Buwaha! Fear my new fanfic! This is breaking new grounds for me, people. Not only is it yaoi and romance centered, it's AU! I totally rule! Buwaha! Buwaha! Buwahaha!
coughs Now, onto stuff that doesn't make me sound like a ranting psycho loser. You know, warnings an' stuff. I know this may get VERY OOC. 'Specially on the part of Dark and Krad. And Takeshi. And Risa. But god dammit, I needed people to FILL those roles! And it's far more amusing to see characters you know and love in these roles! You WILL get over it, now that I have warned you. As for the main little kiddos- Phantom(Satoshi), Daisuke, and Riku- they'll be more in character. Or, at least, as in character as they can be stuck in a different universe in completely different roles. o.o
And be forewarned, this isn't going to follow the musical exactly. It will in the beginning (because I have a copy of the SCRIPT, SUCKAS!), but then I will take it wherever the hell I want to. No complainers, no whiners. But those kind of comments are welcome. I love to laugh at stupidity, as I am often caught being stupid myself. It's nice to know there are bigger idoits out there then me.
Oh, and if this idea has already been done, I wouldn't know. I haven't really been reading DN Angel as of late, I was just watching the DVD from Netflix (THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD! NETFLIX IS MY GOD! GO GET IT! DVDS! DVDS!), and then afterward, I was listening to PotO music. And the two just clicked. So, if there are others out there, I am sorry. Give me the link, and I'll be sure to make sure there are lightyears between our two fanfictions. I really don't mean to copy. And I hate the very idea this might be possible. So please, inform me, kay? 'Coz really, I don't read much DN Angel. I just like to write it. XP
Okay, now for the little disclaimer so I don't get angry comments/hate mail/lawyers at my door. I don't own NOTHING. All characters from DN Angel are not mine, as is the plot to Phantom of the Opera. If you think I own any of this, kindly check yourself into the happy white house, not the Presidential kind, 'coz they don't believe a word you say there. And I REALLY don't like lawyers. Even though I do like going to court. Don't ask. O.o
Angel of Music
Act 1- Think of Me
Act 1, Scene 1
"Okay!" Yelled a man, clutching a small, poorly-bound book in one hand, and curving his other hand over his mouth to amplify his voice. "Act 3 is what we're starting! ACT 3, PEOPLE!"
The opera house was busting at the seams with all of the people running frantically back and forth. Dancers stepped daintily in a white powder while others stretched. Two men carried a large prop to the back of the theater. Two girls giggled behind the curtain, dressed head to toe in their costumes. A pompous-looking man stood in the middle of it all, decked out in such a costume it was near the point of ridiculous. The gold and purple of his outfit glinted in the light of the theater, outlining his pompous smirk. His dark brown hair was hidden beneath the headpiece given, he made it clear that he commanded all around him, making said point felt with a diva air. Another very diva-looking individual, a woman in an elaborate costume of gold and blue holding a prop severed head, put one hand on her hips, swinging the head back and forth, looking around annoyed, her brunette hair combed back carefully, gold pieces strung throughout her hair.
The stage they all bustled about on stood brightly lit, the dark wooded floors reflecting well the candles hidden at the front of the stage. The orchestra tuned in their pit, an abused looking conductor watching them with a careful gaze, commenting every now and then with a tired air. Beyond him, a sea of seats made of red crushed velvet with golden trimmings. The matching red walls and golden-looking pillars offset the most breath-taking part of the theater- the brightly lit chandler that hung high overhead. The cherubs and angels carved onto the walls watched over the busy theater. The conductor looked at the people on the stage.
"Monsieur Takeshi, La Harada, please, from the top," He asked, tapping his stand. La Harada nodded, and stood center stage, holding the severed head in front of her, her face contorting into one of victory.
"This trophy from our saviours, from the enslaving force of Rome!" She cried triumphantly, people still moving and constructing the set behind her. The chorus makes their entrance onto the stage, their costumes shining in the light of the theater.
"With feasting and dancing and song, tonight in celebration we greet the victorious throng, returned to bring salvation!" Came the voices of the girls as they danced in, waving their hands and shaking their hips to the rhythm of the song, the little beads of gold hanging off their wrists and ankles chiming together as they moved.
"The trumpets of Carthage resound ! Hear, Romans, now and tremble! Hark to our step on the ground!" Cried the voices of the males as they danced in as well, moving boldly and triumphantly.
"Hear the drums- Hannibal comes!" They sang in unison, freezing in place. Monsieur Takeshi made his way to the middle of the stage, a sad look on his angular face as all the attention was focused only on him.
"Sad to return to find the land we love threatened once more by Roma's far-reaching grasp..." He said, his hand gripped tightly around his prop sword.
