The Final Thread: Encore
A Precious Skip Beat Creation Written by MrAZ
"To the great author Yoshiki Nakamura-san, your very own Skip Beat! makes my heart Skip in every Beat. Finally, to you, the visitors of my creation. I dedicate this existence."
MrAZ
ACT ONE
The Unexpected Turn of Fate
The brightest summer of June 2013 opened up its curtain around the city of Tokyo. Flowerbeds bloomed everywhere, trees stood high on the earth; swaying gracefully on the nonexistent breeze. The traffic was light around the busy streets, and children enjoyed playing games on the big commercial park under the watchful eyes of their parents and guardians lingering nearby. Inhabitants and tourists around the city resorted under the shades of big umbrellas outside the restaurants, which almost ran out of its special chilled drinks, sodas, desserts and other thirst quenchers on their menu, while others decided to move around under the security of their hats, umbrellas or protective sunglasses. They enjoyed the heat of the season while strolling alone on the busy streets, others with their company. The only thing that the rays of the sun left standing out tall and gleaming above the rest of the towers and skyscrapers in the city of Tokyo was none other than one of Japan's most outstanding entertainment agencies. Its successful product of achievement and only pride was one man most loved by everyone, and that was Japan's no. 1 actor, Tsuruga Ren.
Sunlight passed through the shining glass walls of L.M.E Pop- Productions Agency, where it never bothered the usual, and as always, the rushing L.M.E department employees working inside. The only place where it doesn't seemed chaotic at all was on one of the studios at the agency's vast west wing; it was the one which many employees wanted to go and watch, because today was the finale of a most- talked about and awaited show of the year. Unluckily, only authorized members from the film crew can get in there. It would be such a great opportunity to catch even a tiny glimpse of it. No wonder the department employees tried to hold themselves from asking a film crew to let them get studio passes. He had just dragged a cart along the hallway while passing the Acting Department section, where many employees pushed themselves the moment they saw him, wanting to go and talk to him when they noticed him coming out first from the elevator.
"Probably this was because of my I.D," he thought as he passed carefully down the hall. He took a small glance on his chest for a moment. Hanging there around his neck was his smoky blue I.D. From the corner of his eye as he looked up, he could sense the desperate aura everywhere coming from the employees. Inside the glass walls of the department, one after another had stood up from their working cubicle. Everyone kept staring at him.
"Hey... That's him," said a woman who held a folder close to her. She motioned her friend who stood beside her.
"Yeah it really is him."
"He's coming this way..."
"This is it!"
"Haa mo, I can't do this Megumi-san!" hissed another young woman from the other side of the department. She could feel the color burning on her cheeks and turned chibi immediately. All the nervousness took over her and instead of walking straight to the film crew ahead, she amazingly took a turn and walked back towards her surprised friend.
"What the heck are you doing?" hissed Megumi to her now beet red friend in a low voice.
"I can't do it!" she said, her whole body trembling.
"No you should go. Ask him. This is our last chance!"
"How about you'll go then?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Nobody's gonna come out next I tell you! He's the only one we can go to now. After that no more and the filming will end this afternoon. Come on!"
Everyone kept pushing each other and hissing in low voices. They certainly never noticed how much file of papers they were holding have fallen crumpled to the floor, or how their posture would soon trip themselves facedown. Even others who had just came out from the lounge in there had only reacted late to the splash of hot coffee and tea on their clothes upon seeing him.
It was also about the same thing how employees from other departments he met down the hall had greeted him.
"Hi Keisuke-san!"
"Good morning Keisuke-san!"
"Good morning! How are you doing Keisuke-san?"
"Hi Keisuke-san!"
"Ah– hello. I'm doing great!" replied Keisuke much to his surprise. "Who are they? I had no idea, but they really seem to know me."
That moment, Keisuke felt like he was the main celebrity. Yes, it was very clear that even if it was just a simple greeting, their faces were telling him they really wanted to go and talk to him, to beg him to give them that tiny chance. But it was such a pity that not one brave soul have dared himself to come and ask him at least. Even if they did ask, they all knew that they would still fail in the end. They had no choice and all they could ever do, was to do like the one they did just now; to just swallow down their courage and drown on their suffering for that lost opportunity they could never grab whenever they see someone like him.
Keisuke strolled the cart now as he came upon a glass corridor and turned right into a well- decorated carpeted hall.
"Hey, Yue-san! Bruce-san! Good morning!" greeted Keisuke cheerfully at the two shadows standing on each side of large double doors, not caring how loud his voice had echoed on the walls and into the glass ceiling above.
He moved his cap lower on his forehead as a ray of light had showered down upon him and on the small bounty of flowers surrounding a medium sized tree on the center of the hall. The two shadows he saw earlier now formed into two huge bodyguards wearing black suits, skintight leather gloves and sunglasses. No matter how Yue and Bruce had been examined near or far, up and down, Keisuke knew all well that their well- toned muscular, double six pack build could tore down their fitted suit at any minute. A shining smoky blue I.D that gleamed on their chest was proof that these two boulders were definitely worthy of protecting the entire hall at this time. The film crew waved to both of them, then he entered inside the swinging doors of the vast film studio.
