Hello, sorry about the delay but just so you know, my favourite story on this whole website hasn't been updated in months and I've been checking in on that everyday so all authors do that I guess, or at least the flaky ones like me do.
This chapter is slightly shorter than usual and is different to the other ones and I have to say, it was pretty hard to write. I know when you're reading it you're gonna be "Pfftt I could have written that in like, twenty minutes" well you weren't writing it, so don't judge me!
And *does a little celebration dance* It's my birthday tomorrow
Anyhow, don't own the characters, do own the story
Please read and review.
Lots of love
Chapter 14
Misty's sea green eyes scanned the crowds of people rushing about. She bit her lips,practically identifying every person standing before her.
"Hey lady, you looking for somebody?" a cheerful voice enquired drawing her attention away from the hustle bustle going on around her and towards a green haired teen in a yellow and green dress.
"I was looking for Ash" Misty explained with a sigh, leaning against the wall and wringing her hands nervously.
Duplica's smile fell and her eyes filled with worry.
"Misty I'm really don't think...." she began but was cut off by Misty.
"You know something needs to be done and its never gonna get done unless I do it" she decided and strode away, her skirt swishing as she walked giving her an elegant appearance
"Ash is not gonna want to listen ...although if you phrase it like that he might be more inclined to. Why is it SO hard for two people to tell each other they like them and then go out on a date" she groaned, placing a hand on her forehead and sighing.
"Yeah I totally agree, so where's Snap?" Giselle teased, resting her hands on her hips.
"Probably hanging out with Brock" Duplica shot back instantly and effortlessly.
"Stage call"
"Looks like games on, princess" Duplica smirked.
Giselle made a face at her but walked away towards the stage, breathing deeply.
The curtains were still drawn and right about now, Melody was dancing around the stage, playing a soft song on her ocarina and telling the audience about the circumstance of the story.
"The sprites and the humans lived in peace alongside one another. Humans began to feel threatened by the sprites and began to kill them starting a brutal war. The sprites opened up a portal into a strange beautiful new world where they could be free from humans and now our story will explain what happened to cause the portal to be opened once more and the wonderful beings, known as Pokemon to be born.
She smiled and took a bow and as the audience applauded, she pranced offstage.
The curtain rose and Brock and Rudy were on stage.
Giselle watched Brock on stage already with Rudy, going through their lines perfectly.
She had to hand it to them both; they both had their characters next to perfect.
"Princess Calliope would want nothing to do with you" Jack (Brock) spat, glaring at Ben (Rudy), focusing all his anger on the red haired youth that stood before him with pleading eyes.
"Just give me a chance with her, please" Ben begged, desperately.
Giselle inhaled deeply and stepped onstage, her naturally graceful movements gave the character an air of authenticity.
"Now, now Ben" Princess Calliope {Giselle} purred, batting her eyelashes at Ben.
"If this young gentleman thinks he had something to offer that I have yet to see, let's at least give him a chance" she continued, circling Ben with a hint of a smirk.
"But princess" Ben objected.
"Please Ben, leave us be" Calliope said gently with underlying steel.
Ben nodded reluctantly and walked offstage.
"Great job" Richie grinned at his friend who had just finished his scene.
"It's really pretty nerve wrecking out there"
"Giselle seems cool with it"
"That girl is a great actor"
Richie heard the bite in his friend's tone but Brock's face told a different story.
He wasn't angry with her, he cared about her and was trying with all his might to be angry with her and Richie shook his head, knowing Brock was fighting a losing battle.
The crowd laughed as Giselle delivered a one liner that suited both Giselle and Princess Calliope.
Misty watched the brunette from the other side of the stage, feeling a smile tug at the corner of her lips.
"Well I don't think I could have found anyone better for the role" Mr Crefell mused, appearing beside Misty.
"You got lucky with Giselle, wait till' you see the rest of us stumbling round trying to throw out our lines" Misty replied, smirking at him.
"Misty, I'll let you in on a little secret, I never put anyone on the spot unless I am fully aware that they can come out on top. It would only reflect poorly on me " Mr Crefell gave her a self satisfied smile.
"And I have no intention of looking bad tonight"
Misry saw a mop of scruffy raven hair bobbing along through the crowd.
Her face lit up and she hurried after him.
She was about to call out his name when she remembered one rule that Mr Crefell had drilled into them.
"Never make a commotion back stage, no running, screaming, shouting, arguing. Do what needs to be done in silence"
Ash turned around and saw someone walking towards him.
He winced, the pain was still raw from what he had seen yesterday and as such, he couldn't even face the spirited red head.
Someone grabbed Misty's elbow and dragged her away from Ash.
