"Please help us! I'll do anything, PLEASE!"
The bulky, horned man practically ground his head into the street as he begged the noble ghost profusely, desperate words spilling out of his mouth. Vivian could only stare, dumbfounded.
What in the world was Crump doing there…?
But, surely enough, the X-Naut had trekked the whole way to Poshley Heights and was, in fact, groveling pathetically beneath Bow's ever-growing grin. He didn't so much as look up at Vivian and her friends, despite their bewildered gawking.
The mint-shaded specter laughed gleefully, apparently enjoying the show.
"Gyah hah? Now, now! Just what might you be here for, hmmmm? Do you need something from me, you round ball of a man?" she giggled. "Help you, you said? With what, exactly?"
"H-hurgh… I mean… you…" he grumbled, his head still pressed into the stone, "…you… you were right. You were right, you were right! I said it, okay!?"
"Oooooh? Now, this is surprising," she smirked, a deeply amused, lightly sadistic smile now spread across her entire face. "I'm right? Right about what, I wonder?"
She egged him on, not minding one bit that they'd caught the attention of practically every living creature around them. People in all directions were craning their heads, working to catch a glimpse of the dramatic scene without approaching too close. Some were giving judgmental little glares, some whispering in harsh tones, some avoiding them entirely, each clearly not appreciating that the cheery vibes of the festival had been interrupted by such an unsightly display.
Vivian's desire to flee into the shadows increased by the second. …She could feel the weight of the onlookers' stares. She couldn't hear what they were saying, not from such a wide distance, but it was still more than a little awkward.
Yet Crump continued to shout, undeterred. "You were right - I have no idea what I'm doing! Not even a little! I'm… I'm seriously desperate here," he choked from the floor. "I thought, maybe… we need work so bad, I was willing to try anything! I just… we need a way to survive. You have no idea how screwed we really are."
Vivian felt a tinge of empathy at those words. …Feeling desperate, feeling unsure of what to do... She could understand that much, at least.
His voice cracking slightly, the X-Naut commander continued to beg, laying his emotions bare before the scathing judgement of Lady Bow. "Please!" he cried out, "You're some kinda rich lady, right? With connections or whatever? I've seen you around here a lot! Can you teach me what to do? Anything's fine!"
"Gwaah ha haaa! Now, if this isn't the saddest thing," Lady Bow laughed, fanning herself with excitement. "…Actually, you may be in luck, egg-head. Vivian? How do you feel about using this pathetic man as your temporary acting partner, hmmm? He says he's willing to try anything! He might be garbage on his own, but I'm sure someone as skilled as Flurrie could whip him into shape! …At least, enough to perform alongside a bunch of complete amateurs. Your chances of winning a prize in the festival might not be zero, you know!"
Vivian startled at the mention of her name, gulping. "I, um… perform with him? I'm not too sure about that…"
She hadn't expected the turn of events at all. Her and Flurrie? Work with… Crump? On a play? Together? The mere idea was so far out of left field that it nearly gave her whiplash. What was she even supposed to say to that suggestion…?
"Buh-wha?" Crump looked up, his gaze meeting Vivian's. His eyes then drifted over to Flurrie, who wore an equally baffled expression. "You want me to work with… them? Wow, uh… what? There's no way! You're kidding, right?"
It appeared Vivian wasn't the only one who felt that way. Yet, Bow wasn't ready to let the idea drop.
"So, what you just said was a lie, was it? Something about 'willing to try anything'? Really, is that the kind of tone a beggar can afford to take on?" she scoffed. "Well? Do you actually want help? If you do, you better beg them, not me. I'm not doing a thing for you - not with that attitude. Do you want to try for a prize or not?"
"…S-seriously?" he questioned, his voice shaking slightly.
"Two-hundred fifty coins for first place, I think it was? How much do you think you could buy with that, hmm?" Bow smirked as she put the icing on the cake.
The X-Naut looked between Bow, Vivian, and Flurrie again and again, his body stiffening as the gears slowly turned within his head. Then, hesitantly, he shifted positions and slowly crawled over towards Vivian, stopping just before her to demurely bow his head.
