It has been quite a long time since I last posted a chapter for this story. I received a message earlier from Starla Princess asking me to update the story, and things worked out in such a way that I was able to find the motivation to work on this chapter. This chapter follows the original plot line I had chosen when I first began writing this story...
Wedding Dress
Chapter 4: Painted Black
Everything had happened so fast. The wedding, in just three days, would now be Ren's funeral. They would use the same venue, but everything would be in black instead of white. That included the "perfect" wedding dress Kyoko had picked out just weeks before.
She had cried, sobbed, and stared into space… for not thinking was better than realizing what she had lost. She had stayed in that hospital room, clutching his hand for hours before Kanae had finally coaxed her away. Her eyes were dead, all sparkle gone, all color dulled. She stared at the wedding dress she had been so adamant about keeping from Ren, and realized that he would never see it… Why didn't she just let him see the useless piece of cloth? Everything that she had once seen as beautiful, now held a significantly grotesque look in her eyes.
"Because… you've waited years, and a few more weeks are not going to kill you… or me. As much as I want you to take me away right now…" Oh why did she have to say that? Why didn't she just agree to elope with him? They could have been happily married right now, enjoying their honeymoon… but no. Here she was, alone.
The news of Ren's death had reached the public the next day. It was on every news channel, for the death of Tsuruga Ren was the death of a national icon, a legend of the silver screen.
Kyoko sat alone in Ren's apartment, completely lost in her emotional turmoil. She refused to open the door for anyone, preferring to handle her sorrow without the pampering of everyone else. Soon after arriving she had turned off her phone, and unplugged Ren's apartment phone. She had no desire to talk to anyone.
Getting up, Kyoko carefully walked through the apartment that she had begun to call home, the familiar furniture inciting memories of the not so distant past. Who knew that it would… that it could… end so quickly, so soon. She didn't just lose her fiancé; she lost her best friend, her mentor, her coworker, her lover. The Kyoko Mogami of last week would never appear again, for this was one wound that time could not heal. Yes, eventually she would find herself back on the big screen, but no longer with the fire, the passion, the life that she once had. She threw herself full force into her work, becoming the characters more and more just to relieve herself from the pain she felt as Kyoko. Time would pass; actors and actresses came and went through the industry, but never one as talented as Ren Tsuruga. Kyoko Mogami slowly disappeared from the spotlight, and her name gradually became nothing but a distant memory of the past.
It wasn't until about 15 years after the incident, when LME produced a special that let the world in on what really happened to the two of the best actors of the generation, and possibly the century.
"Hello, my name is Kanae Kotonami, and the following presentation will explain many of the mysteries of the two legendary actors that will always be in our hearts, Ren Tsuruga and Kyoko Mogami... Many of you remember that fateful day 15 years ago when Tsuruga-san was murdered on the set of his latest movie, "Clouds of Tomorrow". The suspect, who was to be sentenced to life in prison, was beaten to death by raging fans before she ever made it to the prison. Tsuruga-san was to be married at the end of the week to Kyoko Mogami in a majestic ceremony that was supposed to be the marriage of the century. However, things took a dismal turn with the shocking sequence of events, and the location was quickly painted black for the most watched funeral since Kuu Hizuri had a funeral for his stage name. Tsuruga-san left everything to his fiancée and parents, Kuu and Julie Hizuri. Yes, Ren Tsuruga was the lost son of the ever famous actor and model."
"Today, LME would like to present to the world some of the lost footage of Tsuruga-san and Mogami-san. Prior to the incident of 15 years ago, the couple had agreed to do a series of interviews that was to be used in a project former President of LME, Lory Takarada, had been planning to produce…"
The screen went black, before an old film short picked up with the countdown of 5…4…3…2…1… Viewers across the nation sat entranced, anxiously awaiting the mysterious footage. When the picture appeared, viewers saw Ren and Kyoko sitting together on a couch, Yashiro in a chair to their right, and Kanae on their left. President Takarada was sitting in front of them.
Lory began the conversation. "So you four might be wondering why I gathered you here today, and as much as I wish it was to tell you I'm giving you a raise, it's not. In actuality, I'm here to have an interview with you that will be used in a documentary I'm planning on producing. It won't be released for many years, which will make this even more interesting, but nevertheless, I hope you will give me your cooperation?"
A unified response of "Of course," filled the room, and a smile could be seen on the President's face.
"Splendid."
The screen faded black again, before returning with a view of just Kanae Kotonami and President Takarada.
"Kotonami-san, you entered the entertainment industry around the same time as Mogami-san. Would you mind telling viewers about your experiences with Kyoko Mogami?"
There was a somewhat awkward laugh, before Kanae put on a smile, and answered the President, "I would not know where to begin with a question like that. Kyoko… Mogami-san, is certainly a unique individual. I don't know if there has ever been a person who has frustrated me so much…" Kanae laughed again. "I honestly don't know how to describe our relationship. Kyoko would probably call it friendship, and I'm sure she would love to hear me reciprocate the description, but I just don't know. She has the ability to become one of the greatest actresses in the world, and I guess yes, she is my friend, but also my rival. I would do anything for her though…" Realizing what she just said, Kanae's expression turned to one of discomfort, and the President quickly changed the subject.
"So what do you think of Tsuruga-san and Mogami-san being together?"
"I'm glad those two finally realized what so many of us saw all along. Kyoko was blind for so long… and Tsuruga-san took quite a long time to put his pride on the line and risk asking her out. Believe me when I say it was a relief for all of us when they finally started dating."
The screen then switched over to Yashiro, who was sitting on the couch cleaning his glasses. He looked up and seemed surprised to be on camera.
"Yashiro-san, what can you tell us about Tsuruga-san?"
"Many things… many, many things… but I fear if I speak them aloud I will never make it home again. I think it would be best for things to remain a mystery, right President?"
"Ah, the words of wisdom from the Manager."
Both men laughed.
"I've heard rumors that Tsuruga-san and Mogami-san might be getting married. If this should happen, how would you feel?"
The school-girl look appeared on Yashiro's face, and he did his best to contain the squeal that threatened to emerge from his mouth. "I would feel like all my hard work has finally paid off. I've wanted this for so long. They will be the most powerful couple in the industry. No one will be able to surpass them. Ohhhh, I get so excited just thinking about it!"
The program returned to the Kanae Kotonami of the present.
"It's been such a long time since those interviews were taped. There are a few more segments stored at LME, but for today we'll just show one more. The last presentation we have for you today is a combined interview between the President and Tsuruga-san and Mogami-san." Tears threatened to fall from Kanae's eyes as she spoke. She had one more announcement after this last interview.
I killed Ren. I'm sorry... but the story isn't over just yet, so if you'd like me to continue please review!
-Tohru12