Chapter 24

There were so many things to learn and do for her job, for her coronation, for the tournament, for everything. The one plus side to it all, was that Chiori had decided to willingly join the LoveME Section. Although, Kyoko really couldn't understand that decision. Her new friend's reasoning was that she wanted to be able to handle and see things as Kyoko did. She was tired of feeling so much discontent and malice, it was weighing down her heart and soul. Kyoko had been through so much, she'd discovered, and she could still see the bright side of things. Well, she could at least accept the bad things a little more gracefully than Chiori could, and she wanted to learn how to do that. She knew that she'd never be able to move any further in her career or life, if she didn't start making positive changes immediately.

All of this was one of the many reasons that the three girls found themselves in the predicament of receiving their "Special Missions". Kanae would train for, and audition for a part that was so completely opposite of her. She honestly wasn't that thrilled about portraying an old fashioned, completely helpless, subservient female. She wanted parts that portrayed her as strong, and independent; although, Lory had pointed out that would certainly not be the case some of the time, and she needed the experience.

Chiori had been given the mission to help host a talk show/variety show. She absolutely hated the idea of making a fool of herself in front of the camera, but several had pointed out that it would help soften, and lighten her image. That people wouldn't see her as the bullies that she'd portrayed most of her career.

Neither of her friends knew what Kyoko's mission was. All they were told is that she would have to escort an acquaintance of Lory's to his office and assist him. They suspected it was another temporary management job, like a few months ago. Although, those thoughts quickly flew out of her mind when she sat in the stylist's chair for Ten-san, and the birthing process for Setsuka Heel slowly began.

"Mo, I honestly don't know why he keeps piling on all of this work while we have fittings, ceremony and etiquette lessons too." Kanae groused.

"I really don't mind all of the lessons, but I am a little worried about what we'll be wearing." Chiori commented. "It seems a little... I don't know... revealing?" She blushed a little.

Kanae shook her head. Their clothes weren't really that bad. Maybe a little on the skimpy side, but she'd had undergarments and bathing suits that covered less, so she really wasn't that bothered by it. "I really don't mind, the seamstresses and the designer made accommodations for me to show my fur, ears and tails, and it covers all the necessary parts."

"I suppose. I really can't complain about the colors or the fit. I've never been more comfortable displaying my wings while wearing clothing." She agreed.

Kanae laughed. "I have to admit. They really aren't what I expected from her, knowing her tastes."

Chiori giggled. "I expected to have to wear acres of lace, silk and ruffles. You know, an adult version of what I've seen Maria-chan wearing."

"Ugh, I would have burned it and made my own, if that were the case." Kanae groused a little and Chiori agreed.

PING...

"Oh! I have to get going. I have a Tea Ceremony class today for a part I'm going to audition for." She held up her phone. "Call me when you find out when you find anything out about the times for our other classes." She told her as she walked out of the LoveME room, and Chiori waved.

He honestly didn't know why he had to sit and listen to his friend ramble on about her. Of course he knew she was beautiful and unique, he just didn't want for anyone else to realize it before he was able to prove himself, and put that ring on her finger. It sucked that he, and she couldn't just come out like normal people, and tell the world that they were together. He hated the fact that he couldn't make other men back off until after the tournament, not that she wasn't doing a phenomenal job of that herself. He was actually quite impressed at how she adeptly dodged the advances of other males. It was quite entertaining to watch her dazzle, and bewilder them. He often wondered if she even realized that she was doing it.

There did seem to be at least two individuals that wouldn't leave her alone though, that pest Fuwa and Kijima, he hadn't heard or seen Reino in awhile, not that he wouldn't see him at the tournament. He thought, grousing about his distant cousin's involvement in the entire thing. Kyoko had been advised by her parents and Lory that it would be a good idea to go to the Dark Moon party with Hidehito Kijima to essentially let the public know that she wasn't dating anyone or holding any favor for a specific suitor, in the end. It was to prove that she had friends that were male. Although, Hidehito saw it as more of an opportunity to try and actually date her, even if he didn't have a chance. Not that he knew that. Only a select few actually knew she was the princess they were talking about in the news, and the scant photos they had of said princess, had been of Kyoko with her runes and long white hair, not the short, chestnut they saw for Natsu or the short, black they'd seen for Mio. It was a look that was completely opposite of what she displayed normally, and only those closest to her were familiar with it. Well, most of them, she really didn't wish to count Sho and Reino in that category of close friends and family. She saw them as more of the stalker variety. Creepy, annoying, stalker variety.

He just wanted to hurry up and get this drama with the womanizing ass over with, and start the filming for Tragic Marker. He didn't know how Lory had pulled it off, but she would be staying with him. It would be like living in heaven and hell at the same time. Heaven to spend as much time with her as he wished, but hell because he dare not touch her until after he'd felt he'd earned the right to. Not that he saw her as a prize, but he truly wouldn't feel worthy unless he passed this not so little hurdle in his life.

"Lory, I sincerely don't know what you're up to, but do you think it's wise to allow them to live together like this before the tournament? Won't others suspect that the entire thing is rigged toward Lord Kuon if they find out?" Kazu asked a little worriedly.

Lory smirked at him and offered him a drink. "I don't really think that will be a problem. I've seen them both train. There is only one other that would be capable of defeating him at the moment, and I seriously doubt the man would have any interest in your daughter."

Kazu frowned. "And why not?! She's perfect! She's articulate, beautiful, smart, graceful..." and the list went on and on, reminding Lory of the man that he was referring to.

Lory chuckled. "Because Kuu is already married you dolt!" He shook his head. "You two are far too much alike for my tastes, good sir."

Kazu cleared his throat, and sheepishly grinned. "Is that really such a bad thing? To be proud of one's own child. I have a lot of missed time to make up for." He explained. "And it's all true."

Lory stared at him scrutinizingly. "Would you have felt the same had she come to you in her other state? As one steeped in her own darkness?"

Kazu's brow furrowed. "Without a doubt. Her mother and I would have loved her even then. Something like that was not her fault. She had been mistreated and without love, almost her entire life. However, we probably would have exacted a very severe punishment on those that caused her pain. I won't deny that and honestly, it's taking quite a bit of restraint on her mother's part to keep from locking that Fuwa boy away for an eternity, but Kyoko won't allow it."

Lory chuckled and shook his head. "Whether she knows that I know or not, Maria has already done quite a few interesting things to that boy. I honestly didn't know she had such talent. She'd actually cast a spell that turned him into a human." He laughed wiping the tears from his eyes.

Kazu's eyes went wide and he belted out a guffaw of his own. "Lory, you must have her study under our Court Mage. She could learn so much at her age. She could easily become the world's most powerful witch." He encouraged enthusiastically.

Lory sighed a little. "I'll think on it, but I'm really not sure she's ready for something like that quite yet. She's still quite a handful." He explained.

Kazu smiled softly. "She's probably bored. I'm sure with daily lessons added in regarding something that interests her, she would settle. Not only that, for a couple of hours a day, she would be with others like her."

Lory snorted. "Are you sure that's a wise thing to do? You've met her, haven't you? You know how she is."

He chuckled. "Absolutely, at least this way it would be a controlled environment, and she would have an outlet for all of that mischievous energy she has."

Lory nodded. "Alright, I'll think about it, but I will have to clear it with her first. I won't even consider it if she says no."

One would find the pair playing a rousing game of Shoji later as they discussed the details of the coronation and tournament that needed finalizing, before the last of the invitations went out to the other nobles for the feast and the ball that would follow the events.