Earlier (Haruka’s POV)
Ah…speeding in a sweet motorcycle during the night always feels great after a workout. The humming motor is music to my ears. Streetlights shone overhead, reflecting themselves off my body in all directions, articulating the luster of my leather jacket. Always dress to look cool, never know who’s watching you even if it’s after midnight. A tight pair of jeans gripped my slender legs as I pushed the gas pedal and my hands gripped the handlebars harder when the burst of speed came.
Only one thing was better than riding a motorcycle and that was riding a motorcycle with Michiru; having her arms wrap themselves tightly around my waist, feeling her pressed against my back.
At that moment I made a sharp right hand turn. The cuffs of my jacket pushed back with tension and the battle wounds came into view once more. They were nothing really. I was lucky that the enemy was as weak as it was. A few scratches… perhaps insignificant scrapes on my arms and legs but nothing that would stick out of the normal. Perfect actually, now I can tell coach that I got’em while training, wouldn’t he be surprised. He’d be ‘oh you’re so devoted, take some time off.’ Its not like I’m slacking off, I mean, I always go for my own little runs regularly. It’s just that I have more important things to do at the moment. Like less training time equals more time I with Michiru.
Looking down into one of the side mirrors I could see myself grinning through the visor of my helmet. Uh…saving the world that is! I wish it’d be more than that though.
I pushed my foot down on the speed pedal again, urging the vehicle to push its limits. Now where was I going again? Hmm…Oh yeah, to Michiru’s! She’d probably appreciate it if I told her how my mission went face to face instead of over the phone. I’ll tell her how easy it was and after she’s impressed I’ll flash her a winning smile. It would be perfect, it could be. But…the heart crystal was a dud. How would she react to that?
My knuckles must’ve been turning white under my leather gloves. I was glad…Damn! I was glad that it was a dud. If it weren’t, that girl would’ve died. Could I really kill someone? Someone I’ve never met before, someone innocent with their whole life ahead of them? There were times when I feel into periods of despair, I remember sitting in the corner of my apartment. Sitting with my legs’ bent up, pressed against my chest, repeating the question like a mantra.
It scares me. What if we failed? No! W-we won’t. Michiru and I promised each other we won’t, I promised her.
A thought had struck me just then. Michiru! Her target, did…no, she can’t, couldn’t, wouldn’t…she just can’t! The image of the aqua goddess with a broken will and empty eyes flashed past my eyes. Michiru is too kind hearted, if she had to take a life it would have devastating effects. She’s pure, lives life to the fullest and treats everyone with kindness, even those who may not deserve it. Even someone like me. Michiru…taking a life, destroying herself and staining her delicate hands. Or worse…Losing her own life. How could I live with myself if I lost her? That can’t happen!
“I’m an idiot!” I growled loudly.
Passing the final stretch quickly, down the tarred road her house came into view. She lived out by the ocean. The dark water’s splashes were droned out by my bike’s motor. Just a bit further, please be all right.
I came to a stop in front of her house. Seeing none of its lights were on fueled my fears. Worry washed over me. Clumsily I somewhat tripped dismounting from my vehicle and ran straight for the door, leaving the bike to fall over onto the semi barren ground.
“Michiru!”
My fists bombarded the door as I called her name in panic. Do you know why I had accepted this destiny? I rapped the door harder. It’s because…because…
“Haruka?”
Michiru opened the door slowly and peered up at me through tired eyes, her eyelids fluttered briefly.
“Michiru…”
The real reason why I accepted this destiny was not because I couldn’t escape from it.
“Haruka, first you decide to go for a early morning ride…” She peers at the grounded motorcycle behind me. “Then you go banging on my door and wake me up. What do you have to say for yourself?” She threw me a teasing smile.
It was all to protect that smile. I wanted to protect her, everything of her. Just looking at her now, I could do it. If it meant taking a life instead of her performing the deed, then so be it. My resolve strengthened a hundred fold that moment.
