[Ranma][FanFic] Mikado Ichiban 16!
Eric Jones
this particular chapter, and hopefully enters in a new period of speedier
output (like I could be any slower! o.O). I'm quite looking forward to
the particular episodes ahead, so I think I'll pass through them fairly
quickly.
Anyways, here it is; Mikado Ichiban, episode 16...
----
[The camera opens upon a young girls' bedroom. Sunlight shines down
through an
open window sill upon a youthful girl with raven-colored hair. She sleeps
peacefully, with a calm smile upon her face. A bird lands on the windowsill,
and begins chirping merrily. The girl stirs, and turns to face the bird.]
Girl: Why good morning, Kawatori. Thank you for the beautiful song.
[The bird simply flits off the sill, and perches itself on the girl's now-
outstretched hand. It sings a short little trill.]
Girl: [Beams] I'm glad you welcome today so wonderfully. It's a very special
day for me...
[Fade to a still shot of Mikado, in the middle of a jump.]
Girl: Today, we shall finally be reunited.
[Pulling back from the still, we can see that it is a poster set up on
the wall of the girl's room. It is accompanied by least a dozen more.
The girl is gazing at them with starry eyes. Kawatori, now perched on her
shoulder, chirps curiously.]
Girl: Almost three years of waiting, but it will be all worth it...
Oh Sanzenin! You've kept your promise; I just know you have!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Fade in with a shot of Mikado in his bed. | As I opened my eyes
He covers his eyes as he looks out on a | I started to see
bright, beautiful morning. He then turns | The beauty of life
to admire his own reflection in a mirror.] | And to the wonder of me
|
[Cut scenes to a shot of Mikado skating | As I opened my eyes
down a street. He notices a group of | I started to live
women in the distance, and bolts towards | And as soon as I awoke
them, only to be stopped by Azusa, who is | Something started to give
tugging incessantly at his pant leg, and |
Koichi, who simply glares at him darkly. |
|
[Mikado manages to pull himself free, and | Got a good feeling
skates on. The women have disappeared. | Something's going on again
Mikado skates on, looking a bit downcast, | Something's going on
completely oblivious to the fact that he's | (Something's going on)
being stalked by a pony-tailed man on |
roller blades.] |
|
[Mikado skates around a small park, still | As I opened my eyes
being chased by the figure. Mikado pulls | I started to breathe
to a stop by a lake, gazing at it intently. | In the beauty of life
Upon closer inspection, it is his own | And what a beauty indeed
reflection that he's admiring.] |
|
[Various hazy images of females appear | As I started to dream
beside Mikado's reflection. He kneels | A way to look at our lives
towards the image, just in time for his | I was suddenly awoken
pursuer to sail overhead, causing large | As I opened my eyes
ripples in the water.] |
|
[The scene changes, and Mikado is now at | Got a good feeling
school. He smiles obliviously while | Something's going on again
hordes of fans trail behind him.] | Got a good feeling
| Something's going on
|
[Mikado turns a corner, and his pursuer is | Got a good feeling
now a wide-eyed girl wielding some strange | Something's going on again
piece of technology. He keeps on smiling | Got a good feeling
as he turns another corner, where Kindai | Something's going on
Orimono and the rest of the fashion club | (Something's going on)
begin chasing him, clothes in hand. He | Something's going on again
doesn't even register when Azusa joins in, | (Something's going on)
or Juyza, or the pony-tailed skater from | Something's going on
before. As Mikado pulls up to his locker, | (Something's going on)
his pursuers get caught in various traps. | Something's going on again
Chance walks by smugly as Mikado opens his | (Something's going on)...
locker, grabs a book, and turns around. |
He looks distinctly bored as he walks off |--------------------------------
to class.] | "Somethin'" - Ivan
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mikado Ichiban: Zembun Otoko!
Episode 16: Sink or Swim
[Breakfast time at the Sanzenin Mansion once more. Hikaru is humming to
himself
cheerfully, reading a textbook while he slowly munches at his breakfast.
Mikado
ambles in slowly, head hung low.]
Hikaru: Good morning!
Mikado: [Gives Hikaru a dark look] As a matter of fact, it is not. I believe
I asked you not to be cheerful today.
Hikaru: I know, I know. But, it's the first day of the new school year!
Mikado: Which gives me every reason to resent your mood.
Hikaru: It's your last year of school. Don't tell me you're not looking
forward
to that?
Mikado: [Sitting down] I'll be happy when it's the end of the end, not the
beginning. Besides... [Lowers his head against the table, groaning.]
I really don't want today to happen.
Hikaru: Hmm? What's so bad about today?
Mikado: An old 'friend' is coming back to town today. While lovely, she
tends to
be more trouble than she's worth.
Hikaru: An old friend, huh? Do I know her?
Mikado: She'd be hard to forget.
-=-
[Cut to an quiet side street, which the raven-haired girl is walking down. She
is dressed in a perfect-fitting students uniform, and is also sporting a red
headband.]
Girl (off-screen): Suzuko-chan! Wait up!
[Suzuko Turns to see a short, long-haired girl chasing after her. She
smiles.]
Suzuko: Shinobu-chan. You're not usually up this early.
Shinobu: It is the first day of the new year- I have to make a good first
impression on my teachers, you know!
Suzuko: If at no other time?
[The two giggle. Shinobu quickly falls silent.]
Shinobu: Actually, I came along early because I wanted to give you some words
of encouragement.
Suzuko: Hmm?
Shinobu: Come on! I know what you're thinking! You're going to try and see
Mikado, aren't you?
Suzuko: It's been three years, like he said...
Shinobu: Do you really think he waited?
Suzuko: I did.
Shinobu: [Sighs wistfully.] Waiting that long... It's so romantic!
Suzuko: Yes, yes it is. [Looks up to the sky] Today is going to be just
perfect.
