Pony of the Theater

by Arondight2016

Chapters

Prelude
Rehearsals
Meeting in the Dark
Accident on Stage
Notes
A Disastrous Performance
A Friend or Killer
All I Ask Of You

Prelude

In the darkest nights of Manehattan, you hear throughout history during the Dark ages of Equestria. To most, the worst history known to all pony kind would be a simple theater known as the Bridleway Theater. Originally, the theater use to be use for opera, however, ever since the strange incident many moons ago, it has now been used for entertainment alone. If you were to ask any pony who knew of its history, three simple words they would respond are: "The Theater Ghost." If you would like to know the true reason of the Bridleway Theater, please come along this journey and we will show you the story of the Pony of the Theater.

*** Year 1876 ***

The theater was founded by two mares: Harmony and Melody Tune. Harmony Tune was a bright blue unicorn who was in charge of both music and scripts while her sister Melody, a periwinkle unicorn, was in charge of both costume and design. When a few ponies agreed to help out with this matter, the seats would be about less than few ponies around. The Tune sisters dreamed of having the fantasies of opera appear throughout the stage. Sadly, ponies all throughout Equestria wouldn't support them. Thinking their dreams would disappear into the night, the Tune sisters never gave up on their dream.

One day, Melody was walking about, noticing some strange ponies who were holding a festival in the square. Not asking her sister permission, she went to view the festival, simply to provide some inspiration. Just when everything was bright and peaceful, a cloaked pony waved his hoof for her attention.

"You should come to my tent, little girl." the cloaked pony demanded.

"Why should I do that?" she asked.

"Do you want to know what lies beyond this tent? To see a demonic pony from Tartarous?"

"Demonic pony?"

"Yes. If you come tonight, you will see him perform first hoof."

Though she wasn't sure if it was wise, Melody agreed.

o.o.0.o.o.

When she entered inside that night, she noticed every pony was inside the tent, expecting to see this "demonic" pony. However, when the show began, the cloaked pony brought forth a small Pegasus with a sack on its head and tied in chains. While no pony could look carefully at his face, you could find small blue eyes poking through the holes in the bag.

"Behold," the cloak pony decreed as she pulled the sack from the Pegasus, "the Demonic Pony of Tartarous!"

In fear, the Pegasus hid his disfigured face away from the crowd with his injured wings, but the pony forced him to reveal his face towards the crowd. With such pity, Melody noticed that the pony in question was not happy with these ponies. From what she could gather, he had a bad burn mark on his face with a scar on top of it. To make matters worse, the ponies around her started to chant for more torture. As she obeyed their command, the cloaked figure threw the poor Pegasus down and started beating him with a rod. Melody, who couldn't stand aside, entered inside the cage to protect the Pegasus.

"Stop this, please!" she begged. "He's hurt!"

"That pony enjoys pain." argued the cloak pony.

"This is preposterous. Just let him go!"

"No! If you prefer to set him free, then pay 1500 bits."

"1500?! That's terrible."

"That's business, dearie. Now, leave at once!"

In such despair, Melody didn't know what to do. However, when she glanced at the injured Pegasus, he glanced at her with such loneliness, trying to tell her to leave at once. If she were to get involved, then she would suffer the same fate. While she didn't appreciate their matter, she ran towards the theater to think things over. That night when everypony was away from the festival, she couldn't stop thinking about that poor colt. She felt so much pity Melody knew exactly what she needed to do. While it was unthinkable, it felt like the right thing to do: steal him away from the ponies of the Revolution.

o.o.0.o.o.

When the streets of Manehattan were calm and peaceful at midnight, Melody, covered in a long dark cloak, returned to the festival to find the pony in question. Not knowing where he would be at the time, she tried her best to find him without being detected. Suddenly, she heard a small voice, singing in the night sky. Quietly, she followed until she reached him, tied in chains from a small pole. While she did her best to be silent, a twig snap caught his ears.

"Who's there?" the pony asked.

She quietly came towards the light, removing the hood above her head.

"Y-you?!"

"Shh!" she hushed quietly as she tried to release the chains quietly, "I'm getting you out of here."

"But why? If they knew you were here, they'd-"

"I know. But I can't stand on the sidelines to watch them attack you on purpose."

As Melody tried her best to pull the chains out and set him free, she felt a tug pulling her to the opposite side of the cage. When she looked upward, it was the cloaked pony herself who used her magic to stop Melody dead in her tracks.

"You think you can just come here alone and grab him without paying us any money? Then, you are sadly mistaken."

Without thinking, Melody ran towards the Pegasus to remove the chains, but the pony started to beat Melody to death. Trying her best to get him free, she wouldn't give up her magic until he was set free. In the Pegasus' eyes, he started to recognize the compassion she has given her. If she let her die in his stead, then he wouldn't forgive himself. Suddenly, his inner soul, which started to immerse through his other eye, took hold of his mind and started to choke the pony until he was unconscious. When the cloak pony noticed him being released, she ran towards him and started to beat him. Unfortunately, he quickly flew past her from his chains and choked her as well. The Pegasus grasped the keys off from the pony in question and released himself out. As he turned towards Melody, the Pegasus recognize the marks and bruises she had from the beating. His soul disappeared as his kind heart came near her side.

o.o.0.o.o.

A few minutes passed, as she was regaining conscious. The Pegasus, who was relief to see her up, stood beside her, assuring there were no fatal injuries.

"Are you alright, madam?" he asked kindly.

"Y-yes?" she responded quietly.

Melody tried her best to get up from the injuries, but the pain she received got her attention more. She started to fall from the ground when all of a sudden, he swooped in to keep her still. While she tried her best to cover up her injuries, she then heard the commotion outside.

"Come with me." she insisted to the Pegasus.

"Why?" he asked.

"You wish to be free? I can provide you sanctuary."

"By keeping me in prison?"

"No, that's not what-"

She started to hear hooves coming close to the tent. Knowing it would be too late to discuss her reason, she stretched out her hoof towards him.

"If you come with me, I'll show you a new path for you to take."

He thought for a moment as the decision was debatable. If he stays, they will never let him go. If he goes, they may find him to be killed. Just as the ponies ran towards the tent, the only ponies which were there were the cloaked pony and her merry mares. No other witnesses were there left in the night.

"We made it." she said as she panted heavily.

Unfortunately, when the two were just about to go towards her room undetected, Harmony Tune stood near the doors, tapping her hooves to the ground.

"You've got a lot of explaining to do, young lady."

o.o.0.o.o.

