Showtime

[Oeilvert]

"I see," he said, and followed the Nobody off the stage and onto their quest to seek out the mysterious Impresario.

[General Beatrix]

General Beatrix curled the curtain between her clenching hands for a moment while listening to the others converse, and made an inward attempt not to cry. Lately, she noticed, she had been growing weak in the emotional department--or so she thought--and completely believed that she no longer deserved her title still.

And then the White Mage took initiative and began barking orders to the Alexandrian Army. Beatrix nodded her head in approval, considering how great of a general Abby could be if she were skilled with military, royal and proper semantic training. Shrugging, she pulled away from the bridge and began her lonely march downward, attempting to be one of the first to greet everyone at the hold; perhaps there she would find Agrias, had the Holy Knight put Boco back in his stable yet.

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Ellis and the navigators began working to the beat of Lady Abigail's orders, and after she'd spoken a messenger was already on her way to the Telepods, making headway to inform the Jidoor Opera House of their arrival. Others were on the ship megaphones instantly and soon the Red Rose was teeming with the sounds of shouting, cursing women clamboring to get themselves ready.

Daphne saluted, along with the other soldiers, and nodded her head, marching off to alert the Science and Research Development Department, alongside the Infirmaries, of their arrival and issue of orders to be prepared down in the cargo hold. Aside from that she thought of Sai, and what the White Mage had said. "Sai..."

[Agrias Oaks]

The holy knight of corn-colored hair and amber eyes had fallen asleep the moment her eyes closed shut. She would have a dreamless slumber, and a quick one it seemed, since it felt the instant she drifted to sleep was when they arrived to their destination. She opened her eyes a little, to look at the ceiling, her pupils dilating and focusing to view her surroundings. She looked down to see Boco was resting its head just over her tummy, while the rest of the body was nestled at the bed's side, in a "Hen" fashion.

Agrias smiled and leaned down to rest a gloved hand over the bird's head. This movement would cause Boco to stir and wake. His feathers would ruffle, and his neck would straighten up to look about the room every-so-curiously.

"We arrived someplace, apparently, dear Boco." muttered the knight, sitting up to rub a little at her head, and taking a better look at herself... her novice self. She sighed, and decided to give it another try.

"Class Change.... Holy Knight!" -- but nothing happened. She was still without armor, and looked more a squire, than a knight. The knight stayed quiet a while, and looked over to her Save the Queen, whom was still in deep slumber. Boco, her faithful chocobo, saw this, and tried to nudge her shoulder; he tried to convince her that it would be alright... but was it truly?

Agrias slammed a closed palm against the bedsheets near her pockets, and hit the edge of something hard. She blinked a little, and reached into her left pocket to reveal the small book given to her by the white mage, still intact, "The Book of Light..." she whispered quietly, reading the bold, silver title before opening it up... for some sort of sign.

...

" What happened, Boco...?" she found herself asking, glancing up at him for any answers he could spare. The Chocobo looked down at her, his head feathers lowering in a clueless fashion, and he let out a soft "wark."

Agrias stood up, and walked over to the resting sword to pick it up. She curled her fingers around the handle and she raised her quivering arms in hopes to grow familiar with it again, but something felt missing. Her Holy wasn't in it... and she couldn't explain why it was. She swung the sword around a few ways from Boco, but she was able to do so in a slow fashion... it was not quick enough. It felt like the first time ever handling such noble steel's weight. Was she so out of it?

[Acteur de la Noir]

At this point in time, a new presence would make itself known amidst all the proceedings. It started out as a simple flicker in in the astral senses of all mystics present; a ripple of pure blackness in the fabric of space. However, the disturbance would quickly grow in intensity, spreading and morphing until it was a whirling vortex of Stygian blackness, tainted here and there with flashes of penumbral violet. To those who could sense such things--and indeed, those who were familiar of the presence of other worlds; such individuals were legion in attendance--it was assuredly a portal between realms. A Corridor of Darkness, to be precise.

It was from this dark portal that two figures would emerge--the first, a lanky figure in Victorian garb, hiding his face behind a theatrical mask and wrapped in a black cape worthy of the most diabolical vampire counts. Set in the half-shadow cast by his hat, a pair of inhuman eyes gleamed an eerie yellow, ghostly and mysterious. Emerging from the shadowy vortex--with a lithe, athletic shadow clad in a green-and-black catsuit following in his wake--the enigmatic figure set foot upon the floor, his cape gathered around him with a dramatic flair as he cast his gaze about the room.

