June replied, peering into the book, "Mom, Miss Hanajima, your stories inspired me to try out something, which involves one of the girls of MNG. Since you like to give them a 50-50, I got a story that will tantalize you."
She opened the book and said, "And pay attention… Things may be lively, but…"
"HIYA, DARLINGS!" A girl in dark blue hair with pink bangs was waving to the audience. She was wearing a white blouse and a denim skirt, "Welcome back! I know you guys are enjoying this spring break, as I'm coming to you, live in the studio! It's me, Yozuki Noctiflora, a.k.a. Yozuki Nox, with the afternoon showcase!" she smiled, as she wiggled, "Now, a lot are upset that we cannot play anymore, due to the pandemic, but we're not getting through this, so badly! We're here to have fun!"
She winked, as she continued, while performing in a studio set, with an empty audience, "Now, I know I have a lot of people waiting for me, but the boss says that I'm only allowed to perform in an empty set. So, whenever the big bad virus goes away, I wanna meet all of you darlings! With that said, time for our first song, straight from the famous J-Pop Boy Band, who will be performing live, with a limited crowd, at the Amphitheater, this Tuesday night!"
The director called, "And cut!" Yozuki gasped for air and giggled, "FOOOOOOOOOO! What hard work! Eh, Darling?" She pranced off, as she was her bubbly self, heading to her dressing room.
Heather appeared near the door that said "Yozuki Nox". She explained, "Ahh, good choice, little one. You're here, in the year 2020 or 2021, during a pandemic. And most places are open to the public. Not here, of course, as star host personality, Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora, is known to put on a happy face to her audience, watching at home." She held up a smartphone and said, "But still, her ratings are through the roof, as they were skyrocketing… *giggles* …way down!" She showed the chart of Yozuki's ratings for her TV show, as they were sinking down.
Yozuki was brushing her hair and sighed, "Phew… I wish that there was a new gimmick we could try… The ratings suck." She then heard a knock on the door, as a man in tan skin and blonde hair appeared, wearing a pink shirt and slacks. "Good afternoon, Yozuki."
"Johnny!" She smiled, "You came for the makeup?" She panicked, "I don't know what's going on, but… Is it my mascara? My lipstick? GAWD, I'M A WRECK!"
He said, "It's alright… Sit down and relax."
She sat down, as Johnny opened up a black bag. He then pulled out a brush and scissors, and then said, "This won't hurt a bit…" And then grinned evilly.
Minutes later, Yozuki emerged from her dressing room, as the producer called, "You're on in 15!"
Yozuki rushed off, as the boss was viewing her work. She then said, "Hmm… Miss Noctiflora is a star, but being a musical host isn't enough. Plus, the ratings are terrible. Well, then…" She instructed, "After the show, see her in my office."
The stagehand said, "Yes, ma'am."
(Heather): "Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora - Occupation: TV host of a failing program. She is about to get a brand-new leading role… in the "Tales of the Bizarre"."
Tales of the Bizarre #69:
"A Darling is Born"
Yozuki appeared by the door and asked, "You, uh, wanted to see me, Ma'am?"
"Sit down and have a seat." She sat down, as the boss stared at her. She has long blonde hair, wearing a gray business suit and skirt. She started to explain, "Miss Noctiflora, as you know, ratings have gone downhill, since we started the program, and we believe that everyone is worried that it's you. You're too… nice…"
"I am always nice. I'm not rude or anything. I just have a thing against people that demand me what to do; uh, not you, of course."
Yozuki was nervous, as the boss said, "I'm glad you see it my way. But still, people watching at home, via smartphones, it's very difficult to say, since our reception is clear, but our fanbase is excrement. We are providing virtual entertainment, and providing joy and happiness, since the pandemic. And you understand that, right?"
"I do." Yozuki said, "It's terrible that my friends and family are watching at home, and I cannot greet them. It's so unfair! I mean, I really wanted to be a star, but I'm just not happy about this. Yozuki Nox is popular by my fans, but the others don't get my sex appeal! You'd know that, if you hosted the afternoon music blocks!"
The boss explained, "True… But that's just it! You're too sexy. You're a model for movies and such, not for television personality; even via social media streams! Look at yourself! Still, the male demographic has increased, tenfold. But we need a much more broader horizon, for not just boys, but girls, too. And maybe kids, in case we air children's programming."
"What are you saying? Should I, uh… maybe do educational programming?"
"Heck, no! You know what happened to that actress on Sesame Street! Pulled her segment out, because of the cleavage!"
