H A R D |< O R Book D: The Book of Four 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 Completed: May 19, 1999 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. This is the 4th book in my fanfiction series. The timeline for this occurs after ShinKOR II novel and covers some details in Shin Kor III and beyond. 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! (35000 can't be wrong!)I hope you enjoy reading it as I did writing it. Thanks again. Robert Kwong Ark Productions -99- Legend: H = Hikaru Hiyama M = Ayukawa Madoka R = Ryusei Haroken K = Kasuga Kyosuke Goro = Goro Shimazaki Akane = Akane Kasuga Kurumi = Kurumi Kasuga Manami = Manami Kasuga Muroke = Koji Muroke Shijama = Shijama Zumi Taku = Taku Morisaki Shinohara = Shinohara Asuma Shun = Shun Kisaragi Hasukawa = Hasukawa Kazuya Tasuya = Tasuya Youta [] - denotes scene changes () - indicates person thinking to himself (**) - indicates action or special effects. Book D: The Book of Four Chapter 1: Koichi to Kobe to Kyoto [Ryokurin Ryo boarding house] //Previously, Hasukawa, the head of the boarding house had just come back early to prepare the boarding house for the final time for the residents when they come back from holiday vacation. Little did he know as he entered... "SURPRISE!" Hasukawa: (turns his head around to see the dorm residents surrounding him) Now just what is going on here? Shun: Surprise ya Suka! Greenwood is saved! Hasukawa: Say what? What nonsense is this now? Mitsuru Ikeda: (arises from shadows) It is true. Hasukawa: You're part of this prank also? This is too much, even for you. Mitsuru: This ain't no joke. Tatsuya Youta: It's the honest truth. Shinohara: Too bad. Hasukawa: What's the story here now? Shun: It's the most amazing thing. Mitsuru: Yes. The Ghost of Greenwood has risen again. "So there was a ghost! I wasn't dreaming!" Shun: Zumi-san. Koji-san! You're back! Muroke: Yep. Back from home in Hokkaido. What's this about a ghost now? I thought it was all a hoax. Shun: The house inspector who came by during the holidays apparently encountered some apparition spirit. Because of this, he believes the whole place, including this house is haunted! Hasukawa: How ironic! All along, I tried to fake a ghost encounter, and it really happens. Muroke: But wait a minute. Who's going to want to live here now if there is ghost here? Shijama: Ah, don't make a big deal about it, Muroke-kun. Muroke: Hey! You're the one who was scared half to death by those fake ghosts. And now you're telling me you don't have a problem with it? What's up with you? Shijama: As long as one is at peace with oneself, one needn't fear anything, including the supernatural. Mitsuru: Couldn't said it any better myself. Nothing to fear from the friendly ghost of Greenwood here. She's a friendly ghost, so don't worry. (random shouts from the crowd) "She?" "A girl ghost?" "Is she cute?" "I'm definitely stayin'!" Shun: Looks like its unanimous in everyone staying. Hasukawa: How did you guys find out about this first before I did? Shun: Mitsuru-sempai was the first to know. The obaasan caretaker notified him of the good news. He then called me up and I called up the rest of the RAs. We then hit the phones to call up everyone to tell them that they didn't have to relocate. Hasukawa: Yokata. A diaster averted. Maybe it's the start of my lucky streak. [Ryusei on the cell phone] R: Goro-san! The land deal. Why has it been canceled? Has your agent failed? Goro: Ah. You have found me out. R: Yes. I make it a point to know everything. Why have you done this? Goro: The place you speak of is tainted. R: Tainted? In what way? Goro: Haunted grounds is symbolic of eternal bad luck. Bad feng-shui. I do not wish to battle the superstitions of supernatural spirits. R: You? A God-fearing man? I always imagined you the atheist. Who are you trying to fool this time? Goro: (*evil laugh*) Even evil spirits need appeasement. Why should I risk offending my brethren? R: For me, I don't believe this supernatural voodoo. I don't fear anything! Goro: Ha ha ha ha haaaaaaa! I was right about you. You are indeed the ruthless, unholy demon I wish to deal with. R: I am in no mood for your humor. This will cost the both of us. Let us