Backstory: As inspired/helped by Angela, along with the anime/manga Glass Mask! Minnie is the brand new transfer student to this prestigious acting academy, wanting to become as good an actress as her idol, Daisy, who also attends the school. She easily befriends some of the 'outcasts', less popular kids who aren't given big roles due to their own problems - Millie, who is too shy and is pretty much a doormat, Donald due to his voice, and Goofy with his clumsiness. She gets to meet her idol, Daisy, who on the surface is very warm and kind... but in truth is cold and manipulative, not wanting anyone to take her place as the most popular student. Her boyfriend is Mickey, an up and coming brilliant actor, who Minnie is instantly smitten with, but he doesn't pay her too much attention...
... Until Minnie first gets on stage. Minnie practices a part previously done by Daisy, and manages to turn it into a completely different character. Daisy had made this particular character an alluring temptress, but Minnie turns it into a strong but innocent woman, yet both have used the same lines. If that wasn't enough to win him over, during this practice there's supposed to be a dance scene, but Minnie doesn't know how to dance, but before she can explain, Mickey pulls her in, she trips, and they accidentally kiss in front of the entire school! Other lovelives soon come into play - Goofy and Clarabelle are dating, though Goofy seems a tad oblivious to it, and Millie is enamored with him. Horace likes Clarabelle, Donald likes Daisy, and, eventually, other characters are introduced to twist up the love triangles - Pete, Oswald, Mortimer all vying for Minnie's hand, Magica for Donald's (though she only did this because she thought he has rich) and Horace and Millie having a short affair to try and make their respective crushes jealous.
Minnie rooms with Millie and Clarabelle, while Mickey rooms with Goofy and Horace. It's eventually revealed that Daisy and Mickey are only 'dating' just so they wouldn't get any suitors and that they could pay more attention to their acting and studies. Mickey also has a very strict father who doesn't want him to get involved seriously with a woman, and it takes help with friends to have him finally stand up for what he wants. Daisy becomes jealous of Donald becoming friendly with Minnie, and manages to return his feelings eventually, especially when he nearly drowns trying to get her lost locket out of a flooded river, knowing that it contained the picture of the only family members who were nice to her. Goofy turns out to be an excellent dancer, and is only brave enough to do it when Millie's around. Goofy and Horace have a physical fight, but because of it actually understand each other, make up, and get their respective girls for their own. Naturally once all the obstacles are clear, Mickey and Minnie hook up. Onto the storybits!
"You don't think that's actually going to work, do you?" Millicent took another look at the silly 'device', which was really just a long stick, at which the top string dangled mistletoe. It was a struggle to be kind without pointing out the inventor was a moron."I think it has to be on the ceiling to actually count..."
"Oh ye of little faith." Donald twirled the stick a bit, to show how tightly the string was attached. "Mistletoe is mistletoe, no matter where it is. Even snobs have to respect Christmas tradition."
"I don't think you should call your crush a snob." Minnie added, as the three students exited their class, their acting lessons done for the day. They were making their way outside, fully bundled in winter gear. "Sure, Daisy can be a little...snippy, but she's really nice when you get to know her." That was the full extent of Minnie's knowledge, which wasn't exactly a great fountain, as she believed this same grain to be true of everyone.
The trio walked into the snowy area, intending to head for Minnie and Millie's dorm to wrap gifts. As they walked with the grass crunching beneath them, the tall dog stopped, interested at a sight ahead. "Well, snob or not... she's here!" She pointed to the building opposite them, where Daisy was covered in mink, shivering a bit before she began walking, with Mickey, dressed ever so casually, walking beside her. They were too far away to hear what they were conversing about, but they didn't seem to notice the trio staring at them.
Donald grinned, holding the stick high above his head. "It's now or never! Wish me luck, ladies!" Ignoring their protests, off he ran, leaving hurried footsteps in his path. Mouse and dog nervously looked at each other, unsure of what to do. As for Donald, he managed to catch up to the duo, and skid along the snow until he was at her other side. "Hiya, Daisy!"
The couple were surprised, but it easily cooled off. Daisy nodded, and resumed walking. "Hello, Donald."
"Nice weather we're having, huh?" He followed her, holding the stick higher and higher, hoping it would grab her attention.
"I think we've had better." She wouldn't even look at him, her destination to go back to her own dorm to warm up.
He tried to block her path, but she easily enough walked around him. He still went after her, desperate. "Uh, right! This weather stinks! But, you know what doesn't stink?"
"I don't really care." Her voice grew more irritated with his presence.
Before Donald spoke again, he glanced to see if Mickey was still there – to his luck, Mickey happened to realize Donald had to have come from somewhere, and noticed Minnie in his search, and was so happy to see her that he ignored his path, resulting into him walking right into a pole. The other girls were tending to him, which meant now it was just the ducks. Amazed at his luck, Donald waved the stick about. "Well, it is that magical time of year, where lingering resentment and affection mean nothing when two people are under a certain plant that, in grand tradition, means that - "
"Get to the point." She growled, eyes dangerous.
