FSE

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formerly SoFurry search engine

A/N: Good to see you again. Here's story three. This is a more deeper story compared to the other two. Enjoy!

The Show goes on

By J. Sabo

Dux and Kit agreed that today they should take it easy. Not for any particular reason, really. It was more for the sake of being lazy. The last few days they have showed Slash more and more of the town and, frankly, they were getting tired. Dux, still ever the tour guide, still wanted to show Slash more though. Kit suggested one of the most relaxing places in town: the park.

They waited at the Edgar Allen Park. They told Slash to meet them here at noon. While they waited they watched the younger townsfolk play on the playground. Kids of all ages ran around the playground playing such games like tag and groundies.

Kit wouldn't mind going over and playing with them. She is however too old for childish games. She crossed her arms and frowned at the children's amusement. Without taking her eyes away from the kids she leaned over to her side and said, "Remember when we use to play fort when we were in elementary, Dux?"

She realized that Dux wasn't by her side. Kit turned her head to and fro and found Dux on the playground. She saw him joining in on the children's game of tag, him being 'it' because he was older. She noticed the joy in Dux's face with his big grin and wagging tail.

Kit was rather envious of Dux's childlike nature. She wished she could be more socialized like he was, with adults and kids. Kit watched Dux run after any kid that was closest to him, resting her cheek in her hand. Maybe, she thought, if she worked on her social skills then she would be more forward with people. She pondered this thought for a while.

As Kit's eyes wandered off from Dux and the playing children, she noticed the bulletin board on the other end of the playground. Flyers, job offerings, and community events were always being posted on the tan colored board every week. Kit noticed a kangaroo, Legs the Kangaroo was his name, walking up to the board and tack something to the board and left.

Curious, Kit rose from the bench and walked over the board making her way through the playground.

Dux saw Kit walking through the playground and knew the game was over for him. "Sorry, guys," he told the disappointed children. "I gotta go." He ran and joined Kit at the bulletin board.

"Whatcha looking at?" asked Dux.

"I just saw Legs post something on here." Kit told Dux, running her eyes along the bulletin board.

They looked at the papers plastered along the board. Their search was short lived however when they heard badly mimicked mechanical sounds. They turned to the left and were puzzled to see a crude robot made out of boxes approaching them. Kit slouched with a raised brow. Dux looked at the robot with confusion.

The robot stopped when it was in front of Dux and Kit. "Greetings, flesh pods," it said with a recognizable voice. "I have come from far and wide seeking for you. I have come to exterminate you!"

"Really, Slash?" Kit said. "A cardboard robot suit?"

"How'd you know it was me?" Slash returned to his normal voice.

"Who else would come in the middle of the park dressed as ridiculous as that?"

"No one that I know." Dux laughed.

"Exactly!" Kit announced. "So I imagine you and your parents have finally moved in."

"Yep." Slash said. He started stripping away pieces of his robot suit. "Mom told me to go throw the boxes in the recycling bin that was in the park. And since I was on my way to you, I figured we can kill two birds with one stone."

Dux helped Slash with the cardboard. "The recycling bin is just over there." he pointed to the far end of the park. There was a green dumpster with the universal recycling symbol on the sides. "Let me help you."

Slash and Dux threw the cardboard away in the dumpster and came back to the bulletin board.

"So what are you guys doing looking at this thing?" Slash asked.

"Just looking." Kit replied.

Her eyes then caught something interesting. It was a flyer for the community theater. With the faces of comedy and tragedy at the top of the flyer, it was decorated with special writing and a performing stage as its background. The flyer said, 'The Lampoon Troupe of the Community Theater will be performing The Lady Reynolds and requires you to be part of it!'

"Huh, look at this, guys," Kit said to Slash and Dux. "They got another play coming out. That's weird... they just had a play not too long ago."

Slash looked at the flyer and became gleeful. "A play?" he asked. "I always liked plays. I participated in a theater production before I came here to Lampoon Town."

"You were in a play?" Dux asked. "What was the play? What role did you have?"

"I think I was the guy who drank the poison for the king..." Slash tried to recall. "It was a very minor role but still awesome no doubt!"

Kit rolled her eyes at Slash with a smile on her face. She returned her gaze at the flyer, interested about the play. She's never heard of a play called The Lady Reynolds. Perhaps it was worth checking out when it performs at the theater.

Kit felt someone walk up next to her. Its presence was very familiar, and irritable. She faced the person who joined her at the bulletin board and was angered to see a face she didn't want to. A pink furred female wolf with a tall and slender body, two earrings in both ears, and a taunting smile stood looking at the flyer.

"Fancy that," the wolf stated. "I figured the Troupe wouldn't do another play until Christmas."

Slash and Dux turned to see who had said that. Slash was taken aback by the wolf's curved body and beautiful stature. "Who is that?" he whispered to Dux.

"Arsenvulf Timberwolf." Dux replied. "She's one of the popular girls in town."

"You don't say." Slash stated.

"What are you doing here, Arsen?" Kit demanded.

"Calm down, Kitten," Arsen, as she prefers, said Kit's full name. Kit hated her full name. "Can't a girl just walk around town? I saw all of you gathering around the board and I thought I should check it out. And with a new play coming I say it was worth it." Arsen looked at the flyer closer.

"What, can't you see without shoving your face against the flyer?" Kit insulted. "Perhaps it's all that makeup. It's blocking your vision."

Without missing a beat, Arsen retorted back, "Would you like a stepstool? I'm afraid you can't read it from all the way down there."

"¡Loba!"

"Schädling!"

Things were getting too hot. Dux knew this would happen. Whenever Kit and Arsen came together it was like a hurricane meeting a typhoon--there would only be disaster.

"Okay," Dux said, grabbing Kit and pulling her away. "We should be on our way."

"Now hold on there," Arsen said. "You haven't introduced me to your new boyfriend, Kit."

"Boyfriend? Hardly," Kit clenched her fists.

Slash walked up to Arsen and presented his hand. "Names Slash the Ferret." He greeted. "Nice to meetcha, Arsen." Arsen's hand was soft to the touch. He was never this direct with a popular girl before.

"I'm so glad you're finding friends, Kit." Arsen said while she shook Slash's hand. "Knowing you it must be very difficult."

Kit's cheeks burned with frustration.

"Kit, come on," Dux whispered in Kit's ear. "Now is not the time."

Kit yanked herself away from Dux. "Just a minute, Dux," Kit asked Arsen, "Why are you so interested in the play?"

"Oh, I figured I would put my talents to the test in the theater." Arsen proudly exclaimed. "They could use me in... The Lady Reynolds."

"You? In the play?" Kit laughed. "The director must be insane to cast you even with the smallest of parts."

"And what?" Arsen asked. "Do you think you can act any better?"

Kit walked up to Arsen up to her face, their noses pressing against one another. "I can act circles around you, usted pomposo estropearán niña rica!" she cursed in Spanish.

Arsen smiled wryly. "Well, darling," Arsen pulled away from Kit. "We'll see about that. Auditions are being held at the community theater later today. I'll see you then, Kitten." She walked away from them out of the park.

Slash watched Arsen walking away. Frankly, he didn't want to take his eyes off of her. Not because he found her attractive. No--he was afraid to turn back and see Kit.

"Boy," Slash breathed. "The tension was so heavy there I swear my legs could've broken. What the dickens was that all about?"

