AD 2204, 6/14, 6th Hierarchical City of Yabiko – NOL Branch
Carl sighs as he exits Mutsuki's office, Tsubaki's comforting words do little to stifle the sting of Jin's cold dismissal. As he walks back to his rooms, he mulls over their reunion. Whilst Tsubaki's reaction reaffirms that perhaps he has a chance at redemption, Jin's serves as a stark reminder that he has much to do if he truly wants to make amends. His mind turns to plan out his next move as he opens his door.
"Carl, do you have a minute?" The voice of Amane Nishiki cuts through his train of thought.
Carl looks at the older man with a guarded gaze. He'd hoped to continue avoiding him. "That depends. Are you here to try and 'recruit' me again?"
To Carl's surprise, Nishiki softly shakes his head with a gentle smile. "Oh, no. I just wanted to ask if you'd be willing to attend tonight's show. It would mean a lot to me, and Shishigami."
Carl blinks. "Master Bang? What's he got to do with this?"
Nishiki smiles beatifically. "Oh! Shishigami is going to be starring opposite moi in tonight's show. He'd love it if you'd be willing to attend."
Carl stares at him for a moment. He doesn't seem to be lying, and the story matches Bang's sudden absence. He thinks carefully.
"I can't just leave Master Bang hanging… But can I trust him? …Guess there's only one way to find out."
Carl nods to himself, then to Nishiki. "Alright. Let me check with Ada first. I don't want to leave her out of a good show."
Nishiki's grin brightens, and he clasps his hands together. "Splendid! Oh, thank you, Carl! You two won't regret a thing, I promise!"
Carl rolls his eye, then turns to Ada, who has been sitting patiently by the door. "What do you say, Sis? Feel like taking in the festivities tonight?"
"…" She tilts her head, amused.
Carl chuckles at her rather crude joke before facing Nishiki once more. "Sis wants to know if you've finished your rehearsal yet."
Amane quirks a brow, smirking. "As it happens, we haven't. I trust that the lady wants a sneak peek, so to speak?"
"…" She gives a subtle nod of the head.
Carl continues to smile at her rather blunt answer. "Exactly. Allow me to get ready, and we'll join you in the main hall shortly."
Amane's smirk transitions back into an eager smile, his icy eyes sparkling with excitement bouncing on the balls of his feet as he walks away. "Don't keep me waiting, Carl! I can't wait to show you what we can do!"
AD 2204, 6/14, 6th Hierarchical City of Yabiko – Near the Rail Station
Carl looks around curiously as the stalls spread around the main square of Yabiko, full of merchants and various entertainers.
Nishiki notices his wandering eye with a smile. "We tend to bring out a lot of smaller vendors and such whenever we put on a show. It's a win-win scenario, really. We pay them for advertising, and they give us a bit of a kip-up in donations. See anything you like?"
Carl hums. "Nothing catches my eye right now. Why, are you planning to treat me to a day out?" He smirks at Nishiki's rolling eyes.
"No need to be like that, Carl. I just thought I could help you haggle, is all. You haven't exactly gone unnoticed." Nishiki nods to a few whispering jugglers.
Carl's brow rises further. "I'd think they'd be discussing you more than me."
Nishiki smirks. "Nope. You're pretty famous in the entertainment world. Son of a famous concertmaster, master puppeteer, you've got quite a few fans. It's how I found out about you."
Carl hums, frowning. He'd known his mother had done her turn in the theatre, but to think she was famous enough for others to be scouting him years later… His heart pangs with sadness. He shakes his head. "What do you mean that's how you found out about me?"
Nishiki continues to smirk at him. Carl is once again thankful that they're now the same height as Nishiki explains. "I heard rumors from some other entertainers that there was an absolutely charming young vigilante running around using puppets to fight. I was curious and followed the rumors to Ikaruga. Don't tell me you've forgotten already?" Nishiki pouts sadly.
"Become mine!"
Carl shudders as he remembers those words and the gleam that had been in Nishiki's eyes when he'd said them four years ago. "I don't suppose my 'fans' will be as… blunt, as you were?"
Nishiki waves a hand with a laugh. "Don't worry, Carl. I just got a little excited when I saw how well you lived up to the rumors. Besides, everyone here knows how interested I am in you."
Carl shoots him a suspicious look. "I'm not joining your troupe. I have no interest in becoming an entertainer."
Nishiki smirks at him like he's still a child. "Don't be so sure, Carl. Once you've had a taste of the stage, I promise that nothing will ever compare."
