Thank you for all your enthusiastic reviews and love. Lol. On with the show!
Also, new cover! Yay. Yes, it twas done by me.
"I really have to thank you Onee-sama for giving me a taste of this. After organizing all the thank you parties I just couldn't get enough of it. Grandpa has been trying to get me involved in shows for ages, but I was never interested until now and here I am, assistant director for Japan's number one show! Apparently, I've got a knack for these sorts of things. It's all about the drama you see. Oh, I'm so happy you're here Onee-sama. This is going to be so much fun."
Kyoko could only manage a strained smile against the deluge of enthusiasm that was Maria. A child should still see the world in sparkles, and while the glint of light could be seen in Maria's eyes, it looked suspiciously like the reflection of money. Oh, how wrong Kyoko had been for thinking Lory had been behind this scheme.
"Here, I'll show you around." Maria grabbed Kyoko's hand, tugging her toward the hall. Kyoko followed in a daze, wondering when this nightmare would end.
Maria took her through the rest of the building, explaining the intricacies of the show since Kyoko had never seen it before. Explaining how they couldn't use the hype of roses to kick off participants, they used other strategies to liven things up. Crimson Threads was about romance, drama, and beating the other participants to nab the person they wanted before someone else did. Friendly competitions were incorporated to liven things up.
"You can win trips, the ability to sit with who you want during dinner," said Maria, rattling everything off enthusiastically. "Or even a top designer to make your wedding dress! We try to keep things fresh by adding new twists, but some things we always come back to since they're so popular. You'll see. I have a lot planned for you. This is going to be the greatest season of Crimson Threads yet!"
They suddenly stopped, Maria motioning to a set of large double doors. Kyoko wasn't even sure where they were or how they had gotten here.
"That's the women's lounge," said Maria. "No men are allowed inside save for special circumstances. You're required to spend time in there at certain points. We'll let you know when that is. We do it so to get material of the snakes tearing into each- I mean." Maria let out a delicate cough. "So we can watch everyone interact with each other and it is in no way set up to create drama."
"I'm assuming the men have one as well," said Kyoko.
Maira nodded enthusiastically. "Now you're getting it! Man, you wouldn't believe how men like to gossip about women. I had no idea until I started this show. It's kind of cute." She pointed to a connecting hall. "This is the woman's hall. We keep the female and male rooms separate for obvious reasons. Though, we don't have any security stopping you from visiting other rooms." Mari's smile turned sly, giving Kyoko a pointed wink. "So if you want to slip into a certain male's room when no one is watching you're more than welcome to. I could even pull some strings for you."
"M-Maria-chan!" stammered Kyoko. What was this girl implying? She was barely 10 years old. "How can you say such things?"
Maria's eyes widened. "Oh, you're right," she said. "There are cameras in every hallway, so someone will see you. The whole world in fact, but you didn't hear it from me. People aren't supposed to know that." She then giggled in a way that could only be described as evil with a hand covering her malicious grin.
"… I want to go home."
"Why?" said Maria, looking genuinely hurt. "It's going to be so great with you here. You'll find love, and everyone can see how amazing you are! Let me tell you, true personalities come out during this show. If you have a secret or any dirty laundry or grudges, it will be aired, and since you are so amazing you'll stand out from the crowd as being the only female in the group that's not a complete bitch."
That was exactly what Kyoko was worried about. Because she had heaps of dirty laundry and kept grudges unlike anyone she knew. Literally, she had dozens of them nestled within her heart at all times.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think this show is right for me," said Kyoko. "I just wanted to go to a normal dating retreat and find a mostly normal husband that just wants to evade the tax hike."
"But why?" said Maria. "You'll be great."
"Thanks, Maria-chan, but I think I'm going to have to nod out of this one."
Maria's head bent, creases forming on her forehead as she gave a tired sigh.
"I didn't want to do this," said Maria reluctantly, "But you give me no choice."