"Well that was a close call" Mr Crefell breathed a sigh of relief.
"Giselle isn't even finished her scene, what could you possibly want me for?" Misty demanded.
"I'm not blind, I know that something happened between you and Ash and while I love this chemistry between you both, I will not see a fight break out and both of you in foul moods going out there to entertain"
"I'm already in a foul mood"
"Yes but your mood is not as bad as it might have been"
Misty huffed and folded her arms across her chest and continued to watch Giselle, sneaking occasional glares at her self appointed baby sitter.
Calliope sighed and she walked past Ben who was on his knees.
"Yes but you have promised me the moon and the sun, the sky and the ocean, the stars and the trees and all that dwell between them but let me ask you this. On what shall I sit to admire all that you have promised me, surely you don't expect me to sit upon the earth. Others have promised jewel encrusted thrones "
"But I could give you everything "
"Let me explain something to you"
Calliope faced Ben and placed a finger under his chin raising him with her finger as she began singing.
Some boys kiss me
Some boys hug me
I think that's ok
She whipped her finger away and spun around.
If they don't give me proper credit
I'll just walk away
They can beg and they can plead
A small group of boys ran on stage, falling on their knees begging and pleading with her
But they can't see the light {That's right, that's right)
Cause the boy with the cold hard cash is always Mr Right
The small group of boys parted and one who was extremely well dressed, with a pouch of gold stepped through them and Calliope linked arms with him.
Cause we are living in
In a material world
And I am material girl
Calliope and the rich boy did a small dance number; Giselle singing the whole time and she let out a giggle when the rich boy dipped her.
You know that we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
The rich boy dropped on one knee and presented a ring to her, which Calliope plucked from his hand, examined it and flung it behind, pushing the rich boy back.
She spun around and came to a stop, when another group of boys rushed onstage, while the first group danced offstage.
Some boys' romance and some boys slow dance
That's alright with me
One bed fell on one knee serenading Princes Calliope while the other boy grabbed her in a brief dance.
If they can't raise my interest then I
Have to let them be
Calliope placed her hands on her hip and both boys hung their heads before walking away, dragging their feet.
Some boys try and some boys lie but
I don't let them play
The first group of boys ran out and began making broad hand gestures while Calliope yawned at them and shooed them away.
Only boys who save their pennies
Make my rainy day, 'cause they are
One boy carrying a really big piggy bank walked onstage and Calliope held her hand out to be kissed by him.
Living in a material world [material]
Living in a material world
Living in a material world [material]
Living in a material world
The boy and Calliope ran through a perfectly executed dance routine and when they finished, the stage filled with the boys running in from the left and right and then leaving a parting down the middle for Calliope to strut through.
Boys may come and boys may go
And that's all right you see
Experience has made me rich
And now they're after me, 'cause everybody's
Calliope waved her hand, the gold rings she wore glittering and then the boys fell at her feet eyeing up the gold and jewels she wore.
Cause everybody's living in a material world
And I am a material girl
Cause everybody's living in a material world
And I am material girl
The song ended with everyone on stage throwing his or her arms up in the air.
Giselle took a deep breath trying to slow her rapidly beating heart.
She approached Ben and smirked and lifted his chin with her index finger.
"And that is why you are out of your league, kid".
The curtain fell on them and the stage helps ran around changing the scenery.
Melody rushed over to Giselle.
"How was it?" she asked eagerly.
Giselle smiled broadly.
"It was amazing, "she gushed, her eyes alight.
******
Misty was shaking, she didn't know when she started but her mind had gone blank and now she was shaking and she knew she was taking shorter breaths.
Mr Crefell smiled as the scene began onstage but he looked down when he heard short breaths and saw Misty had gone considerably paler.
"Good heavens, you suffer from stage fright?"
"If that's what you call being afraid of the stage then I think so" Misty replied, her voice shaking.
"How was this never an issue before"
"It was rehearsal, if I screwed up which everyone did anyway, I could threaten whoever laughed"
Onstage.
Ben was sitting in the middle of the stage, a mountain of books beside him.
" Aha! If I could find one of these magic wielding sprites then I could make one make Calliope fall for me. If you find one they have to help you as it's in their nature," he cried out triumphantly.
"But" he trailed off, looking out the window at the dark looming forest in the window." I have to go to the forest to try and find the portal"
Melody skipped out on stage, her feet barely touching the stage and the pink of her gown swishing around elegantly.
She twirled around gently while playing a soft melody.
Melody's purpose was to be the storyteller.
"And so Ben left, battling his fear in the hopes that he might find a sprite and a solution to his problems with Calliope"
The curtain fell as she spoke and again the stage helps were running around like headless chickens setting up the scene of a dark forest.
