Pyromancy

by Salt-the-Catgirl

Pyromancy is a story that focuses more on Circus utilizing Gareki's natural skills to pick locks, hack computers, and use explosives and guns. In the course of training for this, Gareki discovers a detailed relationship between himself, Karoku, and Hirato & Tokitatsu. (Follows Chapters 66-73 of the Manga)

26. The Show Must Go On Act 3 Finale

Author's Note: Okumura Tsuki and Literally Dirt, thank you for the comments. ^_^ 3 KONCT_Chizza_Picken, thank you for the update. I was wondering what happened. I'm glad to hear you weren't seriously injured, but hope you're alright, please get well soon! ShadowYuuki and my Anonymous guests, thanks for the Kudos. I DID NOT intend for the play to take this long! T_T

biWishing You Were Somehow Here Againbi watch?v=74S7EMUAKFs

biPast the Point of No Return/b/i

watch?v=AyyCz9z1s_M

watch?v=xeNnSm4uzGA

Synopsis: The Show Concludes

Karneval: Pyromancy

Chapter 26: The Show Must Go On Act 3 Finale

centerbiTSUBAME (As CHRISTINE):/b/i *Frightened and pleading* Please don't do this./center/pp

centerbiANDRE:/b/i If Christine won't do it, no one can./center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i Raoul, you said they couldn't make me do it. Please, if you don't stop this, I will go mad./center/pp

centerbiGAREKI (As RAOUL):/b/i Christine... *Kneels next to her, taking her arms in his hands.* Of course we can't force you. But this is our only chance. This madman thinks he owns you. This way, you can finally be free./center/pp

centerbiFIRMIN:/bi Young lady, consider the fact, that he has written this play with you in mind. How do you think he will react if we put someone else on stage in your stead?/center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i Raoul, please! I'm frightened! Don't make me do this! It scares me! He'll take me, I k ow he will, and we'll be parted forever! He'll never let me go. What I used to dream, I now dread. If he finds me, it will never end. *She shakes her head and draws her hands to the sides of her head.* And he'll always be there, singing songs in my head./center/pp

*They all quietly stare at her for a moment of silence.*/center/pp

centerbiCARLOTTA:/b/i She's mad!/center/pp

centerbiPIANGI:/b/i Raving!/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i Christine, you said yourself he's nothing but a man. Yet, while he lives, he will haunt us till we're dead./center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i Twisted ever which way. What choice do I have? He kills without a thought, murders all that is good. I known I can't refuse, but how I wish I could. But if I say yes, what horror awaits me in this... The Phantom's Opera?/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i *Attempting to comfort her.* Christine, please. Don't think me uncaring, but every hope and prefer rest on you now. *'Christine' looks away. Becoming distraught, she shares her head again and runs 'out the door'(off stage) with her face hurried in her hands. 'Raoul worriedly calls after her.* Christine!? *His temper darkens as he watches her run off. He clenches his fists at his sides and speaks aloud, as if addressing an invisible Phantom. The rest of the cast give no reaction, as if this we're to be the character's internal monologue.* So... It is to be war between us. But this time, my friend the disaster that befall shall be yours! *As He speaks, the stage lights fade, until he is all the audience can see, before fading out completely for another scene change.*/center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME (As CHRISTINE):/b/i *The light fades back in with the sound of a distant church bell 'Christine is standing amidst a snow covered grave yard. Tombstones surround her in several shapes and sizes, some as Crosses, some as Cherubs. The one she's standing over reads bDAAE/b* Father, how I miss you. I need your guidance now, more than ever. *She Kneels at the grave.* These passing bells and cold monumental sculpture seen the wrong companions for you. You were always so warm and gentle. I can't begin to tell you how I've missed you. I'm lost, and alone, and so frightened. I just don't know what I need to do. /center/pp

"iThank GOD she opted out of the song for this scene, /i" Tsukitachi sighed, "iI don't think I could stand it./i" /pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Soft and enticing, from behind a nearby cross.* Wandering child; so lost, so helpless, seeking my guidance./center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i *Startled, seemingly recognizing the voice, she looks around* Angel or father? Friend or Phantom? Who is there?/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Moves from behind the cross.* Have you forgotten your angel?/center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i *Frightened* Angel! *She rises to her feet, makes eye contact and all fear leaves her, as if mesmerized.* Oh speak!/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Holding his hand out to her, holding eye contact.* Far too long you've wandered in winter, far from my reaching gaze./center/pp

