Chapter 9: The Greatness of Green

"Hi-ya!" Vivian yelled. She had two short wooden swords in her hands as she sliced through invisible enemies, ducking and rolling.

Misaki watched behind the glass window. There was a trainer standing at the edge of the mats but he just mostly watched as Vivian ran through her fighting choreography. She was definitely as good as any stunt double. Her eyes were full of fire, teeth bared as she hacked down an invisible enemy.

It was comical to think Misaki had almost read for the role of Cypress Lunar. Everything about Vivian just screamed Cypress, plus she could never pull off all those moves.

Vivian finished her session and walked out of the gym, sipping her water and wiping her face with a towel.

"How was I?" she asked, breathless.

Misaki gave her a thumbs up. "Amazing…"

Vivian laughed. "You'll do fine. Matt is a sweetie."

Misaki nodded and headed in. She set her towel and water bottle on a bench and introduced herself to the trainer.

"Misaki Ayuzawa, right?" he said.

Misaki nodded.

"Matt Wolfe. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too."

Matt was very muscular. His black T-shirt hugged him like a male model's would.

"Marina Cleo…" he said, looking on his IPad. "Yours is a lot easier than the Cypress one."

"I'm glad," Misaki said. "I could never look like that."

"You're on horseback for most of the battle scenes. How's that horseback riding coming?"

A pause. "It's getting there…"

"Well, you'll be on a still mount for this practice," Matt said, dragging over a wooden mount. There was a saddle on it but other than that, it was just a block of wood.

"Everyone is practicing with wooden weapons first," Matt said, tossing her a sturdy wooden sword. "Since you're on a horse, most of your fighting will be one handed."

Matt gave her a quick intro about how to use her entire arm so she wouldn't hurt her wrist. He then demonstrated some moves for Misaki and had her mimic them in slow motion. Misaki realized that it was easier to pick up a second style of fighting when she already knew one.

"You're a fast learner," Matt complimented.

"I learned how to fence in my other movie."

"Ah…wait. You were in Sparrow!"

Misaki nodded.

"That's awesome," Matt said. "Yeah, fencing is flashier. This is cleaner and sharper."

Half of Misaki's lesson was solo. The other was with Takumi. In the movie, Derek teaches Marina how to wield a sword and they give lessons."

"Ah, this scene," Matt said, checking his IPad for the moves again. "Benedict was so picky about this scene. He even had people create a simulation so I could get what he was thinking.

Misaki got to have a drink break while Matt showed Takumi the moves he did to kind of show off to Marina. Matt then stands behind Misaki, showing Takumi what he had to do. The scene was supposed to have Derek walk Marina through the moves.

"Simple easy slices," Matt said, moving Misaki through the motions. "Okay, try it with Takumi."

"Don't do anything funny," Misaki said under her breath as Takumi stood behind her and placed his hands over hers.

"What? Like this?" Takumi said, purposely pressing himself against her.

Misaki stiffened. "Yes! Now stop it!"

Takumi smirked and then did the moves like they were supposed to. The second part was harder. Takumi stood with his feet planted on the ground with his own sword. Misaki was dueling with him except she wasn't supposed to be as good as him. She kept sliding around but Takumi wasn't supposed to move a step. He would calmly block her moves and hit back.

This scene was going to be green screened. As they are practicing, winter fades. By the time Marina had gotten pretty good with the sword, it was spring.

"Wow, I have two fast learners…" Matt said, running his hand through his short cropped hair. "I guess I can tell Benedict that we will probably finish training earlier."

Misaki dropped the real sword onto the mat and sat down, breathing hard.

"What's the matter?" Takumi asked, teasing. "One too many cupcakes."

"Okay," Misaki said, standing up. "I split a cupcake with Sakura at dinner and you get to just stand there while I do all the work."

Takumi flipped his wooden stick up to his hand with his toe. "You think you're better?" he challenged, grinning.

Misaki picked up her sword. "Oh, I know I am…"

"Um…" Matt said when he came back. Takumi and Misaki were fighting to the death on the mats. "You guys are done…" he offered as Misaki and Takumi zipped around the mats in a blur of swords and the occasional kick and punch.

Takumi locked swords with Misaki and quickly twisted around to get her into a playful choke hold.

