The Phantom of Neopia

Characters

The Phantom - Chia

Milly Molly Moo Kau - Christine - Blue Kau

Fabian Vicomte de Meridell - Raoul - Shadow Ixi (black deer)

Noel Comte de Meridell - Philippe - Green Ixi

Tarrow Aisha - Meg - White Aisha

Mme. Aisha - Mme. Giry - Brown Aisha

M. Bandy Gelert - André - Red Gelert (floppy eared dog)

M. Vermin Techo - Fermin - Blue Techo (lizard)

Charlotte Elephante- Carlotta - Green Elephante

The Kougra - The Persian (Daroga) - Desert Kougra (tiger)

Nuitnoir Acara - Jammes - Skunk Acara (black and white goat)

Hesta Cybunny - Sorelli - Spotted Cybunny (brown and black)

Buckets Moehog - Joseph Buquet - Yellow Moehog

Profile I

Name: Nuitnoir Acara

Type: Acara

Colour: Skunk

Occupation: Ballerina

Home: With Hesta Cybunny, Central Neopia

Personality: A very arrogant dancer who thinks she should lead the ballet line but in reality is not good enough.

I - Tarrow's Tale

"AIIIII!" cried little Nuitnoir as she slammed the dressing room door.

"Oh my gosh what's wrong?" Tarrow's voice rose above the shrieks and screams of the ballet dancers crowding around Nuitnoir like a herd of spooked Babaa. She pushed to the front as Nuitnoir shivered excitedly, centre of attention.

"I saw him!" Nuitnoir screeched.

Impatiently Tarrow asked, "WHO?"

Pointing her nose into the air Nuitnoir pushed passed her long term competition to shock the corpse de ballet (body of ballet). Nuitnoir had always been the lead of the ballet line and was very proud of it, as she was the youngest performer at the theatre. That was until a former dancer's, the ballet teacher, Madame Aisha's daughter was skilled enough to join the corpse de ballet. After Tarrow Aisha had spent less than a year in the chorus line she was promoted to lead, degrading Nuitnoir to the status of a standard dancer. No more dressing room, no more maids and no more rise in pay. Ever since that day and most probably beforehand Nuitnoir Acara developed a distinct hate for Tarrow but in an expected way. Tarrow was younger and more beautiful than Nuitnoir and actually had a talent for dancing.

"He looked me straight in the eye!" Nuitnoir said in a telltale manner making the young dancers scream and shudder, "The Phantom and me!"

Tarrow took her seat by a moehogany dresser, intensely bored with the ever growing Phantom encounter stories. She began to count her snow-white fur, yawning.

"What was he like?" a yellow Blumaroo asked bouncing excitedly.

"Well I had such a fright," Nuitnoir continued, "I met him on the stairway returning from the costume store," for a moment she paused to show off her new tutu and then, "I would say he was a purple Chia…"

A purple chubby Chia gasped and fainted precisely onto a pillow.

"…However he wore a black dress suit with white bow-tie, his face was covered by a leather mask but he was not Chia-like at all as he was so thin and tall!"

The swooning Chia opened an eyelid.

"So you don't know," Tarrow said bluntly at such a bland description. She had heard of a Phantom tale to beat them all. However the ballet populaire (populous) sighed uniformly, so had they - many times.

"Well at least people believe me!" Nuitnoir huffed and she was right. Tarrow was quite the authority when it came to the Phantom. Everyone at the Neopian Opera House knew this however the Phantom was supposedly a fable rendering Tarrow a storyteller.

Tarrow knew that what she spoke was true. She may have extended the truth about much of her living existence but the Phantom was another matter. Her mother Mme Aisha had told everything she knew about him to her. Mme. Aisha NEVER lied and "Moehog Buckets has seen him too, without his mask!"

A gasp filled the air.

"That is enough!" Hesta snapped.

The mothering figure of at least thirty waggled a paw pretentiously. Despite her age Hesta Cybunny was the infamous solo ballerina and star attraction of the Neopian Ballet.

Every young dancer idolised Hesta with her pointed ears, smooth and shiny spotted fur and her plump plumes that were almost feather-boa-like around her neck, even Tarrow and especially Nuitnoir - though Hesta's outward kindness was something Nuitnoir would never be able to achieve.

"No more talk of phantoms or ghosts. We both know the don't exist," Hesta said wisely to Tarrow, "you will scare the younger dancers," she added cruelly, enforcing the power she had over the ballet due to seventeen years of attendance, "continuous tales like that will lose you your place as the lead of the line!"

