Chapter 3: The Prank
Megumi's black Corvette pulls into the parking lot. The campus is hive of activity. A sign reads Timothy Zonin High School- 100 Years of Tradition!
Aoshi crosses the school yard, passing students clustered in groups: socialites, Tommy Hilfiger- clad jocks, tattooed and nose-ringed head bangers in black, Samurai wannabes, segregated clumps of Asian, black, and Hispanic students, letter-jacketed Big Fred tossing around a nerf from behind. Aoshi stops and grabs a darkly clad beauty from behind. It's Yumi, and by her reaction- a spin and a kiss- she appears to be Aoshi's girlfriend Aoshi then checks his watch and for some reason quickly breaks away, heading somewhere in a hurry.
Misao, Kaoru, Megumi stroll through the parking lot. Misao pulls off a sweatshirt to reveal a jade halter as they pass a group of stoners in a SUV. Megumi shoots Misao a look as the stoners hoot their approval. Yahiko and Enishi pull up on a Vespa scooter, shooting the girls a haughty glance.
Aoshi paces in the courtyard, eyeing a small building in the center of the yard. Suddenly a janitor exits a heavy metal door on the side of the building. Before the door shuts, Aoshi runs up and stops it locking closed, and after a quick nonchalant look around- just as Tae and Tsumbame pass by, giving him a contemptuous look, he tapes the locking bolt in the "unlocked" position.
Misao, Kaoru, and Megumi stroll through the main lobby of the school. Megumi talks, Misao and Kaoru listen. They pass a poster congratulating Sagara Sanosuke and Kamiya Kaoru as the winners of the " Mr. and Mrs. Time Zone" elections. Megumi snickers at it, but Misao steals a second glance, and Kaoru beams with pride.
Aoshi, locking through the window on the door, spots his friend Kenshin helping a jock type at a computer. Other students check e-mail, visit Web sites, do homework, etc. In the background, the parking lot is hive of activities Soujiro step out of his " school spirit" orange Eclipse. Aoshi mouths "Courtyard" to Kenshin and holds up a small brown packet, then five fingers.
Misao and Kaoru wait in the doorway as Megumi enters the teachers' lounge nonchalantly and pours herself a cup of coffee. Blurry-eyed faculty members smoke, line up at the lounge espresso machine, photocopy. They don't even bat an eye.
Aoshi pops his head inside the student television studio. Students, including Hannya, are preparing for a broadcast, positioning cameras, practicing reading copy, etc. Aoshi gets Hannya's attention and again holds up packet, nods yes, and point outside. In background Tsumbame is too busy to notice Aoshi this time.
Kaoru spots her boyfriend Soujiro and leaves to join him at his locker. A few lockers down, Misao stands next to Megumi's locker as Megumi pulls books out. Inside it's covered with Weekly World News headlines: "Two Headed Baby Speaks Elvis," etc. Behind her a banner reads, "Don't Drink and Drive- Call Safe-Ride." Misao spots something, actually someone above the other students. Misao follows Sanosuke leaving Megumi alone.
Aoshi without so much as acknowledging Misao crosses in front of her. Misao is smiling at a tall handsome boy. The boy, Sanosuke speaks ardently. Misao appears to be hanging on his every word. The boy is, at the very least, interested in the outfit. Aoshi, Hannya, and Kenshin are in the courtyard's plumbing unit. They are all kneeling down among the pipes, handles and timers. Aoshi unscrews a pipe connector, then rips open several brown packets, and then pours out orange powder. Hannya fiddles with what looks like a timer. Kenshin nervously keeps watch. The bell rings, they all jump and run for class.
In the Classroom Television studio everyone is angrily looking for Hannya.
DirectorWhere's Hannya
In an instant Hannya comes jogging in and takes his place behind the camera. Two student anchors are in place behind a desk. Both appear to be kissing in wide-open view. They stop as the cameras begin rolling.
DirectorIn 5, 4, 3, 3, 2…
YahikoWake Up Time Zone High!
TsumbameMorning, Yahiko! Our top story today is- The Centennial. Two months to go, and as the hundredth anniversary of TZH approaches, excitement mounts.
