I'll try to update every few days but no promises!
Chapter 3: The Red Rider Project
Misaki spent an entire day reading the script and it really sucked her in. It was about the fall of a kingdom called Tristal into the hands of evil. The Dark King slayed the rightful king, King Eowen, and then plundered the nation, leaving it to die. The Dark King used his power as king to summon a powerful enchantress who promised him power if he could hold off spring and keep the land forever a winter desert. She also promised him immorality except his Achilles heel was that the only way he could die was by the hand of rightful royal blood. The Dark King did not fear though. He'd ended the royal linage…so he thought.
The day King Eowen was defeated, his Queen gave birth to a daughter, Princess Anastasia Odette Eowen of Tristal. The Queen was a very intelligent woman and faked her daughter's death. Her lady in waiting, Martha Cleo then took the princess and ran far away. For sixteen years, no one heard from the Princess. The Princess herself grew up as a common peasant girl, Marina Cleo, without knowing her true birth.
The people only heard rumors that she was still alive. The Dark King started becoming paranoid and announced for every sixteen year old in the land to be killed. Martha hears the news and quickly tells Marina her history and then tells her to run. Martha, however, warns Marina to stay on the main road.
Marina escapes just in time but runs into the forest when she sees the soldiers on the road. In the forest, she's attacked by a huge wolf but is saved by a group of Riders. She's taken back to their camp. Marina learns that there are still people wanting to fight against the Dark King. These soldiers were both men and women known as Riders. They've hid deep in the forest for years and are plotting an ultimate rebellion. The leader of the rebels are Derek Faramir and Cypress Lunar. Derek befriends Marina and ends up finding out her secret. Cypress on the other hand isn't as friendly. She mostly keeps to herself and is only close to Derek. Marina and Cypress get into several heated discussions about the rebellion and it usually ends in Cypress knocking Marina to the ground.
Derek sees Marina crying by the river and offers to teach her how to fight. Marina is doubting herself. She knows that she's supposed to be the one leading this war but she can't imagine how she's going to be any use. Derek encourages her and Marina finally starts to believe in herself. Once her confidence returns, there are small signs of winter fading. Spring was coming…
When Misaki finished the last page, she was speechless. She wanted the character Marina Cleo. Cypress Lunar was a great character but Marina Cleo…This character had a huge range of emotions and Misaki was determined to capture that air of power she felt radiating out of Marina in the script. Marina was so different than Jackie. Jackie Sparrow was a bit arrogant and a lot tougher but Marina started as this innocent girl who has to live up to being a Queen.
Misaki got off her couch and stretched out. She definitely felt empowered. With a quick change of clothes and a hat and sunglasses, Misaki was out of her suite.
She casually walked in the streets, trying to picture the world through Marina's eyes. Misaki pulled her hat down lower and continued walking. It was nice not to be recognized.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a child run into a large display by a store.
"Watch out!" Misaki screamed as she dove toward the boy.
She grabbed him and hit the ground. The shelf crashed down onto the sidewalk luckily not hitting anyone.
"Are you okay?" Misaki asked the boy.
The boy was crying but nodded. His mom came running over.
"Thank you so much," she said, hugging her child.
"No problem," Misaki said, putting her hat back on and straightening her sunglasses.
The store owner wasn't too happy though. Misaki insisted on paying for all the damage which pacified him. The mother wouldn't let her at first but Misaki refused to leave unless the store owner took her money.
"What is your name?" the mom asked. "I owe you my son's life."
"It really wasn't a big deal," Misaki said. "I just happened to be closest."
"Can I know your name?" the mother asked, again.
Misaki bit her lower lip. "Misa," she said, finally.
"Thank you, Misa," the mom said.
"It's no problem," Misaki said, walking away before she could attract too much attention.
"Ow…" she muttered to herself when she gingerly pushed up her sleeve.
There was a large red welt on her arm that stung. Honoka was going to be pissed about the huge bruise.
"Are you going to be okay?" a silky voice asked.
Misaki jerked back. "What?" she asked, looking up at the very tall man.
He wore a casual t-shirt and jeans with black sunglasses. Misaki felt he looked very familiar except she couldn't put her finger on it.
The guy nodded his head to her arm. "You okay?"
"Yeah. Fine," Misaki said, putting her arm behind her back.
"Do you want some ice or-"
"No," Misaki interrupted. "I have to go. Excuse me."
"I don't take no for an answer," the man informed her, grabbing her good wrist and pulled her toward the opposite direction.
"Hey!" Misaki exclaimed. "Get your hands off me!"
"You're hurt."
"I'll scream if you don't let me go," Misaki warned.
"I wouldn't do that, Misaki Ayuzawa," he said in a low voice. "Unless you want to have a press conference right here, right now."
Misaki stopped dead in her tracks. "H-How-"
The man tipped up his sunglasses really fast, flashing emerald green eyes.
"T-T-akumi Usui!?" Misaki gasped.
Holy crap… the three time Oscar winning celebrity was dragging her down the street. Misaki felt like the press was going to swarm around them. Someone this famous always had a stalker. Oh no... Misaki was jerking her head around, looking for someone hiding behind a corner.