"Working hard. You guys did a good job,"said Ogata, smiling up at the two tall actors.
"Thanks director!" replied Kijima. He chuckled while his eyes squinted a bit to a beautiful lead woman who was shaking hands with Kyoko. Momose looked back at him and flashed such a gorgeous smile. All this time, why did he noticed that just now?
"Haha, thank you sir," said Ren as he smiled back at the director. "That was really great."
"Alright then, let's prepare for two more individual shots."
"Okay!"
Ogata then looked to his right and nodded on a man holding a megaphone on the right and a clipboard on his left.
"Tanaka-san, it's time," said Ogata.
"Yes director," replied Tanaka. His voice then boomed loud inside the studio as he began to call out quickly.
"Alright guys. We'll film the grand ballroom in 10 minutes. Characters go prepare right now! Crew 3... please prepare the hall windows at set eight immediately! Next costumes of scene 98 have it done by now before we start... Crew 10, how are you guys doing there on the courtyard? ...Yeah? That's great guys!"
"Kisuke-saaan! The second center curtains!" shouted a bespectacled woman carrying a box that contained what looked like glittering chains of rubies and gold. She then hurried towards the massive stage where other film crews were setting.
"Did you have them already?"
"Yeah! Got 'em right here!" replied Keisuke, dragging the cart with him quickly towards the group of crews busily preparing the massive stage that looked like a half- ready grand ballroom.
A breathtaking setting was how one would best describe the stage. Across the center of the vast film studio was the grand ballroom. Instead of the usual design of a stage, a massive half mansion was built right inside the studio. The production staff would definitely become hailed as the best with the creation of this setting of the century; a crimson red carpet with golden runes streamed on the center of two long winding, champagne marbled stairs that met each other on the far back of the stage. One could take a peek of himself on this shining marble floor that gleamed under a bright, long, glass chandelier complete with Swarovsky crystals and glittering diamonds that hanged from a high - domed ceiling. A shining grand black piano stood on the far right side, and on the far left near an archway that leads to a small courtyard was a magnificent, tall statue of a beautiful goddess standing with pride, holding elegantly a golden scepter and from its tip flowed crystal clear water cascading down her feet on a flight of steps. Another splash of small fountain from the crowns of the adorable baby angels which sat around the sides of its base created a more spectacular look of this statue. Its final touch of beauty, circling under the base, just close enough so that the baby angels looked like they were sitting upon it, were two layers of small, fragrant flowerbeds in a rainbow of colors.
"Ah! I'm running out. Yamada-san!" called out a young man to his fellow friend Yamada who was concentrating on the base's flowerbed across from him. Yamada's smoky blue cap that says Greens was the only part he could totally see.
"Yamada-san, do you still have more there?" he asked.
Yamada took a moment before his cool voice echoed. While gripping a thin silver clipper, he held his hand up in the air and began pointing to the left side.
"Mm! Check on that box, Mori-kun. Those were new sets delivered yesterday," replied Yamada.
"Heh? Yesterday?" asked Mori, his eyes full of surprise. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Ah sorry man I forgot."
"You always tend to forget things haha!" laughed Mori as he carefully placed little fake dews on its soft petals which gleamed like tiny crystals under the bright light.
On the other side of the set, it looked as though real sunlight had passed through the tall, glass windows, and into the glimmering diamonds on the chandelier.
"How about that one chief?" asked a guy behind the corner of the stage. Their chief shook his head, his hands to his sides.
"No," replied the chief. "It's too low. Let's use that piano over there as basis so it'll be easier for you. Move it slightly up!"
"Okay!"
The guy and his partner moved a huge round light further up. Their chief continued, while he glanced back at the piano ahead. Even when standing at a distance, he made sure the end of light must hit on the cast iron plate and strings of the piano.
"Some more... go slower... just a bit– stop! That's it. Good job boys!"
Meanwhile, the golden curtains of the right side of the stage were all that is left now to be set up. Standing carefully on a folding ladder, Keisuke looked down at his brunette friend.
"Alright, done! Now give me those chains Rika-chan," said Keisuke after installing layers of long, silk and tulle cloths up on the window. More team members were doing the same near him.
"Ah– I thought I was going to do it," replied Rika-chan as she tiptoed a bit and handed a long chain of clearwater pearls and rubies up to him. "Here."
"You're such a big help guys. Thanks!" said the other woman beside Rika-chan. At a fast speed she and the rest of the on-set dressers were able to wrap the part of the curtains with diamond and ruby chains on them.
"Haha no problem ladies!"
Another group had just finished polishing the exquisite gold chairs beside a long, golden table that is filled with every mouthwatering dishes one could ever think of.
"Where do you think we should place these?" asked one of the ladies while holding a large tray of delectable desserts.
"It's best around here," pointed a man towards the side of a big centerpiece of colorful roses and lilies. He then carefully took one of the trays and placed it on a topmost layer. The rest of the group followed suit.
