The Seiryu of the Opera

By Kashu Arashi




ACT ONE


Scene One



YUI: ::holding a Shinzoho:: This trophy from our saviors, from the enslaving force of Konan!

HIKITSU: ::to HOTOHORI and MITSUKAKE:: This way, gentlemen, this way. We're kind of in the middle of rehearsals for our newest production. ::noticing a break in the activity, he tries to attract attention:: Ladies and gentlemen ::under his breath:: and the rest of you ::full voice:: some of you may have already met Hotohori-sama and Mitsukake-san......

TATARA: ::interrupting:: Gomen nasai Hikitsu-san, but we are in the middle of rehearsals. If you could please wait just a moment?

HIKITSU: Gomen nasai Tatara-san, proceed.

TATARA: Arigatou gozaimasu.

HIKITSU: ::to HOTOHORI and MITSUKAKE:: Tatara-san is an excellent director, but it's best to stay out of his way, or he gets snippish.

(Rehearsals start up again. HIKITSU continues to talk to HOTOHORI and MITSUKAKE, regardless of the fact they're very much in the way)

HIKITSU: ::pointing out SUBOSHI:: Suboshi-san has been singing with us for ten years now. He's does play so nicely opposite Hongo-san.

TAIITSU-KUN: ::poking her face into the middle of their discussion, clearly annoyed:: DO YOU MIND? WE ARE TRYING TO REHEARS HERE!!!!

HIKITSU: ::jumping on MITSUKAKE in fear. HOTOHORI makes a face and looks away:: AAAIIIIIIIEEEEEE!!!!!! G....Gomen nasai Taiitsu-kun!

TAIITSU-KUN: ::floating off grumpily:: HARUMPH!

(MITSUKAKE puts HIKIRSU down and they move out of the way)

HOTOHORI: Who is that ugly thing?

(TAIITSU-KUN pops out of nowhere)>/p>

TAIITSU-KUN: WHAT DID YOU SAY?????

HOTOHORI: ::turning a touch pale:: Nan....nandemo nai!

TAIITSU-KUN: I don't believe you!

NURIKO: ::interupting:: MOTHER! Please! Why do you always have to embarrass me like this??

(TAIITSU-KUN glares at HOTOHORI, then floats off over NURIKO'S head, grumbling. NURIKO pouts, then heads back to rehearsal. The three managers stand and sweatdrop for a moment)

HIKITSU: ::still sweatdropping:: Eh, that's Taiitsu-kun, our ballet mistress, and her......erm.....'daughter' Nuriko. I must say, I won't be at all sorry to get out of this place!

MITSUKAKE: I keep trying to ask just why you're....

HIKITSU: ::quickly and clearly avoiding the question. MITSUKAKE looks a touch irritated:: Isn't the ballet doing splendidly? We take a particular pride in our ballet.

(MIAKA dances out of step and TAIITSU-KUN pops up right in front of her)

TAIITSU-KUN: YUUKI MIAKA!

MIAKA: EEEEIIIIIAAAAAA!!!!!!!

TAIITSU-KUN: PAY ATTENTION! ::floats off::

NURIKO: ::aside to MIAKA:: What's wrong baka? Hungry again? ::MIAKA nods and NURIKO rolls his eyes::

HOTOHORI: ::watching MIAKA in a fascinated manner:: Who is that girl?

HIKITSU: Hmm? Oh, Miaka? She's one of the newest chorus girls. Bottomless pit of a stomach I'm afraid. We have to make sure she stuffs herself before each performance so her stomach doesn't growl and interrupt the production.

(Rehearsals continue and, finally, end)

HIKITSU: All right, may I have everyone's attention? As you all know, I'm resigning today, and I'd like you to meet your new managers. May I present Hotohori-sama and Mitsukake-san.

(Polite applause, some 'ooing' and 'ahing' over HOTOHORI'S looks. HOTOHORI and MITSUKAKE bow. YUI steps forward slightly)

HIKITSU: Ah yes, Hongo Yui, our leading lady.

HOTOHORI: ::bows politely:: Of course.

HIKITSU: And Suboshi-san.

MITSUKAKE: ::inclining his head:: A pleasure.

HIKITSU: Mmm, if I remember the score correctly, Yui has a rather splendid aria in act three of this production. Perhaps the new managers would like to hear it?

HOTOHORI: ::smiling politely. NURIKO make's heart eyes at the gesture:: Hai, arigatou . That would be very nice.

