RHAPSODY

Disclaimer: Come on. If I really owned HSM, would I be doing this? I have no money, so this is just for fun. Don't sue.

HSM belongs to the real world power, Disney. If they want to sell Lucas Grabeel, I'll set up a fund.

Phantom of the Opera was written by Gaston Leroux. The original novel is in the public domain. The musical version belongs to Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Authors notes: Yes, its another Phantom inspired fic, but before you all groan in horror, I assure you that this one will be different. I intend to take aspects of different versions of the story in incorporate in this one. Using inspiration from the original Gaston Leroux novel, Susan Kay's Phantom', and the musicals of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Yeston and Kopit, I intend to give you a story that is at the same time original, and a tribute to the greatest story ever told.

No...not THAT one...the other one...the Phantom one...anyway, on with the story.

Rating: Oh, lets give it a T just to be on the safe side.

Warnings: A little violence, a little loving

Parings: Ryan/Kelsi, Kelsi/Erik, mentions of Troy/Gabriella

"You've got to be kidding me!"

Kelsi Nielsen knew her eyes must be as big and round as saucers as she looked around the grand, old theater. "Mrs. Darbus's brother-in-law really owned this place?"

It was like something out of an old movie. Golden gilt statues, velvet drapes, the painted ceiling and ornate, crystal chandelier. "I've never seen anything like it."

"I have." Sharpay Evens sounded bored. Normal for her. "Looks like the auditorium of the Opera House in Paris, doesn't it Ryan?"

Her twin brother, Ryan, just shrugged, knowing his sister didn't really expect, or want, an answer. He rolled his eyes at Kelsi, then winked.

Kelsi felt her face warm, and turned away. Ryan had been acting differently toward her since last summer, and she had no idea why, She wasn't saying she didn't like it, she just didn't understand it.

"Oh, no way!" She practically squealed at the sight of the grand piano on the stage. She ran up the side steps and over to the glossy black instrument. Her fingers trailed over the ivory keys. "I've never seen anything so beautiful."

I have, Ryan thought. The way Kelsi's eyes lit up at the sight of the piano was beyond beautiful. He wasn't sure when he first started to notice her. They had worked together during the talent show over the summer. He had been impressed by her talent. Noticing how beautiful she truly was some as a pleasant surprise. He followed her to the stage.

"Mrs. Darbus says the theater did belong to her brother-in-law, but was left to her nephew after his Dad died."

"So where is he? Her Nephew I mean."

"Who knows, who cares." Sharpay walked across the stage, stopping at the center and turning to face the auditorium. "I mean, for right now it's all mine...I mean ours of course."

This time Kelsi rolled her eyes and Ryan grinned. The short moment ended when the auditorium doors flew open and what looked like half of East High came thru, followed by Mrs. Darbus, Drama teacher and all around tyrant.

She clapped her hands together to get the students' attention. "Alright, everyone. As you can see we are in hallowed halls. Let's not defile it with any childish or criminal actions. I have been given over temporary possession of this grand palace to perform out fall musical. Theater is a grand tradition..."

Her voice continued to drone on, basically ignored by all the students, too busy looking in wonder around them, accept for Troy and Gabriella, who snuck off for some alone time' in the balcony.

Sharpay was too busy admiring herself in a fell length mirror she found underneath a cloth cover.

Ryan took a seat next to Kelsi on the piano bench. "So...do you think you might try out this year?"

"Try out? No...I mean I've always done the music."

"But we're not doing one of your shows this year, are we? Not that your shows aren't great, I love your music."

Kelsi felt herself start to blush again. "Thank you."

"Yeah...I...I just thought..."

"I'll still be involved." Kelsi said. "The show was my suggestion, after all."

"So, can you tell me what it is?" Ryan smiled. He had the cutest dimple on the right side of his face when he smiled.

"It's supposed to be a surprise." Kelsi smiled back. She couldn't help it. Ryan's smiles where simply contagious. "Mrs. Darbus wants everyone to try out before she announces the show, that way she can cast the parts according to who would be the best for them, not having anyone try out for specific roles."

"Weird." Ryan said. "Sharpay doesn't like it any."

"I think the theater makes up for it, don't you?"

"It is pretty cool." Ryan agreed. "Sharpay's right, it does look a lot like the Paris Opera House."

"You've been there?" She asked. She had always wanted to visit Paris, and see the famous building.

"Couple of summer's ago. They don't do a lot of opera anymore, but their ballets are pretty good."

"I wish I could see it someday."

"Maybe you will."

"As you know..." Darbus's voice drifted back in, "this year I want each of you to sing a song of your own choosing for your audition. Once try-outs are done, I will choose the roles, then, and only then, will the show be announced. This way all backstage intrigues may be avoided."

Sharpay turned from her reflection long enough to give an affronted "Humph!" before turning back.

"She doesn't like that she had to sing alone." Ryan whispered in Kelsi's ear. "She thinks she should always have someone as an accessory."

"Don't you mean partner?"

"No, trust me, I mean accessory."

Kelsi laughed, causing Darbus to send a dark look her way.

"But really," Ryan continued in a low voice, "I don't see why you won't try-out. I've heard you sing."

"I'm awful."

"No you're not. You just need someone to help you."

"You mean...like lessons?"

"Sure." He cleared his throat. "You know, I could..."

"Alright now, children!" Darbus clapped her hands again. "We shall begin. Miss Nielsen, I trust that piano will be suitable as accompaniment."

"Yes, Mrs. Darbus."

"Good." Mrs. Darbus consulted her list. "Shall we hear from Troy Bolton first?" She called out.

"Where is Troy Bolton?" She asked, looking around. All she saw where amused faces, none of which belonged to East High's basketball star...or his girlfriend.

"Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez!" She shouted out. A noise from above made her look up. "What are you two doing up there?"

The students behind her started to laugh. "Get down here this instant. Both of you have detention."

From the look on Troy's face, detention was worth whatever the two had been doing up there.

"Mr. Bolton, I hope you are prepared. Please give Miss Nielsen your music choice and what key you would like."

"Gonna sing soprano, Troy?" Chad Danforth quipped from the second row. The comment was followed up by snorts and giggles from the other students.

"Mr. Danforth, that will be enough. Please begin, Mr. Bolton."