At the viewing party for Tragic Marker, the cast is once again subjected to the presence of the Heel siblings. Little do they knew, an extra surprise awaits them.
The cast of Tragic Marker had been subject to a lot of troubles thing during their shooting. Nightmares, soiled jeans, and hallucinations of demons were common stories among the actors. Each had their own tale as they faced against the horror that was BJ, his afterimage burned into their eyes. Several people were still receiving counseling to help relieve their anxiety. Cain Heel himself was terrible to behold, his aura reeking of bloodlust that only his sister could penetrate. Needless to say, the cast was very glad the movie was done for the sake of their sanity. The sooner it ended, to sooner they could file the experience away in the furthest corners of their mind, never to be accessed again.
Yet it appeared Cain wasn't done haunting them. At the preliminary showing, they were subject to his presence once again. Everyone stared as Cain and his sister entered the grand ballroom, Setsu wrapped around her brother's arm, body pressed closer than a normal sister should be. Her long leather dress clashed horribly with the other elegant gowns in the room, complimenting her brother's usual attire of belted blacks and torn overcoat. The gown had been slashed artfully in certain places, a laced up corset hugging her middle. A beautiful flower dipped in the poison. It was the only way to describe her.
The room fell quiet as they entered, those closest moving aside as the couple walked towards the center, seemingly unconcerned with the disturbance their presence had caused. They kept to themselves, the sister whispering something, long fingers cupping by her brother's ear as if to share a secret. The corners of his mouth lifted, the closest to a smile anyone could produce from Cain.
No one wanted them there. Sure, he had been an integral part of the movie, but his presence was best forgotten as soon as possible like a sour fruit one spat out into the garbage. The two were left alone, and they left everyone alone as well. In that, everyone could be satisfied.
The party continued, still early in its birth as people let the presence of the siblings disappear. They could avoid the nightmare as long as it left them alone. Even Manaka stayed away, though it was mostly due to the insistence of her fellow coworkers. They didn't want her hurt on the last day of this mess.
Unfortunately, there was still one person that never learned their lesson.
"Go home you perverted siblings!" shouted Murasame. "No one wants you here."
And like that, the fragile calm was broken. Everyone's attention was caught, wondering how this last conflict between the actors would go. Setsu was the first to answer, shimmying out of her brothers hold to stand firm against Murasame. She placed a fist to her hip, head cocked to one side as she peered down at him.
"This is a party to celebrate the release of Tragic Marker," said Setsuko. "And wasn't Nii-san the star of the movie?"
Murasame's eyebrow twitched in irritation at the jab, as he was the actual protagonist. Unfortunately, he couldn't properly dispute the claim since Cain's presence as the antagonist was so overbearing.
"Why the hell do you have to come here to see it?" said Murasame. "You never cared about working as a team, why are you here now? Haven't we suffered enough of your devilish presence?"
"We were asked to come," shrugged Setsu.
"You were asked to…"
Who in their right mind would invite the siblings from hell to a party?
"That's right, so calm down Murasame," said Director Konoe. "I asked them to come."
This shocked everyone. The director had come forward during the argument, wearing a white suit and a beaming smile. He gave Murasame a pat on the shoulder, turning his attention to the group at hand.
"I think this would be a good time to explain things. If you could Cain and Setsu, follow me."
The crowd was confused, the ballroom filling with the soft murmuring of the cast as they looked on, wondering what was going through the director's head. He took to a small stage, a mic hooked up for a speech. The siblings stayed on the side, like dark sentry's waiting to be called forth. It was somewhat comical to see the director beaming so happily on stage while being flanked by two angles of death.
"I'd like to make a special announcement," said Konoe through the mic. "Some of you might not know this, but I enjoy surprises. It's part of what I live for, practical jokes and the unexpected. With this movie, I wanted to create something terrifying, an impact in the horror industry that would never be forgotten. But along with that, I wanted to add on another layer of surprise."
He gestured to Cain, who along with his sister didn't look like they were paying attention to the director. Both were speaking quietly to one another.
"I couldn't help myself, and I wanted to let you all in on this practical joke now that filming has ended," Konoe continued. "Tomorrow the world will receive the wrath of BJ, not knowing the true face behind the actor. Because Cain Heel is also a fictional character."
The statement took a moment for the audience to comprehend. When they did, many looked at the director as if he were crazy. Cain Heel was standing right there. How could he be a fictional character?
