Mission #41 A Venetian Streetcar of A Midsummer's 12th Night

[Deleted]

Mission #41
The group of actors that was on their way to Bravo Bravissimo on the Nightmare Route, was attacked and so they were unable to come and stage the play. They've asked you and your crew to replace them in the performance while they're being treated in the local hospital. Jump in and be an actor for one day! The original play was Snow White, but they let you chose what and how you do it. However the people that attacked the performers were after something and believe that you now have it! The show must go on but evade death in the form of booby traps, poisonings and knife stabbings while you try to keep the audience calm and collect! Otherwise there will be a panic!?

"What do you mean you're the only one here!?"    
"Huh, weren't-cha listening to a word I said?" 
"Bu-but we had an entire cast set up for this play! Why aren't there more of you?"  
"Bahhh, who needs em? I'm a master of the stage!" 

Veiled deep behind the velour scarlet curtains, an elevated discussion was heating up. For backstage, there stood the most vain thespian of the evening, donned in an incomprehensible cluster of fabric and adorned with countless articles of jewelry. Her pale complexion appeared even  ghastlier when glimmering beneath the brilliantly bright stage lights. And that wanton grin of hers glared an even dangerously darker red. At that moment, in the theatre's state of chaos, her apparel marked her as its ringleader, conducting the grandest display of disorder and mayhem. The funny thing was, she had done absolutely nothing yet was completely responsible for this stage's mess.

Prior to her arrival at this island, she had passed by a sinking vessel with clearly injured passengers desperately requesting assistance. Normally, she'd take the first chance to flip a finger and laugh wholeheartedly at the antic. Instead, the psycho clown decided to bestow mercy upon these sorry fools and listened to their reasons for being stuck out at sea. Once the group returned to Bravissimo, they begged Jades and her (nonexistent) crew to continue on the play they were unable to perform. Now Venus Jades, Bravo Bravissimo's one and only actor of the night, remained in a nonchalant pose while being reprimanded by the theatre director.

Frankly, she could give less than a damn about some performance, especially if it involved putting on a show for the sleaziest dirtbags the Grand Line had to offer. But if that were the case, why on earth would Jades have willingly accepted the task of entertaining these fools when she had to sport genuine jewelry props, don on costumes of the gaudiest fashion and attract the attention of hundreds of viewers, possibly inciting their praise and love while acting? ...Well that certainly explained her motives quite clearly, didn't it?

The incessant murmuring beyond the curtains signaled the audience's impatience and cued for the beginning of the play. But seeing as how there was only a single actress to participate, the director saw the show as an inevitable disaster. "Gahhhh! The show can't go on! We'll be ruined!...and it's all your fault!" The director menacingly glared over at the casually nose picking harlot. Her sole response was a lazy stare back matched with a revolted sneer. "Guhhh!...What to do? What to do?...Hey you!"

Off in the distance, a figure could be seen outside the theatre's entrance. Whether or not the stranger in question had heard the director's cry was unknown. Whoever it was, Jades didn't feel comfortable sharing the limelight. The minx coldly scowled at this foreign presence as she whispered to herself, Heh, better stay outta my way if you know what's good for ya....

P.S. Wasn't sure how to introduce you, if you don't like it I can change the post :P
P.S.S. The Director's color is lavender

[Flame]

"Whoooo!"  Kano seemed to yell out to no one. His golden hair rustled slightly with the wind as he strolled through the streets. With what seemed to be no care in the world, he hopped, skipped, and jumped around smiling as he went. His hood which normally would have kept his hair safe from being messed with by the wind was down. To say he was having a jolly good time would be the understatement of a lifetime. Strolling through the streets at the Waterfront he was mostly a window-shopper. Looking here and their, most of the things on sale were for people of basically noble class and he wasn't exactly rich. 

Kano had arrived on the island a few days ago. There was no particular reason why he was here, boredom had sent him on this adventure. He was in essence a free spirit, roaming, with supreme confidence in the fact that he could take care of himself. Even when he got ripped off, scammed, and fed all sorts of lies, he continued to naively believe in his ability to hold his own in the world. Scraping by on the good will of others as well as a bit, well actually a lot of luck. He thought little of what situations might be happening on the island. Recently he had heard about some ship getting attacked not too far from Bravo Bravissimo, but seeing as it was not important to him he paid little attention to some of the back-story that was given in the newspaper. Little did he know of what was about to happen to him.

Currently, that teen Kano was just merrily skipping around. The town of Waterfront was nice, the breeze was nice and he had little to nothing to do in the first place. It wasn't night yet, he wanted to do some more star gazing, he had done it already for multiple days, but as a budding 'astronomer', he couldn't get enough of staring at the stars. It was at that point that he heard a voice yelling. "Hey You!" 

