Love Hina
Part 4 Motoko's Dilemma
Jealousy!
Narusegawa fumed. "First, Motoko, now Marie!"
Shinobu was cute, but she knew that Keitaro did not consider her as a marriage partner. Kaolla frightened him. Besides that, she was already betrothed to her half-brother. Mutsumi was a distinct possibility, but the emphasis was on the promised one. Mutsumi had already disqualified herself, but the question was, which one of them was the promised one?"
The question was becoming moot as far as Narusegawa was concerned.
Whichever one made it to Tokyo University with him would land him.
"I am looking for a secure life as an in-law to Hina-san. I will have good food, wonderful baths, a gentle husband. I will be able to run the Hina Inn after Hina-san's inevitable passing," She thought a little sadly. Narusegawa was fond of the old woman.
Keitaro had gotten an "A" on his last practice exam! His tutorage under Sarah's guidance has made him quite good with English in the last few months. Sarah smiled at him when he called her "Teacher McDougall", now able to articulate the English "L" and the "R" to her satisfaction. She was no threat either.
Narusegawa turned her thoughts back to the competition.
"Motoko won't be a problem, because she can't pass the entrance exam.
She is weak in the higher mathematics. If she studies very hard with a tutor, she might squeak by in another year." "Anyway she applied for the scholarship in Kyoto." Narusegawa herself had seen the acceptance letter from the admissions office.
"Marie is different," Narusegawa shuddered. She had appeared out of nowhere, no parents, no money, and only one change of clothes. Wasting no time showing her affections for Keitaro, "the little French trollop" as Naru referred to her rival, had become one of the premiere businesswomen in the area. She carried a French passport and had applied for and received a student visa. Applying as a French national student, she had easily passed the tough prerequisite exam and was being allowed to take the entrance exam with the other applicants. She also carried a letter of credit that showed her ability to easily cover the cost of a foreign student at Tokyo University. "The foreign exchange program might allow her to dispense with the exam altogether!" Narusegawa shuddered.
Narusegawa also could not forget the buying up of Su-chan's worthless scrip and the respect she had received in the little town because of it. Kaolla Su's money was accepted everywhere in the little town now,
she could even exchange it just about anywhere for yen for a trip to Tokyo. The merchants showed up at the Inn on Saturday to redeem it.
And there was the restoration of the Inn. The materials were purchased, the work progressed, the craftsmen were paid.
"Where was the money coming from?"
Keitaro had started the project with money she had provided him with the redemption of "Su-scrip" and then entrusted its operation to her.
Narusegawa checked at the land office for any liens against the Inn,
but her searches came up empty. Yet the Inn was slowly losing the effects of years and was becoming more like a palace. The workmen referred to her, behind her back, as "Marie-sama." She was a fair, but tough superintendent, refusing to accept any work that was not the finest. She had sharply objected being addressed with any honorific but "Marie-san." She was beautiful, generous, well-organized,
friendly, apparently very wealthy - and Narusegawa's bitterest enemy.
The floorboards in Naru's room had been replaced, and the floor sanded, finished and buffed to a high shine. It also blocked her from Keitaro, as the shortcut hole in the floor was now gone.
The room decorations and the paintings approved by Narusegawa herself now made her angry when she recognized the influence of the hated "Gaijin" [foreigner] on them.
Keitaro's bathing confinement-by her, years ago, at her specific insistence, to the tiny bath on the second floor now added to her consternation. The ladies drew lots to see which two would share the bath with Keitaro and wash his back. Kaolla, Sarah, Mutsumi, Motoko,
Shinobu, and Marie all participated regularly. Two ladies were a guarantee against any misbehavior on anyone's part. Keitaro's aunt had sneaked up and peeked at her insistence; then had joined the drawing the next day! It was no secret who had suggested that she join! Naru refused to participate and grimaced at the conversation upstairs,
looking up from the spring, sometimes longingly.
Shinobu, who now helped keep the books for the restoration project and the operation of the house, was of little help. Truthful and honest,
the young domestic was now able to tell exactly how, how much, and where the money was spent. The project was on schedule and on budget.
Hardly of any help when trying to find leverage to unseat a rival!
Marie had already had several offers to work at construction companies and even as an assistant to a large engineering firm constructing a new building in downtown Tokyo. The multi-national corporations saw her as a rare find, French, English and Japanese, a good organizer, a leader, and that damnable letter of credit that extended to 9 figures now! She had gotten the wood to replace the rotting beams in weeks not months due to it. Not to mention that she was "very nice on the eyes!" Keitaro had admonished one of the younger workers for a lewd comment, and then made that comment himself.
"Then she had the nerve to refuse the job offers and stay here!" Naru gritted her teeth at the thought and clenched her fists.
