Catch-22: The Dancing Thing
By: M14Mouse
Summary: When Yu saw Elizabeth in her bright blue outfit under the bright lights, he just knew that it was trouble.
Disclaimer: Don't own them. This story is un-betaed
The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice, your mind, your story, your vision. So write and draw and build and play and dance and live as only you can. Share this
-Neil Gaiman
Yu realized the moment that he knew Elizabeth was involved when he saw the room. The room was filled with neon lights and brightly designed decor. He glanced over at his students who were nearby in a group. They were looking confused.
In the distance, he saw another group but he couldn't make them out as clearly.
"SENSEI!" Ann shouted and waved.
"Is everyone okay?" He asked as he approached the group.
"We are fine. It is strange that we ended up here. I was very aware that I went to my room to go to sleep," Yusuke said.
"Same," Ren said.
"Ditto," Futaba said with a nod.
"Can you sense anything, Futaba?" Makoto asked.
Futaba shook her head no then the lights went off for a moment.
"What the hell-?!" Ryuji shouted.
Few seconds later, the lights came back on. He groaned when he saw Elizabeth and the twins standing front and center of the room.
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! I have been waiting for you. Welcome to the Velvet Roo-" Elizabeth said.
"No…this is incorrect. It should be bigger…," Caroline said.
"Grander…" Justine added.
"You're correct, my sisters! For one night, a magical paradise where a gathering of passionate souls reveals itself as one! Welcome to Club Velvet!" Elizabeth said.
"WHAT THE HELL-?!" Ryuji shouted.
The other group turned around to see them. It only took a moment for him to recall their faces.
Dear spirits….what in the world did Elizabeth do this time?!
"Who are they? Where are we?!" Yukari shouted at them at Elizabeth.
"We would like to know as well," Makoto said as they approached the group.
"I will explain everything! Gather around!" Elizabeth in excitement.
"They are our guests that we invited," Justine said.
"Yes, I invited my guests to the same party."
"Hey, my name is Ann," Ann said as she introduced herself with a wave. The two groups started introducing themselves to each other.
"Ken."
"Haru."
"Junpei…It's great to introduce myself to such lovely ladies."
Junpei…never changed.
"Yukari."
It is interesting to see her without her costume. He was surprised that Futaba hasn't recalled her yet.
"Fu-Futaba."
"Yusuke."
"Aigis"
"Mitsuru."
It was strange to see his boss in school clothes after so many years.
"Fuuka. It-it's a pleasure."
She has changed so much.
"Akihiko."
And he hasn't changed at all.
"Ryuji."
"Mor-."
"Enough! They ruined our entrance. They should have been graceful for such an impressive entrance," Caroline shouted at the group.
He didn't drink anything before bed.
He could feel a headache coming on.
"Who is this hottie? The others are too young for me but still…in a few years." Junpei said with a grin.
Too late. Already here.
"Allow me to explain. However, I will answer no more questions once I am done," Elizabeth said.
"Sh-She's kind of overbearing, huh? You think we're gonna be okay?" Ken mumbled softly.
"She is crazy. We are probably going to die," Ryuji said.
"Most likely," Yusuke added.
He stared at Ken. It was strange to see him so young again.
"We will be okay…" Minato said.
It is strange to see him alive too.
"I think," Ren mumbled.
He almost laughed. What are you doing, Elizabeth?
"Due to an incident involving my sisters, we shall hold a "ball" here," Elizabeth explained.
"OH! It is our fault!? It's yours!" Justine said angrily.
"NO, ITS YOURS!"
We are going to die.
Justine started to cough loudly.
"That is why you have been summoned to participate in the festivals," Justine spoke.
"You should be thankful for this opportunity," Caroline said as she stared at Elizabeth.
"Like a party? I mean…our clothes aren't suitable for this," Haru said.
"She is right. We are very unprepared for this," Fuuka said.
"OOoo…this sounds fun. I'm totally down for that," Junpei said.
Oh, Junpei….
You are going to regret saying that.
"It sounds fun even if it is kind of weird," Ann said.
He sighed.
"Hold on…something isn't right," Makoto said.
"I agree. This doesn't seem like just any old party. What do you want with us?" Mitsuru said.
"Oh, yes. Thanks for asking. I would like you to dance for me!" Elizabeth said.
He could see the confusion on everyone's faces.
"I don't understand," Minato said.
"I don't think anyone does," Ren said.
His eyes narrowed slightly. He might know.
"Oh, there is no need for rumination. It's as simple as following your heart and releasing your passion on the stage," Elizabeth said.
"That sounds very complex and possibly painful. I have to decline," Yusuke said.
