Well, it didn't seem to make it through the first time, let's see if this
copy actually shows up..
Sorry if I end up sending it twice. :)
-----------
[Interior of the Kolkhoz High basketball court. The teams are set up as
before, with Kazue getting ready to throw the ball at Mikado. Up in the
stands, confusion lingers among most of the crowd....]
Gato: All right!!
Makimura: Kazue pulls the trump card.. Far out!
Announcer: And the match is just about to get underway! The
winner gets rights to the arena for another semester! Will the
swimming club get left out in the cold again?
Hikaru-chan: I don't get this. Since when did basketball become a
martial art?
Hikaru: Around here, *everything* is a martial art, it seems..
Hikaru-chan: Does Mikado stand a chance?
Hikaru: [shrugs] I have no idea. {I hope not...}
------------------------------------------------------------------
[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, and Kazue. 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 10 - Match Point
[Fade back in to the basketball court. Kazue is still holding the
basketball, ready to strike.]
Kazue: [looking back at his teammates] Lets rock.
[Kazue pulls back, spins, and throws.. The ball sails through
the air, directly at Mikado, who dodges quickly.]
Mikado: [just barely getting out of the way] What are you
trying to do here?!
Kazue: Welcome to my world, Mikado. I'll be sure to enjoy
your stay..
[Kazue jumps past Mikado, going after the person with the ball.
That person passes the ball, to Ryuuken, who begins dribbling
it up court. The swimming club members don't even bother to try and
steal it from him.]
Kazue: [Yawning] Go ahead, boy. We don't get concerned about
SECOND-rate material like you anyways.
Ryuuken: [stops, holding the ball, seething] What did you say?
[Takes a step forward] I ought to..
[Suddenly, a whistle blows]
Referee: Travelling! Swimming Club's ball.
[Ryuuken growls, but gives up the ball. Kazue saunters by, slowly]
Kazue: Niiiice job kid. Maybe they have a place for you - in the minors.
[Ryuuken is shaking now, getting ready to do something rather
unsportsmanlike. Hirotaka grabs him by the shoulder, pulling him back.]
Hirotaka: Don't let him get to you man, that's how he wins, remember?
[Ryuuken is still angry, but nods.]
Ryuuken: [grimly] He has other ways too, it seems.. Do you know anything
about this 'martial basketball'?
Hirotaka: About as much as the average man. All's I know is, it's about
to start again.
[The swimming club has the ball, and Kazue holds it, waiting at the
sidelines. He passes it to one of his teammates, but is quickly stolen
by Mikado. He does a quick run down the rest of the court, and dunks the
ball in grand fashion. The crowds jump up and cheer.]
Mikado: [to Kazue, who has run up to him by then] First point, and your
funeral, Kazue.
Kazue: Don't be too sure, Sanzenin... [He points off to the scoreboard.
It reads '1 - 0'] The points system works a little differently
here...
[The crowd titters in a bit of confusion at the score.]
Mikado: How *does* it work?
Kazue: Oh, you'll find out Sanzein, and how...
[Kazue picks up the basketball, and passes it to another member, who
walks over to the back line. The player fakes a few passes, and finally
passes it to Kazue, who bats it, only to change it's direction- at one
of the skating club members. The person is knocked to the ground.]
Kazue: Score! [Does a 'V' sign]
[The member gets up off the ground, a little dazed.]
Referee: Knock-down, two points!
Ryuuken: [looking between the dazed skating club member, and Kazue]
That's how you get points in this game?
Kazue: Mostly, yes. [grins] A full knockout gets more though..
[Mikado goes to take centre point, but Ryuuken steps in. Mikado shrugs,
and moves over to Ryuuken's right.]
Ryuuken: [smiles viciously] I might enjoy this more than I thought.
Kazue: I already am..
[The ball is tossed up, and Kazue wins it. However, Ryuuken tackles him.]
Referee: [blowing his whistle] Full contact! Penalty to the skating club!
Ryuuken: But.. I thought the point was to knock people out?
Kazue: [getting up] With the ball, you mindless dweeb.. [Takes the ball
from the referee's hands] Well, this is going to be fun...
[Play is suspended, and Ryuuken is told to go stand under his team's
hoop. Kazue lines up at the penalty shot zone, aiming for a shot. He
takes a shot at Ryuuken, who narrowly dodges it. The ball is recovered,
and play starts at centre court, again. The ball is won by the swimming
club, and play continues...]
Kazue: [to his teammeates, while stepping back behind them.] Alpha plan A!
[The other swimming club members all start blocking the skating club
members, who, wisely enough, are only paying attention to Kazue. The other
members swarm about, trying to cause the other team to distract themselves.]
SwimC member #1: Look, it's the Buddha!
SkateC member #1: [stops and looks at the SwimC member] Yeah Right. Nice
try bud...
[*wham!* A b-ball collides with his head, and he goes flying. SwimC
member #1 just grins, and runs back to his side of the court.]
[A montage of scenes follow...]
