My apologies for the last mail, which for some reason sent out nothing. I
believe you should actually get something this time... :)
------
It's been a while folks, for which I apologize. Can't really say much in
my defence, but will simply admit that I'm a bit lazy these days. ^_^
This episode marks the end of the 'second season' of Mikado Ichiban, and
also the end of a school year for the gang. After this, some characters
will be leaving (the 'three stooges', and Kazue), and others will be added
(_that_ part's a secret. ^_- ).
However, this also marks a bit of a departure for me. I'm going to be
dropping MI as a project for a while, probably taking it back up again in
the summer.
Until then, I'll be working on a few projects: A 5-part fanfic series on
the Capsules (the biker gang from Akira); finishing The HithchHiker's
Guide to Reality (or at least getting part four done); and possibly
starting on something a serious piece of fiction, which I can't really
talk
about at this time.
If you're interested in reading my other projects as well, let me know.
(I'll be submitting them to the ffml, whether they want it or not!)
Those of you who habitate RAAC, be warned that I shall be submitting the
entire second season (episodes 9 - 15) soon, after I get a final copy of
this episode done. I'd hoped for this to be the final version, but I
simply wanted to release the episode on the opening day of the Winter
Olympics. :)
Anyways, on with the show....
--------------
[Open the scene to a shot, early morning, of a street running alongside
Takai Park. Chance, dressed in grey jogging duds, runs down the street,
ignoring all else but the path he's on. He doesn't notice as he crosses
over into the Furinkan district. He does, however, notice when he jogs
by Furinkan High school. He doesn't slow down, but he does eye the
building as he passes by, and does a circuit around the school's
property.]
Chance: {Heh. Too much work on the brain, I guess..}
[Chance keeps on jogging, noting casually the score of females that have
fallen in behind him. They're all wearing track suits with the words
'gymnastics club' emblazoned on them.]
Gym Club Student: Hey, that isn't our new coach, is it?
GCS #2: Who else would be doing a circuit around the school?
[The other students fall in line behind him, keeping pace with his
jogging. Chance is about to turn around and say something to them, when
something catches his attention out of the corner of his eye. He leaps
away as a gymnastics club impales itself into the ground where he'd just
been standing. Looking up, he sees Kodachi standing atop a rooftop.
Upon seeing her, the females that had been following Chance exit the
area.]
Kodachi: Oh! It seems the school has some local talent after all!
[Chance lands and rolls back, as sucessive pins get thrown at him. He is
barely keeping away from them. He leaps back, and lands in a crouching
position.]
Kodachi: Impressive indeed. Though you're no coach! Who are you?
Chance: [Smiling confidently] We've met.
[Before Kodachi can react, Chance pulls something out of a pocket, and
throws it. A smoke cloud rises, covering the area. When the smoke
clears, Kodachi is the only person still there. She has a contemplative
expression on her face.]
Kodachi: {"We've met"? Where do I know that boy from...} [Kodachi
clenches a fist.] We will meet again boy, whoever you are!
------------------------------------------------------------------
[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 some fans 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 15: Old beginnings, new endings
[Open on Mikado, humming a little tune while reviewing some notes
written down on a small pad. A plate of fresh fruit and pancakes is set
down in front of him. Panning back, we can see it was delivered by
Hikaru. Mikado looks at it curiously, and then up at Hikaru
inquiringly.]
Mikado: Many thanks, brother. To what do I owe this pleasure?
Hikaru: I've been... unecessarily cruel to you in the last while,
Mikado. I want to do what's right and apologize...
Mikado: Cruel? You've only set me up on a babysitting job from hell,
and let a good dozen of my most rabid fans into my home.. All in
the last month, no less!
Hikaru: [Blinks] You knew it was me? Well, like I said, I'm sorry...
Mikado: What do you want?
Hikaru: Eh?
Mikado: Why exactly are you suddenly feeling so sorry, pray tell?
Hikaru: Um, actually, I was kind of wanting to ask you a favour..
Mikado: Which would be...?
Hikaru: Look, you've got that competition within the skating club
happening this afternoon, right?
Mikado: Yes...
Hikaru: Can you put in a good word for Hiyama-chan? I... want to see
her do well.
Mikado: [Smiling] I don't think that'll be necessary.
Hikaru: What?
Mikado: If you want to cheer her on, why don't you just show up? I'll
let Koichi know I've allowed you access.
[Hikaru still looks a little uncertain.]
Mikado: Trust me brother, Hiyama needs not my help.. [Pause] Nor, I
would think, would she want it...
Hikaru: Well.. Okay.
[Hikaru walks out of the room. A few moments later, he pops his head
back in.]
Hikaru: You're not making her your new partner, are you?
Mikado: [Mockingly sage-like] All will become clear in time, young
one. Now get going.
[Mikado motions Hikaru to get going, who complies. Mikado sets down to
eat his breakfast. Chance walks in and sits down in an nearby chair.
Mikado can't help but notice the scuff marks, and rather abnormally
mussed hair.]
Mikado: Bad jog?
Chance: Not precisely, just.. different.
Mikado: [Nods] Such is life, Chance. Just remember that difference and
change are the spices that make life worthwhile.
Chance: [Looking at Mikado curiously.] Since when were you the human
fortune cookie?
Mikado: [Ignoring Chance's comment.] Chance, you should set yourself
out more like myself. Live life to it's fullest! [Points a fork
at Chance.] What you need, is to find a lovely female upon which
to practice your charms.
Chance: My charms?
Mikado: Certainly! Admittedly, you hardly shine in comparison to
myself, but with some more interesting clothing, a new hairdo...
Chance: Boss, I'm on duty.
Mikado: [Snorts] You're always on duty!
Chance: It's what you pay me for, as you keep saying.
Mikado: Yes, well, it doesn't hurt to have a life as well, you know.
Chance: [Speaking quickly] Speaking of which, a certain someone is
leading a double life on the Kolkhoz campus...
Mikado: Hmm?
Chance: Jurrui Suiko, the current and probably next student council
president?
Mikado: Yes, what of him? I thought he wasn't a concern, now that I'm
out of that blasted election.
Chance: You are, but Suiko winning the election is not something to file
as a Good Thing.
Mikado: And why is that?
Chance: Research into Suiko's activities lead to the conclusion that
he's linked financially with Hajinai.
Mikado: So?
Chance: 'So'? Boss, perhaps you don't understand...
Mikado: Maybe I don't, and mayhaps I don't care, either. I have this
feeling that today, for -once-, is going to be a good day. Now
either cheer up, or wait until tomorrow to tell me any bad news.
[Mikado picks up a cup of juice, and begins sipping it, reviewing the
pad again. Chance looks over at it curiously.]
Chance: Notes for the upcoming competition?
Mikado: You could say that.
[Mikado shows Chance the pad. On it is a rather good sketch of Nabiki,
along with some notes scribbled under two headlines: 'likes', and
'dislikes'.]