They arrive at the stage in question. It's bigger than Carl would have thought. He spies the twins, Haru and Natsu, fussing over a suspiciously familiar man in a yellow kimono. He then turns his eyes to see Koji, the giant of Nishiki's troupe, twirling a man in a green and gold haori and hakama. His eye widens. "I-Is that…?"
Nishiki chuckles. "Yup. It took him a while, but Shishigami can dance a fine dance."
Bang proves Nishiki's point by spinning effortlessly through the air before landing on his geta with a satisfying clack. Carl stares in a mix of shock and wonder as he continues to twirl before twisting around Koji and into the arms of Azuki.
Carl continues to watch Bang perform, becoming enraptured as he begins to sing as well. His voice is off-key in a few places, but for only a week of practice, it isn't bad at all. He smiles softly at the display of showmanship.
Nishiki smiles triumphantly as he watches Carl's lips turn upwards. He knew that accepting Bang into the show would win Carl over. "Enjoying the performance?"
Carl turns to him, his soft smile fading into a suspicious frown. "Is this the part where you encourage me to join in? I already told you; I have no interest in dancing."
Nishiki huffs playfully. "Calm down, Carl. I just want your opinion on tonight's show, that's all."
Carl continues to stare at him, unconvinced. "You're really not trying to loop me into performing for your troupe?"
Nishiki shakes his head in fond exasperation. Guess he's earned the suspicion, he thinks sadly. "Nope. I'm sorry I gave you that impression, Carl. I really do just want your honest opinion."
Nishiki looks at him with a hint of sadness in his smile, and Carl relaxes somewhat. Perhaps Nishiki is finally starting to give up on him? "Well, I'm not too familiar with dancing like this, but I will say that Master Bang could use a bit more vocal training."
Nishiki nods grimly. "Yeah, he's still a bit out of tune. I'll have to pull him aside once they wrap this up."
Carl hums thoughtfully. Perhaps he was being a little harsh. "But his movements are on point. I'm not sure what you can get down in an afternoon."
Nishiki smiles mysteriously. "You'd be surprised what I can do, Carl. One time, I—!"
"Master Carl! I didn't expect to see you here!" Bang's voice cuts through the air like a knife as he speeds over to them, eager eyes shining like twin stars.
Carl startles but regards Bang with an exasperated smile. "Master Bang, you finished already?"
Bang chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck and eyeing Nishiki murderously. "I… might have gotten a little carried away when I saw you."
Nishiki glances at the stage to see Koji holding up a dizzy Azuki, and sighs frustratedly. "Are we going to need to run another drill, Shishigami?"
Bang jolts, eyes full of fear. "T-That won't be necessary, I assure you! It was a momentary lapse, that's all!"
Nishiki leans into his space, voice husky. "You expect me to believe that? You're coming with me." Nishiki grabs the mantle of Bang's haori.
Bang looks at Carl desperately, who raises a brow with a smirk. "I thought you wanted me to give my opinion, Mister Nishiki."
Nishiki looks at Carl sadly. "Unfortunately, it seems I must teach someone to mind their strength around my boys. Why don't you enjoy the festivities, Carl? Oh, and please, call me Amane. 'Mister Nishiki' makes me sound so old."
With that, Nishiki tugs Bang away, leaving Carl alone with Ada. He turns to her curiously. "What do you say, Sis? Are you feeling up to a show tonight?"
"…" Ada tilts her head playfully.
Carl chuckles at her metaphor. "Aw, c'mon, Sis. Master Bang isn't that bad a second tenor. Maybe with a bit of practice, he can—!"
A tugging at his cloak causes Carl to whirl around. He freezes at the sight of a startled child. They appear to be a bull-type demi-human. He takes moment to regain his composure, then leans down gently. "Did you need something?"
The child blinks, then points at Ada. "Mister, are you a ventricle? The puppet is moving, but you ain't touching it."
Carl blinks, then smiles. "No, I'm not a ventriloquist. This is my sister, Ada."
The child frowns. "How can a puppet be your sister?"
Carl's smile becomes sad, but he keeps it up. He can hardly blame a child for their ignorance. "It's a long story. Now, what did you need?"
"Are you that Clover guy?" The child looks at him cautiously.
Carl hums, then nods. "I'm Carl Clover, yes. Now what—!"
The child tugs excitedly at his sleeve, pointing to a nervous human man wandering by the nearby booths. "Papa knew you were the famous guy! He plays with puppets too! Could ya show him how ya make 'em move without touching 'em? He'll pay you lots of money!"