- - -
Motoko had been corresponding with her sister concerning the choice of her husband. "As a student candidate for Tokyo University, and the pressure of entrance exams are upon him, it would be unwise at this time to distract him with talk of his impending marriage." My own entrance to the University has been secured." When he has been admitted, I will be able to give you a definitive answer, of whether or not he will actually marry me."
Motoko's betrothal was accepted in the village, and news of Keitaro's wearing of the betrothal medallion and chain had reached the elders by word of mouth.
"A nice polite young man, a respecter of his elders and of women."
Motoko had read the words and her tears had flowed with pride for him as she read the words.
The return letter arrived in a week.
Skipping through the usual news and salutations, she read the reply.
"My dearest sister, you may have any additional time required to secure your mate. However, should you be rejected, you are required to notify us at once!"
Motoko sat in the kitchen with Shinobu and Marie. Shinobu was preparing food for the workmen. Noodles, rice, fish and pickles made up the simple menu, naturally served with green tea. Men were free to bring their own lunch box, or purchase lunch in the town, but the rule was "everyone must eat." Marie supplemented the household budget from the restoration budget to make up the difference.
"It was "cheap insurance" against mistakes." Marie had observed. Men grew sloppy on empty stomachs. Marie insisted that at lunch, all but critical work stop and the men rest and eat. Critical tasks, such as the troweling of poured concrete or some other task where stopping could produce injury, damage or waste, were closely monitored and the men rested and fed as soon as possible.
The two ladies dressed in attractive dresses and carried the meals to the appointed eating area. Some had lunch boxes, but kept them closed until everyone had been served. Marie spoke the traditional blessing,
which everyone repeated in one voice. "ITADAKIMASU!"
The two ladies carefully checked during the meal that everyone had tea or water. As they walked by, one could feel the gentle brush of a hand or tips of fingers against them.
"They are lonely, unless it is very intrusive, let them alone." Marie had suggested. It was far less humiliating than the train, and there was an underlying mood of respect behind the gentle touches.
Motoko kept Keitaro occupied with his studies. A gentle prompting after a bit too long of a rest, sent him dutifully back to the study group. Narusegawa and Mutsumi were still struggling with completing the calculus workbook he had finished weeks earlier. He was now intently studying Kanji. Motoko smiled. It was her strongest subject.
Keitaro looked at his old enemy carefully, the one who would have as soon split him with her sword as look at him was now offering to tutor him. She was the same one who had kept Narusegawa from hitting him and tended his wounds, the one who used to prefer the company of women exclusively, with whom he now shared his bath from time to time.
"As we will be working together, I insist on something." Motoko declared. "That you address me as 'Sensei'."
Keitaro nodded his agreement. Even the girl Sarah with her native knowledge of English could be addressed that way.
"I will be holding your hand, guiding your arm, adjusting your posture. You will allow me to instruct you by touch." Motoko stated.
"Close contact will be part of the training."
Keitaro swallowed. "I could easily make a slip."
Motoko nodded, "That is why you are the student."
"Intimate words are part of Kanji and therefore, part of the training." Keitaro reddened, but nodded.
"You will learn many of the ancient forms."
Keitaro protested. "They are so seldom used. What is their purpose?"
"They are used in art and by elders. It is also part of my price for teaching you." Motoko declared.
"Fine let's get started." Keitaro suggested.
"Not so fast," Motoko declared, "We are enemies. Before we may work together, the way must be cleansed between us, and our strife settled once and for all."
"Keitaro nodded. "The tea ceremony."
"Hai"
Keitaro dressed in the formal hakama, and entered the refurbished hall with the low table. He carefully lifted the garment one leg at a time to keep it from catching it under him as it dragged on the floor; he entered from the doorway on his knees.
Motoko handed her sword to Shinobu as was required, and entered also on her knees through an opposite door.
The text of the short version of the ceremony was on the low table,
but Motoko knew it intimately. Keitaro had cleaned the room spotless;
he had set out Hina-san's heirloom tea set.
The ceremony progressed without incident. Motoko's movements were graceful, practiced, polished. Keitaro's motions were hesitant, but sincere.
The green frothy tea was shared in the simple bowl, with the elegance of the rotation completing the ceremony as the two bowed to each other, in quiet reverence.
Afterwards he held out his open hands, a family tradition, not normally seen in the ceremony. Motoko recognized the form, responded and the tips of their fingers met.
"Flash!" Shinobu snapped a picture of the classic moment.
The two noticed, but the distraction was lost in the quiet repose.
"Keitaro, what are you doing?" I thought you loved me!"
"Excuse me, Narusegawa, but what does this have to do with you?"
