A/N: Okay everyone here is chapter 14! I do apologize for the wait!
Disclaimer: Some I own some I don't. I'm sure it's easy to determine the independent ones.
Chapter 14: New Experiences and New Threats
Blade of Shadows.
The bestselling novel by author Kusatsu Akira.
Daisuke had never dreamed the book would ever be made into a movie, nor had he even fathomed the thought of him being cast as the main character and wielder of the blade christened 'Shadows' Mamoru. But the script was in his hand and the realization was slowly beginning to dawn on him. Due to the length of the book the movie was to be put into 2 parts.
It had been almost two weeks since the whole incident with the fire at the apartment building. Mao had been released from the hospital and had returned to his classes with more determination. Once the school had learned about the whole dilemma they had agreed to give him time to recover, but the young college student had insisted returning to his studies.
Daisuke had admired Mao for this. Takeda had taken the liberty of escorting Mao to his classes and to the set where Mao was still playing the role of Daisuke's assistant. After much discussion, Tanaku had agreed that his client did indeed need a bodyguard, but felt someone with more training for such a task as this was better suited for the position. That actually worked out in Daisuke's favor. It meant Takeda could stay focused on Mao.
After Mao had been released, the press had hounded him immediately, determined to get the scoop on a good story. At first the young college student had been terrified but Takeda had come to his rescue and so had Keimiko whom was still posing as the younger boy's cousin. Daisuke had put his own two cents in as he was still posing as Keimiko's boyfriend. And Tatsuki whom had been present had defended Mao as well.
Both Daisuke and Mao had come to the conclusion the 'eye witness' to the act of arson, had been none other than Leiko. Their guess had been confirmed when Leiko's whereabouts had become a mystery. Takeda had done his job and taken the full statement about the incident that occurred at the apartment building and given the report to his chief. With no evidence to back up Leiko's claim, and the statements from Daisuke and the others, the charge against Mao had been dropped.
But both Daisuke and Mao knew that Leiko was lurking out there somewhere. After all he had not stopped his schemes when he had targeted the president of Keimiko's fan club. Due to those dirty deeds Sakiko had left her position. Keimiko had been heartbroken and had been determined to keep Sakiko safe.
Daisuke feared for Mao's life as well and had argued to the best of his ability with Tanaku until his manager had finally caved. Daisuke knew when he wanted something bad enough he had the ability to get it.
"Watanabe-sama is everything all right?"
Daisuke looked up to see his assigned bodyguard standing in the doorway of the reading room. After most the casting had been completed, the cast and crew were going to do a cold read on the first few scenes to get a feel of the story. Daisuke had arrived early and was going over the script, determined to get into character.
"Oh, I see you were going over your lines. My apologies, I did not mean to interrupt."
"It is fine, Hino-san. Did you need something?"
Hinosaku Takashi was 24 years old, and a new hire. Watanabe Daisuke was his first job and he, at the beginning had been quite shocked. A simple bodyguard such as himself having the honor of being assigned to someone as amazing as Watanabe Daisuke? He knew some of his friends and colleagues would be jealous as hell. But he had decided not to gloat about his current position. He had a job to do and he was going to do it.
"No, sir. I am just checking up on you."
Daisuke smiled warmly at the young man. "Hino-san, I understand you are just doing your job and I appreciate it. But I highly doubt anyone would try to attack me here."
Hinosaku nodded, "I understand sir. I am just concerned. I saw the article and news reports regarding your assistant."
Daisuke's brown eyes suddenly darkened, "What exactly do you believe?"
Hinosaku immediately noticed the change in Daisuke's deportment and he stepped back, "With all due respect Watanabe-sama, I do not believe the rumors. My younger cousin Megumi is in the same college class as Hamao-kun. She told me that Hamao-kun is kind and caring. There is no way he could do something so horrible as setting a fire."
Daisuke forced himself to relax, "If you had thought otherwise, you would have been out of a job. I refuse to let anyone whom even fathoms the thought of believing Mao would do something so horrible to be working for me."
"As I said Watanabe-sama, I am only here to watch over you. My opinion about the whole situation should not really matter should it?" Hinosaku asked.
Before Daisuke could answer, the door to the room opened and in stepped Takemoto, "Ah, Watanabe-san here you are. The rest of the cast we have so far will be here soon."