-=-
[At Kolkhoz High, the school bell chimes, signaling 8:00. A tall shadow
drapes
across the entrance pathway, covering everything in it's path... The
camera pans
up, to show Wakai Kodomo, in all his 5'4" of glory. He has a joyful
expression on
his face.]
Wakai: [Breathing in heavily] The first morning of the first day- my first day
as a sophomore at Kolkhoz High! No more being pushed around for me;
I'll
be the one people will look up to!
[As he walks closer towards the school, two tall students flank him.]
Boy1: Lookit this, Nagai.
Nagai: Fresh meat, ne? Looks like someone needs some breaking in...
Wakai: {Not _again_...} [Wakai takes a careful step away from the pair.]
Uh, hey guys, you're making a bit of a mistake here...
Nagai: Big talk from a freshman. We just want to show you the ropes around
here, let you know who's boss.
Boy1: Yah. For starters, Nagai and I run this place.
Nagai: Got that right. Everyone fears us here, so you best do what we say.
Got the tar ready Osoi?
Osoi: As always.
Mikado: [Off-screen] Ahem.
[Both thugs freeze in their tracks. They slowly turn around, to see Mikado
looming over them, the sun shining brightly behind him.]
Mikado: I'm afraid you've made two mistakes, gentlemen. One, the man you're
harassing is not a freshman. [Smiles] And I think we all know whom
it is the students of this school really fear.
Osoi: Umm... You?
Mikado: Close, but no. [Mikado steps aside, revealing a wide-eyed Azusa.]
My partner.
[Mikado quickly kicks the bucket of tar, dumping it over Osoi and Nagai.
Azusa's eyes get even wider.]
Azusa: Wai! The tar babies are so cuuuuutte!!!!
[Osoi and Nagai go wide-eyed themselves, fleeing away as fast as possible,
Azusa close on their heels.]
Mikado: That eliminates two problems in one blow. Not a bad start to the
day. [Mikado casually begins to walk away.]
Wakai: [Looking rather confused at the turn of events.] Mikado?
Mikado: Yes?
Wakai: Thanks.
[Mikado turns around, smiling.]
Mikado: We can't be enemies all the time either, Wakai.
[Mikado looks like he's about to say something else, but walks off.]
Wakai: [Leans against a nearby wall, a small smile spreading across his lips.]
No, I guess we can't...
-=-
[Close-up of a fist slamming against a table. Cut back to reveal an agitated
Kazue.]
Kazue: Mikado is the ENEMY! He always was the enemy, and he always will be!
There is no end to the suffering he causes!
[A haggle of eyes blink back Kazue. The swim club has organized together for
the opening meeting of the year.]
Swim Club 1: Aren't you supposed to be in University?
Kazue: Yes! My first day of classes is today!
Swim Club 2: Then... shouldn't you be attending class or something?
Kazue: That's not as important as our main objective- to finally reclaim the
pool from the evil clutches of Mikado!
Swim Club 3: 'Our'? There is no way I'm following any more of your dumb
plans... You're not a part of this club anymore; you don't even
belong to this school !
Kazue: [Calming himself down] Yes, well. I'm aware that you can no longer
abide by my brilliant leadership! That is why I came here today!
[A long, silent pause ensues...]
Swim Club 1: So... What did you come here to say?
Kazue: I cannot guide this club with my wisdom any longer- school laws
prohibit
it. Therefore, I have decided to pass on the torch, so to speak...
[At this point, Wakai comes hustling into the room, a little short of breath.]
Kazue: And right on time. May I present to you, your new club president,
Wakai
Kodomo!
[All eyes turn to Wakai. They nod approvingly.]
Wakai: Huh?
Kazue: Yes, he is the one that will lead you to victory against your
oppressors!
He will slay the...
[As Kazue rants, his voice fades into the background, while other club members
start discussing amongst themselves.]
Swim Club 1: You know, it's actually not a bad idea. He at least looks a lot
friendlier than Kazue, so we can score points in the sympathy
department.
Swim Club 3: He's so spineless, we could pretty much get him to do whatever we
say...
Swim Club 4: Better him than me...
Kazue: ...and that's why Wakai Kodomo would make a perfect replacement for me!
[The entire Swimming Club leaps up and cheers, while Wakai watches on with
increasing bewilderment.]
Wakai: Help?
-=-
[Meanwhile, at the skating rink, Mikado walks slowly onto the ice. He looks
around, an unreadable expression on his face. He breaks into a silent skating
routine, dancing to music that only he can hear. There is no conformity to
his
dance, just sheer spontaneity. He performs leaps and spins that have no
official
name, just a beauty all their own. As the dance progresses, the moves
become more
focused, more calculated; more deadly. He ends the dance with a leaping
equivalent of the 'dance of death', revolving more times in the air than
one could
count. As he slows his spinning to a halt, his attention drifts to the
sound of
clapping. Koichi and Hirotaka are seated in the stands. Mikado breaks off
from his
spins, and skates towards their seats.]
Hirotaka: That's quite the routine you have there. Looking to impress the
ladies more than you already do?
Koichi: If you skated half as well at your competitions, you would be awarded
the gold, silver, and the bronze medals.
Mikado: [Shrugs off the compliments] I always skate best when I'm trying
to rid
myself of old demons.
Hirotaka: Ooh, skeletons in the closet, Sanzenin?
Mikado: You could say that. Do you remember...
-=-
[At another High School, very similar to Kolkhoz, Suzuko and Shinobu look
around in awe.]
Shinobu: Wow, it looks so different. I've seen it before, and I've walked the
grounds before. But it seems more special now.
Suzuko: It belongs to us now; we're a part of it. We're becoming adults...
Shinobu: Still fixated on your promise? [Gives a sly wink to Suzuko] Are you
going to surprise him during the lunch break, or just sneak into one
of his classes?
