//------------------------------// // Working at the Theatre 1: Getting Started // Story: Spike the Fairy // by PonyJoel //------------------------------// It's 9:00 in the morning in Magnolia. Spike and Wendy wake up. "Morning, Wendy," Spike kisses Wendy's cheek. "Morning, Spike," Wendy kisses Spike's cheek. The two get out of bed and go to the bathroom to freshen up for the day. They laugh while having fun scrubbing each other. Wendy decides to wear her white thigh socks and red boots. She then puts on a white dress with red ribbons. "So, we're eating here or going to the guildhall for breakfast?" Wendy asks Spike. "The guildhall. I don't feel like cooking today after what we went through yesterday," Spike said. "Fair enough. Though with Fairy Rage relieved from his sleep eating, can you make those cookies of yours?" Wendy asks, hoping to taste the sweetness once more. "Sure. Plus, I need to buy extra ingredients." Spike wants to make sure to pay the Landlady for the month. "So, after breakfast, let's go on a job that'll help pay for those ingredients," Wendy suggests. "Sounds like a plan," Spike holds Wendy's hand. Wendy smiles. She holds Spike's claw. The two leave the Fairy Hills dorm together and walk to the guildhall. On the way to the guildhall, Spike and Wendy walk into Carla and Fairy Rage. Carla is still in her humanoid cat form. She's wearing brown shoes, black tights, a red skirt, a green buttondown shirt with a blue tie with a white paw at the bottom, and a blue and white jacket. "Morning, you two. How was your night?" Carla asks. "Terrific. Spike and I had fun. How about you, Carla?" Wendy asks. She's eager to know if Carla's plan to make Fairy Rage feel better was successful. "It went well, right Rage?" Carla smiles at Fairy Rage. "It was amazing. Blissful." Fairy Rage smiles. He's happy to have Carla with him last night to repair the damages in the guildhall. Also, to spend the night together in bed. "So, what's on today's agenda?" "Having breakfast in the guildhall. Then going on a job," Spike replies. "Sounds good." Fairy Rage said. "I agree. We're going to tag along," Carla said. "Of course you are. We're family," Spike and Wendy say in unison. Spike, Wendy, Carla, and Fairy Rage enter the guildhall. They see their friends eating, drinking, having fun, and looking for work. Erza approaches them. "Hey, you four. Wanna tag along on a job?" Erza politely offers. "What's the catch?" Fairy Rage asks. "A job at the theatre!" Erza holds a flier. "Rabian requires recruits for a project. I say it's about time to show the world that we have style!" "No way," Wendy and Carla respectfully decline the request. They shake their hands and head. Spike and Fairy Rage take a look at the flier. They are intrigued. "Working at the theatre sounds like fun. Plus, I need the money to pay off the food I devoured from our neighbors and the guildhall." "With our talents for playing music, it should be easy," Spike noted. "Uh," Wendy and Carla nervously look at each other. They don't want to go on another job with Erza, especially working at the theatre. "What's wrong?" Spike turns to Wendy and Carla. "The last time we've done a show at the theatre, Erza's stage fright caused an uproar with the crowd," Wendy explains. "And not in a good way," Carla finishes Wendy's statement. She remembers people throwing food and trash onto the stage. "Maybe it'll be different. I recall Spike mentioned Erza to be a bandit sort of speak. Perhaps, Erza's character should be a blind character. She'll be on stage, but her vision is off." "I'm already packed and ready to go!" Erza's bags, suitcases, and luggage are in the wagon she uses to carry. It's weightier than the last time. "Geez, Sis! That's a lot!" Spike starts counting the amount of luggage and suitcases in the wagon. "Why drag so much? If it's a job at the theatre, why overload?" "You never know in showbiz," Erza proudly states. She's practicing a routine for a possible lead character. "Where do you think you're going?" Irene said, stopping Erza before she could leave while drinking her cup of coffee. "To go work at the theatre, Mom," Erza replies. "Not without me," Irene finishes her cup of coffee. "Can we eat first before we get going to Onibus town?" Spike, Wendy, and Carla said. "What about you, Rage?" Irene checks on Fairy Rage. "I'm good. I'm full for days with all that food I devoured." Fairy Rage pats his belly. Since he took the supplement yesterday, Fairy Rage no longer sleep eats. "Do not hit me in the gut." "That's good to hear. I don't ever want to fight against another sleep-eating-dragon," Erza said. Fairy Rage turns to Irene and Erza. "How have you two been doing since reunited as a family?" "Pretty good for the most part," Erza said. "I concur. It's been a blessing to hold and cradle my Erza," Irene said. Erza blushes in embarrassment since her friends overheard Irene's chatter. They are laughing. "Mooom!" Erza didn't want any of her friends to know that. "Sorry, Erza. I'm still trying to get used to being the mother I'm supposed to be," Irene apologizes. She's trying to withhold her laughter. Half an