The musical itself wasn't a typical musical like those I've seen on Broadway. There weren't a lot of songs in the entire thing. I'd consider it more of a play. Either way, the play seemed unique. It was a play about witches with elements of horror and mystery. There were a lot of people that could get main roles. I counted up to twenty-two main roles. I read through the whole thing. I actually liked the story and how it ended itself. Throughout the week, I've been analyzing the play's plot and how the characters looked and the way they interacted with each other. I could hear how each character's voice sounded. When it was Saturday, I went to Tokyo early. I wanted to go to the same bakery where I went with Xanxus. I ordered a small pastry and a coffee to go. After that, I started walking to the venue. I could see Sachiko with everyone else the closer I got. She waved me over.
"I'm so happy you came, Shiori." Sachiko said with excitement. She really showed it when she was passionate about something. Even during practice, she'd be bouncing around with excitement.
"I've been reading the script since you gave it to me. I really like it." I said.
"What about the ending?" Someone who looked like an older Sachiko asked me.
"I think it's perfect. The way the world burned down leaving Bern by herself is the best possible ending. The way she ends up is a perfect metaphor of how her entire life was. It also shows how this world wasn't the real one either. It was another game." I explained.
The woman and Sachiko blinked at me, not saying a word. "You…" They both looked surprised.
I tilted my head. "Did I say something weird?" I asked.
"You figured the mystery out." The woman said with awe.
"I did? I thought it was obvious."
"Shiori?" Sachiko said quietly.
"Yes?" I looked at Sachiko.
"You're a genius."
"I just read a lot."
The woman smiled brightly. "I'm Yumi. Sachiko is my little sister." No wonder they looked alike. They even have that same happy aura around them.
"It's nice to meet your acquaintance."
"You're cute. Let's go inside. I'm sure everyone else would like to meet you."
Inside, I heard chatter and people warming their vocal chords. People were stretching and practicing small parts of dances. "Did you bring in the high school volunteers?" A man asked.
"I did." Yumi said and took my hand and dragged me up to the man. "Shiori, this is Keisuke Fuji. He's the one directing the play."
I bowed deeply. "It's nice to meet your acquaintance."
Another man came in physically upset. He was steaming. "The whole production is ruined." He walked up to Keisuke.
"What's the matter, Hiro?" Keisuke questioned.
"I wanted at least someone in the main cast to realize the story and what it's about. They're all a bunch of morons." Hiro spat.
"Hiro is the one that wrote the story." Yumi told me quietly.
"Oh." I said as quietly.
Hiro looked down at me. "Who are you?"
"This is Shiori. She's volunteering from my sister's high school." Yumi introduced me. He scoffed.
"Is that so? Have you read the script?"
"I have." I replied.
"What part did you want?"
"I'd accept any role whether it's helping backstage or on stage." I really didn't mind what part I'd get. I knew the best I'd get was an extra.
His cold eyes kept staring into mine. He was waiting for me to break probably. "Since you read the story, were you able to wrap your little mind around the entire point of the story?" He asked with a demeaning tone.
"I have."
"Really? Tell me what the point of the story is." He said.
"Everyone has their rightful place on stage. The story is focused on Beatrice, but the other characters are just as important. However, the way the story handles Bern is strange. She's a character unlike everyone else. She's able to talk with the audience and yet none of the characters thinks it's strange. There's a meaning behind everything she does. From my understanding, this is just one of many stories that Bern has been involved in. She even hinted at it. She repeats the same story, waiting for a time where she wins. Yet, she ended up with death. Depending on the other stories, her eternal rest is the best thing that can happen. Even though she isn't exactly the main character and the audience doesn't know her past, but from what Bern says, it alludes to endless pain. Existing is painful. If she's eternally resting, she can't feel any more pain." The director and writer stared at me with absolute shock. My classmates had the same expression. "Did I say something weird again?" I asked nervously.
