Chapter 64: Counter Attack

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skip Beat, for if I did, Kimiko would get a taste of her own medicine.

Tadashi rubbed the back of his neck and shoulders to relieve some of the tension that had settled there. He had managed to finish the report for Mya a while ago and was now able to focus on Operation Take Down the Evil Queen with Sota's help. His friend was on board to help in any way when it came to the Princess.

Sota was in the process of acquiring the information needed to launch their first attack. Going this route left Tadashi feeling immature and petty, but no one could blame him. His foe was a teenage girl, after all. He tried to make sure everything planned was legit by consulting his lawyer. Everything was sorted out for later tonight after the meeting at LME. The eccentric president was left in charge to schedule said meeting once Tadashi brought him abreast on the current situation and plan.

Tadashi stopped kneading his aching shoulders when the car came to a halt, signaling his arrival. He stepped out of the car, leaving instructions for his driver to take a break nearby, and walked through the sliding glass doors of the high-rise corporate office.

"Morimoto-san, welcome," an executive greeted him immediately upon entering with a formal bow. "The Chairman has been expecting you."

Tadashi returned the greeting with a small nod of his head and proceeded forth at the man's insistence toward the private elevator. They made small talk about their respective company's latest achievements as they took the elevator to the top floor. Each man was knowledgeable in the projects and contracts the other had executed recently. They exited the elevator and headed down the short hall that led to the Chairman's office.

Three handsome and well-dressed young men fidgeted outside the large mahogany doors of the office. The assistant gave them a curt nod as they bowed to them. Tadashi eyed their presence peculiarly but nodded as he entered the office with the assistant. Once inside, he was greeted by Koenji Katsumasa and a girl that appeared to be a year or two older than Kyoko. Tadashi could only deduce that she was his daughter Erika and those men outside were her bodyguards that helped his daughter. I wonder if I can convince Kyoko to at least one bodyguard.

"Tadashi-san, so good to see you again. I heard you were relocating to Japan," Katsumasa inquired enthusiastically and reached out to shake his hand.

"Katsumasa-san, likewise, and yes I'll be here permanently by mid-December at the latest. I was supposed to return to the States to tie up loose ends there, but I have a personal matter to clear up before I can leave Japan," Tadashi answered returning the handshake and smiling hello at Erika. "Thank you for seeing me on such short notice. I know you're a busy man, so I'll try to make this brief."

Erika stared at the man in his well-tailored designer navy suit which paired with brown Italian leather shoes. The man wreaked money and was on good enough terms with her father to call him on a first-name basis. He seemed vaguely familiar, but she could swear on her life, they had never met. As heir to the Koenji empire, she prided herself in knowing the nuances of her family's corporation. From what she gathered, he wasn't based in Japan. That would explain why he was unfamiliar to her.

"I understand," Katsumasa nodded. "This is my daughter, Erika. When we spoke earlier you said this had something to do with her, so I hope you don't mind that she's here."

Erika gasped and stared like a deer in headlights at her father and this man! What in the world? What did I do? I don't know him at all.

"Erika-san, I know you're confused so I shall try to explain," Tadashi addressed her, trying to put her at ease. "My name is Morimoto Tadashi. Your father and I have conducted business before, sometimes in collaboration but most of the time as rivals. It makes for a more interesting golf game." He chuckled along with Katsumasa at his joke.

Erika raised an eyebrow, unenthused by the humor of her father's friend.

Tadashi stifled his laughter and cleared his throat to continue. "I believe you're acquainted with my daughter."

Erika searched through her mental Rolodex of possible girls at school that could be this man's daughter. The fact that he lived in the States had her drawing a blank, making his daughter a mystery.

"I'm sorry, Morimoto-san. I don't know any girls at school with your last name."

"Ah, she uses her mother's last name and I don't think you attend the same school. I'm quite sure you know her well through the show-biz industry. Unfortunately, she has been all over the tabloids of late. Her name is Kyoko."

Erika scrunched her brows in confusion until it clicked.

"What?!" She blurted, jumping from her seat. "Are you talking about that poor girl that wears second-hand clothing and that awful pink uniform! This has to be a lie!" She clamped her hand over her mouth realizing that she just insulted her father's friend.