"No, no NO! Good monsieur, it is ROME, not Roma! We say Rome, not Roma!" Reyer raved, tapping the mess out of his music stand. Takeshi drew himself up, glaring down Reyer.
"Well," He began, "I say Roma, and so it shall be!" He turned around to the cast, and yelled, "ROMA! ROMA!" He roared, taking his sword out and pointing it toward the cast. Reyer buried his face in his hands, shaking his head.
"Why does the good God curse me with such a star...?" He muttered to himself as he tapped out the image of the cross on his torso, earning snickers from those close enough to hear him. And through the hustle and bustle of this dress rehearsal, stood two bewildered, well-dressed men, and a tired-looking man, dressed as if prepared for a trip.
"This, fine gentlemen, is the Opera Populaire." Said the tired-looking gentleman with a weak, loving smile as he held out his arm, ignoring Monsieur's Takeshi's outburst as if it were normal. "In the middle of the dress rehearsal for Chalumeau's 'Hannibal', of course. It opens tonight." He added offhandedly. One of the bewildered gentlemen lightly hit the other on the arm, his handsome face forming into a smile. This one had wild, yet at the same time oddly tamed purple hair, his top hat simply smushing his hair into a matted mess at the top. His dark suit offset his brilliant red eyes perfectly, and despite the mismatch of the hat, he was strikingly handsome
"I told you this was a good idea, Krad! This will make us so much money, we can swim in it!" He whispered eagerly to his partner, a proud and greedy grin spread across his face. The other one smiled back. His golden eyes scanned his new property, calculating and observant. His hair was almost the exact same as his partner's except a beautiful golden color and longer, however just as wild yet tamed. He had a navy blue suit, finely cut and pressed. He had no hat, which was for the best. The tired-looking man looked to the partners.
"Monsieurs, tell me, it is through the junk business you accumulated so much money, no?" He asked, curiously. The blond one called Krad, sighed.
"SCRAP metal, good sir Kousuke. Scrap metal. And, if it is not out of place to ask," Krad asked, looking at the tired man called Kousuke carefully, "Why is it you leave the Opera Populaire?"
"Ah, forgive me, monsieur." He apologized, simply addressing his first statement and ignoring the second. Krad raised a questioning eyebrow.
Over to the side, the dancers spun around and leaped in time with the music, which had started up once more, and those who doubled as part of the chorus sang while they all danced in rhythm. Dark looked at them curiously, interested in his new property as well.
"You seem to have quite a good bit of male dancers," commented Dark in uncertain manner. "It is quite an unusual sight." Kousuke nodded.
"It is part of the interest drawn to our operas." He said, waving a hand in the air. One of them absent-mindedly fell out of step, and a woman who had been watching the dancers like a hawk, snapped her head in his direction. The woman did not look too terribly old- she looked not far over 20, 30 at the most. Her short light brown hair was swept into a small bun at the back of her head, her brows furrowed in anger at the young man.
"You, Daisuke Niwa! Concentrate!" She barked. His crimson eyes go wide at his mistake, and quickly falls back into step, his matching crimson locks bouncing up and down with his movements. His face looks almost as if it were on fire with the boy's cheeks burning in embarrassment.
"That boy, who is he, Kousuke?" Dark asks, a laugh on his face from the boy's mistake.
"Daisuke Niwa."
"Niwa?" Krad asked, curious. "Any relation to the famous violinist?"
"His only son. He came to here after his father's death. Has his head in the clouds, poor boy. Madame Emiko can be quite the tyrant. However, it is simply a sign of her dedication and love of the dance. And don't be fooled. She loves the boy like her own child," Kousuke says, shaking his head with a slight chuckle. The chorus and dancers parted the stage.
"Bid welcome to Hannibal's guests -the elephants of Carthage! As guides on our conquering quests, Dido sends Hannibal's friends!" They sang. A large mechanical replica made its way through the parted chorus, its head lifting and shifting in jerky motions. Certain cast members make their way to Takeshi, who is lifted to the top of the elephant, grinning triumphantly. La Harada made her way to the side of the elephant, looking up at Takeshi with glowingly happy eyes.
"Once more to my welcoming arms my love returns in splendour!" She sang as she outstretched her arms toward Takeshi. Takeshi looked down at her, still grinning happily.
"Once more to those sweetest of charms my heart and soul surrender!" He sang. The chorus made their way around the elephant and La Harada, leaping and spinning as one.
"The trumpeting elephants sound hear, Romans, now and tremble! Hark to their step on the ground hear the drums! Hannibal comes!" The sang at a crescendo, and all stopped.
