This is Lotus
~This is the thoughts of others~
Movie Madness - Who's the Co-Star?!
"Here you go," Lotus said setting down a tray of drinks and food.
"T-Thank you Lotus….."
"Thank you, Lotus!"
Ethan happily took a small sandwich while a saddened Joshua picked up some water but instead of drinking, he stared sadly at the glass. Joshua had come over to meet with Ethan to talk business involving an upcoming project, but the moment Joshua had entered the home he brought in a wave of dejection with him.
"Uhm...What''s wrong?" Lotus asked
"Oh, it's just...that manga I made, to one based on you, grew so popular that they wanted to make a movie," Joshua said
"That's good, so why do you look like a kicked puppy?"
"What's wrong with that? Do you not want your work to be turned into a movie?" Lotus asked
"No, it's not that. It's just...the stunt double quit. The studio said if we can't find a replacement soon then they'll cancel production," Joshua said
"Ah, I see. That's bad."
Joshua sighed, putting his face in his hands. "What are we gonna do! I mean a movie deal that's so big!"
While Joshua sulked, Ethan sat calmly one leg crossed over the other, and he had a hand on his chin with a contemplative look on his face.
"Ethan's in deep thought...that can't be good."
Lotus was about to switch her ring but before she could Ethan hopped up out of his seat.
"I got it!" He exclaimed, startling Joshua.
"Lotus! You will take the stunt doubles place!" Ethan said pointing at her.
"Why...didn't I see that one coming?"
Joshua looked at Ethan then to Lotus. "Can she do that?"
Ethan laughed heartily with his hands on his hips. "Haha! Of course, she can! My adorable talented little sister can do anything!"
Joshua stood up looking rather excited. "If she can fill in the part that'd be amazing!"
"Uhm...not to burst your bubble but I'm not a stunt double," Lotus said
"True, but with your powers, you can easily copy all the moves flawlessly," Ethan said
"Plus since the character is designed after you, you'd fit the part perfectly," Joshua added
"But I…"
"You'll just be the stunt double that's it, I swear. Your face won't even be shown," Joshua said
Lotus looked at the man, and his big pleading eyes paired with his quivering lip. He looked like one of those dogs you'd see featured in one of those animal shelter commercials. Lotus swore she could even hear sad music playing in the background. The teen gave out a sigh, her shoulders sagging, as she caved in.
"Okay, I'll do it."
About a week went by and Lotus found herself in front of a large warehouse-type building.
"Alright Lotus this is the place," Joshua said
"It's big," Lotus commented
"Yeah. Let's hurry in we don't want to keep anyone waiting," Joshua said
Lotus followed Joshua inside the warehouse, and she was amazed by all the people.
"I've never been on the set of a movie before. This is so cool."
The warehouse was buzzing as people moved about doing their jobs. Sets were being put together, equipment being set up, and various other tasks were being completed so the shoot could begin.
"Ah, there's the director! Sir! Over here!" Joshua called out waving a hand.
An average-sized man made his way over to Lotus and Joshua. He was wearing square glasses, black hair tucked under a red beanie, a five o'clock shadow on his face, despite the fact it was early in the morning, and he had a laptop tucked under his arm.
"Joshua, there you are, and judging by her looks this must be Lotus."
"Yup. Lotus this is Koen," Joshua introduced
Lotus gave a polite bow, "Hello Sir."
"Welcome kid, glad you can make it."
"Is Mirareru here?" Joshua asked
"Yeah. Yo Mirareru your new double is here!"
Only a few seconds passed before a woman only about a few inches taller than Lotus stood before her. She had short pin-straight black hair with straight-cut bangs. Her skin was pale and her eyes were a rich dark brown. Lotus thought the woman was very pretty and then it clicked in her mind that she had seen this woman before.
"Hey, I've seen you before. You were in that war princess movie, right?" Lotus asked
The woman smiled. "Why yes, I was. It was my first big movie."
"You were amazing in that film," Lotus said
"Why thank you."
"Lotus please meet Mirareru, she's the woman playing you," Joshua introduced
"Wow, the character is really based on you. All you need is red glasses and it's a perfect match," Mirareru said
Mirareru put her hands on Lotus's cheeks examining the girl closer. "You are gorgeous."
Lotus chuckled a bit. "Thank you."
"~And busty too.~"
"Well, she's not wrong about that."
"Miss Mirareru! We need to get you into makeup!"
