H A R D |< O R interlude Edition 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 ver 1.0 Finished 8-24-98 Based on characters from the Kimagure Orange Road Series created by the venerable Matsumoto Izumi. As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure Orange Orange Road Series. These stories were written in the attempt to clarify certain details assumed and to provide clues for future Hard Kor episodes. Book A and Book B chapters provides the events after Shin Kor I. This Book C interlude edition will bridge the gap between Shin Kor II and Shin Kor III. 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 Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR fanfic on the web! (30000 can't be wrong!)I hope you enjoy reading it as I did writing it. Thanks again. Robert Kwong Ark Productions -98- Legend: Akane = Akane Kasuga Kurumi = Kurumi Kasuga Manami = Manami Kasuga Muroke = Koji Muroke Shijama = Shijama Zumi Taku = Taku Morisaki Shinohara = Shinohara Asuma Shun = Shun Kisaragi Hasegawa = Hasegawa Kazuya [] - denotes scene changes () - indicates person thinking to himself (**) - indicates action or special effects. Interlude: Chapter 4 The Plan [Back at Ryokurin Ryou Boarding house] (As the smoke clears from the explosion of the robot, we see that virtually everyone has left the room. Everyone except Muroke, Shijama, Taku Morisaki and Shinohara Asuma.) (In rushes Shun Kisaragi and Hasegawa Kazuya, the two house coordinators) Shun: What in the world happened here? Taku: (coughing) Ahem. That thing! It exploded! (points to smoldering metal remains) Shijama: Self-Destructed is more like it! Shun: Who's responsible for this mess!? Shinohara: (raises hand) Right here maam. Full responsibility is mine. I'm the perpetrator here. Take me away! None of the guys here were involved. Shun: Baka! How many times do I have to tell you! I am a he, not a she! Hasegawa: (lets out a long sigh) Hmmmmmmm. Hmmmmmm. Hmmmmmmmmmm. I can't really tell if you're covering up for someone, so that means I find everyone responsible! Muroke: What? Shijama: That's not fair! Hasegawa: My decision is final. The punishment is for all four of you to clean up the entire grounds of this house every weekend for this whole month. Muroke: But... Hasegawa: (stern) Is that understood? Shinohara: Yes sir! Perfectly sir! Shun: Now clean up this mess before we decide to tack on more! Shijama: (mumbles) Great! (outside) Shun: You handled that very well. But weren't you a little harsh on the punishment? Hasegawa: No. That electrical overload in this frail old house caused me to lose my game and waste 3 hours of adventuring. And I just picked up Mogi's last dance! Shun: What? You were hard on them because of a video game? Hasegawa: No Shun. Not just a video game. It is the game. Final Fantasy 6. It's my only quest in life for me now. Shun: That's sad. How can you be hooked on a video game of all things? Hasegawa: I should have drunk myself out of my misery, but my stomach ulcers would kill me first. People have their own way of coping with misery. Just leave me to my pathetic existence. Shun: But Suka-chan... Hasegawa: Good-night Shun. I'll be in the game room the whole night to make up for lost progress. Don't wait up for me. (closes the door) Shun: Suka-chan, would you ever come back to your old self? ... [Later in the week at the Tokyo Music Conservatory] Madoka: Now with this chord... (*Bell Rings*) (everyone springs up to leave) M: Don't forget to read chapter 3, introduction to music theory concepts! And don't forget to practice Mozart's Magic Flute. "Looking mighty fine today sensei!" M: Better pay more attention to the notes than stare at me next time! "Hai Sensei!" (As the class scatters out, we see a tall, slickly-dressed woman with short hair and wearing denim jacket and cutoffs waiting just outside the door.) "Mighty long time since we last met stranger!" M: Yukari! Yukari: Yep. It's me in the flesh. M: What a surprise! When did you get back? Yukari: Came into town about a few days ago. Just finished up a gig in Osaka. Saw I was in the neighborhood so decided to drop by in and see how you're doing. It's been a really long time, hasn't it? M: Yes. Over a year now. Yukari: Look like new digs here for you teaching music. Never imagined you'd doing this line of work. M: Things change. It's a different phase in my life now. I feel like I want to help people learn and grow. Yukari: That's a riot! M: What is? Yukari: You having a altruistic side, sharing yourself with others. Certainly