"Erika!" Her father glared at her. I swear this uncouth daughter of mine. Well, at least she recovered her spunk.

"I'm so sorry," she bowed to Tadashi. "I'm sorry father," she said, her face scarlet from embarrassment.

Tadashi chuckled and felt his collar suddenly become too tight from the nerves. He didn't want to disclose family matters to anyone so he played it off. "It's quite okay. She's very humble and prefers to use her own strength to fulfill her dreams."

Erika felt his verbal knife stab in her gut and twisted it for good measure. It was only when she was thoroughly defeated by the pink duo during the Curara auditions that she accepted Kanae's challenge to stop relying on her family name. Erika completely misunderstood Tadashi's words and related Kyoko's situation to hers. Even though it was at her disposal, Kyoko didn't use her father's name or wealth to get ahead in the industry. The girl even went further and denounced her father's money. She consistently wore the same no-name branded clothing or those god-awful pink overalls. Erika shuddered thinking about that eye-sore of a uniform. Her indifference to wealth was one more reason for her to loathe Kyoko. Her very existence negated Erika's. She had to draw the line at pretending to be poor. There was no way she would survive without the afforded luxuries that came with her family name.

Tadashi noticed the change in the girl. Was it something I said?

"Are you okay, Erika-san?" Tadashi asked worriedly. Perhaps she was still experiencing side effects from the accident she suffered at the hands of that evil girl.

Erika sighed in defeat. "I'm fine. Thank you for your concern." The pain in her tongue as she bit on it kept her from snapping in her usual fashion. This man was her father's acquaintance in business. She couldn't treat him how she did everyone else, even if he was her nemesis' father. Plus, she was tired of being treated like a fragile female by her family. After exacting her revenge on Kimiko and with the help of a therapist, she had found the will to recover her mental state. She was still undergoing physical therapy, but she had regained mobility of her legs.

"Tadashi-san, please excuse my rude daughter's outburst! All those etiquette lessons have clearly not paid off."

"No, it's quite fine. I'm sure your daughter was taken by surprise," Tadashi assured him.

"Thank you, please have a seat and tell us what this is all about," Katsumasa gestured to the leather chair across his desk.

Tadashi took his seat and filled him in on Kimiko's attempt on Kyoko's life, his daughter's role in saving her, and the conditions made to keep Kimiko out of show biz.

With each word, Erika shrank lower into the chair. Her father's demeanor grew darker and darker as Tadashi continued to weave his tale. She had never told her father about the incident involving Kyoko nor how the issue was resolved. She was in deep shit.

Tadashi paused when he sensed the same anger radiating off of the Chairman as he had felt when he was made aware of the occurrences.

"I'm sorry, Katsumasa-san. I can see now that Erika-san never told you any of this. I'm burdening you with this because I have reason to believe that Morizumi Kimiko is still after my daughter. There have been numerous accidents on the set of The Sacred Lotus and I have good reason to believe that she is the mastermind behind them."

"The Koenji group is the biggest sponsor for that production. Yuki Kuresaki has made me aware of the issues regarding security and the threat of sabotage, but I didn't know they knew who was behind the incidents. I approved the addition of increased security and safety measures on the set. This Kimiko Morizumi is related to the director, is she not? How could that fool let her get away with such atrocities?" Katsumasa scowled, outraged by Tadashi's news.

"I'm going to call Yuki right now and demand an explanation," Katsumasa declared, reaching for his phone.

"Katsumasa-san, please. I'm asking you not to do anything and let me handle this. I have a plan that would hopefully expose Kimiko-san's true nature. Meanwhile, my daughter is being protected in the process. I came here today because I may need to use the video and images Erika-san had taken the night after the auditions for my plan to work. I didn't want you or her to be blind-sighted should this leak out to the media. I don't doubt that Kimiko-san may even try to contact you," Tadashi told Erika. "If you can deny everything that would be most helpful."

Erika clenched her jaw in anger while Tadashi and her father continued to talk. Of course that bitch would continue her underhanded tricks. I didn't anticipate this move by her. Technically, she's still sticking to her part of the bargain, so I can't interfere. I'll leave it to Kyoko's family to handle this round.