He stopped, turning around and looking around him. He saw a person standing at the opening of what seemed to be a theater. They seemed to be yelling and gesturing in his general direction. Kano personally didn't recognize that person so he looked around to find out who was being called to. But upon looking around he found no one and thus assumed that, it was he who was being called. Perhaps he did know this person? Perhaps he had dropped something? A quick check of his pockets confirmed that was not the case, and so working on his assumption he bounded over. Smile covering his face, his red eyes gleaming with job. 

"Did you call me? By the way I'm Kano Toro! Nice to meet your acquaintance. What is this, has to be a theater right? What could you possibly need me for? You want me to watch your play? Oh but I don't have any money . . ." Words spewed from Kano's mouth as he just began talking a mile a minute. He was full of energy and looking to do something interesting as long as it was within his non-existant budget. Perhaps this was the beginning of one of his interesting experiences!

(P.S. sorry it was a little short, wasn't sure what to write) 

[Deleted]

Very few words could come to describe this puzzle of a man. This enigma, this puzzle, this..problem.

Holy hell this guy's chatty. Were the first thoughts that crossed the mind of the displeased thespian. Her initial sneer quickly transitioned to an open jaw suspended in wonder at this garrulous inquisitive fool of a man. Or boy, from the looks of it. However, as this stranger, who introduced himself as Kano Toro, entered the theater, an idea began to hatch in the pale minx's mind. Though Jades desired all the attention of the crowd, she felt that even a 'master of the stage' would be incapable of executing such as an impossible task as performing a play all alone. Certainly some assistance would be required in pulling off a great show? Hmm. Oh yes, he'll do perfectly. A fool and eager to learn. My favorite. Jades slapped on the most welcoming and sane grin she could pull off and walked on over to greet the young lad.

"Hello there, Kano was it? Why, yes. This is very much a theater as you can see from how the stage is set up and the fact that there are *cough* curtains in front of us..." In the back of her head, Venus genuinely hoped that this simpleton would not utterly destroy her role in this show. With a friendly sweep of the hand across the area, she resumed this artificial personality, "Well as you can see, I am the sole player of tonight's production and well...in need of an assistant to help move the show along. Would you be interested?"

[Flame]

Behind the lady who had called him over was another lady, younger at least by a bit than his beckon-er. Even for Kano who was a little odd in the head, he could definitely say that she looked odd. From top to bottom it was all a little off, her hair which was tinted red and blue gave off a very clown-ish feeling, her face was covered in mascara and paint, her complexion a palish white that gave even Kano the chill. Her body was probably the one redeeming feature in it all, Kano at the ripe age of seventeen, even with his sort of attitude, was fully capable of appreciating such a slim body even if it was covered in all sorts of nonsensical clothing. She was well . . . Kano would put it as, quite the woman at least looks-wise. Kano met her glance for a second noticing as she placed a large smile on her face. Well as long as she was happy to have him there, he didn't mind. If everyone wasn't going to fun what was the point in him helping out. What was the fun if no one had fun right! 

"An assistant? Well, as long as your willing to have me, this isn't exactly my specialty or anything." He scratched his head a pure smile of enjoyment scratched across his face. Walking past the two he went in to take a look at the theater, It was quite large, its walls decorated with such fancy patterns as to make it look high class. Whistling to himself he wondered if he would be worthy of performing on such a stage as this. Moving into a run he sprinted down the main alley towards the stage. Launching himself into the air he went straight from the ground floor onto the zenith of the stage. The echoes of his feet stamping onto the wooden deck as he turned around to face the two ladies he had just passed. Delightfully jumping up and down upon the stage he was no longer waiting for an answer to his comments instead he was just enjoying the light, the stage, and the feel of the theater. "So this is the theater huh? What an interesting place, my voice rings outs from my mouth, I feel louder than I ever have before."

Smiling he stopped jumping around for a second. Considering only now exactly what he was signing up for. A two-man play apparently with whoever that girl was. Now many questions flowed into his mind and while he didn't particularly mind not having them answered they grew on him until he could not longer keep them in and instead had to let them out in a burst of questions. "Well, since I'm helping you guys out you wouldn't mind answering some of my questions right? One, I'd like to know the name of the young lady with the incredible wardrobe! Two, I'd like to know when the play is. Three, what do I do as an assistant. And four what play are we doing!" 

[Deleted]

Jades nodded on with an uninterrupted rhythm, mindlessly going along with whatever this chatterbox child had to say in regards to the the theatre's set up. All she could think about at the moment was whether or not the show would go off without a hitch. So far, Toro appeared as a wonderful volunteer in this experimental production of the garishly dressed pirate. While the lad went about his business, running wildly across the stage and causing disorder among the staff, Venus was off formulating a plan.

In order for the show to be executed properly, the two of them had to know exactly what play they were even going to perform. Back when she was informed of the show by the director, he had initially wanted the play to be "Snow White" but now Venus had second thoughts. The biggest issue was that there were seven dwarves and well there was only one of her. Sure Kano could be added into the equation but then who would play the other six if she were to adopt the role of Snow White? No, this wouldn't do. In order for the play to succeed, the two of them had to entertain the crowd by themselves but with the limitation of two characters, max, on stage. 

