Greetings all,
After far too much delay, and far too much dawdling, I bring you my
somewhat re-written version of Mikado Ichiban 11. Yes, it's all I have
to show for now, but I do hope to have episode 12 written out by the end
of the weekend. :)
-------
[Morning at the Sanzenin Manor. Hikaru is sitting down to a bowl of rice. He
looks very displeased this morning.]
Hikaru: Damn you Mikado.. Why can't you just stay out of my life?
[Quick flashback to last episode. Hikaru and Hikaru Hiyama are standing
alone, looking at each other. Hikaru with sorrow, and Hikaru-chan with
happy bliss, not noticing Hikaru's expression.]
Hikaru-chan: Mikado.. I know he *loves* me!!
[End flashback. Hikaru stares straight ahead, looking increasingly
irritated.]
Hikaru: If you weren't around, she could be mine.. [Ye olde flames start
burning in the background again, raging a near-white fire] You don't even
like her! If only I could exact some revenge..
[Just then, the phone rings. Hikaru picks it up.]
Hikaru: Sanzenin residence...
Voice: Hikaru? Is that you?
Hikaru: [lights up] Aunt Kazuhiko?
Mrs. Kazuhiko: That's right Hikaru! How's my favourite nephew doing today?
Hikaru: Uhh, fine... So, why're you calling this early?
Mrs. Kazuhiko: Well, I'm in town for a conference for today, and the weekend.
Hikaru: Hey, that's great! Will we see you?
Mrs. Kazuhiko: Not until the end I'm afraid.. Until then, I need to ask a
favour of you..
Hikaru: {I knew it...} What's that?
Mrs. Kazuhiko: My baby daughter Aeka is with me, and I need someone to
babysit..
Hikaru: I... [Pauses. An evil grin forms on his face] know just the person
to help you...
Mrs. Kazuhiko: Wonderful! Is it all right if I drop her off this morning?
Hikaru: [smiles even wider] Perfectly. I won't be here... [Grins] But Mikado
will be...
------------------------------------------------------------------
[scene fades to black, theme music starts playing.]
[An series of images flash (to the drum beat of the theme song) on the
screen: first one of Mikado, then one of Azusa, followed by a group picture
of Phrank, Josie, Mikami, and Ryuuken. It flashes one more time, showing a
picture of Mikado being hounded by a short, brown-haired girl as Chance looks
on in the background. It is replaced with a slow pan of Kolkhoz High School,
the sun sparkling in the background. Mikado skates by, graceful and calm as
a horde of females follow him. Josie is cheering in the background, while
Phank is sitting down, looking at her wistfully. The scene changes to an ice
rink, where Mikado and Azusa are fighting against a large group of people.
Noticeable characters are Ranma, Ryuuken, Kazue, and Wakai. Azusa breaks off
from the fight to pick up a coin that was dropped on the ice, and all of the
skaters descend upon Mikado. This scene ends, and the camera opens on Mikado
posing. Azusa jumps onscreen, hugging on to him tightly. The animation
stops with Mikado trying to get away from Azusa, who is pulling at the tie he
is wearing. The music stops, and the screen fades to black.]
------------------------------------------------------------------
Mikado Ichiban: Zembun Otoko!
Episode 11: One God and a Baby.. Equals Trouble!
[Open to the Sanzenin kitchen once again. Hikaru is gone, but a note is on
the table. Mikado walks in, looking a little sleepy, but stylishly dressed,
even in his pj's. He looks over the table, and sees the note.]
Mikado: [reading the letter aloud] Mikado - I'm stuck at school for the rest
of the day on an important project. Please don't disturb. - Hikaru..
ps- Dad's on a trip to visit mom. He says he won't be back 'till
Monday [Puts the letter down, stretches] Hmm, looks like I have the
house all to myself for once.. [Grins] And perhaps a visitor or two..
[Mikado starts preparing a breakfast. In the shadows behind him, a figure
begins to emerge..]
Chance: Heya boss.
Mikado: Waahhg!! [Tosses food around the place. He spins around angrily. He
calms down when he sees who it is. A bit.] What'd you do that for?
Chance: Gotta keep you on your toes. Never know when an intruder will sneak
up on you.
Mikado: I thought thats what I hired you for.
Chance: Yeah, well, you never know. [Pause] I assume you're aware of a
recent empty-headed target, that has you in her sights?
Mikado: [blinks] Chance, it's early. Speak plainly..
Chance: [checking a dossier file] A certain Hikaru Hiyama.. Are you aware of
her?
Mikado: Yes... A lovely girl. Yet somewhat overly.. Ah, energetic.
Chance: We're definately on the same wavelength.
Mikado: Well.. What about her?
Chance: [bows his head, in shame?] Just... Be careful.. [Dissapears back
into the shadows.]
Mikado: [blinks] Um. Right. [Looks around the room for a few moments] How
does he do that...
[Mikado simply goes back to his food. Always a good day to deal with
confusion. However, he's disturbed again. This time by a phone call. Mikado
picks it up.]
Mikado: Hello?
Hikaru-chan: Dah-ling! Are you happy to hear from me?
Mikado: [literally jumps in his chair] Uh, estatic..