"It's a long story," Dux simply put it. He placed his hand on Kit's shoulder. "Kit, remember, breathe. Arsen's not worth it, remember?"

"Oh no," Kit pulled herself away. "I want to knock that pretty snob down a peg, give her a taste of her own medicine! I'm going to audition for the play, and I'll land the leading role just to spite her!"

"Kit, we promised Slash we'll show him the park." Dux stated.

"Too bad," Kit turned to Slash, grabbing his wrist. "Slash, I'll show you the community theater. It's big, popular, and awesome." She said dumbing down her vocabulary. She pulled Slash along with her away from the bulletin board.

Confused, Slash had no clue what was going on. "Whoa, hey," he complained. "How the dickens did I get wrangled into this hot mess?"

"Because you did," Kit answered. "Come on!"

Dux just wished that for once whenever she saw Arsen that Kit wouldn't freak out. It was becoming a real problem for him and her. Reluctantly, he followed after them dreading the coming audition. He hated when people fight--especially if they were friends.

With much haste Kit led the way to the community theater. Just ten minutes from the shopping district the theater was in the distance. Slash saw the theater and became intrigued by the sight. The theater looked as if it has been through some torment. Left in minimal repair, some of the theater's features were faded.

It was sad, really. Slash saw it as an old shell of what it really was. As soon as Kit dragged him closer to the theater towards the doors however his view of the place changed. The floor leading to and around the theater was swept and clean. The ticket booth shined like it did back in its heyday. The doors, lined with the kind of fabric that felt velvet to the touch, weren't stained or torn up in any way.

"Not a shabby place." Slash mentioned.

With no reply, Kit dragged Slash through the doors into the main lobby. She looked around the remodeled lobby looking for some clue as to where the auditions for The Lady Reynolds was being held. Sure enough, there was a sign that pointed to the auditorium.

"This way." She grumbled.

I'm surprised she hasn't pulled my arm out of its socket. Slash thought responding to the pain in his arm.

Traveling down a long hallway until she reached a door with "R28" scribed above it, Kit rammed through the door. She and Slash were introduced to a large auditorium that held tons of seats, both below and above on the balcony. The stage area was lit and sets and props were scattered around. There was a lone rabbit, light blue furred with an black ascot around his neck, on the stage with a booklet in his hands.

"Ahem!" Kit said, her cough echoing in the auditorium. It caught the attention of the rabbit.

"Yes?" the rabbit said. "How can I help you?"

"I'm here for the auditions." Kit stated.

"Wonderful." The rabbit said gleefully. He hopped down from the stage. "Come over here, girl. Let me see what I'm working with."

By this time, Dux had caught up with Kit and Slash. He was heaving and clearly out of breath. "You couldn't wait for a second?" he said leaning against the door frame.

The rabbit recognized the voice and the shape in the distance. He became overjoyed as he shouted, "Dux!"

Dux looked up at the light blue rabbit. "MacFarlene?" he said. A smile crept onto his muzzle and his tail wagged. "Is that you, Mac?"

MacFarlene, or Mac, walked down the aisle towards Dux. "It is me, you wonderful, beautiful dog, you." He said, grabbing hold of Dux's hand and shaking it.

"Wait, Mac?" Kit said. Her eyes adjusted to the dimness of the auditorium enough to make out Mac's tall figure. "I thought you left this "Uncouth" town to direct big time shows on Broadway."

"I said no such thing, dear," Mac replied to Kit's accusation. "I clearly stated that I needed to spread my talent further from Lampoon Town."

Kit wasn't convinced.

Slash, finally freeing himself of Kit's grip, yanking his arm away from her, soothed his arm. He looked at Mac noticing the straight form this guy had. He went over to Mac and introduced himself. "Hey there, Mac," he said. "The names Slash the Ferret. Man, I'm just meeting new people all around today."

"Hmmhmm," Mac simply responded, not shaking Slash's hand. He turned to Kit. "So, Kit, you want to act in my play?" he asked.

"Yes I do." Kit replied.

"Why the sudden interest in the theater?"

"I always thought the theater was the ultimate expression of entertainment. Society has been doing it for hundreds of years and it's a medium that isn't going to die." Kit explained with sincerity in her voice. By the expression on Mac's face it looked like she was gaining his favor.

"I thought you just got interested in this whole thing because you wanted to rub Arsen's--" Slash began to explain but was quickly stopped by Kit. She reached for Slash's chest fur and yanked on it, forcing Slash to yelp with pain. "Ow, so mean." He whined.

Mac passed off Slash's cry. He took a look at Kit, running his eyes up and down her. "Well," he said. "I'm a guy with an eye for talent. What role were you looking for? I got the leading role, of course Lady Reynolds, her best friend, her butler, and a few other parts to help the story along. The backstage crew is all ready to go, just need a donut boy, though."

"I can do that." Slash said to the offer of the donut boy. "I'm good with donut orders."

"You got the job, kid." Mac replied.

Kit didn't have to think long for the role she wanted. "I want the Lady Reynolds role." She said. "I want to be the star."

"I can't guarantee you that." Mac stated. "Like I said, talent is what I look for. If you got the stuff, the role is yours. Otherwise, I'll see what I can do."

"Alright," Kit didn't doubt herself. "So how do I do this?"

Mac told them to follow him. He led them to the front row where a pile of scripts were resting on one of the seats. Mac grabbed two scripts and handed them to Dux and Kit.

"Basically, read these lines, study them over, get a feel for how the character if feeling, and when you feel like you're ready, we'll do the audition." Mac instructed. He took a seat to look over the script too.

Dux and Kit were talking amongst themselves pointing at the script and coming with solutions.

There was nothing for Slash to do though. He did just get a job as the donut boy however. He went to Mac and asked, "What can I do? Me being the donut boy and all?"

"Two sprinkles, and while you're there get a caramel macchiato with extra whip." Mac instructed.

"You got it, boss." Slash exclaimed as he ran up the aisle and left.

Slash returned to the theater with a box of donuts in one hand, and Mac's fancy coffee in the other. He was careful as to not drop any of it. He just got this donut boy gig and didn't want to get fired on the first day. He fast walked towards the theater, shifting his eyes to the theater, to the donuts and coffee, and back to the theater.

Just as he was near the entrance Slash saw Arsen walking towards the theater. "Oh no..." Slash whispered.

Arsen was just about to open the front doors when she saw Slash hastily walking to the door. She smiled at him and blocked his path. "Hey, Slash," she said.

Slash was forced to stop. "Uh, hi, Arsenvulf..." he muttered. "Uh, could you excuse me please? I gotta get going."

"What's the rush?" Arsen asked, walking up to Slash. She saw the donut box and opened it, taking one of the two sprinkled donuts. She took a bite of the donut.

Slash very nicely and respectfully said, "I gotta get back inside the theater. I want to see how Kit's audition is going."

"She's actually auditioning for this thing?" Arsen asked surprisingly. "Oh I have to see this." She made a one-eighty and walked inside.

Slash felt like he opened up a can of worms. "Come on, Slash!" he cursed himself. "You can come up with better excuses than that!"

He saw Arsen head inside. Slash chased after her, following her towards the auditorium. Kit wouldn't appreciate seeing Arsen there, Slash figured. It wasn't his fault! He was purely a victim of circumstance.

Arsen went through the doors catching the sight of the stage and its two would-be actors. She smiled and crossed her arms. "This is going to be interesting." She said to herself. Arsen observed the audition from the closest seat to her in the last row.