Venus puckered her lips in thought, tapping them with an extended index finger while staring off into space. What play has two characters in almost every scene?...Oh! I've got it! The gaudy gal brightened up at her idea and rushed on over to the director to tell him of her fantastic plan. His face told otherwise. "Wh-what? You can't be serious? That doesn't even make any sense!" His blatant denial was quickly retracted once the crowd's impatient roar tore through the backstage's silent atmosphere. Even Jades flinched at the sound of agitation behind those thick, red curtains.  With a sigh and a scrunched up grimace, the director walked on over to Kano so as to answer the buffoon's bombardment of inquisitive statements. 

"O-okay, Mr. Toro. Please calm down! Um, alright then." He directed his finger over to Jades. "That...filthy impudent wench...is Venus Jades and our...'lovely thespian of the evening." His concluding words trailed off in a resentful and sarcastic mutter. "The show should technically have started a few minutes ago if it weren't for...her." Jades felt a disdainful glare aimed straight at her and so lovingly responded with a stuck out tongue and a pair of insults protruding from the center of her knuckles. "Grugh, anyways. As an assistant, you will play out the roles that our lead actress is incapable of...Oh and the play? Ummm." In contrast to his previous expression towards Bravissimo's star, the director's face now radiated desperation and pity. "Ugh. The play's 'Romeo and Juliet' which I'm sure you've heard of? The thing is, no one really likes that damn play anymore which is why I'm putting a little twist on it!" 

Once again, the audience began to stir up in tumultuous uproar at the absence of a performance. At this point, they were exceeding the level of tolerance at which they would want to stay. Some were even inquiring their ushers about the operating hours of the closest shop. "No! We can't let them leave! I'll be ruined! You two, go on now! Mr. Toro, hurry up and get changed! But get on that stage as soon as possible!" 

Just as Jades was starting to walk her way to the designated area of her character's role, an attendant sprinted from out of nowhere and into the director. "Sir! Sir! We have bad news!" "What could possibly be worse than us losing all of our audience!?" Well, whatever the attendant had revealed, it certainly answered his question. And from the look of terror plastered upon his face, it certainly did not entail favorable news.

Normally Venus would care nothing for the turmoil of others but considering this guy was her 'boss' (and she was an actor), it seemed appropriate to feign pity and curiosity at his tormented psyche."Hey dude, what's wrong? Anything I should know about?" The director jumped at the sound of her voice but tried to compose himself right after. "Uhhh-hm? Oh no! Nothing at all - hehehe...It's just uhm. Just one piece of advice. Try not to die."

Whaaaaaa-t? What the hell does he mean by that? Am I gonna get jumped or something?...Cuz that'd be awesome! Her concerned visage soon dissolved into an overjoyed profile. The psychotic actress couldn't contain her excitement for what this sleazeball director had in store for her. With a pat of the dress and a dusting of her ruffled shoulders, Jades walked into the spotlight as the red fabric sea parted before her presence. 

[Flame]

Kano's foot tapped impatiently on the ground as he heard the answers to his questions. More things were popping up in his head, more questions he wanted to ask. But everything was now so last minute as he was made aware of the situation. Even if he did know Romeo and Juliet he didn't know any of the lines except for some of the most famous. Sounded like a fun experience, just rambling off lines that he thought of on the go. How did these plays sound again, he remembered there were some odd sounding words in them. What was it . . . thaou, prithy, where four ... were some words that came to mind to Kano. He assumed of course that he'd be playing Romeo, he was the male right? That is what made sense since he was assisting a female actor. Well anyways it was time to get on with the show! He could hear the crowd getting grumpy about the fact that they were apparently a few minutes late on starting.

This was very last minute, he wasn't even in costume. Looking around he wondered if he needed to change at all. Turning to the director he gave a puzzled look and said "Do I need to change into something? Or is this outfit ok?" The director looked back at him, his face gave Kano an odd feeling like something wrong was about to happen. The director's finger was pointing at a rack of clothes which Kano walked over to. The clothing looked gaudy from a distance, and continued to look gaudy as he walked closer but something else was putting him off. The clothing as far as he could tell was all dresses. As he moved closer and read the sign on the top he saw a troubling thing 'Juliet'. Turning back quickly a very confused face came out of Kano as he pointed at the sign in some outrage. The director only nodded at him, Kano hung his head in depression. Grabbing the first dress off the rack he looked at it with a gross look.

Taking another look at the dress he scratched his head puzzled. He didn't exactly feel like wearing just a dress. Perhaps they wouldn't mind right? Sticking his head up the dress, he pulled it down over his sweater. Walking around a little to get used to the feeling, it felt kind of constrictive which was annoying. But then again the whole situation was becoming rather annoying so he didn't complain about this single thing. Walking up to the stage once more dressed as oddly as he was he supposed this would probably be a comedy. Why else would he be in a Juliet costume of all things.