"You said you'd take any role, right?" Hiro asked. I nodded, not sure what would happen. "How do you feel about becoming Bern?"
"Me? Why? Isn't that role already assigned?" I questioned.
"I kept it empty until the very last moment. Bern is my favorite character I've ever created and holds a special place in my heart. The way you spoke about Bern was as if Bern was standing in front of me. You can feel her pain unlike everyone else that has auditioned."
"I…see."
"Are you alright with that?" Sachiko asked me.
"I feel like I have no choice." I commented.
"I hope you don't have stage fright." The producer said warmly.
"I-I've never been on stage before, much less sing and act." I said nervously.
"You'll do fine. Everyone will help you." The writer said ecstatically before taking me to the stage. He clapped his hands. "I need everyone's attention!" Once everyone was looking and showed themselves, Hiro gestured to me. "This is Shiori. She will be taking on the burden of Bern. This is her first time, so please help her with everything."
Everyone was chattering about me. I probably wasn't what they expected. Hell, I wasn't expecting this at all. Sachiko and the club were proud of me. "Let's get your measurements for the dress." I was taken backstage by Yumi where a group of costume creators were making the uniforms. "We have our Bern." She announced to everyone before leaving me.
After my measurements were taken, I was brought to a room with a piano by Hiro. A woman walked in and sat down. Hiro smiled at me. "This is Maria. She'll help you with the songs. For now, it'll be a run through. There's a lot I'd like for you to do today." After running through the songs the best I could, I knew I needed to work on my vocals.
"Not too bad. How are you with dancing?" Hiro asked.
"I used to be in gymnastics. Dancing was a must."
"Perfect! You'll do just fine."
We entered a room where a beautiful woman stood. She had long golden hair and piercing blue eyes. "Kiyomi." The woman turned.
"Yes?" She answered.
"I'd like for you and Shiori to practice together. After all, she is Bern." The writer said.
"Oh!" She walked over and stared down at me. "So, you're the one everyone is talking about. You're pretty cute. I'm Kiyomi. I'm playing the main role as Beatrice the golden witch." She said with a smile.
"Now that you two are acquainted, I leave Shiori in your hands." Once the writer left, I felt awkward.
"Let's go to a room where it's just the two of us. We won't be disturbed by anyone else." She suggested.
"O-okay."
Kiyomi brought me to a small room. We sat down facing each other. "Let's go over when you first show up. The scene is in the otherworld where you're sitting, drinking tea." My hands holding the script started shaking and I didn't even speak anything yet. Kiyomi put her hands over mine. "It's alright. You're allowed to make mistakes."
"I know."
"You're worried if your Bern will be what everyone envisioned." Kiyomi said. I nodded. "I had the same problem with Beatrice. We're both cruel witches in this play. If Bern was here, how would she sound like? What would her expression be?"
I looked Kiyomi in the eye and took a deep breath before I was ready. Soon, we were slowly saying our lines. Both of us were starting to get into character. I think I'm starting to understand Bern the more I speak her lines and imagine how she'd act, how she'd think. She's emotionless and only shows the ugly side of humanity. She's cruel and uses people as she pleases. In a way, I'm like Bern. The door opened. The writer and producer walked in.
"How are things going? It's been a few hours." He asked.
"I'm flattered the great Lady Bern has visited me today." Kiyomi said in character.
"I'm only here to spectate." I said in character. I imagined Bern as someone who was smug and spoke as if she knew everything that would happen. It still wasn't perfect to my own standards.
"Oh?" The writer said with interest.
"I hope you don't bore me." I stared right at the two with emotionless eyes.
"Amazing! Absolutely wonderful!"
"I-is that alright?" I asked nervously.
"It was perfect. It's exactly how I wanted Bern to sound like. In costume, you'll fully become Bern."
Kiyomi patted my back. "See? You'll be just fine."
"Thank you, Kiyomi."