"I hope Director will invite all of us again to grab a bite of these afterwards haha," joked one of them as they set the table. "Just like after episode 64. Aw!"
An elbow had just hit playfully on his stomach.
"Shut up," snapped a girl while giggling with them.
The rest of the men stood beside a tall pyramid of crystal wine glasses on a clear table, carefully entwining white and silver satin cloths in crisscross fashion underneath the glass. Outside the stage, another team of costume standbys had just rushed their bar of costumes towards a room. Hair and make-up artists and art finishers worked on their impressive final wonders on Kyoko who stood in front of one of them. Ren and Momose were at a few meters across from her, closing their eyes as a make-up artist quickly touched up their faces with a face powder. Camera operators and assistant cameramen from all angles of the set had started working on the instructions given to them by the director of photography, who was now checking on his own camera.
No matter how busy they were, everything happened so fast that amazingly under just 10 minutes, everyone had finished their tasks and went on in their respective positions. The film studio was now set with another take as lights and silence filled the air.
"Good... Everyone ready?" called out Tanaka's voice from a megaphone.
"Yes sir, standing by." replied everyone.
Director Ogata stood in front of a panel of monitors while pointing towards the stage.
"...Remember as the light started heading that way, you will start to focus on the piano OK? Then you guys do the rest of what we have talked..."
"Yes, director," replied all the cameramen. Ogata then sat on his director's silverchair and nodded at a young man standing in front of the stage.
"Alright. Let's start," he said.
The second assistant cameraman raised his arm up. His voice then echoed throught the studio as he positioned the clapperboard in front of him.
"Marker up! Quiet everyone."
Even in the midst of silence, the studio began to get even quieter.
"Roll sound," he signalled.
"Sound speed," said a voice coming from near the director.
"Roll camera."
"Angle One, speed," voiced out a cameraman behind a tripod on the right side of the stage, just in front of the grand piano.
"Angle Two and Three, speed," mentioned the voices from across the stage.
"Angle Four, speed." alerted the cameraman on the archway.
"Set. Scene 96, take one,"said the second assistant cameraman. He then raised the top part of the clapper. "Marker."
"LIGHTS," he said.
A set of lights focused down on the stage.
"CAMERAS."
A camera crane lowered itself, and a cameraman sat still on the dolly while it moved slowly towards the stage, squinting his eyes on the lens of his camera.
Kyoko closed her eyes for a moment, while Ren on the other side of the stage inhaled deeply.
Looking at the monitor, Director Ogata then called out to all the actors.
"and – ACTIONN!"
Today was the last filming day of the Dark Moon Trilogy, a television drama series remake directed by Date Ogatashi, who was the son of the late Date Hirotaka, the director of the original adaptation series entitled Tsukigomori. The drama series became Japan's no. 1 Drama Series of All Time since the success of its original version twenty years ago. The director, Ogata, wished to create and finish the hanging story of the original, so the version finally continued in a trilogy. After two years, the series had finally come to an end in its third and final season. Everyone was so excited to see the ending. The center of attraction and fame lies with its fellow actors, initially with Ren and Kyoko, who both played amazingly on-screen as Tachibana Katsuki and Hongo Mio. Actress Momose also played a great part as the leading lady Mizuki, Katsuki's girlfriend and Mio's cousin.
All the cast members had gathered together at the last scene of the film, and while on- take, Director Ogata seemed very pleased with the happy ending. Even the rest of the crew on the set had shown their approval and content as they watched the characters on their astounding performance in front of the cameras. Not long until the director became satisfied with the scenes on the monitors in front of him did Director Ogata finally held the take.
"Okay, and... CUT!" shouted the director as the second AC shut the clapperboard.
"And that's the wrap! Thank you!" announced the director as everyone cheered. The director motioned for the cast to come up to him as he walked towards the stage.
"That's very well done guys! Yeah!" exclaimed Ogata amidst the cheers and applauses of the cast and crew.
It was an emotionally happy moment right now at the production set of Dark Moon. Almost everyone, especially the cast, seemed teary eyed on the set when the filming had finally wrapped itself to the end. They shook hands and embraced tearfully as they cheered. They had been together for a long time now with the rest of the crew, working with each other all throughout the project as a one great team. The cast had clearly enjoyed living on their roles on the play for three seasons in a row. It seemed the actors had been like their very own characters in real lives. It greatly touched them to the extent that at this point in time they suddenly felt somewhat– lost, now that the season finally closed its curtain. Hardly ever for the entire crew to speak now as they watched the director walked towards each cast member on the set to congratulate them.
Director Ogata had just broke apart from Kyoko's hug, when both of them looked at Momose.
"Now, our Mizuki," said Ogata in a low voice. He stood in front of the leading lady with open arms.
It was Momose he was talking about. The actress couldn't stop herself from crying further now. This was the first time in her life to be so dwelled in her role as Mizuki, just like her friend Kyoko who intensified every part of the plot with her scary portrayal of her Mio. Momose gave her all. In every take she gave everything, and this wasn't all because of Ren and Kyoko who were standing next to the director. It's just that she truly loved Dark Moon with all her heart.
