There was a slight chill in the Autumn air, even with the black coat and the matching red scarf and beanie hat Porsha was wearing. It was past nine in the morning, but the sky was a dull grey and the sun was only barely visible behind the clouds. Nevertheless, Porsha still enjoyed the walk as she entered the cemetery and made her way through the leaf-covered path towards Stephanie's resting place.
Once she'd arrived at her destination, Porsha approached the tree behind the grave and reached up into it's branches, pulling down the folded chair from where she'd previously hung it up. Buster had given her the idea, since her visits had been getting longer and more regular over the last few weeks, and since following Buster's advice usually worked out quite well for her, Porsha didn't even attempt to argue.
"Morning, Mom..." Porsha set up the chair right in front of the grave and sat down, before reaching into her coat and pulling out a small bunch of pinkish-red flowers. "Thought you might like these... Rosita helped me pick 'em out at the market yesterday. I think they're called Asters, or something...?"
She placed them on the grave, taking away the slightly wilted roses from a previous visit, then returned to her seat. Porsha felt another slight chill as she shivered a bit, but looked down at the grave with a warm smile.
"Well it's a little cold, but other than that, I'm doing pretty good..." Porsha chuckled. "Ash is fine, the theatre's fine, everyone's okay. Y'know, we got the first show tonight too... the one where I have that big dance number? Early previews went great, actually! Yeah, it got some big cheers, so um... so yeah, we um... we're all doing real good."
Porsha reclined back in her seat, not saying anything for a few moments as she looked down. "So, um... well, we're doin' it tonight, like I said, so I should probably head off back there pretty soon... hmm..."
After about ten minutes, which felt a lot longer due to her sitting in silence, Porsha cleared her throat and stood up. She folded her chair back up, placing it in it's hiding spot on the tree, then knelt before the grave again, planting a gentle kiss on the top of the headstone. "I'll see y'again, Mom. Love ya."
Dear Diary,
Stopped by Mom's grave on the way to the Theatre today. The flowers looked a little droopy last time I went, so I figured I'd put some new ones down. They're called Asters, and they put a nice little splash of colour in there. The leaves are turning brown on that tree she's under too, so it might be a little outta place, but I think it still looks pretty nice.
Okay, what else...? Ooh, we got our first Beauty and the Beast show tonight - first time using my new legal name too! It still feels a little weird seeing a lot of folks legit struggling to pronounce it now, but hey, if I can do it, I'm pretty sure anybody can, lol.
Y'know, looking back on how much things have changed and all the stuff that's gone down, I'm starting to think I really don't need to check in with you as much anymore. I mean, you're useful for dates and stuff, but everything else is going pretty great now. And anytime I feel like it isn't, I can just talk to the others about it, and they'll make it better like they always do. So I guess I can thank you for your service - too military like...? - but yeah, I can take it fine from here.
It's funny, ain't it? First time I came to Calatonia, it felt like a lot to take in, y'know... leaving home and all. But looking back on these last couple months - the things I've done, the things I've found out - it turns out I wasn't leaving home at all.
I was coming home. It just took me a while to figure it out.
Lots of love,
Porsha Frangipane
"Oh kindest, dearest Beast... you've done so much for me already..." Ash seemed to be going for a mix of French and British for her accent as Beauty, though more often than not it slipped back into her own, and she gave up using it completely when it came to her singing. "I do not know if I'm ready to marry you, but you have my love, and surely that would be enough to break the fairy's spell...?"
"I wouldn't worry about her spell, fairest Beauty, for you've already cast another that I don't ever intend to break..." Johnny surprisingly did a far better job concealing his broader, rougher accent, which made his beastly costume - consisting of fake teeth, fake horns and a yak-like wig - all the more jarring. "Argh...!"
Ash made an exaggerated gasp as Johnny fell to his knees, turning slightly to reveal the prop arrow that protruded from his back. She then looked up, while the spotlight focused on a silhouetted figure stood atop the tower structure. "Oh no, it's the Huntress! She must have followed me here!"