The co-director of the coming drama had arrived...fashionably late in relative terms, but present, nonetheless. And with him, one of the last performers to be called--a wayward Heartless, brought back to the fold at last.

Spreading his arms wide and casting his cape open with a flourish, Acteur de la Noir stepped forward, the light playing across his mask to reveal the wide, crescent-moon grin currently etched into his porcelain features. "Bonjour and good eve to you all!" he announced with theatrical eloquence. "It is with the greatest enthusiasm and honor that I bid a most pleasant welcome to the Jidoor Opera House! Tonight, we shall make a contribution to the annals of theatrical history like no other!"

[Shego]

**From Beast's Castle, Dawn of a New Day **

[glow=green,2,800]Ms. Go followed closely to the master-puppet, her emerald hues looking this way and that to the sparkling red surroundings; The bright colors of the theater! She tapped the floor lightly with the tip of her foot, and she was sent to hover about in that curious manner of hers. "Wooow" she would gasp a little, the little antennae hidden in her hair twitching to sign the exact awe.

The thief turned to gaze upon the grand actor, and her eyes turned to north-ward cresents, " This is going to be fun. I--" her eyes turned to full circles, suddenly growing a sense a familiarity, her head turned rather quickly, and she darted over to a Scarecrow like figure in the crowd. She fanished from place at such undearable speeds, only to appear behind the Heartless mage.

With glee in her expression, she wrapped her arms lovingly upon this evil-looking heartless, and with joy in her heart she cried, "Attikins~!" while nuzzling against the giant horn-like "shoulder padding" of his, "I've missed you so much!" she would squeak, but her attention was disturbed by something else. Ms. Go turned to see the woman behind him, and her eyes gave that narrowing vibe, though unknown to humans, " ............... who's that?"

It should be explained rather quickly, since the heartless' fingertips were growing rather sharp, almost claw-like. [/glow]

[Lilith]

Lilith couldn't help but grin at how Abigail barked orders, she was sure that if she could that the mage would have asked everyone personally and in with a much nicer demeanour if she could have.

Lilith looked from Daphne to Beatrix and back to Abigail as she asked her question.
"sure good idea... meet you at the exit ramp, okay?"

the vampire hoped onto another foot and sped to the door, before she left she made a quick salute and darted off.

[Ellin Destroix]

Ellin had opened several crates in search for what she needed, finding bits and pieces of an old style camera, which was good for big screen type of movies. She grinned widely at this, and began to put the pieces together, until it was just right. Now, she was only missing the film.

She opened up several other boxes for it near the ship hold, and this is when she saw the massive, red painted ship arrive, "The Red Rose...!" she gasped, rather happy that crew was able to make it to view the show. The dark knight looked down to find a few film rolls, and decided to take three blank ones, to be on the safe side.

"The children are going to be so happy..." she thought quietly to herself, walking to set the camera up at the center audience chairs. While the cast was up front, she fixed the camera to have a full lens view to capture the entire stage. Of course, if someone went off-stage, she would be there to capture it. She would not record now, of course, but wait until the true masterpiece began.

"Focus is nice... the zoom works, thats good too..." she continued to test the features on the device.

[nexus]

*****From the Red Rose*****

Nexus sat at the table talking with Ria,at one point he noticed how nervous she was, so he place a hand over hers and said "you uh my want to calm down a bit before you put dents in the table.". With a smile he continued conversing with Ria as they traveled. Talking his past and hearing of hers.

He was enjoying the talk with this girl, not to mention that she was cute. After awhile of talking he noticed out one of the windows the change in atmosphere. "I guess that means we're getting to were we're going" he said with a bit of a sad face , he liked talking to Ria and kinda didn't want to stop. "i apologize Ria, but it would probably be wise for me to check on my dragon be fore we land" he said as he stood and bowed.

He took a couple of steps before turning slightly back to face Ria "You....uh....wouldn't want to ....to meet her would you" He asked with a hopeful smile.

[ultimecia]

[glow=purple,2,800]"You should move it a centimeter to the left to achieve true center." called a voice, apparently right next to the dark knight. A woman with a white and brown feather like boa, connected to moving wings had found a seat next to Ellin. She crossed her legs properly, and rested her two clothed hands over her exposed knee. She watched the stage, how the unexpected troupe of "actors" swarmed over to listen to the instructions.

