Episode 2: Veija/Nueva Cara
The school day went by as slowly as ever. By the time last bell rang, Naota's only concern was to get home. He headed down the hall and out of the school doors, but the usually mass of students blocked possible passage. Naota sighed in annoyance and made his way around the crowd. As he reached the school parking lot, something caught his eye. A girl with bronze skin and short blonde hair was leaning with her arms cross over her chest, against a shiny blue VW Beetle. She was wearing a gray-blue uniform and orange sunglasses. Seeming to have felt his glance, she looked over at him. Surprisingly, she smiled and motioned for him to come over to her. Hesitantly, Naota cautiously made his way to the military-looking girl. Stopping about six feet from her.
Naota: ???
Naota's eyes rested on a name plate below her right shoulder. "Lt. Kitsurubami." Suddenly it all came back to Naota. The phone call. This must be her.
Kitsurubami: Nandaba Naota, right?
Naota: Yeah...
Kitsurubami: Lieutenant Kitsurubami. We talked on the phone last night?
Naota: Yeah.
The girl opened the passenger's door.
Kitsurubami: Climb in.
Naota looked around for a moment and shrugged. Without another word, he threw his backpack into the back seat and got into the car. Kitsurubami went around and got in on her side. As she closed her door and buckled her seat belt, she glanced over at Naota.
Kitsurubami: (affably?) So, how are you?
Naota: (doing the same) I'm okay I guess.
Kitsurubami: (as she starts the car) Okay, well, I've got to go pick up a few things before get started. That's okay with you, right?
Naota: I don't care... (thinking) Would it matter if I wasn't?
Most of the ride was spent in silence. Naota just stared out of his window, idly. Every once in a while, he'd glance over at her. She was actually pretty attractive. Then he'd return to the window. Finally, they pulled into a drive through of some sort. The change in speed snapped Naota out of his thoughts, forcing him to look around. They paused a small speaker.
Speaker: Welcome to Quick Pick Doughnuts! May I take your order?
Naota: (thinking) Doughnuts?
Kitsurubami: Yes I'd like 32 glazed doughnuts, 16 chocolate frosted doughnuts, 12 cinnamon sprinkled doughnuts, 10 jelly filled doughnuts, 8 bear claws, 6 white creme-filled doughnuts, 6 strawberry creme-filled doughnuts, 5 black coffees...
Naota quickly lost interest and stopped listening as she continued the massive order of pastries and coffee. The worker in the window had to read the list back three times before he finally got it right. They pulled up to the pickup window. Naota ended up holding 4 full bags of doughnuts in his lap (they put the coffee in some boxes on the floor in the back). Naota glanced over at her with a questioning look in his eyes.
Kitsurubami: (explaining) Coworkers.
Naota was slightly surprised that she was able to answer his question before he had even asked it. He shrugged again and returned to staring out of the window. Kitsurubami smiled and continued driving.
(Half and hour later at the Special Space Immigrations Office)
It took them nearly fifteen minutes just to get past security with the doughnuts and coffee. Despite his own opinions, Naota helped her carry the stuff. He was pretty annoyed by the whole thing, but kept a neutral expression and decided not to comment. The lieutenant paused at a set of double sliding doors and asked him to wait there. She proceeded through, balancing the box of coffee above head with her left hand and gripping the bags in her right. Naota sighed and dropped back against the wall beside the door. After a little while, the girl returned. She handed him a doughnut wrapped in a napkin.
Kitsurubami: I didn't know what kind you liked, so I got you glazed.
Naota: (a bit surprised) Oh... thanks.
Kitsurubami: (flashing him a warm smile) No problem.
With that, she turned a began walking down an adjacent hall.
Kitsurubami: Follow me.
Naota sighed and quietly trailed behind her. It seemed to take forever to get anywhere in this place. With all of the security, long turning passageways, it seemed to be a never ending maze of hallways and sliding doors. By the time they stopped, Naota had long ago finished his doughnut. Naota looked up at the metal door, assuming that this was their destination. It didn't look any different from the other doors. Just a plain-looking slab of metal. The surface was dull with a single, diagonal yellow line going from the top right corner and ending at the bottom left.
Kitsurubami pressed a button on the wall to the right of the door. Swish. As the door opened, Naota took a step back. Kitsurubami stepped aside, giving him plenty of room to enter. The room had four gray walls with a dim light on the ceiling. Cautiously, he went in, stopping short of a large metal table, a chair on either side. The Lieutenant took her seat at the table and asked Naota to make himself comfortable. Deep down, Naota knew it was he way of saying sit down, so he plopped down into the seat opposite of her and let his gaze wander over the room.