(After some discussion with TATARA on where to begin, YUI steps to the center of the stage)

YUI: ::piano introduction:: Think of me, think of me fondly, when we've said goodbye. Remember me once in a while - please promise me you'll try. When you find that, once again, you long to take your heart....

(A backdrop crashes to the stage, cutting YUI off from the rest of the cast and nearly squishing a couple of people. NURIKO leaps out of the way, only to find himself between the 'slave master' MIBOSHI and the 'lion' man ASHETARE. With a squeak he jumps away again, landing practically in the arms of a very tall chorus member who should not have been wearing a dress as it looked really silly)

TOMO: ::Mild yet kind of creepy expression:: Why Nuriko, I never knew you cared.....

NURIKO: ::jerking away:: That's 'cause I DON'T! ::starts to flouncing off, then looks back:: And I look MUCH better in a dress than you! ::continues flouncing off. TOMO looks unenthused as several other chorus members jump around him chanting "Naosu! Naosu!"::

(Chorus members are trying to "Naosu" just about everything actually, TOMO'S dress, the back drop, TAIITSU-KUN'S face. HIKITSU manages to hurt his throat calling for the chief of the flies and then they want to "Naosu" that too!)

HIKITSU: AMIBOSHI! Get that man down here! AMIIIIIBOSHIIIII!!!!! ::the backdrop lifts high enough to reveal YUI and AMIBOSHI:: Amiboshi what is going ON up there?!

AMIBOSHI: ::bowing politely:: Gomen nasai Hikitsu-san, but I was called away from my post for a moment. There was no one there, I swear! If there were, it would have to be a ghost!

(The vast majority of the chorus stops there attempts to "Naosu" everything long enough to look mildly nervous, then they started trying to "Naosu" each other's nerves)

HIKITSU: Yare yare!

HOTOHORI: ::to YUI:: Accidents happen.....

YUI: ::not pleased:: Accidents happen? You bet accidents happen! For months now accidents have been happening! And does anyone DO anything about it? NO! Well until you can do something about these accidents, I am NOT setting foot on this stage! SAYONARA! ::stalks off the stage. SUBOSHI grabs her coat and hurries after her, shooting the management a dirty look::

HIKITSU: ::nervously:: Weeellllllll, I don't think you need me around anymore! If I can be of any assistance, I'll be in Hkkankoku! Sayonara and have a nice time! ::vanishes rather quickly::

HOTOHORI: ::blinking after HIKITSU for a moment, then shrugging:: I'm sure Yui-san will be back.

TAIITSU-KUN: Oh you think so, do you? Well, I have a message from the Opera Ghost.

(The chorus members look dutifully scared, except TOMO who looks a bit...erm....interested. HOTOHORI and MITSUKAKE blink)

MITSUKAKE: Opera Ghost?

TAIITSU-KUN: Yes, Opera Ghost. He welcomes you to 'his' opera house and reminds you that his salary is due.

HOTOHORI: ::confused:: Salary? Nani?

TAIITSU-KUN: ::rolling her eyes:: Yes, salary! You know, yen? Spendable stuff? Hikitsu-san gave him twenty thousand yen a month. Maybe you can afford more with the Vicomte de Chagny as your patron.

HOTOHORI: ::looking very confused indeed and wanting to change the subject:: Perhaps, yes....::turning to TATARA:: Who is Yui-san's understudy?

TATARA: She doesn't have one yet, the production is brand new.

NURIKO: ::pushing MIAKA forward:: Oi! Miaka-chan could sing it!

MIAKA: ::wide eyed, half turning to NURIKO:: ME?!?!?!?!?

MITSUKAKE: ::mildly, a bit surprised:: Oh? I was under the impression she was too new....

NURIKO: ::shaking his head so his braid flies all over, whacking TOMO, ASHETARE and a few other chorus members in the face:: Uh-uh, she's been taking lessons!

HOTOHORI: ::looking kind and highly interested:: Oh? From who?

MIAKA: ::looking really nervous and embarrassed while NURIKO fights off a few chorus members behind her:: heh heh.....well, it sounds kind of.....eh....stupid......but....um.....I don't know.......heh heh.....

HOTOHORI: ::clearly confused again:: Oh. Well....

TAIITSU-KUN: Ah, let her sing! She's not that bad, when she puts her mind to it.

MIAKA: OI! I'm not THAT bad!

TAIITSU-KUN: ::irritated:: Isn't that what I just SAID?!?

