Author's Note: The various Japanese phrases scattered throughout this chapter were taken from the lyrics of "Hong Kong Sightseeing", which can be found on the G Gundam Round 5 soundtrack CD. I really recommend listening to the song while you read, since it sets the tone for most of this chapter. I'd like to take this time to thank the people who supported and encouraged me to continue this fic; you know who you are. Sorry for the late update; enjoy!

Disclaimer: Wong's musings on Hong Kong at the end of his lunch were taken from the poem "Hong Kong", by Wang Tao.

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One of the most populated cities in the world, Neo Hong Kong lives up to it's moniker as the 'City of Life'.

This fact is the most evident in the area named the 'Upper District', where people come by the hundreds to purchase or peddle countless goods. Within one of these clamorous shop-fronts, two people strode from booth to booth, in a foreigner's paradise.

Born and raised in Neo Singapore, a city with a bit less than half the population of Neo Hong Kong, Sadira Kreuz was almost overwhelmed by the vastness of the Upper District – the vendors, the crowds, the smells, the noise – all of it.

"Ooo! Look at that red dragon statue! That peacock is so detailed! I've never even seen one of these fish before!"

Wong Yun Fat grinned as his guest gaped at the various wares around them. He had not come to this part of Neo Hong Kong for some time, and it was refreshing for him. It reminded him of his youth, when he would sneak out of school and walk the streets, usually going to all the candy vendors and trying out the various types of pocky. He could get pocky at home, of course, but where was the fun in that?

Smirking, Wong strode over tapped Sadira on the shoulder.

"I take it they don't sell this sort of thing in Neo Singapore?"

Embarrassed by her outburst, Sadira stammered. "I'm certain they do... it's just that I don't get out all that much, and..."

Wong gently put his hand up, still smiling. "There's no need for apologies; you haven't seen anything yet. Come with me, and I'll show you true art."

"Really? I can't imagine anything more intricate than this..."

"Well, you're going to in a few minutes." He grinned.

She smiled, almost shyly. "If you say so, Mr. Wong."

"Please, call me Wong."

Kuwa nakya sonson hara ippai!

Kanton ryouri o hara ippai!

umai mono aru yo! Aru yo!

Fukahire! ise ebi!

Tsubame no su...!

Gaido mappu o miru keredo

o-mise ga doko daka o-mise ga

wakan nai!

Taxi no wan-chan ni kiitatte

sappari kotoba ga sappari

wakan nai!

itsu no manika maigo da yo!

kouban ga doko daka kouban ga

wakan nai!

konna ni onaka wa pekpeko sa!

tonikaku tonikaku

yatai de nani ka katte tabe you!

"Look at the size of these things! They're amazing!"

Looking around the room, Wong was pleased to see that the quality of Mr. Thai's work had not decreased in the time since he had come here. This small shop, nearly hidden from the eye altogether by the pair of enormous buildings that were on either side of it, was the place where Wong had commissioned the figurines of Gundam Fighters that would be used on his chessboard during the 13th Gundam Fight. Although no Gundams graced the shelves or walls, a number of other sculptures did, including a pair of dragons that were easily as tall as Wong himself. Looking over, Wong could tell that Sadira was just as impressed with the marble idols as he was.

"You like my guardians, yes?"

Wong turned around immediately, recognizing the voice of his old associate. Noticing him, Sadira followed suit.

"Well, this is certainly a pleasant surprise. Mr. Thai, how have you been?"

Mr. Thai was a short, rotund man who looked to be in his early fifties, judging by the color of his hair. His face was round and friendly, with all the geniality of any Hong Kong businessman.

"Ah, Mr. Wong. It good to see you again. You not come here for some time."

Wong closed his eyes behind his glasses, knowing that the old man was trying to make him feel guilty. He decided to change the subject.

"Mr. Thai, I would like you to meet Sadira Kreuz."

Sadira, still inspecting the huge dragons, looked over suddenly. She and Mr. Thai exchanged greetings.

