Episode 14: Bullets and Butterflies
Kitsurubami: I've got Naota.
Haruko: I wanted Takkun!
Kitsurubami: (grinning) Well, that's just too bad.
Haruko: (fuming) ...
It was Sunday, so Kitsurubami suggested to Naota that they do something "fun." He had no ides that they'd end up playing sabage. Haruko was thrilled, of course, but Naota stood firmly against it. After ten minutes of his dad's taunting, Naota finally gave in. He didn't actually dislike the game. Once he started playing, he actually began to enjoy it. But to him, it was still pretty childish.
After a few more minutes of arguing, the teams were selected. Kitsurubami leading Naota Gaku, who had come over only ten minutes earlier, and Shigekuni against Haruko, Kamon, Canti and Ninamori.
Haruko: Come on, give me Takkun! I'll trade you!
Kitsurubami: Nope.
Haruko: Takkun, wouldn't you rather be on MY team?
Naota: No...
Haruko: (shocked) WHAT? Why not!?
Naota: Cause I always end up doing all the work! Your teamwork sucks as much as your driving...
Haruko: Humph!
Kitsurubami lead her team over the hill and into the field below. They all split up, all except Naota who remained near Kitsurubami. Now it was time to wait. For a while, no one moved. They all just sat around, waiting for the other team to attack first.
Naota: (thinking) This is boring... and stupid... (whispering to Kitsurubami) Why aren't we doing anything?
Kitsurubami: (smiling while looking on) Not much on war games, are you? In situations like this, its best to stay stationary until the enemy makes their presence known. Otherwise, we'd probably end up rushing into some trap...
Naota: Oh...
Kitsurubami: (smiling reassuringly) But don't worry. I'll make sure nothing bad happens to you.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: You're in good hands.
Suddenly, a rain of bullets came down from the hill above. Kitsurubami grabbed Naota and shoved him to the ground.
Naota: HEY!
Kitsurubami: Everybody, duck and cover!
Haruko: (from the top of the hill) Takkun!
Naota: ...
Haruko: Takkun, I know you're down there with your little Soldier Girl!
Naota: ...
Haruko: Takkun, I'm coming for you, whether you like it or not! Even if I have to use brute force! ("cocking" her guitar) YOU WILL BE MINE!!!
With a maniacal laugh, Haruko sent out another spray of bullets. Kitsurubami ducked lower in the tall grass, still keeping a firm hold on Naota. Even though his face was pressed into the dirt, Naota couldn't help but feel comforted by the idea that she was protecting him. It was a nice feeling.
The gunfire stopped. Naota assumed she was reloading (though it was amazing she had lasted as long as she did). Kitsurubami took advantage of this silence to call up to the her.
Kitsurubami: I don't care what you do, you're not getting Naota!
Haruko: That's what you think!
Kitsurubami: ...
Haruko: I said I'd take him and that's exactly what I'm going to do!
Kitsurubami: You just try it!
Haruko: I intend to! (firing her newly loaded guitar) DIIIIEEEEEEEE!!!
Kitsurubami: (whispering to Naota over the gunfire) Naota! When she stops to reload, I want you to run over in that direction and drop to the ground! I'm going to come around and shoot her from behind! Okay?
Naota: (muffled by the dirt) Mmphhmmm!
Kitsurubami: Right!
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Wait of it...! Wait for it...!
After a few seconds, the gunfire stopped again. Naota lifted his head a little to look up. Kitsurubami crouched further down, like a cat ready to pounce.
Kitsurubami: Now!
In a bit of a daze, Naota spun around and ran in the opposite direction of Kitsurubami, stumbling every few steps.
Naota: (thinking) This is so dumb!
Naota dove to the ground and laid perfectly still. To a spectator, he might have looked unconscious. Though his face was planted in the dirt, Naota could hear everything around him. Footsteps ... soft and quick ... gunfire ... yells...
Slowly, he lifted his head to see if he could make out what was going on. Kitsurubami was nowhere in sight. Gaku and Shigekuni were creeping up the hill, attempting, what Naota guessed, was some sort of sneak attack. Haruko caught on easily and (from nowhere) pulled out a rocket launcher. She cackle psychotically and fired off blast after blast. The ground erupted into clods of dirt, sending the two high into the air. Gaku landed on his stomach and scrambled away, but Naota's grandfather wasn't so lucky. Canti flew over the hill and landed a few feet from the dizzy old man. Without a word, Canti placed the barrel of his machine gun to the man's nose, ready to blast him to bit under any resistance.
Naota: (thinking) They got grandpa!
Naota's thought were interrupted by oncoming footsteps. He turned around to see Ninamori, dressed in full camouflage, holding an assault rifle in her tiny hands.
Naota scrambled to his feet and turned to run, but met head on with Gaku, literally. The two crashed into each other and landed in a heap. Ninamori walked up and pointed her rifle at them.
Ninamori: (grinning) Heh... You know, you two are pretty pathetic.
Naota: (rubbing his head) Ugh...
Suddenly, a blast from behind, put a crater a few feet away from Ninamori. The force sent her forwards, making her drop her gun. Naota got up and snatched her rifle away before she could even recover form her fall.
Naota: (smugly) Who's pathetic now?
Ninamori: (scornfully) You're such a delinquent...
Naota: Could be... But that doesn't change the fact that you're my prisoner.
Ninamori sat up and folded her arms, crossly. Her cheeks burned slightly. Then an idea came to her.
Ninamori: What about a trade? Spare my life for my services?