Yozuki nodded, "Well, I have been wearing outfits that cover my beautiful boobs. But still, I'm popular with the boys, despite the fact that I'm too nice and exciting. Surely you can think of another program for me to try. I know what you're thinking… You're going to demote me to being a late night hostess, showing horror movies. Or, here's a stretch, someone that shows the weather, while wearing skimpy attire. But this… This is for me, the fans on social media. They adore me, over my personality and looks alone. Now think about it, and know that without me, this place is nothing."
"I have thought about it!" The boss concluded, "You're fired!"
Yozuki gasped, "Fired?"
"You heard me! That's just it! Ever since the pandemic, we're short on employees and programming, and we had to cut down on staff! It may be tough for you, but it's super tough for us! And with your show, it's financially flopping!" She explained, furiously, "…and your sex appeal, as you place it, is the problem!"
Yozuki pleaded, "No… No, you can't do this! NO ONE will take me, if you get rid of me! And that's true, really! Ma'am, you needed me!"
"I do… but that was before the pandemic and its horrible restrictions. We are recovering, as fast as we could, but no one said it's easy."
Yozuki was sad, as the boss said, "Look, I'm sorry. But I have no choice. Plus, your show sucked. I want you to record your last show, and then leave. It's unfair, I know…"
"Unfair?" Yozuki shouted, "UNFAIR? I was only trying to help! And you get rid of me, like that?" She sniffled, "No, I'm not in the mood to shoot another episode. I'll show myself out the door… Thank you…" She slowly walked off and said, "But don't think you'd hear the last of me! I preferred to be furloughed, but instead… I'm canned." She marched off.
The boss huffed, as she relaxed, "She'll be back."
XXXXX
Yozuki was packing her stuff in a suitcase, and then wore a blue facemask. She walked off, as a stagehand said, "We're gonna miss you, Miss Noctiflora. It's a shame that they decided to fire you, after issues."
Yozuki smiled, "Oh, no reason…" She strained her smile, and then shivered, "J-Just be happy for me… I mean, my career can blossom… again…" She winked, "Goodbye, my darlings!"
She walked out to the door, and then shut it, leaving the studio. After that, everything went silent, except…
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Yozuki's screams echoed all around the studio. She lost her job, and then her smile.
XXXXX
She came home, as she muttered, "I'm home…" She flopped onto the couch and sobbed, "It isn't fair."
Johnny was waiting for her, as he asked, "Oh, hey, Yozuki. I saw your show, and it was excellent!"
She muttered, "Dank yew…"
He then asked, "What's wrong? Are you crying?"
She grinned, "N-N-No… Not at all, Johnny. The boss and I had a talk, and we decided to go in a new direction for our social entertainment!"
He then asked her, feeling blue, "You get furloughed? I can understand. They said that you'll be back. I got furloughed, too. It's no big dea-."
Yozuki wept, "WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Johnny pouted, "Ohhhh… You lost your job, didn't you?" She nodded, as she was bawling on her pillow. He said, "That's okay, Yozuki. That job was too good for you."
Yozuki sniffled, "Now I'm out of a job, out of money, and no one will ever accept me again. No one can hire me, either way. I wish I was dead." She bawled, "Johnny! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
He comforted her and said, "It's alright… You had a bad experience. These are tough times, after all."
She sniffled, "Thanks… But what now? I cannot let my talents go wasted… Six months of the best job I ever had, and they fired me!" She pouted, "If I know my stories, you'd walk out on me, and abandon me."
"I would never abandon you. It's just… Look, if it'll make you feel better, I'll make you some of your favorite meat on a stick."
"I'm not hungry…" she muttered. "Just go away…"
She lied down and wept. He went to the kitchen and said, "Suit yourself. But you know that you cannot have any energy, without protein."
"Unless the crap you made me is plant-based…" Yozuki sniffled, "I just don't feel like it, today, okay?"
She sobbed, as she laid her head on the pillow, watching television. She then got a phone call from the boss. She moaned, "What do you want? I didn't know you still have my number."
The boss said, "Miss Noctiflora, you didn't even bother to shoot the final show."
"Find someone else… You fired me. But screw that. I quit!"
She hung up, as she moaned, "I'm so not happy today…" She then grumbled, "Stupid TV show… Best job of my life, and no one is hiring, because of now."
The television played, "Earlier today, TV hostess Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora was fired from the studio, due to budget cuts and possible compilations of COVID-19. Miss Yozuki was tested clean of the dreaded virus, but because of the precautions in the studio, and that the company was overstaffed, many were let go, via furloughs, while only a few were terminated. Miss Nox, however, is one of those that were terminated. Fans love her for her performance and bubbly attitude, and wit-."
Yozuki turned off the television and sobbed, "Possible complications. This is ridiculous…" She sat up and sniffled, "I just want to be happy again. What did I do wrong?"