MITSUKAKE: ::mildly, trying to avoid a fight:: Oi, oi! All right, Miaka, why don't you try it. You can start where Yui-san did.

MIAKA: ::steeling her nerves:: All right then! Tatara-san?

(TATARA nods and starts playing the piano just like he did for YUI. MIAKA steps to the center of the stage and starts singing)

MIAKA: ::weakly at first, then gaining strength and confidence:: Think of me, think of me fondly, when we've said goodbye. Remember me once in a while - please promise me you'll try.

HOTOHORI: ::softly to himself:: Such confidence!

MIAKA: When you find that, once again, you long to take your heart back and be free - if you ever find a moment spare a thought for me...

(Transformation to the Gala. MIAKA is revealed in full costume)

We never said our love was evergreen, or as unchanging as the sea - but if you can still remember, stop and think of me....

(Applause from the audience. In there box the MANAGERS and TAMAHOME join in the applause)

TAMAHOME: Can it be, can it be Miaka? BRAVO! What a change! You're really not a bit, the klutzy ditz that once you were...::now addressing himself more than her:: She may not remember me, but I remember her...

MIAKA: We never said our love was evergreen, or as unchanging as the sea - but please promise me that sometimes, you will think of me!



Scene Two



(MIAKA practically struts off stage, still high on adrenaline. The chorus flits around her excitedly. TATARA smiles softly in approval. The party is broken up by TAIITSU-KUN)

TAIITSU-KUN: ::crossly:: What does this look like, a lounge? ::to MIAKA:: Good job, you didn't blow it! But YOU...::NYAN-NYANS squeal and flit away as TAIITSU-KUN scowls at them:: You were awful! You were a disgrace! Come on, we're practicing! NOW!!!!!

(A nervous looking MIAKA backs away from TAIITSU-KUN and the NYAN-NYANS who are busily trying to 'Naosu' their ballet steps. TOMO looks very dubiously at the move he's supposed to be doing and at the very smug NURIKO, who's doing the move almost flawlessly. With a disgusted sigh he starts practicing too. Once TOMO and TAIITSU-KUN aren't looking, NURIKO sneaks off after MIAKA, who's gone to her dressing room)

NURIKO: Oi, Miaka! Great job!

MIAKA: ::smiling broadly:: Thanks!

NURIKO: ::slinging an arm around MIAKA'S shoulder:: So, what's you're secret, hmmm? ::MIAKA hems and haws a bit:: Ah come on. I won't tell!

MIAKA: Well....it sounds kinda' silly.....

NURIKO: Oh COME ON!!!!!

MIAKA: ::twiddling her fingers around:: Well, when I was a little girl, back before my parents got divorced, my 'Tousan used to tell me this story about the Angel of Music. The Angle would come and help singers who were really good and practiced their scales and stuff and....um....so I was really good and did all that and now I've heard the Angel. ::nods::

NURIKO: ::looking very dubious:: Miaka, did you eat something funny? I've told you to pay more attention to what you put in your mouth!

(MIAKA'S reply is cut off by the arrival of TAIITSU-KUN)

TAIITSU-KUN: NURIKO!

NURIKO: AAAAIIIIEEEEEE!!!! ::clutches his heart and looks terrified::

TAIITSU-KUN: GET YOUR LITTLE CROSS-DRESSING BUTT OUT THERE AND PRACTISE!!!

NURIKO: H...hai Okaa-san! ::vanishes rapidly, his braid hitting TAIITSU-KUN in the face on the way out::

TAIITSU-KUN: ::scowling fiercely:: OI! WATCH THAT THING WILL YOU! Harumph! ::turning back to MIAKA thrusts an envelope in her face:: Here, I was told to give this to you. ::MIAKA blinks:: Well, TAKE IT!

MIAKA: HAI! ::grabs the envelope::

TAIITSU-KUN: ::floating out of the room and grumbling:: What do I bloody look like, a delivery service?

MIAKA: ::alone again. Opens the envelope and reads it out loud:: Keep yourself fed....keep yourself happy......I will always protect you...::blink:: Nani?



Scene Three



(TAMAHOME appears at MIAKA'S dressing room door with a box of chocolates and knocks)

TAMAHOME: Suzaku no Miko, have you eaten yet?

MIAKA: ::from inside, coming to open the door:: Um, before the performance, yea, but I'm starving again! Why? ::opens the door and her eyes go wide::

TAMAHOME: ::holding out the chocolates and smiling:: Some things never change!