Naota: How dumb do you think I am? If I let you go, you'll probably try to kill when first chance you get!
Ninamori: No I won't! Scout honor!
Naota: We're not in the scouts ... this is war... Now lay face down and don't move!
Gaku stood up just in time to unwittingly block a wall of flying bullets directed a Naota from behind. He went down with a scream and Naota spun to face his attacker. Canti stood with one foot on top of a hog-tied Shigekuni, aiming his machine gun right at Naota.
Ninamori took advantage of this diversion and picked up Naota's gun. Frantically, she shot at him, but Naota ducked and ran off in the other direction.
Ninamori: Naota, get back here!
Naota ducked under a fallen log and hid himself. This was too much. Shigekuni was captured, Gaku was down and Kitsurubami was nowhere to be seen.
(On the hill)
Haruko: So, you want to take Takkun from, little girl?
Kitsurubami: He was never yours to begin with!
Haruko: We'll just see about that, won't we?!
Kitsurubami: ...
Haruko: (lunging at Kitsurubami) I'M GONNA KILL YOU!
Kitsurubami gasps and ducks down. Haruko passes over her and lands heavily on both feet. Without even pausing, she spins around and opens fire at close range. Kitsurubami, through some inhuman feat, avoids the gunfire and releases some of her own. Haruko jumps back blocks with her guitar-gun. Click click click. Kitsurubami curses under her breath as she realizes that she's out of ammunition. Quickly, she drops to the ground and rolls to the side, followed by Haruko's drilling bullets.
(Back down in the field)
Naota stood proudly over his "spoils of war." Canti (who appeared to be unconscious due to the large dent in his head) and Ninamori sat, tied back to back, on the ground. Ninamori scowled up at him with pure contempt.
Ninamori: (coldly) You won't get away with this!
Naota: (grinning) I already have...
Ninamori: Is it even legal to use a guitar in sabage?
Naota: All is fair in love and war... (looking over at a free Shigekuni) Come on, grandpa. We've got a mad alien to stop!
The two hurried up the hill, guns (and guitar) in hand, trying their best to stay out of sight. Naota reached the top first and dropped to ground. Shigekuni followed suit.
Shigekuni: (whispering) So, what's the plan?
Naota: I don't know ... guess we just go up there and start shooting...
Shigekuni: You can't do it like that!
Naota: Then what do you think we should do?!
Shigekuni (thoughtfully) Well, you could run up there and draw their fire and I'll shoot 'em from right here.
Naota: You're only suggesting that cause you don't want to have to move! Why am I always the one doing all the work around here?!
Shigekuni: You're a healthy boy! You can do it!
Naota: (in frustration) Fine, I'll do it! But, you'd better back me up!
Kamon: Aha! I bet you thought you could avoid fighting you're dear old dad, didn't you Naota-kun?
Naota turned around to see his dad standing over him in a Nazi uniform. Naota sweatdrops.
Naota (thinking) I really wish he'd get rid of that thing... (aloud) Dad...
Kamon: Stand and face you're old man!
Naota: Dad!
Kamon: You, you thought you get away with my Haruko-san, didn't you?! Didn't you?!
Naota: What are you talking about?!
Kamon: I will fight honorably before I let you run off with her!
Naota: Dad, I don't have time for this!
Kamon: DIE!
Kamon opens fire, forcing Naota to dive headfirst into the grass. Shigekuni bolts up and aims for Kamon, but they meet evenly. An explosion of gunfire his heard and they both go down. Naota jumps to his feet and runs over to his downed grandfather.
Naota: Grandpa!
Shigekuni: (weakly) You... you must, defeat her... you must... survive...
Naota: (sweatdropping) Grandpa, don't you think you're taking this a little far...?
Shigekuni: Live, my boy...
With that, Shigekuni lets his head roll back and closes his eyes. Naota shakes his head in mild embarrassment.
Naota: (to himself) Adults can be so childish, sometimes...
Cocking his guitar, Naota crouches down and peeks over the top of the hill. On the other side, he spots Haruko and Kitsurubami engaging in some pretty vicious combat. Neither is carrying a fire arm, and from the looks of it, neither of them need one. Haruko is holding Kitsurubami in a headlock while the lieutenant is savagely elbowing the alien in the ribs. Its a pretty awful sight. Naota sighs and stands up, in clear view.
Naota: Uh ... guys ... its just a game...
Both women pause and look at him, then promptly go back to beating the living daylights out of each other. Kitsurubami wriggles out of the headlock and grabs Haruko around the waist with both arms. With a grunt, she lifts the alien into the air and brings her down, heavily. Haruko groans and tries to stand, but Kitsurubami tackles her. There's punching, kicking, biting, poking, eye gouging... Naota can't take it anymore.
Naota: (calmly turning to leave) Maybe there's something on TV...
When Naota finally reached the house, it was completely empty (with the exception of Miyu Miyu sleeping on the kitchen table). Naota shrugged and sat down in the living room. He turned on the TV and flipped from channel to channel, quickly losing interest. After ten minutes he stood up and went into the kitchen.
Naota: (thinking) Aren't they back, yet...?
Naota grabbed a soda from the fridge and went to his room. As soon as he sat down on the corner of the bed, he began to realize just how tired he was. He opened the soda, took a sip, put it down and then laid back. Soon, his eyelids slid shut and he fell into much need sleep.
About fifteen minutes later, Haruko came in from the field. Her clothes were filthy and torn, her face smudged with dirt. She dropped her guitar on the floor and plopped down on the couch. She could really care less that she had tracked mud from the front door to the arm of the couch she was resting her feet on.