XXXXX
Minutes later, she was taking a bath, with her hair done in a bun. She then thought, as she was relaxing, "After all that, I cannot dare go back to the studio. The boys loved me, and the girls admired me. So, what did I do wrong?" She sighed, and then looked up, "It's so unfair… I'm usually happy, but my heart is broken. Fans miss me, that's all…"
She huffed, and then nodded, "I think I should ask them."
Minutes later, Yozuki contacted on her smartphone, and recorded a video, "Hey, darlings! It's me, Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora, a.k.a. Yozuki Nox. And yes, you heard the news… I got fired. I wanna know if you guys still support me, after what happened, during these hard times. But I just wanna let you know that I care for all of you guys. And I hope I get feedback from all of you. Just follow and like me, on my social media outlets, and…"
Hours passed, and Yozuki got her reviews from her fans.
"You're cool, but you're too unique."
"You're fake."
"Yozuki Nox? More like Yozuki sux"
"I think we need a new idol, unlike you."
"You've gotten lame, after a cheerful sunny side."
"You're boring."
"BOO!"
Yozuki was stunned by the negative remarks. She bowed her head and sobbed, "They… They hate me?"
She saw another comment that says: "You're nothing but a copy of yourself!"
"COPY?!" She protested, "I'm one-of-a-kind! Yozuki Nox is one girl who is too-!" She paused, "Wait… Are you saying that these jerks turned on me, because I'm too sunny and cheerful?! Traitors!"
She muttered to herself, as she was angry, "I don't believe it! Everyone abandoned me, just like that?" She sobbed, "I hate my fans!" She threw her smartphone down, and then snarled, "JERKS! ALL OF THEM!" She landed in bed and barked, "I don't need them!"
She lied down, as Johnny asked, "You alright, Yozuki?"
She sniffled, "No… Everyone's turned on me…"
He asked, "If it'll make you feel better, you wanna go for a walk?"
She said, "Oh, sure…" She sat up and moaned, "I'm… I'm just unhappy today…"
XXXXX
They went for a walk in town, wearing facemasks. He said, "I'm sure that you'll feel better, once we do some dinner shopping. We'll make what we have, until one of us gets another job."
"Yeah… Johnny, you're the perfect boy for me, since you cared for my audience values… I mean, you care for me, as you're the only one left."
"Get over it, Yozuki. So what if the fans have forgotten you? At least you're a fan to me."
"Thanks…"
They were about to enter, until a girl in long lavender hair called out, "HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!" She was short, with a sweater and glasses on. She called out, "Excuse me, Miss? A moment of your time?"
Yozuki asked, "Me? Uh… That's fine, but stay away from my distance."
"It's fine. Six feet is as far as we'll go." She recorded her, as Johnny went inside the supermarket. She instructed, "Ah, good. You have such a built figure. What's your name?"
Yozuki pouted, "Yozuki… Perhaps you heard of me?"
"I have. Your name was imprinted in the newsstands, this afternoon." She introduced herself, "I represent Borchardt Entertainment, a popular Japanese Short Film Studio, and I was wondering if I can borrow you, as one of our leading actresses? Of course, we'll need your measurements down, as you are perfectly built."
"Oh, uh… thank you? But why bother with me? I'm not that talented, Miss…"
"Natsume. Iori Natsume. My card." she gave her a business card, and said, "I'd like for you to do a screen test, since you are very sexy. Come to my studio, tomorrow morning at 9, and we'll discuss how we can fit you in…"
"Oh, you mean it? Uh… Are there any restrictions applied?"
"Yes… You still need to wear a facemask, and there's also the social distancing option. Don't worry, we are safe, when it comes to serving you well. For instance, you should get a manicure."
Yozuki looked at her fingernails, as they were aqua and faded, "OH, then… I don't mind a new touch-up." She smiled, "I'm in. When do I start?"
"Tomorrow at 9." Iori instructed, "The address is in the card. See you later."
Yozuki was amazed, as she smiled, "Me? A star? A movie star? Oh, wow!" She then thought, "Oh… but then, what if it's too good to be true?" She then replied, "I'm upset that my role has changed, but… but it's not easy." She held her fist up and said, "NO! Don't act so negative. This is a chance to redeem myself, and to become a new star."
She blushed heavily, as she was happy, "Ohhhh… Me, in the big pictures… Movies… Imagine how much publicity I can make, for scenes that I may steal…"
The next day, Johnny & Yozuki arrived at the film studio, as Johnny said, "You sure you want to go through with this?"
"I do." Yozuki said, "I cannot bear to show myself to my ex-boss, after yesterday. I wish to restart my career."