"What were you thinking, Melody?" she asked in such disappointment.

She had just finished hearing her side of the story and trying to figure out her motive.

"I'm sorry, sis." she apologized, "I had to do something to free him from those monsters."

"Instead, you bring a monster to our Opera house?"

"He's no monster!"

"There are ponies out there trying to find a murderer!"

"He didn't hurt any pony. He was simply protecting me-"

"Protecting you? You knew that being out there was dangerous and you went anyways?!"

"I know, but if I didn't try to save him, he would've died."

Harmony glanced at the Pegasus in question as he was glancing at the costumes. While he knew putting his new friend in danger was wrong, was it fair for her to blame her sister for doing something reckless? She sighed and hugged her sister passionately.

"Your intention was noble, but next time, let me know what you are doing."

"Okay."

"Now, let's go to bed. We've got work in the morning."

"Work? What kind of work do you girls do, ma'am?" the Pegasus asked.

"We run an Opera theater, but..."

"But what?"

"No pony wants to come to an opera with just singing alone."

"Maybe I can help in some way."

"You can?"

"Yes. When I was in Maris, they use to create shows all around the park and I use to watch them perform. Maybe my knowledge can help you in some way. After all, it's the least I can do since your sister has risked everything for me. I want to pay for her kindness."

"That's thoughtful of you, mister..."

The Pegasus glanced downward for a few moments. He was never been given a proper name apart from "The Demonic Pony of Tartarus."

"I don't have a name." he said in defeat.

"The ponies never gave you one?" she inquired, "Interesting."

"How about Maris Sole?" Melody suggested, "It goes well since he mentioned of being in Maris before."

"But what does Sole have to do with anything about me?" he asked. "I don't believe shoes would be a good to me."

"You are a unique pony, with a mysterious soul. Besides, it would be an interesting to do things your way."

"You think so?"

"Absolutely."

"Not to be rude or anything, but would it be alright if we remove the sack?" Harmony asked, "I would like to see how badly you were injured and-"

"NO!" both Maris and Melody responded.

Shocked at the immediate response, Harmony backed off a bit, scared. Melody cleared her throat and rephrased their response.

"Why not?" she asked.

"It's...it's complicated."

"But how else can I tell how badly the damage is if he doesn't want me to look at it?"

"Do you have a mask I can use? I can work with that if you have any available."

Not wanting to question his strange request, Harmony teleported towards the costume and design room, noticed a mask which covered only part of the face, and returned. He then removed the sack as slow as a tortoise as he placed his new mask on the right side of his face. In shock, Harmony noticed the damage in detail. His eyes were two colored, quite as different from any pony she has ever met. His skin on the right side was clean as a whistle, but on the left, it was red as blood. Though it would've been normal for a pony to be disfigured, Maris was a different story. As he finished placing the mask on, he felt like a brand new pony, but still scared of the new world.

"Come with me." Harmony assisted as she lend a hoof to him, "Let me show you to your new quarters."

As he walked towards Harmony's side, Melody knew in her heart the Opera will change drastically with Maris along side them. However, as she walked towards her room, she then thought of the terrible events tonight. If things were to happen again, would he learn to control it or lose control forever? If ponies found out who he was, would their chances of succeeding be their downfall? No matter the case may be, he'll still be a great asset for the Opera's success, no matter what consequences may occur in the future.

Rehearsals

As luck would have it, the theater in Manehattan became a huge success for many moons. Ponies all throughout Equestria came to see some of the shows created by this talented pony whom they never heard of before. Assistance from other ponies became helpful the show sky rocked towards the heavens. Sadly, Harmony passed away before their dream was reaching the climax of their success. While it became hard for Melody, she knew to keep their dream become a reality. However, while they reached to the peak of success, there were a few downfalls to her career. Some of which were mysterious incidents which happen inside the theater before performances, pranks which cannot be explained, and even mysterious notes by a mysterious name: "Theater Ghost". It made things worse for one morning practice:

"Darling," a female unicorn stated in monotone, "why can't you allow my heart to be with you? Your eyes are the magic in my soul, your smile is the sun that I would see, but with you leaving me, I cannot stand being alone in the darkness."

"Cut, cut!" called out the stallion.

They stopped for a moment and turned towards the director. It had been the fourth time this morning they had to work on the lines. The last actress left due to leaving towards Canterlot and hired Adele at the last minute. She was a bright maroon unicorn which lacked much emotion to her performance. While she received bad pranks of this "Ghost" pony, she had her patience was running thin like ice.

"What is it this time?" asked the impatient unicorn.

"You are not getting that part right, Adele." mentioned the director, "It says: Be emotional."

"Who cares about emotion? We're artists. We can provide our skill to the audience"

"That may be so, Adele," the voice called from the distant.

Every pony turned towards the entrance, seeing an older Melody which still contained the old marks from her youth. She then continued with her statement as she walked towards the aisle.

"But if you don't provide any emotion towards your role, the audience will not understand its emotion. Thus, the story will become pointless."

"Ms. Tune. I didn't know you would come." he stated with embarrassment.

"It's alright, Stage. I wouldn't mind seeing the progress you two have been doing. It's what my sister would want. Carry on."

Stage called out to the actors and informed to try again. Melody examined at the performance carefully, only to notice the actress do exactly the opposite of how Maris wrote. If he were here, Maris would be furious and may yell at her. However, ever since their success these past few years, she hasn't had the chance to see Maris at all. Just as she was thinking about him, her thoughts were suddenly interrupted for a moment.

"Mother!" the young mare called with such joy.

"Angel, my darling. It has been so long."

While they talked a bit of their moment, Stage the director, felt defeated when she spent time with her child. From what rumors were stated, she had Angel when her husband worked at the royal army. Sadly, her husband passed away, leaving a broken wife and child. However, rumors say her husband still lives, but not of this world. The reason of his embarrassment wasn't because of her presence, but for a different reason behind it.

"Who do you have with you?" Melody asked.

"My best friend, Night Gale." introduced her child.

"Pleasure to meet you, madam." greeted the Pegasus kindly.

"The pleasure is all mine, dear. Now, what brings you two here today?"

"You see," explained Angel, "since school's out, we want to help out with the theater for the summer just like you and Aunt Harmony did when you first started."

"It's very sweet of you, but I can't show you around right now. Tell you what? Once we finish with rehearsal, we'll take a tour all around the theater. I'm sure your friend would appreciate it."

"Ok!"

