Hey everyone! Hope you're all staying safe and healthy during the coronavirus pandemic. So, I've thinking about getting back into fanfiction and I know I've said that before, but if I'm being honest. . .you get bored when you can't go out.

So, what better way to pass the time than writing stories, right? I've decided to repost some of my old work and get back to writing more. Now, just kick back, relax and enjoy~!

~Yuki

Prologue

"And the winner is. . .Tara Schoenfield from CyberNova!"

A booming roar erupted from the audience as a girl with reddish-orange hair styled in curly pigtails burst into tears as she was declared the winner of the 45th Annual International Fashion Contest. Tara was so happy that she fell to her knees, her ribs hurting from trying to catch her breath. Her model, dressed to the nines in a yellow MadJack ensemble, waved her arms excitedly at the masses of people, nearly being blinded by the rapid-fire camera flashes.

The Grand Phoenix of Fashion herself, Rococco, proudly strutted over to the crying stylist and helped her to her feet. The girl sniffed, tears still falling as she waved. "So tell me, ma chérie," Rococco began as the cheers of the crowd died down, "How does it feel to win such a high ranking contest on your very first try?" Anyone who was anyone knew that Rococco need no microphone of any sort. When she was pumped for something, you could hear her from outer space. The contestant wiped away her remaining tears on her plaid blouse and tried her best to steady her voice.

"It feels so amazing that I can hardly breathe!" she confessed, breaking out into hysterics once more. The audience gave a nervous laugh before applauding again. Rococco smiled brightly, nodding as she adjusted her magenta glasses. "As it should be! That MadJack outfit would rock the breath out of anyone! Miss Taylor here looks ready to hit the road with her band. Your superb sense of style and her fantabulous modeling skills are a rock show in of themselves! Enjoy this victory, Miss Schoenfield! It. Is. All. YOU!"

The crowds thundered for the final time as Tara was awarded her Masquerade prize.

A few hours later. . .

Rococco was lounging on the pink leopard print seats of her limousine. She sighed tiredly, a glass of champagne in hand, as she stared out the window. She was exhausted beyond belief. She had written three articles for Nuances to be sent to Felicity, hosted six fashion contests in a week, was in the process of scouting locations for her next vacation home, and was trying to help launch her son's next clothing line. Normally, she could handle such a life, as her parents were celebrities and had busy schedules as well. But the past few months, it seemed like she rarely got a moment to herself.

So that's why these moments in the back of the limo, sipping her worries away, were to be cherished. The Grand Phoenix of Fashion took the last swig of her drink before reaching for another bottle of champagne. Heaven forbid if she ever became an alcoholic. Just as she finished pouring her fourth glass, the limo's wireless phone rang. The driver pressed the green button on the small screen.

"Hello?" he asked causally.

"Yes, hello. This is Oliver Pierce, director and studio head of Ancient World Productions. Is Rococco available?"

"Yes she is, sir. Switching you over now, please wait one moment," the driver informed him, pressing another button on the screen.

"Ollie, darling, how nice it is to hear from you. How is everything going?" Rococco asked, taking another sip of her drink.

"Just fine, Coco. If you have a minute, I need to ask a favor of you." Rococco let out a soft sigh of annoyance. She really didn't want to take on any more work; she was busy enough as it was. But Oliver was an old friend from her middle school days and he had been one of her few supporters when she first went into fashion. In all honesty, there wasn't much she wouldn't do for him. "What can I help you with?" she asked, using her most relaxed tone of voice.

Oliver hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Well, it's just that my studio is in a bit of a slump right now. Our last couple of movies didn't quite hit a homerun in the box office. . .and, well. . .the critics weren't too nice either."

"I see. That's unfortunate."

"Yeah, I'm just glad that Gerald Vivaldi wasn't one of them. One bad review from him and I would never work in movies again!" he stated, the sound of relief very clear in his voice.

"True. Go on."

"Our studio is being given one last chance to produce an Oscar-worthy film. We were lucky enough to score a film deal with the author of a book series that's recently taken off and I've promised to do right by her," Oliver stated, a determined tone entering his voice. Upon hearing the words "books series," Rococco perked up a bit. She had been an avid reader in her youth and even though she had little time to read nowadays, she always enjoyed a good book.

"Really?! What genre is it?" she asked, now interested.

"Fantasy. A total, medieval, magical fantasy story. That's why I need your help. Our last costume designer got an offer at Universal Studios and quit. We've had to make do with a hastily-made amateur wardrobe. I'm not asking for a permanent designer, just a temporary one until I can find a replacement."

Rococco blinked, a bit confused. "Wait. You just need a costume designer? I thought you said your films were in the toilet."