"Admit defeat," he whispered into her ear.

"NEVER! LET ME GO! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" Misaki yelled, struggling to break his iron grip.

"Hmm?" Takumi asked, holding her tighter.

"LET ME GO!"

"Flatter me, sweetheart…" he whispered.

"Dream on!" Misaki said, throwing her elbow into his stomach.

Takumi let her go. Misaki looked away, red in the face and stormed out of the gym.

"You pervert…" she muttered, throwing the door open and then slamming it shut.

"I can't stand him!" Misaki exclaimed, dropping onto her couch.

Vivian and Sakura were sitting around, sipping tea and chatting.

"Who?" Sakura asked.

"Takumi Usui!" Misaki said, crossing her arms.

"What did he do?" Vivian asked. "Why are you so mad? Didn't you just have training with him?"

"He's so arrogant," Misaki said. "He thinks it's funny to push my buttons!"

Sakura giggled.

"What?" Misaki demanded.

"I've never you seen you so flustered over a boy before," Sakura giggled.

Misaki turned bright red. "I don't want to have anything to do with him!" she exclaimed. "He's so weird… He's like an alien with different faces. He's…He's a perverted alien from outer space!"

"Colorful language," Vivian said, pouring Misaki some tea. "Don't mind him then. Here, have a cup of tea."

Misaki sipped her tea and composed herself.

"How is your choreography?" Vivian asked, changing the topic.

"It's good," Misaki said. "It was easier to pick up than I expected."

"That's good," Vivian said.

"So, what were you guys talking about before I came in?" Misaki asked, kicking off her sneakers.

"Nothing really," Sakura said. "We talked about music, celeb gossip, clothes, you know, that stuff."

"Did you know Sakura and Kuuga were a ruse?" Vivian asked. "I would have never guessed. I still think they'd make a cute couple."

Misaki nodded. "Yeah, I knew," she replied.

"Have you ever had a boyfriend?" Vivian asked.

Misaki shook her head.

"Why not?"

"I never had time," Misaki explained. "I dropped out of high school to work in commercials and then as an actress."

"But Misaki takes a bunch of online college courses," Sakura added. "She's not stupid."

"Thanks Sakura…"

"So," Vivian said, giggling. "Who do you think is the cutest on set?"

Sakura laughed. "Kyle Thicke is really good looking but he's such a normal celeb."

Vivian agreed. "He's had how many girlfriends now?"

Sakura shrugged. "And he's really flashy and always gets the role of the hot millionaire in TV shows."

"I think Takumi and Tora are both pretty good looking," Vivian said. "Man, Benedict has good taste."

Sakura laughed. "I suppose. What do you think, Misaki?"

"Me?" Misaki asked. "Uh… I didn't really pay attention."

"Well, you've made out with one of them and are going to with the other," Vivian pointed out.

"Uh, I don't know," Misaki admitted. "I'm not interested."

"Do you party?"

"…Not really…"

"Drink?"

"Underage."

"Drugs?"

"Illegal!"

"You've got to go out more," Vivian said. "Once we get back to California. I'm taking both of you out. I know all the hottest bars. Some even give out free drinks."

"That sounds fun…" Misaki lied. "Okay, I'm going to sleep. I'll see you tomorrow in the Studio. We're going green screen."

"You bet!" Sakura said. "This is where I come in!" she said, clapping her hands together.

The next morning was easier. Misaki didn't have to get her hair and makeup done in the trailer. They were driving to a huge studio in New Zealand.

"Hey look, civilization!" Sakura said, pointing out the window.

Misaki laughed. "The smell of cities!" she agreed.

The first scene being filmed was Marina's encounter with the wolves. Misaki changed into her first costume. Subaru made her hair damp and messy and a costume director wet Misaki's costume.

"Okay, you're going to pretend you see the bushes rustle over here," Benedict instructed. "Then back up and start running that way," he said, pointing. "The next shot is when you actually get attacked by the wolf. You're going to have to use your imagination. Struggle. Fight."

Benedict used a sack to represent the wolf. Misaki imagined a big black wolf taking a bite out of her dress. She fell back and grabbed the thick stick and started to try to beat it away. The wolf was then supposed to leap onto her. Misaki pretended to shove the stick against his teeth and keep his jaws away from her neck.

