Disclaimer: Author owns nothing. Mai-Hime belong to Sunrise.
CHAPTER 23
TOKYO, JAPAN
4 DAYS LATER
Director Zhang was walking painstakingly slow in front of Mai as they traversed the long hallway leading to the meeting room. The director decided to call for another storyline debriefing before taking over the project. She had a few things in mind that will determine the project's fate.
"Nao, we'll gonna be late. Hurry up." Mai urged as she grabbed Nao's elbow and started dragging her.
"Chill, Tokiha. No one's gonna be late." She replied nonchalantly as she adjusted her Gucci shades which fell a little off when Mai suddenly grabbed her.
"We are if you're not going to stop acting like you are having a lovely night stroll in Paris." Mai said firmly to her companion who did not even budge a little. "The room is still at the end of this corridor and with your pace, we'll definitely be late. This is Japan, Nao. Punctuality is a big deal and it's not professional to be late to meetings." She continued lecturing her.
"I don't think everyone shares that opinion, Tokiha." She replied with a smirk as she gestured her head towards the end of the hallway where a group of people can be seen coming from the opposite. "Plus, I hate warming my ass for too long." She said without bothering to quicken her pace.
"Haruka-san, calm down. She is here now." Yukino tried pacifying the obviously enraged manager.
"Viola, don't force me to put you under twenty-four seven freelance." Haruka hissed, trying to lower down her voice as they were already approaching the conference room.
The superstar just looked at her uninterestedly while the four bodyguards surrounding her can be seen raising their eyebrows in confusion.
"It's surveillance, Haruka-san." Yukino corrected.
"That's what I said, Yukino!" Haruka fumed, before turning her attention to the superstar with a threatening look.
"Am I not already under strict surveillance, Haruka-san?" Shizuru asked rhetorically. Her crimson orbs were glaring behind the dark glasses she was wearing.
"That's because your safety has been computerized, Viola! If I have to put dogs on your trail to ensure your safety, I would." Haruka said sternly, looking into crimson orbs.
"I am very much capable of taking care of my well being, Haruka-san. You do not need to burden yourself any more than you already do." Shizuru replied with exasperation lacing her voice. She was tired of repeating herself for the nth time.
"It's compromised, Haruka-san." Yukino said softly before looking at the superstar. "Let's get inside now, Shizuru-san. I had them prepare some warm tea and painkillers for you. Let's get you settled before the director arrives."
Truth be told, she was still having a massive hung-over due to almost every night partying. Her head was pounding like crazy and she also did not like the way how she was rudely awaken that morning. A loud noise was the last thing that she wanted to wake up to. Not to mention that the owner of that loud voice seemed to have no intention of stopping soon. The four bodyguards surrounding her were starting to suffocate her and she was already irritated by their existence. Unfortunately, everyone agreed to the idea of having four men always looming around her for twenty four hours a day and seven days a week. She was never left alone almost literally. Wherever she went, those men also came along. Her only solace was her penthouse where those men were only allowed outside. Only then can she be left to her thoughts and musings which always involved a certain woman with a pair of beautiful emerald orbs.
She had not seen the woman so far which left her with a lot of conflicting emotions. It was true that she felt betrayed and fooled when the woman did not tell her about her marriage. But part of her still missed looking at the angelic face that gave her reasons to accept her loss and continue with life. She might not admit it to anyone but she was glad that a meeting was called despite not knowing what it was really for. At least, she will have the chance to see the young director again. The woman seemed to be also good at avoiding her in the past few days.
Shizuru was settled on the video conference room, facing the door. She had taken two painkillers and was currently nursing her warm tea while waiting for the director to arrive. It seemed like the meeting wasn't for everyone since no other cast or crews were there. It was only her, her manager, and the producer. Savoring her tea, she closed her eyes as she took another satisfying sip.
Her ears caught the sound of her bodyguards greeting the newcomers. Slowly opening her eyes, she found herself looking at emerald orbs. Green yet different. A frown became apparent on her feature as she put her tea cup down and glanced at the woman's companion who was more familiar to her before looking at the door which was then shut closed. Her bodyguards standing in front of it like someone might just come in uninvited.
"Expecting for someone, Viola?" Nao thought, smirking at the superstar's crestfallen feature which was immediately pulled up into a straight one.
