Always With You

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Chapter 6 – Rumor has it... (part one)

The secret to a good "gotcha" is to relax your victim first. Observe, if you will, the lizard: it sits looking so completely relaxed that it becomes a mere part of the landscape. Its intended victim traipses along, blissfully oblivious to danger. The lizard does nothing. The innocent victim is cautious at first; aware that so many of its compatriots have fallen mysteriously in the same location. But then time passes and no danger presents itself. The victim relaxes. Just when the sun is at its zenith and everything is right with the world, the lizard pounces. The victim is mercifully dead, unable to bemoan its fate as stomach acids dissolve its once meaningful existence into nothingness.

I will ask the reader to please forgive me if you thought that I was comparing the talk-show host (you know what type I'm talking about) or the gossip columnist to the aforementioned lizard. That would be unfair; please note that I have already pointed out that the lizard's victims die quickly and mercifully. Not so the victims of the gossip-mongering talk-show host.

Let us proceed with our story. (Continuing with The Rumiko Show from the end of last chapter)

Nishimura Rumiko asked the attractive young lady to take her seat between the two very tall men. The contrast between the three was dramatic. Rumiko allowed herself a secret smile as she watched both men subtly reposition themselves to keep Kyoko in their sight.

During the commercial break she whispered instructions to her assistant. The man was too plain to be used in front of the camera, but he was very useful behind it. He was like a bloodhound whenever he got the scent. Instructions given, she returned her attention to her trio of guests. The light on her podium indicated that the show would resume in 3, 2, 1…

"We're back. Today we have joining us three young people who are currently working together on a project. But before we get to that I'd like to take some time to find out how each of them are doing on their other projects.

"We'll start with Tsuruga-san. I understand that you recently returned from filming in Seoul, Korea. Can you tell us anything about that project?"

"Certainly. We were in Seoul filming for Declining Options, a movie about international espionage and intrigue. I play Anzai Hisato, an agent who suddenly finds himself outside of the system, unable to decide who to trust."

"That sounds fascinating, Tsuruga-san. I understand that your character types have increased dramatically since your portrayal of a serial killer. Frankly, I was surprised to hear that you accepted a job in another romance when so many diverse opportunities were available."

"Really that's just a misunderstanding. Of course I want to accept as many diverse roles as possible so that I can continue to grow as an actor. But that doesn't mean that it's an either-or decision. I would be irresponsible if I simply abandoned the type of roles that have helped me to reach where I am today."

Tsuruga-san's voice and delivery were almost soothing to the audience. He's really good. "That makes sense. Could you tell me then, what drives your decision in accepting a role?"

"I ask myself three questions: Is this a story that is worth telling? Is this a story that I can tell? Is this a project that will help me to expand my own experience?"

"Doesn't the list of other cast members ever have an affect on your decision?"

"Certainly it does. There are people that I share a chemistry with and people who I do not. That doesn't necessarily imply that the people who I don't have a chemistry with are not good actors; it simply means that I might not be able to bring out my best performance while working with them."

"Ok, let's take Kyoko for example. This is the second time that you have been able to work with her. Would you say that you share a chemistry?"

Tsuruga's eyes turned cautious, but he answered honestly, "Yes, I believe that we do. First of all, I admire Mogami-san's work ethic. She has only been acting for just under two years, and yet she has already developed a reputation for timeliness and dedication that rivals much more experienced actors. Second, I am intrigued at the way that she 'becomes' the character. Anyone who has worked with Kyoko will tell you that they feel like they are actually interacting with the character brought to life whenever she is on the set."

Kyoko was practically beaming with pride at Tsuruga-san's words.

That's it; bite the worm Tsuruga-san. Time to let out a little line.

"Such powerful praise for such a new actress! Now let's turn to Director Kurosaki. As I understand it, you have chosen to devote your talents solely to the making of commercials. Could you explain?"

"I'll be glad to. The world of commercials is a battleground. Let's suppose that the average television viewer watches three hours of television per day. For each one-hour of television there is an average of fifteen commercials. That's forty-five different messages competing for the viewer's attention. Put a remote in that person's hand. Now he can change the channel during commercials or just mute the commercial and go grab a snack."

The audience was listening now. Despite his appearance, Kurosaki was delivering his message with intelligence and clarity.

"That means that all that the advertiser really has is about ten seconds. It takes about ten seconds between the moment that the show pauses and the viewer takes decisive action. Within those first ten seconds the product and the company message must reach the viewer or we have lost him. That is why the world of commercials is a battleground.

"The commercials that I produce are a form of art. I try to make my commercials so appealing that people not only choose to sit and watch them, but they will want to watch them again and again."

Rumiko nodded sagely. "I don't believe that I ever saw it like that. You are very insightful, Kurosaki-san. I understand that Kyoko was featured in one of your commercials?"

"Yes. She and Kotonami Kanae acted in a Curara commercial early last year."

"There is almost certainly a lot of competition for these jobs. Could you tell me why these two young ladies were chosen?"

"Actually, it was a very memorable experience," he glanced over at Kyoko before continuing. The cameraman focused quickly to catch his unguarded look of fondness. "I decided to have the young ladies audition by playing out a little drama in pairs. Mogami-san and Kotonami-san ended up as partners and there was a protest. One of the other young ladies was concerned that, since the two worked together, they would have an advantage. Rather than allow themselves to be split up the two girls volunteered to remain separate during the planning periods. That meant that they would be the only pair who hadn't discussed their skits in advance. They simply had to react to each other using their acting instincts alone. Amazingly, the two girls delivered two sixty-second performances that totally captivated the judges. I have never seen anything quite like it before."

