Points nervously and turns pale.] It can't be... Ayukawa: [Look of total disbelief.] Not you again...?!? Akane, Yoko, Yuko: [Shaking their heads.] Here we go again... [Cut to a few blocks away...] Morita: ...told me the deal was off! So there I was, with two cars without a buyer and four cops ready to run me in for grand theft. [Sighs and smiles.] It's moments like that that make life worth living; frozen moments in time where everybody there's just waiting to see what happens next... Kimura: [Wide-eyed, believing every word.] So what happened? What did you do? Morita: I looked them right in the eye and winked. Yoko: [Cynically, not believing a word.] Oh spare me... Morita: [Admitting to Yoko.] Then they proceeded to beat the living crap out of me...Took me nearly a week to get back on my feet. [A few blocks later, Morita pulls to a stop at a secluded alley next to Mamiana Park.] Morita: The place you're looking for is a few blocks that way. [Points.] Ayukawa: Thanks. Hopefully we can take care of it from here. Morita: Good luck. Ikemoto: Just a minute...[Looks Morita right in the face and with a calm, deliberate manner.] Would you happened to remember if you came upon a black Nissan 300ZX tonight? Morita: [Shrugs.] I don't know, there were so many ton- Ikemoto: [No longer calm, grabs him by the shirt and shakes.] DID YOU STEAL MY CAR OR NOT?!? Morita: [Calmly.] Would it make any difference to you right now if I had? Ikemoto: [Taking moment to consider it, then calms down.] I guess not... [Cut to the warehouse. As Ikemoto, Kimura, Yoko and Yuko examine the warehouse and the cars coming in and out, Ayukawa takes Akane to one side.] Ayukawa: [To Akane.] Just how many people can you... Akane: [Picking up on Ayukawa's insinuation.] Maybe two at a time. I might be able to do three, but I've never done it before. [Looks inside again.] But there're too many people in there! I'd never be able to... Ayukawa: [Reassures.] Don't worry, I'll take care of that! [They both return to the others.] Akane's going to take care of the car; let's go. I have a plan. Yoko: [Points to Akane.] She's going to take care of those guys by herself? Ikemoto: [Worried.] I hope you know what your doing... Akane: [To Kimura as she's about to stick a piece of candy in her mouth.] You still have that candy? Kimura: [Looks in the box, then holds up the piece she has.] This is the last one! Akane: [Insistently.] Split it! Kimura: [Nods and smiles.] Un! [Splits the piece in half and hands it to Akane.] [Cut to a few minutes later. Ayukawa, Yoko, Yuko, Ikemoto, and Kimura stealthily make their way around the side of the warehouse.] Ayukawa: [To the guards in the warehouse.] Hey you guys! What do you think you're doing? Guard1: HEY! [Gestures to the others in the warehouse.] GET THEM! Yuko: [To Ayukawa.] What do we do now? Ayukawa: [Takes off.] Run! Ikemoto: [To Ayukawa in disbelief as she starts running, drawing most of the personnel out of the warehouse.] This is your plan?!? [Cut to the inside of the warehouse. There are several cars in various stages of disassembly. A few Porsches and Mercedes sit side by side with several makes of Nissans and Mazdas. In one corner of the warehouse, a brand-new limited edition Aston-Martin comes rolling out of the painting oven, repainted with a bright neon lime-green color.] Akane: [Almost loses concentration looking at the awful paint job.] Oh gawd...these guys really are crooks! [Looks despondently at the car.] What a crime... [She casually walks into the warehouse, shifting into a car worker as she comes into view of a couple of mechanics.] Mechanic1: [To Akane.] Hey you! Get that hydraulic press would you? Akane: Uhh...sure! [Pulls the lever, lowering the car to the ground level. She points towards Ikemoto's Nissan, still loaded on the trailer.] What about tha...those cars? Mechanic1: Boss says they're being sold to some buyers coming later tonight. They stay where they are. Akane: [To herself in frustration.] Shoot! How am I supposed to get Ikemoto's car off that