Slash came through the door. He was quiet, tiptoeing down the aisle hoping he wasn't interrupting the audition. He would probably make Kit angry, but more importantly, his new boss too. He crept up to the first aisle and cautiously approached Mac, handing him his fancy coffee drink and donut box.

"Just how you wanted it, sir." Slash whispered.

Mac didn't reply. He was focused on Kit's audition.

Slash figured Mac didn't have anything for him to do. It was the perfect opportunity to sit around and do nothing--his specialty. Slash sat next to Mac and set his eyes on Dux and Kit performing their lines on stage.

"But you told me that the money was in the safe. Where could it have vanished to?" Kit acted.

"There is clearly a thief among us." Dux replied. "We must be vigilant. Anyone downstairs could've done this."

Mac stood up. He had heard enough. "Okay, okay," he announced. "Dux--flawless. You gave the character some oomph that I wanted to see."

"What about me?" Kit asked. "How'd I do?"

Mac didn't reply immediately. Kit knew in any situation when someone had to think something over it meant nothing good.

"Let's just say that I have an entire day to look for the leading role." Mac put it delicately.

"Your search is over." Arsen's voice echoed in the auditorium. Arsen walked down the aisle and presented herself to Mac. "I present to you the leading lady."

Kit gritted her teeth the second Arsen appeared. "When did you get your sorry rear here?" she demanded.

"Why," Arsen grabbed Slash, wrapping her arms around him. "Slash led me in. He's quite the gentleman."

"I am far from gentlemanlike..." Slash didn't want to be included in Kit's death stare. Regardless Kit glared angrily at him, sending a shiver down his spine.

Mac just stared at Arsen. He wasn't too convinced of Arsen's ability. "I'll be the judge of that, girlfriend." He replied to her earlier statement. "Do you have a partner to act with you?"

Arsen replied no.

"Well, I just give you a solo script." He handed Arsen a script. "Read the lines over. Your audition starts in twenty."

Arsen took a seat nearby and read through the script, reading into the character, deciding the mood and tone she should give it.

Kit, incredibly angry at Slash, jumped from the stage. She marched up to Slash with a glare that could kill.

"Kit, remember," Slash started to back away. "We're in a theater. This is a cultured, refined place."

That didn't stop Kit from wrapping her hand around Slash's neck and dragging him up the aisle. Dux followed his sister, keeping his distance about two feet behind though. Kit dragged Slash out the auditorium and released her grip on him.

"Hey, don't kill me yet!" Slash said catching his breath. "I haven't seen the new Star Wars movie yet!"

"What are you thinking hanging out with her?!" Kit demanded furiously.

"I wasn't." replied Slash. "I was on my way back for the boss and she just happened to be there."

"Don't hang out with her, Slash." Kit warned. "She's not a friendly person."

Slash waited for Dux to say something. Dux was like the voice of reason in situations like this. When Slash looked at Dux, Dux only shrugged slightly.

"Arsen can't be that bad." Slash finally said. "She certainly doesn't look like a bad person."

"Yeah, but with her, looks are deceiving." Kit exclaimed. "She's a backstabbing, twofaced, lying, no good mean girl. You're my friend, Slash. I don't want you to get entangled in her lies."

"Kit, I didn't know you cared about me that much." Slash joked.

"Promise me you won't hang out with her."

Slash placed one hand in the air and one behind his back. He said to Kit, "I promise. Scout's honor."

"You're not crossing your fingers behind your back, are you?"

"Kit... why would you imply something like that? I am quite shocked you would doubt me in my promises."

"I'm just making sure." Kit replied to Slash's sarcasm. She breathed heavily releasing some built-up frustration. "I'm going to the bathroom." She told Slash and Dux.

Dux waited for Kit to leave to check behind Slash's back. He did have his fingers crossed. Dux found it amazing that Slash lied to Kit.

"You lied." Dux stated. "Even I don't lie to Kit. If she finds out that you're lying in any way, the consequences could be brutal."

"I only lied to make peace with Kit." Slash exclaimed. "I don't think Arsen is what Kit says she is."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, I don't know her. My dad always told me 'don't talk bad about someone without knowing something about them.'" Slash then asked Dux, "What do you think?"

Dux looked down the hall, making sure Kit was nowhere in sight. He leaned to Slash and whispered, "Kit is making this a bigger deal than what it really is. So is Arsen."

"It's just a play." Slash said. "They can't be that competitive."

"It's not about the play, Slash." Dux explained. "I think Kit and Arsen could really care less about a play. They weren't big fans to begin with."

"Then what is it?"

Dux couldn't say anything else. His ears flopped upwards. "Oh, Kit's coming back." He said. And just like that, he and Slash closed their mouths and pretended to act natural.

Kit came walking down the hallway up to Slash and Dux. "What were you guys talking about?" she asked noticing their unsettlement.

"...Girls." Slash slowly retorted. "Lots and lots of girls."

"Hmm, wonderful." Kit replied.

"So, what now?" asked Slash. "Where to next?"

"You two can go ahead without me," explained Kit. She walked to the door to the auditorium. "I'm going to stick around for a bit. I want to see how bad Arsen's acting is." She went through the doors.

Slash and Dux watched Kit leave them in favor of watching Arsen's audition. Slash just shrugged at the notion. "How 'bout we grab some lunch and come back later." Dux exclaimed. "I'm pretty sure they'll be done by the time we're done eating."

A rumbling in Slash's stomach seemed to agree with Dux. "Okay..." Slash replied.

With their stomachs filled and energy refueled from the local diner down the street, Slash and Dux hurried to the theater. They went inside and to the auditorium. To their surprise it was packed. Every seat was taken and people were sitting on the floor. The auditorium was noisy from their constant chatting and bickering.

"Do you see Kit anywhere?" Slash asked Dux.

Dux looked with a keen eye but couldn't see her. He figured that Kit was sitting on the floor or she was in front of a crowd. Then he saw her at the bottom of the stage. "There she is." Dux nudged Slash.

They excused themselves from the people sitting in the middle of the aisle. Dux's big feet were bumping into people, forcing him to apologize. He even accidently kicked someone because of his giant feet. Dux just couldn't believe that all these people, some from out of town by the looks of it, came up to audition for the play. It wasn't promoted nationally he thought. It must be the call of the show, he figured.

Finally reaching Kit through their harrowing journey through rude wanna-be thespians, Slash and Dux nudged Kit.

"Kit, come on, let's go. You know how Mom gets when we're not home before dinner." Dux exclaimed.

"Hold your tail," she told Dux. "Mac has one last announcement to make and he'll send us home."

Mac appeared on stage and shushed the packed auditorium. Everyone listened, hanging onto every word he was about to say. "Alright," Mac said. "It's been one hell of a day, and too many actors, or so called actors, came to audition. There is no way that I can make a decision right here and now as to who will play the parts. I will make that decision tomorrow and will post them outside of the theater by the ticket booth. You can see if you made the cut. Now, all of you go home."

Just like an end to a play, the curtains dropped and that was it. The auditorium was slowly becoming less and less packed as people flooded to the doors. There was finally breathing room for Slash, Dux and Kit.

"Talk about full house," Kit mentioned.

Arsen came from out of the crowd coming up towards Kit. She heard Kit's comment and replied, "Yeah, no kidding."

"You might as well just stay home tomorrow, Arsenvulf," Kit said with taunting glee. "I completely aced that audition. You're looking at the new Lady Reynolds."