MIAKA: ::glomphing onto TAMAHOME:: TAMAHOME-CHAN!!!!!!! AH, Arigatou ! ::grabs the chocolates and downs the whole box. TAMAHOME sweatdrops:: Th'r 'ood!

TAMAHOME: ::chuckling:: Ah, Miaka-chan, you never change! ::fondly, yet serious:: Yuiren wants to know if you still have the necklace she made for you.

MIAKA: ::panicked sweatdropping for a moment:: I.....I....um.....::thinks. Light bulb expression:: HAI! I remember now! ::rummages around in her drawer:: Ta-da! ::holds out the necklace::

TAMAHOME: ::smiling:: Ah, good. She still wants you to be her 'Nee-chan, you know.

MIAKA: ::looking somewhat nervous and embarrassed:: Eh, yea, well.......

TAMAHOME: ::smiling broadly:: Hey, why don't I take you out to dinner? We can catch up!

MIAKA: I...er....

TAMAHOME: ::on his way out the door:: I'll go grab my coat!

MIAKA: But....!!

TAMAHOME: ::over his shoulder:: You get changed! I'll be back in five minutes!

MIAKA: BUT.......!! TAMAHOME!!!!!!!!!!!!::runs in small circles and frets:: Oooo, what should I do! The angel will be very upset with me if I go off with Tamahome, but I'm SOOO hungry! ::frets some more::

(Soft, serious sounding music drifts into the room, seemingly from behind the dressing room mirror)

NAKAGO: ::soft, dangerous sounding tone:: Who is that man, Miaka?

MIAKA: ::looking really embarrassed and panicky:: Who, oh, him? Eh, er, just an old friend who wanted to go to dinner. Of course, I would NEVER....

NAKAGO: Sou Ka. No, of course you wouldn't. ::brief pause: You did well tonight. I'd like to....::verbal smirk:: Reward you.....for your performance.

MIAKA: ::ecstatic look:: REALLY??? WITH WHAT? WITH WHAT?? ::little vapor lines suddenly appear and MIAKA'S eyes go wide:: FOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!

(TAMAHOME returns to stand outside the door in time to hear that last line)

TAMAHOME: Eh, Miaka?

NAKAGO: That's right Miaka, food.

TAMAHOME: ::frowning:: Who is that? ::tries the door and finds it locked. Is rather alarmed:: MIAKA?

MIAKA: ::rushing the mirror, which vanishes in front of her:: FOOOOOOOOD!! ::the mirror slides closed behind her::

TAMAHOME: ::ogre sign flaring rushes the door which opens in front of him. He charges head long into an empty room:: MIAKA!!!!!!!!!



Scene Four



MIAKA: ::stuffing her face:: Mmmm, yummy, mmmmm! This's good!

(Next to her is a tall figure in armor and a helmet. All that can be seen of him is his blue eyes and a few strands of blonde hair. He placidly watches MIAKA devour the feast in front of her)

MIAKA: ::finishing the food and looking up:: Who are you?

NAKAGO: ::verbal smirk:: Why Miaka, I'm your 'angel of music'. Who else would I be?

MIAKA: ::looking a little scared and a little miffed:: But, you aren't an angel!

NAKAGO: ::shrug:: So I lied. That's beside the point.

MIAKA: ::scowling at the betrayal:: Then what is the point?

NAKAGO: At the moment, it would appear to be that you can't leave without my help.

(MIAKA blinks, then looks back at the dead end passage way behind her. TAMAHOME is still desperately searching her room)

MIAKA: TAMA.......::NAKAGO clamps a hand over her mouth:: >>mph!<<

NAKAGO: Shhh, I don't want you calling for help just yet. ::reaches into his cloak and brings out a sweet bun:: I'd much prefer you come with me. ::backs away from MIAKA, holding the sweet bun in front of him::

MIAKA: ::trying to resist:: No....I.....ack! ::winds up trailing after the food regardless::

(NAKAGO continues to back away, MIAKA following him down through a maze of dark corridors until they reach the shores of a lake. NAKAGO tosses the sweet bun into a boat that's waiting there and MIAKA dives in after it. While MIAKA is scarfing the bun, NAKAGO gets in and poles the boat away from shore. Once she's finished with her bun, MIAKA tries to jump out of the boat and swim back to shore. NAKAGO raises a hand and MIAKA finds herself unable to move)

MIAKA: OI! That's a dirty trick!

NAKAGO: I know.

MIAKA: What do you want with me anyway?

NAKAGO: he he.