Suzuko: [Blushing] Oh no! No, I'm going to visit him after school. It's...
too soon.
Shinobu: What's a few hours, when you've been waiting nearly three years?
[Whispers conspiratorially] I bet you can't wait...
[Suzuko doesn't respond, she simply studies the ground intently.]
-=-
[Cut to a close-up of Koichi's face.]
Koichi: No! Tell me she's not returning!
Mikado: She is. She told me she'd return, and this is the right time for it.
Hirotaka: Are you sure it's not just speculation? Maybe she won't show up.
Mikado: I doubt I'll be that lucky.
Koichi: Hmph. Like it or not, we'll at least need to prepare. She caused
enough
trouble the _last_ time she was here. Who knows what else could
happen?
Mikado: I'd rather not guess.
Hirotaka: Hmm. Speaking of old problems coming out of the woodwork..
[Koichi and Mikado look at Hirotaka curiously, who casually points to the
stands.
Kazue is striding down the stairs, a triumphant smile on his face.]
Mikado: Kazue?
Kazue: That's right Sanzenin, I'm back!
Koichi: [Frostily] Fortunately, you passed your entrance exams. What are you
doing here?
Kazue: Oh don't worry, I'm not here to plague you any longer! I just wanted
to give you a parting warning.
Hirotaka: Warning?
Kazue: I may have never beaten you myself, Sanzenin, but the spirit of
vengeance
lives on! The Kolkhoz Swimming Club has new leadership, and new plans
to topple your reign of the arena! [Laughs] Enjoy it while you still
can!
[All three skaters stare at Kazue blankly, as he grins, then begins walking up
the stands, out of the arena. A sweat drop begins forming on Hirotaka's head.]
Hirotaka: Well, looks like everyone's coming back, eh Mikado?
Mikado: At least we won't have to deal with _him_.
Koichi: This is true, but I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
Mikado: Coach?
Koichi: Kazue is a blind fool. Fools make mistakes. Perhaps the new
president
shall not be prone to the anger that led Kazue on...
Hirotaka: You mean we'd have to deal with intelligent plots, instead of inane
ones.
Koichi: Precisely.
Mikado: [Pondering] I truly can't imagine them as a threat, but we probably
shouldn't take it too lightly...
[A bell rings, signaling the beginning of classes.]
Koichi: Our first club meeting is after school today. Before then, find out
what you can about who the new president is.
[Mikado and Hirotaka nod, before running off.]
-=-
[In a small classroom, Hikaru Sanzenin sits at a desk, bored. The class is
largely full, but all the seats around him are empty. Hikaru looks around,
then stares down at his desk.]
Hikaru: {New year, but nothing's changed...}
[The sound of someone sitting down next to him startles him out of his
thoughts.
Slowly, he looks over, and sees Hikaru Hiyama, smiling cheerfully. Hikaru
breaks into a smile of his own.]
Hikaru: H - Hello, Hiyama-san.
Hikaru-chan: Welcome back Hikaru-kun! Did you enjoy the break?
Hikaru: Yeah. Although it was only two weeks, it felt like two years.
Hikaru-chan: [Wistfully] More like two minutes...
Hikaru: [Blinks] Hiyama, are you all right?
Hikaru-chan: Better than I've been in a long time, Hikaru.
Hikaru: What...
[Hikaru would have continued, but he's interrupted by the arrival of their
teacher. He is a short rotund man, with hair spinning off his head almost
like an Afro. He has a look of supreme confidence about him.]
Teacher: Welcome to your first day of class, students! Unlike my crackpot
contemporaries, I don't believe in 'gliding' students back into their
studies. As true academics, you shouldn't have stopped your studies
to begin with! With that in mind, I'd like to continue your science
studies from the point they were last year, and take them to their
next step. I believe your last topic was the mathematics behind
modern theories of the black hole. I will use this as a springboard
into introducing you to the grand unification theory - the equation
that will explain the existence of all matter that exists in the
universe!
[Stony silence greets his proclamation.]
Teacher: I can tell that your shocked with excitement. I have chills myself.
So if you give me a few moments, we can begin!
[Hikaru-chan, ashen-faced, leans over to Hikaru, and whispers in his ear.]
Hikaru-chan: Is it possible to start our tutoring again? Please?
Hikaru: [Grins] Sure.
-=-
[Lunchtime finds Mikado laying atop the roof of Kolkhoz High. His body feigns
relaxation, but his face looks tense. His eyes dart off in different
directions suspiciously, looking for something.]
Mikado: {They lock the doors to the roof, so it's unlikely she'll find me up
here.}
[Mikado laughs at himself, shaking his head.]
Mikado: I'm safe up here. No one knows how to get up here, and who'd
think to
look?
Chance: Those of us hired to protect you?
[Mikado has a momentary look of shock, but manages to keep himself under
control. He turns around to face Chance, who is leaning up against the
now-unlocked doorway to the roof.]
Mikado: Are you trying to give your employer a heart attack?
Chance: Are you trying to give your employee a heart attack? As you just
said,
not many people would think to find you here.
Mikado: I was just trying to find some privacy.
Chance: Well next time, let me know first.
[Mikado rolls his eyes.]
Mikado: That would be somewhat against the point.
[Mikado gets up, and walks over the to edge of the building. He leans up
against the railing, looking off into the distance.]
Mikado: This was my hideaway spot. I'd come here when I was younger, when I
wanted to get away from the world.
Chance: And it still is?
Mikado: As a matter of fact, yes. There's someone who might be coming...
Wakai: (off-screen) Mikado?
[Mikado turns around quickly, while Chance disappears from the scene. Wakai is
on the opposite side of the roof, hanging onto the outside of the railing. He
looks over at Mikado curiously.]
Wakai: What're you doing here?
Mikado: Escaping things; the same reason I always came up here...