Well no matter, time to just have fun with this ehh. Flashing a thumbs up to Jades across the stage he put on his best smile as the red curtains slid open to reveal the crowd. He gaped a little as he saw the large crowd appearing before him, and in return some of them seemed to gape at him, looking on at the incredulity of having a guy in Juliet's costume. He laughed at himself curious at how stupid he must look. In true fashion he began the play, with the only line that he even vaguely remembered.

His arm reached forward to the ceiling of the theater, and he begun with the highest pitched voice he could muster, thinking that would be how he sounded as girly as possible.

"Where four heart thaou, Romeo?"

[Deleted]

On the opposite side of the stage, a wide-eyed, slack jawed actress stood in absolute awe as her gaze fixed itself upon this despicable, sorry excuse for an assistant. What. The hell. Is he. Doing. The silence that ensued after Toro's awkwardly inaccurate bit of dialogue held such tension that, for a minute, Jades thought she could hear the heartbeats of the audience members in the back row. Within less than five seconds, Kano had lost even the most miniscule smidgen of fictional respect that the circus freak had to offer. I-I can't believe this...Is this guy stupid or something?!

Before she could start up a storm right in front of the crowd, which still anticipated some form of entertainment, Jades felt that the best course of action to break the silence would be to continue from where Toro had left off. Unfortunately for her, this scene in the play, according to her limited knowledge, took place relatively far from the beginning of the show... Ugh, alright. I need to calm down and just try to finish this scene as fast as possible. After we get back behind the curtains, I'll tell this doofus a quick summary and we'll be alright...Yeah, awesome plan. Good job, brain. A grin formed over Jades' face as she soon began adapting to the situation and concocted a solution for this mishap.

"O, tis my sweet! Shall I hear more or speak at this?..Well, I believe that being the desperate whore she is, I best be on my departure from present territory, the domain of filthy Capulet!" With her improvised declaration, Jades retreated into the shadows hoping that Toro would follow her lead and proceed onto the next scene. If this 'Romeo' were well learned, she'd be right in knowing the balcony scene would have to endure for much longer. However, there was the chance that Kano was educated in the play as well. If that were also true, then he'd know that 'Juliet' would question her visitor of his presence in pitch-black dark. 

Please please please don't mention me being in the shadows...Man, if I come out of this with a shred of dignity, I am never going to a theater ever again!

She patiently awaited for Toro's response to the completely asinine bit of dialogue she had cooked up. With a quick look to the side and into the crowd, the shady actress could detect several people dozing off, grumbling angrily or gossiping amongst acquaintances. This play was not doing well at all. While Jades waited in darkness for a good few seconds, she thought back to what the director had told her. Don't die?...What the hell is that supposed to mean? Maybe some equipment upstairs had a chance of falling down. Maybe the floorboards weren't up to par and could break apart any moment during the show. Maybe she'd pass out from stage fright and fall off the stage and break her neck. Who knows what that man was talking about. They had much more important duties to fulfill than preserving their lives...They had to act for an audience of pompous nobles! Does he not get how important that is?

Well whatever the case, Jades still had to wait for Toro's next move before she could proceed with her return backstage. Once they left the stage, she'd thoroughly inform him of everything that would transpire in the play following this balcony scene. And after this ephemeral presentation, the two of them would have to win over the entire crowd with their next scene. Otherwise, this show would have a grim future.

[Flame]

Silence, his first words as far as he could tell stunned the whole audience. Not a sound could be heard throughout the whole theater, not even Jades, his partner in this play could say anything. Grinning to himself, he wondered how great an actor he might actually be. How well he must understand this play at the heart, given that all he knew of the play was some of the major lines and scenes as well as the fact that Romeo & Juliet was a romance. No matter he would take it upon himself to make this a success. The words of that great poet he could feel flowing within him. Like the fool that he was he believed he could do no wrong. Overconfidence and joy pushed him forward as he finally heard a response to his bold first line.

"A Capu-what?" he said unsteadily in response. Stepping forward towards Jades who was across the stage from him. His voice as high pitched as ever continued as he walked towards Jades as best as he could in the dress. "Am I one of those that you might call a Capuwet? Am I the one you would call whore? If you are who I believe you to be, will you not come stand before me in the light." Walking now into the center of the stage he stepped forward into the limelight. His arms outstretched towards the audience his face failing to hide his smile.

