Disclaimer – Love Hina and respective characters are properties of Ken Akamatsu. This is simply a Fan Fiction, written for non-profit purposes only. Please do not distribute without the author's permission.
Lots of thanks to my editors: TheArchimage and dementedchris (^_^)!
Note: The story begins in Motoko's POV. From now on I am adopting italics for thoughts.
Episode 5 – Emotions; Raging like the Waves
The night sky was littered with billions of stars; unblocked by the clouds of this terrestrial plane. The moon was full in all of its glory, a sign of a pleasant evening. I stood by a window taking in all of the night's beauty and splendour. The dress that I wore did not suit me; it was simply too beautiful and elegant. However, it was appropriate for such an evening. As I turn away from the window a man in a magnificent tuxedo stood by me, his face covered by a mask. He offered his hand to me and I accepted it. Arm in arm we walked toward the main ballroom. As the two of us danced together amongst the dozen of masked couples all I could think of was how enchanting the moment was. It was all so heavenly – the exquisite decorations, the dazzling lights, alluring people, and most of all, the stunning man who was my partner. He held me in his arms as we danced. He radiated a firm but caring presence. He has finally turned into the man of my dreams…
When the dance ended he took me to a room. It was a bedroom that made an everlasting lovely impression on me. He gently placed me on the bed. I blushed at the realization at what was happening and what was going to happen. An incredible sensation shot through me as I felt his hand brushed against my back. He slowly went down my body with his gentle hands. I hesitated for a moment, but I took off his mask…
…
…
… KENICHI?!!?
********************
"WAAAAH!!!! HOW DID 'HE' GET INTO MY MIND LIKE THAT?!" Aoyama Motoko took her story and ripped it up into tiny little pieces. She picked up her pen and hurled it across the room. Motoko continued her furious rampage, as Kenichi's face still lingered in her mind. "This is disgusting! Why am I thinking of that pervert?"
Motoko equipped herself with her sword and left her room. There was no use dwelling over trivial things. A walk and a talk with some of the other residents would surely clear her mind, she thought.
"Good morning, Motoko-senpai!"
"Good morning, Shinobu," Motoko replied to Shinobu who seemed to be in a happy mood.
"Umm… have you seen Kenichi around? I was planning on baking him another cake to make him feel better but…"
"AHHHH!" Motoko surprised Shinobu with a scream that interrupted the conversation. She unsheathed her sword and ran down the hallway, leaving Shinobu gazing with her mouth open. 'Depressed or not, I must clear my mind of Arai. He must pay dearly for invading my thoughts. But where is he hiding?"
With a quick search of the second floor and then a dash toward the stairs, Motoko found herself in the lobby of Hinata-sou. 'Hmm… If I was a stupid pervert where would I be?'
"Hi Motoko!" Keitaro exclaimed.
"Oh… it's only you, Urashima." Motoko said as she sheathed her sword. "What are you doing with all of this luggage? You just came back from your home several days ago."
Naru walked into the lobby with some more bags. "Morning Motoko. We were all decided to go to the beach for a little vacation."
"What? When? Why?" Motoko questioned.
"Didn't Kaolla tell you?" Naru asked.
"It seems to have become tradition for us now to go somewhere every summer. And besides…" Keitaro slowly looked away from Motoko. "… Ever since we came back… Kenichi hasn't been… happy."
"We are hoping that the beach will get him in good spirits again," Naru said gleefully. "It's going to be a lot of fun for everyone!"
****************************************
The clear blue sky and warm, shining sun only served to emphasis the blissful and energetic setting of the beach. The sound of waves crashing against the shore and the smell of the bitter and salty sand filled the air. There were people everywhere, enjoying the perfect day for fun and relaxation.
"Why did you take me here?" Kenichi asked in a monotone, his eyes fixed somewhere else.
"Well… uhh… everyone else came along," Keitaro replied. "Even Seta and Haruka are going to be visiting here today. Besides, staying at home and playing RPGs all day isn't the healthiest idea!"
