Episode 13: Cat Scratch Fever
Naota's sitting on the edge of his bed, his face bent into a stony frown. His eyebrows twitch with rising irritation. On his head, a new (and very unwelcome) pair of cat ears have sprouted
Naota: ...
Haruko: Oh, get over it already.
Naota: Who are you to tell me what to get over...? I don't see anything sprouting out of YOUR head...
Haruko: That's because I'm normal.
Naota: NORMAL? You're a space alien who rides a flying yellow vespa hits random people with guitars ... yeah... THAT'S normal...!
Haruko: ...
Naota: ...
Haruko: ...
Naota: HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GO TO SCHOOL NOW?! I CAN'T SHOW UP LIKE THIS?!
Haruko: I dunno... Wear a hat or something...
Naota: If I keep wearing hats to school, people are going to start suspecting things.
Haruko: Then don't wear a hat...
Naota: ...
Haruko: Aww... you're so cute when you're angry...
Naota tries to sustain his frown, but a very visible blush sweeps over his cheeks. He's losing his resolve.
Naota: Look, you did this to me and I want you to fix it right now!
Haruko: (imitating and answering machine) I'm sorry. Haruko isn't here right now, please leave a message after the "beep." BEEP.
Naota: (grumbling) Weirdo...
Naota sighs and leaves the room, not even bothering to close the door behind him.
Haruko: (choking back a giggle) Oh, come on, Takkun! They look good on you!
Naota: (narrating) after Haruko left, the horns stopped sprouting. I'd always thought that'd be the end of it, but I guess not. I'm not even sure why they are there, and frankly, I couldn't care less... All I know is that I've got two fuzzy ears sticking up out of the top of my head, another burden ... thanks to Haruko... (Pausing to sigh) I need a vacation.
Naota sits in the back of class, counting the number of ceiling tiles while the teacher rambles on about something.
Naota: (thinking) I hate school... Its so pointless...
The lunch bell rings and the class automatically splits up into their usual groups. Naota groans when he remember that he didn't bring a lunch.
Naota: (thinking) What? No lunch, again?! (aloud) Whatever...
Naota puts his head down on the desk and closes his eyes. Looks like another day of going hungry. He closes his eyes and tries to think of something else. suddenly, a voice makes him open one eye and look up.
Ninamori: Well, well...
Naota: Oh, its you...
Ninamori: You sound disappointed.
Naota: What do you want?
Ninamori ignores his question and motions to the desk in front of his.
Ninamori: Is this seat taken?
Naota: No.
Ninamori turns the desk around to face him and sits down. Quietly, she takes out her lunch and gets ready to eat, but stops when she notices that Naota isn't doing the same.
Ninamori: What's wrong?
Naota: ...
Ninamori: Forgot your lunch again, didn't you?
Naota: ...
Ninamori: I always new you were irresponsible, but this is ridiculous...
Naota: Are you finished...?
Ninamori: Here.
Ninamori passes Naota a rice ball wrapped in nori. Naota looks down at it in a mixture of surprise and confusion. Slowly, he looks up at her.
Naota: ...?
Ninamori: Our housekeeper always packs me too much...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: It's not poison, I promise...
Reluctantly, Naota raised the rice to his mouth and takes a small bite. It's actually pretty good. He continues to eat, quietly. Ninamori gives a tiny smile before she works on her own meal.
Naota: Its not bad...
Ninamori: Do want another one?
Before he can answer, Ninamori places another in his had and continues to eat.
Naota: Hey...!
Ninamori: So...
Naota: Huh...?
Ninamori: What's up with the hat?
Ninamori nods to Naota's head, covered by a hat that resembles a long, striped sock. The tips ends in a mass of strings. In truth, that was the only hat he could find in time.
Naota: ...
Ninamori: I mean, you haven't been wearing them... Why all of sudden...?
Naota: (looking away) Its no big deal...
Ninamori: Obviously.
Naota: (suddenly annoyed) What's that supposed to mean?
Ninamori: Nothing.
Naota draws in a short breath, as if to shout, but stops short and holds it in. Ninamori doesn't seem to notice as the finishes of her lunch and closes up her bento box. Slowly she gets up and looks down at Naota. The anger in him begins to fade as they make eye contact. There was something about her eyes, something in them, something indescribable. He just couldn't put a finger on it. Ninamori smirks smugly at him.
Naota: (thinking) Huh?
Ninamori: Its really bizarre...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: ...But it suits you.
With that, she turns and walks back to her own desk, leaving Naota alone to his thoughts. Suddenly, after mulling it over for a minute, Naota's eyes shoot wide open and he blushes slightly.
Naota: Hey! What's that supposed to mean!?
After school Naota walks out to the parking lot, as he usually does. After the last attack, Kitsurubami and been working nonstop, but Naota came out everyday, secretly hoping she'd be waiting for him. Today, he lucked out.
Naota has to use all of his will power not to rush at her. For some reason, he always found her company to be much more enjoyable than anyone else's. He stops short of her car and fighting off a grin.