"Help!" she screamed, struggling against…well nothing. "Someone help!" Misaki shrieked trying to escape.

Benedict signaled so Misaki knew the arrow had pierced the wolf. She stayed frozen for a few seconds until Benedict signaled that the wolf had collapsed.

Misaki gasped and scrambled up.

"Cut!" Benedict yelled. "Let's move on. I need Derek on set and Marina in a costume change."

Misaki changed into her winter costume and Subaru blew dry her hair. Her dress had heavy padding and fur trim. As Misaki slipped on her boots, Subaru fixed Misaki's hair with the fur headband.

"Hold on, I need to finish your concealer," Erika said, dabbing under Misaki's eyes.

Misaki straightened her dress and grabbed the sword off the prop table.

"This routine is still new," Benedict said, skeptical. "Do you really have it together?"

Misaki nodded. "We do."

"Okay," Benedict said, walking up beside the camera man. "Let's find out."

Takumi winked at her. "Ready?" he asked.

"Of course," Misaki said. "I was born ready."

"Action!" Benedict yelled.

The scene started out with Derek showing off and then he teaches Marina how to hold a sword and how to fight. Misaki kept her face unsure at first but more confident after each take. Soon the scenes progressed to Marina being able to do the moves by herself. Lastly was the dueling scene where Derek was still obviously better but Marina had a vast improvement.

There were two shots taken of every sequence of their fighting. One the camera man stayed in his position. The second shot was moving. As they fought, the camera man was wheeled around them, catching every angle.

The only time they stopped was to switch costumes. They all dressed in their spring costumes during the end when Marina was Derek dueled. Misaki really liked her spring costume. The circlet was absolutely gorgeous. Misaki felt like a princess with it on.

Misaki locked swords with Takumi and jerked up. She stumbled a little so their faces were inches apart. Breathing hard, Misaki glanced down at his lips and then back at his eyes. They were in character- slowly falling in love but Misaki still felt kind of embarrassed. She felt her cheeks get a little warm as Takumi gave her a charming smirk.

"I think like it," Benedict said after they cut and Misaki quickly stepped away. "The little smirk on Takumi's face at the end was very charming."

Misaki rolled her eyes. Yes, Takumi just charmed everyone he encountered… Misaki just assumed he chose not to act his polite normal self around her to annoy her.

"Take five everyone," Benedict said. "I need to think about what to do next…"

"Amazing!" Sakura clapped as Misaki stepped off the green screen area.

Sakura was in full costume and Misaki almost didn't recognize her. Her auburn hair was concealed under a silver blonde wig. She had a mystical silver circlet with a large blue stone hanging in the center of the forehead and short strands of silver beads around the rest of the circlet.

Her costume came in layers. The underdress was a light turquoise color with a plunging neckline to her waist. Over that dress was a sheer robe like article of clothing with long flowing sleeves and a white belt that kept everything together. Along the bottom of the robe, it had a gradient of blue circles surrounded by glittering gemstones. To finish the look, Sakura's skin had a very healthy glow to it from facet glitter in lotion. Around her neck was an elegant blue choker with silver stones and a crystal hanging off a chord.

"Thanks," Misaki said, sipping a bottle of water. "You look amazing," she added.

"Wait till you hear my enchantress voice," Sakura said, smiling.

During the break, Misaki ate a granola bar and rinsed out her mouth afterwards. Benedict finally came to a decision with Regina and called the people he need onto the set.

"I need the following: Cypress! Derek! Marina! Villagers! Riders! Luke! I need Enchantress on deck!"

"That's us!" Sakura said, composing herself.

Erika swiped a bit of lipstick on Misaki and let her go back to set.

"I'm at the scene where Cypress has the necklace and she's telling everyone about the legend," Benedict informed them. "Just run it up until…until I say cut," he decided.

Vivian was given the necklace and everyone got into position.

"Lights. Cameras. Action!"

"Do you know what you've been withholding from us?!" Vivian exclaimed.

She turned to the villagers and Riders and held up the necklace.

"Do you know what this is?!" she demanded.

"It's just a necklace," Takumi said.

Vivian let out an exasperated breath. "Do you know what's on here?! This is the royal crest! Where did you even find this?!"

