Scene one
(The opera ball. Everyone is in costume. HOTOHORI enters, dressed as an emperor. ^_- Almost immediately, MITUKAKE enters, dressed as a cat. ^_-. They approach each other)
HOTOHORI: Mitsukake-san?
MITSUKAKE: Hotohori-sama? ::smile:: Very nice costume.
HOTOHORI: ::rather arrogantly:: Glad you like it. Yours isn't bad either.
MITSUKAKE: ::changing the subject:: Nice party too.
(It is indeed a 'nice' party. HOTOHORI and MITSUKAKE are soon surrounded by dancers, all dressed in bright costumes. NURIKO is dressed as a man. YUI is wearing her MIKO outfit and SUBOSHI is dressed as his brother. TAIITSU-KUN is just wearing a mask. Among the other dancers we can see TOMO in his normal make-up and such, ASHITARE as a wolf, naturally, MIBOSHI as a NYAN-NYAN, several NYAN-NYAN'S as MIBOSHI, SOI as Rune Venus, CHIRIKO as Card Captor Sakura, and several other various people, including a baker's dozen of the bandits, lead by TASUKI, dressed as Jin, and CHICHIRI, who disguises himself as the chibi of whoever he happens to be standing next too. All are dancing quite merrily. HOTOHORI, MITSUKAKE, NURIKO, TAIITSU-KUN, SUBOSHI, and YUI all gather at the refreshment table)
TAIITSU-KUN: Hmph! Could it get any louder in here?
NURIKO: ::pausing in his admiration of HOTOHORI:: Okaa-san, do you always have to be such
a spoil sport? It's fun! ::to HOTOHORI:: And this is such a great costume! ::TAIITSU-KUN
rolls her eyes::
YUI: ::to TAIITSU-KUN:: We can all stand a little noise. After all, it's been so quiet lately!
SUBOSHI: Yea, six months and not a peep from that 'Phantom' pest!
YUI: ::smiling in smug satisfaction:: And several perfect performances by yours truly. What cause
is there not to celebrate?
TAIITSU-KUN: ::crossly:: Concern for our hearing? ::several people roll their eyes at her::
MITSUAKAKE: ::handing TAIITSU-KUN a glass:: Here, have something to drink at least.
NURIKO: ::under his breath:: Maybe then you'll lighten up. Sheesh! Not even Mitsukake's being as
big a wet towel as you!
TAIITSU-KUN: ::popping up directly in front of NURIKO:: WHAT WAS THAT?!?
NURIKO: ::sweatdropping:: Nan.....nandemo nai!
(Across the room, MIAKA and TAMAHOME are talking excitedly. She's wearing her MIKO outfit, he's dressed like SUZAKU in human form. MIAKA is examining the new bracelet he got her. She's so busy admiring it she doesn't watch her footing, trips, and nearly falls into a group of 'MIBOSHIS' who are trying to naosu TOMO'S make-up. TOMO is looking irked at them, and sweatdropping at CHICHIRI who's standing next to him)
TAMAHOME: ::under his breath as he catches her:: And here I thought you'd stopped doing that.....
MIAKA: ::ignoring the comment:: AH! TAMA-CHAN! It's great! ::looks sappily up at him:: You
promise we'll get married some day?
TAMAHOME: ::looking a bit less enthused than he might otherwise:: Yea, someday. But, Miaka-chan,
why does it have to be 'some day'? Why can't it be really soon?
MIAKA: ::suddenly nervous:: I...I just want to wait awhile, that's all.
TAMAHOME: ::full out cancer mode:: Miaka, please, if something's wrong....
MIAKA: ::full of mock cheer:: Oh no, nothing's wrong! It's just......just....I wanna wait a bit.
(The pair of them are broken up by a group of rowdy bandits, two of which are trying to break CHICHIRI'S neck. They both get whirled around the room by half a dozen different people, kissed two or three times by partners who have had wayyyyy to much bubbly, and are finally shoved, quite literally, back into each other's arms. MIAKA clings to TAMAHOME as if he were a life line and the pair of them dance until the song ends. Suddenly, everyone becomes aware of a tall figure at the top of the stairs. He is dressed like SEIRYU in human form, only he has blonde hair. Every one stops and stares at him. TOMO is in danger of messing up his make-up by drooling. Slowly, surrounded by absolute silence, the figure stalks down the stairs.)