Carl looks at the child sternly. "Does your papa know what you're doing?"
The child smiles brightly. "Nope! 'Sa surprise!"
Carl sighs then takes their hand. "I'll see what I can do, but we need to get you back to your papa. You shouldn't just wander off like this."
The child hums happily. "Otay! My name's Blake!"
Carl hums. "Well, Blake, promise me you won't leave your father again, and I'll let Ada carry you."
Blake bounces exuberantly. "Yay! I promise, Mister Clover!" Blake holds their arms up, and Ada plucks them carefully into her arms. "Whee! I feel so tall!"
Carl rolls his eye fondly at the antics, then moves swiftly through the crowd. The man spots them immediately and rushes over. "Blake! What did I tell you about running off like that? You had me so worried, Tesoro!"
Blake points at Carl with a giggle. "Look Papa, I found Mister Clover! He's moving the puppet without touching it, just like you said!"
The man looks at Carl nervously. "Mister Clover, I am so sorry for my daughter. She just wants to help, I swear."
Carl raises a placating hand. "It's no trouble, but do me a favor? Keep a closer eye on her from now on. She got lucky today." He narrows his eye sternly at the man, who nods vigorously.
"Right! I swear, I won't let her out of my sight again!" Ada hands Blake over to her father.
Blake laughs. "I wanna ride the puppet again! Can I, Papa?"
She looks at her father hopefully, who sighs. "That's up to Mister Clover, Tesoro."
Carl looks at the man curiously. "Your daughter says that you're a puppeteer?"
The man looks at him nervously. "Yes, my name is Adam Rossi. I am but a humble performer in the local theatre scene. I'd heard you were in town, and if I might be so bold, how can your puppet move without strings?"
Carl hums. "It's a form of Ars Magus."
Adam seems to wilt. "Ah. I have no talent for that sort of thing. I'm sorry I wasted your time, sir."
Carl blinks, then frowns determinably. An idea has struck him. "You haven't. They also have a few mechanisms that allow for movement that I should be able to rig for you. They'll still need strings or a remote, but your puppets would be able to move a lot more independently."
Adam brightens. "Y-You'd do that?"
Carl nods. "Of course. Now, where do you keep your puppets?"
Later…
Carl smiles as he watches the three puppets that he's rigged for Adam move through several formations with only minute tugs of their strings. The older man has the wonder of a child in his eyes as he watches his creations move so fluidly.
Adam turns to Carl with a grin full of gratitude and joy. "Grazie, a thousand times over, Sir! Why I can only imagine the shows I'll be able to put on for our attendees now! I owe you so much, I don't even know where to begin!"
To see someone brought such joy by his work… He feels so warm right now. Carl smiles but waves a hand dismissively. "It's nothing. Don't worry about repaying me. I'm happy to help."
Adam looks at him, aghast. "But I can't possibly let you go without repayment! This is too much! Please, isn't there something I can do for you if you won't accept payment?"
Carl frowns, humming. "Just attend tonight's festivities. If not for Nishiki, I probably wouldn't have run into you."
Adam stares, frowning. "I thought the rumor was that you didn't want to join his troupe?"
Carl huffs, adjusting his clothes in preparation for his departure. "I don't, and I haven't. But he is the one who got me out into the festival, so if you want to repay anyone, it should be him."
Adam hums. "I see. Will you be performing as a warm-up, then?"
Carl quirks a brow. "Why would I do such a thing? I hardly belong on a stage."
Adam scowls, eyes full of passion. "Sir, I must respectfully disagree. As a fellow puppeteer, I must say that all who study the craft must see your work."
Carl blinks, then frowns. Is this what Nishiki meant by fans? "I didn't even know there was a festival until today, so I doubt I could perform, even if I wanted to."
Adam looks like he wants to argue, but sighs, looking away sadly. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be so forceful after what you've done for me. It's just… Your work on my puppets is astounding. I can only imagine what it must look like to see your own in action."
Carl stares at him thoughtfully for a moment. Was his work truly so advanced? He'd made similar mechanisms when he was but a child, to imitate what Ada could do with her own 'puppets.' Perhaps…
Carl sighs as his mind turns to a new possibility. It had felt good to help someone again. Perhaps a little time in the limelight might not be so terrible if he can bring out that joy in someone else. "Mr. Adam, I must bid you adieu, but please, attend tonight's show."