At the end of this phrase, Kousuke straightened his back and clapped his hands together. "Silence, please! Yes, everyone! M. Reyer, please quiet the orchastra..." Reyer looked at him, annoyed at the interruption, but quieted the orchestra. Everyone around him slowly stopped what they were doing, and looked at him. Takeshi was taken off the elephant, and it was led off stage. Kousuke smiled fondly at them all. "You may have heard rumor of my retirement." There came sounds of acknowledgment, and many pairs of eyes studied him carefully. He paused, closed his eyes tightly, and then opened them, a look of bitter-sweet on his face. "The rumors are true. I am now pleased to announce the new owners of the Opera Populaire, Monsieurs Dark Mousy and Krad Hikari." Polite applause meets his statement, and far to the side of the stage, money exchanges hands. Takeshi smirks to himself, and makes sticks himself out a bit, making his presence known, as does La Harada. Kousuke motions to La Harada. "Gentlemen, our leading soprano, Signora Risa Harada. And Monsieur Takeshi, our leading tenor for five years straight." Krad gives a short bow
"Of course. I have seen your greatest triumphs, Monsieur Takeshi, La Harada." Krad said, straightening back up. Dark follows him in a sweeping bow.
"I cannot attest to my fellow's claims, but I have seen one or two of your roles, Monsieur Takeshi." Dark said. Krad looked to Takeshi with a small smile.
"If I am correct, senor, Hannibal has a stirring song within in this act to his love before departing. Would you do us a favor as the new managers, and give us a private rendition?" He asks, tilting his head slightly. Takeshi smiled slightly.
"If my manager commands..." He said, faking a slight tone of a humble quality. "Monsieur Reyer?" He said sharply, turning to the abused conductor.
"If my diva commands..." Reyer muttered darkly. "Is three bars of introduction sufficient?" He said, looking at Takeshi, tapping his stand once more as the orchestra prepared. Takeshi nodded. Reyer raised his baton. "Senor?"
"Maestro."
The music began. Keeping at a soft level, the piano played the first bars as Takeshi opened his mouth and began to sang.
"Think of me,
Think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye!
Remember me, once in while,
Promise me you'll try!
When you find that once agai..." Takeshi never got to finish. A chorus girl screeched as the backdrop fell violently from the ceiling, barely missing Takeshi by mere inches. His mouth frozen open for a few seconds in pure terror, Takeshi composed himself as his new managers and his old one rushed over.
"He's here!" Screamed one of the girls in pure horror, her hands brought up to her face and covering her mouth. "He's here, the phantom of the opera! It is the ghost!" The cast stirred, the girls huddling together in a frightened, shaking mass and the men trying their best to stand tall, but with obvious looks of apprehension and fear on every inch of their faces.
"Monsieur! Monsieur Takeshi, are you alright?" Krad asked, eyes widened. Kousuke looked up at the man a few levels up. He looked slightly dirty, and a bit overweight. In his hand, he held a snapped rope, mangled in a way the resembled a noose.
"Buquet!" He snapped. "Buquet!"
"Monsieur?" He answered, calmly.
"Buquet, what happened?" Kousuke asked.
"I do not know, good monsieur. I was not at my post..." He said, trailing off as he flicked the piece of rope in his hand, and sick, amused smile forming on his lips. "Perhaps, monsieur, it was a ghost?"
"He's there!" Came a girl different then the one who had screamed, pointing a shaking finger toward the bridge-like walkways on which Buquet was suspended. "The phantom of the opera!" The cast muttered in agreement. One of the women fainted.
"Good god, woman, calm down!" Krad snapped. "There is no such thing as ghosts!"
"These things do happen, monsieur..." Dark said to Takeshi, attempting to be helpful. Takeshi's eyes widened in anger, and he ripped his head dress off his head and threw it to the ground.
"THESE THINGS DO HAPPEN? SI! THESE THINGS DO HAPPEN!" He shrieked at them, balling his fist and waving it in their faces. "WELL, UNTIL YOU STOP THESE THINGS," Takeshi pointed a shaking finger toward himself. "THIS THING DOES NOT HAPPEN!" He said, screeching the last bit, his words reverberating on the walls. He stormed off the stage toward the exit, a few personal assistants following the man on his rampage out the door. Risa smirked and waved a hand toward the new managers as she turned to go to her dressing room.
"Amateurs. Seniors, you have much to learn!" She said airly, and walked off, her own personal assistants in tow. Kousuke turned to the men, a fake encouraging smile on his face.
"Well, monsieurs, I don't believe there is a thing I can do to help you! If you need me, I shall be in Germany. Good day!" He said quickly, and made a hasty exit out the door. Krad and Dark looked at each other, each with a different form of worry on his face.
"Monsieur Takeshi...will...be back?" Dark said, uncertainty dripping off his voice.
"You believe it so? I have a letter from the opera ghost." Madame Emiko says lightly, holding up a piece of crisp paper between her fingers with a broken, blood-red seal on it. Krad glared at the woman.
"Dear God, you all are obsessed!" He exclaimed, narrowing his eyes into thin lines as if challenging her to deny. Emiko, unfazed, opens the letter, and looks from the paper to the new managers, an unreadable expression on her face.
