Chapter 18: The Handsome Prince

Misaki was flown back to New Zealand and to the familiar set of Red Rider. The cast had one day to recover from jet lag but then it was back to getting up early for work. As fun as acting was, it was still a job that required a lot of effort.

The first scene of the day was a village meeting starring Marina, Cypress and Derek with Luke on the sidelines. Typical typical.

"I thought we'd start with a little dialogue before we got to all the action and riding scenes. Brace your butts, Riders. After this scene, its horseback for all of you for the rest of the day," Benedict announced.

"Did he just tell us to brace our butts?" Misaki asked.

"Apparently," Vivian said.

Vivian had apologized to Misaki multiple times but Misaki reassured her that it wasn't her fault. Misaki was glad Vivian and her could still be friends.

"Positions," Benedict yelled.

After every villager and Rider got into position, Benedict went through the tedious task of perfecting everything.

"Ready! Action!"

"The time to fight is now!" Misaki said, turning to the crowd. "The Kingdom of Graden will answer our call."

"What makes you so sure?" Vivian demanded. "Where were they when King Eowen was slain?!"

"We need their armies," Misaki argued. "We will send word to them."

"They will not listen!" Another Rider pointed out. "We have sought their aid before."

"They don't think highly of our rebel forces!" another added.

Misaki stood up straighter and stepped forward. "They will answer if the Princess of Tristal calls," she said. "I will go."

"No," Takumi said, stepping forward. "You cannot go, Princess. You are the heart of this war. We cannot risk you."

"I am not going to hide," Misaki said. "I am not the Dark King who hides in his castle as others fight for him. I will ride alongside our armies into battle so why can't I ride to seek aid?"

"I'll go with you then," Takumi said. "I will protect the Princess."

"I will too," Vivian added.

"No," Takumi replied. "You must stay here. The village looks to their leader."

"The leader has long not been me," Vivian said in a quiet voice.

"They need you,"

"Very well." Vivian turned and walked away.

"Luke Magnus," Takumi said. "Will you and several other Riders accompany the Princess to Graden?"

"Of course," Kyle said, bowing. "I will prepare for the trip."

"We must travel lightly and swiftly," Takumi simply said. "We need speed."

Takumi turned back to Misaki. "When do we set out, Princess?"

"Right now," Misaki replied. "There is no time to waste."

Everyone dispersed and left Takumi and Misaki alone. Benedict cut the scene and started off when Derek and Marina were alone.

"You should go prepare," Takumi said.

Misaki nodded and they shared a quiet moment.

"There's something in your room," Takumi told her.

"What?"

"You'll see," he said leaving. "You deserve it."

"Cut!"

The next scene was Misaki walking into her room. On a mannequin, there was a Rider's outfit. Misaki gasped and touched the leather panels. Marina was shocked that Derek thought of her as a Rider.

The camera man took a lot of close ups on the beautiful costumes. Then Benedict went to shoot footage of others as Misaki got changed and had her hair redone. Instead of the soft waves, Misaki's hair was in three edgy braids and then put up in a high pony tail. Her circlet still remained the same though.

Misaki finished getting ready and shot the remaining village footage for the scene. Marina walks out of her hut and everyone's looking over at her. Cypress is shocked but doesn't say anything. Marina walks over to Derek who's holding her horse. Misaki confidently mounted her horse.

"Hope," she said to the people. "Let it burn in our hearts. I will bring an army to merge with ours!"

"All hail Princess Anastasia!" The people cheered as they rode off.

The scene ended as the group disappeared into the woods. The next part was their travels. The Rider group was flown by helicopter out into the open plains.

"Hey," Takumi said.

"Hi," Misaki replied.

He just smiled at her. Misaki raised an eyebrow.

"Well, look whose exchanging looks around the helicopter," Kyle said, smirking.

"Are you two dating?" another actor asked.

"No," Misaki replied. "We're just…friends."

Kyle grinned. "If you say so…"

The helicopter landed onto the next set. After everyone touched up makeup and hair, they all mounted their horses. There was a long rail set up across the entire field. The camera was mounted on a machine that was going to move alongside the horses.

Benedict was waving the helicopter down too. There was a camera on the front of it.

"Go!" Benedict yelled.

The Riders kicked their horses into a canter and everyone began moving. The helicopter trailed overhead as the ground camera kept up with them.

Misaki had gotten a lot better at horseback riding. She easily pushed her horse to increase speed. The hooves beat against the ground as they rode across the field. It was really cool how realistic the costumes were. The Rider's boots were perfect for horseback riding which made sense since the Riders were mostly on horseback when they traveled.

"Whoa!" Misaki called when they reached their mark. Her horse slowed to a stop.

Benedict got off the machine and walked over. "Sore?" he asked.

"No," everyone replied.

"Good," he said. "Because we've barely shot anything yet."

Misaki was rubbing her butt, thighs and legs as they sat around for a break. She felt black and blue everywhere. Benedict was right…Brace your butts…

The entire cast and crew then went to the set up pavilion for lunch. Misaki felt like she was back in school as she went down the line to get her tray of food.

