Author's Note: OH MY LANTA WE ARE BACKKKK. No, we are not dead. I was having a disastrous term at college which resulted in me, Katie, saying "You know, this isn't working. Imma go home and figure life out." So, here I am! Back home and I have time to write more of this story. So, thanks for sticking with us.
There are a lot of changes happening to the park, but i'm basing this Disneyland off of the past year and back. Just saying.
HERE IS A STORY!
Chapter 52
When they exited the restaurant, all full and excited, the entirety of New Orleans Square seemed to be packed. Katie used one of her arms to be linked with Kyoya but used her other arm to grab Mori, who had Honey on his shoulders. He was taller than most in the crowd, so she was able to lead him to their destination. Steph managed to get the twins, Tamaki, and Haruhi together and followed Honey on Mori's shoulders.
The crowd was thick with people, all looking towards the beautifully lit Tom Sawyer's Island. Everyone looked impressed at the colors, but Haruhi was having a hard time seeing it. She wondered how they were going to get close enough to see the show. But she followed Steph, trusting the two sisters.
Katie led the group to the left of the island, towards Critter Country. She got as close to the railing as possible, which was hard. The usual terrace area was packed with people camping on the ground, all the way towards Haunted Mansion and the Main walkway.
"I can see why we were in Tomorrowland yesterday." Kyoya gently murmured in Katie's ear. She gave him a foxy grin in return.
They stepped past all the guests towards the center of the area. There was a small area with one man taking up a lot of space, who grinned when he saw the oncoming crew.
"About time, guys! I know I owed you two a favor, but we're even now, got it?" He moved to the side to make room for the merry crew. He was about twenty eight years old, playfully scolding the two girls.
Steph giggled and gave the guy a high five. "Sorry, Justin, we just wanted to show our new friends the best seat in the house!"
Justin laughed heartily as Katie directed everyone to sit down. He addressed the elder sister. "Kath, did you get the big invite?"
"Kath?" Tamaki asked, confused. Katie merely shrugged her slender shoulders and answered "Yeah, we did. You coming too?"
Justin nodded, going towards the back of the group. "I'm curious to see how it all turns out." Katie nodded as Justin pulled out a bottle of Coke and he seemed to fade in the background.
"Where did you get that nickname?" Kyoya asked, curious and a little wary. Katie did seem to have a lot of friends at this place, but he noticed that a lot of them were male.
"Justin helped us get our first apartment here in Anaheim and I gave him my full name, which is Katherine. I don't like to use it, but it was needed for paperwork. So, he calls me Kath. He introduced us to some other Disney enthusiasts and is a good friend. Has this amazing daughter, she's super sweet." Katie sat down next to Kyoya and Haruhi. They were right next to the railing and their order, from left to right, was Hikaru, Steph, Kaoru, Honey, Mori, Kyoya, Katie, Haruhi, and Tamaki.
Kyoya nodded at Katie's words, feeling reassured. He pulled out his notebook to make a quick start sketch of the island and make notes of the day.
Everyone was stretching out on the ground and resting. Hikaru notice something however.
"Why are we here and not on that raised platform farther back?" He asked Steph. Everyone in the group listened to her answer.
"Like I said, it's the best seat in the house. You don't get to see the characters and actors from back there and, more importantly, they can't see you from there."
Everyone who hadn't seen the show before looked so confused, while Katie and Steph let out a huge laugh. Katie had indeed texted a few friends asking for some special favors. She was, after all, still a performer.
Everyone then spent the next ten minutes or so chatting. Then, the lights all around the river dimmed. A roar rose from the crowd as the Hosts turned their attention to the island.
Fantasmic had begun!
"Welcome to Fanasmic! Tonight, our friend and host Mickey Mouse uses his vivid imagination to create magical imagery for all to enjoy. Nothing is more wonderful than the imagination. For in a moment, you can experience a beautiful fantasy or an exciting adventure!"
Everyone seemed on board, excited and ready to go.
"But beware. Nothing is more powerful than the imagination, for it can also expand your greatest fears into an overwhelming nightmare! Are the powers of Mickey's incredible imagination strong enough and bright enough to withstand the evil forces that invade Mickey's dream? You are about to find out. For we ow invite you to join Mickey, and experience Fantasmic!, A journey beyond your wildest imagination."
