The Game of Love

Chapter Three: Command Performance

Sammi Collins was the manager and close friend of Ringo Arisu. She had arrived in Japan to handle business as usual. Her job was to make sure that the next album be released in the following year and to take care of Arisu. She took her job very seriously.

She dialed Tsukushi's cell. She got her voice mail. "She must be in class," she muttered as she put the cell away.

"Have the other security arrangements been made?" she turned to ask the person who was assigned to work as her assistant from Gaia Records.

"They're almost ready. We just have to finish doing a background check on the neighboring buildings that surround the flat," answered Ryan.

"We have to be sure. We can't mess up. We can't let anything happen to her," said Sammi.

"Should I hire some bodyguards?"

"Yes, but be careful. Screen them. I want reports back right away."

Ryan nodded and left. Sammi settled back into her chair in her office at Gaia Records. Ringo Arisu was the top selling for the company. She was the literally the backbone of the company. The survival of the company rested on her talented shoulders. However, Sammi's top priority was to keep her best friend in one piece.

It began months ago. Someone started sending strange messages through the company, inquiring about Ringo Arisu. Pretty soon, this person managed to find out where she lived in London and started to send flowers regularly. Then, this person started calling her flat and leaving strange messages. Then the threats began, causing the company to be more than alarmed.

It was the main reason to move Arisu back to Japan. Gaia Records insisted on getting her a suite at the most secure and expensive hotel in Tokyo, the Maple Hotel. They couldn't afford to have having anything happen to their top star.

Sammi always thought that Arisu was strange. Or rather secretive. She didn't like having her picture taken or even performing in public. She claimed shyness, but Sammi knew better. It was like she was hiding something painful. Arisu buried herself in her work to keep herself from thinking too much about her life.

Sammi was one of the few people in the company who called Arisu by her real name, Tsukushi. She dialed her cell again and prayed that she'd pick up. It made her uncomfortable that Tsukushi didn't seem to take the stalker all too seriously. She acted like everything was normal.

"Hello?"

"Tsukushi? Where are you?"

"I'm in school, Sammi. When did you get here?" asked Tsukushi in perfect English.

"Just this morning. I've been looking for all morning. Are you okay?" asked Sammi.

"I'm fine, Mummy," teased Tsukushi.

"This is not a joke, Tsukushi," said Sammi sternly.

"Okay, okay. Calm down. Everything's fine. When do you want to meet me? I get off at three."

"Where would you like to meet?" asked Sammi.

"How about at the Maple Hotel? I should be going back there," answered Tsukushi.

"Okay, bye."

"Bye."

Sammi settled back in her chair. She knew she was being paranoid, but if Tsukushi didn't care, then she would have to.

*

He still remembered the last time he saw her. She came to see him. She told him that she was leaving and she hoped the best for him. At the time, he couldn't understand what she meant. She had tears in her eyes, but she didn't say anything else.

Tsukasa couldn't understand at the time. He couldn't remember who she was at the time. He couldn't remember how much she mattered to him. He had simply let her slip away from him. He had made no move to stop her.

Slowly, he regained his memories. He had pushed Umi's advances away. He could never forget those sad brown eyes. When he realized his mistake, it was too late. It took more than a year for Tsukasa to regain his memories. At first, he was angry with Tsukushi for not trying hard enough for him, but in the end he realized it was his fault. He had pushed her away just when he was able to secure her affections.

Tsukasa tried to look for her, but it was a losing battle because Tsukushi never told anyone where she was really going. She said she was going far away. "I hope you can be happy, Doumyouji. Please forgive me," she had told him. He didn't ask her what she had meant.

He got very angry at the world again once his memories came back and he realized what he had lost. His mother told him it was for the best. His sister had nothing, but sympathy. She said she would try to help him regardless of what their mother said. However, it seemed as if Tsukushi had disappeared of the face of the earth.

Yesterday, Tsukasa had seen Susumu. It was like another knife going into him. Tsukasa had lost a part of himself. He wasn't as stupid as he did not use to be, nor was he using his power over other people like he used to. The daily grind of big business had worn him down. He wanted nothing more than to feel alive again. Tsukasa hadn't been really alive since Tsukushi had walked out of his life.

"You're here early," said Rui as he took a seat at the table where they normal had breakfast. "Did you get anything yet?"

Tsukasa shook his head. "What happened after I left?"

"He took our orders, but nothing else really. What would you do if you saw her again, Tsukasa? What would you really do if you had another chance?"

"I don't have to answer that," muttered Tsukasa.

"No, you don't. But, if you give me a good answer, then I'll give you something valuable."

"I would do anything to win her back. I've done it before. I'd do it again. I'll tell her that I remember her that I never really forgot her. I'd give her what she needed from me."

