I know I'd said I wouldn't be updating because of exams, but it'd been stuck in my head for a long time. The angel side of me was saying 'study study study study study...' whilst the devil side of me was saying 'update update update update update...' Well, as chapter 7 is here right now, I guess you know which side won the battle.

Angel : Shame on you! Go study, NOW!

Devil : ngek ngek ngek ngek ngek * evil laughter *

So here it is, hope you like it!

* scurry away in shame *


Disclaimer #1: I do not own SkipBeat!

Disclaimer #2: The current politics of Japan is conducted in a framework of a Parliamentary Representative Democratic Monarchy, where Prime Minister of Japan is the head of government. In short, Japan is generally considered a Constitutional Monarchy with the system of Civil Law. However, the story of the drama, 'Strangers In Dark', is revolving around the Traditional Monarchy System of Japan in the 21st Century, where all political power is passed down to an individual known as 'Monarch', or in this story, the 'Emperor'. The story line, settings and members of the Imperial Family are entirely frictional. Regarding the characterization of the Family in the drama, I meant no disrespect and have no intention to impose any negative judgment to the true Imperial Household of Japan. Please understand.

Chapter 7 - Continuation

Life didn't get much better. Kanae knocked back her cup of water as she closed the locker. She was a tall and lean woman, currently wearing the flashy pink overall with a hideous-looking logo behind, which openly declared her position as a LoveMe member of LME. She would never get used to the outfit, regardless of the fact that she had been wearing it for almost two years.

Her life had gone horribly wrong after his arrival. Everything was getting in her way.

Everything.

With a quick glance at the door to make certain she was alone, she punched her angry fist onto the locker's door, releasing her frustration and anger. With her hand still on the metal door, she rested her forehead against it to calm her mind, which was full of annoyance and anger ever since the morning.

The memory of her conversation with the president in the morning flowed back to her restless mind as soon as she spotted the pink folder that was lying peacefully on the wooden bench. Yeah, she thought. So much for being an actress.

She needed to calm down. She needed to rethink the whole situation. She needed to construct a solution. She needed to prevent it from getting out of hand. Something had changed since their last meeting. She knew it but she won't acknowledge it. No. She must have it under control. It wouldn't do her much good if she can't think.

After what seemed like a lifetime, she trudged toward the file.

Her upper lip curled in disdain as she picked it up, held it in her hand. And much to her chagrin, she walked out the room with it.

No matter how much she hated the idea, she's got a job to do.


"Action!"

[ The scene starts as Matsuko Shin mounted up the hill. When he reached the peak of it, he stopped.

He was captivated by what he saw.

Princess Naomi was sitting with her eyes closed in the swaying sea of bright green grass, her back leaned lightly against the trunk of the tree with a book resting on her lap. The tree was ancient and tall. The thick leaves above shielded the princess from the sunlight like a guardian. Her brown hairs streamed down her sides, moving slightly in the cooling breeze. She looked like a sleeping angel in her white dress, serene and beautiful.

The hill at the far west of the palace was her favorite place, it was quiet and secluded. She loved the calmness the nature brought to her. He knew too well how much she disliked the palace. He knew it and it tore at his heart to disturb her. However, it was his responsibility to bring her back. With a slight frown, he spoke.

"Your High—"

"Please, Shin. Not after the sunset." Her voice was melodious and enchanting, the warmth in it flowed like the warm breeze of summer.

Across of her was the view of the sea. Over the horizon, the sun had begun its descent. She opened her eyes when rays of orange sunlight danced on her face. Her expression soften and her lips twitched into a lovely smile when the light scattered from the surrounding sky, hitting the surface of the water steadily, let off a glittering glow that spread across the sea. The view was magnificent.

His stoic expression changed when she smiled. Leaning idly against another tree, he looked at her with such tenderness and adoration that could melt every woman's heart. It was unfortunate that she did not see them.

Setting her book aside, she stood up from the grass and sauntered across to reach the edge of the hill. Closing her eyes, she indulged herself in the warming light as she leaned over the fence. Shin hurried over to her side to make sure she wouldn't fall.

"Remarkable, isn't it?" She sighed. The light shone on her hair to give off a dazzling glow.

"Yes. A beautiful view indeed."

"It would be wonderful to stay here. Quiet and...simple." She smiled at Shin but there was a glint of sadness in her eyes.

"Then you would wake up every morning to find yourself surrounded by animals." He said and looked at her with amusement.

"Yes. Yes. That would be a problem." Her smile brightened and Shin was happy to see the despair had been wiped off from her eyes.

