PARADISE X
Disclaimer: I don't own any of X's characters. They belong to the wonderful women of CLAMP. And I also don't own any of the songs in this fic.
Warnings: shonen-ai, oocness(I think), coarse language, and future violence
Pairings: Fuuma/Kamui, Seishirou/Subaru, Yuuto/Karen, Sorata/Arashi, hints of other pairings.
Summery: AU, boy band. Need I say more? Okay how's this? Kamui reveals a talent he himself never knew, a talent that is gonna change the music world.
Whoa over a year *hides behind a door* hee hee, hope everyone enjoy this. Anyone have any song suggestions?
Stage 2: GATHERING CHOIR
Kamui looked at the paper in his hands given to him by Nokoru. A small table was printed on it with 4 rows of blank spaces – 5 to be exact, but he already filled one row already and the other was left blank – and 6 columns each with different headings; the 'Member's Name', their 'Stage Name', their 'Role' in the band, the 'Main Instrument' they play, 'Other Instruments' that they can play (did it really matter?), and the most weird one – at least to Kamui – was the member's 'Fav. Style of Clothing' to wear.
Adding additional rows was allowed if more members than the allotted amount on the paper were to join. There was a limit of course, but he thought 5 in a band was enough; he didn't want to overdue it. He checked over his own answers and nodded with approval.
At the top was a large empty space for the name of his band. He hadn't thought of one yet, and decided to consult with his future band mates on the matter. He was alone in the house at the moment; his aunt had overtime at work, his sister was still helping out at the local church, and Freya -the family persocom- was with her twin sister Chii –who belonged to a family friend. They wouldn't be home until dinner, but that didn't really matter since it was his turn to cook tonight anyways.
Laying the paper down on the table, he went to the kitchen to prepare the meal; they would be having Hawaiian fried rice this evening. It was during the middle of his cooking that he heard the door open and the padding of slippers on the floor. Judging by the sounds of the footsteps, he concluded that it was his sister who had just entered. Her steps were heavier than Tokiko's due to her love of wearing boots all the time, so he was able to tell.
A face framed with fiery red locks peeked into the kitchen and saw her darling little brother (and best friend) cooking something that looked like fried rice – no wait, it was fried rice.
"My, so we're going Hawaiian tonight Kamu-chan? Sounds great and it smells great too!" Kamui smiled in reply, though he wished she would stop calling him that childish name. He was 15 years old for heaven's sake!
"Ane-san since you're here at the moment, can you help set the table? I'm almost done, and Tokiko-san and Freya should be here soon."
"Sure thing kiddo." Kamui twitched at that, but didn't say anything. So for the next half hour they spoke of how each of their days went – he excluded the part about his audition, wanting to wait until their guardian and maid came home, so he didn't have to repeat himself – until the front door opened again, signaling that their aunt had finally arrived. The sound of a second pair of feet followed, indicating that Freya was home as well.
"Tadaima (I'm home)," Freya's monotone voice rang out.
"Tadaima, Kamui, Karen! Waah, dinner smells wonderful!" Tokiko exclaimed as she let the delicious aroma guide her straight to the kitchen; Freya silently following behind.
Never mind about changing her clothes right now, Tokiko's hungry stomach was telling her to fill it back up. What awaited her in the dinning room were her two wards sitting quietly in their chairs next to each other, and a long oval tray of Hawaiian fried race on top of basil leaves. On her side was a glass of Tai iced tea, while the two siblings had water with lemon.
"Okaeri nasai (welcome back) Freya, Tokiko-san/Obasan," Karen and Kamui greeted her respectfully, though the youngest took a moment before realizing what he had just said, horrified at the grave mistake he had just made. Immediately he felt his cheeks being painfully pinched by a fuming aunt.
"Your sister is 22 and I'm only 3 years older than her. Do you think I'm old enough to be called 'Obasan' just yet?" And to put more emphasis on her point, she put more pressure on his cheeks. Karen just watched everything with an amusement look while Freya gave a bored one.
"Gomen nasai (I'm sorry) Tokiko-san, I won't do it again!"
"Apology accepted," his guardian replied as she released her hold on him. Kamui whimpered as he rubbed his sore cheeks. His aunt could be violent when provoked. "Alright, let's say Grace before we eat. Freya, please lead."