Keitaro replied, eyes still closed, savoring the moment.
"You are sitting here, being intimate with her!"
"Motoko-chan, I thought you were my friend." Naru screamed.
"Keitaro, BAKA!" Naru pulled back and hit the unsuspecting man in the face.
Motoko saw the blow coming, but had nothing with which to protect Keitaro.
"No!" Motoko screamed. The tea set was sent flying and shattered on the floor as Keitaro crumbled, blood streaming from his mouth.
"One way was cleansed and another is defiled." Motoko glared at Narusegawa who looked wide-eyed at Motoko realizing what she had done.
"You have profaned the tea ceremony. I will not eat with you, bathe with you, or even converse with you any longer. Your enemies are now my friends. I will not defend you or lift the slightest finger to help you. I will not walk the same path you walk, I will not sleep under the same roof as you do. I will be leaving Hina Inn as soon as I am packed. If I had my sword, I would have cut you down!
"Wait!" Keitaro looked at the flashing eyes.
"Narusegawa!" Keitaro looked at his old sweetheart, the blood from his broken tooth steaming out of his mouth.
"I cast you out of my heart. I remember you no longer. Take what you came with and leave us." The man spat blood and splattered Narusegawa's blouse with it.
Shinobu came running and grabbed Naru's arm. Naru cried out in pain as the arm was twisted to the breaking point. Unable to resist the force,
she was dragged from the room, and thrown onto the floor in the hall.
She cowered as Shinobu drew Motoko's sword and held it on her. She had never seen Shinobu like this. Mitsune, another boarder, who had witnessed the event, held a knife at Naru's throat and directed Shinobu to sheath the sword. Shinobu ran into the town to summon the elders on how to deal with this.
Keitaro's aunt, arriving home from work, looked at horror at the remains of the tea set. Members of the family had starved rather than part with it even to buy food. Keitaro had asked permission to borrow the precious service and Naru had smashed it in her anger. Striking a participant in the tea ceremony was also unthinkable. It was so totally alien, that even looking at Keitaro's face, she was still unable to comprehend the act.
"Let's get you to a dentist, we might save the tooth."
"A spirited young lady perhaps," the dentist set the pulp cap and temporary crown on the tooth.
Keitaro's tears were not due to the pain, although the dentist kept asking him if it hurt, he made no motions to stop the procedure.
Returning back to the Inn, Keitaro destroyed the pictures of him and Narusegawa.
Confined to the basement, the elders discussed what to do with her. "I say that you kill her," remarked one of the elders. "Only one who is totally evil could do such a thing."
"Send her back home, and let her parents deal with her." Another remarked.
"No, she is of age." She must be punished for her own deeds."
"There is no guilt on our hands," the petite blonde girl spoke. "But should she die here then evil blood will stain this place, and the Hina family will be destroyed."
The elders stared at the little foreign student. Her words made them squirm.
Then they all saw something, a figure, a spirit, an angelic form.
"Please leave us." The leader directed to the family.
"Marie-sama," one of them spoke, "you are requested to stay."
Narusegawa had left. Keitaro's aunt swore to have her arrested if she ever came back.
Mutsumi took back Liddo-kun, the childhood stuffed toy from long ago,
as Narusegawa had left it in Mutsumi's room.
Naru's other possessions were packed up and sent back to her parents,
along with a letter relating to her expulsion for fighting. She had not bothered to take anything with her the night she left.
Inquiries were made about her whereabouts, but she had vanished that night.
Mei came to the house to search for some clues, but found nothing.
People were polite to Narusegawa's sister Mei, she was treated kindly.
But they would not even mention Narusegawa's name. Her parents came searching as well and were also treated courteously.
Marie had managed to assemble a similar service to the one that had been destroyed. Almost an exact match, it was doubtful that Hina-san would notice due to her bad eyesight. Marie refused to say how much it had cost her. Seta-san had sent the broken pieces of the original to a restorer to see if it could be mended.
Keitaro and Motoko practiced the Kanji forms together, learning the story behind each one as well as the method of constructing characters. Mutsumi sat with them and observed the brushwork and learned as well.
The loss of Narusegawa in his life was devastating so close to exam time. However, Marie, Mutsumi and Keitaro headed for the examination location and the grueling examination that was to last all day.
Shinobu packed a bento [lunch box] for each of them.
"Be strong, be proud, your promised one will be there when you enter the University." Motoko had promised him.
"Good luck, Senpai." Shinobu said, handing him his lunch. "Don't give up. The promised one will be there. Focus on the future."
"Even if Kei-kun does not pass the exam, I will stay with him always."
Mutsumi offered.
"Keitaro-san," Marie reflected. I will always be your friend, I liked you when I first saw you. Do your best."