Naota: So ... you're back.
Kitsurubami: Yep.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Well, then, let's go.
Naota smiles to himself as he heads for the passenger side door.
Kitsurubami: (adding) And bring your friend.
Naota: (freezing) Huh...?
Naota turns and looks back at the school. Pretty much everyone else has cleared out, leaving on a dozen or so people in front of the school. His eyes scan over the faces, until his gaze meets a familiar pair of eyes. Ninamori is standing in front of the school, seemingly alone. She looks so small, standing there like that.
Naota: (calling out) Hey, Ninamori!
She looks up in surprise. Naota waves her over.
Naota: Come on!
Naota and Kitsurubami are sitting in the two front seats, Ninamori seated directly in the center of the back.
Kitsurubami: So, you're Ninamori, right?
Ninamori: That's right.
Kitsurubami: Naota talks about you all the time.
Naota: (confused) Huh...?! (angrily) I do not!
Kitsurubami: So, are you two dating?
Naota and Ninamori: (in unison) NO!
Kitsurubami: Sorry! Just asking, Geez...!
Naota: ...
Ninamori: ...
Kitsurubami: But, you have to admit, it does sort of look like that...
Naota: Whatever...
Kitsurubami: Don't you like her, Naota?
Naota: What?
Kitsurubami: Come on! She's cute! You know you think she's cute...
Naota: I don't know what you're talking about...!
Kitsurubami: Sure...
Naota: What's that supposed to mean, huh!?
Kitsurubami: (choking back a giggle) Nothing!
Naota: Whatever... Look, just drive, okay!?
Kitsurubami: All right, all right...!
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (biting her lip) ...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (eyes tearing up) ...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (breaking out into laughter) Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Naota: !
Kitsurubami: (laughing) I'm... sorry! I can't ... help it!
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (singing between fits of laughter) Naota and Eri, sitting in the tree...!
Naota and Ninamori: (together in disgust) Adults...
Since the park was a wreck they decide to go to the mall. Naota's completely against it, but he eventually caves in. As soon as they get there, Kitsurubami and Ninamori declare a shopping spree. Naota feels his energy draining as they rush in and out of clothes stores, dragging him close behind. When they've exhausted every store in the mall, they give up and head to the food court. Being the guy, as Ninamori explained, he's obligated to carry their bags and boxes.
Kitsurubami suggests pizza, but Naota remembers his last fiasco and promptly refuses. They settle for hamburgers and find a good table near the windows.
Kitsurubami: Its actually nice outside now ... if it weren't for the wet ground, it be a perfect day to go out.
Naota: ...
Ninamori: I guess.
Kitsurubami: Hey, why don't we get YOU some new clothes while we're here, Naota?
Naota: (quickly) No.
Kitsurubami: Aww, come on?
Naota: No.
Kitsurubami: It'll be...
Naota: (cutting her off) No it won't.
Kitsurubami: Killjoy...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Well, we still have enough time to go to the movies after we eat...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: Okay.
Kitsurubami: (smiling) Then its settled.
They finish eating and head over to the theater.
Kitsurubami: (looking up at the posters) So, what'll it be?
Naota: I don't care.
Ninamori: How about that one?
She points to a poster at the far end of the wall entitled "Lord of The Rings."
Kitsurubami: That looks good.
Naota: An American movie?
Kitsurubami: Sure, why not? What do you have against Americans?
Naota: Nothing.
Kitsurubami: I heard its pretty exciting. (leaning down to whisper in Naota's ear) And there are plenty of kissing moments...
Naota: (fuming) ...
Kitsurubami: (laughing softly) Just kidding...
Ninamori: What?
Naota: Nothing!
Kitsurubami: You'll have to excuse him, Ninamori. (quietly) He's a little shy...
Naota: Stop that! I am not!
Kitsurubami: He's just a little teddy bear!
Naota: Are we going to watch a movie or what?!
(In Naota's room)
Haruko: Yeah, it's been pretty uneventful here...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: He seems to have complete control of the gate now...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: No... Not here yet...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Don't worry, he'll be here...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: I don't know that yet...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Okay...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Yes...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Well, there is one other...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: We might be able to use her...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Not really, but its functional...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Probably not...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: No, I haven't picked up anything yet...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: My guess is their looking to complete the circle...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: He's not here right now...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Well...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Right...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Understood.
Kitsurubami: Seems like half of the movie playing time is coming attractions...
Naota: Tell me about it...
Ninamori: I hate those...
Kitsurubami: Who's got the popcorn?
Naota: Not me.
The movie suddenly starts and everyone falls silent. From what Naota understood halfway through the movie, there was some sort of ring that everyone was in a mad scramble for ... or something like that... He was never really into those fantasy storylines anyway. The plot wasn't too bad, but the casting was mediocre at best. For ever good actor there, there was one bad enough to negate the good.