Hikaru-chan: Dah-ling, I was wondering.. Could I walk you to school this
morning?
Mikado: [head racing] Ah! Umm, I'm araid.. Not today.. I have some...
Important business to deal with.
Hikaru-chan: Oh. Okay... Maybe I'll see you at school?
Mikado: Perhaps.. Unfortunately, I'm quite busy lately..
Hikaru-chan: Okay dah-ling! I'll catch you later then.
[*click* Mikado puts down the receiver heavily.]
Mikado: {How could I be cruel to such a beauty? Yet how could I not? She
could start to get insufferable..}
[Mikado tries to go back to his food, and is this time distubed by the
doorbell. Mikado shrugs, and puts down his chopsticks, running for the front
door. Waiting at the door is a finely dressed woman with long purple hair,
tied in braids.]
Mikado: Aunt Kazuhiko? [The lady nods, and the two of them hug
quickly]
Mrs. Kazuhiko: I don't have much time dear, I have a conference in twenty
minutes.. [Steps aside to reveal a small baby
carriage] Hikaru said you'd be able to watch over her.
Mikado: [BLINKS] But..
Mrs. Kazuhiko: I'm sorry for it being such short notice, but this meeting
took me by surprise too. [Rolls the baby inside] Her name is
Aeka, your baby cousin. She's a darling child, so don't
worry, she shouldn't cause too many problems. [Fusses over
Aeka for a few moments, then runs out] I'm really late for
the conference. Bye!
Mikado: Umm.. Bye.
[Silence ensues. Mikado stares at the now-closed front door, down at the
baby, and back at the door, quite a few times.]
Mikado: [calling out] Chance... Oh Chhaaannncceee...... [His reply is more
silence] Don't tell me he left already..
[Aeka burbles, smiling, and reaching out for Mikado, who is meanwhile keeping
himself busy calling out names.]
Mikado: Ferro! Hudson! ...Drake?
[Suddenly, Aeka bursts into tears. Mikado jumps, and rushes over to her.
Mikado shrugs with resignation, and picks up the baby, playing with it.
Almost immediately, it gives out a happy gurgle. Mikado smiles, and is about
to put the baby down again, when it starts crying again. Picking her back up
into his arms, she becomes super-happy baby again.]
Mikado: It seems my charms affect more than just the women that are my age...
[Checks the clock] I can hardly miss school though.. Looks like you're
going to get an early introduction to education..
[Aeka just smiles at him, occasionally waving her arms around a bit. Mikado
replies only with a tiny smile. He puts Aeka down momentarily, who seems to
accept this time. And rushes out. Meanwhile, Aeka crawls over to Mikado's
breakfast, and starts eating it. She's all done by the time he's back,
dressed and ready for school.]
Mikado: [blinks bemusedly] Hungry little girl, aren't you? [checks the clock
again] No time for food now though... We have to get going.. [picks
Aeka up, and heads out the door] {How am I going to explain this
one.. Though it does give me a true reason to avoid Hiyama..}
-=-
[Kolkhoz High, Mikado's homeroom. Students are lounging around, waiting for
classes to start. Around Mikado's desk are the usual assemblage of doting
fangirls, looking only faintly dissapointed that Mikado isn't actually at his
desk.]
Phrank: [looking around] {Now's my chance...} [Phrank gets out of his seat,
and is about to walk over to the desk of one of the fretting females'
desks, when he is pulled back suddenly.]
Josie: [holding on to the neck of his shirt] And just what do you think
you're doing?
Phrank: Ack.. [weakly] Uh, heh heh... Old habits die hard?
[Phrank sits down quickly in his seat, attempting to look innocent. Josie
looks at him for a little while longer, and sighs.]
Phrank: [turning around to face Josie, comprehension dawning] Sayyy... Josie,
how'd you like to go out on a date this weekend?
Josie: How thoughtful of you to ask.
[Phrank grins sheepishly.]
Phrank: Uh, so, is that a yes?
[Josie smiles, shaking her head in amusement. It is at this moment that
Mikado finally decides to get to class, just as it is about to start. A
silence prevades as they notice what he's carrying. Mikado quickly sits down
in his seat, trying to avoid all the glares.]
Mikado: {Please don't say anything, PLEASE don't say anything...}
Teacher: Sanzenin, does this look like a playschool to you?
Mikado: {So much for small favours..} Uh, no sensei.
Teacher: Then why, may I ask, do you have a baby with you?
[All eyes are now very firmly fixed on Mikado. He glances around.]
Mikado: It wasn't my idea, it was a suprise sprung upon me this
morning..
Teacher: [NOT impressed] Indeed. Make sure it doesn't disturb the
class, or you'll both be enjoying some detention time..
Mikado: Hai, sensei.
[With that done, the teacher goes on with his class, the students are
abuzz with comments about the child... 'Is it his?', 'No way...',
'I wish I was that baby...', 'Who's the mother?' and the like.
Mikado just shifts around in his seat, trying to write notes, while
at the same time cradling the baby- he has already learned that the
baby does not stand for not being held.]
Mikado: {This is not going to go over well..}
[Class goes by relatively uneventfully, and soon students are milling
out of classes. Mikado, Josie and Phrank all walk out of the room, and
Mikado is shuffled over to a unoccupied room by the pair.]