(NAKAGO continues poling. Eventually they reach the far bank and NAKAGO gets out of the boat, picks MIAKA up and sets her on the shore, then releases her from the spell. MIAKA gazes around in wonder. The whole scene is lit by and eerie blue light. Directly in front of her is the gold statue of a dragon. A strange mist seems to fill the air)

MIAKA: ::taking a few steps forward:: What....what is this place?

NAKAGO: ::following close behind her:: This is where I live.

MIAKA: ::acting a little dizzy: What....what's that....smell.....

NAKAGO: ::verbal smirk:: Oh, the incense? Just a little something I picked up. ::MIAKA starts weaving on her feet:: It's known for it's sleep inducing abilities. ::MIAKA'S eyes start closing:: Of course, I keep my mouth and nose covered at all times to make sure I don't breath it......::MIAKA passes out. NAKAGO makes no attempt to catch her, just shakes his head and chuckles:: Suzaku no Miko wa baka desu.



Scene Five



(MIAKA wakes up slowly. She is lying against one wall of a smallish room. The MUSICBOX is playing outside the door)

MIAKA: ::blinking:: Where.....where am I? ::frowns and thinks a moment:: Oh yea, that strange guy who said he was the angel of music kidnapped me and dragged me off! ::slightly scared look:: I wonder where he is......::gets up and creeps over to the door::

(Peering out MIAKA sees the room she arrived in the night before. There is no sign of the mysterious incense that knocked her out previously. NAKAGO is sitting at a desk on the other side of the room, looking at something. He is wearing a pale blue robe with dark trim. Next to him is a shelf holding the MUSICBOX and a cage with a bunch of yellow feathers.)

MIAKA: OI!

(NAKAGO turns. MIAKA catches her breath in astonishment.)

MIAKA: ::to herself:: Blonde hair....blue eyes.....wow, he's gorgeous! ::shaking her head, then scowling:: Why am I here? Who are you anyway?!

NAKAGO: ::standing and smirking:: I told you, I'm your angel. ::takes her wrist firmly and begins to lead her back to the boat:: I think it's time we took you home. Every one will be worrying.

MIAKA: ::looking thoroughly confused:: HUH? Wait, if you're just taking me back, why'd you kidnap me? WHAT'S GOING ON? Come on, SAY something!



Scene Six



(AMIBOSHI is sitting on a piece of scenery, surrounded by chorus members, playing the flute and talking. TOMO and NURIKO are quite obviously making every attempt to stay away from each other by sitting on opposite sides of the semi circle)

AMIBOSHI: ::pausing between little snatches of flute melody:: The Hin tribe was destroyed but they say that one small boy may have survived. ::another snatch of melody is played, to the delight of the chorus:: They say the emperor took him off to his palace.....

(A trap door opens in the middle of the stage, casting a shadow over the group as NAKAGO emerges. Most of the chorus flees screaming, hauling NURIKO off with them. TOMO pretends to flee, but hides in the shadows instead. NAKAGO glares at AMIBOSHI, then wraps his cloak around the still confused MIAKA and hustles her off. They pass TAIITSU-KUN on their way out. TOMO slinks off after them, eyes on NAKAGO.)

TAIITSU-KUN: ::scowling:: Running your fool mouth off again, eh Amiboshi? Those meddling little flute stories of your are going to get you in trouble one of these days!

(AMIBOSHI shrugs and goes back to playing his flute)



Scene Seven



(MITSUKAKE is sitting in the manager's office reading the newspaper. A very obviously upset HOTOHORI stalks in, sword in hand)

HOTOHORI: We have to do something to get her back!

MITSUKAKE: ::mildly:: Don't worry, Hotohori-sama, I'm sure she's all right. The police are looking for her, after all.

HOTOHORI: ::scowling:: And what good are they going to do? By the time they get to her, she could be dead!

MITSUKAKE: ::in an obnoxiously calm, reasonable voice:: Now Hotohori-sama, we're managers, not warriors. Here, why don't we look at our mail while we're waiting to hear from the police. ::hands a letter to HOTOHORI who looks unconvinced but takes it anyway::

HOTOHORI: ::not very enthusiastically:: Splendid production, Miaka was excellent, the chorus was horrid, I still haven't been paid. O.G. ::both managers blink:: Paid? ::frowns for a moment, then remembers:: Oh yes, that 'opera ghost business. ::turns to MITSUKAKE:: Do you have any idea what this could be about?

MITSUKAKE: ::shakes his head:: The only thing that's clear is that this person, whoever they are, wants money.