truck? [Think for a moment.] Hmm...truck... [Cut to a nearby alley. Ayukawa, Kimura, Yoko, Yuko and Ikemoto are running down the alley. Behind them, several armed thugs are in hot pursuit.] Thug1: [Points at the girls at he rounds the corner.] OVER HERE, GET THEM! Ikemoto: [To Ayukawa while running in near panic.] What were you thinking? Yoko: [While running.] You know I didn't think I'd ever say this but Ikemoto-san's got a point...what now? Ayukawa: Just trust me! [To herself.] Come on Akane, don't let me down! [They come out of the alleyway, only to find themselves in the middle of the street with no cover.] Thug2: Now we got you! [Just then, the sound of a large truck interrupts the confrontation, its horn announcing its presence. Behind it, several fancy cars are rocking against their restraints on the trailer. The thugs all dive off to one side of the street as it barrels through them. The girls all run to the other side of the street, then run alongside as the truck slows to running speed.] Ayukawa: [Shakes her head when she sees who's driving the truck.] This can't be happening... [The girls manage to grab hold and scramble on board. Once they are all in the cab, Akane steps on the gas pedal, leaving the thugs in the exhaust.] Ayukawa: [Flabbergasted.] This is not what I had in mind! Akane: [Excitedly while driving.] Sorry, it's the best I could do! [As they pull away into the expressway, Akane's driving is causing several cars on the road to go scrambling for cover. Behind them, the thugs get into their cars and give chase.] Yoko: [Looking behind them.] We've got company! Ayukawa: [Concentrating on the road in front of them.] How many? Yuko: [Apprehensively.] Uhh...all of them I think! Kimura: [Points to the front.] Oh look! A tunnel! Ikemoto: [Near panic.] Change lanes! We'll never fit! Akane: [Insists.] Yes we will! Ayukawa: Akane! There are cars on the top of the trailer...we're no...[Interrupted by the sound of a car being crashed off the top of the trailer, blocking the tunnel entrance.] Ayukawa, Yoko, Yuko, Kimura, Ikemoto: KYAAAAAAA!!!! Akane: [As soon as they clear the tunnel entrance.] There, see? We make it! Ayukawa, Yoko, Yuko, Ikemoto: [Stare at Akane with looks of disbelief.] ... Kimura: This is cool! [Cut to the entrance of the tunnel, now blocked by a now-wrecked Lexus.] Thug1: [Coming to a stop and gets out.] Kuso...where does this come out? Thug2: [Gestures to the other cars.] Go around! Let's go! [Cut to the other end of the tunnel. Akane pulls the truck to a stop and they all get out. They release the car restraints and open the Nissan's door and get aboard. As soon as the car is clear of the trailer, Ikemoto guns the engine and drives out the tunnel.] Ikemoto: [While driving.] This is *all* just a dream...[Calmly.] That's right; I'm going to wake up any second now... Ayukawa: [Sitting in the front passenger seat.] They were right...you are losing it. Ikemoto: I AM NOT LOS...[Sees waiting cars on the other end of the tunnel. Among them is another car transport trailer, with the upper level loading ramp down. Seeing this, Ikemoto gets a determined look on her face.] OH NO YOU DON'T! [Cut to the end of the tunnel. Several thugs await calmly, with one man in business attire standing to one side watching the operation.] Businessman: As soon as the car is loaded, take it back to the shop. We've got a buyer who's expressed interest. Thug1: [Bows briefly.] Hai! [To Thug2 as he continues to watch the oncoming Nissan.] As soon as they stop, take the girls back with warehouse. Thug2: [Points at the Nissan as it continues to close at high speed.] Uhh...boss? [Cut back to Ikemoto's car.] Ayukawa: [With a concerned look on her face.] If you don't slow down now we're not going to be able to stop! Ikemoto: [Downshifts to pick up more acceleration.] We're not stopping! Ayukawa, Akane, Kimura, Yoko, Yuko: We're not? [The Nissan speeds between the parked cars, causing everyone to dive out of the way. The tires hit the trailer loading ramp, as the car goes to the top