Kitsurubami: Okay, then...
From her pocket, Kitsurubami produced a mini tape recorder and placed it on the table. Naota stared down at the little gadget. As his mind wandered, he wondered just how long she had had that thing with her. Suddenly, he felt thankful that he kept his mouth shut for most of the ride.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Well...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: ...
The girl pressed the RECORD button and leaned forward.
Kitsurubami: (to the recorder) These are the accounts of Nandaba Naota, case number: 092256.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (now to Naota) You're okay with this, right?
Naota: I don't care.
He was lying. Tape recorders always made him nervous. Knowing that everything he said could be possibly used against him always made him self conscious.
Kitsurubami: Okay, then... You're files said that you live with your father and grandfather at a bakery in Mabase, correct?
Naota: Yeah...
Kitsurubami: On September 19th, a woman by the name of Raharu Haruhara, also known as Haruko, took up residence in your home. Correct?
The name made Naota's body stiffen a bit. He sat up and spoke in a slightly hoarse voice.
Naota: Yes.
Kitsurubami: Would you tell me a little bit about her...?
Naota thought about this for a moment. What should he say? What could he say? Should he go on about Haruko's crazy antics, bad manners and insane mentality? Should he tell her about all the times Haruko pummeled him with her guitar? About the NO gates? The robots? What was it? What did she want? What was she getting at?
Naota: Umm ... well...
Naota trailed off and fell silent. His gaze began to wander in nervousness, eventually meeting Kitsurubami's, dead on.
Naota: Uh...
Kitsurubami: We can come back to that later, if you want? If you need more time to think about it?
Naota: Okay?
Kitsurubami: All right then.
She flashed him another smile. Despite himself, Naota blushed a bit, then turned his gaze to the floor.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: So... When "Haruko" moved in with your family, strange things began to take place, correct?
Naota: (thinking) That all depends on what you call "strange." (aloud) Yes.
Kitsurubami: Would you care to describe some of these events?
Naota: (thinking) Not really... (aloud) Well, I starting growing... horns...
Kitsurubami: "Horns?"
Naota: Yes.
Kitsurubami: And what became of these "horns?"
Naota: They sprouted ... robots...
Kitsurubami: I see. Would you elaborate on this "sprouting" process?
Naota: Well... It ... it sort of felt like a panic attack and a migraine at the same time... It's... scary...
Kitsurubami: And what happened to the robots that these horns produced?
Naota: Haruko destroyed them...
Kitsurubami: Alone...
Naota: No...
Kitsurubami: Who helped her? You?
Naota: Sort of...
Kitsurubami: Willingly?
Naota: I guess.
Kitsurubami: What caused these horns?
Naota: I... was ... hit.
Kitsurubami: By what?
Naota: Haruko hit me ... with her guitar...
Kitsurubami: Did you object?
Naota: Most of the time...
Kitsurubami: I see.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: As any time, did "Haruko" hit someone other than yourself with this guitar?
Naota: Umm... Yes.
Naota held out on the name until she specifically asked for it. He didn't want to leak anything more than what she asked for.
Kitsurubami: And that would be...
Naota: (thinking) Crap. (aloud) My father.
Kitsurubami: Did he also sprout horns?
Naota: No.
Kitsurubami: Why not?
Naota: I don't know...
Naota remembered what Haruko had said when she returned from her "vacation."
(Flashback)
Naota is sitting on his bed, Haruko directly above him.
Naota: Why'd you come back?
Haruko: Just to see you!
Naota: (mumbling)
Haruko: You're head's the only one that works, Takkun.
Naota: You're a liar...
Haruko sudden lifts her body with her arms and flips don off of the top bunk, landing squarely on both feet. She turns to him, her eyes clear and honest.
Haruko: It's the truth.
(End Flashback)
Kitsurubami: Did you enjoy "Haruko's" company?
Naota: Sort of.
Kitsurubami: And she enjoyed yours?
Naota: I guess.
Kitsurubami: So it was a friendly relationship?
Naota: I guess so...
Kitsurubami: Where is Haruko from?
Naota: I dunno.
Kitsurubami: Did "Haruko" ever happen to mention the reason for her being here?
Naota: Umm...
(Flashback)
Naota and Haruko are sitting together on the railing of a ledge, eating ramen.
Naota: You're always fighting Medical Mechanica, right? I mean, is that your job.
Haruko: (grinning) They took something from me. Something I really want. So, I'm trying to get it back. That's the deal.
Naota: Can you do it?
Haruko: As long as I have you.