YahikoSure does, Tsumbame, and here to take it up a notch, a Wake Up Time Zone special, Centennial in Perceptive.
Most kids in Aoshi's science class ignored the TV image. Aoshi is giving a back rub to Yumi. Near the front sits Misao, watching both the TV and slyly, Sanosuke. Megumi watches Misao… watching Sanosuke.
TsumbameIt all began in 1904, when Timothy Zonin, a veteran of the Spanish-American War returned home a hero with the desire to quote, "educate, for God's sake, educate" His vision took off, and by 1924, it was time to celebrate
A picture of a severely bandaged Tim Zonin appears and then a political cartoon of the Tea Dome Scandal. Megumi pops her bubble gum, trying to get Sanosuke to turn toward her.
YahikoA twenty-fifth- anniversary party was held under the dome of the state capital, a night inspired by the year's infamous Teapot Dome scandal. More than tea was served, however, despite Prohibition.
Wild footage of frenzied flappers is followed by shots of local police inspecting the punch bowl. Aoshi smirks. New footage shows the school in flames. Two stoners in class high-five in reaction behind Misao who eyes Sano.
TsumbameOnce again the past beckons, and all of Rutland is in one it with fireworks, an alumni fun fair, and more planned- but it's the senior class closing-night bash that'll make history.
Misao shifts nervously in her chair. On the TV above, she appears on the screen, ID'ed as "Makimachi Misao, Centennial Committee." She looks to see whether Sano is watching. He is.
Misao (on TV)
One hundred years is a long time, so to make sure it's the best party ever, we're transforming the capital into "Time Zone Square." It's an event, a dance, a celebration, a once-in-a-lifetime moment. It's going to be a perfect evening.
Misao sounds adamant about that "perfect" part.
TsumbameMore on the Centennial soon. But now, the varsity basketball team, lead this year's Mr. Time Zone, Sagara Sanosuke, kicks off its season tonight.
At the mention of Sanosuke, Misao focuses on the screen as the stud dunks a basketball. Aoshi and Yumi ignore it.
Traditionally pretty chairperson Tae heads the table where the Centennial Committee plans for the event. The committee includes Tsumbame, pompous Enishi, cute Kaoru, Misao, and Megumi. Megumi's standard expression is bored.
TaeWhere are we on our senior class gift- are we going the capsule idea.
EnishiIt's a good idea- plus, when they open it at the next anniversary we, our class, will be remembered
MegumiRight, complete with ticker-tape parade. Think, in twenty-five years we'll all be over forty- for all practical purposes, dead.
No one argues with Megumi- EVER
Kaoru We can find a better gift TaeI'll hit Daddy up for another donation. How's the rest of the budget looking Misao?
Misao flips open her organizer/planner. Numerous charts and calendars are color-coded and cross-referenced.
MisaoSixteen thousand three hundred seventy-two dollars and-
TaeGood, we'll need it. Enishi and I are working on a deal for a jumbo siren
EnishiIt's really sick
Misao And we're sure there's enough room in there? MegumiYou don't have the blueprints
Aoshi, Hannya, and Kenshin climb onto the school roof. Hannya has a video camera on a strap hung around his neck.
Kenshin
Why are we doing this, again?Aoshi
As a protest
Kenshin
Of What?Hannya
People, Right?Aoshi
Sheep.
Hannya
Check. Kenshin, we're doing this to protest sheep
Kenshin
What, specifically, about sheep do we object to?
Hannya
Aoshi?
The boys arrive at the edge of the roof. They overlook the commons- a grassy area where the students are spread out relaxing, eating, and enjoying their lunch.
Aoshi
General herding mentality. Look at them down there. Drink you mochaccinos. Sing along to your Celine Dion and Britney Spears. Baaaaaaaa.
Kenshin
I don't want to wuss out, but State's only giving me provisional acceptance.
Aoshi
Senior year. Shenanigans are not unexpected
Kenshin
ShenanigansAoshi
Shenanigans…Pranks…Chicanery…Hannya
Tomfoolery,
Kenshin
Chicanery?
Aoshi
It's not like we're hurting anyone
Hannya
You set them all at once
Aoshi
Too sloppy. Set a delay pattern. Seems more like a…statement
Hannya
Down with sheepism
With that, Hannya trains his video camera on the crowd below.