[Wakai smiles, and hops over the railing. He skips over to Mikado, looking
about.]
Wakai: I thought I heard you talking to someone?
Mikado: No, just myself. Me and my memories...
Wakai: Heh. Getting senile in your old age, ne?
[Mikado smiles weakly. Wakai looks at him earnestly.]
Wakai: It's been a long time since we've hung out up here together.
Mikado: Things change, people change. Life moves on.
Wakai: Pretty philosophical there, Mikado. Don't tell me you went and grew
up on me.
Mikado: [grins] I'm a different person now, to be sure. I don't remember you
ever having such a sarcastic tone.
Wakai: People change, as you said.
Mikado: I'd as soon forget about my past, as I would forget my present, truth
be told. Both have their bad moments.
[Wakai looks momentarily hurt.]
Wakai: ...Well, why don't we just forget about everything then, and hang out
here for a while?
Mikado: It's a beautiful day; it'd be a shame to waste it inside.
Wakai: I doubt I need to go to my first gym class anyway.
[Slowly, the pair get more relaxed. The sound cuts out, as the camera pulls
back from the pair. The camera freezes as the sun shines brightly from a
corner
of the screen.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Ad break: A painted version of the closing shot of Mikado and Wakai.]
[Fade to black.]
Voice-over: It was supposed to be an easy job. A simple case of scaring
a suitor. I had no idea things would get so messed up. That the team I
chose would be so messed up...
[The camera opens in a dimly-lit room. A very old and wheelchair-ridden
Washuu is sizing up a defiant Aeka.]
Washuu: Thought you could just quit on me, eh? Just this one last job,
then we'll be through with each other for good. I'm sure you'll agree
to. It's the only choice a living person could make, after all.
Aeka: She had me over a barrel, so I went for it. And assembled the
worst assortment of accomplices ever.
[Cut to a scene at a restaurant. Aeka sits at the head of the table,
a vein in her forehead throbbing as Kiyone trains a gun on a crying
Mihoshi. Sasami tries to calm things down unsuccessfully.]
Aeka: Apparently the boss' daughter went buggo when her 'fiancee'
decided to get engaged to some other girl instead. Our mission was
to scare the girl away from Tenchi, I believe his name was, and
bring him back to his 'true' love. A real philanthropist, our
boss...
[Pause, fade to black on a gunshot, and the sound of someone screaming.]
Aeka: I guess when you're bored and get on with your life, you still
find there's a lot of things to do..
Things to do in Tokyo when you're not needed
Possibly a Sound & Furry Production. Probably not, though. ^_^
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[The scene opens in the school gym. A bell rings, and the sounds of
students milling about can be heard from outside the door. The gym
doors are opened, and a half dozen students waltz in, dribbling
basketballs.]
Boy 1: Man, I can't believe we're back to classes already. The grind
of homework's gonna kill me.
Boy 2: Like you're so focused on your studies. First day back, and
you're already running to hide in the gym.
Boy 3: And you're so much better, right?
[The students horse around a bit more, but trail off as they notice that
someone else is already practicing. They watch with surprise as Phrank,
attired in traditional Kendo garb, goes through a series of strikes.
His form isn't perfect, but it's obvious that he's putting a great deal
of attention into what he's doing.]
Boy 2: Now here's a space case; he probably got in here before lunch
break even started.
Boy 4: Oh. my. god. That can't possibly be... Phrank?
[Phrank stumbles through a strike as he hears his name being called, and
turns around, looking at the students in confusion.]
Phrank: Eh? What are you guys doing here? Is second period over?
[Most of the students smirk.]
Boy 1: Yeah, about an hour ago. It's lunch time.
Phrank: Oh geez!
[Phrank rushes over to a corner of the gym where his bags are, and packs
up his shinai, and puts a pair of shoes on.]
Phrank: I gotta go; I'll be late for practice!
[Phrank zooms out of the room.]
Boy 3: Late for...?
Boy 1: It's probably best not asking.
Boy 4: Phrank? Exercising?
Boy 2: Get over it already.
-=-
[In a smaller gym/dojo, other students attired in Kendo garb are
beginning to do various stretches and warm-ups. They are watched over
by a serious-looking man, who is in his early thirties. He is attired in
the traditional black Kendo pants, but does not wear a top. He marches
up and down the rows of students, watching them with a studious eye.]
Kendo teacher: Your form is good Yoshi, but you lack strength. It is
just air that you strike against, but act as if it were a
real opponent!
[The teacher is silent as he notices Phrank trying to slip into the room
unnoticed. He lets Phrank get into the group and begins his strikes.]
Kendo teacher: [Loud enough for the entire class to hear] Neryu, I hope
this is not going to be a usual occurrence?
Phrank: N- no, Genjuro-sensei.
Genjuro: I should hope not. A small tournament being held at this school
to introduce the Kendo season. [His voice softens, almost
mirthful.] I would hate to have a tardy student representing
our school.
Phrank: [Stops and stares at Genjuro] You want me on the roster?
Genjuro: So long as you aren't late for any more practices, yes.
Phrank: [Beaming] Of course sensei!
[Phrank begins his strike routine with even more vigor.]
Phrank: {You watch Josie, I'll give you something to cheer me in yet...}
-=-
[In the Kolkhoz High Library, Hirotaka is reading through an assorted
batch of sporting magazines. As he's reading, a pair of swimming club
members sneak up behind him.]
Hirotaka: [Not moving at all] I wouldn't do that if I were you.
[Or at least, they begin to. The pair leap up in surprise and run off.]
Hirotaka: [Muttering mostly to himself] Probably could have beaten some
information out of them, but what the hell... [Continues to
flip through the magazine] If jumping skating club members is
the best idea they can come up with though, I don't think we
have much to worry about.