Haruko: (thinking) Man, I'm worn out...! I guess we'll have to call that one a draw... (slipping into deeper thought) Come to think of it, after that explosion, I was so busy with the others, I forgot all about "Soldier Girl..." I wonder where she ran off too...?
Before she had to come with a reasonable possibility, a voice from the other end of the house made her ears perk. Silently, she slid off of the sofa and crept into the hall.
Haruko: (thinking) Its coming from the bathroom...
Most people would have probably walked away at this point, but not Haruko. She was naturally a nosy person. She pressed her back against the hallway wall and sidled (dramatically) toward the door.
Kitsurubami: (muffled from another room) Yes, Commander...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: No, sir...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: I don't know that yet...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: I don't know that either...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: Well, sir, I can't just force him to talk...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: No, sir...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: I know how important this is...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: But, why do I have to do it?
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: I know that you've said that before, but...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: All right...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: I'll try...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: Thank you, Commander...
(Beep)
Haruko waited, climbing to the wall, tightly. Her look of curiosity was now a devilish grin. Her cat eyes twinkled with excitement.
The bathroom door opened, and the lieutenant walked out. She held her cellphone at her side, her fingers wrapped tightly around its leather case. Her expression was somewhat grim, almost strained. Slowly, she looked up, eying the hallway, cautiously. She wasn't sure, but she felt as if someone had been spying on her. She mentally shrugged, chalking it up to paranoia.
But suspicion didn't help to negate the dirty feeling she felt, inside. What was she doing? This wasn't right, was it? Using a little boy like this? It couldn't be, could it? No matter the reason, this was truly wrong.
A noise from the living room woke her from her musing. Quietly, she half-crept down the hall and peeked around the corner. Haruko lay splayed over the sofa, potato chips scatter all over the floor and table. The half empty bag rested on her rising stomach. The lieutenant crossed her arms over her chest and frowned.
Kitsurubami: (restrained) For an adult, you're awfully irresponsible...
Haruko: (shooing her with one hand) Yeah, yeah...
Kitsurubami: Where's Naota?
Haruko: (staring at the TV) How should I know?
Kitsurubami: (mumbling) Lot of help you are...
Haruko: So... What took you so long...?
Kitsurubami who had started to walk away, spun around to meet the aliens gaze.
Haruko: You sure take a long time in the bathroom...
Kitsurubami: ...
Haruko: (grinning) What's the matter... CONSTIPATED?
Kitsurubami: (sweatdropping) ... No...
Haruko: What was it, then?
Kitsurubami: (quietly) Personal business.
Haruko: (still grinning) Sure...
Kitsurubami felt a chill run up her spin. She definitely didn't like the look in Haruko's eyes when she said that. It was almost teasing, taunting ... as if she was in on some sort of secret or something. Kitsurubami shoved the thought out of her mind and went upstairs to find Naota. Haruko went back to watching TV, making even more of a mess as she resumed shoveling chips into her mouth.
As Kitsurubami guess, Naota was in his room, conked out on the bottom bunk. She couldn't help but grin. She always found him the cutest when he was asleep. It was the one time when he was completely defenseless. During the day, he was always so defensive and distant, but when she saw him like that, sprawled over his bed, he looked perfectly harmless. Vulnerable, even.
The thought of his vulnerability brought a new wave emotions over her. She grimaced slightly, but forced another smile.
Kitsurubami: (thinking) Guess he really wore himself out...
Leaning down, Kitsurubami moved Naota closer to the center of the bed and gently tucked him in. It wasn't even cld in the house, despite the brisk pre-winter air outside. She couldn't really explain it to herself. Maybe, after all the times he had saved her from rampaging robots and explosions, this was her way of protecting him. It wasn't much, but it settled her. She smiled again and kissed him gently on the cheek.
Naota sighed and rolled over, shifting closer to her. His lips moved in silent words and his eyelids fluttered, gently. Kitsurubami grinned and stood up.
Kitsurubami: (to herself) They're only angels when they're sleeping...
With that, she quietly left the room and closed the door behind her.
By the time Naota woke up, it was past dinner time. Kitsurubami had left an hour before everyone had gotten cleaned up. Naota went into the living room to find Ninamori stretched out on the sofa.
Naota: (sarcastically) Comfortable?
Ninamori grinned in response. Naota walked over and took a seat beside her as she sat up. after a minute or so, she turned to him.
Ninamori: Nice nap?
Naota: Huh?
Ninamori: (smirking) I guess all KIDS need naps every once in a while...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: So...
Naota: "So," what?
Ninamori: (hesitantly) ... That girl ... is she ... your...
Naota: (raising an eyebrow) ...
Ninamori: (blushing) ...
Naota: ...?
Ninamori: (suddenly defensive) You know what I mean, Naota.
Naota: What are you on about?
Ninamori: Is she you're girlfriend?
Naota: (scoffing) No!
Ninamori: Well, that's what it looks like.
Naota: What would you know about it?
Ninamori: Call it "female intuition."
Naota: What brought that on?
Ninamori: (quietly) I don't know...
Naota: Its not like that... We just hang out and stuff...
Ninamori: (raising an eyebrow) "Stuff?"
Naota: Yeah ... stuff...
Ninamori: ...
Naota: (suddenly aware) Not that kind of stuff!
Ninamori: You were the one that said it...
Naota: Its not like that at all.
Ninamori: Then what IS it like?
Naota: I don't know... We just go out to the movies or to the park ... stuff like that...
Ninamori: (almost condescendingly) That's what you call a date.