Director Konoe turned to Cain. "Would you like to introduce yourself properly to your coworkers?"
Cain stalked towards the podium, the director moving aside to allow Cain to stand in front of the mic. His dark eyes glared out into the audience, sending shivers down everyone spines. A second later, the audience could have sworn that he vanished. It was the only way they could describe what had happened. Cain was there, then a second later he wasn't. Before their very eyes, the persona of Cain Heel was stripped away, thrown aside like a piece of clothing. Left behind was something different entirely. Mouths dropped open in shock as instead of Cain Heel, a beautiful calm man smiled out into the crowd.
"Good evening everyone," said the man. "My name is Tsuruga Ren, and I was your colleague for these past months."
There was pure silence.
"This has to be a joke!" shouted Murasame. He was the one most shocked by this, having fought head to head against Cain for much of the shooting.
Ren chuckled. "It is a joke, that was the point of the experiment," he said. "The director approached me with the idea to create a memorable villain, one that even the cast was truly afraid of. He also didn't want the audience or the cast influenced by the actor's previous works or image. So he created Cain Heel, in the desire to cloak my identity from you all, and also, to play a prank on all of Japan."
It couldn't be real. No one could believe it, and they wouldn't have had they not seen the transformation themselves. Tsuruga Ren was still wearing the outfit of Cain Heel, but that was the only evidence suggesting they had been the same person.
"And that's the big secret," said the director, rubbing his hand together with enthusiasm. "I will be releasing this information in a few weeks, but I trust that each of you will keep quiet until then. I will be inviting several of you to help me reveal it."
A few nodded in agreement, while most just kept staring at Tsuruga Ren. Mostly it was the women, thousands of thoughts going through their heads. How could the wonderful kind Tsuruga Ren act in such a villainous way? They were having problems reconciling the two images in their heads.
Ren moved to stand off the podium but paused at the sound of another accusation.
"Wait a moment," said Murasame. "If you're an actor, then who is she?"
The whole room followed his gaze, now locking onto the girl they had known as Setsu. In their heads, each were asking the same question. Was she an actress, or a street punk they had picked up off the street?
Ren walked to Setsu, whispering something to her. She smirked, patting Ren on the cheek with a shake of her head.
"Director, would it be appropriate for me to introduce myself as well?" she asked.
"Please do."
The woman walked on the stage, the slit on her dress giving the audience a peek at her long legs. Everything in her bearing still depicted the deadly beauty, yet as she turned to address them, like before with Cain, her entire being seemed the change. Gone was the haughty attitude, narrowed eyes, and pursed lips. Her stance shifted from casual arrogance to polite nervousness, posture board straight.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Kyoko Mogami!" said the actress, giving a perfect bow. As she rose, it revealed a completely different face, this one dusted with wide-eyed innocence. The woman was glowing in a beautiful smile as she greeted the audience, causing more than one man to blush at the intense change in atmosphere. As Setsu pulled them in with mystery and arrogance, Kyoko drew them in with her open brilliance.
Then her name hit them. Kyoko? Who was that? Had they ever heard of a Kyoko before?
One of the women let out an exclamation. "That's right! Kyoko was the actress in Dark Moon who played Mio."
"No, she's the one that plays the bully in Box R.," said another.
"Ah, well I'm still a newbie talent," said Kyoko, rubbing the back of her head, evidently embarrassed. "But I was both Mio-san and am currently staring as Natsu-chan in Box R. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude for being able to work among you all, and apologize for my behavior."
She gave another bow, this one causing even more murmurs among the crowd. For as they had been shocked, they had also forgotten that she had played the role of Cain Heel's sister.
"Now that you are all in on the joke, remember to keep it amongst yourself," said Konoe. "And please! Enjoy the party. Tonight is the last night to celebrate."
As Kyoko descended the stage, Ren held out a hand to assist her down. Not unexpectedly, the next second they were completely surrounded, mostly by women in Ren's case.
"Are you really Tsuruga Ren?" they asked.
"I think the better question is if you really are Cain Heel," said another.
Ren answered them with a smile. "I am both of those men. I know it was an intense role and it was hard to remain so at times as I knew I was causing you all such distress. Please allow me to apologize for my actions."
