Hello everyone, I'm posting this on behalf of David Myers, who hasn't 
got his new Uni account yet...
Ed.

"Search for God" 
A Maison Ikkoku fanfic by David Myers

Maison Ikkoku rights reserved by Viz video and all characters are owned 
and created by Rumiko Takahashi.  This is a non profit story written 
without permission which does not intend to infringe upon those rights.

Maison Ikkoku - Where Wacky Hijinks Can't Stop a Great Romance!

Maison Ikkoku, a comfortable shabby apartment building is home of a 
motley crew of volatile personalities. Yusaku a college student, is madly 
in love with beautiful young Kyoko, the apartment manager.  But the 
recent death of her husband prevents Kyoko from fully opening her heart 
to anyone.  While bumbling Yusaku and a dashing tennis coach vie for her 
affections, the other residents can't resist in meddling in their 
business.  Hilarious misunderstandings and poignant drama ensue.    
				******
Women in sports clothing are playing tennis over the three tennis 
courts.  Numerous women watch as Kyoko and another  lady hit the ball 
back and forth in an intense rally. Shun Mitaka stands by the referee's 
chair and is analysing the game.   Mrs Ichinose sits by the fence smoking 
with a group of other women.  Outside the fence Mr Yotsuya in his Kimono 
and Yusaku stand watching the game.  Kyoko misses the return and then 
loses the point.  

Mitaka:  Kyoko your backhand needs to improve.  Allow me to demonstrate.

Mitaka stands behind Kyoko and holding onto her hand which holds the 
tennis racket.  He begins to demonstrate the correct back hand 
technique.  Yusaku presses his face up against the fence.

Yusaku(furious): Damn that Mitaka.  Always taking advantage of Kyoko like 
that.
Mrs Ichinose: Oh are you still here?  I would have thought you would have 
better things to do on a Saturday.
Mr Yotsuya: Indeed, it is rather pathetic of you to stand here leering 
and drooling at our honourable manger all weekend. 
Yusaku: Ah leave me alone. I got a life, remember I used to be a part of 
the puppet club at college. 
Mrs Ichinose: Oh please, that was two years ago.  Nowadays you're always 
here obsessing over Kyoko. No wonder she won't go out with you.  
Mr Yotsuya:  Such obsessive behaviour has often caused better men than 
yourself to commit horrible sex crimes.
Mrs Ichinose: He's right you know.
Mr Yotsuya: Yes it is only a matter of time, before you too will succumb 
to your violent sexual urges.  
Yusaku: I'm going.  I gotta go get ready for work anyway.

Yusaku turns and leaves the tennis courts heading back towards the 
apartment building.  As he walks he stoops over looking defeated.

Mr Yotsuya: Alas it appears we have broken young Godai's spirit yet again.
Mrs Ichinose: You say that like it's a bad thing.
			***********************

Yusaku walks slowly through the busy streets of Tokyo.  He is 
contemplating the other residents words.

Yusaku(Thinking): They are right.  I spend all my free time down by the 
tennis courts or at the Maison Ikkoku drinking.  Such a lifestyle can't 
be healthy, and maybe I have been trying too hard with the manger. I 
could do with a distraction, if for nothing else, just to get away from 
those parasites. But it's too late in the year to join any of the other 
clubs at University.  What am I going to do?
Young Girl: HI!!!!!!

Out of nowhere a pretty young girl leaps up in front of Yusaku.  Somewhat 
shocked he falls to the ground with his thumb index finger and little 
finger extended.  Blinking he rises again to his feet.

Young Girl: Oh sorry about that. 
Yusaku: No problem (thinking) Wow she's cute.
Young Girl(Loud and Chirpy voice): I'm from the Church of  St Mary's.  We 
are having an outreach tomorrow for new people who are interested in 
hearing the word of God.
Yusaku: Really?
Young Girl: Mmm Hmmm.
Yusaku: What do you do?
Young Girl: It's great we sing and then, the Pastor reads a few passages 
from the bible and we listen.  Then after the service we have coffee and 
cake.  Wanna come?
Yusaku: (thinking) A church group, I guess it could be worth checking 
out.  If for nothing else only as something to do. (Outloud) I guess so 
what time does the service start?
Young Girl: Nine O'clock, will you be there?
Yusaku: I dunno that's pretty early.....
Young Girl: Trust me it will be worth it!
Yusaku: Okay, I guess I'll come along.
Young Girl: Great I'll see you there!
			*****************************
Mrs Ichinose: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Mrs Ichinose proceeds to do her victory dance with her fans around Yusaku 
Godai's room.  Yusaku and Kyoko sit a short distance from each other 
whilst Akemi sits on the opposite side clapping to Ichinose's dance. Mr 
Yotsuya lies half in the room half out through his "portal of 
communication".  Kyoko is as usual taking it easy with the alcohol as is 
Yusaku.  Yusaku looks up at his clock which reads 11:00pm.