Josie: Who's is it?
Mikado: My aunt's. She's dropped by the area for a conference, and
needed someone to look after her. Apparently, Hikaru had told
her I could do the job..
Phrank: [grins] Well gee Mikado, you do just make a great dad..
[Josie giggles, and Mikado starts to get excitable.]
Mikado: What?! Me? I'd be terrible!
[Aeka coos happily in Mikado's arms, and he slowly calms down, and
begins to rock the baby. He looks up at Phrank.]
Mikado: No really, I would...
[Josie and Phrank just nod, and get up.]
Josie: Well, better be sure to get the word out about this baby,
Mikado, you know how active people's imagination are around
here..
Mikado: [nods grimly] How could I not...
[The trio of them all get up, and leave the small room. Students have
been milling around, talking about the baby, but they all stop as they
actually see the baby in his arms. Mikado starts to get mobbed by
people, and Josie and Phrank walk off.. Once they get to be more or
less alone, Phrank pulls Josie aside.]
Phrank: Hey listen Josie, about what I said earlier.. *Would* you like
to go out on a date this weekend?
Josie: [smiling] I thought you'd never ask...
[The two hold each others hand bashfully, and walk off towards
class.]
[Meanwhile, Mikado is too bogged down with inquisitors to get
anywhere.]
student 1: Hey Mik, way to go dude!
Mikado: This isn't my child!
[As should be expected, intrepid reporter Kureena Mitsuka manages
to worm her way up to Mikado. She has a tape recorder in one hand.]
Kureena: Is it true that this isn't your child, Mikado? Rumour around
school is that you've been having a secret love affair!
[The crowd gasps, and Mikado can't help but almost laugh.]
Mikado: I swear to you, it's nothing of the sort..
Aeka: [squirming in Mikado's grasp, reaches up for Mikado's cheek.]
Dada!
[Mikado looks shocked, and most of the other students go into a state
known as 'jaw-dropping disbelief'.]
Mikado: Uhh.. She doesn't know what she's saying...
Kureena: Hot diggety! What a scoop! [she's off like a flash, clutching
her tape recorder in her hand.] And for once, I have proof!
Wa-hoo!
[Mikado tries to say something that could stop her, and fails miserably.
Soon, he's hammered with another round of questions.]
student 2: Oy Sanzenin! Who's the lucky girl?
student 3: How long have you kept this a secret?
student 4: Sanzenin-sama, I want to have your next baby!!
[Soon Mikado is drowning in a sea of questions. He just shrinks further
and further down to the ground.]
Mikado: {Why do I get the feeling this day is only going to get worse?}
-=-
[Ad break. Mikado is juggling a pair of skates, Aeka, and finally,
Hikaru Hiyama, who plops down into his arms. Mikado looks continuously
more and more nervous.]
-=-
[The news about 'Mikado's baby' hits across the entire school. Students all
over are talking about the baby Mikado's brought to school. Mikado just
slinks between classes, trying not to be noticed, and not succeeding to
any degree. Finally, it's time for skating class. Mikado sneaks into his
changing room, trying carefully not to be seen.]
[Mikado scans around the room, looking in every corner. After a few
moments, he sighs, and sits down in a chair, holding Aeka up in his arms.]
Mikado: You're just itching to cause me problems aren't you? [Aeka gurgles
innocently - and cutely. Mikado drops into a conspiratorial
whisper] Now listen Aeka, it's very important that you be on your
best behaviour- don't make yourself too noticeable, or.. {Azusa..}
Bad things might happen..
[Aeka just smiles, and taps Mikado's nose. Mikado shrugs.]
Mikado: I'll take that as a yes.
Deitrich: Yes to what?
[Mikado leaps up into the air, and lands down in a frazzled mess.
Somehow, Aeka remained intact.]
Mikado: How do you people *do* that?!
[Mikado turns around to find the body to go with the voice.
Deitrich is hiding in a shadowed corner, and is wearing his
all-black duds again.]
Deitrich: Company secret, I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.
Still wanna know? [Mikado stiffens, and then shakes his head
in negatory.] Thought not. Everyone always answers the same
way. [shrugs] Anyways, I'm here to relay information-
the regular trio are off on a mission today, and I get
shadowing detail on you in their stead.
Mikado: Fine, fine. As long as one of you is here.. [Hands Aeka over
to Deitrich quickly.] I have practice to get to..
[Deitrich blinks down at the small bundle now in his arms.]
Deitrich: Is this covered in our contract?
Mikado: She's family. If anything happens to her, I will suffer at the
hands of my aunt. Think of it as.. Preventative measures..
Deitrich: Umm. Yeah. This doesn't include sneaking around anywhere,
does it?
Mikado: [blinks] No. [opens the door to his change room, just
about to leave.] And don't go about doing that either..
Just watch her.
Deitrich: [sighs when Mikado's back is turned] Yeah, okay..
[Mikado exits the room, and right on cue, Aeka starts to break out
into screaming fits. Deitrich cringes.]
Deitrich: {Now I really wish I'd won that coin toss with Hudson..}
-=-
[Open to a wide-open area, what looks to be a warehouse. That is,
it'd look like a warehouse if it weren't for all the gagetry
around, which actually looked like it was supposed to be there.
