Interlude: Just Who the Heck are these Characters Anyway?
By Jillian Storm
Disclaimer/Author's Notes: Hi. Well, this might be the precursor to chapter 10-but even after all this time I can't claim either the characters or the lyrics I've been using. Since this is a crossover, and while you might recognize most of them, I'd like to take a moment to go through the current cast for you. Some days I forget that people actually read this story, and thought it might be helpful. (and thanks to "passerby" for planting the idea)
One thing to keep in mind. My goal is to take the characters and explore their depths in a universe of my own creation. Actually, in this case, they're just ordinary folk. So while they are still themselves-sometimes their families/experiences/circumstances will be different.
from Fushigi Yugi
Keisuke Yuuki: Kei-kun is my narrator and approaching his 28th birthday. He's working in management at The Tortoise and the Hare, a family-style pet store. At one point, he did have a relationship with Sylvia Noventa; however, his heart quite truly and tragically belongs to Sorata Arisugawa. Keisuke's mom, Miaka and Tamahome are mentioned in passing.
from Pretear
(Pretear is a new anime for me to use in fics. It's a great story where Himeno has super-powers, gets to wear cute costumes and save the universe. All with seven guardians following her around and helping her. That's the cheesy way of putting it. Actually, it's very well done and my roommate who's not really into anime just *loves* Pretear. Yes, the love triangle is legit. And yes, it does sound a lot like Fushigi Yugi when I put it that way, but Himeno has to do all of her own fighting.)
Hayate: Keisuke's current roommate. An artist by night, Hayate works construction during the day (even though he inherited a lot of money, he doesn't talk about that). Hayate used to work for Himeno's father and loves her desperately; although, promises he made in the past are keeping him from acting on those feelings. Along with his inherit insecurities about relating to girls in general . . .
Himeno: Spunky, young, and idealistic, Himeno has the ability to charm the socks off anyone she meets. Consequently, she has the undivided attention of both Hayate and Sasame. Himeno works as a house cleaner and met the Four Doors group after Aya hired her. She knows what she wants, she's just too young to really sort it all out.
Sasame: I also gave him the 'name' Henry/Hank Feist. Always the professional, Sasame just came back after an overseas trip. He works for the Noventa family as a political consultant and writer. Currently, he's advising Sylvia as to her own possibilities. His personal agendas include helping Duo/Kazuma start a band, hooking Keisuke and Sylvia up again, and following through on his own romantic interests with Himeno.
Mysterious Guy from Transylvanian Concubine: Okay, he's a Pretear guy if you don't know him already. Since he doesn't want to tell Keisuke who he is just yet I'd feel bad giving away his secrets prematurely. Soon, soon. I won't let him get away with this Mr. Mystery stuff for long. Can I give clues? Well, he's *great* with kids! And there's the red-striped hair.
from Gundam Wing (I love using GW characters in AU!)
Duo Maxwell: This time, Duo comes in as Keisuke's old friend from high school and drinking buddy. Duo has a non-relationship with Dorothy, started a low-key band with Kazuma/Sasame (he plays sax), works for the local radio station and spends the rest of his time picking up girls.
Dorothy Catalonia: After meeting Duo at the Transylvanian Concubine, Dorothy followed him back to Four Doors and stayed. She specializes in playing pool with Himeno, cleaning up after Duo and watching out for Keisuke (managing to get him addicted to TC on some levels).
Sylvia Noventa: Sylvia and Keisuke were together for a while, but she took the relationship more seriously. They left that friendship on rather crummy terms, but she doesn't seem bitter and has started looking into her own political prospects. Although, it looks like they'll have to interact more if Sasame has his way.
Heero Yuy: The son of a wealthy family friendly with the Noventa's, Heero would rather drive racecars than study law like he's supposed to. He met Duo through intramurals in college and tried to set him up with Sylvia- which led to her meeting Keisuke.
Hilde: Well, she manages Heero's life so he can please both his parents and himself. Pretty much the two of them are absorbed in each other's interests and happiness.
from X 1999
Sorata Arisugawa: He's been Keisuke's best friend since they were little and manages to be Keisuke's chief love-not that they talk about it, ever . . . or yet. Sorata works as a photographer for his sister's magazine and has the least reliable car on the planet.
from Fruits Basket
Ayame Sohma: He found Himeno when he accidentally called a *real* house cleaning service. Ayame helped Keisuke get his feet under him after starting in the "grown-up" world. He's an incorrigible flirt, seemingly having everything under control but misses his younger brother terribly.
from Utena:
Juri Arisugawa: Couldn't resist having her be Sorata's older sister. Juri manages a prestigious woman's magazine, manages to keep her brother responsibly employed, and manages a relationship with Kozue.
