A/N: When I said I had the next chapter basically completed, I really meant it! The set up for this chapter is a tad bit different. I didn't really know how I wanted to tackle the play. But, this was the best way in my opinion. Despite my infrequent updates, this story really does mean everything to me. I will do everything to finish it.
So, I hope you guys can all be patient with me and read along side with me!
This is kind of a long read, but only because of the set up of the chapter.
Regardless, I do hope you enjoy!
Chapter 48: School Festival Part 5
.
The crowd was muttering loudly as the stage was set and the lights were hanging bright to the corners of the stage. Students, parents, friends, and visitors all alike were filling in as Class 3-A was getting ready to appear on stage.
Misako Kurata sat in the far back next to their loyal house maid who was as anxious as she was excited. Hayama Ayame was sitting next to her best friend, Kotetsu Kyo and her surrogate older brother, Akimoto Hiro. While still looking guilty, Hiro seemed laxer while Ayame eased his anxiousness and Kyo helped brighten the mood. Matsui Fuka took a seat next to her gymnastic teammates as she worriedly watched the stage and waited for Sana to come out.
Suddenly, the lights began to dim, and the entire theater began to quiet as a single student took the middle of the stage.
There was a single microphone on the stage and the boy with brown hair and a cheesy grin walked right up to it and tapped on it.
"Is this thing on? Can you guys all hear me?"
There was a collective yes from the audience and the boy smiled.
"Perfect!" He gave them all a grin and thumbs up. "My name is Yunichi. And I'm from Class 3-A and we just want to welcome you to Class 3-A's very own rendition of Little Red Riding Hood!"
The crowd gave a quick applause and Yunichi put a hand up.
"Now, I will be your narrator this afternoon. Please hold all applause till after each scene or in between scene changes if you will!"
Yunichi grinned one more time. "Now, if you will, please enjoy Little Red Riding Hood…"
The theater grew dark and the curtain behind him began to open as he shuffled off the stage.
When the curtains opened, it revealed a stage set up of houses made out of cardboard, a sun and clouds made from cardboard as well hanging from the top, and a handful of students from Class 3-A dressed in old, medieval time era outfits. A soft, joyous melody began to play from the speakers up top.
Narrator (Yunichi):
Our story takes us to a long time ago, when fantasy stories were a time of more than just story books. Where the tales we heard at bedtimes were a thing of realism. Where the myths were more than a cautionary tale.
In the mix of students, out came a girl, with long, auburn hair. She was dressed in a white and red gingham-style dress with white puffy sleeves. Around her waist was a black belt and, on her shoulders, she wore a bright, red cape.
What stood out to the crowd was her hobbling on crutches. And the obvious, bulky ace wrap that stuck out from under her dress. But it didn't seem to hold back Little Red Riding Hood as she hobbled around the stage with a bright smile on her face and a basket in her hand.
Narrator:
Once upon a time, there was a young girl who lived in a small village with her mother. One day, her grandmother gifted her a very nice, and fancy lookin' red cloak. It was the talk of the village that got everyone calling her Little Red Riding Hood.
One day, her mother received a message that her grandmother was sick. And needed Little Red Riding Hood to make a special delivery…
A girl with light brown hair stepped out from behind the curtain with a basket hanging from her hand. In her basket was pieces of bread, a mason jar of soup, and dry, herbal tea. She was wearing a tan dress with an apron wrapped around her waist. Her hair was tied up in a bun and she had flour puffed on her face.
Mother (Hisea):
"Oh, Little Red Riding Hood!"
The girl with auburn hair and the bright, red cloak perked at her name and smiled as she saw her mother call for her name. With the crutches in hand, she made her way over (slowly).
Little Red Riding Hood (Sana):
Yes, mother?
Mother:
I received news of your grandmother being sick! So, I need you to take her bread, soup, and tea, okay? She's expecting you.
Little Red Riding Hood:
Yay! I always love to see grandma!
Narrator:
And so, Little Red Riding Hood and her mother packed a basket of bread, soup, and tea. Her mother grabbed the sides of her cloak and pulled it over her head and kissed her goodbye.
Mother:
Remember! Go straight through the marker path and do NOT stop along the way! For ANYONE. There are gross strangers out there who are not afraid to kidnap you! The woods are very dangerous and be EXTRA careful of the wolf!
Little Red Riding Hood:
If the woods are so dangerous, why not just come with me then?
Mother:
Oh! Well – That's because I have so much work to do around the house!
Little Red Riding hood snickered as she rolled her eyes. Mother went red in the face at the sudden implications.
Little Red Riding Hood:
More like flirting…
Well! Never mind! Don't you worry mom! I will be just a-okay! No talking to strangers or wolves and go straight through the path! You got it!
Narrator:
Mother and daughter hugged each other goodbye one more time before Little Red Riding Hood hobbled – I'm sorry – sauntered into the forest!
The lights dimmed and the stage went black while the curtains closed. The crowd clapped as a new airy, and almost whimsical music began to play. Sounds of bird chirping filled the theater. There was some commotion in the background and some yells and mutterings could be heard.
"Poor Sana looked like she was struggling to move around a bit." Ayame whispered to Hiro and Kyo. They both nodded.
"Well, she sure isn't letting it bother her too much!" Kyo whispered back.