centerbiGAREKI (As Raoul):/b/i *Rounds The corner of the nearby mausoleum and stops, almost transfixed by the scene in front of him.* Christine! *Murmuring to himself* And once again, she is his./center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i *Still transfixed on the Phantom* Wildly, my mind beats against you./center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Ignoring 'Raoul', reinstating his hold on 'Christine'* You resist./center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM and TSUBAME:/b/i Yet the soul obeys!/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Beckoning her* I am your angel. Come to me, Angel of Music!/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i *Rushes forward and pushes his way between 'Christine' and the Phantom.* I can bare to watch this deception, no more! Let her go Angel of Darkness, for God's sake, let her go!/center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i *Shaken from her trance-like state* Raoul!?/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i *To the Phantom* Cease this torment! *He turns to her, placing a hand on her shoulder, and trying to make eye contact to break the Phantom's hold.* Christine, listen to me! No matter what you think, what you believe, this man... This, this THING is not your father! He is no angle, no Phantom! Take hold of yourself and do not give in to him!/center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i *Shaken her head* Oh Raoul! *She clings to him and he embraces her protectively.*/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i Bravo, monsieur! Such spirited words!/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i *Turning angrily to face the Phantom.* You cannot win her love by making her your prisioner!/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Holding both arms outstretched and laughing.* I am here, the angel of death! Come at me, if you're brave enough, monsieur!/center/pp

"iGet him, Gareki!/i" Nai quietly cheered, eliciting a stifled chuckle from Koroku and Yogi who were both close enough to here the little Niji./pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i *Realizing confrontation is imminent, tightens her grip on 'Raoul's shirt sleeve and gives a tug.* Raoul, no! He's baiting you. Don't. Please, come away from him! *She begins to lead him away*/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Sounding as if he were enjoying himself* Don't go!/center/pp

"iParty poopers, /i" Koroku snarked./pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Furiously as 'Christine' and 'Raoul' take their leave* So be it! Now it is war between you both!/center/pp

center*The curtains fall, yet again, allowing a brief intermission and quick scene change. When it rises again, the audience sees 'Raoul', Firmin, and Andre conversing with the Fire Marshal, two Firemen, a Marksman, and the Chief of Police.*/center/pp

centerbiCHIEF:/b/i You understand your instructions?/center/pp

centerbiALL/b/i Oui, monsieur!/center/pp

centerbiMARSHAL/b/i When I blow this whistle, it is imperative the doors be secured! All doors!/center/pp

centerbiFIRMIN:/b/i Are we doing the right thing, Andre?/center/pp

centerbiANDRE:/b/i Have you any better ideas?/center/pp

centerbiFIRMIN:/b/i *Defeatedly* None. *Turning to Raoul* Monsieur Vicomte, are you sure Mademoiselle Daae will sing?/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i *Nods in affirmation.* Don't worry. She'll sing. *Mutters under his breath* iShe's as ready as the test of us to be done with this business./i/center/pp

centerbiMARSHAL/b/i Monsieur Vicomte, an I to give the order? *'Raoul' nods. The Fire Marshal blows his whistle and the firemen and Police Chief spread out, leaving the other four men alone.*/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i *To the Marksman* Do you have a decent view of Box Five From down in the pit? *He points to the box seats in question.*/center/pp

centerbiMARKSMAN:/b/i *Jumps into the pit below the stage and turns to look at the box.* Yes, Sir, I do./center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i Remember, shoot, only if you have to, but this man is dangerous, be sure to shoot to kill./center/pp

centerbiMARKSMAN:/b/i How will I know, monsieur?/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i Trust me, you'll know./center/pp

centerbiMARSHAL/b/i Monsieur Vicomte, the men are at their posts./center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i Right, go ahead, then!/center/pp

centerbiMARSHAL:/b/i *Blows his whistle once again.* Are the doors secured!? *Exit doors begin slamming shut, with firemen replying 'SECURED' one by one.*/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *His voice sounding distant and haunting* I'm here the Phantom of the Opera... *He continues this, his voice moving throughout the Opera house.*/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i What now? Ventriliquy? *The Phantom's voice comes from Box Five and the Marksman turns and fires at the box.* Idiot! I said only when the time comes! You could kill someone!/center/pp

centerbiMARKSMAN:/b/i But... But monsieur Vicomte.../center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *His voice filling the entire building.* bNo 'buts'! This time, the Vicomte is right/b. *He laughs.*/center/pp

Nah cringed and covered his ears again as the Phantom's boomed throughout the auditorium./pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i Seal my fate tonight. I hate to cut the fun short, but the joke is wearing thin. Let the audience in, let my Opera begin!/center/pp

centerThe opera begins as the 'audience' is let inside and plays out to the final scene. Piangi dressed as Don Juan and another actor swap back and forth about how 'Passarino' plans to pretend he's Don Juan in order to trick the girl 'Aminta', in an ultimate 'Wing Man' move. As they hear her approaching, they both scurry away to hide. Piangi makes a choking noise and there's a thud, as if something, or someone, hits the floor behind the curtains./center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME (As CHRISTINE Playing As AMINTA):/b/i *Starts singing off stage as she enters the scene.* iNo thoughts within her head, but thoughts of joy. No dreams within her heart, but dreams of lo-ve./i/center/pp

center*Don Juan begins to sing to her and she replies. It comes apparent to her, this is NOT Piangi and her facial features convey this to the audience.*

centerbiTSUBAME(As CHRISTINE Playing As AMINTA) And PHANTOM(As DON JUAN):/b Past the point of no retu-rnbr