Kozue Kaoru: Fills the space as Juri's long-term girlfriend, and supplies "angst" for Duo who thinks she's incredibly sexy.
from Karekano/His and Her Circumstances:
Kazuma: A server at Four Doors, Kazuma went part time in order to promote his band which Duo is a part of.
Miho: Kazuma's girlfriend, she plays with the band (when she forgets to be upset about it).
from Rurouni Kenshin:
Sanosuke Sagara: Sano is a techie for Transylvanian Concubine and helps out with Kazuma's band. He picked up a relationship with Imari.
Hajime Saitou: Sylvia's older half-brother, Saitou is in the military. He distantly disapproves of Keisuke because of his past with Sylvia.
from Himiko Den
Imari: The feisty red-head is the new server at Four Doors. She had an interest in Sorata until that went sour but Sano showed up to fill the void. She can't help being a bit sassy and really dislikes taking suggestions. For being tomboyish, she wears some very girly clothes.
*glances over list* I think that's everyone so far. And of course, now the trouble is I'll probably introduce more characters now and again. *sheepish grin*
Well, for what it's worth. I'm working on chapter 10 right now and it should be up very shortly. In the meantime, if you're looking for new anime-I can't recommend Pretear enough.
***
Keisuke peers over Jillian's shoulder. "He's from Pretear?"
"Yes."
"Which one was he? There were so many guys in that series . . ."
Jillian scratches her head puzzled (he couldn't tell??). "I'm not telling you, silly. And speaking about a series with a lot of guys in it-what about Fushigi Yugi!?"
"Well, yeah-but, none of them are in this story. If he was from Fushigi Yugi, like Tasuki or Nuriko or Tetsuya *grumbles*, I would have recognized him right away."
"Exactly, now get over to that restaurant and have that dreaded conversation with Sorata."
Keisuke pouts, "I'd rather not."
"I know, darling. But it must be done."
"If you insist . . . *sighs* *pouts* *shrugs*."
Jillian gives him a shove, "Go Keisuke . . ."
"Alright, alright!"
***
BTW, Kay. Thank you so very much for you continued support for Half-Baked. Your enthusiasm has really kept the story exciting for myself as well. I'm glad you're enjoying it. I have been.
Disclaimer/Author's Notes: Hi. Well, this might be the precursor to chapter 10-but even after all this time I can't claim either the characters or the lyrics I've been using. Since this is a crossover, and while you might recognize most of them, I'd like to take a moment to go through the current cast for you. Some days I forget that people actually read this story, and thought it might be helpful. (and thanks to "passerby" for planting the idea)
One thing to keep in mind. My goal is to take the characters and explore their depths in a universe of my own creation. Actually, in this case, they're just ordinary folk. So while they are still themselves-sometimes their families/experiences/circumstances will be different.
from Fushigi Yugi
Keisuke Yuuki: Kei-kun is my narrator and approaching his 28th birthday. He's working in management at The Tortoise and the Hare, a family-style pet store. At one point, he did have a relationship with Sylvia Noventa; however, his heart quite truly and tragically belongs to Sorata Arisugawa. Keisuke's mom, Miaka and Tamahome are mentioned in passing.
from Pretear
(Pretear is a new anime for me to use in fics. It's a great story where Himeno has super-powers, gets to wear cute costumes and save the universe. All with seven guardians following her around and helping her. That's the cheesy way of putting it. Actually, it's very well done and my roommate who's not really into anime just *loves* Pretear. Yes, the love triangle is legit. And yes, it does sound a lot like Fushigi Yugi when I put it that way, but Himeno has to do all of her own fighting.)
Hayate: Keisuke's current roommate. An artist by night, Hayate works construction during the day (even though he inherited a lot of money, he doesn't talk about that). Hayate used to work for Himeno's father and loves her desperately; although, promises he made in the past are keeping him from acting on those feelings. Along with his inherit insecurities about relating to girls in general . . .
Himeno: Spunky, young, and idealistic, Himeno has the ability to charm the socks off anyone she meets. Consequently, she has the undivided attention of both Hayate and Sasame. Himeno works as a house cleaner and met the Four Doors group after Aya hired her. She knows what she wants, she's just too young to really sort it all out.
Sasame: I also gave him the 'name' Henry/Hank Feist. Always the professional, Sasame just came back after an overseas trip. He works for the Noventa family as a political consultant and writer. Currently, he's advising Sylvia as to her own possibilities. His personal agendas include helping Duo/Kazuma start a band, hooking Keisuke and Sylvia up again, and following through on his own romantic interests with Himeno.