"I wish she would have just gone to the hospital…" Hiro muttered. The younger Hayama nodded but then shrugged her shoulders.
"I agree but nothing we can do. Besides, if Sana-chan says she can do it, then we just gotta believe in her!"
The lights began to dim back on, and the curtains opened once again. This time, the stage was covered in trees (made of cardboard), and a grassy scene with a yellow marked road. Flowers were sticking out around the grass and the birds chirping sound continued.
Little Red Riding Hood appeared from behind the curtain and slowly moved to the marked pathway. The basket was hanging from her arm, and she wore a bright smile as she hummed a small tune.
Narrator:
Little Red Riding Hood was making her way through the grassy hillside as she came onto the entrance of the woods. Taking her time to enjoy the walk, she admired all the flower and small animals she passed by. It was hard to believe that anything scary would come to her. But of course, as all mischievous girls do, Little Red got distracted and started off the path.
Little Red Riding Hood wandered away from the marked yellow path and began to admire the flowers in the field. She crutched slowly through the grass and into the make-shift trees. The lights began to dim to a darker shade. But it did not seem to bother Little Red Riding Hood in the least.
Narrator:
Despite her cheery attitude, Little Red was also known for her naivety and ability to be distracted. She began to wonder away from the path and deeper into the forest. Not paying attention to her surroundings, Little Red didn't seem to notice the change in the air. Little did she know, the dangerous wolf her mother had warned her about was lurking nearby!
As Little Red Riding Hood set the crutches down and kneeled as well as she could to admire the flowers, a new character joined the fray.
Stepping out from behind the stage, behind the trees was the feared Wolf.
Dressed in a red and black checkered, jagged tunic with holes, jagged black pants, and worn boots, the Wolf stood tall with his faux wolf hood with ears. His golden-brown eyes gleamed dangerously in the dim lighting of the stage.
The Wolf (Akito):
Didn't anyone ever tell you not to wander off the path?
Narrator:
At the sound of his eerie voice, Little Red looked up from the flowers and was startled by the beast standing in front of her.
Little Red Riding Hood:
It's you! The Wolf!
The Wolf:
A little far from home, aren't you?
Little Red Riding Hood:
Well! I suppose I am! Oh, dang it. I always get so lost in my head and distracted I didn't realize I strayed away from the path!
Narrator:
The Wolf scoffed at Little Red Riding Hood, making her glare at him. Little Red definitely didn't take too kindly to people making fun of her!
Little Red Riding Hood:
Oh? Something funny, Mr. Wolf?
The Wolf:
Just how ditzy little girls always lose their way.
There are dangerous animals out here, don't you know, Little Red?
Little Red Riding Hood:
Only my friends can call me that. And we are certainly not that! Now! If you'll excuse me, I have to get back on track! I have a very sick grandmother to go care for!
What was supposed to be a dramatic exit turned to Little Red Riding Hood struggling to stand on her own two feet. Instead, she almost fell as she attempted to grab the crutches to hold her up.
But before she could fall, the Wolf grabbed her by the arm and shot her a look of concern. The audience did not think that was supposed to be included in the play.
The Wolf:
Look at you. Hardly able to stand. You think you even know how to get back?
Little Red Riding Hood:
Yup! I'll be just fine! I thank you for your help, Mr. Wolf, but it is certainly not needed. So, if you will just excuse me again, I have to get going!
The Wolf:
How about I show you back? You can hardly walk.
Narrator:
In an interesting turn of events, the wolf decided to help Little Red Riding Hood, catching both her and the audience off guard. For why would a creature like the Wolf help poor, Little Red Riding Hood?
Little Red Riding Hood:
I'm not supposed to talk or interact with strangers! Especially hairy and scary looking ones like you.
The Wolf:
We're not strangers anymore, are we, Little Red?
Little Red Riding Hood:
Only cause your reputation precedes you, Lone Wolf.
Besides, I don't have time to mess around! I have to get to my grandmothers before daylight runs out. So why don't you be a good puppy and just wonder off!
The Wolf:
Lone Wolf?
Little Red Riding Hood:
Yeah! That's the vibe I get from you. Not some monster that everyone keeps telling me you are. A little on the cocky side, but something tells me you aren't mean and scary like the villagers think.
The Wolf:
You don't know the first thing about me.
Little Red Riding Hood:
Maybe not, but I'm a pretty good read on people. Something tells me you're not half bad.
The Wolf:
I wonder if you'll the say the same thing once I devour you.
Little Red Riding Hood:
If you wanted too, you would have already done it.
The Wolf:
You're annoying, you know that?
Little Red Riding Hood:
So I've been told! Anyway, I got places to be, people to see, so I best be of. Be a good puppy and stay on your best behavior, okay?
Narrator:
Not leaving much room to argue, Little Red Riding hood crutched away from the wolf and made her way back to the marked, yellow path. The wolf was left standing, watching her intently as she walked away. He then disappeared into the shadows of the forest, not wandering too far.
The curtains closed again, and the crowed applauded. The lights dimmed once more and there was once again a bustle of activity behind the large red cloaks that hung from the ceiling.
"Sana-chan is doing well, isn't she mam?" Shimura whispered into Misako Kurata's ear and the younger woman nodded with a slight smile.
"She certainly is…" Watching her daughter struggle, but still preserve with a harsh injury, it made the author immensely proud.