Naota sighs and relaxes in his seat. Kitsurubami seemed mildly interested in the movie while Ninamori was completely engrossed. Naota smiles to himself. He'd have never figured her to be into this sort of thing. For the rest of the time, he picks through the candy bag and finishes off the popcorn. he's not actually hungry, more bored than anything else.
Suddenly, he feels Ninamori move beside him. He looks over at her with mild annoyance, but his irritation is quickly replaced with immediate worry. In the seat next to him, Ninamori's body convulses and jerks, her eyes glowing bright red.
Naota: (startled) Ni... Ni... Ninamori...!?
Kitsurubami: (looking over at Naota) Huh, what's wrong?
Naota: It's Ninamori! Something's wrong with her!
Kitsurubami: (looking at Eri) Oh, god!
Without warning, a long, metal spider leg-like appendage springs out of the girl's head and strikes Naota in the face. The hit sends him over the seats below and into the theater screen. Kitsurubami backs up, watching more "legs" emerge from the girls head. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Each leg had had equal space on the girl's head, forming a ring about an inch above her ears all the way around her head.
The legs flick around, seeming almost out of control as they lift the girl high into the air and make a dash for the door. Kitsurubami is thrown to the side, where she waits for the thing to pass. When it disappears into the hall, she turns and runs to where Naota is now sitting up.
Kitsurubami: Are you okay?!
Naota: (groaning) I'll live...
Kitsurubami: We've got to stop her!
Naota: Right.
Naota gets up and runs up the theater aisle, past many terrified bystanders, into the hall. Ninamori's scrambling around on eight, clumsy legs, literally, knocking over the concession stand. Naota rushes over to her, careful not to get hit by the flailing metal stilts.
Naota: Ninamori!
The Ninamori-Bot doesn't answer, or acknowledge his presence for that matter. As it tries to walk away, Naota cuts around in front of hit, blocking its path.
Naota: Ninamori! calm down! I'll help you!
Suddenly, the sound of shattering glass echoes through the entire mall, followed by the sound of a roaring vespa.
Haruko: YYEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAA!!!
Haruko comes speeding down the main hall with three dozen agent-looking men in hot pursuit. As always, she has that same devilish grin on her face.
The Ninamori-Bot turns and clamors away from the pink haired biker, as if in fear. Naota, forgetting himself, leaps at the girl, wrapping his arms around her waist. He could feel her body bobbing to the jagged steps of the metal spider legs.
Haruko quickly catches up, spinning her guitar above her head with one hand and steering her vespa with the other.
Haruko: LAUNCH TIME!
She brings the guitar down, nearly pulverizing Ninamori were it not for Naota blocking it with his foot. Haruko swings again and again, but for every swing, Naota blocks it before she can make contact.
Haruko: Takkun?! What are you doing?!
Naota: Haruko stop it! WWAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
They hit a bump in their path and the jolt sends Naota falling away. He barely manages to grab onto the back of Haruko's vespa before he hits the ground. With great effort, he pulls himself up behind her and holds on.
Naota: Haruko, we have to help Ninamori!
Haruko: Why do you have to be so difficult?
Naota: (desperately) Please?!
Haruko: Fine, we'll do it you're way!
Naota: ...!
Haruko: So, do you even have a plan?
Naota: Just get me a little closer!
Haruko twists the handle bars a little more and pushes the pedals as far as they'd go. The vespa sputtered and roared under the extra effort. The who bike jumped as it boosted up and closed the distance between them. Seeing his opportunity, Naota jumps over Haruko and latches himself onto Ninamori. He looks back at Haruko.
Naota: Haruko, grab me!
A light bulb comes on in Haruko's head and she suddenly realizes what he trying to do. Swing her guitar at him, she snags his foot with the strap. Naota holds on a tightly as he can before Haruko veers sharply to the right. The sudden jerk makes Naota cry out in surprise, followed by a loud popping sound. Out of Ninamori's head, the rest of the robot emerges, having been freed from its cranial prison. Naota lands in a nearby indoor fountain with an unconscious Ninamori on his chest. Slowly, he sits up, careful not to drop her. Haruko pulls up beside him.
Haruko: It's getting away!
Agent: That's the least of your worries! Hands above your heads, now!
The agents that had been chasing Haruko were now surrounding them from every angle. Naota's face warps in an expression of shock as he looks around. Haruko just sits there, he face covered by her pink hair. Soft chuckles float up from her grinning mouth.
Haruko: (quietly) You might want to duck for this one, Takkun...
Suddenly, the agents open fire, sending a barrage of bullets from all directions. Naota drops to the floor, shielding Ninamori with his body. Haruko, whips out her guitar and shoots back, blowing five of the men away. She dodges in a zigzag pattern and shoots again. Naota had seen her fight plenty of times, but he had never seen her like this. It sort of reminded him of a Jon Wu film he'd seen. He cringes as more bullets pass, barely missing him.
Naota: Haruko!
Six of the men try to rush her, but she blasts them back with no problem.