"Your work is simply remarkable, sir."

Mr. Thai smiled at her praise, his face growing even more friendly. "I do what I can. We all do what we can." He then turned back to Wong.

"You bring pretty girl here. Pretty girl like her deserve pretty things."

Sadira, realizing what he was getting at, shook her head, already having seen the price. "Oh no, Wong. You couldn't..."

Wong lowered his glasses. "Truth be told, I was thinking exactly that. Name your price"

"Three hundred and ninety two thousand dollars for the pair of them. I give you discount."

Sadira gasped, as the figure was twice what she had seen. She was fairly wealthy, but the equivalent of fifty six thousand US dollars was still nothing to be throwing around.

"Wong, you don't have to.. it's far too expensive..."

Ignoring her pleas, Wong withdrew a checkbook and a pen from his trenchcoat, and crouched on the counter as he scribbled the enormous figure.

"An excellent choice, Mr. Wong." said Mr. Thai. "You want these delivered to your home, yes?"

Wong nodded. When he turned to face Sadira, she had tears in her eyes.

"You jerk! I told you not to buy those! They're too expensive!"

Wong smirked slightly. "Don't worry, I have enough money to pay for those things ten times over." His smirk turned to a full grin. "Besides, it'll remind you of this trip when you go back home."

As the two walked out of Mr. Thai's shop, hand in hand, Sadira was silent, now doubt still embarrassed by Wong's extravagant purchase. Wong took the opportunity to think about the next place on the "tour" to himself.

Now she'll be able to take a piece of Neo Hong Kong home with her. It's only fitting, all things considered. Although, if she isn't impressed with my city by now, she will be by the time lunch is through. A trip to Happy Valley will..."

Wong's thoughts were interrupted when he saw a person standing in the drove of masses that his mind pulled all of his attention to. In the time since he had last seen her, her appearance had not changed much. She still wore the same pink skirt and shirt, the same blue jacket, same white boots. Her hairstyle had not changed either. In fact, it was as if she had stepped right out of Wong's memories of the 13th Gundam Fight and into the present.

"Why... that's Rain Mikamura!" he cried.

Sadira looked over at his outburst, to see him staring intensely at a young woman across the street. Considering his immense purchase, she didn't want to be rude, but she felt a bit insulted.

"Who's she? Your ex?

Wong blinked, then outright laughed, surprised to say the least. Whatever he was expecting her to say, that was definitely not it.

"Of course not! She's from Neo Japan!"

"So, you like the foreigners? That explains a lot..."

"No, no, no! We've never had anything like that!" protested Wong. "She's married to Domon Kasshu!"

His guest's frown turned to sudden recognition. "That guy who won the 13th Gundam Fight?"

"Yes... him." Wong's face hardened a bit, remembering his confrontation with Domon not too long ago.

"I wonder what she's doing here?" pondered Sadira. "Maybe she's buying Domon something for his birthday or something..."

Wong waved his hand dismissively, though he made a mental note to himself to look into it later. "In any case, that's not our concern. Right now we need to get to Happy Valley."

Sadira closed her eyes for a second, trying to remember where she had heard that name before.

"The racetrack? Why would we go there? You want to bet on a race to win all that money back or something?"

Wong grinned his trademark devious grin, lowering his glasses. "You'll see."

Kawa nakya sonson moteru dake!

Burando shouhin moteru dake!

yasui mono aru yo! Aru yo!

Kashimia! houseki! kawa seihin...!

Gaido mappu o miru keredo

o-mise ga doko daka o-mise ga

wakan nai!

ayashii oba-chan warai nagara

Bakku o yama hodo bakku o

mottekuru!

itsu no manika kawa sareta!

hon mono nise mono hon mono

wakan nai!

omiyage kaenai kaenai

doushiyou!

uryuucha kuukou de katte kaero!

