Fanatical Melodies

Ohayou gozaimasu...-(Good morning) (Sigh) It's me, Yumi... It's been two nights since those four yokai escaped.

Since I couldn't do anything at the moment and I was in a unfamiliar city, I stayed the night at a hotel to rest up. This morning, I am having my favorite dish, rice and potatoes.

After some fierce thinking, I decided on two things. I would go around the city trying to sense them, and also I would ask around about strange happenings, since yokai always mange to find trouble, same for myself...

When feasting on my breakfast, I started to hear some interesting conversation from other tables. (Heh!)

Female friend A said, ''What was up with their performance at that theater earlier? I could've sworn that I heard a instrument of a performer that wasn't on actually that stage!''

Female friend B said nervously, ''I know! What was up with that? I myself thought I saw feet with no body too. Hmm... Maybe I need glasses or something?''

Female friend A replied, ''You did?! (Mild shock) I hope it was just your eyes. (Chuckles) Maybe it was a spirit?'' Female friend B argued, ''No! That couldn't possibly be. Maybe I just need more rest.''

Yumi thought, ''Aww yeah! . .How interesting... Hm! The Theatre, huh? It couldn't be that easy right?''

With that, I spent a few hours asking around these city blocks, and asking if anyone had anyone interesting to say about this Theatre...

I got all of the comments I could. Not every citizen was nice enough to answer my questions, but I cursed them in the back of my mind... Foolish fools...

In pursuit of my targets, I got enough answers to put mostly all the evidence I need, for you see, my mind is dead-on it's mark, . . . .30% of the time.

From what they said, at this famous place called The Sunderland Empire Theatre, a place for watching plays, musicals, and acts, some strange things have been happening...

It wasn't much, but to most appearances, some onlookers noticed disembodied feet, hands, or a flute on stage... Others have heard a strangely entrancing sound of a instrument, that wasn't part of those shows, it seems...

Yumi said to herself, ''This is getting very interesting... (Chuckle)''

For my satisfaction, I decided to take one of these 'tours' you can do at this place, and totally not for my own enjoyment... I tried to ask employees and the tour guides too.

It helped a bit more. They said that when closing up at night, they heard mysterious music being played when no one is singing or otherwise. Others said they heard sounds of what sounded like someone dancing on stage...

That night, I moved to the spirit realm where normal people can't see us supernatural beings, so I could sneak in, without disturbing others. It's another one of my great powers, you see.

Let's get down to the real business!

I snuck in and slowly checked for anything strange. Lucky for my sake, it seemed like everyone else had already gone home for the day.

Moving closer and closer inside, it hit me that I was starting to hear music in the distance like they said earlier. As I walked more and more, I made it to the massively-sized and eye-catching theater room.

When I turned my sights down to the stage, it took a moment to notice that I was seeing something! In contempt of the enticing melody, I flew to the right side of the backstage, and tried to not scare it away.

Landing backstage, I focused and at closer inspection... I realized that I clearly found one of those friends that the bunny girl summoned formerly...

Upon closer inspection, she seemed cute, sad, and free. Then...

Yokai girl asked in shock, ''(Note-squeak) Ahh! W-w-where did you come from?! Who are you?! . .H-hold on! . .I recognize your looks!''

Yumi replied with her guard up, ''It's not really a surprise... I was fighting your rabbit friend.'' Yokai girl nervously, ''You fought Usagi? Is that the t-t-ruth?''

Yumi replied, ''Definitely true. (Irritated sounds) She caused nothing but more problems for my end. By the way, what is the reason that your bothering everyone here? Spit it out.''

Yokai girl asked, ''You want to know? Uhh, I suppose I will say it. But, hold on. I should introduce myself first, then you t-to.  . .(Clears throat) I am named Lyrica. You are?''

Yumi hesitantly replied, ''Lyrica? Hmm... Call me, Yumi. Now?''

Lyrica said, ''Right. Where do I start? Uh... Here's the thing. I am a flute spirit, and since...I was young, it's been my wish to play music for all kinds of people...

For years, I've been playing the flute around different areas of my homeland. Then, me and the others were given a rare chance by Usagi. I figured I would take advantage of it, and find a place where I could spread my music.''

Yumi reacted, ''Spread your music, hm?'' Lyrica said somberly, ''This place, I thought would be perfect, ...however you said? I was unintentionally causing problems, wasn't I?''

Yumi reacted in shock, ''Certainly. You are.'' Lyrica replied, ''I apologize for that. I do... Very well, if I am bothering others, I will return home... (Sighs) If that's the case, before I return..... Can I play you a song first?''

Yumi reacted and said, ''Uhh! (Thinks) . .Fine. That was nice earlier, I guess... Do it.'' Lyrica said with honest gleefulness, ''Thanks!! If it's allowed, I shall try my best for you!''

I flew to one of the high seats and got lost in her unexpectedly, beautiful, sad, and free-spirited song. She danced while playing too! I had never heard music like hers. It almost made me cry, hearing it.

Later... Lyrica said, ''I shall return now. I hope to see you again, Miss Yumi. (Bows)'' Yumi said, ''Likewise, I suppose... Bye!''

She returned home through my gateway, with the happiest of faces, and a tear...

See you next time!!