Chapter Text
It all started with a lamp, a shadow, and a stage.
The Ghostlight Theatre’s production of Hadestown was going amazing. Orpheus and Eurydice had incredible chemistry, Hermès knew how to put on a show, and Hades had the deepest, smoothest voice.
And you, well, you were the director’s assistant, so as far as you could tell that was going great, too. Western plays were always a spectacle in Megapolis since usually it was traditional Eastern theatre that was performed, so it was extra work to prepare for... but it was worth it.
You mouthed the words to ‘If It’s True’ as Orpheus gave his musical speech, encouraging the denizens of Hadestown to basically unionize. It was... far more romantic when he sang it. As the number went on you prepped for the next, checking on the backstage actors and ensuring they were all ready.
The director was rushing about as usual, looking for his reading glasses while answering a flurry of questions from stagehands to every side. He misplaced them so often in his old age and with his natural frazzled personality that the regular cast often joked about screwing them into his head like a nearsighted Frankenstein.
Well, like Frankenstein’s monster, anyway.
In a rustle of fabric you passed him, depositing the renegade shades on his clipboard on your way to deliver a sewing kit to one of the hair and costume ladies who was desperately trying to fix a rip in one of the costumes. She muttered a quick thank you, barely looking up from her work.
Peeking out from backstage, you could see the seats were filled. That was good... it had been a hard few years for the Ghostlight, since the Demon Bull King had been freed. With all the chaos, residents of Megapolis were more concerned with repairs than they were with enjoying the arts— and it wasn’t just the Demon Bull Family.
There’d been a massive smoke monster that turned out to be some elaborate illusion created by a Monkey King look-alike— though the damage it did certainly wasn’t an illusion— an invasion by an evil Spider Queen who’d turned you and everyone else in the city into spider zombies, and far more. By this point, it was a miracle the Theatre was still open at all, much less bringing in and keeping business.
But tonight... Tonight, the seats were packed, faces dimly illuminated by the set lighting. You smiled to yourself at seeing that, before vanishing back into the curtains just as one of the patrons caught your eye. Their head had turned from the play to look directly at you...
Or, well, they couldn’t have, because for one thing they were wearing a hood. For another, you were totally hidden in shadows. It must have been your imagination, but it was just odd to feel so seen when it was impossible.
Also, why the hell was someone wearing a hood indoors? Weird.
Whatever, there was work to be done. Theatre always attracted weirdos, it wasn’t a big deal.
The rest of the performance went off without a hitch, except for one of the chorus missing a note. No one seemed to notice, though, and as the cast and director went out for a bow you smiled from the wings. The actors motioned to the orchestra as the audience cheered, then bowed once more before the play finally ended.
“Zhu!” The director called as the cast went out to meet their fans, using the troupe’s fond nickname for you, “Great job! I don’t know what we would do without you.”
You smiled and nodded, setting down the props you were carrying to pick up a discarded costume. “Of course, Lee! You know this is my home. This show wouldn’t be possible without you either, you’re the director.” You reminded lightly, smoothing the fabric of the dress and folding it properly to put away later. The other stagehands were doing similar work; everyone had a job to do to clean up for the night and get ready for the show tomorrow.
It took several hours to get all the guests out, clean up, and prep for tomorrow’s performance. Finally, though, the last stagehand left and you were able to lock up. It was your favorite part of the night, since everything was quiet and dark, and it was just you and the theater.
Tonight... felt a little different, though. It was strange, but you felt like you were being watched again. Taking a quick look around you, all you could see was the same darkness that always filled the seats and spaces where people usually stood.
It was easy enough to shrug off as you headed for the stage, carrying the lantern that had been the namesake of this theatre since long before you were born. The lantern was ancient and ornate, and many people believed it was magical. Some said it could control shadows, even.
You weren’t sure you believed that... but at the same time, there were plenty of magical beings and items in your city these days. Perhaps this one was too.
Regardless, the lantern still functioned as a lantern, and for your theater it was the ghostlight left on for either practical safety reasons or to give the ghosts of actors a lit place to perform— depending on who you talked to.
As you lit the inside of the ornate little lamp, you could swear you heard something... Slowly turning, you once more looked out at the shadows draped along the theater walls. In the flickering light of the candle, it almost seemed that they were alive... like they were watching you.
But that couldn’t be true. It was all in your imagination... Right?
A few more seconds of surveying the seemingly empty seats, you turned back to the lantern and shut the little door with a sigh.
“Alright, Ghostlight,” You hummed to the theater and the lantern before you, “good night.”
With that, you carefully made your way out of the old building and across the street to your small apartment. The debut show had been a lot of work, and tomorrow was going to be even more, so you were ready to get to bed. Stepping into the small apartment with a tired sigh, you slipped off your shoes and trudged into the kitchen to microwave some leftovers.
Rice and vegetables, nothing fancy but tasty all the same, were gone in a matter of minutes from your bowl. Working a show took a lot of energy. You tossed the bowl and chopsticks into the dishwasher and made your way into your bedroom. From there it was a quick change of clothes, brushing your teeth, and hitting the bed and falling asleep practically immediately.
Tomorrow was going to be another big day, and you needed to be rested.
It was about time they finally left!
A hooded figure stepped out of a supposedly solid wall as the last human finally left, bidding the theater goodnight. He hummed, circling the lantern quietly for a moment before grinning.
“...Perfect.” He patted the object fondly, then made his way backstage and up, climbing up easily to the walkways above the stage. There was a nice little nook, in the vaulted ceiling of the theater, that would be a perfect place to hide out for now and take a rest.
Ever since nearly stealing the Monkey Kong’s power from that naive kid, Macaque had been lying low, looking for an opportunity to strike again. But now the Monkey King was gone, so Macaque had nothing to plan... at least, until he’d heard about this Ghostlight Theatre.
The dark-furred demon had always been a fan of theater, that was true, but he was also a fan of legendary items that could grant him even further control of the shadows he wielded so effortlessly. And this lantern, so simply used to illuminate the stage at night... well, that was his legendary item right there.
It was funny, though. When Macaque had slipped in to watch the performance, he’d put up defenses to keep from being seen. It was strange, then, that that little stagehand he’d spotted seemed to be looking right at him. And just earlier, when they were lighting the lantern... they’d possibly sensed his presence.
That shouldn’t be possible.
So, the original plan of just stealing the lantern was out. Macaque had something interesting to investigate... and besides. This troupe was decently talented. He didn’t mind sticking around to enjoy a few more performances of this... lovely little play.
Even if that lovely little play reminded him all too much of... unpleasant memories.
Macaque settled himself in his new hidden nook, arms behind his head and cape shifted to act as a blanket for the night. Tomorrow, he’d test that... what did the director call them? ‘Zhu’. Candle.
Heh. Cuz they lit the lantern... funny.