Haruhi's eyes shone at the promise of adventure and the apprehension of a nightmare while Kyoya looked confused. Nightmares at Disney seemed odd, like picturing the sky without the sun or Tamaki unable to play the piano. The twins looked at each other with anticipation while Tamaki was at a loss for words. Mori and Honey looked excited while Steph and Katie wore grins that would put the Cheshire Cat to shame.
The entire place waited with baited breath as slight music could be heard surrounding the crowd. Then, a chime of bells could be heard. Suddenly, a bunch of white lights shone in the air as the music began to swell. A chorus sang. "Imagination…" Two pillars full of spotlights sprung from the ground of the island, shocking those who stood there on the island before. The lights shone across the crowds, causing the Hosts to cheer.
The bells chimed faster and faster, until the chorus sang "Dream a Fantastic Dream!" The lights focused suddenly on the center of the stage, revealing…
"MICKEY!" The Host Club cried out with joy. It was the one and only M. Mouse himself, dressed in a fine set of shiny black coattails and red suit pants.
"Use your imagination!" Katie sang quietly with the chorus as Mickey saluted the crowd and swept his hands across the space, demanding their attention.
Mickey ran to a slightly raised point on the stage as the music tumbled then moved to the theme of the show. Mickey then raised his hands in the air.
Which caused the water from the river to shoot upwards, lighted with red. Everyone shouted with glee or shock. The hosts were very close to the water, feeling minute bits of the stream on their skin. To Mickey's left and right, he commanded water to move with his hands.
No one could look away! It was breathtakingly beautiful. The music was epic, sending chills down many spines. The lighting changed with the music, lighting everything from Mickey, to the water, and even the cabin behind him.
No one could even raise an eyebrow at the hosts for behaving like children at Christmas, everyone could feel the energy.
Suddenly, the music sweetened with a beautiful piano section which Tamaki fell instantly in love with. He had to perform it, it was bringing him to tears and they were barely into the show for two minutes!
As the piano reached its end, all eyes were on Mickey, who stood right next to the cabin. He reached his arms out and up as a jet of sparklers erupted from his fingertips, showering the area around him. Everyone gasped with amazement.
Hikaru looked at his friends in shock and found them dumbfounded and they cheered as Disney continued to amaze them.
Just as they were recovering from that. The water in front of Mickey fanned out and a projection of a shooting comet was displayed on the water itself, with Mickey guiding it!
"Will wonders ever cease?" Kyoya muttered in amazement. Katie simply giggled and pressed her face closer to the bars. Everyone did the same, eager to get closer. The cabin and Mickey fell dark with only the projection able to be seen.
Suddenly, a projected Sorcerer Mickey was on the water, commanding the water in The Sorcerer's Apprentice to rise and fall as it happened to the Rivers of America. He commanded comets to fly, so small fireworks were released over the water. Both on his left and his right!
They swirled around him as the projection danced. Water was here and there as the tempo increased, climaxing as a rain of sparklers seemingly fell from the sky.
The sparkles on the water turned to rose petals as an incredibly fragrant tune enveloped them.
"See in your mind and you can find in your imagination, mysteries and magic, visions fantastic, waiting to stage a wondrous dream." A woman's voice proclaimed as flowers bloomed on screen.
Behind the screen of water, however, they could see two huge flowers on the stage, blooming to the music, their petals dancing. The amazing sight was stunning, their white color becoming any color which shined upon it.
As soon as the flower was fully bloomed, the tune turned from flowy to wild, as if they had entered a jungle. The water disappeared as the flowers closed once more, revealing a huge snake slithering onto the space. As a gong was struck, its eyes lit up, causing spotlights to penetrate the crowd from its pupils.
"Kaa!" Honey exclaimed, recognizing the snake from his movie appearance in The Jungle Book. Suddenly, from around the bends of the river comes three rafts, decorated with leafs and torches. One has a throne, but the most intriguing thing is who, or what, sits on that throne and dances wildly on all the rafts.
"King Louie!" the twins cried out with surprise, for it is indeed the wild ape himself along with eight of his brothers. They danced crazily, but with uncanny timing, on the rafts as they move by the hosts and back around the bends. Their neon coats shined and make them crazy colorful.
As they disappeared behind the island and as the stage again turns dark, the tune turned heavy as a projection on water is again conjured up.
Suddenly, a rock tune enveloped the crowd as crazy pink elephants dominate the screen.
"I have GOT to get me a recording of this soundtrack!" Tamaki yelled and everyone cheered in agreement.
