Chapter 3-The Mirror

Yuffie held Kairi's arm tight as they walked back to Kairi's dressing room. Her old friend was scaring her with this talk about an angel.

"Yuffie?"

"Yeah?"

"You're hurting my arm."

"Oh. Sorry." Yuffie relaxed her hold on Kairi's arm but did not let go.

Aerith stood waiting for them outside Kairi's dressing room.

"There you are! You did an excellent job!" She exclaimed and handed Kairi a red rose with a black ribbon tied around it. "He is pleased with you."

Yuffie raised an eyebrow at his but said nothing.

"Well I'm off to bed," Kairi said.

"Of course dear you've had a tiring day," Aerith said.

"See ya in the morning," Yuffie said giving her friend a hug. "I think I'm going to stay up a little longer and see if I can find Leon." She added in low tones so her mother would not hear.

Kairi laughed at her friend and closed her door. She turned around and let out a small gasp. Her room was filled with many bouquets of flowers. It was a wonder the floor was visible above the gifts. Kairi smiled as the scent of a yellow rose entered her nostrils. This was all thanks to her angel.

Kairi sat down at her mirror and began brushing her cheery red hair. Suddenly a knock sounded at the door. Kairi shut her eyes. She was happy that they liked her but she was tired. Why couldn't they just leave her alone?

The door swung open. She was about to tell whomever it was to please leave her be, when she dropped her brush with a gasp. Could it be?

"Little Lotte let her mind wander. Little Lotte thought, am I fonder of dolls, or of goblins or shoes?"

"Sora?"

"It's been to long Kairi."

"It has," Kairi said rising and embracing her friend in a hug. It felt good to be in his arms.

"What have you been up to all this time?"

"My father has died, Sora. So I came here. Remember when he told us when he died he would send the angel of music to me? Well he has! That is why I sang the way I did tonight!"

"I wouldn't doubt it. You truly were amazing! Kairi join me for supper tonight."

"Sora I can't-"

"Nonsense! I insist! Hold on, I'll be back in a moment."

With that Sora quickly left her dressing room.

Kairi sighed and sat down. It's not that she wasn't happy to see her child hood friend, it was the fact that the angel would be displeased with her. In her frustration Kairi did not hear the lock on her door turn.

X

Tidus the stagehand chased several chorus girls around their dressing room. He was "scaring" them with the infamous tale of the opera ghost.

"Like yellow parchment is his skin ...
A great black hole served as the nose that never grew ...
You must be always on your guard,
or he will catch you with his magical lasso!"

Tidus grabbed a rope and swung around the neck of a near by chorus girl and pulled her towards him, enveloping her in his arms. She sqeauled with delight and laughed. Suddenly Aerith entered the room. She gently realeased the chorus girl from Tidus's grasp. She then faced Tidus.

"Those who speak of what they know
Find, too late, that prudent silence is wise.
Tidus, hold your tongue
Keep your hand at the level of your eyes"

Aerith slapped Tidus across the face and left the room. The excitement that was present in the room a moment ago was gone.

X

Kairi finished dressing for bed, when suddenly her room was thrown into darkness for all the lights had dimmed. An angry voice suddenly entered the room. It was the angel.

Insolent boy, This slave of fashion, Basking in your glory Ignorant fool This brave young suitor Sharing in my triumph

Angel I hear you Speak, I listen Stay by my side, guide me Angel my soul was weak, Forgive me Enter at last master

Flattering child you shall know me See why in shadow I hide Look at your face in the mirror I am there inside

Angel of music Guide and guardian Grant to me your glory Angel of music Hide no longer Come to me strange angel

I am your angel of music Come to me angel of music Come to me angel of music