[[Disclaimer: Fruits Basket is not mine and never will be… so please don't sue me. You can not get blood from a stone. *bows* thank you…
Caitlin: Hey wait a minute… we're yours.
Daniel: Yea. Our whole side of the family is. So what about that?
Oh… um. Well the American Branch of the Sohma's ARE mine. So please don't use them with out asking first. Thanks again.
Daniel: That's better.
Caitlin: It really is… I mean it's good to give credit where credit is due and all. But---
Can I just start?
Caitlin: Oh… yea sure. *shrugs*]]
Chapter 1: Is This Real Enough For You?
"Who's damn idea was this anyway?" Kyou yelled as they stood outside the Night Club.
"Well it was Ha'ri's of course… at least he was the one who invited us all." Shigure smiled lovingly at his peer. Hatori merely raised an eyebrow and sighed. Still clothed in an impeccably clean black suit, Hatori was the most well dressed amongst the crowd; which included Yuki, Tohru, Haru, Kagura, Kyou, and of course, to his current dismay… Shigure. The club was called Rayne and it was the venue's first night open. The invitation only affair was already seeing a line of people trying to bribe or flirt their way passed the red velvet rope. How, or why, Hatori had gotten the invitation to the new dance club was beyond anyone else, and if there was something to tell Hatori was not volunteering information.
"This was a stupid idea." Yuki muttered. "I mean I would think you of all people Hatori would see the danger in going into a DANCE CLUB." Yuki was much more irritated than usual and had been taking it out on Kyou all night.
"Don't worry. Everything has been arranged." Was all Hatori said in response.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean? What's going on? Hatori what are you not telling us?" Kyou continued his rant.
"Do we have to get a memo every time you come up with an annoying new question to ask?" Haru replied in a rather bored voice. There was a moment of silence as everyone wondered if he'd Blacked out on them.
"Oh that's it! You're dead!" Kyou managed a step forward before Kagura's ever present possessiveness took over.
"Oh no, sweet Kyou. Don't fight him, not here, we'll all get in trouble and then we won't be able to go inside." She pouted.
"What are you nuts?!?! I can't believe you actually WANT to go in there." Kyou said as he tried to pull free from her steel clad grip on his arm. Oh Kagura had been thrilled at the idea of going to a "date" with Kyou to a club… an idea that made Kyou hate his present situation even more.
"For once I actually agree with that stupid cat. As I say again that this is crazy." Yuki's voice was calm and cultured.
"Oh… but I think it will be fun." Tohru suddenly chimed in. Yuki paused to look down at her grinning face, a face which despite his growing nerves could make him smile. "Besides I think if Hatori says that he took care of things, he must mean it." He IS the most responsible Souma that I have met so far. Tohru thought to herself. "Right Hatori?" The girl gave him a beaming smile.
With a nod he gestured forward to the door. "Yes. As I said, I had it taken care of." It was a cryptic response to be sure, but one that would have to do for now.
Hatori had been very careful in figuring out how best to introduce his family to well… the rest of their family. The "American Zodiac" as he had come to call them was going to prove to be a difficult thing for everyone to deal with. But it wasn't his fellow cursed companions that he was most worried about. No, it was Akito that was the real danger. Hatori just didn't see the Head of the Souma Family being too keen on the idea that the disowned branch was back in town. Alexander had never told him how many members of the family were coming, only that they were. The American Head of the Family was hoping to, as he put it, "patch up the relationship" with its Japanese half. Akito was unlikely to like that idea as well.
But anyhow, that was what brought them all here, although the rest didn't know it yet. It was at Club Rayne that East would meet West so to speak. As they approached the front of the club a man, dressed surprisingly like Hatori, walked over to them.
"Excuse me, Hatori Souma?" The man smiled as the group paused. He wore a clean suit in navy blue and had light brown hair that was graying at the temples. "I'm Charles, Alexander sent me out here to greet you and your guests. I'm to take you in the VIP entrance. He thought it would be less of a hassle for you." The rich American accent permeated the man's soothing voice.
"Thank you very much." Hatori gave Charles a nod and handed him the invitation.
"Wonderful. Please do follow me, the band has already started so Alexander had to be backstage, but he looks forward to meeting you and your family." Charles turned and lead the way around the building, everyone else following… their eyes slightly wide, mouth slightly agape… and for once, speechless… even Kyou. No one could really figure out what just happened. Well except for Hatori, who's expression never faltered… then again, it rarely did.