"I was worried… but I see maybe I had no reason to be."
Misako shook her head. "No, the reason was there."
"But I think we can thank Young Hayama partially for her ability to be up there today. Without me, I don't think it would have been as easy for her."
"You think so, mam?" Shimura asked with a brow raised.
"Absolutely." Misako spoke with a fond smile. "That young man has become immensely important to my daughter's life. We owe him a deal of gratitude."
Shimura hummed in content and nodded as she turned her attention back to the play.
The curtains opened, and there was another scene change. More trees and a violet sky. There was a campfire set up and a house made to look to be in the distance. A group of gatherers
Narrator:
While Little Red Riding Hood was slowly making her way to her grandmother's house, the Wolf had followed along, not too far behind her. But what he didn't expect was to find himself by a group of huntsmen.
Huntsmen that were looking for the Big, Bad Wolf.
The huntsman were dressed in a variety of brown and green tunics, belts around their waist, and an assortment of weapons lying next to them. At the front of the group was a young man with dark, black hair, a black tunic and gold-colored belt wrapped around his waist. He had a sword strapped to his belt and stood up with an arrogant smile.
Leader of the Huntsmen (Gomi):
Well, well. Look what we have here boys! Look who decided to save us the trouble of searching for him!
The Wolf:
Oh, look. It's the morons.
Leader of the Huntsmen:
Big talk for someone who's head is about to go on my mantle!
Men! Ready your weapons!
The Wolf:
Are you sure you even have the right Wolf?
Leader of the Huntsmen:
What are you saying? Of course we do! Look at you! Clearly, you've just devoured some poor, innocent soul!
The audience watched as the wolf gave a devilish smirk and his eyes gleamed in the make-shift violet sky around them.
"I have to say… pretty impressed in Hayama-san's ability to act."
Fuka snorted as she heard her teammate whisper next to her.
"What? You don't think so?"
The brunette chuckled lowly and looked to her friends.
"Aki doesn't have much that he enjoys in his life. But I think he finds enjoyment in making the boys in his class scurry around him… or so I've heard."
The girls all looked at one another in confusion but then nodded as they believed Fuka. Because who else would know better than someone who was friends with the young man on stage?
The Wolf:
Well, I do enjoy the color red.
Leader of the Huntsmen:
You didn't!?
The Wolf:
Did what?
Leader of the Huntsmen:
Eat her!? Eat Little Red Riding Hood!?
Narrator:
Instead of replying to the leader of the Huntsmen, the Wolf smirked once again and disappeared back into the forest. The Leader of the Huntsmen let out a command to kill the Wolf as his fellow hunters grabbed their weapons and followed the Wolf into the woods.
While the hunters followed the Wolf into the dark forest, Little Red Riding Hood hobbled onto the camp site.
Little Red Riding Hood:
Huh. I must have just missed someone. Oh nice! Food! And a fire! I'll eat something before I head over to grandmother's house!
Narrator:
True to her nature, Little Red Riding Hood was oblivious to the world around her as she sat down and ate the food at the camp site. Being the glutton she was, Little Red did not notice the eerie eyes that followed her behind the shadows of the forest.
The lights dimmed once more, and the curtains began to draw closed. The music changed to a dark, sinister like sound as the activity grew behind the red cloak. The audience clapped and then began to murmur as the anticipation began to build.
"Man! This story is getting good!' Kyo whispered harshly.
"I'm starting to think that this isn't going to be like the regular story of Little Red Riding Hood." Ayame said and Hiro raised a brow.
"I honestly wouldn't be surprised with Sana. There's gotta be a twist somewhere."
"That's the vibe I'm getting!" Kyo added and the other two nodded in agreement.
The curtains began to draw back, and the sinister music started to grow louder. The stage then revealed a darkened stage with the light on Little Red Riding Hood. Her face was contoured into that or a nervous fright. Her shoulders were pointed inward slightly as she looked around in slight apprehension.
The trees began to look ghoulish, and the bird's chirp was replaced by the screech of bats. Hobbling along the dark lit path, the audience could see Little Red Riding Hood grow anxious.
Narrator:
As night began to fall, Little Red Riding Hood grew apprehensive as she scurried along the marked path. There was howling in the background and Little Red could only think of the Wolf. While he didn't seem dangerous, she knew that you couldn't judge anyone by their looks.
Then! Up ahead, there was a small figure and Little Red started to grow scared! But, putting on her brave face, she puffed her chest and continued walking along the path. And as she and the other person walked closer to one another, she couldn't help but smile when she recognized the face!
Little Red Riding Hood:
Doctor!
Doctor (Tsuyoshi):
Little Red Riding Hood!? What are you going all the way out here?! And this late too!?
Little Red Riding Hood:
I came to visit my grandmother! She's sick you know!
Doctor:
Well, yes! I'm very well aware! I was the one who told your mother after all!
Little Red Riding Hood:
Oh! Did you just come back from seeing her?
Doctor:
Yes! I did! She is doing okay, for now. She needs plenty of rest!
Little Red Riding Hood:
Well, that's why I have this basket of food to deliver to her! So she doesn't have to be up on her feet and worry about anything!
Doctor:
Well, that is very kind of you Little Red Riding Hood. But you really shouldn't be out this late in the woods. Haven't you heard about the Wolf!? He will come after you!