"Hai (yes)."
And so they prayed, with Kamui silently praying for both his stinging cheeks and his aunt's temper.
::X/1999::
Karen glanced over the paper Kamui had given to her after his big announcement. To say she was shocked was an understatement; she was practically delighted! To think her precious baby brother was starting to grow up, as he was finally in the big leagues – well not quite yet as he still had many things to accomplish, but that was another issue aside. Tokiko was the happiest of all and practically 'crushed' Kamui in a very tight bear hug. Freya had been the one to get her young master out of his predicament, yet Tokiko hardly noticed as she was still shouting to the heavens that she was right to wager on the boy.
***
On the other side of the district, a certain blonde-haired chairman sneezed. Oops, looks like he left the fan on too long.
***
Sigh. Tokiko and her gambling; Karen knew she'd get into trouble one of these days. Damn Yuuko for getting her guardian addicted. Letting that thought aside, she placed the paper down and took from her drawer an address book. She flipped through it until stopping at a certain number. She didn't know if doing this was a bad thing or not, but then again, Kamui needed members and she thought his favorite cousin could help out, seeing that the college student was majoring in music.
Looking at the phone card in her hand, she picked up the phone, dialed the appointed number on the card, spoke to the phone receptionist about her long-distance call, and waited for the receiver to pick up. She wasn't disappointed for too long.
"Hello, Sakurazuka speaking," a deep, sensual, yet cheery voice answered.
"Konban wa (good evening) Seiishirou," she replied in their native tongue. She heard a quiet gasp at the end, and Karen couldn't help but smile.
"Ah, Karen, it's been awhile. To what honor do I have in hearing your lovely voice again for so long?"
"It concerns a certain little brother of mine with dazzling violet eyes and silky black hair. Care to be indulged with his little problem?" Seishirou's eyes gleamed dangerously from behind his glasses.
"Any 'concerns' about my favorite cousin, I would so gladly indulge myself in. I was about to head out for to do some errands, but it could wait."
"Oh, I've caught you at a bad time? Maybe I should call later..."
"Forget it Karen. Now answer, what's happened to Kamui-chan?"
Karen sighed at her half-cousin's tone of voice. He was so overprotective of that boy, perhaps to a fault. She couldn't blame him though, with what happened in the past. Still…
"Oh nothing much…" she trailed off.
"Karen!"
"Seishirou, how would you like to join a music band?" The man blinked. His eyes then took on an irritated look.
"Your question is irrelevant to our topic here. What does it have to do with Kamui-chan?"
"Oh dear, should I really come clean? I haven't asked Otouto-san about this, but I promised him a congratulatory present for his achievement. I shouldn't go back on my word."
"Achievement? A congratulatory present? Karen, what in 'God's' name are you not telling me!?" Karen gasped.
"Seishirou!"
"Drop it, I'll ask for forgiveness later. Spit out what you have to say before I loose my temper, and you know how bad it turns out. Anger management has done wonders, but only to an extent."
"Okay fine, but you owe me a new rosary in addition to your weekly confessions, capish?"
"Sigh. Alright, but it'll be my choosing. No being picky."
"Deal. Now for the news you've been dying to hear. Shirou Kamui is now a proud member of 'X Productions' and I have nominated a spot for you in his band."
On the other end of the receiver, Karen heard the phone drop.
***
In less than 10 hours, Sakurazuka Seishirou booked a plane for Japan with only one thing in mind. His precious cousin was in 'big' trouble, and he'd be damn if he didn't do anything to help. Besides, he was guaranteed a spot in Kamui-kun's band; there was no way he was going to let this opportunity pass. And furthermore, playing the piano in front of stuffy old bats in concerts was getting dull; a nice change of pace was definitely what the doctor ordered.
And anger management? Screw that! Just get him a punching bag, and viola problem solved! As for his mother, well he's gotta love his mother, she was so understanding. It helped wonders to boost his resolve in going when she even asked him to give a kiss or two to Kamui-kun for her sake. God he loved his mother.