The racecourse in Neo Hong Kong christened Happy Valley is unquestionably one of the most popular sources of entertainment in the entire city. A ticket alone costs six hundred and sixty eight Hong Kong dollars. As old as Hong Kong itself, the course is a symbol of wealth and prestige. Run by the most powerful men and women in Neo Hong Kong, most can only guess at how these privileged few people spend their afternoons at Happy Valley. Fortunately for our friend Wong, he is himself among these aristocrats, and owns a private box high above the racecourse. It is here that he has taken his date Sadira Kreuz to eat lunch.

With a Neo English official to the right of her and a pair of Neo Italian tycoons on her left, Sadira felt a bit out of place as she poked at her roast Peking duckling. In contrast, Wong looked perfectly at home as he ate his shark's fin soup. Every now and then he would pause and glance down at the crowds below, sipping at his glass of wine.

Looking across the table at last, Wong was surprised to see that Sadira had barely touched her food. Putting down the stick of pocky he was sniffing at, he propped up his elbows on the table, steepling his fingers before him.

"Is there something wrong?" he asked.

Sadira looked up from her food. Her expression was one of guilt, which puzzled Wong.

"No, it's nothing..." she replied, although her eyes contradicted her words.

Apparently lying isn't her forte...

"Now, now..." commented Wong. "There's no need to keep something bothering you to yourself.... you're not still upset over those dragons, are you?"

Shedding any semblance of finishing her meal, Sadira looked to Wong like a kid who had been caught stealing candy. In stark contrast to the calm demeanor when he had first met her, she looked overwhelmed with all the luxury around her.

"It's just... I don't see why you're going so far out of your way out of your way for me. Just this food I'm looking down at must've cost a fortune."

"Let me show you."

Wong then rose from his seat and turned, gazing out over the edge of their box and down to the crowds below. Intrigued, Sadira rose as well, standing beside him.

Wong gestured to the view. Below them the masses screamed and cheered the horses on, testaments to the power of pleasure and avarice – the two titans that rule the people of Neo Hong Kong. Beyond the racecourse itself, the valley has been altered to allow those at the top levels a glimpse at the mainland and the hundreds of towering buildings nearby.

"This is why I wanted us to eat here. I wanted you to see this view; to be able to appreciate Neo Hong Kong the way I do. Looking down at it from here it's as if this city is all yours. Am I wrong?"

Sadira was too enchanted by the view to answer. Squinting, she could see even the tiny forms of junks on the water. To Wong, this was his victory.

My lone isle displays it's splendor on the sea, with magnificent buildings everywhere to be seen...

Nihao! Nihao! Watashi wa

Okane mochino anata

Totemo totemo totemo suki aru

After they had finished their meal proper, Wong and Sadira departed for Kowloon Park in Wong's red car. Wong had never felt the need for a chauffeur, as he enjoyed the rush of driving on his own, even if his fellow politicians thought him eccentric. Besides, it gave Urube a chance to enjoy himself.

While Wong was keeping his eyes on the road, Sadira was admiring the streets of Wong's city. A bit crowded, perhaps, but truly a vivid and exciting place. It was when she was looking up at the buildings that she saw it – a flash of red between rooftops, too fast for the eye to follow, seen only for a second. As the car continued down the streets she saw the red blur again, going from building to building, always there for just a second.

Finally she couldn't stand it any longer. "Wong, what's that up on the buildings?"

Wong cocked one eye over to her, although she did not see it due to his glasses. "What are you talking about?"

Sadira pointed up, looking out the window to get another look at the blur. To her surprise, it was now gone – or had it even been?

She shrugged. "Never mind. I guess it must have been my eyes playing tricks on me."

Jyazumindii no kaori ni dakare

kimi to notta tsutaberin

Hyakuman doru no yakei no hikari

hoho o yosete miteita

Whereas the Happy Valley racecourse was a loud, bustling metropolis of energy, Kowloon Park was it's polar opposite. Tranquil and immutable, it was a monument to a third force in Neo Hong Kong – a sense of discipline instilled into the people, one that guides them through their lives and shapes their actions. As Wong and Sadira promenaded through the veritable garden, admiring the crystalline images, Wong caught sight of a small number of statues that had been all but destroyed.