Yusaku: OK everyone time to call it quits.
Mrs Ichinose: WHAT!!!
Akemi: No fair!! No fair!!
Yotsuya: I fear you are mistaken young Godai, the hour is not yet late.

Kyoko looks at Yusaku curiously.

Yusaku: I have to be up early tomorrow, that's all.  Move the party 
somewhere else if you want, but I'm going to bed.
Akemi: Why do you have to get up so early? Your not working tomorrow.  
Yusaku:(Grumpily): That's my business.
Yotsuya: Ahh we have a mystery here, one which we must solve.
Akemi: I think so.
Mrs Ichinose: Why would our young Ronin wish to get up so early tomorrow?
Yotsuya: Ahh I have it! He wishes to retire in an attempt to conserve his 
energies, so that he may entertain  young  Kozue on his date tomorrow.
Mrs Ichinose:(catching on) Hmm a secret rendezvous not bad kid.  
(Slapping Yusaku on the back)  You almost had us fooled. 
Yusaku: No that's not it at all.

He looks over at Kyoko who has a dark look on her face.

Yotsuya: No doubt the insatiable Kozue will be running our young Ronin 
ragged tomorrow.   Or perhaps he is conserving his strength so that he 
may use her in an attempt satisfy his perverted sexual urges in the morn!
Akemi:(Also chipping in) Yes that's right, what else could it be?  They 
have been going out for over two years. 
Kyoko: (Screams) ENOUGH!! I don't see that it's any of our business what 
Mr Godai does with his time, so why don't we all move somewhere else so 
he can conserve his energies.  I mean.. get some sleep.
Yotsuya: Hmmm your lack of humour appears to have ruined our fun.
Yusaku: No wait Kyoko!! 
Kyoko: Don't worry Yusaku I'm sure you will need your sleep for whatever 
reason.  EVERYONE OUT!!

Grumbling and complaining the other residents depart.  Kyoko gives Yusaku 
a cold stare.  He leaps up towards the door after her.

Yusaku: Kyoko wait!!

She slams the door which he runs into and slides down to the ground.  
Bowing his head he returns to his bed.
			********************************** 
Kyoko stands by the garden path sweeping when Yusaku exits the building 
the next morning.  He walks slowly head down and glances at her when she 
fails to turn around. He is almost at the end of the path when her voice 
stops him in his tracks.

Kyoko: Enjoy your date.
Yusaku: I'm not going on a date.

She turns around a little surprise and confusion registers on her face.

Yusaku: I'm going to church.

Embarrassed at her jealous behaviour she put her fingers over her mouth 
as she watches him walk silently away from the apartment building.
			********************************
Yusaku is greeted at the door by a nice old lady in a Sunday dress.  He 
searches the small group briefly looking for the girl he had met the day 
before.   Not seeing her he sits by himself on one of the wooden chairs.  
The service passed quickly for Yusaku and he make his way with the rest 
of the people to a small room that is serving refreshments.  One of the 
nuns seeing him standing by himself approaches.

Nun: Why hello you're new here aren't you?
Yusaku: Yes I am.
Nun: I'm sister Angela 
Yusaku: Hi I'm Yusaku Godai! (thinking) She's pretty cute for a nun.
Sister Angela: Did you enjoy the service Mr Godai?
Yusaku:(Non commitally) It was nice.
Sister Angela: The Pastor is hosting a lunch at his house at noon.  Would 
you like to come along.
Yusaku: I'd Love To! (thinking) A free lunch.  There is no way I'm 
turning that down!
Sister Angela: Great I'll let him know.

			******************************
Yusaku is walking back towards the apartment building feeling very happy.

Yusaku:(Thinking) Wow I'm stuffed what a lunch, I can't believe that I 
actually enjoyed that service. To top it off  I probably also scored some 
points with Kyoko now that she knows I went to church.

An Image of Kyoko appears in his mind .

Kyoko Image: Oh Yusaku I had no idea you were a man of such high moral fibre.
Yusaku Image: Yes I have always been thus, which is why I wanted to prove 
myself to you!
Kyoko Image:(Running into an embrace with Yusaku Image) Oh Yusaku...
Yusaku Image: Oh Kyoko!

Yusaku then promptly walks into a lamp post head first.
			*********************************
 Yusaku sits in his room a small bandaid upon his forehead.

Yusaku:(thinking) I have to cure myself of those day dreams.
Kyoko:(from outside the door) Knock Knock Yusaku may I come in?
Yusaku: Yes, C'mon in

Kyoko enters with a steaming pot of food.