::X/1999::
Sometimes, Subaru hated being famous. He didn't like being in the spotlight, and the only reason he ever joined New Eden was because Fuuma was his best friend. They grew up and did a lot of things together, and when the older teen started the group, it was Subaru himself whom Fuuma had asked first to join. He had turned the offer down initially, because it didn't appeal to him despite his love for music. Truth was, he had dreamed of one day playing a big role in the music world, but he was too uncertain with his abilities.
But after a harsh whipping of Hokuto's tongue on the passed up opportunity and on his infamous good job of degrading himself - not to mention also a pathetically begging, whimpering, and 'teary-faced' Fuuma on his hands and knees - he decided to join, if only to save any remaining sanity left in him. So he reacquainted himself with the synthesizers after his 2 year abandonment of the instrument, and practiced with Fuuma and his new band mates.
But enough about his life story, it wasn't top priority now. What was, were the screams behind tailing after him at top speed.
Fan girls.
Yes, you heard right, the ban of every famous/infamous bishonens' that ever existed were currently chasing him through Tokyo's crowded street. This was the other thing about fame Subaru hated, and he blamed his sister for his predicament right now.
He (She) had forgotten (didn't remind him of putting on) his black contacts, and more importantly, he didn't notice that (she forgot to tell him that) his signature white bird mark (Hokuto called it a tattoo) on his left shoulder with the words 'New Eden', was showing as plain as day in the crowded streets. When one of New Eden's fans recognized who he was, let's just say Subaru immediately hightailed out of the area faster then anyone could blink. Maybe this was his sister's punishment for forgetting to buy the milk she asked him to get (he swore that their pet cat meant more to her than her own brother)?
He looked behind him to see the girls were catching up. He cursed under his breath as he ran faster, maneuvering through the crowd with expertise; he was incredibly thankful for all those martial art lessons he took as a kid. Just as he passed the upcoming alley, he was grabbed from behind into the dark, narrow passageway. Immediately he started thrashing in his capture's hold, forgetting about the earlier incident with his fan girls. When he was released, his reflex of retaliation kicked in and he sent a round-house kick to his surprised capture's head.
It was his turn to be amazed when the person managed to block his attack. When he managed to take a better look, he blinked in surprised at his supposed 'attacker'.
"Shi-Shirou-san!"
"Whoa that was a close one. I would have had a serious concussion if that kick connected, it seemed really strong." Immediately, Subaru started bowing frantically.
"I'm so sorry Shirou-san, I didn't know it was you!" Subaru apologized to the other teen. Kamui just waved it off.
"It's okay. I would have done the same thing if it were me." The green-eyed boy smiled gratefully.
"Thanks for saving me back there, I didn't think I'll be able to loose those girls anytime soon."
"You're welcome, but you should try to be more careful hiding your identity, 'Kaito'," Kamui smirked. "You stuck out like a sore thumb with those eyes and mark of yours. Here," the boy offered his blue jacket and a pair of sunglasses (he didn't know why the other boy had those with him but he wasn't complaining), "you need it more than I do right now. We don't need anymore of your fans recognizing you, or else I'll have to join in on the race too, and that is something I do NOT want to be a part of just yet."
"Thanks," the older teen replied in gratitude as he took the items from the other boy. "So you did you're homework huh? Sorry if I kept it a secret, I didn't want to cause a big ruckus back at the convention."
"Yeah, it would have been a big mess if everyone there found out who you were. I've read that 'Kaito' is someone who is rarely seen with the band together, let alone in any interview, so it'd be a real treat to actually meet him in person."
"I have other obligations than just our band. Our other keyboardist is capable of handling herself just fine without me. I only show up when I'm really needed."
"Like a standby? Or are you more of a hidden ace?" Subaru grinned.
"You can say both I guess. But then again, I'm always the one handling the toughest compositions. 'Naoka' is very good with her work, but she sometimes messes up on some of the more complex songs, usually the very fast-paced ones."
"You mean 'Naoka', the short haired girl with the cheerful personality and cool looking dog?" Subaru nodded. "Wow, I've heard several of her composed soundtracks for 'Card Captor Sakura', and I have to say they're pretty good. I also heard yours for the series of 'Clover', 'Angelic Layer', and 'Wish', as well as some lyrics for 'Magic Knight Rayearth'. You did a very good job."
"T-thanks, I guess." flushed Subaru.
