8 posts tagged “fanfiction”

Fanfic: Arashi Twilight Fail – THE SEQUEL

Aug 23, 2009
1 comment

Since I had so much fun making the first one (here), and everyone seemed to enjoy it, I thought I'd take another stab at writing a sequel -- this one based on New Moon (or in this case, New MatsuMoon). I hope you guys enjoy it. I had a harder time making this one funny, but I hope it was cute and nice. Also, I totally recommend checking out Kytana's Arashi/Twilight parody mix-up. It's very cute and awesome, too! Plus, she gave me the ideas to write these in a first place.

Disclaimer: I niether own Twilight, or Arashi (although I'd LIKE to own Arashi).

Arashi Twilight Fail – THE SEQUEL
New MatsuMoon

Ohno: Nino?
Nino: Yeah?
Ohno: Have you noticed Matsumoto’s eyebrows lately?
Nino: Shh! Don’t let him hear you talking about them. You know he’s very sensitive about it.
Ohno: That’s the thing. I’m worried. Have you noticed how much hairier they’re getting?
Nino: Yeah. Maybe he missed his threading appointment or something.
Ohno: No, I think it’s something more. I think that he’s-

[Enter Aiba]

Aiba: Hey, guys! Do you have a dog running around in here? There’s been a lot of shedding on the studio furniture lately.
Nino: Probably just Shimura zoo creatures shedding on you, Aiba, and you bringing it here.
Aiba (scowls): I’ll have you know, I wear a jump suit as protection from the shedding, and the peeing, and the pooping–
Ohno (impatiently): ANY WAY, guys! Why I’m trying to say here is that that I think Matsumoto is becoming-

[Enter Sho]

Sho: Hey, Aiba. Are wolves native to Japan?
Aiba: I don’t think so… Why do you ask?
Sho: Last night when I was about to go to bed, I thought I heard –
Ohno (furious already, bursts): I THINK MATSUMOTO IS TURNING INTO A WEREWOLF!

[everyone blinks and stares]

Sho: …and?
Ohno (blinks): You don’t seem very surprised.
Jun (from behind Ohno, sounding bored, but really very pissed): It’s so cheering to hear your band members questioning your humanity.
[Ohno is struck and horrified by his appearance]
[Jun scratches his head]
Jun (upset and trying not to show it): Well, anyway, later guys.

Ohno: Oh… no! What have I done?
Nino: You didn’t sound very surprised, Sho-kun.
Sho: Well, I wouldn’t be. I’m a vampire, remember?
[Sho flashes his shiny, pointy teeth]
[Everyone just laughs, not believing in him]
Sho (a little upset): What? Well I am.
Aiba: No offense, Sho – but I don’t think any writer could have dreamed up a vampire with so much fail.
Nino: Aiba’s right, Sho. Vampires are way too cool for you to even consider being one.
[Ohno nods]
Sho (frowns, sarcastically): Thanks, guys.
Aiba (glomps): It’s okay, Sho. We still love you.
Sho (under his breath, whining): But I really am a vampire…
Nino: Any way, here’s the question – how can we get on Jun’s good side now? Even though he seemed calm, he was actually really pissed.
Ohno (upset): I know. I didn’t mean it – it’s just that, well… I really DID think he was a werewolf. The bushy eyebrows, and the shedding, and howling-
Nino: The HOWLING?
Ohno: Well, he was in the bathroom, and next thing I know, I hear him howl…
Sho (goes pale): I think I remember hearing it too. I thought it was… an animal outside.
Nino: But they’re got to be a reasonable explanation for this. Like maybe he stubbed his toe in the shower? Remember Aiba and the glitters, and how we thought he'd turned into a Twilight vampire?
Aiba (nods): Yep. (scowls) I’m never using glitter again!
Ohno: -except for when it’s on our con outfits!
Aiba (nods): Except for our con outfits.
Sho (giving a small smile): Right.
Ohno: So now what do we do – about MatsuJun’s bad mood, I mean.
Nino: Now… we plot.

[plotting]

Aiba (approaches Jun): Heeey, Jun-kun?
Jun (looks up from his newspaper, cranky): What?
Aiba: Have you seen my razor? I seem to be getting a bit hairier than usual lately.
Jun (blinks). What are you talking about?
Aiba: You know, the usual… I just feel so dog-gone hairy lately.
Jun (tentatively): Then maybe you should get a hair cut?
Aiba (starts, the idea just hit him, and gets excited): Hey! You’re right! Thanks for the idea Jun, you’re the best.
(Aiba turns to leave… then at the last second, turns around and glomps Jun)
Aiba: Thanks! Bye! (runs away before Jun can catch him).
Jun (mutters something under his breath)

[Enter Sho]
Jun (mutters): Oh, great.
Sho: Hey, Jun! Did you recently hear a wolf howling outside your window last night?
Jun (freezes): What? Oh. (Sarcastically) I see what you mean. “Jun is a werewolf”. Very funny, Sho. I’m sure you guys had a real ball with that one.
Sho (plops down on the couch beside Jun, pouting): Aw, I’m sure Ohno didn’t mean it that way. He was worried for you. I think all the sun exposure in fishing must have addled and fried his brains a little. He wasn’t thinking straight. Besides. I wouldn’t mind if you were a werewolf.
Jun (freezes again): You… wouldn’t?
Sho (shakes his head and smiles): Nope! And neither would the other guys. It wouldn’t change who you are, inside.
(Jun starts to smile at that)
Sho (continues, happily): You’d still be the same, sadistic, DoS Hime Princess of Arashi that always wears nail polish and hair extensions-
(Jun, furious, gets up off his chair and smacks Sho on the head with his newspaper before walking away)
Sho (calls out after him): See what I mean?