Naota: Whatever... Like you'd know...
Ninamori: (urging him to continue) Anyway...
Naota: I dunno, we just hang out.
Ninamori: Do you like her?
Naota: She's okay.
Ninamori: (peeved) You know what I mean!
Naota: No, she's just a friend...
Ninamori: Are you sure about that?
Naota: Why wouldn't I be sure?
Ninamori: Well, she IS cute...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: (smirking) You DO like her...
Naota: No, I don't!
Ninamori: You do so.
Naota: I don't!
Ninamori: ...
Naota: I DON'T!
Ninamori: (teasingly) Sure.
Naota: REALLY!
Ninamori: Okay.
Naota: (sighing in frustration) Whatever...
With that, they both focused on the television. After only forty seconds, Naota was reminded why he hated "reality" shows so much. They were never actually "real." The cast was just a bunch of no-talent losers who did stupid things whenever a camera was around.
Naota: (thinking) People never actual act like that in rea life... Adults can be so ridiculous... Stupid...
Ninamori: ...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: Naota...
Naota: What?
Ninamori: When those things come out of your head ... does it always feel like that...?
Naota: (thoughtfully) Yeah...
Ninamori: ...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: I hate it...
Naota: There's nothing to like about it...
Ninamori: You know ... when I came here... All I wanted ... the only thing I really wanted ... was just to fit in... To be accepted ... you know?
Naota: I guess.
Ninamori: Even when my dad became mayor... You'd think I'd be all happy, but really, inside... I sort of ... resented it...
Naota: Why?
Ninamori: (glaze-eyed) It was like everything I had done to try to fit in was erased... Everything I had worked for, just to be one of the regular kids was just a waste... Like it was all for nothing... I felt ... alienated... There was no more Ninamori Eri ... just Ninamori Eri, the mayor's daughter...
Naota: (thinking to himself) ...
Ninamori: I guess that sounds pretty dumb... I don't even know why I'm telling you all this...
Naota: It's okay.
Ninamori: ...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: So ... what do I do...?
Naota: Before my brother left, he told me that "it doesn't matter what cards you're dealt, its how you use them to win the game..."
Ninamori: (mulling it over) ...
Naota: But, whatever...
Ninamori grinned at Naota. Having exhausted the conversation, they went back to watching TV.
Naota: (thinking) I really hate reality shows...
A few hours later, Naota found himself walking along the sidewalks of Mabase. he had no idea where he was going and didn't really care. He had way too much on his mind. His thoughts stewed in his mind, bubbling and frothing. He couldn't seem to concentrate. Every other thought had to do with Kitsurubami. No matter what he looked at, he was reminded of her. I was really getting annoying.
Naota: (thinking) What's wrong with me? She's just a girl, that's all. No big deal... I don't see why I'm getting all worked up. I doesn't make any sense to get upset over a stupid girl...
Naota stopped and looked around. He remembered this place. I was were the old elementary school used to be. The one that burned down. The one Mamimi hated. Why DID she hate it so much? After the fight with the first robot, the remnants of the structure had been burned to ash and blown away. Now it was a meager junk yard with a few abandoned cars here and there. He shrugged off these thoughts and sighed. He was starting to get tired. It was almost midnight and Kitsurubami's face was still inscribed in his mind. Every time he blinked, he saw her standing there, smiling at him. With every passing thought, he began to argue with himself, more and more. It was as if his brain and heart were battling, debating with one another...
Naota was about to forfeit the match when a voice from behind broke his train of thought.
Haruko: It's late... You should be in bed...
He looked up to see her sitting cross-legged on top of a beaten blue van. She grinned down at him.
Naota: (hiding his surprise) Why are YOU out here?
Haruko: Star gazing...
Naota: Sounds pretty pointless to me...
Haruko: You know, Takkun, not everything has to have a point...
Naota: ...
Haruko: That's the problem with humans... They spend so much time worrying about progressing, they never stop to enjoy the little life they have... And what's sad is that they don't even know what they're missing...
Naota: ...
Haruko: "We wear the mask that grins and lies,
Its hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,
This debt we pay to human guile,
With worn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtitles...
Naota: (scoffing) Since when did you become a poet...?
Haruko: (smiling) That's Dunbar, Takkun.
Naota: Huh? I didn't know you read poetry...
Haruko: There's a lot of things that you don't know...
They both fell silent, listening to the sounds of the night. after a moment passed Naota sighed and turned to leave, again. Haruko spoke once more, without even looking at him.
Haruko: You have to swing the bat sometime, Takkun.
Naota: ...
Haruko: Even if you miss, you've always got next time...
Naota: Until one day there is no next time...
Haruko: What's worse... Trying your best and failing ... or dying with regret, wondering if things could have turned out differently...?
Naota: (mumbling) Is that why you're so reckless...?
Haruko: Something like that.
Naota: ...
Haruko: Night, night, Takkun.
Naota glanced over his shoulder and stared at her. A slight chill ran up his back. Could this really be Haruko? The woman who left the toilet seat up, just for kicks? The one who ate the meat out of the stir fry and put the rest back in the fridge? The same alien that never seemed to worry about anything, always so sure of her own impulsive actions. Naota turned, silently, and walked away.
Naota: (thinking) Adults...
---------------------
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: Well, that was a pretty boring chapter... Where were the explosions?! The blood?! The rampaging robots and evil aliens?! Oh well... Next, on Fooly Cooly: Episode 15: Black and White!
Kitsurubami: I've got Naota.
Haruko: I wanted Takkun!