He hesitated, slightly afraid of that look, and then lowered the stick enough so that she could see the mistletoe. "... Happy holidays?"
Daisy stared at the green mass, then suddenly reached out, grabbed it, snapped it off the string, and tossed it into the snow. "Go tend to Mickey's concussion." Then she flounced away, leaving the heartbroken boy to stare at his damaged device. Only when she felt was far enough away did she dare to turn around, watching as the girls helped Mickey to his feet while Donald dug in the snow for the mistletoe. Convinced they were too busy to look at her, she smiled, tint of pink to her cheeks. My, my, Donald was getting bolder every year.
At that time, there was a free period, where students from any rank could do as they pleased before the next period. While most students used this time to take breaks and hang out friends, this particular day was different. Rumors spread of certain costumes and props arriving early, and they were now being tested on stage. Among the students that flocked to see the practice were Minnie, Millie, and Donald. When they arrived, they noticed dozens of students had already arrived – 'Mickey's fangirls,' Donald had muttered – along with Daisy, all by her lonesome, and only one teacher present. The teacher was explaining the scene, but most weren't paying attention, their eyes on the only costume and prop on the stage.
Right in the middle of the stage was a throne, fit for a king. It was grand and magnificent, adorned with fake jewelry, yet contained an eerie darkness to its design. The armrests resembled dangerous claws, ready to snatch whoever came close enough, and the top of the chair had sharp outstretched horns. It was coated in red and black designs, intricate demons at war with each other. Whoever sat it in would be able to command a terrible army of evil, and be worshiped by those with cruel hearts. The one sitting in it now looked capable of such a task.
Mickey , the star pupil, was in costume, sitting lazily on the throne,one leg crossed over the other, elbow propped up on the arm rest as he held his head, and his other hand was on top of a cane, long, thin, black, with a single scarlet orb. His outfit was a princely attire, coated in blood red of his enemies. A top hat, with a small bat in the side design, and there were smaller, lighter colored bats if one looked close enough to his inner cloth. The outer was donned with yellow spiderwebs, ready to snatch whoever dared to look at him. His eyes were closed, uncaring to the world around him. This wasn't actual boredom – he had already gotten in character.
"Kind of amazing, isn't it?" Millie, shifted nervously, looking between her friends. "He's always so nice and humble... but you'd never know that seeing him now. He really is like a demon prince!"
"Big whoop." Donald grumbled, jealousy apparent. "Just wait until the rest of the costumes arrive."
The third of the trio didn't add in on this conversation, entranced by the star actor. Dog and duck frowned, before leaning towards each other to try and speak in private. "Every day," Millie whispered, "she says she's going to get over her crush on him..."
"And every day, she winds up drooling all over him anyway." Donald finished, amused. Though Millie worried for her friends feelings, Donald was prone to encourage them. If, by some chance, Mickey returned them, that meant he'd break up with Daisy, and who knows whose strong, handsome, happen to be wearing a sailor cap arms she'd fall into? Though he doubted Minnie had any real chance right now... Mickey's fangirls were everywhere the eye could see. Best to wait so the guy didn't get mobbed.
The teacher became aware of how little attention was being paid, and snapped his fingers. "As I was saying! This scene requires complete control of one's emotions... the Prince of demons enjoys preying on mortal women. But our heroine becomes the first one to defy his wishes... she must show true independence, individuality. That is why the Prince becomes fascinated by her, it's what sets off the entire plot. Let's practice this scene... I need a woman. Who wants to go first?"
Mickey's eyes opened half-way, and silence was given by all of the other students. The eyes were hungry, waiting for his next victim. He had stopped playing with the staff, for a new game was coming. There was no student or humble boy there, but a greedy and malicious beast. No one could even think of volunteering to match wits with it.
Dnald and Millie exchanged looks again, not saying a word but understanding each other perfectly. The fangirls, Minnie included, were already seduced, and were now waiting orders from their prince. As for Daisy, she was looked entertained by the notion that her boyfriend could capture the 'audience' so easily. The teacher was growling, becoming impatient... and then Donald volunteered – though he didn't volunteer himself. He casually lowered his hand behind Minnie, and gave a swift yank to her tiny tail. She gave a tremendous yelp, clutching her rear end, and now all faces were turned toward her.
"Finally... though you didn't need to be so loud." The teacher relaxed, nodding in approval. "Center stage."
"B-But, I..." Minnie struggled to answer, and glared at Donald,who just grinned in response. But she obeyed, and came to the teacher, taking the small script from him, needing only one glance at each page to memorize the lines, and soon enough returning it. She'd have to rant at Donald later, though he was already getting a stern look from Millie.
Daisy straightened herself up, ready to leave, when she took one last look at Mickey. He hadn't moved, and was still in character... yet, when she squinted her eyes... yes! His tail, nearly hidden among the black colors of the throne, was moving back and forth in a contained happiness. He was delighted to do this scene with Minnie! Daisy glowered... why hadn't Mickey been able to control his foolish crush yet? He had promised, when they started this charade, that he'd never be attracted to another girl. Ever since that new student came, though, he was different...