Little Red Riding Hood:
Nah! I'm not afraid of him. Already ran into him anyway. He didn't seem that bad.
Doctor:
Little Red Riding Hood! You should have shouted for help right away! He could have hurt you!
Little Red Riding Hood:
I don't think so! Matter of fact, he helped me! I almost fell and he grabbed me. I don't think a bad wolf would have done that.
Doctor:
That is how they get you, Little Red Riding Hood! They are deceptively kind and then will strike when you least expect it!
Little Red Riding Hood:
Maybe if he was a Cobra, I'd believe it! But he's just a silly wolf. Besides, he seemed kind of lonely to me.
Doctor:
It's like you to be sympathetic to a creature like that, Little Red Riding Hood.
Narrator:
Little Red Riding Hood didn't have much to say to the doctor but offered a smile. They said their goodbyes and she continued the trek to her grandmother's house. But in the shadows amongst the trees, those eerie, gleaming eyes still followed.
Meanwhile, a few miles ahead, an elder woman laid in her bed, awaiting the arrival of her precious granddaughter that she loved so much.
Once again, the lights dimmed, and the curtains closed. The audience again clapped and the crowd growing antsy as the storyline continued.
They couldn't see the students as they hustled behind the red cloth that separated them, but if they could, they would notice a slight tremble in the main lead of Kurata Sana as she attempted to calm herself. And then they would see the infamous Hayama Akito put a hand to the top of her head to temper her discomfort.
They wouldn't see the small, but thankful smile on Sana's lips or the softening of Akito's eyes and the way she leaned slightly against him. Or the way he opened his shoulders towards her.
No, they wouldn't see any of that.
Instead, they were seeing Girl S and Boy A with all their friends put together a play.
A soft melody began to play as the lights began to brighten. The curtains were drawn back, and the stage was changed. Now, the audience found themselves inside a cottage, with a bed and makeshift stove and a wooden dining table.
On one of the chairs, sat a young woman with a night gown and her hair bunched into a bonnet. She was wearing glasses and house slippers. She coughed to herself as she knitted something in her hands.
Grandmother (Aya):
Oh, I do hope Little Red gets here okay. It is getting awfully late.
Narrator:
And then! A knock on her door! It made Grandmother jump in her seat as she looked over to the wooden door. She smiled as the thought of her granddaughter being on the side came to mind. There were two more knocks and Grandmother moved away from the table.
Grandmother:
Who is it? Little Red?
Stranger on the Other Side:
Yes! It's me, grandmother! It's Little Red!
Grandmother:
Oh, I've been expecting you my dear! Please, come in!
Narrator:
The door began to open, and with open arms, the grandmother excitedly stood up and slowly moved to meet her granddaughter. She noticed the glimmering red cape immediately and was happy to see her Little Red made it.
But then there was a sinister laugh! And a diabolical growl left the lips of what was supposed to be Little Red!
Grandmother immediately fell back in horror and when she looked through her glasses, it was then she could see the sinister, gleaming eyes of a creature so foul! The beast snared its teeth at her, and the grandmother attempted to run away for her life!
Grandmother:
No! Get away from me!
Beast:
My, my how delicious you look, my dear sweet Grandmother!
Narrator:
Grandmother jumped from the floor and ran towards the back door that led to her garden. But it was no use because the Beast was faster! The creature pounced and all that could be heard were the screams of the grandmother being devoured!
As the beast finished swallowing the grandmother whole, there was wolfish smile on his face as he grabbed her bonnet and night gown, waiting patiently for the real prize to arrive at the door soon.
The lights dimmed again as the audience roared in applause. Chattering could be heard as the curtains drew closed again.
"Wow! That was intense!"
"That definitely took a turn for the worst!"
"Sugita was great! I didn't know she could yell like that!"
"I didn't know Hayama could growl so evilly like that!"
"Class 3-A is definitely giving their all, that's for sure."
After a few more minutes, the stage was ready, and an upbeat sound of music started. The curtains drew open and to the left of the stage was Little Red Riding Hood. Her grandmother's cottage was on the far right.
Narrator:
Finally reaching her grandmother's house, Little Red happily hobbled over, crutches and all. As she began to cross the clearing in front of her grandmother's cottage, she noticed how eerily quiet it was. While it made her nervous, Little Red decided that maybe it was just due to her unexpected stops today that she felt on edge.
Little Red Riding Hood:
Huh. That's weird. Grandmother usually always has her lights on.
Narrator:
Before she could get closer, there was rustling behind her and suddenly, a shadow popped out at her. She yelled loudly, almost falling to her behind!
In front of her stood the Wolf, looking tired and a little worse for wear. Realizing it wasn't any real danger, Little Red sighed in relief.
Little Red Riding Hood:
You scared the crap out of me!
The Wolf:
You need to leave.
Little Red Riding Hood:
What? You've got to be kidding me. I just got here!
The Wolf:
There isn't anything good waiting for you inside. You need to go.
Narrator:
Dread filled Little Red as she looked back at her grandmother's house and then her heart dropped. Sudden realization hit her as she looked the Wolf up and down. He was dirty and bloody, and looked like he had scratch marks on his face! Face going white, Little Red was starting to get the picture.
Little Red Riding Hood:
Wha – What did you do?
The Wolf:
Little Re –
Little Red Riding Hood:
WHAT DID YOU DO?!
