Stage of Illusions: Stage Training

[x-wolfcub.livejournal.com]

Later, Professor Sefton helps the lead in the show with a unique problem.



Nicholas Gleason's eyes were darting all around the small amphitheater. His chest heaved up and down as his animal instincts tried to kick in, telling him to run for the door, get out into the wild. It took him a few shakes of his snout before he was in control of himself to talk in a growl. "I'm ready." In all of his years of doing plays in school, Nick never thought that he'd be on the stage as a werewolf. Even more shocking was the fact that it was on purpose. Still trying to gain full control of himself, Nick scanned the stage in front of him for his professor.

Kurt stepped out of the wings with a nod. "Very good, Nick. How are you feeling?"

Nick took a deep breath in, but was sure that he was winning the battle. The screams in his mind to run had gone down to mere whispers at this point. "Still a bit shaky. But ok."

"Excellent progress." He smiled. "And the wolf form does not want to attack me at all?"

"No." Kurt's scent had been stored in the wolf half of his brain, and knew that he was not there to hurt him, although he hadn't been around Kurt as much as Catseye, so the calming effect wasn't as pronounced. His eyes began to pull towards the seats of the auditorium. "But I'm a little afraid." He swallowed hard. "All those people."

"It is a fair concern", Kurt allowed. "Would you like to try it with more people here, as a dry run?"

Nick closed his eyes, trying to picture the theater full of people. The wolf's survival instincts began to cause his heart to pump. "You think I'm ready?"

"I think now is the time to find out", was the gentle response. "And if it turns out you are not, you know I can get you away."

"Break first?" Even with the professor's reassurance, Nick still wasn't overly confident in himself. Sweat was beginning to build up on his brow as he tried to bury the fears away from his animal side.

"Of course." He stepped towards the boy, trying to project more reassurance. "Turn back now, if the stress is too much."

Nick quickly shrank back into his human form, his fur retracting into his body. As the heels of his true feet hit the ground, he took in several deep breaths before opening his eyes and finding Professor Sefton again. "Thank you professor."

"It is what I am here for. Just let me know when you are ready to begin again... but perhaps a cup of tea before that."

"That would be much appreciated." Hobbling closer to his professor, Nick found his eyes lingering on the ground. "Professor, I hope you don't mind me asking you a question, but why do you have so much faith in me with this part?" It had been a question lingering in his mind since the cast list had been posted."

"Why would I not?" Kurt asked honestly. "I have usually found that where faith is placed, the recipient tries harder to earn it. And see how well you have done so far."

So far was the words that rattled around for the boy. "I appreciate it, but I just thought it would be a lot easier if you were to cast Julian, or you know, one of the other guys who wouldn't go all crazy."

"But you are the one we want for the role, not one of the other guys." He reached over and patted Nick's shoulder. "If you do not feel you can do it by the dress rehearsal, I promise, we will find an understudy. But try a little longer?"

"I want to do it. I just..." Dropping his voice slightly, Nick turned back towards Sefton. "Are you sure you can teleport me out if need be?"

"Very sure", Kurt told him firmly. "And I will be watching all along, you will only have to ask."

Nick forced himself to smile again as he nodded, feeling more confident in the professor's assurance. "I think I'm ready to give it a shot if you want to call the others in." But the boy quickly held his hands up in front of him in defense. "But you better make sure they haven't eaten recently."

"I will make sure to ask", Kurt promised, heading towards the edge of the stage. "I will be back soon, then."

"Thanks professor." Taking in a deep breath Nick settled himself in the center of the stage. "Here we go." As the boy began to shift back into his wolf form, suddenly a new thought entered his head. How was he going to remember his blocking as a wolf?