Kitsurubami: (grinning) Well, that's just too bad.
Haruko: (fuming) ...
It was Sunday, so Kitsurubami suggested to Naota that they do something "fun." He had no ides that they'd end up playing sabage. Haruko was thrilled, of course, but Naota stood firmly against it. After ten minutes of his dad's taunting, Naota finally gave in. He didn't actually dislike the game. Once he started playing, he actually began to enjoy it. But to him, it was still pretty childish.
After a few more minutes of arguing, the teams were selected. Kitsurubami leading Naota Gaku, who had come over only ten minutes earlier, and Shigekuni against Haruko, Kamon, Canti and Ninamori.
Haruko: Come on, give me Takkun! I'll trade you!
Kitsurubami: Nope.
Haruko: Takkun, wouldn't you rather be on MY team?
Naota: No...
Haruko: (shocked) WHAT? Why not!?
Naota: Cause I always end up doing all the work! Your teamwork sucks as much as your driving...
Haruko: Humph!
Kitsurubami lead her team over the hill and into the field below. They all split up, all except Naota who remained near Kitsurubami. Now it was time to wait. For a while, no one moved. They all just sat around, waiting for the other team to attack first.
Naota: (thinking) This is boring... and stupid... (whispering to Kitsurubami) Why aren't we doing anything?
Kitsurubami: (smiling while looking on) Not much on war games, are you? In situations like this, its best to stay stationary until the enemy makes their presence known. Otherwise, we'd probably end up rushing into some trap...
Naota: Oh...
Kitsurubami: (smiling reassuringly) But don't worry. I'll make sure nothing bad happens to you.
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: You're in good hands.
Suddenly, a rain of bullets came down from the hill above. Kitsurubami grabbed Naota and shoved him to the ground.
Naota: HEY!
Kitsurubami: Everybody, duck and cover!
Haruko: (from the top of the hill) Takkun!
Naota: ...
Haruko: Takkun, I know you're down there with your little Soldier Girl!
Naota: ...
Haruko: Takkun, I'm coming for you, whether you like it or not! Even if I have to use brute force! ("cocking" her guitar) YOU WILL BE MINE!!!
With a maniacal laugh, Haruko sent out another spray of bullets. Kitsurubami ducked lower in the tall grass, still keeping a firm hold on Naota. Even though his face was pressed into the dirt, Naota couldn't help but feel comforted by the idea that she was protecting him. It was a nice feeling.
The gunfire stopped. Naota assumed she was reloading (though it was amazing she had lasted as long as she did). Kitsurubami took advantage of this silence to call up to the her.
Kitsurubami: I don't care what you do, you're not getting Naota!
Haruko: That's what you think!
Kitsurubami: ...
Haruko: I said I'd take him and that's exactly what I'm going to do!
Kitsurubami: You just try it!
Haruko: I intend to! (firing her newly loaded guitar) DIIIIEEEEEEEE!!!
Kitsurubami: (whispering to Naota over the gunfire) Naota! When she stops to reload, I want you to run over in that direction and drop to the ground! I'm going to come around and shoot her from behind! Okay?
Naota: (muffled by the dirt) Mmphhmmm!
Kitsurubami: Right!
Naota: ...
Kitsurubami: Wait of it...! Wait for it...!
After a few seconds, the gunfire stopped again. Naota lifted his head a little to look up. Kitsurubami crouched further down, like a cat ready to pounce.
Kitsurubami: Now!
In a bit of a daze, Naota spun around and ran in the opposite direction of Kitsurubami, stumbling every few steps.
Naota: (thinking) This is so dumb!
Naota dove to the ground and laid perfectly still. To a spectator, he might have looked unconscious. Though his face was planted in the dirt, Naota could hear everything around him. Footsteps ... soft and quick ... gunfire ... yells...
Slowly, he lifted his head to see if he could make out what was going on. Kitsurubami was nowhere in sight. Gaku and Shigekuni were creeping up the hill, attempting, what Naota guessed, was some sort of sneak attack. Haruko caught on easily and (from nowhere) pulled out a rocket launcher. She cackle psychotically and fired off blast after blast. The ground erupted into clods of dirt, sending the two high into the air. Gaku landed on his stomach and scrambled away, but Naota's grandfather wasn't so lucky. Canti flew over the hill and landed a few feet from the dizzy old man. Without a word, Canti placed the barrel of his machine gun to the man's nose, ready to blast him to bit under any resistance.
Naota: (thinking) They got grandpa!
Naota's thought were interrupted by oncoming footsteps. He turned around to see Ninamori, dressed in full camouflage, holding an assault rifle in her tiny hands.
Naota scrambled to his feet and turned to run, but met head on with Gaku, literally. The two crashed into each other and landed in a heap. Ninamori walked up and pointed her rifle at them.
Ninamori: (grinning) Heh... You know, you two are pretty pathetic.
Naota: (rubbing his head) Ugh...
Suddenly, a blast from behind, put a crater a few feet away from Ninamori. The force sent her forwards, making her drop her gun. Naota got up and snatched her rifle away before she could even recover form her fall.
Naota: (smugly) Who's pathetic now?
Ninamori: (scornfully) You're such a delinquent...
Naota: Could be... But that doesn't change the fact that you're my prisoner.
Ninamori sat up and folded her arms, crossly. Her cheeks burned slightly. Then an idea came to her.
Ninamori: What about a trade? Spare my life for my services?
Naota: How dumb do you think I am? If I let you go, you'll probably try to kill when first chance you get!