"Shh…" Takumi said, placing a finger on her lips. "Not here."
He led her to a small shop and showed her behind a curtain.
"We'll be safe here," he said, sitting down in a booster seat. "Sit," he said, gesturing to the seat across from him. He tossed his sunglasses onto the table.
Misaki sat down.
"Can I take a look at that arm of yours?" he asked.
"It's really fine," Misaki said, taking off her hat and sunglasses.
Takumi just waited. Misaki let out a long breath and held out her arm. He gently lifted the sleeve and examined it.
"That was really brave what you did," he said.
"What was?"
"Saving the boy?"
"Oh," Misaki said, embarrassed. "It was nothing. I'm sure anyone would have done it."
"You're really cute," he noticed, looking at her.
Misaki felt herself flush red for some reason but she pretended she didn't hear him.
"So what do you want, Usui?" someone called.
Misaki jerked up and grabbed for her disguise.
"Relax," Takumi said, placing a hand on her good arm. "Tyler is a friend," he explained, addressing the waiter.
"This wouldn't be the Misaki Ayuzawa, would it?" Tyler asked, impressed.
"Hi," Misaki said, nervously.
"You never told me you had friends, Usui," Tyler complained.
"Oh, we're not friends," Misaki said. "I mean- We just met. I mean- we had met before but it was at this party but I don't really know him!" Misaki couldn't get any words out. Ugh!
"Calm down, Jackie Sparrow," Tyler teased. "It's okay. I know how embarrassing it is to be seen with this guy."
"Shut up," Takumi said, throwing a straw at him. "We need an ice pack. Misaki has a bruise."
"Right away," Tyler said, leaving.
"Don't mind him," Takumi said. "He's just likes to be a pest."
"Oh," was all Misaki said.
"One ice pack for the lady," Tyler announced, handing it to Misaki.
"Thanks."
"So, I have this question," Tyler said.
"What?" Misaki asked.
"Could I have an autograph?"
"Um…sure," Misaki said.
Tyler perked up and pulled up his shirt. "Right on my heart," he said, handing Misaki a sharpie.
Misaki's eyes widened. "Really?" she asked.
"Yup," Tyler said. "Such a big fan. I might get it tattooed even."
Misaki gave a small laugh and signed his chest.
"You were amazing," Tyler said. "I mean the witty comebacks and the funny tricks-"
"You do know she has a script," Takumi said, rolling his eyes.
"Such a big fan…" Tyler said, ignoring Takumi.
Misaki actually giggled. Tyler was really funny.
"Oh thank you," Tyler said, after Misaki finished signing her name. "I'm such a big fan."
Misaki smiled. "You're welcome," she said.
"I'd love to stay and chat but I got to work," Tyler said. "Come again though."
Misaki nodded.
"So," Takumi said, studying her. "Are you enjoying the fame?"
Misaki shrugged. "I don't really care."
"You don't like being famous?"
"Do you?"
Takumi looked amused. "You got any plans?"
"Have you heard of the Red Rider project?" Misaki asked.
Takumi smirked. "Mhm…who do you want to play? The enchantress?"
Misaki bit her lower lip. "Well…"
"You seem more like Cypress Lunar," Takumi said. "You got a tough persona."
"I'm more than one character," Misaki stated. "I want to be Marina Cleo. I can do it."
"Benedict Riser is very picky," Takumi told her. "Can you really handle this industry?"
Misaki crossed her arms over her chest. "If you can, why can't I? You're only a year older."
Takumi just sighed. "Age could matter less in Hollywood," he said. "Let me ask you, can you keep a smiling face even as the paparazzi drag you through the mud? I'll warn you, people are very cruel. Our lives are on display for all to see…and judge," Takumi informed her. "Every single move you make will have the world judging you, good and bad."
"Usui!" Tyler said, running in. "Some reporters were lurking around. You might want to get out of here."
Takumi nodded. "Thanks." He turned to Misaki. "I'll go out the front door," he said. "You escape out the back. They won't see you."
"What about you then?" Misaki asked, standing up.
"I'll keep them interested," Takumi said, sliding on his sunglasses.
"Why?"
"You want to join?"
"No," Misaki said. "Thank you…Takumi."
"It's not too late to turn back," Takumi said as Misaki opened the back door.
Misaki turned. "Actually…it is."
Misaki with her disguise on, fled the scene. She saw the reporters all try and interview Takumi. He had a killer smile and looked so comfortable in front of the camera but Misaki wondered how many of those smiles were real.
Misaki's reading was one of the most nerve wracking things she's had to do. Well, then again, everything she did was nerve wracking.
"There is 20 girls including you, reading for the part of Marina," Honoka said. "You don't need any flares. This character needs to be genuine."
Misaki nodded and closed her eyes as the car drove on. Her audition was a small turning point scene in the movie. The scene had Marina rallying the soldiers to fight alongside her. It was going to require power, authority and determination on Misaki's part.
"You ready?" Honoka asked, straightening Misaki's silver top.
Misaki nodded.
"Go kill it,"
Misaki swallowed and then pushed open the door. There were three people sitting at a long table and one guy sitting on a stool.
Misaki confidently walked up to the long table and shook their hands.
