I might have only written kyoko, Lory and Lory's aid so far but I currently love writing Lory's parts (he's so fun).
Thanks again anyone who fav'd, revied or followed :) It's really appriciated!
side note - Kyoko is 10, Koun 14 and I believe Maria would be 1 years old about now.
Chapter four - Eccentric Kings
She gazed dazedly into space, barely aware of her tattered reflection in the mirrored doors of the elevator, with her strangely clad knight standing silently beside her. After having accepted to attend an interview with his president, on the condition of a free meal, she was guided patiently out of the Darumaya towards a beautifully all white limousine that appeared to stretch for an eternity.
From the moment she spotted the limousine, all rational thought escaped Kyoko's body, her brain spiralled into a land of wonder and dreams. Even after arriving at the company building she was incapable of pulling herself free from her daydreams, so immersed in visions of Princes and Princesses that she was completely unaware of her current surroundings.
She drifted though the hallways, guided with little effort, unaware of the people pausing at her dishevelled appearance, she was oblivious, because to her she felt like Cinderella herself, even if this day was to end, she felt as if she was walking through an enchanted kingdom, it felt so magical, that not a negative thought could penetrate her mind. But a chorus of trumpets could and did as they announced her arrival to the upper most floor, the sound reverberating around the small enclosed space before the doors parted open, to a very elegant hallway.
Now struck from her fantasies she watched as her knightly companion moved wordlessly forwards towards a pair of elaborate doors, following his lead she trailed behind, feeling daunted by the elegance of the furnishings on this floor, she unconsciously shrank inward, taking as little space as possible. As the doors opened for her, she approached cautiously, passing through the boundaries into a lavish room, she looked back in question as to whether she would be accompanied, as the knight shut the large ornate doors softly behind her, she realised she was now alone.
Starting to feel anxious Kyoko surveyed her environment, eyeing nothing to be wary of, she finally allowed her surroundings to sink in, Lavish Tapestries decorated the walls in rich reds and golds, jewels scattered throughout, reflected light in every direction. Pushing further into the room, she closed upon a sofa in an equally rich golden colour of that which decorated the room, and on closer inspection could only assume to be ruby's embedded into the fabric.
"Welcome, Welcome!" boomed a loud voice, she turned to the sound, as a tall male strode in her direction, outfitted in an attire that could only befitting a king, carrying an air that commanded power, intimidated by his presence she took a slight step back, as he halted before her.
If he had noticed her retraction, he didn't show it; instead he showed her a warming smile in return, throwing his long red cape that draped around his tall frame behind his shoulder, he lowered himself to one knee, outstretching his hand in request of hers. She studied him, noticing his quirk of a smile that raised his moustache ever so slightly, and a glint in his eye that shouted mischievous troublemaker, put her hesitation to rest. Placing her own hand in his, he gave it a chaste brush of a kiss "You must be the lovely princess I have been awaiting, for we have an appointment to discuss many things, so please won't you take a seat?" Then just as quickly as he appeared, he retreated, seating himself within a chair furnished much like the silken sofa Kyoko had approached earlier.
Kyoko wondered if she should have curtsied, or been in any way more formal, then she realised that she was at a company, before a company president, not a Kingdom, nor a king, feeling slightly foolish at her previous line of thoughts she couldn't help a giggle slip out. Suddenly realising she had just been considerably rude rushed to bow in apology.
The older man studied the younger girl's behaviour, if anything seeing her able to laugh was a positive sign, for he was all about love and expressing ones emotions. Seeing this young girl's situation he felt pity, she had lived through much he could not imagine and he wanted to change that, having found her capable and talented he knew he needed to give her an opportunity at a new life, better than anything the streets could give her at least. Lory was an emotional guy who enjoyed helping those in need. He hoped that the few he could help would benefit from his interferences, as he truly hated seeing people suffer.
Motioning towards the lavish sofa, situated behind Kyoko he spoke "Please take a seat, we have much to discuss." At his insistence Kyoko hesitantly perched on the edge, trying hard not to tear or dirty the silk fabric. "Oh come now, the chair will not bite you" he smiled, letting her know it was acceptable for her to take a seat. Gradually she pushed herself into a comfortable position, yet still refusing to lean against the sofa's back.
Lory faltered for a split moment, quickly recomposing himself, he realised that it would take time for her to become comfortable and there was much more pressing matters to attend. Clearing his throat to gain her attention, which was now heavily taken by the chairs well-being. He decided to proceed into Introductions, which may also ease her out of her shell slightly, he at least hoped "I am Lory Takarada, I founded and own this company, I would also like to say it is very nice to meet you, miss?"
Kyoko observed Lory, taken in by his simple introduction and reassuring smile; she was hesitant whether or not to trust him, having been misled many times in the past by those with money in need of unimportant children who wouldn't be missed. As she stared at him, she thought back, none of those rich business men before treated her like she had been treated today, like an equal. This man gave no indication of ill intent, which she would have usually felt by now, she wanted to trust in him, and she wanted to trust in someone. Hesitantly she decided to jump, to give him a chance; she knew she would have to be careful until she knew she could completely trust him. One step forward she thought to herself as she voiced her name "Kyoko, my name is Kyoko", a simple action that meant so much more.