"You, who watch this scene which is happening. Do you take me for a whore? I the young maiden Juliet, who must barely be more than 14," then in a deeper voice quickly noting "Please play along, I'm actually almost 20" then continuing back on to return to the plot at hand. "how could one call me such a thing. Has romance changed so much that we now use such derogatory terms? Whoever this young man is who has wandered into my garden, I wonder who he might be. His name, his figure seem to be covered in the darkness. I wish nothing more than to see him for who he is. Help me please, call for him to present himself before me. On three we call to him saying 'Come Out'. Ready? One . . . two . . . three! 'COME OUT'"

Kano called back in his fake high pitch voice. From behind him a few varied calls joined him, but he could tell the audience was not with him. Did he have to say more? Perhaps they needed a little more of a push? Clearing his throat for a second he looked out once more, his red eyes glistened as his best girly voice came out. "Will you not aid a fair young maiden such as myself? Where is your heart? Come now, join me or forever be thought to not help a damsel in distress! One . . . two . . . three! 'COME OUT'" Kano screamed at the top of his lungs. From behind him, his small talk seemed to have riled up the crowd behind him. And following his suit they now yelled 'Come Out' such that it seemed to roar through the theater.

Smiling at the job well done, he stepped back a little bringing his hands together in front of his dress. Trying to make as innocent and cute a position as possible he spoke once more in his 'girly voice'. "Sir, will you please not present yourself to me? I am naught but a fair yung maiden who knows little of the world. Will you not let me place a face and name with your voice?"

Looking over towards Jades he waited for her next move. The play was on, it was time for him to show her how acting was done!

[Deleted]

Standing in the shadows, Venus observed her partner as he finally managed to fabricate his own artificial response to her own false portion of speech. The good news was, she now had the chance to leave the shadows. The bad news was, she had to leave the safety of darkness and into the mortifying rays of stage light. Deep within Venus' mind, aspirations of murder and havoc transpired in the wake of a rejuvenated audience. Heh heh heh. I'm gonna kill him. After this, I'm gonna kill that goddamn imbecile. I'll shove him into a box, fill it to the brim with scorpions, and 'thrust' him away into the ocean! Heh heh, I wanna kill you, Kano Toro!"

Not only had he succeeded in leaving Jades in an impossible situation, he had done it flawlessly and with such expertise, she could've been fooled into believing that Toro was a top class actor of his own right. Surely, this was the work of a true 'master of the stage?' If so, this 'Romeo' had no right to deny a fair maiden such as 'Juliet' the sight of his moon struck visage and his name, so despised by the people whose land lay beneath his feet. However, this Venus Jades had no intention of being shown up by some little brat. And so, with a deep breath, Jades walked out from the shadows and into the presence of her dearest. "I must express most humbling of apologies to a beauty personified such as thyself. Fair maiden, pardon me for prior utterance that shames my lips and assaults thy virtuous standing, though such righteous integrity must surely remain intact?"

Now transitioned from an upright pose to down on a single knee with hand stretched out, Jades continued her speech of infatuated praise. "From the corner of my eye, I have seen angels adorn your tender skin with purity so righteous, mortal words fail to shed off such dishonor unto you. Alas, my name can not compare to even that of the most minute strands that wave atop your head. I am justly named Romeo, son of Montague, whose heart you stole with thy elegance. But fear not my dearest, for though I approach thee from shadows dark, I come before you not out of malicious intent but out of truest heart...My lady," Scooting herself closer to Kano, she softly grabbed his hand and placed her lips against the back of it, kissing it gently and tenderly to the best of her acting ability. At that moment, Venus felt that she had just outdone this pathetic excuse of an actor and put him back in his place.

Now all that was left to do was to wait once again for Kano. Perhaps this time, it'd be much more fruitful to anticipate a much more likely scenario playing out than going by what she hoped for? After all, proclaiming your love a whore in the middle of the night after intruding upon her property conveys not even the slightest bit of romance. She shouldn't have expected Toro to follow through on that ridiculous plan but seeing as how he had fabricated his entire lines after hers, it could only be assumed that he had absolutely no knowledge of Romeo and Juliet after all. Then again, considering the fact he displayed awareness of the famous 'wherefore art thou' line, it'd also be safe to assume he's not a complete moron as he comes across.

She directed her eyes toward his and seriously hoped that her soulless blue eyes wouldn't frighten him out of the play. But the show had to progress. Hurry up and say something, you dolt! I don't got all damn day with my knee like this...Gah, even my arm's starting to sleep asleep...I need to punch something or that duel with Tybalt will be one awkward fight.

[Flame]

If he was a 'master of the stage' then he knew naught of it. And it was only by the qualities that made him him, that Kano was able to pull the audience with him. If he was believed to not be a fool, that was completely wrong, it was in that very foolishness that he was able to gather the attention of the audience. His simplicity made him a believable and trustworthy character, one charismatic enough to grasp the audience's backing as a child would their favorite toy. Watching with glittering eyes he saw his partner in this play walk out from behind the curtain and join him upon the stage. If she was in it with him than he was sure they could definitely make an excellent play right here.