[Sho returns to Nino, rubbing his head]
Sho: Our plan failed, by the way.
Nino (looks up from playing his Nintendo DS] What?
Sho: Jun. He’s still mighty pissed.
Nino: Oh. Well of course he’d be pissed. You guys called him a werewolf.
Sho (scowls): Yeah, duh. That’s why we came up with a plan - to make him feel better about being hairy, and being called a werewolf. That’s why Aiba and I talked to him, right?
Nino (distracted, playing the game): Huh? Oh, no. I just gave you guys something to do, so you’d leave me alone and I could finish my game. And hey: it worked!
Sho (scowls): Great. Thanks to your “plan”, Jun hit me in the head with a newspaper.
Nino (looks up): Did he? (laughs)
Sho: You brat!

[Enter Aiba]

Aiba: Hey! What are you guys talking about?
Sho: The plan. It failed.
Nino: Is Ohno still in hiding?
Sho: Yeah. He’s afraid of what Jun might say or do if he saw him.
Aiba: You know, he might just be using Jun as an excuse to go fishing.
Sho: No, Ohno seemed genuinely upset over it. He said he couldn’t even think of fishing because Jun was that angry with him.
Aiba: Oh…
Nino: Can you guys keep it down? I’m trying to beat level 15 here, and the monster is kicking my -- arggh!! I just died. (Puts away his DS game) Okay, now what’s up, again?
Sho: Ohno. He’s in hiding from Jun. And Jun’s still pissed.
Nino: Well, first things first. Let’s find Ohno. And then we’ll take care of Jun.
Sho and Aiba: Yosh!

[Later]
[Sho, Aiba, and Nino are trying to drag Ohno out of a closet]
Nino: You can’t stay in there all your life, Ohno.
Ohno: I can and I will. (clinging to the closet doorway)
Aiba: What about cons?
Sho: What about fishing?
Ohno (gets a longing look in his eyes): I guess I can… always just read fishing magazines for the rest of my life.
Nino (annoyed): You’re being so melodramatic. It’s just Jun.
(The rest stare at him like he’s stupid).
Nino: Then again, you guys are right. He’s Jun.
Ohno: You see? See what I mean? And why I can go back? I know! I’ll live like a hermit. Yeah… or a Buddhist monk. Where do hermits live anyway?
Sho: The woods. (Teasingly) With the wolves .
Nino (shoots him a dirty look, mutters to Sho): Not helping…
Aiba: Uh… guys? I hear footsteps.
Ohno: Oh no! It’s Jun!
(Ohno dives back in the closet)
Jun: Hey guys.
Nino (tentatively): Hey… Jun. Wow, you seem to be in a better mood.
Jun: Yep. I had a lot to think about today.
Sho (gives a deep bow): We are truly sorry if we made you feel bad, and called out a werewolf.
(Nino drags Ohno out from the closet, who comes and bows deeply to Jun)
Ohno: Yes. And I’m also truly sorry, Jun, for thinking that in the first place.
Jun (gives a small smile): That’s okay. I really had a lot to think about, about what Sho said to me today. About how you guys wouldn’t care if I really was a werewolf. Well - that meant a lot to me.
Sho (taken aback): Oh. Well… Glad I could help.
Jun: About how you guys accept me for who I am - although, yes, the speech as a bit rude (he gives a quirky smile). All is forgiven. So… I guess I can finally tell you guys.
Nino: Tell us what?
Jun (takes a deep breath): I really am a werewolf.
(Big pause of silence. Everyone except Jun and Sho starts laughing)
Aiba (laughing): That’s SO funny, Jun! I didn’t realize how funny you were.
Nino (laughing): Yeah! This is even better than my Ni No Arashi pranks segment. That’s classic, Jun! Really.
Ohno (laughing): Okay, you got me! You really did. I am sorry for accusing you… and thank you for taking it with a bit humor!
Jun (confused, and a bit helplessly): But I - I really…
(Sho puts a hand on his shoulder)
Sho (wisely): It's okay. Trust me.

THE END

Ruff!

[After the credits]
[Jun and Sho having coffee… chatting]
Sho: So, Jun, what kind of wolf do you turn into anyway?
Jun (embarrassed): Well… it’s more of type of dog.
Sho: Oh, well that’s cool. What kind?
Jun: A poodle.

The REAL End!

Aiba: Hey, guys! I found a poodle!

Fanfic: TWILIGHT FAIL (Starring Arashi)

Jun 23, 2009
7 comments

After some banter back and forth with Kytana... b/c my facebook profile pic makes me look like bella, she mentioned having Aiba that "sparkles" <3 And that inspired the both of us to write a fic with Aiba that sparkles! ^_^ So here's mine, and I can't WAIT to read Kytana's! <3 Much love, girl! This one is dedicated to you. And to Aiba that Sparkles. <33

TWILIGHT FAIL
Starring Arashi (Minus Sho, until the very end)

Scene 1

(Aiba enters room where Nino is sitting, not paying attention to him)
Aiba: Nino.
Nino: (mildly annoyed, not looking up) What?
Aiba: I'm sparkling.
Nino: (looks up, sees Aiba sparkling, and jumps up) Holy --! What happened to you, Aiba?
Aiba: (looking at his arms as they sparkle) I dunno, I woke up and I was sparkling in the sun.
Nino: (starts pacing around) Oh my God. I know what this is. (runs fingers through hair) This is terrible, this is - AIBA! What do you think you're DOING??
(Aiba is running around outside in the sun, yelling, "Weeee!")
(Nino tackles Aiba down, and drags him back inside the house)
Nino: THIS IS NO TIME TO PANIC!
Aiba: (reasonably) Then why are you panicking?
Nino: Pfft. I'm not. I'm merely trying to save you from your own stupidity.
(Nino sits Aiba down, sits accross from him, and look him in the eyes)
Nino: Do you know what this means?
Aiba: Err... now I'll match our con outfits? (grins)
(Nino smacks him on the forehead)
Aiba: Ow (rubs spot on forhead)
Nino: Don't be obtuse. It means... (cue horror music) This is a really bad Twilight fic.