"Director!" cried Momose as she hugged Ogata. Kyoko and Ren clapped with the rest. "Arigatou!"
"That was fantastic Momose-chan. You did a wonderful job!"
Most of the cast quietly wiped hot tears that didn't stop itself from streaming down from their eyes. When it was their turn to be congratulated by the director, they reached for him quickly and hugged him very tight. They clearly didn't want the film to end yet, for they each felt how fast time had gone by and things had just gotten better. There will be no more Dark Moon. They enjoyed every single moment. This was the last, and they will finally leave their character behind them.
The director then went to every crew member. He shook their hands and hugged them. They also lingered tearfully in the director's embrace. Each of them had enjoyed filming the story of a lifetime. They admired how those actors they filmed were so dwelled on their roles that they even felt like they were actually watching the real characters moving about in front of their cameras. It was clrearly shown on their faces how everyone felt truly grateful from the bottom of their hearts for being a part of this wonderful experience. They wanted more. They wanted so much more.
Everyone became a family. They became wonderfully close to each other now and it was so hard for them to break that tie now that they will close the season. For the most part, they had done successfully on this project.
"That was truly wonderful!" cheered Maria beside the president tearfully, clapping her hands that seemed to get crimson red any minute. The last scene was done very well that the little girl was moved to tears. Lory, who entered the studio mintues before the filiming had started and arrived with his companions in a flashy entrance wearing an Arabian Costume, was sitting on a handsome chair that looked like a king's throne not far from the Dark Moon set.
"A good ending indeed," agreed Lory in his seat.
"I can see an award for this series in the future for director Ogata," said Sawara on the president's right. Unlike Maria, this man was just very happy to see the success of the film, especially when Kyoko's character was present in most scenes. He was very amazed how much Kyoko has grown as an actress in just a short amount of time. While watching her act, Sawara could still remember the day when Kyoko seemed a bit reluctant to receive Sawara's offer that she will be portraying a major role in this television drama series remake, which was very famous twenty years ago. Now that he finally witnessed Dark Moon filming and saw Kyoko's acting right before his very eyes, he could just hardly believe this was the teenage girl who kept bugging him on the first day of their meeting.
"For a moment I want a word with each and every one of you, so please gather around here with me," said Ogata at the center of the grand ballroom set, looking at his staff and cast.
The production crew joined with Ogata. As they gathered around the director, the President, Maria and Sawara looked on. The director finally spoke.
"Everyone, we've worked so hard together since the first day we started the series of Dark Moon. We've been through rough and good times and we clearly enjoyed every single moment of it. My dream has finally come true; we have at last surpassed the original, and the series have been loved by everyone and became no. 1... All of this is because of us, our efforts and commitment, and I'm so happy that you were with me making our dream a reality."
"Now that this series has finally ended, let me thank you all… thank you so much! I'll be missing some of you whom I will yet to work with again someday. I hope we will work together again. Remember that because of our teamwork we've made it this far. For three seasons in a row, we have topped the charts as No. 1… As for me, you're no. 1 to me for without you, this remake wouldn't have finished. Thank you and let's work together again!"
Every one was very happy with the director's speech and clapped their hands while cheering him. True, they had definitely surpassed the original. All that was left now was that big award they had longed to have for this wonderful creation headed by their committed director. A long line of major nominations were being presented to them against the toughest sequels from the director's main competitors during the release of its first two seasons. But not one award had reached their hands yet, although the series was being hailed as the best of the year. They prayed that this time, on the annual awards next year, they will finally win that award and gain recognition from the top meticulous critics and film veterans.
Ogata then turned to face Lory, who was still on his chair. "Mr. President, I thank you so much for letting me do this series," he said.
He bowed low in gratitude. "It was a success sir, thank you!"
"Not at all Ogata, you're welcome," replied Lory. "With this film, your father would be very proud of you. I'm sure Hirotaka-san is very happy with your success."
Those words seemed to fill every part of Ogata. It was true, and Ogata was indeed moved. "Yes I am dedicating this to him sir, thank you!"
One of the crews couldn't help himself any longer. He wiped his eyes and blew his nose.
"Geee man – I surely cried for the first time since working on this film."
"And you're at the ending," teased a tall man who stood beside Jiro. "It's too late now Jiro-san. You should have cried two seasons earlier!"
He then settled his arm across Jiro's shoulder.
"Jiroo... Don't tell me Tsuruga-san and the others need more job in front of your camera all this time?" he jokingly asked. "If you seriously admit it in front of him with us, I don't know what Ren's going to do with you right now."
All of a sudden, Jiro turned into chibi and quietly looked up at his best friend with a large pair of teary puppy eyes. Jiro placed his hands together as he moaned softly that sounded like a puppy.
"Please protect me from Tsuruga-san bro!" begged Jiro as he tugged his best friend's sleeve.
The tall man took that as a signal with great surprise.
"So it is?" exclaimed Jiro's friend. "Are you serious?"
Everyone held their fits of laughter as they watched Jiro silently lowering his head and wiped his waterfall of tears with his sleeve. Jiro's friend looked down on him with pitiful eyes.