HOTOHORI: We can't do that! It wouldn't be fair to spend the opera's money in such a fashion!

MITSUKAKE: ::still reasonably, although looking a bit dubious:: We could give him our salary, but that would be more than a little ridiculous...

(HOTOHORI is about to agree with him when the door bursts open and TAMAHOME rushes in)

TAMAHOME: MIAKA!!

(HOTOHORI and MITSUKAKE blink)

MITSUKAKE: Um, yes, Tamahome-kun? What about Miaka?

HOTOHORI: ::hopefully:: You know where she is?

TAMAHOME: ::blinking, then looking somewhat cross:: No, I thought in your letter you said you did!

HOTOHORI: ::looking perplexed, again:: Letter? What letter?

MITSUAKE: Do you ever get the feeling that something important is going on, but no one is telling you about it?

TAMAHOME: ::ignoring MITSUKAKE and waving a letter in HOTOHORI'S face:: THIS letter!

HOTOHORI: ::taking the letter from TAMAHOME and reading it:: Do not worry about Miaka, she is safe. ::looks suspiciously at the paper, not trusting the words:: Her angel is taking care of her. Any attempt to see her again will be ill advised.

TAMAHOME: ::looking highly put out, ogre symbol glowing:: If you didn't write it, then just who did?

HOTOHORI: ::very gravely:: I'm not sure, but I don't trust.....

(YUI bursts in, followed by SUBOSHI)

YUI: Where is.....::spies TAMAHOME and rounds on him:: How could you?

TAMAHOME: ::blinking in surprise:: How could I what?

YUI: ::holding out a paper:: How could you write this?

TAMAHOME: ::taking the paper:: Nani? ::reads:: You needn't return to the opera tonight. Miaka will be singing your part. In fact, you needn't return. Period.

YUI: ::glares at the blinking TAMAHOME:: You're the one who's in love with Miaka, right? Who else would write that?

(HOTOHORI glares suspiciously over TAMAHOME'S shoulder, then takes the paper from him)

HOTOHORI: ::muttering:: This is getting more suspicious all the time....!

(TAIITSU-KUN enters, followed by NURIKO)

TAIITSU-KUN: Miaka's back.

(Every one except SUBOSHI looks at least mildly relieved)

TAMAHOME: Is she all right? Can I see her?

NURIKO: ::nearly whacking TAIITSU-KUN with his braid as he shakes his head:: Uh-uh, gomen Tama-chan. She said she didn't want to be disturbed. ::aside:: I think she ate something funny!

TAIITSU-KUN: ::shoving a letter in HOTOHORI'S face:: Here, this came from the ghost!

MITSUKAKE: ::raising an eyebrow:: Another one?

HOTOHORI: ::looking very suspicious indeed unfolds the letter and starts reading:: A note regarding tonight's performance; as I'm sure you're aware, Miaka has been returned to you. I want her to play role of the Countess in tonight's production 'Il Muto'. Yui may play the page boy, if she wants. I will watch the performance from my normal seat in box five, which you will leave empty for me. If these demands are ignored you will perform tonight in a house with a curse on it. O.G.

(YUI looks very peeved. So do SUBOSHI and HOTOHORI. TAMAHOME and MITSUKAKE just look confused)

YUI: ::dark look:: Miaka!

HOTOHORI: ::crossly:: Just who IS this O.G. anyway?

YUI: ::fists clenching at her sides:: This is all a plot to help Miaka! ::rounds on TAMAHOME again, visibly hurt:: You sent this, didn't you! You're just trying to get her on the stage!

(MITSUKAKE starts examining all of the letters)

TAMAHOME: ::blinking:: NANI?? That's completely insane!

MITSUKAKE: ::not looking up, but to YUI:: Now Yui-san, calm down. I'm sure this is all just a joke.

YUI: Some joke!

HOTOHORI: ::firmly:: Well we AREN'T going to listen! Not to any of it!

TAIITSU-KUN: ::snort:: Well, THAT'S an intelligent move!

NURIKO: ::star eyes:: Ah, Hotohori-sama! You're sooooo decisive! ::TAIITSU-KUN gives him a disgusted look::

YUI: ::suspiciously:: You're going to ignore him? You want me to play the Countess?

HOTOHORI: Yes. No matter how good Miaka-san is, we can't let ourselves be viewed as easily intimidated! ::YUI glowers impressively::

YUI: But you'd rather have her!