And then she appeared, Porsha Frangipane herself. Clad in an unkempt leather armour, brown greyish-brown pants and knee-high boots, with her face caked in streaks of black and white makeup, she was a far cry from the lovely Juliet she'd played in the springtime production. There were a few boos and hisses from the crowd as she descended, though it was clearly out of engagement with the show rather than actual malice or disapproval, and Porsha basked in it a little too much as she theatrically kicked Johnny while he was down.
"Take that, you nasty monsta!" Porsha's delivery had become a lot less stilted thanks to Rosita's tutoring. Though this occasionally resulted in the opposite issue where she got a little too expressive, which made Ash struggle not to laugh as she stood protectively over Johnny.
"I won't let you hurt him!"
"Ha!" Porsha put a hand on hip while twirling her prop crossbow in the other. "He must have ya under some kinda spell!"
"No! I love him!" Ash knelt beside Johnny and held his hand, prompting a few "aws" and suggestive whistles from the crowd. "If you want his head, you'll have to kill me too!"
"No, Beauty... I will stop her..." Johnny rose to his feet as he pulled out two spears - one long and one short - which prompted Porsha to do the same. Ash then pulled out her guitar and shredded it aggressively, almost like issuing a non-verbal challenge as Porsha took centre-stage and began her number.
Well you're a real tough cookie, with a long history
Of breaking little hearts, like the one in me
That's okay, let's see how you do it
Put up you dukes, let's get down to it
The crowd was blown away by the intricate combination of toprocks, downrocks and one-handed spins Porsha was pulling off while she sang the chorus. During rehearsals, Nooshy had prioritised teaching Porsha moves that the Theatre's established audience wouldn't expect from the young wolf, and as the lynx watched proudly from backstage, it was clear her effort had paid off.
Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away!
Porsha pretended to be surprised when Johnny took over the next verse, forcing her back as they locked their weapons together.
You come on with it, come on
You don't fight fair
But that's okay, see if I care
Knock me down, it's all in vain
I get right back on my feet again
They both pulled faux-vicious scowls as they continued their stalemate, both still struggling not to laugh just as they did during their romance scenes in the previous production. Nevertheless, the crowd loved their mutual enthusiasm as the onstage opponents sang the chorus together again.
Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away!
Ash took on the guitar solo while Porsha and Johnny continued their choreographed duel - complete with some martial arts inspired front and backflips - which brought them up the prop steps to a higher platform. This brief interlude culminated in Porsha tripping Johnny up, standing over him with her shorter spear pointed at his neck.
Well you're a real tough cookie. with a long history
Of breaking little hearts, like the one in me
Before I put another notch, in my lipstick case
You better make sure you put me in my place
Johnny got back on his feet as they circled each other, both slamming their spears on the floor in-sync with the drum beat while Porsha began the final chorus.
Hit me with your best shot
C'mon, hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away!
As they charged at each other, Porsha slid under Johnny's legs as the gorilla leapt over her. They both turned on the spot and balanced themselves on their longer spears, crossing their smaller spears to replicate the climactic pose from Johnny's previous Planet Of War set-piece.
Hit me with your best shot
Why don't you hit me with your best shot
Hit me with your best shot
Fire away!
After acting out a very dramatic death scene - while dealing a "fatal" blow to Johnny to set up his big transformation scene - Porsha found herself plummeting off the high platform, landing perfectly on the large cushioned platform hidden backstage. She chuckled as she heard the audience's cheers echoing from above, but was taken off-guard when a familiar figure suddenly ran over and trapped her in a tight hug.
"Oh mate, you were amazing!" Nooshy gushed excitedly as she tightened her grip, nearly lifting Porsha off the ground. Porsha wasn't complaining at all about the affection, and gladly returned it to nearly crush the life out of the slightly thinner lynx.