NAKAGO: ::somewhat smugly to the managers:: You seem surprised to see me. Why? You didn't honestly
think I had left, did you? ::slight chuckle:: Here. ::tosses a scroll to HOTOHORI who catches it with
a very threatening glare:: I've written you an opera. I'd like you to perform it, exactly as written. ::with
out so much as a thank you, he turns to leave, then notices MIAKA'S bracelet. Glaring slightly, he holds
out his hand and shoots the clasp with a small chi blast, then vanishes. TAMAHOME looks ready to pound the
absent man into the ground, and MIAKA starts to cry::
Scene two
(TAIITSU-KUN is floating quickly across the stage. TAMAHOME appears and calls after her)
TAMAHOME: Taiitsu-kun!
TAIITSU-KUN: ::whirling suddenly to confront him:: What?!
TAMAHOME: ::not expecting the sudden turn:: WAH! >>gasp gasp<< You....you know something
about this...this phantom, don't you?
TAIITSU-KUN: ::frowning:: I know about everyone here!
TAMAHOME: Well then, who is he? What does he want?
TAIITSU-KUN: Why do you care?
TAMAHOME: ::loosing patience:: HE'S AFTER MIAKA!!!!
TAIITSU-KUN: ::raising an eyebrow:: Oh, is he? Are you certain?
TAMAHOME: ::exasperated:: YES! Now what can you tell me about him?
TAIITSU-KUN: ::sniffs slightly:: He is Nakago, one of Seiryu's Seishi. He's also the last surviving
member of the Hin tribe. There, now you know who he is. Ja. ::she turns and streaks off::
TAMAHOME: Taii.....TAIITSU-KUN!! ::runs off after her::
Scene three
HOTOHORI: ::flipping through NAKAGO'S opera:: This is awful! Who in their right mind would
want to listen to this?!?
MITSUKAKE: ::also looking at it:: Actually, the music's not bad. The story's a bit depressing though.......
HOTOHORI: ::looking at him incredulously:: You mean you like it?!?!?
MITSUKAKE: ::shrugging:: I like parts of it.
(MITSUKAKE puts down the score and picks up two envelopes sitting on the desk)
HOTOHORI: ::crossly:: What are those, more notes?
MITSUKAKE: ::nodding:: They appeared this morning. ::opens one as HOTOHORI snatches the
other. Reads:: Dear Managers, Our first bassoon needs to be replaced, the current one has no tone. That thing
that calls himself our third trombone has to go too. The man is deaf. We need one that plays in tune.
HOTOHORI: ::reading the other letter:: Dear Managers, Some of the chorus members are clearly lacking
a sense of pitch and they must be let go. Don't let them fool you into thinking they can fix the problem, they've
been trying for ages. Do try to keep that dark haired fellow concentrating on his job, his mind has a tendency
to wander, especially to any good looking men in sight. ::MANAGERS sweatdrop:: Don't even
think of changing the casting. I've assigned each role carefully, giving the most minor roles to those who can
not act.
(YUI bursts in, followed by SUBOSHI, both armed with their scripts and similar notes. The MANAGERS
look long suffering)
YUI: This is an outrage!
MITSUKAKE: What appears to be the problem, Hongo-san?
YUI: ::waving the letter:: This whole thing is an outrage! I don't need this, not one little bit!
Have you seen the size of my part?
MITSUKAKE: ::patiently:: Yes, but I'm afraid there's nothing we can do about it.
SUBOSHI: ::looking highly grumpy:: I can't believe we're stuck doing whatever this guy tells us to!
YUI: ::under her breath:: The things I have to do for my art.
SUBOSHI: ::adding to the sentiment:: If you can call this art! ::jabs a finger at the script::
(MIAKA and TAMAHOME enter. YUI glares)
YUI: ::coldly:: Oh, you're here. How nice.
HOTOHORI: ::smiling halfheartedly at MIAKA:: Ah, Miaka-chan....it seems that this phantom of
ours has given you the largest role in this......::dubiously eyes the opera:: work.