That night, I stayed in Tokyo at a hotel thanks to the director. I went out to eat at a ramen place. That's where I spotted Kiyomi with a few other cast members. I went to a seat in the corner. I got my usual order and took my phone out to pass the time. I noticed I had a few missed messages. It was someone I didn't know. I clicked on their number and saw pictures with no messages. All the pictures were ones of me and Xanxus and then some of everyone else. How did one of them get my number? Either way, I was grateful for them. I wanted to see everyone again. My ramen came. I ate while looking at the pictures. I wonder how they're all doing. I wonder if Xanxus is okay. I'm sure Squalo kept my promise, but I had no way to see if he did. All I could do is assume he did.
"I spy with my little eyes, the witch of miracles."
I looked up and saw Kiyomi. "Hello."
"Why didn't you sit with us? I saw you looking over." Kiyomi asked.
"I didn't want to be a burden. Plus, you all looked about done with your meals."
She sat down. "You get to deal with me now. How do you think today went?"
"I'm way out of my comfort zone. I'm still uncomfortable. I have no way to know if I did a good job or not." I replied honestly.
She hummed with thought. "I think you could have done better, but you're still new at everything. I guess for your first day, you did pretty well."
We talked about the play as I finished eating. "Do you have room in that stomach for dessert?" Kiyomi asked with a chuckle.
"I always do."
She continued to laugh. "Well, follow me. I know just the place." Kiyomi brought me to a food stand where they sold dango. She bought both of us some.
"You didn't have to buy mine." I said.
"Nonsense. Just enjoy." We sat at a bend and started to eat. Stars formed in my eyes after one bite. It was so good. "I'm glad you like it."
"It's so delicious." Desserts were my personal heaven. They can make me feel a lot better no matter the situation.
"Say, Shiori, tell me about yourself. No one really knows you. I'd like to know my costar just a little bit."
"Well, I grew up in Tokyo and then moved to Namimori." I explained briefly.
"That's it? Are you hiding things from me?" She raised her eyebrow.
"I'm not hiding anything."
"I can tell you are. Why? I'm sure you have some interesting things about you." She insisted.
"I don't usually open up to people because they'll treat me weird. I just want to be seen as normal." I said.
"Really? Are you some secret genius?" I hesitated to take a bite. "I'm right! What school did you go to in Tokyo?"
"T-the one near here." I stuttered.
"The only one is…wait!" Kiyomi's eyes widened with shock. "You got into that school?!"
"I did. If I tell people, they'll treat me differently."
"I can see why. You really are a genius. No wonder you figured out Bern's part of the play." I sighed and watched everyone pass by. "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."
The next day was full of rehearsing like usual. Thankfully, Bern didn't have a lot of motion or much dancing other than one song. The first time you see Bern is her sitting in a chair and that's for most of the play. It seemed like everyone else had their lines memorized and knew exactly what to do. It was amazing to watch. On the other hand, I didn't have my lines memorized. The producer reassured me I'd be fine, but I didn't feel fine. I'd need to work harder. Kiyomi knew my concern and worked with me. When I got home that night, I only saw dad.
"Where were you?" He questioned.
"I left mom a message since it wouldn't go through to you. Did she not tell you?" I questioned.
"No."
"I was in Tokyo. The club goes and volunteers to help with a play every year. I got a main part of it."
"You did? Congratulations. I never thought you'd be the type to be on stage." Dad remarked.
"I never thought I was either, but everyone is helping me every step of the way."
"When is it?" He questioned.
"It's in two months."
"That's near Christmas. I'll be sure to go and let your mother know about it." Dad replied with a smile.
"You two don't need to go. It isn't that important."
"You're my daughter, Shiori. I want to watch you. Plus, this might be the only time you'll be on stage."
"Okay." I went up to my room and noticed how neat my parents' room was. It was as if no one has slept in there for days maybe weeks. My heart clenched.
In school, Kyoko ran up to me. "Is it true?" She asked with stars in her eyes.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"You got a main part in a play in Tokyo?" Everyone turned their head towards me with curiosity.