"You look exhausted," Vivian said, sitting next to Misaki.

"I am..." Misaki sighed. "I was on horseback for hours!" She was sitting on a couple ice packs.

"Did you see the new guy?" Vivian asked as Misaki shoveled salad and spaghetti into her mouth.

"Where?" she asked.

Vivian looked around. "He was here earlier. He's going to play the prince in Red Rider."

"Who is he?" Misaki asked.

Vivian shook her head. "Apparently not anyone famous. I don't recognize him at all."

"I'm sure Benedict isn't limiting himself to famous actors," Misaki pointed out. "That's how Jim Graph found me for Sparrow."

Vivian nodded. "He was pretty cute though," she laughed. "The perfect prince type."

"Oh really?" Misaki asked. "I'm shooting with him later so I'll meet him then. Are you shooting today?"

Vivian shook her head. "I'm just going to work out, practice my lines and turn in early."

"I'll see you tomorrow then," Misaki said. "I still have a long day…

"Good luck!"

"Thanks."

Misaki finished eating and got ready for the rest of the day. She strolled around the camp grounds. Something crunched under her foot. Misaki bent over and picked up a little candy.

"Who's is this?!" she called. Who was littering on the ground?

Misaki took a few steps forward and found another candy on the ground. What the heck? Misaki followed the trail to a person sitting on the trailer steps. He had brown hair and brown eyes. His face expression was peaceful as he munched on a chocolate bar.

"Hey!" Misaki exclaimed.

The guy turned. "Me?" he asked, popping a candy into his mouth.

"Yes!" Misaki said, storming over. "You're supposed to keep the camp clean! You're littering everywhere!"

"No, I'm not…" he said.

Misaki dumped the handful of sweets into his lap. "Isn't this yours?"

"Eh?" he said, lifting up his bag. More candy fell out of a little hole in the corner. "My sweets!" he exclaimed.

Misaki felt her eye twitch. "Who are you?" she asked.

"My name is Hinata," he said, sucking on a piece of hard candy. "Who are you?"

"You don't know who I am?" Misaki asked.

"No,"

"I played Jackie in Sparrow?" she offered.

"Never seen."

"Where are you from?" Misaki asked.

"New York City," Hinata explained. "Benedict asked me if I wanted to be in his production. It seemed pretty cool so I joined. I'm going to play the Prince."

So this was the new cast member… Misaki didn't imagine the Prince being like this. "Are you an actor?"

"Broadway."

"Oh," Misaki said, nodding. "Are you good at sword fighting and stuff?"

"Ehh? How did you know?"

Misaki laughed. "Have you even read the script? The Prince is a good sword fighter."

"Are you in the cast?"

"Yes!" Misaki exclaimed. "Of course. I'm the main character!"

"Do you play Cypress?" Hinata asked. "You're scary like her."

"I'm Marina Cleo," Misaki said, flatly.

"Okay," Hinata said, picking at a piece of grass. Misaki gasped as he put it in his mouth.

"Spit that out!" she ordered.

"No,"

"That's unsanitary!"

"That's okay," Hinata said, stretching out his arms. "Bye."

"Your candy!" Misaki exclaimed. "Clean it up."

"I'll do it later…"

"No…NOW!"

"I would like to introduce everyone to Prince Nathaniel of Graden," Benedict introduced to the cast. "He is going to be played by this young man, Hinata Shintani."

"Hi," Hinata said, waving to everyone. "I look forward to working with everyone!"

"Riders," Benedict called over. "You guys and Hinata will be shooting your first scene together. Get to know each other as we fly out to the castle set."

"Of course," Kyle said. "Welcome to the cast."

The helicopter ride consisted of Kyle and the other two Riders talking to Hinata. Misaki closed her eyes and found herself thinking about her past.

Once when she was little, she had a playmate. She couldn't exactly remember his name but she always called him You kun. He got picked on a lot when they were kids because he was overweight but Misaki remembered always sticking up for him. He didn't mind how poor she was so they became friends.

"Misaki?" Takumi said in a low voice, shaking her.

"Hm?" Misaki asked, opening her eyes.

"We're here," Takumi said, smiling.

"Oh," Misaki said, yawning.

Most of the city of Graden had to be green screened. The studio had a mini version that already took up half a room. It was basically a giant fortress. Everyone lived behind huge walls for safety. The main castle and a section of city wall was built for the film though. The rest had to be computer generated.

Everyone got into costume and the Riders remounted their horses. Misaki didn't her best not to wince as her horse trotted to position.

"Action!" Benedict yelled.

"Who goes there!" a guard yelled.

"Princess Anastasia Odette Eowen of Tristal! I call on the King of Graden!" Misaki yelled. "I seek a counsel with him!"

"Princess of Tristal…" the guards whispered to each other.

Misaki took off her necklace. "The royal crest of Tristal," she said, holding it up. "Let us into the city! We bring urgent news!"

The first gate opened and they were met by guards. Misaki slid off her horse. The crew and other Riders followed behind her. Takumi led her horse forward.

"I am the Princess of Tristal," Misaki said with authority. "I need to see the King."