When the curtain rose, the lights had dimmed and the stage was now fairly dark.
Ben stumbled into the forest looking around the nervously.
Misty stood rooted to the spot.
"Misty, please don't freeze up on me" Mr Crefell pleaded.
Ash saw Misty shaking like a leaf and his eyes narrowed in determination.
He walked over to her and grabbed her by the shoulders spinning her around, a feat he could never boast until today.
"Misty, you HAVE to go out there, we're counting on you. What have you got to be afraid about anyway, you got more talent than everyone in this whole theatre put together, audience included. Plus your tough, you're a Waterflower ain't cha?" he demanded, his voice stern and his eyes narrowed.
Misty nodded, silently.
"And I'll be there the whole time watching and cheering, ok?" he asked, softer this time.
Misty smiled at him, weakly.
"And are you gonna let your sisters know you couldn't hack something they think is simple as batting an eyelash?" Ash demanded his tone challenging.
"HELL NO!" Misty cried, eyes ablaze.
She stalked towards the stage.
"You know for someone who is very upset with Misty at the moment, you didn't think twice about jumping in and saving her" Brock remarked, coming up behind him.
Ash sighed.
"Doesn't really matter what she does to me, I'm never gonna leave her hanging" he said softly and sincerely.
"Ash I'm sorry I've been such a terrible friend to you over the last week. I should have taken your word for it and.. I really hope you can forgive me"
Ash looked at Brock for a moment and grinned.
"You got it, man"
Onstage.
Ben stumbled about the forest when a bunch of leaves lifted up high in the tree behind to reveal Jade {Misty} sitting on the branch with a smile.
Mr Crefell grinned at the audience, who was in awe of the young girl.
The first day he had seen her, he thought she was one of the most striking, beautiful girls he had ever seen.
You couldn't compare her beauty to another sort; it was in a league of its own and he knew that would pay off onstage.
Her fiery hair was smooth and gleamed in the light, highlighting the red gold tints.
Her sea green eyes sparkled and her cheeks were flushed slightly.
A teasing smile lit up her face.
Her costume was the hardest to design according to Lisa, trying to combine the airiness of a fairy with the tough as nails Misty.
She was the only girl whose costume wasn't a dress.
An emerald green top adorned her figure.
Dark green straps dotted with small green diamonds clung to her upper arm and then flowed out in a loose fitting green lace.
The Bodice was a tight fitting dark green material that ended well above her waist and then flowed out in a richly embroidered lace that went to her knees. Underneath that she wore a dark blue pants that reached her shins.
To complete the look, she was wearing a light blue green full-length sleeveless jacket and light brown boots.
Jade giggled as Ben, oblivious to her looked around in fear.
Suddenly an ominous voice filled the stage.
Beware of the full moon
Stick to the path
Out come the creatures
A spine chilling laugh.
This was followed by a maniacal evil laugh.
Jade wrapped an arm around the tree and leaned forward, opening her mouth and letting out a rich powerful sound.
There's a chill in the air
{A chill in the air}
Four other people popped up from behind bushes and trees to sing back-up but they disappeared as soon as they sang their line.
Misty stood up and leaned against the tree.
The four back-up popped up again but in different places and vanished just as suddenly as they arrived.
You hear a creak on the stairs
{A creak on the stairs}
Ben turned around but saw no one and continued on.
You gotta lock all your doors
{Lock all your doors}
Is there anybody out?
Jade swung down from the branch and landed neatly on her feet.
The back-up singers popped up and the followed Misty as she moved backwards, leading them along with her finger.
They're out to get you.
To capture you and make you spellbound
Howling and prowling, you're shivering quivering spellbound
Jade followed Ben around the stage, jumping back, every time he turned around and mimicking his movements.
You cannot run
And you cannot hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby,
Things go bump in the night
The back-up singers now took up Jades challenge and followed him around, disappearing behind bushes and trees when he turned.
Ben was jumpy and swung around a lot.
Wherever you run
And wherever you hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby,
Things go bump, bump, bump in the night
Two back-up singers jumped up and when they saw each other, they both cried out in fright.
Jade pushed them apart and walked between them.
The background dancers ran off stage in a small cluster while Jade rolled her eyes.
Tell me who's spookin' who {who's spookin' who}
It's very scooby doo {scooby doo}
A Rattata shrieks and Hoot Hoot hoots
Jade followed Ben again and this time pretending to be afraid, biting her nails and jumping from foot to foot.
You hear a shriek in the house (shriek in the house}
You know its freaking me out (freaking me out}
The back-up singers jumped out in front of Ben this time.