Lights blip on at random from computers and consoles. Standing
in the middle of all this, are Chance, Ferro, Drake and Hudson.
Hudson is grinning, flipping a two-headed coin over and over,
while the others are also looking around, fairly impressed, but
for another reason.]
Drake: Lazarus has really outdone themselves this time...
Ferro: Hey, nice tech..
Chance: Gentlemen, I'd like to welcome you to Arc Nova, what
from now on will be our base of operations.
[Ferro, Drake, and even Hudson can't help but look around and
smile. Things look to be unorganized - wires are strewn
everywhere, and nothing seems to be exactly in place..]
Chance: This new, *insulated* [glares at Hudson] base will
also eventually serve as Lazarus' Second Tokyo
branch. But for now, we have the place to ourselves.
Hudson: Coolness. Where do I move in?
Ferro: Does this place have direct net access?
Chance: ASAP, and yes. But don't get too comfortable yet;
We've got a mission to carry out. Drake, you know what
to do?
Drake: [picking up a 'Nippon Telecom' jacket] Ready to roll,
sir.
-=-
[Meanwhile, back at the Kolkhoz High Arena, Mikado, Azusa,
Hikaru-chan and Hirotaka are all on the ice. Koichi is, as
usual, watching on from the sidelines. Sitting close to
rink is Deitrich, who is switching between paying attention
to Aeka, and watching Mikado nervously.]
Deitrich: {Two psycho chicks, and I'm holding a really
noisy one. This has all the makings of a
Problem.}
[Things actually go off relatively unhindered - skating
practice goes on. There isn't even an attack by the
swimming club this class. Things can't stay in this
bliss however, as at the end of practice, Hikaru-chan
trails Mikado to his change room. Deitrich is waiting
at the door, Aeka in hand.]
Hikaru-chan: Mikado-sama... I've been hearing some nasty rumours around
school..
Mikado: It's NOT my child!
Hikaru-chan: [looks relieved] I.. I knew I could trust you, Mikado-sama!
[Mikado and Hikaru-chan reach the door to his change room. Deitrich has
dissapeared from sight.]
Mikado: Ah, right, of course.. [unlocks the door] Anyways, I do have to
get changed..
Hikaru-chan: [nods] Okay dah-ling! [blows Mikado a kiss, and heads down
to the women's changing rooms] Jya ne!
Mikado: [strains a smile, and waves. A few moments later, she
dissapears from view.] Not if I can help it.
[Mikado gets into his change room, where Deitrich is also entering, from
one of the vents.]
Deitrich: Uhh, sorry, had to get out of view..
[Mikado raises an eyebrow, but doesn't comment. Deitrich grins, and
reaches back up into the vent, picking up Aeka. She looks a little dustier,
but none the worse for wear. Her face lights up when she sees Mikado.]
Aeka: Dahda!
Deitrich: You sure she's not you're kid?
Mikado: YES!!
Deitrich: [shrugs] Just asking.. Anyhoo, what's the order o' business now?
Mikado: [having picked up Aeka, and calming down a bit.] Well, only one
more class until school's over. What exactly are Chance and the
others doing?
Deitrich: Classified stuff, 'member?
Mikado: [rolls his eyes] Right. So when can I actually expect them back
on the job?
Deitrich: Today's out, but they'll be back tomorrow for sure..
Mikado: Well then, I guess you just make sure I have safe,
*uninterrupted* passage back home.
Deitrich: [nods, and leaps up suddenly into the air vent] I'm already
on it. [leaves]
Mikado: [shakes his head] {Can't they just use doors?}
-=-
[An outside view of Kolkhoz High. The school bell has just rung. Among
all the students milling about, are Phrank and Josie, standing near the
entrance gates. Josie is shuffling around absently, while Phrank is
trying to not exactly look Josie's way.]
Phrank: So uhh, tomorrow afternoon at three is fine?
Josie: [nods] Un! [blushes a bit, as she takes a step back.] I'll see
you then..
[Josie rushes off, and Phrank just gazes off in her direction for a while.]
Phrank: [coming out of his reverie] Man, nothing's going to ruin this weekend..
[Phrank does his own running off, heading off to the bus station.]
[As Phrank exits, we can see Hikaru walking along with a few of his
classmates.]
Hikaru: I need to stay at your place this weekend, Hirotaka..
Hirotaka: Understand dude, I am not that kind of guy! I don't care
what interests you have in your bro..
Hikaru: [grabs Hirotaka by the shirt] Now LISTEN. Hikaru *Hiyama* is
the one that loves Mikado. NOT me! Got it?
Hirotaka: [pulls himself away] That's not what my sources say..
Hikaru: And *I'm* less reliable on this matter than they are?!
Hirotaka: Well.... They sure seemed to believe it..
Hikaru: [shakes his head] Forget it.
Hirotaka: What'd you need to crash at my place for anyways? You only
live on the choicest piece of land in Kolkhoz..
Hikaru: I need to avoid the house for the weekend...
Hirotaka: [grins] Still shy about expressing your love?
[Hikaru growls, and starts to chase after Hirotaka, who runs off laughing.]
Hirotaka: I was joking! Joking!!