TAMAHOME: ::looking concerned and pissed:: Then you're going through with it?
YUI: ::under her breath, still cold:: You're surprised she has the biggest role?
MITSUKAKE: ::missing the question:: We don't have much choice in the matter. We can't take the risk
of people getting hurt.
YUI: ::a bit louder this time, clearly angry:: Why wouldn't she have the biggest role? She's the
one behind this whole thing!
MIAKA: ::shocked:: Yui-chan! How could you say that?
YUI: It makes perfect sense, doesn't it? The little new girl, trying to promote herself gets someone to
terrorize everyone if she doesn't get the part she wants?
MIAKA: ::gaping at the accusation:: NO! I don't want this part! I don't want anything to do with
this!
HOTOHORI: ::coming to MIAKA'S defense:: Of course not! She wouldn't do such a thing!
MITSUKAKE: ::seeming to have a better grasp on the situation than everyone else for some unknown reason...9_9::
But Yuuki-san, you have to sing the part!
YUI: ::challenging:: Why does she have to sing it? I could do a much better job!
MIAKA: ::nodding furiously:: She's much better than I am!
(Before anyone else can say a word TAIITSU-KUN appears in their midst.)
HOTOHORI: ::wincing and hiding his face:: Yech!
MIAKA: ::jumping into TAMAHOME'S arms:: YEEEAAIIII!!!!! TAMAHOME!!!!
TAMAHOME: ::catching MIAKA:: AAAEEEEIIIIII!!!!!! MIAKA!!!!!!
YUI and SUBOSHI: ::clinging to each other:: EEEEEIIIIIIIAAAAA!!!!!!
MITSUKAKE: ::blinking:: ...
TAIITSU-KUN: ::brandishing a letter:: I HAVE ANOTHER NOTE!
(A everyone else is trying to catch their breath from fear, NURIKO bounces in and latches onto HOTOHORI'S
arm. TAIITSU-KUN starts reading, ignoring the fact that she just about gave the whole room a heart attack)
TAIITSU-KUN: A-hem. Konnichi-wa minna. I have a few last minute instructions before we start rehearsing.
First, Hongo-san must learn to act, not simply strut around the stage like she knows what she's doing. ::YUI
glares:: Suboshi must figure out how to properly follow instructions. No screw ups this time, please. ::SUBOSHI
also glares:: And my managers must get their collective noses out of my opera. Their place is in their office.
::HOTOHORI looks highly pissed, to compensate for MITSUKAKE'S still placid expression::
As for Miaka-san.....I'm sure she'll do her very best. She always does. However, there's always room for improvement,
and I would be more than willing to further her training, if she can bring herself to practice with me some more.
::MIAKA cowers against TAMAHOME, sensing the malice in those words:: Your obedient
servant and angel.
(Everyone looks at MIAKA, who looks very nervous and takes a tentative step forward.)
MIAKA: ::nervous:: Ah, minna? If I do go through with this and sing that part, the phantom's going
to be there, isn't he?
MITSUKAKE: ::nodding:: Undoubtedly.
MIAKA: ::wringing her hands:: Well then.....could you.....what I mean is.....::looking up and speaking
in a loud rush:: If I sing the part and he shows up, could you guys get the police there and trap him? Then
we could be finished with this whole thing!
(Everyone blinks, except YUI who jumps on the idea as confirmation of her earlier idea)
YUI: See! I told you! She'll do anything to get the spot light!
MIAKA: ::frustrated:: No, I mean it! Could we trap him?
MITSUKAKE: ::frowning:: That might work.....
TAMAHOME: ::stepping toward MIAKA:: But Miaka! That would be dangerous!
MIAKA: ::protesting:: But it would be over, don't you see? Then our lives could go back to normal
and Yui-chan and I could be friends again and the managers wouldn't have to put up with those notes and worrying
about everyone being hurt!
HOTOHORI: ::walking over and solemnly placing his hands on MIAKA'S shoulders:: Yuuki-san,
are you sure of what your doing?
MIAKA: ::nodding:: Hai! If you can catch him, then I'll do whatever it takes!
HOTOHORI: ::smiling:: Very well then. We will try your idea.