She turned back to watch the sunset and both of them enjoyed the comfortable silence. When the sun disappeared completely from the horizon, she turned around to meet him. The happiness was gone and her eyes were cold and regal. She was not the girl who had grown up with him and she was not the girl who would smile at his joke. She was the Imperial Princess now.

"It's time." She nodded briefly to him.

"Yes. Your Highness." He bowed and followed her down the hill.]

"Cut!"

Couldn't believe his own eyes, he told the cameraman to replay the scene.

Ren and Kyoko had both returned to the director's side to watch it together.

The sunset was captured perfectly. The scene was presented celestially with the beautiful setting and appropriate lightning. Most importantly, the Naomi that created by Kyoko mesmerized everyone on set. She was so cute when she smiled, everything around looked dull compared to her. When they watched the last part of the scene, they can't help but stared in enthrallment. She was so beautiful, so elegant. Her eyes were cold but held the dignity of a royalty. Her posture was both perfect and regal. Just like a real princess, they thought. At the same time, all the women on set were swooned by Ren's tender expression, including Kyoko. She blushed profusely as the camera showed Ren's face, it was so perplexing to witness it herself.

Although she was embarrassed but deep in her heart she was surprised to see Ren gave out such a genuine expression. Just like when he was playing Katsuki in Dark Moon. I wonder who was in his mind at that time.

The scene ended with a composite sigh from the audience.

"Okay, that's a wrap. Let's move on to scene three! Ready up!" He clapped his hands together to urge them on.

"Well done, both of you. That was marvelous. Keep up the good work because I'm expecting something even better in the future. " He turned and left.

Satoshi couldn't help but chuckled on his way to scene three. He was astounded by their performances, especially Kyoko. The Naomi she created was more than what he had expected. It was good. In fact, it was brilliant. Although there was not much dialogue in this scene but the actor and actress needed to struggle with their inner feelings, to understand the emotions fully in order to give the suitable expressions and interactions to pull this off. The scene was complicated and yet both of them did it flawlessly. With that thought in mind, he couldn't help but put on a triumphant look. After all, it was him who chose the cast members. And it seemed that he'd made the right choice.

A damn right one.

Ren, on the other hand—of course, wouldn't miss the opportunity to talk to her.

"Kyoko-san."

"Eh? Tsu—Re—Ren-san?"

The voltage of his smile increased a million, no, a billion times as he heard her calling his first name. Their Tsuruga-san-Mogami-san relationship had been thrown behind and proceeded a 'great' step toward Ren-san-Kyoko-san relationship. It may not look much to others but it actually meant a lot to him. To get her calling him 'Ren-san' was a miracle. His heart was dancing tango, cha-cha and rumba inside his chest whenever he thought of it. He had this idiotic grin on his face almost all the time after his so-called success that eventually led Yashiro into calling him a pathetic lovesick creature. But it's okay, it's all right, he don't mind, really. As long as his Kyoko was willing to call him by his given name.

He already had his next mission in line—Get her to call him 'Ren'

...

...

Well, maybe Yashiro was right after all. He was INDEED a pathetic lovesick creature.

"A—Ano...Ren-san?" Kyoko's eyes were fluttering everywhere but at his direction.

Why? Why is Tsuru—Ren-san smiling like that? Did I do something wrong? But he's not angry...right? Sneaking a glance at him, she thought, no, he's not angry, not with that smile. Then why's that? Did I do something funny? Something wrong with my costume? What—

"Ahem! Ren." Yashiro coughed loudly behind him, hoping to catch the actor's attention.

When Ren's eyes slowly focused, bringing himself back to the present, Yashiro sighed.

This baka, I'm sure he's plotting some master plan in his mind for his pitiful, contemptible mission.

"Yashiro?" Ren looked at him questionably.

"The next scene is up soon. I suggest both of you to get ready now." Being a dedicated and caring manager, he was ecstatic about their progress and he was more than willing to let the two of them had some talks. Much to his dislike, this time it was just so wrong. So wrong to see Ren standing in the middle of the set, smiling like an idiot in his noble costume and worse, to see Kyoko, prettily dressed up in her princess costume, blushing and fidgeting in front of her sempai. Some of the crewmembers had been eyeing them suspiciously. No, he decided. They will get to talk, but not at this moment.

"Ah! Yes. Yes. Please pardon my leave, Ren-san, Yashiro-san. See you later." With a deep bow, she scurried away like a cat, which had fire on its tail.