Haruko: Ha, too easy!
Another three came from behind, but she batted them away with her guitar. Having a free split second, she calls skyward.
Haruko: Hey, Canti!
The human robot almost immediately crashes down through the ceiling, ready for action.
Haruko: Get them outta here!
With a nod, Canti scoops up Naota and Ninamori and rockets back through the whole in the ceiling. Naota looks up at Canti.
Naota: Hey, Canti! Take Ninamori home! I've got something to do!
Canti: (nodding) ...
Naota crawls out of the robot's grasp and jumps into the air. Pulling out his guitar, he easily starts it up and rides away, toward the retreating enemy robot.
Naota: (thinking) I think that thing was headed in this direction...
A gentle movement under his hat makes Naota jump. A furry face looks down from above, its whiskers tickling his face.
Cat: Na?
Naota: What?! What are you doing in there?
Cat: Na.
Naota: Whatever...
An explosion from below catches Naota's attention. Surely enough, the eight-legged robot was kicking over buildings and blowing up cars with its crane-necked laser gun.
Naota: There!
In midair, Naota pulls his guitar out from under him, holding it like a baseball bat. He stalled, then began to fall toward Earth. the wind whipped his clothes around him, beating in his ears like a drum. He could feel the tears from the air welling up in his eyes. At the last second before impact, Naota slams the guitar directly on top of the robot. The force blows the metal spider down and out. Its legs splay out around its body and begin to twitch. Naota steps back and watches as the robot convulses slightly.
Haruko: Good job, Takkun!
Haruko rides up behind him and stops. Naota doesn't move as she walks over to him and puts an arm around him, proudly.
Haruko: You know, you're getting go at this! There might be hope for you yet...!
The body of the mechanical spider slides open and a pair of "mandibles" shoot out. They latch onto Naota's head and begin to violently yank him toward it.
Naota: WWWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!
Cat: NNNNAAAAAAAA!
Haruko: Takkun!
Haruko grabs onto his ankles and pulls hard against the robot. They play tug of war for a few seconds before Naota is finally released from the robot's hold with a loud "POP." They both fall back on top of each other. Naota struggles to stand and rubs his sore head.
Naota: (thinking) Huh? The ... the cat... Its gone! It ate the cat!
Naota looks up just in time to see the cat disappear into the robot.
Cat: NAAAA!
After the robot's body closes around the cat, it begins to tremble and shake, unlike its twitching and convulsing. Slowly, its metallic body begins to morph, its smooth light gray surface growing significantly darker. The body bloats up and the legs intertwine in pairs, forming four, thicker limbs.
Haruko: Assimilation...?
The transforming robot stands up on its hind legs as a fat head, resembling that of a cat, rises from its "shoulders."
Robot: NA.
Naota: Huh?!
Haruko: Uh...
Robot: NA!
The robot, that now looks like a giant metal cat standing upright, takes one iron paw and strikes out at Naota and Haruko. They dodge to either side. Naota recovers quickly and strikes back. The Robo-kitty bats him away and pushes him into the ground. Haruko rushes up from behind and deals him a blow to the back of the head, knocking him off balance.
Naota gets up and scrambles between the cat's legs. The cat tries to grab him, but Naota much to small and much to agile for him get a grip on. Standing beside the robot's leg, Naota bashes in the surface, causing the entire robot to fall to a kneeling position.
Haruko: Takkun! Let's finish it!
Naota: Right!
Naota and Haruko run alongside each other, stride for stride, in complete unison. Step for step they rush at the metal monster. Haruko holds her guitar at her left, Naota at his right. They both volt into the air, each a reflection of the other. Exact. Perfect. Both guitars hit their mark with equal force, a perfect match.
The robot goes down and erupts into a cloud of flames. Naota and Haruko fly back onto the ground, their close and skin smeared gray with the ash and smoke.
Naota: (cough) Great...
Haruko: That's that!
Naota: I'm all dirty...
Cat: (from above) NNNNNNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Haruko: In coming! Clear for landing!
Naota drops his guitar and rushes over the asphalt, arms outstretched. He dives forward just in time to catch the tiny feline, safely.
Haruko: Touchdown!
Naota: (thinking) Football?
Haruko: Nice catch Takkun!
Naota: (sitting up) ...
Haruko: I guess we'd better get out of here, before the police come... Come on Takkun, let's go home!
Haruko begins to walk off, but stops when she realizes that Naota isn't following her. She looks back to see him sleeping soundly, still in a sitting position with the cat in his arms. She smiles softly.
Haruko: (quietly) Yeah... I guess you're still just a kid, Takkun...
---------------------
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: When the director asked the Pillows for some sample music for the soundtrack of Fooly Cooly, they practically threw their collective material at him saying "Take it, take it all!" Funnily enough, Tsurumaki says that he doubts that their expose in Fooly Cooly would actually help them out. Shows how much he knows! Next, on Fooly Cooly: Episode 14: Bullets and Butterflies!