"I… uh. I… know we don't got the best history together, but… I really am in a bad way right now," he rumbled from the floor as he barely forced the words out. "I know what you're probably thinking, but I seriously don't know what else to do. Grodus barely responds to me anymore, everyone legit hates us, and I'm hungry enough to go nuts. We need money, stat, and if we could just get people to give us a real chance-"
Vivian shook her hands in front of her, suddenly feeling very, very overwhelmed with what was happening. "Um, hold on!" she coughed, "Crump…? It's okay, you can get up…"
"Buh? Oh, uh. Sure, I guess…"
He sat up and crossed his legs but didn't rise to his feet. Vivian chewed at her bottom lip as he continued to speak – honestly, she found herself thinking he almost looked even more awkward now that he was sitting, what with the way he was uncomfortably avoiding her gaze and scratching at the back of his head.
"…Um, I… yeah. I don't really know what else to say. Just… I promise I'm not up to anything, it really is what it sounds like," he mumbled. "I'm running out of ideas. When this lady showed up, I just thought maybe it was a good chance for us, but… uh."
"Mmmm. I see…" Vivian lowered her voice, crouching down to meet him at eye-level. "You'd been wanting to enter the festival, right? For money?"
Crump nodded. "Yeah. We really thought the film festival would be best since the payout's higher and we have pretty good video editing skills, but… yeah, she's right. All the editing in the world isn't gonna fix the cruddy acting, huh?" He paused, fumbling his fingers. "But, I'm willing to give something else a try. You… are you maybe down for a little truce? Just for now?"
He peered at her questioningly, though he seemingly remained just as uncertain about the idea as she was. The once-boisterous X-Naut general fidgeted, wrung his hands, shuffled from side to side as he awaited a response… Vivian couldn't recall a time that she'd seen the man look so pitiful. Even when he was pretending to be Four-Eyes, he hadn't given that kind of impression.
He was probably being completely genuine. But, there was one bit that was bothering her.
"You said Grodus isn't responding to you anymore? What does that mean…?"
She couldn't help but be curious. Where exactly was the X-Naut boss in all of this?
"Uh, yeah. About that… he just sits in the corner these days. He doesn't want anything to do with… I don't know, life?" Crump sighed. "I've tried and tried to help him get it together, but he just won't. It seriously sucks to admit it, but Grodus handled pretty much everything complicated back in the day. I was the muscle and did the dirty work, sure, but… I don't know the first thing about actually taking control of the whole shindig. Everyone's relying on me, and I just..."
Crump was managing the X-Nauts alone, then? Vivian frowned. Despite everything, she couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for him. …Really, though their situations were incredibly different, she understood a few of the feelings he was expressing a little too well.
…But, still… should she really be listening to him at all? After all the trouble he'd caused without so much as a shred of remorse… What would Mario do in a situation like this? Would he hold onto old grudges and swat Crump's hand away, telling him to figure it out on his own? Or would he be willing to help him out, even when it wasn't exactly what he deserved?
She knew the likely answer to that.
"…Say, Flurrie?" Vivian turned to her cloud-shaped friend. "I honestly feel a little bad for him. So… I'd like to give him a chance. Is that okay? Can you maybe train both of us for a bit?"
Flurrie inhaled sharply, her eyes widening just a bit. "Are you quite sure? I suppose if you're fine with it, I'm willing… but, heavens. I'm not sure which was more surprising, this or Doopliss…"
"Hmm hmm hmm! Yes, that's true," Vivian giggled. She couldn't imagine what kind of encounter Flurrie may've had with Doopliss, of all people, but she wouldn't have been surprised to hear it was just as dramatic. "All right! Well then, Crump… it sounds like we're going to put on a ten-minute play! You're in!"
"Wait, for real?" his head bounced upright, fully at attention. "You're… actually down to enter the contest with me? …Really?"
The shadow nodded.
"Yes, really. But!" She held a finger out in front of him. "If we win, I'm taking half of the prize money, and that's final! If we catch you sneaking off with more than your share, you're in real trouble. You better behave!"
"Buh? …Buh! Buh! Buh huh huh!" Crump laughed, finally rising to his feet. "Uh… yeah! Yeah, you got it! Let's show 'em what we're made of!"
Vivian smiled, nodding with determination. She still wasn't entirely sure if it was a good idea or not, but she'd do her best to make it work out.
And thus, an unlikely alliance was formed.
"This is where we'll be practicing, then…?"
