open ✧ you are invited

[removal]

Who: Phantom and you!
Which: Open log/mingle
Where: Phantom's Music Studio
What: A music studio has opened! The staff are seeking students, but everyone's welcome to just hang out and chill.
Warnings: N/A

I. A Letter

[ Sometime on the 10th, a neatly-written invitation appears on everyone's journals: ]

Music Studio Opening on Theatre Row
Seeking students and fellow appreciators of acoustic arts
[ There is a hand-drawn map below that indicates where to go. The studio is located on Theater Row beside a bridge. It's not difficult to find Phantom's ID on the message, but he seems to have signed it with a facsimile of a wax seal shaped like a cat mask. ]

II. The Opening Act

[ There are two bluebirds perched on the stairs leading up to the studio asking passersby to drop in. There are no posters or other advertisements put up around town, as Phantom did not wish to attract too much attention. In fact, finding him is a whole hide-and-seek game on its own.


The reception room is rather cozy, with a few talking animals staffing the counters and offering cupcakes to any visitors. Right now, the studio only has basic equipment, so they are also looking for people who can help them expand their repertoire and build more instruments. Most of the animals are able to play at least one instrument, and they are willing to teach anyone who wants to sign up for regular lessons. Currently, there are beginner courses offered for piano, violin, flute, and singing.

The back half of the first floor is occupied by a small library dedicated to music scores and instruction manuals. However, the shelves are pretty much empty save for a couple collections of popular songs with no discernible origin. Oh, and this.

Sometimes the staff members will perform on the second floor to showcase their chosen instrument, or invite a visitor to take the stage. The more the merrier! ]

III. Behind The Curtain

[ The small music studio is staffed by enough people to ensure everyone's entertained. Notably, all of the employees are talking animals - birds, cats, dogs, and a bear with a truly impressive vocal range - and none of them have claimed authorship of the journal invitation. Asking the employees will reveal that the message was written by the studio's manager... who happens to be quite averse to showing himself.

Occasionally, you may feel a presence behind you, only to turn around and find nobody there. Maybe a gust of wind ruffled the curtains behind you, as if a ghost is haunting the studio. Or it might be a two-tailed black cat strolling leisurely through the rooms with a refined, self-assured air.

Eventually Phantom answers the call of his employees and reveals himself - a tall man dressed entirely in black, his hood not quite doing its job of concealing his Feline ears. He tends to hang out near the corners and away from conversational groups, though he would not turn away anyone who tries to talk to him... mostly.

Later he's talked into going upstairs to play the (sadly upright) piano. He spins one of the sonatas he had committed to memory on its ivory keys - only the first ten minutes or so remain in his fractured memory, but it is enough. ]

IV. Intermission

[ Feel free to tag in with your own prompts/tag each other in the studio! It's open to everyone. I'm also up for any and all wildcards! Feel free to PM or find me in the game discord for plotting owo)/// ]

Comments

iii pre-reveal!

[inveilsible]

[ Sana isn't usually the one being caught off-guard by what she's pretty sure is an invisible presence. There's seemingly nothing there, but she's far too used to her own ability to think that's the case.

But she's also been keeping to herself, on the fringes of any large group of people passing through and looking around, and she's honestly relieved when she's mostly alone, except for... maybe this presence? And a cat.

Carefully, she crouches, extending a hand if Christine wants to sniff her fingers. ]

You're so pretty... and you don't seem nervous around people at all. I'm a little jealous.

[removal]

[ Miss Christine pads closer to Sana, her blue eyes gleaming in the afternoon light. She stays still, letting Sana pet her if she wishes to, though she tilts her head at the girl. ]

Meow?

[ It seems she's interested in hearing more. ]

[inveilsible]

[ She absolutely wishes to pet and she is doing so Very Carefully and Gently. ]

I'm not very good with people. It's kind of scary to talk to them when you don't know if they'll like you or not. And I'm used to being invisible, so now I have to get used to being seen again...

[removal]

[ She stretches a little, then lays down where Sana is, purring contentedly. ]

Mrrr?

[ After hearing Sana's words, Miss Christine dips her head, conveying either understanding, agreement, or both. It's a little hard to be communicative when she can't speak, but hopefully Sana gets her intention. ]

[inveilsible]

... Well, cats are easier. So thank you for coming to say hello to someone like me.

[ It's so much easier to smile like this. ]

[removal]

[ Miss Christine bumps her head against Sana's side; the gentlest affirmation that she could give while still being a cat loaf. She's a patient listener, only getting up when Sana stops petting her, though she doesn't leave just yet. ]

Me-ow.

[ She sweeps her tails from one side to another, as if asking Sana to follow. ]

[inveilsible]

... You... want me to follow you?

[ It's mostly a guess but if Christine starts walking away, she'll tentatively walk after her. ]

[removal]

Mew.

[ Miss Christine walks to the back of the room, close to one of the corners. The sounds of chatter and music are less obvious at this distance, and there's no one around.

Or is there?

She meows to what is apparently thin air, and a voice answers. ]

You have brought me a guest, I see. I thank you for your kindness.

[ Phantom fades into view gradually; a tall man dressed almost entirely in black, his hood pulled up just enough to show his face. He addresses Sana quietly - his voice is hoarse, but calm. ]

Greetings. I hope the lady has been cordial to you, miss...?

