A/N: Yeah, yeah, I know, self-insertion sucks. Still, it was fun while it lasted… sigh Don't worry, we'll be getting to the good stuff soon.
After the Gala
The curtain closes upstage. The Ballet Girls, from the wings, gush around Cheza, who hands each a flower from her bouquet.
Quent (to Cheza, gruffly):
Yes, you did well. He will be pleased.
(to the DANCERS)
And you! You were a disgrace! Bloody wolves, I don't know why I put up with you! Move, it, we're rehearsing!
He emphasizes this by firing his rifle into the air, galvanizing the wolves into action as they bolt. Quent follows, and soon the sound of his rifle butt hitting the floor can be heard as he keeps time with it. Cheza, on the other hand, drifts toward her dressing room. Blue follows her, unnoticed. And as Cheza is about to open the door to her dressing room, she hears a dark and enchanting voice, out of nowhere.
Darcia:
Bravi, bravi, bravissimi...
Cheza looks around, confused. Blue, following, fails to hear the aforesaid voice. Cheza turns, surprised, which becomes relief as she sees who it is.
Blue:
Where in the world
have you been hiding?
Really, you were
perfect!
I only wish
I knew your secret!
Who is this great
tutor?
Cheza (distracted, entering the dressing room):
This one once heard
of an angel . . .
I used to dream he'd
appear . . .
Now as I sing,
I can sense him . . .
And I know
he's here . . .
(Her voice becomes much more trancelike as she continues)
Here in this room
he calls me softly . . .
somewhere inside . . .
hiding . . .
Somehow I know
he's always with me . . .
he - the unseen
genius . . .
Blue pats her comfortingly on the shoulder, shaking her head.
Blue:
Cheza, you must have been dreaming…
Stories like this can't come true.
Cheza, you're talking in riddles,
And it's not like you…
Cheza apparently doesn't hear her, but goes on, happily.
Cheza:
Angel of Music!
Guide and guardian!
Grant this one your glory!
Blue (inwardly):
Who is this angel?
This…
Both:
Angel of Music!
Hide no longer!
Secret and strange
angel . . .
Cheza: He's with this one even now…
Blue: Your hands are cold!
Cheza: All around…
Blue: Your face, Cheza-
it's white.
Cheza: It frightens this one…
Blue: Don't be frightened…
They look at each other. The moment is broken by the sudden arrival of Quent, who nearly breaks down the door.
Quent: Blue. Are you a dancer? Then come out and practice!
Blue leaves and joins the dancers as Quent tosses something to Cheza.
Quent: Hey. A wolf asked me to give you this.
He hands Cheza a note, and leaves as she opens it.
Cheza: A red jacket… the attic… Little Lotte…
------------------------
Ending A/N: Finally! In the next scene, the good stuff. Darcia-sama makes an appearance! As does Kiba, for those of you that like Kiba.
Woohoo!