Vivian couldn't help but grin as she observed the grand beauty of the luxurious tent before her. The place was decorated just as she would've expected from Flurrie – wine-hued curtains hung from each side of the shelter's entrance, beckoning them into the splendor within. Vivian called it a "tent," though it really was large enough to house the entire troupe – she could spy lines of curtains inside as well, each sectioning off a number of tiny sleeping-bag-sized private areas for theatre members. The aroma of a sweet, nearly sensual perfume hung in the air, adding to the dream-like atmosphere.
The tent was one of many amongst the various festival-goers – other troupes and acting companies had also set up their own nearby, each bringing a unique flavor of décor with them. Together, they transformed the Poshley Heights outskirts into a spirited, shining paradise of color and self-expression.
"Indeed! Do feel free to stay for as long as you'd like and partake of the festival, my dear. We'll remain set up here until it all concludes," Flurrie beamed, though she notably didn't outright extend that offer to her other guest, despite him very obviously eyeing the inside with a keen interest.
"Buh huuuuh. Nice tent. The color ain't bad," Crump remarked, his gaze drifting from end to end and eventually settling on a mini fridge near the back. He waddled right on in without bothering to wait for an invitation.
Vivian gave a little shrug, meeting Flurrie's eyes. "Um… sorry about… well, this. But I really do appreciate you giving us your time. I promise to make it up to you someday!"
"Oh, you needn't worry, darling." The cloud spirit shook her head. "It's the unpredictability that keeps life exciting, you know! But, let's not dawdle – we have a lot of ground to cover if we're to get you two properly prepared. Let me show you what I have in mind!"
Following Flurrie's lead, Vivian passed through the entrance and made her way towards the rear end of the tent, over towards the area where her acting partner had drifted and was standing noticeably close to a pile of crackers and juice boxes atop a table. He shuffled impatiently, rocking back and forth on his heels.
Flurrie sighed, understanding his intent immediately. "…Would you… perchance like a snack before we start?"
"Uh, heck YES!" the X-Naut exclaimed, taking that as enough permission to lunge hungrily over the table's contents and snatch a package of crackers into each hand. He quickly picked out a folding chair to plop into and tore viciously into the plastic wrapping, slamming crackers into the darkness beyond his collar with the eagerness of a starving Chain Chomp.
"…Oh, my…" Flurrie held a hand to her mouth as she watched the carnage unfold.
Yet, Vivian's gaze drifted. Something else nearby had already caught her attention.
A few feet away, nestled within the darkness, a certain individual was spread out upon a remarkably cozy-looking camping chair. A tropical drink had been rather haphazardly shoved into the seat's cup holder, and its strangely dressed occupant, bizarrely wearing a sheet over his head topped with a party hat, had pulled up a tipped-over trash can and was using it to prop his feet up while he snoozed.
Or, at least, he had been snoozing. With all the noise that was coming from the snack table, he was slowly beginning to drift back to consciousness, making small, sleepy slurping sounds with his mouth and occasionally twitching his limbs. Vivian floated over towards him and playfully peered into his face.
She honestly was a bit surprised at just how cute he looked when he was sleeping. Normally, he was such a brat, but right then… she smiled, giggling, half-tempted to reach out and give him a light poke on the forehead. …Would he even notice if she did? Her fingers twitched as the impulse grew ever stronger.
And yet, it wasn't meant to be. The Duplighost's eyes shot open and, with a start, the poor creature nearly fell backwards and out of his chair.
"B-BELDAM!?" he yowled, jumping to his feet. "I wasn't napping, I wasn't napping! I-I-I-I… huh? Wait, you're not…"
"Mmmmm… right. I know we look a bit similar, but Beldam's my older sister," Vivian mused, pressing a finger to her bottom lip, "We have met before, though. …More than a few times, actually. I hear you're doing well these days!"
"I… Vivian, UGH! What's your problem, sneaking up on a guy while he's enjoying some shut-eye like that!? With THAT face!? I was having a good time here!" he hollered, stomping his foot. "Do you need something!?"
Doopliss. This Duplighost's name was Doopliss.
Vivian had seen him a few times recently, though it'd all been from afar – she really had been surprised by just how good his performances alongside Flurrie actually were. Honestly, it'd made her see him in a whole new light… she'd mostly just considered him a lowly, child-like prankster before, though she had to admit that she was indirectly grateful to him for bringing her and Mario together in the first place.