Chance: Hmm. Persistant as always, I see.
Mikado: [Smiling] Admittedly, that woman is a hard shell to crack, but
she's intriguing; I find it's worth the effort.
Chance: Koichi might think your mind should be on other things.
Mikado: It's a good thing he isn't here then, isn't it? [Laughs] I
don't see what people gets worked up about. Naturally, I shall
succeed to the position of captain, as always. It's simply the
natural way of things!
Chance: Ever consider his concerns might have some validity, sir?
Mikado: [Sighs] Yes Chance, I have. Conversely, have you ever
considered that maybe you take your job too seriously sometimes? A
job is not life...
[Mikado finishes his juice, puts his dishes in the sink, and leaves the
room. Chance stays behind, lips pursed in thought.]
-=-
[Cut to the school arena. Sunlight shines through the windows down on
the ice, highlighting Ryuuken as he skates madly around the rink. He
flashes through a blinding series of kicks, punches, flips and leaps.
He stops instantaneously a few moments into the kata, and relaxes. From
off-screen, someone claps their hands. Ryuuken turns to the source, and
sees Hirotaka.]
Hirotaka: Congratulations Ryuuken. I didn't think you'd live through
the practice routines you've been putting yourself through...
Ryuuken: It will be worth the pain, Hiro, this I swear... This is the
year that I shall finally have my vengeance against Mikado!
Hirotaka: He's been rubbing your nose in it for how many years now?
Four?
Ryuuken: ...Too many. But no longer. As of today, Mikado shall never
best me again!
Hirotaka: Brave -words-... But what're you gonna do against Mikado?
Ryuuken: Prevail, Hiro, prevail.
Hirotaka: Well, best of luck.
Ryuuken: And what about you?
Hirotaka: [Casually] What about me?
Ryuuken: You're in the male singles, but I've never seen you have any
desire to take Mikado's position.
Hirotaka: Yeah, because I also don't have any desire to become a pulpy
mass. [Grins] I know my limitations Ryuuken, and Mikado is
-well- above them.
Ryuuken: [Shrugs] One less competitor, then.
Hirotaka: [Conversationally] Mind you, if you wanna have a lap
competition, you can eat my ice chips...
Ryuuken: [Grins] Oh, is that a challenge?
-=-
[Cut to a small apartment, a bit cramped, but very neat. Josie, dressed
in shorts and a loose tank top, is doing some stretches and exercises to
dance music in the living room. There is a knock at the front door,
which Josie breaks from her exercises to answer. She opens the door, to
reveal Phrank standing outside, carrying a shinai.]
Josie: [Smiles] Hey! Don't usually see you up and around this early.
Phrank: Actually, I was on my way to school...
Josie: [Blinking] At 7:30?
Phrank: [Lifting up his bokken] Kendo practice was re-scheduled for the
mornings.
Josie: You really are into this, aren't you..? Come on in, I'll be
ready in a few secs!
[Josie rushes off to her room, leaving Phrank alone in living room. He
walks around the room, fingering a few things. He stops on a framed
picture, of Mikado, Josie and himself. In the picture, Josie is hanging
on to Mikado, while Phrank stands beside them, watching.]
Phrank: [Putting the picture down] Nice place you've got here.
Josie: [Calling from her room] Oh, that's right! You've never been
inside before, have you?
Phrank: We've usually met somewhere else, yeah.
[The background goes sparkly and hazy, and Josie steps out of her room,
scantily clad.]
Josie: Why don't we celebrate it in style, then?
[Cut to a close-up of Phrank's face, the background back to normal. He
blinks a few times, and shakes his head.]
Phrank: {Nah, that'd never happen...}
-=-
[In Josie's room, Josie sits on her bed, still dressed in her excercise
clothes. She stares up at the ceiling in a bored fashion. She shrugs,
and gets up off the bed, and walks over to her dresser.]
Josie: {Guess joining a sports club doesn't necessarily make him any
bolder...} [Smirks, as she picks out some new clothes to wear.]
-=-
[On a road leading to Kolkhoz High, Hikaru is running madly. His shirt
is untucked, and his hair is more messed than usual.]
Hikaru: {I'm going to be late! There's no way I can miss the last
science club meeting of the year..}
[Hikaru glances at his watch, not paying attention to what's in front of
him. Conveniently, it is at this point that something gets in his way.
He crashes headlong into another person, both falling to the ground.
Hikaru rubs his head, and rushes to get up, before seeing who it is he's
run into. Hikaru-chan reamins seated on the ground, looking at Hikaru
with an expression somewhere between amusement and annoyance.]
Hikaru-chan: This is getting old, Hikaru-kun...
[Hikaru goes rigid with shock for a few moments, before offering his
hand to Hikaru-chan.]
Hikaru: Aheh.. Sorry...
[Hikaru-chan takes Hikaru's hand, and gets up to her feet. The pair
take a few moments to dust themselves off.]
Hikaru-chan: Apology accepted. But if this happens -again-....
Hikaru: [Blushing slightly] I guess it would be better to meet in a
different manner..
Hikaru-chan: You could make up for it, a little, by walking with me to
school...
Hikaru: Really? ...Sure!
[The pair walk off, at a more leisurely pace, towards Kolkhoz High.]
Hikaru: {Heck... What's one meeting?}
-=-
[Near the entrance to Kolkhoz High, Josie and Phrank are walking along.
Phrank is practicing a few moves with his shinai as they walk along.
Josie occasionally glances in his direction.]
Josie: So why are you so gung-ho about Kendo all of a sudden, anyways?
Phrank: Hmm? [Looks over at Josie] Well actually, I guess you could
say it's partially out of jealousy...
Josie: Jealous? Of what?
[Before Phrank has a chance to speak, Mikado appears on the scene,
circling around the pair on his rollerblades. He's sporting a pair of
sungless, and grinning widely.]
Mikado: Everyone ready for the last week of classes?
Josie: You bet! But I'm looking forward to your contest this afternoon
even more!
Mikado: What, that? A mere formality, I assure you...
[Mikado and Josie chat on for a while, leaving Phrank to his own
thoughts. He starts doing his practice strikes a little more
vigorously...]
-=-
[Kolkhoz High, a little later in the day. Hojo, Gato and Makimura are
standing around the school fountain. Makimura plays with the water
absently.]
Makimura: Man, I can't believe it's almost all over. Twelve years of
schooling, and now...
Gato: [Morosely] ...we have to study for exams...
Hojo: [Cheerfully] Hey, no worries guys! No little thing like exams
that determine our future career is going to get you down, is it?
Gato: That's a trick question, right?
Hojo: [Grins] You worry too much man. Just trust in yourself, and
things will work out all right.
Gato: Sure worked well through high school...
Makimura: Well, think 'bout it this way Gats, it hasn't been dull,
right?
