IMPORTANT Author's Note: I have one comment before I go on with the reviews and story. What do you think of the story so far? (don't really have to answer the question in the review) I'm asking you guys, as my dear readers, if you think the story is flowing so far. I'm not very good with the evil stuff. So far, as you can see, the evil stuff really isn't connecting is it? I'm trying, but it makes it weird, but instead of deleting this story or rewriting the chapters (which you would have to go back and read if I did), but going to try harder with the rest of the story, K? So I really hope you like this chapter.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR ALL OF THE REVIEWS! Seems like I'm getting less every chapter. (tears) But as long as I have faithful readers that like it, then I'm happy to finish it.
Chapter 8
--Audition III—
ELIMINATION!
"NO, NO, NO!" Uo yelled at all the news crew from different stations.
The blonde looked as if she was ready to kill. It had been one very, very boisterous week! And it all started because of Yamato.
The next day of Tohru's and Yamato's little date, newspapers, magazines, and TV stations had the top story on the front page and were talking about it nonstop. The topic: Tohru and Yamato love?
They all talked about her date with him. The paparazzi told the people that Kisa and Hiro were kids at the hospital that came from poor families. (A/N: In chapter 1, it said Yamato liked to spend time with children in the hospital. Since they knew nothing about Kisa and Hiro, they made that up.) The paparazzi made things up like how they heard them say that Tohru was definitely going to pick him in the end and they both love each other. News crews were spying on them every time Tohru stepped out of the door and into the streets.
Uo and Hana, of course, were angry and started threatening the producers and the TV workers. They managed to get some of the paparazzi's name and let's just say; they'll stop stalking Tohru after some consequences. With all of this controversy, Uo and Hana managed to talk to channel 14 TTC producer to squeeze them in with lots of arguing. TTC producer would was letting them on air for two hours because of his mistake when he realized it wasn't true.
Too bad all the other stations weren't like that. They thought that Tohru didn't want a big deal out of this and was lying.
Akito, on the other hand, had nothing to say. He was enjoying this. He 'bumped' into Yuki once and saw how forlorn the rat was. Yuki looked like as though he didn't have enough sleep a couple of days. Akito couldn't wait until Tohru saw Yuki.
The next round of the contest was going to be determined by the people of Japan. They all will have to perform on stage in front of an audience and all of Japan will be watching and will be voting for their favorite ten. (A/N: Imagine American Idol) The twenty-five guys weren't expecting that. They were thinking of something along the line of it being private like the other rounds.
Uo was already upset about this week and she asked for more security so the news team couldn't come in bugging any of the contestants or Tohru, but nope, the security didn't really work. Maybe it was the fact that no one listened to her order. There was only one guard on duty, but it would seem that he got trampled by all of the news crew. Now, they were backstage messing around with the equipment and trying to ask the contestants questions.
"Hana," Uo screamed.
"Oh my," Hana said once she got there. She saw so many of those annoying news people and knew why Uo called her. A few moments later, all of those people starting screaming and running away.
"Ya know, those waves kinda come in handy sometimes," Uo chuckled. "Brings some entertainment in this insane week," she sighed.
Hana didn't say anything. "Do you think we should tell the guys what they're going to have to do today?" Hana said, abruptly.
"I guess we do, don't we?"
A few minutes later, all twenty-five young men were all whispering about what they had to do today and wondering why they were at the TTC station.
"All right, all right!" Uo screamed. "Now, you're all wondering why you're here what you're supposed to do."
The guys immediately closed their mouth.
"What you're going to have to do today is perform in front of a live audience and it's going to be taped so all of Japan is watching," Hana started.
Groans and complaints could be heard. A few started panicking because they had stage fright, but that's what show biz was about.
"But that's not it. We won't be picking the next ten, but Japan will. Those who will be watching will ring in after the show and pick for their favorite. The top ten will go on," Uo said.
"Not only well you have to sing, you're gonna have to dance to," Tohru added.
More groans and complaints were shouted out. About a third of the contestants who passed the previous round made it because the other guys couldn't dance. These where the ones who could get a decent rhythm and did not trip over his feet.
"By the way, there will be a question like on the first audition. Better answer wisely. Each will have a different question. You have half an hour until show time, so I suggest you get ready," Uo added before leaving.
