Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman was at a loss. After years of trying to avoid it and taking creative roles to expand her reputation, her career was at the stall out point. People would always know her, but now her career was clearly waning. She had to do something.

So when a Japanese production company approached her for a meeting about several potential casting options, in Honolulu of all places, she gladly packed her bags.

She arrived at the hotel the next day, glad to talk about the opportunities. The producers sent a group of three young women who didn’t seem any older than 20. Natalie sat down with them and got comfortable.

“We are glad you accepted our invitation, Mrs. Portman.” The woman in center said. She had a kind face, a more than generous figure, and was wearing a dress that crossed between a kimono and a traditional blouse. It was decorated across the chest with cranes flying in what might have been a family or national crest. “We’re a new agency looking to share the focus of Japanese cinema with the Americas. Based off many of your films, we believe you could be very important in quickly expanding our audience.”

“I’m delighted. But I might have to talk to my agency before making such a rapid career change.” Natalie said.

“Your agency would be well compensated, as would you, if you wish to join us.” The woman on the right, who looked the youngest and had bleach white hair that should have looked much less natural than it did. “Thanks to the peace in Korea, both of our countries economy’s are at the highest they’ve been since the world war.”

Natalie was surprised how fast they responded. She wanted favorable terms but this seemed too easy. When she asked they seemed willing to pay well over what her last several rates were. Eventually the talks reached an ending, and although it was more than she was hoping for, part of her still thought it was too good. That part of her urgently said she needed to turn this down and walk away.

“This was awfully generous of you. But I need to consider this with my family and my agency.” Natalie said, trying to find a way out that was still polite.

“We understand, but first, would you like a drink?” The central woman asked. “It’s an important part of a business relationship to share a drink.”

Part of Natalie still wanted to turn it down, but she knew she had to accept. Natalie waited politely with them as the woman on the left grabbed a decent sized bottle of sake and four small cups. She poured each of a glass, and handed them over. As the women raised their glasses, so did Natalie. And when they drank, so did she.

It hit her immediately.

There was nothing peculiar or dangerous tasting in the sake. It had a perfectly fine taste and went down easily. But as soon as it her stomach she could tell something was very, extremely off.

It started in her hair, turning her dark hair into a vibrant pink that shouldn’t have been natural. Then her face shifted, painlessly, into a beautiful new Japanese face. Her skin began changing to match the women around her. She felt her stature shrink and clothes loosen. All except for her bra, which stayed tight as her breasts received a small upgrade by a few sizes. Her skin continued to change until it reached her fingertips and her toes.

As she struggled to catch up with what had just happened, new memories flooded her mind. She, unlike most people turned Japanese by the serums, had memories of important people in her life. She remembered her husband, of whom the thought made her sick. And she remembered her children. She remembered all of the movies and plays she’d ever been in. She remembered her costars, producers, directors, everyone. But beneath it all was the simple desire every woman of Japan now felt.

To expand. To make the world more beautiful by taking all of the men, and turning them into beautiful women. By turning all of the squabbling ethnicities of the world and either the new Japan, or let them fall to Korea. The two had decided the world was theirs to take, rather than destroy each other in their petty old squabble. She immediately understood her role. She immediately understood her new self.

She was Chiharu Kairi. She was an actress who just turned physically eighteen. Looking at her family now she only wanted was to bring them into this blissful fold. A beautiful girlfriend made from her wife. Two young sisters from her children. She was part of a beautiful, global dream now. She’d never let it go.

Chiharu sat back down with her new associates as they glowingly praised her beauty and youth. They began to talk again as the hours passed by, sharing a meal and drinking plenty of sake.