"Good morning, Director Zhang. Please accept our condolences for what happened to your mother." Yukino approached the newcomers before politely greeting them.
Haruka followed after her while Shizuru just stood from her seat as a courtesy to the newcomers.
"Arigatou, Kikukawa-san." Nao said after a formal bow.
"Where's Kruger?" Haruka blurted out, causing the superstar to snap her attention towards Nao. Waiting for her answer which did not come.
"I believe we should settle down first before discussing the matters on hand." Mai interjected when she noticed Nao raised an eyebrow like she was just asked the most stupid question on the planet.
"Of course, Tokiha-san. Please make yourself comfortable." Yukino gestured towards the seats opposite them.
Everyone was finally settled down. Shizuru was sitting opposite Mai while Yukino was sat directly opposite Nao. Haruka was taking the end of the table.
Nao cleared her throat before starting to speak. "Thank you for agreeing to this meeting. First, I would like to apologize for the short detour and last minute changes made in the contract. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I wasn't able to fulfill my obligation on a timely manner. However, I am confident that Director Kruger fulfilled the stipulations in the contract on my behalf. I can't recommend any other person to do it in my stead. I hope she did not disappoint you."
"Director Kruger is an efficient woman, Director Zhang." Yukino re-assured her with a smile.
"I am glad then as I already caused her inconvenience. I don't want her effort to be in vain." Nao said, casting everyone a glance. "Now that I am here, I don't see the need to stop her from doing her other obligations. As what is stipulated in the contract, I can take over the project when I am already capable of fulfilling my obligations. Suffice it to say that from this day onwards, I will be taking charge of the project."
"So, where's Kruger then?" Haruka asked, tapping her fingers on table with impatience.
"What did Kruger get herself into? This blonde looked liked she's pissed as fuck. Don't tell me she…Ew. Kruger, I thought you have at least a better taste in women." Nao thought as she casted a glance at Mai with her eyebrow raised in a questioning manner.
"Director Kruger is back in New York, Suzushiro-san. She has personal matters to attend to." Mai answered, looking at the superstar for longer than necessary before settling her eyes on Haruka. "Legally speaking, she is not bound in any capacity in this contract. Her name wasn't specifically stated on the clauses. She is free to go back to New York whenever she deemed necessary without any other added procedures or pre-closing arrangements to be done. It's her prerogative."
"I'm not talking about contracts here!" Haruka bellowed as she slammed her palms on the table. Her eyes glanced at the superstar who was still silent and calm.
The men started to make a move but were halted by Yukino who raised her hand to stop them from approaching the table.
"We are here to discuss the project and not some personal issues which you might have with Kruger." Nao emphasized. "Man, was Kruger on weed when she hit on this woman. Wait, hold on. Did she string these two?" Nao gagged in her thought as she looked at the superstar. "I can understand her hitting on Viola but on this bull? She must be pretty high." She continued musing until the sound of a ringing phone interrupted her.
"I'm sorry about that." Mai said before putting her phone on silent mode.
"Please continue, Director Zhang." Yukino urged as she casted a pleading look at Haruka in an attempt to calm her down.
Nao once again cleared her throat before looking straight at Yukino. "I also made some changes with the filming schedule." Nao started before nodding to Mai who immediately produced three folders and handed them to each of their counterparty. "Instead of the initial ten months scheduled duration, I am cutting it to five months. Taking into consideration the scenes already done and the busy schedule of the main character, I believe five months are more than enough to finish a movie. As the director of this movie, everything will be handled and decided by me. I will delete unnecessary scenes and revised some of the script. I want this movie done as soon as possible without compromising the quality."
"I believe that is not what is written in our contract, Director Zhang." Yukino emphasized with a straight face. They can't afford to shorten the duration of the project. Everything has been planned to keep the superstar busy and a five-month with nothing constant to keep her busy would only mean more late night parties which could lead to bad publicity.
"It's a contract, Kikukawa-san. As long as there is meeting of minds between contracting parties, it can always be amended. As long as no one is unjustly benefiting at the expense of the other contracting party, it is still a fair deal. You can either accept my propositions or you may start looking for another director to continue the movie. My legal counsel will be more than happy to meet with yours in case we don't reach an agreement here." Nao said with all seriousness.