"Bro– sorry I didn't know that," apologized Jiro's friend, patting the round top of his cap. "I got no tissue box with me right now but..."
He then took out a handkerchief from the pocket of his torn-style faded jeans and wiped Jiro's tears himself. The wet cloth didn't help much now, and Jiro's friend wringed the handkerchief with both hands in front of him, where so much water had run out from it. This time, he placed the wet handkerchief in front of Jiro's nose for him to sneeze.
Everyone held their sides as they giggled. It was just plain humor, and they all knew that Ren wouldn't seriously get mad at them. It was already known among the entire production crew that these two cameramen were the clowns at the set. The two were childhood friends and took the same path towards filming business. For the rest of the cast and crew, they could hardly imagine their absence as they were the ones who could easily find humor out of every situation, although they were both serious at work once filming starts. There wouldn't be a day without these gentlemen.
"Director, why don't we celebrate the series?" asked one of the cast members who gathered around the set. Others nodded in agreement. "This is the season finale. I know we'll all gonna have a wrap up party with the media in a few days, but.. don't we deserve a chill and party? You know, just us?"
"I think that's a great idea!" cheered his partner beside him.
"Yeah where do you think we should eat?" asked the AC holding a film slate. "It should be somewhere really good."
"Takuya is celebrating his birthday today too right?" asked another cast member who portrayed Mio's sister, Misao.
"Well, why don't we have a joint celebration then? This is exciting," replied enthusiastically a man who portrayed Mio's father.
"I got it!" said a crew member. "Why don't we go to Reno's right now? I forgot to mention earlier that I actually have their discount vouchers. I'm a regular customer there and their lobsters are so great!"
"You surely kept going there huh Akihiko," sighed one of the make-up artists beside him, curling through the ends of her gorgeous blonde hair at one side of her face with her slender fingers. Nothing but food was all in his mind. How annoying.
The man named Akihiko felt the color suddenly rising in his face. "Oi oi Ruka –!"
"–Yeah how about this then," replied Ruka lazily. "Why do I get hungry everytime I see you?"
"–It's coz he's delicious," butted in Ruka's friend who suddenly appeared between them. "Come on babe. He's your sunshine the second you wake up. Don't tell me you had realized that just now after finally living together for two years? What, so every time you celebrate your monthsary or go out on a date with Ruka you would bring her lobsters instead of roses Aki?"
"KENTAROO!" said the fully blushed Akihiko as he grabbed Ken's face with his arm and rounded his fist on top of his head.
The rest of the crew giggled and teased Akihiko.
"Alright, it's a deal then," answered Ogata. "Everyone, let's celebrate tonight. Just on our own. Let's hurry and clean everything here on the studio then we'll dine out together. Sky's the limit."
Ogata then winked. Everybody went very excited and cheered.
"Heh… That sounds really great! Neh, grandpa!" said Maria happily as she watched the Dark Moon production cast and crew in front of her. "It's so great to hear they'll celebrate the series! Just by themselves. Wow!"
"Of course. Today's a good time for them now that the filming is finally over," agreed Lory. Sawara and Maria looked upon him intently.
"They have made a successful drama series. It was worth watching and the entire story became very dramatic at every twist and turns of the plot. Everyone loved every single moment of it. You could see how everyone is a family to each other as the seasons went on. Now that Dark Moon ends, this celebration is a way of making themselves still feel at home with each other and keep that relationship strong. They'll also have privacy for one last time. I'm sure the grand celebration with the media would also be fantastic. This gathering though... it will also make them realize more how they have finished the entire project under just a short period. As of the actors, they have enjoyed living their roles. All of them may broke apart and continue on their own journey in this business but–"
Both Maria and Sawara were surprised to see Lory as he suddenly stood up. He moved his cape out and twist his waist with great vigor.
"– I would love to make a grand celebration with them too!"
"Grandpa, they will be celebrating alone," reminded Maria, whose face now steamed with redness.
Surely the party was good enough for the whole Dark Moon crew to enjoy. Knowing her grandfather, Maria knew the strenuous work one has to do with all the theme, planning, invitations, food preparations and venue on the list. When it's her grandfather, those things were just alien to him. He will really make that celebration too festive beyond everyone's imagination, as he always did. Just thinking about that made Maria feel a little bit embarrassed.
"It was better not to be involved in that anymore grandpa," Maria thought to herself.
Everyone in the crew had already started cleaning up the set, moving here and there inside the studio with the production props, costumes and equipments, returning them carefully back to their original carts and boxes. They gathered the wires and kept the other rooms tidy while others had begun moving out from the studio with the things to return to the production storage room on the other side of the building. The rest of the cast headed into their own dressing rooms with the make- up artists to change and pack.
Kyoko walked out from the stage and headed towards her dressing room near Momose's, when Ren caught up with her.
"Kyoko- chan."
Kyoko turned around to face him.
"What is it, Hizuri- san?" asked Kyoko.
"There's something I wish to give you," said Ren. "I plan to give it to you privately but I guess, now is the perfect time."