Ninamori: No I won't! Scout honor!
Naota: We're not in the scouts ... this is war... Now lay face down and don't move!
Gaku stood up just in time to unwittingly block a wall of flying bullets directed a Naota from behind. He went down with a scream and Naota spun to face his attacker. Canti stood with one foot on top of a hog-tied Shigekuni, aiming his machine gun right at Naota.
Ninamori took advantage of this diversion and picked up Naota's gun. Frantically, she shot at him, but Naota ducked and ran off in the other direction.
Ninamori: Naota, get back here!
Naota ducked under a fallen log and hid himself. This was too much. Shigekuni was captured, Gaku was down and Kitsurubami was nowhere to be seen.
(On the hill)
Haruko: So, you want to take Takkun from, little girl?
Kitsurubami: He was never yours to begin with!
Haruko: We'll just see about that, won't we?!
Kitsurubami: ...
Haruko: (lunging at Kitsurubami) I'M GONNA KILL YOU!
Kitsurubami gasps and ducks down. Haruko passes over her and lands heavily on both feet. Without even pausing, she spins around and opens fire at close range. Kitsurubami, through some inhuman feat, avoids the gunfire and releases some of her own. Haruko jumps back blocks with her guitar-gun. Click click click. Kitsurubami curses under her breath as she realizes that she's out of ammunition. Quickly, she drops to the ground and rolls to the side, followed by Haruko's drilling bullets.
(Back down in the field)
Naota stood proudly over his "spoils of war." Canti (who appeared to be unconscious due to the large dent in his head) and Ninamori sat, tied back to back, on the ground. Ninamori scowled up at him with pure contempt.
Ninamori: (coldly) You won't get away with this!
Naota: (grinning) I already have...
Ninamori: Is it even legal to use a guitar in sabage?
Naota: All is fair in love and war... (looking over at a free Shigekuni) Come on, grandpa. We've got a mad alien to stop!
The two hurried up the hill, guns (and guitar) in hand, trying their best to stay out of sight. Naota reached the top first and dropped to ground. Shigekuni followed suit.
Shigekuni: (whispering) So, what's the plan?
Naota: I don't know ... guess we just go up there and start shooting...
Shigekuni: You can't do it like that!
Naota: Then what do you think we should do?!
Shigekuni (thoughtfully) Well, you could run up there and draw their fire and I'll shoot 'em from right here.
Naota: You're only suggesting that cause you don't want to have to move! Why am I always the one doing all the work around here?!
Shigekuni: You're a healthy boy! You can do it!
Naota: (in frustration) Fine, I'll do it! But, you'd better back me up!
Kamon: Aha! I bet you thought you could avoid fighting you're dear old dad, didn't you Naota-kun?
Naota turned around to see his dad standing over him in a Nazi uniform. Naota sweatdrops.
Naota (thinking) I really wish he'd get rid of that thing... (aloud) Dad...
Kamon: Stand and face you're old man!
Naota: Dad!
Kamon: You, you thought you get away with my Haruko-san, didn't you?! Didn't you?!
Naota: What are you talking about?!
Kamon: I will fight honorably before I let you run off with her!
Naota: Dad, I don't have time for this!
Kamon: DIE!
Kamon opens fire, forcing Naota to dive headfirst into the grass. Shigekuni bolts up and aims for Kamon, but they meet evenly. An explosion of gunfire his heard and they both go down. Naota jumps to his feet and runs over to his downed grandfather.
Naota: Grandpa!
Shigekuni: (weakly) You... you must, defeat her... you must... survive...
Naota: (sweatdropping) Grandpa, don't you think you're taking this a little far...?
Shigekuni: Live, my boy...
With that, Shigekuni lets his head roll back and closes his eyes. Naota shakes his head in mild embarrassment.
Naota: (to himself) Adults can be so childish, sometimes...
Cocking his guitar, Naota crouches down and peeks over the top of the hill. On the other side, he spots Haruko and Kitsurubami engaging in some pretty vicious combat. Neither is carrying a fire arm, and from the looks of it, neither of them need one. Haruko is holding Kitsurubami in a headlock while the lieutenant is savagely elbowing the alien in the ribs. Its a pretty awful sight. Naota sighs and stands up, in clear view.
Naota: Uh ... guys ... its just a game...
Both women pause and look at him, then promptly go back to beating the living daylights out of each other. Kitsurubami wriggles out of the headlock and grabs Haruko around the waist with both arms. With a grunt, she lifts the alien into the air and brings her down, heavily. Haruko groans and tries to stand, but Kitsurubami tackles her. There's punching, kicking, biting, poking, eye gouging... Naota can't take it anymore.
Naota: (calmly turning to leave) Maybe there's something on TV...
When Naota finally reached the house, it was completely empty (with the exception of Miyu Miyu sleeping on the kitchen table). Naota shrugged and sat down in the living room. He turned on the TV and flipped from channel to channel, quickly losing interest. After ten minutes he stood up and went into the kitchen.
Naota: (thinking) Aren't they back, yet...?
Naota grabbed a soda from the fridge and went to his room. As soon as he sat down on the corner of the bed, he began to realize just how tired he was. He opened the soda, took a sip, put it down and then laid back. Soon, his eyelids slid shut and he fell into much need sleep.
About fifteen minutes later, Haruko came in from the field. Her clothes were filthy and torn, her face smudged with dirt. She dropped her guitar on the floor and plopped down on the couch. She could really care less that she had tracked mud from the front door to the arm of the couch she was resting her feet on.
