Dancing on Strings

The Black Rabbit

"Might I borrow one of your ornaments?" he asked and she gave him a look that told him she expected a common act of thievery. He chuckled. "Nothing of value or of meaning. A simple ribbon from your hair will do, I shall give it back."

Mai eyed him, then pulled a ribbon loose and walked over, handing it to him.

"Thank you," he said and tied the ribbon around the doll's neck.

He then opened the front of the box.

He pushed the marionette inside and closed the door before picking up his cane.

He stood in front of the box, set the tip of the cane to the left hand side on the floor, then swept it across the ground, sparks flaring in its wake making people gasp before he slammed the cane down and fireworks shot upwards from the floor, out of nowhere, bursting into brilliant flowers of colour above them, making people clap and cheer.

"I don't have to do all this drama," The Black Rabbit whispered to Mai, leaning down to speak in low confidential tones, "But people do love a bit of dazzle."

"I believe you," Mai muttered.

"A star like yourself would know best," he said. Mai looked at him quickly and he smiled and pulled away, straightening, clapping his hands. "I think that's enough time! Are you ready for a little magic?"

He ushered for Mai to take a step back as he walked to the side of the box. He gave the door a polite knock.

"Are you ready in there?" he called and the crowd politely laughed, until someone on the other side knocked back.

He smiled, unlatched the box and pulled the door open.

Mai stepped out.

No, not Mai – because she was stood to the side, dressed in red with ornamental flowers in her hair.

But someone who looked like Mai... who looked exactly like Mai only dressed in blue, black hair left loose and with a slim ribbon around her neck, swept out of the box, looking around, her eyes wide and innocent – and ever so slightly empty.

Everyone stared in silence, leaning forwards in their seats as the Fake-Mai stopped in the centre of the stage and The Black Rabbit wheeled the box out of the way so everyone could see her.

He walked back out of the shadows, stopping beside Mai and folding his arms, admiring his creation.

"Not bad, if I do say so myself," he said and the audience burst into applause.

They didn't even know what they were looking at but they cheered.

Mai didn't know what she was looking at but she swept forwards, staring at the girl who had her face.

The girl looked back at her and The Black Rabbit was suddenly between them, holding up his hands and stopping Mai.

"Not too close," he said, smiling, "You'll ruin the magic."

"How did you do that?" Mai said, staring at him.

"A magician never reveals his—"

"You can't just imitate the faces of royals," Mai hissed as the Fake-Mai lifted her skirts and started walking around the circle so people in the stands had a better look at her and saw for themselves just how perfect a recreation she... it was.

"You can't if you intend to use it for ill-purpose but come the end of the show she will simply turn back into a mannequin, nothing to fear."

"You'll forgive me if I'm a tad suspicious to see someone recreate me so easily," Mai snapped.