[Enter title Credit: the word "Twilight" is crossed out and next to it is writing "Sparkly Aiba"]

Scene 2

(Nino walks up to Jun)
Nino: (darkly) We have a problem?
Jun: (looks up from doing nails) Eh? Don't tell me your nail polish ran out again.
Nino: (hisses) I TOLD you never to mention that again! It was only that one time.
Jun: (smirks) Sure.
Nino: Actually, the problem is...
(Half-naked Aiba appears in the background, running around in the sun, shouting, "I SPARKLE!")
Nino: (darkly) THAT.
Jun: (drops nail polish) Oh... my.
[enter Ohno]
Ohno: What's up, guys?
Jun: (runs hand through his hair) Nothing. Only the fact that Aiba is turned into the victim of a really bad Twilight-slash fic.
Ohno: (bites into apple) Really? Do you think he might wanna come fishing with me?
(Jun and Nino stare at Ohno, dumbfoundly)
Ohno: What?
Jun: Your tan...
Ohno: (eyerolls) Yes, I know I'm tanned-
Nino: (grabs Ohno's right wrist) No, LOOK!
(Ohno's arms, up to his elbows, are pale white)
(Nino and Jun look up at each other in horror)
Ohno: (holds out apple with both hands, and laughs) Hey, look guys! This reminds me of a book cover I saw at Borders-
(Jun snatches Ohno's wrist this time) Oh, God. we've got to get some help this time.
Nino: (nods) Yes, this is desperate. Only one person can save us now.
Jun: (eyes narrow) The author.

Scene 3

(Liz, in her room, in front of the computer, typing.
There is a knock at the door.
Liz jumps up out of her seat, leaves the computer, and opens it.
There, standing by the door is a furious, and glowering Nino and Jun. Behind them is a bemused Ohno, and Aiba, who looks like he wants to run around in the sun,
is actually wearing black clothes - long sleeved, with a hoodie, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, long black pants, and black doc martins. Obviousy he was made to wear these
by Jun and Nino)
Liz: (neverously) He...llo?
(Nino and Jun push their way into the house)
Jun: What are you doing here?
Liz: (mildly annoyed) I was gonna ask you guys the same question. You're ARASHI. What are YOU guys doing here?
(Nino shoves Aiba in front of Liz, who bumps into her, and they nearly topple over)
Nino: HE'S the reason we're here.
(Aiba gives a sheepish smile)
(Nino takes off Aiba's hoodie, and they all gasp as they see the glitter on his body)
Liz: Oh... my.
Jun: We figured out YOU are the fic author.
Nino: Yeah! So DO something about this.
Liz: This isn't MY fault.
Nino: Um, yes. It is.
Liz: (stares at Aiba carefully) Just wondering, what were you doing last night?
Aiba: (surpised by the question) Oh! Hum... (thinks about it) I was working on a birthday card to the Age-jo girls.
(Aiba's eyes widen in revelation)
Aiba: Ahh!!! That's right! I was putting the glitter on the cards before I fell asleep. I think I fell asleep into a pile of glitter on the table.
Liz: (looks smugly at Nino) Mm-hm..
Nino: (narrow's his eyes) Well, that still doesn't explain OHNO'S pale, white arms.
Liz: (pulls a confused-looking Ohno forward by the arm) It rubs off, see? (rubs white powdery stuff off)
(Nino and Jun look at each other, amazed)
(Ohno looks from one boy to the other)
Ohno: I was gonna tell you guys, before you dragged me on an Airplane and brought me to the U.S., that I was baking a cake.
Jun: Pfft! Who bakes a cake up to their elbows in flour?
Ohno: (sheepish) I heard certain tackle-fish like cake for bait.
(Jun and Nino are dumbfounded).
Liz: (loops her arm through Aiba's) Shall we go and have some dinner?

THE END

Sho: what about me? I wasn't in this movie!!
Liz: (pats him) It's okay, Sho. Next time.
(shot of Sho with golden eye-contacts)
Sho: Aww, man. And I was gonna tell everyone I was a vampire. (sniffles)

THE [REAL] END

The Geometry of Love is a Triangle ~ Chapter 1

Jun 3, 2009
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This is Michelle's fanfic, as promised, and LONG over due!! I'm so sorry! I just hope I can make it worth the long wait. :)

Chapter 1

Mitsuki was walking down the street during her lunch break from working at the library in Tokyo. It was a long day, kind of slow. Mitsuki smiled as she thought – during the afternoon, when the children were out of school, some liked to come by. Mitsuki loved reading to them stories that made the children gasp, giggle, and wonder.

Suddenly, her eyes were arrested at the sight of a man walking down the street, and she gasped. Coincidentally, the man raised his eyes and met her gaze, both of them feeling a jot of electric shock and recognition.

“Satsosh-kun,” she said, barely aware that she’d said the name aloud.

“Mitsuki-chan,” he raised a corner of his mouth up in a half-smile – one that was filled with happiness, yet bitter self-depreciation. “I forgot you’re now working at the Tokyo Library.”

“Yes,” she breathed again, recovering from the shock as he approached her. “And you?”

Satoshi Ohno scratched the back of his head ruefully, “Still working with Arashi. You know: the same as always.” He suddenly stopped, and his eyes grew tender as he gazed at her. “I guess I should say almost always.”

Much to her surprise, Ohno took both of her hands in hers, and whispered gently, “Things haven’t been the same without you, Mitsuki.”

Mitsuki, robbed of breath, tried to control her heart rate as it sped up a notch. She turned her head away and looked down, willing herself not to be entranced by the beautiful man’s kind words and soft eyes. “You know why we broke up.”