(End Flashback)
Naota: Not in detail...
Kitsurubami: What do you know about the Space Police Brotherhood?
Naota: Umm... Haruko mentioned it once...
Kitsurubami: What do you know about Atomsk?
Naota: Umm... He's some sort of space pirate or something, with a whole lot of power...
Kitsurubami: Do you know anything about Medical Mechanica?
Naota: Uh... (thinking) How can I word this? If I say too much, she'll no I was hiding what I knew before!
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: Uh... They have a plant ... well, used to. In Mabase. (thinking) Good.
Kitsurubami: Did you witness the activation of the Medical Mechanica Plant?
Naota: (thinking) Play dumb. (aloud) "Activation?"
Kitsurubami: About a month ago, the plant began to activate. In this activation, a "hand" took hold of the plant, which as you know resembles an "iron."
Naota: Oh...
Kitsurubami: So, do you remember that?
Naota: Yes.
Kitsurubami: Where were you at the time?
Naota: (thinking) I can't lie... but I can't let it all, either... (aloud) I was with Haruko.
Kitsurubami: And where was "Haruko?"
Naota: (thinking) Crap. (aloud) ...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami watched Naota for a long time, at least ten minutes or so. Suddenly, she reached out and tapped the STOP button on the recorder.
Kitsurubami: Are you hungry?
Naota: (slightly confused) What?
Kitsurubami: I know this great restaurant not far from here and you haven't eaten since lunch, right?
Naota: Okay.
Kitsurubami: Okay then.
---------------------
RIDE ON SHOOTING STAR
ORANGE no SLIDE utsusu sora
SPONGE no PRIDE burasakete
SPIDER
kike totta sono yokan wa
kakusanakuta tte ii n da
iro no tsuita yume mitai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
GRUNGE no HAMSTER otona bite
REVENGE no LOBSTER hiki tsurete
SNIPER
fuchi totta sono sekai ni
nani ga mieru tte iu n da
nerau mae ni sawaritai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kimi o sagashite kindanshôjô chû
uso o tsuita
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
---------------------
Haruko: Have you ever noticed how anime characters never seem to get hat hair? Seems sort of bizarre in my opinion... Leave it to modern animation to defy the laws of physics. Next on Fooly Cooly; Episode 3: Kiss of the Dragon!
The school day went by as slowly as ever. By the time last bell rang, Naota's only concern was to get home. He headed down the hall and out of the school doors, but the usually mass of students blocked possible passage. Naota sighed in annoyance and made his way around the crowd. As he reached the school parking lot, something caught his eye. A girl with bronze skin and short blonde hair was leaning with her arms cross over her chest, against a shiny blue VW Beetle. She was wearing a gray-blue uniform and orange sunglasses. Seeming to have felt his glance, she looked over at him. Surprisingly, she smiled and motioned for him to come over to her. Hesitantly, Naota cautiously made his way to the military-looking girl. Stopping about six feet from her.
Naota: ???
Naota's eyes rested on a name plate below her right shoulder. "Lt. Kitsurubami." Suddenly it all came back to Naota. The phone call. This must be her.
Kitsurubami: Nandaba Naota, right?
Naota: Yeah...
Kitsurubami: Lieutenant Kitsurubami. We talked on the phone last night?
Naota: Yeah.
The girl opened the passenger's door.
Kitsurubami: Climb in.
Naota looked around for a moment and shrugged. Without another word, he threw his backpack into the back seat and got into the car. Kitsurubami went around and got in on her side. As she closed her door and buckled her seat belt, she glanced over at Naota.
Kitsurubami: (affably?) So, how are you?
Naota: (doing the same) I'm okay I guess.
Kitsurubami: (as she starts the car) Okay, well, I've got to go pick up a few things before get started. That's okay with you, right?
Naota: I don't care... (thinking) Would it matter if I wasn't?
Most of the ride was spent in silence. Naota just stared out of his window, idly. Every once in a while, he'd glance over at her. She was actually pretty attractive. Then he'd return to the window. Finally, they pulled into a drive through of some sort. The change in speed snapped Naota out of his thoughts, forcing him to look around. They paused a small speaker.
Speaker: Welcome to Quick Pick Doughnuts! May I take your order?
Naota: (thinking) Doughnuts?
Kitsurubami: Yes I'd like 32 glazed doughnuts, 16 chocolate frosted doughnuts, 12 cinnamon sprinkled doughnuts, 10 jelly filled doughnuts, 8 bear claws, 6 white creme-filled doughnuts, 6 strawberry creme-filled doughnuts, 5 black coffees...