"Tadashi-san, surely you can't expect me to sit on my hands and do nothing here. The filming is almost complete and so much money has already been invested in the project. Pulling Director Morizumi off or scrapping the whole thing would be difficult but not impossible."

"Please don't do that. I don't think the Producer or Director looked further into the matter. The cast and crew have worked very hard to make the production successful. It would be a waste to pull it now. Plus, shutting it down would be playing right into her hands in my opinion."

Katsuma quietly contemplated his proposal for a few moments then nodded. "I'll leave it to you then. Should you need my assistance…" Katsumasa trailed off.

"I'll be sure to contact you first," Tadashi bowed in appreciation.

"Thank you, Erika-san. If it wasn't for your sharp mind and quick wit, my daughter would be severely injured or worse," Tadshi's voice trembled slightly with emotion. He shook it off and smiled warmly at the young lady. "I look forward to your success in show-biz."

His compliments threw Erika off guard and elicited a charming smile out of her. As the door closed behind him, he heard Katsumasa direct Erika to call her lackeys inside the office.

Tadashi stopped before the three men still waiting outside and bowed respectfully to them. "Thank you for your efforts in saving my daughter's life."

The men exchanged surprised glances with one another but returned his bow unsure of whom he was referring to. Tadashi straightened and said, "If you're ever in need of anything please contact me." He handed his business card to each of them and took his leave. Erika's manservants would learn within moments the name of said daughter as well as receive a grueling dressing down from Katsumasa.

Yashiro pocketed his phone and closed his notebook. He had just finished rearranging Ren's schedule so they could meet with the President later this evening. Kyoko sauntered over to him looking spent. She crossed her arms over her chest, in and out, in a similar fashion that an Olympic swimmer would loosen up on the pool deck before a race. Yashiro frowned as he watched her coming towards him.

"Kyoko-chan, is your body okay?" He asked as she stood there stretching her neck from left to right and rubbing her shoulders. She looked at him with wide-eyed confusion. He didn't think the scene she just acted out was heavily physical so he wasn't sure.

"What do you mean, Yashiro-san?" Kyoko asked looking over her body to see if something was out of place.

Koga couldn't help but overhear and chimed in. "He means you keep stretching between takes. Is there something wrong? Do you need more time to recover?"

"No-no-no-no! Please don't! A lowly actress like me? I couldn't delay filming because of this. I think Ren and I just took things a little too far this morning. I have to learn my body's limits," Kyoko gushed innocently.

Yashiro let out a yelp that was a mixture of horror and mortification. Ren, you pervert! Koga had been in the middle of drinking water when she said that and proceeded to choke. His eyes welled up with tears; water spat out of his mouth and nose as he coughed to breathe. Kyoko immediately moved behind him and pounded on his back. Her beating sent him into another fit of coughing to suck in oxygen. She was hitting him too hard. When he finally recovered, he looked at her in a whole new light and proceeded to give her another lecture on lecherous men.

"I don't understand what you mean, Hirom-" she mumbled as the blush on her cheeks deepened at his insinuations, but the actor gave her an amused look. "Ugh...I mean, Koga-san," she added quickly, glancing around to see if anyone was listening to them. She had managed to start calling him naturally by his first name after he threatened to call her without honorifics. Now and again when she slipped up, he would call her name intimately in retaliation in front of the cast and crew where rumors could easily soar. He was such a bully. When he didn't respond to her error, she continued. "Ren and I went to the LME gym this morning. He thinks I should learn self-defense. I guess if I can handle a man of his stature, I'm bound to be able to take care of myself in a pinch."

Yashiro sighed loudly in relief. So that was why I met them at LME and not at home. He replayed the conversation he had with them in the lobby. Ren had mentioned that they were preparing her for future eventualities. At the time, their conversation was interrupted by both Sawara and Matsushima handing him folders of their recent offers. He still had yet to completely go through the first batch Sawara had given for Kyoko. On the drive over they discussed some of the roles Kyoko hoped would be in the batch. Her ideal roles involved being a princess, a water sprite, a goddess, or a high priestess. Yashiro couldn't help but chuckle. He hoped there was something in that pile for her along those lines.

"Ugh!" Koga growled in aggravation. "Kyoko-chan, you have to watch your choice of words. Anyone could misunderstand what you just said. If the paparazzi had overheard you just now your name would be dragged through the mud," Koga warned.