They're out to get you,
To capture you and make you spellbound
Howling and prowling, you're shivering, quivering, spellbound.
They chased him around the stage, when he turned around one would pop up from a bush and they kept him running from spot to spot.
You cannot run
And you cannot hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby,
Things go bump in the night
Jade disappeared behind another tree watching from behind the tree while the others kept Ben running in a circle.
Wherever you run
And wherever you hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby,
Things go bump, bump, bump in the night
The background singers formed a line and every time Ben took a step back, they took a step forward.
Who's spookin who who's spookin' who
who's spookin who who's spookin who
(Things that go bump they go bump they go bump they go)
{Things that go bump they go bump they go bump they go)
Ben kept backing up until he bumped into someone standing behind him.
Jade is standing there and she smirked at him.
She jumped and landed with her feet firmly apart whenever she sang "Bump".
She did this every time she sang that word for the rest of the song.
You cannot run
And you cannot hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby,
Things go bump bump bump bump in the night
Misty grabbed Ben and pulled him towards her and when he pulled away, she let go so suddenly, he fell back on his butt.
You cannot run and
You cannot hide {Yeah, Yeah}
{Oh yeah}you gotta face it baby
You know wherever you run and wherever you hide
Things go bump in the night
The back-up singers surrounded him and kept finding different ways to make sure Ben stayed on the ground.
Yeah you gotta face it baby
Things go bump, bump bump bump in the night
You cannot run, { You can't run}
And you cannot hide { You can't hide}
You know wherever you run and wherever you hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby
Things go bump bump bump in the night.
Things that go bump, bump in the night
The music died away and Ben looked up fearfully at Jade; the back-up singers disappeared offstage.
Jade tilted her head and smirked at the boy.
"Hey kid, strayed kinda far"
The curtain fell and the second song of the evening was applauded heartily. Three young women in particular screamed as loudly as they could, one with pink hair wolf whistling.
Misty made her way offstage and just behind the curtains; she slumped to the ground in a sitting position, head hanging down.
Mr Crefell approached her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you ok?" he asked her, his voice filled with concern.
Misty looked up at him and he was relieved to see a weak smile crossing her lips.
"THAT was scary"
"Well a wise woman told me that red head's never get scared, especially those of the Waterflower kind"
"Couldn't have been a very wise woman"
"She has her moments"
"Ash helped me out so much back there, I saw him at the other side of the stage while I was up there. You know he's always been cheering me on like that, ever since we were stupid little kids who thought we could own the world."
"As opposed to the pillars of maturity and humbleness you both are now?" Mr Crefell's words dripped with sarcasm
"Ohhh someone's got more bite than usual. I have to find Ash and thank him and then sort out this whole big mess we landed ourselves in"
Mr Crefell grinned at her.
"Go on then"
"You had a problem with that last time" she pointed out.
"Yeah but you earned it"
Misty smiled gratefully and scurried off trying to find Ash, passing by Duplica on the way.
Duplica watched her friend rush by and she shrugged, used to all her friends more odd behaviours
She was walking towards the stage when Snap ran towards her.
"Hey, you're doing a great job on the lighting" she commented.
"Hey I have to ask you something really important" he pressed.
"Ok" she replied with uncertainty but hope bubbled up in her stomach.
{He might be asking me out}
"How do you go about asking someone out"
Duplica's face fell and then clouded over.
"I don't know SNAP! Just do it!" she snapped angrily, stalking off.
"Would you like to go out with me?" he asked, dejectedly after her retreating form.
He walked away and he saw Richie and Melody coming out of some small storage room.
"Art teacher again?" he asked casually, not even thinking about what he said.
Melody and Richie froze and then began babbling something by way of excuses. Snap wasn't even paying attention and as suck took no notice of them.
"Oh that's cool. Later" he said in a small voice and walked away, his shoulders slumped, dragging his feet.
Melody placed her hands on her hips and grinned.
"It's a good thing your friends are so very, very dim"
"Hard to take criticism from the girl whose friends can't remember what colour their hair used to be"
Melody smiled at him and ruffled his hair.
"Like you're a natural brunette"
"Hey you're the bright spark who left me hold her flute thing" Richie grinned as he held up her ocarina"
"I didn't let you, you stole it from you and held it hostage unless I gave into your demands"
"Which you liked, didn't you?" he teased.
She grabbed her ocarina and bopped him on the nose with it.
"I have to go onstage now cause I'm really important and people won't be able to figure out what's going on unless I tell em'" Melody said in a childish proud voice.
Richie bit his tongue and nodded, watching as the brunette swanned towards the stage.
"The show must go on" he grinned and walked away.
