Showtime

[Lilith]

after a nice trip to the med-bay Lilith wandered to the main deck gleefully draining the contents of a blood pack, she looked down of the deck and stared at the carpet.

the vampire hopped over the side of the ship and landed without a sound on on the red sprawl, she looked over to Beatrix, blood pack still hanging out of her mouth.

Lilith moved a hand to her mouth and grasped the pack.
"have I ruined your entrance?"

[HardeWare]

Hardeware laid face down on the ground and began to reluctantly picked himself up, the super looked around and noticed the gathering.
"and the characters appear..."

the super wandered up to the stage and raised a hand in greeting.
"sup? anyone need repairs? or upgrades? or... I dunno I'm pretty much good at everything... and I'm bored."

[nexus]

Nexus walked with Ria down the hallways a little slower then her would normally walk, he enjoyed he company, "No no she doesn't bite... i think, she ummm .... well she's not a wild dragon, so she actually really civil when you think about it". he said as they walked, he also continued talking along the way to the cargo hold.

Airinose was settled in and was nice and comfy in her little area, the knights were nice enough to provide food and bedding for her. She perked her head up when she heard Nexus coming into the cargo hold. She narrowed her eyes a bit when he noticed that he was talking to one of the knights, it was a young one too, cute she guessed for a human. "Nexus...... about time you decided to come back down here, and now i see why."she thought to him with a bit of a sneer.

Nexus walked up to Airinose with Ria next to him "Whats wrong with you Airinose? I wasn't gone that long." he said. With a shrug of his shoulders he turned to Ria"Ria, this is Airinose.... Airinose the is Ria" as he introduced the two of them he watch as the doors of the cargo hold started to open with Beatrix standing in front of it. "I guess we'll have to do this another time, looks like things are starting to happen"he said. Nexus picked up her hand and brought it to his lips, for a quick kiss on it. "Defiantly another time" he said with a smile as the announcement went a crossed the intercom. He decided he would like to see what this was all about , and walked behind Beatrix down the red carpet.

Airinose let out a small growl accompanying a puff of smoke, staring at the little human girl.

[Secondary Characters]

Act 1~
Sai paused as he walked down the isle. He and Oeilvert were being followed... by that strange woman who had disappeared earlier. He looked directly at her, his eyes narrowing slightly. Suspicion was setting in. Why would she be keeping so close?

"...can I help you?" he asked, addressing the woman directly. He barely had time to get a response before another woman would come marching past him toward... THE IMPRESARIO! Well... that search was short. His attention now focused on the one he had set out to find, he let the minor detail of the woman fall to the wayside as he marched back to the stage.

As soon as he had arrived, the messenger was gone, but Sai had caught a few key phrases. "Red Rose" and "Invitation" being among them. If he could feel relief... he knew it would come in waves now. The Red Rose had arrived... and with it the crew. Daphne was nearby, he knew. He could give her the notes he had. That should make her happy.

Focus. Sai looked to the impresario, and produced his invitation just as Acteur disappeared. "We are here by invitation. What are your instructions..." he muttered, getting right to the point...

Act 2~
Atticus crossed his arms a bit, looking to the enthusiastic Ms. Go as she greeted him with such zeal. A soft chuckle from him would demonstrate his pleasure to see her, as well as her somewhat possessive nature. Reaching down, he scooped her hand into his own and lifted it to invisible, practically non-existant lips, his hat concealing any vision of what lightly kissed those sharpened fingertips.

"Good to see you again, my pet..." he whispered, his voice everywhere as he did. Turning somewhat, he allowed a better vision of Miiaxra behind him. "This is Miiaxra... an associate of mine..." he said casually, releasing Ms. Go's grip as he did. "I'll go into detail later... Heartless business..." he added, cutting a look to the non-heartless among the group.

Then, his head turned and he looked to where a corridor would be opening. "Speaking of associates..." he muttered, seeing those whom he had told to go to the Altar of Naugh appear. This... was a hinderance to the plans, but on the bright side, at least he had them on hand.

Act 3~
Hercules blinked a bit when Sai ran off. A sigh and a crossing of his arms showed his confusion. "Man, people just come and go around here..." he muttered. When Hardeware mentioned that he was bored and wanted to know if anyone needed repairs, he held a hand up.

"That's us! The uhh... box-shaped ship outside? We need that finished asap!" he said, then looked up...

He spotted Gabranth in one of the balconies. He waved up to the man, then excused himself to take a flight of stairs up. Walking over, he stood next to the man and looked down from the balcony onto the assembled cast. "People are gathering... What do you think of that group of dark ones down there...?" he asked, his tone less his usual joking and more a grim and serious one...

[Abigail Crescentlight]

Once everyone was busy, Abigail gave Ellis command of the bridge and made her way down to the holding bay, where everyone was gathering in preparation to arrive at the Opera House. She was feeling quite proud of herself for organizing everyone so quickly, and frankly, it always feels good to see everything going well. Unfortunately, her current clothes were about as fancy as she could do without going out in her ballroom dress, but she hoped that even though it was rather casual it would come across more military should she carry her staff.