Daisuke stood up, "Takemoto-san it is good to see you. Thank you again for this opportunity."
"We should be thanking you for taking the role." Takemoto responded smiling. He looked over at Hinosaku, "I assume your body guard is doing his job?"
"Quite, Hino-san has been watching over me since I arrived." Daisuke said as he sat back down tapping his fingers against the now closed script. "Speaking of body guards I also want to thank you for allowing Takeda-san on the set. As you know Hamao-kun is now my assistant and after the whole incident with the fire, I will not allow that young man to come anywhere near harms way."
Takemoto pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, "That is something you should be thanking your manager for. He is the one who spoke to us about the whole situation." He glanced down at the table before meeting Daisuke's eyes again, "By the way, when will Hamao-kun be joining us?"
"I believe he only has morning classes so he will be joining us just before lunch." Daisuke spoke up.
"Ah and what is it that he is going to school for?"
Daisuke and the other two occupants of the room looked up to see Morishiku standing in the doorway.
"Oh he is majoring in Veterinary Medicine. He is very good with animals." Daisuke explained.
"Speaking of animals, Watanabe-sama how comfortable are you around horses?" Morishiku asked.
"I have no problem with them. I assume you are asking because I will be expected to ride one in some of the scenes? Is that correct?" Daisuke queried.
"Yes; however, if you find yourself uncomfortable we will have a stunt double ready if needed." Takemoto pointed out.
"I am sure I will be just fine, but your concern is greatly appreciated, thank you." Daisuke said standing up bowing again.
Hinosaku whom had stayed quiet the whole time cleared his throat, "Excuse me Watanabe-sama but what exactly is Blade of Shadows about?"
"Have you not read the book?" The other three men asked in unison.
Hinosaku stepped back in surprise, "Um, actually no. When training for this position I never really had any leisure time so I am afraid I am unfamiliar with the story."
Daisuke nodded in understanding, "I see. Well my character Mamoru is the son of a poor farmer Masarou whose appearance is a dead ringer for Yoshiro the cousin of the emperor at the time. Yoshiro, jealous of his cousin and his cousin's wife murders the emperor. Because of the similarities Masarou is blamed for the murder and sentenced to death. Being next in line for the throne since the emperor and his wife had not produced an heir yet, Yoshiro of course becomes emperor. My character Mamoru wants to exact his revenge for his father. That is basically the summary in a nutshell I suppose."
"Does he?" Hinosaku asked; curiosity now piqued.
Daisuke chuckled as he slid the copy of the book towards his body guard, "Go ahead and read it. There is a reason it was a best seller."
"And a reason it is being made into a movie." A new male voice spoke.
"Ah Shimomura-san!" Takemoto smiled at the new occupant, "It is so good to see you!"
The man addressed as Shimomura bowed, "Thank you very much." He looked over at Daisuke and stopped cold, "Watanabe-sama, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Shimomura Keiji I will be playing the role of Yoshiro. I am also a fan of your work. It will be an honor and a privilege to work with you"
More greetings were exchanged as the rest of the cast filed into the room. Daisuke looked at the cast and could not hide his smile. If everyone played their role to the best of their ability this movie was going to be a hit. So far all they were missing where the ladies of the movie and the younger brother of the empress.
FALL
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Takeda looked up from his position on the bench and offered a smile, "It is no trouble. Did you get everything you needed to do done?"
Mao nodded smiling, "Yes, thank you. One of my classmates was kind enough to make copies of the notes from the previous lessons. It should not take me long to catch up."
"You are very dedicated to this aren't you?" Takeda pointed out.
"Well it is not only that. I made it into this school on a scholarship. I was very fortunate to have a professor whom pulled some strings for me when I was hospitalized. As long as I get a perfect score on all my assignments and tests this semester it will make up for what I missed." Mao explained.
"Confident, aren't you?"
Mao froze when he heard that voice. Turning around he bit his lip as he immediately broke eye contact.
Takeda immediately noticed his charge's discomfort and stepped forward, "Hamao-kun are you okay?"
"Yes, I am fine. Come on Dai-chan is waiting."