SwimC member #2: Hey, Azusa in a bikini!
Ryuuken: Where?
[*wham*]
SwimC member #3: Look! A hundred yen piece!
SkateC member #2: Mine!!
[*wham*]
[A scoreboard floats by, the score can read '6 - 20', in favour of the
swimming club.]
SwimC member #3: Hey Mikado, you've got a hair sticking out of place!
Mikado: WHAT?!
[*wham* right in the chest. Mikado falls to the floor, but recovers
quickly. A look of rage is on his face. Suddenly, Koichi jumps up,
signalling a time out. A whistle blows, and the teams huddle around
their prospective coaches.]
Koichi: This is a miserable showing you're having here! What kind of
fools do you want to look like? We're supposed to be
professionals here!
Ryuuken: If we knew what we were playing, we might be able to look a
little better! Cut us some slack!
Koichi: Not until you prove your worth. [insert black, flaming background]
This is no game, people. This is war! And to win, you must have
the heart of a warrior, the feirce determination to never back down
to anything! Bask in the springtime of your youths, and fight!!
Mikado: {Where does he come up with this stuff?} That, or we can play just
as dirty as they do.
Koichi: [calming himself down] Yes, there is always that.
Mikado: [gathering the skating club members around him.] Now listen, I've got
a plan....
-=-
[Meanwhile, on a rooftop overlooking Furikan High School. Atop it, aside
from various pieces of equipment, are two people.. One very displeased
Chance, and a very beaten Hudson.]
Chance: I can't *believe* you didn't record anything on the intended
subject in the span of four hours!
Hudson: H.. Hey! I scanned the area, just like I was told!
Chance: [shaking his head] How much do your value your job, private?
Despite your uncle's position, [menacing tone] I could have you sent
off on some far worse assignment... [sighs] Too much time has
been lost. I'll have to go down there personally if we're to get
any relevant information today...
-=-
[Back at the Kolkhoz b-ball court, the teams have just gotten back on the
floor. In the stands, Josie and Hikaru-chan scream on like mindless
fangirls, with both Hikaru and Phrank sitting beside them, slouched, and
looking generally displeased. Back on court, the game is just about to
start again... The line up has changed - the left forward is Azusa,
Mikado is at centre, and Ryuuken is on right guard. The players all look
at each other, and nod - excepting for Azusa, who looks like her regular
clueless self. Mikado faces off against a far shorter opponent - Wakai
Kodomo.]
Mikado: [looking a little surprised] Wakai, I didn't know you indulged in
these strong-arm tactics... I thought you were better than that.
Wakai: [struggling] Mikado.. I'm a skating club member; I have my
loyalties..
Mikado: [nods] Indeed. As do I. I won't go easy on you..
Wakai: [narrows his eyes] Just.. Get on with it..
Mikado: If you insist..
[Mikado smirks, and both get ready for the ball to be tossed. Given that
Mikado has a good six inches on Wakai, it's quite surprising that they
both manage to reach the same height when they jump for the ball. Mikado
does win the ball though, and quickly jumps back, behind the rest of his
team mates. He quickly pulls out a red bow from his back pocket, and
slaps it on the top of the ball. He tosses it, lightly, towards the
nearest swimming club member. Said member blinks down at the ball, eying
the bow curiously.]
Mikado: Look at the ball Azusa!
[Azusa does, and she squeals in delight.]
Azusa: Oooohhh!! Kawaii!!! Picard! Picard!!
[Azusa runs right towards the hapless swimming club member, who tosses
the ball towards Wakai. Before Wakai can throw the ball anywhere,
though, Azusa runs into him full force.]
Azusa: Give me my Picard! Picard!
[Azusa tries to steal the ball away, but Wakai manages to keep it away
from her. Barely.]
Wakai: Gyah! Get away from me! [attempts to jump away, but Azusa stays
near him]
Azusa: Azusa wants her Picard! [leaps at the ball, finally managing to
get it out of Wakai's hands. With a look of supreme indignation, she
sticks her tounge out at him. Then, she takes a step towards him,
and starts bashing him with the ball.] How dare you keep my Picard
away from me! He's mine [*bash*], mine [*bash*], mine [*bash*], mine
[*bash*], MINE!!!
[*BASH* Wakai is now an integral part of the floor. Finally, a whistle
is blown. Actually, it's been blown a few times, only this is the first
point at which it can actually be heard.]
Referee: Full knockout to the skating club!
[The crowd erupts in cheers, and the scoreboard flashes up: '11 - 20']
Mikado: [smiling, and adressing his team mates.] Now it's our turn...
[The scene fades out, on Wakai, who isn't seeing anything but stars,
being pulled off the court by Kazue and his other team mates]
Kazue: [as the screen fades to black] Don't count your blessings yet,
Sanzenin...
[Flash by scenes of the game as it progresses: Ryuuken, tossing a ball
at Wakai, striking him in the gut. Azusa, bashing a few more people to
the floor, before retiring to the bench, clutching at her kawaii little
Jean, looking somewhat miffed at the 'ejected' sign she's sitting beside.