hour later. Spike, Wendy, and Carla finished having their breakfast and are ready to go. Fairy Rage, Irene, and Erza follow the trio out of the guildhall. Behind Erza's back, some of her friends make baby noises to tease her. Erza is fuming, and when she returns, she wants to make them cry like a baby. "Ignore them, Sis," Spike said. "If they want to act like babies. Perhaps we should treat them like babies when we come back?" Fairy Rage sinisterly suggests. He laughs at the idea. "Don't worry. I have something in mind when we return," Erza said. She focuses on her routine as the lead character while dragging the wagon. "So, besides the piano, any other instrument you can play, Spike?" Irene asks. Erza told her about the time Spike played piano so well that many wizards cried. "Well, I'm rusty with stringed instruments. I can sing, but I rather not," Spike said. "Why not?" Wendy is curious to know. She now imagines her and Spike singing together on stage. "Trust me. My singing voice is different and unsettling as of late. It's all I can say," Spike said. "Before then, he would sing to his content. Now, his voice for singing took a turn. He's unsure of how anyone would react." "It can't be bad as Erza's acting, right?" Carla asks. "HEY!" Erza finds it offensive. "Is it really that horrible?" Fairy Rage asks Carla. "Her stage fright ruins the flow of the act. If there are no viewers, she will ace her role," Carla calmly answers. Irene wonders how it'll play out from Erza's perspective. She refuses to believe that Erza has stage fright. "So, are we walking to Onibus Town, teleporting there, flying? What's the objective here?" "Do you feel like flying Spike, Rage?" Wendy asks. "Not really," Spike replies. "I don't feel like flying today. Especially with this gut of mine." Fairy Rage pats his belly. "It's going to take me time for it to shrink." "I'm guessing we're taking the train?" Carla asks. "I have motion relief pills so Wendy and Irene won't succumb to motion sickness." "Thank you, Spike," Irene and Wendy say in gladness. Upon arriving at the Magnolia Train Station, it's suspended until further notice. Spike sighs and does the next best thing. He uses his fire breath to teleport everyone to Onibus Town. "I have to say; your teleportation is quite impressive," Irene said. She remembers what Spike's flames felt like and how his flames didn't affect her for teleporting. "Thanks. I left a flare marking here a year ago, so teleporting to locations with a flare marking makes traveling easier. However, I prefer seeing the landscape more than just poof there, poof over there, poof everywhere," Spike admits. "Traveling is fun, and you never know what new places you can run into." "Flying does have its breathtaking experience. However, either one of us has to be in the mood." "I didn't feel like increasing my size," Spike admits. "Neither was I." Fairy Rage takes a deep breath. "I hope this big belly goes away." "Well, we're not far from the theatre," Erza said. Her excitement gets the better of her. She storms off and runs to the theatre. "There she goes," Wendy sees the trail of smoke from Erza's takeoff. "I'm not looking forward to this," Carla said. She imagines another uproar with the crowd throwing trash onto the stage. Fairy Rage holds Carla's hand. "Well, things will be different." "We're here," Spike encouragingly says. "I'm sure I can make a difference with my daughter's shortcomings," Irene said. Spike, Fairy Rage, Carla, Wendy, and Irene catch up with Erza in front of the theatre. Rabian becomes elated to see the return of Wendy and Carla. He becomes ecstatic to see Spike, Fairy Rage, and Irene. "Thank you very much for coming! I have a new play in mind, but my actors are all on vacation. With you here, my show will become the one to talk about for many ages to come!" Rabian gives the script to his newest recruits. "Go over, and if you feel that there need to be substitutions or adjustments, let me know so we can correct it." Erza wastes no time and enters the theatre, leaving the others behind. Irene now knows Erza is determined with the play regardless of looking it over with her friends and family. Wendy and Carla take Spike, Fairy Rage, and Irene to the backroom of the theatre to discuss more in detail. Spike, Fairy Rage, Wendy, Carla, and Irene go over the script. They are not fond of Erza being a lead character. Erza shows off her character to perfection in front of an emptied audience. Irene is annoyed with Erza, proclaiming that the role is best suited for her. "I have to say. The idea is well-thought-out. A hero losing a sense and wants vengeance against the one who stole everything." "I agree. Does it say which sense?" Carla asks her friends. "Hearing. Though, I'm not fond of that sense. I'm going to tell Rabian to change from hearing into seeing." "I can handle the role-" Erza sees vicious looks from Wendy and Carla. They don't want Erza's stage fright blunder to cause another uproar. "We want to get it right. Your stage fright will cause a calamity, Erza," Carla states. Being with Fairy Rage gives her more confidence to stand up to Erza's