Gato: For better or for worse..
Hojo: So when are the exams, anyways?
Gato: You don't KNOW?!
Hojo: Well, I figured I'd just sorta show up and take whatever ones I
could get into...
Makimura: Woah. Even I know when my exams are..
Hojo: Yeah, yeah... Enough about that though. Who do you think's going
to win the student election?
Gato: You still haven't asked when the exams are, and you want to know
about the school elections?!
Hojo: Well heck, the election -is- today...
Gato: [Shaking his head] Hopeless.. If you get into ANY university
Hojo, it'd be a miracle...
-=-
[In one of the Kolkhoz class rooms, Kazue and Wakai are sitting across
from each other in desks. Posters on the wall say 'Wakai Kodomo for
student council pres'. Kazue shifts a lot in his seat, and looks
agitated. Wakai on the other hand, looks rather bored.]
Wakai: Remind me again why I'm still in this election?
Kazue: Don't you realize? Even without Mikado in the election, if you
win, you'll get direct say over the activities in the arena. The
pool will be ours once more!
Wakai: I know -that- part, Kazue, but why are we even bothering? It's
not like I'll get elected...
Kazue: You know what your problem is? You're not confident enough! If
you want something enough, and work for it, there's no limit to
what you can achieve!
Wakai: [Looking out a window forlornly, whispers.] It hasn't worked so
far...
Kazue: [Puts a hand on Wakai's shoulder] Wakai, things change, they
always do...
Wakai: And you want to see Mikado change into a loser before you move
on?
Kazue: Exactly!
Wakai: [Grins] Fine. For what it's worth, I'll show up for the
election rally... Not that it'll make any difference in the
outcome.
Kazue: Dammit, I'm not leaving this school with a total loss! I have to
beat Mikado in something, at least once, before I go!
Wakai: Huh. Challenge him to a diving competition?
-=-
[In the Kolkhoz gymnasium, work is in progress. Suiko stands among a
group of students and adults, who are organizing tables, booths, and a
sound system. Suiko is giving out orders, trying to direct the actions
of everyone involved. A hanging banner reads: 'Jurrui Suiko Election
HQ'. Suiko smiles triumphantly to himself as he talks to a female
assistant, who is following him.]
Suiko: The election set-up is all finished then?
Assistant: Almost sir. The ballot-counters are in place, but the
hook-up to the PA system for your acceptance speech isn't quite
ready.
Suiko: We still have lots of time. And what of the conference?
Assistant: The final set-up will have to wait until after the election
is over, since both are in the same room, but as you can see,
all the tables are in place...
Suiko: ...Just finishing touches like name plates, bringing down
election posters, putting up appropriate banners and the like?
Assistant: [Nods] From the looks of it, both the election and the
All-Tokyo High School Sports Convention will be sucesses.
Suiko: Indeed. Thank you very much! [Walks off, a feral grin creeping
across his face as soon as he's out of sight of people.] {Sucesses
indeed, though I think Hajinai will appreciate the convention
more... Always better to bring in money, than to give it out..}
-=-
[Inside Hajinai's office, Hajinai is scanning over some papers,
occasionally punching in some things on a calculator. He peers hungrily
at the results.]
Hajinai: Another sucessful year, and another on the way! Ah, I just get
better at these this every time. My mone... men, count the
ballots, and I collect a sizeable fund of all the 'fundraiser'
projects that my good man Suiko puts into action... [Giggles
gleefully, rubbing his hands.] And what of my other cash cow,
Mikado Sanzenin? I suppose I should check on how easily he
glides over the competition.. A popular skater, sure to draw in
the spectators again in the coming year...!
[Hajinai pulls out a remote, and turns on a small TV on the other side
of the room. Onscreen, is Kureena Mitsuka.]
Kureena: ...annual Kolkhoz skating competition, which will determine the
future captains and leaders of the various parts of the Skating
Club. As usual, the most anticipated part of the event is the
male singles competition, which will determine who will be the
overall leader of the club. Who will it be this year?
[Image switches to a still of Mikado, taken after his first encounter
with Ranma. There are markings and drawings all over his face and
clothes.]
Kureena: Mikado, the current team captain, the man who toys with the
hearts of women, before mersilessly crushing their spirits, Or...
[Switch to a still of Ryuuken, from his battle with Mikado in episode
12. Mikado is lying face-first in the ground, while the sun shines
brightly above Ryuuken's head, giving a halo affect around him.]
Kureena: ...Ryuuken, the valiant underdog; the talented, unrecognized
skating dynamo? We find out in just a few minutes!
[The TV is shut off. Cut to a shot of Hajinai, shaking his head.]
Hajinai: That girl needs to learn the art of subtlety...
-=-
[Back at the arena, Ryuuken and Hirotaka are sitting on one of the side
benches. Ryuuken is lying flat on his back, while Hirotaka sits up
straight, whistling a little tune.]
Ryuuken: Okay... I admit... You ARE faster than me...
Hirotaka: [Grins] There, now you can be big about it, eh? Too bad you
were stubborn enough to challenge me three times before you got
to that point..
Ryuuken: Quiet you. Let me die in peace.
Hirotaka: If you say so... [Gets up]
Ryuuken: Where are you going?
Hirotaka: Back on the ice. The competition's about to begin, after all.
Ryuuken: What?! So soon?
Hirotaka: Well, you probably have a while before your specific
competition, but Koichi is getting out onto the ice...
[Hirotaka points out at the the rink. Ryuuken sits up, and sees Koichi
standing in the centre of the ice patiently, clip board in hand.]
Ryuuken: You set me up...
Hirotaka: Did nothing of the sort, you were a willing member of
everything we did. Aside from which, it was your idea.
[Hirotaka gets up, and leaves the bench area. He skates out onto the
ice, but only to get to one of the arena exits. Ryuuken watches him go,
slack-jawed.]
Ryuuken: Why...? WHY?
[Ryuuken gets to his feet, rushing out onto the ice. Koichi nods to
Ryuuken, and marks something down on his clipboard. Hikaru-chan shows up
a few moments later, and everyone else starts filing out onto the ice
soon afterwards. Koichi clears his throat, staring impassively at the
group.]
Koichi: Good day, I'm glad to see you've all come. Today is an
important day, on which we determine the fate of the skating club
for the coming year. There will be three positions to be
determined today - female singles, ice dance, and
overall captain of the club. The competition will start after a
short ten minute warm-up. Go to it, and good luck.
[The skaters break up from the group, and begin their individual skates
around the rink. Koichi skates off the ice, settling down in the first
row of the stands. On the ice, Ryuuken skates sluggishly, looking
tired. Mikado skates by, with a smug look on his face. Koichi watches
the two impassively, and tilts his head slightly, generating the Cool
Flashing Sunglasses Effect (tm).]
Koichi: [Whispering] It starts...