"Don't flatter yourself, dear." Arsen added. "Mac looked at my solo performance with tears in his eyes. I'm a sure thing."

"How much did you pay him?"

"The only way you would ever be the leading lady in anything is if you nagged them to the point of insanity."

"¡Loba!"

"Schädling!"

Before things got too out of control, as it was bound to, Dux intercepted. He came between Kit and Arsen pushing them back from one another. "Let's all just calm down." He said assertively. "It's been a long day and I think we all just need to go home and relax." Dux led Kit along up the aisle. "Let's go, Kit."

Kit wasn't finished with Arsen yet, not by a longshot. With one last insult, Kit stuck out her tongue at Arsen.

Arsen returned the childish insult with a goofy face.

She noticed that Slash was left behind. She smiled at him and said, "It was nice to meet you, Slash."

"Yeah, you too." Slash simply said. He left and picked up the pace to catch up with Dux and Kit. Before he left the auditorium however Slash took one last look at Arsen who was just standing at the bottom of the stage. He noticed something about her. As much as Dux and Kit claimed Arsen to be the most popular girl in town, she did look awfully lonely in this empty place.

Slash awoke with a daze. He hated waking up. His eyes always ached, his throat always seemed to be clogged, and he groans like something from a monster movie. Managing to look at his bedside clock, he saw that it was ten fifty. Uncaring at first, once he realized the time he jumped out of his bed hastily and readied himself for the day. He ran out of the house and hurried to the theater.

Once at the theater, Slash found it crowded. People who had auditioned yesterday gathered around the ticket booths like vultures around a dying carcass. There was no way Slash was going to even attempt to get himself to the ticket booths. He was more interested in finding Dux and Kit. Luckily they were easy to spot.

He saw Dux and Kit on the border of the crowd. They were trying to find an opening or some way into the crowd.

Slash walked up to them. "Hey, guys," he greeted. "Talk about insane. This is nuts." He pointed to the crowd.

"And it's just for a piece of paper." Kit complained. "Come on, people! It's very simple! Look at the paper and go!"

"A lot of people don't look too happy." Slash said.

Dux just shrugged. "If you didn't make the cut, then you didn't make the cut. Sad, really. I'm sure they all did a good job too."

Kit had enough of it. For half an hour she waited to see the actor listings. She wasn't waiting anymore. With a heavy sigh, Kit moved her way into the crowd, pushing aside whoever got in her way. Slash and Dux followed after her closely; the gaps in the crowd quickly closed behind them.

With Kit pushing everyone out of the way, they reached the ticket booth.

"Finally," she declared. Pushing the other hopeful actors away from the listing, Kit ran her finger down the list of names. "Let's see if I beat that snotty brat."

Kit started at the bottom and moved her way up. Some actors were people from out of town, which she didn't care for. Up the line she saw Dux's name printed on the list. Dux didn't even audition! He landed the role of Baxter Dillon, Lady Reynolds' butler. Kit caught a hint of favoritism--Mac and Dux were friends before Mac moved to New York.

On with the list, Kit found her name. She was playing the role of Cherry Saxon, Lady Reynolds' best friend.

"Who is playing Reynolds?" Kit whispered to herself.

One more name up revealed the actor playing Lady Reynolds: Arsenvulf Timberwolf.

A sense of defeat washed over Kit like a thunderstorm. Not only did she not make the leading role but she lost it to Arsen. The fact almost made her sick with rage.

Sure enough, as life would have it, Arsen came walking through the crowd, which gladly opened up for her. She went to the listing and found her name at the top, landing the leading role. A smile appeared on her muzzle.

"There was not a doubt in my mind," Arsen gloated. "Mac knows real talent when he sees it."

"Can it, Arsen." Kit spat.

"Oh, don't be so sour, Kitten." Arsen said, comforting her sarcastically. "At least you get to be the second lead."

"Bite me." Kit angrily retorted.

Dux glanced at the listing and saw his name on it. "I'm in the play?" he asked. "That's awesome! I've never in a play before."

"Looks like you're playing my butler, Dux." Arsen added.

"I always thought I would be good at being a butler." Dux added.

Slash didn't really care for who was on the list--he already got a part as the donut boy so he's set. But, looking at Kit, he knew that she wasn't so happy.

"You alright, Kit?" he asked.

"No..." replied Kit.

"Hey, don't look at this as a bad thing." Slash said. "If anything, you can one-up her in performance."

"What, like real actors do?"

"Yeah, I mean, you can still be the star of the show without being the star. You just gotta be better at it."

Kit's moody expression lightened. "Yes, I can still beat that drama queen at this game." She said with a sly smirk.

"Kit," Dux called. "It says here on the listing that all those who made the cut report to the auditorium."

"Right." Kit said.

Kit and Slash and Dux went into the theater following Arsen. They made their way to the auditorium and took a seat with all the other actors. On the stage Mac along with the stage crew waited for everyone to quiet themselves. Once they were, Mac cleared his throat and addressed the troupe.

"Congratulations on your auditions. I feel that I made the right choices for these roles." Mac announced.

Speak for yourself. Kit thought as she glared evilly at Arsen.

"I would like to introduce to you the actors chosen for the three main roles of the play. They are three locals of Lampoon Town and the best choices for the roles in my eyes." Mac pointed to Arsen, Dux and Kit. They walked up to the stage and joined Mac.

"Playing the leading lady of the play, Lady Mary Reynolds, is Arsenvulf Timberwolf."

Arsen bowed to the actors and received uproar. Cheers, clapping hands, and voluptuous whistles came from the actors.

"Playing the ever so loyal and wise butler Baxter Dillon is Dux Dog."

Waving to the actors, Dux felt welcomed by as they clapped for him.

"And lastly, playing Reynolds' best friend Cherry Saxon is Kit the Cat."

Kit waited for everyone to start clapping before bowing to them. She only heard only one pair of hands clapping for her. She looked around and spotted Slash the only one clapping for her. She heard him shout out, "Whoo! Sexy mama!" She ran her hand down her face hiding her scowl.

Mac kicked the three of them off the stage. He turned back to the actors. "Alright, now, this isn't going to be a walk in the park." He explained. "For the next month we will be rehearsing four days out of the week. I take this very seriously; if you don't show up after two missed rehearsals, I'll find someone else to fill your place."

"Yeesh," Slash whispered to the guy sitting next to him. "This guy ain't foolin' around, huh?"

"We will start rehearsals tomorrow. As of today, get to know your fellow actors. For the next month they will be your best friends." Mac instructed before disappearing backstage.

Everyone rose from their seats and started to mingle. They talked to one another, introduced themselves. Slash waived them from his view however. He was set on Dux and Kit, who were at the bottom of the stage. He excused himself past the actors and reached them.

"Guys, congrats." He told them. "Hard to believe that now I know famous people."

"Almost famous, Slash." Dux corrected.

"You guys are famous in my eyes."

Dux grinned at Slash's generosity. "Can you believe that all these people came from out of town to audition? Some of these people could've come from Down Town."

"Like moths to a flame, anyone who thinks they have a talent for the theater came for a chance of mini-stardom." Kit stated.

"Well we should welcome our newcomers." Dux said with a wagging tail. "No need to be rude. For the next month we'll be hanging out with them." Dux pardoned himself from Slash, Kit, and Arsen and walked over to the first group of out-of-towners he saw, introducing himself.