“I…well…”
“It’s all right Haruka, you know I’m just teasing. What did you want to talk about?”
“W-well, I wanted to tell you about how the mission went.”
The color seemed to drain from her cheeks. Did something happen after all?
“Come in, it’s better to talk inside.”
I followed her in, making sure to take off my shoes and my leather jacket before we sat down in the living room. Michiru must’ve noticed my shivering because she lighted the fireplace. For awhile none of us spoke. In silence I watched her seat herself on the couch opposite of me and our eyes slowly met.
“It…it wasn’t what we were looking for.” I finally broke the silence. What else could I’ve said? It went good? It went bad? Neither would work as the sentence could be interpreted in many different ways. Better be careful about what I say.
Michiru blankly stared up at me and then bit her lower lip for a moment. There was guilt in those aqua eyes.
“Michiru…?” She shook her head. To my surprise she started to fidget slightly. “W-what’s wrong?” Momentarily she lifted her face and I saw that tears had started to form.
Without another thought I propelled myself off the couch and was at her side, taking her shaking form into a protective embrace.
“I-I’m sorry Haruka…” She sobbed softly.
“Michi, what happened? You can tell me, I’m here for you.” Trust me, please.
“I let her go…”
“…” I waited for her to continue.
“She… they… the enemy never came for her. I just…I’m sorry Haruka.”
So that meant three things. One, we still don’t know if this girl has a talisman hidden in her pure heart. Two and three, the most important, Michiru is all right for the most part and she didn’t have to kill anyone. I could almost jump in joy. I looked down at her face once more. Her eyes reflected guilt but…
“It’s okay Michi. Don’t worry about it. It’ll all turn out.” She backed out of my embrace and studied my face. I flashed her my winning smile.
The soft, warm glow emitted from the fireplace danced across the sea goddess’s tear stained face. I wished I could tell her how beautiful she was, how much she really meant to me. Instead, I gently wiped the remaining tears from her eyes.
The guilt and sadness in those aqua orbs were soon replaced with weariness. Slowly she leaned in and gave me a small kiss on my cheek. A light blush came over my face and darkened crimson when the smaller woman leaned into me before falling asleep.
Everything felt so right.
I continued to watch her peaceful form and indulged in the sounds of her soft breaths. I will protect her, whatever the cost.
Morning
“Haruka, wake up! We’ll be late if you don’t hurry!”
“J-just a few more minutes…” I lay sprawled over the couch, the warm leather against my cheek felt so soft, I didn’t want to move. Who needs school anyway?
“Haruka…” Came the annoyed reply.
Sploosh.
“Gah! I’m up, I’m awake!” Water drenched my hair and had nicked the couch. I looked up to glare at Michiru, who wasn’t even trying to hide the deed. She turned and strolled towards the kitchen with the bowl in her hands. I noticed that she had already dressed into her school uniform. Damn, which reminds me, I’ll have to change at school.
“Be sure to wipe the water off the couch Haruka.” She giggled. “I’m sure you’d like to eat breakfast right?”
“I’m on it…” I grumbled. Translation was, ‘clean the couch or no breakfast’.
Moments later I strolled into the kitchen where the sea goddess was in the middle of preparing meal. Glancing over at the sink ahead, I flicked my wrist and the soaked wash rag flew cleanly up and into the metal bin.
Flop.
“Score.” I commented smugly.
“Would you rather have two points or bacon n’ eggs?” Michiru questioned, she turned to look at me, diverting her eyes from the frying pan.
Well, I actually would have another kiss but I repressed the urge. She’s acting like yesterday never happened.
“I think you should know the answer.”
“Two points it is then.”
“Hey!”
After eating both of us had ran out of the house a half-hour before the school bell was scheduled to ring. Of course I ran to my motorcycle, picking it up and waited for Michiru. Instead Michiru looked at me somewhat annoyed.
“Haruka, we’re taking the car.”
“Nani?”
