"The Phantom Performer" - Part 1

[verdantgrove]

 

 

Phoenix Wonderland

Emu: Nene-chan! Rui-kun! Nenerobo-chan! Thanks for joining us~☆ 

Tsukasa: Let’s all make this a magnificent show!

Rui: Yes, let’s.

Nenerobo: ...I’m ready too.

Tsukasa: Well, let’s get down to business and talk about what programs we’re going to do at the show— 

Mascot: Before you do that, I have something to give to Rui-san and Nene-san.

Rui: Oh my, could this be…

Mascot: Yes, this is an entrance permit reserved for staff usage.

Rui: It was just yesterday that it was decided that I should join this group, was it not? And to think I’d be given a permit so quickly.

(This mascot here seems to be quite capable. Moreover, there’s no idleness in its movements.)

(Could it be that… it’s Emu-kun’s bodyguard, or something of that sort?)

I appreciate your promptness. I'll make great use of this; thank you.

Mascot: …

Rui: ...Hm? It seems as if you’ve got something else to say.

Mascot: Yes. If you would like to use it, please meet this one condition first.

The route which you were using to trespass… Would you be so kind as to tell me just where it is?

Rui: Is that all?

Mascot: ...Yes, would you tell me?

Rui: Are you asking if I broke in as I so pleased to perform without permission?

Although it may be that I’m treated as a cast member, I think it’s impossible to be completely free of faults, is it not?

Mascot: I see, so that’s how it is…

Please don’t worry. As long as you tell me the route you used to break in, we won’t have a problem.

Rui: Hm?

Mascot: You’re a necessity for Miss Emu to be able to perform, after all.

Rui: ...A necessity, you say...

(But for that to really be the end of it... Seems as if Emu-kun is treated very well indeed.)

...I understand. I’ll tell you how I broke in, as I am in a position to be graciously accepted by you all.

Emu: I’ll go too! I wanna see Rui-kun’s super secret pathway~♪ 

Nenerobo: ...Me too. I don’t really like the idea of being left here with this guy…

Tsukasa: W-what do you mean?!

Rui: Haha, there wasn’t any sort of ill will in what Nene said just now. It’s just because she’s shy, you know.

Tsukasa: So that’s what it means to be shy?

Rui: Well, let’s all go together then. Surely no one should have any problem with that?

Nenerobo: ...Mhm. Thank you.

Rui: Look, there it is. I was using that secret path there.

Mascot: Ugh, and to think it’d be right next to the Wonder Stage… Good gracious, I hadn’t even seen it.

I must close this up for the sake of Miss Emu’s safety. Now then, please excuse me.

Nenerobo: ...It’s gone.

Tsukasa: Well then, once more! Let’s do what we came here for!

Everyone, look at this!

Nenerobo: ...A notebook?

Tsukasa: I wrote down a plan for our show here!

Emu: A plan?! Well, they always say to plan well before doing things, yanno!

Nenerobo: “Be willing to take out a loan?”

Rui: ...Wow, this is quite well thought out.

Tsukasa: Fufufu! We’ll get through this job fast! Good job, me!

Nenerobo: Hmm… Surprisingly well thought out.

Tsukasa: There’s no need to be surprised! 

Let’s put forth every last bit of our effort to make this show a success! That’s exactly what we’re supposed to do!

Rui: Ah… I see.

Let us make this a good show, Tsukasa-kun.