Keitaro's joke didn't even merit a response from Kenichi. He was still as depressed as he was when Keitaro came back. This only strengthened Keitaro's resolve to change Kenichi's depressing attitude.
"While we stayed at my place for three days, Naru and I saw a lot of things that we shouldn't have seen. Haha… like this one time we caught my parents…"
"I don't want to hear it," Kenichi interrupted quietly. "It sounds like something that shouldn't be my business."
'This is beginning to bother me,' Keitaro thought. 'For as long as I have known him, I haven't seen him as sad as he is now. What could it be?'
Keitaro innocently looked at the bountiful amount of pretty girls, glistening in the water. His nose gave off a drop of blood. He looked around quickly and was relieved to find out that Naru wasn't around.
"Hey Kenichi! How about we go swimming?" Keitaro suggested. He pushed Kenichi into the nearby changing room.
"Hold on a second, Keitaro! This here is a…"
"It's alright buddy! Swimming is going to relax your mind and make you forget you troubles." Keitaro gave Kenichi a final push and went in himself.
"AIYEEE!"
"Eh? Shinobu?" Keitaro looked around and saw girls in the midst of changing. "Oh no did I…"
"Kenichi… Keitaro… you PEEPERS!" an enraged Naru yelled at them. "You are going to pay for this!"
Naru ran up to Keitaro and gave him a powerful punch to the jaw. He went flying out of the change room. Naru turned around and looked at Kenichi who was nervously squirming his way out. She dashed toward him and gave him a hard kick that made him follow the path that Keitaro took. As the sand settled from the impact, Keitaro looked to his side to find Kenichi rubbing his bottom.
"Ouch, ouch, and ouch…" Kenichi cried.
"Are you all right?" Keitaro asked.
"Of all the idiots in the world, I had to have YOU as a friend!" Kenichi said sarcastically.
Keitaro grinned. 'It took a lot, but at least he's turning back to his old self.'
****************************************
"Su-chan, what are you doing?" Motoko asked. At the side of the beach tea house Su Kaolla was tinkering with some device.
"I am going to have a water gun fight with Kenichi!" Kaolla replied. "This is definitely going to get Kenichi in a good mood again! He is always happy when we have battles like this!"
"Ahh Su-chan, does he know that you two are going to have a water gun fight?"
"I don't know. I haven't told him about it yet! Just a little bit more…"
Kaolla took out a monkey wrench and smacked her contraption several times. Her frantic movements blocked Motoko's view of the 'gun'. Kaolla threw the wrench away and grabbed her laser torch. Motoko perspired as she witnessed this extraordinary activity. As the sound of the laser died, Kaolla threw the torch away and hollered a victorious cry.
"It's done! It's done at last!"
"Let's see it Su…"
"Here it is! I call it the 'Giga Hydro-Enfilade'!" Her 'gun' was easily the size of a large animal, and came complete with a sniper scope, laser sight, and a three-foot long 100mm barrel.
"AHH! You can't use that Su! You would KILL him!" The strange and sudden thought of protecting Kenichi made her feel awkward. 'But why should I care about him?'
Kaolla grabbed a hold of her gun and sprinted out to the shore. Motoko could not stop the lively girl and tried her best to catch up to her. Her effort was in vain as she saw Kenichi approaching them.
"Oh hey Aoyama, Kaoll-AAHHHHHHHHH!!!"
Kaolla pushed the trigger and a colossal blast of water shot out from her gun. Kenichi did not have time to prepare himself; the volley of water launched him out into the ocean. Motoko watched as Kenichi slowly became a small dot in the sky as he flew toward the nearby island on the horizon.
"Eh? Too much power?" Kaolla mused.
"Of course there was too much power!" Motoko scolded. "Quickly, I think he may have landed on that island over there. There! We'll take that boat."
She grabbed Kaolla by the arm and hurried to an inflatable boat that was nearby. She requested the use from a local couple, and after tossing Kaolla on board the boat she pushed it out on to the water. Motoko jumped on board and began to paddle.