"Oh by the way, what made you come out here in the first place? I thought someone like you would have a lot of things to do back at the company." The other teen smiled weakly.
"Oh, just an errand I forgot to do that's all, you shouldn't worry about it. As for you, I've heard about your current problem. How is your search faring for new recruits? Having any luck?" Kamui sighed.
"Well so far there's only me and my older sister. When she found out, she insisted that I'd do some advertisement in the newspaper and make fliers for a public audition." He sighed again. "But I declined. I had a bad feeling that it would end up as big as the audition three days ago. I don't think I'd be able to handle a lot of people surrounding my house. So I decided instead to hold a private one, invitation only. I'll snoop around in the clubs and at school for potentials. My aunt, Tokiko-san, said she'll try to get some help at work too, and Sis planned to do the same."
"I wish you luck then."
"Thanks, I'll need it. Hey do you think Nokoru and some others from the company can help out?"
"I'm sorry Shirou-san. There are strict rules against helping out newbies until their first single is released. 'X' Productions produces top rank artists based not only on talent but also on self perseverance. They want to know if the musicians themselves can handle situations at desperate times." Kamui gave a dejected look.
"Man that's impossibly strict, no wonder not many make it as a newbie. Sigh, I wish Seishirou-nissan were here, he'd surely have time to help me out."
"Seishirou-nissan? You have an older brother? I was told you had only one sibling," inquired an interested Subaru.
"Oh, he's my cousin on my father's side. Well actually, he's the only cousin I have that I know of. He's currently living in England with his mother, as well as studying there." Kamui then smiled wistfully. "Okaasan was always busy at work, so I always was looked after by Seishirou-nissan along with Karen-nessan. We were a tight knit trio, practically inseperable. Truthfully I didn't really like him in the beginning, but he soon grew on me, and I've always relied on him on everything ever since."
"But the tone of your voice, you must really love him a lot don't you?" Subaru smiled fondly when Kamui nodded vigorously in glee.
"Yes I love him, but not like a lover. He's family after all, but I have this feeling our relationship is a lot deeper than that. The same goes with Karen-neesan."
"That's nice. I-I know what you mean; I feel the same way about my own sister. We have a certain bond as twins that can't be broken no matter how much anyone else tries to break it; a bond so deep, it's indescribable."
"Yes yes, that's how I feel! Alright, I finally found someone who understands who doesn't lie about it!" The younger boy's eyes gleamed in happiness. He startled Subaru when he grabbed his hands with his and started shaking them up and down.
"Um, Shirou-san, what are you…"
"From now on I'm declaring you my best friend!" Subaru blinked for moment as he processed those words. When he did, he flushed a deep red.
"Eh!? Since whe-…"
"-And to start with, don't call me Shirou-san anymore. Please, call me by first name okay?" grinned Kamui as he interrupted the other boy again – and on purpose too. The older teen continued to look at Kamui in disbelief, before Subaru started laughing out loud, making Kamui raise an eyebrow.
"Hey, what's so funny?" he pouted.
"I-I'm sorry. To be honest, I've never met anyone quite like you. Most people I've met usually aren't so blunt around me – well Hokuto-chan is but she's different – and I've never really had a friend before outside New Eden."
"Wow, another thing we have in common. I've never really had people I've called friends either outside of music class, just other classmates that I end up forgetting the names of. Alright that settles it, you really are going to be my best friend!" he declared.
The Sumeragi couldn't help but chuckle.
"Okay, since that's the case, than please call me Subaru," he held his right hand out for a shake. The amethyst eyed boy gladly took it.
"Thank you Subaru. It's an honor having to work with you and 'X' Productions. Please take care of me while I make it big."
"Now that's the spirit! You're welcome, Kamui."
::X/1999::
"Eh, why do I have to do it?"
"Because Daisuke you're the only one who's done with their part of the job. These slackers need to stay behind to finish up so I can input the numbers in time for next week's school festival." The class president ignored the glares from the so called 'slackers', and just grinned at the student body Treasurer standing in front of him. Daisuke's eyes twitched.
"I get that part, but why need the Vice President? She's done too right?"
"Of course, but I need some things to discuss with her involving the festival. After all, she's the opening act this year;quite impressive if you ask me."