Beyond that, she also knew him to also be one of Beldam's… victims, in a sense. Just being aware of that was enough to make her feel a bit closer to him – not that he seemed to share that sentiment.
"Hmm hmm hmm! Sorry about that, so sorry," Vivian laughed, not bothering to hide her amusement at his over-the-top reactions. "I just couldn't help but notice that you're a lot cuter when you're sleeping! You should do that more often."
"S-shut UP!" he blushed, becoming increasingly flustered as he continued to stomp his feet, turning around in a circle. "Who's cute!? Who're you calling cute!? I'm… I'm not! I'm not, I'm not, I'm not!"
Though, despite everything, Vivian just couldn't bring herself to respect him. She continued to giggle as he threw a small tantrum, his sheets wildly flapping about him.
Then, finally, he clenched his fists in front of him and faced her, pouting accusingly. "Wha… what're you laughing for!? This is an ambush – this isn't fun at all! Go on, get outta here, you goth hag! Gross! Ew!"
"Hmmmmm? Who're you calling a goth hag, I wonder…?" Vivian grinned as she attempted to stifle her giggles. "Me? Are you sure…?"
He quickly stepped back, circling around the shadow as he ran for the cloud spirit's protection. "F-F… Flurrieeeeeee!" he called, waving his arms about in a tizzy. "Why's this happening!? Why am I the one getting bullied by some freak!? This is so wrong! …Hey, wait, we're being robbed!"
Flurrie floated calmly next to the seated Crump, who had since been allowed to put his hands on an entire box of granola bars. A battlefield of wrappers surrounded the pair as the man happily scarfed down the very last one.
The cloud spirit sighed, shaking her head. "No… no, we're not being robbed, sweetie."
"Wha!? Then, what's going on here!?" Doopliss hollered, looking between the two of them. "Nobody should be shoving down that much food except for ME! Why's this tubby X-Freak over here!? Get your mitts off my stuff, Slick!"
"Wffwaah?" Crump grumbled through a mouthful of oats and dried fruit.
"Doopliss! Mind your manners!" Flurrie scolded, "Honestly, now, you needn't worry about what this gentleman is doing. These are my special guests. I've invited them, so be on your best behavior."
"Are you for real?" he squinted, giving Crump a look. "I mean, come on, this one here? I know this guy. He's such a dumb-"
"Doopliss."
Before the sheet-covered gremlin could continue to say something undoubtedly rude, Flurrie silenced him with a stern glare. Doopliss cringed slightly, giving her a look like he'd been sprayed with water, then turned right back around and obediently marched to his chair.
"S-sorry, I got it, ma'am. I'll be over here. I'm behaving. Y-yeah, yuk yuk yuk…"
Flopping down in his seat, he quickly pulled a comic book from a pile to his side and promptly buried himself within it, making a show of taking hasty, busy-looking sips from his drink.
Vivian sidled up to the wind spirit, whispering in her ear: "Oh, wow… you've actually trained him? That's amazing!"
"Mhmm. He's not so bad, not really. Some souls just need a guiding hand in life," she nodded, eyeing her charge as he forcibly distracted himself. Then, raising her voice as she turned her attention to Crump, "Well then, that's enough free nourishment for you, I'd say. Finish drinking your juice and then it's onwards to our rehearsal!"
"Buh… uh, you got it, chief!" Crump saluted, noisily sucking the last of his apple juice through a bendy straw.
Once the X-Naut had finished and was on his feet, Flurrie led the pair over to a small bookshelf set up in the corner and plucked a well-worn little book from her collection. An elegant, shining star print decorated the volume's velvety azure binding.
"Here we are. I always keep a small selection of favorites around for inspiration. Sometimes reading a good play can help get one in the proper mood for acting," Flurrie remarked as she began to turn the pages, "and I do believe I have a performance in mind that'll be splendid for the two of you!"
The shadow watched as Flurrie settled on a page and then turned the book towards her. "Is that right…? I hope it's not too difficult," Vivian remarked, squinting at the text. "…But… I mean, I'll do my best anyways!"
She eyed the play's title. "A Cosmic Meeting." Was the book an anthology of star-related plays…? While she was more than happy to learn, two days wasn't much time, and it seemed like such lofty subject matter. …Though, if anyone would know what was best, it was Flurrie.