Haruko: (thinking) Man, I'm worn out...! I guess we'll have to call that one a draw... (slipping into deeper thought) Come to think of it, after that explosion, I was so busy with the others, I forgot all about "Soldier Girl..." I wonder where she ran off too...?
Before she had to come with a reasonable possibility, a voice from the other end of the house made her ears perk. Silently, she slid off of the sofa and crept into the hall.
Haruko: (thinking) Its coming from the bathroom...
Most people would have probably walked away at this point, but not Haruko. She was naturally a nosy person. She pressed her back against the hallway wall and sidled (dramatically) toward the door.
Kitsurubami: (muffled from another room) Yes, Commander...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: No, sir...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: I don't know that yet...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: I don't know that either...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: Well, sir, I can't just force him to talk...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: No, sir...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: I know how important this is...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: But, why do I have to do it?
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: I know that you've said that before, but...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: All right...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: I'll try...
(Pause)
Kitsurubami: Thank you, Commander...
(Beep)
Haruko waited, climbing to the wall, tightly. Her look of curiosity was now a devilish grin. Her cat eyes twinkled with excitement.
The bathroom door opened, and the lieutenant walked out. She held her cellphone at her side, her fingers wrapped tightly around its leather case. Her expression was somewhat grim, almost strained. Slowly, she looked up, eying the hallway, cautiously. She wasn't sure, but she felt as if someone had been spying on her. She mentally shrugged, chalking it up to paranoia.
But suspicion didn't help to negate the dirty feeling she felt, inside. What was she doing? This wasn't right, was it? Using a little boy like this? It couldn't be, could it? No matter the reason, this was truly wrong.
A noise from the living room woke her from her musing. Quietly, she half-crept down the hall and peeked around the corner. Haruko lay splayed over the sofa, potato chips scatter all over the floor and table. The half empty bag rested on her rising stomach. The lieutenant crossed her arms over her chest and frowned.
Kitsurubami: (restrained) For an adult, you're awfully irresponsible...
Haruko: (shooing her with one hand) Yeah, yeah...
Kitsurubami: Where's Naota?
Haruko: (staring at the TV) How should I know?
Kitsurubami: (mumbling) Lot of help you are...
Haruko: So... What took you so long...?
Kitsurubami who had started to walk away, spun around to meet the aliens gaze.
Haruko: You sure take a long time in the bathroom...
Kitsurubami: ...
Haruko: (grinning) What's the matter... CONSTIPATED?
Kitsurubami: (sweatdropping) ... No...
Haruko: What was it, then?
Kitsurubami: (quietly) Personal business.
Haruko: (still grinning) Sure...
Kitsurubami felt a chill run up her spin. She definitely didn't like the look in Haruko's eyes when she said that. It was almost teasing, taunting ... as if she was in on some sort of secret or something. Kitsurubami shoved the thought out of her mind and went upstairs to find Naota. Haruko went back to watching TV, making even more of a mess as she resumed shoveling chips into her mouth.
As Kitsurubami guess, Naota was in his room, conked out on the bottom bunk. She couldn't help but grin. She always found him the cutest when he was asleep. It was the one time when he was completely defenseless. During the day, he was always so defensive and distant, but when she saw him like that, sprawled over his bed, he looked perfectly harmless. Vulnerable, even.
The thought of his vulnerability brought a new wave emotions over her. She grimaced slightly, but forced another smile.
Kitsurubami: (thinking) Guess he really wore himself out...
Leaning down, Kitsurubami moved Naota closer to the center of the bed and gently tucked him in. It wasn't even cld in the house, despite the brisk pre-winter air outside. She couldn't really explain it to herself. Maybe, after all the times he had saved her from rampaging robots and explosions, this was her way of protecting him. It wasn't much, but it settled her. She smiled again and kissed him gently on the cheek.
Naota sighed and rolled over, shifting closer to her. His lips moved in silent words and his eyelids fluttered, gently. Kitsurubami grinned and stood up.
Kitsurubami: (to herself) They're only angels when they're sleeping...
With that, she quietly left the room and closed the door behind her.
By the time Naota woke up, it was past dinner time. Kitsurubami had left an hour before everyone had gotten cleaned up. Naota went into the living room to find Ninamori stretched out on the sofa.
Naota: (sarcastically) Comfortable?
Ninamori grinned in response. Naota walked over and took a seat beside her as she sat up. after a minute or so, she turned to him.
Ninamori: Nice nap?
Naota: Huh?
Ninamori: (smirking) I guess all KIDS need naps every once in a while...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: So...
Naota: "So," what?
Ninamori: (hesitantly) ... That girl ... is she ... your...
Naota: (raising an eyebrow) ...
Ninamori: (blushing) ...
Naota: ...?
Ninamori: (suddenly defensive) You know what I mean, Naota.
Naota: What are you on about?
Ninamori: Is she you're girlfriend?
Naota: (scoffing) No!
Ninamori: Well, that's what it looks like.
Naota: What would you know about it?
Ninamori: Call it "female intuition."
Naota: What brought that on?
Ninamori: (quietly) I don't know...
Naota: Its not like that... We just hang out and stuff...
Ninamori: (raising an eyebrow) "Stuff?"
Naota: Yeah ... stuff...
Ninamori: ...
Naota: (suddenly aware) Not that kind of stuff!
Ninamori: You were the one that said it...
Naota: Its not like that at all.
Ninamori: Then what IS it like?
Naota: I don't know... We just go out to the movies or to the park ... stuff like that...
Ninamori: (almost condescendingly) That's what you call a date.
