Kimagure Orange College
[Writer's foreword: This is the ninth episode of a fan-fict
series based on the characters in Kimagure Orange Road. They are
intended to take place after the movie, "I Want to Return to that
Day", and follow the characters Kasuga Kyosuke and Ayukawa Madoka
as they start the next phase of their lives in college.
If you missed the previous episodes, notes about the new
characters, and previous events are listed after the ending
credits. In addition, previous episodes are available at the
wpi.wpi.edu ftp site.
One thing I would like to say up front: Although I and my
co-writer have both graduated from college, our experience is in
the American college system and culture. The span of our
experience in the Japanese advanced education system is limited
with what we can pick up watching anime, reading manga, and
consulting with friends, pen pals and anime clubs. Any mistakes,
inconsistencies, etc. are neither intentional nor are they meant
to show disrespect for the Japanese education system. In fact, we
would appreciate any constructive criticisms, corrections, and
insight any readers might offer us. Mail all such letters,
praises or flames to acombs@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu.]
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-? <OOFFF!> [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...<Sigh!> 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.] <SLAP!>
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: <Shh!> [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.] <SHH!>
Ryouga's shoe: [With a finger pressing the air bladder.] <SHH!>
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...
*<Sorry, this word/term falls in the realm of possible netiquette
violators.>
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
If I left anyone off, my apologies. Any mistakes/embarrassing
faux pas are entirely my own. If there is anything here you must
flame, aim them at me and me alone.
Thank you for taking the time to read this episode of my series.
If you are interested, previous episodes should be available at
the wpi.wpi.edu ftp site. Assuming that I don't get flamed off
the net, I've got the next episode in the works. If you have any
story ideas, or general ideas, please send them. Any tidbits
about the Japanese advanced education system will be especially
looked at (see first writer's note).
Hope you enjoyed it and thanks again!
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.
Andy (The Android) Combs | Katsu: Didn't the old man say something about
Stephen (The Chunk) Tsai | Shoji-ko?
acombs@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu| Kasamatsu: He was probably drunk too. Stop
| worrying; what could possibly go wrong?
Watch for the doujinshi! | Kimagure Orange College Episode #10