-=-
[Meanwhile, out in the front yard, Azusa scampers about, rummaging
through bushes, lifting up rocks and looking under them. Mikado follows
behind distractedly, ignoring her antics.]
Azusa: Ryuu-kun? Ryuu-kun?
[Azusa hops into a nearby bush, rustling about. Mikado affords her a
short glance.]
Mikado: He's not here, Azusa.
Azusa: [Head popping up through the bushes] Then where is heee?
Mikado: I don't know. But I do know that he's no longer a student at
this school.
Azusa: Nani?
Mikado: Koichi advised me of it during the school break. Ryuuken has
dropped out of Kolkhoz. I can only assume he's transferred.
Azusa: But, why would he want to leave?
Mikado: It's not like his last year ended too well for him...
Azusa: [Silent as a flashback of sound comes back to her] "Ryuuken,
sometimes you can go just too far. Azusa doesn't want to talk
to you right now!" [She sighs] Azusa sent him away...
Mikado: You did no such thing. He dishonored himself during the
competition,. He probably planned to moved elsewhere , where he
doesn't have the reputation of being a cretin.
[Azusa whacks Mikado with her lunch box.]
Azusa: Don't insult my Ryuu-kun!
Mikado: Possessive, aren't we?
Azusa: Ryuu-kun was awful, nasty and mean. But Azusa always found him
funny..
Mikado: Yes, I can recall the joy he brought into my life.
[Azusa latches onto Mikado's arm. Mikado freezes up.]
Azusa: Oh well, Azusa will have to settle for just having her San-chan!
Mikado: [mutters darkly] You might have a little competition there.
[Azusa looks at Mikado curiously.]
-=-
Close up of Suzuko, who is sitting calmly with a pair of girls, eating
lunch underneath a cherry tree.]
Girl 1: I think it's so romantic, Suzuko! I'm glad you've been able to
wait so long; I'm sure your meeting today will be really special!
Suzuko: I only hope he remembers what I look like. It's been quite some
time, after all.
Girl 1: You didn't send him pictures?
Suzuko: No, he insisted that we stay apart completely, so that our
'youthful intentions didn't get in the way of the purity of our
love.'
Girl 2: That sounds awfully suspicious, don't you think? Are you sure
that he's stayed true to you, Suzuko?
Suzuko: I'm sure of it! ...He promised me...
Girl 1: Don't worry Suzuko, I'm sure today will be one of the best days
of your life.
Suzuko: Good things come to those who wait. That's what my mother always
taught
me.
Girl 2: If you think so, I guess things will be fine.
Suzuko: Hai! Tonight is going to be absolutely perfect!
[Suzuko leaps to her feet, posing triumphantly.]
Suzuko: ...and to make sure of it, I better prepare.
[The two girls blink in confusion as Suzuko runs off.]
Girl 2: Preparing a little early, isn't she?
Girl 1: [Sighing] I just hope she isn't setting herself up for a
disappointment.
Girl 2: I don't think the school will remain standing if she is...
-=-
[Meanwhile, Suzuko has rushed all the way inside the school. Once
inside, she slows her step. A little. Her path is blocked by a tall
young man who appears out of nowhere.]
Satoshi: Suzuko, I've watched you all these years, I've been silent for
so long. But now I have to say... You were absolutely wrong
when you said teal was my color!
Suzuko: [Smiling] Is that all? I was afraid that you were going to say
something more dramatic.
Satoshi: What, that I love you or something? I know it's your big day
today. I'm waiting until tonight when he turns out to be a dud,
and you come crying into my arms.
Suzuko: ...That's not funny, Satoshi.
Satoshi: Well, I can't help it a bit. Doesn't it seem silly to be able
to maintain a relationship after not even seeing each other for
three years?
Suzuko: I did.
Satoshi: Well, I hope that he's a worthy enough man, then... But
seriously, I'm here if you need me.
Suzuko: [Beams] Thanks, Satoshi-kun.
Satoshi: 'Big brother' Satoshi is always here to help. Now, we really do
need to find a better accessory color for me...
Suzuko: [Giggles] Now you're just trying to manipulate my time.
Besides, I'm not a fashion expert, I'm a martial fashion expert.
[Winks] If you want me to tell you how to snag your ideal partner
with that scarf of yours, I could help you with that!
[Satoshi turns a beet red. Suzuko giggles some more, and runs off.]
Suzuko: See you later!
Satoshi: [Waving dumbly] ...later.
-=-
[Back at Kolkhoz, Hikaru is sitting by himself, eating his lunch absently while
working out some equations on a piece of paper.]
Hikaru: It still doesn't account for small flightless waterfowl... They can't
possibly exist according to these numbers.
[His studies into the higher physics of the universe are disturbed as a young
student crash-lands into the ground beside him. The boy's hand sprawls over
Hikaru's papers, resting on one point of the equation. Hikaru peers at that
section unblinkingly.]
Hikaru: Ah hah! I forgot to carry the two. Thanks!
Hirotaka: No problem.
[Hikaru looks up to see a bouncy Hirotaka, a light sheen of sweat on his
forehead, and a small trail of students behind him. Hikaru blinks
curiously.]
Hikaru: Wha-?
Hirotaka: Don't ask. You try a little diplomacy with these guys, and they
set upon you with fists of fury... Or try to. What're you doing
there?
Hikaru: My homework. We're supposed to formulate the mathematical theorem
that explains the nature of the universe.
[Hirotaka goes a deathly shade of white.]
Hirotaka: In your first week?!
Hikaru: [Meekly] It's for the semester...
Hirotaka: [Twitches] Oh, that's an improvement. What's got you so gung-ho?
You complain about these classes being too slow as it is.
Hikaru: I, uh, wanted some extra free time.
Hirotaka: For?
Hikaru: [Blushing furiously] Giving Hikaru-chan math lessons.
Hirotaka: Mastering the course, freeing time to master her heart eh? You
sly dog.