Naota quickly lost interest and stopped listening as she continued the massive order of pastries and coffee. The worker in the window had to read the list back three times before he finally got it right. They pulled up to the pickup window. Naota ended up holding 4 full bags of doughnuts in his lap (they put the coffee in some boxes on the floor in the back). Naota glanced over at her with a questioning look in his eyes.
Kitsurubami: (explaining) Coworkers.
Naota was slightly surprised that she was able to answer his question before he had even asked it. He shrugged again and returned to staring out of the window. Kitsurubami smiled and continued driving.
(Half and hour later at the Special Space Immigrations Office)
It took them nearly fifteen minutes just to get past security with the doughnuts and coffee. Despite his own opinions, Naota helped her carry the stuff. He was pretty annoyed by the whole thing, but kept a neutral expression and decided not to comment. The lieutenant paused at a set of double sliding doors and asked him to wait there. She proceeded through, balancing the box of coffee above head with her left hand and gripping the bags in her right. Naota sighed and dropped back against the wall beside the door. After a little while, the girl returned. She handed him a doughnut wrapped in a napkin.
Kitsurubami: I didn't know what kind you liked, so I got you glazed.
Naota: (a bit surprised) Oh... thanks.
Kitsurubami: (flashing him a warm smile) No problem.
With that, she turned a began walking down an adjacent hall.
Kitsurubami: Follow me.
Naota sighed and quietly trailed behind her. It seemed to take forever to get anywhere in this place. With all of the security, long turning passageways, it seemed to be a never ending maze of hallways and sliding doors. By the time they stopped, Naota had long ago finished his doughnut. Naota looked up at the metal door, assuming that this was their destination. It didn't look any different from the other doors. Just a plain-looking slab of metal. The surface was dull with a single, diagonal yellow line going from the top right corner and ending at the bottom left.
Kitsurubami pressed a button on the wall to the right of the door. Swish. As the door opened, Naota took a step back. Kitsurubami stepped aside, giving him plenty of room to enter. The room had four gray walls with a dim light on the ceiling. Cautiously, he went in, stopping short of a large metal table, a chair on either side. The Lieutenant took her seat at the table and asked Naota to make himself comfortable. Deep down, Naota knew it was he way of saying sit down, so he plopped down into the seat opposite of her and let his gaze wander over the room.
Kitsurubami: Okay, then...
From her pocket, Kitsurubami produced a mini tape recorder and placed it on the table. Naota stared down at the little gadget. As his mind wandered, he wondered just how long she had had that thing with her. Suddenly, he felt thankful that he kept his mouth shut for most of the ride.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Well...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: ...
The girl pressed the RECORD button and leaned forward.
Kitsurubami: (to the recorder) These are the accounts of Nandaba Naota, case number: 092256.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (now to Naota) You're okay with this, right?
Naota: I don't care.
He was lying. Tape recorders always made him nervous. Knowing that everything he said could be possibly used against him always made him self conscious.
Kitsurubami: Okay, then... You're files said that you live with your father and grandfather at a bakery in Mabase, correct?
Naota: Yeah...
Kitsurubami: On September 19th, a woman by the name of Raharu Haruhara, also known as Haruko, took up residence in your home. Correct?
The name made Naota's body stiffen a bit. He sat up and spoke in a slightly hoarse voice.
Naota: Yes.
Kitsurubami: Would you tell me a little bit about her...?
Naota thought about this for a moment. What should he say? What could he say? Should he go on about Haruko's crazy antics, bad manners and insane mentality? Should he tell her about all the times Haruko pummeled him with her guitar? About the NO gates? The robots? What was it? What did she want? What was she getting at?
Naota: Umm ... well...
Naota trailed off and fell silent. His gaze began to wander in nervousness, eventually meeting Kitsurubami's, dead on.
Naota: Uh...
Kitsurubami: We can come back to that later, if you want? If you need more time to think about it?
Naota: Okay?
Kitsurubami: All right then.
She flashed him another smile. Despite himself, Naota blushed a bit, then turned his gaze to the floor.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: So... When "Haruko" moved in with your family, strange things began to take place, correct?
Naota: (thinking) That all depends on what you call "strange." (aloud) Yes.
Kitsurubami: Would you care to describe some of these events?
Naota: (thinking) Not really... (aloud) Well, I starting growing... horns...
Kitsurubami: "Horns?"
Naota: Yes.
Kitsurubami: And what became of these "horns?"
Naota: They sprouted ... robots...
Kitsurubami: I see. Would you elaborate on this "sprouting" process?