"I agree with him," Ken said.
"Man, we don't have time for this," Akihiko said.
"There is no need to worry. All of you are fast asleep in the real world," Caroline said.
"Yes. This will all vanish like a fleeting dream," Justine said.
"Regardless how much time you spend here, it will have no effect on your reality," Elizabeth added.
"So…there is no limit to how long we spend here?" Makoto asked.
"None whatsoever!" Elizabeth said happily.
"Once you return to the real world, all of your memories of this place will vanish," Caroline said as nodded her head.
No, it doesn't. It folds up into time but it is still there.
Interesting.
"It is quick and painless, allowing you to rise and shine like any other morning," Elizabeth said.
Veles?
Probably. Since the window is so short, it won't affect anything. Crazy attendants.
Is there a catch?
"So please enjoy your time here to your heart's content…."
"That's easy for her to say…Does she really expect us to go along with this?" Ken said with the shake of his head.
"Why must we dance,t? You need to give us a reason." Mitsuru said.
He sighed. She really shouldn't have said that.
"I agree. Does this dancing really serve a purpose besides entertaining you?" Makoto asked Elizabeth.
"Hmmm…." Justine said.
"Why do you ask? Hmmm well….You all are currently on a very dark journey. I can only imagine how stressful it must be."
"Think of it as a reward for all of your hard work," Justine said with a nod.
"Yes, a reward for all of your hard work! I only wished to provide you some relaxation," Elizabeth added.
"We have been working several days for this occasion to lift your spirits. You should be thankful!" Caroline shouted.
"You guys made that up on the spot…didn't you?" Ann said.
"Should you refuse me, I would have no one else to turn to…I would unable to even the score with my incompetent sisters for all of eternity…and without a doubt, our dignity would be trampled in the mud," Elizabeth said.
"What did you call us?!" Caroline shouted.
"Incompetent?! How…How…rude!" Justine said.
"Well…if the shoe fits…." Elizabeth said.
Justine caught Caroline before she could lunge toward Elizabeth.
"This shouldn't trouble you. This is a personal affair between our family," Justine said as she struggled to hold onto her sister.
"Anyway, I thought I had done my utmost to support this man's journey from the shadows," Elizabeth said dramatically.
"I supposed that it hasn't been enough to fill our tiny request," Caroline added as she calmed down.
They are guilt tripping everyone.
"However, the blame rests solely with me. My sadness is deeper than the color of this room. WAAAAHHHHH…." Elizabeth said with a dramatic cry.
And still as dramatic as ever.
The twins started to join in.
"They are crying," Yusuke mumbled.
"Man, I can cry better than them," Futaba said.
"Yes, those are obviously crocodile tears," Aigis said.
"She's attempting to appeal to our emotions, hm? However, her acting lacks any true sentiment," Mitsuru said.
"I mean…they are our allies. I suppose that we can't turn our backs on them," Haru added.
"Yes, that is why I'm okay with this." Akihiko said.
He started rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"I don't have any strong objections," Yusuke said with a nod.
"Me either," Ken added.
"You guys are actually okay with this?!" Ryuji shouted.
"I know, right?! I can't even dance!" Junpei added.
Elizabeth started to giggle.
"You have all accepted my terms, yes?"
"Yes, a guest never goes back on their word," Justine said.
"So, our contract has been sealed," Caroline said.
"LIKE HELL!? I didn't agree to anything!?" Ryuji said.
"Me either!"
"Now, then, I ask that you all dance, passionately and to our heart's content!" Elizabeth said as she completely ignored the other words.
"I knew it…" Yukari said with a sigh.
"She is forgetting that we don't have any dance skills and techniques. What will be done about that?" Mitsuru said.
…..
And these kids beat Nyx? They must have a lucky day.
Be nice, Veles. One of them is my future boss.
"Not to worry, as I am well aware. Club Velvet is a mysterious space that only exists within your dreams. Your emotions will be transformed into dance moves. Enabling your body to move exactly how you imagine to. It's merely child's play here." Elizabeth said.
"Yes, it should be an easy concept for you to understand," Caroline said.
Mitsuru sighed.
"They completely have the upper hand."
"We fell for it too," Makoto added with her own sigh.
"No big deal. Sounds fun," Junpei said.
"No, it doesn't!" Futaba grumbled.
"Come on. It will be easy. We just have to dance and rile up the crowd, right?"
Wait for it….
"Ah, I beg your pardon. It seems I forgot to introduce myself. The one will be guiding—no "producing" you, is me. My name is Elizabeth. Please feel free to call me my nickname, "Elle-P" Elizabeth said with a grin.
"My name is Justine." Justine said.