glare. "It will not!" Erza gives a vicious glare at Carla, making her quiver a bit. Erza is determined to get the role right. "It doesn't need any changes." "Yes, it does," Spike turns to Erza. "You're exaggerating, Spike. There's nothing in the script that needs readjusting," Erza proudly proclaims. "Besides, I think you're jealous I'm taking the lead role." "Honestly, it's not about the lead role. It's about bringing an experience to people who want more of the product," Spike put his foot down, making his point evident. "You think I will flunk?" Erza stares down at Spike. Most other stares will make people sweat and tremble. Spike is immune to Erza's vicious strict looks. "How does Spike stand up to Erza like that?" Wendy asks Carla. "No clue," Carla answers. Irene gets between the two. "Cool it. Erza, I keep hearing from the others about you having stage fright. I don't want to believe it, Erza. Now, I want to hear from you. Is that true?" "Well.., I.., uh..," Erza looks at Irene's eyes. There's no fooling her. "Yes," Erza said in defeat. Irene reads Erza's script as the lead character. "Erza, it won't work with you being the leading character. Either you go as a blind hero with no vision for the crowd or pick another character." "Mooooooom!" Erza doesn't like the sound of it. She's at the end of the loop after seeing her mother's vicious glare. "I'm not going to repeat myself, young lady. Now, do what I told or I choose for you," Irene's tone sounds motherly and strict. Erza angrily groans and storms off. She goes to one of the locker rooms to be alone. It's rare to see Erza behave the way she is. "Wow, that's rare to see Sis storm off in a temper tantrum," Spike surprisingly says. "Give her time to recuperate," Irene said. "She'll make the right choice." An hour later. Everyone goes over the script a second time; Erza comes out of the locker room after much-needed contemplating. Erza walks up to her mom and the others. "You thought about what you want?" Irene asks Erza. Erza sighs. "Will I have to wear a blindfold as the lead character?" "It's the idea for the lead character," Wendy said. She read the script for the hero's position. "I'm not fond of wearing a blindfold for the character," Erza said. She feels humiliated to wear one for a live audience. "Then choose another character," Irene said. "I'm choosing the traveler role that meets with the hero." "The Deadly Duo to go against the hero. I want to be one of the Deadly Duo Characters." "That means I'll be the partner of that," Carla said. She wants to act with Fairy Rage. "Sounds good." Fairy Rage puts an arm around Carla. "Hmm, the hero has a love interest. I'll be the hero," Spike said, hoping that Wendy becomes the lover's interest in the show. "I know my role," Wendy smiles at the idea. "Wait, then what would my role be..," Erza sees the last character. "Eh," Her left eye twitches after reading the role. "Oh, you got to be kidding me." Rabian comes in to check on his recruits. "Everyone good with their roles and positions?" "Yea. However, we're going to change the sense that the hero will lose. Instead of hearing, it'll be seeing," Spike informs Rabian. "Ah, a readjustment. Thank you very much," Rabian imagines the scenery. He likes how the hero would have to rely on hearing and feeling to navigate throughout the world. "This'll be a helpful criticism." "Also, when will we perform?" Wendy asks Rabian. "In two weeks tops. I've sent requests throughout Fiore so we may have more characters for our story." "Hmm, the more, the merrier, I suppose," Carla said. "I wonder who else wants to partake," Irene ponders. An hour later. Lamia Scale, Blue Pegasus, Sabertooth, and Mermaid Heel arrive. Rabian escorts them to the backroom where Spike, Wendy, Erza, Irene, Fary Rage, and Carla are, rereading and going over some battle scenes within the play, wanting to add more flair to it. "Wendy!" Sherria runs up to Wendy. "Sherria, what a nice surprise," Wendy is happy to see her Sky Sister once more. "I didn't expect you to partake in a theatre. It's so exciting! I wonder if we can sing together on stage?" "I don't think so, but we're allowed to compromise with Rabian on adding additional scenes to the script," Wendy said. "Awesome!" Sherria does a fist pump. "The Trimen will make the show spectacular," Eve, Ren, and Hibiki say in unison. They are posing to show enthusiasm. "I'll make the show glimmer with my beauty and elegant acting," Jenny proclaims. "Things will be electrifying, wouldn't you agree, Rufus?" Orga said. He flexes his muscles. "I recall you having a terrible singing voice. However, I have not seen you act in front of a live audience. Only fighting," Rufus said. "Be nice," Yukino said. "We're here to have fun." "I think so, too," Frosch said. "Why did I let Sting talk me into this?" Rogue said. He imagines himself acting like a monkey in front of his friends. "It won't be bad," Minerva said. "Try and enjoy a different change of pace, Rogue." "Easier said than done, Minerva," Rogue crosses his arms. He wished to step down from agreeing on the theatre job. "I hope there's a cat character within