TAMAHOME: ::frowning:: I don't like this, but I'll help out anyway I can.
MIAKA: ::smiling and hugging TAMAHOME:: Arigatou, Tamahome. Arigatou.
Scene four
SUBOSHI: ::singing incorrectly:: Those who tangle with Don Juan...
TATARA: ::cutting him off:: No, no, no! Suboshi-san, here is the phrase. ::he demonstrates:: Those
who tangle with Don Juan...' If you please?
SUBOSHI: ::still wrong:: Those who tangle with Don Juan...
TATARA: No, no, nearly but no. Those who tan, tan, tan...
SUBOSHI: ::still wrong:: Those who tangle with Don Juan...
YUI: ::soft sneering tone:: What does it matter what we sing? No one will know if it's right. No
one will care if it's right. His way sounds fine.
TAIITSU-KUN: ::frowning:: The composer will know if it's right, the composer will care if it's right.
::to SUBOSHI:: NOW GET IT RIGHT!
SUBOSHI: ::scowling, trying again, and failing again:: Those who tangle with Don Juan...
(Everyone breaks out talking, singing, or arguing. MIAKA tries to help SUBOSHI with his lines.
SUBOSHI really tries to get it right, but can't. TATARA tries to restore order. Suddenly the piano
starts playing on it's own, with great force. Everything freezes for a moment, then they start singing in a highly
robotic manner. Every one around MIAKA blurs and she closes her eyes. When she opens them again, she's standing
in a park)
Scene five
MIAKA: ::hugging herself and looking frightened:: Where am I? ::blinks and looks around::
This...this looks like the park 'Kaasan and 'Tousan used to take me when I was a kid! ::flashbacks of MIAKA,
her brother, her parents and YUI coming here start and continue as MIAKA wanders around the park,
eventually coming to the play equipment:: Ah, that was so much fun! I miss being little. Back before the divorce,
back when Yui-chan still liked me.....::she sighs and sits on a swing:: How I wish I could go back.
NAKAGO: ::leaning against a tree behind her in full armor. Purrs:: Poor little Miko...
MIAKA: ::jumping up and facing him:: YOU! What are you doing here?
NAKAGO: ::taking a step away from the tree:: Your voice still needs training, Miaka. Have you forgotten
that I'm you angel?
MIAKA: ::hesitating:: My.....angel.....::looking up suddenly and scowling:: You lied to me! You
aren't really an angel! What do you want? Why won't you leave me alone?
TAMAHOME: ::a voice from somewhere amongst the trees:: MIAKA?
MIAKA: ::turning toward the sound:: Tamahome?
TAMAHOME: ::closer:: MIIIIAKAAAA??
MIAKA: ::running in the direction of the sound:: TAMAHOOOOMEEEEE!!!!!! ::as she runs, the trees
become a mass of plywood props. She just about bowls into TAMAHOME::
TAMAHOME: ::wrapping his arms around her:: Ah, Miaka! Don't disappear like that, you gave us all
heart attacks!
MIAKA: ::her face pressed against his chest, her voice muffled:: Gomen ne Tamahome, I don't know
what happened.
(The pair of them wander back to rehearsals. Behind them, unseen, a pair of blue eyes watch)
NAKAGO: ::quietly to himself:: This is a war, Miko. A war which you won't win.
Scene six
(The MANAGERS, TAMAHOME, are speaking with TOMITE and the BANDITS about the plan
to trap NAKAGO)
TOMITE: You understand your instructions?
BANDITS: ::in lazy near unison:: Yea, yea, we got it.
TOMITE: ::looking suspicious:: When you hear the whistle, take up your positions. Then, when I give
the word, you'll secure all the doors. You got that? Make sure all the doors are properly secured!
KOJI: ::a touch irritated:: All right, we got it already! ::to TASUKI in the orchestra
pit:: Oi, Gen-chan, tell him we know what we're doing!
TASUKI: ::from the pit:: They @#()*@)(#*(%&#*$@ know what they're doing!
MITSUKAKE: ::to HOTOHORI:: Hotohori-sama, are you sure this is a good idea?