"Arai isn't invincible like Keitaro, Su-chan," Motoko stated. "He could have been seriously injured. We are going to have to check and make sure that he is still in one piece."
"Are you worried about Kenichi?" Kaolla asked in an amused manner.
"I'm worried about you!" Motoko quickly shouted back. "What would the others say when they find out that we 'lost' Arai?!"
"Okay Motoko! I'll help paddle then!"
Kaolla took a hold of both oars and paddled fanatically. The speed that they traveled at rivaled the speed of the motorboats nearby. Motoko felt sick in the stomach as the boat went faster then she was ready for. Within a minute the boat was on shore of the little island.
"Ohhh… I think I am sick…" Motoko whimpered. She turned toward Kaolla and asked a question, not expecting an answer. "Where do you get the energy Su-chan?"
"We're here!" Kaolla exclaimed. "Now let's go find Kenichi!"
The island was relatively small. It did not take them long to search most of it.
'It's weird saying this… but I am starting to worry for that pervert,' Motoko thought. 'I am positive that he landed on this island.'
"Hey Motoko! Have you found him yet?" Kaolla asked while looking under a rock. "Nope, he isn't under this rock either! What fun! Hide and go seek is my favourite!"
*Sigh* 'She isn't taking this seriously,' Motoko thought. "Tama?! Where did you come from?"
A familiar 'myuu' noise came from a turtle lying on the boat. Motoko slowly backed away from the little turtle, but after she remembering the turtle's nose for trouble she hurried after it. But she was too late as the turtle bit into the material of the boat and a loud 'phhhhh' noise was given off. Satisfied with her work Tama flew away from the island. Motoko stood in shock at what happened.
"Curse… that… turtle…" Motoko sighed. She looked down as the thought of staying on the island slowly made its way into her mind. *Sigh* "Where is Arai anyway? Eh? What's this… "
On the ground were little spots of blood beside footprints on the sand. Motoko followed the trail and saw that it lead to the ocean.
'He's hurt… badly,' she thought. 'But he must've swam to the mainland anyway. I should've stopped Su when I had the chance.'
"Hey Motoko! What happened to our boat?"
"Tama got to it." Motoko looked disappointedly at the boat. "And it looks like Arai has already left… We're going to have to stay until someone comes to rescue us."
****************************************
"There is nothing like some cold ice cream on a hot day!" Naru declared as she stood in line for ice cream. She had just gone out for a swim with Keitaro a moment ago. Her two-piece swimsuit was still a little wet and clung tightly to her body.
'Hehe… I'm such a tease with this swimsuit,' Naru thought. She recalled the nosebleed that Keitaro got when he saw her come out of the changing room. 'At least Keitaro is enjoying it.'
After several minutes of waiting in line Naru triumphantly left the ice cream store. Her bouncy walk caught the glance of many of the males in the area.
'It's such a great day… maybe I can talk to Keitaro about…'"Hey there pretty lady!" A tall, gruff man shouted.
"You sure are a cute one," the man's buddy said. "Are you here with any friends?"
"What?" Naru looked around nervously. There were four men who were approaching her. Their faces suggested that they wanted something lewd from her. "W-Wait a second here! I-I a-m here with…"
"Yes yes?!" One man shouted. "Friends? Three more I hope."
'Oh no,' Naru thought. 'These men are such repulsive perverts! What am I going to do? … Keitaro!'
Up ahead, Naru could see that Keitaro was walking along the shore. His face wasn't looking up and he had an aura of deep concentration around him. He looked up at the late afternoon sun.
'Kenichi… why aren't you telling us what's wrong?' Keitaro thought. 'You know that I am always here for you. I am sure that the others would be supportive as well. What can it be?'
Naru tried to get around the large guys but they wouldn't let her through. She tried pushing them out of her way but they pushed back with their chests.
"KEITARO!!!" Naru screamed.
"Eh?" One of the men looked at Keitaro. "Could that runt be her boyfriend?"
