As countless other unfortunates before her, Tenou Haruka's life was cursed before she was
even born. The beautiful, strong and unsurpassable athlete and auto racer, considered to be the
greatest in both fields for her generation, came from less than ideal circumstances. Behind her
strong, proud façade, behind her superior attitude, poise and intelligence, lay a woman who had
been to hell and back. Her eyes, a kaleidoscope of blue, green and grey, were stormy and hostile;
she would not let anyone touch her. Ten'ou Haruka was a self-made woman; she had inherited
nothing from her parents except her colouring, and was proud of this fact. All of her wealth, her
successes and her strength she had earned on her own through pain and suffering. Tenou Haruka
stood alone since her date of birth, and had expected to be alone for all of her life.
In order to better understand Haruka, one must be familiar with her past, and the events
that contributed to her life before her time. Haruka's past was a delicate subject that she kept
locked within her. She had never loved or trusted anyone enough to reveal her past, to
explain how she became who she is, and why she reacts the way she does. Haruka tried to suppress
her memories, but knew that she could never entirely disregard them. Her past was who she was; it
shaped her, gave her the strength to overcome all obstacles and survive the jealousy, prejudice
and hatred of others. Although Tenou Haruka was a proud woman, she was not proud of her past and
upbringing; yet, she was proud of herself for overcoming it and rising above it. Haruka's
stubborn pride and determination had saved her life, more than once, and it would take a very
special circumstance for her to discard of it. Her pride was her greatest strength-but also her
greatest weakness. Her inability to let go of her pride and listen to others would cause herself
harm in the future. It was not until she met the love of her life that Haruka was able to let go…
*****
Haruka's life was destroyed before she had even been born, by circumstances that had
nothing to do with her yet would change her life forever. Haruka's father, Tenou Okura, had been
the greatest runner in Japanese history, breaking many national records and surpassing all other
athletes he fought against. At the age of 23, he competed against thousands of hopeful young men
to represent Japan in the 1984 Summer Olympics-and won. A student of the University of Osaka,
majoring in law, Okura had the world at his feet. In addition to being the fastest racer in
Japanese history, Okura was an honour student, the editor of his school newspaper and was
sponsored by a wealthy automobile manufacturer. He was also incredibly handsome, standing several
inches over 6', with a slim muscular physique, tan skin, blue-grey eyes and sandy blond hair.
Many women were interested in him, and he had his choice of women. For his wife he chose
none other than Marubeni Kotano, a promising young model with turquoise eyes and long,
golden hair.They were a picture perfect couple, both famous, both beautiful and both fulfilling
their dreams.
It was a shame that Okura would destroy not only their lives, but also the hopes of Japan
and the life of his unborn daughter.
Okura believed himself invincible, unstoppable, and unsurpassable. It may have been that
he was young, or under stress, or fear, but to many it appeared to be sheer idiocy. How a man
with his education, his knowledge and understanding of sports procedures and tests, could have
done something so unbelievably stupid was the question that the world asked. For, like the
failures of
many famous people, Okura's great shame was broadcasted across the world, witnessed by
billions-live on television, on the news and in the papers. Because of his fame, and the fame of
the Olympic games, Okura became even more famous than he had been before-but in an entirely
negative way. Whoever said that any publicity was good publicity had never encountered the case
of the great Tenou Okura.
The 1984 Olympics was a dream for the young Okura. His lifelong dream had come true:
representing his country against the world in the most famous athletic event in the world. Not
only would he be racing for the honour of his country, Okura was also racing to have his name go
down in history.
Ever since his childhood, Okura had dreamed of being immortalized, having his name live on
forever in history texts and record books. Okura wanted the record for being the fastest man in
the world-of all time! He dreamed of this madness for years and years; this dream would push him
to train for hours each day, racing in the mud, in the sand, and in the snow. He would exert
himself until his body would no longer support him, until he collapsed, clutching his aching
ribcage, gasping from the inability to breathe. Yet, this was all part of the Master Plan for
Okura: he believed that nothing was worth fighting for unless one had to work for it. And work he
did. By the time Okura had graduated from high school, he was the holder of many trophies and
medals, and the breaker of many records. He was declared the greatest junior athlete in all of
Japan, and was offered scholarships top different universities all around the world.