"Who the hell gave you the right to call him that? Only people close to him get to address him that way. There is no way he would associate with someone as pathetic as you. I am the president of his fan club. I am closer to him than you will ever be."
"I fail to see how that is an business of yours young man." Takeda stepped forward only to be stopped by Mao's hand, "Takeda-san, don't. He is not worth the time." His eyes matched the other students, "Yasutake-kun, I will ask you one last time to leave me alone." With that Mao turned heel and headed off campus with a confused Takeda following behind.
Once they were off campus grounds Mao nearly collapsed in frustration. He took a moment to calm himself before looking up at his bodyguard, "My apologies. I wish you had not seen that."
"Has that boy been giving you trouble?" Takeda questioned, "Who is he?"
"Yasutake Shogo." Mao responded, "He is in my class and I guess you could say he is my rival."
"Rival?"
"He is always been one step behind me in ranks. He believes he is better since he comes from a rich background or something." Mao explained, "I do not know all the details. In fact it was only just how I learned he is the president of Dai-chan's fan club. I will have to ask him about that later. All I know is, ever since I have been ranked top in my class he has taken on the task of trying to make my time in college a living hell."
"Has he succeeded?"
"No, because I do not let him get to me, thus resulting in him becoming more angry at me." Mao answered, "And ever since I was released from the hospital and given that statement about the fire he has been more determined than ever to bring me down."
"I do not understand why he would be like that."
"I myself am unsure as well." Mao shook his head, "But as I said, I do not let it get to me. As long as I study and do the best on my work it should not matter. I am ranked number one in my class but it is something I will never brag about. I refuse do let the for lack of better word 'fame' get to my head."
"Watanabe-san is the same is he not?" Takeda asked.
"I suppose. To be honest I never really followed Dai-chan's career. The first movie of his I ever watched was Kako no Kokoro and that was because my brother's girlfriend was watching it." Mao chuckled as he thought back to that time.
"So you have never seen any of his work besides that?"
"Well I guess I should say the Kako no Kokoro was the movie that made me take a liking to him." Mao tapped his finger to his chin. "I decided to see what else he starred in and I watched the two dramas he appeared in and my brother's fiancé, at the time this happened they were engaged, went to see one of his stage plays. They had an extra ticket so I went as well. But other than that I have not seen anything else."
"So you have a brother?" Takeda asked.
"Yes, Hamao Shinnosuke. He is 4 years my senior. He is married and has one child a little girl." Mao reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. After a moment he turned the phone so the screen was facing Takeda.
"Ah so you have a niece?" Takeda observed. "She is cute."
"According to my sister-in-law, she is a handful." Mao chuckled, "But she is four and she is smart for her age too." He pocketed his phone, "The expense I do not have to worry about as long as I stay within the memory and call and text times is my phone. My brother insisted on paying for it, despite my protests. His reason was so I could always be in contact with the rest of the family."
"Where do they live, if you do not mind my asking of course?"
"Shirokane. He moved there after he married and Suzuka showed up not long after." Mao explained before pulling out his phone, "So are we heading to the set then?"
"Yes, Hinosaku-kun contacted me just before you came out. They are doing a cold read on the script and then I guess over the next few days they are planning out all the shots." Takeda responded as he led Mao towards his car.
"And after that Dai-chan is supposed to have dinner with Keimiko if I am not mistaken." Mao slid into the car and buckled up.
"I am still confused on what is going on Watanabe-san, you and Keimiko-san." Takeda admitted as he started up the car.
"It is complicated, but just know everything that is happening is happening for a reason" Mao leaned back against the seat and glanced out the window. "I will say one thing, though. These past few weeks have made me feel like I am living the life of a character in a drama. Ever since I met Dai-chan I feel my life has changed drastically. And yet I find I cannot bring myself to regret meeting him."
Takeda chuckled at that, "Well have you ever considered acting?"
Mao shook his head I response. "No, I prefer my current goal. Besides that, you actually need talent and that is something I am lacking in severe quantities."
"I beg to differ. But whatever you choose to do in your life I'm sure you will succeed."
Mao smiled as he looked at his phone, "That means a lot, thank you."
FALL
"Okay that sounded great. If you two recite your lines with that attitude, this movie is going to be a hit." Morishiku smiled, "Now, we are just going to have you two go over the confrontation scene one more time. And this time do not hold back."
