Okay, so in a real movie production, you wouldn't run an entire battle scene through. You shoot little segments over and over again and piece it together but for the purpose of the story I wrote it like you would actually see during the movie just so it would be a smoother read.

PS. Reading battle scenes with awesome movie soundtracks in the background makes it even better. :)

Thanks!

Chapter 20: Onward to Battle

Today was a huge day. They were filming the two main battle scenes in the movie. Misaki didn't have to be on set until the afternoon because they were filming the first war first. Instead, she spent the entire morning in Wardrobes to get her armor right.

"I need a different shield!" the wardrobe instructor yelled. "This one doesn't match your armor," she said, walking away.

Misaki moved her arms around. Chain mail was really heavy.

"Misa Chan!" Hinata called, walking over. The metal of his armor clinked as he walked. "Are you excited?" he asked.

Misaki nodded. "You still remember how to ride a horse?"

"Misa Chan," Hinata complained. "I did spend almost every summer with my grandparents. I've been around horses more than people," he muttered.

Misaki laughed and clapped a hand on his shoulder plate. "You'll be great," she said, reassuringly.

"Well, we look so bad ass all decked out in armor," Vivian said, walking over.

Vivian's armor was less weight than everyone else's. During a lot of scenes, she was off her horse, fighting on foot. Her character, Cypress, couldn't be wearing so much protection.

The PA in the studio turned on.

"Would all participants in the battle scene make your way out to the lot," the announcer said. "I repeat, all participants in the battle scene, please make your way out into the lot."

"That's our signal," Misaki said. Adrenaline was pumping through her veins.

They flew out to a huge open field. There were over a thousand people on set. Misaki had never seen so many horses and weapons together at once before. Everyone was in battle gear.

"Whoa," Misaki breathed as they got out of the helicopter. "Now this is a movie…" she decided.

Since there were in fact over a thousand people, there was also a lot of directors there for crowd control. Benedict was covered in sweat as he hurried around.

"I need the Rider army over there," Benedict ordered. "Let's get a move on it! We don't have all day."

"You look fetching," Takumi said, walking in step with her.

Misaki was surprised how good Takumi looked in armor as well. He, like Misaki, had a huge shield strapped to his back. Misaki studied her boots to avoid his gaze.

"Sweating," Misaki said, hoisting herself onto her horse.

"It's only going to be for five hours," Takumi teased.

"Oh boy," Misaki said, patting her horse's neck.

"Hey," Takumi said.

"What?" Misaki asked, looking up.

"If you want other people to believe in you, you have to believe in yourself."

"Is this the Takumi Usui wisdom of the day?" Misaki asked, steadying her horse.

"No, it's just one of my lines," Takumi said, sticking his tongue out at her. "Someone hasn't been studying their lines!"

"It's not even my line," Misaki muttered. She nudged her horse forward. She looked over her shoulder; Takumi gave her a wink.

The crew set up the camera around the Rider army. They were starting at the very beginning of the battle scene. The first thing they did was stand there for a solid half hour for the camera to get all the close ups and pan across their entire army.

"Ready! Action!" Benedict yelled.

Misaki nudged her horse into a trot and her horse paced the front line. "This is it!" she yelled to her army. "We've waited sixteen years for this!" She pointed her sword toward the opposing army below them. The Rider army had the high ground. "Who killed our parents?!" she demanded. "We left us as orphans?! Who took everything from us?! Our land? Our family? Our homes?"

Misaki exchanged a quick look with Takumi. He nodded at her.

"Today, we came to get it back," Misaki said. Her heart was pounding and they hadn't even began any of the action. "Today, we either take back what is ours or die trying!" Misaki continued. "Remember your families! You're doing it for them! You are fighting for their future!"

Misaki paused, breathless, as she returned to the center of the front line. "Our parents, grandparents fought in the Great War!" she yelled. Misaki jerked her horse back to face their enemy. "This isn't a war…I call this unfinished business!"