Kyoko was looking rather embarrassed as she sat through this retelling.

Time to play with Kurosaki just a little. "So, in your opinion, is Kyoko a good actress?"

"Absolutely! In fact, she is one of the most promising actresses that I have ever seen." Kurosaki realized how strongly he had spoken and tried to backtrack. "What I mean is: I find it difficult to work with most young actresses. They are too concerned with trivial things and don't focus enough on what the director is trying to accomplish…."

Too late, Kurosaki-san. I've got you now.

"Well, speaking of commercials; its time for a commercial break. Stay with us as we talk with Kyoko next on The Rumiko Show."

Rumiko could see that the formerly composed teen was squirming in her seat from all of the unexpected praise. Time to calm the victim down. Wouldn't want to finish her off too soon. "Kyoko, would it be acceptable to show a clip from your latest project when we return to the air?"

All three guests assumed that Rumiko was talking about Always With You. Kyoko naturally deferred to Kurosaki-san. Rumiko witnessed and caught their misunderstanding, but she chose not to correct them.

Just at that moment Rumiko's assistant silently approached and handed her a folded sheet of paper. "Excuse me for a moment." As she turned away she unfolded the paper and read the short message. Gotcha, Kurosaki-san.

* *

"We're back. We've talked to our male guests, Tsuruga Ren and Director Kurosaki Hei Qi. Now let's give our attention to a young lady who has been capturing national attention for the past two years. Kyoko-san, how are you this morning?"

Kyoko was back in the role of Suzuko Nanami now. She sat erect and beautiful, confident and prepared for anything. "I'm doing very well, Nishimura-san. Thank you for asking."

"Looking at the young lady before us now, you would hardly recognize her from the other roles that she has played. Let's take a moment to look at Kyoko in the roles that have already helped her to become known."

The three guests and Rumiko were able to watch an inset monitor so that they could see what the viewers at home were seeing. The live audience was able to see the same thing on large screens located on either side of the stage.

The first scene was of a heart-breakingly beautiful angel strangling the demon Fuwa Sho with tears streaming down her eyes. The next scene was of Mio wielding a butcher knife and terrifying Mizuke on the show Dark Moon. The last was of a sultry Natsu managing to look both seductive and frightening as she leaned over a male teacher's desk and threatened his career. The screen faded back to Kyoko, who had somehow managed to maintain her ojou-sama character.

"Each of these roles is very different in character. But all of Japan agrees that each of these characters is very real and believable. Can you tell me, who is the real Mogami Kyoko?"

Sitting properly relaxed and erect, her hands folded comfortably in her lap, Kyoko responded. "That's not really an easy question to answer. Before I started acting I don't think that I really knew who I was. I love acting because it has given me the opportunity to find pieces of myself in every character that I have played and to create the person that I want to become."

"Very well said. Japan really doesn't know anything about your past before you suddenly emerged two years ago. Can you tell me a little about that?"

"Forgive me, Nishimura-san, but there really isn't much to tell, and what there is I choose to keep private. An actress already surrenders a part of her private life by choosing to pursue a public career. That makes those parts that she can keep private precious to her. Surely you understand, don't you? You are a married woman with a family. Do you want all of Japan to know every aspect of your home life? Of course not; it's not because you have something to hide. It is simply because you need some part of your life to remain solely and completely yours."

"Once again, very well said. We'll table that for now and show a clip from one of your current projects."

As before, the trio leaned in to watch the next clip on the monitor. All three were surprised when the screen showed a sexy, leather-clad young woman facing a gang leader. A large, muscle-bound hood stepped up behind her. The other people in the room looked on with wide eyes and moved back against the walls. The screen showed a close-up of the tough-guy's hand sliding down the young woman's lower back as he made a suggestive proposal. The shot switched to her face as she raised an annoyed eyebrow. The shot switched to the man who lounged in his chair as he shook his head in resignation. The young woman exploded into action, striking the muscle-bound tough guy first with an elbow, then with a knee, and then finally with a beautifully delivered high-crescent kick. The scene faded away to show Kyoko's embarrassment, Kurosaki's astonishment, and Tsugura-san's rage. Hmmm. We don't like other men touching our Kyoko; do we, Ren?

"Kyoko-san, you seemed embarrassed by that clip. Why is that?"

Kyoko blushed. "I didn't realize that you were asking to show a scene from Ronin's Children. That was just filmed last night, so I'm surprised that they sent you a clip so soon. Well, you see, I haven't been practicing Karate for very long and I forgot to pull my kick. I'm afraid that I kicked poor Kogura-san pretty hard."

The audience and both of the men on stage exploded in laughter at the idea that this was her biggest concern about that scene. Rumiko had to admit that the idea of the trim young lady in front of her taking down a man at least twice her weight and size was rather amusing. Score one for Kyoko.

Ren's laughter allowed him to dispel his anger about Kogura-san touching Kyoko. Poor Kogura; you're never going to live this one down.

Rumiko faced the audience again and spoke, "We'll go to commercial now. Please stay with us as we look at the fascinating new project that our three guests are working on together."

Ok, boys and girls. We'll play this out a little longer before we set the hook and reel you in.

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Notes: Please forgive me if you find this chapter boring. There are many details of the interview are important for reasons that will become apparent further along in the story. I had to break the interview into two parts because it was just getting too long. Part two should follow soon.

Thank you to everyone who has read the story and reviewed, chosen it as a favorite, or added an alert. I hope that you will keep reading.