------------------------------------------------------------------
[Ad break. A still image of Mikado and Ryuuken facing off against each
other on the ice.]
[Fade to black.]
Commentator: They have wandered the lands, searching for their
particular prey for years now. Thankfully, they were well prepared..
[The scene fades in on a locker room, where Overly Cute Female 1-4 sit
in a circle.]
Overly Cute Female 1: Outfits; super-tight, or lack thereof?
OCF 2-4: [All leaping to their feet, showing off their ill- concealed
'assets'.] Check!
OCF 1: Requisite meek male we all fall for?
OCF 2: [Pulls Tenchi from out of nowhere] Check!
OCF 4: [Pulling out Makoto] ...Check...
OCF 1: [Blinks a few times] Well, we'll use both. Who can tell the
difference? [Checks her list] Obnoxiously Cute Mascot?
OCF 3: [Pulls out a Mokona, Ryo-Oh-Ki, and Ura.] I couldn't decide..
They're all so CUUUTE!!
OCF 1: [Shrugs] What the hell... [Checks off another point on her
list.] Ridiculously powered supervillian who dies the second time we
fight him?
OCF 2: We couldn't decide.. Who should be the first one?
OCF 1: [Tosses the list aside] I give up. Let's just go to the huge
bathtub scene and get it all over with?
OCF 2-4: Okay!!
[Cut to a scene of a sprawling hot tub, where OCF 1-4 lounge around
naked. That is to say, they are all shaped the way we normally see them,
except in a flesh colour.]
OCF 1: Ah... This is the life... Oh! Almost forgot.. Complete lack of
any real plot?
OCF 2-4: Check!!
BAKA HUNTERS Their target - the viewers
Another production not coming to you from the YRN.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[Open to a shot of Koichi, standing in front of Azusa, and a half-dozen
other female skaters.]
Koichi: First event is the female singles competition. Are you all
ready?
Azusa: Azusa's all ready!
Other skaters: [With dread] We're ready...
Koichi: Very well. The winner shall be determined by a 'battle royale'.
The last skater standing becomes female captain.
[The other skaters immediately look at each other, then at Azusa, then
look among themselves again. They all nod.]
Koichi: [Skating away from the combatants] Go!
[The scene cuts to a close-up of Koichi's face. As he watches on,
screams can be heard in the background. Koichi winces a few times at
some of the higher-pitched cries. Moments later, the scene backs out,
showing Azusa bouncing happily, hopping around her dazed and unconscious
competitors.]
Azusa: Azusa's all done!
Koichi: [A sweat drop forming on his head] {I suppose that was somewhat
pointless..}
-=-
[Fade to next scene, still on the ice, but only Hikaru-chan is on the
ice this time. Koichi looks down at a his notepad, and up at
Hikaru-chan.]
Koichi: Seeing as we don't actually have any other ice dancers, that
would make you the next captain of that group.
Hikaru-chan: [Feigning suprise] Oh Koichi! Do you think I deserve it?
Koichi: Your job as captain of the ice dancing section will be to add
some members to your roster. [Smiles]
-=-
[At the entrance to the rink, Mikado stands with Hikaru, watching the
conversation between Koichi and Hikaru-chan.]
Mikado: I do believe, I said something about there not being anything to
worry about?
Hikaru: That was kind of pointless... Still, I'm happy for her...
Mikado: [Slaps Hikaru on the back] Why don't you tell her, then? [Walks
out onto the ice] I'd join you, but I have a competition to attend
to.
[Hikaru greets Hikaru-chan as she skates off the ice. The pair walk
towards the change rooms together. Mikado smiles back at them, as he
skates over towards Koichi. Ryuuken is the only other skater who comes
out onto the ice.]
Koichi: [Looks between the two] Are you two prepared?
[Mikado and Ryuuken both nod]
Koichi: Very well. Mikado, you go over to the far side of the rink.
[Mikado looks a little perplexed, but complies. Ryuuken gets a
suspicious look on his face.]
Koichi: Ryuuken.
Ryuuken: Yes?
Koichi: You will start from this end of the rink.
[Ryuuken nods, and drops into an offensive position. He bounces lightly,
shifting his footing every few seconds, glaring across the rink at
Mikado. Koichi skates off the ice, and seats himself in the stands.]
Ryuuken: {So many years, so many embarassments.. Sanzenin, today I will
triumph!}
Koichi: Are you ready?
Mikado & Ryuuken: Yes!
Koichi: Very well. Both of you, I want to see your finest skating
routine ever!
[Mikado blinks a few times, looking over at Koichi. Ryuuken, who was
priming himself to make a dash at Mikado, falls on to the ice.]
Mikado: Excuse me? Skating routine?
Koichi: [Dryly] Yes. I'm sure you're familliar with them.
Ryuuken: [Getting up off the ice] Skating routine? What kind of nonsense
is this? I'm a martial skater, a fighter! Not some performer!
Koichi: [Sunglesses flashing] A martial art is a _disipline_, Ryuuken.
Even a beginner should understand that. I want to see what that
disipline has done for you. Consider this a performance of a
kata, and you're both competing for the black belt.
[Ryuuken clenches his teeth and balls his fists. He limbers up again,
brushing some ice off his clothes, and relaxes into a pre-skating
stance. Mikado limbers up on the other end, smiling peaceably.
Ryuuken's lips form into a sneer.]
Ryuuken: {It's so obvious what's going on here. I've been training for
the last two weeks, and now Koichi changes the rules?}
Koichi: Now gentlemen, if you really are ready this time?
[They both nod. Koichi leans over, and presses a button on a tape
recorder sitting on his bench. Some classical music begins playing,
reverberating around the rink. Mikado starts immediately into a
routine, while Ryuuken takes a few moments to get accustomed to the
music. Mikado moves in fluid, smooth motions, while Ryuuken's motions
are somewhat more stilted. Ryuuken looks more and more agitated as they
skate.]
Ryuuken: {This is ridiculous! I will not be defeated without a fight!}
[Mikado skates out from his half of the rink, towards the centre of the
ice. His back is facing Ryuuken, who is now quivering in anger.]
Ryuuken: {You keep your back to me? That's the last straw!}
[Ryuuken leaps forward, towards Mikado, letting out a battle cry.
Freeze frame just as he lands near Mikado, who is just now starting to
turn around.]
-=-
[Cut to the swimming club's campaing room. The room is empty, except
for Kazue, Wakai, and a large number of election posters scattered
across the floor. Kazue stares forward blank-faced, not even blinking.
He holds a piece of paper which says 'election results' on it.]
Kazue: We.... lost.
[Wakai, who simply looks bored, looks over at Kazue, and shrugs.]
Wakai: What'd you expect?
Kazue: Well, at least more than one vote... [Blinks a few times,
considering his words.] Hey wait a second...