weren't like that when we were kids. In fact, you were so ruthless that you wouldn't even give me a timeout to tie my shoelaces when we were playing soccer! M: That was a long while back. A lot of things have changed since then. Yukari: Yeah, sure has, but I'm not sure if it's for the better. M: (defensive) What exactly is wrong with the way I am right now? Yukari: I mean, you were fierce, fiery, and independent, tough as nails. Aggressive. Strong opinions. Loner. Just you versus the whole world. Didn't have a care in the world. M: My Yukari, you make me out to be such a rotten person. Yukari: I'm not kidding! Now you seem too mellow for your own good. You've lost your edge. And you need someone to tell it to you straight. M: I don't understand why you are bringing this up at all! How would you know what's been going on in my life at all to make all these judgments of me? Yukari: I'm telling you all this because I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did. M: I don't understand.... Yukari: Then I tell you. Things hasn't been so good for me, Shuu and the rest of the group for the past few years. We've been up and down and all around Japan from Okinawa to Hokkaido, doing all these different gigs each night, with a different town each day. Getting enough to pay for a night's stay and load up on gas for the van. Sure, it was fun and exhilarating, but after a while, it wears you out. Tensions ran high to the point of us wanting to split up and go our separate ways. We finally decided to give it one more shot and settle down and get more established. Like finding some steady work in the place where we had our roots in. That's when I met up with Hayakawa Mitsuru this week for prospects. And that's when he told me the skinny on you. M: Oh, Mitsuru-san! What a meddlesome busybody! Yukari: So was it true what he said? You rejecting a chance to go solo? M: I don't want to talk about it. Did he put you up to this to pressure me? Yukari: Nope. Came to see you on my own. I was so amazed that he would tell me these things at all. I didn't believe it at all. That's why I'm standing here to get your story. Gauging from your outburst, it seems to be all true, isn't it? M: Yes, I did reject his offer. It was my own choice. I didn't feel it was the right time for me. Yukari: Madoka. You and I have know each other for a long time now and this doesn't sound like the feisty, take-charge girl I knew before. Man, that's harse, you turning down an opportunity that others would kill for! M: You and the rest of the band shouldn't worry. You're get your shot someday. Yukari: Yes, I hope we do, and when it comes, we will do our best to succeed, for that's been our dream. We will fight for our dream for as long as we can. But we know our talent. It took us years of practice and playing to get to the point where we are now. You though have it all right now. You shouldn't let any chances pass you by at all. M: I appreciate your concern about me, but I'm really fine. Me and Kasuga-kun have our lives ahead of us. This whole past year have been quite tumultuous for the both of us, and I don't want to jump into anything rash right now. Yukari: Playing it safe? You should be modest, but you shouldn't be arrogant of your talent either. And I don't think teaching music is your lifelong goal either. What are your true dreams? M: Would you drop the issue already? Yukari: Fine; I won't press you further. Are you sure there's nothing holding you back? If you need someone to talk to, I'm right here now. M: Yes, I'm positive. Yukari: Well O.K. then. Gomen for riding you so hard just now. Must be tough on you with friends and family away from you so far. Especially Hikaru-chan. M: It has, but we have our own special way of keeping in touch. And you've always been straight up and honest with me. You tell it as it is. Yukari: Well, since you're not wanting to help yourself at this point, maybe you can do us a favor. M: Like what? Yukari: The band's waiting outside, so why don't you do lunch with us like old times and catch up? M: Sounds like a pleasant idea. [On a resort in sunny Hawaii] (Ryusei is sitting comfortable in a 5 star hotel with a grand view overlooking the beach full of gorgeous, well-developed ladies and muscular men.) (*ringing of cell phone*) Ryusei: Hello? Andrew, is that you? Yes, I recognize that voice anywhere. It's good to hear from you again. What was that? Yes, I am traveling on the go. For the time being I am being engaged in sunny cozy confines of aloha