While the two sat down next to her, Gale observed the area clearly. She couldn't help but notice several ponies who worked as hard backstage than up in center stage. Everything looks like ponies working together in harmony. Suddenly, she then noticed a silhouette of some sort looking down from the catwalk. While she couldn't tell if it was a pony or a beast, somehow, it looked like nothing she has ever seen before in her life.

o.o.0.o.o.

"Cut!" shouted Stage.

"Again? What is wrong this time?"

"You are still not getting the emotions we request."

"Well, I cannot do this if you keep doing these things. I would like to talk with the script manager and see why I cannot do things my way!"

"And would you prefer," she inquired as she walked towards the stage, "to speak with the manager who is not only helping you pay your bills, manage to design your outfits and provide you a luxurious lifestyle simply because you want to do things your way?"

"Of course."

"Then let this be your last day of performing with us."

"What?! You wouldn't."

"I would. I am the owner of the theater, after all."

"You know what? If you are wanting me to not show off my masterpiece, then I'm not going to perform until my decision stands clear!"

While she stomped her hoof towards the ground, something started to fall from the catwalk above. Stage screamed for the two to move. When they did, the beacon missed them, allowing the floor to crack open from underneath.

"I never thought I would believe it in my own two eyes." Angel worried.

"Who?" Night Gale asked curiously.

"One of the most scariest ponies around. They say he hides in the shadow mysteriously, only to see the progress of the show he has created. However, rumors say when things are not going his way, he brings judgment towards them all. Ponies called him the Theater Ghost."

"He sounds pretty scary..."

"Don't worry. No pony's ever seen him personally."

"Why is that?"

"Well, no pony has seen the ghost alive."

As she tried her best to explain, they heard Adele fuming with such hatred.

"That's it!" she screamed, "I QUIT!"

With such hatred, she fled towards the doors of the Opera House and slammed the door behind her.

"Now what?" Stage asked, "We don't have a star for this production and the performance is tonight?!"

"Do not worry, Stage. We'll think of something."

Melody glanced at Night Gale and Angel as they stood in their place.

"Would it be alright if Gale can perform tonight? She has the most beautiful voice in all of Manehattan."

"I don't know."

"Come on, momma. Please let her show you what she could do??"

"Alright, alright. Let's see what you can do."

o.o.0.o.o.

A few minutes passed, her performance was so well over the top the two were simply speechless to speak.

"Bravo! Bravo!" Angel clapped

"That took my breath away!" Stage agreed.

"My dear, will you be willing to perform for tonight? It would mean so much to all of us."

"Well..." Gale said nervously.

"Please, Night, please~" begged Angel.

Gale glanced at her friend's kind eyes, knowing it would mean so much to her as well. Pressured for the moment, she finally said yes.

o.o.0.o.o.

Minutes before the performance began that night, Melody was finishing the girls a tour around the theater. The girls couldn't believe their eyes for the amount of work they had for the past couple of moons.

"Now, while I am Angel's mother, I am also the owner. So please, I won't cause any problems if you have questions or favors." Melody instructed. "However, if you want to work here, you simply need to follow the rules I'm giving you. One, do not talk to ponies who are not associate with the theater. Two, do not wander around the theater at night. It is dangerous if you don't know your way around. And finally, do not speak to any pony alone, especially Monsieur Bass."

"Why him, momma?" asked Angel curiously.

"He may seem powerful to other ponies, but he is not someone to mess with. Not even I or your Aunt Harmony would approve of it."

Meeting in the Dark

As the ponies started to leave the Opera, Gale and Angel giggled with glee as they went to their beds. It had been a long day and their conversations would reach at a certain level.

"I cannot believe that momma would hire us."

"I cannot believe that I was able to perform."

"Well, even if we can't work here permanently, we'll do our best."

"Why? Wouldn't mother allow you to work at the Opera all the time?"

"She would, but since Father wouldn't let me stay with momma full time, it wouldn't work well with me here and school."

"True."

Gale smiles at her friend, but glanced outside, trying to ponder at a particular matter: The Theater Phantom.

"Hey. Is something wrong?"

"Hm? Oh, no. Nothing's wrong." she lied, "I'm just tired, that's all. Hey, would it be alright if I took a walk around the block? I would like to get some fresh air."

"Just be careful." Angel warned, "there had been several bad ponies all around the area who would take any pony defenseless."

"I will."

As she walked near the area for some fresh air, Gale couldn't stop thinking about the Theater Phantom. Though she hasn't met him before, it would be interesting to see this mysterious creature in real life. While walking, Gale noticed lights inside the opera.

"Is Ms Melody working late hours at this hour? I must go and see for myself."

She starts to walk towards the back entrance of the Opera house, checking to see what's going on. Little did she know at the exact time, when Gale entered inside, Melody Tune was leaving. She had locked up for good and walked towards her home. Though it was scary for a pony to be out at night without any supervision, Gale knew that she had to know no matter what the case may be. However, when she was close to the theater stage as before, she started to hear a voice that was different... and deeper than Melody's.

"Insolent mare, Miss Slave of Fashion, basking in her glory. Ignorant fool, that brave young suitor, sharing in her triumph."

Though she never believed of seeing an angel in her existence, Gale started to walk slowly towards the stage, without scaring this unfamiliar voice.

"Wandering love you shall know me. See why in shadows I hide..."

When Gale could get a peek towards the stallion, it was nothing she ever did see. He was a tall Pegasus with a cape which covered his scars.

"Look at your face in the mirror. I am there inside!"

When she was full view, she could tell in his face, lonely eyes. However, she couldn't tell if he was wearing a mask which may have covered his left side of the face due to his mane covered his side. As she continued studying the pony in question, Gale started to feel a bit of an asthma attack. She stared to stay still, but the attack took hold of her strongly. She started to fall towards the ground and passed out. Hours passed, she rose up, noticing that she was in a different room. All around her was several paintings of sceneries, ponies from the cast and music drafts which had been created before. Though she would've continued viewing, hooves were coming near her area. She pretended to fall back to sleep, but heard commotion from two different ponies. One voice sounded as a young stallion who was calm and gentle, while the second was as an adult stallion stern in his tone.

"What brings her here in this dark hour?"

"She was here to find Ms Melody. Why else would she be there while I was practicing."

"Which I still don't understand why you need to practice anyways? You have been forbidden to perform in the theater."

"I might have a chance if I work so hard."

"And even if you did, what would the other ponies say to you due to your appearance?"

