Will You Be My Canary?
By Aquarius Mistress
A/N: Hey, you guys! Thanks for responding to my note and for the great support. ^.^ Almost everyone voted for Twelfth Night, so Twelfth Night it is! :) It was a real pain anyway, watching the video over and over again all the time to get the dialogue right. o.O I'm very sorry for not updating in such a long time. That stupid Writer's Block never really went away and I've been busy with a few other things like school and my site (I was in a really artistic mood for the past few months. Couldn't think of a thing to write). Anyway, without further adieu, here's chapter 5! Hope ya like! =^_^= Oh, and if you're wondering, Disney still hasn't replied. o.O
To ZTLD: Hey Jason, I'm very sorry, I couldn't find the file that you sent me with the beginning of chapter 5. However, it DID relieve me of Writer's Block quite a bit. :) Thanks a bunch!!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the Final Fantasy series or the Cinderella musical. Final Fantasy belongs to Squaresoft and the Cinderella musical belongs to Rogers and Hammerstein. The play, Twelfth Night also does not belong to me. It is written by William Shakespeare. Yeah. That dude. The only thing that belongs to me are my original characters, Belle, Karen, Keith, Jimmy, etc.
Chapter 5
"Sure, why not! We don't mind!" Belle said with a cheerful smile.
Dagger looked at the two in surprise... especially at Zidane. As if that wasn't a shock, he smiled in response to her glance. Dagger felt something inside her shiver. She felt warm. It was a nice feeling...
Wait... What are his intentions? Why is he being so nice? Was he simply trying to be a gentleman again? No... There must be a catch. He was probably gonna make her mess-up during the audition or something...
After a moment of tense silence, Belle pulled Dagger over to the group. Aeris smiled at everyone.
"Alright. Please sit down in the seats closer to the stairs. Who would like to volunteer first?" she asked.
"We will!" A guy yelled out, raising his arm with another girl's hand in his.
"Alright then Mark. And what's your name?" Aeris asked sweetly.
"Umm... Cathy, miss..."
"Cathy Peterson?"
"Yes."
"Alright. Go anytime you're ready." Aeris said, sitting down beside Cloud.
The two went on the stage, spotlight glaring into their eyes. After a few moments, Cathy and Mark nodded, telling Aeris that they're ready. Aeris nodded and looked at the script.
Cathy took a deep breath. After a few seconds, she started singing in a sweet tone. Afterwards, Aeris read the parts for the stepsisters and stepmother. Then Mark stepped in and started singing. He had a rich, low tone. The two sang majestically on stage, prancing around and following their script. They were doing really, really good... until Cathy forgot one of her lines.
"Go... umm..." Cathy struggled.
"Go away..." Aeris hinted.
"Go away and never come back..." Cathy and Mark said at the same time.
As in the script, Cathy and Mark looked at each other with amazement. Just then, the stepmother interrupted.
"I thought I told you never to talk to strangers!" Aeris said with a very stern voice.
Cathy then ran over to another spot on the stage, pretending that that's where the stepmother and stepsisters are.
"I'm sorry, stepmother..." Cathy said with guilt in her tone.
Just then, Mark was smiling at her. "I hope I see you again soon... Cinderella..." he said softly.
Cathy looked at him, appearing dazed... as if she was hypnotized by his eyes.
After another demanding and angry statement from the stepmother, and another singing scene, Cathy and Mark left the stage in opposite directions, ending their audition. Everyone applauded loudly. Cathy and Mark were amazing and made it seem so real. It was as if those two were already in love with each other...
"Great job, you two!" Aeris praised with a bright smile.
Cathy and Mark smiled in the return, sitting back down in the audience area.
"Okay, who would like to go next?" Cloud asked, looking at the audience for a volunteer.
"We will!" Karen said cheerfully.
"B-But...!" Blank stuttered. How did he get stuck with the hyper one?
"Karen Pietroth... and Blank Glace, I presume?" Aeris asked, writing down the names of the partners on a sheet of paper.
"Yes!" Karen replied with enthusiasm. She grabbed Blank by the wrist and literally dragged Blank up the stairs to the stage. But a sudden cracking noise from the P.A. system caused the boy to trip and fall on the stairs. Karen giggled slightly while Blank rubbed the back of his head.