Hawaii. No, no, I am not here for a vacation. Strictly business, as usual. That's my M.O. So why what's the nature of your call today? Personal call, is it? How unusual for you. What is my latest project? (*sigh*) For your information, I'm having trouble deploying out my first play. The name of it currently is "Stray Cats". Ah, but there have been so many changes that I am not quite sure what is in or out now. You'd probably never encounter these sort of troubles with your renown skills. What is the plotline? To put it in a nutshell, all the cast members are felines, taking a page from your book. You must know the fascination with cats we Japanese have. With that as the premise, we have two warring factions plus like the feudal territories in ancient Japan. I made the setting like east and west side territories. One key differentiator is that the dominant side is comprised of an Amazonian tribe. All is well until this foreign male cat appears from a different area, from the south side. His mere presence causes dissension within the ranks, especially of the female leader and her right-hand girl. As this is going on, forces are lurking in the background. However, a dilemma occurs, for this foreigner is actually an enemy agent hired by the East side to infiltrate the West side. Additional complications arise when he accidentally falls in love with both of the female felines even though he did not intend to. So the conflict is what will he do and what will the other 2 females do? Yes, it does sound very complicated, but that's what you get when you hire a former ace drama series writer. Who knows what wild machinations run through his head; the trick is to keep him away from the booze long enough to write something decent. Artistic people are a prickly sort to deal with who rather starve than compromise or sell-out. Mmmm, yes, I agree with you on the stuck-up, overpaid performers who think they are bigger than the play. So what is new with you? Brainstorming for your next big production number? That is a Herculean task during the initial stages to formulate a concrete idea. Speaking of which, here's a possible idea for your next play; why not base it on the ancient greek myths? You have a reputation of being very non-traditional, so it would be fitting for you to put a refreshing spin on this greek invention. What genre am I thinking of? (looks towards the ocean) Speaking for myself hypothetically, perhaps some sea-based tale? Take your pick of myths and go with that would be my suggestion. When will be my next trip to the big Apple...that's very hard to say. Probably in the next year. We seem to be missing each other. I was there about 4 months ago, but you were back in London. (*Beep beep*) Excuse me Andrew. Let me me take care of that. (clicks off object) Hello? Yes, sorry about that interruption. That was my portable alarm. I have to be on my way to a meeting so I have to talk to you again. Thanks for understanding. Ta Ta! [Back in New York] (Hikaru is in her bedroom, practicing a dance move. She is in a ballerina-like pose. While she is chanting to rhythm to herself, she sees JG, her cat jump onto the bed and starts pawing at the teddy bear next to the special alarm clock) Hikaru: JG! Stop that! What a naughty cat! (removes the teddy bear from the bed and places it atop the dresser.) JG: (*M e o w w w w *) Hikaru: (*giggles*) You know I can't stay mad at you too long. But you shouldn't be tearing at Mrs Kumagourou-kan. That's not nice at all. (*JG stares at her in an eerie way*) Hikaru: What is it? Are you hungry? (JG jumps from her arms and atop the dresser. He snuggles his head against the soft, furry belly of the teddy bear and gently purrs) Hikaru: I see...you weren't trying to tear at her. You just wanted to be friends. You must be lonely all couped up in this apartment by yourself most of the time. Boy, I know the feeling. Loneliness must be a common feeling for all creatures, isn't it? Very tough when the people closest to you are thousands of miles away. But at least we have each other to keep us company, right? (gently picks JG and "Mrs" teddy bear and gives them a group hug) [Back Ryokurin Ryo boarding house] After that day, we became the pariahs of the boarding house. No one wanted to be associated with the crazy weirdos of the 4 of us. We were guilty by association. Taku seemed to be okay with it, since he just needed a place to live and get by. He seem to prefer the solitary moments and staring up in the sky with his telescope at night. Shijama was