Episode 25 - Power-switching pendant

[Cut to Seishun-kan. The winter snow is beginning to melt in the coming springtime sun. Inside, a few extra pairs of shoes in the genkan* reveal the presence of visitors.]

*Small alcove by an entrance for shoes.

Kasuga Narration:

It was the end of the snow season. With finals less than a month away, ojiichan* and obaachan** dropped by to wish me luck.]

*Grandfather (familiar)
**Grandmother (familiar)

Kasuga:

[Accepting a box of various snack food items.] Arigato gozaimasu*!

*Thank you very much

Grandpa:

Daijoubu*, it's the least we can do for our college-boy!

*It's all right

Grandma:

I still wish you hadn't moved away from your family. I mean, it wouldn't have been such a long commute for you, and we could visit you and the rest of the family together. It's also tiring to make so many train changes on our way....

Grandpa:

[Jovially.] Don't pay her any mind! I understand why you needed to move out! [Conspiratorially.] After all, you need your space for...[Winks with a look of improper motives.]...heh, heh....

Kasuga:

[Indignantly and embarrassed.] Ojiichan! It's not like that at all!

Grandma:

Anata*, I think we've distracted Kyosuke long enough. He does have to get back to his studies so he will do well on his finals next month.

*Dear

Grandpa:

Wakatta, wakatta...*! Kyosuke, you know you could always just use your...

*OK, understood

Kasuga:

Ojiichan! [Whispers as he points to the open door and hallways.] Don't tell the neighbors!

Grandpa:

[Mostly to himself.] What a bother... [As he and Grandma bow and wave good-bye.] Yoshi! Gambatte Kyosuke*!

*All right! Good luck, Kyosuke!

Kasuga:

[Closes the door, then walks back to his desk.] Ahh...she's right, I gotta study. Now where's that math study guide.... I think it's in the closet.

[He gets up and opens the closet. Immediately, an avalanche of books, notebooks, boxes and an occasional girlie magazine falls out and buries him. Some boxes open and the stuff inside scatters on the floor.]

Kasuga:

[Getting up from under the pile of stuff.] Che*... now I have to clean this up....

*Mild expression of irritation

[After some work, everything is back in the closet. He takes a look around the room, and notices something shiny on the floor. He bends over and picks up a small round pendant. It has a yin-yang symbol etched on one side, but is otherwise unremarkable.]

Kasuga:

Eh? I didn't know I had this. I wonder when I got it? Doesn't look familiar.... [Putting the pendant on and looking at himself in the mirror.] Hmmm...not that interesting at all...actually kinda plain-looking.

[Kasuga ignores it and grabs his books. He goes downstairs and almost runs into Kimura who is on her way out with an armful of books.]

Kasuga:

K-Keiko-san! What are you doing here? Are those new books?

Kimura:

Un! I just bought Sakurai-sempai*'s advanced math books so I could get started early. [Eyes light up.] Wah...! Kawaii** pendant!

*Older student, senior
**Cute

Kasuga:

You really think so? [Thinks for a moment, then takes the pendant off and hands it to Kimura.] Ok, you can have it.

Kimura:

Hontou desuka*?!? Lucky! Lucky! Kyo-chan, arigato gozaimasu!

*Really

Kasuga Narration:

I was glad to see that someone could appreciate my act of generosity so much. However, I never could have guessed how much trouble it was going to cause....

[Cut to the Butsumetsu train station. Grandpa and grandma are both waiting for the next train back to the countryside.]

Grandpa:

[Grumpily.] Our clan is degenerating, I tell you. Not only are the youngsters weak, but they're afraid of using the power! What's wrong with them?!

Grandma:

Well, anata, maybe he wants to be like everyone else?

Grandpa:

Everyone else? But everyone is using their natural talents, why can't he? And even if he would - he can't do much, only about a half of what I can do!

Grandma:

Um, if you really wanted him to possess full power, you could have just given him your pendant for a few days.

Grandpa:

Pendant? [Pats his pockets, then checks his bag without results.] Shimatta*!

*Oh shoot

[Cut to the Butsumetsu undergraduate library. With final exams bearing down, most of the study cubicles are occupied. Ayukawa and Kasuga are seated in one of the smaller group-study rooms. Although Ayukawa is going through her mathematics book carefully, she notices that Kasuga is only giving it cursory attention.]

Ayukawa:

You'd better concentrate. Math was never your strong subject, remember? It'd be embarrassing if you got held back because you failed your final exam.

Kasuga:

Eh? [Confidently waves off.] Heiki, heiki*! For some reason, I feel really good about the exam.

*Don't worry about it.

Ayukawa:

[Dubiously.] Oh really? [Points to the next problem.] Try this one.

Kasuga:

[With uncharacteristic confidence.] Hmm...this differential equation is second order, linear and homogeneous with constant coefficients. The characteristic equation is r^2+4r+5=0, which has two complex conjugate roots -1+i and -1-i. We use these complex roots to construct a real solution. So the answer is: exp(-x)[Acos(x)+Bsin(x)], where A and B are real constants.