From the inside of her suit jacket, Maria pulled a slip of paper. Kyoko recognized it, having only signed it an hour ago. It was the contract for participating on Crimson Threads. Maria jabbed a finger at the bottom portion where the lettering was crammed together so tightly it was almost impossible to read.
"After signing this contract, you are obligated to take part in Crimson Threads, barring injury, death, or illness," said Maria in a clipped business-tone. "Breaking the contract will result in a hefty fine and a permanent ban from any and all projects done by Fugahara Studios."
Kyoko snatched the paper, scanning over it. Her eyes bulged at the number specified for the fine. Holy Sh-! That was more than she made in a year. They couldn't be serious.
In an inventory fit of rage, Kyoko tore the contract to shreds. The pieces fluttered about, a few landing on Maria's head. She calmly plucked the pieces from her bangs and tossed them aside.
"We have a copy already scanned, in case that was your plan," said Maria. "You can't escape."
"Maria-chan, you will get me out of this contract or so help me I'll…" Kyoko stalled, shaking a finger at the demon disguised as a little girl. She just smirked at Kyoko's sputtering.
"Do what?" said Maria. "Cry to my grandfather?"
"I'll stop making outfits for your Ren dolls!" said Kyoko.
Maria's mouth dropped as an offended hand raised itself to her chest, aghast. "You wouldn't dare," hissed Maria.
"I would," said Kyoko. "And I won't get you that special voodoo kit I've had my eye on for you. I'm sure the toilet is a much better place for those one of a kind, special artifacts that you can't get anywhere else."
Maria swallowed visibly. "If you want to play dirty, I can too." The girl lifted a resigned hand and snapped her fingers. Instantly two men appeared beside Maria, dressed in pristine black suits. Maria silently pointed at Kyoko, then flicked her wrist.
The world flipped on its side as Kyoko found herself caught between the arms of the two men.
"Maria-chan!"
"Sorry Onee-sama," said Maria. "But this is what happens when you don't do as I say."
Kyoko let out a cry of frustration. It echoed through the halls as she was sped away. Everything spun as wind rushed by and Kyoko landed on plush sheets and silks, staring at a white ceiling. They had thrown her on a bed!
Kyoko sat up, intent to let these men had a piece of her mind… then her brain stalled at the sight of her room.
It was large, the colors of the space dressed in whimsical whites and light blues. The furniture designs and carvings were delicate, a running theme of intricate leaves chasing long vines across the headboard. From her spot, she could see a connecting corridor to where the bathroom likely lay. She couldn't wait to see what the inside of that looked like!
A black device was shoved into Kyoko's face. It took her a second to recognize that it was a walkie-talkie and that one of the men that had thrown her in here was holding it out to her.
"I hope you like the room, Onee-sama," came Maria's taunting voice. "I made sure the previous contestant left before you came so it would be vacant. Not that you appreciate it or anything seeing as you want to ruin my show."
Kyoko snatched the radio from the man's hand, mashing the button to plead with the chibi-devil.
"Why are you doing this to me?" said Kyoko. "I thought we were friends?"
"So did I," crackled the device, "But then I go and find things out without being told anything. And you promised me too! But I guess I can't be too surprised. At least now I'll be able to understand everything, as will everyone else."
Kyoko had no idea what she was talking about. When had Kyoko broken any promise to Maria?
"Don't worry Onee-sama," said Maira's sickly sweet voice. "I'll be kinder to you than to the others, just don't screw up my production. I expect a lot from you, and I'll get it out of you whether you agree to it or not."
The walkie-talkie gave a loud click, and Kyoko was met with nothing but static from the electric device.
"Maria-chan?" said Kyoko, mashing buttons. "You come back here, young lady! I'm not done with you yet."
The attendant suddenly slipped the radio from Kyoko's grip, making the device disappear somewhere on his person.
"Hey! I'm not done with that-"
The man shoved something into Kyoko's face. She went cross-eyed trying to focus on it.