-=-
[Around the back of Kolkhoz High, a head peeks out from a doorway. The
head belongs to Mikado Sanzenin. And after he is assured that it is
safe, the rest of his body follows, holding Aeka in his arms.]
Mikado: Are you sure this is the only way?
Deitrich: [who is just now walking out of the door] Given the zoo of
people hanging around the front of the school, that's
definately a negatory option.
Mikado: How degrading, that the great Mikado should be forced to sneak
out of his own school.
Deitrich: If you really want to, you could take the front door route.
Mikado: .... Let's just get moving.
[The pair skulk off across the school's property, and with Deitrich's
help, they scale the wall with ease. A single person watches their
escape- Ryuuken.]
Ryuuken: Have you no shame, Sanzenin? You bear a child by some mystery
woman, and expect to have me stand by while you parade it around
in front of everyone? You ignore your chance to be with Azusa even
for a mere baby? I cannot let such a flippant insult go
unpunished!! [pauses] Well, at least it isn't her child..
[pauses for a while longer..] Or is it...? [His
face pales] Azusa-channn!! [Ryuuken bolts for the skating rink.]
-=-
[Over at the Tendo residence, a 'Nippon Telecom' work truck is set up
across the street. It's 'cherry picker' is extended to the top of the
telephone pole, and a familiar figure is in the basket, hard at work..]
-=-
[Back at the Sanzenin Manor, Mikado has just arrived, Aeka in tow, and
Deitrich following behind him. He drops his bags down, and walks into
the living room, slouching into a chesterfield. Aeka coos at him.]
Deitrich: Like it or not, that kid's definately getting accustomed to you.
Mikado: I am *not* her father!
Deitrich: I know, I know.. But she seems to think you'd make a decent one.
[Detrich walks off, a smirk on his face, before Mikado can get any kind
of comment in.]
Mikado: [shaking his head] What do I do to deserve this?
[Aeka continues to giggle, and starts playing with Mikado's tie. ]
-=-
[Ad break. Mikado is juggling a pair of skates, Aeka, and finally,
Hikaru Hiyama, who plops down into his arms. Mikado looks continuously
more and more nervous.]
-=-
[Back to the Sanzenin household. Mikado is sitting on a couch, looking
quite haggard, while Aeka crawls all around him. He has a morose expression
on his face.]
Mikado: How long is this going to last?
[As if in answer, the phone rings. Mikado reaches over for it, and after a
brief sturggle over the phone with Aeka, who's decided it's a neat toy,
manages to pick it up.]
Mikado: Sanzenin residence. Hello?
Hikaru: Hey bro, just a quick message. The project I'm working on is gonna
probably take the whole weekend, you're on you own. Have fun!
[hangs up]
[Mikado waits a few moments at the phone, and blinks.]
Mikado: [still holding the phone] Have.. Fun!?
-=-
[At another household, Hikaru is just putting down a phone on it's receiver.
Behind him stands Hirotaka.]
Hirotaka: I'm a project now? I already told you I'm not that kind of guy...
Hikaru: [grins] Just shut up about that already.
Hirotaka: Oh right, this is all a plot to get revenge, I forgot. [mockingly
attempts a feminine stance] It's not an attempt to get closer to
me at all!
[Hirotaka, runs off, laughing wildly. Hikaru just stands there, shaking his
head.]
Hikaru: I've GOT to get some new friends...
-=-
[Back at the Sazenin household, Mikado has just slammed the phone down on
the reciever. He is starting to twitch.]
Mikado: It's all HIS fault! Grr... If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be
in this mess... But why does my own brother conspire against me
now?
[Mikado starts pacing, with Aeka watching on, wide-eyed. She reaches
out for Mikado a few times, but he doesn't notice. Moments later, she
bursts out into tears. Mikado rushes over, and picks her up, his
expression instantly gone from irritation to concern.]
Mikado: [cradling the baby] And what's the matter with you, dear?
[starts rocking Aeka, who breaks out a wide smile. Mikado
can't help but smile back.] I suppose it's not that bad,
you and me for the night.. After all, it shouldn't be too
long before Aunt Kazuhiko will be here soon to pick you up..
[Mikado settles down a bit, resigned to the fact that he will have to
watch over Aeka for a while longer. The phone rings again, but
Mikado actually seems to be enjoying himself, tickling and playing
with Aeka. He does notice, however, the phone message...]
Aunt Kazuhiko: Hello Mikado, just a message from your aunt. I certainly
hope you're treating my little daughter well! Anyways,
I called to let you know- the conference is running late
in to the night, and I've got another meeting early
tommorrow morning.. So, I hope you don't mind looking
after my daughter for the rest of the weekend!
[Mikado has put Aeka down, and rushed over to the phone. By the time
he gets there, Mrs. Kazuhiko has already hung up. He picks up anyways.]
Mikado: Hello? Hello? [looks up from the phone, over to Aeka, who is
looking at him curiously.] Ah heh, heh... Hoo boy..
-=-
[The next morning finds our beleagured hero strolling through
Takai park, a small, hilly park which seperates the districts of
Kolkhoz and Nerima. Aeka is standing up in a little stroller,
wide-eyed and pointing at everything she passes by. Mikado walks on
with a determined expression, walking at a brisk pace.]