Naota's sitting on the edge of his bed, his face bent into a stony frown. His eyebrows twitch with rising irritation. On his head, a new (and very unwelcome) pair of cat ears have sprouted
Naota: ...
Haruko: Oh, get over it already.
Naota: Who are you to tell me what to get over...? I don't see anything sprouting out of YOUR head...
Haruko: That's because I'm normal.
Naota: NORMAL? You're a space alien who rides a flying yellow vespa hits random people with guitars ... yeah... THAT'S normal...!
Haruko: ...
Naota: ...
Haruko: ...
Naota: HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GO TO SCHOOL NOW?! I CAN'T SHOW UP LIKE THIS?!
Haruko: I dunno... Wear a hat or something...
Naota: If I keep wearing hats to school, people are going to start suspecting things.
Haruko: Then don't wear a hat...
Naota: ...
Haruko: Aww... you're so cute when you're angry...
Naota tries to sustain his frown, but a very visible blush sweeps over his cheeks. He's losing his resolve.
Naota: Look, you did this to me and I want you to fix it right now!
Haruko: (imitating and answering machine) I'm sorry. Haruko isn't here right now, please leave a message after the "beep." BEEP.
Naota: (grumbling) Weirdo...
Naota sighs and leaves the room, not even bothering to close the door behind him.
Haruko: (choking back a giggle) Oh, come on, Takkun! They look good on you!
Naota: (narrating) after Haruko left, the horns stopped sprouting. I'd always thought that'd be the end of it, but I guess not. I'm not even sure why they are there, and frankly, I couldn't care less... All I know is that I've got two fuzzy ears sticking up out of the top of my head, another burden ... thanks to Haruko... (Pausing to sigh) I need a vacation.
Naota sits in the back of class, counting the number of ceiling tiles while the teacher rambles on about something.
Naota: (thinking) I hate school... Its so pointless...
The lunch bell rings and the class automatically splits up into their usual groups. Naota groans when he remember that he didn't bring a lunch.
Naota: (thinking) What? No lunch, again?! (aloud) Whatever...
Naota puts his head down on the desk and closes his eyes. Looks like another day of going hungry. He closes his eyes and tries to think of something else. suddenly, a voice makes him open one eye and look up.
Ninamori: Well, well...
Naota: Oh, its you...
Ninamori: You sound disappointed.
Naota: What do you want?
Ninamori ignores his question and motions to the desk in front of his.
Ninamori: Is this seat taken?
Naota: No.
Ninamori turns the desk around to face him and sits down. Quietly, she takes out her lunch and gets ready to eat, but stops when she notices that Naota isn't doing the same.
Ninamori: What's wrong?
Naota: ...
Ninamori: Forgot your lunch again, didn't you?
Naota: ...
Ninamori: I always new you were irresponsible, but this is ridiculous...
Naota: Are you finished...?
Ninamori: Here.
Ninamori passes Naota a rice ball wrapped in nori. Naota looks down at it in a mixture of surprise and confusion. Slowly, he looks up at her.
Naota: ...?
Ninamori: Our housekeeper always packs me too much...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: It's not poison, I promise...
Reluctantly, Naota raised the rice to his mouth and takes a small bite. It's actually pretty good. He continues to eat, quietly. Ninamori gives a tiny smile before she works on her own meal.
Naota: Its not bad...
Ninamori: Do want another one?
Before he can answer, Ninamori places another in his had and continues to eat.
Naota: Hey...!
Ninamori: So...
Naota: Huh...?
Ninamori: What's up with the hat?
Ninamori nods to Naota's head, covered by a hat that resembles a long, striped sock. The tips ends in a mass of strings. In truth, that was the only hat he could find in time.
Naota: ...
Ninamori: I mean, you haven't been wearing them... Why all of sudden...?
Naota: (looking away) Its no big deal...
Ninamori: Obviously.
Naota: (suddenly annoyed) What's that supposed to mean?
Ninamori: Nothing.
Naota draws in a short breath, as if to shout, but stops short and holds it in. Ninamori doesn't seem to notice as the finishes of her lunch and closes up her bento box. Slowly she gets up and looks down at Naota. The anger in him begins to fade as they make eye contact. There was something about her eyes, something in them, something indescribable. He just couldn't put a finger on it. Ninamori smirks smugly at him.
Naota: (thinking) Huh?
Ninamori: Its really bizarre...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: ...But it suits you.
With that, she turns and walks back to her own desk, leaving Naota alone to his thoughts. Suddenly, after mulling it over for a minute, Naota's eyes shoot wide open and he blushes slightly.
Naota: Hey! What's that supposed to mean!?
After school Naota walks out to the parking lot, as he usually does. After the last attack, Kitsurubami and been working nonstop, but Naota came out everyday, secretly hoping she'd be waiting for him. Today, he lucked out.
Naota has to use all of his will power not to rush at her. For some reason, he always found her company to be much more enjoyable than anyone else's. He stops short of her car and fighting off a grin.