[Kazue looks over at Wakai incredulously. Wakai shifts uncomfortably,
attempting to shrink into a corner. He smiles nervously.]
Wakai: One vote? Aheh, fancy that...
-=-
[Cut to a close-up on Mikado's face, just as Ryuuken's fist connects.
Mikado is pushed back on the ice, barely managing to stay on his feet.
He looks up in time to see Ryuuken charging again, and leaps out of the
way.]
Mikado: Ryuuken! What are you doing?
Ryuuken: [Skating in Mikado's direction] We're both martial arts
skaters... [Launches a jump kick at Mikado] What do you THINK
I'm doing?
[Mikado barely dodges out of the way, and skates a distance away.]
Ryuuken: All these years, all this time, you've thwarted me, Mikado! I
won't lose again, not without a fight!
[Ryuuken rushes forth with a flurry of punches, which Mikado attempts to
dodge. Mikado takes a few hits to the side, and is pushed back along
the ice by their force.]
Mikado: This isn't supposed to be a fight, Ryuuken!
Ryuuken: I don't CARE!
[Ryuuken skates forward with a burst of speed. Mikado tenses as he gets
near.]
Mikado: {I'm already in the dog house with Koichi...} [Ducks under a
snap kick] {I can't attack Ryuuken...} [Leaps over Ryuuken]
{...without looking even worse in his eyes.}
[Ryuuken spins around and jump-kicks Mikado. Mikado deflects, but still
takes some of the blow. Ryuuken starts throwing punches and kicks in
combination, Mikado barely able to block them all.]
Ryuuken: Fight back you coward!
[Ryuuken begins sweating, looking more and more desperate as he presses
his attack.]
Ryuuken: {All my training, and I still can't defeat him? Why? Why
can't I do it?!}
[Ryuuken sees Hirotaka and Azusa watching on, sitting beside a
stern-faced Koichi.]
Ryuuken: {My supposed 'friend' tried to wear me out, Koichi springs this
bogus new competition style.. No one supports me!}
[Ryuuken turns his attention towards Mikado, who is concentrating
intently on blocking all of Ryuuken's attacks. Ryuuken begins to glow a
dark red.]
Ryuuken: {Unloved, unsupported... It doesn't matter! I will prevail!}
[The red glow begins to get more pronounced. Mikado's eyes go large as
he watches Ryuuken suddenly pull back, the glow focusing in his hands.}
Mikado: What the...?
[Ryuuken pushes his hands back out, and the glowing energies form into a
ball. He screams, tossing the ball forward, slaming into Mikado's
chest. He collapses to the ice, unconscious. Ryuuken blinks
incomprehensibly, looking at his hands. Recovering, he raises a fist
triumphantly.]
Ryuuken: I... won!
[Ryuuken turns to face Koichi, who is watching with a look of disbelief.
Hirotaka and Azusa get onto the ice, and being skating towards him.]
Ryuuken: Wanting to congratulate me now? Go ahead! You who didn't
supp...
[Azusa and Hirotaka skate past Ryuuken, and kneel down beside Mikado.]
Ryuuken: Hey! What about me, the victor? Don't I deserve any cred-
[Ryuuken turns back to where Koichi had been sitting, but finds that he
is now on the ice, right in front of Ryuuken. Koichi is frowning
intently.]
Ryuuken: -it?
Koichi: What do you call that, Ryuuken?
Ryuuken: I call it a victory! Finally, I have defeated Sanzenin! The
club captaincy is mine!
Koichi: What _I_ call it, is a complete disregard of a coach's
instruction.
Ryuuken: But- but I just proved it! I'm better than Mikado! I defeated
him!
Koichi: You defeated a man who only defended himself. That is not a
fight, that is bullying. Worse yet, it was one I did _not_
sanction.
Ryuuken: B- but....
Koichi: But nothing! I meant what I said, when I was wanting a display
of disipline. How well do you think you fared on that mark,
Ryuuken? I told you what I wanted to see, and you did something
completely the opposite!
Ryuuken: It was a ridiculous thing to want!
Koichi: Do you think that I, who has trained the Golden Pair into a
practically undefeated duo, would ask for something 'ridiculous'?
Ryuuken: What does it matter who's more disciplined? I still beat him!
Koichi: Discipline is everything. Even a martial skater must be in full
control of themselves and what they do. Otherwise, they are
simply thugs. I do not intend to have thugs leading my skaters.
Ryuuken: You don't mean...
Koichi: Yes. Mikado is the victor. Ryuuken, you were always a
contender against Mikado. Today, I held a contest where your
opponent wasn't Mikado, but yourself. [Kneels down to help Mikado
to his feet] In that Ryuuken, you lost, badly.
[Hirotaka and Koichi drag Mikado off the ice. Azusa walks with them,
but pauses to look back at Ryuuken.]
Ryuuken: Azusa... Aren't you pr-
Azusa: Ryuuken, sometimes you can go just too far. Azusa doesn't want
to talk to you right now!
[Azusa walks off. The background behind Ryuuken shatters, as he falls
to his knees.]
Ryuuken: [Whispering] Is there no victory? Can't I ever win?!
[Fade to black.]
------------------------------------------------------------------
[Ad break. An SD still, showing Mikado splayed out on the ice, while
Koichi drags Ryuuken off the ice by his ear.]
[Open to an idyllic Japanese house. Two children are doing their
homework at a table stacked with books, while their mother dutifully
cooks supper. She looks over to the next room, and sees a television.
She gasps, then turns to her children.]
Mother: Mikado Ichiban yo!
[Cut to the children, blearily looking up from their studies.]
Mother: [an echo] Mikado Ichiban yo!
[The children's faces light up, and they toss their books aside, rushing
towards the TV.]
SONG: ~Mikado, Mikado, Mikado Ichiban...
[Cut to one of the children's beaming faces.]
Child: Mikado Ichiban ga daisuki desu!
Child #2: Kakkoi!
[The mother smiles, nodding, and sits down with them.]
SONG: ~Mikado Ichiban!
[Cut to a shot of the show's logo. Fade out.]
[Open to an idyllic Japanese house. Two children are doing their
homework at a table stacked with books, while their mother dutifully
cooks supper. She looks over to the next room, and sees a television.
She gasps, then turns to her children.]
Mother: Mikado Ichiban yo!
[Cut to the children, blearily looking up from their studies.]
Mother: [an echo] Mikado Ichiban yo!
[The children's faces light up, and they toss their books aside, rushing
towards the TV.]
SONG: ~Mikado, Mikado, Mikado Ichiban...
[Cut to one of the children's beaming faces.]
Child: Mikado Ichiban ga daisuki desu!
Child #2: Kakkoi!
[The mother smiles, nodding, and sits down with them.]
SONG: ~Mikado Ichiban!
[Cut to a shot of the show's logo. Fade out.]