"Oh, don't you worry your pretty little head one bit! I'm quite certain you'll like this one. …Well, except for perhaps the ending. It's a bit of a downer, but the play itself is touching and adorable. The girl in this reminds me a bit of you, so it shouldn't be a stretch to step into character. Not to mention… I have the perfect costume for you. You'll be simply darling, I guarantee it!"
A costume!? Vivian lit up, imagining herself floating upon the stage, dressed up in a beautiful outfit with sparkling makeup and professionally styled hair. She loved that sort of thing! Even if she'd never really had the chance to do it before… just the idea was enough to make her giddy with excitement.
"…And, as far as the other role…" Flurrie continued, "Well, they don't have any on-screen time. Their situation is a bit… unique, really. As long as you can handle the inflection, you'll fare just fine. Just make sure you rehearse plenty – your character is the chattiest of the pair."
"So, all I gotta do is read this thing?" Crump questioned, peering over her shoulder as he examined the script. "Easy-peasy, you got it! Buh huh huh!"
"I shall be hoping for the best. Before we go any further, you both ought to sit down and read the text in its entirety. …Though, preferably, you should also copy it down so you can keep it with you. Let me go fetch some pens and paper – you'll certainly need them!"
As Flurrie left to go find materials, Vivian and Crump took a seat and held the book between them, switching back and forth as they read their assigned lines aloud. Yet, as the pages turned and they sunk deeper into the text, Vivian couldn't help but be a bit worried. Flurrie was right – her character was fairly simple, and Crump's character just needed him to have enough of a grasp on his role to read the script convincingly. And, yet… the length of the play…
Ten minutes was longer than it sounded. Could she really memorize all of it?
She gulped nervously as Crump turned to the next page and continued reading his part. They were nearing the end, but it was already so much. …Yet… no. No, she'd even saved the world once. Surely, she could handle something like this? Surely…
But then there was also the content of the play. Vivian's character was a melancholic girl, left all alone in an abandoned town without ever knowing if her absent family were alive or dead. While wandering in the forest, she happened upon a certain other lonely being and befriended it, but…
Crump's eyes drifted down the page, yet he paused as his gaze fell upon a certain part. "…Oh. Oh, buh huh, wow. Yeah, uh, I see what she meant about the ending. …That's kinda depressing, huh? This one probably ain't much of a hit with the kids."
Even if she could see why Flurrie had picked it, Vivian really would've preferred a happier play.
"Chief, you sure this is the one?" Crump looked up, questioning Flurrie as she laid out pens and paper in front of them. "Isn't it kinda… y'know?"
The wind spirit nodded in confirmation. "I truly do believe this is for the best. We have most of the supplies and the difficulty should be just right. Star statues are an incredibly common set piece - there's almost certainly a lightweight replica available for use."
"And the lights and rocks and stuff…?" Crump squinted at the script one more time, flipping back to one of the earlier pages.
"Absolutely taken care of! All I need do is relay instructions to the stage crew."
"Well, alrighty then. Sweet. I guess it works," the X-Naut confirmed. "Now, lemme get this all copied down reaaaal quick…"
He reached out for a pen and stack of paper, then began to write down the script in big, blocky letters. Vivian followed suit, carefully trying to absorb every word from the page into her skull as she transcribed them.
Next, it was time for a rehearsal.
Flurrie got up and began moving a few pieces of furniture around, placing a chair in the middle of the area and scooting various boxes up around it. She motioned for Doopliss to stand up and hang some of the tent's drapery from a nearby rack, setting up a makeshift backstage area for them to use – the sheet-covered creature complied, grumbling as he begrudgingly, though obediently, followed the wind spirit's instructions and completed the set.
"This, my lovely students," Flurrie motioned to the chair, "is a statue! And these are over here are rocks. I ask of you, use every ounce of your imagination as you perform – I want you to really, truly believe. The audience will absolutely feel the difference, I promise you!" Then, crossing her thick arms, she added, "Acting is simply one big, glorious game of make-believe. Our deepest desire as entertainers is to invite our audience to partake in the illusion with us. Extend your hand to them properly!"