The congregation started to leave, but Yuki was the last to leave.
Tohru noticed how depressed his expression was and tried to cheer him up.
"Sohma-kun," she called.
Yuki gave a surprised look and turned around to see a smiling Tohru.
"You look kinda down. Are you sick?" Tohru asked with concern, touching his forehead.
"No Honda-san, I'm not sick. I guess it's just the fact that I'm going to be performing in front of strangers," Yuki lied. The truth was, it was about the rumor about Tohru and Yamato. It really did bother him. At least Akito wasn't going to be judging. As long as Akito wasn't judging, he was going to be less worry.
"Oh, don't worry about it. I was like that. Could you believe it though?" Tohru said carelessly with a light laugh.
Yuki gave a small chuckle. "I can't, but I'm glad that you over came them. You have a nice voice," Yuki whispered.
They both were to embarrass to notice that they were both blushing and embarrassed.
"I'm sure you must get ready so don't let me be in your way. Good luck," Tohru told Yuki.
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"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our special show for tonight, Singing My Heart Away. (A/N: Yes, I used the title of the story 'cuz I didn't know what else to use) This is going to be a once in a lifetime show where you get to pick for your favorite singer in the Tohru Honda Contest. (A/N: Lame, I know) I'm sure everyone knows what it's about. But for those who don't, it's a contest to choose who Honda-san's partner for her duet should be. The top ten will be going on to the next round. So please ring in and vote after the show. And here are our hosts, Akito Sohma, Arisa Uotani, Saki Hanajima, and the one and only, Tohru Honda!" the announcer said with enthusiasm.
The crowd cheered as those four entered the stage. People watching at home were ecstatic that they were able to vote and see the cute guys.
"Yo dudes and dudettes! I'm sure you're ready to meet our contestants, but first we have a little show for you," Uo said as the light dimmed and the screen was pulled down.
The screen revealed little clips of the eliminated contestants. It showed guys singing terribly to guys tripping over their own feet. These ex-contestants who were watching it at home were embarrassed and cursed under their breath.
"I'm sure you enjoyed it," Hana spoke as the audience began to calm down. "Now, would our remaining contestants please come out."
The participates came on to the stage from both ends and met in two rows in the middle.
The audience applauded and the contestants left the stage.
"Those twenty-five young men's fate are in your hands whether or not they make it to the next round. I'm sure you'll make a wise decision," Tohru chimed in. "So let the contest begin!"
Akito was going to be the one calling the guys out one by one to perform. The other three were going to seat on the left side of the stage.
As the first contestant took the stage, you could tell he was nervous by the fact that he wouldn't look at the crowd, and he tripped on his way out.
The music began and he sung. He could sing, but he was sweating profusely that he forgot how to dance. He tried to forget about the millions of people watching him and do his best, but he somehow went too far and fell over the edge of the stage, falling into a couple of people.
It took a few minutes to make sure everything was OK before asking him a question and heading on to the next contestant.
The next few weren't so bad as the first. They got through it easily overcoming their stage fright and their response to their question was approved. The audience was really please. Before you know it, it was Yamato's turn.
Of course with the recent news, everyone…I mean EVERYONE knew him and loved him. They were happy that they were going to see how great this guy was.
Yamato walked onto the stage with confidence: no sweating, no tripping, no nothing. He gave a wave into the audience and winked at the girls, which immediately made the girls swoon.
All the guys had a microphone on them for easy movement to dance. The music began and he started singing the words first and then started moving his body with the music.
The ladies' faces were already blushing at the sight of how handsome he was and his voice was alluring.
At the end, his cheer was the loudest. People not only clapped, but whistled. The other guys knew they had no chance now. Yamato was probably going to have the most votes being so famous in this week. Yuki was next and it was a tough act to follow, but he had to do his best for…Tohru.
Even if she didn't like him, at least he met her.
"Ah…young love," someone whispered from behind, wrapping his or her arms around his neck.
Yuki turned around at the familiar voice. "Onii-chan! What are you doing here?" he hissed. "Only the producers and contestants are allow back here."
"Well, I told them I was a contestant and they believed me. I mean, look at me. How could I not be a contestant?" Ayame joked even though he was being serious.