"Ren." Yashiro sighed again, helpless this time.

"If you want a chance to carry out whatever plan that you have in mind, I suggest you do NOT show that face, again."


The set was back to the mansion, people were rushing back and forth, giving customary touch-ups to the Grand Hall for the next scene.

The hall was the largest room in the whole mansion and it had been decorated in a classical fashion. The original color scheme had been replaced by modern white decorations with gold details and red upholstery. The changes had made the hall looked more commodious and classy. A grand crystal chandelier was hung in the middle of the hall, the crystals reflected the yellow light and shone it onto the entire space. Surrounding the grand chandelier were the smaller glass chandeliers, each was hung elegantly across the hall in a circular pattern. As to Satoshi had envisaged, all the large, double mirrored doors stand open, reflecting the numerous crystal chandeliers and sconces, causing an illusion of space and light.

Furthermore, exquisite, jewel-like portraits had elaborated the walls, round dining tables were placed at the West side of the hall, and cushioned-chairs were covered in red fabric, tied with beige-colored ribbons. A platform was built at the East side of the hall, on the platform were two royal chairs that meant for the Emperor and Empress.

All in all, the view was majestic. And the embellishment brought out exactly the feeling that Satoshi wanted for the royals. It was elaborate but fitting.

When Ren stepped out from his trailer, he was taken aback by the view. Even though he was an experienced actor, he'd not seen something quite like it.

"I told you huh, they really invested a lot in this." Yashiro was amazed.

"I'm afraid so." He nodded, "Where's Kyoko?"

"There." Ren followed the direction he pointed and was surprised to see almost all his co-stars were happily chatting with each other. He had no trouble in finding her at all. If she was an angel this evening, she was a goddess now.

She was wearing a lavender-colored pageant dress. It had sparkling embroidery that overlaid the strapless bodice with draping accenting the dropped waistline and corset tie back. The slim-cutting did nothing but enhanced her female curves and lean body. Silver appliqués were scattered onto the ball gown skirt with asymmetrical overlay, she looked every bit as lovely and elegant in the long dress. The pair of white stilettos she wore was a perfect supplement to her height, he was pretty sure she would meet his shoulder with those heels she was wearing. Her brown hair was swept into a loose French twist, leaving a few tendrils of soft curls cascaded over the shoulder on the right side, to reveal her slender and delicate neck.

"You looked gorgeous, Kyoko-san." A voice came from behind and Kyoko looked over her shoulder and her face reddened in a flash.

"Ren-san! How—I—I—I—Suzuki-san is way prettier. She—She's—"She stuttered. She was still intrigued by his earlier behavior b

The woman brushed off Kyoko's comment, "Kyoko-chan, I'm pretty sure Tsuruga-san would find me not worthy of his attention." She gave a dramatic sigh. "What to do? I'm old."

"You're as pretty and as young as ever, Umeto-san." Ren looked over to the woman and gave her a warm smile. He had worked with her in two dramas and one movie before. Although she was in her late thirties but she had such energy and young spirit in her that reminded him of his own mother. Ren's eyes darkened for a second at the thought and quickly schooled his expression. Anyway, he had respected her professionalism and he was able to establish a brief friendship with her.

"You're certainly not old, my dear Empress." Joined in the conversation was Watanabe Kenta, an experienced and award-winning actor who was in his late forties. He winked at her and she blew a kiss to him.

"Oh! My heart is beating again." Kenta used his hand to catch the kiss and clutched at his heart with an oh-I'm-saved expression.

Ren, Kyoko, Ando Isao and other actors laughed at the exaggerative acts of both veteran actors. Even the cool Kichida Hajime's lips were twitched into a smile.

"Kyoko-chan, you need to learn how to take on compliments. Being a woman was meant to be praised and adored. Don't spoil the men." She said to her with a mischievous smile.

Kyoko couldn't help but returned the smile. During the first meeting, the older actress had intimidated her but she soon realized Suzuki Umeto was actually a cheerful person after she'd gotten the chance to talk to her.

Their light conversation carried on and was interrupted when they heard the director.

"Ready on scene!"

Gone was the friendly atmosphere and the air was now filled with tension and anxiety. Everyone on set could swear to God they had felt the temperature gone down at once.

"Action!"

[ The scene starts in the private entrance leading to the ballroom. The corridor was empty except for the three servants who stood by at the end of the path to serve the Imperial Family and the prince who was pacing back and forth at the entrance.