the play," Millianna said, knowing she'll ace the role regardless. "Only time will tell, Millianna. I hope there's a role best suited for me," Kagura said. "Wow," Spike is amazed to see how many people applied. "Thank you very much for coming. Feel free to make adjustments to the script, inform me, and I'll consider it wholeheartedly. I've already informed the Fairy Tail Wizards." "Excuse me, Rabian. I had a thought." "What is it, Spike?" Rabian turns to him. "It's Fairy Rage or Rage. Spike is over there." Fairy Rage points to Spike putting a blindfold on. "My apologies. So, what's on your mind?" "We have an outdoor theatre. Inside would be cramped for certain scenes of the script." "Oh, my," Rabian imagines an outdoor theatre. His thoughts run wild with the possibilities. "Yes, yes! Make it an outdoor display!" Rabian laughs with joy. "Thank you very much for creating a decisive idea!" Lyon takes a look at the additional characters for the play. "Hmm, looks interesting." "Hey, Kagura," Spike waves at her after removing the blindfold. "It's good to see you once more," Kagura smiles at Spike. She looks at Fairy Rage. "You're not going to sleep-eat again, are you?" "No." Fairy Rage shakes his head. "I want to steer clear from food for the next few days." "So, are there any cat roles for the play?" Millianna asks Spike. "At the moment, no. We can add one into the play," Spike answers. "Meow!" Millianna gets excited. "I can't wait!" "Wow, a role for three kings," Hibiki looks at the script. "Obviously, we're the three men qualified for the roles," Eve said. "Agreed. Time to show our charm in presentation!" Hibiki, Eve, and Ren say in unison. Spike gives Kagura the script and notices a character she likes. "Sister," Kagura smiles and imagines the scene accordingly. Sherria is looking at the script with Wendy. She's trying to figure out her character role for the play. Rogue and Lyon are having trouble figuring out their placement. Spike informs them that they could create some scenery with their magic. Rogue, who doesn't want to act, smirks at the idea of creating shadowed scenes for the play. Lyon suggests creating a winter atmosphere for the act. It'll draw more with the tone that before the warmth of light before a dark, cold setting is in order. "The journey during a cold winter sounds good." Fairy Rage imagines the cold creating darkness within the mind. "I have to say, it does," Spike concurs. "I see the hero taking a dark path because of what he lost before the light gets revealed or, in this case, felt and knowing that the light outshines the cold darkness." "Well, it appears we need to create awesome scenery with our magic," Rogue said to Lyon. "Indeed," Lyon nods. "We'll create generic visuals that no other can compare." "I think so too," Frosch agrees. Minerva is looking over and notices Erza having some problems. Minerva walks up to Erza. Erza doesn't like her role of being a common gatekeeper with a few lines. "Something troubling you, Erza?" Minerva asks. Erza sighs. "I wanted to be one of the main characters, but my friends shoved it aside..," Erza sadly states. "Why is that?" Minerva knows that Fairy Tail won't do that to a fellow comrade. "I get stage fright. Wendy and Carla have seen it. Spike and Fairy Rage have not. However, I revealed the truth to my mother. Therefore, Spike has taken the role." "Well, what was the role?" "To be the hero. The hero loses a sense for the duration of the play. It was hearing, but Spike suggested it to seeing. He did it for me and that I should wear a blindfold." "Sounds like he was trying to help you so you can be the lead character." Erza sadly sighs. "My stubbornness got the better of me, and I refused. I advised no changes, and that's when I lost my privileges to the role. Now I don't know what to do..." Minerva thinks it over, and an idea comes to mind. One she believes Erza would like. "Well, I see you as a pivotal character for the play." "How?" Erza turns to Minerva. "Every hero needs a master. Since Spike is the blind hero, a blind master is in order." Erza's jaw drops. "A blind master?" "One skilled with the sword and knows how to combat any foe while using the other senses," Minerva slightly chuckles, seeing Erza's shocked face. Newfound confidence builds up within Erza. "I know who my character is," The name comes to Erza. "The Black Rose," Erza grabs a pen and paper to draw out her costume design for Black Rose. "Glad to see you in high spirit, Erza," Minerva leaves Erza to work on the character she wants to be. "Thank you," Erza hugs Minerva from behind. "You're welcome. Please note that you'll need to be blind during the performance." "Don't worry, Minerva. I'll stick to my role and not mess up," Erza proclaims. "Good," Minerva regroups with Yukino to discuss their characters for the act. Wendy and Carla inform Lamia Scale, Blue Pegasus, Mermaid Heel, and Sabertooth about the play's debut. With two weeks to go by, everyone starts building an outdoor theatre. After a few hours of working on the outdoor theatre, everyone calls it a day and will discuss it more in detail about the play tomorrow.