Mikado: {I will end this foolishness now.. Family or no, Aunt Kazuhiko
is going a little far with her requests.. Can't she ever plan
ahead?}
[Mikado walks on, taking a quick glance down at Aeka, a smile
crossing his face. He walks on, heading down a small paved path,
leading out of the park. He comes out on to a city street. Mikado
pauses a minute, looking around to get his bearings.]
Mikado: Now where was that conference center...
[Mikado takes a turn down another street, entering what looks to be
the business section of Nerima. He passes by a few blocks with shops
lining the streets, and starts getting into an area with taller
buildings. His trip is brought up short, as he comes to a quick stop,
staring out ahead at a figure.]
Mikado: You..
Nabiki: Well, well, if it isn't the skater boy. [takes a step forward]
And a little passenger? Been a busy man lately?
Mikado: [bristles slightly, but calms himself just as quickly] I'm..
Babysitting.
Nabiki: [smirks] Well, are you too busy to take a girl out to lunch?
Mikado: [blinks, and then smiles] I'm never too busy to forgo an
invitation from such a charming visage. I would be honored.
Nabiki: Oh, but I forgot my purse today..
Mikado: [quickly] It's not a problem, I can pay..
Nabiki: It most certainly isn't a problem, then. [Nabiki walks up
beside Mikado, and they start walking off down the street.
Mikado: {That she approaches me so openly.. Such an unashamed,
lovely woman! I am truly a lucky man..}
Nabiki: {About time I found someone, I thought I'd starve today..}
[They walk off into the distance, and as they turn around a corner,
a figure comes out of the bushes, wearing a trademark reporter's
cap...]
Kureena: Could this be the mystery mother of Mikado's child? Two
leads in one day! Wa hoo! [Kureena does a leap, and
chases after the pair.]
-=-
[Back in Takai Park, Josie waits patiently beside a water fountain,
idly playing with the water. She's dressed quite out of the
ordinary- a semi-formal ruby red dress. Simple, but elegant. And
very charming on her. She checks her watch, and looks out around
the park.]
Josie: {He's late, and for our first date...} [Josie lets out a
sigh.]
Phrank: [calling from off-screen] Josie! There you are!
[Josie beams, and quickly turns to his voice. Her face falls a bit
as she sees him. He is dressed a bit differently too, though not
really for the better. He's wearing cut-off jean shorts, and a
white t-shirt.]
Phrank: [jogs up to her, smiling nervously] H.. Hey.. You look
nice..
Josie: [smiles] Thanks! .. You look.. Normal...
Phrank: [shrugs] Well yeah, I know.. But I didn't think I'd want
to dress up just to go see a movie..
Josie: Movie? I thought we were going dancing..
Phrank: Ah. Oh. Um....
[Both seem a little embarassed, and spend a few moments studying
their feet intently.]
Phrank: Damn.. I've ruined our first date..
Josie: [shaking her head] No, no. It's all right..
[Josie bashfully takes Phrank's hand, and they start walking off
down one of the paths.]
Josie: But you better make up for this...
-=-
[Nearby, on a bench in the park, sits Chance, who is eating some soba noodles.
He seems to be relaxing, enjoying the peace and quiet around him. About
halfway through his food, a cell phone rings. Chance puts down his food,
and picks it up.]
Ferro: The job is done.
[*click* He hangs up. Chance shrugs, and puts the phone back into a jacket
pocket.]
Chance: [muttering] Took him long enough.. Not like her system would be
protected.. {I wonder what kind of data Tendo will have lying
around anyways..}
-=-
[Just on the edge of Takai park, Ryuuken is rollerblading around aimlessly.
Well, he's trying to aim, the only problem is, his feet are not currently
connected to his mind.]
Ryuuken: {Argh! Why does this always happen? Why can't I find her?!}
[predicably enough...]
Azusa: [from off-screen] Kawaii! Jean-joc!
[Ryuuken spins around, taking in the full view of Azusa, in a cute pink dress,
chasing after a wide-eyed puppy, who is doing his best to escape the
rollerblading girl.]
Ryuuken: A.. Azusa!
-=-
[Back to Mikado and Nabiki, who are now seated in a stall at
a small cafe. Mikado is going between giving Aeka her much-demanded
attention, his glass of water, and Nabiki. Nabiki pays most of her
attention to the ice cream sundae she's eating, and a cup of late.]
Mikado: So what was your business on this fine afternoon?
Nabiki: [looking up from her food] I was just doing my regular
business rounds.
Mikado: [amusedly] Business? And a student too? Tell me, what
business do you engage in?
Nabiki: Well, mostly photography. I sell pictures to people I think
might be interested in them. In fact... I have some that
might be up your alley.
[Nabiki pulls out a few photographs from a small purse she produces
from nowhere. Mikado blinks at it's appearance, but shrugs it off.
Upon closer examination, he sees that the pictures are of Ranma-chan,
and Akane.]
Nabiki: A steal- only 1000 yen each.
Mikado: [A look of amusement comes across his face.] I'm sorry, but no..
Why would I want pictures of them, when a far greater beauty stands
before me?
Nabiki: [stunned silence] {I wasn't expecting *that* responce}
Mikado: There's simply no comparison. Now, if you had pictures of your own,
superior beauty...