Vivian stared at the setup, trying her best to project the image of a lone statue amidst a verdant forest over the top of the objects before her. She nodded vigorously. "Um, yes! I… I see them! I think…"
"Do your utmost to truly feel your character. Step into their shoes – see what they're seeing. Make up an entire life story for them, even – truly immerse yourself!" the wind spirit instructed as she gestured widely. Then, looking to Vivian with a twinkle in her eye, she continued: "Now, tell me about who you are. Starting with you… introduce yourself to me! To whom am I speaking today?"
Introduce herself…? Vivian stood and cleared her throat, her mind a web of chaos as she reached for interesting facts. Was Flurrie running them through a team building activity? Maybe professionals always started out in such a way, just to get into the right mood? "Um, yes! I'm glad to be here! My name is Vivian, and I-"
"No, darling! Not you!"
"H-huh?" Vivian paused, staring at Flurrie in confusion. Then, she realized. "…O-Oh! Right! Um, yes! I… m-my name is Charlotte. My Mother and Father left on a business trip a while back. We, um, live in a mansion. Usually, it's just the three of us. And, uh… I like to draw! …I… think that's right?"
"Mmm, that sounds right, yes. But be confident in your responses – you are Charlotte, darling," Flurrie nodded, turning to Crump. "Well, then… please, introduce yourself next. Tell me about who you are."
"Uh, yeah. Roger that," Crump paused, glancing at his script. "I'm… Glimmer? Yeah, Glimmer! I watch over the forest and grant wishes. I'm some kinda star in the sky."
"…Crump. Be a dear and do honestly consider something for me," Flurrie shook her head. "I would like for you to reread your parts and then tell me – do you truly believe you spoke to me, just now, using your character's voice? Can you see them using such words as 'kinda' or 'roger that'? Who is it that's standing before me right now – is it Glimmer, or is it Crump?"
"B-buh. I, uh…" Crump paused as he flipped back through his papers. "…I mean, it's… probably just me. Yeah. Yeah, I'll, uh… I'll take a sec to read this close. You got it, boss."
"Very good. Now, Vivian, darling… the first lines belong to you – let's begin from the top. Take a few minutes to really read over your script. Make certain you understand Charlotte for who she truly is. But remember, try to really imagine the forest, the rocks, the statue… act just as if they were real, and no less."
"Okay! Give me just a bit, please."
After a few laborious minutes of Vivian doing her absolute best to drill her first handful of spoken lines into her brain, she announced herself ready, picked up her assigned props, and stood behind the curtain. Flurrie waited a few seconds, then called out with a loud, commanding voice:
"All right… begin!"
Vivian hesitantly floated out, clutching a book and several pencils tightly within her hands as she glanced about the scene, acting as though it were the first time she'd ever laid eyes upon it. A white bag adorned her body. She focused in on the chair and reached a hand into her purse, inching closer, then gave voice to her first line…
"Oh, my… what in the world is this? Father and Mother never mentioned such a thing… Hmm…"
Then, approaching the seat slowly, she pulled a handkerchief from her bag and clasped it tightly within her fist. Her next line fell from her lips.
"It's… beautiful. What a shame, though… here, let's fix you up…" Carefully, just as she'd read in her instructions, she reached over and began to dab at the "statue."
"One moment!" Flurrie held up a hand, pausing the performance, "There's one matter here that I'd really like you to keep in mind, darling. While acting, you simply must keep the order of your character's actions consistent! The idea to clean the statue doesn't even occur to our sweet Miss Charlotte until she's approached it and inspected it – and yet, you were already reaching into your bag from almost the very moment you entered."
Vivian thought about her motions for a moment – and realized Flurrie was right. Certainly, Charlotte was a bit nervous, but she was also just a curious girl, out exploring the forest around her home. She likely wouldn't be constantly rummaging in her bag.
"O-oh. Mmm, yes, that makes sense…"
"Do not feel discouraged, darling! Such is a perfectly ordinary beginner's mistake. It will feel more natural with time," Flurrie smiled. "Now, let's move on along… no need to worry about perfection on the first run. Crump, please – whenever you're prepared!"
"Uh… yeah! Got it, ready whenever," Crump nodded vigorously, his script clutched in his hands. "On your cue, boss!"
"All right. Begin!"
Crump glanced down at his script and started to read.
"Hello. Can you hear me? Hello." The exact line from the paper rolled off his tongue, and yet…
"One moment!" Flurrie held up her hand again, pausing the performance.