“Your such a speed demon, it’s not safe during the early mornings, you’re just too reckless.”
“B-but…”
“Haruka…”
I sighed and gave in. Soon my bike was locked into the garage and I hopped into the car.
“Can I drive?” I asked hopeful. If anything I should at least get to drive.
“Oh all right, but remember, no speeding.” Michiru gave out a frustrated sigh. Being late for school was an unspeakable sin for her.
“Yes!” We switched places and soon I was at the gas pedal. Who could resist? Speeding a little over the limit never hurt anyone. I slammed my foot onto the pedal.
“HARUKA!” Michiru yelled.
We did manage to get to school on time. Michiru scolded me the entire way from the parking lot into class but who cares? You could tell she really enjoyed it, the way her eyes twinkled behind that fake exasperated mask.
After I changed into my uniform we both went to class. Ah yes, class was a bore as ever. It was always the same; people go to school, girls drool over the guys and the teachers drone on for a good hour and twenty minutes.
I glanced over to Michiru who was paying strict attention as always. At least one of us was. My arm started to fall asleep from resting my dead weight head on it for so long. With my free hand I dove into my school bag and pulled out a racing magazine. Guess who was on the front cover? I found myself grinning as I read up the gossip on me. These writers really have some wild imaginations.
Shortly after a knock came at the door. As the teacher moved to address the disturbance the class sprang to life, chattering about their day and such. However I was too absorbed in my magazine to notice.
“Students, we have a new student, please make her feel welcome.” Mr. Yoshi announced.
To my surprise the noise level rose, but even then I did not look up. What was the point? It was probably just another rich kid.
“Haruka…” Michiru whispered.
“Mmm?” She roughly elbowed me hard in the ribs. “Hey! Why did you…?”
I stopped when I saw she wasn’t looking at me. Turning my head I looked at what had caught her attention. A blond girl had walked into the room. Shoulder length hair, shorter than me but taller than Michiru and…aqua eyes? I quickly glanced back to Michiru who looked like she seen a ghost.
“That’s her Haruka…” Michi started.
“Konnichiwa...” The room fell silent. “Watashi wa Tenou Kaiya. Nice to meet you.”
“She’s the target that I…”
Michi didn’t have to say more. So that was her, the one we should watch out for. The girl, Kaiya was it? She peered around the room, almost looking for something until her gaze stopped on Michiru and I. The whole room seemed to melt away, as though the three of us were the only ones in the room. I held my gaze, not wanting to be the one to back down, Michiru did the same.
“Tenou san, you may take a seat over by Kaioh san.”
The girl gave the teacher a quick alarmed glance but then reluctantly nodded her head. This was going perfectly, it shouldn’t be hard to make friends with her; she’s in our class, approximately our age and now she’s going to sit next to us! Maybe luck was on our side after all.
The blond walked up the stairs towards us, ignoring the wolf whistles of the male population. She had pride, the way she carried herself without her face revealing any sort of evidence of being fazed by the introduction. I moved out of my desk to let her sit between Michiru and myself.
“So, Kaiya is it?” I tried to open a friendly conversation.
“Class is starting.” She clearly stated without looking at my face.
“Ouch, did you see that? Tenoh got shot down.” A few voices snickered behind my back. I could feel the heat of embarrassment burn my face.
Michiru didn’t say anything. She continued to look down at her notes and had started to scribble down what the teacher started to teach next.
Michiru’s POV
I know Haruka was only trying to start a conversation but wow, it was really amusing to see that girl put Haruka in her place. Her face was so shocked. I guess we can assume this girl, Kaiya, is an academic sort of person. If she was more interested in class than making conversation.
Brrrring.
People all around us moved to packed their books and started out the door to class two. Kaiya fumbled around with her notes, picking up different pens and shoving them into her bag quickly. Poor soul, she looks so disorganized.
“Want to talk now?” Haruka tried again.
To my surprise Kaiya flashed a smile to Haruka and then bluntly stated,
“No.”