The Centennial Committee it still at it…
KaoruAre parents invited, or only alumni?
Misao Both. Tradition- everyone's invited TsumbameEveryone? We should really implement some quality control.
She indicates a table across the courtyard below a banner that asks "Did You Know Burgers Destroy Rain Forests?" Three students, including Yumi, man the table. Beside them a pair of androgynous punks work on each other's tonsils. Most of the committee is repulsed.
EnishiWe should…
Megumi And miss out on the urban street theater potential?Misao's eyes suddenly go wide.
MisaoOrange?
EnishiWhat?
But it's too late. Starting at the outer edge of the courtyard, the Sprinkler System spews orange water… on the students. As the students rush to the inside of the courtyard, the next row of sprinklers kicks in- also orange. A stampede ensues. Students bolt across tables- including the Centennial Committee table- spilling drinks, smashing pizza slices, causing girls- and Enishi- to scream. A beat later, the upset committee is drenched in orange water.
The boys view the pandemonium, calmly. Kenshin turns around and sees something behind them. Aoshi does not turn.
Kenshin Uh-oh Aoshi Enemy forces approaching? HannyaAye.
A displeased walkie-talkie-toting administrator begins deliberately heading towards the boys. Up and over ladders.
Megumi and Misao are covered in mochaccinos and stained orange. They're wiping themselves off with paper napkins as the administrators lead Kenshin, Hannya, and Aoshi to the office.
TaeWouldn't you know it? The three stooges.
Megumi Losers Attempt Prank. Hundreds UnimpressedFor a moment, Misao's jade eyes met Aoshi's icy crisp blue-gray eyes. They repeat their smart-ass looks from this morning.
EnishiMisao, isn't Shinomori Aoshi a friend of yours? Back in sixth grade at the Roller Hall you two use to-
MisaoShinomori Aoshi is a neighbor. That's all he's ever been.
As the boys are led to the office, they pass the protest booth. Aoshi winks at Yumi, who rolls her eyes, but she can't help her self- she finds the boy charming. Her nose-ringed sidekick Kamatari notices.
Kamatari
What a drag. Your boyfriend's getting sent upriver
Yumi
He's not my boyfriend. Boyfriend implies possession.
Kamatari
Whatever you say
Aoshi, Kenshin, and Hannya are seated in Assistant Principal Kuro's office. Mr. Kuro drums his fingers on his desk.
Mr. Kuro
Sprinklers…you guys…Sprinklers
Hannya
Us guys
Mr. Kuro
Right
Aoshi
Sprinklers
Mr. Kuro
Exactly
Hannya
Us guys
Mr. Kuro
You got it
Aoshi
Sprinklers
Mr. Kuro
Suspension?
Kenshin
I'm dead
Mr. Kuro
Not you, Himura. These two recidivists
Aoshi
C'mon. Sprinklers. With orange water. If anything's to blame, it's school spirit.
Hannya
He's right. School spirit- there's your culprit.
Mr. Kuro
You. Raise the shades and come closer. You too, Aoshi
Aoshi
Me?
The boys approach Mr. Kuro. Hannya is used to this sort of examination. Aoshi is a bit stunned by it, until…
Mr. Kuro
I need a comparison
Mr. Kuro squints into each boy's eyes.
Mr. Kuro
I always forget. Are the pupils supposed to be too bid, to too small?
Hannya
Well…that all depends
Kenshin
Am I free to go?
Aoshi is returning to class after his session with Mr. Kuro. The hallways are deserted. As he passes a janitor closet, a hand reaches out and snags him, pulling him in. Yumi and Aoshi are all over each other in the darkened closet- smooching, grinding, and rubbing. Finally, between pants…(they are not doing it for all of you perverted people)
Aoshi
Coach Okina?
Yumi punches him.
Yumi
I think you got through to them today. When that guy bolted over the Centennial Committee table, T thought I was going to cry, I was laughing so hard.
Aoshi
But, I thought you were like me and never laugh.
Yumi
It was on the inside.
Now you know what to do people. Please Review; I will post a new chapter, when I get 5 reviews from now on. If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to out them in you reviews and I will post the answers after each chapter.