Kyoko looked at him dryly as if he were kidding. Had he forgotten that her name was already in all of the tabloids? Today's news preyed on dissecting the original article. She was still thankful her parents were spared from all this foolishness but unhappy that the more ill repute gossip rags were linking her with Shotaro. She may or may not have taken some of her aggression out on Ren on the mat this morning. If her body was sore, she wondered how he was doing? He was a grown man, surely she didn't hurt him too badly. She wondered what she could do for him as an apology.

"Um, excuse me?" A soft feminine voice interrupted. "I have another delivery for you, Kyoko-san," The voice came from behind a large vibrant bouquet of wildflowers. "Please sign here," the delivery woman said after she handed the gift bag and flowers over to Kyoko. The woman bowed and tried to make a hasty retreat.

"Please wait! I would like to ask you a question!" Kyoko called after her before the woman could escape. The woman hesitated, adjusted the brim of her cap so it sat lower on her brow before turning around.

"Yes, how may I help you?" She said with a warm smile.

"I was wondering how much time does your company need for a same-day delivery?" Kyoko asked returning her smile.

"Our company prides itself on having high-quality products on the fly so one hour is all we need. We collaborate with many local businesses to make it possible. Of course, there are the occasional custom items that would delay an order. Also, out-of-stock items are beyond our control, but we always suggest a suitable replacement to the customer. If you go to our company website, we have a list of readily available items for purchase. Please, take our card," she offered, removing a card from the breast pocket of her delivery uniform and held it out to Kyoko with a bow.

"Thank you very much! I appreciate you taking the time to answer," Kyoko replied bowing profusely after taking the card.

"Oh, please don't bow to me. We appreciate your business. Good luck filming and I'll see you tomorrow," she said with a knowing smile. Kyoko blushed. The woman had become a regular on the set thanks to Ren's propensity to send her gifts from the same shop. It wasn't bold of her to assume that Ren would send her something again tomorrow. Kyoko returned her attention to her new bouquet and inhaled the sweet fragrance of the flowers.

"Tsuruga-kun sure does treasure you. Ugh...I need to find someone to treasure me," Koga groaned, hugging himself in a lonely embrace.

Kyoko rolled her eyes. "Koga-san, I think you're missing the point here. YOU need to be the one doing the treasuring."

"That's old fashion thinking, Kyoko-chan. Women of today love their independence."

"Yes, but we also appreciate the occasional reminder that we're always on our significant other's mind. I'm going to my dressing room to put this in a vase. I'll be right back." She bounded off leaving Koga and Yashiro to stare after her.

"CUT!" The director hollered into his megaphone and dismissed them for a thirty-minute lunch.

"Good girl, Rosie," Ren praised his co-star while playfully scratching behind her ears. Rosie returned her gratitude with sloppy wet kisses all over his face, making Ren laugh without restriction. The female staff jealously muttered among themselves, wishing they were the dog right now. Ren rolled his eyes at their ridiculousness.

He sighed as he stood. From the corner of his eye, he could see them eagerly waiting to pounce on him to have lunch. Dog slobber coated his face. He wiped his face using the handkerchief he kept in his pocket, ignoring them as he passed to retrieve a bento. He thought it was best to attempt to eat something so it wouldn't be a complete lie when his girlfriend grilled him later about his meals. Thanks to the delicious meals she cooked, food was starting to grow on him. He realized that he had no problems eating his meals because she was his company. He would often get lost in their conversations while eating and would end up finishing all his food in the process. He knew Kyoko had to also have noticed his gradual change because he could swear the little minx was increasing the portions on his plate.

"Tsuruga-san, you have a visitor," an assistant called out as he headed for his trailer. Ren turned in the direction he pointed and found Tadashi waving to him, sheepishly carrying a large plastic bag.

Ren gulped as he walked over to his father-in-law. In his mind, he was already good as married to Kyoko.

"Tadashi-san, is there something I can do for you?" Ren bowed, using all his acting prowess to show that he was unperturbed by the sudden visit of Kyoko's father.