"Your itinerary for the day," said the man. "Your key, and a pamphlet with more information if you have any questions. The mistress wants you to know that if she doesn't see you at the initiatory dinner, there will be consequences."
Kyoko took the laminated pamphlet, muttering about personal space issues. The front was decorated with a single rose, a crimson thread winding around the stem and disappearing off the side. The show's title was plastered at the top in some nauseating fuzzy filter to give it a dreamy look. Great. This was what she could look forward to.
Then something the man had said clicked.
"Initiatory dinner?"
Kyoko sprung to her feet, only to find herself alone. The men had already left.
Trapped. That's how Kyoko felt. Strapped to a cage by satin pink ribbon as it slowly lowered into a shark tank.
She sank onto the plush bed, flipping through the pamphlet without seeing it. Looked like she had no choice. Maria was hell-bent on seeing her in this show. Just what had Kyoko done to upset her this much? She'd said something about lying… whatever that was about. Maybe it had to do with her grandfather? Or her dad? Maybe a piece of fabricated gossip that she'd been too upset to bother verifying with Kyoko. The problem was, Kyoko had no idea what could have gotten Maria upset enough at Kyoko to blackmail her onto a show Maria knew Kyoko would hate.
Well, the second Kyoko could corner the little assistant director, she planned to shake it out of her. In the meantime, she'd just have to be as uninteresting as possible and the cameras wouldn't follow her. She understood that much without watching TV… except this would also be a great opportunity to get more fame and attention. Lory would kill her for wasting the chance.
Maybe… it wouldn't be as bad as she suspected it would be. Yeah. She just needed to be more optimistic. If Maria couldn't be reasoned with, Kyoko would just concentrate on finding a guy that seemed normal enough, get him to agree to a loveless marriage and get the heck out of here. It was the perfect plan!
Renewed by these thoughts, Kyoko hummed as she frolicked through her fairy-like room, surprised as she noticed her things had already been brought up. How nice! Such good service. It wouldn't be bad to indulge everyone in a while. Afterall, she'd never get service like this again.
With a smile on her face, Kyoko strode to the large dresser and pulled open the mahogany double doors it to put her clothes inside.
…except, there were already clothes in there. Lots of them in varying colors and styles. Pinned to the sleeve of a silver cocktail dress was a folded white sheet of notebook paper.
Careful not to ruin the sequin, Kyoko removed the note and unfolded it.
Hope you like the outfits! Just don't tell anyone I gave them to you, I'm not supposed to have favorites! ;P
-TM
"..."
A man, dressed in the black suit and gloves Kyoko was coming to associate as the attire for the show's assistants, came to escort her to the initiatory dinner a few hours later. He was chatty, probably closer to boy than man, but chatty nonetheless.
No, she didn't have any questions. Yes, she had read the brochure. Excited wasn't the word Kyoko would use to describe how she felt at the moment.
"If you're keeping up with the show, there's a month delay between events and before they go on air," continued the escort. "Your favorites won't be here, so you'll start from scratch like everyone else. And don't worry about the cameras. Just be yourself and look for love. Not that you'll have any problems." He then took a very exaggerated up-and-down of Kyoko's form before whistling through pursed lips. "Those men will be clamoring over themselves to get to you."
Considering Kyoko was wearing one of her own modest outfits instead of the any of those costumes Maria had supplied her, Kyoko was sure the praise was given out of pity. That, or he'd been instructed to bolster the confidence of those he escorted. Either way, Kyoko doubted her lacy white blouse and flowing yellow skirt would compel the men to 'clamor' over her. They were lucky she'd put lotion on her face, forget makeup.
They reached a long hallway, and Kyoko's eyes were instantly assaulted by deep reds, silk fabrics and foot-cramping heels. Five other women stood talking, cameras hovering around them as they stiffly interacted with each other. Each was dressed to the nines, nails painted, jewelry polished. It was obvious Kyoko was underdressed.
She couldn't care less.
