Chapter 30

Never in her life, as a Morizumi, did anyone deny her anything. She'd never been punished, never scolded, never held responsible for any wrongdoing she'd ever done. She was the Morizumi clan's youngest, and only little girl. Had she been her uncle's daughter, she would have been considered the family's little princess. She didn't know why anyone else in her family hadn't been included in her uncle's status. It was rumored through the family, that he had done something for the Royal Family years ago and was essentially knighted for it. He never spoke of the circumstances surrounding it, and frankly she didn't care to know. All Kimiko cared about at the moment was the lock-down her father had imposed upon her.

After convincing herself that Erika, and her little group of cronies, had toyed with her and her manager by mentioning Kyoko's status, she decided that no one so plain, and ordinary could never be the Crown Princess. No one had ever seen or heard of the Crown Princess until recently, but it certainly wouldn't be her. She wondered what the punishment would be for claiming something like that. She smirked at the thought. It wasn't like she would be out of the limelight for very long. Eventually her father would cave, return her computer and phone, then find her a more loyal manager. Her punishment may have been more harsh, had he not thought that her American manager was a horrible influence on his innocent daughter, that had been corrupted by her. Not only that, he knew Erika Koenji's father through business transactions and golf. She had faith that her father would be able to remedy the situation with the recordings. Possibly even as soon as today, not even 48 hours after her failed attempt to take what was hers to begin with.

Imagine her shock when her dearest father, that she had wrapped firmly around her ring-adorned little pinky, had slammed open her bedroom door, with a worried, disheveled look, and pale complexion, telling her, "Pack your things. You're leaving in an hour to live with your Aunt in Brazil."

"Wh-What!?" She sputtered in shock. "NO! I won't live with her! She's mean and she lives on that horrible ranch in the middle of nowhere! There's no internet, and it's so dirty!"

He sighed. "Kimi... If that video is released, not even Jouji will be able to help you. You tried to kill a Royal. Not just any Royal, the Crown Princess! Your former manager has already left the country to I don't even know where!" He ranted in exasperation.

"But... She can't be! There's no way! I refuse to give up my chance!" She stomped her foot.

Her father's face went red with anger. He was doing this to protect her, and she was throwing a tantrum over some boy that she was never going to have. Yes, he knew about Cedric Bennett, her manager had told him everything before she left. "ENOUGH! That is something that will never happen! Not now, not ever. Even if it were possible, I wouldn't allow it! You've already been promised to Martin Bines' son. Although, I seriously doubt that will happen now, considering the circumstances." He dropped the bomb on her little fantasy.

"Y-Your business partner's son? H-How could you promise me to that... that troll? He's so... So disgusting!" She spat out.

He furrowed his brow. "Kimi, that is the least of your worries right now. Like I said, I doubt Martin Jr. will have you now. I'm sure his family will be calling as soon as they get wind of this. You have no idea the shame you've brought on this family, once everything comes to light. Now do as I say or, I will use force. Rest assured that if you refuse or fight me on this, I will have to remove your name from the family registry. I will not allow your mistakes to destroy what I have worked so hard for."

She stood staring at her father, frozen by his words.

"Pack now or you will be leaving with only the clothing on your back." He told her and left.

Oh how thankful she was that she'd mastered Kuon's abandoned puppy look. If not, her father would have never allowed her to continue in her chosen profession, that was very public. She honestly didn't know how the video had gotten out. Erika swore that she didn't release it, and claimed that someone else must have been recording at the time. They all suspected a paparazzi. It made the most sense.

Needless to say, she was now going to have a bodyguard added in the mix to assist Yashiro-san in his managerial duties. Kuon heartily agreed. He was briefly irritated and upset that she hadn't told him immediately, but it had only been less than 72 hours since everything had happened, and Kimiko Morizumi was now nowhere to be found. Her father claimed she had fled the country, and it was revealed that the Morizumi family had stricken her from their family records. Kyoko had almost felt a tiny pinprick of pity for the girl, but she'd brought everything upon herself with her actions. She should consider herself fortunate that banishment from Japan and all of its tributaries was her only punishment.

"Mo, stop moping! I said I forgive you. Besides, I wouldn't have had the resources to catch that little snake in the act like Erika did. Now forget about it, and let's just enjoy our lunch. We won't be able to spend much time together before the tournament." Kanae reminded her. Kyoko had forgotten the not-so-small fact that one of her best friends would be filming in America for a couple of months, very soon.

Kyoko sighed a little defeatedly. "Sorry Mōko-san. I'm just really going to miss you being around." She pouted.

Kanae chuckled silently. "I'm not leaving forever, and I'll be back at least a month before the tournament. Not only that, we'll still be able to talk and text over the phone." She gave her a pointed look. "But this time, you had better let me know if you're having trouble."

Kyoko winced a little, remembering the nightmares she'd been having.

Kanae narrowed her gaze. "What was that for? And you better tell me right now or I won't take any of your calls or answer your text messages while I'm out of country."

Kyoko sighed. This was really something she didn't want to discuss with anyone. Kanae already knew about her worries regarding being forced to marry someone she didn't want, but to pile that horrible nightmare that never changed, was too much.

Kanae growled a little. "Spill it."

Spill it, Kyoko did. She recited the horrible dream in every little glaringly, colorful, vivid detail.

"Do you think it's a vision?" Kanae asked cautiously. Analyzing Kyoko's guarded expression.

Kyoko stared at the little teacup in front of her and nodded. "It's been the same since it started. I think it'll happen if I don't do something about it." She confessed.

"What do you plan on doing?" Kanae asked softly, hoping that whatever she planned wasn't half-baked.

Kyoko leaned back in her seat and groaned a bit. "I think I'll do what I was planning on in the beginning. Maria-chan discovered some old texts with the original rules of the tournament... I'm going to invoke the old rules when it's time." She gave Kanae a serious look. "Will you back me on this?"

Kanae smirked at her. "Of course I will... Why do you think that Chiori and I have been training our asses off with you? Aerobic exercise?" Well that, the tournament, and the desire to keep pace with their best friend had been the main reasons. Even Maria had stepped up her training and lessons. If anyone wanted to harm their best friend, and Onee-sama, they wouldn't have an easy time of it. Kimiko Morizumi was just a little bump in the path that they most certainly would not allow to happen again.

Kyoko closed her eyes in relief and gave her friend a soft smile. She'd had no clue that they'd been training with her to help her out. "Thank you Mōko-san. I don't know what I would do without you guys.