HOTOHORI: ::realizing that he just put his foot neatly in his mouth attempts to gracefully remove it:: Now, I never said that! I simply meant that Miaka is fully capable of performing the role.

YUI: ::refusing to be mollified:: Yea right! Well you want her, you got her! I'm not getting up on that stage!

MITSUKAKE: ::finally putting down the letters with a sigh: Yui-san, please. If you don't sing, you'll just be giving this opera ghost what he wants.

HOTOHORI: ::picking up the thread:: Exactly. If you don't sing, he will win. We can't have that, now can we? Besides, think of your fans! Think of how disappointed they will be if you don't sing! ::he looks as charming as he can manage. In the back ground, NURIKO melts::

(YUI mulls this over in her mind while HOTOHORI and MITSUKAKE look on with varying degrees of hopefulness)

TAMAHOME: ::to himself:: Who is this ghost any way? And what does he have to do with Miaka?

TAIITSU-KUN: ::popping up in front of him:: What are you muttering about?

TAMAHOME: ::jumping a foot off the ground:: YYEEEAAA!!!!!! >>gasp, gasp<< Don't DO that!

(The rest of the people blink at TAMAHOME for a moment. Then YUI scowls and announces her decision)

YUI: All right, I'll sing! ::directly too TAMAHOME:: I WON'T give you the satisfaction of replacing me with her! ::and she stalks out, followed by SUBOSHI, leaving a very confused TAMAHOME in her wake::

TAIITSU-KUN: ::calling after her:: IT'S YOUR FUNERAL!



Scene Eight



TAMAHOME: ::to the MANAGERS:: Is anyone sitting in box five?

MITSUKAKE: ::shaking his head:: No, in light of the present situation we decided it would be best if we kept it empty. We don't want any innocent patrons to be in any danger.

TAMAHOME: In which case, I think I'll sit there. ::turns to leave, then grins back over his shoulder:: After all, I'm hardly an 'innocent' patron in this case, am I? ::he leaves. HOTOHORI casts an odd look after him::

HOTOHORI: ::to MITSUKAKE in a suspicious tone:: Just what did he mean by that?

(On stage YUI as the Countess and TOKAKI as Don Attilo are having a sung conversion. MIAKA, dressed as the page boy dressed as a maid, is dusting)

TOKAKI: I am called to England on affairs of State, and must leave you with your new maid. ::aside:: Though I'd happily take the maid with me.

YUI: ::aside:: The old fool is leaving.

TOKAKI: ::aside:: I suspect my young bride is untrue to me. I shall not leave, but hide over there and observe her! ::to YUI:: Addio!

YUI: Addio!

(He pretends to leave, then hides and watches the action)

YUI: ::to MIAKA:: Serafimo - away with this pretence! ::she rips off MIAKA'S skirt to reveal a pair of breeches:: You can not speak, but kiss me in my husband's absence!

NAKAGO: ::just a calm voice over the audience:: Did I not instruct that box five was to be kept empty?

NURIKO: ::darkly to himself:: The Phantom.....

MIAKA: ::shocked:: It's him! I know it, it's him!

YUI: ::angry and confused:: YOUR part is silent little pig!

NAKAGO: ::with a hint of amusement in his voice:: A pig Yui-san? Perhaps you're the pig...

(YUI scowls fiercely at box five, then confers with the conductor. They pick up again at the opening of the scene)

YUI: ::to MIAKA:: Serafimo - away with this pretence! ::goes to rip off the skirt and realizes it's already been ripped. Goes through the motions anyway:: You can not speak, but kiss me in my bweeeeee!

(Instead of singing, she squeals like a pig. YUI sits there, amazed for a few moment, then backs up a line and starts again.)

YUI: You can not speak, but bwee bwee bweeeee!

(The chandelier starts to blink on and off in an alarming fashion)

YUI: ::looking tearfully at the MANAGERS:: I can't do it! I can't go on!

SUBOSHI: ::rushing onto the stage:: Yui, it's all right, come on....::helps her off stage::

(MITSUKAKE walks onto the stage)

MITSUKAKE: ::as calmly as ever:: Ladies and gentlemen, the performance will continue in ten minutes time when the role of the Countess will be sung by Yuuki Miaka. ::the chandelier returns to normal:: In the meantime we shall be giving you the ballet from Act Three of tonight's opera. ::to the conductor:: The ballet. Now.

