Chapter 4: Sensational

A/N: Currently this very first arc will be more of a VERY long exposition dump. I could have started the story years (in world time) earlier so this part of the story would have more sense. 

I created the MC's template to be a contrast to his past life with a happy family who supported his endeavors. They had money and were smart with it and were able to goof around allowing the MC to meet many people and develop many relationships as a child.

This may be a spoiler but the story would start off with the MC realizing how much chaos he unintentionally caused, living his life in a way where he just did whatever he wanted, copying songs from his past life and just making use of all his talents and future knowledge. Now that his parents were gone and his smooth sailing life was hit with a storm the MC would start to find out how much stability his parents gave him.

Also, regarding the reality TV show- The MC went to a different high school, a performing arts high school whose graduates were, more or less going to be part of the entertainment industry- one way or another. 

The story is currently set in 2009, which, I realized will only be revealed in this chapter, and only hinted at instead of being said explicitly. In any case I'm already gonna give a heads up, the succeeding chapters will be more expository and building a foundation for the story moving forward. A LOT of "HOW THE FUCK DID THAT HAPPEN?" reactions may come out but the MC started living his life in this world at a young age and we are just reading his tale in the later part of his life when all the chaos starts. Anyway, here's the chapter~

[3rd person POV]

"Of all the things I could have done without my knowing it had to involve myself in a weird world of high school teenage drama and angst…"

Tony was staring at the ceiling in his room, the sun had risen, it was 5 in the morning and Tony had just woken up and his mind was still preoccupied by the current problem he found himself in.

"Well it was fun, but now that I think about it… I realize just how my actions could have caused quite some- problems"

Sighing, Tony sat up and opened his laptop to search up, "Starstruck".

Starstruck is a "reality TV show" that was based on the high school he went to. Since the school was a performing arts focused school, the principal was pretty much 100% supportive of the endeavor.

A film crew and producers came in, they did some auditions, interviews and soon they selected him and his friend Tori Vega to be the main characters of the show. It was supposed to be a tale of friendship between two geniuses, one is a kid who showed off and mastered his talents from a young age and one who just recently learned of their own talent and was still coming to terms with their new life.

Recalling the filming of the show, Tony could not help but sigh at the fact that before he left to take care of his parents death, he went into a bit of a conflict with the producers.

"My existence changed the way Tori Vega got into Hollywood Arts High School… well I mean- unlike Andre who could not do anything but accept being partnered with Trina I was quick to criticize her lack of ability…"

Tony lamented his actions, based on the knowledge and memories he was given by God, without him, Andre would have been partnered with Trina which would ultimately lead to Tori showing off her talent. 

But his appearance led to him being the one partnered with Trina, and if that wasn't enough, through pure instinct and by being friends with Andre, Tony ended up writing the iconic Victorious song.

This led to him being the one who performed with Tori, Andre still got into the group, then when the auditions for the reality TV show came it was Tony who auditioned with Tori.

All of this ultimately led to the reality TV show changing focus. Making a contrasting point between a talent who was already at the top and one who was at the bottom catching up.

At first Tony didn't care about the plot of the show but as the story progressed, he and Tori were told by their friends about how the story framed the two as being a couple. 

Recalling that time, Tony bitterly clicked his tongue as it just occurred to him that Tori didn't really show shock. Instead she simply followed along when he shot up and got mad. Tony then confronted the team, he even went as far as to avoid Tori altogether but this further complicated things when he was then paired with Jade.

Ultimately, to avoid too much controversy, Tony accepted the pairing, after all it was just a reality TV show. He already had a lot of problems with Tori being coupled with him. What more could happen if he ended up being coupled with Jade officially?

With that he ended up watching a stupid episode of Jade making Tony realize that Tori was important to him and then things were set to be platonic but ambiguous.

The problem now was that two weeks ago, Tony found out that the next episode of the TV show would not involve the upcoming play that was Tony and Tori's class project. It was supposed to be a musical that revolved around romance and cheating. Tony even went so far as to steal some songs from his past life.

What he didn't expect was all their practice and preparation was turned into a highschool prom episode!

The kiss that Tori and Tony practiced to do for the musical was turned into some crazy confession and confirmation of their relationship.

The producers even had the gall to use short clips of Tori and Tony practicing while joking around with their friends to make it look like they were a couple fooling around behind the scenes. Meticulously, the videos were framed to make it look like they were alone together when their friends like Andre and Kat were there with them.