Kyoko: I wanted to apologise for my behaviour this morning.  I cooked 
some extra Soba noodles for you.  I hope you haven't eaten.
Yusaku: No not yet, wow thanks!
Kyoko: It was no trouble.  So how was this morning?
Yusaku:(through a mouth full of noodles) Great!
Kyoko: Do you think you will go back.
Yusaku: Probably.
Kyoko: Good I'm glad to see you're getting out again Yusaku, its 
important to have other interests.
Yusaku: I couldn't agree more. (grabs hold of Kyoko's hand)
Kyoko:(pinching Yusaku's hand) Well I'm glad.

Kyoko rises from the floor and leaves Yusaku to eat.  As she leaves Mr 
Yotsuya enters the room through his rat hole.  He begins to leer over the 
food Kyoko left and quickly pulls out a pair of chopsticks.   

Mr Yotsuya: Ah it appears the our young manager has been most generous 
this evening.

A small struggle ensues as Yotsuya tries to grab some Soba noodles from 
the bowl.  It involves a lot of chopstick play, but finally Yusaku wins 
and pulls the bowl away from Yotsuya.

Yotsuya: How terribly selfish of you.
Yusaku: Hands off Yotsuya.

Akemi enters the room in her revealing silk nightie.

Akemi: Wow did you get those from the manager?
Yusaku: Yep.
Akemi: Odd don't you think that she would forgive you so quickly.
Yotsuya: Indeed it would appear that we were in error of our initial 
assumption.  So the question remains where did our young Ronin go this 
morning?
Akemi: Yeah Yusaku what have you ben up too?  You were gone most of the day.
Yusaku: None of your business.
Mrs Ichinose:(Entering the room)   Hey get this, seems our young Ronin 
has become a church goer!

Akemi and Yotsuya look at Yusaku as he falls to the ground.

Yusaku: How did you find that out?
Mrs Ichinose: I overheard you talking to Kyoko this morning.  She swore 
me to secrecy, but I thought this news was too good to keep quiet.
Akemi: I'm amazed you managed to stay quiet for as long as you did.
Mrs Ichinose: Well that's my will of iron for you.
Yotsuya:  Ahh I remember fondly my church going days.   
Akemi:(Startled) You went to church?
Yotsuya: Indeed back when I lived at home.
Mrs Ichinose: Where is home for you anyway.
Yotsuya: That's my concern, however, you young Godai are hardly quality 
church material.  I am surprised they even let you through the door.
Akemi: Yeah why would you want to go to some dumb old church anyway?
Yusaku: Hey it was you guys who said I should get some other interests.
Yotsuya: We said that?
Mrs Ichinose: Ah ignore him, he's probably just trying to score points 
with the manager.
Yusaku: (thinking) How did she know that?
			**************************** 

Mrs Ichinose and Kyoko are shopping together.  Yusaku rushes quickly by 
on his way to church.

Mrs Ichinose: I see our young Ronin is still attending that church of 
his.   What's it been a month already?
Kyoko: I wish you wouldn't call him that.  I think it's good that Yusaku 
is still attending church, its a sign of character.
Mrs Ichinose: Well I gotta admit character is something that, that kid is 
sadly lacking.
Kyoko: Besides he needs some friends who will support him and make him 
feel good about himself, rather than tear him down all the time.

			***************************
Meanwhile in the church service.

Pastor: Drinking leads to immoral behaviour, and immoral behaviour leads 
to sin, and Sin leads to hell.  People who drink are sinners and thus are 
worthless in the eyes of god.  THEY WILL BURN IN HELL!!!

A large drop of sweat appears on Yusaku's head as he nervously looks around.

			***************************
 Yusaku is seated in his room studying. 

Yusaku:(Thinking) Hmmm church is on tomorrow.  Last weeks service was 
pretty harsh, I wonder if I should bother going tomorrow? I know I signed 
up for church duty but still...

  Kyoko knocks on the door and enters.

Kyoko: Oh I'm sorry are you studying?
Yusaku: Yeah I thought I'd make an early start rather than leave it to 
the last minute, like I always do.
Kyoko: Well I won't be long, I was just wondering if you would mind if I 
went to church with you  tomorrow.
Yusaku: Wow that would be great! I'd love for you to come with me.  Oh 
but wait I have church duty tomorrow which means I have to be there 
earlier than everyone else.  You would be waiting around.
Kyoko: Its no problem I'll meet you there.  It starts at 9:00 am doesn't it?
Yusaku: Yes that's right.
Kyoko: Well then I'll see you there.

As Kyoko leaves Yusaku grins happily.
			***************************
Yusaku is carrying chairs and such around, making preparations for the 
service.  A quick look at his watch which indicates that it is 8:50 am.  
Already other church goer's are entering through the door and yet there 
is no sign of Kyoko.