"Yeah, I almost forgot about that. Fine then, but please don't cause too much trouble while I'm gone."
"And what's that supposed to mean?" he inquired the retreating brunette, giving sharp glances at his crew who were giggling/chuckling from their work places. Daisuke smirked.
"Exactly what it means," and with that, he left the pouting President behind, heading himself towards the music room, the only place the Vice President would be at this time of day.
He immediately saw her sitting in front of the piano, no doubt practicing the piece given to her to play at the festival. She started playing the music again and he stopped and stood to listen. He dared not interrupt her during the middle of one of her songs. The last time he did, she ended up giving him her paperwork to complete (which I might mention was A LOT) along with his own stack. He didn't want that to happen again; he didn't finish until two days later.
The piece was fast paced yet mellow with a hint of dark tones here and there. Again he was in awe of her skills on the piano. She was one of the best pianists in school and participated in many music events and contests. She won quite a few, but not enough to catch the attention of the some of the industries she had hoped to get into. When she was done moving her fingers across the keyboards, he made his presence known.
"Excuse me Vice President, the President has asked to see you."
The girl with black braided hair withdrew her eyes on the music sheets and turned her attention to the Council Treasurer. Her stern eyes gave out an intensity that made the male teen inwardly flinch. Those sharp eyes always made him nervous when talking with her; it was something he disliked about the€ student Vice President, aside from her aloof demeanor. It surprised him how the President could stand such a solitary girl like Kishuu Arashi. Of course she had her good points too; her dedication to her work was something to admire about, yet she was severely strict with her fellow peers when they slacked off, perhaps to a fault.
"I'll be there in a bit," she sighed in exasperation. With his role of messenger done, Daisuke nodded and left at a brisk pace, suddenly having a craving for some pistachio ice cream.
Arashi gave another sigh while gathering up her music sheets. It seemed duty called again and she really didn't look forward to it. Covering back up the piano keys, she left the music room and walked her way back to the student council room, all the way ignoring the many pointless chattering going around her. However her ears perked up when she passed a group of music fanatics excitedly talking in harsh whispers about another contest. She made herself inconspicuous near the water fountain and pretended to have a drink.
"You guys didn't hear it from me, but I've heard that the winner of 'X Productions' is looking for new band mates! That means there's still a chance to make it in that company!" quietly exclaimed one of the girls. Arashi gave a start on this. When word of a newbie singer making it in Japan's top music industry came, people around were in a huge uproar, and school was no different. No one knew who the winner was, but everyone agreed this person was someone to keep tabs on when they revealed him/herself.
"How in the world did you find that out?" Another girl piped in.
"My father's friend works at 'X Productions', he let it slip out."
"Oh sweet!" replied the boy next to her. "Is there gonna be an audition?" The girl gave a dejected look.
"It's invitation only. Seems only potentials will get invites, which will be kind of hard. The person giving them out would probably be in disguise or something."
"Man that sucks. What are the chances of that happening?"
"Slim to none. Maybe we should forget about the whole thing then."
"Hey, don't get discouraged. Let's just participate in some of the clubs in town and hope for the best. Who knows, we might get lucky," another guy proposed, trying to cheer up his friends. The group agreed and left down the hallway. Arashi finished 'drinking' and continued walking in the opposite direction, along the way thinking about the personal invites. It was going to be sponsored by the winner of the music event a couple days ago, and they needed new band mates. Determination and excitement slowly crept up in her, she wanted to tryout.
But first things first, she had to deal with the President, and then she would worry about the private audition late
::X/1999::
He silently watched as the person sitting behind the drum set finished cleaning off the dust from one of the cymbols. He grew excited when the white-haired teen picked up his drum sticks, started testing some notes on it, and then went to banging a couple of keys to each of the different drums. When he looked satisfied, the teen looked to his music sheets and started to play out the simple, yet rather lengthy composition. Kazuki just sat transfixed to all the sounds his older brother produced from his sibling's most prized instrument, letting the upbeat music take his mind away for a little joy ride as he tapped his foot and bobbed his head from side to side. Although, even if Nataku was great on his own, Kazuki had to admit he wouldn't be able to make it very big without being in a band.
