Invisible Touch (Nyarly & ReijiTabibito)
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: ReijiTabibito on 12-11-2010, 16:11:46</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Invisible Touch (Nyarly &amp; ReijiTabibito)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ReijiTabibito</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 16:11:46</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Len Kagamine sat at the table, waiting for the other parties to arrive.&nbsp; He’d been hired by Vocaloid Records to do some work with one of their stars.<br><br>It had been a few years ago that the record label had unveiled their newest star.&nbsp; She’d had an astounding debut, and now there wasn’t a single soul alive on the planet who hadn’t heard of Luka Megurine.&nbsp; Over the past two years, she’d done an amazing volume of work – five albums, three of which had gone Platinum, and the only reason it wasn’t four was because her most recent one had only been released two weeks ago; she’d done six tours – three of which were worldwide; as well as a global legion of fans dedicated to her.<br><br>However, the execs at Vocaloid were starting to get worried.&nbsp; While the debut album had not gotten the rave reviews of later successive ones, that could at least be explained away by the fact it was the first album.&nbsp; Her most recent two, however…the reviews were starting to get dull, or worse, the critics were saying that her sound was getting dull.&nbsp; And the record label couldn’t have that – so, they had contacted him about trying to revitalize her career.<br><br>Len had been a performer once, like Luka and her most notable contemporaries – Miku Hatsune and his own twin sister, Rin Kagamine.&nbsp; He and Rin had been part of a duet act – but a couple of years ago, he had come to realize two important things.&nbsp; One: Rin was much more naturally talented than he was.&nbsp; He’d always felt like she’d been holding herself back so as not to show him up onstage and in the studio, an observation that proved to be at least somewhat true, in retrospect.&nbsp; Two: Rin loved the pop singer lifestyle, whereas he always felt restricted by it.&nbsp; So, upon realizing those, and talking it over with Rin, their agent, and the recording studio, Len had bowed out, and let his sister continue on solo.<br><br>Since then, Len had made a name for himself in the recording industry as a top-notch consultant, having been a former singer himself, he could easily help stars with their problems.&nbsp; And the singer of today was Luka Megurine…<br><br>…now he just needed them to show up.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Invisible Touch (Nyarly &amp; ReijiTabibito)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nyarly</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 18:39:15</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Luka Megurine was certainly not in her best mood. She was a famous singer who had a lot of success in the entire world, but it seemed like her star is waning. She wasn't really sure why. Was she really getting dull as some critics say? Or were there other reasons? She would hate to admit it, but she had no idea what she should do and slowly she is getting desperate.<br><br>But of course, Luka wasn't the only one who was eager to revitalize her fame and get her out of her crisis. The label wouldn't just watch while her records sell less and less. So they hired a consultant to help her out. His name was Len Kagamine, a name she hadn't heard for quite a while. He was a big name a couple of years ago, before Luka herself became a star, when he sang with his twin sister Rin in a duet, but for some reason, he left the business and Rin continued alone. Or at least Luka thought that he left the business, but now she learned that he was now a consultant for stars with problems. Such as Luka herself. Apparently he was quite a big name even, making the fact, that she didn't know about this, a bit embarrassing.<br><br>She couldn't help but wonder what he looks like now. They twins were just teenagers back then and very cute (which was probably part of their popularity), but considering how gorgeous Rin had become over the years, Len had to be very handsome. The prospect of having a good-looking guy as consultant made it quite appealing. She just hoped that he really could help her...<br><br>When Luka arrived at his room, she hesitated a few seconds. She was quite nervous about the whole matter. But then she knocked a few times at the door, waiting for an answer.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Invisible Touch (Nyarly &amp; ReijiTabibito)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ReijiTabibito</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 18:46:38</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Len heard the knock of Luka at the door, and he looked up to greet the guests in the conference room.&nbsp; "Come in!"&nbsp; He called to whoever was at the door.&nbsp; When Luka would walk in, she would see that her general estimation of the consultant was correct - just as Rin had gone from irresistibly cute to drop-dead gorgeous, Len had only gotten more attractive with age.<br><br>The former singer noticed that, when it happened, that only Luka entered the room.&nbsp; "Megurine-san?"&nbsp; He asked, tilting his head.&nbsp; "Where is your agent?&nbsp; Are they coming to this meeting?"&nbsp; Len always had a strong preference for having a star's agent present whenever a meeting like this was being held.