-|*Dream On*|-
Lenalee took the microphone from Johnny, offering him a smile and quiet thank you. She loved karaoke night at SciencePlay. The name was strange for a club, but it was the best in town and there's no way there was any other club better than this one. Licking her lips, she smiled and handed Johnny the piece of paper with her choice of song. He nodded and Lenalee walked up on stage, earning a long, loud applause from the audience. She was a regular singer here after all. SciencePlay used her for entertainment for five days a week and karaoke night was just for fun. Only, she had to sing one song and that's it for the night.
She held the mic up to her lips and waited for the music to start playing. In the meantime, Lenalee observed the crowd. There was a lot of people entire club was normally filled on Saturday night, but hey, that's to be expected. There were plenty of high schoolers and college kids. There were many new faces and there were many recognizable faces as well. Of course Komui and Reever were here, but she also found Miranda.
The music started up. Lenalee waited for a few seconds until she finally began singing.
"Once upon a time there was a girl.
You wouldn't really call her typical.
Had her own definition of cool.
She lived in her own world."
Lenalee started out fast to match the original. It was one of her favorites. She knew it by heart ever since she first heard it in high school. It was the hit song that started Road Camelot.
"She had her own style, her own rules.
She played along like it was usual.
Nobody really even knew her name.
Her life was just one big game."
Lenalee waved at Komui and Reever, but she was a little embarrassed at how overdramatic Komui was being while she sang-hooting and hollering, clapping and fist-pumping. He was sometimes way too supportive.
"She's got her head up in the clouds.
Sharada, sharada.
Don't know when she'll come down.
Sharada, sharada."
"She can't get to bed.
Sharada, sharada.
She got this song stuck in her head.
Her head (She's got this song stuck in her head.)"
Lenalee went around the stage, playfully dancing around by basically shaking her hips, but not much. She wasn't a professional dancer and she hardly knew any dance moves, so that was basically the best she could do for dancing.
"Dreaming all day-that's all she did.
Ever since she was a little kid.
All of the teachers thought that she was slow.
She was jus dreaming about her show."
Lenalee's smiled widened.
"And when they told her she was delirious
She didn't care she's just oblivious.
She likes to make everyone curious.
One day she's going to be famous!"
That's exactly what Lenalee kept telling herself, too. One day, one day soon, she'll be famous. Somehow, some way. Lenalee just hoped it was someday soon. She's been waiting for the perfect chance since she was just a child and this song inspired and motivated her in high school. Road Camelot was her female celebrity idol, but Allen Walker was her male idol. Walker is a producer, songwriter, and he owns Lenalee's favorite record agency. Walker and his company has found a lot of famous singers that are now the biggest thing and are living it large. Road Camelot was the first person he made a star. But here's the big catch, Allen Walker used to be a famous singer himself!
"She gots her head up in the clouds.
Sharada, sharada.
Don't know when she'll come down.
Sharada, sharada."
"She can't get to bed.
Shrada, sharada.
She's got this song stuck in her head.
Her head (She's got this song stuck in her head.)"
Lenalee studied the club again. At the snack bar she found a familiar face, although she's never met him before. He had white hair, a white beard with sideburns traveling up te side of his face. He had two spikes-oddly enough-on each side of his head and they were made out of his hair... The old man was the only one not jumping around or jamming to the music, but he had a small smile on his face and very serious eyes. There was only flashing lights from the stage and with a bright white light glaring into Lenalee's violet eyes, it was a miracle she could see anyone off the stage and in the crowd. But this guy...
"Sharada, sharada, sharada.
Sharada, sharada, sharada.
Sharada, sharada, sharada, da, da, da.
Sharada, sharada, sharada."
"She gots her head up in the clouds.
Sharada, sharada.
Don't know when she'll come down.
Sharada, sharada."
"She can't get to bed.
Sharada, sharada.
She's got this song stuck in her head.
Her head, her he-e-ead!"
He was sitting in a chair, leaning against the bar table, and watching Lenalee intently. His hands folded over his knee and that smile got bigger and brighter with every second.
"She gots her head up in the clouds.
Sharada, sharada.
Don't know when she'll come down.
Sharada, sharada."
"She can't get to bed.
Sharada, sharada.
She's got this song stuck in her head.
Her head, her head... her head."
As the music died down and the flashing lights stopped, the club became dimly lit with red and orange colors. Lenalee gazed at the blonde-haired man. As Lenalee walked off the stage and headed backstage, the person stood up and started walking through the crowd. Lenalee couldn't keep up and he wsa swallowed by the crowd. She searched from behind the curtains, but before she got the chance to find him someone poked her shoulder and distracted her. Nevertheless, she turned around. Komui automatically embraced her and Lenalee hugged him back.
"Lenalee, you were great!" Komui exclaimed.
"You were so good, Lenalee! It had to have been your best performance yet!" Miranda remarked.
"Thanks, guys!" Lenalee replied cheerfully, looking at Miranda. "Miranda, you should really go up there tonight. You have a wonderful voice and there's still a spot left open."