With that said, Carl departs the theatre house, determinedly making his way back to the festival grounds. Once he arrives, he tells a beaming Ayaka that he wishes to speak to Nishiki, and the teenager shoots off to find him, babbling excitedly.
After a few minutes, the two purple-haired men come around the corner, looking more done up than usual. Nishiki smiles. "Carl, Ayaka said you had something urgent you need to talk about?"
Carl sighs, and hopes he won't regret this. "Do you have a warm-up act for tonight's show?"
Nishiki blinks. Then stares excitedly. "We usually don't use one unless we need to set up something big. Why?"
Carl hums. "So, if I were to ask—!"
Nishiki clasps Carl's hands, looking at him intensely. "Yes. Absolutely, yes."
Carl shudders, there's that gleam again. He shakes Nishiki's hands off, leaning back warily. "Alright. What time would I have to go on?"
Nishiki continues to smile like he's been handed the sun. "You have about an hour and a half before we go on, so how about an hour from now? That should give you plenty of time to practice."
"Alright, then if you'll excuse me…" Carl turns to take his leave.
Nishiki begins to thrum with energy as he calls out to him. "Thank you so much, Carl! I guarantee that you won't regret this!"
Five minutes to showtime…
"Hup!" Carl bounds from Knight's running back to slide and twirl gracefully off Rook's shield, catch the spinning Pawn and Bishop on each arm, and land safely in Ada's arms. The audience claps and cheers, and he feels the warmth beneath his skin grow as he smiles for them.
"Mister Kagura, are you sure we should be letting him do this out in the open?" Tsubaki glances at Kagura with a firm frown of worry.
"Relax, Tsubaki. After last time, I doubt Bullet and Tager are going to try another open assault. Besides, Makoto's been watching him all day, and she hasn't seen anything suspicious. Right, baby?" Kagura smirks confidently down at the squirrel-type demi-human, who doesn't even glance his way as she elbows him in the gut. "Guh!"
"Hmm… I haven't seen anything suspicious going on, but Kokonoe doesn't give up. Whatever she's planning, we gotta be ready. But for now, let's just relax a little. Carl's putting on a heck of a show, right?" She smiles at her best friend with a wagging tail and a smirk.
Tsubaki worries at her lip, staring worriedly at Carl. Something has her on edge tonight. "I don't know, Makoto. I've been on edge all day. Call it intuition, but I have a bad feeling about this."
"Ugh… C'mon, ladies. Clover isn't going anywhere without a fight. We've spotted Bullet and Tager in Akitsu, so I doubt she'll pull anything here. Now, let's get ready for the main show, looks like Clover's wrapping up." Kagura regains his confident smirk as he watches Carl twist through the air after using his puppets as springboards after having Nirvana juggle him. He gracefully twirls onto Rook's shield and slides smoothly across the stage.
Carl gives a final twirl with his puppets before taking a theatric bow. "Thank you, thank you!"
The crowd around them erupts, and Makoto whoops, clapping enthusiastically. Tsubaki continues to fidget but claps with her. Kagura continues to smirk, clapping a little himself.
Then Carl jolts up and looks around in confusion, snapping his fingers. His puppets retreat into his cloak as he and Nirvana take a ready stance.
Kagura tenses as he feels an electrical disturbance feel the air. "Would she really…?"
Makoto leaps to her feet, ears twitching wildly. "Uh-oh! Looks like you were right Tsubaki!"
Tsubaki swiftly rises herself, her blue eyes narrowing determinably. "I knew this was too risky!"
As Carl tries to jump from the stage, a field of electricity surrounds his body, and Kagura books it as fast as his legs will carry him, the girls following not far behind.
Bang appears from behind the curtain as they near the stage, eyes bulging. "What the devil?!"
Amane appears soon after, his eyes narrowing in anger. "Seriously? I was so close this time, too…"
"Mutsuki! What's going on?!" Carl can't get past the field, and he's beginning to become less opaque.
"Just hang on, Clover!" Kagura uses his sword as a makeshift pole vault and manages to breach the field, only to begin fading himself.
"Master Carl!" Bang attempts to rush forward, but Amane wraps a ribbon around him, stopping him cold.
"Shishigami! It's too late! If you jump in, she'll just nab you too!" Amane stands firm as Bang squirms and glares at him.
Tsubaki and Makoto reach the stage, and Makoto rushes forward, and through the two men. She cusses violently as she lands on her tail.
"Shit! Tsubaki, whatever you do, don't—!" Kagura's words fade to nothing as he and Carl vanish in a burst of crackling electricity.