Naota: Well... It ... it sort of felt like a panic attack and a migraine at the same time... It's... scary...
Kitsurubami: And what happened to the robots that these horns produced?
Naota: Haruko destroyed them...
Kitsurubami: Alone...
Naota: No...
Kitsurubami: Who helped her? You?
Naota: Sort of...
Kitsurubami: Willingly?
Naota: I guess.
Kitsurubami: What caused these horns?
Naota: I... was ... hit.
Kitsurubami: By what?
Naota: Haruko hit me ... with her guitar...
Kitsurubami: Did you object?
Naota: Most of the time...
Kitsurubami: I see.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: As any time, did "Haruko" hit someone other than yourself with this guitar?
Naota: Umm... Yes.
Naota held out on the name until she specifically asked for it. He didn't want to leak anything more than what she asked for.
Kitsurubami: And that would be...
Naota: (thinking) Crap. (aloud) My father.
Kitsurubami: Did he also sprout horns?
Naota: No.
Kitsurubami: Why not?
Naota: I don't know...
Naota remembered what Haruko had said when she returned from her "vacation."
(Flashback)
Naota is sitting on his bed, Haruko directly above him.
Naota: Why'd you come back?
Haruko: Just to see you!
Naota: (mumbling)
Haruko: You're head's the only one that works, Takkun.
Naota: You're a liar...
Haruko sudden lifts her body with her arms and flips don off of the top bunk, landing squarely on both feet. She turns to him, her eyes clear and honest.
Haruko: It's the truth.
(End Flashback)
Kitsurubami: Did you enjoy "Haruko's" company?
Naota: Sort of.
Kitsurubami: And she enjoyed yours?
Naota: I guess.
Kitsurubami: So it was a friendly relationship?
Naota: I guess so...
Kitsurubami: Where is Haruko from?
Naota: I dunno.
Kitsurubami: Did "Haruko" ever happen to mention the reason for her being here?
Naota: Umm...
(Flashback)
Naota and Haruko are sitting together on the railing of a ledge, eating ramen.
Naota: You're always fighting Medical Mechanica, right? I mean, is that your job.
Haruko: (grinning) They took something from me. Something I really want. So, I'm trying to get it back. That's the deal.
Naota: Can you do it?
Haruko: As long as I have you.
(End Flashback)
Naota: Not in detail...
Kitsurubami: What do you know about the Space Police Brotherhood?
Naota: Umm... Haruko mentioned it once...
Kitsurubami: What do you know about Atomsk?
Naota: Umm... He's some sort of space pirate or something, with a whole lot of power...
Kitsurubami: Do you know anything about Medical Mechanica?
Naota: Uh... (thinking) How can I word this? If I say too much, she'll no I was hiding what I knew before!
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: Uh... They have a plant ... well, used to. In Mabase. (thinking) Good.
Kitsurubami: Did you witness the activation of the Medical Mechanica Plant?
Naota: (thinking) Play dumb. (aloud) "Activation?"
Kitsurubami: About a month ago, the plant began to activate. In this activation, a "hand" took hold of the plant, which as you know resembles an "iron."
Naota: Oh...
Kitsurubami: So, do you remember that?
Naota: Yes.
Kitsurubami: Where were you at the time?
Naota: (thinking) I can't lie... but I can't let it all, either... (aloud) I was with Haruko.
Kitsurubami: And where was "Haruko?"
Naota: (thinking) Crap. (aloud) ...
Kitsurubami: ...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami watched Naota for a long time, at least ten minutes or so. Suddenly, she reached out and tapped the STOP button on the recorder.
Kitsurubami: Are you hungry?
Naota: (slightly confused) What?
Kitsurubami: I know this great restaurant not far from here and you haven't eaten since lunch, right?
Naota: Okay.
Kitsurubami: Okay then.
---------------------
RIDE ON SHOOTING STAR
ORANGE no SLIDE utsusu sora
SPONGE no PRIDE burasakete
SPIDER
kike totta sono yokan wa
kakusanakuta tte ii n da
iro no tsuita yume mitai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
GRUNGE no HAMSTER otona bite
REVENGE no LOBSTER hiki tsurete
SNIPER
fuchi totta sono sekai ni
nani ga mieru tte iu n da
nerau mae ni sawaritai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kimi o sagashite kindanshôjô chû
uso o tsuita
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
---------------------
Haruko: Have you ever noticed how anime characters never seem to get hat hair? Seems sort of bizarre in my opinion... Leave it to modern animation to defy the laws of physics. Next on Fooly Cooly; Episode 3: Kiss of the Dragon!