Daisuke and Shimomura nodded before making eye contact.
"Oh this is too good to be true."
"Did you really think you were going to get away with this?"
"I have the entire country in the palm of my hand now. If I see to it I will be able to get away with anything. And you, you are just as obtuse as your father. Did you honestly believe you could pick up that sword and exact revenge? You have no proof of his innocence."
"I know he was innocent, that is enough for me. But that matters not. What is above these matters is the fact that I am going to make you pay for everything."
"And what do you mean by 'everything' exactly? The fact that your father was the perfect doppelganger? Or the fact that no one will ever know the truth? Or maybe it's the- Why are you smiling like that?"
"Come on out. Oh please keep going. You have not even gotten to the good part yet."
"You! You had them listening the whole time!"
"Okay that is good. That sounded great. You two are really into these characters."
Daisuke shrugged, "I have enjoyed this book and I relate to Mamoru's character so it is easy to read these lines."
"And you do it with such emotion." Takemoto praised, "It is one of the reasons you were actually considered for the role."
Daisuke smiled at the praise as he pulled his phone from his pocket and scanned the text message, "Ah, Mao will be here soon. He is asking where he and Takeda should meet us."
"You can tell him we will in Sound Stage 4. We have the sets of Mamoru's home there. Sound Stage 3 and 2 will have the interiors of the palace and a few other locations."
"Will we be doing any exterior shots? Or any filming outside?" Shimomura asked.
"Yes, the confrontation scene will be shot outside as well as a few fight scenes."
"Oh when will we meet the three leading ladies?" Daisuke asked.
"Oh Hiromi-chan, Maiko-chan and Junko-chan will be joining us tomorrow." Takemoto spoke up, "Oh by the way Watanabe-san, I understand you are now dating Urasaki Keimiko."
"Yes that is correct." Dai-chan said as he crossed his fingers and hid his hand in his lap.
"I see, well as you know Mamoru does have a love interest in the books and we will be keeping those scenes in the movie. I just want to make sure Urasaki-san will not have a problem with you being intimate on screen with another woman." Takemoto explained.
"Oh if that is the case Keimiko will not be upset. As an actor herself, she has had to partake in intimate scenes with other male actors. We both understand this is just part of the job." Daisuke responded, "And besides we have only been seeing each other for a month now."
"I see. That was one of our main concerns. Another is the fact we still need someone to play the younger brother of the empress. We will not start filming the scenes he will appear in for at least another week so we have some time. Also the part is small but vital for the story." Morishiku spoke up, "If you have any suggestions please let us know."
"Hmm the prince is supposed to be about what 17 or 18 right?" Hinosaku asked having looked up from the novel he had begun to indulge in.
"Yes, he is the younger brother of the empress and he spends more time with the palace horses and pets then he does anywhere else." Shimomura explained, "However he does become the inside link for Mamoru."
"Most of the young actors we auditioned just did not have the kinship with the animals. In fact the were a little scared of them." Takemoto chuckled.
None of them could see the growing smile on the face of a one Watanabe Daisuke.
FALL
"So did they say where we were supposed to meet up?"
Mao looked his phone, "Dai-chan says 'sound stage 3'. I guess they have finished the read-through of the script and are now going to be doing a tour of the sets."
Takeda parked the car in the provided spot before leading his charge in the direction of the mentioned building. "So this is your first time on a movie set?"
Mao's wide-eyed expression was a dead giveaway.
"I will take that as a 'yes'." Takeda chuckled as he pulled out his phone, "I have messaged Hinosaku-kun. He said they just left the reading room." Moments later he waved, "Ah, there they are."
Mao's head perked up and his eyes immediately locked on to Daisuke's before breaking away seconds later. After everything that had happened between them, Mao had found he could no longer look the handsome actor in the eye. He glanced back up fearful that Daisuke would have taken offense. He was surprised to see a smile on the older man's face.
"Mao, it is good you made it safely." Daisuke said having approached his assistant. "Come, we were about to get a tour of the sets."
Mao looked over at the producer and director whom nodded a greeting in return. He had been grateful they understood his situation now. If Tanaku and Daisuke had not explained everything, he was sure the expressions on the older men's faces would have been far less friendly and inviting.