Despite the opportunity to study aboard, Okura decided instead to attend the University of Osaka,
in the city of his birth. This way he would be earning trophies for his hometown. Okura was a
very patriotic young man, loyal to his city and country. Although he had the opportunity to study
and train for universities in New York, Munich, Boston and Paris, he remained loyal to his
homeland. His choice, so patriotic and devoted, became a fixation of the Osaka public. They loved
their Golden Boy even more because of his loyalty. This way, the city would share in Okura's
triumphs, successes and fame. Little did the city know that Okura's downfall would also be shared
with their fallen hero.
That year's Olympic games took place in Los Anglos, California. Okura was excited to be
competing in America-the richest, most powerful nation in the world, home of many of the finest
athletes. He would represent his country against the world, in a foreign country, and show them
all what he-and Japan-were capable of. To compete in the 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1 500m races, his
dreams come true! He would win gold in all five, and become the top Japanese runner ever, no, the
top world racer ever! Five gold medals, five record-breaking speeds, his dream of all dreams. His
hopes had never been higher, the expectations of his supporters and country had never been
higher. A sure recipe for disaster. This was to be Okura's first foreign competition-and his
last.
He travelled to Los Anglos with his fiancée, the beautiful model Kotano. Secretly they
had become engaged, and had planned to announce the news of their union after the final race,
when Okura was to win his fifth gold medal. When the gold medal would be placed around Okura's
neck, he would propose to his wife, live on television, his message broadcasted around the globe.
The greatest publicity stunt of their careers! Of course, this was a five-way plan between
Okura, Kotano, Okura's sponsors and both of their managers, and all five parties kept in touch
and were informed about this master plan. Yet, the public would believe that it was a spontaneous
proposal, declared in the heat of the moment. They could see the money rolling in: magazine and
television interviews, modeling gigs for Kotano, a book, maybe even a motion picture! ^ The story
of Tenou Okura and Marubeni Kotano^, two beautiful blondes, rising to become the most famous,
talented, rich, successful couple in the world! Oh, and also the couple who shared the greatest
love. Yes, it was the perfect plan-all Okura had to do was win all of his races, but that was
inevitable! There was no faster man than Tenou Okura, the man who was as fast and as great as the
divine wind!
The first three races went well for Okura, as he won the gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m.
The crowds cheered him on, their belief and faith rising with every gold he won for his country.
Okura was on top of his game, confident and sure of himself and his abilities. He was so sure of
himself that he ceased his training in order to bask in the glow of his publicity. Yet, as his
ego and fame grew, his inability to see the truth began to cloud his judgement. He was so sure
of himself that his defeat in the 800m almost destroyed him. At the last minute, Sven Magnussen
replaced Georges Thorvork in the 400m race. A relative unknown, Sven was able to overcome Japan's
hero, and took the gold medal for Sweden. Okura was distraught. A silver medal! It was
unacceptable!
His once happy, supportive and generous sponsors grew angry at him, and pressured him
further towards success, pushing him to train harder, to reach for the gold in the final race-or
else. The media was in a frenzy, hounding him at all hours, wanting to know the reason for
failing to win his last race. The Master Plan was at stake! If Okura did not win the 1 500m race,
then he could not propose in the joy and exhilaration of the moment! If he did not win,
(threatened his supporters), then they would discontinue their funds. If he did not win, then he
would become a disgrace. He would lose his honour, and the honour of his country. He would lose
his beautiful fiancée, his dreams for his future, everything! If he did not win, then he was
finished as a runner-and as a man. Okura had to win-at all costs!
Okura locked himself in his hotel room the night before the big race. He paced across
his room, back and forth, clawing at his short blond hair, wanting to pull it out by the roots.
On the couch lay Kotano in lavender lingerie, running her slender fingers up and down her
breasts, trying to entice her lover. But Okura was in no mood for sex. His future lay on this one
race, the 1 500m. It should have been a piece of cake-all but for that damned Swede!