Tony had to have another argument with the producers. He played along with them, acting like he didn't mind their plans for the plot. But at this point he was already thinking of ways to make them lose all their data. He made it look like he didn't mind their plans all while trying to find a way to get the main drive that stored all the clips. 

But then while he was moving with his plans to get over the situation he received a call about his parents.

Unfortunately, he did not have time to inform everyone, he only left a note saying that there was trouble with his family and he had to go back home.

Last night he realized everything and wanted to do something but as he reached home, he processed his thoughts and found that he was already six feet under. He couldn't really change everything, especially since the release of the episode was that very night.

Not wanting to watch the live broadcast of the episode, Tony forced himself to sleep by working on the project he used to calm his mind down. Interestingly enough, as he worked on it he recalled the experience he had after singing. The short feeling he had at that moment that lifted him up gave him inspiration that allowed him to complete the project. 

It was a video of his past two weeks of depression, sorrow, action and inaction. When he looked over the depressing video he recalled that faint moment in the studio and changed the whole thing.

He edited the video and recorded the song that fit the video. After all that was done, he rendered the project and watched it on the living room TV. 

When all things were done Tony found that it was already late and the final episodes premiere had already passed. Tired, Tony decided to call it a day and let things play out, as he'll leave it to future Tony to handle before going to sleep.

He still ended up waking up early as it was the time for him to workout and make his breakfast. 

But, when he woke up, he received a text from Tori talking about the episode and asking him if he was alright. This is what prompted Tony to search up the show and find the streaming platform where it was being released and he started to watch the episode.

"In the end the producers pushed through with their script but- I never expected them to do that…"

Tony sighed as he watched the final scene, the episode that confirmed the relationship between him and Tori would be the season ender. More drama would have been made with a second season but he was, unfortunately changing schools.

At first he was expecting an announcement of the show being canceled since he did filed the paperwork for changing schools already. He did have some suspicions when the principal readily accepted his transfer. 

But now that he watched the true ending of the episode, the ending that was made in the two weeks he was gone. Instead of the fake scene that he and Tori filmed, a scene where they were on the rooftop of the school staring at the sky.

The original ending should have been Tori confessing and Tony hugging her in response. Of course, since this was a planned scene they had multiple takes. Tony and Tori even played around with more depressing topics like Tony leaving to join the army.

The original ending was the hug but what was played in the final release was one of the takes where Tony told Tori that he had to change schools since he was planning to start his own label and can't continue to waste time in a performing arts high school.

The scene was quite dramatic and both Tori and Tony showed off their acting skill by playing along with each other ad lib.

The director loved the scene and said he'd keep it since it showcased the talent of two young geniuses.

Who would have thought it would be used in the final cut?

"I told you! Wasting my time playing around with small projects is only slowing down my career! I don't need sponsors, I don't need contracts! I'm starting my own label! I have all the knowledge and ability I need! I learned nothing in this whole school year!"

In the screen Tony was arguing with Tori who had tears in her eyes as she held onto his chest, crying she responded-

"What about us? I love you! You told me you'll bring me to the top! You promised to be with me at every step! You promised to stay with me till the end!"

Tony in the video, had a torn expression on his face, he tried to hug Tori but he stopped his hands-

'I was playing around here… I thought of my character and what would he do in that situation given the context we were playing with… he liked Tori and wanted to be with her but he also had dreams he wanted to pursue, conflicted between love and his career the Tony in the show was now having an internal struggle'

Tony thought as he watched the show, he already knew what should happen next but instead of the ending he thought flashbacks started to play with sad music.

The song was one he wrote copying one of his favorites while he was a teen in his previous life. Tori found his notes and proposed to sing along with him. The producers were already filming at that time and recording microphones were scattered all over the school.

Tori and Tony sang the song in a deserted classroom which, to his surprise, gave a recording studio kind of effect.

Of course Tony already filed the copyrights of the song, that was one of the things his parents instilled in his mind whenever he came up with a new song.

But as Tony watched the show's ending he realized just how skilled the director was, he didn't know if he was supposed to be glad or depressed over the scene.

[Song: We the King - Sad Song featuring Elena Coats]

An acoustic melody started to play-

🎶You and I🎶

🎶We're like fireworks and symphonies exploding in the sky🎶

🎶With you, I'm alive🎶

🎶Like all the missing pieces of my heart🎶

🎶They finally collide🎶

As the first verse played, the scene changed. A flashback to an earlier episode scene where Tori and Tony were singing together. The music did not change to the music in the scene but everyone who followed the series knew that the song was an upbeat and happy one.