"Aw, thanks Noosh. Honestly, ya really don't know what this means to me!"
Porsha and Nooshy were both squealing with excitement as they separated from their embrace, before they heard the familiar patter of approaching footsteps. Flashing a knowing smile, Porsha turned to see Rosita rushing over - while wearing a very flattering sparkly green leotard and wig as part of her fairy costume - and knelt down to let the mother pig run right into her arms.
"You were phenomenal up there, sunshine!" Rosita beamed proudly as she pulled Porsha closer, planting a few kisses on her cheek while the wolf's face turned a flattered scarlet. "Oh we knew you could do it, Porsha!"
"Hmm... yeah, well..." Porsha looked back to Nooshy, reaching out to gently take the lynx's hand. "I had a really awesome trainer..."
The rest of the show was a great success, as per usual, and the cast and crew were now gathered in the staff lounge for their after-party. Porsha had discarded her heavier leather armour and wiped off most of her makeup, and was now sat between Suki and Ash while Buster sat with Ms. Crawly on the makeshift stage, helping the old lizard pop open a new bottle of champagne.
"Agh! Okay, there we go..." Buster winced a little, shaking his aching hand while using the other to pour out the glasses. He then cleared his throat as he passed the first two to the co-leads. "Well, I think the big round of applause really oughta go to the stars of our show tonight... so let's give it up for Ash and Johnny, everybody!"
"Yeah, whoo!" Porsha's cheer was by far the loudest, with only Nooshy's coming close, and she gladly returned Ash's embrace when the porcupine latched onto her. Buster used this distraction to send a quick wink Suki's way, making the saluki's eyes widen slightly as Johnny got up and followed the koala over to the piano.
Buster then tapped the microphone again, getting the others' attention while Johnny set up the piano. "Yeah, so um... now that the toast's outta the way and everybody's got their drinks, I guess it's time we start our favourite part of the evening... the karaoke!"
Everyone present gave a resounding cheer at this, though Porsha looked slightly surprised when Buster removed his blue suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves on his white shirt. "Wait... Mr. Moon's gonna sing...?!"
"Oh-ho, we're in for a treat tonight!" Ash laughed as she kept a grip on Porsha's hand, fondly remembering the koala's very enthusiastic rendition of Call Me Maybe a few years prior.
"Well, I figured I'd start this off with an old favourite..." Buster sent a knowing glance Johnny's way, then leaned back into the microphone, keeping his focus on the saluki sat at the front row. "I'd really like to dedicate this song to a woman I... well, I... a woman I have an awful lot of admiration for. Now, Johnny, if you would..."
Johnny nodded, and started playing on the piano, though the others couldn't help laughing as Buster started snapping his fingers and bopping his head along before he began to sing.
I remember when rock was young
Me and Suki had so much fun
Holdin' hands, and skimmin' stones
Had an old, gold Chevy and a place of my own
Suki nearly choked on her drink as she burst out laughing, affectionately holding Porsha's shoulder while the wolf still stared directly at Buster.
But the biggest kick I ever got
Was doin' a thing called the Crocodile Rock
While the other kids were rocking 'round the clock
We were hopping and bopping to the Crocodile Rock
Buster stood beside the piano as he and Johnny sang in harmony. Porsha was so focused with her suspicious glare that she didn't even notice Suki leaving the chair beside her and joining the koala and gorilla on stage to sing with them.
Well, Crocodile Rockin' is something shockin'
When your feet just can't keep still
I never knew me a better time
And I guess I never will
Suki took Buster's hand and lifted him up on top of the piano, putting him at her eye level while he continued serenading her.
Oh, lawdy mama, those Friday nights
When Suki wore her dresses tight
And Crocodile Rockin' was out of sight
Both their voices were strained as they sang together - due to neither of them being regular singers - but the overwhelming amount of love and joy that emanated from their imperfect harmony more than made up for it.
Laa... la-la-la-la-laa!
La-la-la-la-laa!