Yusaku:(thinking) Where is she?  If she doesn't arrive soon she'll be late.

He continues making preparations.  He stops after a few minutes and looks 
at his watch again. 8:55 am.  He looks up from his watch and sees Kyoko 
standing uncomfortably by the door.  

Yusaku: (Overjoyed) Kyoko over here.

>From behind the door also steps Mrs Ichinose, Akemi and Mr Yotsuya who is 
carrying a small shopping bag.  Yusaku's face immediately drops.

Mrs Ichinose: Hiya kid.  So this is where you have been hiding every Sunday.
Kyoko: I'm sorry Yusaku they kind of insisted on coming along.
Akemi: Yeah we didn't want to miss out on all the fun did we?
Yusaku:(Mad) Exactly what fun would you be referring too?

Just then people begin taking their seats.

Yusaku: I have to sit up the front today. I'll catch up with you after 
the service. (Thinking) Even if Kyoko is here there is no way I'm sitting 
with those parasites.

With that Yusaku dashes to the front of the hall.  The service begins and 
proceeds for a few minutes.  Kyoko sits intently listening whilst Akemi, 
Mrs Ichinose and Mr Yotsuya listen with eyes half closed.  It is obvious 
that they are bored.

Akemi: I forgot how boring these things were.
Mrs Ichinose: You're not kidding.
Mr Yotsuya: Fear not, I included refreshments for just such an eventuality.

Mr Yotsuya pulls out a bottle of Sake.

Mrs Ichinose: ALL RIGHT!!!!!!

Everyone around the three voice their disapproval at the outburst.  Kyoko 
also looks unimpressed and gives each of them a scolding look.  She fails 
to notice the Sake, however which is hidden behind Mrs Ichinose's back.  
The service continues for a few moments.

Pastor: So Jesus responded "If I testify about myself , my testimony is 
not valid.  There is another who testifies in my favour, and I know that 
his testimony about me is valid"
Mrs Ichinose: Onya Jesus!! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Yusaku:(To himself) Oh no....

Mrs Ichinose begins doing her flag dance along the aisle whilst Mr 
Yotsuya and Akemi clap and cheer.  Each are drinking large amounts of 
Sake.  Yusaku cowers down on the chair as does Kyoko.

Pastor:(Approaching the three Heathens) What is the meaning of this 
interruption?
Mrs Ichinose: Ah don' worry father we're just trying to liven the service 
up a bit. BWAHAHAHA!!!

She begins her dance anew.  Visibly Shocked the pastor begins going red 
in the face.

Pastor: You  can't do that in here, this is a church!

Akemi glomps onto the Pastor seductively.

Pastor: What the?
Akemi:(Drunkenly) Ah don' worry father, have a little drinkie!  You're 
pretty cute you know. 
Pastor:(Trying to escape Akemi's embrace) AAARRRRGGGHHHHH!!!
Person 1: Who are these people?
Person 2: How rude.
Person 3: Imagine such ungodly behaviour.
Person 4: Weren't they talking to Yusaku earlier?

Yusaku cowers even further in his chair whilst Kyoko meanwhile begins to 
go very red in the face with embarrassment.

Kyoko: THAT'S ENOUGH ALL OF YOU!! 
Akemi: Oh come on Kyoko....  We're only trying to liven it up a bit.
Mr Yotsuya: Ah our honourable manager obviously feels left out.  

He offers her some Sake.  Her eyes narrow and picking up the nearest 
bible begins hitting him across the head with it repeatedly  Everyone 
else watch the spectacle disgust purely evident on their faces.

Mrs Ichinose: Hey Kid come on and join us, you're missing all the fun!

Yusaku only slips further into his chair trying not to be seen.  Everyone 
begins looking at him.

Mrs Ichinose: C'mon Yusaku join the fun.

Looking thoroughly defeated Yusaku rises from his chair and walks over to 
Mrs Ichinose.  

Yusaku:(Thoroughly miserable) C'mon you guys, lets go home.

He leads the others to the door of the Church.  Mrs Ichinose leaves first 
followed by Akemi.  Finally Kyoko and Yusaku carry the now unconscious Mr 
Yotsuya out the door.

Kyoko: That was low even for you guys.
Mrs Ichinose: Ah C'mon Kyoko they will be talking about this service for 
years to come.
Pastor: Mr Godai...
Yusaku: Yes father?
Pastor: I like you Yusaku, but I'd appreciate it if you never come back 
here ever again, do you understand?
Yusaku: Yes...


With that the Pastor slams the door shut with a large clang.

Kyoko: I'm sorry Yusaku....

Yusaku:(Narrating)... and so my brief new life in the church came 
abruptly to an end.  

THE END

Authors note:  Comments would be appreciated: evagg@hubble.dialix.com.au