"Owww..." he said with a stiff groan.
Meanwhile, everyone's attention is caught by the P.A. system.
//Attention all first year students and teachers. We have no reply from Disney, therefore, we shall have the first year students perform something by William Shakespeare. We are suggesting the play, Twelfth Night. We are sorry about the sudden change in plans. If there are any questions, please buzz the office.\\
The two classes groaned and a few people banged their fists on the arm rest in rage. Cloud let out a sigh as if everything was ruined... well... everything was. Aeris shook her head. All that hard work for nothing.
"Crap!! We freakin' studied and worked hard for this friggin' audition!!" Zack blurted out angrily, his hands shaking with fury.
The rest of the students murmured agreements and nodded. Aeris and Cloud shook their heads.
"There's nothing we can do. We can't go on with Cinderella if Disney doesn't give us permission." Aeris said delicately.
"So, now we'll be performing Twelfth Night. I think it would be a good play. It's challenging actually because of the old English. Aeris and I will hand out books to you when we return to class. Then you'll be giving out another audition but you'll be going up, one by one and recite the part you were given with gestures and emotions. The gentlemen will be reciting Duke Orsino's first part in Act 1, Scene 1. Ladies will be reciting Viola's part in Act 1, Scene 2 from lines 51 to 65. Auditions will be tomorrow afternoon since this will be a bit easier. I suggest you go back to your dorms and practice for the rest of the day. You'll get off early today, just for this short notice." Cloud told everyone and everyone reluctantly agreed.
In a way, Dagger felt disappointed. Not only because the play was cancelled and they have to learn a new one... but there was something else...
She wanted to audition the part. She wanted to show her talent and drama skills and show everyone she didn't make it to Lord Avon's by luck. Not only that... but... she wanted to be with Zidane.
Dagger shook her head, scolding herself for feeling this way. 'What's going on? What's wrong with me? Am I losing it or what? Me liking Zidane? Get a reality check, Dagger! You're probably just tired...' she thought to herself as she followed Belle, Marcus and Blank back to their classroom.
Everyone sat back down in a circle of chairs as Aeris searched through the large bookcase for copies of Twelfth Night.
"You'll like this play, I promise." Aeris said optimistically, giving a big smile to the class as she handed out the books, "All of you will be off for today. But I would recommend you to read over your parts and memorize your lines. Practice it carefully. It may seem like a simple dialogue but one little gesture can make a difference whether you make it for a good part or not."
The class mumbled 'okay's and left the classroom sluggishly. Dagger, Belle, Marcus and Blank all trudged over to Central Park 2, waiting for Beatrix, Karen and Zidane to be dismissed.
"There is fair behavior in thee, Captain;" Dagger began, reading out her part from the script. Belle, Marcus and Blank listened to her attentively, having nothing else better to do.
"And though that nature with a beauteous wall
Doth oft close in pollution, yet of thee
I will believe thou hast a mind that suits
With this thy fair and outward character.
I prithee (and I'll pay thee bounteously)
Conceal me what I am, and be my aid
For such disguise as haply shall become
The form of my intent. I'll serve this duke.
Thou shalt present me as an eunuch to him;
It may be worth thy pains. For I can sing,
And speak to him in many sorts of music
That will allow me very worth his service
What else may hap, to time I will commit;
Only shape thou thy silence to my wit."
Dagger closed the book afterwards. "This isn't gonna be as easy as I thought."
"What's the matter? You've never learned Shakespeare in high school?" Blank
asked.
"No, it's not that. I just don't know how to express myself in these sorta
dialogues." Dagger said sheepishly.
Belle laughed merrily, "I don't either. Shakespeare is hard. I've never really liked Twelfth Night that much..."
"I think Twelfth Night was very interesting! It was funny!" Dagger protested.
"Well, yeah, it's funny. But it's nowhere as good as Othello or Romeo and Juliet." Belle said with a giggle.
Dagger stuck her tongue out at her and then giggled as well. Meanwhile, Karen, Beatrix and Zidane came along and the group left for their dormitory.