"He wishes to welcome you to his opera house..." She started, and Dark balled his hands into fists.
"HIS opera house?" He hissed. Not skipping a beat, Emiko continues.
"And he would like to inform you he has a monthly salary to be paid, and it is due. AND," She said, making this word heard before the men could say something, "He would like you to know that his box is to be left unoccupied for his use tonight."
"A salary? You pay a MADMAN who pretends to be a ghost a SALARY?" Dark yelled, throwing his hat down on the ground. The hair bunched up in it fell loose, and most fell around his eyes, making the deep red glare from beneath the hair seem all the more frightening.
"Not me, Monsieur Kousuke did. Perhaps," She said, a small smile forming on her face, "With your new patron, you can easily afford more?" The cast stirred at this new information, glances exchanged as the people muttered.
"We had hoped to divulge this information ourselves, good madame." Krad said, dryly, running a hand through his hair from nerves. "Yes, the Opera Populaire has a new patron, a one Riku de Chagny." The cast stirred once more. The red-head Daisuke's head perked up at the information.
"Riku..." He said quietly to himself, a small happy smile forming on his lips and his eyes slid out of focus. A small blush formed on his face. A boy standing next to Daisuke looked at him oddly. This boy's hair was red as well, almost the exact shade as Daisuke's. His eyes were also strikingly similar, but were a darker red in color. There was one major difference between them- the boy was much taller, and built slightly different then Daisuke. Also, their faces were dissimilar...except they had the exact same smile and nose.
"Something wrong, Daisuke?" He asked. Daisuke did nothing. The boy waved his hand in front of his face. "Daisuke?" The boy's face curved into a mischevious smile. "Daisuki?" The boy said, a trace of laughter in his voice. Daisuke's head snapped up and turned to the boy, the slight tinge still on his face.
"You did it again, Wit...Daiki." Daisuke said, stumbling then catching himself on his choice of name. The boy simply smiled, and soon did Daisuke, the previous question being all but ignored as they focused their attention to the dilemia up front.
Dark ran his fingers through his hair.
"Dammit, Krad, who's going to sing tonight?" He exclaimed, his face lined with worry.
"Was there an understudy?" Krad asked Reyer desperately. "Anyone at all who can sing it?" Reyer snorted.
"Monsieur! An understudy? Takeshi knows NOT this word. There IS no understudy." He said, tapping his stand once more.
"A whole house, Krad! We will have to refund a full house!" Dark said desperately.
"Daisuke Niwa can sing the part, monsieurs." Madame Emiko said, tilting her head slightly and extending her hand to him. Daisuke turned red.
"E...eh?" Was all the boy could spit out. Daiki snickered. Dark ignored Madame Emiko completely, starting to pace.
"A full house! Dammit!" He said, lost in his own world. Krad, however, heard Emiko and cocked an eyebrow.
"The Niwa boy?" He repeated.
"He has been well-trained." Madame Emiko said sternly, no question in her voice. Dark finally stopped pacing.
"Well then!" He exclaimed, still sounding a little frantic. "Let the damn boy sing!" Krad looked over to Daisuke, who was still scarlet.
"Will you sing Monsieur Takeshi's song?" Krad questioned, doubt lining his words. After all, this boy was small- how could he pull off such a powerful song?
Daisuke simply nodded. He stood there for a bit, until Daiki pushed him out, laughing at the boy. The cast, starting to relax, snickered a bit.
"Go, Daisuki!" He said in a low whisper, smiling at their private joke. Reyer simply rolled his eyes, and started the music. The piano played as Daisuke stumbled into place.
Then something happened to the red-headed boy. His eyes closed for a second, and then they opened, with the gentle and pleading feelings the song expressed radiating from him. His every movement, his every look reflected the very heart of the song. He became the very being that the song was, that the character was, all traces of Daisuke Niwa gone. He was now Hannibal. He smiled a smile of sweet sorrow, and began to sing.
"Think of me,
Think of me fondly
When we've said goodbye!
Remember me, once in while,
Promise me you'll try!
When you find that once again you longed to take your heart back and be free,
If you ever find a moment,
Spare a thought for me!" He sang. The piano stopped playing. The theater was dead silent.
"I believe...we have found our understudy." Krad said slowly, grinning for the first time that day.
End Act 1, Scene 1
End of Act 1
Whee! First chapter is done! I'm so proud...now, on small details like Riku's name and such, know that I really don't care, this is an alternate universe, and you can just suck it up. I'm not following PotO or DN Angel to the exact T. This is MY AU, and you can deal. o.o
Things will get a little more intresting later on...so, favorite this sucker! Review! SHOW ME LOVE! MOTIVATE ME TO WRITE! NYAH HA!