Everyone cheered and deep horns began to sound. The enemies' horns began to sound too. Helicopters flew overhead to catch a bird's eye view of the battle.

Misaki's horse galloped her over to the archers.

"Archers to the ready!" she screamed, lifting her sword into the air.

The entire group all drew arrows and loaded them on their bow. The enemy line started advancing. Their horses cantered across the open field.

"Take your aim!"

They were right where they were supposed to be.

"FIRE!"

The arrows all flew into the sky.

Misaki rode back to the Calvary. "This one is for Tristal," she said, pointing her sword toward the sky. "CHARGE!"

Keeping a tight grip on the reigns, Misaki kicked her horse into a canter. This really did feel like a battle. If she just ignored the camera speeding along with her, she felt like she could kill a thousand people.

The two armies clashed with a bunch of yelling and clanging of metal. Misaki raced through the chaos of people, slicing with her sword just like she'd practiced a dozen times. She clashed swords with someone else on horseback. They circled each other a couple times and locked swords again.

Misaki ducked his swing and hit him off his horse with her shield. She reared her horse back as more people advanced. Her arms were killing her but Misaki was getting such a thrill out of this.

"Where's Graden?!" Misaki demanded as they were slowly getting pushed back.

Vivian jumped off her horse to fight. She had two swords in her hand and cut through a whole mob of people with summersaults and flips.

"You can't trust them!" she spat. "They must have deserted! They're not coming!"

Misaki gritted her teeth as she slashed down at another enemy. She rode forward until she finally met face to face with the General of the dark army. Their armor was done in a much darker metal to contrast with the lighter colored metal of the "good guys."

He sneered and charged at her. Misaki kicked her horse forward and met him head on. This was definitely her hardest fighting sequence yet. She threw her shield up to protect herself and hit his shield with her sword. Misaki narrowed her eyes as she slammed her sword against his shield again.

She squeezed her legs and her horse knew which way to step. They were specially trained not to need reigns to guide them.

"Ugh!" Misaki groaned as he slammed his shield into her and threw her off her horse.

He slid off his horse and walked toward her as Misaki was still on the ground. Misaki quickly grabbed her sword to block his blow.

"Give up, Princess," he said, knocking the sword out of her hand.

"Never!" Misaki snapped, rolling out of the way to avoid getting stabbed. She managed to get back on her feet but with no weapon, he knocked her down with his shield.

Between the scenes, Erika kept adding makeup. Misaki's face had dried blood around the corner of her mouth. Her cheeks were streaked with dirt and sweat.

He drove the sword through a crack in her armor. It didn't actually hit her skin but Misaki cried out in pain. She desperately tried to reach her sword but she was pinned to the ground. The General unsheathed a second sword and gripped it in his hands. He lifted it over his head, ready to bring it down on Misaki's chest.

"The Royal lineage is dead," he said, bringing it down.

"NO!" Takumi yelled, lunging over to block his blow. Takumi locked swords with him and pushed him back. Misaki reached over, teeth gritting and eyes screwed shut, to pull the sword out of her. She dug her nails into the dirt, grimacing in pain.

Takumi and the General had a short fight sequence. Their swords clanged over and over. Takumi was knocked down but he defended himself enough to regain his footing.

Just then more horns began to sound. Everyone looked over at the horizon. Hinata rode into view with an army behind him. It was the moment of truth.

"CHARGE!" he yelled as they rode in to help.

Takumi seized the opportunity to stab the General. "Go!" he said, helping Misaki up.

"I won't leave you here!" Misaki said, grabbing his arm.

"You have to!" Takumi exclaimed. "Only you can kill the Dark King. There will be no hope if you don't go. Leave!" he ordered.

"Fight for me then," Misaki said, nodding.

"I'd even die for you, Princess," Takumi said, his eyes locked with hers.