"I can't believe they switched plays right during the audition. You'd think the school would have everything more organized than this." Zidane stated.
"I know. But hey, what can we do? We're only the students. Plus, we had to pay big money to go to this school so we might as well co-operate, right?" Beatrix responded, shrugging off the matter.
Everyone nodded and agreed. As the group arrived at the elevator, (and for some strange reason, Karen didn't chicken out over the glass hallway) Irvine came along from what it seems, out of nowhere.
"What's up, my fellow students," he said as he wrapped his arm around Dagger and Karen, "... and the fair ladies of course."
Dagger and Karen pushed his arm off briskly, quite annoyed with him. The rest just glared at him.
"Geez, leave us alone, Irvine." Blank brushed off.
Irvine made a face of mock surprise. "Oh, I'm sorry. Am I interrupting something?" He winked at Dagger, who had an expression of disgust written all over her face.
"Get a life, you jerk." she said with a roll of her eyes.
Irvine simply scoffed and wrapped his arm around her again, which she pushed off with an angry motion. Blank pushed him off and glared at him. Irvine chuckled in Blank's face and turned to Dagger again.
"C'mon. I know you want me."
Dagger looked at him with an irritated look. "Oh, is that what you think?! Well, I'm sorry. You've made a mistake because I can never like someone as annoying, as disgusting, as selfish... Shall I go on?"
Irvine rolled his eyes and took a two steps closer to Dagger. "You're lying..." he said with a cool tone.
He then walked closer to Dagger and grabbed her shoulders. Dagger squeaked and kicked his shin. It seemed to have no effect however. Everyone else tried pushing him off or pulling him away but he merely shoved them all aside. Irvine's face met hers until she could feel him breathing on her. She turned her head away, still trying to pry his hands off her. But before Irvine could get any closer, a fist punched him right in the jaw. Irvine stumbled backwards, hand on his cheek and glaring furiously.
"Leave her alone, jackass! You have no right treating anyone like that!"
Dagger regained her composure, Karen, Beatrix and Belle at her side, asking if she's okay. She nodded, and then looked at the guys.
"You wanna mess with me?! I'll beat y'all up, good!!" Irvine threatened, taunting them by gesturing for them to come closer.
++Zidane's Point Of View++
Okay, what the hell am I doing?!
What.
The.
Hell.
Am.
I.
Doing?!
This is crazy... Since when did I have the guts to stand up to anyone? Since when did I actually stood up anybody for anyone?! Especially for this crazy bitch?! Aw, hell... I'm going crazy myself.
I glared at Irvine, anger flooded my whole body. I couldn't think of anything I wanna do more right now than beat the crap outta this guy. I swear, what the hell is his problem?! He goes around acting like he friggin' owns the place! And I thought I go crazy when I see girls. This guy has issues.
Ugh! Aww, shit!! That bastard!!
What the hell...?
... Blood?
My nose is bleeding?!
++End Point of View++
Zidane lunged at Irvine, striking him with a blow aiming for his jaw again but missed and punched his arm.
"Stop this!!" Belle screamed, separating the two boys before it got worse.
Irvine and Zidane glared at each other heatedly, not blinking for even the slightest movement. After a moment of tense silence, Irvine walked away, not saying anything, and not making any rude gestures either. He just walked away...
Everyone watched his retreating back as he turned a corner, not bothering to look back. Then doors opened. The elevator arrived right on cue. Everyone stepped in solemnly, Marcus pressing the button to go down. The ride was quiet, everyone still shocked. Zidane secretly took a peek at Dagger, who has her head down. Wait a minute... Is she blushing? Zidane felt his cheeks get a little hot too and put his head back down.
"... Thank you."
Everybody looked up at Dagger.
"... Thanks for sticking up for me, everybody... Zidane..." she quietly murmured.
Everyone gave a nod... well... all except for Karen. As the elevator door opened, Belle pulled Marcus and Beatrix to the back of the line.
"Is it just me, or do I see some chemistry going on here?" Belle whispered quietly with a slight snicker.
Beatrix nodded and sneered, "Did you see the way they were both blushing? That was so cute!"
"Should we tell them?" Belle asked.