"Alright, this is the first contact," said the boy, motioning to the group. "You're the last so they'll have you all enter here in a moment. Remember, just be yourself and enjoy."
"Thanks," Kyoko managed, before approaching the group of women. She saw the lens of a camera trailing her every move. This was it. She was on set. She could do this.
The closest woman noticed Kyoko's approach, turning away from the stilted conversation to greet her. She was the tallest of the group, with snow-white skin and wearing a burgundy dress. Dark locks had been tucked away from her young face from which her thin lips parted in a neutral greeting.
"Hello there," said the woman conversationally. "I guess you're the last one."
"I guess I am," said Kyoko, giving a polite bow. "Nice to meet you all."
The group, which had all noticed her at this point and turned their attention to her, grabbed onto the distraction with obvious desperation. They were not used to the cameras judging by their darting eyes and nervous laughter.
"Yeah, nice to meet yah," said another woman. She was the shortest, despite the assistance of six-inch pumps, yet she seemed to dominate the group. Her bold eyes did the same up and down the boy had done as red lips curled into a snarl. "What the heck. If I knew this was going to be an informal thing I would have worn jeans."
"They didn't give me a dress code, so I wore what I was comfortable with," said Kyoko.
"Well, it's one way to stand out, though probably not the best. First impressions are important and you'll look like a slob compared to us," said the woman.
"You think?" said Kyoko in all seriousness. "Will I be written off before I can even talk to them?" That could pose a serious problem if she couldn't get off the show and had to actively find a husband.
The woman looked at Kyoko as if she were crazy.
"Of course!" she said. "Appearance is very important to men, this is dating 101. Or have you never tried to look appealing in your life? Sheesh. I can't believe there are still sheltered girls out there. Grow up, it's the twenty-first century. You don't have to stay stuck in the house cleaning with the kids all day. It's okay to party and get drunk and have fun."
The women around Kyoko gave nervous titters at the comment, some looking ashamed as if they had thought the same thing. The tall one who had first spoken to Kyoko clapped her hands together as she pointedly raised her voice.
"I'm Tanegawa Sakura," she said. "And I think you look lovely."
"Mogami Kyoko," said Kyoko, hanging her head. "And thanks, but I think she's right. I didn't think to buy anything nice. This is the fanciest thing I have."
Well, save the monstrosities that were the outfits Maria had gotten her. Those were in the trash where they belonged.
"That's the fanciest thing you have?" said the short girl again, looking aghast. "Girl, you need to get out more."
"I agree," said another, "Every girl should have one party outfit. You should see my closet, I've got a whole section of just party dresses."
And like that Kyoko was lost as the conversation turned to the glorious topic of female attire. She'd bought quite a few things thanks to her new roles, but she wasn't anywhere near the same level of knowledge these girls had regarding current fashion trends.
The doors opened a moment later, cutting off all conversation as an attendant ordered them to get in line and prepare to enter the room. The talk changed to nervous giggles as everyone prepared not only to meet the other contestants but for all their reactions to be filmed. The number of cameras had doubled in just the last few seconds.
Kyoko fell in line with the rest, calm compared to the others. A tap on her shoulder had her looking back though.
It was the tall woman from earlier, Tanegawa Sakura. She had leaned down to Kyoko's level giving a shy smile.
"If you want, we can go out shopping to get you a dress later for other events," she said. "I know they let us shop if we have an escort and it would be nice to get out." She gave a nervous chuckle. "I already feel a little claustrophobic from the cameras."
"Would you really?" said Kyoko. This woman was an angel! "Thanks so much, Tanegawa-san."
"Just call me Sakura."
"Then you can call me Kyoko if you'd like."
Sakura nodded, the shy smile still present when the man at the front ordered them to move forward. Kyoko followed, smiling broadly from successfully making a friend. Maria had said all the girls were bitchy, but it looked like this batch would be different.
I'll admit, I've had fun with Mr Blushweaver and Im0ut0 going over the OCs personalities and things to expect.