------------------------------------------------------------------
[Open to a close-up of a wine bottle. It's raised into the air, just as
the cork pops off the end.]
Hirotaka: Kampai!
[Pan out to the show the enterance to the arena. Hirotaka, Koichi,
Azusa, the Hikarus, and a still-dazed Mikado are standing and sitting in
a circle on some benches. Hirotaka starts pouring drinks for everyone.
Hikaru-chan looks a little dubious as she lifts her glass.]
Hikaru-chan: Koichi, aren't we a little young for this?
Koichi: Normally, I would be more strict... [Smiles] But on this
occasion, I think some celebration is in order.
Hirotaka: Not like much has changed.. Or is that what you want to
celebrate?
Koichi: No. Change can be a good thing, so long as it's the right
change. [Raises his glass] However, I think the current
leadership works out fairly well.
[Everyone else looks over at Mikado, who is only now beginning to stir.]
Hirotaka: Are you sure what you did was right?
Koichi: I meant what I said Hiro. Discipline is the most important
thing for a martial skater. [Muses over his glass] I never said
that the skating demonstration was the determining contest.
Hikaru: Huh?
Koichi: That first competition was meant as a test of Ryuuken. I had no
doubts as to who could be more artistic. Had Ryuuken done a
routine, no matter how stilted, I would have allowed a fight.
Hirotaka: [Nods] Testing to make sure he can keep himself under
control, eh?
Koichi: A man who loses his temper constantly doesn't make a good
skating partner. Isn't that right, Shiratori?
Azusa: Hai. San-chan is a better team captain, and better _team_
skater!
Hirotaka: Ryuuken's been solo for so long, he's probably forgotten what
paired skating was all about.. Trust.
Mikado: [Opening his eyes] It's also important in friendships... I
trust someone has an asprin? [Groans]
Koichi: I'm afraid not, Sanzenin.
Mikado: [Sitting up] Then I'm afraid that you are all no longer my
friends. [Achieves a pained smile]
Hikaru-chan: I'm sure we'll manage.
[Hikaru-chan walks off, before Mikado can say or do anything. Hikaru
looks at Mikado momentarily, and gives a thumbs up.]
Hikaru: [Quickly] Congratulations!
[Hikaru rushes off after Hikaru-chan. After they are both gone, Koichi
speaks up.]
Koichi: Only four of us now? I suppose that leaves more wine for me to
celebrate with...
Hirotaka: You can have even more. I've got to fly.
Mikado: [Slowly getting to his feet] Me too...
Hirotaka: [Grins, walking over and supporting Mikado] C'mon Mik, I'll
help you drag your carcass home.
[Mikado and Hirotaka walk off. Koichi looks over at Azusa, and takes a
firmer grip of the wine bottle.]
Koichi: [Stoicly] Well, you're certainly too young to have more than
one glass... [Notices that Azusa is gazing at him adoringly]
What is it, Shiratori?
Azusa: That bottle is so... Kawaii!
[Azusa grabs the bottle, and runs off. Koichi makes to follow, but
stops. He smiles, sipping at his glass.]
Koichi: I certainly hope I don't have to explain that to her parents..
-=-
[Outside Kolkhoz High, Mikado is now walking under his own power, though
Hirotaka walks close by, watching him carefully.]
Mikado: So I'm still captain...
Hirotaka: You sound dissapointed.
Mikado: [Glances over at Hirotaka] No, just a little suprised. After
Ryuuken's finishing move there, I was sure he'd be declared
captain.
Hirotaka: What the heck was that, anyways?
Mikado: It looked like it might have been some kind of uncontrolled
ki-blast.
Hirotaka: I thought you had to really concentrate to pull something like
that off...
Mikado: When one is focused on one thing for long enough, perhaps the
energies just build up, until they're released..
Hirotaka: Ryuuken's sure been focused enough...
Mikado: And he certainly needed to release his anger somehow.
Hirotaka: And you just happened to be in the way.
Mikado: [Rubbing his chest] Lucky me.
Hirotaka: I thought the great Mikado would be able to dodge anything?
Mikado: I'd love to see you deal with something like that close-range.
[The two pause as a limo pulls up beside them. The rear window rolls
down, and Drake sticks his head out.]
Drake: Good afternoon sir. We're here to pick you up.
Mikado: I don't recall calling for you...
Drake: Chance's suggestion, sir. You have to get ready for the sporting
event this evening?
Mikado: [Nodding] Of course. Hiro, care for a ride?
Hirotaka: [Shaking his head] No thanks. I'll just walk.
Mikado: As you wish.. Are you showing up tonight?
Hirotaka: Nah, it's only an event for big-shot captains, remember?
[Hirotaka waves, and rushes off down the road.]
Mikado: The captain, and one guest... Oh well. Drake?
Drake: Sir?
[Mikado slips into the limo, and closes the door behind him.]
Mikado: Give a call to Chance; tell him he's pulling extra detail this
evening.
Drake: Yes sir.
Mikado: And for goodness sake, make sure he wears something decent...
-=-
[Cut to Chance's apartment. He is watching television - CNN, to be
exact - from the comfort of his futon, taking the occasional bite from a
plum.]
Anchorwoman: ...just learned of yet another exchange of fire between
Chinese and Phillipine vessels in the waters of the disputed
Spratly Islands. At this point details are still sketchy,
but unconfirmed accounts st-
Chance: Again?!
[The phone rings, and Chance turns off the TV. He picks up the phone,
listening for a few moments. He nods once to himself, and puts the
phone back down.]
[The camera shifts to give us a look at the interior of his closet;
specifically, at the neatly-organized entirety of his wardrobe which
occupies it. Quite aside from the BDUs, most if not all of it seems to
have been chosen for unremarkability, being neither overly conservative
nor on contemporary fashion's cutting edge.]
Chance: {Hm. 'More interesting clothing', indeed.}
[Scene fades out.]
-=-
[Later that evening, Mikado's limo pulls up in front of Kolkhoz High.
The rear door opens, and Mikado steps out, dressed in a black Itallian
suit. Behind him comes Chance, dressed in a drab grey button-up shirt,
and a pair of tan-coloured slacks. Mikado looks Chance up and down, and
shakes his head.]
Mikado: This is what you call 'interesting'?
Chance: Interesting was your word, actually.
[Mikado shrugs and walks with Chance to the school entrance. Once
inside, Mikado stops.]
Mikado: Fashion alert!
[Chance blinks a few times, as the Kolkhoz Fashion Club appear out of
nowhere. A suave-looking young man in a perfectly-fitted suit walks up
to Mikado.]
Suave man: [Fawning over Mikado's clothes] What's the nature of your
problem? Lost button? Too-obvious crease? I, Kindai Orimono,
and the rest of the fashion club, are at your disposal!
Mikado: It's worse than that, Orimono. I need a complete make-over.
[Points at Chance] For him.