The world would be a lot more pleasant if more people were like Dux, Slash thought. Most people nowadays would think twice before approaching someone new and introducing themselves. Dux just goes for it and does it with welcoming arms. Slash should know. His limbs were still cramping from Dux's welcoming hug when he first came to town.

Arsen weaved through the crowd, watching Dux enter the crowd to greet everybody. She made her way to join Slash and Kit at the bottom of the stage. She inched closer to Kit and nudged her playfully. She smirked at the angry expression on Kit's face. "I guess now we're being forced to hang out with each other. It'll be like the good 'ole days, don't you think?" Arsen said.

"Yeah," Kit crossed her arms and turned away. "It'll be fun. So much fun than having my ears bleed at a dubstep concert."

"I knew you would be excited as much as I would." Arsen sarcastically replied. "We can read magazines, put makeup on our faces, make absurd hairstyles--it'll be like one big slumber party. And best of all, your boyfriend will be watching us," Arsen then turned to Slash. "Won't you, Slash?"

"I'll be watching, that's for true." Slash replied. "But I didn't know Kit's boyfriend will be watching too. Shoot, you didn't even tell me you had a boyfriend, Kit."

"Your observation skills and total lack of brain cells amazes me, Slash." Kit said.

"I just know that nothing but good things are bound to happen with you and I both in the room." Arsen added playfully pointing to Kit. "Now, if you would excuse me, I'm going to intermingle with the Down Town common folk."

Slash felt nothing but hints when Arsen was talking. His curiosity could not be contained. He turned to Kit and asked, "What was all that gibberish about?"

"What? The part about the good 'ole days or everything else she just spat from her cake hole?" Kit asked sarcastically.

"The good 'ole days part," Slash replied. "What was that all about?"

"Don't worry about it, Slash."

"I do worry," Slash quickly replied. "Because it looks like you're worried about it."

"It's none of your business. So please, drop it." Kit stomped away from Slash.

"But..." Slash said with hurt in his voice. "We're friends... I thought it was my business."

This must be really serious, Slash thought. Whatever is going on with Kit and Arsen is upsetting Kit and for some reason, most out of fear, it was making Slash very uncomfortable. She won't even talk it out with him. Now that's just not fair--he's a great listener. What could've happened that made Kit hate Arsen so much?

If anyone would know of this dilemma, it would be Dux. Slash went to Dux pulling him away from his welcomes to the out-of-towners.

"Hey, I was in the middle of Sally's funny story." Dux exclaimed.

"Dux, buddy," Slash said. "I want to know something."

"Okay, lay it on me."

"Why does Kit hate Arsen so much?" he asked. "Arsen seems like a nice girl. I just don't understand why she would hate her so much."

Slash saw the change in posture in Dux. He was very hesitant, keeping his mouth shut. It was as if he was keeping a secret. Slash knew that if someone asked Dux to promise to keep a secret, he would never tell anyone.

"Kit made me promise that I wouldn't tell anyone." Dux said.

"I can keep my mouth shut." Slash replied. "I hardly talk to anyone besides you guys anyways."

"Well..." Dux was rather torn. "Okay, I trust you--but I'm only telling you little. Kit and Arsen were friends. Best of friends really. But as life changes and you grow up, so do people. I guess Kit and Arsen were victims of this. It's a long story..."

Suddenly Mac called for Dux onto the stage, cutting Dux from his train of thought. "Uh, hold on to that thought, Slash." Dux told Slash. He answered Mac's call and headed towards the stage.

Slash was left with just that and it told him absolutely nothing. Sure, it could mean that it was complicated. But Slash was frustrated! He was even more curious than before.

"I can pull a chair and listen." Slash replied to nothingness. "I love long stories..."

Slash has no perception of time. He stinks at it. Slash is never on time, time goes either too fast or too slow for him, he's always running out of time--Time is never on his side. Even keeping track of time he's lousy at. One minute he's buying donuts for the cast of The Lady Reynolds, the next it's been a month and just hours away from opening night.

Yes, time sure flew by as Slash sat on a prop backstage while everyone hurried to set up the stage. It didn't feel like time even moved at all. It was like he was just sitting observing time as it sped by him.

Slash was snapped back to reality when one of the stage crew, a burly muscular cow, came and shoved him off of the barrel. "Move it, donut boy." He said. "The director needs this thing."

Picking himself up, Slash just glared at the cow but decided to keep his mouth shut. Those muscles could to some damage to his tiny body. "Eh, I'll let him have that one." Slash muttered under his breath.

He walked around backstage gazing at the costumes everyone was wearing. It was like being on set of a bigtime studio show. Slash entered the dressing room for all the male actors. Among the actors dressed in their getups was Dux dressed in a sharp black butler's suit with a red rose pinned to it.

Slash walked up to Dux. "Looking sharp, buddy." He complimented.

Dux turned to face Slash. "Thanks. Do you think I should gel my hair back? You know, give it that clean-cut look or something?" he asked.

"Dux, if you looked any better you could replace the butler at the White House." Slash retorted.

"Aw, you're just saying that."

"Say, Dux," Slash then asked. "Do you ever feel like you missed something?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that one minute you were telling me why Kit and Arsen didn't get along the next it's opening night."

"Slash, that was a month ago."

"And you still haven't told me the 'long story'."

"I've been rehearsing for the play." Dux replied. "And plus for the last month you seemed like a ghost... like you jumped off a page in a book and now you came back."

"Darn it, I still want to know." Slash cried.

Dux shrugged. "I'm sorry, Slash," he said. "But Kit made me promise. I don't go back on promises. If you want the full story, you're gonna have to get it from Kit or Arsen. I highly doubt either of them will tell you though."

"I'll just do that. Thanks anyways, Dux 'ole chum." Slash left the dressing room.

He was determined more than ever to discover why Kit and Arsen are sour towards each other. He was thinking, Arsen would have no reason to tell him anything. She barely knew him. Slash was hoping Kit would at least tell him something.

Looking all over for them, Slash eventually found Kit and Arsen together out on the center stage. They were both dressed in Victorian-era dresses complete with hats. Slash saw that they were rehearsing a part so he snuck backstage and watched them play out.

Arsen had on a face of sadness as she walked towards Kit.

Kit looked concerned for her. "Tell me, Mary, what troubles you so?" Kit asked.

"Oh Cherry," Arsen said with shaky tone. "I bring morbid news."

"Pray tell."

"My dear cousin has finally succumbed to her illness. She has passed on."

"Oh my," Kit said with an immediate change in tone. "I am so sorry."

"She went peacefully." Arsen rubbed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheek. "How I mourn for her..."

"Mary," Kit walked over and grabbed Arsen's hands. "You are in good company with me. I am here for you always."

"I am thankful." Arsen said. "My cousin didn't leave me without a parting gift. She has left me her title for she has no heir to her fortune."

"You are wealthy now? This is most joyous!"

Mac was watching their performance below in the seats. He stopped them right there. "Good ladies, good." He said. "Arsen, the sadness you portray is so real I feel like you're actually crying."

"Eat your heart out, Hollywood." Arsen said with a smirk.

"Kit, you have improved much. You are finally getting it! You are acting like you finally care now!"

"I was getting irked when you wouldn't shut up about my acting." Kit plainly said.

"Girls, take a break." Mac said. "One more practice run with the other guys and we'll be ready for the night."