A few haven't yet been repaired after that ridiculous incident pulled by the Neo American fighter, but gratefully that's not the case with the majority of them...

While Sadira was busy cooing over a baby tiger, Wong took the opportunity to look for one in particular. At first he was afraid that Chibodee had gotten to that one as well, but he found it near the bottom of the hill where these statues were placed, in a place so low to the ground that even a small child could reach up and touch it.

Wong's glasses slipped down as he gazed upon the swan. In his opinion, it was still by far the most magnificent statue here, though it was one of the oldest. However, looking into it's sapphire eyes caused unbidden memories to surface in his mind – memories that he had tried to put behind him for a long time.

In Wong's mind, he saw clearly a young boy and girl, only five years of age, admiring the swan – a boy not yet hiding behind a pair of sunglasses, a girl not yet... not yet...

Huang....

Finally Wong could stand it no longer. Pushing up his glasses, he strode back up the stairs, never looking back. He returned to the place where he had left Sadira, only to find that she of course was no longer there.

I really should have told her where I was going... great, now I have to look all over for her...

Wong then began his search, prowling around the statues and crevasses, calling Sadira's name the whole time. He was so intent upon his search that he didn't even notice the young woman growing closer and closer to him – an irony in the fact that she herself was too fixed upon her pursuit to notice him.

Finally the two stumbled into each other. Both looked up simultaneously, and both exclaimed the other's name concurrently.

"Wong Yun Fat!"

"Rain Mikamura!"

Wong stepped back a bit, pushing up his glasses again, surprised anew at this turn of events but now determined to get some answers.

"Well, this is certainly a pleasant surprise, if an unexpected one. It's good to see you again, Rain Mikamura."

Rain merely nodded, as polite as Wong was, as the two bowed to each other in the greeting of the East.

"I happen to have lost my... guest. You wouldn't know where she is, would you?" inquired Wong.

"No, I haven't seen her anywhere." Rain looked like she wanted to say something else, but stopped herself. Though Wong searched her face for answers, he found nothing. As he knew he would. Rain was as cautious as Domon was reckless.

"So, what brings you to my Neo Hong Kong? Neo Japan isn't too far away what with the decree and all, but I assume you have another reason for being here."

Rain didn't respond for a few seconds. To Wong, this was proof that whatever she was going to say next was a lie.

"I just came to get out of the lab for a while and see something different. Domon's been spending a lot of time with his father lately, so he couldn't come."

"I... see."

An awkward silence fell upon the conversation, until a shrill cry pierced the air.

"Wong! Wooonnng! WONG!"

Inwardly smiling, Wong again bowed, this time in farewell. "Well, that is my guest. I'm afraid I must take my leave, Rain."

Rain was, as Wong, courteous to the last. "Have a good time, Mr. Wong."

No sooner had Rain left than Sadira came stomping down to them, looking thoroughly annoyed. The sweat running down her cheeks indicated that her search for Wong had been a strenuous one.

"There you are! And where, may I ask, have you been? Cavorting with other women?"

Wong hid his grin, knowing that Sadira was unaware of just how close to the truth her statement was."

"Simply looking for you, my dear. It appears as though we got separated from each other."

Sadira looked up at the sky, the sun barely visible over the horizon. She sighed.

Realizing what she was thinking, Wong shook one finger at her, almost scolding.

"Now, now. You aren't thinking that our fun is already over, are you?"

Sadira looked at him quizzically. "Where else is there to go at this hour?"

"Trust me on this... the best is yet to come."

Ajia no..

... Rakuen...

Hanasaku..

ROMANSU...

Futari no...

Rakuen...

Koi saku..