"Will you stop kidding around? It's almost my turn," Yuki said sternly.
"Aww, com'on Yuki, I allow wanted to give you some advice," Ayame said carelessly.
"The last and only time I ever listened to you was when I was six and you told me that rocks were really candy. I bit into one and broke a tooth. It was also disgusting," Yuki argued.
"No, that's not true. What about the time when on your eleventh birthday? I told you that if you put your face really close to the candles and blew them out, your wish would come out faster. And did it?" Ayame disputed.
"It was a coincidence that I got less time in the black room that week, but after I blew out the candles, you accidentally bumped into the table and the cake went flying into my face," Yuki's face was red from embarrassment of that memory. Shigure got it all on video too.
"Well…that was because Shigure dared me to. He wanted to tape something on his new camcorder he just got," Ayame explained.
Yuki knew this wasn't going to get anywhere and it was almost his turn to perform. "I give up. What did you want to tell me so you can leave me alone?" Yuki said desperately, wanting him to leave.
"Did you hear that? My loving, little brother actually volunteered to listen to my advice. One of these days he'll be just like me. Look, we already look alike," Ayame rambled on next to a random person next to him.
"ONII-CHAN!" Yuki said harshly.
"Oh…right. I just wanted to tell you that I know Akito has been talking to you…and you don't know if the rumor is true. Knowing Akito, he probably had something to do with it. You still have a chance as long as you wow the people of Japan. It doesn't end until Tohru chooses the last person. You can't give up, mon petit frère (my little brother in French). I've never seen you have your heart set out for a girl," Ayame told him.
"Another wise thing coming from your mouth? Did someone invent wise pills for you to take?" Yuki kidded though he didn't sound like it.
"Actually…I got that from Haru. He was talking to someone about it…He told me to tell you," Ayame laughed.
'Great. I knew it was too good to be true. I need to thank Haru later,' the rat thought.
Yamato brush passed by, bumping into Yuki. Yamato gave a brief evil smirk, which gave him the feeling of 'I'd like to see you beat me'.
"And now, for our next contestant, Yuki Sohma," Akito announced.
The audience started whispering. "Sohma? Isn't that Akito's last name? Are they related? If they are, then Yuki must have made it this far because of that," they said amongst themselves.
Yuki took a deep breath and walked onto the stage. When he appeared, the audience applauded for him, but it naturally wasn't as loud as when Yamato appeared. But the large crowd and knowing that all of Japan was watching was really nerve wrecking. He had to do better than last the last audition. All this week, he had been practicing every day and minute he had a chance. You never might know what you had to do for the next round and he did things he thought they would do. He knew Haru, Kagura, Shigure, and the others had confidence in him. If he was second best in this round, that was fine with him. The next round was the round that Tohru would get to choose. He really, really liked Tohru, right? There was no doubt in his mind…well…maybe a bit doubtful, but still. It was the first girl (besides Kisa, Kagura, and Rin) that he'd ever really cared about and grabbed his attention. She wasn't like those other girls who liked him because he was popular and handsome. She liked him for him, right? Well…maybe not like like, but it was still a start.
From the corner of his eye, he could see Tohru mouthing something, and he gave a small reassuring smile that he understood it. Yuki nodded, signaling the guy controlled of the music to start it. The music started and he listened to the beat. (A/N: I don't own this song, but you'd probably know that. It's Hear Me by Kelly Clarkson)
You gotta be out there
You gotta be somewhere
Where ever you are
I'm waiting…
(A/N: Err…this is the part where Yuki's dancing to it, but yeah…I don't know how to write it so let's use your imagination and imagine him dancing someway…)
Cause there are these nights when
I sing myself to sleep
And I'm hoping my dreams bring
You close to me
Are you listening?
Hear me I'm crying outI'm ready now
Turn my world upside down
Find me
I'm lost inside this crowd
It's getting loud
I need you to see
I'm screaming for you to please
Hear me
Can you hear me?
I used to be scared of
Letting someone in
But it gets so lonely
Being on my own
With no one to talk to and
No one to hold me
I'm not always strong
Oh I need you here
Are you listening?
I'm restless and wild
I fall but I try
I need someone to understand
(can you hear me?)
I'm lost in my thoughts and baby I've fought
For all that I've got
Can you hear me?