The new student rushed down the steps and out the door before Haruka could come up with a decent comeback.
“Hey!” Haruka cried out, that was twice she got shot down today.
“Haruka, you may be losing your touch.” I couldn’t help but giggle at her wounded pride.
“No way, just watch Michi! No girl can resist my charm.” She flashed me another smile.
In truth, seeing that smile made my stomach do a flip flop but I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction of letting her know that.
“Right, well there may be two girls that might have that sort of immunity.”
Haruka blinked and looked at me for moment, until she finally understood the statement. Sometimes she can be a bit slow.
“We’ll just have to see won’t we?”
She brushed past me and made chase after Kaiya. This could be interesting. I picked up my things and followed the blondes.
“Hey! Hold up!” Haruka was yelling. She was chasing the other blond who had also just broken into a run.
“Stop chasing me!” Kaiya yelled over her shoulder, her bag beating her back.
“Not until…you listen!”
“Stalker!”
Okay, so maybe Haruka was overdoing it just a bit. People rushed out of their way as they thundered down the hallways. Even I had a bit of trouble keeping up so I rushed down a different route, hoping to cut them off at the pass.
“What are you, deaf!” I could hear Kaiya scream.
“What did you say!”
The voices were getting louder. I stood near the end of the hallway, listening as the two approached at a rapid pace. Really I didn’t know why I was doing this. It just seemed like fun.
Kaiya turned the corner and was heading straight towards me.
“Like a game of tag.” I muttered, then smiled at the thought.
“Don’t look down.” Kaiya yelled to me.
But if someone tells you not to do something, as I am a teenager, I did what a teenager would’ve done…do the opposite.
“Huh?” I looked down for a split second, puzzled at why she had said it.
“Let’s change the game, leap frog!”
Two hands hit my shoulders. I was numbly aware that her figure was flipping over me.
“Michiru!” Haruka yelled.
My head shot up too late as Haruka came crashing into me, sending us both sprawling across the floor.
“Oof!”
Not again…
“Haruka, why do you always end up on top of me?” I asked, rather annoyed. I was still grouchy about losing that last one on one encounter of ‘leap frog’.
“Ah…well you see…” My partner tried to explain.
“Is that what you do? You’re such a pervert.” Kaiya was grinning ear to ear as if she just uncovered Haruka’s most embarrassing secret.
“No! It’s not like that!” Haruka defended herself.
“My eyes don’t lie.” The other blond replied, articulating each word. She now stood a few steps away from my head.
Oh dear, battle of the blondes.
“It was an accident.”
“Was it? You sure look like you’re enjoying yourself, you haven’t even made the attempt to get off.”
There was a silence. It just clicked that Haruka was still hovering over me.
“Haruka…” I warned her.
Haruka jumped up and away from the two of us, blushing like there was no tomorrow.
“Michiru…it was really an accident.” Haruka started to apologize.
“I’m sure, just like the other time.” I thought back to the time when she fell from the tree.
“You mean it happened more than once?” Kaiya asked, there was an odd glint in her eye.
“Well…yes.” No point in hiding the truth now.
“But that was an accident too!” My partner cried.
“So what are you saying? You’re sexually accident prone?” Kaiya raised an eyebrow. I was sure she was enjoying torturing Haruka. But it really made sense, what she was getting at.
“Haruka, are you not telling me something?” I asked in a serious tone. It actually was entertaining to watch the great senshi of the wind sweat it out.
“N-no. I’d never hide anything from you!”
“What? You’re positively sure?”
“Oh dear, lover’s spat.” Kaiya remarked.
“WE ARE NOT A COUPLE!” Haruka and I both exclaimed at once, pointing to each other.
“Could’ve fooled me, you guys sure argue like one.”
I could feel my cheeks burn. Haruka as my…? Umm, no, I furiously shook my head of the thought.
“Since when do you think you can comment on someone’s love life?” My partner accusingly pointed at her blond counterpart.