The girl walked up all the way to kneel in front of Kano. Grasping his hand she pulled it towards her lips. Like a knight greeting a princess, Jades lips pressed lightly upon the top of his hand. The soft feeling ran up to him and Kano had to bring his other hand to his mouth to stop himself from squeaking slightly from the surprise. Pulling his hand away from Jades lips he blushed slightly, overwhelmed by the show of emotion. "These compliments are too much for a maiden such as myself. You ... are too much Romeo son of Montague. Such a forward show of passion, you must stop lest I collapse right here right now from the heat."

Turning around Kano took a few steps away from 'Romeo'. Bringing his hands up to his face he put one hand against each cheek and squeezed his cheeks together. Facing the audience he looked at them, his face still a little red from the blush, his dress still swinging from his earlier movements. Trying to seem confused and distressed he called to the audience. "You out there, ladies and gentleman, what do you think a girl such as I should do. How should I react to the advances of such a gentleman? Do I turn him down? Surely I am too young for such a . . . steamy relationship. However much has he moved mine heart. Prithee tell me, I am too flustered to make such a decision of such magnitude on my own." A few shouts rang back at him throughout the audience about things that 'Juliet' could do. After a few seconds of pause he stepped back into the scene.

His hands brushed the dress as 'Juliet' composed herself. Shaking his head slightly he stepped forward before 'Romeo'. Kneeling down on one knee he took the hand of 'Romeo'. "Thine words overcome me Romeo, but look now, the day is ending and I need to return to my quarters before suspicion is aroused. So I will tell you this, there is a ball that will be happening here at my house in two days. It is a masquerade of course, if you can find me. Then this courtship shall become thine."

Pausing he stood up once more turning around he slowly walked off stage. Thus putting an end to act I. If you could call it an act one. The whole thing had taken only a few minutes.

[Deleted]

Jades could hardly be called romantic, let alone capable of displaying sentiment that wasn't relevant to bloodlust or chaos. But when it came to this histrionic mistress of the theatre, there existed no mask which the white harlot could not adopt. Such skill in acting was demonstrated through her affectionate approach as a lovesick 'Romeo' attempting to win the heart of Kan-erm, 'Juliet.' Judging from Toro's response, it appeared that Venus' execution of an impromptu speech went off flawlessly as even her rival 'stagemaster' couldn't help but glow a hot but faint shade of red. Hehe, am I just that lovely?

However, just as she was beginning to feel content with her performance, Jades saw her 'Juliet' walk off to once again ponder on 'her' following decision. And, unsurprisingly, 'Juliet' requested the audience's assistance for the second time. The abandoned actress remained stationary on her single knee, sneering furiously at Toro for she knew that this crossdressing punk had won the hearts of a majority of the crowd whereas she was still far from gaining praise anytime soon. Grrr, you jerk! You're only an assistant! They're supposed to be shouting out for me! The dual hair doxy kept an intense glare fixed at the back of Toro's head as he continued receiving feedback from the crowd. However, something else was beginning to bother her. 

Slowly but surely, Jades' level of patience started wearing thin. At that moment, she truly regretted having gone for the most glaringly gaudy attire to be clad in. Layers of apparel soon started taking their toll on the poor thespian's slender body as the fabrics gradually heated up with every passing second. Her chest felt sweltering and her dress acted as a furnace, heating up her legs to an uncomfortably sultry temperature. Welp...this is crap. Okay...hurry up now?

At the sound of Toro's voice, Jades paid full attention but only a few seconds after he had started talking. All she could make out were 'ball', 'house', 'masquerade' and 'courtship'. By her brilliant logic, she assembled the words into some coherent assumption, "a ball at a house where we'll masquerade and I win your heart?" The pale minx whispered silently as she looked up to see Toro walking away, most likely off stage and aiming for behind the curtains. Oh...I'll take that as a yes then? Turning her head, Venus saw the entire crowd staring down at her, awaiting her move. The whole deal made her feel awkwardly out of place considering she was kneeled down in the middle of the stage all alone.

"Uhhhhhh, yes my Juliet. I'll go on hither and yeah..." She stood upright and ran off to the backstage, hoping to confront Toro before their next act came up.

[Flame]

With the first act ending, the curtains closed and the stage went dark as the play went into its first intermission. Its first of what was most likely going to be many intermissions that would be randomly placed within the play that it seemed like Kano was controlling the pace of the play. The audience and Jades were in for a very interesting ride. Kano as he walked around backstage smiled. He was confident that he had done well and wanted to see what Jades thought about his work. Noticing the director he gave a thumbs-up in his direction thinking the surprised facial expression on his face was that of amazing at how good Kano was rather than the more likely surprise at how dumb he was.

Laughing to himself he merrily walked around to find the cart with all of Juliet's clothing. He struggled to take the dress off himself. After a little time struggling and maybe one rip or two in the dress he finally managed to pull it off his body. He found underneath the dress his clothes were drenched. The heat of the stage lights combined with the layering of his regular clothes had caused his body to overheat. He did not feel it originally because he was caught in the moment of the scene. But now as he had some time to cool down he could feel the wetness upon his skin.