Various members of both teams getting smashed in the face, chest,
legs... The scoreboard lights up, flashing a score that looks
increasingly close.. The benches piling up with beaten and
bruised members. Finally, it's down to five people - Mikado, Ryuuken,
Hirotaka from the skating club, and Kazue and Wakai from the swimming
club. The scoreboard reads '46 - 51']
Announcer: And as the match comes down to it's closing minutes, we are
also coming down to the last remaining players from each team!
With the score in favour of the swimming club, and only a
minute left to go, can the skating club make the important
turn-around?
Kazue: [panting. He looks quite exhausted.] Don't.. Worry Sanzenin..
It's... Almost over.
Mikado: [also looking somewhat tired, but he keeps his stature well
despite this.] Quite right, Kazue.. I was thinking exactly that.
[drops into position at centre court, and waits for Kazue to
follow suit.]
[The spectators watch on with anticipation. Flashes of concerned faces -
Josie, Hikaru-chan, Kureena, Phrank, and... Hikaru. Well, most of them
looked concerned. Hikaru's more resembled pure disgust with a twist of
boredom.]
Hikaru: {Come on, get this over with.. Then I can spend more time with
Hikaru-chan..} [He looks over at Hikaru-chan, and sees the
concern etched on her face, and, something else seems to be
there..] {No.. Not her too?!} [GLARES down at the court]
{Mikado, if you survive through this, I'm going to kill you...}
[Down at the rink, the referee tosses up the ball, and both Mikado and
Kazue jump up towards it. The action comes to a halt, just as they both
reach the ball, and the camera pans out, to show all the remaining
players.]
------------------------------------------------------------------
[Ad break. Still shot of Hikaru-chan, looking towards Mikado with
reverence, and Hikaru behind her, forlornly staring at her.
Mikado is admiring his own reflection in the mirror.]
------------------------------------------------------------------
[Meanwhile, a stranger walks amongst the students of Furikan High School.
With his black wig he wears at Kolkhoz on, he is wandering around,
occasionally hiding behind trees, and looking around.]
Chance: {This is the only way to get close to her.. Thank god I'm the
one doing this mission..}
[Chance sneaks around, until he spies Nabiki, Ranma, and Akane all sitting
down in the grass, eating lunch, or avoiding doing so. Chance watches the
events from behind a tree, glancing over occasionally, generally trying
to look like he isn't spying on them.]
Ranma: Nuh uh! No WAY am I eating that!
Akane: Ranma! Just try it! I made it myself!
Ranma: Why do you think I don't want it? [*bam* the meeting of a fist -
Akane's, and Ranma's face. Chance just cringes a bit, and keeps
watching.]
[Chance watches on while the pair proceed to make a mess of the general
area. The whole time, Nabiki ignores them, except when things fly her
way. In that case, she casually shuffles out of the way.]
Chance: {Subject is not a woman of many words, but seems to be good at
avoiding conflict. Hmm..}
[A piece of food flies over to Chance's feet. He bends down, and picks
it up. He looks at it calculatingly, and sniffs it. His reaction of
revulsion is immediate.]
Chance: {I think the lab techs might be interested in this.. Might have
some use..}
[Chance puts the food away in a small lab bottle, still eyeing it
carefully. It seems to eye him back, and he shudders, putting it into
a pocket of his jacket.]
Loud n' Proud voice: YOU!!!
[Chance ignores the voice, but is forced to turn towards it anyways, when
Ranma and Akane both quickly turn his way. He turns to face a tall man
in a light blue and black haka, and carrying a bokken. He is staring
coldly at Chance.]
Chance: Me?
Bokken-wielder: Do not ignore your elder! I have watched you, mongrel,
spy upon the beautatious Akane, flower among flowers!
Dost thou deny my charges, or shall you simply submit
yourself to your deserved punishment now?
Chance: You've got to be kidding me. Why'd I spy on Akane?
[At this point, Nabiki starts, and looks over at Chance and the man
wielding the bokken.]
Nabiki: {Clark..?!}
[Meanwhile, the bokken-wielding man is going livid.]
Bokken-wielder: How dare thee? You insult the precious Akane? For such
an indignity, I Tatewaki Kunou, swear..
[Ranma and Akane, having watched the whole event, simply share
'not-really-surprised' shrugs. Nabiki watches on in fascination.]
Kunou: ...That you will die!
-=-
[Back at the Kolkhoz High basketball court, the action is just about
to start. The ball is tossed up, and Mikado and Kazue both leap up
to recieve it. They slap the ball simultaneously, sending it off in
a random direction, bouncing haphazzardly. Hirotaka dives for it, and
tosses it to Ryuuken. Ryuuken catches it, and grins wickedly.]
Ryuuken: I've been waiting for this all night...
[Ryuuken charges towards Kazue with the ball. Jumping into a step a
few feet away from him, Ryuuken stops, pulling back, about to strike.