"And mine is Caroline. You should be honored," Caroline added.
Veles started crackling inside of his head.
"Fine. Whatever. Just tell us what we need to do?" Ken asked.
"Yes, more details would be nice," Yusuke said.
"Yes, like Kenny-boy and Yo-Yo said. We are pressed for time. Permit me to wrap things and get right to the point," Elizabeth said.
Press for time?
Did they…
Probably.
"No one said that…" Futaba mumbled.
"I shall gracefully forgo the insignificant details and tell you about Club Velvet. First, this room you are in now is the VIP Room, exclusively for your private use." Elizabeth said.
"Please utilize it as you wish, be it to practice or to chat with one another," Justine said.
"So, this isn't where we are performing?" Fuuka asked Elizabeth.
"Oh, no. The dance floor where you will actually perform is located just outside of this room. The images in a dancer's heart will create the stage on which they'll perform within reason," Elizabeth said.
"Within reason?" Ren said.
"Sounds scary," Ken said.
"In addition, we have prepared a separate waiting room for each of you," Elizabeth said.
"Man, we are just like celebrities!" Junpei shouted happily.
"To ensure that your waiting rooms will have the most relaxing effect on you…I have created each one to reflect the very rooms in which you spend your daily lives. I will give you your keys so that until it's time to perform you can relax your whole heart. Oh, whatever, relax how you would like…" Elizabeth said.
"Our rooms…You mean our dorm rooms? Good. Then I can train," Akihiko said.
You're going to die from stupidity.
"Wow…he changed his mind quickly," Futaba mumbled next to him.
"He accepted this way too quickly. Plus, why would you train in a dream?" Yukari said.
"Now! As leader of the dance team, please get this party started!" Elizabeth shouted over their voices.
"Excellent!" Jumpei cheered.
How did this one survive?
"We can't wait for your performance! Now to your…"
"One moment," He said as he waved to their attention.
All three of them turned and stared at him like a deer caught in the headlights. Slowly, he walked through the group until he was in front of the three of them.
"Mr. Narukami….how wonderful to see you," Elizabeth said with a forced smile.
"It is wonderful to see you as well. I do have questions before we begin," He said pleasantly.
"We don't have time for questions!" Justine shouted.
"Yes, we must begin right now!" Elizabeth said.
"Oh, I thought that time had no meaning in the Velvet Room," He said.
That look appeared on their faces again.
"So, why are you in a hurry?"
"I don't want our wonderful guests to wait too long!"
"You didn't tell Igor that you were planning this, did you?" He said mildly.
By the expressions on the sisters' faces, the answer would be no.
"So, you didn't ask."
"Master won't mind," Caroline said nervously.
"I see. Next question, what happened?" He asked.
"No…Nothing!" Elizabeth said.
"I mean….it is a private matter!" Justine said in a panic.
Wow…just give them a shovel and they can dig their own graves.
I'm pretty sure that Margaret knows what they are doing and is laughing at them.
"I'm merely curious on how this event occurs. If it is serious enough, I can call Margaret," He said.
The twins' faces turned pale then they turned to Elizabeth, whose eyes darted from him to the twins.
"Please don't call Margaret," Justine said.
"Who is she and who is he?" Ken whispered behind him.
"He is our Sensei," Ann whispered back.
"Uhmmm…," Elizabeth said nervously.
"Now…the next question…." He started to say.
"No more questions! We…!"
"They are doing nothing until we finish talking. You know as well as I do that your verbal contract has no merit because not everyone agreed with it."
"But…but he agreed," Elizabeth said as she pointed to Minato.
"I did agree but if everyone else didn't want to do it. I'm not going to force them," Minato said with a shrug.
"But his bonds…" Elizabeth said
"I don't remember the contract taking away free will. Or have you become Hinokagutsuchi now?"
Elizabeth and the twins flinched at the name.
"I have no idea who he is but damn…your Sensei is a badass," Jumpei whispered.
"I would really like to train under him," Akihiko whispered behind him.
"He is an excellent teacher. You really learn a lot," Makoto whispered to Akihiko.
"He is going to take over Japan," Futaba whispered to Jumpei.
"Oooo….Neat!" Jumpei said.
"We would never…" Caroline started to say.
"Then why are we here?" He said.
The sisters looked at each other then him.
"BECAUSE OF YOU?! And your smugness!?" Caroline shouted.
"Because of me?" He said in confusion.
"Yes, you dance around and having fun! And being all strong?!"
OH, that!
"Having fun? I spent a month in the tv world because of some insane god."
Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the group step back.
"Well…it was nice knowing you," Ren whispered.
Minato gave a little good-bye wave to Elizabeth.