This angered Tarrow, as she did not like being threatened; "Nuitnoir started it! Anyway the only reason you don't discipline her is because she lives with you!"

"That is enough!" repeated Hesta.

Nuitnoir continued the argument, "Well the only reason you lead the ballet line is because your mother is a friend with our so-called 'Phantom' who ordered our so-called 'manager' to make you IT!"

"That is not true! I got there through talent alone!"

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah because I don't dance like a Kau calf!"

Nuitnoir turned a negg red through her black and white striped fur.

"How dare you?" Nuitnoir screamed as she pointed her curled horns at Tarrow.

"Enough!" Hesta hissed as she took her place between the two - which was when it happened.

The room fell quiet. Twenty-seven pairs of eyes settled upon the three characters by the dresser. What would Hesta do?

Hesta opened her mouth.

There was a rustling.

"It came from behind the door!" a pink Poogle gasped.

"WAIIIII!" Nuitnoir screamed as she dived behind the cushion the Chia still lay upon, "It's the Phantom!"

"Don't be silly," Hesta said shakily.

There was another rustle and Nuitnoir began to bleat, the Chia fainted once again and as Hesta waded through the field of dancers towards the door they began to cling to her costume and scream.

"Don't open the door!" Tarrow wailed, "Don't go out there!"

"Nonsense," Hesta said as she swung open the door.

The room inhaled.

There was a breeze.

The Poogle fainted.

The hall was dark.

All was calm.

"No one," Hesta uttered wearily to herself.

Out of relief Tarrow slumped against the wall nearly falling off the satin dresser stall.

The yellow Blumaroo had tensed up so much that as she began to relax she fell off her tail.

Nuitnoir peered out from behind the pillow.

The door swung open and a fireman Grundo rushed in; "There's been a murder!"

"Who's?" Hesta asked with baited breath.

"Moehog Buckets!"

Profile II

Name: Hesta Cybunny

Type: Cybunny

Colour: Spotted

Occupation: Prima Ballerina

Home: With Nuitnoir Acara, Central Neopia

Personality: Loving in many different ways outwardly, however insecure.

II - Angelpuss

Hesta ran across the Opera House landing followed by the not so obvious companion of little Tarrow. Excited by all the commotion around her Tarrow did not even notice the Vicomte de Meridell (Viscount of Meridell) standing before her.

"How wonderful!" the Vicomte cried, "Milly was wonderful!"

"You are talking about the Kau aren't you?" Tarrow asked.

"Why yes," the Vicomte said with delight, "the solo she sang was absolutely wonderful - it brought the house down!"

"I think you've got the wrong Kau sir," Tarrow commented honestly, "Milly is in the chorus but her singing is no more than a 'MOO'."

Tarrow then continued on her search for Buckets laughing at such a hilarious idea of her friend Milly singing a successful solo.

"You must excuse her," Hesta said addressing the Vicomte, "she is young and rude.

"Is your brother here tonight?" Hesta asked referring to Noel, Comte de Meridell.

"Yes," answered the Vicomte, "he went straight to your dressing room - may I have the pleasure of accompanying you there?"

Hesta's cheeks turned a raspberry faerie bubble crimson, "Why of course, I would be honoured," and so they continued across the landing, passed the grand staircase to the star dressing rooms.

"I must admit," the Vicomte added, "I will have an ulterior motive to be here."

"Oh yes?" Hesta asked.

"I would very much like to meet the young diva Milly Molly Moo Kau."

"So that is why you are here," Noel smiled at his younger brother, "anything for love." Then taking Hesta's paw he walked her to the top of the staircase and proposed tantalisingly, "I here there is a new restaurant opened in Krawk Island. I would be honoured if you would be my guest tonight."

Not yet recovering from her previous blush Hesta once again went red, "Oh Noel! You know I'm a good girl!"

"I will protect you from those rowdy pirates!" Noel laughed as the couple descended the staircase into the Neopian streets below.

Meanwhile the Vicomte paused succumbed with trepidation of meeting the new diva outside her dressing room door. Breathing deeply he squeezed on the handle and forced open the door only to be greeted by a crowd of bustling doctors and grumpy firemen.

"What is wrong?" the Vicomte asked a fireman Grundo flustered at holding a mere glass of water.

"It is Mlle. Milly, she fainted on stage!" replied the Grundo.

