Rising Shards

The theater group had taken over a dock, turning it into a makeshift stage with rows of chairs in front of it. We sat in the back row (again, tails suck to try to sit on if you’re new to having one) and watched the theater group’s play exhibition. The teacher in charge of the play club, Reit Kilander, the artsy Kilander, stood on the stage with a plaque. He looked like a taller, lankier, more cultured Penteldtam.

“A brief announcement, a break in the acting festivities in this present exhibition, as it were,” Reit said with a delicate clap. “As I’m sure you’re well aware, the Jonithy Dolsinokit Award is a prestigious part of Rising Shards’ history. Originally bestowed in jest on a Fang Moon Web long ago, the student Jonithy Dolsinokt was named Worst Cani for his poor acting performance in Whatever Shall We Do About Perribottom?, the classic story about everyone’s favorite Retribution Era butt powderer and his misadventures.”

“Butt powderer?” Kalei whispered.

“Is this a play?” I whispered. “What is this?”

"Guys, shhhh," Oka whispered. I didn't like Oka being disapopinted in me, especially post crush realization, so even getting shushed by her hurt. I tried to be more attentive as I listened. Maybe this could be my club too. Then I could be with Oka in club time, solving one of my dilemmas about clubs. 

“Since then, the classic award has morphed into a sought after and respected trophy for aspiring Cani actors in the theater production group at Rising Shards. Perhaps it will be you to win this award next, if you join our fine group. Now, a few scenes from the scripts I’m debating between for this season…”

After some actually pretty engaging scenes performed by Reit, the play presentation ended and a line formed at the signup area.

“You’re not in the theater club,” Lillia said, sneaking up on us like she just teleported behind us Aira style. “And your whispering is quite distracting.”

“Sorry,” Oka said. “I’m joining the play, and Zeta and Kalei were here so…”

Lillia’s eyes lit up.

"Oh, you're the one joining?" Lillia asked. “You’ll be an excellent addition."

“You know, my sister does plays,” I said. “Maybe it runs in the family?”

“Zeta, what did I say I was concerned about like five minutes ago?” Kalei asked.

“Oh whatever, I could be an excellent addition to the group too.” I said. "Right, Lillia?"

Lillia didn't look as excited about the idea of me in the theater club.

“Not to push you away, but I don’t think you have stage temperament.” Lillia said.

“And what makes you say that?” I asked.

“Are you forgetting the Tables for My Dear Love passage reading incident?” Oka asked.

“It was really embarrassing to watch,” Lillia said.

"I thought it was hilarious," Kalei said.

"Shut up," I said. "I just had eye strain that day, it was just a mistake that I read that bit about the pen collector's pen collection as...er, the way I did. And I only got mad because Kalei was laughing so hard! And I thought I said we wouldn’t speak of that again anyways!"

"There would be potential for more Tables for My Dear Love passage reading incidents is all we're saying." Lillia said.

I couldn't deny that Lillia was right. I didn't particularly want to act in plays either, or be in the stage crew or anything like that. It didn't feel like it was the right club for me.

“Fine, I won’t join.” I said.

“Then Oka and I really must get in line,” Lillia said.

Oka waved bye as Lillia dragged her to the line. After pouting for a minute or so, I joined Kalei to head to the other booths and club displays on the beach.

“This should be called a tormentament.”

“Zeta, calm down.” Kalei said.

“No.”

I somehow managed to pout even harder. I was hardcore pouting at this point.

“Are you that upset to be away from Oka for like whatever the amount of time her clubs will take?”

“I’m not jealous.” I said.

“I uh…did not say anything about jealousy.” Kalei said.

“I mean like,” I sputtered. “Not jealous of her having her clubs picked out already.”

Kalei looked me up and down. While she didn't have a Lillia tier glare power, she could still stare me into admitting things I didn't want to say out loud. I didn't want her to figure out my Oka crush, I didn't want to talk to anyone about it. Luckily, she broke her stare.

“Well, I’m gonna go check the beam chasers stand to make sure it counts and look at the sandwich robot. You go make a friend.”

“This should be called a tormentament.”

“You said that one already,” Kalei said. “You like just said that one.”

“Doesn’t mean I’m wrong.” I said.

“Listen,” Kalei said, backing away from me in a weirdly dramatic way with her arms a bit out. Maybe the play practice rubbed off on her.

“Why are you holding your arms like that?” I asked. “Are…do you want a hug?”

“Zeta, listen,” Kalei said. “Make at least one new friend or I won’t let you back in our room tonight.”

“Would you really do that?”

Kalei dropped the pose. “I dunno. I’d do something, I guess. Later.”