Then more clips of Tony and Tori helping each other and lifting each other up during difficult times over the season-

🎶So stop time right here in the moonlight🎶

🎶'Cause I don't ever wanna close my eyes🎶

The scene changed going back to the original scene, now Tony was hugging Tori, the two were bathed in the moonlight as the young brunette cried in her lover's arms. As the last line of the verse was sang the camera once again focused on Tony closing his eyes which caused another flashback-

The flashback followed along with the lyrics that started with a zoom out from Tony opening his eyes-

🎶Without you, I feel broke🎶

🎶Like I'm half of a whole🎶

Scenes of Tony and Tori laughing together in casual conversation, in the hallway, by the lockers, on the stairs-

🎶Without you, I've got no hand to hold🎶

A scene followed the lyrics, showing Tony and Tori holding hands giving each other a smile-

🎶Without you, I feel torn🎶

🎶Like a sail in a storm🎶

Then, a clip of Tony alone flashed, he was holding a piece of paper and then he crumpled it up after reading it. A look of frustration was evident in his eyes-

🎶Without you, I'm just a sad song🎶

🎶I'm just a sad song🎶

The scene changed, the focus was now on Tori as she started to sing her own part-

🎶With you I fall🎶

🎶It's like I'm leaving all my past in silhouettes upon the wall🎶

The scene started with Tori staring at Tony from the earlier scene, she saw him crumple up the paper and toss it before leaving. Tori then turned and with a sorrowful expression she walked away.

🎶With you I'm a beautiful mess🎶

🎶It's like we're standing hand in hand🎶

🎶With all our fears upon the edge🎶

The lyrics were accompanied by scenes of Tony helping Tori out, the first scene where he and Tori fought after he criticized her sister. Then to the scene where Tori ended up being the one performing in her sister's place.

🎶So stop time right here in the moonlight🎶

🎶'Cause I don't ever wanna close my eyes🎶

Again, the scene returned to the two under the moonlight as lyrics was sang in a duet, the focus was now on Tori who was crying as she mouth the words - "I love you"

As the chorus started, the lead was on Tony while Tori sang in the background harmonizing with his voice. Scene plays of more unique scenes from past episodes between the two characters as a sense of sorrow was continuously emphasized in the shots.

🎶Without you, I feel broke🎶

🎶Like I'm half of a whole🎶

🎶Without you, I've got no hand to hold🎶

🎶Without you, I feel torn🎶

🎶Like a sail in a storm🎶

🎶Without you, I'm just a sad song🎶

The duet layered together making both Tori and Tony's voices meld together harmonizing perfectly as they sang the next verse-

🎶You're the perfect melody🎶

🎶The only harmony🎶

🎶I wanna hear🎶

Clips of the two hugging and holding hands were shown accompanying these lyrics, casual scenes of them living like average teenagers is what dominated this part of the verse but the beat paused causing a shift in the tempo before the next part was sang-

🎶You're my favorite part of me🎶

🎶With you standing next to me🎶

🎶I've got nothing to fear🎶

Scenes of their performances, their school projects and activities involving performance were highlighted. When the two characters were pushing each other's back to give them confidence and helping each other break out of their shells.

Then as the verse ended the beat dropped and the instrumentals all went silent only leaving the tune of a piano which then transitioned to the moment Tori and Tony sang this song in the empty room, a scene that was not used in any of the episodes so far. In other words it was a backstage scene, one that would make people believe that the reality TV show drama was not completely "made up". 

The scene showed the two smiling as they sang the chorus-

🎶Without you, I feel broke🎶

🎶Like I'm half of a whole🎶

The first part was sang by Tony along as he played the piano, then he stopped singing and Tori continued-

🎶Without you, I've got no hand to hold🎶

The two stared at each other with a smile, the scene changed again to the scene of them partying with their class. Crowns were placed atop Tony and Tori's heads and as this scene played the instrumentals that went silent came back with full force.

The couples duet came along with the background music which all matched with the transition of the scene from slow motion to regular motion-

🎶Without you, I feel torn🎶

🎶Like a sail in a storm🎶

🎶Without you, I'm just a sad song🎶

The song continued to play as the scene of the whole class celebrating played along with the song.

🎶Without you, I feel broke🎶

🎶Like I'm half of a whole🎶

🎶Without you, I've got no hand to hold🎶

🎶Without you, I feel torn🎶

🎶Like a sail in a storm🎶

🎶Without you-🎶

The music stopped with the drop of a beat, the scene finally returned to the rooftop where Tori and Tony were just staring into each other's eyes. 