Prince Takuzawa Masaki waited impatiently at the entrance, he hated this kind of event, and he just wanted to get over it as fast as possible. His mother, the current Empress, would kill him for sure if he were to absent for any formal event. He sneered at the thought. After all, he was just a tool for her to consolidate her status.

He walked toward the glass window and saw his reflection. Striking red hair, dark eyes and the fair complexion, among his siblings, his resemblance of the Empress was the most obvious. Looking at the truth now, he could no longer deny he was the woman's son. No matter how much he despised the idea.

Disgusted, he slumped into one of the waiting chairs.

{Footsteps}

Masaki looked up at the direction and found, his half-sister. His glare was swamped with antipathy and aversion.

She bowed formally to him, "Good Evening, brother."

Masaki snorted. "Brother?" He rose from the chair and stood in front her. "Who are you to call me brother?"

When she remained quiet, he continued. "I do not wish to die early, Takuzawa Naomi." He paused, "Or, should I say..."

He walked to her side and whispered to her ear, "The cursed Imperial Princess?"

{Footsteps}

He looked up, "Ah...Look who's here." His voice grew colder, "The Crown Prince." ]

[ "Step back, Masaki." The Crown Prince, Takuzawa Kei, increased his pace as soon as he spotted them and stepped in between Masaki and his sister.

He was dressed in his formal attire for the event. It was, after all, his birthday.

"What did you do." He demanded.

"Now, now, Prince. If you have no intention to get into your grave earlier, I suggest you stay away from her."

"You!" He took a step forward. Rage was gleaming in his deep brown eyes.

"Don't tell me you'd forgotten, prince. Those tragic incidents." His lips curled up in a scornful way.

"You have no—Naomi?" Kei's expression changed to one of puzzlement when Naomi stepped away from him.

Shaking her head slightly she whispered, "No, brother. Don't." Her voice was shaken with fear and despair. Her eyes were swimming in tears but she held them back.

His hands were few inches from her when he remembered what Masaki had said. With great reluctance, he pulled his hands back. No, he thought sadly. He was the Crown Prince, he had his responsibilities and he could not risk it, even if she was his sister. He closed his eyes and his hands clenched tightly at the sides.

Masaki spread his arms apart. "Now, you see. That was a profound waste of time."

"Stop." Kei glared at him and ordered coldly.

His fate had been decided the second he was born. He was the Crown Prince and he had been trained as one since he had memory. He knew exactly how to give order.

Masaki gave a nonchalant shrug and dropped into the chair again.]

[ The tension in the air eased a little when the Emperor and the Empress arrived.

"Good evening, Father, Mother (Your Majesty)." All three of them bowed politely.

The Emperor nodded. His eyes drifted from one of his child to the other. His stare lingered a little longer on Naomi but his expression was unreadable. On the other hand, the Empress was eyeing them coldly.

"Well then, let's begins."

The door opened and an elderly servant called the attention of the assembled crowd and announced, "His Imperial Majesty Emperor Takuzawa Makoto, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Takuzawa Sora, His Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince Takuzawa Kei and Prince Takuzawa Masaki, Her Imperial Highness Princess Takuzawa Naomi."

Without prodding, the Emperor and Empress confidently walked into the hall with the members of the Family followed behind them. ]

"Cut!" The director yelled and everyone on set let out a breath unconsciously.

The scene had been intense and the stress was so concentrated in the atmosphere that some of them actually needed to go out for fresh air.

Unbelievably, the take was perfect. Another perfect shot. Just how much more surprises you guys have in your pockets? He mused. During the take, some of them did broke away from the original script but others had improvised perfectly and the take had preceded smoothly nonetheless. Anyway, their acts were better than the original and he had no complaint.

"Okay, next scene!"

[ The camera focuses on the grand chandelier and zooms out slowly, showing the flooded dance floor.

After speeches, birthday song and some ceremonial procedures, the party was coming near to an end. After the Emperor and Empress had left the hall, the nobles were leaving slowly one after another.

Slowly, the hall was left with some nobles who were loitering around for small talks and the orchestra that was specially hired for the event.

Girls were surrounding him and giggling their names but he wasn't really paying attention. Matsuko Shin was leaning against one of the glass windows, watching the princess intensely. Beneath the placid calm of hers, he could sense that she was sad. Something must have happened when he was not with her, and it hurt her deeply.

The rumors, he frowned, was one of the reasons.

Setting his glass of wine on the nearest table, he walked toward her.

"Your Highness, do I have the pleasure of sharing a dance with you?"