(The stage is cleared and the music starts. A lovely girl with pink hair dances onto the stage. Soon she is joined by the rest of the chorus. Upstage, behind the drop, a series of threatening shadows can be seen. NURIKO notices them and dances out of step. Suddenly the ballet is thrown into complete pandemonium as AMIBOSHI'S body falls onto the stage.)

CHORUS: EEEEEIIIIIIIAAAAAAAA!!!!!!! NAOSU! NAOSU! ::they swarm the body::

MIAKA: ::running half dressed on stage and seeing the body:: TAMAHOME! ::TAMAHOME jumps from box five to the stage, ogre sign flaring, and hugs her::

(The MANAGERS hurry on stage, MITSUKAKE going quickly to AMIBOSHI'S side, followed by a very anxious SUBOSHI)

HOTOHORI: ::to the audience:: Ladies and gentlemen, please, remain in your seat. It was simply an accident...::he doesn't seem very convinced of this fact, so they aren't either::

TAMAHOME: ::to MIAKA:: Miaka, come with me.

MIAKA: ::stopping him from dragging her off:: No, the roof! ::proceeds to turn the tables and drag him off instead::



Scene Nine



TAMAHOME: Miaka, what are we doing up here?

MIAKA: ::seriously:: Tamahome, we can't go back there! He's trying to get me again!

TAMAHOME: ::confused but alarmed:: Who?

MIAKA: HIM! The opera ghost!

TAMAHOME: ::suspiciously:: Oi, Miaka, did you eat something funny?

MIAKA: ::frustrated:: Yare yare! No I did NOT eat something funny! Look, I know you were looking for me the other night after I disappeared...

TAMAHOME: Yes, I was. Where did you go?

MIAKA: ::a little scared now:: HE took me! This tall guy with blonde hair in armor pretended to be the angel from my 'Tou-san's stories then he kidnapped me!

TAMAHOME: ::sighing:: Miaka.....

NAKAGO: ::unseen from off stage but using a very disturbing tone:: Miaka....

(Both MIAKA and TAMAHOME'S eyes go wide. TAMAHOME'S ogre sign flares up)

MIAKA: What was that?

(TAMAHOME checks the roof)

TAMAHOME: OI! IS ANYONE ELSE UP HERE? ::no response. MIAKA starts to tremble::

MIAKA: I don't know what he wants, but he's gonna come after me again, I know it!

TAMAHOME: ::walking over and putting his arms around her:: Oi, Miaka...I'm not gonna let anyone hurt you. You trust me? ::tilts her head up so she's looking at him and smiles. She nods:: Good. Now, let's get back down there before you miss your cue.

(The pair of them leave the roof. From the shadows half way up a near bye statue, two cold blue eyes watch them)

NAKAGO: ::quietly:: That will have to stop. Soon.

(The rest of the opera goes without incident, until the final curtain calls. Then, a chilling voice is heard over the audience's applause)

NAKAGO: ::in an unemotional tone:: Go.

(The chandelier crashes to the stage, just in front of MIAKA)



* * * * * * * * * * * *

END OF ACT I


SUBOSHI: ANIKI!!!!!!!! ::attacking ARASHI:: WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM?!?!?!?!

ARASHI: ::dodging his ryu-seisui desperately:: OI, oi! It's just a story, he's FINE really! I'd NEVER kill your brother! ::whimpering:: He's too cute!

MITSUKAKE: ::dazed:: I got a major part......?

TASUKI: ::smugly:: Still a bit shy on the personality though!

ARASHI: ::glaring at TASUKI while still dodging SUBOSHI:: OI! LEAVE HIM ALONE! I'm trying to be as true to the characters as possible, which isn't easy when you've only seen to episode 28!

MIAKA: ::stuffing her face:: Hey, just why did he...::jabs a finger at NAKAGO, who's standing there looking impressive:: kidnap me back there?

ARASHI: To make people worry, to make your activities look suspicious, to play with your mind. ::pauses:: Hell, who am I kidding? Because in the 'Phantom' libretto that's where the Phantom runs off with Christine. That's also why you wind up singing Point of No Return with him next act.

MIAKA: ::looking horrified:: I have to sing THAT with HIM?!??!

ARASHI: ::shrugs:: Such is life. Look on the bright side, at least he doesn't run off with you again.

NURIKO: ::looking confused:: Hold it, isn't he supposed to run off with her after Point of No Return??

ARASHI: ::calmly:: Originally, yes.

HOTOHORI: So what happens?

ARASHI: ::looking evil:: You'll just have to wait and find out, won't you......

~Owari~

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