Another man turned to face Naru and he flexed his muscles. "C'mon babe! Wouldn't you want some of this?"
Naru gave the man a disgusted look. She looked over and saw that Keitaro wasn't paying attention.
"Keitaro! Hey Keitaro!" Naru, in a state or worry, shouted. "Why is he not paying attention to me?"
"Clearly he doesn't think much for ladies like you!" the gruff man said. "I wouldn't be surprised if he swims on the other side of the river, if you know what I mean."
Naru exploded in anger. The insult directed to her Keitaro enraged her. Keitaro ignoring her plea for help enraged her even more. Her eyes flashed crimson fire. Her hair rose in burning fury. With one mighty hook punch she sent the four perverted goons flying off into the ocean. She turned around and dashed toward Keitaro.
"Oh hey Narusega-WAAAAAAAAAA!!! W-W-What did I do this time?!"
Her furious aura increased ten-fold. Naru closed her eyes and raised her nerve-popping fist up high. "It's what you didn't do Kei - Ta - *BAMM* - RO!!!"
The powerful impact sent Keitaro flying twenty feet away. Disgusted and upset, Naru walked away in the other direction. Keitaro picked his injured body off the ground. "What got into her?" He said out loud while rubbing the growing bruise on his head.
"Ara ara. I don't think Na-chan is very happy."
"Eh?" Keitaro turned to face the direction of the voice. "Mutsumi-san? Did you see the whole thing?"
Mutsumi, in a modest one-piece swimsuit, sat under an umbrella, the shade covering her from the sun. Her large, round hat served no other purpose then to keep her hair in place. She kept her legs close to her, using her arms to hug them in. Her eyes were relaxed but awake, suggesting that she saw and understood all that had just happened.
"Na-chan didn't seem to know that you were in deep concentration, Kei-kun. Ara, may I suggest that you two think things over before talking to each other? It has been awhile since I seen her so angry… "
'Wow… Mutsumi seems so…wise,' Keitaro nervously thought. "You're right Mutsumi-san. I… did I ignore her?"
"It did look that way," Mutsumi said. "But whatever was on your mind must've been important."
"Well… I'll take your advice and give some time before talking to Narusegawa. Besides, I got to figure out a way to apology." Keitaro smiled warmly at Mutsumi to thank her. He walked away toward the hotel rooms that they all were staying at, leaving Mutsumi by herself.
'I bet Kei-kun was thinking about Arai-kun.' Mutsumi looked down to the sand. She hugged her legs closer to herself. 'Arai-kun… hasn't been the same. I wonder… I wonder why?'
Mutsumi looked at the setting before her. Children and adults were enjoying themselves. Toddlers were running around and playing with the sand. Teenagers were all about, trying to impress the opposite gender by doing crazy antics in the water. The scenery broke her sad mood. She let a smile go as a tiny boy playing with an oversized beach ball went by her.
"What's wrong, Mutsumi-chan?"
Mutsumi looked behind her and saw a tall man smoking a cigarette.
"Ara ara! Seta-san! How are you?" Mutsumi said happily.
"I'm very good, thank you. Haruka, Sara and I are having a great time," Seta said and then winked at Mutsumi. "I'm in charge of getting snacks… are you okay? Why aren't you with the others?"
Mutsumi looked away from Seta. Her face still showed the false smile, not revealing any of her true feelings. It was no use to hide from Seta she told herself. Seta was able to see through her mask.
"I-It's Arai-kun…" Mutsumi hesitantly said.
"You're worried about him," Seta said warmly.
"So you are aware… that he hasn't been himself lately."
"Yes… yes…" Seta sighed. He dropped his smile and stubbed out his cigarette. His features became more rigid. Something was bothering him.
"Ah… Seta-san?"
Seta took out a fresh cigarette and proceeded to light it up. "Mutsumi, I'll tell you something if you promise to keep it a secret between the two of us."
Mutsumi's eyes widen. What Seta had to say must have been troubling him. She nodded her head, agreeing to the promise.