Hikaru: It's not like that! ...She's told me she's sworn off boyfriends
anyway.
Hirotaka: You seem to have a talent for bringing about that reaction,
don't you?
[Hikaru sticks his tongue out at Hirotaka.]
Hirotaka: The great mature one once again strikes me down with his
unbeatable logic! I am slain!
Hikaru: A step above your cheesy dramatics.
Hirotaka: And a swift riposte! Shall we make this a sniping match, or
get down to the meat of the matter?
Hikaru: Eh?
Hirotaka: In simple terms, why haven't you asked Hikaru-chan out yet?
Hikaru: Because... Uh...
Hirotaka: Because she might say no?
Hikaru: Because now, is not the time. She wants a break from
relationships, and
I'm going to respect that. {I brought it about, after all.}
Hirotaka: But in the meantime, you're not against gaining her favor more than
you already have?
Hikaru: Aheh. Yeah, I guess that's the idea.
Hirotaka: [Claps Hikaru on the shoulder] Well, don't keep her waiting too
long.
[Hirotaka gets up, leaving Hikaru alone with his equations. He goes
back to them for a few moments, before looking up again.]
Hikaru: Don't keep her waiting...?
-=-
[In another corner of the school, Wakai is being cornered by a group of
students,
who are all obviously swimming club members. Some of them are sporting
bruises.]
Swim Club 1: Some plan that was Wakai. 'Take them down one by one' my butt!
We
couldn't even take down the _one_...
Wakai: Plan? ...I didn't give any orders to do anything.
Swim Club 2: But Kazue told us you came up with the idea...
Wakai: And you believed him?
[The students collectively shuffle their feet.]
Swim Club 3: Err, yes...
Wakai: [Rubbing his head] You guys sure do need help.
Swim Club 1: Then what is your plan, oh 'fearless leader'? We haven't
heard a peep from you since you were nominated captain.
Wakai: [Mutters] I thought that was why you named me captain...
Swim Club 2: What?
Wakai: [Speaking up] My first order as captain, is to find out if Kazue's
still
running around giving orders. If he is, just _please_ let everyone
know
that they should not listen to him.
Swim Club 4: You know, that sounds like a plan I could actually enjoy for once.
[Wakai breathes a sigh of relief as the students tromp off en masse to find
Kazue. He relaxes against a wall, shaking his head.]
Wakai: That was easy, but how can I keep on doing this? How can I beat
up on my friend?
Mikado: [Walking out from around a corner] I believe it was your choice to
join
the swimming club. I can only presume you knew what that would
lead to.
Wakai: [Turning around in surprise] Mikado! ... I had an inkling, yes. But
I never thought Kazue would go as far as he did, or that my teammates
would be hungering for more of the same after he was gone...
Mikado: Violence certainly seems to be the way of things again.
Wakai: I know... Look, I didn't join the swimming club to go against you
specifically. But if things keep going like they do, it's going to
happen. Are you sure there isn't some kind of compromise we could
make?
Mikado: Unfortunately, I am. Koichi is just as obsessed as Kazue ever
was, really. To hear him say it, we need the rink twenty-four
seven.
Wakai: So there's no kind of midway at all? Come on, you don't practice
every evening, let alone every hour.
Mikado: It's not my decision to make. I'm sorry.
Wakai: This is ridiculous - you're not even going to ask him?
Mikado: Trust me, I've been down this road before. If I raise the subject,
Koichi will conclude that I'm not devoted enough to the cause of my
club, which will mean more months of trust building. I've had
enough of him looking down upon me.
Wakai: How about being in a club that the entire school looks down upon?
Mikado, this whole situation is crazy.
Mikado: [sighing] 'to alternate between the two clubs, the water would have
frozen multiple times a week. This causes strain on systems, and costs
an enormous amount in funding.'
Wakai: ...Koichi?
Mikado: Koichi, and Principal Hajinai. Don't think I didn't ask something
similar when this insane rivalry started.
[Wakai ponders this for a few moments.]
Wakai: I'm sorry. I guess that means we're enemies after all.
Mikado: Wakai-
Wakai: No, really. It's like you say Mikado, there's no middle ground.
No answer except conflict. You'll be hearing from us soon.
[Wakai stomps off, leaving Mikado to watch him go sadly.]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Ad break. The picture from the first break is split in half.]
[The camera opens on a small apartment. Black and white film shows a young
couple searching their house despondantly; everything's turned over, and one
window is broken.]
Announcer: Are theives breaking into your apartment? Do you live in fear of
your precious items being stolen? Have you tried the clamp, locks
and every other device on the market? Then you need..
[In bright blazing colour, we are presented with...]
Announcer: The Azusa!
[Azusa beams cutely at the camera. She is holding a VCR protectively.]
Announcer: That's right, the Azusa. One bouncy female, ready to protect
your precious items at all costs!
[A cheesily overdone 'thief' sneaks up behind Azusa. Azusa turns around,
and smacks the man over the head with a hammer. She turns to the camera,
her smile widening.]
Announcer: The Azusa- so safe, even you won't be able to get to your things!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[A few hours pass, and the bell ending the first day of classes rings.
Students pore out of the school, crowding the exit gate from the school.
A few students head off in a different direction though, like Hikaru
and Hikaru-chan, who walk amiably towards the skating rink.]
Hikaru: So you've got evening training Monday to Wednesday, and then an
extended session on Saturdays?
Hikaru-chan: That's what Koichi said it would be when I asked, but he
might have changed the schedule on us. I'll double check at
practice today.
Hikaru: Sounds easy enough. Do you want to tentatively have our
sessions on Fridays then?
Hikaru-chan: [Winks] I can think of no other man I'd rather spend my
Friday nights with!
[Hikaru turns a distinct shade of red.]
