Setting the stage:
The news had spread like wildfire, there wasn't a single media outlet not covering the tragic passing of Japan's #1 star. The national sorrow could be felt in every single corner of Japan, there were cries heard on every single street, candles lit in most windows showing support for the talented actor and model. Sales were off the charts of any project he had ever worked on, as well as any products he had endorsed.
Reporters who had not been invited to the funeral cursed their underhanded techniques that had gotten them in poor standing with LME while those in neutral or good standing were given press passes to the Takarada Estate for what promised to be the biggest funeral the country had ever seen. Suzuki Taro had his most trusted coworker covering the event live from the entrance. He had been given special permission from the PR department from LME to have sole coverage of the outside of the estate since they had proved to have the best footage of the earlier press conference. His multiple camera setup, covering both stage, podium and audience, had granted them this amazing opportunity.
Shinjitsu Aiko listened to the live stream while observing the room. She had once accompanied her mentor to a similar event when she was just starting her career, almost 23 years ago. She listened as the commentator announced the arrival of multiple black clad celebrities and other entertainment industry VIP. Actors and actresses, directors, idols, and producers, anyone who was relevant was making an appearance to pay their respects and say a final goodbye to the leading actor.
There were murmurs in the room as Akatoki Gin entered the room. Aiko was not surprised as she had heard of his arrival, but she was intrigued as it was common knowledge in their industry about the rivalry between Akatoki and LME. The distinguished and intimidating man looked handsome as always and was greeted by multiple celebrities and professionals. Suzuki approached the veteran reporter once he saw her looking intently at the rival agency president. He greeted her politely and blushed slightly as the mature woman smiled at him, he admired her greatly as a reporter and journalist.
"I'm surprised Akatoki-san is here" he mentioned to the veteran reporter, "It was my understanding that he was not a fan of Tsuruga-san given the rivalry with his top star" he stated honestly, looking at her companion. Aiko hid her smile "He is the only person here who was specifically invited, Takarada-san himself delivered the invitation" she said as the young man looked incredibly astonished.
After the press conference earlier, LME had issued a statement with the details of the funeral inviting those who wanted to pay their respects to the Takarada Estate. It was open to the public in the east gardens where thousands of candles were being lit for the actor, while those who had known the man were invited into the mansion. The event would be livestreamed for the world to see directly from LME's website. 23 security companies had been hired for the event, it was joked around that there was a security company for every year the young actor had lived, but nobody thought the amount of security was overdone.
Lory had taken his gold hummer limousine straight to Akatoki, where he simply walked in with a smile to the receptionists. His biggest rival must have seen his arrival and notified his employees. He took the elevator to the highest floor while lamenting the drab look of the agency, it made him homesick to be in such a grey environment when LME was always bursting with color. He left a bottle of scotch on his secretary's desk, along with the little plastic toy cow, as was customary in their rivalry, and winked at her glare. She was used to their antics after working with Akatoki for so many years, but the eccentric president always made her tense with his theatrics. She was particularly unnerved to see him in a regular black suit. She indicated for him to go in as she placed the bottle in the bar and served them two glasses, and put the little cow next to the miniature minimalist barn that was home to the toy before leaving back to her desk.
Akatoki Gin was on the phone when his frenemy walked into his office and motioned for him to take a seat while finishing his conversation. Lory tilted his head with interest as he noticed the blonde president was talking with Aki Shoko, Fuwa Sho's manager. He couldn't hear what the manager was saying but could see the frustration on the gentleman's face. "Where the hell is he, Aki!" he demanded intimidatingly over the phone. Knowing who she managed the usually cosplaying president could imagine the situation: Fuwa Sho was nowhere to be found. After having seen the teen's antics he could perfectly well imagine where the visual kei artist would be tonight. He held a small black envelope in between his index and middle fingers and looked at Akatoki who informed his employee he'd call her back after threatening her job if she didn't find her charge.
"I'm sorry for your loss old friend, but it seems rather suspicious to me that you had invitations already made for a funeral, not even you could have had this made so quick" he said looking at the expensive looking invitation in his hand. "If you're here to ask for my help burying a body, i'm afraid i will have to turn you down, these shoes were not meant for digging" he said humorously. He knew his oldest friend had something up his sleeve, even if he wasn't wearing his ridiculous magician outfit today.