"It all started when we went out on another expedition back in America. That day we ventured into some caves in the mountains. For the most part, it was easy for Keitaro, Kenichi and I. But then we found some ruins deep within the mountains. Inside was a huge worship site, and in the middle was an old spherical relic."
Seta took in a long drag of his cigarette. He turned away from Mutsumi so the smoke wouldn't go in her direction. "What happened next is hard to explain… Some beast attacked us… It knocked Keitaro out cold first. That's why Keitaro doesn't remember most of it. I tried to fight it, but it was vastly superior to me. Well… I was pretty sure that we were doomed that time, but Kenichi, he did something… unusual. He was delirious! He kept on uttering phrases and sayings that I never heard of before. And then… and then he went up to the relic and smashed it on the floor. I felt sick and passed out. Next thing I know, we were back in the van with Kenichi driving us back. And the odd thing was, he was perfectly normal. I mean… he was just happy-go-lucky Kenichi all over! *Sigh* After seeing what has happened to him recently, I think… the relic had some kind of power or energy to it. Also, he was never this talented as a fighter before. He was always better then Keitaro, but he wasn't as skilled as he is now."
Seta took a last drag of his cigarette and stubbed it out. He was tempted to take out another one but he knew that his wife complained about him smoking like a chimney. He looked at Mutsumi who was holding herself tightly. The expression on her face made Seta think over what he just told her. It pained him to see her like that.
"I'm sorry Mutsumi-chan. I shouldn't have told you all that."
"No, I'm all right. Thank you very much for telling me. At least now… I have an idea of why Kenichi is going through this."
"What do you mean?"
"I knew, when I first met him, that there was something more… to him." Mutsumi thought the situation over quickly and an idea formed. "Seta! Couldn't we get Motoko to get rid of the spirits or energies from Kenichi? She did get rid of the Hina Blade spirits when they took over Naru."
Seta looked at the optimistic Mutsumi. The whole ordeal hadn't been fair to her. She had always been one to care for all and to take nothing in return. And because of Kenichi she hadn't been her usual happy self. She had been like a woman lamenting over her lost lover.
"I'm sorry Mutsumi-chan." Seta, with disappointment in his eyes, looked away from her. "If it was only that simple… "
"Ara… ara… " Mutsumi said quietly.
With gentle intent, Seta placed his hand on Mutsumi's shoulder. He forced a smile upon his face. His posture became casual again.
"I got to go get those snacks now," Seta said warmly. "Just don't think too much about it. I am positive that things will change for the better. And I am sure that Kenichi will get better too."
Mutsumi watched Seta as he walked away. It was getting pretty late in the afternoon and people were starting to come in and change out of their swimwear. She packed up her umbrella and started off in a random direction.
'I guess… I guess I will get better when Arai-kun gets better. Seta-san is right. I should cheer up so that Arai-kun will cheer up!'
*THUMP* "Ara ara…"
"Hey turtle-sister! Watch out for the tea house." Mitsune stood provocatively against the entrance door. Her slouched body suggested that she had been there for a while; waiting for someone. "Are you all right?"
"Ah! Kitsune!" Mutsumi greeted. "How are you?"
"I'm waiting for some people," Mitsune said. She looked at Mutsumi with confusion. "And what exactly were you doing?"
"Ara? I was just thinking," Mutsumi replied honestly.
Mitsune smirked at the response. "Really? You are thinking? I never figured you to be that type of person. Maybe Naru… but not you."
"Ara ara… Hahaha." Mutsumi perked up and laughed. She turned around and walked away saying, "ara ara."
Mitsune stood up from the door and scratched her head. She looked ahead to see Mutsumi trip over her own feet. "What a strange girl. But then again, who am I to judge? I'm not exactly a normal girl either. Anyway… where are those two?"
After a serious glance around she realized that the people she was supposed to meet weren't around yet. In her habit, she shrugged and went into the tea house for a drink.
"There you are!" a stumpy guy with glasses shouted.