An electrifying rendition of Pink Elephants on Parade is blared as everyone is shocked by this turn of events, but it is very welcomed.
This continues on as some of the hosts question what was in their drinks, it was that intense, and as quickly as it started, it stops and the stage is bright again.
Huge in the air, connected to a bunch of strings are Pinocchio and two can-can girls lit by blacklight as they dance to I've Got No Strings to Hold Me Down. Everyone is enchanted by this turn of events and clap along to the music. The three, from where they are, do an amazing rendition of a can-can.
Everyone applauded, then the projections came back as the elaborate set sinks down into the floor of the stage.
"Pinocchio! We're down here" Came the voice of one Jiminy Cricket. Bubbles cover the screen as we see the little guy calling out to his friend. Everyone notices as the music settles down.
"That was a roller coaster all on its own." Honey mumbles to Mori, who quietly whispers "Yeah."
Everyone relaxes a bit as they saw fish and more bubbles. Water seems to be seeping into Mickey's dream as well as…
"MONSTRO THE WHALE!" Haruhi shrieked! It took a leap on the sheen of water as Mickey seemed to be drowning.
"HELP!" He cried out, being sucked into a whirlpool. Then, the screen went black.
Mickey's eyes were the only thing the hosts and the audience could see on that screen. "Uh, Hey! What's going on? Uh-Oh!" Mickey could be heard saying.
The screen once again flashed bright, as a ship seemed to be caught in a storm. It was frightening and intense.
Suddenly, a canon shot firing in real life shocked the crowd, causing all heads to turn in the direction of the noise, to everyone's right which revealed…
"THE COLUMBIA!" Kaoru yelled as Kyoya shouted "PETER PAN!" The boy who would never grow up was at the very top of the ship with the entirety of Captain Hook's crew on the deck!
The Host Club cheered manically as they heard, not only the famous track being blasted around them but "PETER PAN AHOY!"
What then happened was a series of daring, adventurous deeds involving stunts, flying, and Wendy leading the crew in a battle dance sequence that no one could take their eyes off of. It was easily the beast part of the show yet, but no one could catch all the tiny details in one go. It was spine chilling and filled everyone with such a sense of adventure it was a miracle that they could manage to stay seated when really they all wanted to stand up, dive into the water, and join this amazing battle.
Hook and Pan crossed blades on the tightrope above the deck, remarkably like the movie.
It wasn't noticed until the ship was right past the group that they all saw a ticking crocodile following the ship.
This entire ordeal happened in about three minutes, which was easily one of the best things any of those who watched it ever saw.
Kyoya looked at Katie, who seemed to be mimicking the choreography of one female character in particular, but was very engrossed at the action taking place before him.
After that segment, the music turned sweet again, as it did before. The ship could no longer be seen.
"See in your mind what you can find in your imagination, tales of enchantment, beauty and romance, happily ever after!" The woman crooned as three rafts, which seemed to glide on the water instead of float, came on. They were decorated with lights, but their occupants were more interesting. Dancing with their significant others, each raft contained a couple. One carried Belle and her Beast, the other Ariel and Eric, and the final one Snow White and the first Prince.
Suddenly, a delivery of Beauty and the Beast is played as the two dance with each other. Steph looked at Hikaru with a grin. She knew Hikaru was supposed to be a moody guy before she met him, but he was much kinder, according to Kaoru. Yes, she listened to their conversations and the way Hikaru looked at her was unmistakable. Plus, Katie had given her several winks throughout the day and would look back to the redhead and Katie knew a thing or two about people. It was her job to do so. Hikaru watched the Princess twirl he was reminded of the elegant way Steph would run about her playground in the magical world. Both were stunning, but one he really knew and she wasn't on a raft.
Next came Ariel and Eric as a remix of Part of Your World came on. Haruhi thought of the prince sitting next to her. She couldn't help but notice the parallels between their story and the story of this mermaid. A different world, brought together by a strange mix of events and a contract. Their fondness of each other, which everyone claims to see. Haruhi was oblivious, but not dumb. Even that horrid Éclair had asked if she and Tamaki were involved, so Haruhi knew the deal. But she felt like she had to focus on her duties instead of taking a chance like Ariel did. But now she was here and more relaxed than ever as Tamaki's heart skipped a beat, for Haruhi leaned into him, as she had seen Katie do with Kyoya or Steph do to Hikaru. She was sick of swimming and ready to stand.
