The Bounty Hunter

September 22nd, 2088

Terra’s POV

NEVER AGAIN.  After suffering through that personality and singing evaluation at Japan’s Rising Idol I have decided never again to gender-swap.  I knew it was going to be tough based on my practices at being a girl during the week leading up to the audition, but those damn judges’ questions really cut me deep.  I had originally planned to have a real upbeat and chipper personality in order to construct a new persona for this body but I couldn’t do it. 

Being the focus of such a large group made me extremely tense and withdrawn.  The one consolation that I have is that I managed to narrow down the potential wizard suspects to 2.  The three assistant producers of casting on the list were fortunately involved in the second stage interview, which I had qualified for after the initial evaluations.  I filled out a variety of fake information I had prepared beforehand and answered a few questions. 

I had enchanted my watch to secretly let out a very irritating low ringing sound that only those who have a sixth sense can notice or “hear”.  Kind of like a dog whistle for wizards.  The “sound” is the exact same as the actual alarm on this watch.  Thus, my plan is to see if someone notices it.  I’ll then be able to pass off that sound as simply my watch’s alarm going off accidentally so the wizard doesn’t grow suspicious.  My greatest advantage right now is that this wizard doesn’t know that I am looking for him and I don’t want to lose that edge. 

Anyway, I am currently headed toward the exit after I got a “we’ll call you” from the casting producers.  It’s a bit disappointing I couldn’t find out who the wizard was from this visit, but I could get away with checking the last pair of producers by pretending to be a desperate applicant and accosting them outside the studio.  As I was planning when to do the stakeout, I bumped into someone who was entering the building.  Due to my lack of coordination in this form, I fell flat on my butt.  “Kya!”  That scream was just for acting… 

“Sorry about that.  Are you okay?”  I looked up and saw a handsome oji-san looking at me with a face of concern.  He had short black hair and black eyes, set in a face with well-defined features.  Based on the sensation when I bumped into him, he definitely was physically fit.  “I’m fine.” I told him as he helped me up.  It looks like I still can’t change my taciturn behavior.  This guy was one of the two left on my list:  executive producer Fujioka Shichiro.  I secretly touched my watch, activating the enchantment.  “What’s that noise?” Fujioka-san asked with a hint of suspicion as soon as I turned it on. 

Actual hearing and “hearing” with the sixth sense are slightly different so I have to act fast before he notices the irregularity.  “My alarm.”  I said as I held up my watch and started fiddling with it, intentionally turning the actual alarm on at full volume before finally turning it all off.  His suspicions disappeared after seeing that and looking at the name tag with my audition number that was still pinned on my shirt.  “Were you here for the audition?”  “Yes.” I replied.  “Well, best of luck to you.”  “Thank you.”  I gave him a bow and left.  Bingo, I finally found my mystery man.

While I was thinking about how to investigate and whether not I should kill Fujioka-san now or later, I arrived home where my mother was cooking dinner.  “I’m home.” I called out as I entered.  “Welcome back! How was your day sweetie?” My mother asked as she continued cooking.  “It was good.”  I smiled at my mother, who was as elegant as ever, before heading upstairs.  “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes! Hikari-chan will be joining us as well so go tidy up!” she called out to me.  “Okay!” I responded as I entered my room.  Hikari has been over for dinner several times already, so this is no big surprise.  My mother is incredibly fond of her.  I suspect she sees Hikari as the daughter she never had.  My thoughts about Fujioka-san were put on hold as I got ready.

Yuuna Cross’s POV

My name is Cross Yuuna.  I am a partner at a high ranking law firm in Tokyo, a happily married woman, and a proud mother of a wonderful son.  My life is as perfect as can be and it was one I would never have dreamed of when I was younger.  I was the youngest child of four in the Hayashi household.  My family were the owners of the Hayashi group, one of the largest corporations in Japan. 

They were a very traditional family with great ambitions, so when it was discovered that I was infertile during a medical exam, they were quick to ostracize me.  I was the family embarrassment with no use as a marriage tool, so when I wanted to go to law school in Texas my family was quick to agree.  I spent the next 4 years as a wild child trying to fill the emptiness from being abandoned, when I met Terrance Cross.

 It quickly developed into a torrid love affair and eventually he proposed to me.  He didn’t care about my infertility, unlike my family, and I happily agreed.  I cut off all ties and contact with my family and eloped with Terry.  Then something miraculous occurred:  I became pregnant.  9 months later and I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy.  He was such an adorable little kid and he was quick to adapt when our family moved to Tokyo. 

He was a kind-hearted and innocent goofball until he got to middle school.  Then he suddenly changed.  He became quiet, serious and withdrawn around everyone except me and Terry.  Even with us he was more reserved, although he still smiled and showed emotion.  We eventually found out from his teachers that he rejected nearly all social interactions.  He was taciturn and cold.  I have been worried about him ever since.  I want him to be happy, but that can’t happen if he’s always alone.  He also inexplicably disappears from time to time and I don’t know what he gets up to.

So when Hikari-chan returned I was overjoyed.  She’s the one girl who Minato is friendly with and I really like her.  I have to do everything in my power to make sure she becomes my daughter-in-law.  The sooner he gets engaged the better.  I never told my family about Minato and I am fearful of what would happen if they found out.  I don’t want him to be used as a tool for my father’s ambitions.  I want Minato to continue having a normal and happy childhood as he has so far.

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