As they walked through the back halls of Club Rayne the music filled the air, though somewhat muffled. It was a dark rock like sound, different from what was mostly popular on the charts these days. Although no one could make out the lyrics; the voice of the singer, a female, was evident… as was the fact that the lyrics were in English. "I hope you all enjoy the show. I must say that I am truly impressed by NRGX, their lead singer Katie Anderson has done a fantastic job with them." Charles talked as he led the way up the stairs.
"So the band is American?" It was Tohru who asked the question.
"Oh yes. And doing quite well for themselves in fact. Their first album was released about six months ago and people really like them."
"They have an album?" Tohru's face lit up.
Charles turned around to smile at her at the same time as he took hold of a door knob. "Yes they do, don't worry you all get free copies curtsey of Mr. Alexander, it's called "13 fates 13 signs"."
Hatori made a sound that caused everyone to look at him… something between a cough and a laugh.
"Ha'ri dear, are you feeling ill?" Shigure placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm fine." Ha'ri replied his face now back to it's usual mask. For some reason he now had the feeling that this "band" playing tonight was far different from what he had anticipated.
"Well enough of my friendly banter. Let's head inside." Charles then opened the door and filled the corridor with music. The woman's voice was powerful and strong, though somewhat sad; and as the Souma family walked into the large room they were awed by everything. It was apparently a private show room, complete with bar and couches, TV's on the walls that showed the stage in perfect clarity and a large wall to wall window that over looked the dance floor.
"Shit Hatori… How did you get these tickets again?" Kyou was the first to speak, not really surprising.
Hatori ignored him as he walked to the window and looked down at the stage. Everyone followed his lead, and they got there in time to see the lights dim on the band and a single spot light appear on a new face. The man was tall and beautifully handsome. He looked to be in his mid to late thirties, but age was only making him look more elegant. Dressed in a white suit his golden blond hair flowed loosely around his shoulders and he wore a charming smile that seemed to shine even up to his bright sea blue eyes. His voice was warm and %100 American as it rose through out the club, which had also fallen silent at the sight of him.
"Thank you all for coming tonight to the grand opening of Club Rayne. I hope you all enjoyed NRGX's debut performance in Japan." This was followed by a rise of clapping and cheers. He waited for them to finish. "Thank you, but don't worry, they'll be coming out for one or two more songs." More clapping. "If you are interested in buying the album there will be copies sold at the bar. So get your drinks and take what ever breaks you need cause after this short intermission NRGX will be back to rock some more." His voice rose as he spoke and the people cheered along with him. Then the light disappeared again and a DJ took over the music.
The Souma's and Tohru were still staring out the window when the music in their little room faded and they saw some overhead lights come on in the clubs main dance floor. "Just push this button and it will fade the music so you can talk." It was Charles again. They all turned to see him wave, "see you after the show" and walk out the door. An uncomfortable silence filled the room, and it was Shigure who broke it (imagine that).
"Oh Ha'ri this is absolutely wonderful. I don't know how you did it, but I am very impressed."
"Well at least you can't bump into girls up here, right?" Tohru added with a smile.
"My Kyou won't be bumping into anything female other than me." Kagura shot back as she stared dreamily at the Cat. Kyou tried to pull away again.
"Damn woman, you're crazy. Let me go!" Tug, tug. "And I am NOT you're Kyou." Tug… tug, tug.
"Children please… at least you could show SOME gratitude to Ha'ri, after he was so kind to go out of his way to take us all to this wonderful club." Everyone stared at Shigure as if he'd grown a third head.
"Oh of course," Tohru bowed. "Thank you so much Hatori. It really is wonderful." Now everyone looked at her instead.
"Yes, thank you." Yuki added with a smile at Tohru, their growing affections was obvious to everyone EXCEPT each other.
"Thank you sssssoooooo much Hatori." Kagura grinned. "Kyou and I never get to go on dates."
The Cat growled at the Boar and then looked away, "yea… thanks."
Haru merely nodded.
"See Ha'ri, we're all so grateful." Shigure hugged the other man who didn't flinch.