Mori broke the serious moment by whispering "Mori likes seashells" as he stared at the mermaid and her… Seashells. Those who heard him giggled.
Lastly, which climaxed into a powerful rendition of Someday My Prince Will Come, Katie looked at Kyoya. She was a romantic, a very hopeless one too, and had been wishing for a classic romance like Snow White's. Love at first sight, a prince who was daring as he was gentle. Someone who could, not only take care of her, but someone she could take care of in return. She tried to keep her feeling in check, as they were with customers, but it was a battle she was happily losing. She couldn't help liking her new friend, and she knew he liked her. Kyoya's glasses were misting as he felt the same pull as Katie did. He placed his hand on top of hers, which was resting on the sidewalk. She blushed and looked out towards the island as the three rafts floated out of sight. She would have to talk with her sister about this new development, because she wanted to chase this new dream.
The water was shooting upwards once more as the lights slowly spotlighted on a face which was not as pleasant to see as those who were just on the water. It was the Evil Queen from Snow White's story.
"Slave in the Magic Mirror, come from the farthest space, through wind and darkness, I summon thee! Speak!" She demanded. Lightning flashed as thunder roared, causing a projection of said Magic Mirror to appear. "Let me see thy face!"
He began to speak. "Famed is thy beauty Majesty, but oh! Three lovelier maids I see, and here in Mickey's imagination, beauty and love will always triumph."
"NO!" The woman denied angrily. The mirror faded and the water went away to reveal a huge caldron. The hosts knew what had to be coming and they hissed in shock at this villain and her attempts to ruin the adventure.
"A magic spell in the black of night! With a scream of fright!" Two sparks flew from the smokey caldron as she pulled a scream from the air, one that sent ghostly chills down the spines of all.
More sparks as she continued. "And a bolt of light! Turn my hair to white!" Then, the fog got so thick and turned green, so dense it was so that none could see the queen until a fierce cackle was heard and out stepped the old hag.
"Now I'll turn that little mouse's dream into a NIGHTMARE FANTASMIC!" She screamed with unbridled fury. Kyoya's breath caught in his throat as he remembered the intro to the show. A dream could so easily turn into a nightmare, considering that the best of dreams could end up the most scarring of night terrors.
"Imagine this!" She stepped away from the caldron to the projection once more with a wicked cackle.
"Magic Mirror on the wall, ALL THE FORCES OF EVIL I CALL!" This caused more than a few gasps from the group.
"No!" Honey gulped as Haruhi put her had to her mouth with worry.
The mirror came back again. "You have the power to…"
"Control his mind!" The evil witch cackled, now on the projection. The lights dimmed on the stage as her eyes turned to another evil witch, Ursula.
"Oh yes! How exciting! Let's do it!" She laughed with gusto. As Poor Unfortunate Souls began, the crowd was reminded of this evil witch's malice.
"Baloga Sabruga indeed! Ursula will take matters into her own tentacles! Ha! How nice!" Some began to quiver with distress, including Haruhi, Honey, and Tamaki. The sea witch continued. "Mickey Mouse's mind will be mine. And then I'll make him writhe, I'll see him wriggle like a worm on a hook! To belong to me. To obey my every whim! Why not? Let's do it!" More boos and hisses came her way, but instantly stopped when they glared into the eyes of the most evil Disney character in the universe.
"Chernabog." Steph whispered with fear. From the film Fantasia! came this demonic character and everyone watched in horror as he called out servants from Hell. Kyoya instinctively put a protective arm around Katie, forgetting that she had seen this show hundreds of times already. Steph hugged the twins tight, giving them support as they glanced fearfully at the creature.
But there was a flash of fire that blinded all for a moment on the stage and the projections vanished. There stood a trembling Mickey with another fearsome Disney villain.
"Maleficent." Kyoya gasped, holding tighter onto Katie, who was not complaining. Everyone drew close together, fear gripping them.
"Now you will deal with me, and all the powers of MY IMAGINATION." She screamed.
"Oh No!" Mickey cried as he cowered as far away as he could from her. There was a sudden burst of red sparks followed by an evil green set of sparks as everyone watched with horror as Maleficent grew into the air. It seemed as if a mound of the earth lifted her straight up as she laughed at their fear. Strobes went off as she rose higher and higher.
She eventually faded as the projections came back, the music intense and fearful. A dragon, like the one Maleficent became in Sleeping Beauty was visible on the projection, roaring at the crowd and pretending to spew green flames onto the ground.