“Oh, so you admit you have a love life?”
“Er…Shut up!”
“Should I just go then?” The shorter blond inquired. Her arms were crossed, studying Haruka carefully.
“Yeah, you know what? Just go!”
“All right, if you say so.”
I watched Kaiya brush by the two of us and into the next hallway. She was whistling something while pulling out the school map. Good thing Haruka and I have a spare this block, that chasing took up a lot of our time. Wait…
“Haruka, did you just tell her to go away?” This was just for the measure.
“Umm…yeah.”
“After you spent all that time chasing her?”:
The realization slowly dawned on her face. Well, you could tell who was the smarter one between the blondes…poor Haruka.
“Forget about it for now Haruka, you can try becoming friends later.” I pulled at her arm to drag her away. Right now I wanted her to spend time with me. Maybe I was a little jealous at how well the two blondes got along.
“Oh, all right.” She sighed. “But I won’t lose! Just watch.”
“Hai, hai…” Using my fingernails I brushed my hair back a bit and then breathed deeply for a few breaths to regain some of my composure. That little incident brought out the childish side to me. I’m usually not like that, not at all.
Looking back at the tall blond I noticed that she was staring. As quick as I looked up she whipped her head away to evade my eyes. Isn’t that cute? I couldn’t help but smile.
“Shall we?” Haruka finally said, offering me her arm.
“Let’s…”
There will be other times to befriend the target.
Shortly after lunch
The aggressive approach almost never works, so I guess I’m up.
How to go about it though? Hmm…I made my way around the school until I reached the art room. I always could think clearly there; it’s far off down a particular wing where hardly anyone passes and it’s much quieter.
As I neared the door I noticed that the light had been turned on. There shouldn’t be any classes at this time, weren’t any before. A few scratching sounds could be heard inside. As I opened the door I saw the blond from earlier.
“Kaiya…?”
She either didn’t hear me or chose to ignore me. Probably the first one as she was staring intensely at a canvas with a pencil in her hand.
“Hmm…” The blond scratched her head and then crossed her legs. “Maybe…No…” She leaned into the canvas and eyed something I couldn’t quite see. If I move just a little closer…
I slipped through the door, careful not to cause the piece of metal to creak suddenly. The art room had only been re-modeled earlier so now it had a cement floor to the previous and noisy hardwood. One step, take another two I approached the concentrating girl, careful not to startle her. As a fellow artist I know how irritating it can be to be interrupted in the moment.
Wonder what she’s working so hard on. Now I was hovering over her shoulder, peering at the sketch of the ocean by the shore. Wow, its actually decent…however, her shading is needs work. There are many little tricks of the trade but it all comes from inside, what you are feeling.
I hadn’t realized fully how close I was to the taller girl and at the same time I started to thank Kami that the light had cast my shadow behind the both of us. It was just…I was compelled to watch over this person. Instead of her aqua eyes being burned into my memory the image faded and was replaced by another. The lonely portrait now depicted Kaiya, sitting on a small stool facing her sketch. The light bouncing through her golden strands, the shadow being cast behind her figure. It would make a perfect portrait, I must remember to do it someday. Perhaps for the upcoming project, Haruka probably won’t mind, she hates to model anyway.
“Oh, I just can’t get this!” Kaiya suddenly leaned back on her stool and bumped into me. My arms immediately went to catch the figure, to prevent her from falling backwards in shock.
“Uhh…” Her head was still tilted back a bit, looking up at me upside down. What to say? I’m sorry that I snuck up on you? Actually that’s not a bad idea, why not tell her the truth?
“Ah…gomen ne. I just couldn’t help it, I was curious to see what you were so concentrated on.”
“Oh…” Kaiya gathered herself up from my arms and stood up to face me. “Want to sit down?”
The gesture of kindness really touched me, so I sat down.
“Arigato Kaiya san.”
“No problem, I needed to stand for a bit anyway.” She shrugged her shoulders. “So…what do you think Kaioh san?”