"But you lasted six months."
"So? Wish me luck, Johnny…" They shared a hug. She stepped out of the car and walked to the studio. She shook hands with Iori and said, "I'm ready when you are, Miss Natsume."
Iori said, "Step right this way." She stepped in the building. Iori turned to Johnny. He nodded to her, as she nodded back. Iori shut the door, as Yozuki was preparing for her screen test.
Yozuki was standing in position, as she was instructed. "Okay, now, I want you to read your lines, as posted on the script in front of you, and show off raw emotion… We want someone with a lot of emotion."
"You mean like happiness and sadness? That I can do." Yozuki read the script, and then Iori called out, "Okay. You need to show anger. ACTION!"
She began, as Yozuki called out, in furious rage, "HOW DARE YOU? I gave you all the love in the world, and you would go and cheat on me, you rotten heartless pig?! You think I am such a tool, like I am your toy! Well, I'm not! I'm 100% woman, and I'm not to be treated like an object!"
Iori called, "CUT!" She then added, "Okay, next, we will do joy."
Yozuki did her role, as she cheered, "YAAAAAY! You made me feel very happy! I am excited that I wanna go with you! Huh? You will? Thank you! That makes me glad!"
Iori called out, "NOW, sadness! Action!"
Yozuki was hurt emotionally, as she sobbed, "No… You cannot do this to me… Please, don't leave me! I cannot live without you! OHHHH, why did I mistrust you, like that, anyways?" She blubbered, as she dropped to her knees.
Iori said, "Okay… That'll be fine. Now, let's do fear."
Yozuki screeched, "AHHH! NO! Not that! Get that knife away from me! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" She dropped to the floor.
Iori huffed, as she paused, "Uhhhh… yeah… When can you start?"
Yozuki moaned, lying on the floor, "Uh, what happens now, now that I'm dead?"
Iori barked, "GET UP, STUPID!" She got up, as she said, "Well, your emotional roles need work, but you're perfect. In fact, we have a role for you, in one of my upcoming short films."
Yozuki smiled, "Thank you, ma'am!" She bowed, as she was excited.
Iori said, "Alright, here. I want you to study this script, and return to the set, tomorrow." She called out, "NEXT!"
XXXXX
That evening, Yozuki was on the couch, reading her new script, and said, "So, it's a romantic love story, about a boy who falls for a lonely girl, stricken from disease. Like A Walk to Remember? That was a tearjerker. Lemme see… "The girl was struck with a disease known as…" HUH? That makes no sense! The girl is stricken with COVID-19?! Everybody knows that you cannot go near the person, if infected."
She read through the script and then called Iori, "Hello, Miss Natsume? This is Yozuki. Uh… about the script, it says that I get transacted with COVID-19. That's wrong."
Iori responded, "It is? Yeah, a lot of people were suggesting that I use COVID… but still… Alright, I'll see about changing the script, and make a less terminal disease. But I won't promise you anything else, since the script is finalized."
"Thanks. I'm sorry for calling you late."
"That's fine. You're like the 17th person that objects to the script. I'll get right on it. See you tomorrow."
Yozuki continued to study the script, as she memorized her lines. She then thought, "Well, the script looks nice enough, as it is… but the sickness I got has to go. I mean, the last job I worked in was six months, and ended prematurely. And we are going through a lot. Even so, I'm going to be relieved that I got myself a big break, after the girl said I'm perfect for the job."
The next day, Yozuki walked in, wearing a white jacket, pants, and sunglasses. She called, "Miss Natsume, I'm here now!"
Iori smiled, "Excellent, we should get ready for the movie shooting. Miss Noctiflora, you shall be opposite Mr. Araya, our leading man."
"Oh, thank you. I'm honored."
A boy in brown hair, wearing a white shirt and black pants, appeared to her. He said, "Oh, hello. You must be Yozuki Noctiflora."
Yozuki smiled, "It's Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora, and I'm… I'm…" she blushed, as they shook hands. She whispered, "He's handsome…"
Iori clapped her hands, "Okay, break it up! Also, that name… Too long for the marquee. We'll stick to Yozuki Noctiflora."
Yozuki nodded, "I prefer Yozuki Nox."
"Meh, not good enough. Anyways, you two, we're going to shoot the start of the film. And moreover, we'll reach the climax of the film, with you two kissing each other, married. And then… ahem…" Iori cleared her throat, "Alright, let's begin shooting!"
They took their places, as Iori was filming the movie. She named the title of her film "The Last Date Together", which is about a girl who has been recently diagnosed with COVID-19 (though, Iori changed it to a lesser disease), and the boy showed her the time of her life, before she died. Yozuki played the leading lady. And after a few tweaks, Iori made Yozuki act as she had only a week to live.