Misaki shook her head. "No, live for me…Marina," she said, eyes watering slightly.

Takumi nodded. Misaki turned and grabbed her sword off the ground. In one fluid movement, she hoisted herself onto her horse and rode off toward the castle. A helicopter flew overhead of her as she raced across the hills. Misaki's heart was pounding as fast as her horse's hooves were pounding against the dirt.

"I am exhausted," Misaki said, collapsing onto the ground.

Honoka rushed over with a bottle of water and umbrella. The sun was starting to set but it was still really hot out in the open field.

"You barely had only any lunch," Honoka chided.

Misaki gulped down the water and sighed. "Horseback riding with a full stomach is a very bad idea," Misaki said, laying down on the grass.

Right now, Benedict was catching the last of close ups for today before everyone was calling it quits. Misaki didn't have anything more to do…well for today at least.

"It's so hot," Misaki complained. "Can I take some of my armor off?"

Honoka looked around. "You might want to keep it on. You never know what could happen with Benedict," she explained.

Misaki drank the rest of her water. The heat was making her really sleepy. Something fell on her stomach. Misaki opened her eyes.

"You should eat something," Takumi said, sitting next to her on the grass.

Misaki sat up. "What is this?" she asked, opening up the paper bag.

"Just a turkey sub," Takumi said. "It's cold."

"Did you eat?"

"I ate while you were filming," Takumi explained. He took a sip of his own water bottle. "Long day, huh?"

Misaki nodded, taking a bite of the sub. The cold meat and cheese was just as good as a Popsicle. "I suppose…" she said. Her hair was pretty much plastered to her neck with sweat.

"Misaki!" Vivian called, running over. "Hinata is hurt!"

Misaki stood up immediately. "What happened?!"

"Something with his ankle," Vivian said.

Misaki hurried off with Vivian.

"Hinata!" Misaki exclaimed, running over to Hinata who was sitting on the grass with his pants rolled up and shoe off. "What happened?!"

Hinata gave her a boyish grin. "I guess my horse skills are a little rusty."

Misaki clenched her fist. "YOU IDIOT!" she exclaimed. "You could have been killed!"

"Misaki," Benedict said. "He's fine. He just bruised his ankle. The trainer said some ice and he'll be good to go."

Misaki nodded. "I'll help you back," she said after a moment.

Hinata wrapped an arm around her shoulder as he limped back to the studios.

"Misaki," Hinata said. "Really, I'm fine."

Misaki just glared at him and helped him sit down. The costume directors helped Misaki and Hinata out of the armor. Misaki ducked into the bathroom to change out of her sweat soaked shirt and leggings. They were literally soaked...

"Oh gross," Misaki said, washing her face and arms. Sweat, dirt and makeup all went down the drain. Misaki then pulled out her braids and scratched her head like crazy. The one thing she wanted was to go back and shower.

"Does it hurt?" Misaki asked.

Hinata shook his head. Misaki smacked him over the head.

"Ow…" he complained. "That hurt."

"That will teach you to be reckless!" Misaki scolded.

"Sorry Misa Chan…" he pouted.

After they got back and Misaki took a shower, Misaki got an ice pack out of the freezer and handed it to Hinata. She sat on a chair and watched him place it on his ankle. They sat in silence for a few minutes.

"Thanks," Hinata said, smiling.

"We're friends," Misaki said. "No need to thank me."

"I'm glad Misaki cares,"

"Don't be an idiot," Misaki replied. "Why wouldn't I care?"

"Vivian said I'd find you here," a voice said.

"Sakura!" Misaki exclaimed. "You're back!"

Sakura gave Misaki a hug. "Of course, I start filming as soon as you guys wrap the battle scenes."

"So in like a week?" Misaki offered.

Sakura nodded. "So this is the famous Hinata Shintani," she said, placing her hands on her hips.

"Erm…Hinata," Misaki said, running her hand through her hair. "This is Sakura. She plays the Enchantress."