“Michiru is fine Kaiya san.” I laughed.
“Ah…well, plain Kaiya is all right with me.” She blushed slightly. “So, Michiru, what do you think? I-I know the shading is off but I can’t seem to get it to work.”
“So you noticed the shading problem as well…that’s very good Kaiya.” Of course, this sort of problem is actually very simple to correct.
“Could…you help me?” The blond whispered.
Momentarily I was stunned. She was actually asking for help.
“Of course, I’d be happy to.” I gave her a smile and watched as her own grew.
Kaiya brought another stool over from the corner of the room and we sat by the canvas together. I took her drawing hand in mine and started to show her the movements.
“It’s right here, so we’ll add a few smooth strokes…” I started.
“Ah, and then we should use smaller, deeper strokes here?”
“Hai, that’s the way. It’s all based on what you feel.”
We spent the hour working on shading and articulating the small but important details. Time just went by so fast and we were having so much fun. Amazing that it was this easy to make a friend. People are normally intimidated by my status…being a famous artist and musician. I really hope she doesn’t possess a talisman.
“Kaiya…”
“Yeah…?”
“Do you have any other sketches by any chance?”
“Well, just two others.” She rummaged through her bag and brought out a small, green binder.
I took the object and flipped it open to review the pictures. They all had the same style, a consistent one. Most people spend years and years to settle into their unique style but she…
“How long have you been drawing for?”
Her squinted eyes opened as she turned her head from the window’s direction.
“Two years.”
That’s amazing.
“Do you ever color your artwork? It doesn’t appear like you do from these sketches.”
“Well…no, I don’t.”
“Why if I may ask? They would look even more beautiful if colored…”
“I’m not very good at coloring.” Kaiya finally replied. “I always mess the picture up…so I’ve stopped trying.”
“It’s practice…” I carefully stated. “If you want, I can give you lessons.”
“Really? You mean it?” Disbelief evident in her voice.
“Yeah, why not?” I was laughing, her expressions were so cute.
“Yay! Arigato!”
Nothing could’ve prepared me for the glomp. Without warning Kaiya jumped from her stool and wrapped her arms around my sides sending us both falling to the floor. Course I was surprised but I couldn’t help but think…three times up to date! Those two blondes are really alike.
“Oops, gomen ne about that, I can get a little excited sometimes.” Kaiya got up and outstretched her hand to help me up.
“It’s all right.” I managed, taking her outstretched hand and was pulled to my feet. “What do you have next Kaiya?”
“Well…” She took out her schedule. “It says music.”
This piqued my interest greatly.
“What instrument do you play?”
“I…I don’t know.” She scratched the back of her head in thought. “Like, I might know if you show me the instrument…”
That’s odd, how could you play an instrument but not know its name?
“I see. Well, why don’t we go over to the music room early? Maybe you’ll recognize it when you see it.”
“You mean right now?” Her eyes widened.
“It should be open…unless you don’t want to.” I turned to face her.
“No, let’s go.” She picked up her sketches and her bag.
Together we left the room and made our way to the music wing.
The music wing was much noisier than the art wing. Many different sounds could be heard as we passed the rowed classes. Finally coming to the end of the corridor I used my student card and opened the door.
“We’re here.” I informed my guest, allowing the girl to enter the room first.
“Wow, it’s huge!” Kaiya exclaimed.
“It should be.” I giggled. She looks like a little kid, reminds me of another blond. “We get a lot of prestigious musicians from all over the world. This room is equipped with all the up to date technology and the finest musical instruments.”
For a moment I watched the girl wander around the classroom in a curious manner.
“The instruments are over here.”
Taking her arm I pulled her over to instrument cases. In a specific order I opened each case and allowed her to examine the polished pieces of metal and wood.
Kaiya hesitated at first but then moved closer to the rack. Her fingers trailed over each instrument, testing each key tentatively. I wonder what instrument she plays. She continued forward, past the larger cases and to the smaller cases. The action meant that it isn’t likely to be a brass type, a woodwind perhaps.