"I-it's true."
"That's amazing! Sachiko has been telling everyone she sees about you."
My face turned red. "Huh?!"
"Oh! Plain Jane is embarrassed. I never thought I'd see the day." I kicked the guy's chair in protest.
"We'll be sure to go support you, Shiori." Kyoko said with her hands together.
"T-thank you."
Class went on normal that day. In club, Sachiko knew what she did because her smile was wider than normal. At least, I was able to practice my lines during club. Sachiko played Kiyomi's part badly. No wonder she doesn't act. At home, mom was home.
"Welcome home, sweetie. Your father said you got a main role in a play."
"I did." I answered.
"That's wonderful. He even said it would be near Christmas. I'll have to check my schedule to see if I can go."
"Okay."
What was wrong with her? If I had anything going on, she'd automatically cancel it to be there. Every little thing I did, she was there. What changed her? Did she not want to be near dad? I went up to my room and read over my lines. This weekend would be when I'd get my costume and wig.
When I got back to Tokyo on Saturday, I was rushed to try on my dress. It was a black and white gothic Lolita dress with a blue ribbon near the neck. It came with white tights and black shoes. There was a black tail with a similar ribbon at the end that went with the dress. Wait. A tail? I didn't expect Bern to have a tail. I quickly stripped of my clothes and then put the dress on. It fit perfectly. The dress came to my knees, a perfect length in my opinion.
"Why is there a tail?" I asked the seamstress.
"Hiro wanted it last minute. We're not too sure why he wanted one either. We just follow his orders." She explained.
"I see." I shook a little to see the tail move.
"The dress fits perfectly." A woman came over and put the wig on my head. The wig was dark steel-blue and long. "All you need are the colored eye contacts and you'll be perfect."
"Woah." I said to myself.
It looked really good on me. Kiyomi walked towards me with her dress on. She had a long, dark red Victoria dress with a choker. She looked even more beautiful than usual.
"I'm glad the dress fits the witch of miracles." Kiyomi commented.
"You look beautiful." I said with awe.
She chuckled and walked to me. "You don't even look recognizable."
"It's weird, but I like it. It's been a while since I've had long hair." I commented quietly.
"Is that so?" My hair used to be as long as the wig. It ended at my waist. That's how everyone in Tokyo knew me before I left. "You'd look even cuter with long hair. Why did you cut it?" Kiyomi asked me. I stared at my feet. I didn't want to say. Just thinking about it made me feel sick. Kiyomi turned to the seamstress. "I think the sleeves are a little too loose."
The two of us walked onto stage where everyone else was. Only the two of us were in costume. Everyone stared at us. "You're gorgeous, Shiori!" Sachiko shouted. My cheeks turned pink from the comment. Kiyomi laughed at my expression.
"Expect more compliments in the future. Just imagine how many flowers you'll get from everyone." Kiyomi said.
"Flowers?" I questioned.
"It's tradition for people to give flowers to the cast." She explained.
I hummed. I probably wouldn't get a lot anyway. The two of us went through a few scenes before we were let out for lunch. I was able to get out of the dress and wig. I sighed and went to my bag. My phone started ringing. It was from that same number that sent me all those pictures.
"Hello?"
"Shiori!" A familiar voice shouted from the other line.
My eyes widened. "L-Lussuria?! How did you get this number?"
I could hear him laughing. "I took it while you weren't looking. How are you doing?"
"I'm doing well. How are you? How's everyone?" I asked.
"We're all doing well, even Xanxus." Lussuria said softly. I'm sure Squalo told him something for him to specify Xanxus.
"I'm glad."
"So, I heard you have a main role in a big play." Lussuria suddenly said.
"How did you hear about it?" How did word of the play get to Italy?
"A friend of mine is obsessed with the writer's work and said how someone named Shiori filled out the legendary Bern."
My face was on fire. "Huh?"
"I'm thinking about going to watch." He mused.
"You can't just come from Italy to see a play. That's too much money."