Nabiki: [narrows her eyes] How much would you pay?
Mikado: Such perfection on film.. It would be priceless.
Nabiki: Really? We'll see.
Mikado: [mirth in his eyes] Perhaps we will, at that..
[Nabiki is about to respond, but the waitress stops by at this moment.]
Waitress: Anything else for you two?
Mikado: No, thanks..
Nabiki: Another late for me.
[The waitress nods, and walks off. Nabiki turns her attention back to
Mikado.]
Nabiki: Sure you don't want one of their lates? This place is known
throughout the district for them..
Mikado: No, that's quite all right.. I have a bit of an aversion to
hot drinks..
Nabiki: Oh, really? {Now this could get interesting..} Do tell me
more..
-=-
[Back to Phrank and Josie, who have moved from the park to a large
shopping mall.]
Phrank: I hear Odeon 6 is playing Akira.. Now that was an classic
movie..
Josie: [shakes her head] But the third screen is playing the new
Akira Kurasawa film...
[They continue to 'discuss' which film they should see, but their
voices drown out as we pull back from them, and over to a figure
watching them from a balcony above.]
Hikaru-chan: No darling, I can't believe it!! Not you and her?!
-=-
[Meanwhile, Mikado and Nabiki have just finished up their food,
and the bill is being dealt with. Mikado pulls out a 10000 yen
bill, puts it down on the table, and gets up to leave. Nabiki's
eyes go as wide as saucers, if not larger.]
Nabiki: You're leaving that behind?
Mikado: [casually, looking down on the table] Hmm? Well, it was
the smallest thing I had on me.. [Offers his hand]
Shall we go?
Nabiki: The.. Smallest.. [grabs a hold of herself, and smiles]
Whatever you say, Sanzenin..
[The two get up from the table, Mikado strolling Aeka along,
with Nabiki trailing behind a bit, looking to be doing some
calculations..]
Nabiki: {I have GOT to keep this contact...}
[The pair walk outside, as a happy cry is heard from inside.
Outside, is Kureena Mitsuka, tape recorder in hand.]
Kureena: Mikado! Is it true that this really is your child,
reared by a mystery woman? If so, what is her name?
Can I take a few pictures of yourself and your
daughter?
[Mikado backs up against a wall, he looks over at Nabiki
desperately. She responds with a simple smirk.]
Nabiki: I'll talk to you when you're less busy, Sanzenin-kun..
Mikado: But.. [Mikado trails off as she walks away. He turns
around, back to Kureena] What are you trying to do?!
Kureena: Land the story of the century! Smile! [Takes a
photograph, and gives a 'v'.] I'm going to hit the
big time with this one!!
-=-
[At a street corner nearby, Phrank and Josie are peeking in
all directions, and quickly leap into one building. Inside,
they relax.]
Josie: Just dye your hair, Phrank..
Phrank: Hey, it's not my fault I look like Mikado! [looks out
a window.] I think we lost her.
Josie: Finally. [gives Phrank a hug, and winks] But now it's
just the two of us.. We can still make this a date
to remember, ne?
Phrank: [grins] Yeah...
Josie: [pokes him, blushing] Not like that!!
Phrank: [sighs dramatically] Oh, such a tragedy..
Josie: [starting to giggle] Stop being so silly! [smiles] But
I am glad I came today..
Phrank: Yeah.. Me too..
[They blushingly move a little closer, but are disturbed by a
voice..]
Voice: This is all very heartwarming, I know.. But if you're
not here for a table, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to
leave..
[Both Phrank and Josie jump in surprise, and turn to actually
see where they are - the entrance to a busy restaurant. They
break out even redder than they were before, and quietly file
out.]
Phrank: [once outside, to Josie] We'll get it right one of
these days..
[They smile at each other, and walk off down a street, hand
in hand.]
-=-
[Mikado, looking a bit more haggard than before, is now
sneaking down the exact same street Phrank and Josie were.
His seemingly stealthy movements, do not go undetected.]
Hikaru-chan: Oh Dah-ling! There you are! It was so terrible,
seeing you with that other woman!!
[Mikado jumps, and runs down the street. Hikaru-chan follows
after, and turns the corner, to see that he's dissapeared.]
Hikaru-chan: Maybe he didn't hear me... [walks on by, past
a familliar restaurant. She dissapears down
another street.]
voice: Doesn't anybody come here to eat anymore?! Get out!
[Mikado gets summarily tossed out of the restaurant, Aeka's
baby carriage rolling slowly out the door after him. He
shakes himself off, and starts walking back down the street.]
Mikado: I can safely say I have no idea what THAT was about..
[He continues to walk on, dazed, down the street.]
Mikado Fan Club Member #1- 20: Mikado!!
Mikado: {Oh no...}
[Mikado rushes off down the street. Moments later, a good two
dozen females running after him.]
Mikado Fan Club Member #1: Say it ain't so, Mikado!!
Mikado Fan Club Member #2: The rumours can't be true, can they?
[This only spurns Mikado to rush even faster. His face is showing
more and more agitation..]
Mikado: This is getting ridiculous! Come hell or high water, I
will get some rest this weekend...