He blamed his grandfather for that; the old man was way too picky. No matter how many offers his brother got from many numerous music companies, their grandfather would immediately turn them down despite Nataku's many protests. Their caretaker thought they weren't good enough for his aspiring grandchild. Though, both siblings weren't oblivious to the fact that the old man had already had a 'good' music company in mind, but they both knew it would be impossible to sign a contract with 'X Productions' without much work experience that required being in a band first for an alloted amount. Sure his brother had donw some music commercial ads and a few band substitutes in tv shows, but they were nothing too big or outstanding.
"That sounds great Nii-san, but it'd be better if you're in a band," pointed out Kazuki as his brother finished playing.
"I know Kazuki I know," he replied as he gave a small sigh. A knock on the door jolted the two form their musings. One of their maid persocoms entered and bowed apologetically for interrupting anything that they might have been doing. The two thought nothing of it.
"Your grandfather would like to have a word with you Nataku-sama. He said it's urgent." Again Nataku sighed.
"Fine, please tell him I'll be there in a minute." The maid nodded and left the room.
"So, you have any idea what he wants this time?" Kazuki asked. The white-haired teen just rolled his eyes.
"Should you really be questioning me about Grandfather's motives? It's always the same after all, another music gig, another chance to get noticed."
"Hm, you've got a point there. I'll sit this one out then. Last time I interrupted Grandpa, he made me skip dessert, DESSERT Nii-sama, the most important meal of the day!" Nataku smiled.
"Only someone like you with a sweet tooth as big as Japan would say something like that. Since you're staying here, would you do me the favor of taking care of my instrument?"
"Sure thing. You want the camouflage or starry sky cover?"
"Use the camouflage one this time. See ya." Closing the door, Nataku mentally prepared himself for the upcoming 'talk' with his grandfather; surely he would very much need it.
Walking through the many hallways, he soon came across his caretaker's room and personal office. He knocked twice before he heard his grandfather's voice. When given permission to enter, he walked in and silently shut the door behind him. Tojo Motoharu looked up from his desk to see the person he wanted to speak to stand attentively in front of him. As always they held an annoyed look, and as always, Motoharu ignored it.
One can say that he was harsh with his grandchildren, but he really did love them dearly and only wanted for them what he thought would help their future flourish. Nataku had a gift for music that he could not let go to waste, and he would do almost anything for that gift to be known to the music world. And finally after so many years, his wish was about to be granted by the piece of paper laying innocently on his table.
"Nataku, I know how much you hate listening to my lectures about your future..."
Damn right I hate them!
"...but this time I'll only give it to you straight. A good friend of mine, Megami Tokiko, e-mailed me of a dilemma concerning her nephew, who I may tell you is the winner of this year's 'X Production' audition." At that, Nataku's eyes widened. He had heard of the seemingly gifted newbie who won the audition on their first try. It was hard not to know about since everyone at school were talking about it. And right now his grandfather was telling him he knew the guy's aunt? Huh, such a small world indeed.
"And what does any of that have to do with me?" he inquired with mild irritation and interest.
"Tokiko told me her nephew is going to create a band rather than going solo. However, he needs more band mates, seeing as he only has himself and his elder sister." It took awhile to understand what his grandfather was trying to tell him, but when Nataku did, something akin to excitement lurched inside him. Motoharu inwardly smirked at the expression on his grandson's face. "It seems the lad and his caretakers are tracking down potentials around the city and giving invitations for a private audition to people they deem worthy of a chance. I know you understand now why I called you here for." He took the thin ticket sized paper from his desk and offered it to a gapping Nataku. "Congratulations Nataku, you are one of the many talents chosen to participate in Shirou Kamui's private audition for X Production's newest and upcoming band."
The teen took the paper from the man and cradled it as if it were a fragile baby bird. Finally after all these years, he had a chance, a chance to be in a proper band and not just a temporary substitute.
"If you make this, then your future is set. Make me proud Nataku." Looking to his beloved grandfather - despite how annoying he can be - he gave a determined gaze and nodded. Bowing in haste, he left the room and practically ran himself to his own adobe.
He couldn't wait to show Kazuki.
::X/1999::
TBC
::X/1999::
Next: CHORUS OF ANGELS