Rui looked out the window. It was the right answer. The one he had been looking for. He loved her, too. However, he knew that he couldn't make her completely happy. Only Tsukasa could do that. Part of him wanted to lie to Tsukasa before and tell him that Tsukushi was his. "She's back in Japan."

Tsukasa stood up. "Where did you see her?"

"At a restaurant. She was having dinner with her friends and brother. I don't know anything more," replied Rui.

"When?"

"The day before yesterday."

Tsukasa's temper rose at that moment. "You mean to tell me you knew that she was in Japan before I got here and didn't bother to tell me until now?!" he demanded.

"What were you going to do, Tsukasa? She seems to have prospered. You want to barge in and take that from her?"

Tsukasa opened his mouth for a moment then answered, "I'll find out where she. We need to talk." He stood up and left the Eitoku to call up his own people to find her.

"I want you to do a search for Makino Tsukushi," he said on his cell.

"But, sir, the President told us that we are not to search for her," said the underling on the phone.

"She's in New York. I am here. Think about your options," said Tsukasa warningly.

"I'll look into it, Sir."

Tsukasa hung up. He would heaven and earth to find her.

*

School let up for the day at Tokyo University. Tsukushi was looking at her new syllabus from one of her advance courses. Yuki ran up to her to meet with her.

"Do you want to go out this afternoon?" asked Yuki.

Tsukushi shook her head. "I'm sorry, but business has come up. My manager has arrived from England. Do you want to come along? You can if you want to."

"I don't know. Are you sure it will be okay?"

"Does it really matter? Besides, I want you to meet Sammi."

"Your manager?"

"Yep. She's really great. I'm sure you two will get along. Let's go before I get into trouble with her for being late."

Yuki and Tsukushi got into the car that was assigned to Tsukushi. They chatted about school while waiting to get to the hotel. Yuki's jaw dropped. "Doesn't this belong to the Doumyouji Corporation?" she asked.

"Of course," said Tsukushi. They got out of the car as soon as they were outside, she continued, "Sammi doesn't know about what happened in Japan before, so I'm asking you not to say anything."

"Okay, but why didn't you say anything?"

"I—" she stopped because she spotted Sammi waiting in the lobby.

"Hey Tsukushi," said Sammi, alarming Yuki a bit. She couldn't speak English as well as them. So, she was immediately uncomfortable. "Who is this? Don't tell me this is your friend, Yuki?"

"Hello," managed Yuki.

"Hello, my name is Sammi." She gave her bow. "Oh, pardon me." She gave Yuki a greeting in Japanese, which wasn't too bad.

"Let's go to the suite," said Tsukushi as she walked up to the front desk. "Is there anything for Ringo Arisu?" she asked the manager.

"She took it already," said the manager as he nodded at Sammi who was grinning like mad. "I see. Thank you," said Tsukushi.

The three young women got on the elevator. They got to the largest suite in the whole hotel. Yuki immediately made her way to the window. "Wow. What a wonderful view," she commented. "You can practically see all of Tokyo from up here."

"Sammi, I've been meaning to continue our argument about the hotel," said Tsukushi.

"What you don't like it?"

"Don't you think it's a little ostentatious? It's really expensive to keep staying here every night. When I can I move out of here and into a flat?"

"We've discussed this already. It's not me. It's the company. They wanted you to have this suite. It's not my fault the most expensive hotel in Tokyo has the best security."

Tsukushi started pacing back and forth. "This is ridiculous. I don't like this. This is not me," she exclaimed.

"Why do you need so much security?" asked Yuki. Sammi couldn't understand.

"I was just asking that question," said Tsukushi in Japanese for Yuki. "She wants to know why we need so much security," she said to Sammi in English.

"You know why," said Sammi. She didn't really want to discuss this matter in front of Yuki, even in English.

"Damn it. How many more messages were sent?" asked Tsukushi.

"Ten more. Asking where you have gone," answered Sammi. "However, we cannot allow this to stop business."

"Then what?"

"We proceed as planned. The company's planned two major events for you to attend. One is absolutely event you must attend is the one in Kyoto," said Sammi as she read of the schedule.

"What's in Kyoto?" asked Tsukushi. Yuki looked interested.

"Oh, didn't I tell you?"

"No, you didn't tell me."

"The Emperor of Japan has invited you to sing at the big ball that is being held in the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. You are to appear by order of the Emperor. Isn't that wild?" asked Sammi as her eyes lit up.

Tsukushi's jaw dropped. "In front of the Emperor?"

"You sang in front of the Queen of England," pointed out Sammi.

"But this is the Emperor of Japan? Do you have any idea how much of an honor this is?"

"What?" asked Yuki. "What are you talking about?" Tsukushi quickly translated. "Oh my! The Emperor of Japan! This is great. Oh, my god. This is going to be your first performance in Japan!"

Tsukushi stopped celebrating. This will be all over the news. Everyone will know, she thought. "Tsukushi? What's wrong?"