"Well, I-"

"The reason's why I allow you to practice was for you to get your inspiration forward. You haven't written an inspired work ever since that last performance."

"It's hard to think of one, alright. I can't get a single one to work."

"Is it because of her?"

No response came from the young stallion. Gale couldn't believe her ears: a mare inside the Opera is either preventing this stallion creating scripts or is inspiring him to be an actor.

"She should not be here. When she awakes, make sure she returns home at once."

"But Master-"

"That is an order. Don't you dare disobey me, is that clear?"

In fear, he shook dreadfully. The pony in question knew what would happen if he did disobey. In defeat, he sighed deeply as he stared at the floor.

"Yes sir..."

"Good. Now, I'll return in the morning."

The elder voice starts to leave as the young voice is walking towards his desk containing wood figurines he has created and attempt to get an inspired idea. Without him looking, Gale slowly started to rise and walk towards the exit, but when she turned aside, the pony disappeared. Suddenly, when she faced forward, the stallion in question stood in front of her.

"It seems like you recovered." he responded with a straight face.

"Y-yes. You see... I'm so sorry."

"For what?"

"For being such a burden to you."

The pony glanced towards her confused as she starts to cry.

"Why would you be a burden to me?"

"B-because... I'm interfering with the most powerful pony in the theater."

"Oh no, it's fine. I was trying to think of an inspiration."

"Inspiration, sir?"

"Yes, you see. What you were witnessing was just a simple work of my masterpiece I was trying to create, but I can't seem to get things right."

"What's wrong with the script you were working on?"

"Well, I'm not allow to show you, since Master would be furious if I let someone look at my work without his permission, but I haven't written it down yet. So, I can tell you."

"Okay."

"The story goes where a young princess has sung a song to her handsome prince, but the sister of the princess wants him for herself. When she does, she glanced at the mirror, seeing if the prince will see her on the other side of the mirror."

"I don't think that the prince and princess would work well as a story concept."

"Then what would?"

Gale thought for a moment, until an idea appeared in her head.

"Why not have a ballerina with a voice of an angel attracts a handsome suitor with her voice, but she also has a heart for another stallion: who taught her the concept of music. However, as she meets the teacher of music, she must choose which one shall she decides?"

The pony thought about the concept.

"You know, it may work. However, the stallion in question has a mysterious past which may effect his comrades through his life."

"I can see it work."

While he grabbed his papers to work his magic, Gale glanced at the figurines. They were little versions of the ponies working at the Opera Theater. However, out of all the ponies available, there was not one for her or Angel.

"Is something wrong?" he asked as he stopped writing.

"It's just- I don't see me or my friend Angel here."

"Oh, well. I was working on them. They're right over there."

She walked towards the workshop of where two ponies in wood were standing there. As he told her, there were two ponies still unfinished: Angel who was in the middle of being cut and herself who was waiting to be painted. While she was amazed at his work, he noticed something wasn't right.

"I may need help. Would you come with me?"

"Sure."

He held out his hoof towards her. With her acceptance, the two ponies returned towards the stage from before.

"Let's see. The scene shows where the ballerina would be able to perform her talent towards the crowd, but the suitor which will glance at a distance will feel the thought at first sight. He walks towards his lover and ask for dinner, but she refuses. Suddenly, as the night starts to dim, the mysterious pony would appear and ask if he can train her talent."

"What seems to be a problem with that?"

"I guess I don't understand if she should accept it or not."

"Well, if he claims to be her angel that her father would tell her from his deathbed, then she would accept his request."

"I might see that."

While he started to write, Gale noticed the time by the window.

"Oh dear."

"What?"

"It's been late. Ms Melody would be worried so much if I don't return."

"Very well. Would you like to help me with this? Tomorrow at least?"

"I don't know. I do have work tomorrow."

"I can see you during my breaks!"

"What about your Master or Ms. Melody?"

"Let's meet at the roof of the theater."

"Perfect! See you then."

As she started to leave, but stopped dead in her tracks.

"Thank you, monsieur."

"Farewell, madam."

With a smile on her face, she walked at the same direction she entered and left for the night. From what the two didn't know, their unexpected meeting at night would spark a beautiful friendship.

Accident on Stage

The next morning, as Ms. Melody was entering the Opera Theater, she picked up the papers to see what today's headlines are in store. While looking inside, there was a major headline regarding of the performance:

OPERA THEATER REPLACES ADELE FOR A NEWBIE! INSIDE SCOOP!

"Pitiful." she responded. "Many ponies would believe in this garbage? That is why I don't mention any information to the public. I wonder if any pony mentioned anything about this."

"Madam!" called her director Stage.

"Stage, what seems to be the problem?"

"It's Ms. Adele! She's blackmailed us!"

"Is that so? How did she do such a thing?"

"Look!"

He showed the same paper Ms. Melody glanced at before and reviewed it before. According to the news, it was told that by Adele herself that Ms. Melody accused Ms. Adele's performance so much that due her "harassment", she replaced her for a tramp.

"If she believes that dropping a certain background counts as a harassment, then she seems to be more insane as the next pony."

"So, what should we do?"

"Not to worry. Once Ms. Adele comes in, we'll discuss this matter carefully at my office and we will resolve this matter."

"There's no need for that." a new voice responded.

As both Stage and Melody turned aside, they saw a silver unicorn with a broken horn enter. His mane was black as the night sky, but his eyes were as dark as his twisted mind within him.

"Welcome back, Sir Star."

"Has my prize been treated fairly since I was away?"

"I can say no, according to this news." Melody responded with harsh words.

He glanced throughout the news with his magic for a few moments, then walked away towards Ms Adele's room.

"Sir?"

"She's one to believe that threatening words can scare the manager. Not to worry, I'll have a word with her. She'll listen."

He started to walk away as Melody glared at him. Concerned of his actions returning, she knew something strange will occur during their season. At the exact same moment, the unicorn entered the actress's dressing room.

"How is my plum blossom this morning?"

"You left me in the hooves of that monster!" Adele announced angrily.

"Whatever do you mean? From what I can tell, you intended to use your wits against her kind heart. Though she is the sister of the opera's manager, bless her soul, she has been taught by the best."

"That still doesn't give her the rights to accuse me for my talent."

While she continued ranting, he slowly went behind her and massaged her shoulders with his hooves.

"Tell you what? If she intends to attack again, I'll make sure she's fired for good, understand?"

"Of course. And what about that newbie?"

"Don't worry. I have some pony to take care of her."