"Okura, baby, calm down," Kotano purred seductively, lowering her eyes and running her
fingers over her lips. She scowled as Okura did not even grant her a look.
"Okura, just relax! Everything will be fine! You'll beat that Magnussen, you'll leave him
in the dust! Why don't you just come to bed; you need your sleep for the race tomorrow, and I'll
give you something to look forward to after you win!"
Okura just scowled. "Kotano, do you not realise that my entire life is at stake?! If I
lose...Oh, God! If I lose...I don't just lose the race, but my career, my financial support, my
pride, everything! Oh, God...Oh, God..." He buried his face in his hands.
"Of course I realise this!" Kotano beat her fist against the wall, which surprised them
both. Kotano was not known to be practically motivated or emotionally involved in anything other
than her appearance. The fact that she would risk bruising her hands showed that she was quite
passionate about this conversation.
"Damn, Okura, I know just as well as you do what is at stake! I have a lot to lose as
well! But if you don't calm down, and rest, then you'll be too exhausted to compete tomorrow! If
you lose...God forbid, it is not the end of the world. There's always four years from now...and
come on, are three gold, and one silver, so bad? You have done exceptionally well, Love.
Everything will be alright, Okura, just calm down..."
"Just calm down? What the fuck are you talking about? This is my life, Kotano, my dream,
my pride, my honour...Can you not comprehend that? If I lose...Christ, Kotano, if I am to lose,
then everything that I've worked towards my entire life has been for naught. For naught! All the
hours of training, the humiliation of whoring myself for a sponsor, the endless discussions with
my manager...for naught! My whole life will have been for naught! Without this gold, I am
nothing, nothing!" Okura cried out, losing all shreds of self-control.
He grabbed his windbreaker and ran out of the hotel. When all seemed lost, Okura would
run, he would run as fast as he could, until he could see and feel nothing but the feel of the
wind through his hair. When his problems seemed to be too much, he would simply run to escape
them all, his fears, his doubts and his pain. He would run until he was embraced by the wind,
until he ceased to be Tenou Okura, and became just a part of the rustling, violent, unbreakable
wind.
even born. The beautiful, strong and unsurpassable athlete and auto racer, considered to be the
greatest in both fields for her generation, came from less than ideal circumstances. Behind her
strong, proud façade, behind her superior attitude, poise and intelligence, lay a woman who had
been to hell and back. Her eyes, a kaleidoscope of blue, green and grey, were stormy and hostile;
she would not let anyone touch her. Ten'ou Haruka was a self-made woman; she had inherited
nothing from her parents except her colouring, and was proud of this fact. All of her wealth, her
successes and her strength she had earned on her own through pain and suffering. Tenou Haruka
stood alone since her date of birth, and had expected to be alone for all of her life.
In order to better understand Haruka, one must be familiar with her past, and the events
that contributed to her life before her time. Haruka's past was a delicate subject that she kept
locked within her. She had never loved or trusted anyone enough to reveal her past, to
explain how she became who she is, and why she reacts the way she does. Haruka tried to suppress
her memories, but knew that she could never entirely disregard them. Her past was who she was; it
shaped her, gave her the strength to overcome all obstacles and survive the jealousy, prejudice
and hatred of others. Although Tenou Haruka was a proud woman, she was not proud of her past and
upbringing; yet, she was proud of herself for overcoming it and rising above it. Haruka's
stubborn pride and determination had saved her life, more than once, and it would take a very
special circumstance for her to discard of it. Her pride was her greatest strength-but also her
greatest weakness. Her inability to let go of her pride and listen to others would cause herself
harm in the future. It was not until she met the love of her life that Haruka was able to let go…
*****
Haruka's life was destroyed before she had even been born, by circumstances that had
nothing to do with her yet would change her life forever. Haruka's father, Tenou Okura, had been
the greatest runner in Japanese history, breaking many national records and surpassing all other
athletes he fought against. At the age of 23, he competed against thousands of hopeful young men
to represent Japan in the 1984 Summer Olympics-and won. A student of the University of Osaka,
majoring in law, Okura had the world at his feet. In addition to being the fastest racer in
Japanese history, Okura was an honour student, the editor of his school newspaper and was
sponsored by a wealthy automobile manufacturer. He was also incredibly handsome, standing several
inches over 6', with a slim muscular physique, tan skin, blue-grey eyes and sandy blond hair.
