Tsukiko is the creator of a pink dog that is a popular character on TV called Maromi.  She is under pressure to get the next big thing designed for her superiors.  One night on the way home, she is attacked by a boy with a bat.  Later she is interviewed by doubting police officers and a reporter desperate for a story.  The story finds it's way into the media and the boy is nicknamed "Lil' Slugger" (Shounen Bat in the Japanese version)  Some people begin to doubt that she was attacked and is using this for sympathy.  The reporter once again shows up at her apartment while she is coming up the stairs.  When she sees him she takes off.  On the street were he is chasing her, a boy with a bat shows up and smacks the reporter on the head.