Chapter 13: The Crack of Dawn

No one said the life of an actress was easy. Misaki and the cast were up before the sun was even up. It was still dark outside when Erika and Subaru came in to do her hair and makeup.

"Misaki," Erika scolded. "Open your eyes more! I have to get your eyeliner to look natural."

Misaki tried to force her sleepy eyes open. "Sorry. I'm tired."

"That isn't what you should be saying," Honoka said, walking into her trailer with a tray of coffees. "Here," she said, handing Misaki a Styrofoam cup.

"Thanks," Misaki said, wrapping her hands around it. It was a bit chilly so early in the morning.

Honoka turned on the lights to make the place brighter. "Make sure you contour her face," she instructed. "They're going to be blasting light at her in a few shots. I don't want her features to get washed out."

"I got it," Erika said, pulling out a brush.

Misaki got changed into her costume. This was a new costume. When she tried it on, it had been one of the dozen "extra" dresses. It was a burgundy color with long sleeves. The sleeve edges were pointed. A tiny elastic loop was worn over Misaki's middle finger so the triangle of fabric stayed on the back of her hand. The burgundy suede was then hand beaded with tiny bronze beads in floral patterns.

"I like this one a lot," Honoka said, straightening out the skirt that also had the beads.

"I do too," Misaki agreed. "This color is really pretty."

"We have to get going," Honoka said. "Subaru, do you have Misaki's cloak?"

"Yup," Subaru said, holding up a garment bag. "The helicopter will be here soon," she added, hearing it in the distance.

Today's scene is where they discover that winter was over. The Riders and Marina hike out to the top of a hill and look at how the entire land was filled with life. The grass was green and the sun was coming out from among the hills which was why everyone was up so early. Benedict wanted to get the footage at sunrise.

The helicopter landed them on the set which was by a forest edge. Everyone actually had to hike a little bit to get to the actual set because it was in the forest. Benedict wanted to minimalize the damage done to the exquisite nature so everyone not directly needed was told to wait outside of the forest.

"This is beautiful," Benedict said, looking around as the crew set up the cameras. "We made it just in time. The sun is just rising. You see this golden glow everything has?" he asked no one in particular. "It's perfect. Are we ready yet?!" he yelled. "I need Riders and Marina on set."

"Wow," Regina marveled when Misaki stepped forward.

"What?" Misaki asked.

"You're dress. Move again,"

Misaki took another step. "Wow…" she agreed. Every step she took, the soft sunlight refracted off the beads and cast glimmering gold lights against the green leaves.

"You can admire it when we're done filming," Benedict said. "Derek, Marina, Luke, Rider 1 and 2. I need you standing here. Derek is first," Benedict said. "You're leading the group but Marina is going to cut in front of you when you get closer to the opening. Hurry, don't let the sun rise all the way!"

The camera man literally was walking backwards as the actors walked forward. Two other crew members had large reflecting panels for the still shots.

"Ready! Action!"

They slowly began hiking up the hill. Misaki didn't need to pretend to be amazed by nature because she actually was. She gently pushed back a large leaf and looked out into the sunlight up ahead.

"Wait!" Takumi called after her as she hurried past him.

Misaki felt bad for the camera man. He was jogging backwards through the thick terrain.

"Cut!" Benedict said, from below. "Come down and do it again."

Backwards shot, side shot, three quarters shot, overhead shot, Misaki's legs were sore from hiking up the hill a dozen times.

"Take five," Benedict said to the actors. "Crew, let's get set up at the forest opening at the very top of the hill. Get a pan across view of nature first."

"I was looking at the footage that was coming up on the screen," Honoka said, stepping over a bunch of cords. "The way the beads refracted the light, it was stunning. This scene is purely for imagery."

Misaki nodded and sipped water through a straw. "I'm pretty sweaty."

"Don't worry," Erika said, dabbing on more foundation as Subaru set up an electric fan for Misaki. "Most of your makeup is water resistant."

"Benedict wants the cast up there," a man said, walking by with a walkie talkie.

"Alright," Misaki said, retying her cloak on.

"Fun huh?" Takumi asked, walking beside her.

"The forest was beautiful," Misaki agreed. "I can't believe there are actually places in the word with such beautiful nature…I am speechless," she concluded.

"It's hardly anything with you standing beside it," Takumi whispered.

Misaki jerked back. "Don't say such stupid things!" she said, jogging up ahead.

There was that feeling again… Misaki ignored it and focused on her job. She couldn't get distracted…even if it was Takumi Usui- no especially if it was Takumi Usui.

They filmed when Marina bursts out onto the hill. Misaki gasped as she saw the landscape before her. The sunrise cast a golden glow on the rocks and plants. The ice on the river was mostly melted too.

"So this…" Takumi said, walking up behind her.

Misaki turned. A smile lit up her face. "This must be spring…" she said in awe.

The rest of the Riders caught up. The camera panned around at all their shocked faces.