&nbsp; It made for less complications and problems down the line from now.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Invisible Touch (Nyarly &amp; ReijiTabibito)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nyarly</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 23:16:53</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Luka was taken a little aback, when she stepped in and saw Len. Not only she was right, but it was more than she expected. The cute little boy became a smoking hot young man. If she were a few years younger, she would have probably blushed at the sight.<br><br>But she wasn't here for enjoyment. And sure enough, he asked why she was alone.<br><br>"Well, to tell the truth, I asked him if I could come alone. I'm not exactly comfortable with him around." Luka didn't hate her agent, but his strictness tended to make her uncomfortable. She knew that it was for the best and it was embarrassing to admit it, as it was anything but professional, but there was nothing she could do about that. "He allowed it for today, but if you absolutely want him here, I could call him."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Invisible Touch (Nyarly &amp; ReijiTabibito)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ReijiTabibito</strong> on <strong>12-11-2010, 23:36:36</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, of course," Len replied, nodding.&nbsp; It wasn't always easy for a star to go around with at least one person attached to them at the hip.&nbsp; "Please, sit down.&nbsp; I just need to make a few adjustments, since your agent is not here."&nbsp; He reached down into a bag and took out a small tape recorder, setting it on the conference table.&nbsp; He then opened a professional looking binder which had some papers and his notes kept inside it.&nbsp; "Alright, this is the initial meeting between Len Kagamine and Luka Megurine at 10 AM on..."&nbsp; He went on to give the rest of the date.&nbsp; "Now, let's begin."&nbsp; He took a pen, and started ticking off notes.<br><br>"One week ago, three reviews - done by Hirasawa Akihiko-san of <strong>Audio Wave</strong>, Akiyama Rena-san of <strong>It's!</strong>, and Katase Yosuke-san of <strong>Teen Pulse</strong>; with respective ratings of two, two and a half, and two out of five - were released of your latest album - <em>Raise Your Voice</em>.&nbsp; This is a continuation of the downward slide that has been happening since the previous album - the recently Platinum awarded <em>Memory of the Stars</em>.&nbsp; Sales are dropping, and you'd rather not have to cut one of your youngest and most popular stars.&nbsp; Therefore, I was called, in the interest in having me work with you to help bring new life to your career."<br><br>Len was now a quarter of the way down the page.&nbsp; "Now, I will lay out a few ground rules right now, before any mention of duration of contract, or price paid, or anything.&nbsp; Rule one: if there is anything, absolutely anything that I cannot change, you must tell me now.&nbsp; This is because of rule two: once you hire me, *everyone* - down to even the smallest production assistant - must do exactly what I say, when I say it.&nbsp; Rule three: no new albums while I'm working with you.&nbsp; Tours are fine, those usually pay for themselves - but absolutely no albums.&nbsp; Rule four: whenever you're not doing something on the books - an interview, lunch, sleep, the like - you'll be practicing with me. "&nbsp; He nodded.&nbsp; "Abide by these rules, and I can guarantee that you'll will be producing nothing but three-and-a-half plus, Platinum-selling, award-winning work for the next decade."<br><br>The blond continued.&nbsp; "Also, until any contract I have is complete, I am going to need to be around you on a daily basis.&nbsp; This includes going wherever you're going, on tours, the works."&nbsp; A pause.&nbsp; "Megurine-san, since I'm going to be working with you, I feel that it is only fair to warn you.&nbsp; If we work together, I am going to be hard.&nbsp; After all, you're going to be learning a lot - how to write powerful songs, how to wring emotion out of your voice that you never thought possible, how to play to the crowd.&nbsp; But I will not ask you to do anything that you do not want to do, nor are you capable of doing."<br>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Invisible Touch (Nyarly &amp; ReijiTabibito)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nyarly</strong> on <strong>13-11-2010, 14:11:30</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Luka was glad that he was so understanding. That would make it her time with him more comfortable. Or at least she hoped so.<br><br>She listened to him attentively, wincing inwardly when he listed the, average at best, reviews. It was painful for her to hear it, the proof of her waning success. But she forced herself to be more optimistic. She could manage it, if not alone, then with his help.<br><br>It would be hard, working with him, but she was aware of that from the beginning anyway. It wasn't easy at the start of her career, why should it become now? But it seemed&nbsp; like he would take much of her time and she would spend a lot of time with him. Even with the hard work, it seemed like a very pleasant prospect...<br><br>"I understand, Kagamine-san," she replied, smiling. "I put my trust in you and will do whatever you say. I don't shy away from hard work and I'm sure, it will be a pleasure to work with you."