"Forgive me, Ren-kun, for barging in on your workplace. I was in the area and thought we could have lunch," he said raising the bag. Giving Tadashi's demeanor and tailored suit, it was quite easy for him to gain access to the set. The staff was correct in assuming that he was someone of importance to the actor.

"Perfect timing," he smiled, hoping it sounded genuine. "We can eat in my dressing room. It's more comfortable," private he added internally, leading Tadashi to his room.

"I brought some for you too, Ren-kun. It's just cheap food-court food, but it's so delicious," Tadashi gushed, emptying the contents of the bag onto the low table in the dressing room. Ren watched him remove two containers of chicken karaage, four packages of onigiri, and two bottles of green tea. Something about the simple food put him at ease. Nothing in Tadashi's actions deserved for him to remain on guard. Ren relaxed and set aside the bento to save for later. Yashiro had changed his schedule so he wouldn't be able to join Kyoko and Tadashi for dinner.

"Kyoko would be scolding us right now if she knew we were eating this. She calls it a high-calorie, low nutritional snack and shouldn't be eaten as a meal," Ren joked, lovingly.

"Eh...but there's lots of protein here and this one is even a vegetable," Tadashi replied in defense. Ren chuckled. Is that what my excuses sound like when I use them on her.

"Please have some," Tadashi gestured, handing Ren a pair of chopsticks.

"Thank you... itadakimasu," he replied with palms together.

He started with the onigiri and took a bite. Tadashi was right, it was delicious. After a few exchanges of the tasty food, the silence between them dragged for several minutes as they continued to eat. Ren could feel Tadashi's gaze on him between bites, but whenever he glanced up, the man would be concentrating on his food.

"So why are you really here, Tadashi-san?" Ren finally asked when he couldn't bear the quiet any longer. "Do you have something to say about Kyoko?"

"Oh, sorry, it really was on my way. As for Kyoko, we can discuss it tonight with everyone. I'm curious, how did you manage it?"

"Manage what?" Ren asked pausing mid-bite.

Tadashi looked around the room as if expecting someone else to be in the room. He leaned in closer to Ren and whispered, "how did you manage to become Cain Heel?"

Ren's eyes widened with shock. He had forgotten that Tadashi had made them in the cafe. Is this where he tells me to stay away from her.

"Ah, so you found us out," Ren sighed in defeat. "Apparently, I'm not as skillful as I thought if I was easily recognized. What gave me away?"

"You did. You just confirmed my suspicions," Tadashi smiled with a gleam in his eye so like his cheeky daughter.

Ren smacked the palm of his hand to his forehead. How could he have fallen for such a cheap trick? He stood quickly and dipped into a deep bow.

"I'm very sorry for the deception and for dragging Kyoko along with me."

"No apology necessary. I'm not in the least upset. Please sit down and finish your food or Kyoko-chan would scold us both," Tadashi replied.

Ren took his seat and resumed eating, assured that Tadashi wasn't angry with him. For some reason, he was very comfortable with this man. Maybe, it was because he was so similar to Kyoko. He thought about his father. Not counting his recent visit or their phone conversations, it was long before Rick's death when he stopped talking to his Dad. He just didn't want to burden him with any of his problems.

"I'm pretty sure Kyoko-chan would tell you that the experience gained acting as Setsuka was an invaluable lesson," Tadashi added after a few moments of eating. "Plus, I found your performance as both Cain Heel and Black Jack remarkable."

"So you've seen Tragic Marker," Ren asked, staring down at his hands once again nervous. He wondered if Tadashi would see through the special effects makeup and realize that the man underneath it was indeed still a monster. Would he now demand he stay away from Kyoko for fear of her safety?

Tadashi sensing the actor's anxiety and depression stated, "I don't know anything about acting, but whatever past experience you pulled from to play that role successfully is just that, in the past. I'm in no position to judge. All you can do is take one step at a time to a happier future with her."

Ren's gaze shot up and locked onto the pair of golden orbs across from him so similar to his daughter's— brilliant, steadfast with a tinge of sorrow but most of all acceptance.

"The moment you stop making her happy is when I'll swoop in and break your legs." Ren gulped as Tadashi's eyes turned deadly. All he could do was nod to the man since he was pretty sure his voice would come out as a squeak from fear.