Except that the ball is batted out of his hand by Wakai, who dribbles
away to a far end of the court. He has a look of supreme confidence
as he holds the ball, waiting for the clock to tick down.]
Wakai: [grins.] Time's running ooout!
[Mikado takes a step towards him, and Wakai reacts by getting ready to
strike with the ball. Wakai tosses it, hard, and Mikado barely dodges
it. The ball flies off in an arc, at no one in particular, until
Ryuuken leaps at it, batting it, and diverting it's path..]
Kazue: [standing, barely, and quickly glancing towards the scoreboard] {Ten
more seconds, and we've wo..} [*SMACK* A basketball going at a
high velocity collides with his face, knocking him clean to the
floor.]
[The arena erupts with cheers, and Ryuuken smirks oh so arrogantly.
Wakai stares on in shock, unbelieving as Kazue is carried off the court.
He recovers at he looks up at the scoreboard : '51 - 51'.]
Wakai: {All's not lost yet...} [smiles] Oh boys.. [The remaining skating
club members all turn towards him] Don't forget one person..
[They wait expectantly. Wakai bristles.] ME, you idiots! I'm
still left!
Ryuuken: That can be easily remedied... [Walks up to center court.]
Mikado: No! [stopping him] Ah, no.. This is my position..
Ryuuken: [sneering] Afraid I'll take all the limelight, Sanzenin?
Mikado: Afraid that more people than necessary will get seriously hurt,
Ryuuken. [turning towards Wakai] You don't need to go through
with this, Wakai..
Wakai: Yes, I do. But I have a proposition.. There's only ten seconds to
go. Let's make this a little interesting: If there's a tie, we
share the rink area?
Mikado: [pausing for a few moments] I agree.
[The crowd has been silent since Ryuuken and Mikado's arguement started,
and now there is a bristling of conversation. 'What a noble gesture!',
'Wow, Mikado's such a giving guy..', 'I can't believe he's doing this',
'He's only doing it to avoid losing', and other various comments can be
overheard. Hikaru-chan is getting all big-eyed over how great Mikado is,
while Hikaru stews just that little bit more.]
Mikado: [smiles] But don't think I won't try to win.
Wakai: I try to get what I can..
[The two meet up at center court, facing off, with the referee ready to
throw the ball. Hirotatka and Ryuuken stand back, getting ready.]
-=-
[Back at Furikan. Kunou charges at Chance suddenly, striking with his
bokken with deadly accuracy. If Chance had been there to recieve them.
He leaps up into the tree, which Kunou diverts his attention to, slicing
through it with a single blow. Chance quickly jumps out of it.]
Chance: You've got to be kidding me...
Kunou: Stand and fight like a man, coward! Face me!!
Chance: And get turned into fillet? Yeah right. [Digs into his pockets,
pulls some objects out.] I don't have time for this. Catch me
if you can, dude.. [He drops the objects onto the ground, and
runs.
[Kunou follows, but stops suddenly, falling over, crying in pain. Ranma
curiously comes over, and checks the ground. He sees a good dozen metal
ojects on the ground - spikes coming out of it at all angles.]
Ranma: Caltrops? Who is this guy?
[Kunou writhes in pain. Such a shame he never wears shoes...]
Nabiki: [watching on with increasing curiosity, and.. worry?] {Clark..
it was him... What's he doing here?}
[Everyone is pulled out of their curiosity by the ringing of the school
bell, signalling the end of the lunch.]
-=-
[At Kolkhoz, the bell goes off, but no one takes notice of it- the game is
about to start it's last ten seconds. The ball is tossed up, and Mikado
manages to win it. He lands, preparing to knock Wakai out, but stops,
when he sees Wakai's frightened expression. He sighs, and tosses the
basketball with all his might. Wakai cringes, but it flies well above him,
down court.. It sails through the air, and at the top of it's arc, the
buzzer goes off. Slowly, the ball sails through the air, and hits the
swimming club's basket, bouncing, and then going through. Wakai sinks to
his knees in shock, while Mikado, Ryuuken, and Hirotaka leap into the
air, jubilant.]
Announcer: And a last-minute attempt by Mikado Sanzenin wins the game!
It looks like the swimming club's plans are on the ice once
again!
[The crowd also leaps up, cheering and whistling. Except for Hojo, Gato,
and Makimura, who just sit grumpily in their seats, and Hikaru. On the
court, Ryuuken has given Mikado a high-five despite himself, and Wakai
still sits down, not moving an inch.]
Mikado: [taps him on the shoulder. Wakai turns around, and Mikado offers
him his hand.] Good game?
Wakai: [gives a half-hearted smile] I guess so. [Takes Mikado's hand, and
gets up.] Sorry Mik..
Mikado: No problem, can't be friends all the times, ne?
[Mikado gets swept away by the crowd, and Wakai watches him leave.]
Wakai: I guess not...
[Meanwhile, in the middle of the crowd, Mikado and Ryuuken are hoisted
on the shoulders of the people around them. They are dropped down in
front of Koichi, and the rest of the skating club.]