Hikaru-chan: [Laughs] You're the only man I'm allowing myself to see
anyway, silly!
Hikaru: Right. Of course.
Hikaru-chan: Seriously though, Fridays are good. Although... Could we
do it at my place?
Hikaru: Not wanting the company of certain other individuals?
[Hikaru-chan nods.]
Hikaru: I've no problems with that at all.
[The pair stops as they get to the entrance to the rink.]
Hikaru: Well, your first year as captain of the ice dancers. Are you
sure you can handle the responsibility?
[Hikaru-chan giggles.]
Hikaru-chan: It's a great burden, I tell you!
Hikaru: Once you get some people to order around, I'm sure you'll do
perfectly well. But hey, good luck anyway.
Hikaru-chan: Thanks, Hikaru-kun! See you Friday!
Hikaru: And huddled up into a gibbering mass during science class?
Hikaru-chan: Probably, but I hope not!
[Hikaru watches Hikaru-chan go up the stairs, then sighs contentedly.]
Hikaru: One step at a time...
-=-
[Meanwhile, Mikado is just stepping outside, stealing nervous glances in
every direction before actually exiting the school.]
Mikado: She's not here yet. Maybe she changed her mind about showing
up.
Wakai: Who are you hiding from Mikado?
Mikado: Aigh!
[Mikado turns around like a deer in headlights, until he realizes who it
is. He calms down a little bit. But not much.]
Mikado: Wakai-
Wakai: Let me start. I was out of line earlier. I can't blame you
entirely for the situation. It's just so frustrating...
Mikado: Not just for you. Do you think I enjoy this insanity any less than
you do?
Wakai: Huh?
Mikado: It's another distraction, and probably makes Koichi more driven than
he would be normally. I don't need another year of him barking at
me to deal with the 'potential threat'... Speaking of which, Kazue
warned us about the danger your new captain would represent. Is he
a worthy heir to Kazue's 'legacy', or does he have a working mind?
Wakai: ...You don't know who it is yet?
Mikado: I was supposed to research into the matter, but I've been caught up in
other matters. Like trying to keep some of my old friends.
[Wakai stares at Mikado blankly.]
Mikado: Call me naive, but I think as a swimming club member, you would
know. I'm sure the leader will reveal himself soon enough, but knowing
in advance would make any necessary preparations easier.
Wakai: ...
Mikado: As a friend, Wakai. Please tell me.
Wakai: A friend? You've barely talked to me for the last two years, and
you're asking for my help as a friend?
Mikado: You know why I had to distance myself for a while.
Wakai: And so do you. Why can't you say it?
Mikado: I can accept it now, but that doesn't mean I'm comfortable about it.
Wakai: Well, that certainly makes me feel so much better!
Mikado: Wakai, please...
Wakai: Please what? Don't be gay? Don't bring up the subject of my
feelings? I'm sorry Mikado, but if you're going to claim to be my
friend, I'm going to have to remind you that you made a decision not
to be!
Mikado: I never said I didn't want to be your friend, Wakai.
Wakai: You just think I'm a freak, is all.
Mikado: I never said that.
Wakai: You just implied it. No Mikado, I'm not going to tell you who the
captain of the club is. I'm going to let you find out for yourself.
[Wakai storms out of the school grounds.]
Mikado: This day could definitely be going better...
[Mikado makes a few cautious glances around, then makes a quick dash to
the skating rink.]
-=-
[The camera doesn't follow Mikado, but hangs for a few moments, as Phrank and
Josie make their way out of the school. Phrank is back in regular school
clothing, but has his shinai strapped across his bag.]
Phrank: I still can't believe it, I'm actually going to compete in a
tournament!
Josie: I can. You've only mentioned it ten times since we've gotten out of
class.
Phrank: [Blushes] Well, I'm just shocked. Master Genjuro is being rather
lenient letting me on the team; I mean, I haven't even been training
that long.
Josie: You've certainly been dedicated though! I barely saw you over the
break.
Phrank: We hung out every night...
Josie: You mean I hung out with a half-asleep fatigued zombie that looked
exactly like you.
Phrank: Okay, so I practiced a lot. I just don't want to look like a loser
during lessons.
Josie: You never were a loser Phrank. I'm really proud that you're taking to
this so seriously.
Phrank: Really?
Josie: [Winks] Just don't forget the other things in your life.
Phrank: Ha! How could I possibly forget about my stamp collection?
Josie: Why you...!
[Phrank laughs and jogs away as Josie begins chasing him. She catches up with
him just outside the school gates, and tackles him to the ground. The pair
laugh, and help each other get up.]
Josie: That sense of 'humor' of yours is going to get you into trouble some
day, Mr. Neryu.
Phrank: Funny, I thought it already had. More than enough times.
[Josie looks at Phrank mischievously, but before she says anything, a visibly
nervous Suzuko approaches them.]
Suzuko: Ex- excuse me, is this Kolkhoz High School?
Phrank: Yes.
Suzuko: Thank you...
[A pause ensues. Both Phrank and Josie look at Suzuko with confusion.]
Josie: Are you looking for someone?
Suzuko: I'm just, waiting for someone in the skating club. Do you
know if they have practice today?
Phrank: Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, for an hour and a half after
the end of classes. That's what I heard, at least.
Suzuko: [Brightening] Thank you.
Phrank: You're welcome.
[Suzuko bows to the two, and waits patiently in front of the gates. Phrank
and Josie carry along there way.]
Phrank: What do you figure; another one of Mikado's fans?
Josie: Could it be anyone else?
Phrank: I guess. It's not like anyone at this school has any fans.
Josie: Well, that's not quite true, now is it?
Phrank: Eh?
Josie: I think a certain Kendo artist might find he has one particularly
keen fan.
Phrank: You think? Huh, let me know next you see him. That'd be a sight.