Mirareru stepped back from Lotus. "Well, duty calls. I'll see you later."
"See you later," Lotus said
"Lotus would you like to meet the male co-star?" Joshua asked
"Sure who's the male co-star? I don't really keep up with famous people but maybe I'd know the name," Lotus said
"It's Mugami Tooru."
Lotus froze going stone white.
"Who's the male co-star!?"
"Is some-Oh! There he is!"
Lotus felt a ripple of disgust run down her spine as a certain set of thoughts entered her mind.
Joshua, unaware of Lotus's stiffness, smiled and waved. "Hey-!"
Joshua paused when Lotus dove behind some recording equipment. He bore a confused expression turning fully to the girl.
"Something wrong Lotus? Why are you hiding?" Joshua asked
"Joshua-san, is there something you need?"
Joshua looked up to meet the eyes of the one and only Makoto Teruhashi. He looked at the star actor before glancing down at Lotus. The girl shook her head madly while putting a finger over her mouth.
"Uhm...It's just I...Wanted to let you know that I really appreciate how well you've been portraying my character. Such hard work and dedication is hard to come by," Joshua said
"Oh, well it's my pleasure. After seeing your Manga I practically jumped at the chase to be in the movie," Makoto said
"That's great. Well, I better not keep you. We've got a busy day," Joshua said
"Of course," Makoto said
He nodded to Joshua before walking off. When he was gone Lotus peeked out from behind her hiding spot.
"What was that about?" Joshua asked
Lotus gestures for the man to come in close. When he crouched down next to Lotus, she whispered in his ear telling him all about Makoto.
"Ah, I see. I'm sorry I had no idea he was like that. Koen did tell me he did have a problem with wandering off from the set from time to time but this was something I was not expecting," Joshua said
"What should I do? If he sees me...I don't know what'll happen but it won't be good!" Lotus hissed
"Listen, we can work around it. The scenes you'll be shooting don't involve him. I think I know what to do to keep him seeing you," Joshua said
Makoto made his way towards his dressing room, but he briefly detoured when he spotted Mirareru.
"Well, well, if it isn't the rising starlet herself," Makoto said
"If it isn't Mr. Fathead," Mirareru said with a smirk.
Makoto gave her a sneer like smirk in return. The two didn't hate one another but there was a somewhat respectable rivalry between the two.
"I heard we finally got you a new stunt double. What's she like?" Makoto asked
"She's a pleasant young lady. A real looker," Mirareru said
"You think every girl is pretty," Makoto said
"Because every girl is, in their own special way. And this girl is objectively pretty too," Mirareru said
"Sure, sure, whatever you say. As long as she doesn't ruin the move I don't really care," Makoto off handily said
Mirareru crossed her arms. "You know every time something goes wrong with this film, even minor, you freak out. You seem extremely invested in this movie."
"I am. This movie is very important to me," Makoto said
"Why is that? It's not like you wrote it or anything like that," Mirareru said
"Honestly, I only took this job because the main character resembles someone I greatly admire," Tooru said
"Greatly admire?" Mirareru questioned
Tooru reached into his pocket pulling out a photo. Mirareru took a look and the woman sweatdropped. The picture was of Lotus.
"~How in the-? How did he get that picture? Why is he carrying it around? Do they know one another?~"
Tooru smirked as he put the photo back in his pocket. "Gorgeous, is she not?"
"Yeaahhh…." Mirareru said
"~My gorgeous goddess of the pink flower. I may not be able to see you as much as I'd like too but I'm sure when you see this movie you'll drown in my overflowing love that I've put into my character.~"
Lotus, who was concealing herself nearby, cringed, shivering at Tooru's thoughts.
"Where is that new stunt double anyway? It'd be rude to not introduce myself," Tooru said
"Oh, uh...she's gone off to the restroom. So you'll just have to meet her later. Go on now," Mirareru started pushing Tooru, "You've got to get into hair and makeup."
When the young actor was out of sight Lotus walked up next to Mirareru.
"Thanks for that," Lotus said
"Your welcome." Mirareru crossed her arms. "I always thought he was a weirdo, but that photo was too much."