Koichi: [nodding] You played... Reasonably.
[Members of the skating club laugh, and other students start filing out of
the arena, heading off to their classes. A few stick around to
congratulate Ryuuken, who looks a little suprised that anyone would pay
him any attention. The lion's share of the attention is to Mikado, of
course, and dozens of women flock around him. They push towards him, and
he accepts it all casually. A hug here, an autograph there..]
Mikado: [pushing away so that he can be heard] Thank you all for your
support; without you, I doubt I would have had the will to go on..
I a way of thanks....
[Mikado pulls a random girl from the crowds, not really looking at who it
is. He draws her in for a lengthly kiss. He draws back from the kiss,
and smiles.]
Mikado: Sadly though, I must depart for now. Classes call....
[Mikado leaps away, out the exit of arena, followed by most of the crowd
that had been mobbing him. Left behind, blinking slowly, is the female
that he kissed. It's Hikaru-chan.]
Hikaru-chan: [feeling her lips] Did he just...? [her eyes light up] Maybe
I can get over Kasuga-sempai after all....
------------------------------------------------------------------
[Ad break. An SD rendition of Kunou and Chance sparring.]
------------------------------------------------------------------
[Open to the Kolkhoz High basketball court, almost completely
empty now. The only people still there are the Hikarus, and Kazue,
who is quite unconscious.]
Hikaru-chan: {I.. I didn't think it possible.. Could he..?}
Hikaru: [walking up towards Hikaru] Well, that was an amusing
display. Hiyama.. We should be getting to classes..
Hikaru-chan: [dreamily] Ah.. Sanzenin Sama...
Hikaru: [leaps back, his face moving through many shades of
red] H...Hikaru-chan?!
Hikaru-chan: [blinks, and turns towards Hikaru] Did you say
something, Hikaru-kun?
Hikaru: [leaps back, his face falling] {Argh! If that
means..} I.. I..
Hikaru-chan: [dreamily] You know, you're brother's not that
bad at all, Hikaru-kun...
Hikaru: Wha.. What about me?
Hikaru-chan: [smiles] You're a good friend Hikaru-kun!
HIkaru: [smiles weakly, and his mouth twitches, as the world
cracks all around him.] How... Nice.. {I will
kill him, I will KILL him, I WILL KILL HIM..}
Hikaru-chan: [watches on with some mild curiosity as Hikaru
begins to contort with rage, steam starting to
flow from his ears.] Ara, Hikaru-kun.. Is
something wrong?
Hikaru: Why him?
Hikaru-chan: Hmm?
Hikaru: Why Mikado?
Hikaru-chan: [blushing] Because.. Because when he kissed me,
[Hikaru nearly explodes at this] I.. I could tell
that... that.. [giggles] That my darling
Sanzenin-sama LOVES me!
-=-
[Meanwhile, in Mikado's home room, there is the distinct air of a
party going on. The teacher tries to talk to the class, but is
constantly interrupted by the crowds of people around Mikado,
congratulating him on his victory. Mikado soaks it all up
gratefully, replying with a hug here, a kiss there..]
Mikado: I thank you, one and all for your support, but please,
we have studies to attend to..
Josie: [BLINKS] Phrank, are you sure he didn't suffer any damage
from that hit to the head?
Phrank: [shrugs] I dunno, but I hope he gets back to normal
again soon...
[At Mikado's request, most of the class has settled down, and the
teacher begins in his discussion - a treatise about the crackpot
theory of beanology. Mikado of course, pays no attention.]
Mikado: {Finally, I can relax.. To think that the Tendo girl
would come out to watch my match in person..}
[Fade to a flashback sequence of the end of the basketball
match. Dozens of girls are screaming his name, and one
girl in particular catches his attention. From the events
that happened, it's obvious that he's looking at Hikaru, yet
his memory potrays her as Nabiki...]
Mikado: {So willingly did she accept my kiss. Ah, if only
she could have followed me...}
[Mikado stares ahead, a goofy grin on his face. Phrank and
Josie stare on in wonder.]
Josie: [whispering] I'm worried, very worried.
Phrank: [whispering back] Worried? I'm frightened. I've
never seen him look this happy in class before..
Mikado: [giving a slight tilt to his head] {Such innocence
to her kiss.. Nabiki Tendo, you will be mine..}
-=-
[In Hikaru's class room, the scene is equally rowdy.
Ryuuken and Hirotaka are both being mobbed by fellow class
mates, and no one's paying attention to the teacher, who
is actually taking the time to take a nap. Neither of the
Hikarus are anywhere to be seen.]
Hirotaka: Have to admit Ryuuken, you did well out there.
Ryuuken: [almost.. smiling?] Well, it was satisfying,
that's for sure.
[The two share a laugh, and slap each other on the back,
enjoying themselves and the crowd.]
Hirotaka: What's most suprising tho, was that you and
Mikado worked well as a team, dude..
Ryuuken: Indeed?