His words were a soothing balm to the hearts of all the women. They instantly forgave him, reveling in the smile that stole their hearts and reasoning. The men chose to forgive him as well if only to keep their pride. A second later the atmosphere was interrupted by a strange cry. Kyoko was on the ground, flat on her face as she bowed towards Manaka
"Please forgive me for throwing you!" said Kyoko. "Setsu just really loves her brother and she was upset at how clingy you were but it was highly inappropriate of me to do such a thing I hope that you can forgive me and-"
"You're getting your dress dirty," said Ren. He grabbed Kyoko by the arm, pulling her up to her feet as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Many were staring, wondering at this new side of Setsu, er, Kyoko they should say.
Manaka was staring as well, flustered by the intense apology she had received.
"No, it's alright, I completely understand!" said Manaka, twirling a piece of hair behind her head as she laughed nervously. "It was your role and I was a little clingy now that I reflect on it. I hope that we can still be friends."
Kyoko's eyes filled with gratitude as she hugged the little teen with enthusiasm, declaring how Manaka had a big heart and was wonderful. It was a sight the cast never thought they would see. Setsu willingly hugging Manaka and declaring her a friend.
"And in a way, I was right," said Manaka with pride. "There was a soft spot inside of Cain Heel, it was just Ren-san showing through the cracks."
Another cry interrupted them, this one male and full of furry. Murasame was standing in front of Ren, pointing an accusatory finger at him.
"What the hell is all this about?" he said. "Are you saying that all of that was an act? You scared the living hell out of us and you nearly killed me! I can't just forgive you because you say 'you're sorry, it was all an act.' That's bullcrap!"
The room was nervous, partially because some of them agreed with Murasame. They couldn't deny the horror and nightmares they had endured because of Ren. How would this actor respond to subjecting his fellow coworkers to such traumatizing acting?
The smile on Ren's face didn't slip. Indeed, he seemed amused by Murasame's anger.
"I admit; I did cross the line a few times," he said. "But only because I felt the need to respond to you. Cain Heel could only be fully realized because of you Murasame, and it was because you didn't back down that I was able to act him out to the fullest."
Ren gave a small polite bow. Murasame's anger hesitated at the gesture, evidently confused by Ren's behavior. He was so used to the cold anger of Cain that he hadn't expected a polite response like this.
"I only acted with the intensity I knew you all could handle," said Ren. "I've acted among you and have grown to appreciate each of your talents. I was spurred on to meet your dedication with my own. If I was shown as ruthless, it was only because of your strength that I was able to portray such a character. So truly, thank you for always pushing me. I was able to portray Cain in such a violent and oppressing manner because of you."
At this point, the fight was completely gone in Murasame. He couldn't take the stream of praise. He had grudgingly acknowledged Cain as a great actor long ago, and it was frustrating to learn that even that had been an act. Murasame couldn't help feeling insulted that he hadn't been able to see through it. Learning that he had helped push Ren along though, also stroked his ego enough to let it go.
"Well, as long as you had control of the situation," muttered Murasame. As he rubbed the back of his neck nervously, he then remembered the other Heel sibling, which… wasn't actually a sibling.
"So are you and Kyoko dating?" he asked.
It was Kyoko that answered. She had been standing by during the whole conversation, ready to jump in front of Ren if she felt the need to.
"We are only co-workers," said Kyoko. "I was asked to be a part of this to help increase the distance between Tsuruga-san and the other actors."
At this Murasame's eyes started to gleam. He had fancied Kyoko the first time he had seen her as Setsu. The dress she was currently wearing did a great job of reminding him of the fine woman he had initially been interested in. True, the personality couldn't have been more different, but he wouldn't say no to getting to know this version of Setsu better.
Before he could open his mouth to ask if she had a boyfriend, he felt a chill down his spine. Indeed, a few other men who had also been looking at Kyoko felt the same sensation. It was radiating silently from the brilliant smile of Ren as he placed an arm around Kyoko's shoulders.
That smile and gesture spoke one thing: This woman is mine.
The men instantly realized that the brotherly love had not been an act. Ren was staking a claim, though she didn't seem to notice.
A moment later the men were freed from the spell as one of the women came over to Kyoko and engaged her in conversation. They were curious about her acting alongside Tsuruga Ren. Slowly but surely, the two drifted apart, pulled into different conversations as they created new and renewed old friendships. The night was going well until one question was dropped. The dreaded question that Kyoko had silently prayed no one would ever ask.
"So about that hickey on Ren-san's neck."