Hong Kong

Neo Hong Kong has long been known for it's splendor at night. Even before there was a "Neo", people came to the old Hong Kong to revel in the entertainment that this city of neon lights had to offer. During his tenure as Prime Minister, Wong acquired several clubs that he was able to keep even after his fall from grace. One such place was known as Club NiGHTS. Every bit as brilliant as the other nightclubs and karaoke bars around it, within the walls of Club NiGHTS lay a fantasy world so vivid and animated that only Wong could have come up with it.

Sitting at his private table with Sadira, Wong was pleased to see that this place had stayed true to his vision. Waiters dressed in purple garb befitting jesters flitted from table to table with orders, and cooks dressed as fantastic monsters could be seen every now and then. Orange hoops and blue orbs hung suspended from the walls, and they were the most normal looking objects. Others were blatant parodies, such as floating islands and waterfalls shaped to cycle into themselves in midair over and over again. An upbeat, playful melody played the whole while. In all, Club NiGHTS looked as though it had been taken from someone's dream. Which, of course, it had.

Wong had often been asked why he had created this place. The answer was simple. He had done it because he wanted to. Looking across the table at Sadira, who was gaping at the sight of the jesters soaring through the air with an acrobatic grace that would put any bird to shame, he knew that she understood this too. This was why she hadn't asked him. Finally she spoke.

"How often... do you come here?"

Wong closed his eyes, a sight Sadira could now see clearly, as Wong wasn't wearing his sunglasses. This was his own rule. Here, in the grandeur of this place, his glasses were unnecessary.

"Whenever I want to get away from all the boring, trite gravity of the rest of the world."

Sadira nodded in agreement. "I can understand that." Then she closed her eyes, and a few tears fell down her cheeks.

"Is there something wrong?"

When she looked up, she wiped away the tears with the heel of her hand, angry with herself for losing control again.

"My whole life has been just worry after worry after worry. If it weren't for my half-brother, I wouldn't even hold the position that I do today. You, on the other hand... you live in a world of neon colors and excitement, a world you can shape however you choose.... I don't understand why you'd go so far to let me, of all people, into this world of yours. And don't give me that crap about courtesy, because we both know that's not the case."

A world I can shape however I choose... yes, I suppose she's right... with one notable exception.

Wong grabbed a stick of pocky from the glass beside him and used it to point at one of the jesters flitting about the room, currently flying circles around a gaudy, enormous serpent of sorts. "Do you see that?"

Sadira followed the pocky. "Yes..."

Wong then turned and looked directly into her eyes. "You knew without my telling you why I created this place. You didn't need to ask, like so many shallow nobodies have. That's why."

The two leaned forward, closer and closer to each other. Just when their lips were about to meet, one of the airborne jesters flitted over to their table and began making faces at them. Startled, Sadira jumped back, but Wong laughed. After a second, Sadira joined in as well, the sound of their laughter adding more music to the illusionary world of Club NiGHTS.

Chaina doresu no oudaameido

mizu ni ukabu resutaraanto

Yoyaku shite iru koto mo wasurete

yakei zutto miteta

At a time well past midnight, Wong and Sadira, exhausted, took their leave from Club NiGHTS. Though Wong was by no means tired in the sleepy sense - he was more than used to staying out at atrocious hours of the night – Sadira had fallen asleep as soon as she had sat down in the passenger's seat.

It has certainly been quite a day. And it went better than I had ever dreamed it would. Then again, it wasn't my doing in the least. I owe that to my beautiful Neo Hong Kong. Perhaps I may even consider having her stay another couple of days – I'm sure I can arrange it – and going to...

For the second time in one day, Wong's thoughts were interrupted, this time by the ringing of his cell phone. Not wanting to disturb Sadira's slumber, he answered it immediately – but it didn't help, as Sadira's eyes fluttered open instantly. She was obviously a light sleeper.

"Hello? Who is this?" muttered Wong, annoyed.

"It's me, Urube. Who else would it be?"

"Well, what is it?"

Urube's voice was clipped, edged with concern. "Be careful, Wong! Domon Kasshu is..."