“Ah…” Kaiya let out a recognizing gasp.
She pulled out a small, long length case.
“So you play the flute?” I inquired. She looked at me blankly. “Go ahead, if you want to test it out.”
I could’ve sworn her hands were shaking slightly as she fitted the three pieces together. Her eyes betrayed a sense of fear, was she afraid of breaking it?
The three pieces were assembled together in minutes, I noticed Kaiya’s breathing was slightly heavy but died down with relief.
“Try playing it.” Truly I wanted to see what she was capable of, I didn’t even bother trying to conceal my eagerness.
Kaiya lifted the small instrument to her lips, feeling the coolness of the metal. Her fingers pressed on the keys and tested the flexibility of them. Closing her eyes she blew a light warm air into the mouthpiece. All the steps were very similar to a pro, adjusting the little things, testing the waters, and warming the instrument before use. Seemingly satisfied the blond launched into a quick practice of the twelve major scales by memory. First time through it was done with a steady stream of air, the second time each note was articulated sharply and clearly defined the notes separately.
When she had stopped I felt my hands come up to clap but stopped when she moved into a song. Her eyes opened slightly and sent shivers down my spine. The aqua eyes in the vision, the same lonely eyes from before. Their sadness was only paralleled by the sorrowful music the instrument performed. Everything about it tugged at my heartstrings. It reminds me of my own sad song on the violin.
When the musician finished I was nothing less than impressed. Another thought struck me at that moment but I needed to be sure first.
“Kaiya, would you mind accompanying me in this one piece? I wrote it myself.”
The blond continued to stare straight into space, muttering mute with her lips.
“Kaiya?”
“H-Huh?”
“Would you mind playing this piece with me?”
“Oh! I’d be happy to.” She’s agreed. We both smiled at each other.
This time it was I who was rummaging through my school bag. My hand darted through the cluttered objects until I found a narrow note holder. It was aqua, my favorite color of course.
I walked back to the blond and handed her the sheet music to look over.
“This is what it looks like.” I studied her facial features as her eyes roamed the dotted paper.
“It doesn’t look like a flute piece.” She finally concluded.
“Right, it’s for the violin. That’s what I play.” Moving over to the rack I picked out a curved case with my named engraved in it. “See?” I held the instrument out for her to examine. “All I ask is try to blend in.”
If she could do this then it should be no problem.
“Could I hear you play it once first?”
It wasn’t the answer I was expecting. Not that it wasn’t an unreasonable request but most people would jump into it and fumble through it right there.
“Sure, no problem.”
Bringing my head to the instrument headrest I closed my eyes similarly to Kaiya earlier. Feeling the music is what’s important. For this test, I’ll use my special sad song, there’s a good feeling about this. My fingers started to move the bow with the lengthy movements across the strings, earning a deep, mournful vibe. Soon I was lost in the music. At times I unconsciously swayed my hips and shoulders, until I finally finished.
Opening my eyes I saw Kaiya with hers closed.
“Okay, I think I’m ready to try.” She finally answered.
Keeping her eyes closed she raised the flute to her lips once more. Taking in the atmosphere I started us off and she followed.
Kaiya’s POV
It’s so sad…When I listened to it the first time I felt something stab into my inner being. It’s similar to those chains, the pain expressed. Now my fingers moved on their own, freeing all buried emotions. To my surprise, I started to play my own song of sorrow and was delighted that the two blended into each other perfectly. Almost as thought our pain was the same but…why…?
My eyes remained closed but I could see. In the darkness I saw a child, crying and huddled in a corner.
Parents, where did you go?
Abandoning your own creation.
She cried but no one heard her, no one came.
Dear sister, where did you go?
Are meetings really that important?
Where were her friends?
What friends? They never existed.
Do we really need friends?
So what happened?