"We have been waiting in here for ever," a taller guy said.
"So here is where you have been!" Mitsune said with displeased tone. "I have been outside waiting for you two. Anyway, here are the keys that I promised…" She tossed them the keys. "Catch, Shirai. And now… your part of the deal, Haitani."
"What? No teasing and chatting today, Kitsune?" Haitani joked.
"I'm not in the mood for it," Mitsune replied coldly. She quickly thought things over, 'I guess most of us haven't been the same lately.'
"Quickly give her what she wants and let us be going, Haitani," Shirai said.
"You don't have to spoil my fun," Haitani remarked. "So, it's all been arranged Kitsune. The bar here will allow you a certain number of sake bottles and I will pay for it all later."
"And in return I gave you those keys to a sensational watercraft," Mitsune stated.
"Don't make it sound as though our part of the deal is better, Kitsune," Haitani said. "We are going to return the keys and the boat to you later anyway. By the way, I would like to know where did you get this boat from?"
"A friend," Mitsune said. She turned away from them and sinisterly laughed to herself. 'Thank you Sakata Kentaro,' she thought.
"If you're not going to tell us then we're off," Haitani said as he clenched the keys in his hands.
"Enjoy your hunting, boys."
"And you don't drink so much! My wallet won't allow it, and the bartender won't either! Well later then, Kitsune."
Mitsune watched as the two guys left the tea house. She sighed as she realized how bored she was feeling. She looked around the tea house and watched as the numerous couples enjoyed each other's company. She sighed again as a lonely feeling took over her train of thought.
'I got to get some alcohol inside of me. This mood is destroying me.' Mitsune walked up to the little bar of the tea house. Ever since that summer when all the residents of Hinata-sou took charge of the tea house, business has been thriving. It had been so successful that Haruka-san sold it off to some businessman for a lot of money.
"Bartender, get me a nice bottle of sake please. The finest one you got."
Instead of drinking by herself while watching all the couples flirt about, Mitsune took her bottle of sake and left the tea house.
*Sigh* "It's depressing being me. Keitaro has Naru and I am sure that they are having an amazing time together. Seta is probably relaxing somewhere with Haruka and Sara. The others are probably off playing some fun activities. And then… there is Kenichi… I wonder how that guy is doing…" Mitsune threaded through the sandy beach slowly. Her movements gave away the impression that she was drunk, but that couldn't be further from the truth. She had been sober up until then. Taking small gulps of the sake she wandered aimlessly.
'Keitaro's friend from the west… Kenichi.'
"ACHOO!"
"Eh? Kenichi? What are you doing here?"
Kenichi sat down on the sand; his head moved to see who it was but he did not acknowledge her. He secretly hid from her his wound he got earlier by wearing a shirt. His personality was cold, and made him appear to be in a depressing haze.
'He's sad… very sad,' Mitsune thought. 'It makes me depressed just looking at him.'
"Hey Kenichi! I'm lonely too! You want to join me and we can have some fun!"
"…"
"What kind of a response is that?"
"… Sorry."
"That's better! Did you see Motoko's new swimsuit today? Haha… Naru bought her that two-piece. It's kind of risqué, eh? She sure is a blossoming girl though…"
"…"
"Kenichi…" Mitsune's tone changed from a joyful to warm and caring. Her voice conveyed an emotion that caught Kenichi's attention. She held a pause to let Kenichi know that she wasn't joking around anymore. "… You can't be like this forever. It is a selfish way to live out your life. Not only do you feel unhappy, but you also rob the happiness from those who love and care about you. The way a person acts will affect the happiness of others."
"I…" Kenichi was at a lost of words. The truth behind her words touched him at his very core. Kenichi realized the error in his poor mood and something inside him made him feel at ease. He looked up at Mitsune and smiled.
'A smile looks good on you, Kenichi,' Mitsune thought. 'I feel better myself now thanks to you… '
"You want a drink, Kenichi?"
"Sure. What do you have there?"
"Just some sake. Here, take the bottle. I can easily get some more."