Miranda violently shook her head, shrieking. "N-no! I can't! I can't! I'll only mess it up, Lenalee! I will only make a fool of myself or break something or ruin the show!"
Lenalee sighed, putting her hands on Miranda's shoulders and staring deep into her brown eyes. "Miranda, you are a great singer. Put some faith in yourself. You know the words to many songs and you got the talent to be a singer." Said Lenalee.
"B-but Len-Lenalee, you-you're so much be-better than me!"
Lenalee was honored that Miranda thought she had a beautiful voice, but Miranda was just as good as Lenalee. It made Lenalee so mad that Miranda would doubt her singing abilities, but then, Lenalee guessed it was just Miranda's nerves. She was a very skittish and anxious person whereas Lenalee was eager and confident. Miranda was convinced she was a complete failure and had little courage or confidence. The only thing she thinks she can do right is take care of her grandfather clock at home, but Lenalee knows Miranda can sing. She can hit some high notes Lenalee only wished she could. Lenalee will find a way to help her friend become famous.
"Excuse me, Lenalee Lee?" a raspy, scratchy voice asked, causing everyone to turn around and look at the old man Lenalee saw at the snack bar earlier.
"Yes?" Lenalee asked.
"Hello, I'm Sammo Han Won from D.G.M Star Records. Lately a few of our agents have been coming to this club and we all agree that you are immensely talented." Won said, offering Lenalee a card and a small, black envelope with D.G.M Star Records written on it in gold. "The Company is holding private auditions for singers and bands. There will be a lot of competition and several judges-both agents and stars that are from the Agency-and I would like to invite you to our singing auditions, Miss. Lee."
Lenalee gasped, proudly taking both the card and envelope, staring at Won for a long time-speechless. Won only smiled. "Can I look forward to seeing you there?"
"YES!" Lenalee screamed, covering her mouth almost immediately, but Won's smile never died. "I mean, yes, of course. I just have a few questions. Umm, first, can my friend Miranda audition, too? She's really good. I mean it."
Won looked at Miranda. Said person appeared to be panicking and her eyes wandered around as she held back a squeal.
"N-no! Len-Lenalee, I lo-ove singing, but it's only-only a hobby! Just a hob-hobby! I don-don't want to-to be fa-fa-fa-fa-famous!" Miranda shouted.
"But Miranda... Fine. Can Miranda at least come with me then? For support?" Lenalee asked.
Won nodded. "All the information for any other questions you may have should be in that envelope and if there isn't any answers to your questions then just call that number. You'll be connected with Bak Chang or myself. It's unlikely that anyone else will answer the phone." he explained.
"O-okay. Thank you very much. I really appreciate this. Words can't begin to describe how I feel right now." Lenalee said.
"You're welcome. I'll see you at the auditions then." Won replied, waiting for Lenalee to respond before walking off.
Lenalee turned to her brother and Miranda, a smile as big as Mount Everest on her face. For a moment she just stood there, staring at them. Lenalee has finally gotten the opportunity she's been looking for since she was a child. She has the chance to become famous, to make a reputation. Excitement, eagerness, and anticipation filled her as she squealed, jumping up and down and hugging both Miranda and Komui.
"I can't believe this! Do you have any idea how long I've waited for this? On my God, pinch me I must be dreaming!"
"Read the letter, Lenalee! Read it now!" Komui exclaimed.
"Oh, right."
Lenalee opened the black envelope and took a deep breath. She pulled out a few pieces of paper and found the letter. Both Miranda and Komui stood behind her, reading over her shoulders. Lenalee could feel Komui squeezing her arms tightly and Miranda clinging onto her other arm like it was a lifeline. It was like she was worried this was a prank or something and who knows, it could have been, but Lenalee was going to make sure it wasn't. The letter looked authentic.
D.G.M Star Records is holding private auditions for one day only. You have been chosen as one of the select few to come perform for the Agency. You will choose three songs. One for the first audition and if three or more judges deem you worthy and talented enough to sing another song you will go to the second stage of the audition. Unlike the first stage you will sing a different song from a different artist. This time five or more judges must pass you to the third and final round. The same rules apply for the third round-different song, different artist. The judges will discuss all third-round contenders' auditions after everyone has performed and will get back to you. You are allowed to bring instruments to help you perform. For those who do not wish to bring their instruments we will offer you a selection of instruments to choose from if you so desire. You are also allowed to bring music on a CD or video cassette. You are also allowed to sing without any music in the background.
This is an opportunity for singers and bands to have a chance at being famous, but there are rules you must follow. Any crazy, silly, ridiculous stunts or actions taken will have you disqualified. This will NOT be on TV, but there will be cameras recording all auditions for later viewing. Any physical violence will have you thrown out and only get you disqualified from the auditions. During auditions you must be dressed in appropriate clothing.