HOTOHORI: ::brooding:: No, I'm not, but Yuuki-san wants to try and I can't think of anything better,
can you? ::looks hopefully at his partner::
MITSUKAKE: ::shaking his head: No. ::HOTOHORI sighs::
TOMITE: ::to TAMAHOME:: Vicomte, should I give the order?
TAMAHOME: ::tensely:: Hai.
(TOMITE blows his whistle and the bandits wander off in their appointed directions, leaving TAMAHOME,
TOMITE, and the MANAGERS on stage, looking dubious)
TAMAHOME: ::to TASUKI:: Oi! You in the pit - do you have a clear view of this box? ::points
at the box::
TASUKI: ::appearing from the pit:: You bet I do, Obake-chan!
TAMAHOME: DON'T CALL ME THAT! ::calming down:: Remember, don't use that thing unless you have to,
::points to the tessen in TASUKI'S hand:: but when you do, aim to kill!
TASUKI: ::grinning broadly:: You got it Obake-chan!
TOMITE: ::to TAMAHOME:: Those guys are finally in position.
TAMAHOME: Go ahead and secure the doors then.
(TOMITE sounds the whistle again, then shouts into the auditorium)
TOMITE: Are the doors secure?
(Doors can be heard slamming and the BANDITS can be heard calling back "#$%$#^%%#$ secure!"
TOMITE, TAMAHOME, and the MANAGERS sweatdrop. Very quietly, from nowhere, we hear NAKAGO)
NAKAGO: What's this?
(ALL look apprehensively in the direction of the voice)
NAKAGO: ::from somewhere else:: It looks like an attempt to defeat me...
(ALL look in the new direction)
NAKAGO: ::from behind TAMAHOME:: How amusing.....
TASUKI: ::aiming at TAMAHOME:: LEKKA SHIEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TAMAHOME: WHA.....?! --VWOOSH!!!-- ::glares, smoking:: WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO? KILL SOMEONE???
(TASUKI shrugs and grins)
NAKAGO: ::from someplace else:: It's time. Time for the audience to come in. Time for my opera to
begin.
Scene seven
(The set of the final scene of 'Don Juan Triumphant'. Behind an arch with curtains, we can see a bed. A fine
table is near the front of the stage, set for two. PASSARINO (TOKAKI), DON JUAN'S servant is directing the
STAFF, with the help of a tall woman with darkish red hair, as they make the room ready. The chorus sings
a few lines and DON JUAN (SUBOSHI) enters from behind the arch, nearly bowling over the PAGE, who's
leaving the stage. He is proceeded by NURIKO, a gypsy dancer who pirouettes coquettishly for him. SUBOSHI
throws him a purse. He catches it and leaves)
SUBOSHI: Passarino, faithful friend, once again recite the plan.
TOKAKI: Your young guest believes I'm you - I, the master, you the man.
(The pair of them recite their plan to trick AMINITA (MIAKA) into sleeping with SUBOSHI and are
basically malicious. SUBOSHI gives TOKAKI his cloak, hat, and sword, then puts on TOKAKI'S
cloak, which is huge, and goes back behind the archway. From off stage, we can here MIAKA singing)
MIAKA: ::offstage, moving on:: '...no thoughts within her head, but thoughts of joy! No dreams within
her heart, but dreams of love!'
TOKAKI: ::onstage:: Meijin?
NAKAGO: ::offstage as DON JUAN:: Passarino - go away! For the trap is set and waits for it's
prey...
(TOKAKI leaves. MIAKA enters. Noticing the food, she starts stuffing herself with a vengeance.
As she finishes, NAKAGO, disguised as DON JUAN, emerges. His face is completely hidden by the cowl
of PASSARINO'S robe. MIAKA doesn't notice, so his first words startle her)
NAKAGO: You have come here in pursuit of your deepest urge, in pursuit of that wish which till now has been
silent...::draws closer:: I have brought you, that our passions may fuse and merge - in your mind you've already
succumbed to me - now you are here with me: no second thoughts, you've decided, decided...::starts toward her.
She skitters away coyly:: Past the point of no return- no backward glances: the games we've played till now
are at an end... ::a game of cat and mouse ensues:: Past all thought of 'if' or 'when' - no use resisting:
Abandon thought, and let the dream descend.. ::he nearly catches her and she dodges, looking panicked::
What raging fire shall flood the soul? What rich desire unlocks it's door? What sweet seduction lies before us...?