“Still doesn’t mean I don’t think of you every waking second,” he took a step closer to her. “I miss you,” he whispered.

“Mitsuki-chan!” a voice called out from the distance, making Mitsuki jerk her hands away, out of Ohno’s. She looked up to see one of her coworkers calling her name.

“I-I,” she stuttered. “Have to go.” She turned and hastily walked away before giving him a chance to reply.

Before she got more than a few yards away, he called out to her. “Mitsuki!” She stilled her footsteps and willed herself to turn around.

He looked broken hearted, but determined as he called out, “Can I still call you?”

Unable to repress a smile, Mitsuki decided to play it cool, “You can,” she replied, and joy lighted Ohno’s face, until she added, “But I’ll only pick up when I’m ready to forgive you.”

He looked a little sad, but then smiled with a determined grin. “Hai, then I’ll make sure you do forgive me.”

We’ll see about that, she thought, but the determination in his eyes made her heart speed up regardless. Ignoring her traitor of a heart, she hurried to meet her coworker for lunch.

“Who was that cute guy you were talking to?” asked Kara-chan as they ate sushi.

“My ex,” she admitted, too unwilling to say more.

She was in for a surprise when she got back to work and saw a bouquet of beautiful, multicolored flowers waiting for her at the front desk. Mr. Takamoto, an elderly librarian had worked there since before Mitsuki was born, said, “They were delivered fifteen minutes ago by a good-looking young man.”

“Thanks, ji-chan,” Mitsuki said affectionately, and looked for a note, her heart drumming in anticipation, have afraid to see if her guess was wrong– or worse, right.

The note said, “I’m infinitely sorry for what I did. If you’ve forgiven me after all, please come to the Atsu-Nami club tonight at 9. I’ll be waiting for you. Love, O”

“Well?” her friend Kara peeked over her shoulder, reading the lines. “Are you going to go?”

Mitsuki thought about it. “I’m not sure if I’m ready to forgive him.”

“Aw, come on, Mitsuki-chan!” Kara nudged. “I saw the way you looked at him today… and the sparkle in you eyes when you saw the bouquet. Obviously you’re still in love with this guy – or at least a part of you has forgiven him. Come on!! What could go wrong?”

Mitsuki thought about it, “Well…”

“Besides!” Kara interrupted. “If you change you mind, you can walk out any time you like and go home.”

“Well,” Mitsuki said after thinking it through. “When you put it like that, yeah, sure!”

----

Mitsuki hadn’t been clubbing in a long time. Although she liked to go dancing, it kind of sucked when there was no one to really go clubbing with. Her friends were more homebodies. It was only with Satoshi that she really went dancing – him and… well, her other ex. Jun.

But she hadn’t talked to Jun – just like she hadn’t talked to Ohno until today when they saw each other – since they had broken up.

She had dressed her best, with a sexy red-halter top and black, flaring jeans. Her hair and make up done, Mitsuki had to admit, she cleaned up well.

Lots of young people had lined up to get in the club, their IDs out so that the man at the door could check their age.

She entered the dimly-lit club; the music was pounding, throbbing in the air, which was not yet heavy with smoke yet but would be.

Glancing at her watch, she saw that she was five minutes early when a low voice called out her name. Startled, she turned around shocked to see not Ohno but Jun standing there, stunned as she was to see him.

He was there with two of his friends, both who looked between Jun and Mitsuki before saying they were going to get drinks. They disappeared without waiting for Jun’s answer.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, his dark eyes clouding over to an unreadable expression.

“Same thing as you, I imagine,” she held her head up high. “Clubbing. Do you have a problem with that?”

He scowled and said, “That’s not what I meant. I mean, you don’t usually go clubbing – not unless-”

“I can do whatever I want now,” she retorted. “I don’t have to ask you for permission for anything, do I? It’s not like you’re my boyfriend anymore, or any-” she gasped as Jun grabbed for her upper arm.

“I said I was sorry,” he brought her face close to his as he glowered.

“No you didn’t,” she exclaimed, flinching. “You never did – until now.”

“Well I am,” he released her in stunned surprise. “I always was.”

“You have a funny way of showing it,” she threw back, rubbing her arm.

“It’s only because Ohno was there and-”

“I was where?” A sober voice came from behind them. They whirled around to see Ohno standing there, a little sad, and seeming upset – but trying not to show it. “What are you doing here, Jun?” he snapped, grabbing Mitsuki by the hand.

“I don’t have to explain myself to you,” Jun glared.

“Well, you do now, since you’re talking to my date and all,” Ohno took a fierce step in Jun’s direction.

“She’s not yours,” Jun took a step forward at him too, until they were toe to toe. “Not by half! And never will be.”

“You selfish bastard!” Ohno shoved first, and then the fists came flying. Mitsuki gasped, and so did the rest of the club-goers until security was forced to separate the two fighting men, threatening to throw them out of if they did it again.

Since the men couldn’t keep from fighting at each other, security was then forced to throw them both out after all.

Mitsuki, watching this whole thing in horrified silence, stomped right up to them. “You see!” She cried, as the crowd stared. “This is why I broke up with you – both of you! You guys, I’m sick of you fighting over me like little kids fighting over a toy. Well I’m not a toy,” she trembled, hugging herself. “And until you guys mature up, I’m not talking to either of you.”

“Mitsuki-” they both called out, but she turned away, heedless of their voices, and stormed off into the night.

Jun was the first to call. She didn’t want to pick up, but figured he owed her an apology for ruining her night – along with Ohno – and if he was going to apologize fine. It would be a nice change.

And he did, “I’m so sorry,” he said humbly. “I dunno, it’s just that, every time I imagine him with you I…”

“You what?” Mitsuki retorted. “Lose your temper? Come on, Jun! I know you can be more cool and calm than that.”