"Nothing. When is it?"

"In three days," replied Sammi.

"Three days? There is no way I can be ready to a live performance in three days. I haven't even got a song in Japanese. It's all in English."

"Problem easily solved. Just translate one of your songs."

"What am I supposed to wear?"

"Ah, I'll take care of that," said Sammi with a dismissive hand wave. Tsukushi rubbed her temple. Sometimes, Sammi could be overbearing. All one could do was wait for these moments to past, but Tsukushi had little patience.

"Why didn't you clear this with me first before accepting it on my behalf, Sammi?" she asked angrily.

"Because it was by order of the Emperor. I couldn't have the company say otherwise. Do you want to know what the other event is?" asked Sammi unabashed by Tsukushi's temper.

"Sure, why not? Do I have to walk off a cliff after Kyoto?"

"No. Stop being so sarcastic. You have to appear at a charity event in two weeks," said Sammi.

"What kind of charity?" asked Tsukushi suspiciously.

"A charity for the World Children's Relief Fund. It helps children around the world. Why am I getting a feeling you don't trust me?" asked Sammi innocently.

"Because I know you," murmured Tsukushi. Yuki was at a loss. She could barely understand what they were saying.

"I'm off. I'll talk to you later. I'm supposed to meet with our fellow Japanese employees. It was a pleasure meeting you, Yuki-san," said Sammi as she bowed to her before making a quick escape. She sort of left out something about the charity ball, but she thought it wise not to say anything more.

"She's strange," managed Yuki.

"Yes, she is. She's irritating sometimes," agreed Tsukushi.

"So, you'll be performing in front of the Emperor. This is so wonderful who would have thought a common girl would ever get an invitation to the Emperor's palace," said Yuki in a dreamy sort of voice. "You've come so far."

Tsukushi's cheeks were red. "I'm still not used to it. I still don't know how to handle fans. They make me feel flustered. I'm not used to so much attention. It makes me feel uncomfortable."

"I'm not that surprised. You were never one to really draw attention to yourself unless you could avoid it," agreed Yuki.

"I'm getting used to performing in front of a live audience, Yuki, but I'm not used to performing in front of Japanese people. I've never done that before. And my first concert here has to be in front of some of the most important people in Japan. I don't know if I can do it."

"Of course you can. You're Makino Tsukushi," said Yuki proudly.

"Don't you mean Ringo Arisu?"

"I mean both."

Tsukushi was unsure if she was prepared to take Japan by storm. Her uncertainties from her teenage years continued to bring doubts to her twenties. She had completely rose above what she was given in life. She did it her on her own and on her own terms. More than one person out there could take what she had made for herself and destroy everything that she had rightfully earned.

*

Tsukasa came home to see his sister with her baby at the house. He really wasn't prepared for it. "What are you doing here, Oneesan? And why'd you bring the brat with you?" he asked, but before he could ask any more questions he was smacked upside the head. "OW!"

"You're the brat. Don't call my daughter that. And I'm your older sister. I don't have to answer to you," said Tsubaki.

"That hurt. How can she sleep through all this?" he asked quietly when his eyes fell on his sleeping niece. It reminded him of how Tsukushi could sleep through things.

"Isn't she beautiful? You have to hold her," insisted his sister.

"No," said Tsukasa.

"Hold her," said Tsubaki. "Now. Move your arms. Position them like mine. Okay. Now, don't drop her." She placed her daughter into his arms.

Reiko opened her eyes looked up at her uncle. She gave him a smile. Tsukasa looked a little surprised. "Aw…it looks like she knows her idiot uncle," said Tsubaki.

"I hope you don't raise the same way you did with me."

"I don't plan to. Because she's already more behaved than you."

"Okay, what brings you to Japan? Don't tell me the witch has sent you to baby sit me?"

"No. I came here because our family has been invited to the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. They're having a command performance of that singer who got her start in England, Ringo Arisu. She's native Japanese, but her English is excellent. She's gone platinum in Europe and has been steadily climbing the charts in the U.S. I wanted to see her concert, but with Reiko, I couldn't go. However, we were invited to the performance."

"Don't tell me you like she's your favorite singer?"

"Yes. I'll be the first to admit it. So, I'm going. And you're going, too."

"What?! Why the Hell would I want to go?!" demanded Tsukasa.

Just then, Reiko started laughing at her uncle's outburst. "Hey, what's wrong with this kid?" he asked bewildered. The laughter of a child was a little unnerving for him.

"She thinks your funny. I agree. You are supposed to attend one social event for every season. This is a good one. Mother knows you wouldn't attend any otherwise," said Tsubaki.

"Fine. When is it?"

"Three days from now."

"What? I've got better things to do," said Tsukasa.

"Like what?"

"Stuff."

"Answer me."