"Eh?"
Kyoko looked up at him with a questionable look on her face. It's not her birthday yet until Christmas. Surely if it's a gift, right now was too early for anything like that. But the expression on Ren's face as he gazed at her wasn't the usual one he showed to her when they talk. It must be something really important, Kyoko thought, and it took Ren an incredible amount of time so he can give it to her properly. But, what is it? Kyoko's mind was full of emptiness. She just couldn't think of a better answer. Even her demons were so clueless, although they're in for a big defense for Kyoko in case something bizarre might happen.
"Heh… just what that might be eh, Tsuruga-san?" said one of her demons who just got out from behind her back. An evil grin spread upon the little devil's face.
"…If it's something that will break the whole world to pieces, just forget it boy," said another demon coming out from her left shoulder.
"Yeah. We don't want to dirty her precious hands because of it!" added a cold voice of another demon on the other side.
"Sorry but it's too early for Valentine's Day my sweetie!" shrieked the other demon.
"Hell, it's not even her birthday yet!" laughed a demon behind Kyoko's ear.
"Kyoko-chan, hold out your hand," said Ren.
Kyoko abided him and held out her hand. The demons couldn't take their watchful eyes on Ren. If, at any moment Kyoko's hand will suddenly turn frail, and they were all ready to attack him for that.
Something small landed on the palm of Kyoko. She looked down and stared at it; it was a small, midnight blue velvet box with elegant silver runes on its sides. Wondering what could possibly be inside such a small box, Kyoko looked up at Ren.
"Hizuri- san…" said Kyoko.
"Go on," urged Ren with a warm smile. "Open it and see."
Slowly, Kyoko carefully opened the velvet box. All her demons looked like they were about to faint at any moment of double shock; it was as if a big lightning bolt hit straight at them and suck the spirit of life out of them. For a moment that seemed like months, Kyoko was speechless that she held her breath.
Inside, on top of a soft pink pillow, laid an exquisite, gorgeous ring. It was made of streams of both silver and gold; it seemed that when it was casted, the streams were being carefully intertwined by delicate hands. A crown on its head was embedded with glittering diamonds; on the center of the crown was a small ruby gem – about the same color as Kyoko's stone Corn. Kyoko noticed something on the inner base of the ring. On the silver bore the elegant words My, and on the gold bore Princess engraved on them. It was a unique kind of ring, as this wasn't seen in the accessories catalogues. Not even on the famous Cartier or Swavarovsky jewelry boutiques could one have seen a magnificent jewelry such as this. The whole beauty itself took Kyoko's breath away that it also melted her heart.
"Hizuri- kun… this is so beautiful," said Kyoko softly. She was breathless. She didn't know her voice anymore, whether or not she would say anything. Her throat felt dry all of a sudden, replaced by a cold feeling that spread on her entire body.
"All this time, I've always wanted to tell you how I truly feel about us Kyoko," said Ren, his gorgeous black eyes stared at the only woman they were always mesmerized on.
He continued to speak.
"I've always been trying to restrain myself from wanting to be with you… then you accept my heart and we're finally together. This time.. there's still one more thing I wish to ask you, Kyoko- san…"
# # # ~~~ # # #
Sawara just came back to the studio to call for the president.
"Mr. president, Maria- chan," said Sawara. "The limousine is now ready to leave."
But it seemed to him that both Maria and Takarada Lory didn't hear him. Maria stood open-mouthed with surprise beside her grandfather who was now standing, unable to move at all.
"Sir?" asked Sawara with a worried look on his face.
Meanwhile, Director Ogata found Yashiro still holding his camera, who recorded the entire filming for evaluation purposes later. Others stood speechless a few meters beside the director's chair. Instead of looking at the small screen prodded open on the side of his camera, Yashiro, just like the president, Maria and other film crew, looked stunned. He was completely immersed so deep at what's in front of him that he hadn't noticed Ogata coming towards him. Because of the scene being unfolded, Yashiro forgot for a moment that he still had his camera on in his hand.
"What's going on?" asked Ogata worriedly.
But Yashiro didn't speak nor move an inch. He didn't respond instantly at Ogata at all. It seemed as though he never heard him say anything, nor did he ever noticed the director's presence just beside him. Not even the president, Sawara, nor Maria responded to him either. Ogata became more curious with their expressions as he looked at all of them. They were completely shocked and speechless. They looked as though they were about to lose their composure from rooting on their spot.
Director Ogata followed Yashiro's gaze and in a few seconds, he immediately stood frozen in deep surprise. It seemed that he too, lost all the strength left to speak at all. He didn't even know whether to move or not, as his feet were glued right where he stood.
Other cast members noticed him as they were about to leave the studio with the other film crews.
"Director?"
"What's wrong?"
They also looked curiously at where the director stared, and just like him, they were suddenly stunned to move. One by one, the rest of the film crew who were so excited to leave were being held back by their fellow peers, who were so shocked to move from their places, and when everyone became speechless and fell victim to what's in front of them, the entire studio fell quiet. It was as if the studio suddenly went empty in a matter of seconds.