"Yeah, I know it sounds a bit strange, but the movie-making process is like a well-oiled machine: if just one part isn't working, the whole thing shuts down. That's why I seriously need someone to design for us."

"Darling, you know I'd love to, but I have too much on my plate already," Rococco replied exhaustedly.

"I know, but you have connections all over the place. There's got to be someone you could ask," Oliver paused for a moment, "Even someone who might do it for free?"

The Grand Phoenix of Fashion set her glass down on the mini bar and ran through her mental list. She knew hundreds of designers and fashionistas, any of who would kill for the chance to design the wardrobe for a movie. But she had to choose carefully. While many were naturally gifted, not every designer she knew could produce a well-made, well-thought-out line under a deadline. She made a small noise, indicating she was in deep thought. 'Let's see, there's. . . ! No, she's too busy managing her retail chain. How about. . .? No, she just had a baby. Maybe. . . ?! No, last I heard, she was busy taking care of her hospitalized father.'

This was far more difficult than she anticipated. Out of every stylist she knew, there had to be someone who was available. She couldn't take on the project herself, but she didn't want one of her oldest friends to lose his career. So who could she ask? Who would be the perfect choice for such an important venture? After pondering countless names for several minutes, one name popped up.

"Milanna Parker."

"I'm sorry. . .who?" Oliver asked, a bit confused. Rococco smiled to herself, pushing her glasses back onto her nose.

"Milanna Parker, though she's professionally known as 'Millie.' Ring any bells?"

"Oh yes. I've heard a bit about her. But isn't she a boutique owner over in. . .where was it? Savvy Springs?"

"Right occupation, wrong location, darling. She owns Storytime Boutique in Beaumonde City. She's quite the success story. Not only does she own and operate a boutique, but she's also designed for some top clothing brands, modeled in a fashion show or two, and she has quite the eye for fashion. I know how much you love trailblazers~!" she added the last sentence in a sing-song voice.

Oliver thought for a moment. This "Millie" woman sounded promising. She was a rising star, probably young, and already had designing experience. From the way Rococco described her, Millie sounded perfect for the position. Though, he was a bit hesitant. It wasn't that he did trust Rococco's decision. In fact, it was extremely rare for the fashion icon to make the wrong decision, but he couldn't just jump the gun on this. Even if he was desperate, he wouldn't just grab someone at random for a project this big.

No, if he wanted to make the best possible decision, he needed to see this young woman in action.

"I'm interested, but if she's going to design costumes for my movie, I'll need to see her work her magic."

Rococco smiled, very pleased. "An excellent idea if there ever was one! I can get a friend of mine in touch with her and we can schedule a meeting within the month," the Grand Phoenix of Fashion replied, taking another sip of her champagne.

"Ummm. . .I'm going to need you to come to Beaumonde City with me," Oliver said nervously, causing Rococco to nearly choke on her beverage.

"I'm so sorry, Ollie dear, but that's impossible! I'm already over booked as it is, there's no way I could-"

"Rococco, when was the last time I asked you for anything?" the director asked, cutting her off. Rococco was silent as he continued, "We've been friends since middle school and no matter what, I've always had your back, whether it was against bullies, your parents, or even those stuck-up judges on Project Runway. Now I'm asking that you have mine. Please, Coco! I'll never ask anything of you ever again! I just need to know if Millie's the best person for the job."

Hearing all that, Rococco slumped against the seats. It was true: Oliver had been with her through thick and thin, the good times and the bad. She had asked of him the world over on many occasions, sometimes even selfishly asking him to make sacrifices for her. And he was only asking one, small thing from her in return. What kind of friend would she be if she denied him a favor, when she had needed so many from him?

Deciding that friendship was far more important than what she had booked, she spoke again. "Alright Ollie, I'll accompany you to Beaumonde. It's only fair that I repay all those times you've helped me. It's the least I could do."

She heard the director gasp in delight. "Oh, thank you so much, Coco! I knew I could count on you! I promise, you wont regret this!" he exclaimed cheerfully. And with that, he hung up, probably to alert his staff of the good news.

Rococco reclined her in seat, pouring yet another class of champagne. Despite the trouble this would cause her, she would never regret helping an old friend.

Besides, she had a feeling that something truly magical would come of this extraordinary event.

That's it for now! I'm going to be releasing different stories at different times. Getting back into writing isn't going to be a walk in the park, but I'm going to give it a fair shot. As for the next update to this story, let's shoot for April 17th.

I'm probably going to write an update schedule on my profile page if you want to know which stories will be updated when.

Can't wait to see you guys again. Have a great day and stay safe!

~Yuki