[Josie ribs Phrank rather pointedly as they continue to walk down the
street. Suzuko watches their exchange, immensely pleased.]
Suzuko: That'll be us soon.
-=-
[Inside the skating rink, Mikado enters the ice. he looks rather rushed. He
begins skating, but is interrupted quite shortly.]
Koichi: Everyone, get together if you would, please!
[All the skaters group together in front of Koichi. Mikado glides over
glumly.]
Koichi: Welcome back to another year of martial ice skating; I'm glad to see
that everyone made it.
Azusa: Not everyone is here...
Koichi: Everyone, that still attends this school, at least. It's rather
important that everyone is here; I have an announcement of import
to make. As some of you may have already noticed, it seems that the
swimming club has declared open season on certain members of our
team.
Hirotaka: And they've got the bruises to prove it.
Koichi: Yes. Well, in spite of the fact they really only amount to a nuisance,
you should stay alert - they could spring out of the woodwork at any
moment. They have a new club president, so they presumably won't be
quite so mindless in their quest to reclaim the rink.
Hirotaka: Yeah, Wakai Kodomo is their new pres, and while he's not exactly
what
one would call proactive, he's definitely..
Mikado: Excuse me? Wakai? Wakai is their leader?
Koichi: That's correct, Sanzenin. Is something the matter with that?
Mikado: No, well... No.
Koichi: I see. [Turns to the rest of the club members] That's enough chatter
though, let's see if you all kept up your practices over the break!
[Koichi claps his hands, and the students all file to different parts of the
rink, and begin doing drills. Mikado watches this numbly for a few moments,
before going over to his group. He does his routines listlessly.]
-=-
[Time passes, and students begin filing out of the skating rink. Most rush by
quickly, getting to the gates off school grounds before they slow down. Many
look curious at this point, staring at something that is obscured from our view
by the gate. Mikado is the last to leave the rink, walking alongside
Koichi.]
Mikado: I understand how you feel about the rink, Koichi, but are you sure
there's nothing we can do?
Koichi: Softening my position would do nothing to ease the purse strings of
the principal, and you know it.
Mikado: Yes, but...
Koichi: You don't want to go head-to-head with a friend?
Mikado: [Looks surprised] That's right.
Koichi: I could make a speech about adversity giving you strength, but in
this case I won't. I understand this will be hard for you, Sanzenin.
But you must persevere.
Mikado: I just can't help but think there could be another way.
Koichi: Search hard enough, and nothing's impossible. But for now, go home
and get some rest. It's been a long day.
Mikado: Yes, and an entire year ahead of me too look forward to.
Koichi: Hope is a positive force that leads to a positive fate. Dismay is a
negative force. Think about that, Sanzenin.
[Koichi walks off towards the teacher's parking lot. Mikado watches him
go, and slowly ambles his way towards the exit from the school.]
Mikado: One day down, Two hundred and thirty nine to go...
[Mikado stops once he's outside the gate. He looks in fear in the direction
that the other students were staring previously.]
Mikado: Of course, this day might get much longer...
[The camera cuts to a shot looking over Mikado's shoulder. Standing in front
of him is a tall, red-headed girl, wearing a severely cut black dress. She
is leaning against a guard rail, arms linked. It's obvious she's been waiting
for him.]
Mikado: You...
red-head: It has been a long time, hasn't it Mishka?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
[Scene opens with a slow pan of Mikado, | [instrumental intro]
trailing up from a pair of jet-black |
roller blades, past the custom-fitted |
designer clothes, and stopping at a |
still of his shoulders and up. He |
adjusts his bow tie, and smiles out at |
the camera.] |
|
[Mikado reaches towards the screen with | Light switch,
one hand, his eyes sparkling with some | Man switch
light. Mikado walks down a hall, | Film was broken only then
leading the hand along with him, until | All the night,
they pass through a set of doors, which | Viewed tomorrow
lead into a dance hall.] | Dancing with a distant friend.
|
[The camera pans out, revealing that | Filming and screening,
Mikado's partner is Valentina. | I picture the scene
Lights dance off their hair, as they | Filming and dreaming
circle around the floor, faces aglow.] | Dreaming of me
|
[Suddenly, Mikado is dancing with | So we left
Nabiki, who leads him out of the dance | Understanding
hall, directly into a coffee house, | Clean cut, some were sounding fast
where the pair sit down at a table, | Talked of sad
sipping drinks while a band plays in | I talk of war
the background.] | I laughed and climbed the rising
| cast
|
[Meanwhile, from another part of the | Filming and screening,
room, Kureena Mitsuka is madly | I picture the scene.
photographing the event. She puts down | Filming and dreaming
the camera for a moment, a wistful | Dreaming of me.
expression on her face.] |
|
[Mikado walks back out onto the | [solo]
dance floor, with Azusa at his side. |
They start circling around, and the |
female changes every time she twirls |
out of view. Mikado looks a little |
confused, and takes a step back.] |
|
[A collage of images flash on screen, |
and slowly fade out - Valentina, | dreaming of me
snuggling up happily against Mikado. | just dreaming of me
Nabiki,trademark smirk in place, and a | it's only me
playful glint in her eyes. A scene of | just me
Mikado and Mikami. Mikami mallets |
Mikado. Fade to the last image, of |
Mikado, firmly tucked into bed, a wry |-------------------------------------
smile on his face.] | "Dreaming of Me" - Depeche Mode
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mikado Ichiban: Zembun Otoko!
Episode 16: Sink or Swim
Written by: Eric Jones
Thanks to: Cheyenne Edejer, for reasons which won't be apparent till next
ep. ^_^
Scuzzy, who came up with the original incarnation of Suzuko
Will McDuff, for C&C, plus the idea of 'The Azusa'
And there it is. Any C&C to mik...@maison-otaku.net, please. :)
Eric Jones
http://maison-otaku.net/~mikado/