[inveilsible]

[ Sana full-body flinches as soon as someone speaks, whipping around in the direction of the voice so that when Phantom makes his grand appearance (eventually), she can at least see the air making way for him.

He is... much taller than she is, and it takes every ounce of courage to not scoot a foot back or flat-out bolt. The only real reason for that is that the cat brought her here. Meaning he's someone the cat trusts. Meaning he's probably not a bad person.

All the same, her voice squeaks a little when she answers him. ]

S-Sana. She was... very kind?

[removal]

I am Phantom. Worry not, I mean you no harm...

[ He seems hesitant, uncertain of how to continue; he looks at Miss Christine, who meows at him a couple times. ]

... Miss Christine wishes me to be your friend. [ He doesn't think he's suited to be someone's friend, but the lady asked him to, and so he will give his best effort. ] You prefer to be away from the spotlight, is that correct?

[inveilsible]

Miss Christine...?

[ She looks over at the cat. Honestly, she does kind of give off "Miss Christine" vibes, so she's apparently been aptly named. And how actually amazing is that, to be able to talk to her? He-- definitely seems to know more about Sana than she knows about him, even if it's just one thing.

All she knows is that his name is Phantom, he's incredibly tall, and he can talk to cats. And. You know. Apparently be invisible. ]

... Um. That's... mm, it's true. I'm not really good with attention... and half the time the attention wasn't really good in the first place. B-but you also don't have to be my friend if you don't want to, Phantom-san! I won't be upset or anything.

[removal]

[ Phantom has been concealing himself and watching from the sidelines, but what he knows about Sana is conveyed to him by Miss Christine. She is quite intelligent for a cat, and he is able to understand her perfectly. He has never found this strange.

Though, he can understand why Miss Christine would make such a request. It is not good to keep too many things to oneself, especially if those things weighed heavily on the soul. He still finds it difficult to speak with others plainly, and she wants him to improve. ]

I would like to, [ he says after a moment, aware of Miss Christine's keen blue gaze of encouragement and catlike expectation. He adds, ] if you would not find me too frightening.

[inveilsible]

... You're a little scary.

[ She says. Automatically.

Before her eyes widen and she vigorously shakes her head. ]

B-but not scary enough that I'd say no! I'm sorry, I didn't mean-- I'm really not good at this, you-- I-I'm sure you're a really nice person if cats like you!

[ BURY HER IN THE GROUND. ]

[removal]

It's alright...

[ He says this almost feebly, unsure of how to reassure a child like this. Luckily, Miss Christine intervenes, walking up to Sana, announcing her presence with a meow ('You can do it!') and then rubbing against her leg. He adds after a moment: ]

I should also learn how to be less frightening.

[inveilsible]

[ Sana blinks and glances down, then crouches down to properly pet Miss Christine. God bless this cat for being the only one not socially awkward here. ]

I'm not sure what people do to be less frightening... but um, if you're really okay with me, then I'd like to be your friend too. M-maybe I can help.

[removal]

I would... appreciate that.

[ Miss Christine gives a meow of approval, staying still so that Sana can pet her freely. As for Phantom, he knows he should try to make conversation, but he hasn't talked to young people in such a long time... ]

Do you like music?

[inveilsible]

[ It's fine, it's been awhile since she's talked to anyone older than 19 too. ]

Um... I-I do. I think it's pretty. I've just... never had lessons or anything.

[removal]

[ Sana what kind of regular company do you have ]

I can teach you, if you like. How to play the piano, or how to sing.

[ He won't be able to demonstrate the latter, but he can get one of the staff. Maybe. ]

[inveilsible]

[ Other Magical Girls because her family disowned her and no one else can see her. ]

I'm not sure I'd be very good at either, but... I'd... like to try? O-one of them, probably.

[removal]

[ He thinks about it for a moment. Sana is quite shy, so it probably wouldn't be productive to make her sing. She'll likely be quite embarrassed, even though it's not something to be ashamed of. ]

How about the piano, then? It can play many different sounds. Perhaps one of your favourite songs.

[ With luck, the piano would be unoccupied at the current moment. ]

[inveilsible]

The piano...

[ She tips her chin up a little, pondering. Her family had been big on academics and sports. Music... ]

If that's okay with you... um, then I think that would be fine to try.

[removal]

Yes, we can make it happen.

[ He glances at the hallway leading to the music room. Being a Feline, he's able to hear things a lot better than humans, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of people there now. The piano isn't in use either. ]

Would you like to go now? Or later?

[inveilsible]

[ ... Well. If she's going to disappoint him potentially, better now than later when she starts to have hope, right? ]

Now is... fine. I-if that's okay with you.

[removal]

Yes, it's fine.

[ He feels more settled when there's a clear goal to be had; his mind is clearer when he thinks about music, and how he could share the joy of it with others.

He leads Sana to the piano room before sitting on the bench. She can come closer if she wants to, but as long as she can hear him talk, it's enough. Someone left a book of simple melodies on the sheet music stand, but he doesn't reach for it yet, instead playing an octave starting from middle C. ]

Each key makes a different sound. Do you have any favourite songs? You can try to sound them out using the piano.

[inveilsible]

[ She stays a safe distance away, if just because she's worried abut invading his space. She glances down at the piano though, honestly fascinating. ]

... By pressing the keys and comparing them to the song? I see...

Do you have a favorite song, Phantom... [ uhhhhh ] ... sensei?