Narrator:
Little Red frantically began to make her way to her grandmother's door, tears at her eyes. She awkwardly, but as quickly as she could, hobbled to the door. But she didn't get far as the Wolf jumped in front of her. Grabbing her by her arms, he pushed her back.
Little Red Riding Hood:
Let me go!
The Wolf:
You're in danger! You need to leave now, idiot!
Little Red Riding Hood:
In danger? From who? You!? What did you do to my grandmother!? Did you eat her!?
The Wolf:
It's not safe for you here! GO!
Narrator:
Both Little Red and the Wolf were caught off guard though when the front door to the cottage swung open! And what came out, sent a chill down both Little Red's and the Wolf's spine.
A wolf, bigger and taller than the Wolf standing in front of her, came towering out of the cottage. With dark, brown fur and sneering red eyes, looked over at the pair standing in front of them. it was wearing her grandmother's bonnet and nightgown with red dripping from his mouth.
It was a beast that Little Red only ever saw in her nightmares!
Little Red Riding Hood:
What the heck is that thing!?
The Wolf:
Stand behind me!
Beast:
Give me my dinner!
The Wolf:
You already had your dinner for the day. How about letting me have this one.
Beast:
I said Give. Me. My. Dinner.
Little Red Riding Hood:
What did you do to my grandmother, you creep!? Did you eat her!?
Beast:
She was only the appetizer to my dinner, which is you!
Narrator:
The brave Wolf stood between Little Red and the Beast. Knowing he had some fight in him, he stood his ground! He turned to Little Red and instructed her to run and find the Huntsmen, knowing full well they were close.
The Wolf:
Go find the Huntsmen. They're close.
Little Red Riding Hood:
Nah uh! What about you!?
The Wolf:
I'll be fine. I know some karate.
Little Red Riding Hood:
You gotta promise me to stay alive! Okay? No dying.
To the audience, all they saw was two children acting their hearts out. A script called for the scene to be put to life. But in that moment, Hayama Akito knew it was more than that. He saw in Kurata Sana's eyes, her desperation and guilt. He saw what hurt her so deep.
Kurata Sana hated putting her heart on the line like she did. She hated burdening others with her problems. She kept all her problems close to her heart. But as she begged Hayama Akito's character to stay alive, it was wishes she had muttered once before. Over and over again.
It was the bright lights above her that stood out, the groaning and croaking of the lights. The shouting of the people around her. It was all the eyes that focused so intently on her, and not enough on him.
And then Akito smirked at her, and suddenly it didn't feel like she was in the middle of a play anymore.
The Wolf:
Don't really plan on it.
Narrator:
Little Red hobbled away, crying desperately for the Huntsmen that she knew weren't too far behind! Leaving the clearing in front of her grandmother's cottage, the Wolf and Beast were all that was left.
Beast:
You let my dinner get away!
The Wolf:
You're just greedy. Go somewhere else and prey.
Narrator:
The Beast attacked! But the Wolf was too quick and managed to move away from the creature! The Wolf was able to throw a few punches and kicks – and please remember people, this is just a play, no one gets hurt in these things! – while the Beast howled in agony.
They went back and forth until finally the Beast grabbed the Wolf by his arm and shoved him into a tree.
Beast:
Finally. She will be mine!
The lights shut off quickly and the entire audience was so quiet, not expecting for such an abrupt change in scenes. There was some confused muttering in the crowd as the students moved around the stage.
Matsui Fuka was impressed. Watching Sana on stage like that, it brought back memories of them in elementary and middle school. To the days where Sana would sneak her into the set, and she would get to watch her act.
Despite the 4-year gap, the rust came off easily.
Sana fell into a normal routine.
If she really wanted too, Fuka believed that Kurata Sana could return to acting with no problems.
The lights slowly turned on, moving towards the stage. The curtain was drawn back, and in the middle of the stage, Little Red Riding Hood was on the floor, clutching her leg.
Narrator:
Uh – We – Uh – pick off with an injured Little Red Riding Hood, who fell in her haste to find the Huntsmen! Not knowing how far behind the Beast was, she struggled to stand.
It was clear to the audience that something was wrong because the Narrator, who had been so charismatic and natural in his role, was now sounding more panicked. His voice was shaky, and it seemed like things were not quite right.
Little Red Riding Hood:
I need to get up. I need to find the Huntsmen!
Beast:
Oh Little Red... where did you go?
Narrator:
As the voice of the Beast grew closer, Little Red Riding Hood began to fear for her life. But also, grew sad because that meant the Wolf lost. She struggled as she crawled, shouting for help!
Little Red Riding Hood:
Someone help! Please! Anybody! Huntsmen! Wolf!
ANYONE!
Narrator:
The Beast emerged from the forest and Little Red looked terrified as he came closer! With tears in her eyes, she moved across the forest ground as fast she could!
Beast:
Found you. Now, I get to feast!
Little Red Riding Hood:
What did you do to my friend?!
Beast:
The dingy little Wolf was weak up against me! He will be my dessert later.
Little Red Riding Hood:
I won't let you eat me! Or him!
Beast:
So, what will you do, Little Red? You can barely walk!
Narrator:
Little Red contemplated her next actions. She knew she had no chance against this Beast. But she wasn't counting on dying today! So, doing what she could, she grabbed the rocks on the floor and flung them at the Beast. And with stupid luck on her side, shot one right to his eye!