In the movie, Yozuki has only a week left to live, and Kazuki fell in love with her. But in order to make sure that she has the best time of her life, he took her on a date. In sadness, the illness she has was incurable. After visiting numerous places, they became boyfriend and girlfriend. But in the final days of her life, she married the boy and lived happily ever after… until the day she died. It was a story of tragedy and happiness, as the girl finally had lived her life to the fullest.
XXXXX
Afterwards, Yozuki was reading the reviews from the movie. She then smiled, "It's neat. I got the idea that my role in the movie was exciting." She then read the reviews. She gasped, as she was unsure.
"Borchardt Entertainment has created a one-of-a-kind love story that ends in tragedy, based on real-life events. Kazuki Araya portrays the leading man, who meets a girl who is terminally ill, in a role that shed a few tears. However, the role of the girl was played by Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora, who sports a wholesome image, but with bad acting. Her role was accurate, only she was stiff."
She read another:
"Fans fall in love with Iori Natsume's romantic drama. The story was superb, but the only takeaway was that the ending was too sad, and the dialogue was close to perfection. The one negative thing we cannot overlook is Yozuki Noctiflora's acting debut. Terribly profound and sublime, but too robotic and monotonic."
"Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora's acting debut even made Tommy Wiseau's The Room a success! Her acting was perfect, but too perfect. She was simply spouting in different tones."
"If we were to give an Academy Award for Best Breakthrough Actress, it sure as hell not for Yozuki Noctiflora."
"Iori's film was superb, though the huge letdown was the robotic acting by the cast; especially Miss Noctiflora's performance as the main heroine."
"WORST ACTRESS EVER! And this is her first role? Don't quit your day job."
Yozuki's jaw dropped, as she was given harsh reviews… at her. She sniffled, "I did what Miss Natsume said… but…" She growled, "NO! I won't let that get the best of me. I want this role, badly!"
She got a phone call from Iori. She answered, "Hello?"
Iori said, "It's me, Iori Natsume. Sorry, but the film we did was great, it is just that your acting was a bit overdone. In any case, I'm going to ask for lessons for you to act, while we prepare your next role. Miss Sten and Miss Beretta have seen your performance and said that you're perfect for the job. We have a role for you in their movie "The Loneliest Princess 2". I want to know if you will accept it."
Yozuki cried, "N-NO! I mean, I'd love to! Anything to work on my acting skills! I'll do it!"
Iori said, "Awesome. I kept in touch with your roommate, John Spicer, and we should be ready for filming, in a week or so."
"Thank you." Yozuki sighed, as she responded, "Finally… I hope to bounce back."
XXXXX
The next morning, Yozuki arrived to a classroom, as a woman in pink hair was waiting for her, wearing a gray pinstripe suit. She said, "Miss Noctiflora?"
"Yes, is this Room 310?" She responded.
She introduced herself, "Hai. I am Oka Kazamatsuri, I'll be your acting coach. I understand that you have a leading role for "The Loneliest Princess 2", from MEA Studios?"
"Ye-yes, ma'am. I was asked to do some lessons, while I study the script. My last role was atrocious. They called me stiff and robotic."
Oka explained, "Well, perhaps you needed more raw emotion. Perhaps I can help you, young one."
Oka started to teach Yozuki how to act with different emotions. Yozuki learned how to act in despair, thoroughly.
"NO! I beg of you… spare this poor farmhand of her land and life… I beg of you!"
"Not good enough. More power!" Oka called.
Yozuki shouted, "I beg of you, spare me! Spare my land, and my life, with my dying breath!"
"AGAIN!"
"Spare me this life, I beseech you! I beg of you!"
"AGAIN!"
"NO, PLEASE! I beg of you! Spare this poor girl of her farmland, and her life! I'll die, if I let you take it from me!" Yozuki blubbered and wept, as she was on her knees.
Oka nodded, "Not bad… but not good enough. Maybe you have too much emotion."
Yozuki asked, "Did I overdo it?"
"Eto…"
Yozuki sobbed, as she dropped her head in disdain. Oka replied, "Well, we'll try again. Hopefully, you can get a perfect beat to your acting chops."
"T-Thank you, Ma'am." Yozuki continued, as Oka supervised the acting.
Days passed, and Yozuki was learning at her finest and best, albeit trying to land the role of "The Loneliest Princess 2", but without success. She has done an excellent job, but it seems that her acting progress reached 11.
Oka clapped her hands and said, "Well, it's been a week now, and so far, you're doing too great of a job."
"Is that bad?" Yozuki asked.