To be continued.
Please read and review
Lots of love
Nibbs
This chapter is slightly shorter than usual and is different to the other ones and I have to say, it was pretty hard to write. I know when you're reading it you're gonna be "Pfftt I could have written that in like, twenty minutes" well you weren't writing it, so don't judge me!
And *does a little celebration dance* It's my birthday tomorrow
Anyhow, don't own the characters, do own the story
Please read and review.
Lots of love
Chapter 14
Misty's sea green eyes scanned the crowds of people rushing about. She bit her lips,practically identifying every person standing before her.
"Hey lady, you looking for somebody?" a cheerful voice enquired drawing her attention away from the hustle bustle going on around her and towards a green haired teen in a yellow and green dress.
"I was looking for Ash" Misty explained with a sigh, leaning against the wall and wringing her hands nervously.
Duplica's smile fell and her eyes filled with worry.
"Misty I'm really don't think...." she began but was cut off by Misty.
"You know something needs to be done and its never gonna get done unless I do it" she decided and strode away, her skirt swishing as she walked giving her an elegant appearance
"Ash is not gonna want to listen ...although if you phrase it like that he might be more inclined to. Why is it SO hard for two people to tell each other they like them and then go out on a date" she groaned, placing a hand on her forehead and sighing.
"Yeah I totally agree, so where's Snap?" Giselle teased, resting her hands on her hips.
"Probably hanging out with Brock" Duplica shot back instantly and effortlessly.
"Stage call"
"Looks like games on, princess" Duplica smirked.
Giselle made a face at her but walked away towards the stage, breathing deeply.
The curtains were still drawn and right about now, Melody was dancing around the stage, playing a soft song on her ocarina and telling the audience about the circumstance of the story.
"The sprites and the humans lived in peace alongside one another. Humans began to feel threatened by the sprites and began to kill them starting a brutal war. The sprites opened up a portal into a strange beautiful new world where they could be free from humans and now our story will explain what happened to cause the portal to be opened once more and the wonderful beings, known as Pokemon to be born.
She smiled and took a bow and as the audience applauded, she pranced offstage.
The curtain rose and Brock and Rudy were on stage.
Giselle watched Brock on stage already with Rudy, going through their lines perfectly.
She had to hand it to them both; they both had their characters next to perfect.
"Princess Calliope would want nothing to do with you" Jack (Brock) spat, glaring at Ben (Rudy), focusing all his anger on the red haired youth that stood before him with pleading eyes.
"Just give me a chance with her, please" Ben begged, desperately.
Giselle inhaled deeply and stepped onstage, her naturally graceful movements gave the character an air of authenticity.
"Now, now Ben" Princess Calliope {Giselle} purred, batting her eyelashes at Ben.
"If this young gentleman thinks he had something to offer that I have yet to see, let's at least give him a chance" she continued, circling Ben with a hint of a smirk.
"But princess" Ben objected.
"Please Ben, leave us be" Calliope said gently with underlying steel.
Ben nodded reluctantly and walked offstage.
"Great job" Richie grinned at his friend who had just finished his scene.
"It's really pretty nerve wrecking out there"
"Giselle seems cool with it"
"That girl is a great actor"
Richie heard the bite in his friend's tone but Brock's face told a different story.
He wasn't angry with her, he cared about her and was trying with all his might to be angry with her and Richie shook his head, knowing Brock was fighting a losing battle.
The crowd laughed as Giselle delivered a one liner that suited both Giselle and Princess Calliope.
Misty watched the brunette from the other side of the stage, feeling a smile tug at the corner of her lips.
"Well I don't think I could have found anyone better for the role" Mr Crefell mused, appearing beside Misty.
"You got lucky with Giselle, wait till' you see the rest of us stumbling round trying to throw out our lines" Misty replied, smirking at him.
"Misty, I'll let you in on a little secret, I never put anyone on the spot unless I am fully aware that they can come out on top. It would only reflect poorly on me " Mr Crefell gave her a self satisfied smile.
"And I have no intention of looking bad tonight"
Misry saw a mop of scruffy raven hair bobbing along through the crowd.
Her face lit up and she hurried after him.
She was about to call out his name when she remembered one rule that Mr Crefell had drilled into them.
"Never make a commotion back stage, no running, screaming, shouting, arguing. Do what needs to be done in silence"
Ash turned around and saw someone walking towards him.
He winced, the pain was still raw from what he had seen yesterday and as such, he couldn't even face the spirited red head.
Someone grabbed Misty's elbow and dragged her away from Ash.
"Well that was a close call" Mr Crefell breathed a sigh of relief.
"Giselle isn't even finished her scene, what could you possibly want me for?" Misty demanded.