"You're telling me," Lotus said
"I have to say though I'm rather impressed," Mirareru chuckled
"Impressed by what?" Lotus asked
"Any girl would literally kill to have Mugami Tooru just look in their direction. But you've got him toting around a picture of you like a newly-wed husband showing off his new bride," Mirareru said
"Trust me when I say I don't want him too," Lotus said
"That's the impressive part. Not at all affected by his charm and handsome face is an amazing feat," Mirareru said
"Well, beauty is only skin deep. I don't see the point of fawning over someone just because they look good. Good looks are a bonus, but if the person has a nasty personality I think it just ruins everything. Like a piece of fruit that looks fresh on the outside, but after you take one bite you're disgusted when you find out its rotten on the inside. Overall I think it's rude and you can't judge someone's character by their looks," Lotus said
"Wise words for someone of your age," Mirareru said
"How come you're not falling at his feet?" Lotus asked
"I will admit he's handsome, but he's not my type. Men, in general, aren't," Mirareru said
". . . Ooooh! Okay, I get it!" Lotus said
"Lotus! Come on! We gotta get you into wardrobe!" Joshua called out.
"Guess it's time to get to work," Lotus said
"How do I look?" Lotus questioned
"Like it was made for you!" Koen exclaimed
"Well, technically it was seeing as Ethan made it."
Lotus was in the Love Line outfit, a domino mask situated securely on her face.
"Alright, folks! Let's get ready, we're rolling in 20!" Koen shouted
Hearing the man everyone got to work setting up for the shoot.
"Alright, Lotus, my girl, this scene is going to be an easy one. You'll be in front of the green screen, and we'll be shooting some aerial takes. Let's get you harnessed in," Koen said
"Okay," Lotus said
Lotus was led over to the edge of the set where the shoot would be taking place. The set was before a large green screen and three large props that mimicked building rooftops were set in front. Two people came over and started to help Lotus into a harness, the safety device cleverly designed to blend in with her costume.
"Alright, so in this shot, you're in a rooftop chase with the villain. You're going to take a running start on the first building to jump to the second one, then continue on and when you get to the edge you're going to front flip onto the third building. When you land stand up and strike the pose," Koen explained
"Got it!" Lotus said
"Alright, people let's get rolling!" Koen said
Lotus situated the domino mask over her face and got in her position.
"Quiet on the set!" Koen shouted
All chattering and noise quieted down. A woman stepped before the camera with a clapperboard.
"Stunt scene 4, Rooftop Chase, Take 1!"
She clapped the board and slid out of the way.
"Action!"
Lotus shot off, running across the pseudo roof. When she got to the edge she leapt across, the harness making the action feel almost effortless. When she landed on the second rooftop, she kept going, building up even more speed. Getting to the ledge of the second building Lotus's eyes narrowed in determination. She jumped kicking off the edge. Lotus tucked her legs into her body performing four front flips, arching over the gap of the buildings.
Lotus landed on the third rooftop in a low lunge, with one leg out and one hand on the ground. Lotus stood up taking a confident stance, hands on her hips.
She held her pose until Koen called out.
"Cut! Haha! That was perfect!" He cheered
Lotus looked to the crowd of people and smiled.
"Let's get one more take for continuity then move onto the next shot!" Koen announced
Makoto was busy in his trailer getting ready for the filming he'd be doing today. He was in the middle of hair and makeup, his stylist chattering amongst themselves as they worked.
"I heard that the new stunt girl is fantastic."
"Yeah, her first shoot was perfect."
"I was able to catch a glimpse of it. Pretty impressive."
"I like her more than the other one."
"Yeah, that attitude. Talk about a Diva."
"The new girl is in high school right?"
"Yeah. I think she's family friends with the writer or something."
"You know I heard that the manga is based on her."
"Makes sense, with that pink hair and all."
This caught Makoto's attention.
"~Highschooler? Pink hair?~"
Lotus let out a sigh as she used a plush towel to wipe away the sweat that clung to her face and neck.
"Great job."
"Thank you," Lotus said
She was handed a bottle of water, chugging it down to quench her thirst.
"Alright everyone that's a wrap for now. Take lunch and be back in 30 to move on!" Koen said
Joshua walked over to Lotus a proud smile on his face.
"You were fanatics today Lotus. I knew you could do it!"
"Thank you. That was more fun than I thought it would be," Lotus said
"Man, girl you make a great stunt double," Mirareru said approaching from behind
"Glad I can do a good job," Lotus said
"I can't wait to work with you more," Mirareru said
"Me too," Lotus said
"Lotus why don't you get changed and I'll take you home," Joshua said
"Okay," Lotus said
She walked off heading to the small dressing room she had been given. Lotus had just entered the room, closing the door behind her, when a blue blur almost slammed into Mirareru and Joshua.