"Thank you very much, Kitsune… for everything."
"Don't mention it. I only want you to be happy again. You're boring when you're not!"
"Haha, okay then."
Mitsune smiled at him. The day was beginning to get better for her. She began to walk away.
"Wait Kitsune!"
"Eh? What is it Kenichi?"
"Would you… would you like to stay and drink with me?"
****************************************
*Sigh* "Some guys get all the luck." Haitani placed the binoculars away.
"You really shouldn't be spying on her like that in the first place," Shirai scolded. "How do you think she would react if she found out?"
"We are on a boat far away from her!" Haitani yelled hysterically. "How can she know?!"
"Fine, fine… but you shouldn't just think of Kitsune. After all, there are plenty of fish in the sea!"
"I guess you're right, Shirai."
"Of course I am right! What do you take me for, an idiot? And look at our good fortune. We have a boat to use! In a couple of hours the sun is going to set as well. *Sigh* we can get a lot of ladies tonight!"
"Well… if you put it that way. I wonder if it's possible for me to meet Shinobu or Motoko tonight?"
"And I hope to meet Haruka-san!"
"You do know that she is married, right?"
"Yeah… but… well…"
"You got to give that up, Shirai. It's not healthy."
Haitani positioned himself in front of the steering wheel. He took out the keys that were handed to him from Mitsune and started the boat. The engine roared to life and the two of them were off on their girl hunt.
"Hmm… where should we go first?" Haitani asked.
"How about that island over there?" Shirai suggested. He moved his glasses around to try to get a better view. "I think I see two girls on it."
The new-model boat took little time to get to the island. It raced through the waters much like a predator hunting its prey. Haitani skillfully weaved around the waves and slowed the boat down as it approached the shore of the island.
"Hello? Anyone here?" Haitani shouted.
"Oh no," Motoko said as she crossed her arms. "Not you two."
"Wow!" Haitani exclaimed. "You're here? I'm so happy."
"I take it that you two want off of this island," Shirai said. "Come! Your chivalrous knights have arrived."
"Yay!" Kaolla exclaimed.
"Hold on a second, Su-chan," Motoko said. "What makes you two think that we would go with you?"
"Do you really want to stay on this island until the water recedes?" Haitani asked.
"No… but… what's the catch?"
"Well… " Haitani eyes sparkled in excitement. "You will have to agree to go on a date with me!"
"WHAT?!" Everyone shouted.
"Yep! That is the only way that I will allow you two on my boat!"
"I rather wait for Kyoto to be destroyed before I agree to that!" Motoko shouted.
"Since when was it your boat?" Shirai asked.
"Is a boat delicious?"
"What a great idea!" Haitani complimented himself. "How come I never thought of this before?"
"I'd rather not go back to the mainland then," Motoko said.
"But Motoko," Kaolla said as she gently pulled Motoko's arm. "If we don't then we won't know what happened to Kenichi."
"Oh!" Shirai snapped to attention at the name. "Kenichi is… hmphhhh"
"Shh!" Haitani whispered to Shirai as he covered his mouth with his hand. "Hahaha, what Shirai was going to say to say was that we haven't seen Kenichi all day."
"Fine… I'll go on a date with you if you take us to the mainland," Motoko agreed. A thought bothered her. 'Why am I doing this? I didn't even do anything to Arai this time.'
Holding up his part of the deal, a very happy Haitani pushed the boat to its limits as he raced it to the mainland. Once they were near the beach, Motoko jumped off the boat and swam to shore. Her worry was expressed as she frantically searched the beach for Kenichi.
'There he is!' Motoko smiled with relief as she saw Kenichi up ahead. Then some other people caught her eye. 'WHAT?! Who are those bikini-clad women he's with?!'
"Now now ladies, I don't know how much I can *hick* drink today," Kenichi remarked.
"Have some more from my glass, Kenichi."
"Arai-kun, drink from mine."
Motoko stared in disbelief. "Kitsune… Mutsumi-san… in bikinis and serving Arai?"