discuss this later, face to face. In the meantime, I have a meeting meeting to attend. Until then, Ja. Goro: Ja. (evil smirk) (Ryusei enters a taxi) "Where do you want to go?" "4 Orange Grove Road." [Back to Ryokurin Ryo] (Muroke espied Shinohara holding a peculiar object and moving it around the walls as if he were scanning something) Muroke: (to Shinohara) Now what are you doing? And what's that instrument you're holding? Shinohara: Frenergy meter. Muroke: What are you looking for? Termites? Shinohara: Shh! I detecting for paranormal activity. Muroke: What? Are you kidding? Shinohara: Kid? I don't kid. Muroke: Are you into this stuff? Like in the movie Ghostbusters? Shinohara: No. Bunk are ghosts. Muroke: Then why are you scanning then? Shinohara: To disprove this ghost conspiracy. Muroke: So, you don't believe in the occult. Shinohara: No. Muroke: A disbeliever are you? I always thought you had a lack of faith. Shinohara: Real things is believable. Can touch and feel. That is all. There. (pulls down the antennas of the meter back into place) No ghosts. All done. Muroke: [Ryokurin Ryo house] Mitsuru Ikeda: (enters Hasukawa's room) I have completed the blessings. This house should be safe from evil spirits now. Now for you two. Eh? What is this new video game you're playing? (Shun & Hasukawa sitting down playing the game on the snes) Hasukawa: It's called Breath of Fire. It's a story whose background and lore dies with dragons. Mitsuru: Curious? Did you get this as a gift? Hasukawa: That's the mysterious part. I received this strange parcel outside my door Christmas day. I thought it was one of you who did it. Shun: It wasn't me! Was it you sempai? Mitsuru: Why would it be me? I know nothing of technical gadgetry. Matters of the spirit are my stead. Hasukawa: That's what makes me wonder. Was it really Misako that came along and spooked that inspector? Or was it Shinobu's spirit instead? Mitsuru: You don't think... Shun: It is a strange coincidence. Sempai always sought to protect this house. Mitsuru: That sun of a gun. It would be just like him to pull such a ghoulish prank. Hasukawa: I just wonder if his spirit is watching over us now. [A few days later] [At the Shin ABCB] (Manami & Kurumi enter) Master: Hello ladies! Any word yet? Manami: Yes Master. Oniichan and Madoka are flying back right now from New York. Master: Ah so. That is good to hear. I am happy everyone is OK. Kurumi: Hey, where's those baka idiots? Master: Komatsu & Hatta? They are attending an autograph session for their new manga issue. They have grown quite popular since their deal with Jumbo Comics. Manami: At least it lets me have some peace and quiet here. (plucks out something out of her bag and starts to scribble) Master: What is that you are working on? Manami: Just jotting down some of my thoughts. Kurumi: Yeah. Really brainy stuff. Really boring boring compared with the brawny sports of wresting. And the big hike as our next competition. I can't wait! [Kyosuke & Madoka sitting in the airplane after their traumatic ordeal] (*flashback*) [In a hospital] H: Where am I? M: Hikaru! You finally woken up. H: Madoka-san...It's you...I feel...so weak...my head...argh.... M: Do you need me to get the nurse? H: I'll be ok. Where are we? What happened? M: We're at the hospital. You mustn't move around. Both you and I were attacked badly by that madwoman, Anita Brussel. H: Shuri...where is she...is she alright? M: She was hurt pretty badly. Her condition was critical, but has improved to intensive. The doctors say she should make it. H: Ah Yokata. I don't want to see any more people dying on my behalf. (*laughs weakly*) So cruelly ironic. M: What is it now? H: The people closest to me end up betraying me. [At the Shin ABCB] Akane: Hiya girls! I brought along our newest protege. "Hello" Kurumi: Yo Muto-san! Good to see you. Who's with you? "My roommate, Kohama Yumi." Manami: We remember you from the meeting. "Please to make your acquaintance." Akane: All of the group will be coming soon. We need to plan our assault plan for the upcoming challenge! [In Singapore] Ryusei walks up to a stately looking colonial building. He sees a stout figure dressed up in semi-white uniform, looking regal as a