Ayukawa:

[After a long moment of silence.] Uso...*

*Can't be

Kasuga:

[Confidently.] Yatta!*

*I did it

Ayukawa:

[Regains her composure.] I see...you got Keiko-san to do that problem for you in advance.

Kasuga:

[Shakes his head sincerely.] Not at all. The answer just popped into my head.

Ayukawa:

[Thinks for a moment, then turns several chapters ahead and picks a problem at random.] Try this one.

Kasuga:

Let me see.... [Rapidly flips through several preceding pages.] Aha. The solution is obtained by integrating the velocity vector with respect to time and adding an arbitrary vector of integration to the result. We will use the initial condition to evaluate the integration constant. The integral of v by dt is cos(t)I+sin(t)J-exp(-t)K+aI+bJ+cK, where a, b and c are arbitrary constants. The initial condition requires that a=0, b=1 and c=2. Thus, r=cos(t)I+(1+sin(t))J+(2-exp(-t))K.

Ayukawa:

Masaka*...no one can do math like that. Except...

*Impossible

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Keiko-san. Actually, I ran into her this morning on my way here.

Ayukawa:

But.... [Thinks for a moment.] Could your power have something to do with it?

Kasuga:

Power? Well, no. I found out a while back that I don't have telepathy like Kazuya. I don't think that's changed anytime recently.

Ayukawa:

Ohh...maybe...um, why don't you try again and see if there's something different with your powers now?

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Un. [Concentrates for a few seconds, but fails to get results.] Eh? [Concentrates harder then pants with fatigue.] Pah.... Masaka...my power...is gone!

Ayukawa:

[Surprised and concerned.] Gone? How did that happen? When?

Kasuga:

[With rising concern.] It's like...my power's not there anymore!

Ayukawa:

Not there? Then where is it?

[Cut to the Blue Horseshoe apartments. Kimura is seated by the small desk in her room, concentrating on her new math books with an open notebook. However, the notebook is empty and her face has an uncharacteristic look of incomprehension.]

Kimura:

Hmm...[After several minutes, she puts down the pencil and sighs with fatigue.] Upper division math must be a lot harder than I thought. [Closes her eyes and puts her head in the book for a moment's breather. She reaches for a glass of water on her desk, not noticing the glass slide quietly into her hand.]

[Cut to the hill going up to the Seishun-kan. Ayukawa and Kasuga are walking up briskly with growing concern on their faces. As they reach the top of the hill, they are surprised to see Grandpa and Grandma waiting for them.]

Grandpa:

Ah good, you're back! [Sheepishly embarrassed expression.] I think I probably dropped something back in your room and I need to get it back before it causes any trouble.

Kasuga:

Eh? What did you drop?

Grandma:

A pendant that happens to be a family heirloom.

Kasuga:

[With apprehension.] Pendant...?

Grandpa:

Not just an ordinary pendant. It's a power-switching pendant. Its powerful magic allows us to exchange powers and abilities between each other. That way, if an ESPer needed to use someone else's abilities for a while, he could wear the pendant and then give it to another person who should put it on. To switch the powers back, the ESPer should wear the pendant again.

Kasuga:

But...what happens if it's worn by a normal person?

Grandpa:

Don't be silly! Why on earth would you do that? [Looks at Kasuga, then Ayukawa, then has an expression of sudden realization.] Masaka! Kyosuke! Don't tell me...!

Ayukawa:

So that's why you're doing math like Keiko-san. Then she's... [Foreboding realization.]

Grandpa:

[Concerned.] You've got to get that pendant back!

Kasuga:

[Downcast.] Well...that may be tough.

Grandpa:

Eh? Why?

Kimura's voice from memory:

Lucky! Lucky! Kyo-chan, arigato gozaimasu!

Kasuga:

[Sheepishly.] I sorta...gave it to her as a gift. It's going to look pretty bad if I just walk up and take it.

Ayukawa:

Look, I'm supposed to be seeing her later after band practice. I'll just tell her it was a mistake. I'm sure she'll listen to reason.

Kasuga:

Are you sure?

Ayukawa:

[Confidently.] Leave it to me.

[Cut to the Butsumetsu music hall. With finals close, band rehearsals are shortened and there are only minimal numbers of people practicing their music.]

Ayukawa:

[To herself while she plays.] I don't see what the big deal will be...I mean, it's just a pendant. Kasuga-kun even said it wasn't all that pretty... [Confidently to herself.] I'm sure there won't be any problem.

[Cut to the music hall break room a half hour later. Vending machines serving everything from coffee to beer line the sides of the walls. Only a few other students are present, most of them taking the quiet time to study and read.]