"How terrible!" the Vicomte cried as he pushed his way to the centre of the crowd. There, sitting in a bamboo chair, fanning herself with a tombola trinket was a very peaky blue Kau. For a moment she appeared to notice the young noble but as suddenly as she had glanced upon the lad she turned beckoning to a doctor and whispered in his ear.

"Milly -" the Vicomte said breathlessly.

A Techo in a white coat frowned angrily that a mere patron had been allowed to reek havoc in an already excitable scene.

"Are you a relative?" the doctor snapped.

"A very close friend," Vicomte said lightly, "and I would appreciate it greatly if we could be left alone for a moment to recollect."

"She cannot be left," the Techo said suspiciously waving a thermometer in the Vicomte's startled face but jokingly the Vicomte pushed it away, "but I will be with her."

The doctor hissed unhappily

"It's okay," the Kau interrupted holding up a hoof, "I feel much better now."

Milly smiled weakly and the doctor had no choice but to usher out the crowd of men.

"Milly it's me!" the Vicomte laughed happily taking her fan.

She stood up from her chair and snatched back her possession, "I don't think I know you sir."

"It's me, Fabian," the Vicomte smiled.

He walked up to her coat rack and took from it a faerie Babaa wool scarf; "Can't you remember? We were mere calves. You were at Mystery Island when your scarf was blown into the pool. I went in and got it for you."

Milly looked blankly at Fabian, "I know no Ixis - I'm very sorry." Then rescuing her clothing she added, "Look I am very tired. If that is all please go."

Opening the door Milly pointed to the hallway waiting for the embarrassed Ixi to take his leave.

Utterly ashamed Fabian paused and turned as the door slammed in front of him. Unsure of what had just happened the warm comfort of his hotel bed seemed his only refuge but then…

"Milly?"

Fabian heard a male voice coming from inside the room.

"Are you very tired?" the voice boomed.

Fabian could hear Milly sigh in reply.

"You sang beautifully tonight," the voice came, "the Angelpusses came down from Heaven tonight to hear you sing."

"Oh thank you!" Milly cried.

"Do you love me?" the voice asked passionately.

There was silence.

"Milly?" there was an air of embarrassment at the sudden outburst as the voice called out to her uncertainly.

"Yes," came the belated reply.

Fabian felt himself fume at the collar with jealousy.

"I must go now," Milly said slowly.

No reply.

As the Kau began to sob savagely Fabian felt angered at such a cad would make a gentle creature such as Milly cry.

"Good night," the voice finally said with resentment and a flat tone.

There was a rustling and just before the dressing room the swollen-eyed Kau flung door open, Fabian flew into the shadows of the dim hall and hid behind the next room's door. Then making sure the coast was clear Fabian sneaked into the diva's dressing room expecting to meet with the other man.

Fabian lit a gas lamp and surveyed his surroundings. There was no one there apart from the cane chair, a moehogany dresser with stool and a full-length gold framed mirror.

Certain the voice had come from this room Fabian swung the lamp around and called, "Hello?" Then he checked the shadows, "I know you're here."

Fabian moved towards the door and blocked the entrance, "I will not move until you show yourself."

Nothing.

The room was bare of all neopets but him.

The Vicomte took a moment to think. Why had Milly acted as though she did not know him? Who was this voice? Where was he now?

Impetuously the Vicomte demanded slamming the lamp upon the dresser top, "I will find out who you are!"

Profile III

Name: Monsieur Pom Lenny

Type: Lenny

Colour: Green

Occupation: Retired Manager

Home: Central Neopia, soon as far away as possible - the Space station

Personality: Spineless fool who cannot wait to leave the opera.

III - Dining with Phantoms

"It was incredible," Monsieur Pom Lenny cried as his leaving party got under swing.

"Especially for a chorus girl," said Mme. Aisha patting her loose brown hairs of her black taffeta dress, "will she be singing again?"

"Oh I don't know about that, Charlotte has sent me a letter saying that she will be returning post haste," M. Pom smiled cruelly, "luckily for me I will not be here to deal with her."

"How kind and thoughtful of you," Mme. Aisha said sarcastically, "where will you be going?"

"As far away from this place as possible," M. Pom joked, "the Neopets Space station."

"And who will deal with Charlotte?" inquired Mme. Aisha.