Walking down the isle between legions of soldiers, she smiled as she waved to Beatrix who was already there. She came up next to her and pulled out her staff, ready to look official! A bright smile escaped her as she nodded to her. "You look better, Bea! Just needed a good rest?" she asked, then turned to face the perfect-square sections of soldiers. "Everyone's ready and eager to go! I guess we're just waiting for Agrias now?" she asked sweetly, then set her staff down in order to look the part, even putting one hand behind her back.

"I hope you're ready to take command again..." she whispered to Beatrix, giving her a supportive nod as she did. "The soldiers have all been asking about you," she said before looking back to them. "One big happy family..." she said.

Behind her, Lilith would appear. She'd turn to see her and giggle a bit at the bag in her mouth. Cute. She winked and pointed, prompting the removal before the woman asked her question. "Not yet, Lilith! But we're ready to go!"

[Secondary Characters]

Wall-E had followed after Oeilvert from Beast's Castle. He roved behind a few moments, constantly getting caught up in taking in the sights. He was always somewhat easily distracted, and when the corridor peeled away... well, this was no exception! His little binocular eyes went wide as he looked around, amazed by everything he saw. "Woooooooo...." he whistled, spinning a bit in place to take it all in.

"Woooowww..." he vocalized once more, then blinked when he realized Oeilvert was in fact not next to him! He gasped, then looked around, spotting Oeilvert walking off with Sai. He quickly roved after him, leaping off the stage and powering up the isle. But as soon as he arrived, the wizards were already turning back!

He sighed, then started following again, trying to keep close at hand... but every once in a while getting distracted again. At one point, he spotted Ultimecia again and whistled a greeting to her while waving. He had to catch up afterwards, but it was always worth it for a greeting to a friend, yes?

[Agrias Oaks]

"Huh! Huh! HAH!" she would huff, and grunt quietly, her arms already growing tired after the 20th swing. How ridiculous! Agrias would not make it to the 23rd swing of her blade because it would feel heavy, and slip right out of her fingertips. She would grit her teeth, and scorn herself under her breath.

"Novice!" she growled, "Weak! Plebeian! Novice! How dare ye drop Save The Queen!?" she continued, starring at the mirror in front of her in disgust. What would her father say if he saw her in such a state!?

Father... she paused, her head lowering, she would glance to Boco, who had been there the entire time, looking to her with worried eyes. The bird was about to wark, before his attention was taken to the door. An Alexandrian Soldier called out from behind it, saying they had arrived to their destination. Boco kwheed, and Agrias spoke that they would catch up, sending the soldier away.

...To be honest, Agrias didn't wish to meet with the others, or meet anyone in this state. She'd rather sneak off the back end and prevent eyes on her weak state... ashamed of it. She instructed Boco to meet with the others, and to keep Abigail and Beatrix safe. If she needed him, she would whistle. For now, she needed to be alone.

Boco, following instructions, pecked the door opened, and left to meet up everyone along the red carpet. He warked and kwheed nervously at the sight of many gathered, but stood ground when he saw Abigail close. His neck would bend, and his head would lower to be at eye level next to the right of the white mage, somewhat walking next to her this way.

While this happened, Agrias collected Save the Queen in its Sheath, and left to the other side of the ship, and used her Jump ability to land into the shadows. Maneuvering along the crates and all, she made her way to the Study room, while evading being caught. She walked in, and closed the door behind her, hands upon the door to keep it shut.

-- She was not aware of company... specially that of a familiar musician.

[serpentoflore]

Sarah looked up when the door opened. For a few moments she didn't dare speak, focusing on who it was exactly. It was the person she had tricked into coming into the ballroom, was it not? The dress was missing and she was uncertain of why she should note that. Slowly she moved up from her seat, walking towards the visitor. "I welcome you to the Jidoor Opera House, Miss Oaks." She bowed, one hand elegantly moving to the side. "If you feel the need to be in this room, you may sit." She slowly led Agrias towards a seat that was close to where she was working on the sheet music.

----

Nivea didn't show weakness, not to her target. She had to look confident in her ability to do what she was told. Her eyes probed the room, uncertain of anything but her target. 'Attra, he's already...'

"Don't worry, he doesn't know anything about us yet. We'll keep a good eye for this 'Daphne'."

[The Alexandrian Army]

The young soldier enjoyed her chats with Nexus, until she saw the large dragon in front of them. She gasped a little, and reached for the hilt of her blade out of instincts, but relaxed when each were introduced. Ria smiled a little, removing her helmet to watch the dragon. Her yellow hair flowing freely in her ponytail.

"Wow...." she whispered, cringing when the dragon sneered, "U-uh... is she ok...?" she would ask nervously, never before coming so close to a beast of a creature without sword out, "Airinose... it sounds like an honor filled name...." she whispered, nodding a little, "Nice to meet you, Miss Airinose!"

The sounds of the intercom and the sight of Beatrix snapped her out of her relaxing time. She tensed, and placed her helmet on, looking to the dragon and bowing lightly to her, out of respect. When she had her hand kissed, she blushed darkly, coughing a little out of confusion, she starred at her hand (unaware or the small growl emitted by the dragon afterward.)