La-la-la-la-laa!
Everyone was whooping and clapping by the end of the song, with the exception of a still utterly perplexed Porsha. She was still relatively calm at first, though her eyes bulged to their widest point when Suki grabbed Buster's face and placed a deep, passionate kiss on the koala's lips.
"AUNT SUKI...?!" Porsha's outburst nearly sucked all the air out of the room, making Buster straighten up as he looked over to the overwhelmed young wolf. It still took Porsha a moment or two to process what was happening, but she finally covered her mouth with a gasp as the bombshell finally dropped. "Oh my gosh, you guys are a thing, aren't ya...?!"
"Well, I uh..." Buster's voice was slightly high-pitched, though he cleared his throat and held Suki's hand. "Well, for your information, Porsha, I am indeed very fond of Suki, and... well, as far as I know, she's rather fond of - AGH!"
Buster tensed up as Porsha suddenly ran over and grabbed hold of him, lifting him right off the piano and holding him off the floor. For a moment he very nearly slipped into a traumatic episode regarding the similar manhandling he suffered at her father's hands, though he quickly calmed down when he realised Porsha was actually holding him in a tight and very affectionate embrace.
"Oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh, I love this!" Porsha's eyes widened again as she looked down at the koala in her arms. "Wait... does this mean I can call ya Uncle Buster now...?!"
"Oh... um...?" Buster hesitated, briefly glancing over to Suki as she nodded confidently, then gave a warm chuckle. "Hmm... whatever you want, kiddo."
"EEEK!" Porsha shrieked as she tightened her grip on her new honorary uncle and frantically planted a number of kisses on his forehead and cheek, before quickly dragging Suki into the group hug and giving her the same treatment. "Aw, you guys are the best!"
"What can I say...?" Suki chortled as she looked to Buster. "Eelton John really does have the best love songs..."
Over the next half-hour or so, most of the cast performed songs of their personal choice, and Ash and Porsha were anxiously waiting to have their own turn. When that time finally came, Ash quickly shot up and ran to get her guitar, setting it up while Porsha stood with Buster.
"Alright everybody... Porsha's picked a very special song to sing for us tonight. After everything's she's been through the last couple months, I think this a really great way to cap it all off..." Buster nodded confidently as he passed Porsha the microphone, letting the wolf take a few shaky steps forward. "Go ahead, kiddo..."
"Thanks, Mr. Moon... oh sorry, I mean Uncle Buster!" Porsha quickly corrected herself, flashing a brief blush as she heard a few scattered chuckle. After a moment, she quickly regained her composure as Ash continued tweaking her instrument.
"Okay, well uh... most of ya have heard me sing this before already, so I guess it's not anything new, but um... but this song meant a lot to my Mom..." Porsha hesitated for a moment or two. "See, we used to sing it all the time together when I was little, and um... and she always said it helped her keep going. Never really got what she meant by that back then, but... but I think I get it now..."
Rosita and Suki both gave her encouraging nods, and the rest were clearly eager to hear her performance, so Porsha closed her eyes and took another deep breath.
"So uh... yeah... this one's for you, Mom..."
There was some enthusiastic cheers and applause from everyone present as Ash started strumming the opening solo, most of them immediately recognising the tune of the song in question. Porsha opened her eyes and looked out at all the important figures in her life, and she could feel both bittersweet and utterly joyful tears streaming down her face as she finally opened her mouth and sang her heart out for all to hear.
Don't wanna live as an untold story
Rather go out in a blaze of glory
I can't hear you, I don't fear you!
I'll live now, cause the bad die last
Dodging bullets with your broken past
Well I can't hear you, I don't fear you now!
Wrapped in your regret
What a waste of blood and sweat
Whoa oh-oh!
I wanna taste love and pain
Wanna feel pride and shame
Don't wanna take my time
Don't wanna waste one line
I wanna live better days
Never look back and say
It could have been me
Oh, it could have been me
It could have been me!
THE END