Naota: So ... you're back.
Kitsurubami: Yep.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Well, then, let's go.
Naota smiles to himself as he heads for the passenger side door.
Kitsurubami: (adding) And bring your friend.
Naota: (freezing) Huh...?
Naota turns and looks back at the school. Pretty much everyone else has cleared out, leaving on a dozen or so people in front of the school. His eyes scan over the faces, until his gaze meets a familiar pair of eyes. Ninamori is standing in front of the school, seemingly alone. She looks so small, standing there like that.
Naota: (calling out) Hey, Ninamori!
She looks up in surprise. Naota waves her over.
Naota: Come on!
Naota and Kitsurubami are sitting in the two front seats, Ninamori seated directly in the center of the back.
Kitsurubami: So, you're Ninamori, right?
Ninamori: That's right.
Kitsurubami: Naota talks about you all the time.
Naota: (confused) Huh...?! (angrily) I do not!
Kitsurubami: So, are you two dating?
Naota and Ninamori: (in unison) NO!
Kitsurubami: Sorry! Just asking, Geez...!
Naota: ...
Ninamori: ...
Kitsurubami: But, you have to admit, it does sort of look like that...
Naota: Whatever...
Kitsurubami: Don't you like her, Naota?
Naota: What?
Kitsurubami: Come on! She's cute! You know you think she's cute...
Naota: I don't know what you're talking about...!
Kitsurubami: Sure...
Naota: What's that supposed to mean, huh!?
Kitsurubami: (choking back a giggle) Nothing!
Naota: Whatever... Look, just drive, okay!?
Kitsurubami: All right, all right...!
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (biting her lip) ...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (eyes tearing up) ...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (breaking out into laughter) Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Naota: !
Kitsurubami: (laughing) I'm... sorry! I can't ... help it!
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: (singing between fits of laughter) Naota and Eri, sitting in the tree...!
Naota and Ninamori: (together in disgust) Adults...
Since the park was a wreck they decide to go to the mall. Naota's completely against it, but he eventually caves in. As soon as they get there, Kitsurubami and Ninamori declare a shopping spree. Naota feels his energy draining as they rush in and out of clothes stores, dragging him close behind. When they've exhausted every store in the mall, they give up and head to the food court. Being the guy, as Ninamori explained, he's obligated to carry their bags and boxes.
Kitsurubami suggests pizza, but Naota remembers his last fiasco and promptly refuses. They settle for hamburgers and find a good table near the windows.
Kitsurubami: Its actually nice outside now ... if it weren't for the wet ground, it be a perfect day to go out.
Naota: ...
Ninamori: I guess.
Kitsurubami: Hey, why don't we get YOU some new clothes while we're here, Naota?
Naota: (quickly) No.
Kitsurubami: Aww, come on?
Naota: No.
Kitsurubami: It'll be...
Naota: (cutting her off) No it won't.
Kitsurubami: Killjoy...
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Well, we still have enough time to go to the movies after we eat...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: Okay.
Kitsurubami: (smiling) Then its settled.
They finish eating and head over to the theater.
Kitsurubami: (looking up at the posters) So, what'll it be?
Naota: I don't care.
Ninamori: How about that one?
She points to a poster at the far end of the wall entitled "Lord of The Rings."
Kitsurubami: That looks good.
Naota: An American movie?
Kitsurubami: Sure, why not? What do you have against Americans?
Naota: Nothing.
Kitsurubami: I heard its pretty exciting. (leaning down to whisper in Naota's ear) And there are plenty of kissing moments...
Naota: (fuming) ...
Kitsurubami: (laughing softly) Just kidding...
Ninamori: What?
Naota: Nothing!
Kitsurubami: You'll have to excuse him, Ninamori. (quietly) He's a little shy...
Naota: Stop that! I am not!
Kitsurubami: He's just a little teddy bear!
Naota: Are we going to watch a movie or what?!
(In Naota's room)
Haruko: Yeah, it's been pretty uneventful here...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: He seems to have complete control of the gate now...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: No... Not here yet...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Don't worry, he'll be here...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: I don't know that yet...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Okay...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Yes...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Well, there is one other...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: We might be able to use her...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Not really, but its functional...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Probably not...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: No, I haven't picked up anything yet...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: My guess is their looking to complete the circle...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: He's not here right now...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Well...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Right...
Miyu Miyu: ...
Haruko: Understood.
Kitsurubami: Seems like half of the movie playing time is coming attractions...
Naota: Tell me about it...
Ninamori: I hate those...
Kitsurubami: Who's got the popcorn?
Naota: Not me.
The movie suddenly starts and everyone falls silent. From what Naota understood halfway through the movie, there was some sort of ring that everyone was in a mad scramble for ... or something like that... He was never really into those fantasy storylines anyway. The plot wasn't too bad, but the casting was mediocre at best. For ever good actor there, there was one bad enough to negate the good.