Akatoki had been there the day of his wife's funeral. He knew what Lory looked like consumed by sorrow, and he knew that his friend had not lost one of his precious 'children' as he liked to call his VIP stars and Love Me girls. He was mourning alright but something was off about his friend, he almost looked excited. He looked at the invitation once more as his friend laughed his suggestion off, further confirming that he was in good spirits.
"I brought Chekku-chan over, does that not show you my intentions?" he said motioning for the little stylish tiny black barn that housed the toy cow on a shelf. Chekku the toy cow was no bigger than 2 cm and had been passed between Akatoki and LME on countless occasions whenever the holding president was giving the other a heads up that a move was being made in the entertainment world. It was a game they liked to play to keep the other on their toes. Sometimes it was a movie or an album, sometimes the debut of a star. There was nothing to gain by having or delivering the cow, it was just them showing off to the other that they had something new and shiny to be jealous over, along with a drink, as the receiver would certainly need it.
The owner of the building they were currently at took a swing of his drink while contemplating the situation. The last time he had the little cow delivered to LME was to show off Fuwa's world tour. It had been an absolute success and almost tripled the investment he had made on the young singer. But Akatoki did find it odd that Lory was bringing Chekku with an invitation to a funeral. "I did not think you were so callous that you would consider the death of one of your biggest stars part of our game" he said while savoring the burn of the scotch.
Lory took his own sip of his drink enjoying the depth of flavor. "Tsuruga Ren might be dead, but tonight we celebrate his life and accomplishments. As well as the birth of the next generation of acting" he said mysteriously. Akatoki looked at his rival curiously, he was being cryptic on purpose and he assumed the cosplayer had gotten what he wanted. He had him intrigued and would attend the event, even if just to show support to his friend in his odd state of mourning.
"I can also guarantee that you will find your wayward singer there tonight. It is an open event to anyone who knew Ren and he certainly did, we know better than anyone how close rivals can be" said the LME president with a sigh. "He is probably currently looking for my number one actress as he does any time something major happens to her." Looking at his friend Akatoki realized he was probably right, the little brat was only serious about 2 things, his music and that girl. His latest album was certainly fueled by the overwhelming feelings the singer felt after the announcement of his childhood friend's and biggest rival's relationship. It made for an unbearable 3 months of dealing with the artist but the payoff had been worth it. The world tour that came from it was certainly proof of it.
That night Akatoki smiled as he was greeted by industry veterans he had worked with for many years with. He made pleasantries with his own talents and even did some networking. As dreadful as these events were they were great business opportunities. The birth of the next generation of acting… that was a very big promise Lory had made, even if a little dark to make at a funeral. Akatoki agency was home to great many actors even if their main source of revenue was their record label. In this business it was important to have eggs in all baskets, you never knew where your next biggest star was coming from. He looked upon the serious and saddened faces as he greeted them, and how they would be pushed to greater heights by whatever move Lory would make tonight.
Aiko was drawn back to the live stream as they announced the arrival of a mysterious figure. They had mentioned her incredible beauty, a slender and elegantly poised woman walked along the black carpet leading to the mansion. She was wearing a floor length black gown that, even though it didn't leave any skin uncovered, hugged her toned figure and accentuated every single one of her curves. The portrait neckline of the dress showcased the porcelain skin of her chest and shoulders, undecorated by any jewels except a pink teardrop diamond encased in a small silver cage. The long sleeves of the dress extended through her middle fingers with a single ring like hoop, giving the already elegant dress an even more elevated look.
All outside reporters kept shouting asking for her name, as the black clad figure was unrecognizable with her flowered veil covering her face. It was a truly delicate thing, if it weren't for the numerous flashes going off you wouldn't have been able to see the level of intricacy of the detail, dandelions and cranes dotted the design in a very sophisticated way. She walked with her head held high as if she owned the place. Her step never faltered and she walked the length to the mansion as if the catwalk were her true home. The long skirt of her dress hugged her body tightly up to mid-thigh where it changed to an almost blooming flower at her feet giving her freedom to walk as the fabric swished at her feet. She took the final step of the stairs as she turned around and slightly bowed to the reporters before turning one last time and leaving them behind.
Those who had the pleasure of working with her recognized the gesture, and linking it to the diamond necklace she wore tonight, started calling after her too late to be heard by the mourning 'widow' of Tsuruga Ren.