"All I've ever known was snow and ice," Misaki breathed as the camera was focused on her. The reflecting panels were directed at her. Misaki's face looked like it was glowing from the sunlight. "This is spring…" she said, softly. Her hand untied the cord around her neck and her cloak fluttered to the ground "THIS IS SPRING!" she yelled out into the vast space with her arms out. Misaki personally took this moment to feel the warmth of the sunshine on her face and the slightly breeze through her hair.

"Mother…" she whispered. Misaki kept smiling. "I finally know what spring looks like and it was beautiful. This is hope."

"No," Takumi said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "This is hope."

They shared a smile.

"I can't believe this," Kyle said. "Winter is over?"

Misaki turned. "Yes," she said. "This is what it looks like when the earth thrives."

"I sense some well thought words…Princess?" Takumi teased.

Misaki closed her eyes. "The earth thrives," she said. "We too…will thrive."

"Cut!" Benedict stood up. "The scenery was perfect, spot on."

"How did you even find such a secluded place?" Kyle asked. "You can't see this opening from helicopter."

Benedict grinned. "I've hiked all over New Zealand as I wrote my script. I had a vision and this was it," he said, gesturing to it. "Perfection," he said in amazement. "But now," he said, composing himself. "We're all going to pull out and return to the main base. I need to carefully think about how to approach the next scene."

"Pull out," Regina said in her walkie talkie. "Misaki, Takumi and Kyle. You three can return first. Get some rest and food."

"Thanks Regina," Misaki said.

They got changed and left in the first helicopter.

"Man, I'm beat," Kyle said, leaning back in the seat as they took off. "I think I'm going to go back and crash."

"Its 6:30 am," Takumi said, checking his watch.

"That's when we usually get up," Misaki laughed.

"It seems so," Takumi agreed.

They returned back to their trailers. Misaki took a quick shower and ate her cinnamon apple oatmeal while lying in bed. She missed Sakura. Sakura had flown back to LA to record the song for the movie. There were two scenes when the Enchantress sang and then Sakura was doing a song to play in the background but most of the music in general was classical.

"Pstt…"

Misaki stirred in her sleep. Something hit the window of her trailer. Misaki opened her eyes. Something hit the tiny window again.

"What the heck?" Misaki wondered, throwing back the covers. She grabbed a chair and stood on it. The window was tiny. It was mostly used for letting sunlight in, not an actual window.

"What the…" Misaki began as Takumi waved to her from the outside. "That weirdo," she muttered, throwing open her trailer door. "What do you want?!" she demanded.

"Someone's grumpy from their nap," Takumi said, walking over. "Want to go on a ride?" he asked. "There's a really good trail."

"Ride?" Misaki asked, groggy.

Takumi smirked. "Horses?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Remember where you are, sweetheart."

"Don't call me that. I don't like you," Misaki said, slamming the door shut. She paused for a moment and opened it back up. "Give me ten minutes," she said, poking her head out the door and then slamming it shut again.

Takumi chuckled. Was this girl really a celebrity? Being with Misaki made him wish everything about his life was different. He would have never gotten into acting. He would have went to a simple university and possibly met this Miss Ayuzawa there. Perhaps then, they could have been possible but not now… Their lives were too public for a steady relationship. Takumi didn't want the world judging her. He knew with his fame, any girl he dated would be discussed. He didn't want to hear what the world had to say about what girl HE liked. If HE thought she was good enough for him, she was. Honestly…why couldn't the world just butt out of people's business?

"Okay, I'm ready," Misaki said, hurrying out. She had on a royal blue riding jacket with black riding boots.

"Very fetching," he noted, obviously checking her out.

"My eyes are up here, fool," Misaki said, smacking him over the head.

They walked over to the stables and saddled their own horses.

"You gotten any better?" Takumi asked as they led their horses out into the open fields.

"Watch," Misaki said, smugly. She hooked one foot on the stirrup and gracefully hoisted herself up upon the horse. One squeeze to walk. A second one to trot.

"You've improved," Takumi agreed, seating himself on his own horse.

"Touché," Misaki said, stirring her horse toward the open hills.

"How fast can you go?" Takumi asked, nudging his horse into a gallop.

Misaki smirked. Galloping was no longer a challenge for her either. They rode across the green hills. Hooves thumped against the ground.

"Whoa!" Misaki said, tugging on the reins slightly. "Which trail are we going on?" she asked.

"The one edging the woods," Takumi said, nodding his head to the right.

Misaki clicked her tongue and Lady started walking again.

"You're riding a different horse for the actual movie right?" Takumi asked.

"Yeah," Misaki said. "Everyone has a different horse. Those will stunt horses."

The horses they rode on in the movie were specially trained. For instance, they were trained like battle horses. If Misaki was yelling and waving a sword around on Lady's back, she'd probably freak. Also the horses knew how to step sideways and rear up without throwing the rider off like they do in all action movies.

"Just how fast can you go, Misaki Ayuzawa?" Takumi challenged.

Misaki felt a challenge. She couldn't resist challenges.

"Is there a prize?" she asked.

"Name it," Takumi said, grinning.

"I'll tell you when I think of one!" Misaki laughed, sending her horse into a gallop.

"Hey, that's cheating!" Takumi called after.