Kimura:

[Slightly downcast while drinking soda.] ...couldn't even understand a thing. Okaasan* says I need to double my effort so I don't fail the test. [Sighs.] Aiya...schoolwork was never this hard in high-school.

*Mother

Ayukawa:

[While drinking coffee.] Hmm...maybe...you're just trying too hard. Sometimes when you're too nervous, you can't do schoolwork like you normally can.... [To herself.] Of course having your natural talent transferred to someone else can't be helping either.... [Changing subjects.] Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Kasuga-kun. [Thinking about how to be subtle.] He told me he gave you a gift.

Kimura:

[Pulls up the pendant.] Kore desu ka*?

*This

Ayukawa:

[Smiles with recognition.] Yes, that's the one. You see, Kasuga-kun told me it was a very special pendant.

Kimura:

Un. I promised I would wear it forever and ever.

Ayukawa:

[Derails train of thought.] Y-you did...?

Kimura:

Hai! You should have seen him when he gave it to me. It's the first time I've ever received a present from a boy. Waah... [Puts hands on cheeks to partially hide her blushing.]

Ayukawa:

[To herself.] Kasuga-kun... [Aloud.] But isn't this just a trinket, Keiko-san?

Kimura:

No, no! I wear it like a symbol of a friendship with such a wonderful guy as Kasuga-kun!

Ayukawa:

[Can feel resolve crumbling away.] Ahh...un.... [Nods reluctantly.]

[Cut to the city street. Ayukawa is walking towards the Chez Kooun.]

Ayukawa:

[Annoyed tone.] Mou*... of all the things Kasuga-kun has to get involved with.... "Forever and ever"...why didn't he tell me she was *so* attached to such a simple-looking little trinket? [Stops walking and thinks to herself.] Then again, I guess I should have seen that coming. Keiko-san, romantic that she is, probably wouldn't have interpreted it any other way.

*Ooooh

[Cut to Chez Kooun. Ayukawa walks in the dining area behind a small queue of people building up as the dinner hour approaches.]

Nakamura:

Irrashai mase*! [Playfully outloud after she see who comes in.] Kyo-chan, it's your other girlfriend!

*Welcome

Kasuga:

[Tenses up and drops his current entree on the grill.] I wish she'd stop doing that...!

[Cut to the employee break area. The closet-sized room is small but functional with a round table and three chairs. There is a steel cabinet in the corner for hanging personal belongings.]

Kasuga:

...sorry she's so forward. I'll make sure to talk to her about that. So how did it go?

Ayukawa:

[Subdued.] Well, we talked for a while and I mentioned how special the pendant was to you.

Kasuga:

Ah good. Ojiichan said all I have to do is wear it to get my powers back.

Ayukawa:

Well...

Kasuga:

[Seeing the general pessimistic expression.] Ah...

Ayukawa:

Keiko-san has it in her mind that your pendant was "a symbol of your undying friendship" and promised she would wear it forever and ever. One could wonder what went on between you and Keiko that afternoon.

Kasuga:

[After taking a moment to read her implication.] Ch-chigau*! N-nothing like that happened! It's just that...well...Keiko-san....

*Mistake

Ayukawa:

[Conceding.] I know, I know... But this still leaves us the same dilemma. Sooner or later, Keiko is going to find out your family secret.

Kasuga:

Daijoubu. I'll take care of it then.

Ayukawa:

Are you sure? She seemed pretty determined.

Kasuga:

[Confidently.] Un! It's time I took responsibility for my mistakes.

Ayukawa:

[Smiling.] Way to go, Kasuga-kun. So - what are you going to do?

Kasuga:

[With rapidly deflating confidence.] Err..ummm...I was thinking of going to her house and...well, you know....

Ayukawa:

Hmm... I'm not sure I like this idea. And what will you do if you're in danger of being caught?

Kasuga:

Oh, I'll just teleport out! Why?

Ayukawa:

How much is 13 cubed?

Kasuga:

[Immediately.] 2197. [Realization dawning.] Ohh....

[Cut to the Blue Horseshoe Apartments. It is late at night and most of the apartments are dark. The daily activities are winding down in the Kimura residence and almost all lights are off already. Masaki is watching the television news, and with his attention focused on the screen, he fails to notice the front door of their apartment opening.]

Kasuga:

[Closing the door as quietly as he can. He takes off his shoes, laces them together, and tiptoes in barefoot while carrying his shoes.] Let's see...Keiko's room was down the hall and second to the right. [Crawls on all fours, while straining to hear any sign of activity. He freezes abruptly as he hears footsteps and voices in the main family room.]

Kimura Akiko:

Anata! Are you going to sit there all night? The TV is loud! I want it off before I'm out of the bath!

Kimura Masaki:

Ah...I just want to catch the scores before turning in.

Kasuga:

[Fearfully sweating.] If I get caught, this'll look really bad!

[Kasuga manages to reach Keiko's room, opens the door, and close it behind him with little noise. He takes a moment to reacquire his bearings as his eyes adjust to the dim light.]