[Aeka coos at him curiously.]
-=-
[Back at Arc Nova. Ferro and Drake and standing over Aeka, not
exactly sure what to do.]
Ferro: Are you *sure* this is in our contract?
Drake: "to protect Mikado's health and well-being" was the clause, I believe.
He says he'll lose his headache if he gets the night off..
Ferro: This is ridiculous...
[A door opens and Hudson steps in.]
Hudson: Hey guys! [the other two nod. He hasn't noticed the baby yet.]
Well, I sprung a few bucks, and rented us a movie..
Ferro: [distractedly] Really? What'd you get?
Hudson: An old US film, called 'Three Men and a Baby'...
[Drake and Ferro turn around, with murder in their eyes.]
Hudson: [backing away, blinking innocently.] What'd I say? [the screen
slowly fades to black.]
-=-
[The Sanzenin manor, front hallway. Mikado has just gotten in, and
hung up his blazer when Chance walks into view.]
Chance: Here's the preliminary report on Nabiki you wanted..
Mikado: [dreamily] It's a little for -that-, Chance..
Chance: [raises an eyebrow] I.. See. [he hands an envelope to Mikado,
and walks off.]
Mikado: [walking/floating off towards the living room, dropping down into
a couch. He opens the envelope, and grins.] Perhaps I won't have
to pay her after all... [puts the contents down] But I must
certainly meet her again..
-=-
[Back again to Takai park, where Azusa skates gaily along. Rushing
behind her is Ryuuken, who didn't actually wear his rollerblades
today...]
Ryuuken: A.. Azusa-channn....!
Azusa: Go away Ryuuken! Azusa wants her darling Jean-joc!!
[Zooming off, kicking up clouds of dust around her, Azusa dissapears
down a trail, leaving Ryuuken panting in the distance. He falls to
his knees, breathing heavily.]
Ryuuken: No.. way.. She.. Could... just have.. had kid...
[Ryuuken collapses to the ground, face-first against the ground.]
Ryuuken: Thank.. God.. [He manages to get into a sitting postion.
A light wind blows through his hair.]
[As Ryuuken recovers his breath, he hears a light clacking noise, and
whips his head around, to see Azusa standing there, holding a very
upset-looking puppy in her arms.]
Azusa: Well, get up Ryuu-kun! It's embarassing to see you like that!
Ryuuken: [who's eyes almost seem to be getting bigger than his
sunglasses] Y.. Yes! Of course! At once!
[Ryuuken leaps to his feet, an elated expression on his face. It's
also a bit crazed-looking, as he's obviously still fatigued. Azusa
beams rather excessively cutely, and starts rummaging through her
pockets for something.]
Azusa: Much better! Now, I need someone to hold my dear.. [pulls
out a wallet] My dear widdle Geraldo.. Could you do it,
pllleaasse? I don't want it to get hurt!
Ryuuken: [just a bit delirioiusly] I'll guard it with my life!!
Azusa: [tosses the wallet into his awaiting hands.] Good. Thanks
Ryuu-kun! Now you can protect it from that nasty man who
doesn't want me to have it!
Ryuuken: [brings himself up to full height; an amusing sight at
best.] None shall steal your items when -I'm- protecting
you! [Ryuuken does a half-turn away from Azusa, taking
a step right into another person. A rather ridiculously
large person, with lots of wooden signs wrapped around
his neck.]
Big man: Mine.
[Ryuuken gets a nervous tick in his entire face, looks down at the
wallet, up at the big guy, and then looks back, to see Azusa
skating off into the distance.]
Azusa: [makes faces at Ryuuken] Bye Ryuu-kun!
Ryuuken: But.. But... [turns around, facing the big man again]
Why me?
[Fade to black. Insert lots of sound effects here. You can
guess what kind.]
Ryuuken: [said with distinct pain in his voice] I don't know
how Sanzenin, but this is all your fault...
------------------------------------------------------------------
(Cut to commercial. When the show comes back on, the credits roll. Mikado is
roller-blading along a road, images of all the other characters from the show
fading in and out from the image. Time passes, and the sky slowly gets
darker as he skates along. As the song comes to a close, Mikado stops
skating, and stares out across a bay, moon reflecting off the water. The
camera rises up, showing Mikado's face as a constellation in the stars.)
------------------------------------------------------------------
Mikado Ichiban: Zembun Otoko!
Episode 11: One God and a Baby.. Equals Trouble!
By: Eric Jones
Special Thanks: Chance, Conductor
-----
That's all for now folks, Episode 12 - "Love Strikes - Mikado and
Mikado!", is forthcoming. :)
==============================================================================
|
-Eric "Mikado" Jones | ejones@FineArts.uvic.ca
| http://kafka.uvic.ca/~ejones/home.html
Unwilling Arch-Deacon of the |----------------------------------------
Church of Azusa, Keeper of the |
Bruises, and head of the "kawaii | "No Azusa, those pants are *not* cute!"
people!" department. | -Mikado
-----------------------------------------
Join now, and you get to give up a treasured object of your very own to
the Goddess Azusa! Or she'll kill you!
==============================================================================
ps- many thanks to whomever it was that voted for my series in the recent
fanfic poll on this list, and to all of you still reading this! ^_^