Naota sighs and relaxes in his seat. Kitsurubami seemed mildly interested in the movie while Ninamori was completely engrossed. Naota smiles to himself. He'd have never figured her to be into this sort of thing. For the rest of the time, he picks through the candy bag and finishes off the popcorn. he's not actually hungry, more bored than anything else.
Suddenly, he feels Ninamori move beside him. He looks over at her with mild annoyance, but his irritation is quickly replaced with immediate worry. In the seat next to him, Ninamori's body convulses and jerks, her eyes glowing bright red.
Naota: (startled) Ni... Ni... Ninamori...!?
Kitsurubami: (looking over at Naota) Huh, what's wrong?
Naota: It's Ninamori! Something's wrong with her!
Kitsurubami: (looking at Eri) Oh, god!
Without warning, a long, metal spider leg-like appendage springs out of the girl's head and strikes Naota in the face. The hit sends him over the seats below and into the theater screen. Kitsurubami backs up, watching more "legs" emerge from the girls head. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Each leg had had equal space on the girl's head, forming a ring about an inch above her ears all the way around her head.
The legs flick around, seeming almost out of control as they lift the girl high into the air and make a dash for the door. Kitsurubami is thrown to the side, where she waits for the thing to pass. When it disappears into the hall, she turns and runs to where Naota is now sitting up.
Kitsurubami: Are you okay?!
Naota: (groaning) I'll live...
Kitsurubami: We've got to stop her!
Naota: Right.
Naota gets up and runs up the theater aisle, past many terrified bystanders, into the hall. Ninamori's scrambling around on eight, clumsy legs, literally, knocking over the concession stand. Naota rushes over to her, careful not to get hit by the flailing metal stilts.
Naota: Ninamori!
The Ninamori-Bot doesn't answer, or acknowledge his presence for that matter. As it tries to walk away, Naota cuts around in front of hit, blocking its path.
Naota: Ninamori! calm down! I'll help you!
Suddenly, the sound of shattering glass echoes through the entire mall, followed by the sound of a roaring vespa.
Haruko: YYEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAA!!!
Haruko comes speeding down the main hall with three dozen agent-looking men in hot pursuit. As always, she has that same devilish grin on her face.
The Ninamori-Bot turns and clamors away from the pink haired biker, as if in fear. Naota, forgetting himself, leaps at the girl, wrapping his arms around her waist. He could feel her body bobbing to the jagged steps of the metal spider legs.
Haruko quickly catches up, spinning her guitar above her head with one hand and steering her vespa with the other.
Haruko: LAUNCH TIME!
She brings the guitar down, nearly pulverizing Ninamori were it not for Naota blocking it with his foot. Haruko swings again and again, but for every swing, Naota blocks it before she can make contact.
Haruko: Takkun?! What are you doing?!
Naota: Haruko stop it! WWAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
They hit a bump in their path and the jolt sends Naota falling away. He barely manages to grab onto the back of Haruko's vespa before he hits the ground. With great effort, he pulls himself up behind her and holds on.
Naota: Haruko, we have to help Ninamori!
Haruko: Why do you have to be so difficult?
Naota: (desperately) Please?!
Haruko: Fine, we'll do it you're way!
Naota: ...!
Haruko: So, do you even have a plan?
Naota: Just get me a little closer!
Haruko twists the handle bars a little more and pushes the pedals as far as they'd go. The vespa sputtered and roared under the extra effort. The who bike jumped as it boosted up and closed the distance between them. Seeing his opportunity, Naota jumps over Haruko and latches himself onto Ninamori. He looks back at Haruko.
Naota: Haruko, grab me!
A light bulb comes on in Haruko's head and she suddenly realizes what he trying to do. Swing her guitar at him, she snags his foot with the strap. Naota holds on a tightly as he can before Haruko veers sharply to the right. The sudden jerk makes Naota cry out in surprise, followed by a loud popping sound. Out of Ninamori's head, the rest of the robot emerges, having been freed from its cranial prison. Naota lands in a nearby indoor fountain with an unconscious Ninamori on his chest. Slowly, he sits up, careful not to drop her. Haruko pulls up beside him.
Haruko: It's getting away!
Agent: That's the least of your worries! Hands above your heads, now!
The agents that had been chasing Haruko were now surrounding them from every angle. Naota's face warps in an expression of shock as he looks around. Haruko just sits there, he face covered by her pink hair. Soft chuckles float up from her grinning mouth.
Haruko: (quietly) You might want to duck for this one, Takkun...
Suddenly, the agents open fire, sending a barrage of bullets from all directions. Naota drops to the floor, shielding Ninamori with his body. Haruko, whips out her guitar and shoots back, blowing five of the men away. She dodges in a zigzag pattern and shoots again. Naota had seen her fight plenty of times, but he had never seen her like this. It sort of reminded him of a Jon Wu film he'd seen. He cringes as more bullets pass, barely missing him.
Naota: Haruko!
Six of the men try to rush her, but she blasts them back with no problem.