"Don't worry about it. I'll have business in Japan around that time anyway. I might bring everyone."
"Well, if you all have business, then I guess it won't be too much trouble."
"Say, Shiori, do you still wear Xanxus' feather?" Lussuria asked out of the blue.
"I wear it all the time. Why?" I asked.
"I'm just wondering. Squalo said you were worried about Xanxus. What happened?"
"I-It's nothing, just my mind being stupid." I said in hopes that would drop the subject.
"You stuttered. Something happened and I'm worried. We all are."
"It really is nothing."
"You sound depressed. I might have to visit you now." He said.
"No! That isn't necessary. Please, don't do that. Not for me."
"Shiori…" I didn't deserve their kindness. I'm not worthy of it. "Did those two make you worry when they left?" Lussuria asked me.
I let out a small sigh. "They did. Xanxus refused to look at me and even though Squalo reassured me everything would be fine, his eyes said everything was wrong. Everyone refused to look at me." I said in a depressed tone.
"How's home?" He asked.
"I don't even want to think about it." I didn't like to think about it anymore. Whenever I did, I would become nauseous.
Lussuria made a noise of disappointment. "I'm sorry I'm not there to comfort you. Do you have anyone you can talk to about it?"
"You should know the answer, Lussuria. I have no one." It was true. I wasn't close to anyone to go to them with my problems.
"Don't say that. It's depressing."
"Hurry up and eat, Shiori. You won't have much time until lunch is over and we're focusing on your parts." Kiyomi shouted from the stage.
"I have to go." I hung up and ran to get my lunch. Part of me wanted to tell Lussuria everything that was happening, but I couldn't. It was habit to not tell anyone what bothered me.
Lussuria let out a depressed sigh after Shiori hung up. The rest of the Varia stared at Lussuria for answers. They were all curious about what happened. Most of them were worried.
"Well?" Squalo was the first to speak.
"She isn't doing too well."
"Was it us?" Squalo asked again.
"It's part of it, but apparently, home isn't treating her too kindly either. She didn't even want to think about it. I'm sure that's why she's doing the play."
"She wants to get her mind off of everything." Bel said.
Lussuria looked at Xanxus. He looked pissed off like usual. Squalo looked and knew he was bothered. Whether he'd admit it or not, Xanxus was getting attached to Shiori. Squalo didn't know why either. Xanxus never got attached to anyone. He didn't know why everyone was getting attached to her.
"Do you think it'd be best to explain what we are to her?" Levi asked.
"No. We're not bringing her into this." Xanxus spoke and glared at Levi.
That might be the problem. Xanxus is worried she'd be targeted and since they were targeted the last time he was with Shiori, it made him realize she could end up becoming a target. He never cared about anyone else until Shiori came into the picture. None of them wanted Shiori to know of their job. They didn't know how she'd react. Mammon found how Shiori's existence was a double edged sword for the Varia.
With her, they all seem to be civilized and if she'd be in danger, they'd all work together. Without her presence, the entire Varia worried about her constantly. The worst part was how Xanxus was attached to her. Mammon didn't like that. Maybe if he could find a balance between Shiori and the Varia, it'd make everyone content. Mammon looked at Xanxus. He seemed stressed about the entire thing.
"Are you this stressed over Shiori, boss?" Mammon asked.
Xanxus clicked his tongue. "I'm not stressed."
"If you say so. I'm going to go for a walk." Once Mammon left, everyone sighed.
They were all in a depressed mood. Xanxus looked at his drink. It didn't even satisfy him how it used to. He didn't want to think about Shiori. He wanted to hate her. He hated the effect she had on him and yet would always find himself by her side. It was Nono's fault, but he should have seen it coming. 'If you get too attached to her, she'll end up being targeted and tortured by people who want to bring you down.' That's what Nono told him. After that, when he looked at her, all he could imagine was her all torn up and bloody. It made him sick.
"So, who wants to see Shiori's play?"