The final thresho-ldbr

The bridge is crossedbr

So stand and watch it bu-rnbr

We've passedbr

The pointbr

Of no retu-rn/i/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM(As DON JUAN):/b/i *Comes out on stage.* iSay you'll share with mebr

One love one life timebr

Lead mebr

Save me br

From my solitudebr

*He hands her a ring. Cautiously, slowly, she takes it from him and puts it on her finger.*

iSay You want mebr

Herebr

Beside youbr

ANY-WHE-REbr

YOU GObr

LET Mebr

Go too-br

Christinebr

That's allbr

I askbr

Of.../i/center/pp

center*Christine, deciding she's had enough of him, cuts him off, removing his mask for all the 'audience', revealing his face to everyone. As the Officers of the law come toward him, he sweeps his cloak around her and they both disappear. Meg pulls back the curtain, revealing Piangi lying on a prop bed, with a Punjab lasso around his neck. She screams and the police, managers, Madam Giry, and 'Raoul' all run to see what's happened. Carlotta breaks down weeping at the loss of her beloved,while Andre and Firmin lament the situation.*/center/pp

centerbiGIRY:/b/i *Catches 'Raoul' by the shoulder.* Come with, monsieur. Hurry, or we will be too late!/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI (As RAOUL):/b/i You know where they are? *Following her*/center/pp

centerbiGIRY:/b/i Oui, monsieur. But remember, your hand at the level of your eye! *She motions toward the Punjab lasso around Piangi's throat, then out her hand up to show him what she means. He nods and follows behind her.*/center/pp

center*The PHANTOM carries 'Christine' back to his lair, lamenting how he's never been met with anything bit scorn, fear, and hatred because of his face. Madam Giry hurries 'Raoul' along the underground labyrinth, continuing to remind him to keep his hand at the level of his eyes. Meanwhile, the rest of the Opera Populaire has become a Mob, chanting, "Track down this murderer, he must be found!"*/center/pp

centerbiGIRY:/b/i He lives across the lake, monsieur. I dare go no further./center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i Madame Giry... Thank you. *He dives into the lake and swims for the small house in the middle as Madame Giry returns to the surface.*/center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME(As CHRISTINE):/b/i *Backs away from the Phantom, once he's pulled her from the boat. 'Christine' knows Piangi is dead.* iHave You at last gorged yourself in your list for blood? Am I now to be prey to your lust for flesh!?/i/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Removes the bridal veil from the mannequin and carried it toward her.* iThis fate that condemns me to wallow in blood has also denied me the sun's of the flesh. This face, the infection that poisons our love...br

This facebr

That earnedbr

A mother'sbr

Fear and loa~thingbr

A maskbr

My first br

Unfeelingbr

Scrap ofbr

Cloth~ing/ibr

*He puts the veil over her head and she turns away*br

iPity comes too latebr

Turn around and face your fatebr

AN ETERNITY OFbr

bTHIS/b

*He points to his face*br

iBefore your eyes.../i/center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i *Stares in his eyes for a moment, coldly, calmly. She removes the veil.* iThis haunted facebr

Holds no horrorbr

For me nowbr

*She gently cups her hand around his face*br

iIt's in your soulbr

That the true distortionbr

Lie~s/i/i/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Sending 'Raoul's arrival* Wait, my dear. I think we have a guest. *To 'Raoul' as he climbs out of the water* Sir, this is indeed an unparalleled delight! I had rather hoped you would come. And here you are. Sir, you have truly made my night!/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI (As RAOUL):/b/i Free her! Do what you like, only free her! Have you no pity? *Finds a metal gate blocking him.* /center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *To 'Christine'* Your lover makes a passionate plea./center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i Please, Raoul, it's useless...!/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i I love her, does that mean nothing? Have you no compassion?/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Snarls at 'Raoul'* The world showed no compassion to me!/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i *Worriedly* Christine... Let me see her!/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Bowing* Be my guest, Sir!br

*Almost tauntingly as he pulls a lever, rolling up the gate and allowing 'Raoul' to run to 'Christine's side.*br

iMonsieur, I bid youbr

Welcomebr

Didbr

Youbr

Thinkbr

Ibr

Wouldbr

Harmbr

HER?/ibr

*Rounds behind 'Raoul', pulling out his Punjab lasso. Seriously*br

bi Why should I make her paybr

For the sins which are/b/ibr

*Throws the lasso over 'Raoul's neck and tries to drag him away.*br

biYOURS!/b/i/center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i Raoul!/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM: Order your fine horses now!br