"Um… senpai," Shinobu showed up from behind Mutsumi. She wore a pretty swimsuit with a sarong around her waist. She served snacks on a dish that she held up for Kenichi. "Would you like some of these snacks that I made for you?"
"Shinobu too!" Motoko exploded with rage. She ran up to Kenichi and gave him a hard punch to the cheek. "You pervert!"
Kenichi went flying to the change rooms and screams by females were heard followed by Kenichi's sudden yelp.
"Ara ara"
"Haha… oh! Should I be laughing?"
"Senpai!"
Motoko stormed away from the little party. "Stupid Arai… Getting me all worried like that while he is enjoying the time of his life. How could he be so insensitive?"
"Hey Motoko!" Haitani musically greeted. "So when are we going to have a date? Next week? Tomorrow? I'm free tonight!"
"Wha? Gaah! *KABAM*" Motoko punched Haitani to the boat. "Don't remind me of my mistake!"
****************************************
"At least those guys are having fun." Keitaro looked at them from afar. He turned around and walked to the beach docks that were nearby. After taking in a deep breath of the salty ocean air he sat down and the wooden dock and took off his glasses to clean them.
"Maybe I should get some contact lenses. Narusegawa thinks I look cuter without these things anyway. Naru…"
He looked down at the water and gently dipped his toe into the ocean. "I wonder how she is doing right now."
"I was thinking the same about you."
Keitaro looked behind him and saw Naru. She stood with her hands behind her back, her hair fluttered in the wind. She had changed into her clothes; she wore a loose tank top and a pair of tight shorts. Naru walked to the end of the dock where Keitaro was and sat down beside him. "It's going to be a beautiful sunset today isn't it Keitaro?"
"Ah, yes it will be," Keitaro replied uncomfortably. "Not a cloud in the sky."
They turned to face each other and blurted out at the same time, "I'm sorry!"
Immediately the two of them looked the other way and blushed.
"Narusegawa… do you remember the time we went to Kyoto after we first failed to get into Toudai? This sure reminds me of that time."
"Yes I do! How could I forget? It was the time that we almost…" Naru looked away again as the memory made her blush. "Do you remember the time at Molmol after Seta and Haruka's wedding?"
"Of course I remember! That was the time that we almost…" Keitaro looked up nervously as the memory caused him to blush and sweat.
Naru took Keitaro's hand and placed it on her cheek. She slowly rubbed her face against Keitaro's smooth hands. "Although it was awhile ago, I too, remember that time vividly, Keitaro."
"Will you forgive me for being so…"
"Shh! I forgive you Keitaro. It's not like it's the first time." Naru looked at him with a loving smile. "Do you forgive me for hitting you?"
"Of course I do! It's not like THAT is the first time."
The two of them laughed together. It was an interesting day for the two of them. As they sat there together, the sun slowly fell into the ocean scenery. After awhile Naru stood up and tried to get Keitaro up on his feet. "Come on Keitaro."
"Where are we going?"
"Well… I know this room that we can use…"
"Room? What for…?"
Naru blushed furiously. "Keitaro… it's a hotel room."
End Episode 5
Author's Comments
First off, I DEFINITELY have to apologize for the long wait. *Bows several times* 'Gomenasai!' I'm really sorry. It's exam time for us high school students (some of us anyways) and I have been really trying to boost my average (Got to stop pulling 'Keitaros' ^.^) I also have to apologize for the 'cliffhangers' lately. I hate them myself (especially since I update so erratically ;) But they have a purpose for the story telling, so unfortunately I have to include them (-_-) Sakata Kentaro won't be playing a role in this story, just to let you know. I am planning to get everyone to appear as a cameo or something (just for fun ^^) Okay, big plans now. It will shortly be the beginning of my summer holiday, so that means more time for writing! Expect better-scheduled updates (definitely not another one month plus hiatus!)
BTW – I spell in Canadian English. Not British nor American (^_~)
Until next time – Ja ne!