Auditions will be held Wednesday, April 3, starting at 7:00 AM and ending at 12:00 AM (midnight). You must be registered by 12:00 PM for your audition and there will be no other day to audition for D.G.M Star Records. No exceptions. The place auditions are being held is at D.G.M Star Records' Facility, in building 4, in Mater. The judges will be waiting in room # 3B on the second floor. Instruments will be held in room # 4A. All participants will be waiting in the following rooms: The Lobby, room #'s 6A,7A,8A, 3C,5C, and 2D, and the halls. In order to get into the auditions you must bring your ticket. Without it you will not be given access to the building. All other guidelines are in the papers in the envelope. Please read over them and D.G.M Star Records is looking forward to seeing you.
Best of luck!
Sincerely,
Allen Walker
"Well, that was rather brief and explanatory." Komui muttered.
"But it doesn't explain what the auditions are for." Lenalee uttered, reading through all the papers. "I mean, I'm proud to have been chosen, but what will I be auditioning for? That's a vital fact they should have mentioned."
"They're a music Agency. It's likely there's a recording contract involved."
"Maybe... I guess I'll read all the papers and write down questions as I go along. I want to know what I'm getting myself into." Lenalee said sternly, but a smile graced her lips the entire time.
Allen sighed, staring at his the list of all the selected singers and bands that had been offered to come audition. He wondered how many people would show up and how many would be disqualified. This wasn't the first time they've held private auditions for recording contracts and training singers' voices and abilities, so he knew what crazy things may happen. He tried making his letter to the chosen people very curt and explicit. It was mostly rules and guidelines, and the details, for the auditions. He's learned to make sure he had everything in it and make it very clear to them what they can or cannot do. However, this will be the first time he'll be judging the participants face-to-face and not from another room and watching them on the cameras. He'll make more decisions this time and he'll express his opinions. He planned on being very truthful, positive, and blunt, and he's going to give criticism and advice. He won't go for any nonsense. This was the music business and it's tough to get in it. Some people make it look easy, and for some it's extremely easy to get into, but for others it's difficult.
"What are you looking for this time, Allen?"
Allen looked up from his list and stared at the familiar redhead. He knew this redhead for a long time and it was also because of Allen he had got the fame he wanted. It's been a few years since the fiery-haired friend entered the music world and Allen knew this guy was going to stick around for a long time.
"I'm not looking for anything in particular, Lavi. You should know that." Allen said, leaning back in his chair, closing his eyes as the air conditioner from above blew fresh, cold, welcoming air onto him. "Why would you ask that?"
"This is the first time you are going to be judging in person. That's why. You must be looking for something this year." Lavi remarked, getting off the red couch and pacing around the room until he was beside Allen. He slammed his hand on the table, scrutinizing Allen, a mere inch away from his face. "You're trying to find someone who can surpass her. Am I right?"
Allen's eyes shot open and Lavi smirked, knowing he hit the bullseye. Allen narrowed his eyes. It was too bad the bullseye was also a sensitive topic for Allen. Allen pushed Lavi away and shot him a threatening look that warned Lavi he was ready to let his fist make physical contact with Lavi's jaw. After a moment, Allen sighed and regained his calm demeanor, blinking away his tiredness.
"There's a lot of talent out there, but I intend to find the best. One day, I will find someone who can... Lavi, I am merely doing my job. I search for upcoming artists and I prepare them for fame. I produce music and make singers stars. That's all I do. None of this is connected to her. I enjoy what I do. Music is my passion." Allen said firmly.
"Really?" Lavi asked raising his eyebrow in inquiry. "Then why did you quit?"
Allen shook his head. "I don't want to talk about that."
"You never do."
"Look, Lavi, I'm done singing. That's final."
Lavi stared at Allen for a long time. When Allen rubbed his eyes and stood up, slipping his jacket on and turned off his desk lamp, Allen left the room and Lavi followed. He knew Allen was going home. It was late and way past both their bedtimes. Lavi also let the subject drop. Allen quit singing a long time ago and he knew that as long as what's irking Allen continues to haunt him, he'll never come back as a musician.
Lavi was searching for someone special this year too. Someone who could help his friend. Lavi owed Allen, and the had a specific idea in mind to return the favor. The guy needed peace of mind. In Lavi's opinion he thinks Allen needs to get laid and get wild, or high. But Allen tends to stay away from alcohol and he wasn't a sex-craved bastard. He didn't even care much about the money he earns. Drugs like tobacco or illegal drugs like meth or cocaine was also a major no-no for Allen. Allen Walker was a clean and honest person. He deserved so much, but never got it because something happened a few years back. That's why a change was necessary.
"Good night, Lavi." Allen muttered.
"See ya later, beansprout."
"Don't call me that!"
Alright, new story. As of now I have no intentions of other pairings other than RoadxAllen and LenaleexAllen. Also, there may be M rated content later on, so watch for that. I hope you guys will enjoy this story like my other ones! Please review to let me know what you think and you know, the usual... Constructive criticism would be appreciated. Thanks!
Warning: Story title may change.
Song: Sharada by Skye Sweetnam
Disclaimer: I do not own -man!