of the trailer. Once it reaches the end of the trailer, it flies over the cab in mid-air.] Ikemoto: [As the car flies through the air.] I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M DOING THIS! Ayukawa: [As the car flies through the air.] OH MY GOD! Akane: [As the car flies through the air.] THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING! Both Miyasatos in unison: [As the car flies through the air.] WE'RE GONNA DIE! Kimura: [As the car flies through the air.] THIS IS FUN! [The car lands hard, it's wheels hitting the ground squealing. After fishtailing a few times, momentum straightens the car as it streaks away from the thugs.] Kimura: [As soon as they land.] Can we do that again? Ayukawa, Akane, Ikemoto, Yoko, Yuko: [In unison.] NO!!!! Thug1: [Gets into one of the cars.] Turn around! Turn around! Driver: S***...! [To Thug1.] The car jammed the trailer too hard! The winch is jammed! We can't turn around! Thug1: [Slams his hand on the steering wheel.] Chikusho! [Cut to later that night. Ikemoto drives the car into a parking lot of an all-night yakitori-ya*, and shuts off the engine.] *A place that sells yakitori; small shish-kabob-like servings of Japanese-styled barbecued chicken and vegetables served on metal or bamboo skewers. Ayukawa: [To Ikemoto] You know, I'm starting to understand why you've been so uptight all night...[Smiles.] This is a great car! Ikemoto: [Faints.] ... [Cut back to Ayukawa's apartment complex. The black Nissan 300ZX pulls up into the assigned parking lot and comes to a stop. After shutting off the engine, Ikemoto leans back in exhaustion.] Ikemoto: [Absolutely drained of energy.] This has been the most unbelievable night in my life! Akane: [Smiles, but equally exhausted.] Yeah...but it sure was fun wasn't it? Ikemoto: [After a long pause, she smiles.] Well...yeah. Kimura: [Bubbly.] Can we do it again tomorrow night? Ikemoto: [Ponders for a moment, then shakes her head.] I don't think s- [Just then, the car phone rings.] Phone: Rrrriiiinnnngggg...rrrriiiinnnngggg... Ayukawa: [Picks up the phone.] Hello? [Listens.] It's for you. [Hands the phone to Ikemoto.] Ikemoto: [Takes the phone.] Hai? That's me...[Shoots straight up in her seat.] WHAT DO YOU MEAN I LEFT MY PORTFOLIO IN SHINJUKU!?! Ayukawa, Akane, Kimura, Yoko, Yuko: Oh...boy...! [Slowly pull back from the frozen scene. In the black background, the viewer sees a photo of the girls sitting in the car with expressions of exhaustion and disbelief.] END CREDITS New Characters Designer/Writer Stephen Tsai Co-writer/plotter Andy Combs Doujinshi Artwork Tony Jung Pre-readers Ravi Konchigeri Jim Ramberg Robert DeLoura Christian Gadeken Jeff Yang Peter Van Overen Pascal Janin Very special thanks to Hitoshi Doi A tip of the hat and a deep bow to Matsumoto Izumi for starting the whole thing. For the new readers: I'll be doing character profiles, major location descriptions, and situation updates on a rotating basis for each episode. If there is a particular character, place or event that you would like to know more about, and it is not being covered, don't hesitate to email me and I will send you either a note or a copy of the episode it is introduced. Focus on Ikemoto Sachiko [Introduced in Episode 1]: Ayukawa's roommate, Ikemoto is a recent graduate in Business Administration. After graduation, she accepted a position with a financial trading company, where she works as a financial entry-level manager. Although she demonstrates considerable skill in finance, her materialistic and condescending personality has earned her very few friends. The few that can (or have to) tolerate her are often even more put off by her obsession for order and neatness. As a result, although she is financially successful, Ikemoto lives her life as a lonely person. Visual Description: Tall young professional woman with flowing black hair. She has a look of confidence that borders on arrogance. Close anime comparisons include (but are not limited to) Sakura from Urusei Yatsura, Kunou Kodachi from Ranma 1/2.