"I'm not blind, I know that something happened between you and Ash and while I love this chemistry between you both, I will not see a fight break out and both of you in foul moods going out there to entertain"
"I'm already in a foul mood"
"Yes but your mood is not as bad as it might have been"
Misty huffed and folded her arms across her chest and continued to watch Giselle, sneaking occasional glares at her self appointed baby sitter.
Calliope sighed and she walked past Ben who was on his knees.
"Yes but you have promised me the moon and the sun, the sky and the ocean, the stars and the trees and all that dwell between them but let me ask you this. On what shall I sit to admire all that you have promised me, surely you don't expect me to sit upon the earth. Others have promised jewel encrusted thrones "
"But I could give you everything "
"Let me explain something to you"
Calliope faced Ben and placed a finger under his chin raising him with her finger as she began singing.
Some boys kiss me
Some boys hug me
I think that's ok
She whipped her finger away and spun around.
If they don't give me proper credit
I'll just walk away
They can beg and they can plead
A small group of boys ran on stage, falling on their knees begging and pleading with her
But they can't see the light {That's right, that's right)
Cause the boy with the cold hard cash is always Mr Right
The small group of boys parted and one who was extremely well dressed, with a pouch of gold stepped through them and Calliope linked arms with him.
Cause we are living in
In a material world
And I am material girl
Calliope and the rich boy did a small dance number; Giselle singing the whole time and she let out a giggle when the rich boy dipped her.
You know that we are living in a material world
And I am a material girl
The rich boy dropped on one knee and presented a ring to her, which Calliope plucked from his hand, examined it and flung it behind, pushing the rich boy back.
She spun around and came to a stop, when another group of boys rushed onstage, while the first group danced offstage.
Some boys' romance and some boys slow dance
That's alright with me
One bed fell on one knee serenading Princes Calliope while the other boy grabbed her in a brief dance.
If they can't raise my interest then I
Have to let them be
Calliope placed her hands on her hip and both boys hung their heads before walking away, dragging their feet.
Some boys try and some boys lie but
I don't let them play
The first group of boys ran out and began making broad hand gestures while Calliope yawned at them and shooed them away.
Only boys who save their pennies
Make my rainy day, 'cause they are
One boy carrying a really big piggy bank walked onstage and Calliope held her hand out to be kissed by him.
Living in a material world [material]
Living in a material world
Living in a material world [material]
Living in a material world
The boy and Calliope ran through a perfectly executed dance routine and when they finished, the stage filled with the boys running in from the left and right and then leaving a parting down the middle for Calliope to strut through.
Boys may come and boys may go
And that's all right you see
Experience has made me rich
And now they're after me, 'cause everybody's
Calliope waved her hand, the gold rings she wore glittering and then the boys fell at her feet eyeing up the gold and jewels she wore.
Cause everybody's living in a material world
And I am a material girl
Cause everybody's living in a material world
And I am material girl
The song ended with everyone on stage throwing his or her arms up in the air.
Giselle took a deep breath trying to slow her rapidly beating heart.
She approached Ben and smirked and lifted his chin with her index finger.
"And that is why you are out of your league, kid".
The curtain fell on them and the stage helps ran around changing the scenery.
Melody rushed over to Giselle.
"How was it?" she asked eagerly.
Giselle smiled broadly.
"It was amazing, "she gushed, her eyes alight.
******
Misty was shaking, she didn't know when she started but her mind had gone blank and now she was shaking and she knew she was taking shorter breaths.
Mr Crefell smiled as the scene began onstage but he looked down when he heard short breaths and saw Misty had gone considerably paler.
"Good heavens, you suffer from stage fright?"
"If that's what you call being afraid of the stage then I think so" Misty replied, her voice shaking.
"How was this never an issue before"
"It was rehearsal, if I screwed up which everyone did anyway, I could threaten whoever laughed"
Onstage.
Ben was sitting in the middle of the stage, a mountain of books beside him.
" Aha! If I could find one of these magic wielding sprites then I could make one make Calliope fall for me. If you find one they have to help you as it's in their nature," he cried out triumphantly.
"But" he trailed off, looking out the window at the dark looming forest in the window." I have to go to the forest to try and find the portal"
Melody skipped out on stage, her feet barely touching the stage and the pink of her gown swishing around elegantly.
She twirled around gently while playing a soft melody.
Melody's purpose was to be the storyteller.
"And so Ben left, battling his fear in the hopes that he might find a sprite and a solution to his problems with Calliope"
The curtain fell as she spoke and again the stage helps were running around like headless chickens setting up the scene of a dark forest.