too busy delving his head in the various organic chemistry books and analyzing the thousands of combinations for his secret formula that only I knew about. Shinohara was well...Shinohara. Judging from first impression, he was a loose cannon waiting to go off at any moment. As for me, I was depressed to be stuck in such a situation. I was never good with dealing with pressure and adversity. The rest of the week passed without incident up until the weekend where we were to perform our punishment. We were handed brooms and mops and cleaning agents. Shijama: So who wants to do what first? Taku; (grabs a broom) I'll sweep the far left end. Muroke: Where is Shinohara-san? Shijama: (yells out) Hey buddy! It's time to do the cleaning work now! Shinohara: (in army fatigues) Dang it! Soldier boy ain't feelin' like doin' any cleanin'. Shijama: That's your problem! You got us into this mess! You're lucky we're helping you at all! Shinohara: How about some dough for every one of ya to do my share? Shijama: Here! (slams the mop in his hand) Wishful thinking to think you can buy your way out of this, rich kid! Shinohara: Boy's gotta try all his options. Damn it to hell, I hate cleaning! [At the park] (In a clearing at the park under a tree, a mini picnic is set out, with everyone eating katsu sandwiches. Madoka, Yukari, Shuu, and the rest of the band are sitting in a circle, laughing and reminiscing about the good ole days when Madoka use to hang out with them in her early teens) Shuu: So couzin, what's the scoop between ya and that Kyosuke kid? Madoka: He's not a kid anymore. Shuu: Probably so. But that's the way I remember him. Unless you showcase him again, then I'll might change my tune. Madoka: You always did have an odd way of looking at things. Shuu: And you had an odd way of dealing with personal matters. Madoka: Touche. To answer your question, we're doing fine. Shuu: Man, that's good to hear. You too are engaged already, right? Madoka: Yep. We did it when he got back from abroad. Yukari: So when is the happy couple going to tie the knot? Madoka: That's hard to say. We really haven't had any serious discussions, but I imagine sometime in the spring of next year. Shuu: Spring bride. That's the way to go. Yukari-chan, you should give her pointers with the "kid." Yukari: I plan to. But that "kid" had the balls to propose to her. Unlike you, the "man". Shuu: Man, that's harsh. Madoka: Actually, it when a little different than you expected. But that's for another time to tell. So why has it taken you two so long to get together? Don't you want to get married? You two are very compatible with each other. Band Member A: Compatible? Now's that a string out of tune. Band Member B: Shuu-san ain't the marrying type. Not now. Band Member A: Yeah. He has things to do and places to go. Yukari: Now's is not the right time. Shuu: (to Madoka) You see, me and Yukari-san have come to an understanding. We gotta finish this "plan" before we do anything else. Madoka: Plan? Shuu: Uh huh. There's where you come in cousin. If you have time. Madoka: What do you have in mind? Yukari: I was just telling the boys here how you became a music sensei at that academy. Shuu: Are you too busy now with this teaching? Madoka: It has its moments. You're not gonna get on my case about this decision also are you? Shuu: Chill cousin. All I wanna ask if you wanna be our consultant. If you have time. Madoka: Consultant? What for? Shuu: You know, to evaluate us, give us your observations and comments, stuff like that. Something to give our band an edge. Am I right guys? Band members: Yeah Shuu. Right on! Madoka: I am quite surprised by your proposal! [Back to the boarding house] (Everyone is cleaning on their own, with no communication at all between the four of them. While starting on the second floor, Shinohara starts to hum a tune. Finally, Muroke breaks the ice.) Muroke: What are you humming for? Shinohara: Way too quiet. Gives me the creeps. Need loud, constant sounds to keep me going. Shijama: What were you humming anyway? Shinohara: Amuro-san's newest single. Paradise Train. Muroke: So you're a big Namie Amuro fan? You're into jpop? Shinohara: Who isn't? Namie is da bomb! Every song she's made, I've got, even from the States. What a fantastic sense of beat she has. She's my #1 singer. Hey buddy, whose your favorite artist? Shijama: For your information, I'm too busy to listen to music of any sort. For me, long, complex organic chemical formulas serves as my "music." Shinohara: Yeah, real party animal