Grabbing at his sweater he then pulled that off as well revealing a basically see through tank-top. He pulled at it letting air rush into the gap to cool his body. He considered also dropping his shorts but figured that unnecessary. Anyways he assumed they had at least a little break before the next scene began. He went to look through the rack of dresses. He needed a dress for a ball and a mask, fingering through the dresses, finding a light pink colored dress he pulled it from the rack. Placing the dress aside he found a wooden box and sat down upon it.

Stretching his arms he looked across the area awaiting the arrival of his partner. He cracked his neck slightly turning again to see his partner walk over to him. Swinging his feet he jumped to them and started walking towards Jades. Waving slightly he walked over with a great smile upon his face. "Hey there Jades. What did you think of my acting? I think I did pretty well, I feel like I'm doing Shakespeare or whatever his name is proud. Anyways this is rather fun isn't it."

His all too happy smile greeted Jades as he took a look at her face. He was surprised to now see that the emotion upon her face wasn't surprise or happiness but it seemed to be anger.

[Deleted]

"Where is he!?"

With her heart racing, she sprinted through backstage in search of a certain someone. Jades ran so rapidly that all the ordinary workers could make out was a white blur that occasionally lost streaks of color as it gradually made its way across the building. As the pale runner stripped each stuffy, sweat-drenched article of clothing that stuck to her body, she came across the distraught theatre director. Judging from the looks of his pose and the hopeless despair printed across his countenance, Jades callously inferred that the director was in ruins after that horrendous performance. And though he might not have heard it, she cried out without missing a step in her frantic sprint, "At least we got an audience, pal!"

Whatever he had cried out in return certainly didn't sound too terribly hostile to her, in fact it sounded almost like gratitude in the director's tone. Perhaps the man felt disheartened but nonetheless managed to retain some confidence in his only two actors. After all, what sounded like a better deal? A hopeless theatre that'd be torn down in the following week or one full of somewhat entertained attendee? It was probably safe to assume that the director thought of the latter.

In a race against time, as the intermission clock tick-tocked away, Venus ran full speed to the dressing room where she would expect to see her partner in show business, Kano Toro. As she turned the corner, the last dress enveloped around her body fell off and exposed Jades' slim, pale body. She finally felt free of the bonds of clothing and made her way to the dressing room. A sign that read 'MEN ONLY' was nailed on a long flat wall which only broke in its consistent substance for the entrance. There you are...

Jades tried to remain as calm as she possibly could in her mental state. So far, her face was the only real indication that an emotional storm was brewing deep inside. Walking carefully towards the front of the 'MENS' changing room, she finally returned to her 'assistant' and greeted him with the most livid expression. Her teeth were bared and seething in rage, the veins on her neck were throbbing visibly, her face was flushed an unbelievably bloody crimson and her fists were clenched so tightly that one could perceive them shaking at such pressure. 'Acting? Acting!? I couldn't even care less for that goddamn play now that you've gone and ruined it! I mean, I can't believe you! You've done Shakespeare proud? Kano, Shakespeare was thrashing around in his grave the moment you opened your mouth." Venus sighed-or rather exhaled-violently only to breathe in again to recover from that lovely rant of hers. Now that she had gotten all that out of her system, perhaps the two of them could finally get down to business and get their priorities straight on what needed to be covered for the next acts. But, as a professional courtesy, an apology was in order. It wasn't because the furious female held a hint of pity for the poor lad, it was simply because a rant such as hers would leave a negative mark on someone such as Toro. And it seemed obvious that clearing the room of bad blood would boost up their performance by an enormous margin. 

"Okay...I'm cool now. Sorry about that, I just uh lost my mind.I take Shakespeare very seriously and so to have you improvise his lines, I saw it as a sign of disrespect...Anyways, I gotta admit, you are one hell of an actor buddy." She extended her hand for a shake, hoping he'd buy her sham of flattery. After this, they'd discuss the plans for the following acts, then maybe this production wouldn't turn out to be so bad?

[Flame]

Kano's smile faded as Jades began her enraged rant towards him. She was almost terrifying in her outrage at what he had done. Her bloodthirsty eyes along with pulsing veins and bared teeth made her seem very alike to a wild animal. It was a bit too much for him as he even took a small step back from her as he began to process what she had been saying. Apparently what he had been doing was completely wrong. With his complete lack of knowledge about the show he had put it on a very odd path. Originally he had figured that this would be ok, but now after Jades comment about how Shakespeare would be turning in his grave he began to rethink this. Perhaps this was not what was supposed to happen in the theater. It wasn't something that he was well acquainted with so how should he know. Now looking back he could see that the director's face was not surprised at his skill but horrified at what he had done. A complete ass he had made of himself upon the stage perhaps in front of all those people. Not that it particularly mattered to him what they thought of him, but perhaps they wished to see Romeo and Juliet rather than some people foolishly running around the stage.