"Hi, I'm Misaki Ayuzawa and I'm auditioning for the part of Marina Cleo," she said.
The man in the center introduced himself as Benedict Riser. He was a middle aged man that was very fit for his age. His button down shirt was wrinkled and his personality seemed a little strange.
"Ah…the new face in Hollywood," he said, more to himself than anyone else.
Misaki met the co-director, Regina Frank and an agent who didn't bother to give his name.
"Well, Misaki," Benedict said, looking through his papers. "You know the scene we want to hear?"
"Yes."
"Well forget that one."
"Excuse me?" Misaki asked, feeling her heart skip a beat.
"I want to hear a different one," Benedict said. "Uhh…page 56," he said. "I think I like that scene better."
Misaki took the script from him with shaking hands. Her eyes quickly skimmed through the dialogue. It was an exchange between Derek and Marina. It took place shortly after Cypress disregards Marina's defense plan for the village. It got heated and Cypress tried to snatch the plan away from Marina. Marina fought back but ended up getting shoved into a stack of wood and then got sent out to collect more wood. Misaki could relate to Marina's feelings in this scene…doubt…uncertainty.
"Would you like to hold onto the script?" Benedict asked.
"No, I think I will be fine," Misaki said, handing it back.
Benedict nodded. "This is Trey," he said, gesturing to the guy sitting on the stool. "He'll read the part of Derek for you."
Misaki nodded and walked over to Trey who sat in the middle of the room.
"Anytime you're ready, honey," Regina said, smiling.
Regina must be used to Benedict because she gave Misaki a sympathetic smile. Misaki let out a slow breath and turned to Trey.
"Don't call me that…" she said, looking away.
"Why not?" Trey read. "Isn't that who you are-"
"I can't be," Misaki interrupted. "Me? The Princess of Tristal? You do realize the princess is supposed to be the next Queen!"
"Yes, that's generally what princesses do," Trey agreed.
"You think I could be the next ruler…?" Misaki said, shaking her head slightly. "There has to be a mistake. The Princess was supposed to be strong, a leader. My mother- I mean, the Queen's lady in waiting said the Princess was foretold to be this beacon of light in the darkness. Her words will inspire thousands. She's going to lead everyone into battle and armies will follow her lead! She's the fire in the rebellion!" Misaki strangely felt hysterical herself. "The Princess is so great at this, so strong in this-"
Everyone's eyes were going to be on her. Misaki knew this feeling…
"You don't think that's you?" Trey asked.
"Me?!" Misaki demanded. "Look at me!" she exclaimed. "I'm Marina Cleo, not a leader. I am an ordinary girl! How do I make others believe in me if I can't even believe in myself?!"
"Why don't you then?" Trey read. He paused. "I'll believe in you."
"You would?" Misaki asked, feeling her eyes get a little wet. "You'd believe in this girl who isn't anything..?"
"It's your destiny," Trey said. "Your fate, my fate, everyone's fate here, we're all tied together. We've prepared for sixteen years," he said. "It's no coincidence that as soon as the time has ripened to fight that you show up."
"You would follow me into battle?" Misaki asked, in a small voice.
"After you learn to hold a sword properly," Trey, said in a lighter tone. He picked up a stick. "Here, I'll show you," he said, walking over to her.
Misaki let him take her hand and guide her.
"You know…" Trey said. "Anyone who can stand nose to nose with Cypress is pretty special."
Misaki smiled at him. "You're just saying that…" she said.
"Really," he promised. "She even scares me sometimes."
Misaki laughed and swung the sword as Trey guided.
"Keep believing, Princess," Trey said, stepping back. "I need to do my own chores before Cypress catches me slacking off."
Trey slowly walked away.
"Wait, your sword!" Misaki exclaimed
Trey turned. "Keep it," he said, untying a scabbard from his belt and tossing it to her. "It's a gift!"
Misaki caught it and smiled.
"Derek!" Misaki called.
Trey turned again.
"Thank you."
Trey gave her a smile and moved to the side of the room.
Misaki gripped the sword, feeling its weight. She sheathed the fake wooden sword half way and pretended to look at her reflection.
"Princess Anastasia Odette Eowen," she said to herself, enunciating each word and feeling their weight too.
She sheathed the sword completely and walked away too. Misaki let out a long breath of relief.
"Thank you, Misaki," Benedict said.
Misaki tried to read his face but she couldn't tell if he liked it or hated it. She politely thanked everyone and left.
"How was it?" Honoka asked when she walked out.
Misaki just sighed. "Unexpected…" was all she said.
She quickly turned the corner and crashed into someone.
"I am so sorry!" Misaki exclaimed, picking herself up off the floor. "Takumi?" she asked as he held his hand out to her. "You're reading for Red Rider too? I thought you weren't interested-"
"I never said that," Takumi said, helping her up. "I still have a career," he reminded her.
"Oh… When is your reading?" Misaki asked.
"About now," he said, nonchalantly.
"Good luck then," Misaki said.
"Save the luck for yourself, sweetheart," Takumi said. "You don't know what you're getting into."
Misaki glared at him as he disappeared around the corner.
"We'll see…"