guard. He approached him. "Who enters these premises?" "Haroken Ryusei." "Show the sign." (Ryusei calmly takes out his golden cigarette case and flashes the center emblem figure.) "You are clear to pass sir." Ryusei walks in abated down the long corridor hallway, his heavy steps reverberating in the background. At the end of the hallway, he approached a rather decorative wooden door, with carvings of serpents, and mer-lions all around. He slowly opens the door and descends down the dark, dimly lit staircase below. Midway, he comes to a abrupt stop and turns to his left to face the outlying wall. Slowly, he scans the stones carefully until he comes across a tiger's mouth. He applies pressure to it on the wall. We hear the sound of gears turning as the wall recedes inward to reveal a hidden passageway. Ryusei walks in further until he approaches a flickering torchlight. A figure dressed in monk's robe, his head shrouded, and his arms shielded approached him. After a long while, the figure gestures to Ryusei to enter the room. A voice greets him. "So you have come at last? I am happy to see you are able to make it to our function here. Alas, it's a pity we can't complete our circle of dragons here." R: It has been quite long since I have met with you all. "So it has. Most of us are here. Now, we can discuss the business of the golden pyramid trade." [Back to the boarding house] Muroke: What's the matter Zumi? Shijama Zumi: I'm not coming. Muroke: Hey, how come? You missed the last competition! And since Taku couldn't make it back in time, you have to take his place. Shijama: I rather be back doing my chemical research. Muroke: Yeah. I know what you mean. I wish I could just patch things up between me and Manami-san. If I'd only had a chance to explain myself. [Inside an exclusive apartment in Tokyo] Taki, the dog is quietly sleeping at the base of the couch. Kaori is sitting at the table, listlessly sipping her drink. #1 is twirling his gun around, as he stares outside the window. Kaori: Start of a new year and is that all you can do? #1: Yep. (rubs the gun handle) Good things come to those who wait. Kaori: Well, you know what! I'm tired of waiting! I feel like smashing something! #1: No need. Things are happening as we speak. Haroken-san should be at the designated location for the meeting of the minds to commence phase two of the operation. Then we're be rockin' when he returns. [In New York] (Hikaru walking into her apartment for the first time since the ordeal) I, Hikaru Hiyama returned back to where the whole, mortifying event took place. It was as if my life was shattered once again. My place, still in disarray, while I gazed sadly at the empty cat feeder where JG once layed in. I was alone by myself again. but I told myself that I had to pick up the pieces once again. I had been betrayed before. The difference is that I knew, no matter how miserable or painful it was, that I must endure and survive these hardships. Because that is all we can do as humans. To live and weather through the tough times, which in time will make us stronger. Still, I wish there was someone who I could turn to now to forget all my misery, if only for a moment. But I don't have anyone now here for me. Not Madoka. Not Kyosuke. Not Shuri. And not even my cat JG. (*clank*) (Hikaru's jade bracelet brushes against the rusty radiator as if to remind her that she was not alone.) H: (looks up through the window towards the sky) [Bullet Train to Kyoto] (We see the team from Ryokurin Ryo situated in the bullet train.) Shun: From one adventure to another, isn't it exciting suka? Hasukawa: Yeah, swell. I get to suffer again. You're lucky you're just a judge. Shun: Oh come on! It would be good for you. Besides, Shinohara-san was a good sport in paying for all the travel proceedings. Hasukawa: He's just a maladjusted, spoiled rich kid. And this whole competition thing is pretty silly. I just hope it ends here. (in the other seats) (Muroke sitting in his seat) Zumi didn't go on the trip after all so I went by myself. It was a long boring, uneventful trip so far. As for my seat companion, it was Tatsuya Youta, the lowerclassman who was attending my former high school. Me and Taku had several