A man came in and stopped. "What is it?" asked Tsubaki.

"I have the report that the young master requested," he answered. He really wasn't expecting to see Tsukasa holding a baby.

"What report?"

"It's nothing. Just give it to me," demanded Tsukasa, but his sister had already grabbed it out of the man's hand. She opened it and quickly skimmed it.

"You're looking for her again," she whispered.

"Rui said she was back in Japan. They saw her the night before last," said Tsukasa. "Now give me that and take Reiko back. She's getting heavy. What have you been feeding her?"

They traded off. "Breast milk," replied Tsubaki.

"I really didn't need to know that," said Tsukasa in disgust. He looked over the report.

"There's nothing in it. It just says that she left the country to go to Australia. Where she went after that is a mystery. I had no idea that she was back in Japan. I hope you're not planning on barging into her life."

"Why shouldn't I?" demanded Tsukasa angrily.

"Because you pushed her away in the first place. I think she would be better off without you. She cut off a lot of people because of you."

"She was weak to do that! I just want to talk to her. I want to know why she really walked out like that." His fists were clutched as he glared at his sister. Just then, Reiko started crying. She could sense how angry her uncle was.

"Shh. Hush," whispered Tsubaki as she threw her brother a dirty look.

Tsukasa didn't care. He just walked out of the room. He clutched the report even more tightly. He opened it again and reread it. He couldn't believe she would make it this difficult to find her. I am not going to give up. You're out there somewhere. I'll find you yet, he thought.

*

Three days had past in the blink of an eye. Tsukushi spent that time preparing for the performance by rehearsing during her free time. Sammi had the fitters from a very exclusive designer come in and get her measurements. She had to listen to Sammi rant for fifteen minutes about losing more weight since the last fitting.

Tsukushi had to translate one of her songs into Japanese. She found that she had to rework some of the lyrics because the direct translation didn't feel right to her. Yuki, Kin-san, and Susumu barely heard or saw her during those days.

She had to get ready hours before and had to be flown in by helicopter. It was Friday. She had to get ready in one of the hotels of Kyoto. Sammi had managed to go through the background checks quickly, so Tsukushi had proper security. Sammi was still working with Ryan to get a proper flat with all the security measures in place.

For tonight's performance, Tsukushi was outfitted with a Chinese style gown that was green. It was made out of silk with white silk weaving patterns of cranes. Her hair was pinned back with two dragon fly clips that had diamonds and emeralds in them. She wore a pair of black-strapped high heels. She slipped her necklace under her dress. She wore no other pieces of jewelry.

"You look like a fairy," said Sammi. "However, considering how short you are, probably a pixie."

"Thanks a lot. Are we ready?" asked Tsukushi. She had to take the day off from school. Most of her sensei were stammering in surprise when they heard her excuse not to be there. It surprised them even more when she profusely apologized for having to be absent. She promised to make up the work. Unfortunately, her schedule didn't leave her much time to work ahead of time for her classes.

"Yes, we are. The master of ceremonies will introduce you. The rest is up to you. Break a leg," said Sammi as her eyes sparkled.

The crowd that had gathered at the concert hall was sort of like the crowd she had seen when she did her command performance in front of the Queen of England. They were all powerhouses of money and wealth. The most powerful people in Japan were gathered there by exclusive invitation to hear Tsukushi's performance.

She mentally prepared while she waited for her name to be called. She had to get out of her Makino Tsukushi mind set and move into her Ringo Arisu mind set. She closed her eyes and clutched the necklace that was under her dress. She silently drew on it for strength.

"Finally, I am proud to introduce, in her first performance in Japan, Ringo Arisu!" exclaimed the master of ceremonies.

Tsukushi's eyes popped open at that moment. The sound of polite clapping brought her attention back to the present. She took a deep breath as the curtain opened in front of her. The bright lights nearly blinded her. There was no time to think as the music started playing. She held the microphone up to her mouth and started singing.

She had no idea that someone was watching her in the audience with a stunned look on his face. Tsukasa didn't look at everyone else. The rest of the F4 had also received invitations to the event.

All Tsukasa could see was her singing like a nightingale. His nightingale.

AN: Yeah! I got to where I was going. It's all good. I don't know if the Emperor of Japan can order command performances, but this is just for my story. So, no one bite my head off, if I'm wrong. I'm too lazy to look of up stuff. Sammi's another original character. I'll probably end up introducing new characters through out the story. I might put up a cast list of the original characters in my journal, so that you guys can keep track of them.

The time line for this story is around the thirties for the manga. Just for your reference. ^^

For any more info, and maybe some previews (let's see if I have any time this week), you can check out my journal at http://kirika.ujournal.org.

Disclaimer: Hana Yori Dango belongs to Yoko Kamio. The legend of The Emperor and the Nightingale was originally by Hans Christian Anderson.