Haruko: Ha, too easy!
Another three came from behind, but she batted them away with her guitar. Having a free split second, she calls skyward.
Haruko: Hey, Canti!
The human robot almost immediately crashes down through the ceiling, ready for action.
Haruko: Get them outta here!
With a nod, Canti scoops up Naota and Ninamori and rockets back through the whole in the ceiling. Naota looks up at Canti.
Naota: Hey, Canti! Take Ninamori home! I've got something to do!
Canti: (nodding) ...
Naota crawls out of the robot's grasp and jumps into the air. Pulling out his guitar, he easily starts it up and rides away, toward the retreating enemy robot.
Naota: (thinking) I think that thing was headed in this direction...
A gentle movement under his hat makes Naota jump. A furry face looks down from above, its whiskers tickling his face.
Cat: Na?
Naota: What?! What are you doing in there?
Cat: Na.
Naota: Whatever...
An explosion from below catches Naota's attention. Surely enough, the eight-legged robot was kicking over buildings and blowing up cars with its crane-necked laser gun.
Naota: There!
In midair, Naota pulls his guitar out from under him, holding it like a baseball bat. He stalled, then began to fall toward Earth. the wind whipped his clothes around him, beating in his ears like a drum. He could feel the tears from the air welling up in his eyes. At the last second before impact, Naota slams the guitar directly on top of the robot. The force blows the metal spider down and out. Its legs splay out around its body and begin to twitch. Naota steps back and watches as the robot convulses slightly.
Haruko: Good job, Takkun!
Haruko rides up behind him and stops. Naota doesn't move as she walks over to him and puts an arm around him, proudly.
Haruko: You know, you're getting go at this! There might be hope for you yet...!
The body of the mechanical spider slides open and a pair of "mandibles" shoot out. They latch onto Naota's head and begin to violently yank him toward it.
Naota: WWWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!
Cat: NNNNAAAAAAAA!
Haruko: Takkun!
Haruko grabs onto his ankles and pulls hard against the robot. They play tug of war for a few seconds before Naota is finally released from the robot's hold with a loud "POP." They both fall back on top of each other. Naota struggles to stand and rubs his sore head.
Naota: (thinking) Huh? The ... the cat... Its gone! It ate the cat!
Naota looks up just in time to see the cat disappear into the robot.
Cat: NAAAA!
After the robot's body closes around the cat, it begins to tremble and shake, unlike its twitching and convulsing. Slowly, its metallic body begins to morph, its smooth light gray surface growing significantly darker. The body bloats up and the legs intertwine in pairs, forming four, thicker limbs.
Haruko: Assimilation...?
The transforming robot stands up on its hind legs as a fat head, resembling that of a cat, rises from its "shoulders."
Robot: NA.
Naota: Huh?!
Haruko: Uh...
Robot: NA!
The robot, that now looks like a giant metal cat standing upright, takes one iron paw and strikes out at Naota and Haruko. They dodge to either side. Naota recovers quickly and strikes back. The Robo-kitty bats him away and pushes him into the ground. Haruko rushes up from behind and deals him a blow to the back of the head, knocking him off balance.
Naota gets up and scrambles between the cat's legs. The cat tries to grab him, but Naota much to small and much to agile for him get a grip on. Standing beside the robot's leg, Naota bashes in the surface, causing the entire robot to fall to a kneeling position.
Haruko: Takkun! Let's finish it!
Naota: Right!
Naota and Haruko run alongside each other, stride for stride, in complete unison. Step for step they rush at the metal monster. Haruko holds her guitar at her left, Naota at his right. They both volt into the air, each a reflection of the other. Exact. Perfect. Both guitars hit their mark with equal force, a perfect match.
The robot goes down and erupts into a cloud of flames. Naota and Haruko fly back onto the ground, their close and skin smeared gray with the ash and smoke.
Naota: (cough) Great...
Haruko: That's that!
Naota: I'm all dirty...
Cat: (from above) NNNNNNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Haruko: In coming! Clear for landing!
Naota drops his guitar and rushes over the asphalt, arms outstretched. He dives forward just in time to catch the tiny feline, safely.
Haruko: Touchdown!
Naota: (thinking) Football?
Haruko: Nice catch Takkun!
Naota: (sitting up) ...
Haruko: I guess we'd better get out of here, before the police come... Come on Takkun, let's go home!
Haruko begins to walk off, but stops when she realizes that Naota isn't following her. She looks back to see him sleeping soundly, still in a sitting position with the cat in his arms. She smiles softly.
Haruko: (quietly) Yeah... I guess you're still just a kid, Takkun...
---------------------
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: When the director asked the Pillows for some sample music for the soundtrack of Fooly Cooly, they practically threw their collective material at him saying "Take it, take it all!" Funnily enough, Tsurumaki says that he doubts that their expose in Fooly Cooly would actually help them out. Shows how much he knows! Next, on Fooly Cooly: Episode 14: Bullets and Butterflies!