"Oh, that is a minor detail," Elizabeth said with the wave.
"Oh, snap," Ryuji whispered.
"This is the part where they die, right?" Yuukai whispered back.
"Probably," Ann added.
He stared at them for a long moment.
"I'm very disappointed in you three," He said softly.
The twins' faces turned pale and Elizabeth's eyes widened.
"I thought that attendants grow with their guests. Apparently, this isn't the case, it seems the guests have passed their attendants. I do realize that I am not your guest. You have no bearing on the obstacles that I face. So, you have no understanding of what I went through on my journey. Caroline and Justine, did you two watched with glee and malice as your guest transited his first palace? Did you hope that he was injured or dead?"
"No…No…never. We are his guides," Caroline said in a panic.
"If he chooses wrong but…no…" Justine said as she stared at him.
"And did you celebrate when he fought shadow after shadow? Or did you hope for his death as well? So, it could be fun," He said to Elizabeth.
"I would never….This isn't the same!" Elizabeth shouted.
"Is it?"
He stared at them as they grew silent.
"Is he available for employment? I would like to hire him," Mitsuru whispered.
"He is already employed," Haru whispered back.
"Pity."
"Maybe….my approach wasn't the best," Elizabeth said.
"It could use a little work," He noted.
"But I meant well!"
"You did. Now…the truth."
The sisters looked at each other then at him.
"It is her fault! She isn't being a good attendant! Even our Master can't control her!" Caroline shouted.
"I have been a wonderful attendant! You two are impertinent and vicious! Unworthy of your roles," Elizabeth shouted at the twins.
Well…you got the truth, lad. Good luck shutting them up.
"HOW DARE YOU!" Caroline shouted.
"I DO DARE!" Elizabeth shouted back.
"Enough." He said.
The girls stopped in their screaming.
"Now, how did this family matter become this?"
"We thought that the dancing part did look fun. So, we decided on a competition," Elizabeth said.
"Go on. And the prize?"
"Bragging rights. To show that our guest is better than hers. That we are better than our sister," Justine answered.
"Loser?"
"Their guest and his friends get thrown into a pit of endless darkness and pain," Caroline added.
…
"WHAT THE FUCK!"
Thank you, Ryuji.
"Are they crazy?!"
That might be possible, Morgana.
He raised his hand as the chatter got louder behind him. Instantly, the chattering stopped.
"You're correct. This is a family matter that should be dealt with accordingly but I believe there is an opportunity to work out your issues. You and your sisters will participate as well as your guests. Since this place allows you to express emotions through dance, this will allow you to express yours toward each other as well. Now, the rules. One rule, you will get consent from everyone…" He said.
"But what if there aren't enough people?" Caroline asked.
"Maybe, once the others who are unsure will join once they see everyone dancing," He answered.
"Oh…well…we didn't think of that," Justine said.
"Yes, I didn't think about it either," Elizabeth said.
"Two, no one gets thrown into hell. That kind of ruins the fun part."
Elizabeth started to pout.
"Fine. But they can't leave until they are done."
"Of course not. Friends won't leave friends behind after all. Now, ladies, why don't you go and talk to the others to get their permission and show them to their rooms?" He said with a small smile.
"Of course, Master Narukami," Justine said with a bow as she started walking toward the group behind them.
"HEY! Wait for me!" Caroline shouted after Justine.
He turned his attention to Elizabeth, who was staring at him.
"Yes?"
She bowed.
"Oh, nothing. My apologies, Master Narukami"
Hmmm….
?
Oh, it is nothing. Just amused. Attendants are an interesting bunch. I wondered why he changed.
They haven't been with him before?
Oh, no. There was a painter once and a few others that I remember….Nameless and Belladonna before there were attendants. You did well in managing them.
He shrugged.
Just had to pretend to be Igor. He never got angry but he does get disappointed. So, I worked from what I know.
Veles chuckled.
It is a little more than that.
"NO! I'm not wearing that!" Futaba shouted behind him.
He sighed.
He was so glad that he won't remember this when he wakes up.
End of The Dancing Thing
Next Chapter: The One Where the Boss Finds Out
A/N: Surprise early chapter! I'm going to be busy this week. So, guys get an early post. Should I tell Yu the bad news that he is likely remember this when he gets up? No, I won't. I almost wanted to add the tag: no one pays Yu enough for this mess. Watching the P3/P5 dancing videos were…rough. Some of the dialogue. Uh…painful. So, painful. That is why it become one chapter because…I could only take so much. I hope that you enjoyed the condense version of the Dance All Night. I want to thank the lovely kudos, favorites, etc. Read and Review if you wish.