She wanted to end the meeting as soon as possible after glancing at the caller ID on Mai's phone a while ago. There must be something important for Ms. SK to call despite knowing that they were currently in a meeting.
"We will take into consideration your proposition and we will let you …" Yukino started but was interrupted with Shizuru.
"We agree with your proposition, Director Zhang. I hope we can resume filming as soon as convenient for you." Shizuru answered with her well-rehearsed smile plastered on her immaculate face.
"Very well, then. We will start the day after tomorrow. Everything is on that file." Nao said before starting to rise from her seat. "I'm glad we have come to an agreement. Can't wait for this movie to hit theatres."
"Let us all work hard for that, Director Zhang. Arigatou for today." Yukino smiled as she gave Nao a curt nod and a warm smile.
Haruka on the other hand just nodded her head without saying a word.
As soon as they were out of the conference room, Mai immediately dialed the last caller on her phone. After a few rings, the line was picked-up.
"Good evening, Ms. SK. Apologies. We were in the middle of discussion when you called." Mai said apologetically to the phone.
"Good morning, Mai-san. No need for apologies. It was my mistake for forgetting about the meeting and realizing it later." The person on the other line said with a light chuckle.
"No problem at all, Ms. SK." Mai said, waiting for the woman to speak again.
"I just called to inform you that I have arranged your flight back to New York tomorrow. Your job is done there." The woman continued in a light tone.
"But Ms. SK, I haven't talk to her about the proposal yet." Mai answered quicker than she wanted to.
"Don't worry about it. That has been taken care of, Mai-san." The woman spoke that Mai could swear she can hear the smile in her voice. "Besides, Takumi-kun already misses her sister. I don't want to keep you away from him for longer than necessary."
"I understand Ms. SK. Thank you." Mai said with a little reservation.
"Have a lovely day, Mai-san." The person on the other line said.
"You too, Ms. SK." Mai said before hanging up.
"So?" Nao asked when Mai was done.
"She wants me to go back to New York." Mai announced.
"I don't see any reason not to. I'm not Kruger. I know my way around her more than you do. I don't need a babysitter who will nag at my ass every single second. " Nao stated as a matter of fact.
"Just take care of yourself. Call me if you need something." Mai said before starting to walk towards the building's exit.
"Yeah sure." Nao said without meaning a single word.
"Nao." Mai said threateningly after turning around.
"I will. I promise." Nao said to end the conversation.
"That has been taken care of." Mai mused in her mind as she continued her strides along the hallway. "How and when?"
RAJASTHAN, INDIA
It was past seven in the morning and Natsuki was wandering around the small camp trying to familiarized herself with the surroundings. She was done with her morning jog which she decided will be her new routine since she didn't have much resources to do her regular cardio exercise. She was ascending the stairs leading to their sleeping quarters when out of nowhere a figure came tumbling down. Luckily, her quick reflex didn't fail her and she was able to steady the figure before it totally fell down.
"Careful now, sleepy head." Natsuki said chuckling as she held the figure securely.
"Natsuki?" The figure said startled. "Oh, I'm sorry. I wasn't paying much attention to where I was going. I'm so sorry." She quickly said in her still cloudy state before abruptly distancing herself like a little contact from her will burn the other woman.
"Ahm. It's fine, Alyssa." Natsuki said nervously while scratching her neck.
An awkward silence followed. Each woman not really knowing what to say.
It was the first encounter she had with the doctor after arriving two days ago. Truth be told, she didn't know how to properly approach her.
"Ahm. How are you.." Natsuki asked which elicited a surprised reaction from the doctor. "with the patient last night, I mean. How is he? " She hurriedly added, still scratching her neck.
"Hopefully he is feeling better as we speak, Natsuki. I'm on my way to check on him." The doctor replied with a hint of disappointment in her voice.
"Good to hear that." Natsuki said shortly before looking down at her feet, suddenly finding the floor more interesting than anything.
"I should probably get going." The doctor announced before maneuvering her way to the right and descending down the remaining flight of stairs.
"Way to screw things up, Kruger. Why did I fuckin' chicken out?! Aaarrrgghhh" Natsuki grumbled as she continued to ascend the stairs only to find herself face to face with a smirking Midori.