Beast:
Argh! That really hurt!
Little Red Riding Hood:
Imagine what my grandmother and the Wolf felt!
Now, GET AWAY!
Narrator:
Throwing more rocks at the Big Bad Wolf, Little Red continued to crawl across the clearing. Clearly in pain, Little Red struggled as she attempted to get away from the creature. But it was fruitless as he gained ground on her anyway!
Beast:
Now! I am going to devour you!
Little Red Riding Hood:
NO!
Narrator:
But before the Beast could do anything, a grey blurb jumped from the trees and the WOLF! He shoved the Big Bad Wolf across the grassy field and saved Little Red from the jaws of death!
Little Red Riding Hood:
Wolf?!
The Wolf:
That damn bastard. Who the hell does he think he is!
Narrator:
May I remind the Wolf that this is a family friendly audience. And that foul language is not permitted on school grounds – Now, you may resume!
Little Red Riding Hood:
You're okay! I thought you were dead!
The Wolf:
Tch! As if a little shove was going to take me down. Nah, this guy wants to fight. I'll give him a good fight.
Narrator:
NEED I REMIND AGAIN THAT THIS IS A FAMILY AUDIENCE. AND NO VIOLENCE IS CONDONED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS.
Geeze – stick to the script, will you?
Beast:
Was that shove really that necessary?
The Wolf:
Was your shove really necessary?
Little Red Riding Hood:
Oh. This is about to get ugly, isn't it?
Narrator:
Wow. You guys suck.
ANYWAY!
And so folks, we have here the Wolf and Beast fighting to defend their honor! Who will win? The Beast? Or the Wolf?
Little Red Riding Hood:
Hey! I'm here too ya know?!
Narrator:
Yeah, yeah we know, Little Red! Now, who wins? The Beast or the Wolf?
The audience was sure in for a show as the Wolf went in to attack the Beast, who shrilled with a high pitch voice. What was supposed to be a non-contact fight looked like a real fist fight. Little Red Riding Hood sat on the ground with her mouth wide open as the Wolf and Beast went at each other.
But the fight lasted as long as it started as the Wolf stood triumphantly over the Beast, who was rolling on the ground, groaning out loud. The Wolf had a smirk on his lips and rolled his shoulders.
Leader of the Huntsmen:
Ah ha! I am here! Here to save Little Red and her grandmother from the evil clutches of the Wolf!
Little Red Riding Hood:
A little late for that! I was calling you forever ago!
Leader of the Huntsmen:
What do you mean?! The Wolf is right there! Men! Attack!
Little Red Riding Hood:
No! Stop! He's not the one who ate my grandmother!
The Wolf:
Morons.
Narrator:
That's not – Hey! That's not in the script – Ugh. You know what, I give up. Do what you guys want!
Leader of the Huntsmen:
Uh – okay. So, uh, who ate your grandmother then?
Little Red Riding Hood:
Obviously that thing on the floor!
The group of huntsmen turned to look at the creature on the floor and the Wolf who was standing over him, eyes bored and arms crossed in annoyance. Little Red Riding Hood looked annoyed as she puffed her cheeks and the huntsmen looked between the two.
Leader of the Huntsmen:
Wait – so you killed him? That wasn't on the script! It was supposed to be me, man!
The Wolf:
Next time, tell Hiroshi not to piss me off.
The (Supposed!) Dead Beast:
I didn't mean to shove you so hard! But also! You didn't have to punch so hard!
One glare from the Wolf and the alleged dead Beast clamped his mouth shut and went back to being 'dead.'
Leader of the Huntsmen:
Nah man. That's so messed up! You took my glory!
Little Red Riding Hood:
Oh God.
Why don't you just cut my grandmother out of the Beast's stomach and say you saved her! Is that better?!
Leader of the Huntsmen:
No freakin fair.
FINE!
Little Red Riding Hood:
Since our narrator disappeared…
AND SO! The Huntsmen cut the belly of the Big Bad Wolf and rescued my grandmother from an awful death of disintegration!
The Wolf:
What an idiot.
The Wolf, Huntsmen, Beast and rest of the audience all deadpanned silently as Little Red attempted to take over the narration job. There were a few head shakes in the audience, mainly from that of Matsui Fuka and her mother, Kurata Misako.
"Oh, Sana-chan." Ayame muttered as she sighed.
"This whole last third of the play has been just completely off script, hasn't it?" Kyo muttered and Hiro laughed on the other side of Ayame.
"Nothing is ever normal with her, I swear it."
A few rows above them, Fuka groaned loudly.
"I should have known things would end like this."
"They really just took the play and did whatever they wanted with it towards the end there, didn't they?" Fuka's teammate asked, and the brunette rolled her eyes.
"I'm not even surprised."
"Still! Definitely fun to watch. Even if it's nothing professional. You can definitely tell that Kurata-san has a knack for this though."
"You should have seen her when she was just getting started. You would have been so impressed to see her acting the way she was at only 12 years old." Fuka reminisced as she watched her best friend argue on stage with the boys around her.
"I'll have to look up her older stuff later! I'm definitely interested now!"
And finally, Kurata Misako looked on with a pleased smile on her face.