The teacher stepped backwards. "Start from your line, Michael."
The mouse boy pushed himself off the throne, and had a light hold on his cane. The mice looked at each other... and Minnie closed her eyes, taking a breath. Ignore the glares from the fangirls... Remember the story... and put 'Minnie' aside. When she opened her eyes, she was not Minnie, but the nameless heroine of the story, and she was no longer on the academy stage, but at the entrance to hell, surrounded by flames. The scene began.
The Prince walked quietly, each footstep an echo. He was taking his time, taking a good measure of this latest prey. He circled her, not needing the staff to walk, but using it as another tool to show off. This was an arrogant creature, who liked to play with its food. "What to do with you... what to do with you." It was the first time he had spoken as this character, and his voice was velvet and warm, inviting but slithery at the same time.
The heroine stood still. This role required an equal balance of pride and fear. She kept her eyes forward, not giving him the satisfaction of eye contact. Yet her body occasionally trembled, and her breath was tight. When his fingers, cold, touched her hair, she jerked in surprise, but was quick to upright herself.
"Did she lose focus?" Millie tugged on Donald's arm, making sure to keep her voice down, as to not disturb the scene.
"Are you kidding?" Donald shook his head. "She's really become the heroine... If she ignored that touch, it wouldn't have been realistic. If we can't predict his moves, neither should she." He wouldn't admit it, but he was proud of his friend. All she needed was mere seconds, and she could become the necessary character. It was always instant... and that was no easy feat.
The Prince spoke softly into the heroine's ear. "Are ya frightened of me, sweetling?"
She swallowed hard, knowing lying would be useless here. "Y... Yes." but she still would not face him, defiant to the last.
A low chuckle rumbled in his throat, and ice lips were momentarily pressed to her neck. "Hmmm... not nearly frightened enough, I'm afraid." The staff clattered to the floor, no longer needed. His arms came under her own, clutching her wrists, making her into a marionette. He made her holds her arms out forward, then out at her sides, controlling his puppet. "Do ya know who I am?"
Hesitance... and then, in a flash, her eyes contained anger. Fear still there, but also a sudden and great anger. "You are... the Prince of Demons."
"Smart girl." He released one of her arms, then stuck a leg between her legs, tripping her – in the next second, she was in his arms, balance lost, with only his grip keeping her from falling onto the floor. His free hand was used to tenderly stroke her face, fingers over her lips. "Come with me, and I'll make ya my Princess." The same lie he had used on all of his past victims. When she would surrender, as they all did, he'd take her soul, have his fun, then toss her aside once he got bored, and look for someone new. "I'll give ya everything ya could ever want... just swear to be mine, and mine alone."
His mouth was close to hers, and the temptation was great... the anger in her eyes faltered briefly... the heroine was not perfect, after all. But there would be no kiss, for that fire returned in her, and she arched her shoulders. "Is that what you told... my precious friends!" Her arms lashed out, and he was shoved as hard as she could make it, resulting in her collapsing to the floor. Though pained from the fall, she quickly got back on her feet, a proud warrior of virtue. "You're the one who took away my dear friends... I'll never forgive you!"
The Prince's expression melted, now a monstrous gaze, as he picked up his staff. "I thought ya were a smart girl... You'll reject my generous offer?"
"I would never go with you!" She pointed at him accusingly. "Return me home at once!"
His staff banged hard on the floor, almost threatening to break the wood beneath. "Ya dare... to make demands... of me!" He then clutched his symbol of power, and waved it, summoning his awful power...
"And scene!"
With that announcement, and the snap of his fingers, the teacher broke the spell over all of the students. Collective chatter exploded here and there, stunned at what they had seen. Some girls had even taken a hold of their friends, frightened by the oncoming battle. Awkwardly, a quiet clap rose among the crowd, rewarding the scary performance. The teacher was among the clappers. "Very good. But, Minerva, you need to be louder, make sure that even people in the farthest seat in the theater can hear you. Michael, sit back down, we'll take this from the top... I want a different volunteer!"
Minnie, however, didn't hear the advice. Once the scene had been cut short, she was now in Millie's arms, gripping her companion's dress tightly, exhaling deeply. Her entire face was a red to match Mickey's costume, and delirious giggling interrupted her words. "O-Oh wow... that was so hard..."
"Hard?" Millie repeated, dumbfounded.
"He was so..."She sighed, burying her face into the cloth, almost inaudible. "I really wanted him to kiss... to take me away..."
Donald ran a hand down his face. What was this girl, able to hide those intense emotions? She was either one of the best actresses he had ever seen... or nuts. Both made good arguments. He pet Minnie's head in an effort to calm her down, and looked over at Mickey. He was sitting down again, leg crossed, elbow up, eyes closed, like nothing had ever happened. He clearly hadn't been affected at all. Just like the Prince, Minnie was just another girl to him.
Donald was then distracted by a strange noise, and couldn't figure out what it was, but Daisy could connect sound to image – Mickey's tail now wagging even harder against the throne.