At this Kyoko went stiff, her expression freezing into a strained smile. Her body slowly became red, surprising those around her. The question had been burning in all their minds. Was this woman Ren's girlfriend? It would make sense they had been so close. She had denied it, but they hadn't believed her.
As Kyoko sputtered, trying to laugh it off and change the subject, she saved by her one and only Nii-san.
"There's no need to be embarrassed about it," said Ren, smiling brightly at her. "It was a great joke to play on all of them."
This made the onlookers blink. It had been a joke? It certainly hadn't looked like a joke.
"Do you know you can fake a hickey using a plastic bottle?" said Ren. "We wanted to create some more distance and it seemed a good way to put everyone off as well."
But there were teeth marks! Everyone was thinking. None dared say anything though. Ren was smiling in a way that made people want to keep their mouths shut. If he wanted their relationship to stay quiet, then who were they to try and unearth it? Stepping on that landmine was obviously social suicide. Who wanted the number one most desirable actor mad at them?
Kyoko appeared to relax at the reveal, smiling and laughing after that. The more people talked with her, the more they wondered if it wasn't true. Such a sweet innocent looking girl couldn't possibly have put a love bite on Tsuruga Ren.
Director Konoe turned everyone's attention back to the stage.
"Alright everyone!" he said. "The night is wrapping up, and I think it's time for a little sneak peek at the movie. Can I have someone dim the lights? Ah, thank you. Now, here is the ending scene from Tragic Marker!"
Everyone turned to watch, the lights dimming as a screen dropped down behind the stage. A projector was turned on, and BJ's face was on the screen.
Instantly they were all reminded of the horrors they had survived. They could feel their own heartbeats in their throat, watching as the decrepit, staggering, mad BJ stalked its last victim. The hero stumbled blindly away, his friends yelling for his to run to the trap, pleading for him to make it. But the demon was on his heels. It didn't look like the hero would make it. One trip and he'd be dragged into a living hell.
BJ reached for the man, catching him and making them both fall. He rose from above, only the gleam of his insane wide eyes visible under the shroud of darkness. BK raised a jagged bloodied knife, a smile on his lips. The hero hadn't made it. The man was going to die.
Then the trap was sprung. BJ was caught, decapitated, and destroyed. The hero celebrated and cried with his friends, the case closed and everyone returned to their old lives, but the demon would never be forgotten by those that it had hunted.
The lights came back on, the audience letting out a breath of relief. They clapped and cheered, happy and proud to have been a part of such a wonderful project. Many came to Ren, congratulating him on playing such a terrifying role. Their animosity was completely gone after conversing the whole night. They felt nothing but respect for the actor in his ability to play such diverse roles.
"Thank you, you are too kind," said Ren when they asked him to accompany him out for drinks later tonight. "But I need to take Mogami-san home. She didn't take that clip very well."
The co-workers didn't understand. Kyoko was right there and she looked perfectly fine to them.
"What are you talking about?" asked one man. "She looks fine to me."
They were surprised the next second when she slid a territorial arm around Ren's, coming much closer into his personal space than before. The next second they realized that Setsu was back, simpering at her brother.
"Hey," she pouted, poking at the actor. "I want to see my Nii-san, not this boring half-baked actor."
Eyebrows instantly were raised. They couldn't believe the attitude of Setsu. To call Ren a half-baker actor, and why was she acting as Setsu anyway?
"Mogami-san couldn't handle the movie clip," explained Ren. "So she became Setsu."
"Why would I ever be scared of my Nii-san?" she cooed, running her hands through Ren's hair. "Now hurry and come out brother. I want to play."
Ren reached up and caught her hand, but he was no longer Ren. Cain was back as well, the dark atmosphere encircling the two actors once again. Unconsciously everyone backed away, terrified to interrupt the two siblings. The light in Cain's eyes was gone as he surveyed his sister.
"My sister has gotten quite spoiled," said Cain. "Are you ready to leave?"
"I'd rather shop with my brother," shrugged Setsu. "This party is dull."
The crowd watched dumbly as the two actors walked out of the ballroom without looking back. The two from before were gone, Kyoko and Ren hidden behind their mask so thoroughly that everyone wondered if it had all been a hoax. For after all, who could instantly change character like that?
Because we all know the secret will come out one day.
Thanks for reading! And of course for your reviews on my other one-shots! Hope you enjoyed this one.
-Blushweaver