Naota: Whatever... Like you'd know...
Ninamori: (urging him to continue) Anyway...
Naota: I dunno, we just hang out.
Ninamori: Do you like her?
Naota: She's okay.
Ninamori: (peeved) You know what I mean!
Naota: No, she's just a friend...
Ninamori: Are you sure about that?
Naota: Why wouldn't I be sure?
Ninamori: Well, she IS cute...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: (smirking) You DO like her...
Naota: No, I don't!
Ninamori: You do so.
Naota: I don't!
Ninamori: ...
Naota: I DON'T!
Ninamori: (teasingly) Sure.
Naota: REALLY!
Ninamori: Okay.
Naota: (sighing in frustration) Whatever...
With that, they both focused on the television. After only forty seconds, Naota was reminded why he hated "reality" shows so much. They were never actually "real." The cast was just a bunch of no-talent losers who did stupid things whenever a camera was around.
Naota: (thinking) People never actual act like that in rea life... Adults can be so ridiculous... Stupid...
Ninamori: ...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: Naota...
Naota: What?
Ninamori: When those things come out of your head ... does it always feel like that...?
Naota: (thoughtfully) Yeah...
Ninamori: ...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: I hate it...
Naota: There's nothing to like about it...
Ninamori: You know ... when I came here... All I wanted ... the only thing I really wanted ... was just to fit in... To be accepted ... you know?
Naota: I guess.
Ninamori: Even when my dad became mayor... You'd think I'd be all happy, but really, inside... I sort of ... resented it...
Naota: Why?
Ninamori: (glaze-eyed) It was like everything I had done to try to fit in was erased... Everything I had worked for, just to be one of the regular kids was just a waste... Like it was all for nothing... I felt ... alienated... There was no more Ninamori Eri ... just Ninamori Eri, the mayor's daughter...
Naota: (thinking to himself) ...
Ninamori: I guess that sounds pretty dumb... I don't even know why I'm telling you all this...
Naota: It's okay.
Ninamori: ...
Naota: ...
Ninamori: So ... what do I do...?
Naota: Before my brother left, he told me that "it doesn't matter what cards you're dealt, its how you use them to win the game..."
Ninamori: (mulling it over) ...
Naota: But, whatever...
Ninamori grinned at Naota. Having exhausted the conversation, they went back to watching TV.
Naota: (thinking) I really hate reality shows...
A few hours later, Naota found himself walking along the sidewalks of Mabase. he had no idea where he was going and didn't really care. He had way too much on his mind. His thoughts stewed in his mind, bubbling and frothing. He couldn't seem to concentrate. Every other thought had to do with Kitsurubami. No matter what he looked at, he was reminded of her. I was really getting annoying.
Naota: (thinking) What's wrong with me? She's just a girl, that's all. No big deal... I don't see why I'm getting all worked up. I doesn't make any sense to get upset over a stupid girl...
Naota stopped and looked around. He remembered this place. I was were the old elementary school used to be. The one that burned down. The one Mamimi hated. Why DID she hate it so much? After the fight with the first robot, the remnants of the structure had been burned to ash and blown away. Now it was a meager junk yard with a few abandoned cars here and there. He shrugged off these thoughts and sighed. He was starting to get tired. It was almost midnight and Kitsurubami's face was still inscribed in his mind. Every time he blinked, he saw her standing there, smiling at him. With every passing thought, he began to argue with himself, more and more. It was as if his brain and heart were battling, debating with one another...
Naota was about to forfeit the match when a voice from behind broke his train of thought.
Haruko: It's late... You should be in bed...
He looked up to see her sitting cross-legged on top of a beaten blue van. She grinned down at him.
Naota: (hiding his surprise) Why are YOU out here?
Haruko: Star gazing...
Naota: Sounds pretty pointless to me...
Haruko: You know, Takkun, not everything has to have a point...
Naota: ...
Haruko: That's the problem with humans... They spend so much time worrying about progressing, they never stop to enjoy the little life they have... And what's sad is that they don't even know what they're missing...
Naota: ...
Haruko: "We wear the mask that grins and lies,
Its hides our cheeks and shades our eyes,
This debt we pay to human guile,
With worn and bleeding hearts we smile,
And mouth with myriad subtitles...
Naota: (scoffing) Since when did you become a poet...?
Haruko: (smiling) That's Dunbar, Takkun.
Naota: Huh? I didn't know you read poetry...
Haruko: There's a lot of things that you don't know...
They both fell silent, listening to the sounds of the night. after a moment passed Naota sighed and turned to leave, again. Haruko spoke once more, without even looking at him.
Haruko: You have to swing the bat sometime, Takkun.
Naota: ...
Haruko: Even if you miss, you've always got next time...
Naota: Until one day there is no next time...
Haruko: What's worse... Trying your best and failing ... or dying with regret, wondering if things could have turned out differently...?
Naota: (mumbling) Is that why you're so reckless...?
Haruko: Something like that.
Naota: ...
Haruko: Night, night, Takkun.
Naota glanced over his shoulder and stared at her. A slight chill ran up his back. Could this really be Haruko? The woman who left the toilet seat up, just for kicks? The one who ate the meat out of the stir fry and put the rest back in the fridge? The same alien that never seemed to worry about anything, always so sure of her own impulsive actions. Naota turned, silently, and walked away.
Naota: (thinking) Adults...
---------------------
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: Well, that was a pretty boring chapter... Where were the explosions?! The blood?! The rampaging robots and evil aliens?! Oh well... Next, on Fooly Cooly: Episode 15: Black and White!