Vivian looked down at her own script, inspecting the words. "…Hello? Can you hear me? Hello?" The abandoned star – eventually given the name Glimmer - was calling out from the heavens after not having spoken to a single soul for years untold. It had a voice that was uncertain, yet yearning – after waiting for ages, a girl had finally appeared before it and maybe, just maybe, was capable of interacting with it.
Crump's performance held none of those emotions. Rather, he sounded almost like a phone operator.
"Yuk yuk yuk… wow, you're so bad at this. What, you working at an old folk's home, talking to grandma? Weren't you listening when Flurrie told you to get into character, Slick?" Doopliss snickered from afar, enjoying the performance with a fresh box of juice in his hands.
"Doopliss," Flurrie growled.
The Duplighost flinched. "S-sorry, sorry! It slipped out, I'm being quiet!"
And yet, Crump turned to the childish creature, addressing him in an irritated tone. "Uh… yeah? I've never done this before, what'd you expect? I'm here to learn, thanks." Then, huffing, he added: "Besides, the heck you want, you freaky sheet-looking thing? You raid someone's bedroom for that outfit?"
Flurrie turned to Crump, addressing the X-Naut with the same tone as she did Doopliss. "Crump. Cease this, now. We are professionals here and I will not have such petty squabbles on my set."
"…Yeah, okay. I'll let it drop. Whatever," he huffed, sulking.
Vivian sighed. She had a feeling it was going to be a long day.
And a long day it was.
After repeating her lines over, and over, and over, nearly until her voice became hoarse, the shadow had completely lost track of time. And yet, the sun didn't have the courtesy to wait for them to perfect their practice. It rapidly sank beyond the horizon, plunging the tent into a creeping darkness. Though the ornate lamps hanging from above kept it light enough for most to move about in, Vivian knew that the average creature wasn't as adept at existing in the shadows as she was.
Crump was already beginning to struggle, squinting at his lines as he pressed a lamp up against his paper. Though his inflection had improved, there was an obvious tired edge to his voice.
"Yeah, uh, sorry. Didn't sleep last night," he grumbled, just after having botched a line. "I'm doing my best here. Really."
She believed him. Between his voice and his tired, heavy movements, the man legitimately seemed exhausted.
Crump aside, the troupe members were beginning to return from the day's festivities. Several Toads had wandered in and were watching the performance from afar. …Though Vivian was tempted to shy away, she knew – if she couldn't handle just them, how in the world was she going to get up and perform in front of a crowd? And so, she kept going, shutting them out of her mind.
Finally, Flurrie made the last call.
"I do believe that's enough for today!" she clapped her hands. "You both did fabulously. Even with just that bit of practice, you've become so much better! I'm certain there's a bright future ahead if you wish to keep at it."
"T-thank you. Mmm… whew…" Vivan let out a deep breath.
She was exhausted, too.
Freed from the day's duties, Vivian collapsed upon the sleeping bag that Flurrie had lent her, making herself comfy in one of the tent's little curtain "suites." Despite Flurrie's earlier reluctance, Crump got one to himself, too – she could hear him shuffling about nearby, nestling down inside his own spot.
Yet, despite her overwhelming exhaustion, the shadow had to admit – the day had felt amazingly fulfilling. She'd worked hard. Following Flurrie's instructions, reading her lines again and again, truly stepping into the shoes of another person… She'd had so much fun.
It all made the idea of going home that much more painful.
Perhaps the performance was actually just her way of distracting herself – of running away from the problems that were undoubtedly waiting for her back in Twilight Town. For just a moment, she was able to look away… to exist in a world that was so far removed from what she was used to, where she didn't have to think about Beldam at all. Where she could simply lose herself while she worked towards a goal. Just like back then. Just like back then, with Mario…
She didn't know what she would do from that point onward. But, she was starting to understand – something had to change. Beldam still didn't respect her. She'd thought she'd proven herself, that what she'd done during the Thousand-Year Door incident was enough – but she was wrong.
It really was time she dove into something new. She'd show Beldam that she wasn't stuck in the past, that she wasn't dependent on Mario… that she could do something wonderful on her own. That she was moving forward.
While she didn't know if their performance was the solution, it was a start.
Chapter image: www tumblr com/thegroduschronicles/755753667428237313