That same hour, Gale stood outside the roof as she glanced at the streets of Manehattan. Even though she met that mysterious stallion the other day, Gale wanted to ensure that he was real.

"Why are you out here, Gale?" asked a familiar voice.

"Oh, Angel." she replied, "I was just getting some fresh air."

"Well, if you don't hurry soon, you'll miss your chance of practicing your role."

"To be fair, it was a runner up option that we took. I'm sure your mother wouldn't allow me to play another role again."

"You never know if you try."

"Alright. You should go back. I want to stay out a little longer."

"Okay. Be back soon."

When Angel was out of sight, there was a shadow appearing near Night Gale.

"Miss Gale, was it?"

"Oh, monsieur. Greetings."

"No need for that. I came as soon as your friend was out of sight."

"Oh. I should've introduced her to you. She's friendly."

"I don't think she would appreciate me due to... my complexion."

"Oh."

"Do you say 'Oh' every time? Or is that your favorite word?"

"Sorry about that."

"Well, since you are here, I was able to write out the beginning part of the play as we discussed, but I seem to be stuck on something."

"What's wrong?"

"Well, if the ballerina you suggested follows this mysterious pony, what would happen next?"

"She would then listen to the song of his heart."

"The song of his heart?"

"Yes. The love he has for her."

"But why would he sing? Couldn't he say that he cares for her?"

"No. He wants to tell her the truth through song."

"I see."

"However, being the overprotective type as he is, the mysterious stallion ensures no other pony can have her."

"Very well," he responded.

As he wrote her suggestions, he could hear other ponies preparing for the next scene. Maris knew they had to depart again.

"Miss Gale," he responded, "we should depart for today."

"So soon?"

"Break time shall soon come to an end. We'll meet another time."

"Very well. Until we meet again, Monsieur -"

"Maris."

"Monsieur Maris," she replied with a smile on her face, "Good day, sir."

As she bowed lightly, Gale started to trot towards the auditorium to prepare with any help from backstage. Maris, on the other hoof, knew something was wrong. While glancing at the window above, he knew that his master would surely catch him in the act of being outside the world. Though he never knew why this new master told him to stay inside, Maris then thought of Harmony Tune when she was still alive. She treated him like family and never thought of him as a monster. However, when she met Monsieur Star, things then started to change for good. When Harmony died during that stead, Melody was told by Mr. Star to never see him again to prevent his monstrosity from ever reaching the stage. However, according to Harmony's last breath before reaching death, she demanded that he would have one chance to be able to perform on stage when the time is right.

"Do not worry, Madam Tune." he vowed in his heart. "I will have my chance. With this new play we're working on, I'm sure that my dream will come true."

Meanwhile, as the actors and actresses were working on their parts for the upcoming skit, Gale then started to think of Maris. Though he was in broad daylight, something about his eyes started to caught the attention of the mare. What really struck curiosity in her soul was the mask he wore on the left side of his face. What was truly behind that dark mask and why must he hide it from other ponies? Was it because he like being so mysterious or was it due to a bad mark that he doesn't appreciate to other ponies? Whichever the case may be, Night Gale intended to help her friend no matter what to get his chance to perform on stage.

"CUT! CUT!" Melody called out.

"What now?!" Adele asked.

"This scene is wrong. The mare is suppose to be distinctive and mysterious, not the other way around. Try again."

"We've been doing this scene so many times!" she complains. "Can we do something else?"

"Fine. Gale."

"Yes ma'am?" she called.

"Come here for a moment."

As she started to walk towards the platform, she saw both Melody and Monsieur Star sitting near the front two rows. Though Star didn't seem to know why Gale was summoned, he assured his client that she would not perform on stage.

"Would you do us a favor?"

"What would you request, madam?"

"Please read the part of Ms. Adele's lines to us to see if you understand the concept of the story."

Gale glanced at the script, noticing that this scene is meant to be a mystery skit. Ms. Adele is to perform as a crime solving detective with a hint of seduction in her tone. She tried to get into character and started to perform.

"Madam," she remarked, "I assure you that this case will be solved. One way or another."

"Oh please," Adele sneered, "She can do better than I can? This mare's has no acting skills at all."

While she continued criticizing her, a large banner started to fall from the top of the stage towards the two mares. Gale noticed the event happening and pushed Ms. Adele towards the side to prevent her from hurting herself. As the banner rested towards the ground, most other ponies ran towards the two mares to see if they were alright.

"You see," accused Adele, "She planned it the whole time! Attacking me with that banner, then rightfully try to save me!"

"I didn't do it!"

"You must have. How else can you explain the banner falling?!"

No matter how much she could say to prevent Mistress Adele from complaining, Gale, thinking that her hope was out the window, saw Monsieur Star walked towards the platform.

"What if it's the Theater Phantom?" Angel asked.

"There is no such pony that exists in this theater." Mr. Star announced.

"What if he's real? I mean, no other pony would be angry at Ms. Adele except him."

"No matter the case, we shall not have any more interruptions of this performance. I assure you that there's no Theater Phantom and no other problems shall cause this evening to fall into waste. Understand?"

Silently, most of the ponies agreed and went back to work. Gale, who quietly agreed, also wanted to know who did such things. If it was Maris for wanting to harm Adele or was there another pony who would want this production to be stopped by any means necessary?

Notes

After the incident dissipated, the opera was preparing for their next couple of days working on the upcoming play. Both Night Gale and Maris Sole have been working on a play for the company for that same couple of days, however, each time they see each other, something bad happens. Whether it was a spill on Adele's dress or a drop of the curtain during practice, someone thought that it was a bad omen for the Phantom Ghost. One day, as Night Gale walked towards the rooftop as usual, she noticed a different pony standing there.

"So this is where you have been coming towards, Miss Gale." announced Shine.

"Monsieur Shine." surprised Gale, "What brings you here?"

"Not to worry, I know you have been having constant visits here. No soul will be told of this place."

"Constant visits, sir?"

"You don't believe that I would not notice you talking to Maris Sole alone here, do I?"

"Monsieur Maris? How do you-"

"What I will tell you is that he can never perform on stage."

"Why not, Monsieur?"

"Have you realize the mark behind the mask?"

"N-No sir."

"He has been cursed with that mark ever since he came to this theater and no other pony have seen its monstrosity. If you were to bring him on stage with that mark, he'll end up scarring the fillies and colts for life."

"But...he dreams of being on stage, sir. Please give him that chance."