Yuki sang with emotion. All the words that came out of his mouth had feeling into it. Something that Yamato didn't have. His dancing wasn't bad either. It wasn't fancy like Yamato, but it fitted the song. This impressed the audience. They couldn't tell that he was singing with his heart out, but it was just the aura feeling surrounding him that made the song had so much more meaning.
The audience was cheered pretty loud. The cheering died when he walked toward the podium where Akito was. Akito had switched with Uo and Hana. Uo and Hana did the questions.
"So Yuki, looks like you didn't do too bad, huh?" Uo started.
"Are you ready for your question?" Hana questioned.
Yuki nodded.
Uo and Hana whispered amongst themselves trying to figure out what to ask him.
"Hmm…if you were just walking on the street and see someone walking across the street to the other side and saw a maniac going 80 miles per hour heading toward that person, what would you do?" Uo asked.
Yuki let the question absorb the question and thought about it for a few seconds and replying, "I…I would run as fast as I can to try and save that person. If the car were going sooner than I thought, then I would push him/her and I guess let me be the one who got hurt."
"Is that your finally answer?" Hana inquired.
Yuki nodded, then the crowd clapped again, and he left the stage.
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All of the contestants had finally sung, danced, and answered a question. When all of the participants had finish, they had ordered all twenty-five to go on stage at once again. When the contestants revealed themselves to the audience, the show ended with Tohru saying, "Now remember to vote for you favorite singer. The top ten will be announced in two days, but you only have 24 hours to get your vote in. So ring in!"
Once the curtains closed, someone shouted where the results would be posted. It was going to be announced on the news two days from now on channel 14 TTC News at six.
A few minutes later, the contestants left the studio. They all wondered if they would make it. Some started praying. These next two days were going to be crazy. The wait was going to be suspenseful. They knew Yamato was going to make it. Only nine spots left. It was less than forty-eight hours of waiting. Forty-eight hours until they knew who would make it.
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During this time, Kyo was at the dojo talking to his master again. It was about Kagura again. Why was she d--- nice to him that one day?
"Shishou (master)," Kyo started, "why is Kagura nice to me even though I'm a totally jerk to her? I mean she was the only one who was there with me when I was little. She's like an older sister to me. That's only it, right?"
Kazuma was surprised at the dense cat. Kyo was always angry and expressing himself, but now he was confused and seemed helpless as kitty stuck in a tree.
"Kyo, I told you to come back once you knew the answer, but I see that it wasn't possible," Kazuma said calmly.
"What'd'ya mean? I did. I think Kagura is like a older sister to me," Kyo asked, getting frustrated and raising his voice.
"Are you sure? Are you just denying your heart because you don't want to know the truth?" he stated.
Kyo thought about this some more. His heart was tore between yes and no. Yes…well cause maybe he did care about her and lo…like her, but no because he didn't want that right? No…it was because he wasn't ready for the truth. All these time that she annoyed him was only because she cared, but he never liked her. But who was really there for him? Ever since he was little, it was always her. Yuki…the d--- rat would never cooperate with him. Haru was following the rat. Everyone ignored him except Kagura. Reality hit him. Kagura…she was always there for him…she cared about him. She never avoided me because I was cursed with the spirit of the cat. He had to admit it. He was in love with Kagura.
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The two days past by. All of Japan waited excitedly for the top ten to be announced. It was 5:50; only ten more minutes. Everyone was waiting patiently on the edge of his or her seats as six o'clock appeared on the news.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure this is the moment you've all been waiting for," the newscaster started. "The announcement of the top ten of the Tohru Honda Contest, but instead of me announcer them. Tohru Honda is here to tell you."
"Hello Japan! I'm sure you all have waited long enough so coming in number ten is Yakumo Yang. Number nine is Tetsuya Tojo. Ryo Midori came in eighth. Daisuke Yura came in seventh. Coming in sixth is Ginta Terada. Nachi Kai came in fifth. Number four is Sano Kamono. Third is Julian Smith. Second place, losing by one vote, is…
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Author's Note: And it's a cliffie! I don't think I've done a hangcliffer on this story so I was tempted on this chapter. Well…the more reviews I get, then I shall update faster and you will know.
R&R PLEASE!