The warring emotions that flickered over the girls face did not go unnoticed by Lory as he awaited her reply, she was not as open as most young girls but that was to be expected given her circumstances, he hoped that over time, within his company she would meet and make new friends, opening her up and if she didn't, he would tackle that road block when it came, what was important was that this girl no longer starved on the streets and was free to nurture her talents. He needed this girl on board or it was a moot point "Kyoko-chan, it is a pleasure to meet you, I have a wonderful offer to propose to you."
Kyoko watched Lory expectantly as he continued on to his proposal. "Simply, I would you like to become a talent for our company?" Lory spoke evenly.
"W-what type of talent?" stuttered Kyoko, now wondering what type of work he was offering.
Lory face grew into a brilliant smile "Television my dear girl" Lory roared, his excitement building "We produced entertainment! Love, Drama and happiness! To distribute our feelings through acting and singing" as Lory continued to speak, his enthusiasm rose "or reflect your emotions as a beautiful model. Of course no one can forget our talk show hosts, who are always the life of the show." he finished, taking a few breaths only to realise that he had taken a new position, rising up out of his chair, having placed one foot on the table before him as a pedestal, as if he was ready to start a new venture. Awkwardly coughing he replaced himself back onto his chair, straightened out his cape.
Lory's outburst overwhelmed her, his passion over his own company flowing into her, carrying her away with his own enthusiasm. If he had such love for his own company, his employees must too enjoy their lives here. That was something Kyoko wanted to be a part of, to be happy and to be around others who were happy also. Smiling to herself she responded "okay, I will give it a try."
Lory was ecstatic she agreed so easily, "Brilliant" he sang, lighting up at her response, but his demeanour gradually turned downcast, as he recollected the need to ask one question in particular, one that would not be as excitable, but he knew it must be done, steadying his gaze to meet Kyoko's, he asked "I have some tough questions, if you wouldn't mind answering them?"
Now nervous, Kyoko could only nod her accent. Shuffling anxiously, she waited for whatever the question might be that lead to such a dramatic shift in personality in this man before her.
He took several steadying breaths before speaking "Kyoko-chan, to work for our company, you need a guardian's agreement, and I understand that may not be possible for you, but I do need to have an understanding of your situation."
The mention of guardianship rocked Kyoko, she foolishly had not been expecting it. She schooled her facial features into that of a natural mask as soon as the emotions assaulted her, she was not quick enough as Lory noticed the flash of pain that crossed over her face before she was able to disguise it.
She inhaled calming breaths, as an onslaught of emotion battled within her, undetectable now from the outside. The memories of her past, the discovery of her mother's true feelings invaded every inch of her senses, as it suffocated her. Stop! She shouted to herself, another deep breath as she placed a hand to her wrist, feeling past the leather strands that wrapped her corn stone into a bracelet.
The magic worked its powers, feeling her corn stone giving her courage, she gave her response "I have no home, no father either." She paused, trying to moderate her voice "My… she does not care" her voice broke as she gave the last statement, knowing it to be true and voicing it was vastly different. She collected herself as she skilfully disposes a tear before it could fall.
Lory watched in awe at her actions, a child so obviously in distress and upset managed to hide it so well, this girl was not only a singer in the making but an actress as well. Although he wished she did not have to resort to acting for a purpose such as this. He also noted the intricately made bracelet Kyoko wore, made from leather, it wrapped several times around her wrist to hold a water sapphire held by a wire cage. He speculated what personal value it held, seeing her reach for it almost instinctively a moment ago.
Before Lory's imagination could run wild with possibilities and theory's he focused himself back on the task at hand "I'm sorry about the topic but it needed to be asked for legal reasons". Sliding a slip of paper and pen across the solid gold table that sat between the two, he decided to explain the terms of the agreement to ease the stress. "If you have no current Guardians and you still wish to take me up on my job proposition, I will need this contract to be signed."
Gaining only a nod from the girl he continued "Section one states that you will legally work for LME. As an LME employee you have all rights as any adult employee, pay, holiday etc, including the rights to an education should you seek one."
He continued to the second section, seeing as Kyoko was paying avid attention "You will be assigned a guardian who will care for you. This guardian will be seen as your rightful guardian from the day you sign the contract. They have been background checked and should you sign, you will see them as your rightful guardian at least to the public's eye."
Watching to see that Kyoko understood he continued "You have the rights to back out of the contract at any time with one month's notice, negotiability in the contract at later times is also applicable depending on situational circumstances."
Seeing that Lory had finished, Kyoko drew the contract closer, scanning its contents, it was as he had stated, it included no complex jargon, offering a job under the supervision of a guardian. One month's notices to dissolve the contract, it even stated it was up for amendment upon discussion and agreement.
She couldn't see any negatives to this agreement, her guardian could be someone mean or neglectful, but they had been background checked so they couldn't be that bad. This would mean a home, a job and an actual life. The idea of being able to buy new cloths, makeup and to possibly even go back to school, she pushed down those thoughts, dreaming big could be troublesome. She wondered if her guardian would like her, what would happen if they started to hate her like her mo- no, she would not think like that. That was what got her in this situation in the first place. She picked up the pen beside the paper and signed. Looking up she nodded with a determined look in her eyes, "I'll give it a try".