"No, it's not. But I promise that you can use what you learned from emotion. But dial it down, okay?"
"Okay… dial down the emotional setting? I don't think I can comprehend what you're saying."
Oka stated, "It's this way… Be yourself, acting strong, but tone down your pitch, meaning… Just lighten up and calm yourself."
Yozuki nodded, "I think I get it now. It's no wonder I bombed in that last movie."
Yozuki left, as Oka called, "OH! We have another lesson, next week, if you're interested."
Oka sat down and whispered in worry, "She's going to blow it."
XXXXX
Finally the day of her leading role in MEA's The Loneliest Princess 2. Yozuki was the princess, and a man in black hair, wearing a prince outfit, was rescuing the princess. Yozuki's lines were perfect, and her acting was superb… except…
"Oh, my hero! My darling!" Yozuki and the Prince kissed, as they were riding away into the kingdom, after rescuing her from a dark king. In the movie, Yozuki plays a princess who has never been married, since her teen life. She was trapped by the evil Dark King, until she was to marry him, but was rescued by a daring hero.
"Nothing will leave your side, my princess…"
"Oh, darling… Thank you so much. I was trapped up in that dark tower, for years. I fear that I was about to go off and snap."
"It's not a problem, my sweetheart."
"Oh, darling!" Yozuki blushed, "Kiss me!"
They share a kiss, as fireworks go off, and the movie ends. The crowd loved the movie so much that it got 4 stars! Yozuki was a smash hit!
XXXXX
Days later, Johnny & Yozuki were walking together, having a snack in the park. He said, "Your movie role was amazing. You played an awesome princess."
Yozuki smiled, "Yeah. You know, it was pretty tricky, but… I did remember the other day that my acting was stiff and robotic. Only… What did they mean?"
He said, "It's nothing. Besides, you've learned so much that Hollywood is waiting for you."
She smiled, as they went to get ice cream. The clerk stared at her, and then asked, "Two ice creams?"
They nodded, and got their treats. Yozuki added, as they were walking, "You know, I'll never know what came over me, when I did that other movie, but… Surprised that they said that "The Loneliest Princess 2" was better than the sequel."
"What do you mean?"
"The princess they casted… she was so fake. The way she moved is like she's a marionette. But the director says that my movement was flowing, and my speech was so…"
"Accurate?"
"Yeah."
He walked off and said, "Well, I'm gonna go get some drinks. You find a place to sit, and we'll relax."
He went to the vending machine, as Yozuki sat down. But then, a little girl called, "OH! You're the princess from the movie!"
Yozuki smiled, blushing, "Oh, I'm not that important." She said, "Hi, would you like an autograph?"
The girl said, "No, it's fine. I got to see you, face-to-face." She took a picture of her and said, "Thanks."
"OH, here, you want some ice cream?"
The girl nodded, as Yozuki went to the counter. Just then, she saw Iori on the television, being interviewed.
"I'm with the famed B-List Director Iori Natsume of Borchardt Entertainment. And I believe that you know a lot about the rising young star, Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora, star of the hit MEA Movie "The Loneliest Princess 2"."
Iori replied, "Well, I don't know much about her, but I was a bit surprised that someone like her… can act."
Yozuki snorted, "BLEH! Up yours, Natsume! I'm a star now!" She went to the girl and gave her the ice cream. She smiled, "Here."
"Thanks." She then asked, "I want to know… What's your secret? Why is your acting too robotic? Stiff?"
Yozuki's jaw dropped, as the girl added, "Are you a robot?"
Her face twinged a bit, as the girl left saying thank you to her. Yozuki's face was stunned, as her jaw dropped. The word echoed into her head… "robot".
"Robot… Robot… Robot… Robot…"
The interview continued, as Iori explained, "As you can see… The reason is because the upgrades to this android were outdated. Yozuki Noctiflora, or BYN-02 Model 06, has built-in memory data that can learn how to perform flawlessly. See, since the weeks drew by, MEA Studios needed someone with perfected programming to become the leading lady, so we chose Yozuki as the starring role." She giggled, "I mean… the last "The Loneliest Princess" movie featured a very poorly flat-acting robot with blonde hair and big boobs… unlike our future star. I'd say it's an improvement."
Yozuki was shaken in fear, as she overheard the words in her interview. The male interviewer asked, "Is there anything you'd like to share to our future Movie Star Actress Android, Miss Yozuki?"
Iori smiled, "Well, she used to work on TV, as a hostess." She glared, "My advice to you is this: don't quit your day job."
Yozuki shivered, as she dropped her ice cream. Johnny returned, and then Yozuki panicked, grabbing Johnny's arms. She cried, "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?"