The old hag was back, cackling. "Imagination!" She mocked to the crowd and to Mickey. Ursula was crowing as well with Chernabog grunting his amusement at that notion.
Then came the projection of Maleficent the Dragon, laughing. Kyoya noticed two huge yellow lights on the stage and gasped in horror at what had happened. The rest of the Host Club followed suit and saw, towering at over three stories tall…
A real live dragon. It had to be an animatronic, but it looked so real. It was amazing and terrifying. Enveloped in a purple haze, it made the fight or flight adrenalin kick in, making Kyoya wish he had a sword like Prince Phillip's to plunge in the beast's heart and Mori had to control himself from grabbing Mitsukuni and running.
No one thought it could get any more terrifying.
Well, until it spewed fire onto the Rivers of America. Everyone pulled away from the river, feeling the heat radiating from the flames as everyone was reminded just how close they were to the action.
Mickey was still on the stage with Maleficent and, seeing the danger she poised to his friends, gathered courage and found a sword not unlike what Kyoya envisioned in stopping the beast. He grabbed it and held it up.
"Ha, you may think you're so powerful… But this is MY DREAM!" Kyoya felt a tear fall on his shoulder, where Katie had rested her head as she enjoyed the show. He was about to look at her and wipe the tear away when more action pulled him in shock to the stage once more.
Sparks erupted from the sword, hitting Maleficent and causing her to spout green and white sparks, looking as if she had short-circuited. She let out a huge scream as she smoked, as the water came up for projections.
Chernabog yelled as he was zapped. Ursula and the Evil Queen also were fried and they were destroyed, and everyone cheered for a moment as fireworks went off. Then things were still as glitters of light came from the projections.
"Is Mickey okay?" Honey asked, hushed and apprehensive. Everyone leaned closer, anxiously looking for their hero, when suddenly a trail of sparkling dust fluttered across the water. Tinker Bell became visible and, with a flick of her wand, caused a light to appear from their right. There were swirls of sparklers on a really elevated surface gliding across the water.
The music swelled once more as Tamaki guessed what was coming. "It's the Mark Twain!" He gasped with delight. The sight was beautiful, elegant, and then the music came to an explosive climax.
The boat turned white as many characters were on the boat, from Ariel and Jasmine and Aladdin to the Toy Story characters. But, at the top of the boat right in front of the wheelhouse came the Captain of the vessel.
"Mickey from Steamboat Willy." Katie applauded. Everyone gasped as the chorus sang and the characters on the boat danced. Katie was waving furiously at them, so everyone in their group followed her lead. Many characters acknowledged them. Ariel blew a blushing Mori a kiss as Haruhi got a cap tip from Prince Phillip. The twins got a salute from Aladdin, who they recognized from earlier in the day while Kyoya got a curtsey from Mary Poppins. Honey recognized Tiana who gave him a laugh and a kiss while Tamaki got a taunt and a wave from the Mad Hatter and Alice. Many more waved as they got to see Peter Pan and Wendy and rejoice in their victory over evil.
The boat continued down the river as the chorus sang the theme. The characters waved ribbons as their attentions was pulled back to the river once the boat had passed them. Sparklers were whirling, water was shooting up along with lasers. Fireworks burst and it was almost a sensory overload. Everyone could feel their heart racing as the water caught fire once more and Disney showed how amazing they could be.
The music climaxed again, with Sorcerer Mickey on the Cabin, appearing from a volley of fireworks. He commanded the water to move, shoot up, and lasers to go off. Fireworks acted as stars and comets for him to command as Haruhi started to cry. It was all so beautiful. She wasn't alone as Mori was wiping tears from Honey's face as he was crying. Tamaki was utterly entranced, letting tears fall freely. Kyoya, with his arm still around her, choked up as the twins were blubbering into hankies. Steph and Katie had their tears in check, but they were still there.
It was a show all around them as they watched Mickey in control of his dream, making magic happen. The music swelled one last time, then Mickey vanished from the cabin in a burst of light and appeared with only a spotlight on him back on the stage in the span of a second, back in his first outfit. He waved and said three words which Steph and Katie echoed with gentle and adoring smiles on their faces. Three words that would buzz in their minds for a long, long time.
"Some Imagination, huh?"
One last hurrah, a few more fireworks, lasers, and Fantasmic! Ended with a BANG!
Author's Note: Hope you liked it. R&R, and see you next Friday!
THATS ALL!