When the curtain rose, the lights had dimmed and the stage was now fairly dark.
Ben stumbled into the forest looking around the nervously.
Misty stood rooted to the spot.
"Misty, please don't freeze up on me" Mr Crefell pleaded.
Ash saw Misty shaking like a leaf and his eyes narrowed in determination.
He walked over to her and grabbed her by the shoulders spinning her around, a feat he could never boast until today.
"Misty, you HAVE to go out there, we're counting on you. What have you got to be afraid about anyway, you got more talent than everyone in this whole theatre put together, audience included. Plus your tough, you're a Waterflower ain't cha?" he demanded, his voice stern and his eyes narrowed.
Misty nodded, silently.
"And I'll be there the whole time watching and cheering, ok?" he asked, softer this time.
Misty smiled at him, weakly.
"And are you gonna let your sisters know you couldn't hack something they think is simple as batting an eyelash?" Ash demanded his tone challenging.
"HELL NO!" Misty cried, eyes ablaze.
She stalked towards the stage.
"You know for someone who is very upset with Misty at the moment, you didn't think twice about jumping in and saving her" Brock remarked, coming up behind him.
Ash sighed.
"Doesn't really matter what she does to me, I'm never gonna leave her hanging" he said softly and sincerely.
"Ash I'm sorry I've been such a terrible friend to you over the last week. I should have taken your word for it and.. I really hope you can forgive me"
Ash looked at Brock for a moment and grinned.
"You got it, man"
Onstage.
Ben stumbled about the forest when a bunch of leaves lifted up high in the tree behind to reveal Jade {Misty} sitting on the branch with a smile.
Mr Crefell grinned at the audience, who was in awe of the young girl.
The first day he had seen her, he thought she was one of the most striking, beautiful girls he had ever seen.
You couldn't compare her beauty to another sort; it was in a league of its own and he knew that would pay off onstage.
Her fiery hair was smooth and gleamed in the light, highlighting the red gold tints.
Her sea green eyes sparkled and her cheeks were flushed slightly.
A teasing smile lit up her face.
Her costume was the hardest to design according to Lisa, trying to combine the airiness of a fairy with the tough as nails Misty.
She was the only girl whose costume wasn't a dress.
An emerald green top adorned her figure.
Dark green straps dotted with small green diamonds clung to her upper arm and then flowed out in a loose fitting green lace.
The Bodice was a tight fitting dark green material that ended well above her waist and then flowed out in a richly embroidered lace that went to her knees. Underneath that she wore a dark blue pants that reached her shins.
To complete the look, she was wearing a light blue green full-length sleeveless jacket and light brown boots.
Jade giggled as Ben, oblivious to her looked around in fear.
Suddenly an ominous voice filled the stage.
Beware of the full moon
Stick to the path
Out come the creatures
A spine chilling laugh.
This was followed by a maniacal evil laugh.
Jade wrapped an arm around the tree and leaned forward, opening her mouth and letting out a rich powerful sound.
There's a chill in the air
{A chill in the air}
Four other people popped up from behind bushes and trees to sing back-up but they disappeared as soon as they sang their line.
Misty stood up and leaned against the tree.
The four back-up popped up again but in different places and vanished just as suddenly as they arrived.
You hear a creak on the stairs
{A creak on the stairs}
Ben turned around but saw no one and continued on.
You gotta lock all your doors
{Lock all your doors}
Is there anybody out?
Jade swung down from the branch and landed neatly on her feet.
The back-up singers popped up and the followed Misty as she moved backwards, leading them along with her finger.
They're out to get you.
To capture you and make you spellbound
Howling and prowling, you're shivering quivering spellbound
Jade followed Ben around the stage, jumping back, every time he turned around and mimicking his movements.
You cannot run
And you cannot hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby,
Things go bump in the night
The back-up singers now took up Jades challenge and followed him around, disappearing behind bushes and trees when he turned.
Ben was jumpy and swung around a lot.
Wherever you run
And wherever you hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby,
Things go bump, bump, bump in the night
Two back-up singers jumped up and when they saw each other, they both cried out in fright.
Jade pushed them apart and walked between them.
The background dancers ran off stage in a small cluster while Jade rolled her eyes.
Tell me who's spookin' who {who's spookin' who}
It's very scooby doo {scooby doo}
A Rattata shrieks and Hoot Hoot hoots
Jade followed Ben again and this time pretending to be afraid, biting her nails and jumping from foot to foot.
You hear a shriek in the house (shriek in the house}
You know its freaking me out (freaking me out}
The back-up singers jumped out in front of Ben this time.
They're out to get you,
To capture you and make you spellbound
Howling and prowling, you're shivering, quivering, spellbound.