Many women were interested in him, and he had his choice of women. For his wife he chose
none other than Marubeni Kotano, a promising young model with turquoise eyes and long,
golden hair.They were a picture perfect couple, both famous, both beautiful and both fulfilling
their dreams.
It was a shame that Okura would destroy not only their lives, but also the hopes of Japan
and the life of his unborn daughter.
Okura believed himself invincible, unstoppable, and unsurpassable. It may have been that
he was young, or under stress, or fear, but to many it appeared to be sheer idiocy. How a man
with his education, his knowledge and understanding of sports procedures and tests, could have
done something so unbelievably stupid was the question that the world asked. For, like the
failures of
many famous people, Okura's great shame was broadcasted across the world, witnessed by
billions-live on television, on the news and in the papers. Because of his fame, and the fame of
the Olympic games, Okura became even more famous than he had been before-but in an entirely
negative way. Whoever said that any publicity was good publicity had never encountered the case
of the great Tenou Okura.
The 1984 Olympics was a dream for the young Okura. His lifelong dream had come true:
representing his country against the world in the most famous athletic event in the world. Not
only would he be racing for the honour of his country, Okura was also racing to have his name go
down in history.
Ever since his childhood, Okura had dreamed of being immortalized, having his name live on
forever in history texts and record books. Okura wanted the record for being the fastest man in
the world-of all time! He dreamed of this madness for years and years; this dream would push him
to train for hours each day, racing in the mud, in the sand, and in the snow. He would exert
himself until his body would no longer support him, until he collapsed, clutching his aching
ribcage, gasping from the inability to breathe. Yet, this was all part of the Master Plan for
Okura: he believed that nothing was worth fighting for unless one had to work for it. And work he
did. By the time Okura had graduated from high school, he was the holder of many trophies and
medals, and the breaker of many records. He was declared the greatest junior athlete in all of
Japan, and was offered scholarships top different universities all around the world.
Despite the opportunity to study aboard, Okura decided instead to attend the University of Osaka,
in the city of his birth. This way he would be earning trophies for his hometown. Okura was a
very patriotic young man, loyal to his city and country. Although he had the opportunity to study
and train for universities in New York, Munich, Boston and Paris, he remained loyal to his
homeland. His choice, so patriotic and devoted, became a fixation of the Osaka public. They loved
their Golden Boy even more because of his loyalty. This way, the city would share in Okura's
triumphs, successes and fame. Little did the city know that Okura's downfall would also be shared
with their fallen hero.
That year's Olympic games took place in Los Anglos, California. Okura was excited to be
competing in America-the richest, most powerful nation in the world, home of many of the finest
athletes. He would represent his country against the world, in a foreign country, and show them
all what he-and Japan-were capable of. To compete in the 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1 500m races, his
dreams come true! He would win gold in all five, and become the top Japanese runner ever, no, the
top world racer ever! Five gold medals, five record-breaking speeds, his dream of all dreams. His
hopes had never been higher, the expectations of his supporters and country had never been
higher. A sure recipe for disaster. This was to be Okura's first foreign competition-and his
last.
He travelled to Los Anglos with his fiancée, the beautiful model Kotano. Secretly they
had become engaged, and had planned to announce the news of their union after the final race,
when Okura was to win his fifth gold medal. When the gold medal would be placed around Okura's
neck, he would propose to his wife, live on television, his message broadcasted around the globe.
The greatest publicity stunt of their careers! Of course, this was a five-way plan between
Okura, Kotano, Okura's sponsors and both of their managers, and all five parties kept in touch
and were informed about this master plan. Yet, the public would believe that it was a spontaneous
proposal, declared in the heat of the moment. They could see the money rolling in: magazine and
television interviews, modeling gigs for Kotano, a book, maybe even a motion picture! ^ The story
of Tenou Okura and Marubeni Kotano^, two beautiful blondes, rising to become the most famous,
talented, rich, successful couple in the world! Oh, and also the couple who shared the greatest
love. Yes, it was the perfect plan-all Okura had to do was win all of his races, but that was
inevitable! There was no faster man than Tenou Okura, the man who was as fast and as great as the
divine wind!