"Let go of me Shigure… before you embarrass yourself further." Hatori looked at him. It was at that moment that a quiet knock on the door interrupted everything. The knocker, with out waiting for an invitation, opened the door and strolled into the room, a grin planted on his childish face. The boy couldn't have been much older than 10. His clean cut brown hair was spiked with gel and his clothing was styled in the right way to make him look right for the club.
"Wow, you guys really did get a great set up." He exclaimed as he spun around in a circle.
"Hey punk, who the hell are you?" Kyou raised a fist to the kid. Kagura pulled his arm back down and Tohru looked as if she might have gone into hysterics at that very moment, but the boy just smiled.
"Oh woah relax." He held up both hands in a gesture of defenselessness. "My name's Nicholas, most people just call me Nick though. My brother is James Canix. He does all the mixing for the band."
"So then why are you up here?" Haru tilted his head to the side curiously.
"Well um…" the boy blushed a little. "I guess I just wanted a better view. It gets real busy back stage and the crowds down there," he pointed to the window and the dance floor beyond it, "well look at me. I would probably get stepped on." He shrugged.
"Well go away." Kyou snapped.
"Kyou," Tohru's voice was chiding. "Don't mind him," she smiled at Nick. "He's like that with everyone."
"That's true." Kagura added, she almost sounded surprised.
"Well that's great, cause the band is just about to start up again." He flicked the switch to turn on the rooms internal speakers again and went to stand at the window, next to Tohru no less. Tohru smiled at him again and then turned to look at Yuki, who seemed to be relaxing somewhat. She reached out and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. He gave her a mildly surprised look but it faded quickly into a smile upon seeing the brightness in her eyes.
And all at once the lights dimmed again and a fake mist filled the stage…
[[Disclaimer: For the band's performance the song lyrics are written in italics. I figured it would be easier to read then quotes. I do hope you like it. Oh also… the two songs following "Where Will You Go" and "Anywhere" are not mine. They are property of Amy Lee. Thanks.]]
As the large circular stage and the dance floor around it were filled with fog the lights rose up onto the area in a slow strobe of blues and purples, giving the air a mysterious feel. The crowd cheered and clapped and awaited the return of the band, NRGX. The next thing to fill the air was the sound of a solo piano and the fog started to clear showing traces of silhouettes. Then a strong guitar kicked in and the crowed went wild. Drums, bass…
The singer was not visible yet, but the rest of the band was coming into view. The pianist was a dark haired woman dressed in a long white gown. The girl on the drums looked to be the same age as Yuki and the others, though her short sandy blond hair gave her a somewhat boyish appearance the white skirt and top helped. The third girl was playing the bass with an energy that showed how much she loved what she was doing. Her auburn hair flowed around her face as her body moved to the beat of the music.
The two boys were another story… both looked to be in their teens. One played a silver guitar and was leaned up on one of the speakers and smiling at the girls on the dance floor in front of him. His cobalt blue hair was spiked and he was an array of piercing and necklaces. He wore white bondage pants and no shirt. A few of the Souma's had to glance at Haru to see if he recognized the similarity. But it was the other boy that caught the most attention. Dressed in a white suit, he looked like a younger version of the man who had graced the stage earlier. His golden blond hair was tied back and showed off the same bright blue eyes. He played a white guitar and stood at the front of the sage.
The band delayed the intro until the crowd had gotten truly frenzied with anticipation. Then it died until it was just the keyboard again and an enchanting female voice filled the room…
You're too important for anyone
You play the role of all you long to be
As everyone looked around for the source of the voice it was the guests in the private box that spotted her first; as she was lowered from the ceiling above the stage, standing on a small wooden swing and holding on one handed.
But I, I know who you really are
You're the one who cries when you're alone
Dressed in a fancy white dress that came down to her knees and matching boots that met it there. Her hair was done up in some elaborate do' and an array of pearlized colors and beads. Her face was covered in shimmering makeup, and all in all, she sparkled. As her voice raised for the chorus the people below spotted her and went wild. And the rest of the band kicked back in…
But where will you go
With no one left to save you from yourself
You can't escape
You can't escape
In the private room, the viewers watched in awe as she stepped off the platform and onto the stage.
You think that I can't see right
through your eyes
Scared to death to face reality
No one seems to hear your hidden cries
You're left to face yourself alone
She moved around the stage with energy and grace, liquid motion, holding the microphone to her mouth. The blond male sang back up vocals that seemed to blend perfectly.