Kasuga:

[Looking around as he catches his breath and tries to calm down.] Sugoi*...look at all the stuffed toys.... [Gets up and tries to search quietly through Kimura's desk of personal belongings.] It's gotta be here somewhere.... [After several minutes of fruitless searching, it slowly dawns on him that there is only one place left. His fears are confirmed as he looks at sleeping Kimura and notices a portion of a string around her neck.] Yabai**...I guess she wasn't kidding when she told Ayukawa she'd wear it forever....

*Wow
**Bad, oh shoot

[Kasuga slowly and fearfully reaches for Kimura's nightgown, his heart pounding from fear. He swallows hard and looks away as he lifts the blouse up and reaches under, trying to carefully feel around for the pendant. However, as he does so, Kimura's eyes open.]

Kimura:

[Sleepily.] Ummm?

Kasuga:

[Paralyzed with fear as he looks at his own hand under her blouse.] Uhnmph!

Kimura:

[Half-asleep.] Kyo-chan? What are you doing here?

Kasuga:

[Whispering in near panic.] Ah...ahh...this...this is...[Tries desperately to think of something.] ...this is a dream!

Kimura:

Eh? Dream? [Innocently.] Are you sure?

Kasuga:

[Sweating and shaking as he nods.] Sure, sure! [To himself.] Baka! No one's going to believe that!

Kimura:

Hmmm.... [Thinks about it for a few moments, then nods.] Um, ok! [Closes her eyes.] Oyasumi nasai*!

*Good night

Kasuga Narration:

Right about then, I was feeling pretty bad about taking advantage of Kimura's trust like that. Even though I had to get that pendant back before things got worse, I still wished there was an easier way.

Kasuga:

[To himself.] Yoshi... Ikuzo*! [Plunges his hand into her sleeping blouse and nervously and delicately feels around. His shaking and sweating is rewarded as his fingers brush something hard.] Yatta! [Reaches for the pendant then suddenly hears a sound of an opening door behind him.]

*All right... let's do it

Kimura Akiko:

[Opens the door.] Keiko, daijoubu desu k...* [Trails off as she sees that there's someone leaning over Kimura's bed.]

*Are you all righ...

Kimura:

[Wakes back up and looks towards the door.] Ah okaasan! Are you a part of this dream too?

Kasuga:

[Freezes in fearful anticipation.] Yada...*!

*Oh no

---

[COMMERCIAL BREAK.]

[Cut to the gathering of the Uresei Yatsura Lum fan club. In front of a large group of well-armed students, the leader of the club paces back and forth on the stage with an inspired look on his face.]

Leader:

This time, we're going to put an end to that horrible Moroboshi, once and for all!

Crowd:

[In unison.] Yeah!

Leader:

This time, we're going to finally show Lum-sama that we are worthy of her affections!

Crowd:

[Louder in unison.] Yeah!

Leader:

And no one is going anywhere, until we figure out how!

[Crowd's enthusiasm visibly drains out of the crowd, and is replaced with confusion and uncertainty.]

Voiceover:

Not going anywhere for a while? Have a Snickers!

[Show a candy bar being broken in half, revealing caramel and peanuts.]

Voiceover:

When you're hungry, why wait?

[Writer's note: Standard Disclaimer.]

[END COMMERCIAL BREAK.]

---

[Cut to Ayukawa's apartment the next morning. Ayukawa is applying some antiseptic to several large bruises on Kasuga's arms.]

Ayukawa:

Sou ne*... [Sighs as she finishes the job.] So what happened next?

*I see

Kasuga:

[Embarrassed and downcast.] Well...

[Cut back to the night before at the Blue Horseshoe apartments.]

Kimura Akiko:

[Furiously.] KONO...*!

*<Netiquette violator>

Kasuga:

[While running.] GOMEN*, GOMEN!!

*Sorry

Kimura Akiko:

[Swinging a heavy broomstick.] WHO ARE YOU AND HOW DARE YOU FONDLE OUR DAUGHTER?!!

Kimura Masaki:

[Sobbing.] MY POOR BABY GIRL!

Kasuga:

CHIGAU! CHIGAU!

Kimura Akiko:

COME BACK HERE YOU LITTLE...!

[Cut back to the present.]

Ayukawa:

Sou ka*...I guess you won't be visiting her apartment any time soon.

*I see

Kasuga:

[Nods.] Un. At least it was dark there, so I don't think they recognized me.... Well, we're back to square one. Any other ideas?

Ayukawa:

Well, I was thinking this over and I really don't think you'll get her to give it up. So ojiisan gave me a description of the pendant and I was able to find a normal one that looks like it. [Presents another pendant.] Hora*.

*Here

Kasuga:

[Looking it over.] Heh...a good likeness. Now all we have to do is substitute it for the real one.