Despite all the nightmares and fears Sana had, her daughter conquered them. knowing how difficult this was for her, Misako feared for the mental state of her daughter's mind. But now the author saw her fears were not needed. Because she had a strong support system to help guide her.
Narrator:
You call that narration! Geeze!
Obviously, I was needed back! Anyway, folks!
With the help of both the Wolf and Huntsmen, the Beast was slayed, and Little Red's grandmother was saved!
The lights dimmed and the curtains began to close once more. There was obvious shouting in the back, and the audience tried not to pay attention. But the commotion was not easy to ignore.
The music turned cheery, and the tune of a harmonica began to play. The curtains opened and the lights turned on to reveal a hillside set up. Standing there was the Wolf, Little Red (on her crutches), her grandmother, the leader of the huntsmen, and Little Red's mother.
Mother:
Oh thank goodness! You saved my mother and daughter! Thank you, Huntsman!
Leader of the Huntsmen:
Of course! It wasn't so hard! The Beast had nothing against me!
The Wolf:
Tch.
Grandmother:
Well, the Huntsman was certainly brave, but a thanks is also in order for the Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood. They helped save my life!
Little Red Riding Hood:
Well, if you're really wanting to be honest, the Wolf was really the one who –
Leader of the Huntsmen:
But of course! I wouldn't have been able to do it without my sidekick, the Wolf, and Little Red Riding Hood's help!
OW! What the hell man?!
Narrator:
The Wolf kicked the Leader of the Huntsmen, but for good reason.
Little Red Riding Hood:
ANYWAY! I think we can all just be thankful that everyone is a-okay!
The Wolf:
Define okay.
Little Red Riding Hood:
Stay in your lane, puppy!
Grandmother:
My saviors! Why doesn't everyone just come to my home and I will cook you all a special meal for your efforts in saving my life!
Leader of the Huntsmen:
Sounds like a good deal to me! I do love me a free meal!
Mother:
I will help! Come one, Little Red, Wolf.
Narrator:
And so both Little Red's mother and grandmother, and the leader of the huntsman walked towards the cottage, leaving Little Red and the Wolf to themselves. After all, Little Red Riding Hood had something she wanted to say to the Wolf.
Little Red Riding Hood:
I did? Oh! I did!
I just wanted to say thank you! For coming to my rescue!
The Wolf:
I didn't do it for you. I had a score to settle.
Little Red Riding Hood:
Sure, sure. Either way, because of you, I get to live another day. And for that, I am thankful.
The Wolf:
Now you're just being sappy.
Little Red Riding Hood:
Earlier, we talked about being strangers. But I don't think that's a thing anymore, Lone Wolf. I think it's safe to say we're friends!
The Wolf:
Yay me.
Little Red Riding Hood:
Which means, you are free to call me Little Red whenever you want.
The Wolf:
I would have regardless.
Little Red Riding Hood:
Oh, you just can't help yourself, can you!?
The Wolf:
Not when you make it so easy.
Narrator:
AND SO! Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf became friends, despite their obvious flirting.
Little Red Riding Hood & The Wolf:
WE ARE NOT FLIRTING!
Narrator:
Yeah, yeah. Anyway! And so, the day was saved, and Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf became friends. And she was reminded to never stray off the path she would get eaten alive!
As Yunichi spoke, the curtain drew on Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf staring each other down and the lights dimmed to just shine on the young man. With the microphone in his hand, he walked to center stage.
"We thank you all so much for joining us today for Class 3-A's special rendition of Little Red Riding Hood! From me, your narrator for this afternoon, Yunichi!"
The audience clapped loudly in applause, people whistling and cheering him on. He gave a few bows and smiled brightly.
"Thank you, thank you! So kind! But, please, give an even bigger applause to our lovely director, Suzuki Mami!"
The light moved to a dark-haired girl who came from the side of the stage and waved her hand to the audience.
"And now, may I present to you, the cast of our play today!"
Yunichi ran across stage as the curtains began to draw open, and the lights turned to the students, who were holding hands on center stage. Well, mostly everyone, except for Hayama Akito, Sana was fighting with him as she grabbed his elbow and Tsuyoshi grabbed his shoulder.
"For the role of the mother: Kamayai Hisae!"
Claps followed for the young woman as she stood in front of the cast and curtsied in her costume.
"For the role of our sweet grandmother: Sugita Aya!"
Aya jumped to the front of the stage and gave a small smile as she bowed.
"For the role of the doctor: Sasaki Tsuyoshi!"
The glass eyed boy stepped forward and followed suit as Aya as he bowed as well.
"For the role of the Leader of the Huntsmen: Shinichi Gomi!"
Said teen came up with an obnoxious grin and waved to the crowd, showing off whatever muscles he had.
"For the role of the terrifying Beast: Kimura Hiroshi!"
He came up timidly to the stage and gave some waves to the audience, who retaliated by giving him a bigger applause.
"And now, for the role of our brave Wolf, the broody Hayama Akito!"
The audience did get louder with applause as the blond-haired teen was pushed forward by both Sana and Tsuyoshi. It was evident he had no desire to go center stage, but his friends wouldn't allow it as they shoved him forward. He glared at the crowd, who seemed to love his actions as the whistles and cheers got louder.
"Whoo hoo! Good job, Ni-chan!"
"Way to go, Aki!"
"You killed it, man!"
"Marry me, Hayama-kun!"