The three presented their examination tickets and were each assigned a place in the exam hall. Keitaro had slept fairly well, Marie had chased him to bed at 1AM.
"Open your books and begin!" The proctor announced.
- - -
"Well, how did you do? Keitaro?" Mutsumi questioned her friend as the exhausted trio headed back to the Hina Inn.
"Good. The math was good, the English ok, but some of the physics had me a little confused."
"It was long but not too hard, I missed two or three questions, I think. I remembered to put my name and number on the answer sheet!"
Mutsumi announced proudly.
"Marie?"
"Oh, I made a perfect score."
Keitaro stared, then realized that she actually believed it.
"That's not possible."
"We'll see."
- - -
Dinner was special that evening, grilled eel, Shinobu had really showed how to prepare an elaborate meal.
The Inn restoration was almost done, some cleanup and landscaping were all that was needed to bring the project to a close.
Four persons went down to the hall to read the posted grades.
Keitaro looked carefully at the bottom of the acceptance candidates looking for his number. "Not there." His heart sank. He then checked the failures, starting from last place. Not finding his number among the list of rejects, he carefully went over the list again. "Not there."
Staring from the bottom of the acceptance list again, he reviewed the sheet. "Not there." Then saw a close number at the top of the list and realized that the list began at 25.
"Keitaro slowly glanced up and saw his number on the huge billboard.
Fifth from the top! Keitaro began yelling and jumping. Motoko saw him yelling and ran across the room to see him pointing at the top scores.
Marie smiled. Her number one, was as expected. Mutsumi was number six.
- - -
"Mom, Dad, I made it. I am a student of Tokyo U! I was fifth. No! From the top!"
"I have to get my class schedule now. Bye."
"Motoko left for Kyoto yet?" Keitaro ate breakfast with Mutsumi and Marie.
"She has left for the University." Shinobu artfully dodged the question. Keitaro didn't notice.
"She left you a note."
"Urashima-sama. You have grown much and are a man now. And as a man you may take a mate. Your promised one awaits you, dressed as you remember her, in front of the medical building. Motoko"
"The Inn is a place of magic and mystery."
Keitaro jumped up and headed out the door, Shinobu handed him a bento as he ran down the stairs.
There was a mad rush of people on the first day. They were trying to find buildings, moving into dorms.
Keitaro ran for the medical building. Standing on the steps was a tall, familiar figure, the black hair cascading down. The striped shirt and red jumper were not appropriate for the young lady, but strikingly familiar.
"Keitaro-chan," Motoko spoke. "I remember my promised one running on the Hina bridge after my father's van yelling. 'Wait, don't leave me'
I yelled out the window. 'Kei-kun! Bye-bye! Remember Tokyo U!'"
"Am I your promised one?" Motoko asked softly.
Keitaro nodded.
"We have a dorm available on campus as soon as we are married. I need to be married immediately unless you wish me to be wed to another."
Motoko kissed him. He did not resist.
As the Original Love Hina seems destined that Narusegawa and Keitaro will be the promised couple, (At least at this point) I offer for your consideration the following story. The characters are not mine. I gratefully acknowledge the writers and authors who brought this series to life, broadcast on TV Tokyo and to the myriad of people who brought it to me, sometimes within hours of the broadcast. As my understanding of Kanji is limited I cannot offer more credits than these. A viewing of all twenty-four episodes, plus the 2000 Christmas special would definitely help understand this story!
This story may be reproduced electronically as long as it is done in its complete form. Additional credits for the series writers,
producers and directors may be added below before the chapter title.
Teisu (.net)
The point of my story is that those who constantly yield to their anger will eventually be consumed by it. I did not hate Narusegawa. In fact I rather admired her, She was pretty, bright, funny and affectionate. She was one who liked Keitaro and was liked by those around her.
I think I paired Keitaro with Motoko because they seemed to complement each other well. Moe, I brought back, because it saddened me to see her placed like a piece of old furniture back in the basement. I was at first considering that Moe be used as a doll in a girl's festival.
But the clockwork of my writer's mind had other ideas!
The following episode is extremely short -and very moving.
I needed something to bring this fanfic to a close without too much detail. So here it is for your consideration. The main plot of the story has been concluded.
"Actions have consequences." This theme is present in most of the anime I have seen.
Love Hina
Part 5 Motoko's Dilemma
-Epilogue.
In the tiny storeroom in the basement, there sits a figure made of wood. Wearing a kimono, it is covered with a sheet. It has red hair.
She hears the children running up and down the halls, the creak of the floorboards above; the hustle of daily life in the Hina Inn. She is terribly sorry, and swears in her mind to make it up to the spirit that imprisoned her. She would cry, but she has no tears.
- END -