As they left the stage, Kit was more than happy to shred off her attire. She groaned and growled at the taut dress that she tossed on the ground. "Ugh, I hate that thing with a burning passion!" she screamed.

"I thought you looked adorable, Kit." Arsen teased.

"Yeah, yeah," Kit went on. "I think Mac gave me the tightest dress out of all of them just to spite me. I don't think he likes me very much. Critique my acting, will you?"

"You have gotten better." Arsen replied.

This caught Kit off guard. Did she just compliment her? "Ah, I see, you're making fun of me." Kit concluded.

"No, no, I mean it." Arsen said. "You've improved. At first you were just an awful mess. I still don't believe that he didn't replace you after the first week."

"Now I know you're making fun of me."

"All and all, I think people will be blown away by your acting." Arsen said.

It was perhaps the most sincere thing Arsen has said to her. Kit was puzzled. Was this the same Arsen that she despised?

"Of course," Arsen quickly added. "You were feeding off my energy like a leech. So if it wasn't for me you would've been booted out the first minute of rehearsals."

There she is. Kit thought. "Make sure you don't fall over considering the big head you got."

Kit's ears swiveled around to the call of her name. When she turned around she saw Slash waving to her. She walked over to him leaving Arsen to do whatever. She walked up to Slash, "Yes?" she asked.

"Great performance out there." Slash said.

"Thanks." She replied. "Hey, have you been feeling okay? For the last month you seemed like a ghost."

"What? Yeah," Slash answered awkwardly. "I think if someone was writing my story the writer got lazy and made me lose a month of my life just to make his life easier."

"Seems about right."

"Yeah... well, since I'm still operating on thoughts from a month ago, I must ask you," he leaned closer to Kit. "What's your deal with Arsen?"

"Seriously?" Kit asked, dumbfounded. "You wake up from what was like a coma and that's the first thing you ask me?"

"I'm stupidly curious."

"I've figured that out the day I met you."

"Please, just tell me."

"I told you to drop it and leave it alone."

"Please?"

"No, Slash."

"I'm not going to stop bugging you until I get a clear answer from you." Slash said.

Slash began repeating 'please' and 'come on' like he was a broken record. Kit allowed him to say whatever he wanted. She wasn't going to tell him nothing. No matter what he said or where he followed her, Kit was keeping her lid shut.

About an hour later Kit was slowly starting to crack. Slash saw the annoyance in her eyes. It was only a matter of time before she would tell him. He knew she would crack. This old child's game of 'repeat' works every time.

Kit blew up. She grabbed Slash by the neck and dragged him off the stage. She took him out of the auditorium and took him down the hall. Once she checked that they were alone, Kit released Slash. She didn't care that he was choking; he was asking for it.

"Kit," Slash coughed. "I think we need to discuss the importance of boundaries."

"You want to know why I don't like Arsen?" Kit asked angrily.

"Yes." Slash answered eagerly.

"You really want to know?"

"I've been asking for the last hour. Yes, I want to know."

"FINE!" screamed Kit. "Arsen and I were best friends! I've known her since kindergarten and we became friends right off the bat. Never before have I had a friend that I could tell all of my secrets to without being scared. We spent all of our time together--her and I against the school world. When I was feeling down, she picked me up and vice versa. It was a great seven years..."

A great start, Slash thought. But this was only the first act. The second act was about to begin.

"Grade school was one thing," Kit explained. "Middle school was another. That's the place where people start establishing themselves into the people they will be forevermore. Arsen and I entered as friends..." Kit's tone changed. "We didn't stay that way for long. I like to think that kids' minds are so easily corruptible to anything we get involved in. Arsen is no exception."

"Go on," Slash said.

"Arsen never showed up to our lunch table one day..." Kit explained somberly. "Instead, I saw her with the popular kids--she was laughing, having fun. She completely forgot about me within seconds." Kit's cheeks began to turn red and her eyes became glassy with tears. "When I asked her to one of my slumber parties, she blew me off! She would rather hang out with soulless popular kids than with her best friend! I saw how it was, and how it would forever be."

Slash saw the tears start streaming down Kit's cheeks. Maybe this was a bad idea.

"Ever since then Arsen has made it clear that I wasn't good enough to be her friend and feels like she needs to remind me of that! I didn't do anything to her! Why did she have to do that to me!?" Kit was now crying, wiping her tears way with her arm. She looked up at Slash with her sorrowful eyes and frowned. "You happy now? Do you feel satisfied?"

"I... feel... guilty." Slash replied. "I didn't know..."

"No... you didn't... but now you do." Kit managed to suck up her tears and to regain her sense of self. "So I want you to drop it and leave it be, si?"

Slash complied. He promised not to bring it up. Kit was satisfied with that answer and left heading towards the auditorium, leaving Slash with his thoughts.

He was feeling like he was a pretty lousy friend. Not only did he make his friend cry, he made a girl cry. On his list of things he never wanted to do, that was at the top. Banging his head against the wall, Slash was weighed down by the guilt he was feeling. There was something else weighing him down as well.

It just didn't make sense. Seven years of friendship, all of the sudden gone? Friendship that long doesn't just fade away into nothingness. There must have been something that made Arsen just stop being around Kit in general. There's got to be something that would explain that.

As usual, Slash's curiosity, in other words stupidity, got to him. He was hell bent on solving this. He wanted all versions of the story.

The night came fast and so did the excitement of opening night. Slash never understood the hype of plays, and perhaps he never will, but people loved it. Maybe it was the equivalent of seeing a movie at the movie theaters or something like that. Whatever the reason for all the hype, Slash knew that tonight was going to be big.

Slash got dressed up for opening night--a black bow tie suited him nicely--just to look presentable for everyone. He was waiting inside the auditorium watching the actors rush by him. Deciding that they didn't need him at the moment, he thought he could make a quick run to the donut shop and pick up a preshow snack for his crew. When he reached the doors and looked outside, Slash was awestruck by a crowd of people slowly filling the theater.

Retreating back into the auditorium, Slash commented, "Holy smokes! That's just for the play!?"

Mac was walking around and passed by Slash. He replied to Slash's statement, "That's nothing, darling. You should see Broadway."

Mac then headed towards the stage with Slash following behind him. He jumped up on the stage and whistled, gathering all of the actors. Everyone he saw was dressed in full costume, especially his leading ladies, Arsen and Kit. He adored their Victorian style dresses.

"Alright, everyone, listen up," Mac announced. "After a long time coming, we have reached our night. All of you have done your very best and I must say, I am surprisingly impressed,"

A collection of confused looks was thrown from one actor to the other.

"With the combined efforts of our stage crew, the directing," Mac boasted for a moment. "And of course the energy of our leading lady," Arsen bowed to her fellow actors with nothing but applause from them. "I do think that this performance will be the best."

"Isn't bad luck to boast of a show before it goes on?" Kit asked.

Everyone burst out at her. They felt like Kit was jinxing them. And they didn't need that. 'Boos' and 'Shut ups' came from the actors trying to silence Kit. "Why can't you be more like Arsen?" some would say.

Rolling her eyes at them, Kit responded to them with, "Idiotas."

Mac brought them all in into a circle. He bowed his head and the others followed his lead. A moment of silence. Then Mac said, "Break a leg out there."

One of the stage crew went from backstage to the door. He was dressed in a suit and stood upright. With one glance at Mac, and Mac nodding to him once he made sure the stage was clear and the curtain closed, he opened the door and allowed the visitors to come in and find their seats.