"No, please don't. We'll never hear the end of it." Marcus replied with a chuckle.
The three laughed quietly as the group kept walking. Everyone could clearly see what's going on between Dagger and Zidane... although they're both too proud... or embarrassed... to admit it. Karen walked silently, a solemn look on her face. She knew what was going on... but she just couldn't bring herself to believe it. Hey, it's just a silly crush. She'll get over Zidane and find someone even better.
Once group has reached the fourth floor, Karen's vision began to blur as tears started to form. She quickly wiped away the tears and began walking at a fast pace as soon as the elevator doors opened. Blank looked at Karen worriedly and ran up to her. Karen turned her face away.
"What's wrong?" Blank asked.
"Nothing. Just the sun got in my eyes, that's all..."
"But there's no windows around this hallway."
"..."
"What's wrong? You can tell me..."
Karen shook her head. Blank gave a quiet sigh and nodded, "Fine. But promise me you'll tell me soon. You've been acting so weird today..."
Karen nodded and continued walking with Blank until they've reached the boys' dormitory. This time, the group has decided to practice at the boys' apartment for a change. Blank unlocked the door and everyone stepped in, slipping off their shoes. Everyone sat around the living room to practice. Since it's an individual audition, there was no need to choose partners. Meanwhile, Karen sat on the couch, not paying attention to what's going on around her. Blank looked at Karen, who was sitting beside him. She was staring blankly at the floor.
If music be the food of love, play on;
Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken, and so die.
That strain again! It had a dying fall:
O, it came o'er my ear like the sweet sound,
That breathes upon a bank of violets,
Stealing and giving odour! Enough; no more:
'Tis not so sweet now as it was before.
O spirit of love! How quick and fresh art thou,
That, not withstanding thy capacity
Receiveth as the sea, nought enters there,
Of what validity and pitch soe'er,
But falls into abatement and low price,
Even in a minute: so full of shapes is fancy
That it alone is high fantastical.
Karen could've sworn, right there and then, that her heart has snapped into a thousand pieces. Tears started to form again but this time, she didn't wipe them away. Instead, she merely stood up. Everyone looked at her, confused and slightly worried.
"What's wrong, Karen?" Belle asked.
Karen shook her head and stepped out of the living room. As she passed by Zidane, she whispered something to him... and then slipped her shoes on and ran out quickly. Zidane had a puzzled expression on his face.
"What did she say?" Marcus asked, not quite understanding what just happened.
"She said... I can do it. I don't have to be scared." Zidane said, quite confused.
The three girls looked at each other worriedly. They were starting to understand what was wrong with Karen. Her heart has given up. Not only that... but she was heartbroken.
"... I-I think I should go look for her..." Dagger said as she got up.
"There's no point going to look for her now," Blank said as he pulled her back down to the carpet, "She could be anywhere right now and you don't even know your way around Quebec City. Don't worry, she just needs some time to think..."
Dagger sighed and reluctantly agreed.
The group began rehearsing again. In fact, they were at it for the whole day... until 6 pm.
And Karen still haven't returned.
"Guys, I'm getting really worried. Karen still haven't been back and it's been 7 hours." Dagger stated, griping a cushion.
"Don't worry, she's fine." Marcus replied, wiping his eyes from the sleepiness.
Just then, the telephone rings. The boys argue with each other, muttering sleepily, "You get go get it. I got it last time."
"Zidane, just go." Beatrix concluded.
Zidane murmured a 'fine' and picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Bonjour. We are calling from St. Anne's hospital. Can we speak to Karen Pietroth's roommates please?" a male voice with a heavy accent said.
"Hey, the phone's for you girls."
Dagger reluctantly came and picked up the phone from Zidane's hands since the other two were practically asleep.
"Hello?"
"Salut, we are calling from St. Anne's hospital. We have some news to tell you and we need you to come over to the hospital right away. Your friend, Karen Pietroth, has been in an accident."
--------------------------------------------
A/N: Again, sorry this chapter took so amazingly long. I've been in a more artistic mood lately and felt like I needed to do more art (graphics designing) than writing. Oh well. At least this chapter's finally done. ^.^
Finished: March 5, 2003