"U-uhm..." She sighed a little, and walked off to go to the ranks of the other soldiers, taking her R999 number in row.

[Agrias Oaks]

A voice! Agrias turned quick in place, "A-M-many pardons- I--..." She gasped, her eyes widening to see it was... her!

She glared at the woman once the musician held her hand. She tugged free, "UNHAND ME!" she could call out, and back away from her, against the wall. She would reach for the hilt of her blade, unaware of WHERE she was, or WHY she had just stumbled against an enemy, "S-stay where you are!" she shivered, unsheathing her blade and pointing it at the woman.

Panic. This is what it felt like...

The blade trembled within her grasp, and such would cause her arm to lower in a defensive stance. Ugh, she was unable to even apply THIS properly!

"W-... what are you doing here!? Why would Beatrix--... Is this another trap!?"

[General Beatrix]

Beatrix stood with those who had assembled at the cargo bay's opening platform door, and turned her head only slightly to nod at both Nexus, Abigail and Lilith. Her attention quickly returned to the Opera House below, and she watched still as they set down on the waters before the entrance's staircase.

"I'll be ready...soon," she whispered lightly, mostly to herself though even she was unsure of herself. Several of the Opera House's staff came rushing forward as Beatrix signaled for the march down the platform, soldiers and friends in tow. They looked imperial, the way Alexandria had trained them, Beatrix, Abigail, Nexus and Lilith standing unique among the uniform soldiers.

When they touched the flagstone base of the steps to the magnificent Opera House the general stopped to regard the massive structure, admiring its complex architecture and all of its amazing detail so closely she missed the slithering Agrias as she snuck her way past them all beyond the rows of crates what stood to the side.

"Miss Abigail, she said," waving her arm in a neck-cutting fashion to the soldiers behind, telling them to halt. when they did she continued. "We have arrived at the Opera House. Please, inform the soldiers to go on in and see about taking their seats in the theatre room; I don't want us getting in trouble here because of tom-foolery. And you, Sir Nexus, you come with me. Lilith, it's your choice: follow me or Miss Abigail. Actually, please go back to the Red Rose and see if you can locate and awaken Lady Agrias, Master Vivi and Miss Lexia. I see Boco's here, but now they're all that's missing."

With that she turned back to the steps, scaled them and disappeared through the massive doors, once again missing Agrias as she slipped by.

[serpentoflore]

She couldn't blame when Agrias rejected her touch and presence. It took a moment for her to figure out what to do. She slowly removed the silver piccolo and put it on the desk, away from her reach. "I am not your enemy." She spoke gently, walking closer by only one step. "I was asked specifically by General Beatrix to trick you in that world." Another step, this one slower. "I am Acteur De La Noir's apprentice, a musician for this show. Forgive me, our first introduction was not as pleasant as it should have been." She took one more step, making sure that she could not pick up her piccolo.

[Secondary Characters]

When the Impresario was bumped into by Sai he began shaking. The gigantic Opera House seemed to be inflating with new people, and he was beginning to feel somewhat claustrophobic. The Alexandrians pouring in through the doors, followed by Beatrix and her allies, was not helping.

"Ah, Mister Sai, welcome back. I see you've also received an invitation by Mister De La Noir. Ahem..."

He turned so that he could address all within the theatre and lobby who were here to take part in the performance.

"Will everyone here who's been singled out by Mister De La Noir and sent an invitation letter please take your place upon the stage in an orderly fashion? I will be with you all in a moment, just as soon as I've taken care of the mess. Please, mingle while you're waiting."

He skulked off through the amassing crowd and disappeared.

[The Alexandrian Army]

The soldiers waited patiently in the lobby for--surprisingly--Abby's orders. One in particular--Daphne--who toted along behind her the two assistants stayed close together, putting on their apathetic, arrogant-looking faces as were instructed and taught back in Alexandria. The scientists of the noble land were famous for their utter genius, and if they did not look the part, Beatrix would most likely collect their heads. She loved appearances.

Daphne tried not looking interested at the beauty of this place, and inwardly she wanted to run around collecting everything, study and determine the origins, age and artist of it all. She wished Sai were here to see this majesty.

[Agrias Oaks]

The novice knight scoffed at this, "NOT mine enemy!?" she growled, her eyes shutting tightly, trying to control her surging rage. Everything that had happened at Beast's Castle kept flowing back. Her eyes would open to show much displeasure, even after seeing her place her enchanted piccolo down, " Beatrix would not stoop so low in trickery's! T'was the darkness in her that chose to do such devil's work and-- STAY BACK!"

The sword became heavy again, and it lowered until the blade was resting against the wooden floors, " Truly, you must have no soul-- no soul at all to go about and do something so evil to a human being!" she shivered completely, unsure of what she sensed of the girl. "To sink them into a world of dreams and let a nightmare simply consume them!?"

Don't grow tired now... don't grow tired...!

Agrias gripped at the sword tightly, but was not able to do more then that. She was growing tired of being angry, and becoming hostile.

"Many were injured, and I was not able to help them because of you, Piper!" she shouted, but something in her twitched, "N-nay..." she whispered, "... nay... t'was my fault -- b-but... stay back. I'll be leaving shortly... "