Hirotaka: Face it dude, if you just accepted things as
they were, you guys would be formidable allies..
Ryuuken: Bah. An amusing idea, but you know full well I
can't do that...
Hirotaka: [shrugs] Can't say I don't try. [grins] Say,
where are the two 'love birds' anyways?
Ryuuken: What, the Hikaru's? Who cares?
Hirotaka: Well, y'know, it's just too fun now, I was
just thinking Hikaru'd be useful to have around
if our teacher woke up...
[The two share a grin, and the party continues in that
room, as the teacher dozes away..]
-=-
[Back in the basketball court, the two hikarus are facing
off against each other. Hikaru has a plainly shocked
expression on his face, while Hikaru-chan is blissfully
unaware of anything but her daydreams.]
Hikaru-chan: [starry-eyed] I'm so sure of it.. I could
just tell.... Oh! He's so nice! [Hikaru
does a few hops, accompanied by appropriate
cute noises. She giggles a bit, but stops
when she notices Hikaru's expression.]
Hikaru.. What's wrong?
Hikaru: What's wrong? What's wrong?! [pauses] If you
can't tell, it's probably better that I don't
tell you.. [Hikaru runs off, before Hikaru-chan
can do anything to stop him.]
Hikaru-chan: Hikaru! Hikaru.... I wonder what's wrong..
[Hikaru-chan runs out after him, but when she gets to
the hallway, he's nowhere to be seen. She blinks a few
times, looking around, and then shrugs. She skips off,
trotting not towards her own class, but towards the
class rooms for the elder students.. She peeks through
the windows in each classroom door, scanning them
quickly, and then moving on. She stops at one, and
smiles warmly.]
Hikaru-chan: {Dah-ling....}
[Hikaru-chan remains at the door for a few moments, but
then walks off, a skip in her step.]
Hikaru-chan: {I must remember his class room for
later..}
-=-
[Inside Mikado's class room, Mikado had been staring
towards the front of the class, a lazy smile on his
face. He had been momentarily distracted by Hikaru
staring through the window. He looked out in her
direction curiously.]
Mikado: {The girl who Hikaru was with earlier? I
wonder who she is looking for.. Hmm, a
lovely flower she is indeed. Perhaps I
should give her my 'official greeting'...
When Hikaru's not around..}
-=-
[Time passes, and a school clock strikes two o'clock.
This particular clock is the one to Furikan High
School. Standing atop it are Chance and Hudson.]
Chance: Our last chance to get any information on
the subject today in classes. Do you have
any ideas how to get about attaining it,
private?
Hudson: Hey! Don't knock the ranks too hard, Chance..
[gets a hentai gleam to his face] I mean
after all, my hard work at the post paid off.
[goes into a fit of strange laughter, while
Chance watches on, unimpressed.]
Chance: Private, we want information on the subjects
*personality*, not measurements. ..He's
already far too enamoured with her looks...
Hudson: Really? All that hard work for nothing?
[pockets a video tape, with a huge grin on
his face] Too bad, eh?
[Chance grabs the tape from Hudson's hands, and
tosses over the side of the roof. Hudson watches,
horrified, as it falls to the ground, shattering
into pieces.]
Chance: [grabs Hudson by the collar.] Now, on to
-work-. You are familliar with the word,
aren't you?
Hudson: Yeah yeah, so what's the plan?
Chance: I'm not sure yet..
[Hudson facefaults. Chance, on the other hand,
gets a thoughtful look to him.]
Chance: Actually, now that I think about it, this
whole school stake-out is a bit of a
messed idea. Too many.. Distractions.
[eyes Hudson] Let's get back to base,
private. It's time for a little more
..'personal' examination of this girl..
Hudson: [his eyes light up, almost drooling.]
Really?
Chance: [smacks Hudson upside the head] Get
your mind out of the gutter.
-=-
[Back at Furikan, Hikaru-chan is chatting with
a few other girls in a class room. The teacher
is watching over them with a stern eye, and it's
obvious the students are supposed to be doing
a group project of some kind..]
Girl 1: ..With Mamouru? Get real, Sereena..
Sereena: But.. He's so dreamy!
Girl 1: [rolls her eyes] Talk about lofty
goals.. He doesn't even go to this
school. You're so hopeless...
[turns towards Hikaru-chan] Ne, Hikaru,
have you met any guy that catches your
eye yet?
Hikaru-chan: Me? Well, there is one person..
Girl 1: Didn't take you long, ne? [leans
forward] Come on, who is it?
Hikaru-chan: [sighing] My darling Sanzenin-kun..
Girl 1: [frowning] What, Hikaru? I've saw you
and him together earlier..
Hikaru-chan: Hikaru? No, he's just a friend!!
I mean, Mikado...
[Suddenly, the room is Very Quiet. Hikaru-chan
looks around innocently as eyes bear into here.]
Hikaru-chan: Hmm? Did I say something wrong?
[A group of females, wearing Mikado(tm) brand
clothing emerge around her suddenly.]
female: We must protect our Sanzenin-kun! Get
her!!!