“Not where you’re concerned,” Jun admitted lowly. “It’s just that, I never felt this way about any girl. I admit it, I was jealous. I still am.”

“Look, I can’t take this,” she said. “Both of you guys! I mean, can’t you just accept my choices, Jun? And the same goes for Ohno.”

“Not when your choice isn’t me,” he said, shocking Mitsuki. “I can’t sit back and do nothing. I… I love you, Mitsuki. Even now, after you’ve broken up with me. Don’t tell me you don’t feel the same.”

“I… I have to think about this,” Mitsuki said, confused.

“Fine. But I’ll be waiting for your answer, don’t’ forget.” And they hung up.

Ohno called next. “Mitsuki… I’m so sorry.”

“For ruining my night or starting a fight with Jun?”

“Both,” he said. “After all, if I hadn’t fought Jun, your night wouldn’t have been ruined.”

“You’re right about that,” Mitsuki replied, unwilling to be too kind.

“Look, is there a way to make it up to you? How about we go out clubbing again, like we planned? No fights this time, I promise!”

Mitsuki laughed, “That sounds tempting.”

Ohno said in a low voice, “I truly am sorry, Mitsuki. I never would do anything deliberately to hurt you.”

“I know,” Mitsuki replied. “Apology accepted.”

Ohno sighed of relief. “So, we on for next weekend?”

Mitsuki smiled, “Okay, next weekend.”

They hung up. She was willing to give Ohno a second chance – but was that fair to Jun that simply because Ohno came back that she was picking Ohno over Jun? She thought this over. Did she still care about Jun? Had she really forgiven both? She sighed and went to bed with these conflicting feelings, hoping some sleep by clear things up.

The Castle's Curse ~ Chapter 3

Apr 22, 2009
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The Castle's Curse ~ Chapter 3
[BANNER COMING SOON!]

Title: The Castle's Curse
Genre: AU
Pairing: members with original characters, although AU Jun/ AU Inoue Mao, and some hints of Sakurai/Aiba and Ohno/Nino
Rating: PG
Warnings: none, really.
Summary: In 19th Century England lies Mastumoto Estate, which is surrounded by an air of mystery, and those who live there are each under a mysterious curse. Sho Sakurai, a businessman from London, goes to Matsumoto's castle, which he does every year to help with the financing. There, he meets Jun's sleepy butler, Ohno, and his eccentric stableboy, Aiba. What he doesn't know is that his ward, Inoue Mao, with her maid Martha, has decided to follow him there. What neither of them know is that no woman is allowed on the estate, and Jun is furious. Why? And what happens when Dectective Ninomiya shows up on the doorstep as well? Each member's storyline parallels a fairy tale with a cursed character.

(Chapters 1&2)

Chapter 3

Exactly four minutes after Sakurai Sho had returned to the desk in the library, there came the sound of pounding footsteps and voices – one female, and one male – echoed in the hallway.

“No, no – do not – do not-!”

“I insist on seeing him right this moment!”

“Ma’am, please!”

The library door burst open in a flurry, and through it entered his huffed-looking cousin, her attendant maid, and perturbed looking servant.

“Miss, you cannot enter through here! If the master finds out about this-“

Ignoring this speech, Inoue Mao, Sakurai’s 22-year-old cousin – and ward – put her hands on her hips and glared at Sakurai.

Sho, too stunned in seeing his ward there, sat frozen, with his pen poised in the air. “Yes?” He asked politely. “How may I help you?”

“You!” She fumed, and slammed her hands in the desk, leaning forward in a decidedly unladylike manner. “How dare you leave me behind this time, Sho-kun? I explicitly told you we weren’t done fighting on the subject matter, and next thing I know, you’ve left town for… this place!” she waved her hand in the air, half-disgusted.

“Ma’am,” the butler sounded pained. “Really, if you must argue, I suggest you do it-”

“SHUSH!” Mao held up her hand up to the face of the butler without looking at him, her eyes pinning down Sho. “Sho Sakurai,” she hissed. “Mother was right when she said you would be the worst guardian ever. But did papa listen? No, he specifically said that ‘Sakurai is the most responsible, most mature member of this family’. Bah!”

At this point, Sho felt compelled to stand up. “Mao-chan, really-”

Ohno fretted, “Miss Inoue! Mr. Sakurai! Really, if you two do not move this argument outside soon, I’m afraid-“

But what Ohno was afraid of, no one really did find out, because there was as sudden overcast of light outside, and at the door stood a shadow, which made everyone still.

“Mr. Sakurai,” Matsumoto emerged from the shadows of the doorway. “Care to explain what this is about?”

Sho looked slightly annoyed at Mao before explaining. “It seems, sir, that my cousin has decided to follow me here – to your castle grounds – quite without my permission, I must add.”

Master Jun took a few slow steps approaching Mao. He looked down her with a domineering command, his eyes blazing in barely-restrained fury – which was at odds with his calm tone. “And just what, miss, where thinking to do?”

Mao had the presence of mind to try not to look flustered. “I was looking for my cousin, sir.”

“I see,” his eyes furrowed before he said lightly, his voice chipped with ice. “And just what made you think you would be welcome to a home that you were not invited to?”

Mao took a sharp, intake of air. “Why, one would hope,” she try to say demurely. “That a gentleman would not turn a lady out on to the street – especially when there nearest lodgings are not within a day’s travel. Besides, as you see, sir,” she looked out into the window as the billowing clouds rolled over, clouding the sun. “Even if I did go, it would not be easy travel.”

“Fact of the matter is,” he replied with a cold seer. “I can, and I will. No woman is to be tolerated in this house,” his voice rose as he leaned in towards her. “And has not been since I became master of this castle.” He snarled. “That’s not about to change any time soon!”

“Master!” Ohno exclaimed, shocked.