Orimono: [Gasps] You certainly do! But don't fear Mikado darling, we're
on it!
Mikado: I'm counting on you.
Chance: Uhh....
[Before Chance can get in a word, Mikado walks off. Orimono peers at
Chance, and pulls out a comb.]
Orimono: First thing, we do something about that hair..
[Chance slumps his head, resigning himself to his fate.]
-=-
[Mikado walks into the gymnasium, which is now fully decorated with
sports banners, dinner tables, and sound system. Jurrui Suiko rushes up
to Mikado almost immediately.]
Jurrui: Mikado! How lovely to see you here. Congratulations on your..
win/loss, I suppose I should call it?
[Jurrui beams, while shaking Mikado's hand.]
Mikado: It was more of a victory by disqualifcation, than by talent...
But it would have been the same result nonetheless.
Jurrui: Such confidence, Sanzenin! I'm glad I didn't have to run
against you in the election!
Mikado: [Distractedly] Yes, well, you and Principal Hajinai made very
sure of that, didn't you?
Jurrui: [Blinks] Ahh, what was that Sanzenin? I'm not sure I heard you
right..
Mikado: [Shaking his head] Nothing of concern, to be sure. Anyways, I'd
love to stay and chat, but... There are people I must meet.
[Mikado turns around, and walks off towards a large grouping of people
at the back of the gym.]
Jurrui: [Waves] A pleasure Mikado! Enjoy the convention! [Hunches
over, and begins shaking a fist, once Mikado's not looking in his
direction.] {Dammit... How much does he know?}
[As he fumes, a hand claps him on the shoulder. He immediately stands
upright, and turns around, with a pleasant smile on his face. Chance
stands in front of him casually, decked out in black shoes, slacks,
shirt, and blazer - even the belt buckle is anodized. The only item of
clothing with any other color is the tie; which is a very deep shade of
red.]
Jurrui: Hello.... And you are...?
Chance: [Holds up a ticket] Sanzenin Mikado's guest. Just wanted to
make sure you were all right; you were hunched over, and..
Jurrui: [Laughing] No, no! I'm perfectly fine.
Chance: [Shrugs] If you say so.
[Chance walks off, and Jurrui watches him curiously.]
Jurrui: {For all his skirt-chasing, he invites a male? This might
benefit from some research..}
-=-
[Chance wanders around the gym, which is beginning to get cramped with
all the people. He walks by a few displays for various sports, such as
Kendo, archery, Judo, and hockey. Chance stares curiously at a pair of
people wearing hockey masks, who seem to be clutching their sticks
threateningly. As he walks on, he bumps into someone. Turning to face
the person, he comes face-to-face with Kodachi Kunou, dressed in an
all-black ensemble. Both Chance and Kodachi look mildly suprised.]
Kodachi: You... [Takes a few steps back, reaching into her purse.]
Chance: I don't think we need a third fight. [Motions to the
surroundings] Especially with so many witnesses around.
Kodachi: [Suspiciously] What are you doing here?
Chance: Enjoying the 'friendly atmosphere', I guess. I was invited.
Kodachi: [Looks suspicous, but now fully relaxed] We have no quarrel at
this time, I suppose.
Chance: Not this time, no. So far as I can tell, there wasn't much need
at any other time, either.
Kodachi: You were spying on my darling Ranma!
Chance: {'Darling'?} No, I was definately not spying on Ranma at the
time.
Kodachi: What were you doing, then?
Chance: Getting ambushed by you, if I recall correctly. You seem to
have a talent for it.
Kodachi: [Smiling] You may continue speaking.
-=-
[In another part of the gym, Mikado is surrounded by a small group of
people. They all take turns shaking his hand.]
Male: We can't thank you enough Sanzenin!
Mikado: Ah, it was nothing...
Female: Nothing? Kolkhoz used to be the terror of the high school
swimming circuit, until you denied them access to their own pool!
Mikado: Well, it wasn't exactly...
Female: [Squeals with delight, as do the other females] Ohh, Mikado,
you're so wonderful!
Mikado: ...an ordeal. I did it for the good of my skating club.
However, it pleases me it brought good to such lovely ladies as
yourselves.
[All the females break out in coos of 'What a man!', 'You're so
generous!', and the like. Most of the males in the group begin to gain
distinct ticks in their eyebrows.]
Male: [With a distinct tone of annoyance] Mikado....
[Mikado looks up curiously from the girl he just kissed. All the male
swimmers begin stepping in a little closer. They get pushed aside,
however, as the two hockey mask- wearing males enter the scene.]
Hockey Mask 1: Sanzenin!
Mikado: Hmm?
Hockey Mask 2: You've caused the downfall of our glorious sport!
Mikado: I did?
Hockey Mask 1: You use your school's hockey club as your own personal
punching bag!
Mikado: And...?
Hockey Mask 2: [Sobbing openly] My god, they're monsters! No amount of
checking can stop them, they're so impervious to blows!
Hockey Mask 1: Sure, they don't have enough talent to score, but all the
other teams' players are too bruised to play anymore!
Mikado: And this is my concern because...?
Hockey Mask 2: Because, if you keep inadvertantly 'training' the
Kolkhoz Hockey team, you will have to perfect a 'dance of
_five hundred_ foes'. Get it?
[The pair stomp off, leaving Mikado surrounded by the female swimmers.
He shrugs, an arrogant smirk on his face.]
Mikado: Oh dear, this may be my last year alive... [Turns to one of the
females] However, it would be an ultimately satisfying life, if I
were able to hold you in my arms, just once..
[Mikado sweeps the girl off her feet, drawing her into a short kiss. He
puts the dazed girl back on her feet, and turns to the other females,
who gaze at him adoringly.]
Mikado: [Sighs dramatically] A man's work is never done...
Male swimmers: MIKADO!!!
-=-
[Back in Chance's corner of the room, Chance is still talking with
Kodachi, who now holds a drink, and is talking in a rather proud,
conversational tone.
Kodachi: So, if you introduce that agent into the plant during it's
maturing process, the sleep gas becomes a 'natural' part of the
flower. A fully-grown flower can easily produce enough to knock
out an adult human..
Chance: [Whistles softly] Very impressive. That may just come in handy
some day... You're quite talented, you know?
Kodachi: Yes, yes I do.
[Chance and Kodachi share a small smile, and search each others eyes for -]
Mikado: [Heard over the general din of people] Now now.. There's no
need for you all to get so uptight.. This is after all supposed
to be a friendly get-together, right?
Male swimmers: DIE!!
Chance: [Looks over in the direction of Mikado's voice] Uhoh. Duty
calls..
Kodachi: Shall we continue this later, then?
Chance: Definately.
Kodachi: By the way, Clark..
Chance: [Turning around] Yes?
Kodachi: That was a rather deft change of subject before.. but I will
find out what you were doing at the Tendo household.