No sooner had Urube mentioned the name of Domon that a loud thump could be heard on top of the roof of the car. Sadira looked out and screamed.

"Wong!!! There's a man on your car!!"

"There's a what?!?!" exclaimed Wong, dropping the phone. Sure enough, as soon as he looked out of the window of his car he saw the hated face of the Gundam Fighter glaring down at him.

"Wong! Pull over, now!!!"

"Wong! Watch out!"

Sadira's warning caught Wong just in time, as he narrowly missed running into an eighteen-wheeler. Domon hadn't even been fazed by the close call; he was trying to open Wong's door.

"Are you mad?!?!" Wong shouted.

Domon was having none of it. "I said pull over, now!"

"Isn't that that Gundam Fighter?" exclaimed Sadira, her voice shaky. "I think we'd better do what he says."

Wong gritted his teeth, wondering what sort of game Domon Kasshu was playing. Nevertheless, he couldn't risk any more close calls like what he just had. His car's tires squealed as he swerved to the side of the road and stopped the car.

No sooner had he stopped than Domon leapt down and yanked his door open, all but dragging him out of the car.

"Wong! What sort of evil scheme are you planning this time?!" demanded Domon.

Wong's face was one of rage. It wasn't bad enough that Domon had embarrassed him at that inauguration, now he was harassing him on his private time. But why?

"What are you talking about?!" Wong shouted back. Domon apparently didn't like that, as he slammed Wong against the side of his car.

Inside the car, Sadira caught sight of Domon's red cloak.

It was him! He was the one on the roof....

"Don't play dumb with me, Wong!" cried Domon. "I know about Urube Ishikawa! You've been hiding him all of this time, haven't you!"

Surprise entered Wong's features for a split second, but he concealed in quickly. Even as his mind demanded to know how Domon had found out, his mouth was answering.

"I don't know what you're talking about! Urube Ishikawa is dead! You killed him!"

"Yeah, like I killed you. Stop your lies, Wong!" To accent upon his statement, Domon drew his sword and swung it down at Wong. He stopped his blade a millimeter from Wong's throat.


I know that someone tried to steal the specs for the Ultimate Gundam from the Neo Japan vault, and I can guess who it was!"

Shock entered Wong's angry features, as he had been completely unaware of that piece of information. But he didn't even open his mouth before Sadira was shouting at Domon from the car.

"That can't be true! Wong's been with me all day! There's no way he could have done what you say he did!"

Domon turned to Sadira, although he still kept his blade at Wong's throat. "You don't know this guy... not like I do."

Domon then turned back to Wong, but another female voice interrupted him.

"Domon! What are you doing!?!"

Riding in her small hovercar, Rain drove up to the strange tableau. She looked every bit as angry as Wong felt.

"Domon, what's the big idea? I thought we agreed that you wouldn't go after him again!"

Domon pulled his sword away from Wong's throat, and Wong fell backwards into the open side of his car. Pushing his glasses up, he watched Domon and Rain warily.

"But Rain... there wasn't any other way!"

"Just because he wasn't doing anything wrong like you thought he would doesn't mean you can go attacking people for no reason! I told you that when we cam here! Now you get in this instant!

Domon cast one last baleful look at Wong.

"I know you're up to something, Wong. And I'll find out what it is, you can count on it."

With that said, Rain drove off, Domon in tow. Wong leaned back in the seat of his car, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"What was that all about?!?!" demanded Sadira. "And who is Urube Ishikawa? Wasn't he that nutcase who said he was Dictator of the Universe?"

Wong groped below his seat for the cell phone, and upon finding it dialed the number to his house. Urube answered on the third ring.

"Wong, are you okay? What happened?!??!"

"I think I should be asking that same question..." Wong growled.

Urube's voice was hesitant, as if he didn't want to tell Wong. "You should.. probably get here."

"What happened over there?!?!"

"He... kind of wrecked your house."

"He. Did. WHAT?!?!?!"