"Absolutely not. No matter what script he has written, I will not allow him to set one hoof on that platform for as long as I live. Now, in regards of your visits, you are to never see him again."

"But sir-"

"Do as I say!"

Gale didn't know what to do. She has never been told by another pony that she couldn't talk to any pony else because of their appearance alone. However, while she thought of this matter, she then recalled him mentioning about him setting hoof if it was regarding of his scar behind the mask.

"I will, on one condition."

"Condition?"

"If you allow him to show you the progress of the script he has created and allow him to play as the main character of the show, I will never talk to him as long as I am here."

Monsieur Star thought of it for a moment. Though he did mentioned of never allowing Maris Sole to never set hoof on the stage, something was telling him that he wrote a script that will allow him to access the stage completely. If he did get that chance, they will see his monstrous figurine. However, since Maris' disappearance to the world, he could make a way to get rid of the murderer for good.

"Very well," he agreed. "When I see it and approve the matter, you'll never see him then."

"I understand."

"You can go now."

While Gale started to leave the rooftops, Star noticed a familiar presence drawing near.

"You can come out now, Maris."

"Master?"

"I thought I told you to not see this mare?"

"I was, sir, but-"

"But nothing. You disobeyed me! And now, she believes that you want to perform on stage."

"But I do, sir."

"Silence!"

As he stomped his hoof to the ground, Maris silenced his muzzle for a moment as his master calmed down for a moment.

"What have I taught you for the past several years?"

"That any pony who sees me will never love me for who I am?"

"Exactly. If ponies saw you now as the beast, no pony will get the chance to see the shows here at the theater."

"Even if the show is about praising this beast?"

"I will have none of it. If any pony knew of your secret, then all ponykind will treat you as a beast than any other pony ever. I want what's best for you, child. You should know that."

"I know, Master."

"Then, return to your chambers and continue writing. When completed, then we shall prepare it for the upcoming program."

As Monsieur Star left the roof, Maris sighed deeply. No matter how hard he tried, no pony would accept him as he is. Weeks passed and the practices for the new performance was off towards the sky. However, one day, as Night Gale and Angel were getting dresses for the practice run, a scream hollered throughout the dressing room.

"I QUIT!!!" screamed the actress as she stormed off with her bags.

"But, madam," Melody assured, "you can't just quit as of yet. We have a performance to work on."

"NO! I WILL HAVE NONE OF THAT! NOT UNTIL SHE APOLOGIES ABOUT THIS DRASTIC NOTE!"

Confused of this accusation, Night Gale started to read what the note stated. It wrote:

'Madam,
I brought you a fair warning regarding of this new information. Ms. Gale shall sing lead for the upcoming program next week as you play the silent pony. If you then decide of taking her place, you'll receive a certain consequence that you will least expect.
The owner,
TG'

With such rage, Adele stormed towards the exit while Melody tries to reason with her. Night Gale, who had just been shocked at this news, stood there unsure of this matter. She knew it wouldn't be Monsieur Star who would write this, since he appreciates Adele's magic. Could this note have come from Maris?

"WHO DID THIS?!" another pony roared.

The roar snapped her out of it for a moment as Gale glanced towards the second performer, Grand Pier. His suit was changed entirely from a different color than requested.

"DID YOU DO THIS MADAM?!"

"N-no sir." she muttered. "I didn't touch your clothing..."
"AND THIS?!"

She then noticed another note hidden in his suit. As she pulled it out, it read:

'Monsieur,
You shall be played at this upcoming performance as a server. Though blue is not entirely the color the play is looking for, I had the opportunity to change the color for you. If you decide to change it or wear a different suit, you shall not enjoy what is in store for you.
The owner,
TG'

"AND NOW MY OUTFIT IS RUINED!!"

As he wailed drastically, she seemed to be confused. Though it was true that blue was not entirely his color, it was Pier's favorite suit since his first day as an actor. With this matter, she wasn't sure of what was going on.

"This is getting freaky, right, Angel?"

"I don't know..."

"I mean, why does every pony believe that it was me who did this?"

Before an answer was given, she heard her name called from the office.

"Night Gale, I need to talk to you."

Scared of what may happen, Night Gale started to walk slowly towards the office for the upcoming news she may never expect to hear.

A Disastrous Performance

"You want me to what?!" Gale asked with shock.

"Perform in the upcoming show." Monsieur Star stated briefly.

"But why?"

Though she was a bit unsure of this news, singing on behalf of Adele's part, this made no sense in Gale's mind. Before an answer was given, he handed her another note. Though she seemed unaware of this matter, Gale quietly grabbed the paper and read silently.

"It says that I'm performing no matter what or consequences will happen?"

"That is what the Theater Ghost is wanting. We cannot have any accidents occur in this theater."

"Accidents, sir?"

"Recently, we've been having certain items either disappear or destroyed before the performance and oftentimes, performers get sick or paralyzed even when the show has already begun."

"Oh my."

"However, if followed, there should be no harm brought to us from the Theater Ghost."

"But... what about Adele and Monsieur Pier?"

"They'll have to adjust this new order. After all, the Ghost prefers you of all ponies to do this performance."

Though it was strange that this Ghost prefers her over Adele, it would be fair to help out and sing for this mysterious pony.

"...Very well, Monsieur."

*** LATER THAT DAY ***

"WHAT?!" shouted Adele.

After hearing the news from Monsieur Star, she was furious out of her mane. A newbie is taking her spotlight and being replaced for good?! Unacceptable in her book.

"This Ghost can't do this to me! I've worked my entire life up to this night."

"I know," Star responded. "However, this is not my decision to do so. It is my sole responsibility to keep the ponies safe and have this theater under control."

"If you can't keep your promise of firing her, then I have no point of being here then."

"Do not worry, Madam. Once this show is over, she'll be out of our manes for good."

"I hope so. Now, if you excuse me, I have to get ready for my performance tonight."

"But didn't I say-"

"I know what you said, love. However, I'm not letting some pony take my limelight away from me. Now, leave at once."

With her magic, she closed the door in front of him, without hearing a word out of him. Nighttime came and the performance was about to start. Ponies started to sit on the auditorium, packing from front and back rows. Meanwhile on backstage, ponies prepared for the musical that the Ghost requested and no pony wanted to fail his orders. Sadly, not all ponies followed his orders perfectly. Grand Pier, who was still upset at the new suit, tried his best to clean off the suit into his original color, but a few strands of color here and there were seen. Adele, on the other hoof, brought her glass of water. As Adele walked towards her dressing room to prepare for her debut, some mysterious pony decided to switch the cups around. Before the performance began, Gale was sitting in the room, practicing her vocal tones.

