2

"We're going to begin with some basic sword-slashing techniques. We'll tell you what kind we want, and then you'll do it exactly how you would if you were fighting a real opponent. We may have to record the same move a few times just to be safe. You understand everything?" The technician finished his rather loud speech from over his computer and waited for some sort of response from his actor.

The man in the black suit nodded silently, and rose from his seated position on the blue covered box. In his left hand, is a fake sword which is rigged to the computer terminal. His grip is tight around the hilt of the sword, and he holds it calmy beside him, almost like it's an extended part of his being. This guy must be some sort of fencer or weapons specialist. But he's so young!

The man from behind the computer spoke again, this time issuing a command. "First, we'd like you to assume a defensive position. This will be used whenever the character is guarding himself from impending attacks. Begin whenever you're ready."

The actor closed his eyes for a moment, as if imagining a scenario in his mind. He brought the sword up near his chest in a fluid motion, and held his defensive stance with firmness. When his eyes opened, I swear I could almost see a fire burning within them. Jeez, this guy's passionate! I wonder how pissed off he'll get when he starts to actually do some fighting moves!

The men behind the computer terminals exchanged pleased glances and enthusiastic nods of approval. "That was great, Matsumaru-san! Just great! Now, we'd like you to do a mid-thrust, as if you were hitting your opponent straight on in the stomach. You can start when you're ready." The man sat patiently waiting, his finger ready to begin the recording.

In one swift motion, the sword was brought backward with the joint of his elbow, and then forwards violently into the gut of his imaginary enemy. As he did this, he yelled out an emotional battle cry. He held the position for a few seconds, and then relaxed, almost realizing how worked up he had gotten. He stood, a little nervous, maybe.. awaiting a response from the technicians. He glanced at the sword then, I think catching his reflection on the faux shiny steel. I wonder then, what he is thinking. Who is the man peering back at him? I see, sadness.. in his eyes. The moment was fleeting however, and soon after he began swinging his the sword in a sharp figure-8 in front of him. This guy is clearly in his own little world.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hey, Toshiko! It's nice to see you not pouring coffee for a change!" Maki ran up to me then, waving and smiling like a maniac.

"Yeah.. look, I'm just an assistant for the day. Nothing special." I turn the water faucet on, and put my hands into the warm water.

Maki examined herself in the bathroom mirror, and gasped. "Hey! Did you see that guy in the motion-capture room today?" She poked my arm with her finger.

I'm clearly annoyed, but I reply anyway. "Sure.. I was in there all day." I don't really want to let her know that I think he's a catch. The teasing would never cease.

"Isn't it odd how much he resembles him?" She begins to put lipstick on her lips, this time in a sheer pinky peach.

I rip off a paper towel from the dispenser and dry my hands slowly. "Resembles who..?" I ask without looking up at her.

"He looks like Link, you silly goose! Why are you playing dumb with me, huh?" She rolled her eyes and put the cap back on her lipstick. She rumaged through her purse and brought out a powder compact and began to dust the shine off her nose. Can this woman ever be fooled?! She seems to always know who likes who, who everyone is, and what everyone is thinking. Not necessarily a professional trait, but a formidable one, I must say.

And then it hits me. He does, look like Link. I wonder why I didn't put two-and-two together back there in that crazy blue room. But that's stupid, right? I mean, does Maki seriously think this guy is a video game character? "Yeah, I guess so, Maki... but c'mon! A lot of American guys look like Link, too." Eek.. that's not entirely true. Bear with me here.

"Toshiko, first of all, this Matsumaru guy isn't American. Second, I've never seen an American who looks like Link!" She folded her arms and looked at me, waiting for my retaliation.

I sigh, and toss the used paper towel into the trash. "Are you ever wrong, Maki?"

Maki smiled. "Nope!"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Walking back to the motion capture room, I pass by a door slightly ajar. Inside the room, I can hear murmuring voices. I could just lean in a bit, and listen, right? No harm done. I back up against the wall, and lean slighty to my left; my hearing focusing in on the activity on the other side of the door.

"Well, how are we going to get him back?" the voice asked desperately.

A woman's voice responded. "I don't see how we can... without it."

"We should never have done anything today without Miyamoto-san to watch over things." The other voice whined and wavered nervously.

"Time will tell. Let's just finish what we were doing with him, and when Miyamoto-san returns, we can tell him about the situation." She hesistated a moment, and then said, "Don't worry, Umeda-san."

Umeda san spoke solemnly. "You have no idea."