But where will you go
With no one left to save you from yourself
You can't escape
You can't escape
I realize you're afraid
But you can't abandon everyone
You can't escape
You don't want to escape
There was a pause in the music and for a moment only the singer's voice filled the air. Katie Anderson stopped moving and looked up to the ceiling raising one hand, like a plea.
I'm so sick of speaking words
that no one understands
Is it clear enough that you can't live your whole life all alone
I can hear you in a whisper
But you can't even hear me screaming
As the band rejoined she dropped to her knees, and the crowd screamed.
Where will you go
With no one left to save you from yourself
You can't escape
You can't escape
On her feat again she sang with passion.
I realize you're afraid
But you can't reject the whole world
You can't escape
You won't escape
You can't escape
You don't want to escape
She paused to dance by the blond guitarist as the song faded, and the two exchanged a smile.
"Thank you, thank you very much." The teen said with a grin on her face. "Now before we play our last song. I wanted to introduce you to the band NRGX." The crowd cheered. "On lead guitar, Daniel Anderson." The resemblance was suddenly more noticeable, if only in their identical eyes. "On rhythm guitar, Kahlan Nogard." She walked over to him and laid a hand on his bare shoulder. "On drums, Sylver Nogard. Isabella Summers on Bass. Lania Reigns on the keyboard. Also, James Canix is responsible for all the mixing," she pointed off to the far wall, "wave if you see him. And myself, Katie Anderson. We all want to thank Japan for being such a wonderful host." She paused to let the crowd die down a bit. "Now all night we've rocked, but for our last piece I wanted to do something a little slower. So all of you out there who are here with that special someone, wrap your arms around them and tell them how much they mean to you… and for those of you who came solo here tonight. We'll here's your chance to leave with someone else." Katie smiled, almost sadly, and took a guitar from someone back stage. Placing the strap around her shoulder she began to play a soft and longing melody. Couples littered the dance floor, and in the Private Show Room Yuki held out his hand to Tohru.
"May I have this dance Miss Honda?" She blushed multiple shades of red and took his hand.
Kyou looked into Kagura's pouting face and for once, maybe it was the music or the sincerity in the singer's voice, decided to have a little compassion. "Fine!" He held out his hand and she nearly pounced on it. "But don't get used to it." He mumbled.
The others in the room just smiled at the sight. As Katie played on an acoustic guitar her voice held such deep emotion that it seemed to reach out to every corner of the club.
Dear my love, haven't you wanted
to be with me
And dear my love, haven't you longed to be free
I can't keep pretending that I don't even know you
And at sweet night, you are my own
Take my hand
Daniel's voice was added an octave lower in harmony on the chorus to sing a perfect duet.
We're leaving here tonight
There's no need to tell anyone
They'd only hold us down
So by the morning light
We'll be half way to anywhere
Where love is more than just your name
Yuki and Tohru stared into each other's eyes smiling.
I have dreamt of a place for you and I
No one knows who we are there
All I want is to give my life only to you
I've dreamt so long I cannot dream anymore
Let's run away, I'll take you there
Kyou stifled a sigh and kept his face blank as he stared at the unconditional love that was evident in Kagura.
We're leaving here tonight
There's no need to tell anyone
They'd only hold us down
So by the morning light
We'll be half way to anywhere
Where no one needs a reason
Katie and Daniel stood by each others side both singing into the same microphone and playing their voices rising as if to the heavens.
Forget this life
Come with me
Don't look back you're safe now
Unlock your heart
Drop your guard
No one's left to stop you
Forget this life
Come with me
Don't look back you're safe now
Unlock your heart
Drop your guard
No one's left to stop you now
As they prolonged the note, Hatori looked at the TV on the wall which gave a much better view of the stage and now the camera was up close on the two singers. And in the strange blue light and fog he would have sworn that he saw a tear fall from the girl's eye…
We're leaving here tonight
There's no need to tell anyone
They'd only hold us down
So by the morning light
We'll be half way to anywhere
Where love is more than just your name
The music faded slowly in tandem with the lights. And just like that the show was over…
A/N: For the record all the chapter titles are lyrics in the songs sung by the band… which on that note is pronounced (energy-X) *points* see…. N R G X. If you say them as letters you'll get it *smiles*