"It's mine," Misaki spoke up.

Everyone turned and looked at her.

"You?!" Vivian scoffed. "And where did you get it…?"

"My mother gave it to me," Misaki tried explaining.

Vivian ignored her. "Are we not at a dilemma if we should go to war?" she asked everyone. "Legends says the blood of a leader spilled on the seal will summon a greater force," Vivian proclaimed. "This being is above good and evil. They can provide us with an answer!"

"What leader?" someone yelled in the crowd.

Vivian set the necklace on the ground. Everyone gasped as she took out a knife and slit her palm open.

"Cut!" Benedict called.

They ran the scene over twice and then Vivian was handed a small package of fake blood. The scene continued as Vivian squeezed her hand and blood dripped onto the necklace. Everyone held their breath and waited. Nothing happened.

"Who could it be then?" Vivian breathed, still not believing that it didn't work. "Derek, you try."

"Let me try," Misaki spoke up.

Vivian glared at her. "And what are you the leader of?" she asked, glaring at her.

Misaki swallowed. "It wouldn't hurt to try."

"Actually, for you it might," Vivian said, tossing the knife on the ground. "You've probably never even spilled blood before."

"That's true," Misaki said in an even voice.

"I believe in her," Takumi said, stepping forward. "Cypress," he said. "I think Marina can do it."

"For what reason?" Vivian demanded. "She's a nobody. All the lost scrolls I've found spoke of someone great- good or bad."

"Cypress," Takumi said again in a calm voice. "Let Marina try."

Vivian rolled her eyes and stepped back. "Go ahead," she said, crossing her arms. "Don't cry when you break skin."

Takumi handed Misaki a small knife and nodded at her. Misaki took it and slowly walked up to the necklace that laid on the ground. Hands shaking, Misaki pulled the knife across her palm, gasping in pain. (Of course, she didn't actually cut herself)

"Cut!" Benedict said.

Misaki was given a package of blood for her to squeeze onto the necklace. They were all supposed to pause and then gasp when the necklace started to "glow."

Everyone backed up in fear as Sakura lowered her arms. She had a gold staff in her hand with a lyre on top. Glowing beads hung off the top of the staff and bells were attacked around the neck.

The villagers clutched each other in fear. Vivian went to step forward but Takumi held her back. It was only Misaki who was faced with Sakura.

Sakura gave her a smile and kneeled on the ground. Misaki barely even recognized Sakura's voice. It was a lot higher and sounded more like whispery singing than talking.

"I pay my respects," Sakura said in her breezy voice. "Princess Anastasia Odette Eowen of Tristal…You live."

Everyone gasped. Takumi remained impassive but Vivian was utterly shocked.

"Has the time come for us to go to war?" Misaki asked, taking a quick look over her should out of the corner of her eye.

Sakura slowly and gracefully stood up. "There is always a time," she said, giving her a small smile.

"But is that time now?" Misaki asked.

"Do you think it is time?"

Misaki looked around. "We've grown in numbers. Kingdoms are willing to support us-"

"But are you ready?" Sakura asked. She looked at all the people. "You are destined to lead this war. The Kingdoms will aid you if you simply ask. Armies will rise up at your call. You shall ignite the fire in everyone's heart. You will give them hope."

"But, I'm just me," Misaki said, looking confused. "I'm not the strongest or wisest. Why is it me to lead?"

"It's in your blood," Sakura explained. "You may not feel it yet but one day you will. You will find yourself wanting to lead and you will also find thousands willing to follow."

"But-"

"Good luck, Princess," Sakura said, backing up a little.

"Wait!" Misaki exclaimed.

"Cut!"

The next scene was everyone getting over the shock.

"Action!"

A Rider dropped to one knee.

"All hail the Princess," he yelled, holding out his sword in his fists.

Everyone else began dropping to their knees. Takumi kneeled down too. Vivian looked around her and eventually dropped down too. The Riders all got to one knee while the villagers got down on both and bowed.

"All hail the Princess. Long live Princess Anastasia Odette Eowen," they chanted.

Misaki made herself look overwhelmed. She just looked at the people bowing to her with shock and uneasiness.

"Long live Princess Anastasia Odette Eowen! Long live Tristal!"