Chance: Feel free to try. [Walks off] I'll be back in a minute.
-=-
[Cut to a scene of Chance in the back of Mikado's limo, Mikado seated
beside him. Mikado looks very pleased with himself, while Chance sits
there, arms crossed, looking very disgruntled.]
Mikado: A rather amusing end to a busy year, wouldn't you say, Chance?
Chance: Busy doesn't begin to describe it.
Mikado: True, true... Various excessive challenges, best friends
turning out to be dopplegangers, the baby-sat from hell.. nor
could we forget Hikaru Hiyama, or... Azusa...
Chance: [Shudders] No matter how hard we might try.
Mikado: But, overall, it's been rather sucessful, wouldn't you say?
Chance: In the end, someone wins, and someone loses.
Mikado: And who's the philosophical one now?
[Chance simply turns and looks out the window. Mikado looks at him with
some concern, but shrugs it off a few moments later.]
-=-
[Mikado's house, entrance hall. All the lights are off. Mikado enters
from the outside door, quietly taking off his shoes. He walks down the
hall, and into the living room, also unlit. As he walks through towards
the kitchen, the lights click on, and Hikaru, Mr. Sanzenin, and Aunt
Kazuhiko all pop out of various hiding spots in the living room.]
All: Suprise!
[Mikado looks initially suprised, but soon puts on a warm smile, walking
towards the group.]
-=-
[Time passes, and Mikado is sitting on the couch, Aeka sitting on his
lap, gurgling happily.]
Aunt Kazuhiko: Oh Mikado, you do handle your niece so well!
Hikaru: Yeah Mikado, why don't you make babysitting a full-time job?
[Mikado looks at Hikaru wide-eyed, and Hikaru bursts out laughing. Aunt
Kazuhiko gets a thoughtful look on her face.]
Aunt Kazuhiko: You know, that's not so bad an idea...
[Both Hikaru and Mikado get shocked expressions, until Kazuhiko winks at
them both. They both relax. A little.]
Mr. Sanzenin: [Appearing suddenly in front of Mikado] My son... [Crying
freely, and frequently] I'M SO PROUD!!
[Mikado looks mildly embarassed, and notices Hikaru beginning to twitch
in a corner.]
Mikado: Honestly father, I swear that's the only phrase in your
vocabulary.. While it _is_ a magnificent thing I achieved
today... [Hikaru twitches some more] ...didn't Hikaru sweep the
science awards for his grade this year?
[Hikaru looks up quickly, suprised.]
-=-
[Later on in the evening, Mikado is in his room, lying down on his bed.]
Mikado: Truly, an excitable year.. But I suppose I can take solace in
the fact that next year couldn't possibly be any worse..
[Mikado smiles, closing his eyes. There is a knock at his door.
Sighing, he sits up.]
Mikado: Yes?
[Hikaru opens the door, and walks in, holding an envelope.]
Hikaru: Hey Mik, this came for you in the mail today. [Hands the
envelope to Mikado, and goes to leave the room.] Hey Mikado...
Mikado: [Fiddling with the enevelope] Yes?
Hikaru: Thanks.
[Hikaru shuts the door behind him. Mikado looks up briefly, and smiles.
He then turns his attention to the envelope.]
Mikado: {No return address? Probably another of my admirers...}
[Mikado opens the envelope, and pulls out a letter. He begins scanning
it. Suddenly, he goes wide-eyed, gripping the letter with a pair of
shaking hands.]
Mikado: No... It can't be!
[Close up on the envelope as it drops to the floor. A postcard falls
out, with a picture of Kremlin. Written in one corner are the words:
"See you soon!"]
------------------------------------------------------------------
[Ad break. When the show comes back on, fade into a shot of Ryuuken,
dressed in travelling clothes, and sporting a rather large backpack,
hikes up to the top of a hill that overlooks part of Tokyo. He looks
back only breifly.]
Ryuuken: That was indeed the last time you shall beat me, Mikado.
Farewell Kolkhoz. Farewell, Azusa-chan....
[Ryuuken turns away, and walks into a forest, as the closing music
starts up and the credits roll...]
[Cut to a full-body shot of | It's time to move on, It's time to get going
Ryuuken, against the backdrop | What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing
of various locations. First | But under my feet baby, grass is growing
he is walking through a dense | It's time to move on, it's time to get going
forest. Then, he wanders |
through a small town. He | Broken skyline, movin' through the airport
stops to stare at an arena | She's an honest defector
for a few moments. A vision | Conscientious objector
of Azusa appears above, | Now her own protector
but Ryuuken shakes his head, |
walking onwards.] |
|
[In a makeshift camp site, | Broken skyline, which way to love land
Ryuuken trains against a | Which way to something better
young sapling, tossing kicks | Which way to forgiveness
and punches. Between all the | Which way do I go
sweat on his face, you almost |
can't see the tears.] |
|
[Ryuuken stands atop a | Time to move on, time to get going
mountain, overlooking Tokyo. | What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing
Ryuuken waves weakly, and | But under my feet baby, grass is growing
turns his back to the | It's time to move on, it's time to get going
sprawling city, walking down |
the other side of the | Yeah, It's time to move on,
mountain. He stops, | It's time to get going..
spreads his arms to the wind, |
and smiles.] | ------------------------------------
| Tom Petty | "Time to move on"
[Cut scenes, as Ryuuken stumbles through some bush, and into a clearing.
Ryuuken looks around in some confusion at the lush, thick plants
surrounding him.]
Ryuuken: I'm definately not in Japan anymore...
[Suddenly, there's a rustling in the bushes, and another person bursts
out of the foilage.]
Ryouga: WHERE'S FURINKAN HI.... Oh, hi Ryuuken.
Ryuuken: Hello, cousin.
[The two nod to each other, and walk off in their own directions. Fade
to black.]
------------------------------------------------------------------
Mikado Ichiban: Zembun Otoko!
Episode 15: Old beginnings, new endings
Written by: Eric Jones
Thanks to: Will McDuff
Arthur Edwards
---------------
A few hints to the future, and a bit of tying up of old plot points. I
hope people enjoyed the episode. If not, let me know why! (provided your
reason isn't "it sucks")
Also a question for people - what do you think of the format of the
'closing song'? If it meets with approval, I'll probably do things that
way for the rest of the series..
Jya ne!
- Eric Jones
ejones@butterfly.uvic.ca
http://kafka.uvic.ca/~ejones/fanmik.html
---------------
A few hints to the future, and a bit of tying up of old plot points. I
hope people enjoyed the episode. If not, let me know why! (provided your
reason isn't "it sucks")
Also a question for people - what do you think of the format of the
'closing song'? If it meets with approval, I'll probably do things that
way for the rest of the series..
Jya ne!
- Eric Jones
ejones@butterfly.uvic.ca
http://kafka.uvic.ca/~ejones/fanmik.html