Misaki urged her horse into a canter. Lady was loving it. She tore up and down the hills. Misaki kept a firm hand on the reins and supported herself with her legs. She risked a backwards glance, Takumi was catching up to her.

Misaki had never ridden faster than this but Takumi's gaining speed got her adrenaline going.

"Come on, Lady," she urged.

Lady was a really fast horse. Going faster was no big deal for her but Misaki felt herself getting shaken up on the saddle. Her body got jostled around and Misaki felt herself getting knocked side to side.

"Misaki!" Takumi called. "Slow down! You don't know how to ride this fast!"

"Shut up!" Misaki said, tightening her grip on the reins. "I can too!"

"Let's not race anymore!" Takumi called. "Loosen your grip! You're going to fall!"

"I'm not going to fall!" Misaki yelled, over her shoulder. "Try and keep up, if you can!" she said, breathing hard.

"Misaki!" Takumi exclaimed, catching up to her. "Slow down!" he said, reaching out an arm toward her. "You're being reckless," Takumi called.

"I'm not-" Misaki almost toppled off. "Whoa!" she finally said. "Whoa Lady!"

Misaki came to a not so graceful stop. She fell off Lady and onto the dirt.

"Ugh," she groaned, picking herself up.

"That was stupid," Takumi said, sliding off. "Are you okay?" he asked. "Move your arms and legs for me-"

"Why are you doing this?" Misaki blurted out.

"Because you could be hurt," Takumi said, grabbing her arm.

"Why do you care?"

"W-Why do I care?" Takumi demanded, giving her an exasperated look. "Because you just flew off your horse! You don't know how to ride at the speed but you did anyways! I swear if you were a guy, I would have pinned you down on the ground by now to check for injuries."

"You…what?" Misaki asked, blushing. What did he just say to her?

"Nothing," Takumi said, composing himself. "Are you hurt?"

Misaki moved her arms and legs around. "I'm fine," she said, unbuckling her helmet. "Just a little sore."

"I bet," Takumi said, leading his horse over. "We should get back," he said. "You're probably bruised up. I have this really good cream-"

"Why do you care about me?" Misaki asked again.

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know," Misaki said, taking her horse's reins and leading her back. "Do you do this for anyone else?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Nothing," Misaki said, hiding her face behind her horse's head. "Say…Takumi," she said, studying her feet as they walked. "How would you describe Derek's love for Marina?" she asked, slowly. "She's a royal and all. How do you love someone who just seems so far away?"

Takumi thought about it. "It's a love he can't help," he finally decided. "He loves Marina Cleo and it just so happens that Marina's also Princess Anastasia."

"What if he forgets that she's also Marina?" Misaki asked. "In time, will he only see her as a Princess?"

"Didn't you read the entire script?" Takumi asked.

"I just can't help but wonder," Misaki sighed. "I want to be as in character as possible but I've realized love is really weird."

"Are you in love?"

"N-No!" Misaki exclaimed. They reached the horse stables and unsaddled their horses. "That's ridiculous," she added.

"Love isn't ridiculous," Takumi said. "It's perfectly normal. Who is it?" he prodded.

"No one!" Misaki replied.

"Is it me…?"

"NO!" Misaki yelled. "Why would it be you?! I mean- I'm not in love with anyone but even if I were for some strange reason, it most certainly wouldn't be you!" Misaki rambled. "I have to go," she said, running off.

Takumi leaned against the wooden post and watched her disappear.

"You like her, don't you?"

"Alice!" Takumi exclaimed. "Are you spying on me again?" he demanded.

"I'm your manager," Alice said, tossing her long blonde curls. "So, Misaki Ayuzawa, huh?" she said, elbowing him. "That's really cute."

"Alice!"

"What?!" Alice demanded. "I think you two would make a really cute couple. Why'd she storm off? Was your charm over kill?"

"Alice…" Takumi warned. "You're my manager. Please act professional."

"Takumi!" Alice whined, tugging on his arm. "I'm not your manager right now! I'm your cousin, Little Ali! I'm family," she said, batting her eyes. "You can trust me," she cajoled.

Takumi snorted. "Nothing is between us."

"But you do like her," Alice said, looking up at him with her narrowed brown eyes.

"I never said that-"

"HA! I knew it!" Alice said, throwing her clipboard down on the grass. "You said you'd tell me if you found a girl you liked! You promised!"

"We were ten-"

"SO?!"

"Relationships are too burdensome," Takumi said, hoping to shut his cousin up. If he didn't trust her so much, he would have gotten a quieter manager. One that did not interrogate him about his feelings. "Can I go shower now?" he asked.

"Fine fine," Alice said, patting his back. "My handsome cousin can go shower!" she said, squeezing his cheeks.

"Alice!" Takumi complained. "Don't make me fire you!"

"You wouldn't dare," Alice said, crossing her arms. "Besides you wouldn't trust anyone else to manage your career," she said, picking up her clipboard. "If you want to be all manly and secretive," she said, lifting her chin up. "Go ahead," she said, storming off.

Takumi let out an exasperated sigh. Why was life so complicated?