Seeing this scene, Tony cursed-

'That's from a different take!'

But his curses did nothing as the scene continued to play-

🎶I'm just a sad song🎶

🎶I'm just a sad song🎶

The final lines were matched with Tony and Tori kissing, tears could be seen running down both of their faces as the camera panned up to the sky, the sad piano instrumentals continued to play until the screen turned black.

After that a few lines appeared on the black screen.

[Our stars were destined to collide, but we struck too early and missed each other by a hair's breadth. Now, we traverse our paths waiting for the next time we could meet but then-

Stars struck our Intersection]

The text disappeared and the black screen faded showing Tony receiving a call and having a distraught expression on his face. The angle was not as clear as good as the previous shots giving a more candid feel to the clip.

In the video Tony had a blank expression on his face as the phone fell from his hands. He stared blankly for a few seconds before picking up his phone and rushing out of the room.

What followed was a scene of "Tony and Tori's hangout" where Tori was crying as she read a note.

Jade looked at the note and read it-

"Sorry, I have some important family matters to take care of, I may not be able to see you guys again"

When Jade read that everyone had a look of shock, they did not know what to do as they stared blankly at each other.

The scene then change to Tori going to the principal's office screaming

"What do you mean Tony's transferring schools?!"

For the first part of the show, everyone called Tony, "Lew", but soon they got tired of that and started calling him Tony. Which stuck till the end of the show, as such Tori calling Tony with his real nickname was not something weird.

The scene then changed to Tori and the gang back at the hangout planning.

"So how do we find out where Tony's transferring to?"

"How about we go to his house?"

"Do you know where it is?"

"..."

Then the screen turned black once again as new text flashed-

[Starstruck 2nd Season - When World Collide]

Those huge words appeared on the screen as the black background slowly faded revealing an image. It was great photoshop but what made Tony panic was that an image of him going to Palisades High school was on the left while the image of Tori and the gang leaving Hollywood arts was on the right.

"FUCK!"

Seeing the end Tony could only curse as he realized why the principal was completely fine with him transferring schools. Even the principal of Palisades did not ask why Tony was transferring at the middle of the school year.

For a few minutes Tony could only stare blankly not knowing what to do but, he soon calmed himself down as he muttered.

"At least the show was not really famous, even Haley didn't know about it, maybe a few nerds would but I doubt anyone would recognize me"

With such thoughts Tony went down to the home Gym his dad made for him, the time was nearing six and he was planning to go to the Dunphy's at 8. It was a saturday and he wanted to explain to them, especially Haley about the show.

'I mean, as niche as it is, the show is still out there, they would find out eventually and I'd rather tell them now… especially Haley-'

Tony thought of Haley but as he did he recalled Tori, why her face would come up in his mind, he did not know- or he forced himself to not know as he shook his head to focus on his workout-

Tony was right, the show Starstruck was not really that famous, in fact it was premiering at an ungodly hour which few people watched. It was on TV the same time as the news so few people actually got the chance to watch it.

But, this time the production team took a gamble.

They doubled down on the ToriXTony ship, their fanbase, which mostly consisted of internet watchers, were very active. Seeing this strong fanbase that were more focused on the story between Tori and Tony made them forgo the initial focus of Hollywood Arts. 

With that, they announced that they would be making a special premier time in multiple networks. The producers invested heavily into this endeavor, they were then given a timeslot after the evening news.

They even made a deal with the original TV network to show a complete recap of the series after the final episode.

At first few networks cared but the producers started a fundraising activity online which allowed them to purchase the time slot in multiple TV networks as well as advertising, they focused on the scene of Tony and Tori singing just give me a reason. 

The ad garnered interest as they saw a beautiful young woman and a handsome young man singing together. Their acting was superb and their movements and voice was charming enough to grab the attention of various teens nationwide.

The results? 

Last night made headlines as the ratings of various TV channels shot up the roof, meanwhile the original network that was premiering the whole season over the next 24 hours was receiving an extreme influx of ratings.

Morning news networks talked about the sudden rise of the ship between Tony and Tori that garnered a lot of ship names such as but not limited to- ToTo, RiOn, OnyT, OriOn…

If Tony looked deeper into Tori's messages, he would have noticed that she had a hint of excitement as she suddenly found Hollywood Arts swarmed by media and Paparazzi.

Unfortunately Tony would only realize this later, for now he was busy working out.