“Sir!” Sakurai strode to Jun. “I’m sorry, but that I cannot allow. She is my cousin – and not in the least my ward, she must have somewhere to stay for the night.”

“She can sleep in Satoshi’s house with his family!” Matsumoto barked savagely.

“Sir!” Ohno exclaimed again, now uncomfortable. He removed his hat. “With all due respect, sir, my humble cottage is not fit for such genteel girls to remain in.”

“I don’t care! She could sleep with the dogs, for all that matters.” Jun gave a Mao sardonic smile. “I am just trying to be polite.”

The air rang with the slap of Mao’s hand striking Jun’s cheek. Nobody moved, much less breathed.

Only Mao panted in barely-restrained rage. “You, sir, are a monster! Not fit for noble company – no sir, staying in your castle would be the equivalent of sleeping with the dogs. Or one dog, I should say.”

Jun looked absolutely livid. “You have a lot of spitfire for a mere slip of a girl. Perhaps you would not be so bold if your dear cousin was not in the room.” He inclined his head at Sho, and then couldn’t help but adding with another, different sort of fire in his eye. “Trust me, sleeping with me would be nothing like sleeping with any dog. Pity you will never be so lucky as to know.”

Mao and her maid, Martha, let out a scandalized gasp as Jun turned in a whirl to leave. “As I said before, I highly recommend you staying at Ohno’s cottage for the night,” he waved behind his back as we walked away. “But I admire your audacity. You are free to stay here for the night if you so wish to. I caution you, however. Sleeping with the ‘dogs’ will be unlike anything you’ve dare imagined,” his laughter fading away along with his footsteps. No one could mistake the marked point in his speech.

As soon as his master was gone, Ohno released the breath he had been holding. “I am so sorry, my lady, and good sir. I assure you, he is not usually like this. He just does not like unexpected guests very much and-”

Sakurai was about to point out that this was inexcusable, but Mao cut him off.

“It’s quite alright,” Mao assured Ohno kindly. “I’m sure the sudden surprise of our arrival caused your master to become a bit temperamental.”

Personally, Sho very much doubted that Master Jun was not always as temperamental as today, and Ohno knew for a fact that Jun was almost always this temperamental. However, both stayed silent on the subject out of politeness in front of the ladies.

“If it’s alright with you,” Ohno finally extended out his hand shyly. “I’m sure my wife and I would have no trouble offering you both a cozy room to stay for the night.” He paused and hesitated. “I’m sure it’s not quite as lavish and comfortable as what you are used to, Miss. But it’s warm, and dry, and my wife keeps a good table.” He looked up at Sakurai for permission.

Sho was a bit uneasy about the situation. Although he had not let it on earlier, it was actually rather upset at his cousin for coming here. But now was not the time or the place to argue about this. There would be tomorrow morning – provided Mao and Martha had a place to sleep tonight. He was also rather worried about Master Jun. He did not know the man well enough, but from what he knew, his gut told him to stay away from.

“Mao-chan?” he told hold of Inoue’s shoulders and looked at her in the face. “Will you be alright with sleeping at this man’s cottage for the night?”

Mao looked uncomfortably under his brotherly, concerned gaze, and looked back in the direction Master Jun had left. She bit her lip and looked over at Martha, who gave a neutral curtsey.

Mao fixed her gaze on the floor, filling her mind with resolve before looking up at Sho and giving a quick nod.

“Martha will be there with you, won’t you Martha?” he asked her tenderly. She blushed and nodded. Sho looked back at Mao, “So you will be properly chaperoned. I myself would offer to come too… but I’m afraid of tipping Master Matsumoto’s mood any further than you already have.” He gave a quirky, indulgent grin.

Mao smiled shyly. “I’m so sorry, Sho-chan.”

“Oh, no you aren’t,” he tweaked her nose. “Or, not yet. But you will be.”

Sho let her go, and Mao bobbed in a curtsey before taking Martha by the hand, and heading out the library.

“With your permission, sir,” Ohno approached Sakurai. “I can take your ward’s luggage and clothes from the carriage and move them to my cottage.”

Sho frowned. The man was certainly very amiable and obliging. Nothing at all like his master. Would the good Lord had it that the two men’s stations in life were switched, certainly this man would make a much better Marquis than the present master. However, fate did not always fix such things as they should be. Still, Sakurai was not about to belittle this man simply because he was not born to birth and rank. He extended out a hand. “Thank you so much for your obliging kindness, sir. What is your name, may one ask?”

Ohno, knowing that gentlemen didn’t usually address servants with such undue respect, was surprised by the goodwill gesture. “Ohno, sir. Satoshi Ohno. But you do not have to be so polite. I am merely doing my duty,” he added formally.

Sho smiled. “Well, it wouldn’t have been your duty had not your master done his – and put up my spontaneous cousin and her maid for the night. As it is, I’m much obliged, sir.” He put a hand on Ohno’s shoulder and said seriously. “I am in your debt.”

* * *

AU Arashi Fanfiction: The Castle's Curse

Apr 20, 2009
1 comment

Chapters 1 - 2, and part of 3

Okay, I've decided to go full-force with this one -- including posting it for the public. Comments and criticisms are welcome. Just remember: no flamers, please! That's all.

Arashi AU Fanfiction

Title: The Castle's Curse
Genre: AU (Alternative Universe)
Pairing: members with original characters, although AU Jun/ AU Inoue Mao, and some hints of Sakurai/Aiba and Ohno/Nino
Rating: PG
Summary: In 19th Century England lies Mastumoto Estate, which is surrounded by an air of mystery, and those who live there are each under a mysterious curse. Sho Sakurai, a businessman from London, goes to Matsumoto's castle, which he does every year to help with the financing. There, he meets Jun's sleepy butler, Ohno, and his eccentric stableboy, Aiba. What he doesn't know is that his ward, Inoue Mao, with her maid Martha, has decided to follow him there. What neither of them know is that no woman is allowed on the estate, and Jun is furious. Why? And what happens when Dectective Ninomiya shows up on the doorstep as well? Each member's storyline parallels a fairy tale with a cursed character.