"What's wrong?"
"That girl! That girl just told me… am I a robot? Am I? AM I?" Yozuki wept, as she was paralyzed with shock. She let go, as she was shaken, "I'm not a robot… I'm not!"
He said, "It's alright, calm down." he stated, "You're not a robot… You just act this way."
She asked, "What do you mean? The fans loved me!"
He said, "Read the reviews."
Yozuki read the reviews, as she was amazed that everyone loved her. Except…
"Awesome! Yozuki's a hot robo-princess!"
"Love the robotic method acting!"
"Yozuki is perfect at acting!"
"I love this android star!"
Yozuki screamed, "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" She threw her phone down and cried, "You're nuts if you think they'd believe me! I'm not an android! I'm not! I'm Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora!"
Johnny said, as he went stoic, "I'm sorry… But the truth was bound to happen, soon enough. The boss knew that you needed improvement in your emotions and your speech patterns."
Yozuki shivered, "Oh, my god…" She held herself and whispered, "You knew? You knew, and you never told me? I'm not a robot…" She ran to the counter, "HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT TO ME? I'M NOT A ROBOT! I'M BEATRIX YOZUKI NOCTIFLORA!" She then picked up her phone and sobbed, looking into it. She replied, "How can you say that I'm not human?"
She pleaded, but Johnny approached her, "HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT ABOUT ME? I'M BEATRIX YOZUKI NOC-!"
The screen shut off, and her phone fell to the ground, shattering to pieces.
In a dark room, Johnny was met with the blonde-haired boss, Yozuki's ex-boss. She said, "She took a nosedive, when she was taught so much acting skills… it caused her to overload her circuits. I'm sorry, Johnny, but she will have to be destroyed."
He said, "It's alright. We can always prepare the Yozuki-07 Model, once it's ready. The 06 Model was wearing down. And already, she's famous around these parts."
"True… But Yozuki has been under a lot of pressure."
Yozuki was placed on a table, with just her upper body, arms, and head. She was lifeless with her eyes closed and her mouth slightly open. Her head was tilted down forward. The boss said to Johnny, "Well, erase her, and transfer her basic data into the 07 Model."
She departed, as he turned Yozuki on. Yozuki opened her eyes and moved robotically, "Johnny?" She whispered, "How? How could you say that about me? I'm Yozuki."
He nodded, "She remembers me… but this is all she could say. The android's done. Malfunctioned, just like that."
"How could you say that? I'm… I'm… I'm Yozuki… Yozuki. Yozuki. Yozuki."
She paused and went into a loop. Johnny proceeded to remove her long indigo hair, and then operated onto her head, deleting any data in her computer brain. Yozuki's eyes flickered, as her Orion Blue eyes started to fade out.
"Yozuki… Yozuki… Yozuki… Yozuki… Yozuki… … Yozuki… … … Yo… zu… kiiii… Yoooo… zuuuuu… krrrrrrr… … … rrrrrrr… … …"
Her vision faded to black after that, as she was being destroyed by her one true friend.
"AH!"
"Yozuki? You alright?" Johnny asked, as he was touching up her hair.
She looked around her surroundings, and then whispered, "Thank god…" She was back in her dressing room.
"You alright? You passed out, when I was touching up your hair…"
"I'm fine. I just had a horrible dream."
"What? You were in dreamland that you forgot your place?" The boss said.
Yozuki gasped, "AH! Ma'am, I'm sorry… I was overworked. I noticed that the ratings were terrible, but… What do I have to do? Show some educational stuff? There's got to be something I can do."
The boss smiled, "It's alright. I had someone fill-in for you, for the next ten minutes. I had the idea of having you co-host the show."
"Co-host?" Yozuki asked, "No… No, you can't do this… Spare this young feisty girl her job and her life. PLEASE, DO NOT FIRE ME!"
The boss asked, "Fire you?! Why would I ever fire you? You're the only hot female portion we have in this station."
"You mean… You're not cutting back?"
"No, I'm not. Well, only some crew members that were laid off. Anyways, I'm sure you two will get along. He should be done, shortly, so you'll get to meet him." The boss stated, "Now, wash your face and get in makeup. You're on in 3 minutes."
Yozuki giggled, as she was relieved, "Thank you, Ma'am. I won't let you down."
She left, as Johnny asked, "What was that all about?"
"Never mind…" She was in tears, as she said, "I'm just happy that it didn't happen."
She explained, "Well, in my dream, I was fired, and then worked at a movie studio, only to be critically hazed for my stiff acting-."
"Like in The Loneliest Princess 2?" A boy in brown hair asked, "Yeah, I saw that. The movie was stiff and robotic, using an android actress, you know… Lily-07. She would be in the role of the Big Bad Wolf, rather than a Princess."