With a reddened face, Hayama Akito quickly moved back to his spot, where Kurata Sana snickered as she elbowed his side.
"Finally, the star of our show and our Little Red Riding Hood, the amazing and ever so talented, Kurata Sana!"
Hobbling forward, the former actress took her spot in the spotlight and grinned widely at the audience in front of her. In which, the audience roared in applause. Students, family, friends, and faculty all alike stood for a standing ovation.
"WHOO SANA-CHAN!"
"You were amazing, Kurata-san!"
"Way to go, Sana!"
"Good job, Sana!"
The lights shone down on the girl who waved and laughed as her classmates and peers clapped around her, for her. The lights directed back towards her, and she felt a tight squeeze in her heart as the audience grew louder.
Voices upon voices began to fade out as she stood center stage. A feeling so familiar, one of great pride and confidence filled her. And Kurata Sana was thwarted back four years ago, at a time where she was at the height of her short-filled career.
Where she was the it girl. Where her name was plastered all over billboards and her face was on every commercial. Where she was running job to job and her beloved manager was right at her side as she took on the entire acting industry.
"Rei-kun. Would you still want to live with us if I stopped acting?"
"I would support you in whatever you wanted to do, Sana-chan."
"I love you, Rei-kun!"
"And I love you, Sana-chan."
The lights above her suddenly felt so harsh and Sana could hear the sounds of those cursed machines. She could smell that foul, hospital odor of the ICU. She saw all the tubes and wires sticking from Rei's chest.
"I'm afraid that there is little to no brain activity left. Whatever brain function he had, has not improved as his brain swelled too quickly for us to treat." The doctor spoke solemnly to Kurata Misako as they stood at the door.
Sana was sitting at Rei's bedside.
"There is nothing else you can do?"
The doctor sighed with melancholy as he shook his head.
"Nothing that would give this young man a meaningful recovery. You're looking at a life of vegetative state."
Misako pursed her lips.
"Mama, what does that mean? Can they fix him?"
The doctor and author looked at one another before she nodded, and he left the room. Misako walked slowly towards Sana and took the seat next to her.
"Sana…"
Her mother's voice croaked slightly and at that moment, Kurata Sana felt her entire chest cave into itself.
"Sagami-san's injuries are much too grave for him to come back to us."
Face white, mouth dry, Sana felt a massive knot in her throat.
"But he can recover right? Right!?"
Misako grabbed her daughter's hand and squeezed it tightly.
"Sana… Rei-kun is not going to get better. He will never wake up from this."
And it was then, that Sana felt her entire world crash around her. Everything felt fuzzy, her ears were ringing, and she suddenly had the urge to vomit.
Misako watched as her daughter remained still for a moment, and then the panic rose from her throat. Her eyes went wide with tears immediately filling the rims.
"No. No.. No! That's not true! Rei-kun will wake up! He has too!"
"Rei-kun! Rei-kun! Please! Wake up!"
The young girl grabbed at Sagami Rei's arm, shaking him with a desperate force. The tears began to fall down her cheeks, her sobs growing louder and more panicked.
"No. No! This can't be happening! This isn't happening!" She dropped her head on his shoulder and cried in anguish as the only man she ever loved was laying on his death bed.
The cheers around her continued, but Kurata Sana could only feel the anguish on her heart. Tears were streaming down her face as she looked onto the crowd in front of her. Happy faces filled with smiles looked down at her.
But all she could feel as an overwhelming wave of sadness.
"Hey."
A hand gently wrapped around her arm as she turned her head slowly to the voice whispering softly in her ear.
Hayama Akito was staring at her with subtle concern.
"Come on."
Turning around, Sana saw the faces of her friends, who were staring at her with supportive smiles. Aya reached a handout and Sana swallowed the frog in her throat as she reached for it.
When the former actress found her spot back with her fellow classmates, she grabbed Hayama Akito's hand and clasped it tightly. Aya interlaced their fingers tightly.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Class 3-A!"
There was a final applause from the audience and the class took one final bow as the curtains closed in and the lights shut off.
When the curtains closed fully, Sana felt her exhaustion and pain all at once. She cried out and her left leg buckled under her as she started to fall.
Moving quickly, Akito caught her from behind, crutches falling away. The blond held her close to him as he shouted out her name. Sana, suddenly exhausted and in so much pain, barely registered the world around her.
The last she remembered were soft, brown eyes looking at her with a sweet smile and a hand padding her head, whispering…
I'm so very proud of you.
A/N: This chapter was difficult to write. I looked at different screen plays for Little Red Riding Hood and kind of combined different elements into it. While also giving its own twist and flare. I got inspiration from the Fruits Basket's episode of their rendition of Cinderella. But obviously didn't want it to be the same. I hope this was sort of worth the wait. I know I've said this before but things really do start to move quickly after this. We have lots of different story lines to tackle next!
Another thing I've been thinking about is putting this story on AO3. I have an account over there, mainly for BNHA. But, I've been thinking about double publishing. I'm just not sure if I should with how massive this story is. I mean, we're almost at 50 chapters! (And to think I wanted to end it at 50 chapters hahaha). Anyway, I'll see what I end up doing. Maybe I may just post future stories on AO3. And reference this one.
Regardless, I hope you guys had fun with this! I know I did!
As always! Comments, reviews, criticism, etc. are always welcomed! Till next time!
- Dark Waffle