"Nice to meet you," Hinata said.

"Misaki, can I hang out in your trailer?" Sakura asked.

"What's wrong with yours?" Misaki asked.

"Nothing. I just want to talk to you."

"Sure," Misaki said. "Hinata, will you be okay by yourself?"

Hinata nodded. "I'll be fine."

Misaki and Sakura went back to Misaki's trailer.

"So!" Sakura said, sitting on the couch. "What's up with that cutie, Hinata?" she asked. "You're all over the internet. Everyone is dying to know. You're his first love!"

Misaki blushed. "We're childhood friends," she explained.

"So he was your boyfriend?" Sakura pressed.

"I wouldn't say that… We were just friends."

Sakura looked disappointed. "What's Takumi got to say about this?" she whispered.

"W-What do you mean?" Misaki stammered.

"Well, is he jealous?"

"Why would he be jealous?" Misaki said, crossing her arms.

Sakura shrugged. "He was sulking by his trailer," she explained. "I thought maybe it was because of Hinata."

Misaki snorted. "I doubt he's sulking about Hinata."

"You never know," Sakura crossed her legs and rocked back and forth. "Do you still like him?"

"I-I don't like him!" Misaki exclaimed, blushing.

"So you like Hinata?"

"No- UGH!" Misaki groaned, burying her face into her pillow. "It's just not like that! Why can't everyone keep their feelings to themselves?! I HATE EMOTIONS!"

Someone laughed outside.

"Is someone outside?!" Misaki demanded, throwing her door open. There was no one there.

"Who's outside?" Sakura asked, poking her head out of the door too.

"I swear someone was listening outside," Misaki said, slamming the door shut. "They laughed."

"I didn't hear anything," Sakura said, confused. "Maybe you're being paranoid."

"I'm not…" Misaki muttered, plopping down on the ground. "I'm just so tired, Sakura," she complained.

"There there," Sakura said, patting Misaki's shoulder. "With a good night's rest, you'll feel better."

Misaki sighed. "Sakura, I'm so glad you're here," she admitted.

"I'm glad I was missed," Sakura said, smiling. "Go to bed early," she encouraged. "It's no use to worry."

Misaki nodded.

Misaki woke up to someone stumbling around outside. She grabbed a flashlight and slipped outside. Her bare feet touched the dewy grass as she shone the light around.

"Hinata?" she thought to herself. What the heck was he doing outside at this hour? Also, what about his ankle. He should be resting!

Misaki quietly followed the sound of the footsteps. She heard a door open.

"Great," she muttered, face palming. Actors weren't allowed in the storage! She better get him out before he got caught.

"Hinata!" she hissed, going into the storage. She shone the light at him. "Hinata!" she snapped.

Hinata jumped. "Misa Chan…" he said.

"You're not allowed in this room!" Misaki hissed. "Let's get out!"

"I'm just looking for some food…"

"There's no food in here!" Misaki exclaimed.

Suddenly, there were footsteps. Misaki turned off her flashlight and covered Hinata's mouth. They scrambled behind some crates.

"Hello?" a voice called. It sounded like Benedict, then again, who else would possibly be up at this hour?

"Janitors must have forgot to lock it," he muttered, sliding the door shut and locking it.

Misaki gasped and ran to the door. It was definitely locked. "Oh no!" she gasped. "We should have just explained!" Misaki said, crouching down. "Come back!" she yelled, banging on the door. "Help!" she yelled. Misaki grabbed the handle and used her foot to push against the door frame. "Let us out!" she yelled. "Hinata!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing?!" she demanded as Hinata just stared at her, not moving.

Hinata looked really worried. "Misa Chan…" he said. He scratched his cheek. "We're in here alone…" he fretted. He walked over and grabbed her hand. "Misa Chan," he said, in a serious voice.

Misaki froze. "Hinata…" she said, looking away. What was he doing?