Tadashi's phone rang interrupting the suddenly tense atmosphere. Ren couldn't help the sigh of relief that escaped his lips by the interruption. Saved by the bell, literally.

"Please excuse me," Tadashi told Ren, standing to answer the phone.

"Did you manage to get it?" Tadashi listened quietly. Ren could hear the other man talking and knew this was in regards to Kyoko.

"Okay good, just like we planned. Only send the one message for now," Tadashi instructed the caller.

"Well, if that happens then do what you need to until it's read. Yes, let me know." Tadashi finished and hung up the phone then turned to face Ren.

"What changed? If you're making a move against Morizumi-san something had to have triggered you. What did she do?" Ren demanded.

"She tried to commission some delinquents to rough up Kyoko-chan last night," Tadashi admitted and slumped into his chair.

"She did what? I'm going to end this bitch right now!" Ren growled, jumping to his feet.

"Hold on! Confronting her will not solve anything. I have a plan which I was going to share with everyone tonight but I'll tell you now."

For the remainder of Ren's lunch break, Tadashi told him about what unfolded with the teenage boys and how they gave him the solution to their problem.

Kimiko put down the makeup sponge she was using and stood from her vanity. The bruise she made on her face last night was now camouflaged. She reached for her phone as a new message chimed.

He sent flowers and chocolates again.

Kimiko mentally filed that information for future purposes. She turned on the TV and once again flipped through all the news stations verifying once more that there was no suspect report from the police looking for her. She wondered if she should change her appearance. Did she still need to look the part of an ideal Japanese maiden? She didn't get the part of Momiji nor were her affections returned by the man she loved. Today she would lay low and called her hairstylist to make an appointment for tomorrow.

After the call, she sat down at her computer. It had been some time since she checked her blog. Now that she was no longer working, she didn't have anything noteworthy to report. The thought of becoming completely irrelevant horrified her? She needed to figure out a way to get back into the limelight. Maybe she could return to when she first started writing about fashion, restaurants, celebrities, and things she just enjoyed. She was in a better mood thinking about doing something constructive.

When her blog page finally loaded, she was greeted with a flood of comments from her fans.

You look cute with your natural hair color. Welcome back to Japan!

Good luck with the auditions. I'm sure you'll get the part!

Ugh, she had forgotten that her last update was of her latest hairstyle and also mentioned that she was auditioning for a new role.

Did you get the part? Can't wait to watch you on the big screen.

Where are you?

We miss you? Are you okay?

You haven't updated in a while.

Are you having health issues?

Those comments were over a month old. As she typed out an apology, she decided to play the sympathy card, admitting her failure to readers. She mentioned her hiatus from acting to focus on her studies and wasn't sure when she would return to acting. She hit the submit post. Within minutes she had a PM from a reader.

I know.

Kimiko involuntarily shivered as she gazed at the strange message before deleting it. Probably some SPAM mail, she thought, trying to comfort herself with the weak excuse.

She jolted in her desk chair when her phone chimed. With a shaky hand, she lifted it off the table and read the message.

Check your email.

She immediately deleted the message. It chimed again, displaying the same message. She glanced around her room nervously. How did that just happen? She deleted it again.

Her phone rang making her yelp with surprise. This time the caller ID showed the number of her stylist so she picked it up. The voice on the other end was not that of the over-exuberant falsetto of her male stylist. "You should check your messages Morizumi-san, you don't want this ending up on your blog," the synthesized voice threatened.

"Who are you? How di-," she shouted into the receiver but the line went dead.

Great, I need to change my number. I have a creeper now.

She had every intention of ignoring the call, but curiosity got the better of her. Whoever was calling just threatened to post something on her blog. How did they get my number and email? Both were private information. Using her computer, she logged into her email and found a recent one with the subject line, Is this you?

Kimiko didn't think that the link would contain some computer virus and click on it impatiently. Fear gripped her as she stared at a clear still shot of herself using the payphone outside Lawson's convenience store downtown. It was dated and time-stamped last night when she made the anonymous call to the police.

AN: Thank you for sticking with me everyone. I'm getting there, slowly but surely. I hope you enjoyed it.

Thank you to reviewers of the last chapters. I appreciate all your feedback.

Big shout out to Brennakai for helping me flesh out my mental notes.

Until next time, ja ne! ^_^