encounters with him throughout the semester, although we knew very little of him, or the rest of the dorming students for that matter. I thought now was a good a time as any to find out a little more about him, so I decided to make some conversation. I noticed he had a sketchpad on him, drawing what appeared to be a baseball field, but out in a vast countryside-esque environment, with no fences, no seats, no boundaries. Muroke: That's a good drawing you have there." "Arrigatou." Muroke: You like baseball? "Yeah. I play it like the rest of guys." Muroke: I happen to love baseball. What position do you play? "Pitcher mostly. Sometimes shortstop. Do you play? Muroke: Nah. Never had the aptitude for sports. I mostly a computer guy. Which do you like more? Drawing or sports? "Doesn't matter to me. Whatever I have time for. Muroke: I'd better let you get back to finishing up your drawing. I'll take a nap in the meantime. "Ok." [Back at the Shin ABCB] The drunkard, "Izzy" is all alone, by himself at the main counter with no one around. (slowly stirs) "This sucks. No one to get drunk with." "Hello stranger. What's bugging you?" "Uh? Oh, I know you. You'd the one singing all the time on stage." "I've noticed you too, as the one always sleeping through my singing." "Pardon me then. Butcha singin' soothes me when I sleep in my drunken stupor. Not to insult your singin'" "No offense takened. So what do they call you?" "I go by Iz-ZY. How about U?" "You can call me Yukari." "Say, do you sing requests?" "I try to, if I know the song." "Well, I have a hankering for some good 'ole country blues. It goes somethin' like... Hey...won't you play.....another...somebody done somebody wrong song...da da da da da." "You mean that song. Ok. But it's so depressing." "Yep. That's why I love it. [At Kobe Station] Muroke: Why are we offloading here? Shinohara: A temporary measure. Lunch here. Muroke: Why here? Shinohara: Power lunch. Let's go. Muroke: Won't we behind the girls? Shinohara: No worry. We will keep them waiting. [On the other bullet train to Kyoto] Akane: Ok girls. We need to work on our chant! Repeat after me: We walk on this road Long & far, But full of hope, Of the goal so new, We will not fear, Join together, Never apart, We will succeed, All in All. [At the Kobe steak-house] Shun: Shinohara-san! You're not trying to influence the judge with this lavish lunch? Shinohara: Nope. A general must feed his troops well in order to win. Hasukawa: Wah! Kobe beef! This is the best in Japan! Shinohara: No, in the world! Eat up people! Muroke: Whose going to pay for all of this!? Shinohara: My expense. Of course. Muroke: In that case, give me a second helping! [At Kyoto Station] Taku: Thanks for showing me around the Kyoto area. "No sweat. I owe you a visit to Tokyo U next time. Taku: Sure thing. I'll be happy to show you around the sights. There's my train. Until then." "Ok. Ja." (As Taku bounds the train leaving, another train pulls up on the other side of the platform. It's the girls team offloading. As Taku gets situated in his seat, he looks out the window and catches a brief glimpse of a profile. Taku: (shakes his head in disbelief) (on the other side of the platform) Manami: Is something wrong? Are you feeling well Muto-san? "Just a bit dizzy. Perhaps from staying in the train too long. [In Singapore] Ryusei: So Kouta-san. You here's on your master's behalf as well? "Where the travel is good, there I am to play my hand. (floats an ace up his sleeve) Ryusei: True to your gambler spirit. This coffin chamber is the perfect location for this meeting. And to think it was used to conceal the refugees during the WWII occupation. Now it serves to bind the ties. "Lady luck spins out the deck like that. One day mortal enemies, and the next close partners. Such is the norm of our changing loyalties. Ryusei: How true. So we play the hand we are dealt. [Back at Kobe Station] Youta: That was the best beef I have ever tasted. Muroke: I have to admit it was quite good. Shinohara: Get on! Wee need to make nightfall. Muroke: Ok, ok. (turns up to a person wearing a shoulder bag) Taku-san? Taku: (turns around) Koji-san? What are you doing here? Muroke: I was about to ask you the same thing