Makoto stood before the two breathing heavily with this crazed look in his eye.
"What in the world is wrong with you?" Mirareru asked
"Where is she?" Makoto asked, rather loudly.
"Where's who?" Mirareru asked
"Lotus!"
Joshua flinched and started to sweat. Mirareru, however, remained calm as ever, crossing her arms as she raised a quizzical brow.
"I don't know anyone by that name," Mirareru said
"N-Nope!" Joshua said
"The new stunt double! Who is she?" Makoto asked
"S-She um well she-" Joshua stuttered not knowing what to say.
"~Oh god! What do I do?! I promised Lotus I wouldn't let him know she was here! But I can't lie! Gah! I suck at lying! My mouth is getting so dry!~"
Joshua's anxious sweating got even worse, the young man at a loss for what to do. Mirareru however was a master of her craft, acting. And improvising on the spot was something she excelled at.
"We can't tell you her name," Mirareru said
"What? Why not?" Makoto asked
"She wants to keep her private life just like that. Private. She's still in high school and wants to be able to maintain a sense of normality in her life. So out of respect for her, no one else is allowed to know her name," Mirareru said
Makoto's fist clenched, but he didn't put up a fight.
"Fine."
The actor grumbled as he slunked away.
Joshua let out a heavy breath, his shoulders sagging.
"Thank you so much, Mirareru," He said
Mirareru smiled, clasping a hand on the man's shoulder. "No problem. You looked like you were going to implode or something."
Even though he said he accepted it, Makoto, was not someone who was really sound in mind. So he crept his way to the dressing room, and now he stood right outside the door with a creepy smile on his face.
"~This is the moment! I shall come face to face with her! I know it's her! For my love is a beacon that guides me through any storm!~"
Makoto threw open the door of the dressing room and standing there, with their shoulders tense, was a young teen, back to Makoto. He saw the pink hair and felt his smile get wider.
"~It is her! I'll feign that I don't know and show her my gentleman side by introducing myself!~"
Makoto put a hand on the tense girl's shoulder.
"Hi, there! I'm Tooru. We haven't met but I wanted to make sure we did since we'll be working on the same movie together."
"Um...Nice to meet you too."
Lotus turned around facing Makoto, she held her breath as their eyes met.
"~Wait...Who's this!?~"
Lotus stared at Makoto through the holes of the domino mask she still wore.
"~I can't tell! I can't tell who she is with that mask on! Are you my love? Or just some random!?~"
"Uh...If you'll excuse me I still gotta finish up on some things," Lotus said
"Sure…"
Makoto kept starting at Lotus as he backed up out of the room, closing the door.
When she heard the click of the door Lotus let out a sigh turning around, placing a hand over her racing heart.
"That was a close one. I didn't mean to do so but by using hypnosis I accidentally changed something in the world."
Lotus looked up at the mirror staring at her reflection, her dark pink eyes staring right back at her through the eyeholes of her mask.
"Mask hides people's identities, like in movies and comics. Just like when people are watching those movies and wonder "How in the world do the other characters not know the superheroes secret identity when the mask he wears barely covers his face?" Makoto didn't notice me because I made that now a natural fact in the world. So as long as I wear this mask in his presence he won't know who I am."
*KNOCK KNOCK*
"Lotus you ready to go home?" Joshua called from the other side of the door.
The door flew open and a frantic, masking wearing Lotus stood in the doorway.
"Are you-?!"
"Let's go!" Lotus exclaimed and started pushing Joshua towards the exit.
The two passed by Mirareru and Lotus waved without stopping.
"Great meeting you, Mirareru-san! Can't wait to work with you more!" Lotus quickly said
"You too!" Mirareru called out.
Lotus only felt safe when she was in Josuha's car and the two were driving down the road.
Lotus sighed as she rested her head on the window.
"Well, now I have a way to avoid Teruhashi #2." Lotus's fingers graced the edge of her mask. "As long as I wear this he won't know it's really me."
Later that night Makoto had locked himself in his room. He didn't even leave for food, having someone leave his dinner outside the door to be grabbed later.
The young actor was busy at work, and he showed no signs of stopping.
"I'll figure it out…"
Makoto picked up a piece of paper before pinning it to a board.
"I'll find out who you are!"
Before Makoto was a board with Lotus's picture in the center and right next to it was a picture of Lotus in her mask.