material. Muroke: This seems to be an interesting topic. Taku-san, do you have a favorite song artist you like to listen to? Taku: Me? My favorite artist? I rather not say. She's rather obscure. Muroke: Doesn't matter. Who you like is who you like. Taku: She is Iijima-san Maria. Muroke: You mean the voice actress? Taku: Yeah, she's done that too. She has a nice bright, cheery voice. Shinohara: Fits your small country tastes I imagine. Koji-san, what yours? Muroke: Well my... "Hello fellas!" "Kisaragi-san! What are you doing here?" Shun: I'm here to monitor your progress so far. And it looks like a good job you're doing so far. Because you four have been so disciplined, I decided to bring you a few treats I made as a break from your cleaning work. (presents a tray of cookies and lemonade) Shijama: Sugoi! Some sweets to strengthen our spirits. Muroke: It's certainly hard work trying to clean this whole place up. Duomo. Shinohara: Makes it all the harder since this is such an old, dumpy run-down place. If I had my way, I would have had my otousan bulldoze this dump long ago. Kisaragi: Hush! Don't ever let Hasukawa-sempai hear you say that?! Shinohara: Just give me a reason why I should care at all. Muroke: If you hate this place so much, then why did you choose to live here? From the looks of you, you certainly don't have want for money. Shinohara: This is my punishment, plain and simple. I was sent to this "prison" against my will. Taku: That is a very strange reason for being here. Shinohara: Not as strange as the reputation of this Greenwood place being a haven for weirdos and wackos for generations. Am I not right? Shijama: What is this 'Greenwood' thing you keep mentioning. Is that a special room here? Shinohara: Look around you. It's right here. This whole dang building is 'Greenwood.' You don't know that? (The other three nod their heads no) Shinohara: You dudes need an education! Stories of lunacy, fanatical passions, and bizarre behavior under this roof; your typical insane asylum. Taku: That sounds very unbelievable. Muroke: Yeah, aren't you overexagerrating a bit too much? Shinohara: You think I'm lyin'? You can ask her, I mean him. He'll tell you. Shijama: (to Shun) Well is what he said true? Shun: (whispers) Yes, it's all true. Greenwood is the nickname we give to this boarding house and the gang of happy campers who live here. Or use to call. An assortment of rag-tag band of no-name nobodies who manage to find their own niche of peace in this place away from home. A coming of age and test of adversity this Greenwood used to be. But all that is a distant memory now... Muroke: So what happened? Why did you all stop calling it "Greenwood"? Shun: It's a long story, but since you're doing a service for this house, you deserve to know some recent history. In fact, all of you are lucky that this place is still standing. Muroke: Who so? Shun: You were right about one thing; this were people wanting to bulldoze this whole complex. Shijama: Honto? Shun: Yes. The whole thing started in early spring... [flashback] Hasukawa: Final day here at Greenwood. Shun: Yep Suka! That day has finally come. Hasukawa: 4 long years of history here. I'm going to miss all the happy memories we've accumulated here. Shun: You're telling me. I'm starting to feel a little teary-eyed over the whole situation. Hasukawa: It seems like we're the last of the original Greenwood gang to depart. Mitsuru and Shinobu sempai are already out in the real world doing their own thing. Now our time has come. Shun: Wow Suka-chan! So philosophical. Hasukawa: (gleaming) Well, I am G-O-O-D, if I do say so myself. Shun: Don't get too full of yourself now; I was only saying that to massage your fragile ego. (Hasukawa does a pratfall!) Shun: So how are you and Igarashi-san progressing? Have you tamed that shrew? Hasukawa: It has its rough, rocky edges at times, but I'll survive, I hope. Shun: I hope so too. You really showed a lot of guts making a play for her. So have you two got to C yet? Hasukawa: (does another pratfall and pinches his nose) Shun-chan! Don't ever ask me a question like that again! Shun: Well, did ya? Hasukawa: (miffed) None of your bees-wax! Shun: Don't be acting so juvenile around me! Besides, I'm your roommate and one of your best friends. You gotta let me in on some secrets before we part ways. Shinobu and Mitsuru sempai aren't here, so you don't have to worry about them teasing you about it. Hasukawa: Well, if you put it that way...