She had much to do, but oh, how she liked a good theater piece. Her golden hues watched the area in front, even as Ellin seemed to freak at the sudden appearance. [/glow]

"ACK!" Ellin flailed her arms, her eyes darting to the voice to look at the peculiar creature, "WHat in the-- Who are you?! Where did you--"

[glow=purple,2,800]"I was invited." Interrupted Ultimecia, holding up what seemed a familiar note for the Knight. If she looked closer, it would say "To the Lady of Time." on the front of it. [/glow]

This startled the knight, having sworn she had not been able to find the woman Acteur mentioned, but here she was next to her, flashing the very note she was to send, but how? Ellin looked into her pocket to see that the note was gone. She pouted at this and looked to the woman, "Ah -- Th--!"

[glow=purple,2,800]"How am I a thief... if I take something which belongs to me?" The witch of time would query, giving the woman a soft grin, "But... besides that point, why would I want to be something I am not?" [/glow]

"Ah... that doesn't make sense!" Ellin stayed quiet for a moment, clearing her throat and moving the camera set a centimeter to the left, as suggested by the strange woman... Wow, that was perfect center, "I never said there was nothing wrong with what you were..."

[glow=purple,2,800]"Does it not make sense?" Ultimecia would ask, tilting her head gently to the side, " To embrace what one is?" [/glow]

"Ooh.." Ellin came into realization, "Listen, Lady of Time or not, it isn't any of your business, but--" she held a finger up, starring at the witch, "I am a knight of Justice! Not even the dark past of my clan changes that, but I want to be something more than just someone to scorn! I want to be a Holy Knight, to gain respect!"

[glow=purple,2,800]"Good to know... but..." The witch's eyes starred up at the large chandelier of the ceiling, " ... does such a title...truly erase the past? Would you not want to heal it, as you are-- and as you have been doing? Have you not made right impressions as a dark knight...?" [/glow]

"...I never... thought of--" Ellin couldn't think of anything witty to say here, and when she turned to look back at the woman, she was gone, "Whoa..." The knight looked around but to no avail, she was no where in sight.

[The Alexandrian Army]

The young soldier, after a while of speaking with the young dragon hunter, lowered her defense, and spoke casually to him. The only thing that would betray her cool, was that blush upon her cheeks. Maara had watched her, and swore she was about to cry to see Ria... well... "grow up." and talk to the first boy in her life. She slowly excused herself, and went to find Darla, to cry on her shoulder; Their little sister was growing up!

"Look~" Maara whispered over to the other, rather jealous soldiers, "He's holding her hand~Eee~"

A collected sigh (some adoring, and others who had their hopes high up for themselves...)

Ria smiled brightly, her tension upon the mourning table had seized, and she relaxed. Then, the humm of a strong voice alerted that they had arrived to their destination, this caused her to pout. Still, suddenly, her happiness returned when he asked if she wished to see the fabled dragon!

"O-Of course!" She hopped out of her chair, and skipped a little near him, before walking a regular pace, her eyes looking at the floor, a pink color on her cheeks, " Wow... so....does she bite? Th-the few dragons I've faced-- um..-- I've ended up being the bait..." she laughed nervously.

[serpentoflore]

Sarah smiled lightly at Atticus' words, watching them go. Acteur's appearance then came out, bowing lightly towards the people who had already arrived. Though she wasn't far from his location, she knew it was not her place to be greeting the actors at the moment. She would take care of the music and proof it the best she could until Acteur made his way there.

Making a polite exit, she walked towards the study where she had stored the scores. grasping what looked to be a pencil like material or item, she began to proof it as she sat.

----

Nivea saw Sai had moved, her eyes a bit nervous. She quickly made her way towards the group, staying far behind in order to avoid detection. Something was going on at the Opera house. However, she had to stay near the target even if Atticus was there.

[Secondary Characters]

Soon out of nowhere, upon Acteur's arrival back at the Opera House, the Impresario came up alongside the Heartless Puppeteer, seemingly just have woken up from a nap, or something. He put on a most humble, theatrical smile and bowed to those who he had not greeted before and made a dramatic wave of his arms, introducing everyone to his famed theatre.

"Welcome, welcome! Ah," he proclaimed with a gasp, noticing Atticus nearby. He moved close and pressed his hand to his heart, another loud gasp before his eyes widened. "Ah-ha! Why if it isn't the Savior of Darkness, himself. Interesting...Well, nonetheless, welcome to the Jidoor Opera House."

For some reason he kept his nervousness inside, even though he was shaking in fear, believing that Xehanort was now somewhere nearby, even though he'd been informed of the man's demise.