The first three races went well for Okura, as he won the gold in the 100m, 200m and 400m.
The crowds cheered him on, their belief and faith rising with every gold he won for his country.
Okura was on top of his game, confident and sure of himself and his abilities. He was so sure of
himself that he ceased his training in order to bask in the glow of his publicity. Yet, as his
ego and fame grew, his inability to see the truth began to cloud his judgement. He was so sure
of himself that his defeat in the 800m almost destroyed him. At the last minute, Sven Magnussen
replaced Georges Thorvork in the 400m race. A relative unknown, Sven was able to overcome Japan's
hero, and took the gold medal for Sweden. Okura was distraught. A silver medal! It was
unacceptable!
His once happy, supportive and generous sponsors grew angry at him, and pressured him
further towards success, pushing him to train harder, to reach for the gold in the final race-or
else. The media was in a frenzy, hounding him at all hours, wanting to know the reason for
failing to win his last race. The Master Plan was at stake! If Okura did not win the 1 500m race,
then he could not propose in the joy and exhilaration of the moment! If he did not win,
(threatened his supporters), then they would discontinue their funds. If he did not win, then he
would become a disgrace. He would lose his honour, and the honour of his country. He would lose
his beautiful fiancée, his dreams for his future, everything! If he did not win, then he was
finished as a runner-and as a man. Okura had to win-at all costs!
Okura locked himself in his hotel room the night before the big race. He paced across
his room, back and forth, clawing at his short blond hair, wanting to pull it out by the roots.
On the couch lay Kotano in lavender lingerie, running her slender fingers up and down her
breasts, trying to entice her lover. But Okura was in no mood for sex. His future lay on this one
race, the 1 500m. It should have been a piece of cake-all but for that damned Swede!
"Okura, baby, calm down," Kotano purred seductively, lowering her eyes and running her
fingers over her lips. She scowled as Okura did not even grant her a look.
"Okura, just relax! Everything will be fine! You'll beat that Magnussen, you'll leave him
in the dust! Why don't you just come to bed; you need your sleep for the race tomorrow, and I'll
give you something to look forward to after you win!"
Okura just scowled. "Kotano, do you not realise that my entire life is at stake?! If I
lose...Oh, God! If I lose...I don't just lose the race, but my career, my financial support, my
pride, everything! Oh, God...Oh, God..." He buried his face in his hands.
"Of course I realise this!" Kotano beat her fist against the wall, which surprised them
both. Kotano was not known to be practically motivated or emotionally involved in anything other
than her appearance. The fact that she would risk bruising her hands showed that she was quite
passionate about this conversation.
"Damn, Okura, I know just as well as you do what is at stake! I have a lot to lose as
well! But if you don't calm down, and rest, then you'll be too exhausted to compete tomorrow! If
you lose...God forbid, it is not the end of the world. There's always four years from now...and
come on, are three gold, and one silver, so bad? You have done exceptionally well, Love.
Everything will be alright, Okura, just calm down..."
"Just calm down? What the fuck are you talking about? This is my life, Kotano, my dream,
my pride, my honour...Can you not comprehend that? If I lose...Christ, Kotano, if I am to lose,
then everything that I've worked towards my entire life has been for naught. For naught! All the
hours of training, the humiliation of whoring myself for a sponsor, the endless discussions with
my manager...for naught! My whole life will have been for naught! Without this gold, I am
nothing, nothing!" Okura cried out, losing all shreds of self-control.
He grabbed his windbreaker and ran out of the hotel. When all seemed lost, Okura would
run, he would run as fast as he could, until he could see and feel nothing but the feel of the
wind through his hair. When his problems seemed to be too much, he would simply run to escape
them all, his fears, his doubts and his pain. He would run until he was embraced by the wind,
until he ceased to be Tenou Okura, and became just a part of the rustling, violent, unbreakable
wind.