myself. I'm heading for the competition. Remember? Taku: I forgot all about that. Shinohara: There you are. And you're here. Get on. Taku: What? I'm going back. Shinohara: No time. Let's go! [New York] In the apartment, Hikaru is busy rearranging the items. (*knock, knock, knock*) (Hikaru carefully peers through the eyehole first) H: Who is it? "Officer Clancy maam. May I come in? H: I guess it's ok. (she first unlocks the first lock, followed by the second lock, followed by the dead bolt, and finally the chain.) H: Sorry it took so long. I have to careful nowadays. "Understandable. Always better to be safe than sorry. Glad to see you're locking up tight and secure. H: May I ask why you are here? "I'm here to follow up with you after the incident you have suffered maam." H: You're a female officer? "Last time I checked, I was. " H: I'm sorry. I mean, I don't really see too many female police officers at all, especially where I come from. "No need to be surprise. I get that all the time. But let me state why I am here. The chief wanted me to drop by to see how you were doing and if everything was ok. Additionally, I can provide some counseling for you. H:You speak Japanese also?" "Yes I do. Despite being born here, I try to keep the mother tongue. " H: I'm sorry. I was thrown off by your surname. Thank you. "What for? I just got here. You're the first person I really talked to since my return back here. I'm grateful to have someone ...anyone to talk to. (starts to cry) "Now, Miss Hiyama. That is why I am here. We can talk about anything you want. The trauma you suffered is not an easy thing to put behind. Why don't we begin now? [Kyoto Station] Shinohara: We have arrived men! Taku: Kyoto? Muroke: Something the matter? Taku: I just came from here. I was visiting my best friend here. Hasukawa: Cheer up. All of this will be over after tomorrow. Hey Shun! Where are you going? Shun: You forget that I'm the judge! I'm suppose to go ahead and plant the flag beforehand. Muroke: Now where to? Which hotel are we staying at? Shinohara: No hotel; the woods is our domain. [Back to the girls side] Kurumi: What? We have to camp here overnight? Akane: Yeah. We can rough it out in the wild just like those arrogant boys. Something the matter? Are you afraid of... Kurumi: Men I'm not afraid of, but what if there are wild animals out there? Akane: Silly! These are the renown bamboo forests of Kyoto. There's nothing dangerous out here. Unless you think a big panda will jump out and eat you? Kurumi: Come on! I don't want to talk about it! Akane: Wow. You must be really scared. Kurumi: Whose scared of what? I can take on anybody or anything. Manami: Calm down you two! You should help the rest of the group settle into their tents. They were gracious enough to come along and participate, so the least we can do is to accommodate them as best as possible. Akane: Right you are, as usual Manami. You're always the one with the most common sense. [Back to the Boys camp] Muroke: (sarcastic) Great! No hotel. Instead, we sleep in the bitter wild. And it's nearly dark. Youta: You never been on a camping trip before? Muroke: No; it wasn't what I had in mind. Hasukawa: Hey, I should be the one complaining. Shinohara: Complain later. Help pitch tents before dark. [At Girls camp] Kohama Yumi: Everything set up. Now what? Muto: Why don't we start a campfire? Akane: An excellent idea! And to lift our spirits, let's sing campfire songs. [Boys camp] Muroke: Man, it's pitch dark! And what cruel irony. Taku: Why so? Muroke: Don't you know that here is a memorial to Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb? He used the bamboo strips here to make the first filaments. Now we don't have any light source at all! Taku: It's not all bad. At least we can see the stars clearly. Shinohara: Stargazer! What be our fortune tomorrow? Taku: I'm a not an astrologer, although the alignment seems a bit off. Doesn't bode too well tomorrow. Muroke: Ha! Youta: What now sempai? Muroke: I just remembered another thing. Today is the start of the new Star Trek series. Star Trek Voyager. Taku: Is that so? What is the theme of this one? Muroke: From the previews I've read online, it's returning to the roots of the