They chased him around the stage, when he turned around one would pop up from a bush and they kept him running from spot to spot.
You cannot run
And you cannot hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby,
Things go bump in the night
Jade disappeared behind another tree watching from behind the tree while the others kept Ben running in a circle.
Wherever you run
And wherever you hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby,
Things go bump, bump, bump in the night
The background singers formed a line and every time Ben took a step back, they took a step forward.
Who's spookin who who's spookin' who
who's spookin who who's spookin who
(Things that go bump they go bump they go bump they go)
{Things that go bump they go bump they go bump they go)
Ben kept backing up until he bumped into someone standing behind him.
Jade is standing there and she smirked at him.
She jumped and landed with her feet firmly apart whenever she sang "Bump".
She did this every time she sang that word for the rest of the song.
You cannot run
And you cannot hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby,
Things go bump bump bump bump in the night
Misty grabbed Ben and pulled him towards her and when he pulled away, she let go so suddenly, he fell back on his butt.
You cannot run and
You cannot hide {Yeah, Yeah}
{Oh yeah}you gotta face it baby
You know wherever you run and wherever you hide
Things go bump in the night
The back-up singers surrounded him and kept finding different ways to make sure Ben stayed on the ground.
Yeah you gotta face it baby
Things go bump, bump bump bump in the night
You cannot run, { You can't run}
And you cannot hide { You can't hide}
You know wherever you run and wherever you hide
Yeah you gotta face it baby
Things go bump bump bump in the night.
Things that go bump, bump in the night
The music died away and Ben looked up fearfully at Jade; the back-up singers disappeared offstage.
Jade tilted her head and smirked at the boy.
"Hey kid, strayed kinda far"
The curtain fell and the second song of the evening was applauded heartily. Three young women in particular screamed as loudly as they could, one with pink hair wolf whistling.
Misty made her way offstage and just behind the curtains; she slumped to the ground in a sitting position, head hanging down.
Mr Crefell approached her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Are you ok?" he asked her, his voice filled with concern.
Misty looked up at him and he was relieved to see a weak smile crossing her lips.
"THAT was scary"
"Well a wise woman told me that red head's never get scared, especially those of the Waterflower kind"
"Couldn't have been a very wise woman"
"She has her moments"
"Ash helped me out so much back there, I saw him at the other side of the stage while I was up there. You know he's always been cheering me on like that, ever since we were stupid little kids who thought we could own the world."
"As opposed to the pillars of maturity and humbleness you both are now?" Mr Crefell's words dripped with sarcasm
"Ohhh someone's got more bite than usual. I have to find Ash and thank him and then sort out this whole big mess we landed ourselves in"
Mr Crefell grinned at her.
"Go on then"
"You had a problem with that last time" she pointed out.
"Yeah but you earned it"
Misty smiled gratefully and scurried off trying to find Ash, passing by Duplica on the way.
Duplica watched her friend rush by and she shrugged, used to all her friends more odd behaviours
She was walking towards the stage when Snap ran towards her.
"Hey, you're doing a great job on the lighting" she commented.
"Hey I have to ask you something really important" he pressed.
"Ok" she replied with uncertainty but hope bubbled up in her stomach.
{He might be asking me out}
"How do you go about asking someone out"
Duplica's face fell and then clouded over.
"I don't know SNAP! Just do it!" she snapped angrily, stalking off.
"Would you like to go out with me?" he asked, dejectedly after her retreating form.
He walked away and he saw Richie and Melody coming out of some small storage room.
"Art teacher again?" he asked casually, not even thinking about what he said.
Melody and Richie froze and then began babbling something by way of excuses. Snap wasn't even paying attention and as suck took no notice of them.
"Oh that's cool. Later" he said in a small voice and walked away, his shoulders slumped, dragging his feet.
Melody placed her hands on her hips and grinned.
"It's a good thing your friends are so very, very dim"
"Hard to take criticism from the girl whose friends can't remember what colour their hair used to be"
Melody smiled at him and ruffled his hair.
"Like you're a natural brunette"
"Hey you're the bright spark who left me hold her flute thing" Richie grinned as he held up her ocarina"
"I didn't let you, you stole it from you and held it hostage unless I gave into your demands"
"Which you liked, didn't you?" he teased.
She grabbed her ocarina and bopped him on the nose with it.
"I have to go onstage now cause I'm really important and people won't be able to figure out what's going on unless I tell em'" Melody said in a childish proud voice.
Richie bit his tongue and nodded, watching as the brunette swanned towards the stage.
"The show must go on" he grinned and walked away.
To be continued.
Please read and review
Lots of love
Nibbs