Hello, great RahXephon news! I saw on CDJapan's website that the movie DVD will be released in Japan (Region 2 and in Japanese only) on August 23, 2003. The limited edition first pressing will have a bonus replica of the theatrical souvenir book and a bonus disc. It retails for 8800 yen.
Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the property of their respectful owners. This piece is not for profitable purposes.
Chapter 36: At the Beach
I hear the telephone ring, but don't want to get it, after all, I'm comfortable in bed and had been sleeping. However, I decide that it might be Mishima, so I throw off the covers and pick up.
"Hello?"
"Yo, Ayato, it's me."
"Oh, Mamoru, hi."
"How's your break been going?"
I wipe my eyes and yawn before I say, "Fine, how about you?"
"Great, Hiroko and I were back at tennis camp and went out a lot. How about you and Mishima?"
"That's good. Yeah, we did stuff together."
"I'm calling because I have an idea. I've been trying to get Hiroko to go to the beach, but she says she doesn't want to and the only reason I'm asking is because I want to see her in a swimsuit, which is actually the truth, but whatever."
Remembering the problems caused when I'd gone along with Mamoru's idea at the theater our first year in junior high, I sigh.
"So, let me guess, you want the four of us to go because you think Asahina will be more willing to go if Mishima's there, too?"
"You're smarter than I thought, Ayato! And I'm sure you'd like to see Mishima in a swimsuit, too."
Annoyed, I say, "Mamoru, did you already forget what happened when you had 'an idea' about the movie?"
"That doesn't matter! Besides, I bet Mishima would like to go with all of us."
I think about that, and decide that she probably would.
"Ok, Mamoru, I think it's a good idea, but only if you understand, first, that I'm going because I think it would be a good way for the four of us to spend time together, and second, you can't let on that you're going because of the reason you told me."
"Sure, sure."
"When were you planning on going?"
"You're done with your class, right?"
"Yeah, it finished yesterday."
"Let's go this Friday, one last party before the semester starts."
"Ok, Mamoru. I'll call Mishima and ask her, do you know if Asahina can do it then?"
"Yeah, I'm sure she can."
"Ok, unless I call, let's meet there at 10 on Friday, ok?"
"Sure."
"All right, see you then."
"Yeah, bye, Ayato."
I arrive at the beach and see Mishima, Mamoru, and Asahina all waiting for me. I wave and Mishima and Asahina wave back.
As I approach, Mamoru says, "Slept in again, eh, Ayato?"
Embarrassed, I say, "Yeah, I guess so."
"It's all right, we haven't been waiting long," Mishima answers.
"Reika's right, Kamina-kun."
I smile at both of them and say, "That's good."
Mamoru takes hold of Asahina's hand and says, "Let's go!"
I walk over next to Mishima, I notice that she's wearing the mint and blue patterned sundress and that she's tied the green ribbon around her ponytail.
We join hands and I say, "Hello, Mishima, it's nice to see you again."
She smiles and says, "Same here, Kamina-kun. What a great idea to come here, the four of us haven't had the chance to do anything this summer yet."
"Yeah, I think so, too."
"Everyone, let's set up here," Mamoru says.
I look around and see that there seems to be enough space for all of us. We put down our towels so that Mamoru's is on one side, then Asahina's, then Mishima's, and finally, mine. After they lay out their towels, Mishima and Asahina go to the change area. When they return, I notice that Mishima is wearing the sunflower patterned swimsuit again today.
After they sit down, Mamoru turns to Asahina and says, "Hiroko, would you like help putting your sunscreen on?"
Asahina gives him an angry look and says, "Torigai, you pervert!"
Mamoru feigns innocence and responds, "What are you talking about, Hiroko? I'm just trying to help."
Asahina crosses her arms and says, "Yeah, right, help."
I look over at Mishima, who seems to be stifling laughter and I smile slightly. She notices and smiles back.
Mamoru and Asahina start a conversation, and I'm about to say something to Mishima when I notice she has started reading a book. Oh, well. I take out my sketchbook and pencil from the duffel bag I brought with me and begin to sketch the shoreline.
Noticing me, Asahina lifts her sunglasses up and looks at my drawing.
"Kamina-kun, I didn't realize you brought your sketchbook," she says, sounding surprised.
Looking somewhat angry that their conversation was interrupted, Mamoru looks over as well. Mishima's interest must have been piqued as well, because she puts down her book and leans in.
"That's a nice drawing, Kamina-kun, I especially like the seagulls," Mishima says.
I look at her and smile as I say, "Thanks, Mishima."
Her expression changes as she grins widely.
"I have an idea! Hiroko, let's build a sand castle, and Kamina-kun can draw it for us. Wouldn't that be fun?"
Asahina laughs and says, "I think so, too, Reika."
Asahina gets up carefully while Mishima jumps up and they move forward, debating where exactly to build the castle. They choose a spot and I stop sketching and decide to watch. I smile, glad that Mishima seems to be enjoying herself.
When they finish, they both outstretch an arm to display the finished product.
"Ta da!" They say at the same time.
Mamoru claps and I smile as I say, "It looks good, Mishima, Asahina."
"Are you going to draw it now, Kamina-kun?" Asahina asks.
"I think it would be even better if you two were in the sketch, don't you think?"
Mishima and Asahina look at each other and then at me and say, "Ok!"
"Actually, Kamina-kun, draw it twice, one for me, and one for Reika."
I laugh and respond, "Sure, Asahina."
They seat themselves on either side of the castle and smile as I compose the sketches.
After I finish, I give them each a copy and they both compliment the sketch.
The four of us relax some more, but Mamoru eventually gets restless and says, "Let's go in the water."
Asahina lifts her sunglasses again as she says back, "Oh, no, I'll never be able to brush my hair again after it goes in this water!"
Mamoru smirks and surprises us all when he suddenly picks up Asahina, throws her sunglasses on her towel and starts running with her towards the water.
"Wait, Torigai, what are you doing?! Stop! No, don't you dare bring me in the water, if you do, I swear, TORIGAI!"
Mishima and I watch in surprise as Mamoru continues to run right into and under the water, Asahina with him.
Mishima and I look at each other and can't help but laugh.
When they resurface, Asahina shouts, "Why, you! Look at me!"
Mishima leans over and whispers in my ear, "Let's go closer, Kamina-kun."
I turn to her and say, "Ok."
We get up and walk to the water, where Mamoru and Asahina are now having an all-out war.
"Hiroko?" Mishima asks as we make our way into the water.
"Oh, Reika, look at me!"
Mishima immerses herself in the water and comes back up.
"Look, Hiroko, we look silly together now," she says with a smile.
Asahina smiles at Mishima and walks toward her.
"Thanks, Reika."
We stay in the water for a while longer, swimming and riding the waves.
As we walk back to our towels, Mamoru comes along side me and says, "Why don't we get drinks and snacks for all of us, Ayato?"
"That sounds like a good idea, Mamoru."
"Hiroko, Mishima, you go back, Ayato and I are going to buy stuff. What do you want?"
"I'll take lemonade and a fruit bar, Torigai."
"No problem, Hiroko."
"Can I have a ramune and an ice cream bar, Kamina-kun?"
"Sure, Mishima."
Mamoru and I go and buy the food and drinks for Mishima and Asahina, and get drinks for ourselves.
As Mamoru passes her drink and fruit bar to Asahina, he says, "Here, Hiroko."
She smiles at him as she accepts them and says, "Thanks, Torigai!"
I lean over and give Mishima hers, which she happily accepts and thanks me for.
We talk and watch the water as we finish our drinks and snacks, enjoying each other's company.
Next ChapterThe Cultural Festival – Part I