Slash peeled away a tiny spot in the curtain to look outside. It was a full house! Again, he thought it was crazy that this was just for a community play.

The lights dimmed and the audience fell silent. Slash retreated further back backstage making way for the actors. "Showtime!" Slash whispered. "I always wanted to say that."

The stage opened up to a garden and someone announcing, "Victorian England, Cherry Saxon Garden." The spotlight shown on Kit's character Cherry Saxon dressed in a blue and black dress. She was attending to her garden. A smile was on her face as she plucked plastic flowers from the stage floor.

The show went on. Slash watched it with full interest. He was deeply involved with the story. It was the story of friendship, wealth, and heartbreak. Arsen's character Mary Reynolds is a financially unfortunate woman making ends meet in dreary London. She has nothing but her dear friend Cherry Saxon to keep her going.

Things turn for the better for Reynolds when her beloved cousin passes away and leave her fortune to her. Finally out of the poorhouse Reynolds gains the title of Lady Reynolds and revels in her life of the aristocrat.

Little did she know, Reynolds was heading down a selfish path.

At this point in the play, Cherry misses Reynolds. Reynolds has been spending less and less time apart from her and she is curious as to why. To answer this question, Cherry trekked to Reynolds' new home, a mansion--only the inside of the mansion was shown on the stage. Cherry asked Reynolds why she has been ignoring her, to which Reynolds replied with snooty remarks.

Reynolds now thinks herself above the common folk that she was once a part of. This causes a conflict between Cherry and Reynolds that results in things not meant to be said.

This was the end of the first act. The lights faded and the curtain dropped.

"We will be taking a short intermission." A voice announced. "The show will resume in ten minutes."

While the audience left their seats for the restrooms, backstage the actors were reveling. Their performance was going swimmingly.

Slash congratulated them on their hard work so far. He especially wanted to congratulate Kit on her performance. It was amazing; he thought so anyway. However when he found her refreshing herself with a bottle of water, Kit turned away from Slash. She must still be mad at him...

"Hey, Kit," Slash tried to grab her attention. "You're doing great out there."

"Tell that to the audience." She spat. "They're all looking at Arsen like she is some angel. Well, to put it in Elvis's words, she's a devil in disguise."

"Well... she is kinda the main character." Slash stated.

"It doesn't matter..." Kit replied. "By the time the end of the second act comes around they'll be noticing Arsen for something else than her performance."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"You'll see..." Kit finished her bottle of water and walked away. "You'll see."

Something bad was going to go down. Slash felt it in his gut. His gut spoke nothing but truth. Slash felt more obligated to solve this problem, and fast. There was only one way to fix it though. The story must be finished.

Hastily Slash looked around for the leading lady. Once he found Arsen she was sitting in the corner staring off into space. Slash hurried to her.

Arsen snapped back from her deep thought when she saw Slash approaching her, out of breath. Naturally she placed a smile on her face and asked, "Hello, Slash. What's with the lack of breath? Did I take your breath away?"

"Ha, funny," Slash wheezed. "No, we need to talk."

"I already have a boyfriend."

"What? No... why, why do girls always jump to that conclusion when I say that...?" Slash said. "We need to talk about Kit."

"Oh, so shy around Kit, huh?" Arsen giggled. "Well, I can tell you a lot of things about her. Some of them aren't pretty."

"Not in that sense..." Slash cut right to the chase. "I want to know why you guys fight."

"What's there to say? Her hormones got to her during her puberty years and she snapped. I didn't want to be friends with a person who can change personalities like a flip-flop. She said a lot nasty things to me, a lot of it unforgivable."

Slash saw where this was going.

"Kit is a manipulative little drama queen who thinks she is right about everything!" Arsen's always soothing tone hardened to that of sternness. "She feels that the world revolves around her and she makes it pretty clear to anyone who doesn't listen to her. If you ask me, Slash, you got lassoed by the wrong chick."

"Alright, that's enough!" Slash announced to her. Arsen silenced herself to Slash's outburst. "You guys aren't telling me the story. You're telling me what's wrong with the other person, not the story; the beginning, middle, or the end. That's not getting me anywhere! I can tell you what's wrong with the president but that won't explain why he vetoes certain laws."

Slash grabbed the nearest thing to sit on and placed it in front of Arsen. Taking a seat, he stared at Arsen. "I want to know what happened--no BS or anything--just tell me what happened."

Arsen felt uncomfortable. She scratched her head; that hat was itchy and she had to wear it for the remainder of the play. "Well... that's... it's a long story." She bashfully replied.

Slash comically looked at his wrist. "You've got five minutes, and I have all the time in the world..." Slash smiled. "Proceed."

The intermission ended and the play went on.

Kit was absent from the stage for most of the part in the second act. Her return came at the end of it. For the life of her she couldn't save herself from this part. She constantly forgot her lines at this one scene and she always became frustrated at it. Well, if her plan went on without a hitch, Kit wouldn't have to worry about her lines.

Looking up at the scaffolding of the stage, Kit spotted a rusting old bucket with red stains streaming down the top of it. A rope was tied to the handle of the bucket and the other end of it was being held by Kit. What was inside the bucket was specially made for Arsen.

We had come upon the part of the play sometimes known as the climax. At this point, Reynolds was fully regretting everything she has done. Sorrowful and resentful of her new life, Reynolds went on to trash everything in her office, the current stage set. She cried and wept falling to her knees.

Responding to the commotion, the butler Baxter, played by Dux, entered to see the devastation. He knew that his new master was in pain and tended to her. Baxter asked what was troubling her. To which Reynolds replies that she is not happy; her life has become nothing but expectations and rules. She was happy with being poor.

She was especially sorry for her friend. She treated her like filth even when Reynolds knew Cherry didn't deserve it. "I just want my friend back," Arsen's voice trembled with sadness echoing through the auditorium.

Baxter told his master to go after Cherry. "If you treasure your friendship then you must fight for it." Baxter said.

It was almost time, Kit thought. She watched Dux and Arsen do their parts and waited for Arsen to enter the stage alone. That was when she would strike.

Arsen had entered onto an empty stage accompanied by some flower props. Kit heard her spew out her lines--she didn't care much for it. This was the time she has been waiting for. Kit grasped the rope tautly and began to count down.

By the count of three, Kit was interrupted by a tap on the shoulder. She turned and saw Slash. He had on a look of confusion.

"What's going on? What's with the rope?" Slash followed the rope upwards until he saw the bucket. It was aimed right above Arsen. Honestly, he was disgusted. "Kit, were you going to 'Carrie' Arsen?"

"More or less." Kit replied.

"You do know how low that sounds, right?"

"I don't care. She has it coming and nothing you can say can stop me!"

There was one thing Slash could say. "I know what happened between you two."

Kit suddenly ceased, frozen. "You don't know anything about what happened." She mumbled without looking at him.

"I know enough that it was all a misunderstanding. And that you overreacted."

"I OVERREACTED!?" she shouted silently facing Slash with fire in her eyes.

"Yes," Slash replied calmly. "Actually, both of you overreacted. Both of you were hurt and didn't know how to respond to it."

"That's... it's..."

"Both of you were acting like children."

Kit's cheeks blushed red. She grasped the rope tighter turning her view back to Arsen. "I'll make her feel the way she made me feel all those years ago." She muttered.