(thinks for a while and then utters) B+. Shun: B+? Hasegawa: That's all I'm saying. (gives out a big grin) Now I have to go over to the administration building to check us out. See you in a bit. (As Hasukawa leaves, next door, two familiar faces pop out. shun: Were you guys listening in on the whole time. (both nod) Shun: You sempais never change! Mitsuru: Old habits are hard to break. Isn't that right, Mr S? Shinobu: I do have to agree with you on that account, Mr W. Care for a peach? [At the administrative building] As Hasukawa is about to enter the office, he overhears ... "...The term has already ended and many of the occupants have already left. In a few days, the last remaining ones will leave. The demolition plans can commence a week from this Thursday. I shall keep you informed of any new developments. Good day." (Hasukawa rushes into the office in disbelief!) Hasukawa: Sensei! What is the meaning of this! You mean to bulldoze the school? (Principal is silent as he hangs his head down) Hasukawa: Answer me! Don't we, the students and residents deserve an answer? "No, the school will not be demolished. " Hasukawa: Then what was that you were talking about on the phone just now... "Ryokurin Ryo dorms are the facilities earmarked for demolition." (Hasukawa falls back into the chair in shock upon hearing this) Hasukawa: I can't believe this. Why? Why is this happening? "It is with a heavy heart that I'm telling you this. But there's nothing we can do. The economic downturn in Japan has hurt all industries in this great country of ours. It is now our turn now to be affected. Coupled with the decreasing occupancy rates of the dorms, Ryokurin Ryo has been in the red for the past two years. The principal owners did not wish to assume any more risk than it was necessary and cut their losses. This private school institution will be shut down after many years of service grooming bright, strong, young men for the community. The school will be assumed by the public government. The dorms serve no useful purpose to us now and is in the process of a pending land sale. Hasukawa: No,...no...this can't be happening to my beloved Greenwood. [Back in the dorms] (A gathering of people are hiding to surprise Hasukawa) Shun: Aoki stand over there, Furu and Kame go over there, Tochi and Saka, hide over there. Yoshi and Fuji, behave yourselves! (Hasukawa glumly sulks in) SURPRISE! (Hasukawa looks sadly away, with tears in his eyes) Shun: Suka-chan? What's wrong? Mitsuru: I do believe the boy is all choked up over this final gathering of the Greenwood gang. Shinobu: Yes, I'm impressed. Real, genuine tears in his eyes. I'm touched! (Mitsuru and Shinobu mockingly hold each other hands) "Oh Tezuka!" "Oh Ikeda!" "Where are thou Tezuka?" Shun: Would you two goofballs knock it off? Can't you see it's a serious moment for Suka-chan? In case you forget, he has been emotionally more impacted than any of us. Shinobu: Oh, it's not an end but another beginning. A new generation will pick up the slack and continue the proud Greenwood tradition. Hasukawa: No. Shun: What did you say? Hasukawa: No, that won't happen now. Thank you everyone for coming for the last gathering of the fellowship. Shun: You must be overcome by emotion Suka! Don't start talking crazy now! Just because the senior class is leaving doesn't mean there won't be some bright-eye freshman and other underclassman to take over. Hasukawa: No, that won't happen now. They're going to get rid of this private school and replace it with a public school. With that, they won't have any needs for this dorm. So they will bulldoze it and sell off the land to pay off the incurred debt. Greenwood will be no more. (A universal groan runs through the gathering of people there) ----------- Shinohara: (*Yawn*) Interesting tale, but you needn't go on. We are know what happened. Some joe comes up with a bright idea to let college students be residents here to fill the house up and get more moola by chargin' them more but making it cheaper than the rip-off rents around Tokyo. Shijama: (glares at him) You really know how to ruin a story. Shun: Yes, that's eventually what happens, but it was not as simple as you described it. A set of remarkable events occurred to make it happen. Taku: Would you mind finishing the story? Shun: Maybe nother time. This was just to whet your appetite. You four have to finish up your cleaning work. And don't forget. Muroke: What? Shun: Don't ever use the term "Greenwood" whenever Hasukawa is around. Other than that, that's all. Do your best! Ja. [End of Chapter 4]