show: space and exploration, but with a new twist. The ship is trapped in a different quadrant, but here's the kicker: it's captained by a woman named Kathryn Janeway. Shinohara: Typical. Just selling out to be P.C. Taku: I disagree. It would be refreshing for the series to see the captainship though the perspective of the other sex. I'll bet the decision making process will be the same either way. Shinohara: We're see tomorrow which side is best at making command decisions. [The next morning] (Girls camp) Akane: Wake up wake up people! Rise n Shine! We need to make an early start to beat those boys! Manami: (*yawn*) Hai Aiee! Akane! Why are you dressed like that? (Akane is dressed up in a military colonel type dress) Akane: Why? What's wrong with this outfit? Manami: Oh nothing. It looks like we're going to war or something. Akane: But we are. No time for idle chatter. Everyone. Here are your assignments. Kohama-san. You're paired up with Kurumi. Ai-san, you're with Moemi-san. ......(after rolling off the rest of the names).....I will be with Tendou-san. Oh, and finally, Muto-san. You will be with Manami. Everything clear? Ok. Off you go. And do your best! HAI!!!! [To the Boys camp] Muroke: What's this? Shinohara: Pick a paper. Youta: I think we're picking lots to see who we are paired up with. What did you get? Muroke: 13. Shinohara: I have 13 also. Muroke: Just my luck. Well Taku, who are you paired up with? Hasukawa: Me. Shinohara: Let's roll. [in Singapore] Ryusei, walking in the streets of Singapore, along Orchard Road, wearing full black suit and trademark sunglasses in the hot humid weather amid the people wearing T-shirts and shorts looking on. Teenager girl to boyfriend: Wah-la! Strange guy! Wearing that sort of outfit here. Looks like a gangster. "Shh. You should keep your voice down. He might hear you. Ryusei momentarily turns his head around and stared at the couple. "Come on! Let's go! He's looking at us! (both hurry down into the MRT station) Ryusei: Humph. Young people. (He stops dead in his tracks at a flower cart selling roses of all varieties. They range from traditional red and white, pink and... (Ryusei picks it up and gazes at it) (*flashback to Hong Kong*) R: Ah May. This is for you. An orange rose. Have you made your decision? May: Ryu. I'm afraid I can't marry you. R: (head down) No...why...you've been the only girl I have known. You've been by my side and supported me. Why do you refuse me? May: No. That's is not true. There is another one, hidden away. I could never take her place. R: I have completely forgotten her already. I'm ready to start anew. A clean start, with a complete break from the past. I don't care to remember my former self. I just want to be with you. May: I want to believe it, but you are only doing this out of gratitude. It's not true love. R: Why does it matter what type of love it is? She is dead already. May: No. She is not. She will always be a part of you. I know I can't compete with a memory, no matter how hidden it is within your mind. It will surface back one day for you. I just know it will. Until then, we must go our separate ways. R: But without you, I have nothing. May: You will always have this. (she drops the rose in his lap and runs off) (*end of flashback*) R: I wonder if it is worth it after all. To avenge the wrongs of my former self. [Back to the capture the flag event] Shinohara: Keep up! Muroke: What the hell is that meter for? Shinohara: G-P-S. Pinpoint our location. Muroke: So that's what you've been working on. That's cheating. Shinohara: Winning is all that matters. Muroke: To you maybe, but I fail to see how this can be of any help. Shinohara: Strategy. I know the topology of this area. Shun-san will most likely choose a hill to place the flag on. Muroke: Then why is it spinning wildly out of control, just like the doomed washer robot you built? Shinohara: Minor glitch. Can compensate... (smoke emanates ...) Muroke: Watch out! (slaps at Shinohara's hand with the device which causes it to fly in the air before it explodes.) Muroke: Looks like your device is no more. Shinohara: Will not matter. We still will win. But take longer. Muroke: Just come on. I just want to get this thing over