Johnny smirked, "I hear you."
Yozuki thought, "The Loneliest Princess 2? It's real? And I'm not in it?" She asked, "Wait… They can really hire robots to act?"
The boy said, "Sure, you think that the COVID-19 Pandemic is hiring real-life human actors? One can't take any chances."
Yozuki sighed in relief, "Oh, god… So… Thanks. It's nice to meet you…" They shook hands, as Yozuki blushed heavily. She whispered, "So handsome… Darling…" She stuttered, "Uh, Yozuki."
"Kazuki. Nice to work with you. Here's hoping we bounce back together."
"Thank you very much." Yozuki was happy, as she raced off, "OOPS! Gotta go!"
She left her room, as Johnny said, "Well, she'll get used to it. She panics over every single thing."
Kazuki then asked, "So, Johnny, was it? Is it true that this Yozuki is related to the Yozuki-07 Android Line?"
Johnny said, "Oh, she's not, I can assure you. If it were me, she's a 08 Model. Here." He showed him the schematics of the android, complete with a full body picture of Yozuki, naked, to show more detail. He added, "Personally, I was thinking of upgrading her, but I want her to be exact, in case she doesn't work, anymore."
"OH! You think this Yozuki is a robot?"
"Nah, she doesn't know. That's why I kept it a secret from her. She once laughed, saying that "we are lucky that they didn't find a replacement for me", and how right she was. This android may be Yozuki, but she's not my Yozuki."
Kazuki grinned, "Cool! I bet she also does adult-themed programming, too, huh?"
Johnny huffed, "We're, uh, on a trial basis, right now."
Yozuki was finished with her makeup, as she called, "Okay! Here I come!"
The stagehand called, "You're on in 15!"
Yozuki pranced off and concluded her television program, with a smile on her face.
(Heather): "Believe what you will about Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora. Is she real, or is she a robot? Perhaps there are mysteries in this world left unknown, at least for a couple years. Whether you believe if she is real or not, we'll leave that up to you. Beatrix Yozuki Noctiflora, a future method actress, star of her own streaming site, and fan-favorite to all nerds at home. She is a one-of-a-kind all-purpose superstar in the making. But then again, who will ever know the truth?"
Yozuki concluded, "Well, thank you for watching. We hope that you enjoyed this program, as much as we did. Tomorrow, Kazuki & I will count down the Top 10 Music Videos of the Week, because FOO!" She did a dab, and smiled, "Thank goodness it's Friday! Until then, I'm Yozuki Nox, signing off! Later, Darlings!" She winked and posed to the camera.
Heather viewed it in her pink smartphone and pressed a "Dislike" on the Live Video. She then stated, "99 Likes, 1 Dislike. Who says that there is no room for perfection… in the "Tales of the Bizarre"? Ask Yozuki. She may know." Heather walked off, wearing her black face mask, and viewing videos on her phone.
"The End." June concluded. Heather and Beth were stunned, as Hanajima smiled, "Excellent… Leave the readers guessing."
Heather asked, "No way… You actually conjured up a Robot Fic, like that?"
"No one bothered to create something so unique and abstract. Though it does ask the question: Was the Yozuki we met an android, or was she a replacement, everything was too real?" June replied.
Beth muttered, "Meh… This is stupid. You turned a saucy girl into a robot, and broke her down, in a shower of emotions."
June replied, "Technically, she does break down and cry, but in this story, as an android, one questions if she knows who she is, and kept the reader guessing about what was her fate. Was she dismantled and replaced, was she rebuilt to start again, or was this really all a dream."
Beth asked, "Yeah, but, is she a robot? At the end!"
June said, "One of the many mysteries in the world of fiction. Perhaps we may never know, since it's often like the Twilight Zone?"
Heather asked, "Which one? The CBS All Access Version got cancelled, recently, after two seasons."
Hanajima smiled, "Matters not. June's story was intriguing, but very shocking, for someone who is a robot, but doesn't know the eerie truth. In fact… would you believe if I'm a robot, too?" Her purple eyes shone.
June said, "No. You're more of a spiritual person than mechanical."
Beth huffed, "FEH!" She started to take the book and replied, "If you're done, allow me to read my own story of the damned!"
Heather cried, "It's a Tale of the Bizarre! And you watch your damn mouth, young lady!"
Hanajima called, "NO! Let her have her story!" She said quietly, "I mean, she's only 11."
Now, it's Beth's turn at a story. But it's not always cute rabbits and fluffy flowers. It's worse off. Find out next time, as we look inside Beth's head, for a twisted tale.
To be continued…