Raise up your hands to the level of your eye!/b/ibr

*The Phantom is clearly taunting him as the gate lowers back in place an d he ties 'Raoul' to it with excess rope from the noose.*/center/pp

The crew of the first and second ships all day quietly with their mouths agape, Tsukumo covering her hand with her mouth. Nai sensed a twinge of discomfort in Gareki, but as the boy himself showed no outward signs of distress, the Niji made no move to rush forward. " iI'm surprised Gareki agreed to let them the him up at all during this scene,/i" Hirato commented, recalling the boy's irritation to when he had done so for real, "iI'm sure it gives him flash backs to his days in the slave ship./i"/pp

centerbiPHANTOM: Nothing can save you nowbr

Except perhaps CHRISTINE!/b/ibr

*He turns to 'Christine'*

iStart a new life with me!br

Buy his freedombr

With your love!/ibr

Refuse me and you send your lover to your death! This is your choice!br

biTHIS IS THE POINT OF NO RETURN!/i/b/center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i *Teary eyed* iThe tearsbr

I mightbr

Have shedbr

For yourbr

Dark fatebr

Now grow coldbr

And turn tobr

Tears o~fbr

bHATE!/b/i/center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i Why make her lie to you, just to save me!? Christine, for pity's sake, just say no! Don't throw your life away for my sake!/center/pp

"iThat line is VERY Gareki,/i" Tsukitachi noted./center/pp

"iYet, it's probably the only one that isn't his own improve,/i" Jiki returned, popping a handful of popcorn in his mouth./center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *To 'Christine '* You've passed the point of no return!/center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i *Accusingly To the Phantom* You decieved me! Why did I give my mind blindly!?/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i You try my patience! bMake your choice!/b/center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i *Glares at the Phantom defiantly for a moment. She looks from him to 'Raoul' and back. Faintly for the first time, the entire play, she says his name, as if she's known it all along. She says it so quietly, the offstage audience almost misses it.* Poor Eric./center/pp

centerbiGAREKI:/b/i *Worriedly pleading.* CHRISTINE! *Shakes his head* Don't!/center/pp

centerbiTSUBAME:/b/i *Turns her eyes back to the Phantom, her eyes becoming softer and pitiful.* iPitifulbr

Creature of Darkness/ibr

*She slowly approaches him.*br

iWhat kind of lifebr

Have you known?/ibr

*She reaches for his face, once more*br

iGod give me courage to show youbr

YOU ARE NOT A~LO~NE/ibr

*The Phantom shivers at her touch and all malice seems to melt away from him. He sinks to his knees, a sobbing mess.*/center/pp

"iTale as old as time,/i" Iva quietly commented, "iThe beauty and the beast/i"/pp

"iShe really tamed him, that easily?/i" someone in the row ahead of them commented./pp

"iYeah, they both seem to have that effect on Varuga,/i" Yogi mindlessly commented, speaking from personal experience. He blinked and suddenly felt awkward as her realized everyone on his row that had been close enough to hear him was now staring at him, curiously. "What?" He asked./pp

"iNothing/i," Tsukumo giggled. Sometimes the blonde made the others wonder how aware he was of his other self, but none of them, even the two captains, were brave enough to confront him about it./pp

*'Christine' kneels down next to the Phantom and gently kisses his forehead. 'Raoul' turns his head away. The mob from the Opera House can be heard in the distance.*/center/pp

centerbiPHANTOM:/b/i *Rises to his feet and approaches 'Raoul'. He removes the noose and unties 'Raoul'.* Take her. Forget me. Forget... All of this, all that you've seen! *'Raoul' cautiously moves around the Phantom, keeping his eye on him as he makes his way to 'Christine'.* Take the boat. Don't let them find you! Take her and go before it's too late. *The 'lover's reunite and briefly embrace. The Phantom turns to face them and demands.* bGO! GO NOW AND LEAVE ME!/b *'Raoul' and 'Christine' make their way to the boat and the stage lights fade, until they're all the audience can see.*/center/pp

biMOB:/b/i *In the distance* iTrack down this murderer. He must be found! He's preyed on us far too long, but now we know The Phantom of the Opera is here, down below!/i *The music box begins to play once more, the curtains fall and the stage lights face out completely.*/center/pp

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this concludes Kuronomie's final showing of this year's Phantom of the Opera," a voice over the P. A., "Let's have one last round of applause for our cast!"/pp

The spotlight comes back on and the casts comes out to a standing ovation to take their final bows. Naturally, the leads, Gareki, Tsubame, and the Phantom received thunderous applause. Naturally, it became too loud for Nai's ears and he had to leave the room./pp