::MIAKA, who has realized who's on stage with her, nearly runs from the auditorium but catches
herself at the edge of the stage. His words seem to draw her back:: Past the point of no return, the final
threshold - what warm, unspoken secrets will we learn? Beyond the point of no return...
MIAKA: ::squaring her chin:: You have brought me to that moment where words run dry, to that moment
where speech disappears in to silence, silence...
(As she continues with her lines, inspiration seems to strike and she advances toward him, trying to pull back
the cowl. Suddenly the game of cat and mouse reverses with her chasing him, although he doesn't come anywhere near
as close to panicking as she did. By now the POLICE, the MANAGERS, and TAMAHOME have figured
out that it's not SUBOSHI singing, but they don't do anything yet. As her solo ends, MIAKA a particularly
desperate lunge at the cowl. NAKAGO catches her wrists and spins her around, so they're both facing TAMAHOME'S
box as they sing their last lines)
BOTH: Past the point of no return, the final threshold - the bridge is crossed, so stand and watch it burn...We've
passed the point of no return... ::NAKAGO releases MIAKA, who takes advantage of the opportunity
and manages to pull the cowl back, revealing NAKAGO'S blonde hair and bright blue eyes to the audience::
TAMAHOME: ::leaping onto the stage:: MIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAKAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
TASUKI: ::with careful aim:: LEKKA SHIEN!!!! ::At this point NAKAGO would have fried, but
TAMAHOME'S leap just happened to put him directly in the path of the flames:: oops. THAT WASN'T ON PURPOSE!!!!!
::under his breath:: Was fun though!
(There is a blinding flash of chi energy. When it clears, MIAKA is left alone on the stage looking completely
dazed. There is no sign of TAMAHOME or NAKAGO)
MIAKA: ::blinking:: Tamahome? TAAAAAAAMAAAAAAHOOOOOOMEEEEEEEE?!?
(NURIKO pulls the curtains upstage, revealing SUBOSHI hanging upside down, bound and gagged with
his ryuseisui and looking highly pissed. All hell breaks loose)
YUI: ::to a passing bandit, pointing to SUBOSHI:: GET HIM DOWN!!!!
HOTOHORI: Miaka, are you all right?
MIAKA: TAAAAAMAAAAHOOOOMEEEEE!!!!!!
HOTOHORI: He'll be fine, really....
(HOTOHORI becomes distracted by the bandits trying to help SUBOSHI. TAIITSU-KUN appears
before MIAKA, who's so distraught she doesn't even wince)
TAIITSU-KUN: Hmph, they'll never get him back at this rate! Here, I know where they are, come with me. ::heads
off:: Oh, but keep your hand at the level of your eye.
MIAKA: ::confused:: Why?
TAIITSU-KUN: How the hell should I know? It's just what you do in situations like this!
NURIKO: ::catching the instructions:: Like this baka...::demonstrates:: I'll go with you.
TAIITSU-KUN: No, you stay here!
NURIKO: ::pouting:: WHY?
TAIITSU-KUN: It's too dangerous!
NURIKO: ::putting his hands on his hips:: Oh COME ON!!!
TAIITSU-KUN: Besides, Hotohori-sama might need you.
NURIKO: ::brightening:: Oh yea, forgot that! ::bounces off to help HOTOHORI::
(TAIITSU-KUN rolls her eyes, then she and MIAKA rush off, nearly bowling over AMIBOSHI
who's wandering on stage)
AMIBOSHI: OI! Watch it will you? ::they don't even pause::
KOJI: ::noticing AMIBOSHI:: OI! How can you be here and there too?
(Everyone blinks at AMIBOSHI. AMIBOSHI blinks at SUBOSHI)
SUBOSHI: ANIKI!!!! You're all right!
AMIBOSHI: ::blinking:: Um.... Aniki...? You're my brother?
SUBOSHI: ::finally getting down:: Of course! What, don't you remember me?