"Go report to his Majesty," a guard told another.

The guard came back after a while. "The King summons them," he said. "Come with me."

The Riders all remounted their horses and followed after the guard. Everything was made of sturdy stone. To get to the actual city, they had to go through another gate. They rode up to the castle and got off.

"You must turn in your weapons," the head guard said.

Misaki went to untie her sword from her belt. Takumi put a hand on hers. "We have to protect the Princess," he said. "Let us keep our weapons."

"I cannot allow that," the guard said. "Turn over your weapons."

Misaki shook her head at Takumi and they all dumped their weapons on the ground.

The next scene was in the throne room which was real. The pillars and banners gave the set an authentic feel.

Misaki walked ahead with Takumi and Kyle flanking her. The two other Riders walked behind them as they approached the throne where the King sat.

"Your Majesty," Misaki said, kneeling on the ground.

"Rise," the King said. "So you claim to be Princess of Tristal?"

Misaki stood up. "I am," she said.

The King studied her. "You do look like her," he said.

"Who?"

"The Queen,"

"Your Majesty," Misaki said, bowing. "I have come to seek an alliance."

"An alliance?"

"Yes," Misaki replied. "The Dark King has reigned long enough. I have gathered an army. We plan to overthrow him."

"You cannot. He is too strong."

"We can if you join armies with us," Misaki pressed. "Surely if we can join forces, he will not stand a chance."

"It is too dangerous," the King said. "I cannot risk my people when we are safe behind these walls."

"Are you really safe?" Misaki asked. "His forces have overturned multiple kingdoms. He will turn on Graden next. You are not safe behind these walls."

"Our walls have never been breached before," the King informed her. "We are safe."

Misaki pointed to the side, toward the balcony that oversaw the city. "People are dying!" she said. "Tristal held 100 more strong than Graden ever has but you saw our fate. My father was killed and my people are begging for a path to life."

"Many years ago, your kingdom sought my alliance but I refused to protect my people," the King said. "I cannot throw away their lives for a lost cause."

"You refused your aid. How will you feel when no one comes to Graden's call for help?"

"You threaten me?"

"I would not dare," Misaki said, bowing her head. "But your fortress offers the Dark King a perfect opportunity for siege. He has to merely wait you out."

"We have supplies."

"How long?" Misaki asked. "A few months? A year? A few years?"

"Father," a voice said.

Hinata stepped out. He was completely transformed. His prince costume made his brown eyes look like melted chocolate. The dark blue color went well with his hair too. A simple crown rested on his head. Misaki was surprised how well he actually fit the character.

"I agree with this Princess," he said. "Our spies have reported back. The Dark King is strengthening. If they do not turn on us, it will be one of our allies."

"You believe we should declare war?" the King asked.

"War is inevitable," Hinata said. "The Princess is right. Our supplies are limited. We cannot hold out forever. They will easily wait us out."

"I do not trust her with my armies."

"Let me go, Father," Hinata said. "I will lead the armies."

"You are my only son…"

"Father," Hinata said. "For our people. It's my duty."

"Cut!" Benedict yelled. "Let's run through that a few more times and quickly adjust to the next few scenes."

The actors sat around while lighting was being fixed.

"Why did you decide to do this movie?" a reporter asked Hinata.

Hinata shrugged and sipped his juice box. "I thought maybe if I became famous, I could find the girl I like. Maybe she'd recognize me."

"Who is she?" the reporter asked. "How did you meet her?"

"We were really good friends as kids," Hinata explained. "She's my first love."

"How did you lose touch?"

"I moved away. My parents wanted me to take theater more seriously had me switch schools. We lost touch after that. Will this be on TV?" he asked, pointing to the camera.

The reporter nodded.

"Misa Chan!" Hinata said, waving to the camera. "If you're watching, know I'm looking for you! Come and find me. I'll be waiting for you!"

Misaki froze as she watched from a distance.

"Misa Chan, huh?" Takumi asked, appearing out of nowhere.

"Gah!" Misaki exclaimed, backing up. "I hate it when you do that!"

"Are you the girl he's talking about?" he asked, jerking his head toward Hinata.

"Of course not!" Misaki said, blushing. "I've never seen him before."

Takumi didn't say anything. He just stood beside Misaki and followed her around.

Misa Chan. You kun. Misaki shook her head. Why couldn't she remember that boy from her childhood's real name? Was it Hinata? Was that boy's name Hinata?!

"Let's get moving!" Benedict ordered. "The next scene please!"

The next scene was just Misaki and Hinata talking.

"You're going to lead a war?" Hinata asked.

"Yes," Misaki replied. "He slew my Father. I must kill him, for my family, for my people."

"And what will you do after?" Hinata asked.

Misaki shook her head. "I do not know." She glanced over to the side. "I have to go," she said. "I still have to travel back to Tristal at dawn."

Hinata nodded. Misaki stepped away. She probably took about two steps when she heard metal creak. She whirled around and saw a light head come unhinged. It was coming right down toward Hinata. It was just like that boy many years ago… The tree branch…

"YOU KUN!" Misaki screamed.