with. (girls side) Muto: I've found something here. Manami: Let me see....looks like a plague of some sort. With a bust of a person. Let me see....It's a dedication to Thomas Edison. Muto: Curious. I wonder why it is here. Woah. Did you feel that. Manami: yes. It was a slight ground tremor. I wonder if it's an earthquake. (boy's side) Muroke: Argh! Help me! Shinohara: Where are you? Muroke: I fell in some sort of hole. Shinohara: Ja then. Muroke: Say what? You're not going to leave me in here? Shinohara: Gomen. Military tactics. Must sacrifice you for the greater good. Muroke: You crazy fool! Is winning that important to you? Hello? Anyone there? (girl's side) Manami: Are you feeling ok? Muto: I'm fine. Just need to take a little rest here. (puts some candy into her mouth) Manami: You just sit right there. i can refill the water bottle at the spring that we just passed. Muto: Ok. Arrigatou." (As Manami walks back, she hears a whimpering sound. She slowly approaches i.) "Help!" Manami: Who is there? "Manami-san? Is that you?" Manami: How do you know my name? "It's me! Koji-san." Manami: Koji-san? "Or #2! Remember?" Manami: Ah...that #2. Muroke: yees. Can you help me out of this ditch? Manami: Now why would I want to help you despicable men? Muroke: Manami-san. I know it looks bad for me. But it's a total misunderstanding. Manami: I don't want to hear this from you. "Please. If you're not going to help me, at least hear me out. I know you are a fair person. Manami: I'm listening. But make it quick or else I'll leave this instant. "Ok. First, I was not involved in Shinohara's plot to sabotage your club. In fact, I don't believe in his men are superior attitude. Manami: Seems contrary to what you're doing now. Muroke: That is another matter. I didn't want to play in his silly games, but because he did something for the whole group, I was in his debt. But he chose to collect the debt by making us his lackeys in these games. Manami: Are you finished? "Yes. I'm sorry for all the trouble he has caused for all of you. I truly am. Manami: Here. (a stick appears) Grab hold of it. "Oh thank you Manami-san." Manami: That doesn't mean I've forgiven you. But still, you talk well for a youngster. (Muroke gets out of the ditch) Manami: I'm going now to find my partner. You're on your own. Muroke: Wait for me! I'm coming along. (as this is going along) Hasukawa: How are you holding up? Taku: I'm fine. But will we ever find that flag? Hasukawa: Who knows? But we must give it our best effort, no matter what. Taku: Can I ask why you are in this? Hasukawa: Dunno why. Probably to allow me to make up for letting the house down. Taku: I see. Well then, let's get a move on. (down the hill) Muto: What's keeping Manami-san? (stretches her arms and looks up) There's the flag! (gets up but stops) Maybe I should wait for her to return. (hers rustling sounds from the other side) Muto: Goodness. Looks like someone is here also. I can't afford to wait no longer. (just above) Taku: Look there! Hasukawa: Wow! My luck must be really picking up! There it is! Let's go grab it. (down below) Manami: Huh? Where is she? She was here a minute ago. (starts to yell out) MUTO-SAN! WHERE ARE YOU? (up above) Taku: Wait. Hasukawa: What is it? Taku: That name. (down below) Muroke runs up to Manami. "What are you yelling for?" Manami: It's all your fault! It's because of helping you, that I can't find my partner now. "But isn't that her climbing up that hill?" Manami: (looks up) It is! I'm going after her... "Wait for me) (At the top of the hill) Shun is standing by the flag looking at his watch. "I wonder if they're ever going to make it. Hasukawa: Come on! No time! Let's go get it! Shun: Suka! I hear you! Took you long enough! Muto: I'm not letting you get to the flag first. Taku: That voice. (runs towards the flag) Manami: (standing on the top edge of the hill) Don't let him get it first! (The two figures, girl and boy, race for the flag, oblivious of each other. They reach simultaneously the flag, with the tops of their hands touching each other.) As they look up at each other to see their opponent's face... (The ground below them starts to violently shake) Shun: Aieee!!! EARTHQUAKE!!! [End of chapter]