[The group descends upon her, but she manages
to shake free of them, and get out of the
class room. The raging mob of females follow
her.]
-=-
[Outside of Kolkhoz High, just as a school
bell rings. Moments later, Mikado struts out,
walking towards the ice rink. He has a
supremely smug look on his face.]
Mikado: Off to the -ice- rink, once more, it
seems. Thank goodness..
[Mikado whistles a small tune, which is
quickly drowned out by the screams of young
women. Naturally, this gets Mikado's
attention.]
Mikado: [looking over in the direction where
the screams came from.] {What in
the world is going on?}
[Mikado rushes over quickly, towards the back
of the school. He stops at the end of the
school, and peers around the corner. What
he sees causes his eyes to widen a little.
Hikaru is standing in front of a half-dozen
fallen females, with one single female
left standing. Both look deadly determined.
The other girl takes a step forward, and
Hikaru makes a swing with her school bag,
catching the girl across the chin. They
both jump back, and circle each other.]
Mikado: {Such poise and grace... I wonder
how well she is on skates?}
[The two leap at each other again, and Hikaru
gets in another hit, causing the other girl
to fall to the ground. Hikaru steps away
from the group, and dusts herself off. She
has a large frown on her face. At least,
until she looks over in Mikado's direction.]
Hikaru-chan: Dah-ling!!
[Mikado blinks a few times, looking behind
himself, and is bowled over by Hikaru--chan.]
Mikado: Darling?
[Hikaru just snuggles up to him, giggly and
happy. Mikado is looking at her rather
strangely.]
Hikaru-chan: Oh darling, I've wanted so much
to see you today, and now you've
come! Oh, you look so cute,
I want to hold you forever...
[Hikaru-chan gets Mikado into a vice-grip
hug, as Mikado continues to just blink at her.]
Mikado: {Too much like Azusa.. Must... Break..
free...}
Hikaru-chan: Ne darling, can we go some place?
Mikado: [trying to get up] Actually, I have
a class to get to... Ack, please,
perhaps another time...
[Mikado vainly attempts to pry Hikaru off of
him, and is failing miserably.]
Hikaru-chan: A class? Oh, then how about
after school?
Mikado: [trying to breath] Must practice after
classes..
[As Mikado tries to seperate himself from
Hikaru, Koichi walks upon the pair.]
Koichi: {Mikado.. Trying to get away from a
female? And saying he'll practice
outside of classes?} [Tears begin to
flow down his cheeks.] Oh, happy
day!!
[Both Hikaru-chan and Mikado are surprised by
the outburst, and jump apart. Mikado is very
grateful for this fact, and leaps up to his feet.]
Mikado: Yes, indeed. See you at class, Koichi!
[Mikado zooms off towards the skating rink.]
Koichi: [smiles] Yes... Now child, you should get to
class too.
Hikaru-chan: Is he going to the ice rink?
Koichi: Yes, of course.. He's our champion skater..
Why?
Hikaru-chan: [beaming] Because I signed up for that
class!
Koichi: [bigsweats] I see... How.. Nice.
[The two walk off to the ice rink, Hikaru-chan with
a look of pure joy, and Koichi with a look of pure
dread. They leave behind, undetected, Hikaru.
Hikaru is currently shaking, his eyes narrowed to
slits sharp enough to cut, and a vein throbbing
above his left eye, looking like it could very well
burst soon.]
Hikaru: Mikado.. NOW, I'm ticked....
[From the trees, there is a rustling, as Hikaru
takes slow, raging steps towards the ice rink.
A dart hits Hikaru in the back, and he falls to the
ground.]
Deitrich: From the shadows, special agent Deitrich
finally gets his man! No one sees, no one
hears, as he wreaks terror to the
unsuspecting public..
[Scrambling down from the trees, comes a young
man, dressed all in black, and camo face paint on.
His hair is covered by a black hat. He walks towards
Hikaru, still in a soliloqy.]
Deitrich: One successful mission, the first of many
coming for the great Deitrich. Indeed, none
can match his skill!
[As he talks on to himself, Azusa skips along behind
him. She stops, and blinks a few times.]
Azusa: OOhh! Kawaii!! Renoir!
[Azusa leaps forward, grabbing the tranquilizer gun
Deitrich had slung over his shoulder, and runs off
with it.]
Deitrich: .... Damn, almost a perfect mission..
-=-
[Cut to a shot of the Tendou residence. Pull back
across the street, to the top of another house. Here,
you will find Chance and Hudson, with a good deal of
spy equipment - binoculars, listening devices, etc.
It's all trained, of course, in the direction of the
Tendou residence.]
Chance: And that should be Nabiki's room right...
There. You getting an image, private?
Hudson: [looking through a viewfinder] Crystal clear,
sir.
Chance: Excellent. Do some image enhancing, and try
to get detailed pictures of every detail in the
room.
[Hudson nods, and starts playing with the image. Chance
meanwhile sets up a small dish, pointing it in the same
direction.]