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Invisible Touch (Nyarly &amp; ReijiTabibito)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ReijiTabibito</strong> on <strong>13-11-2010, 14:17:15</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Len nodded encouragingly at her response.&nbsp; "Good.&nbsp; Glad to hear that from you.&nbsp; A number of my previous clients weren't so...enthusiastic about that."&nbsp; Granted, those had been stars seeking a quick fix to their problems, not people who were really interested in getting <em>better</em>.&nbsp; The former singer stood up.&nbsp; "Megurine-san, if you would, follow me over here, please?"&nbsp; He picked up the tape recorder.<br><br>"Okay," he told her once they had moved away from the table a bit.&nbsp; "I just need you to do a few things for me.&nbsp; First, stand.&nbsp; Don't hold yourself any special way, just your natural standing posture."&nbsp; He circled around her, seemingly looking her over from every angle.&nbsp; "Okay, next thing I need you to do is walk - like you're onstage, performing, okay?"&nbsp; He waited for her to do that, so he could get an idea.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Invisible Touch (Nyarly &amp; ReijiTabibito)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nyarly</strong> on <strong>16-11-2010, 19:50:52</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Luka could imagine what Len meant. A lot of pop stars seemed to lack ambition. They usually didn't last long because of that.<br><br>She went with him and did what he told her to, first simply stand still and then walked somewhat elegantly like she always did when she was on stage. She wondered why he would need her to do that, but was certain that he had a good reason.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Invisible Touch (Nyarly &amp; ReijiTabibito)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ReijiTabibito</strong> on <strong>16-11-2010, 20:15:11</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Rubbing his chin with forefinger and thumb, Len looked thoughtful for a moment.&nbsp; "Okay, come on back to the table, I have some more things to discuss with you, and to record."&nbsp; Going back over to the table, he gave his initial assessment - to Luka and her agent via tape recording.&nbsp; "Alright, here's what I've found.&nbsp; Based on posture, and the clothes you typically wears onstage, you don't need an image change.&nbsp; It's good, it's solid as it is."&nbsp; Plus, her image was part of why her fans adored her.&nbsp; "Your dancing needs work, though.&nbsp; You've got good technique, but you could use a little more energy, I think."<br><br>Opening a binder, he took out a pair of documents.&nbsp; "These are the contracts that I have.&nbsp; This one," he indicated, "is a standard six month contract.&nbsp; Whereas this one," showing the other one, "is a duration contract."&nbsp; Len's duration contracts were well-known.&nbsp; Once they were signed, he vowed to work with a client for as long as it took to get them where he wanted them to be.&nbsp; However, that could be six months.&nbsp; Or it could be six years.&nbsp; You never really knew with him.&nbsp; "And, as a one-time special offer, if you and your agent sign off on the duration contract, I'll knock twenty percent off my going rates."&nbsp; Which were high in the business, for good reason.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Invisible Touch (Nyarly &amp; ReijiTabibito)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Nyarly</strong> on <strong>22-11-2010, 21:58:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Luka wasn't really sure what she should think of this. While she was glad that Len thought that her image was good enough, she felt a small surge of anger, when he criticized her dancing skills. After all, she was one of the best dancers in the business, wasn't she? But what if he was right? That may even be one of the reasons why she isn't as popular as before...<br><br>In the end, the singer couldn't just object, after she promised him to do what he tells her. That wouldn't be good basis for their relationship, after all.<br><br>Luka knew already about the contracts. Her agent told her about it and, while he didn't explicitly said it, strongly implied that she should take the duration contract. This wasn't necessary however, since there was no question for her which one she should pick.<br><br>"I take the duration contract," she said immediately after Len finished with his explanation, a determined expression on her face. "Don't worry, my agent wants it too. But I won't rest until I'm on the top again!"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Invisible Touch (Nyarly &amp; ReijiTabibito)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>ReijiTabibito</strong> on <strong>22-11-2010, 23:54:49</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Len was surprised a little at Luka's outburst, a behavior that was at contrast with her cool, mature image.&nbsp; "Alright, duration it is."&nbsp; He slid the contract in question across the conference table to Luka, and included a pen.&nbsp; "In there, you'll find a series of marks made next to sets of double lines.&nbsp; I need you to sign the top line, and for your agent to sign the bottom line.&nbsp; I'll need him to send a photocopy of all those pages to my office when he does."<br><br>He waited while she signed the necessary parts.&nbsp; When it looked like she was almost finished, he said to her.&nbsp; "So, you won't rest, huh?&nbsp; Okay.&nbsp; Here's a test for you.&nbsp; The minute you're done signing those, we're going to go into my studio so I can do an evaluation of your voice."&nbsp; It was quick, yes, but if she wanted it as much as she seemed to, she'd want to start right away.
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