Beside the film set, completely oblivious to his surroundings, Ren was now kneeling in front of Kyoko. The ring on his fingers gleamed under the studio lights above him, while his other hand held Kyoko's. In a low voice that now began to echo inside the studio, Ren spoke.
"I wanted to share my whole life with you Kyoko… I'm very willing to devote myself making you happy, and to share the burden that you may feel. When you're happy, I want to keep that smile alive upon your face… It hurts me to see you cry or when you get sad, because I just want to see you happy. I want to protect you from pain so I can keep seeing that smile I always love to see from you…I've never loved anyone as much as I did before, and I've never experienced loving any woman as much as I've loved you, with all my heart and soul… There's only one woman who captured me and whom I love entirely just for who she is… YOU, Kyoko…"
Ren slid the ring into Kyoko's finger slowly as he continued in whisper, "Mogami Kyoko, the woman I love so much, are you willing to share your life with me?"
For a minute that seemed like forever to her, Kyoko went speechless. She couldn't believe she finally heard the most wonderful words a woman such as her would ever hear. For the very first time, Kyoko felt so much happy. This was the most wonderful moment that ever happened in Kyoko's life.
"Is this a dream?" Kyoko asked herself. "I'm not dreaming am I?"
Kyoko's demons couldn't do anything more but smile. All her angels were also looking at her, tearful and speechless.
"This is real, right?" Kyoko thought to herself. The only man she admired most and looked upon so much was kneeling in front of her, with this most gorgeous – no – the best ring in the world, placed on her finger and asked her a lifetime of commitment with him.
"I'm not dreaming, right? This is real, right?"
Kyoko was welled with happiness that her eyes started to fill with tears of joy. Indeed, this man loved her so much in his life, even if the truth about his real identity went out, and Kyoko finally understood. They had worked together in this industry for so long. He never stopped running after her, and she never stopped letting this man chase after her no matter how she tried to close her heart. This is the only man who made her open up her heart again. Yes they were together, but never did Kyoko expect him to go to this point. True, all this time... She meant everything to him, the only woman he loved wholeheartedly and unconditionally in his entire life. At long last, Kyoko was able to brace herself and found her words.
"…Ren," said Kyoko. "You're the only person I looked up to more than any other person in this business. That devotion was still there until now. And then, everything about you, the whole truth, came out wide open. I was so shocked that I could hardly believe it. I was also hurt, because all those times, you never tell me…"
Ren bowed his head low. He remembered that time, he was ready for any more shameful things he will feel… He didn't care if that was right in front of the public, for he had truly hurt the person most precious to him. That alone was enough for him to devour the mistakes he did… If he deserved a big punishment, it would be right from this woman who thought was the real him at all.
"But… even if it's that…. I still accepted you. Because no matter what, you are still that man I ever knew… Tsuruga Ren was just a stage name, but I'm not mistaken…about that man I loved for who he is… YOU… "
Ren could hardly believe what he heard. He looked up and continued to stare at the tearful hazel eyes that belonged to his woman. Kyoko went on in her beautiful soft voice,
"You didn't know this, but I also wanted to tell you how I feel about you all this time Ren… yet I just kept denying myself…"
"I want to be with you, and just stay right there with you…"
For the very first time in his life since they were children, Ren finally mouthed her name without any restraint.
"Kyoko…" spoke the breathless Ren.
"I want to share my entire life with you, as a partner… and as a woman, your woman Ren," said Kyoko tearfully. All the happiness welled inside of her, and there was nothing more that Kyoko would ask. She didn't want to ever leave him alone, forever. There were a lot of things, bountiful things that both of them will share in the future. She wanted to share that with Ren herself, to tell him everything her heart had held on for so long. She could feel it burning deep inside her heart.
"You wish to be together until we age?" asked Ren lovingly as he continued to gaze up at her. Kyoko's eyes sparkled with tears of joy and smile upon her face.
"Yes," Kyoko whispered.
That's all of the strength she could muster now, just a whisper. There's no more left to show and tell him how happy she is, and Ren felt the same.
"You want to live with me forever?"
"Forever Ren, yes…"
Everyone inside the studio couldn't help themselves any longer as they watched on.
"You want to have children with me?"
"As much as you do, Yes I want…"
"…Kyoko love, will you be my wife?"
"Yes…"
"…Will you marry me, Kyoko?"
"YES… Yes, yes, yes…yes…"
The world seemed to stop for a minute, and all sparks that were firing inside Ren were now bursting rapidly in his insides. Even the monster kept purring loudly. He stood up and hugged Kyoko real tight as she kept whispering sweet "Yes" at him.
Nothing could make Ren any happier than this. They faced each other and lingered on each gazes for a moment that seemed like eternity. Ren reached out and touched the side of her face, their eyes never missed on each other. They're inches closer now, and at last Ren spoke.
"I love you so much, Kyoko…"
Kyoko held his hand that touched her cheek with hers.
"I love you so much too, Kuon… I love you."
Now that can't help it. Ren grabbed Kyoko by the waist closer towards him and kissed her deep. The kiss was so breathtaking that Kyoko forgot she still had to grab more air.