"That's it, huh?" Slash asked. "What was the point auditioning and practicing in this play for a month if this was just to get back at Arsen? If you do this, everyone's time here is wasted. All of it wasted because you were selfish enough to ruin their hard work." Slash went to the curtain and pointed. "I bet you didn't even see your mom and dad here."

Kit walked to the curtain and looked outside. Within the darkness she could spot her dad's orange fur and her mother's glasses reflecting the stage's light. Terrible thoughts started to run through Kit's mind as she envisioned her parents booing her once they found out it was her doing ruining the play.

"Sooner or later you and Arsen will have to settle what you guys did to each other." Slash stated. "But tonight is for everyone else. You know, they say that the show must go on, but I like to think that we need everyone for the show--even you."

Slash patted Kit on the back and he walked away. He hoped that his words got to her.

She was going to 'Carrie' this play!_He thought in disbelief. _That's crazy. That's something I would've done!

The next scene was centered on Cherry and Reynolds. This was the final scene of the play and the most crucial. Here, Reynolds would confess her misdoings to Cherry and the two would resolve their differences. Slash just hoped that Kit would come around and do her part. He hadn't seen her since he talked to her.

Fortunately, the curtain opened up and there she was. Kit was planting in her garden and looking mildly depressed. Slash had a feeling that that wasn't acting.

Arsen entered the stage from the back with an equally depressed face.

"Greetings, Cherry." Arsen said.

"Come back to frolic with the commoners?" Kit retorted.

"Yes, I have. What I did with my privileges was inexcusable. I treated the people I mingled with like dirt that should never have been on the ground. I stay awake at night thinking of my horrible deeds, especially to you. Cherry, I miss you."

"Did it cross your mind that I would forgive you instantly? The way you spoke to me was unforgivable."

"That is why I wish to make amends with you, my dear friend."

"How can I be so certain that you speak truth?"

"My word is all I have. I gave my wealth away to those who are most needing of it."

"You gave your entire fortune away... just to be with me?"

Arsen replied with a nod.

Kit's character fell silent for moment, her eyes staring at the stage floor. "I imagine that now your mansion is not where you call home?" she asked.

Again, Arsen nodded.

"Well, I would be rudely daft if I cast you out without a roof over your head. Why don't you come inside? We can have some tea."

"Like the days before?"

Kit reached for Arsen's hand. She squeezed it gently.

Slash saw the look on Kit's face. Sincerity and kindness was what Kit portrayed. Deep down however Slash thought Kit wasn't really acting.

"Like the days before." Kit replied.

The curtain dropped and that concluded the play. The audience cheered for the play and for the actors. The actors then emerged, hand in hand, and bowed to the audience with Mac at the end.

"Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for your entertainers tonight!" Mac announced.

More cheers came from the audience.

The end of the night came nothing but cleaning. All the props needed to be placed back where the actors found them before. There mustn't be a trace of trash anywhere. But with everyone helping the cleaning went by in a flash.

Slash packed up his belongings in a bag and was ready to go. He searched for Dux and Kit. With everyone clearing out of the auditorium it wasn't hard to find them. Dux and Kit were near the back of backstage packing their things. Slash walked towards them.

"Kit, you were great out there." Dux said. "I mean it, you can make theater a profession."

"Thanks, you big dupe." Kit replied nudging Dux in the belly. "You weren't half-bad yourself."

"Who are guys kidding?" Slash approached them. "You guys stole the show!"

Slash looked at them but noticed Kit's guilt. Her eyes were darting to and fro trying to avoid Slash. That was a sign of a person who has seen the light of their actions. Slash knows--he is that kind of person.

"And what about Kit, huh, Dux?" Slash suddenly said. "Man, talk about Broadway material." He wrapped his arm around Kit and shook her playfully. Dux totally agreed with him.

With Slash wrapped around her, Kit finally had the courage to look up at him. Her eyes still filled with guilt and resent. But a glint of thankfulness shone in her eyes as she stared at Slash. She opened her mouth as to say her thanks. But Slash quickly stopped her.

"It's okay," Slash whispered. Kit exhaled gladly, smiling to Slash.

Dux turned his head and saw Arsen heading towards them. Naturally, he waved to her with his big goofy grin. "Hi, Arsen," he said. "Great job on the play tonight."

"I was nothing without my butler." Arsen replied, running her knuckles along Dux's head. "And Cherry, of course. But let's be honest with each other, the show would've been a flop if it weren't for me."

Slash's words still haunted Kit's mind. As much as she wanted to downplay everything Arsen says, it would do her no good and it wouldn't bring her comfort. Instead, Kit took a deep breath and spoke to her with decency. "You know... you did do pretty good out there, Arsen." Kit said silently.

Arsen was taken aback for a second. "You... you mean it?" she asked.

"Yeah," Kit replied. "I thought you did pretty well. I see why Mac casted you for the main role."

"Wow, thanks, Kit." Arsen smiled. "Hey, I'm holding a casting party at my house. You, Dux, and Slash, are welcome to come by."

"Uh, I'm actually pretty tired." Kit replied. "The last month took a beating on me. I'll be happy to be able to sleep in for once."

Arsen glanced over to Dux. "Sorry, Arsen, but I like to be home at a certain time. No partying for this hound." Dux said.

"Slash?" Arsen looked at him.

"I'd love to but since I lost a month of my life I'm kinda worried how my parents are doing without me." Slash said. "Maybe next time."

Arsen shrugged. "Your loss." She said. "It's going be fun."

"I'm sure it will." Kit said. "Goodnight, Arsen."

Arsen grabbed a purse with her stuff in it and replied, "Yeah, you too, Kit. Night, boys." She walked out of the auditorium, glancing back at Slash.

The three of them were exhausted. It was time for them to head out of this place. Grabbing their things, Slash, Dux and Kit made their way out of the theater and to their homes.

Arsen made her way home alone in the silence of the night--she prefers it that way. The silence was comforting, welcoming. Her mind can finally be free to think without anything going on around her. There was nothing to distract her from her train of thought.

As she reached the suburbs towards the center of it, Arsen saw her house. It was never made clear to her why the houses in the center of the suburbs were bigger than the other houses. Her house was taller, cleaner, and more elegant that the smaller simpler houses like that of Dux and Kit's. It was probably due to the fact that her family had more money than others. They could afford more luxuries in their living.

For a house this big anyone passing by it would expect it to be filled to the brim with people. Arsen would expect this too, if she didn't live in it. Despite saying she was having a casting party, Arsen found the inside quiet and empty as she walked through the door.

Her very feet echoed through the vast house. Lit by only one lamp, Arsen followed the lamp to the living room and sat on the nearby couch. Sighing, she laid her head back over the couch and relaxed. Stretching her legs, Arsen felt her foot kick something.

When she looked down she saw a small brown bottle. The smell, a putrid aroma that even a waft of it made Arsen sick to her stomach, was a common thing in her household. Every bottle she would find was dry of its former contents. She hated it. She compared the bottle to a deadly potion that turned whoever drank it into someone else.

Sadly frowning, Arsen picked up the bottle throwing it away in the trash. She heard a collective of glass clanking against each other. This depressed Arsen even more.

Sitting back down at the couch, Arsen allowed the silence to take her again. She then pulled out a bracelet. The worn out blue string was decorated with preschool charms and paper drawings that were slowly being torn and ripped. There was also a miniature photo of her and Kit as children, smiling and hugging one another.

"Kit..." Arsen said mournfully. "I miss you..."

SEEYA LATER FELLAS!