Mysterious Guy from Transylvanian Concubine: Okay, he's a Pretear guy if you don't know him already. Since he doesn't want to tell Keisuke who he is just yet I'd feel bad giving away his secrets prematurely. Soon, soon. I won't let him get away with this Mr. Mystery stuff for long. Can I give clues? Well, he's *great* with kids! And there's the red-striped hair.
from Gundam Wing (I love using GW characters in AU!)
Duo Maxwell: This time, Duo comes in as Keisuke's old friend from high school and drinking buddy. Duo has a non-relationship with Dorothy, started a low-key band with Kazuma/Sasame (he plays sax), works for the local radio station and spends the rest of his time picking up girls.
Dorothy Catalonia: After meeting Duo at the Transylvanian Concubine, Dorothy followed him back to Four Doors and stayed. She specializes in playing pool with Himeno, cleaning up after Duo and watching out for Keisuke (managing to get him addicted to TC on some levels).
Sylvia Noventa: Sylvia and Keisuke were together for a while, but she took the relationship more seriously. They left that friendship on rather crummy terms, but she doesn't seem bitter and has started looking into her own political prospects. Although, it looks like they'll have to interact more if Sasame has his way.
Heero Yuy: The son of a wealthy family friendly with the Noventa's, Heero would rather drive racecars than study law like he's supposed to. He met Duo through intramurals in college and tried to set him up with Sylvia- which led to her meeting Keisuke.
Hilde: Well, she manages Heero's life so he can please both his parents and himself. Pretty much the two of them are absorbed in each other's interests and happiness.
from X 1999
Sorata Arisugawa: He's been Keisuke's best friend since they were little and manages to be Keisuke's chief love-not that they talk about it, ever . . . or yet. Sorata works as a photographer for his sister's magazine and has the least reliable car on the planet.
from Fruits Basket
Ayame Sohma: He found Himeno when he accidentally called a *real* house cleaning service. Ayame helped Keisuke get his feet under him after starting in the "grown-up" world. He's an incorrigible flirt, seemingly having everything under control but misses his younger brother terribly.
from Utena:
Juri Arisugawa: Couldn't resist having her be Sorata's older sister. Juri manages a prestigious woman's magazine, manages to keep her brother responsibly employed, and manages a relationship with Kozue.
Kozue Kaoru: Fills the space as Juri's long-term girlfriend, and supplies "angst" for Duo who thinks she's incredibly sexy.
from Karekano/His and Her Circumstances:
Kazuma: A server at Four Doors, Kazuma went part time in order to promote his band which Duo is a part of.
Miho: Kazuma's girlfriend, she plays with the band (when she forgets to be upset about it).
from Rurouni Kenshin:
Sanosuke Sagara: Sano is a techie for Transylvanian Concubine and helps out with Kazuma's band. He picked up a relationship with Imari.
Hajime Saitou: Sylvia's older half-brother, Saitou is in the military. He distantly disapproves of Keisuke because of his past with Sylvia.
from Himiko Den
Imari: The feisty red-head is the new server at Four Doors. She had an interest in Sorata until that went sour but Sano showed up to fill the void. She can't help being a bit sassy and really dislikes taking suggestions. For being tomboyish, she wears some very girly clothes.
*glances over list* I think that's everyone so far. And of course, now the trouble is I'll probably introduce more characters now and again. *sheepish grin*
Well, for what it's worth. I'm working on chapter 10 right now and it should be up very shortly. In the meantime, if you're looking for new anime-I can't recommend Pretear enough.
***
Keisuke peers over Jillian's shoulder. "He's from Pretear?"
"Yes."
"Which one was he? There were so many guys in that series . . ."
Jillian scratches her head puzzled (he couldn't tell??). "I'm not telling you, silly. And speaking about a series with a lot of guys in it-what about Fushigi Yugi!?"
"Well, yeah-but, none of them are in this story. If he was from Fushigi Yugi, like Tasuki or Nuriko or Tetsuya *grumbles*, I would have recognized him right away."
"Exactly, now get over to that restaurant and have that dreaded conversation with Sorata."
Keisuke pouts, "I'd rather not."
"I know, darling. But it must be done."
"If you insist . . . *sighs* *pouts* *shrugs*."
Jillian gives him a shove, "Go Keisuke . . ."
"Alright, alright!"
***
BTW, Kay. Thank you so very much for you continued support for Half-Baked. Your enthusiasm has really kept the story exciting for myself as well. I'm glad you're enjoying it. I have been.