Fooly Cooly: Haruko's Revenge

Chapter 3. Revenge of the Vespa Lady

"Aloha, Takkun."

Haruko stood in the open doorway, hands at her hips. Naota stared forward, unblinking. This can't be real. This is a trick. He refused to believe the tale his eyes were telling.

But his eyes were telling the truth.

Haruko sneered, "Helloooooo? Is anyone in there?" She taps Naota's head, causing an echo. "Didn't your little lady friend tell you it's impolite to stare?" Haruko's yellow eyed glare shoots over to Eri, Beretta still firmly in her hand. "By the way, when were we going to discuss her? I had no clue about her. I thought we were friends. You two didn't even send a wedding invite."

Haruko's glare shifted over to Canti, whose long, robotic arm shielded Akio. Her eyes lit up as the kid came into her view. "Or told me about a baby shower." Haruko jeered. Canti stood steadfast, ready to protect Akio. It was obvious to anyone why she was here. Naota finally sprung to life, and he realized this wasn't a dream. His hand flew out to his side, towards his wife.

"Eri!"

Eri's eyes threw over to the table, where the beretta sat untouched. She was surprised it took him that long to come to his senses. Quick as a whip, Eri tossed the Beretta to Naota's waiting hand. Time seemed to come to a crawl as all eyes locked on the weapon. It seemed that everybody was just a little late in seeing the pistol flying in the air. All of them except for Naota. Almost instinctively, Naota caught the loaded firearm, and he pointed squarely at the woman at the door. Barely an inch separated Haruko's forehead and the barrel of the gun.

Naota was clear in his words. "Get out."

Haruko wasn't impressed, "This isn't normal for you, Takkun. Guns and you don't mix. Do you still have that bat? For old times sake?"

Naota stood firm. He was not going to let the alien into his house. He gripped the Beretta with ill intentions.

"Nobody wants you here." Naota stated. He was wrong.

"We know that's not true, Takkun. Lying in front of children is not a good look."

"I mean it, Haruko. You have no right to be here."

"When have I cared about what's right?"

"When have you ever cared?'

"Harsh words, Takkun. You know I care."

"If you cared, you would have stayed!"

Silence fell across the house. The plucking of a bass guitar could be heard. From where? Somewhere.

"You have no idea what you're doing, Takkun."

"Stop calling me that."

Haruko stepped away from the gun pointing at her. She's smart enough to know that this battle is not winnable. The old Haruko would have already stuck by now, but that version of her was too headstrong. Haruko learned when to retreat, and more importantly, when to strike again.

"I'll be back, Takkun. You know this. I hope you've been practicing."

Naota seemed stunned, "Practicing what?"

Haruko plainly stated, "If you need to know what I mean, you haven't been practicing."

Suddenly, the door slammed shut on her. As if by a ghost. Naota quickly ran and threw the door open. The street was empty. She was gone. All that remained? Skid marks and flames. The woman knew how to make an exit.

Naota shut the door behind him. He turned to his scared family, standing exactly in the same spot. Naota knew he messed up. He froze. He didn't pull the trigger. Naota knew he should have. Haruko was a threat, but he froze. Naota sat down on the couch, hands propping up his lowered head. He was disappointed.

His wife approached, cautiously. The ghost of Haruko made the air thick with worry. She was back and knew where they lived. Eri slowly put her arms around her husband; sometimes we all need a hug. Sometimes we ask, and other times someone cares enough to know we do. She hugged Naota with a loving comfort. "It's all going to be okay, hunny." She whispered. "Just stick together and Haruko won't win." She assured him. Naota still sat, silent. Why did this happen? Why is she back? Why couldn't I pull the trigger? These ideas sunk deeper into his mind as the family fell asleep.

Meanwhile, at the Mabase Medical Hospital

beep….beep….beep

Kitsurubami sat in a hospital bed, giving a description of Haruko to the police. She knew it was hopeless. What good could police do to Haruko? What good could she do to Haruko either? Kitsurubami was at the mercy of that evil alien, and she highly doubted this mercy would be granted twice. The sterile beeps of the hospital equipment was starting to drive her mad. A solid, but singular knock broke the silence of the room. As the police opened the door, they were greeted by the grizzled face of Amarao. He was armed, obviously. The police greeted the commander as they left, and Amarao walked into Kitsurubami's room. The door shut behind them, and Amarao quickly shot a glance of the police through the blinds.

"Are you sure they were fine?" Amarao quizzed.

Kitsurubami nodded her head. "I think so. We were alone for a good while. If they were Haruko, she would have finished the job." Her head carely slumped into her hands. Amarao couldn't look at her. She and her team didn't stand a chance. Kitsurubami was lucky to be alive. That begs the question: why leave her alive? Amarao couldn't believe Haruko showing such mercy, especially considering how much the rest of the team was brutalized. This whole thing felt too real. Amarao walked over to the bed. He thought about wrapping his arm around her, but he figured that would cause more problems than comfort.

"Kitsurubami, I want you to know that you did the best you could." Amarao said. He didn't want her feeling bad about her team. Kitsurubami was lucky to be alive. She needs to rest. She's been through enough. Amarao reached into his coat pocket, ruffling around looking for a small capsule. When his fingers finally found the item, Amarao pulled out a small microphone. "Sorry about having to do this, but we need to ensure that we know who comes to see you." Kitsurubami understood completely. Amarao's gaze dotted back to the shade covered windows, and he walked over to peek outside their small hospital room.. His eyes were soon met with a horrifying sight. No...why...this can't be! His mind soon became flooded with thoughts, and he soon realized this was not going to be simple.

Hey, hey readers! Haruhara Haruko back again! Ohhhhh yeah, it's all coming together. It's only a matter of time before things start falling back in line. Just know that Ole Eyebrows has a reason to be afraid. Get ready for a long one, if the author stays motivated that is. Next on Fooly Cooly, Ring-Ding-A-Ling!