Prologue

Come One, Come All!

Come Join us at Murmurs of the Past!

Lose Yourself in the Foggy Atmosphere of Old London!

Delight in the Antics of Adorable Street Beggars Begging for Food!

Come Experience an Adventure of a Life Time!

Sasori read the brief invitation that he had been cordially invited too. His best friend, Deidara, an architect had sent him the invite. However much Sasori hated Deidara and however silly a London Victorian theme park sounded, Sasori wanted to get away. His incompetent employees were running him ragged and business was running in molasses as of late.

It was time for a vacation.

Throwing the invitation on his large desk, Sasori rung up his secretary. When the woman finally picked up, Sasori was beyond ticked.

"Empty everything for this week. I need a vacation."

"Are you sure Sasori-san? You'll be extremely busy next week."

Sasori let out a hiss of displeasure. "Just do it woman. You know I'm not a patient man."

"Alright Sasori-san."

Sasori hung up and dialed another number. After three rings the owner picked up.

"Ai Danna, I thought you would never call yeah!"

"Deidara, if you only picked up so I could hear your incessant boasting then I'll hang up on you. Don't make me regret my decision."

"Of course not Danna. So are you going yeah?"

"Yes. I'll go nuts at this rate if I don't take a vacation. When's the next airship scheduled to shuttle in?"

"Well you called at the right moment yeah. Someone just cancelled and left a lot on the ship open and it's a suite. I can give it to you and put in a word for you yeah. It's supposed to leave tomorrow."

"Put me on. How much is it?"

"Don't worry Danna yeah. I'll talk to the manager and get something worked out. You have no idea how many people are vying for this spot Sasori. You're lucky I know you un."

"Hm. I'll meet you tomorrow and call me if you can't get the manager to agree to your schemes."

"I'm glad you accepted Danna, you'll have the time of your life hm."


The sun was far from up in London.

The foggy mists hung in the air, thick with moisture, and clung to the chipped brick buildings. Wisps of white floated to the ground, blanketing London in a thick fog. Sleep filled the empty void, mimicking death.

A figure cloaked in black stepped onto the broken cobblestones, taking large harking steps. His long and wild hair stuck out in jagged angles yet swayed delicately. The night had just begun for him and the fun was just beginning.

Tucking a tightly rolled package neatly under the crook of his right arm, he set off. Tattered posters hung on the dark brick advertising his name, warning others of his presence should they ever be unfortunate enough to encounter him.

The Phantom. Few saw and even fewer lived. After all, he was meticulous. Watching the empty streets, the shadow continued. The world was dead.

Finally reaching the obscure entrance to the clock tower, he slipped in with enough grace to put a cat to shame. Climbing up the flights of stairs, careful to avoid certain areas, the figure pushed open the door to the roof with a gloved hand.

The misty fog dampened his unruly hair and parted at his presence. The gently sloped roof of the tall clock tower would make a wonderful stage to broadcast his bold message.

Unfolding the paper package he had clung to earlier, he pulled out the round object and impaled it upon the spire. Smiling at the handiwork, he leapt off the edge of the roof. Anyone ordinary would have died but the figure was from ordinary. Barely disturbing the white fog on the ground, the man disappeared into the depths of the city.

Hours later the screams of the watch keeper would wake all of London up. A severed head would soon be taken down from the spire by a brave constable. A notice would be issued for the third murder in a week.

Along with the head came a note, bearing an ominous message that would soon send centuries of time to be woven together.

Some fear me,

Some worship me,

But none know me better than the little bird that sings caged from me.

For the time is near, and the little bird will soon sing,

By my side,

Forever mine.


A/N: Well that's the prologue for you. I got this idea from a book I read a while ago called Past World. This AU is a little out there. First placing them in a different world to start off, then sending them into another ancient Western style one. Gets a little stifling I guess, but please review. Those things fuel my writing.