Chance: This should be enough for one night. Tomorrow
we can try a more close-up search..
Hudson: [nods.] So how long should we record for?
Chance: [checking his watch] The target should be back
in an hour or so.. [he trails off, as he notices
a shadow beside his own...]
[Suddenly, a throwing pin goes through the screen that
Hudson was using. Hudson and Chance both leap up, and
turn around.]
female voice: Why are you spying on my Ranma-sama? Such
actions can only be result in your death!
[The pair pack up their equipment, and leap off the edge
of the building, just as a ribbon passes through the air
in front of them. A female in a black leotard steps into
view, and watches the pair run away.]
female: How *dare* they use my favourite viewing point?
-=-
[back at Kolkhoz High, and the final bell of the day rings.
Students pour out of the school, and rumours are abound,
as per usual.]
Hojo: Hey dudes, I heard the sickest thing lately.. Hikaru's
in love with Mikado?
Makimura: Whoa, that's crazy, man. Aren't they like,
brothers?
Gato: [shudders] Man, that'd be a really warped way to get
Mikado out of the way.
[All three pause for a moment in thought..]
Three stooges: Nah.
Hojo: But you know, you have to wonder...
Gato: What?
Hojo: Well hey, you saw the game, and how Mikado reacted
to Wakai..
Gato: Yeah, so?
Hojo: You don't think.. Mikado's gay?
Gato: What I think, is that you're getting really desperate.
Hojo: You noticed?
[The trio walk off, and other students mill by, talking
generally on the same subject. A couple of students have
cornered Hikaru.]
student 1: C'mon 'fess up. I heard from a very good source
that you're in love with Mikado.
Hikaru: Get.. It.. STRAIGHT. I'm in love with Hikaru.
Hi-Ka-Ru. Got it? [storms off.]
student 2: Man, not only is he gay, he's just as much a
narcissist as Mikado.
student 1: Must run in the family...
-=-
[Meanwhile, Mikado is making his own attempt to get out of
school. He is looking every which way, walking very
carefully towards the ice rink.]
Hikaru-chan: There you are Sanzenin-sempai!!
[But not carefully enough. Hikaru-chan gloms onto his arm,
and the pair of them walk off the rink. Mikado trying not-so
subtly to remove her.]
-=-
[The Kolkhoz High infirmary. Kazue is lying on a bed, his
body bandanged pretty much entirely.]
Kazue: {It seems I never will get to swim at my own school,
Sanzenin.. But mark my words, you'll *pay* for this!!}
-=-
[Sazenin Manor, Hikaru's bedroom. Beakers and computer
equipment adorn every corner, nook, and cranny. His eyes
slowly drift open.]
Hikaru: Just.. A dream?
[Hikaru gets up. He seems confused, but a lot more
peaceful than he was earlier. He's just about to get
out of bed, when Mikado peeks his head in the door,
scanning the room quickly.]
Mikado: [muttering] She's not anywhere in the house?
... Thank god.
[The door closes shut once more, and Hikaru is left,
just sitting there and blinking.]
Hikaru: Or maybe I'll just go back to sleep now..
-=-
[Back at Kolkhoz High, a little later in the evening.
Chance is walking on campus, doing a look-around.
He makes a bee-line towards the skating rink. It's
dark inside, with no lights on. Chance dons a pair of
smartgoggles, and begins doing a check around the rink.]
Chance: Let's see.. Storage rooms, check.. [walks around
some more] Rink itself.. No one. Coolness.
[Chance walks down a hallway, towards the changing rooms.
He stops by one, Mikado's, which is slightly ajar. Chance
frowns.]
Chance: {Better check this one out..}
[Chance takes a step forward, and stops.]
Chance: {Of bloody course...}
[Chance pulls off the smart goggles, and blinks a few times,
getting his eyes adjusted to the lack of light. After a few
moments, he steps towards the room.]
Chance: {Let's get a little illumination on this subject..}
[Chance reaches towards the light switch, but his hand is
intercepted by another.]
Hikaru-chan: Hello darling! Did you miss me?
Chance: {This is not good...}
------------------------------------------------------------------
[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 10: Match Point
Written by: Eric Jones
Thanks to: Arthur Edwards
John Evans
-=-
Righto, that's another one done with. Hopefully in two weeks, the next
episode, "One god and a baby - equals trouble!" will also be completed.
This is very much a rough draft- and and all C&C is welcomed. What I
also welcome is other people's contributions.. So far, I've recieved a
few story segments from other people that, if finsished, may become
'OAVs', or something.. :)
If you like the series, and have your suggestions/contributions for
episode/etc ideas, hey, fill me in. I'm always open to suggestions..
Jya ne!
- Eric
ejones@butterfly.uvic.ca
http://kafka.uvic.ca/~ejones/home.html
PS- yes, another 'Interpretations' story is in the works. This time, it's
list's fault, since so many people asked for it.. ;) (certainly
not my fault, not at all..)