They never cared about anything around them anymore as they kissed in each other's arms that seemed to went on for like months… years… ages… eternity. They broke apart just one inch away, their noses touched, still breathless. Now nothing can hold them back any longer as they stared at each other's gaze intently, and they kissed again, this time more passionate and deeper than ever; Kyoko's arms wrapped around Ren's neck in their deep kiss, letting him grab her closer and hold her tighter to his arms. When they broke apart in a gasp, Kyoko chuckled as Ren held her up by the waist and went around once. As Ren settled her back on the ground, a big thunderous applause suddenly sounded. Kyoko and Ren froze.
It was until that moment they both realized that the entire production cast and crew were there, looking tearfully at them as they clapped wildly, cheering both of them.
"Bravo! The best ending of this film ever!" cried Jiro. His bestfriend never bothered wiping those tears anymore as he also stood tearfully beside Jiro, clapping his hands.
"Yeah best ending, best ending!"
"Yeeey! Oneeesama Congratulations!" cheered Maria with teary eyes. Now both her hands were red. "Congratulations! Ren-sama!
Lory stood beside Maria, hugging Sawara as he leaned tearfully on his shoulder. Sawara doubled take on holding on to this tall man's weight as Lory's figure crumpled on him.
"Mooohohooo! Buhuu – mah two children getting married!" cried Lory. "Mah darlings finally getting together. I couldn't have been anyMOOOOORRRE HAPPIEEEERRRR!
"Ahh president," comforted Sawara as he patted his back. "Please get a grip on yourself sir. "
"And all this time I thought they were just together as lovers. This is great. They finally accepted each other. I get the feeling this will be the grandest celebration we will all never miss. Neh, Yashiro- ku – "
Director Ogata turned to Yashiro. To his surprise, Yashiro looked chibi as he tearfully held his camera with both of his hands. Tears never stopped streaming down his now-round face.
"Mmm Yeah – they both knew they were meant to be together!" cried Yashiro, now completely fangirling over a huge cloud of happiness sweeping over him. Nothing can break over that state now.
"As his one and only manager, and as his elder brother – am the happiest man alive! Waaaaaaahahahaa! Mmmmmh!"
Trying to hold his laughter, Director Ogata patted his head as Yashiro bend his head low.
"Heh, mah – calm down now Yashiro- san," said Ogata.
"Congratulations both of you!" cheered Momose and the actress that played Mio's sister. "Neh just kiss again will you!"
"OI OI –" warned Kyoko. But the rest of the cast never stopped.
"–OI you two," said Kijima. "You'd better hurry there. Otherwise we won't get lobsters when we get there! I'm hungry you know! Hahaha!"
"Kijima-saaaan," said Kyoko.
"Congratulations anyway to both of you," greeted Kijima. "You're the luckiest man alive Ren. I'm proud of you pal."
Ren smiled at his costar. "I sure am Kijima-san, thank you."
"Now come on and kiss again for us 'right?" encouraged Kijima with a wink. He then raised both of his arms up.
"In behalf of everybody in here I command you two to kiss," he said. "Don't keep us starving in here so go on and hurry up! You all with me guys?"
"YEAH!" urged on the rest of the production cast and crew.
"COME ON, KISS! KISS! KISS! KIISS!"
Everyone cheered them on as Ren held Kyoko close to him. There seemed to be no way out to escape now. Kyoko looked up at Ren happily. They stared at each other and lingered for a moment, taking all the happiness that filled their entire bodies. Ren locked Kyoko in an embrace and with much deliberate force of applaud from the crew, Ren and Kyoko kissed again. This time again, the kiss was passionate and so loving. The entire studio was filled with loud laughter and cheer. Outside, except the bodyguards Yue Jin and Bruce, employees never had a clue that this day was the greatest moment L.M.E ever had. That inside these large doors, two people finally shared their love and will now join their hearts as one in the upcoming months.
# # # ~~~ # # #
*Author's Note: Hi everyone.^^ Since the manga is still ongoing, I wanted to create my version of the ending and stretched the Dark Moon filming to three seasons instead. Let me remind you that from then on, when you see an asterisk (*) like this on the chapter, it means they were highlighted for me to give you knowledge about it.
You might be wondering why Ren was so spontaneous when he proposed to Kyoko here in Encore. Let's just assume that at the end of the manga both of them were finally together as a couple. Plus I added here that Kyoko accepted the revelation about Ren being the son of Hizuri Kuu and being Kuon too, right? I didn't add here why and how Kyoko found that out is because the manga is still ongoing and we haven't arrived at that situation yet. So it may take a while before we get to the actual events Nakamura-sensei will give us. We're not sure either if Kyoko will actually have a boyfriend in the end or not. I just want these two to be together so all of you RenKyo fans out there, let's dwell on that as much as we please on a fanfic! lol :) I'll give you guys a full detailed timeline of Encore later.
On to next chapter then!
I do hope you love the Encore Saga and please review! God bless! Mwaah:)
I love you all,
~MrAZ