[Cut to Seishun-kan. As the sun rises and dries the dew on the grass, Fujimoto comes up with a basket of laundry and begins to hang it on the line. As she does so, Kimura arrives to the walkway.]

Fujimoto:

Aha! Ohayo gozaimasu* Kimura-san! What brings you here this early in the morning?

*Good morning

Kimura:

[A little hesitant.] Ohayo gozaimasu. I-is Kyo-chan still here?

Fujimoto:

"Kyo-chan"? You mean Kasuga-san? No, to the best of my knowledge, he left already.

Kimura:

[Downcast.] Sou ka....

Fujimoto:

What's wrong?

Kimura:

Last night, I had a strange dream. Kyo-chan was in it and he was trying to do something with me....

Fujimoto:

Strange dream?

Kimura:

Un. Then this morning, okaasan woke me up and told me that there was a very bad man in my room - as bad, she said, as Kyo-chan! So she said I should stay away from him.

Fujimoto:

Kasuga-san *is* sometimes a little unusual, but that really doesn't sound like him.

Kimura:

Un. I always listen to okaasan, but I know Kyo-chan's not bad! I guess I just needed to see him so he can tell me he wasn't sneaking into my room last night.

Fujimoto:

Sneaking into your room?

Miyasato Yoko:

[Looking fatigued as she comes up the walkway.] Who was sneaking into your room?

Fujimoto:

Ahh! Miyasato-san, okeari nasai*! Did you get the tickets you were looking for?

*Welcome back

Miyasato Yoko:

Hora! [Brandishing a pair of baseball tickets.] I was in line since last night and got really good seats this time! And, say, Kimura-san, wanna go?

Kimura:

Who, me?

Miyasato Yoko:

Yuko canceled out to go on a date with that weirdo, Saito-san. [Half to herself.] I swear, I can't see what she sees in him.... [Turns back to Kimura.] Anyway since I've already bought them, I need someone to go with to the game and after the way you embarrassed yourself at the game last year, I thought you could use the experience.

Kimura:

But...don't you already have a boyfriend?

Miyasato Yoko:

[Slightly defensive.] O-of course I do! A really cool one! But he wrote back and said he has a prior engagement.

[Eiji runs out of the building.]

Eiji:

[To Yoko.] Yoko-oneechan*, let's go!

*Older sister or older female friend

Miyasato Yoko:

[Flatly.] Sorry, no. I've been up all night waiting for these! I need my sleep so I don't drop dead at the game tonight. Oyasumi*. [Walks inside.]

*Till later

Eiji:

[Disconcerted.] Eh...?

Fujimoto:

[As she watches Yoko return to her room.] Oh my...Kimura-san, could I ask you a favor?

Kimura:

[Brightly.] Hai?

Fujimoto:

Could you walk with Eiji to school? It's on your way to the University and it will make Eiji feel more comfortable not to be picked on while going to school.

Eiji:

[Disbelieving expression.] EH?!? HER?!?

Kimura:

[Brightly.] Hai! I'll make sure he has a happy day! Itte kimasu*!

*Let's go; we're leaving

Fujimoto:

Itte rasshai*!

*Come back soon

[Cut to a nearby alley. A half-dozen street gang members watch as Eiji and Kimura close on their location.]

Punk 1:

Here they come...!

Punk 2:

[Cautiously.] Last time he had a kawaiikochan* with him, that ama** broke my nose!

*Cutie
**<Netiquette violator>

Punk 1:

Don't worry so much. [Looking ahead.] This girl doesn't look like she'll be so tough.

[When Kimura and Eiji reach the alley, they are suddenly interrupted and pulled in.]

Eiji:

[To himself.] Six of them...Mazui*...!

*This is bad

Punk 1:

Hey little kid, remember us?

Punk 2:

You'd better have your money this time! You still owe us!

Kimura:

[Quizzed look.] Eh?

Punk 3:

Didn't he tell you? There's a toll to cross this street!

Punk 4:

[Menacingly.] That's right! 500 yen for your own protection!

Eiji:

[Fearfully as he hides behind Kimura.] Oneechan, hurry up and do something!

Kimura:

Emm...uhh...[Leafs through her purse.] Yada...I don't have any Y500 coins. Can you break a bill?

Eiji:

[Face-faults.] ...!

Punk 1:

[Gleefully surprised.] Haha...! Sure we can take bills! [To Punk 3.] We don't have any problems with that right?

Punk 3:

Sure, sure... of course we may have to charge extra for that...!

Kimura:

[With a slight edge of concern.] Ano.... [Hopefully.] Your exchange charge is the the usual fifteen percent, right?

Eiji:

[To Kimura with his eyes squeezed shut in anticipation of a beating.] AHO*! He's going to take it all!

*<Netiquette violator>

Kimura:

But...[Look of shock.] that's robbery!

Punk 4:

[With confidence.] "Robbery" is such an ugly word...this is protection money, for your own safety! [Roughly pushes both Kimura and Eiji against the wall.]