AMIBOSHI: ::shaking his head:: I don't remember much of anything. The only thing I know is that I
was lying in this hospital bed, the nurse said some thing about falling a fairly large distance...::shrugs:
Anyway, this guy named Nakago, tall fellow, interesting hair, came and got me from the hospital. He agreed to pay
my bills for him if I'd compose the music for this really depressing opera he was writing called 'Don Juan Triumphant'.
Sounded good to me so......::notes the expression on everyone else's face.:: Oi, are you all o.k.? Did I say
something? What is it?
Scene eight
(Meanwhile, NAKAGO and TAMAHOME are in the boat, heading across the underground lake)
TAMAHOME: ::shaking off his daze and realizing what's going on:: Nan...nani? What's going on? What
do you want with ME??
(Smirking slightly, NAKAGO leans forward, grips TAMAHOME'S chin in one hand, and licks his cheek.
TAMAHOME'S eyes do interesting things and he tries to jump out of the boat. NAKAGO'S chi shield stops
him)
TAMAHOME: ::cramming himself as far away from NAKAGO as is physically possible:: OI! HENTAI!
(NAKAGO just smirks and keeps poling. TAIITSU-KUN and MIAKA reach the edge of the lake.)
MIAKA: I remember this! He lives across this lake!
TAIITSU-KUN: Yes, but it's probably....::MIAKA dives in and starts to swim across:: OI!
BAKA! THERE'S PROBABLY ANOTHER WAY AROUND!!! A DRIER WAY!!!! ::giving up:: Hmph, baka.
(A MOB has come to the rescue, however, and they hear TAIITSU-KUN'S words and go looking for a
way around the lake)
Scene nine
(NAKAGO and TAMAHOME have reached NAKAGO'S lair. TAMAHOME stares around in amazement)
TAMAHOME: ::whisper:: Oi...what is this place?
NAKAGO: People are awfully fond of asking that, aren't they? This is my home. I came here after I escaped
from Kuto's emperor.
TAMAHOME: ::frowning and looking highly untrustworthy:: What are you talking about now? I know you're
the last surviving member of the Hin clan, but what does that have to do with the old fart who rules Kuto?
NAKAGO: ::walks over to the MUSIC BOX:: He destroyed my people. ::he pulls a before unseen
drawer from it's base. A few notes sound:: He took me prisoner. ::he pulls something from the drawer::
What else he did to me, I won't say. ::he puts the drawer back, which starts the MUSIC BOX and turns
to face TAMAHOME, face completely blank:: You really don't want to know. ::moves forward. There is
a splashing noise from the lake and he looks up, mildly surprised:: Nani?
TAMAHOME: ::turning and seeing MIAKA drag herself out of the lake:: MIAKA!
MIAKA: ::looking up and seeing him:: TAMAHOME!
(They run into each other's arms. NAKAGO glowers ever so slightly)
MIAKA: I was afraid I'd never see you again!
TAMAHOME: ::fondly:: Baka. I'll always be there for you!
NAKAGO: ::as if reminding them that he's there:: Oh, will you? ::the pair whirl to face him, TAMAHOME'S
'oni' symbol flaring::
TAMAHOME: HAI!
(NAKAGO smirks and raises a hand. MIAKA goes flying across the room and is pinned to the wall,
seemingly by a crushing invisible hand)
MIAKA: ::gasping:: Tamahome!
TAMAHOME: ::panicky:: MIAKA! ::turning on NAKAGO:: Let her go!
NAKAGO: ::calm and unruffled:: Gladly, on one condition.
TAMAHOME: NANI?!? All right, what is this 'condition'?
NAKAGO: Wear this. ::he holds up the small, blue earring he pulled out of the drawer in the MUSIC
BOX::
TAMAHOME: ::blinking:: Nani? ::suspiciously:: You're telling me you'll let her go free if
I just wear that? ::NAKAGO nods:: There's a catch, right? ::again, NAKAGO
nods:: What's the catch? ::NAKAGO smirks:: KISAMA, WHAT'S THE CATCH?!? ::as TAMAHOME
prepares to pound NAKAGO into the ground, the tall blond holds out one hand and MIAKA proceeds to
start choking. She clutches at her throat as if that would help and starts to turn blue::
MIAKA: ::really strangled now and starting to cry:: Ta...ma....ho....me.....!