"Lord Matsuko, it's not— " She stopped when he leaned over to take her hand.

"It's all right, You Highness, don't be shy." He gave her a warm-hearted smile.

It was genuine. And that was all she needed.

"Come on, princess!" He pulled her gently onto the dance floor.

He put one of his arms around her waist, took her right hand in another and her left hand rested on his shoulder. When the music started, they moved with it.

Waltz. She smiled. And it was one of the famous waltzes that written by Richard Strauss.

Waltz was a musical dance and was always in the beat of three. They movements were light and smooth on the dance floor and they moved elegantly together, as if floating, with the music flowing in the background. And when she swirled, she left everyone in the air of grace.

"Something bothering you?" He asked gently.

Her head jerk in a sudden and quickly looked away once more. But he did not miss the pain in her eyes.

"No." Her voice was soft and faded with the music.

They danced through the rest of the song in silence. Few couples had joined them when the first song blended into the second. At that moment, Naomi wanted to stop.

She bowed lightly to him and said, "I'll be going. Have fun, Lord Matsuko."

Without any delay, she turned and left. Leaving the man looked after her with his eyebrows furrowed. ]

"Cut!"

"We'll redo the scene to take few more angles. Let's start, people."

They were able to capture all angles after two takes, so the director had called a twenty minutes break.

Kyoko, standing alone, got onslaught seconds later with other young actresses surrounding her.

"That was amazing, Kyoko-chan!"

"How did you do that? It was so beautiful!"

"Oh, you must teach me how to dance!"

"Kyoko-chan, did you— "

"MO! You did well. Not bad for a novice."

Kyoko's head snapped up an instance and found Kanae standing at the corridor.

"MOOOKOOOO-SAN!" Kyoko, in her beautiful and expensive ballroom gown, ran forward to throw herself at her best friend.

"Stop! Stop!" Kanae, as always, stopped her immediately.

"Moko-san! Why are you here?" No time to be sad, she was surprised to find her best friend there.

"Well..." Kanae tapped her finger on the pink folder.

"Looks like I'm your new co-star."


[ The white light of the moon shone through the window, into the dark room, showing a certain figure lying on it, wrapped tightly in a blanket.

Naomi was sleeping. But it was not a good one.]

Dream

[[ It was a white corridor that flooded with people. She could see her father and her brother, both sitting on the bench outside a room. Their expressions were grim and sad.

She wanted to go to them. She wanted to touch them but she couldn't move.

The door opened and a man stepped through.

"Your Majesty." He paused, "I'm sorry. Princess Akemi was too weak when she was sent. She lost too much blood and the wounds were too severe. Her heart stopped beating 10 minutes ago and all attempts at resuscitation were failed. I'm sorry, Your Majesty."

When the door opened again, she could see a bed was being pushed out. There was a girl lying on it, a person she knew.

"Sister!" She heard herself shouted. She wanted to push through everyone and rush to the bed but she couldn't.

"Akemi!" She couldn't move, couldn't. There were so many people, so many.

"No! Akemi!" She shouted again as the bed was pushed farther and farther from her. She couldn't move, she thought. It's like something was tying her hands and legs, restricting her movement.

She fell onto the ground and she felt the click warm wetness ran onto her hands. Blood.

When she looked up, it wasn't the hospital anymore.

A white room, washed with blood. She could see herself walking through it, her bare feet were tainted with red as she stepped in grisly puddles. And she could smell it. The air was thick with the smell of metallic.

Then she saw. The sunlight shone through the curtain to reveal a limp figure on the bed. The woman was lying face up on the white bed sheet with scarlet blood. Her arms were stretched out and there was a gaping wound on her right wrist.

There was a knife, she saw. And it was resting on her lifeless hand.

"Mother." She crouched down on the bed and tears were rolling down her cheeks.

She reached across and touched the woman's shoulder, her little hands were shaking and washed with blood.

"Mother." She shook her shoulder. "Mother!" She shook harder, the tears were vicious now. "Mother! No!" ]]

[ "No!" She had snapped awake, her heart wasn't steady and she was trembling. She could feel cold, wet sweats tickling down her neck.

"No." She whispered. Then sat up and brought her knees to her chest, her head rested against them.

The room was quiet.

She sat still.

After a while, the camera zoomed in when she opened her eyes.

She was Kazumi. ]

"Cut!"


A/N: Well, I hope you like this chapter. Thanks for reading and please review! =)

Thank you to those who'd been reviewing, alerting and favorite-ing this story. Thanks ! XDDDDD