"Smooth move, kid." Midori smirked, raising her cup of steaming coffee in salute.
"Shut up, Midori." Natsuki muttered as she continued her strides.
"Oh, come on. I didn't know the infamous NK can actually lose her cool in front of the drop dead gorgeous Doc Alyssa." Midori taunted as she followed Natsuki inside the quarter. "I thought you top, kid. Didn't peg you to be a bottom."
"That's the first ever decent conversation we had after years, Midori. What am I supposed to say?" Natsuki replied with a hint of frustration in her voice. "Plus she didn't look like she was interested in having small talks."
"Well, lucky for you we still have time on hand. You'll figure something out, kid. " Midori replied lightly.
"Yeah. That really helps a lot, Midori." Natsuki replied dryly.
"Oh come on. You got this. You can get your girl back." Midori said, patting Natsuki's shoulder before squeezing it encouragingly.
"Has anyone of you seen Alyssa?" Doc Helen asked with a thermos in hand and a wrapped sandwich on the other.
"Yeah. She was in a hurry to go back to the kid from last night." Natsuki answered while Midori just watched with a raised eyebrow as if that spelled out what was on her mind.
"That child is really working herself out too much. I told her to at least grab something before going out again." Doc Helen shook her head as she distanced the sandwich from Midori's hand which was a few inches away from reaching it.
"Didn't she come home at like past five in the morning already?" Midori asked nonchalantly.
"What?!" Natsuki blurted out.
"The little boy's flue was on and off and the parents refused our offer to bring him to the facility. So, Alyssa had to stay with them to ensure that it will not get worse. It was nothing much to worry but you know Alyssa. " Doc Helen let out a breath of exasperation.
"She cares too much even if it hurts her." Natsuki whispered to herself.
"I guess we'll just wait for her to come back then." Doc Helen said before turning around and walking to the direction where she came from.
"Come on, kid. Let's grab something. I'm starving." Midori yelled when she noticed Natsuki was rooted on her spot, looking at the entrance.
It was already past one o'clock in the afternoon and Natsuki was sitting on the foot of the stairs waiting for Doc Alyssa's arrival. After a few minutes, the woman came into view. She looked spent and was walking wobbly under the scorching heat of the sun.
"You look tired. Have you eaten anything yet?" Natsuki asked with worry as she hastily approach the doctor.
"You look like you care." The woman whispered, flashing her a smile with a hint of hurt before proceeding inside and leaving her staring at nothing.
"Alyssa, wait!" Natsuki called back when she came to senses. She followed the woman and was about to grab her when she heard a loud intimidating voice.
"Don't touch her!" Doc Helen ordered sternly causing Natsuki to immediately retract her hand.
"Wait, what? Why?" Natsuki asked baffled.
"Are you positive with the information you sent me, Doc?" Doc Helen completely ignored Natsuki and turned her full attention to the young doctor.
"Yes, Doc Helen. At first glance, it looks like a fever from an ordinary infection. But after doing further tests and observations, it seems like our theory has been confirmed. His mother is showing the same symptoms as him but not his elder brother who didn't have contact with him for the last twenty-four hours." Doc Alyssa stated as she started to feel out of breath.
"How long does it take to get passed to the next person?" Doc Helen asked as group of men fully suited in white like an astronaut came from behind her.
"Less than twelve hours, Doc Helen. Mode of transmission are physical contact and aerial." Doc Alyssa said weakly, looking at her wrist watch.
"Bring her to the isolation room." Doc Helen ordered the men who immediately sprung into action. "Doc Greer is on her way. For now, I want everyone to proceed to the sterile room and get tested for possible viral infection."
"What's going on?" Midori asked, breathless from the short on-the-spot sprints she did when she noticed the commotion from where she was filming.
"Nothing that should be released by the media without further confirmation and investigation." Doc Helen said sternly.
"Understood." Midori said, closing the camera shut tightly. Signaling her team to do the same. She was a media person but she knew when an information should be feed to the masses or be kept held in secrecy.
"Everyone follow me and I will explain everything. We just need to follow our standard protocol. There's nothing to worry about. For now." Doc Helen instructed as she continued walking briskly.
Again, just a friendly this is only a fanfiction and not all information are accurate and precise.