"Those two," M. Pom Lenny pointed to a long table where a variety of Neopets were dining in celebration, "at the very end, either side of the Chia. On the right, the red Gelert is Monsieur Bandy - he will be the musical director however he is very fresh. This is his first managerial career and he has a tendency to be temperamental. On the left, the blue Techo is Monsieur Vermin - he will deal with the Opera's finance and is very skilled in his area however advanced in years and has softened."

"A perfect match then," Mme. Aisha grinned, "and have you told them about their 'third manager' yet?"

M. Pom choked, "No."

"And when do you leave?"

"Tonight."

"What?" Mme. Aisha seemed shocked; "You're not going to tell them?"

"I thought they would find out for themselves," M. Pom stuttered, "he'll make his presence known somehow."

Mme. Aisha groaned.

"Excuse me," snag Nuitnoir annoyingly, " is this party for anyone? You see Hesta's gone out and has the key and it's cold and lonely and dark outside and you wouldn't want me to get hurt."

"I see," said Mme. Aisha.

"Of course you can Nuitnoir," M. Pom agreed.

"Nuitnoir," Mme. Aisha asked, "have you seen Tarrow?"

"Oh her," Nuitnoir frowned, "she's off searching for dead things."

Mme. Aisha felt a menopausal flush, "I better go and find her them."

"AIIIII!" Nuitnoir screamed as she looked at the guests sitting at the table, "IT'S HIM!"

"Who?" asked Mme. Aisha.

"Where?" asked M. Pom.

"At the end of the table! The purple Chia - THE PHANTOM!"

Screaming and commotion ensued. Fur, dust and food flew. In the hysteria M. Bandy looked at M. Vermin and M. Vermin looked at M. Bandy then together they looked at the empty chair of the guest each had thought had come from the other's family.

"I think it's time you told them," Mme. Aisha gasped.

"Right as always," said M. Pom as he went an even ill-er shade of green. Pushing pale faced Nuitnoir out of the way he stormed up to M. Vermin and M. Bandy.

"Monsieurs, I think you should join me in my office," M. Pom addressed the two.

As they were hurried away from the feast M. Vermin laughed, "Wonderful joke Pom!"

"Yes," added M. Bandy, "I was scared for a moment there."

However M. Pom merely grumbled as he fumbled about in his pocket, attempting to find the key to his office door. As he pushed open the rusting, red slab of wood he revealed to the duo a room almost ancient in appearance. A large solitary window draped in red velvet portrayed a starry Neopian skyline and lit the room highlighting a dried prune coloured carpet, green Kau leather substitute chairs and the customary moehogany writing desk. On the desk lay an Eyrie feather quill pen and ink pot pushed beside three-stacked letter trays 'In', 'Out' and 'Phantom'.

As the two were ushered to their seats M. Pom said frankly, "The Phantom is no joke."

M. Bandy unsuccessfully attempted to stifle a laugh.

Out from a drawer M. Pom Lenny produced a list of points scrawled in red ink, "This is a list of what the Phantom will require of you. May I highlight the first two points as the most important."

Taking the paper M. Vermin giggled to his counterpart, "they put a lot of effort into a joke don't they? Hear this; '1) Box 5 must be kept free for all premiere performances. 2) Payments of 20,000NP should be made monthly as due to the Phantom.' Haha!"

"Well very funny but I really do have to go," said M. Bandy rising from his chair.

"Monsieur no!" M. Pom, "I promise you this is no joke."

"I will be selling tickets for Box 5!" fired M. Bandy.

"Monsieur!" warned M. Pom; "The last pet who spent an evening in Box 5 wound up with two broken legs."

"What? The Phantom attacked him?" asked M. Vermin.

"No, but as he ran away he fell down the stairs."

"I see," M. Bandy was blank.

"And what about this fee?" asked M. Vermin.

"Well…we were hoping that with the Comte and the Vicomte de Meridell as the Opera House's new patrons you could afford more…" M. Pom as grappling at thin air.

"More?" M. Vermin turned from blue to a she of deep red, "And what do you suggest the Phantom does with his wages? Buy some new chains? Get his white sheet dry cleaned?"

Panicking M. Pom pretended to look at his watch, "Well is that the time? I have to be going…"

"What?"

"If you need me I'll be at the Space station…"

"But that might as well not even be in Neopia!"

However it was too late for as soon as M. Pom Lenny had finished he was out of the door.

"Bandy?"

"Vermin?"

"What are we going to do with Box 5?"

"Well the natural thing," M. Bandy laughed rocking his chair, " sell the tickets for it!"