The Castle’s Curse

Chapter 1

Deep, in the majestic mountains of Europe, dappled with lush greenery, hidden in foreboding shadows high above the common man’s own world, lay a mist of secrets equally dark and seductive.

The early morning gray fog covered what was normally a clear path through the woods – but the end of which, almost no traveler had beaten to for well over a hundred years…

“Ah… goshujin-sama,” a solemn, clear-faced young man with low-lidded eyes entered the cavernous room, dressed in a butler’s regalia. He carried in a tray of tea and seemed to act as if still asleep, even if he was not.

At the crackling hearth was a plush, wine-red velvet chair, whose occupant sat lost in the maze of his own thoughts. The thick, slashed eyebrows of the master were furrowed together. There was a long silence, and the butler began to doubt whether the master had heard him – or if he had even spoken for him to hear.

The man moved to look at the butler. “That is fine, Ohno. Leave it here and go,” he said, and then continued into his dark, pensive mood.

Ohno, relieved at the master’s words, went to leave, but hesitated before asking, “Isn’t it already late, sire? Shall you not retire to bed?”

His master glowered to himself for a brief glimmer and then said, “Sleep has long since lost its appeal to me. You may go. Now.”

Ohno quickly hurried out of the room, the door mysteriously slamming behind him. He leaned against it for a minute and exhaled. “Jun-sama sure is scary,” he mumbled to himself, and departed.

Ohno’s duties were of course always over when the dawn broke. It was a tiring job, but it paid well, and Ohno had a family to keep. He changed out of his black and white regalia, trading it for a more comfortable, albeit less fashionable faded brown slacks, patch-worked waist coat, and a brown newsboy cap. He got in his dogcart, and with a flick of the reigns Nelly neighed and carried him over the hills and home.

It was going to be a glorious day, the pearl-gray morning seemed to promise. Ohno, although always slightly depressed by his morbid master’s moods, seemed slightly cheerier as he traveled down the path to his own little cottage. He even whistled a few bars of his favorite song as he made it home.

The hearth was on, and a cozy little fire crackled to life. His wife, he gave an endearing, indulgent smile at the sleeping figure there. He heard a little moan, and found his tiny daughter mumbling in her sleep, in bed. He bent over to kiss his child and then his wife, before removing his shoes and stockings, and going to bed.

* * *

Aiba always loved mornings. He could feel the sun streaming its light and warmth all the way down the pores of his skin, through his clothes as he strode to the castle. He loved the contrast of the cool air and the hot sunlight and the smell of the damp earth. In heavy overalls, he had already rolled up his shirtsleeves, revealing strong, tanned forearms that were ready for the hard work ahead that day. He heaved open the large, heavy stable door where the horses stirred awake.

He clicked his tongue, and reached to get a bucket of meal and millet. The horses neighed eagerly for breakfast. Aiba chuckled at their eagerness. Once everyone had his or her respective food in front of him or her, Aiba climbed atop one of the wooden dividers, and sat in peacefully satisfaction watching the animals eat in the quiet early morn. This, he thought, is happiness.

***

Very few knew that a castle lay there, far beyond the woods which man’s eyes could barely penetrate through. One of those few, privileged men was Sho Sakurai. Dressed in a stylishly cut suit, white-gloved, which a Derby hat, he was making his annual trip to the Mastumoto Castle. He was Jun-sama’s solicitor. Occasionally, when needed, he was there to give consulting advice to Matsumoto in legal and financial matters, as well as take care of the financing and taxes of the Matsumoto estate.

Sho thought that the current owner was a very curious man. He was surrounded by an air of mystery and misery – although he seemed to be the same age, nay, younger than Mr. Sakurai himself. How the property fell into Master Matsumoto’s hands was also a very curious circumstance, although according to Jun-sama, he inherited the estate when his uncle had passed away. The legal records certainly didn’t disprove Mastumoto’s story, still… Sho had never heard of an uncle – or really anyone else who had lived there before Jun suddenly appeared and claimed the castle his own, five years ago.

Still, Sho was a wise enough man to know when to ask questions and when to leave things alone. This seemed to be a case of letting sleeping dogs lie. Certainly, he had no reason to complain, as a solicitor. Mastumoto always agreed to pay his fees – no matter how much Sakurai insisted on charging – and paid the sum, in full, before Sho’s visit was over.

Ah… but if there was any issue with working with Jun Mastumoto, it was that Sho had to stay at his hauntingly empty castle each time. As usual, Sakurai could never get home fast enough. But alas, he thought, pained, this time he had to stay at least an extra two days because there was a matter that needed to be discussed. Apparently the local villagers were feeling uncomfortable about the recent happenings in the pine forest, claiming visitations of the devine or paranormal.

Sho certainly didn’t believe those stories, but nor did he like them either. In fact, it made staying at Matsumoto Castle all the more daunting and difficult. “Arienaitsuno,” he mumbled to himself as his carriage pulled up to the grand front doors, and Master Matsumoto walked out to greet him.

Chapter the next

Ohno = Oliver Smith Aiba = Adam Miller Nino = Kevin (Nathaniel) Norton Sho = Safford Shaw Jun = John Masterson

Chapter 2

Detective Kazunari Ninomiya’s forehead was wrinkled in contemplation. His thick black mess of hair was standing on end, which he did not pay any mind too, as he thought and thought carefully.

“You are trying to trick me,” he said slowly, raising his eyes. “You think I’m going to fall for your ruse, but you cannot fool me.” He slammed down his hand of cards.

“Four aces! Read it and weep in your little corner, my friend.”