"Daisuke whom is this handsome young thing! Oh he's just breathtaking!"
Mao immediately tensed up and he found himself hiding behind Takeda.
"Shimo-san, please do not scare him." Hinosaku requested. Having been introduced to the younger man, Hinosaku understood the reasons behind Mao's actions and taken the liberty to defend him.
Mao shot Hinosaku a look of thanks before looking at the man in question.
"Oh he is shy. That is too bad." Shimomura reached out towards Mao, gasping in pain when he realized his wrist was locked in an iron grip.
Daisuke's normally calm brown eyes were narrowed into slits, "Touch that boy and Takemoto-san and Morishiku-san will have not only have to find someone to play the younger brother, but the role of Yoshiro will be vacant as well." He released the wrist before turning to the producer and director.
Shimomura did as well with a look of protest on his features. To his surprise neither man did anything.
Daisuke reached out to Mao, "Would you walk with me? I need to speak to you about my schedule for the rest of the week."
Mao hesitantly stepped away from Takeda and approached Daisuke, "I thought perhaps you would discuss it with me later today when we meet Keimiko for dinner."
"Oh yes I almost forgot about that." Daisuke exclaimed, "Well let us enjoy the tour of the sets. Pay close attention. As my assistant you will have to know the lay out as well as I will." He grasped Mao's hand for a brief moment and dropped his voice, "And when we meet with Keimiko I expect you to explain what is on your mind. I know there is something troubling you."
Mao only nodded in response. He knew it was pointless to deny anything to the handsome young actor now.
FALL
"Keimiko, it is so good to see you!"
Keimiko glanced up to see Daisuke approaching her. She reached out her hand with a smile. "I thought you had forgotten our date."
Daisuke chuckled and glanced at Mao, "Well you should thank my wonderful assistant here for reminding me."
Mao shrugged his shoulder, "I was only doing my job, nothing more."
"So where are Hinosaku and Takeda?" Keimiko asked looking around.
"They are not far. I told Hinosaku that I had a date with you and he actually became flustered." Daisuke explained. "Takeda is with him but they are keeping watch from a safe distance."
"Ano, would you like me to join them and leave you two alone, you know for appearance sake?" Mao asked softly.
"I would not hear of it." Keimiko spoke up before Daisuke even had a chance to open his mouth to protest, "Besides I am sure the two of you must be famished."
"Quite. I do not know about Mao here but I feel like I could eat half the menu." Daisuke chuckled.
"If given the opportunity you probably would." Mao spoke in a teasing tone.
"Speaking of ordering, Mao you are forbidden to order-"
Mao held up his hand, halting the older man's words, "You do not have to remind me Dai-chan." True he had planned on ordering the least expensive dish but he was determined to slowly grow out of that habit. However, he had no plans to exploit Daisuke's or Keimiko's kindness to him.
"So how is the newest addition to your home?" Keimiko asked, "Is Roku taking to her well?"
"Yes believe it or not." Mao said as he pulled out his phone and searched for the newest photo he had taken only the night before, "She has not left his side and I guess he has taken a liking to her." The photo was of Roku asleep on the sofa with a little black kitten with a white circle on her head curled up near him.
"Tatsuki almost wanted to keep her himself but she was too feisty." Daisuke said chuckling. "She is slowly getting used to me but she will not sleep at night unless she is in Mao's room."
"It evens things out, though. Roku prefers to sleep in Dai-chan's room." Mao explained. He jumped when he felt his phone ring, "Oh excuse me please." He stepped away from the table to take the call. Moments later he returned with a look of worry displayed across his features.
Daisuke noticed the change in the younger man's demeanor and reached out for Mao's hand, "Are you okay? Who was that? Leiko?"
Mao shook his head and felt his legs give away. Daisuke was immediately at his side, catching him before he fell, "No, it was my brother. He is coming here."
A/N: Yes I ended it on another cliffhanger. But fear not I have chapter 15 already in the planning stages. As usual all I ask is for 3 reviews. However I am going to request anyone whom does review, please tell me specifically what it is or was you enjoyed about the chapter. Hearing those details inspires me to write better and faster. So three (detailed please) reviews = chapter 15! And I am determined to have this updated no later than the end of May.