"The hills are alive~," sang Gale backstage nervously. "With the sound of-"

Coughs started to get her badly that she started to breathe slowly.

"Music~"

"Are you alright, Ms. Gale?" a voice inquired.

When she turned around, it was Melody, standing in front of her room.

"Of...of course I am." Gale lied. "I was... just clearing my throat."

"Nervous?"

"You could say that. I haven't sang before in front of any pony."

"Well, if you want to sit out, then I can allow another pony take your place."

"The thing is-"

"Night Gale, you have five minutes till curtain rise." Stage called out.

"Apologies, Ms. Melody, but I must go."

"Of course. Good luck."

As she started to walk towards the front, some pony grabbed her from the back, covered her mouth, ripped her outfit, and locked her inside the closet blindfolded. Though she didn't know what was going on, Gale tried her best to get out of the closet as best as she could. As the show began, Stage was looking for Gale all around backstage.

"Where's Ms Gale?"

"She went home sick at the last minute," Adele lied, "but she said that I can take her place."

"Oh, fine. Get out there and show them what we have rehearsed."

While Adele prepared to sing her song, she raised her glass and started to drink her water. What she failed to realize the drink contained something other than water. The instrumental began as she started to run towards the front of the stage.

"The hills are alive~" she sang, "With the sound of-"

With a sudden surprise, she started to hiccup on the stage, but not ordinary hiccups. Adele started to gain some bubbles coming out her mouth. The ponies stood there shocked and amazed. No pony would ever bring bubbles during performance.

"With songs they have sung..." she continued, "For a thousand-"

For try as she might, the hiccups would not stop coming. As ponies started to laugh and applaud of this new update, Stage finally found Gale in the closet. Not knowing what was going on, he ushered her towards the dressing room to prepare to change. As the performance continued, Adele was sitting backstage, trying her best to get bubbles out of her system. While the climax of the performance was about to come, a scream could be heard in the audience. It was one that no pony could ever experience. A full grown pony had fallen from the stage, paralyzed from head to tail. Thinking that this was the Theater Ghost's doing, most ponies had to remain calm to figure out what this was all about. During the commotion, Gale looked upward to see what may have caused his fall and noticed a pony in the shadows glaring towards her with red burning eyes. Suddenly, it all occurred to her:

'...accidents occur in this theater...performers get sick or paralyzed even when the show has already begun. That is what the Theater Ghost is wanting.'

If it was due to having ponies break this Theater Ghost's orders, this is what will happen? Paralyzed in front of other ponies, pranks that effect their careers, and sickness that affect their work? Afraid of this new occurrence, she started to run towards the house and never come out that night. Gale was afraid of what consequences she will receive if she disobeyed the orders of the Theater Ghost.

A Friend or Killer

Weeks passed since the incident and the theater had to close down for a while until the issue was gone for good. Gale, who was shocked of that night, remained in her room, pondering of the incident that night. She then analyzed carefully regarding who could've done this. Suddenly, as she was deep in thought, a knock on the door snapped her into reality.

"Come in..." she called.

As the door opened, it was Angel who entered the room with a concerned look in her eyes.

"Are you okay?" her friend asked.

"Y-yes...I am." Gale respond lightly. "W-why do you ask?"

"You haven't left your room since...you know."

"I'm sorry. It's just-"

Though she would've mentioned her issue to Angel, Gale dismissed the idea. Believing it was not important to say, Night Gale decided to talk about something else.

"I'm worried about Stage."

"Yeah," Angel agreed. "From what my mother told me, he's fine. Stage's improving, but there seems to be a problem with his memory. He doesn't remember how he was paralyzed or who attacked him that night."

"Would that mean the Theater will be shut down for good?"

"I don't know. Mother mentioned that she doesn't want that to happen. Considering that it was her and my aunt's theater, I would understand that clearly."

"I guess."

"For whomever attacked him that night, I want to know how they did so. From what I can tell, most ponies were there at the theater and not one moved from their position..."

As she continued on and on regarding that night, Gale then thought carefully of what her friend said before: '...most ponies were there at the theater and not one moved from their position that night...' Then, it suddenly hit her. Not every pony was there that night, but it couldn't be whom she thought it was, could it? While Gale stood up from her bed shocked, Angel stopped talking for a moment and noticed her friend in fear.

"Is something wrong?"

Although she didn't want to believe that it was her friend, Gale wanted to make sure directly. Without another word, Gale fled from her room and towards the Theater rooftops. As soon as she reached her destination, Gale looked around for a moment, but no pony was there at all. Giving up all hope for a moment, she started to walk towards the exit quietly. However, as she reached her hoof towards the door, a shadow appeared behind her.

"Why are you here?" Maris asked, "you know you shouldn't be here."

"I wanted to talk to you personally."

"No pony just talks to me for anything."

"Why not? Is it because of your Master?"

He stated nothing for he didn't want to say anything he'll regret. Maris then turned aside to not look at her. Though she wanted to know why he's acting like this, Gale took a deep breath and continued.

"Look, I know he stated things that you didn't want to hear, but I know that there are things that aren't true."

"He states the truth as it is, Gale." he sharply stated, "I am a monster to those who see me."

"Is it because of the mask you wear? It cannot be the reason alone. If you would let me see-"

"NO!" he roared with eyes as red as blood.

With fear in her eyes, she trembled towards the ground. As he noticed her scared, he took a deep breath and calmed down for a moment.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot let you see it."

"If I may ask, why can't I?"

"I am a cursed pony who lives life as it is."

"How are you cursed?"

"These questions you are asking is making me a bit uncomfortable. Why are you asking me these?"

"I want to know who you really are: A friend or a killer?"

The word 'Killer' was one Gale should not have used in front of Maris. Though he never expected to kill anyone due to self defense, he completely ignored her questions from here on out.

"I want you to leave."

"But-"

"Listen to me. I want you to go."

Knowing that she may have said something that may have harmed him on a certain level, she obeyed and walked away, never looking back. Days passed and the theater was back in order. The Theater Ghost, whom they feared, was silent for the moment. Not knowing why, they continued the process as before. One day, however, as Gale decided to prepare for Adele's dress, she noticed a note by her own locker. As she opened the letter, it stated:

Meet me at the rooftops at midnight. I have something to say to you. - MS

Not knowing if it was a prank or not, she ignored for a while and continued helping out with the performance. That afternoon, as the ponies started to prepare for the next scene, Melody stopped Gale for a moment.