The dealer was alarmed and shocked. “That’s – that’s impossible!” The man sputtered as Ninomiya collected his earnings from the table.

“Ah: improbable, maybe – but impossible? Never.” Nino put on his black blower hat, and turned to leave.

“A cheat!” the man blustered. “He’s a ruddy, bloomin’ cheat!”

The gambling hall quieted to a hush at the man’s accusations. Ninomiya slowly turned around to face him, the hat low on his brow, making his icy glare all the more terrifying. “I, sir, am not a cheat. Nor do I take well to those who accuse me of being so.”

Ninomiya took two steps forward and grabbed the man by the collar. “I would not have my friends think I am a cheat, simply because you do not like to lose.”

The dealer shivered under Ninomiya’s gaze as he quietly threatened, “Do not blotch my honor, sir. For it will be the last thing you’d ever do.” before letting go of his chokehold on the man.

Ninomiya exited the gambling hall in the early morning of London; the pavements were glazed to a slick, obsidian sheen on which the quiet clamour of hoofs on the streets clattered along, hidden by the thick fog.

Ninomiya fixed his hat on his head and straightened out his gloves before hailing a cab. His mind was up in a buzz for some strange reason, and although he did not like it, Ninomiya knew he needed to get back to his case.

Kazunari Ninomiya was an unusual detective of sorts. Most detectives worked with the local police, Scotland Yard, or were hired by some local lords or ladies to spy on an unfaithful spouse. In either respect, the detectives were assigned cases. Nino, unfortunately, had the knack of stumbling onto cases, and solving them out of his own discretion, rather than being hired by anyone.

Sometimes, the grateful party would give him a lump-sum reward after the job was done. Other times, Nino was out on his luck. Either way, it was a hard job, and living on ends-meet was Kazunari’s way of life.

If only he didn’t gamble so much, he sighed. But the winnings were lush, and he had always had a winning streak in every game he learned to play. His hands had a mind of their own. Sometimes Kazunari would carry around a deck of cards, with which he’d fumble and deal automatically when his head was too full of other things.

“Ace of spades says I go to Westchester,” he mumbled, and cut the deck three – no, four – times. He picked out the card and slowly turned it over. “Damn,” he whispered. He knocked on the roof of cab.

“Driver!” he announced. “Here is fine.”

He got out and paid the man, noting the restless horse, which snorted irritably. “You and me both,” Kazu sighed. This would require more than a cab to get him that far…

“Westchester, was it?” he grumbled, and disappeared into the streets.

* * *

“I’m glad you made it down here so early,” Marquis Jun Matsumoto said to his guest with a nod. Sho Sakurai sat in one of the fine, velvet chairs in the library, watching him uneasily as the marquis effortlessly strode across the room to the redwood cabinet. “Some wine, Mr. Sakurai?” he offered.

“No, I thank you,” Sakurai replied somewhat quickly.

Marquis Matsumoto poured himself a glass and handed the papers over to Sho to examine at the desk.

“Your finances seem to be in good order,” he looked through the papers, adjusting his spectacles before looking up at Matsumoto. “I assume you are paying your employees fair wages and are providing them comfortable lodgings if necessary?”

“Of course,” Matsumoto tipped his head graciously.

“Good,” he said, straightening out the sheets of paperwork and opening the books. “Very good. Now all there is left is the matter of calculating the taxes for this season. And also-” he hesitated.

“Yes?” the marquis looked politely curious.

The words remained in Sakurai’s throat. “As for lunch…” he inquired instead.

“I have instructed my servant to bring you a tray meal whenever you wish to ring for it,” Marquis Matsumoto bowed.

“Ah, very good,” Sho smiled and laughed unevenly, relieved as the marquis then turned and left Sakurai to his work, alone.

***

It had been several hours that Sho had sat quietly in the library, going through the meticulous writing and book keeping of Marquis Matsumoto. He was a very exacting man, Sho had found out, early on. He liked to keep things neat and tidy, almost to the point of annoyance.

Sho rose up from his chair, and stretched his stiff back. It was not yet lunch time, and he wasn’t hungry, but he could certainly use a break from the books.

He stared out the window for an instant before resolving what to do.

Being out of doors was never quite as refreshing as after a long day in doors, Sho noted as he flicked his cane along a thicket of shrubbery.

Although the house and the master were in equal parts gloomy, the grounds were startling fresh and green. He wondered if a patch of daises next to a prison felt thus.

So lost in thought was Sho that he didn’t hear the sound of beating hoofs and a scratchy voice call out.

At once, he found himself sprawled on the ground, almost nose to nose with one of the prettiest faces he’d ever seen.

He was so startled by the encounter it took him two whole seconds to realize that the face wasn’t that of a girl’s but of a man’s.

“Ah! I’m sorry!” the clumsy young man got up and dusted himself off. “Are you alright?” He extended his hand out to Sho, who took it and pulled himself up. The man’s grip was strong. He was definitely not one of those gentle, effeminate men that he had heard so much of. The fall must have scrambled his vision, Sho thought pensively. “This wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t forgotten to close the stable door! Shimuken is such a stubborn horse, and rather likes his freedom. Now if you do excuse me, sir,” he bowed. “I must continue chasing after it!”

Sho looked in amazement as the stable man ran after the horse. Surely a man could not outrun a horse?

Feeling compelled to do so, against his better judgment Sho called out, “Good sir!”

The man stopped running and turned around.

“Wouldn’t it be more expedient if you chased after that horse using another horse? Surely riding would be faster than running.”

The man seemed thunderstruck for a moment, realizing, “By George, you’re right!”

Sho couldn’t help laughing as the man ran back in the other direction, presumably to saddle up another horse to ride.

Marquis Matsumoto sure kept interesting employees that was for certain. Sho chucked all the way back to the castle. The whole experience, he had to admit, was rather refreshing.