Kimura:

Itai*! [Closes eyes with fear, anticipating the worst. For several long seconds, both Eiji and Kimura stand with their eyes closed. The assault still doesn't come.]

*Ouch

Eiji:

[With his eyes still closed.] Are they gone?

[Kimura gingerly opens her eyes, then looks around the alley with surprise and astonishment as four of the six gang members are sprawled in various stages of unconsciousness and injury. The two remaining have their backs against the wall with expressions of abject terror on their faces. Kimura moves from the wall toward them to take a closer look, but then stumbles as a wave of fatigue hits her. She leans against the wall momentarily to catch her breath, and then walks over to the punks.]

Eiji:

[Opens eyes; with wondrous surprise.] N-nani ga...*?

*What the...

Kimura:

[Leans forward to examine the two still conscious punks.] Daijoubu desu ka?*

*Are you all right?

Punk 5 and Punk 6:

[Blubbering while crawling on their hands and knees.] GOMEN NASAI*! GOMEN NASAI! GOMEN NASAI!

*We're very sorry

Punk 5:

[In tears.] PLEASE DON'T HURT US!!

Punk 6:

[In tears.] WE PROMISE WE'LL NEVER DO IT AGAIN!

Kimura:

[Surprised expression.] Hurt you...?

Eiji:

[With surprise and admiration.] Waah...! Keiko-oneechan is cool after all!

[Cut to later that afternoon. At the Butsumetsu baseball stadium, the stands are filled with people watching the game. The air is filled with energy as students and supporters gather for another year of baseball excitement and expectations of championships.]

Radio Announcer:

...and we're in the bottom of the ninth with one out, Waseda holding on to a slim 2-0 lead! However, the home team has managed to get runners at the corners, and Hayashibara is at the plate!

Butsumetsu crowd:

IKE, IKE! HAYASHIBARA GAMBARE!*

*Go, go! Hayashibara, do your best/good luck!

Kimura:

Waah...Hayashibara-san is so handsome...!

Miyasato Yoko:

[Excitedly.] Never mind that! He's got to get a hit against that pitcher! Everyone...[Glances at her betting receipt.] everything is counting on it!

Kimura:

[Dreamily.] Maybe he is the "special someone"...!

Miyasato Yoko:

What on earth are you talking about? I swear, sometimes I think you live in your own little world or something....

Radio Announcer:

This has been an exciting one all the way! Hayashibara, who is expected to be this year's clean-up hitter, is 0-for-4 today and he's not alone as Uesugi the Waseda sophomore phenom has been simply sensational keeping the dangerous Butsumetsu lineup off the bases! However, Butsumetsu has fought back this inning with 1 walk and 1 single, and Hayashibara now represents the winning run!

Miyasato Yoko:

[Barely paying attention to Kimura.] Don't just sit there! Stand up and cheer him on!

Kimura:

[As Uesugi pitches.] Hayashibara-san, gambatte kudasai!

Uesugi:

[To himself as an unseen force grips him across the waist.] N-n-nan da...*?!

*What the...

[He stumbles during the wind-up as the ball slips out of his hand. Robbed of its full pitching motion, the ball lazily drifts towards home plate with the speed of a floating balloon.]

Hayashibara:

[Unable to believe his eyes.] Eh?! [Pulls out of his bunt stance and brings the bat back to behind his shoulder.]

<CRACK!>

Radio Announcer:

Oso! Hayashibara rips one to deep left! Moroboshi is reaching for it on the wall... and it is gone!

Butsumetsu crowd:

HOORAY!!!

Radio Announcer:

Uesugi got caught napping on that one, trying to sneak an off-speed pitch past Butsumetsu's top hitter!

Miyasato Yoko:

[Contemptuously as she calms down after Hayashibara crosses home plate.] Baka ne... trying to pull off a cheap trick like that.... [Brandishing her receipt.] Oh well, time to cash in!

Catcher:

[Removing his mask and coming towards the mound as Hayashibara finishes his trot around the bases.] What the hell were you doing?! I signaled a fastball!

Hayashibara:

[As he is carried off the field by a victory-minded crowd.] Uesugi-san...what kind of pitch was that?

Uesugi:

[As he watches the Waseda coach irritatedly getting out of the dugout and heading to the mound.] S-sonna*...!

*Can't be

[Cut to the next morning to the Butsumetsu University mathematics building. The teaching assistant walks around the room, passing out a set of stapled sheets of paper.]

TA:

...covers the major points you can expect to be on the final. As you can see, the majority of the material can be found in the text, but a few subjects are also found in the study guide from the beginning of the year so I hope you kept good notes. I will be holding extra office hours from now until the exam to answer any questions.

[He begins to write a set of times and days on the chalkboard, as Kasuga glances at Kimura across the room. Cut to Kasuga's room; he is talking to Ayukawa, who is looking out of the window.]