"Ah-ah...so who else is there yet to make their presence known, Mister De La Noir?" he asked, turning back to the shadowy figure nearby.

[Acteur de la Noir]

At the Impresario's inquery, Acteur adopted a thoughtful stance, tilting his head to and fro while stroking his porcelain chin. "Hmm...a valid inquery, Maestro," he mused with theatrical nonchalance. "What with all the dashing about between myself and that Black Knight--Ellin, wasn't it? Reliable lass, she is--we should have the whole cast." Pausing, the Heartless puppeteer snapped his fingers. "But no harm in being certain, non? Let me do a quick headcount..."

Saying thus, Acteur de la Noir threw his arms out to his sides and hunched his shoulders, looking for all the world like a Victorian scarecrow. As his hat dipped low over his head, half-obscuring his mask in shadow, the gleaming pools of those eerie yellow eyes remained visible...and they glowed more vibrantly than ever. Outstretched fingers danced to their own mad rhythm, translucent threads of darkness stretching from them and into the shadows nearby. And so it was for a few moments, which stretched out in absolute silence.

Then, at length, Acteur de la Noir looked back up, letting out a slightly-bemused hum that was reflected in the thoughtful frown that had somehow appeared on his mask. "Well, how about that? We're still missing a couple of actors!" A sweep of his gloved palm hid his face for a moment; when it cleared, that wide grin had returned. "No trouble, though--I'll go round them up straightaway!" Then Acteur turned to look at Shego, who was still embracing their beloved Savior. "I say, Ms. Go! Where have Meadowsong and Kefka been hanging their respective hats, as of late?"

In the language of Darkness, the verdant Heartless told him.

"Really? Can't say I'm surprised!"

With those words, the Heartless performer flourished his hand and snapped his fingers, causing the air to hiss and howl in ghostly fashion as another Corridor of Darkness opened up in the nearby air. With a quick tip of his hat to the Impresario, Acteur turned and leaped into the swirling black vortex, vanishing as he traveled down that least-walked path...

*To the Altar of Naught--the Final Showdown*

[Secondary Characters]

Anne Plausgroff, a Senior Captain of the Alexandrian Army and gifted, speedy messenger, had been elected to take the note down into the Opera House through means of Telepod by her peers, and when she arrived passed carelessly through the doors. Several people looked her over with mild interest as she walked with stoic posture and a mocking, imperial squint playing about her face.

She pressed through the crowds and located the Impresario rather quickly, making a Beatrix-esque beeline straight to him and giving the proper Alexandrian salute. Throwing a fist to her heart and bowing her head lightly, she gave him a slight smirk, and raised her arm and handed the letter over. The Impresario collected it as Acteur stepped away, nodding, and read, seeing that it was a confirmation of their invite acceptance.

"Yes, Sir. General Beatrix, commander of the Red Rose and the Fleet of Alexandria have arrived. We have a need to land our ship, Sir, as it is terribly in need of repairs and we've just got limited supplies of late..."

The Impresario took several moments to discuss landing matters and that they were to delicately land the ship on the rooftop slant on the eastern side in-between the northeastern and southeastern towers, wedged. That is where they would dock for repairs while mechanics multitasked between both their vessel and Gabranth's and Hercules'.

"Thank you very much," said the soldier, bowing once more and looking everyone over before exiting the Opera House and recalling back to the Rose. She gave her reports to one of the bridge assistants who reciprocated to the rest of the crew through the intercom systems. Before they wedged themself upon the roof they would drop before the great marble steps and open the cargo bay, to set out the red carpet for their arrival.

Beatrix and her military were the sort to put on a show when making grand entrances like this. When the cargo hold was opened upon landing, Beatrix stood tall at the doors, her sword gripped in its hilt still, and her other hand resting idly on her hip. She stared down at those who had come outside to greet the ship with disintrest, simply waiting for the soldiers to assemble and speak with Abigail.

[kefka]

[glow=Yellow,2,300]***From The Final Showdown!, in The World that Never Was, with MeadowSong***

As the two appeared together on the grand stage at the Jidoor Opera House, MeadowSong had stepped away to find Atticus, as she'd mentioned seeing him upon arrival. Kefka, on the other hand, went off in search of Maria, with no success. Instead he found...someone else.

"Oh-ho!" he crowed jovially, seeing Miss Go once more. "If it isn't the asparagus girl! Kwee-hee-hee! Splendid!"[/glow]