As he continued to listen, his heart was slightly risen from the depths that it had fell to with Jades continuing statements about his skill at acting. He was confused about the reasoning behind this, he wasn't trying to act he was just trying to be himself and connect with the audience. But he put those thoughts aside, sheepishly smiling he took Jades outstretched hand and shook it once. He scratched his head slightly and took a look at her considering what they could do from this position. Well actually he knew nothing of what they could do. Pulling himself together Kano spoke "Ok then, if I was doing it wrong. Please Jades lead on, I would like to see how a true actor would do this play. I don't know the story so you'll have to instruct me on it. Or at least lead the play rather than let me take the reigns once more."

His sheepish smile returned as he laughed to himself as he thought back once more about what he had been doing. The laughter from his mouth erupted even further as he reckoned how big a fool he had made of himself. It was actually quite the funny thing he found. A story he could tell others later, what an interesting story the story of how Kano led the story of Romeo and Juliet on its first very odd turn.

Catching his breath as he laughed so much, he came up to Jade once more. Getting upon one knee he took her hand and delivered a light kiss upon it. "Jades, mine teacher, will you lead this fool to make this the best version of Romeo & Juliet to ever grace the stages of Bravo Bravissimo. Or if not make it the most interesting and funniest one to ever do so." The smile had returned to his face as his mood had lightened once again, accepting what had just happened he meant to make the best of it and continue to make this play a fun place for both the cast and the audience. "Tell me what to do. Lead on!"

[Deleted]

After the explosive rant she had given, Venus expected one of two responses from her assistant: sheer anger and shock or absolute sorrow and depression. To her surprise, the boy displayed none of these symptoms. Instead, what he asked for was Jades' support and leadership to execute the most entertaining performance a pair of last minute actors could ever pull off. The idea sounded utterly insane and totally asinine to the point that it was so crazy that even the white harlequin believed it could actually work.

Her eyes shimmered with curiosity at the the manifestation of this unique possibility. They would revolutionize the theatre by applying a modern touch to the classic tale of 'Romeo and Juliet'. Some skeptics after the show will go on living their lives, in firm belief that the two of them had butchered the greatest love story every told. But Jades knew the truth; this play's novelty had worn out over the years and had to be refreshed with a fresher, more innovative approach. Romeo and Juliet 2.0 would be commencing after the intermission and after this 'master of the stage' finished educating her student in the ways of the stage.

She retracted her hand without warning, wiping off 'Juliet's' saliva off of the back of her hand and staring down at this kneeled subject who begged for her assitance. How pitiful did this maiden appear before her. Nonetheless, this celestial actress felt it her duty to instruct Kano the plot of the original play so that they could properly adapt and modify the story to their liking. After all, how else would they revamp this great work if only one of them were aware of what to change? They certainly couldn't improvise all the scenes on the spot, a strategy that Venus sensed was Toro's initial idea due to the child's annoyingly frequent interrogations of the audience. Ugh, he was asking them for help because he didn't know the script. Should've figured it out sooner. No matter, I'll teach him now. Then we'll really be in business!

Jades softly grxipped her student's hand and brought him over to a leather couch situated in the corner of the dressing room. Sitting the both of them down, she began what would hopefully be a comprehensive lecture on the story of 'Romeo and Juliet'. "We ended off on the balcony scene right? Well the problem with your plan, which we might not even be able to escape from, is that the masquerade party already happened...That's how 'we' met in the first place. Jades pointed back and forth between her and Kano to indicate R&J as 'we'. "Anyways, after the balcony scene, you and I are supposed to secretly marry each other. That part's hard because we actually need a third member of the play and I'm not sure where we'll get one...Speaking of additional actors, I'm supposed to fight Tybalt later on jeez. We don't have a Mercutio, Benvolio or the Prince! Gah!" Stress and concern pulsed through her veins, brining the 'stagemaster' to her knees and onto the floor. Their situation sank her downcast hopes even further. However, she could not surrender to these tribulations for it was her duty to entertain this theatre with all of her strength and effort. Venus sighed and with a slight grin resumed her synopsis.

---

Outside the city, arriving from the docks of Bravissimo, a scattered bundle of shadows slowly made their way into the island's center. After having reached their destination in the plaza, the cloud of darkness disbanded into several components with each fragment heading off to a certain location. One pair of ebony pursuers halted their movement at the backstage door of a large entertainment based structure. One of the pitch black beings confirmed his assumptions with his partner. As he pulled out a Den Den Mushi and whispered a secret code to inform all the other members of his entourage, his partner scanned the vicinity of any witnesses. Once the coast was clear, the two nodded once again in agreement and faced the door. One dark hand gripped the doorknob and twisted it open.