Kasuga:

I gotta to find a way to get that pendant.... [Glances at the list of the material on the math handout.] Not just my powers, but Keiko-san will also need her talent to do well on the exam.

Ayukawa:

[Turns back, with resolve.] Do you still have the other pendant? The one I gave you?

Kasuga:

Y..yes. Why do you want it?

Ayukawa:

I think I have an idea. I'm meeting with Kimura today, to talk about some course work.... I'll ask her to give me the pendant for a moment, so I can take a closer look at it. Then I'll try to switch it with this one. Do you think this will work... Kyo-chan?

Kasuga:

[Slightly shocked - but manages a smile.] ....

[Cut to the study room at the music department. Ayukawa and Kimura open the door and enter. Ayukawa opens her bag and places stacks of notes on the table, while Kimura sits down next to the piano.]

Ayukawa:

Say, do you play that?

Kimura:

What? Oh, no, I don't. I've never had much talent in music. I took a few lessons when I was a kid, but wasn't any good at it.

[They start to look through the notes. Kimura absentmindedly plays with the string of the pendant.]

Ayukawa:

[Calmly.] Oh, are you still wearing that pendant?

Kimura:

Yes! Isn't it just so cute?

Ayukawa:

[Smiles.] That's nice. Say, can I take a closer look at it? It looks quite interesting.

Kimura:

Oh, certainly! Here you go, Madoka-san. [She removes the pendant and gives it to Ayukawa. Then an idea hits her.] Say, Madoka-san! I bet this looks very cute on you, too. Can you please wear it?

Ayukawa:

[Frozen.] ....

Kimura:

Oh, please! Please!

[Pause. Then Ayukawa suddenly smiles.]

Ayukawa:

Of course, Keiko-san!

[She puts on the pendant.]

Kimura:

Oh, it does look cool!

Ayukawa:

[Smiles.] Does it? That's neat! Umm... can you wait a minute? I want to check how it looks on me in the bathroom mirror.

Kimura:

Sure!

Ayukawa:

Thanks! I'll be back in a moment!

[Ayukawa exits the practice room, goes into the bathroom and locks the door behind her. She closes her eyes, takes a deep breath and concentrates. Then, in the flash of light - she is gone.]

[Back in the room, Kimura sits silently, her chin in her hands. Turning around, she looks at the piano and leafs through the stack of sheet music on the top of it. Slowly, she opens the lid and pauses. With one finger, she plays c - f - g - a-flat on the keyboard and pauses again, deep in thought.]

[Cut to Kasuga's room. He lies on the futon, reading, as suddenly, with a flash of light, Ayukawa materializes in the room, immediately above the futon - and falls down on Kasuga. For a moment, she looks around the room, disoriented. Then she jumps up and shouts with joy.]

Ayukawa:

YES!! It worked!!

Kasuga:

[Shocked.] A...A...Ayukawa...!

Ayukawa:

I teleported!! Do you realize that?! I teleported!!

Kasuga:

Emm...umm...uff. [Slowly coming to his senses.] But... what happened? And...HOW!?

Ayukawa:

Keiko-san asked me to wear the pendant! And then I got this idea! You see, you don't necessarily have to exchange your powers with her directly - you can do it through me! [Removing the pendant] Now, put it on!

[Kasuga smiles with understanding. He puts the pendant on and, after a moment, removes it and gives it back to Ayukawa, who puts it on.]

Ayukawa:

Ok, now I gotta go back and return it to her!

[She concentrates. Nothing happens.]

Ayukawa:

[Puzzled.] W...what?

Kasuga:

[Smiling.] How much is 55 squared?

Ayukawa:

[Immediately.] 3025. Ohhh!!

Kasuga:

[Smiling.] Do you want a ride?

Ayukawa:

[Smiles and nods.] Music department restroom, please.

[They hug each other - and Kasuga teleports them out. They appear in the restroom.]

Ayukawa:

Thank you. [Begins to disengage from Kasuga.]

Kasuga:

No. [Tightens his grip slightly and stares into her eyes.] Thank *you*.

[Ayukawa stares at Kasuga, slightly confused. He releases her.]

Ayukawa:

Kasuga-kun?

Kasuga:

It's for what you did. Come over to my place when you can. You're invited.

Ayukawa:

I'll be there. [Smiles] This time, I'll walk.

[The door opens and a random guy enters, immediately freezing in his tracks because of the sight in front of him.]

Guy:

Ano....

Kasuga:

[Puts a hand behind his head.] Ahh...this...this isn't what it looks like....

Ayukawa:

[Whispers as she pulls away.] I meant the girls' bathroom....

[Cut to Ayukawa leaving the men's bathroom. She walks back to the study room and hears music being played. Kimura, seated at the piano, is playing Beethoven's "Sonata Pathetique". Ayukawa stops and for a few moments listens to the music. She pauses in thought and touches the magical pendant around her neck - and then takes the normal one out of her pocket and looks at it. She sighs and shakes her head, putting the normal pendant back into her pocket.]

