The theatre lights are half-dimmed, and shadows cloak the seats in
darkness. All that can be heard is some hoarse breatihing, until a knock
comes at the theatre door.
Lyra: Hello?
A slight figure with blue hair, green eyes, and a shimmering green combat
suit hesitates at the door for a moment, then walks into the theatre.
Lyra: Is anyone here?
A low moan rises from the front row of seats. Lyra walks towards the
sound.
Lyra: Hello?
As she closes in, the shadows part to reveal a short, squat halfling.
There is a slight but noticable smell of grease.
Lyra: You must be... <consults a small slip of paper> ...Frito?
Frito: Ughhhh... <His eyes light up briefly as he sees Lyra, then he
buries his head in the seatback.> Go 'way.
Lyra: You certainly don't *act* like I was war-- er, told... <Looks
around the theatre> Where's Windir?
Frito: <Turns around and looks suspiciously at her> Who *are* you?
Lyra: I'm Lyra. The new member of your review team?
Frito: Oh, yeah, the boss said somethin' about interviewin' some girl for
da job...
[Editor's note: That's right.]
Frito: <Gets up and looks up at the ceiling; sarcastic> Yeah, thanks.
<Looks back at Lyra> Okay, okay, she ain't bad lookin'.
Lyra looks pleased for a moment, before she remembers who she's talking
to.
Lyra: Yes, I suppose I'm pretty. I'm *also* fluent in three languages and
can curse in seven more. <Looks around the theatre again> Now, where is
Windir?
Frito's face falls again.
Frito: He's been kidnapped.
Lyra: KIDNAPPED?
Frito: Kidnapped. <Slumps carelessly back in his chair> A couple'a
cute-lookin' broads wearin' halter tops broke in here a few hours ago. Da
one wit' long black hair said somethin' about finally gettin' their
review; da one wit' bright red hair grinned and said "Yeah, by hook or by
crook!" Dey grabbed Windir and ran out da door.
Lyra: <Incredulous> Didn't you try to go after them?
Frito: *Yeah*, I ran after 'em! Da red-haired one said they didn't need
no hentais, and kicked me back into da theatre. When I came back out,
they was gone.
Frito slumps further, then sits upright and shakes his fist at the door.
Frito: DAMN ya, ya pompous arrogant fool! Why'dcha have ta go and get
yourself kidnapped!
-----------------------------
Many thanks to Firehawke for creating Lyra.
Next time, "The Great Anime Crossover from Hell": The Review!
Travis Butler
(The Professor, formerly of Myth and Magick!, Lawrence, KS;
tbutler@tfs.net, now from the Wandering Powerbook;
<http://www.tfs.net/personal/tbutler/>;
Mac page <http://www.tfs.net/business/tbutler/>)
..Cats are the proof of a higher purpose to the universe.