"Gale, may I speak with you in my office?"

"Yes ma'am. Am I in trouble?"

"Trouble? No. I have just something to tell you privately."

Not knowing what it may be, she agreed and followed her in her office. Since her and Angel's arrival, not once had Gale been requested to be in the office of her friend's mother. Though the room was not as she expected, she sat on one of the chairs available and wait for Melody to speak.

"I know you have met Maris for the past month, correct?"

That realization hit her. How did Ms. Tune found out about their secret? Did Monsieur Star tell her about it?

"Don't worry, dear. I know about it based on the smile you bring everyday after break. I actually want to let you know that Maris is not the killer."

"How did you-"

"I know Maris well enough more than any pony of this theater. He and I have been friends since this theater started. Not once had he ever thought of killing some pony for fun. That is not in his nature to do so."

"Then, if it wasn't him, then who-"

"I may not know who it was that night, but I will tell you this: Maris is a pony like you and me. We all are one who could make mistakes. Though they are not perfect, we cannot choose that route forever. We can change for good."

"Change?"

"Did he tell you personally that he wanted to be in theater?"

"Yes. When we talked about the play he's working on."

"Then that means, he's keeping that promise."

"Promise, ma'am?"

"One that my sister told him when he first came here. You see..."

She then explained to Gale of his current incident in the past from what she saw. Melody even explained how the mark he hid under his mask. For he feared that no pony would love him for who he was if he removed it at all. Though Gale understood that matter, it caused her to think carefully of what happened since their encounter and realized something. She started to fall in love with him and wanted his dream to come true.

"Thank you, Ms Tune."

"You're welcome. Now, since you will be meeting him soon, I want you to tell him exactly how you feel. If he accepts, then he'll show it to you. If not, then that's okay. It's not the end of the world for you."

"Okay. Thank you!"

She then walked out of the room as Melody smiled lightly.

"Maris," she spoke to herself, "take care of her."

All I Ask Of You

As promised, she waited on the theater's rooftop until midnight struck. Maris then walked out from the shadows and sat next to Gale.

"You've read my letter?"

"I answer when needed."

"I wanted to apologize for my rude behavior the other day."

"No, I should be one to apologize. I know now why you didn't want me to see it."

"Melody told you about me?"

"From what she could remember, yes."

He then sigh and started to tell her why he received it. Ever since he was born, that mark was given to him due to abusive parents. While he fled from his home of Maris, he then met Bohemian gypsies who had beliefs of freedom, beauty, truth, and love. Though they stated that their beliefs were genuine, the pony who took care of him believed that no pony would care for him because of that mark. Then, when they came to Manehattan, the mark became so terrifying when ponies harmed him, he would lose control. However, as each beating was severe, his temper was short-lived. That all changed when he met Melody and how she shown a different light in his eyes. Sadly, she never saw him even since her sister's death. For he believed that she had other ponies and the theater to take care of before him. Then his Master, Monsieur Star, met him during rehearsal and told him that he would care for him in exchange to not appear on stage again. Though he was promised by Harmony when first appearing on her steps, he sadly agreed and helped with performances that he never had the chance to perform.

"He shouldn't have told you that." Gale respond after hearing his backstory.

"He has to: he's my master."

"So, you were promised something you had kept to not do the promise you were told before? I need to help you keep that promise."

"Why?"

She then held on his hoof and smiled.

"Because that's what friends do: help reach their dreams."

He then shook his hoof off of hers and walked away.

"How do you know about dreams? They're not real, not even love."

"Love? What does that have to do anything with it?"

"I just don't believe in it."

"Why not?"

"They're a waste of time and doesn't care of consequences."

"But...a life without love...that's terrible."

"You sound just like them: Believing that love is a splendid thing. Believing love is real no matter what the other pony looks like. Well, guess what? I am not one that any pony would love."

"That's not true. Do you know why?"

She came close to him once more and looked into his eyes.

"When you mentioned to me that you were a monster, I don't see one at all. You are a pony, just like me."

He silently walked back for a moment, thinking of those exact words. While he pondered for a moment, she reached her hoof towards the mask. Without thinking, as the mask was removed, he reacted so terribly he pushed her to the side so she wouldn't see his horrifying mark. After he stopped reacting, she came closer as before and glanced carefully at his mark. Ever since his fillyhood, his mark was scathed as blood started to run towards the ground and his skin would be drastic. Except now, the mark is now scarred on his eye and all over his face. Without a word, she started to glance and touch his mark calmly. Though it scared him a bit, he hesitated a bit. A few moments later, his fear then turned into peace. Never in his life had he felt safe around her. Suddenly, as he continued feeling this peace, he then started to walk away from her quickly.

"What's wrong?" she asked curiously.

"Nothing." he responded bluntly. "I must go."

With a quick turn towards the door, he ran as fast as he could, but failed to get the mask back from her. She looked at the mask which he wore the entire time and noticed that there were things that she didn't need to go from here. All night, she thought of what he said, what he's been through and knew that her words will not work. As she thought carefully, Gale knew for certain that he wasn't the one that attacked the victim. Suddenly, as she walked down the stairs, a sudden short of breath started to strike her young heart. While Gale tried to breathe lightly, her body started to fall towards the bottom of the stairs due to her minor illness. Gale's eyes closed lightly as she expected the outcome. However, her body didn't feel any pain. Instead, she felt a soft, warm body filling her entire soul. She then opened her eyes lightly, noticing Maris holding her tightly.

"I'm sorry..." he whispered lightly. "I... I haven't met any pony like you before."

Gale, trying her best to speak, felt the breath trying to become harder as he held on to her.

"I hope you can forgive me."

"I would..." Gale said lightly, "...but... I can't-"

Trying to understand, Maris noticed her face turning a different color. Quickly realizing her condition, he released her, allowing her to breathe.

"Sorry!" apologized Maris.

"It's fine..." she replied while breathing slowly.

As her breath returned as before, Maris hugged lightly behind her as she stood there calmly.

"Would you be able to teach me?" Maris whispered in her ear. "About friendship?"

While she knew her heart would belong to him, friendship was a good start for him. Gale nodded and remained by his side. However, without their knowledge, a hidden shadow noticed their attraction between each other. With rage, the eyes started to glow with hatred.

'You'll pay for that!' a voice vowed as it disappeared within the night.