Ayukawa:

[Softly, removing the magical pendant.] Keiko-san, here's your pendant.

Kimura:

[Stopping playing.] Oh yes. Thank you, Madoka-san. [She puts on the pendant.]

Ayukawa:

Say, how much is 21 cubed?

Kimura:

[Immediately.] 9261. Why?

Ayukawa:

[Smiling.] Oh, nothing.

[Cut to Kasuga's room. He and Ayukawa are talking, sitting on his futon.]

Ayukawa:

...so I've realized that, if we want all the powers to be returned to their owners, Keiko-san should keep the pendant. You can give your grandpa this one. [Gives Kasuga the normal pendant.] After all, if she will keep her promise and wear it "forever and ever", we are pretty safe, right?

Kasuga:

Yeah... I guess so. As long as she doesn't let anyone else to wear it. [Sighs.]

Ayukawa:

Is something wrong, Kasuga-kun?

Kasuga:

Well... you know, I've been thinking... this is not the first time my power gets me into trouble. And... I don't like it. I...I don't want you to think of me as a freak.

Ayukawa:

You - a freak? [Laughs.] Well, then so am I! And so is Keiko- san! And Katsu-san! And everyone! [Seriously.] You see, we all have our "powers". And they are not what makes us what we are. It's how we use them that does it....

[Kasuga looks at Ayukawa with gratitude and they lean in to kiss.]

Ayukawa:

[Suddenly.] Oh yes - you know what else Keiko-san told me?

Kasuga:

W...what?

Ayukawa:

That two nights ago she had a dream - she was in her bed, and you were there too, and you had your arms around her!

[Kasuga blushes.]

Ayukawa:

[Smiling.] You know, you're never that bold in *my* dreams!

Kasuga:

[Blushing - but looking Ayukawa straight in her eyes.] No?

Ayukawa:

[Starts to blush, too.] Well....

Kasuga:

[After a pause.] How about a fruit drop? [Reaches for a can with the label "Fruit Drops."]

Ayukawa:

Sure. [Smiles.] "I like the taste."

[Cut to the boarding house the next morning. As the sun comes up, the neighborhood wakes up for another day's activities. Fujimoto inspects Eiji as he prepares to leave for school with Kimura.]

Fujimoto:

Gambatte kudasai Eiji!* Be a good boy at school. Don't be a bother to Kimura-san.

*Please do your best, Eiji!

Eiji:

Wakatta, wakatta...itte kimasu!*

*Got it, got it...let's go!

Fujimoto:

Itte rasshai!

Eiji:

[Nervously as he and Kimura run down the hill on the way to the bus station.] A-are you sure those guys won't cause any more troubles this time?

Kimura:

[Brightly as she and Eiji slow to a walking pace near the bus stop.] Daijoubu desu! I have just the thing to take care of those guys this time! Trust your oneechan!

[Just as the pass the same alley, six familiar faces emerge.]

Punk 1:

[Aggressively.] Ok, you little kid! Time to pay the tol--! [Cuts himself off as Kimura turns around to greet them.]

Kimura:

Oh, it's you, guys! [Reaches for her purse.] I have coins this time!

Punks 1-6:

[With sudden fearful recognition.] WAAH! [Turn around and run away with abject fear.] Sh-shitsurei shimasu!*

*Sorry, gotta go!

Kimura:

[Watches with confusion.] What's wrong with them?

Eiji:

[With sincere satisfaction as he watches the punks run away.] Keiko-oneechan is cooool!!

[END CREDITS]
New Characters Designer/Writer  Stephen Tsai
Co-writer                       Vlad Zelevinsky
Pre-readers                     Bob Carragher
                                Brian Edmonds
                                James Holman
                                Harold Ancell
                                Jim Ramberg
                                Doug Eckhart
                                Lisa Richardson
                                Herbert Fung
                                Jeff Williamson
Very special thanks to          Hitoshi Doi

A tip of the hat and a deep bow to Matsumoto Izumi for starting
the whole thing

If I left anyone off, my apologies. Any mistakes/embarrassing faux pas are entirely my own. If there is anything here you must flame, aim them at me and me alone.

Thank you for taking the time to read this episode of my series. I have the next episode in the works.

Hope you enjoyed it and thanks again!

The current occupant of Room No. 1, Sakurai is the only tenant who returns to Seshun-kan from the previous year. Currently a second year mathematics student, he spent a previous semester in London studying abroad. He has a reputation among those who know him as something of a "ladies man", however, he is currently broken up with his previous girlfriend. Visual Description: A tall handsome guy with sandy-blond hair. Close anime comparisons include (but not limited by) Hasakawa from Koko wa Greenwood and Jadeite from Sailor Moon.

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Changes last made on: Wed Jan 28 13:22:04 1998