TAMAHOME: ::really panicky:: MIAKA!!! ::turning to NAKAGO, clearly pissed, but holding
out a hand anyway:: All right! I'll wear the stupid earring, catch or no catch! And as soon as you let her
go, I'll pound you into the ground!
(NAKAGO cautiously approaches him and puts the earring in his hand. TAMAHOME snatches it and puts
it in his ear. He starts to say something, then his eyes glaze over and he falls forward against NAKAGO'S
chest. NAKAGO catches him while MIAKA'S eyes bug out.)
MIAKA: TAMAHOOOOOOOMEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
NAKAGO: ::smirking:: He can't hear you. He won't help you ever again. ::looking at her:: You
see, I never really wanted to help you. The only reason I helped you learn to sing was to make Yui-san jealous,
destroy your friendship and make you miserable. When I found out about your relationship with Tamahome, I decided
to take him from you too. ::looking at the unconscious boy in his arms:: Although I will admit, you have
nice taste in boyfriends.
MIAKA: ::sobbing:: Tama.....home.....?
(We can hear the mob as they approach the lair. They have come around the lake. NAKAGO looks out into the
darkness, then spares a quick glance for the sobbing MIAKA. Smirking, he picks up TAMAHOME and walks
to the statue of SEIRYU. Turning back toward MIAKA, he releases her from the spell, pushes a button
hidden on the statue's base and vanishes from sight. The MOB swarms into the lair only seconds later)
NURIKO: ::disguised as a boy:: Miaka? ::kneeling by his friend's side:: Oi....Miaka, daijoubu ka? Where's
Nakago and Tamahome?
TASUKI: ::looking around in amazement:: WOW!! #@*(@)*##&$(@*#)( weird place!
KOJI: :: also staring:: You said it!
MIAKA: ::whisper:: Tamahome?
* * * * * * * * * * * *
END ACT II
ARASHI: ::looking at his P.T.O libretto:: Well, that's the end of the script! Guess I'm on my own
from here!
TAMAHOME: ::looking horrified:: You mean you're not DONE?!?!?!
MIAKA: ::clamping on to his arm and looking sickeningly sweet:: Of course not silly! We haven't been
reunited for our big happy ending! ::ARASHI gags::
TASUKI: And we still have to kick the @#(*@)(#*)(%*#$* out of Nakago! ::TAIITSU-KUN, who
knows what's coming next, just smirks::
ARASHI: Er, hate to break it to you guys, but Miaka and Tamahome never see each other again.
ALL: ::surprised, amazed, and in some cases horrified, with the exception of TAIITSU-KUN::
NAAAAAAAANIIIIIIIIIII????????
ARASHI: ::calmly:: The epilogue is going to cover what Nakago does with Tamahome after he brain washes
him and why Tamahome was buying the Music box back in the beginning.
MIAKA: ::stunned and threatening to cry:: I'm....not....going....to see...Tama....chan...again??
NURIKO: ::shoving his face in the author's:: And why not??
ARASHI: ::placidly:: Because I'm an impossible hentai, the pair of them make me sick, and besides,
Nakago and Tamahome make a way cuter couple that Miaka and Tamahome. ::eyes the two opposing men:: Their
coloring just looks great together.
NURIKO: Hmmmm, you have a point....
TAMAHOME: ::standing up and heading for the door:: Ohhhhh no! I've taken all of this that I'm gonna
take!
(ARASHI looks at NAKAGO and nods. NAKAGO gestures and suddenly TAMAHOME is wearing
a blue and purple Sailor Fuku)
TAMAHOME: NAN....NAAAAANIIIIIII??
ARASHI: ::sweetly:: Now obake-chan! You wouldn't want to go out in public like THAT would you?
TAMAHOME: ::jumping on him:: GIVE ME MY CLOTHING BACK! ::ARASHI grins::
TASUKI: OI OBAKE-CHAN! @*#*(@&(#*&@! NICE UNDERWEAR!!! ::TAMAHOME turns blue::
ARASHI: Look, I'll give you your clothing back if you'll just stay around for the epilogue, fair 'nuff?
No catch.
TAMAHOME: ::grumbling and pushing his skirt down:: O.k., o.k., let's get this over with!
p>~Owari~