She disappeared…
The final note rang out throughout the room, echoing off the walls, entrapping the magical moment for a few seconds longer. I opened my eyes and was alarmed at the sight before me.
“Michiru, what’s wrong?”
The aqua haired teenager was crying, shedding tears for no apparent reason.
“I-I don’t know.” She looked up at me with sad eyes. “It just happened.”
“Hey! What’s happening?”
Kaiya and I turned to see a familiar figure at the doorway.
Michiru’s POV
“Michiru?” Haruka walked over to us. “What did you do?” She yelled forcefully at Kaiya.
“Haruka, please! She did nothing, we just played that piece and I started to cry.” I tried to reassure my friend.
“I see…” Haruka gave me a knowing look. “And…?”
“She’s perfect.”
Kaiya looked at us both, looking at a lose at our conversation.
“Kaiya, Haruka plays the piano.” The girl addressed nodded her head, understanding what I had just said. “And you already know that I play the violin.” She nodded slowly once more. “Well, Haruka and I give concerts and we’ve been looking for a third person. Would you be interested?”
“Me? Well…Can I get back to you with that?” She replied uncertainly.
“Look, if it’s because of me I’m sorry for yelling at you earlier.” Haruka suddenly spoke up.
“It’s not that…”
Briiiing.
“We could talk about it after school.” I tried to offer.
The class had started to fill with students. They all brushed by us and prepared their instruments.
“I-umm…I can’t today. I promised that I’d meet someone.”
“Everyone, set up quickly, let’s get this class started!” The professor instructed.
By then Kaiya had already moved into the crowd to her section. Maybe we can reason with her later.
Kaiya’s POV
Michiru and Haruka want me to be the third person? I flipped the music page over on my stand. I don’t know if I have the time, quite honestly I don’t know how long I’ll be here for. What advantage could I possibly get from this? Hmm…I flipped another page over. Concert…I believe that means that you perform in front of large crowds, or that’s what the textbooks’ defined them as. Lots of people…it might help after all, Hotaru did mention once that my parents were music lovers. However, to not sound so anxious I’ll give them my reply tomorrow instead of today.
Time passed quickly and the dismissal bell rang.
Briiiing.
As soon as the bell had rang I zipped out of the class to the bus stop. I didn’t really have anything better to do but I knew that I didn’t want to hang around Haruka right now. All we do is argue, and he isn’t very good at it either!
Taking the local bus I stopped at the shrine and climbed the steps to look for Rei. To my luck she was already home, at least I’ll have some company.
“Now Kaiya, remember I told you that you’ll need to do chores and such to stay here right?” The miko began the conversation.
I nodded my head. I did agree to it and the idea didn’t really bother me at all. It’s just another form of physics exercise or training.
“Well forget it for today.”
“What?” I blinked. No training?
“Yeah, I mean we have a lot of time for that! Besides I want you to meet some friend’s of mine, I’m sure you’d like them.” The girl enthusiastically talked.
“Uhh, sure Rei. But what about your grandpa, wouldn’t he need some help?” Despite the fact that he was a pervert he was still old.
“Nah, he’s all right. There isn’t a lot to do today anyway and I told him we’d be gone for the afternoon.”
“Mm…all right, as long as he knows.”
The shorter girl wrapped her hand around my arm and we made our way down the shrine steps. I sure didn’t know my way around and so I allowed myself to be pulled to our destination.
Later, Haruka’s POV
I’ll just wait for Michi in here. I walked into the entrance of the arcade and looked around. Games, I loved games, especially the racing ones! As I ventured further into the building two high pitched arguing voices caught my attention.
“Come on Usagi, you can’t give up. I need an opponent! My formula one racing career depends on it! A long blond haired, blue eyed girl shouted at her friend.
The other meatball headed blond looked absolutely floored.
“Shouldn’t you get a driver’s license first?” her friend replied.
This was too good to be true, let’s see how this’ll go.
“I’ll race you. I’ll even give you a head start.” I offered, catching the two younger girl’s attention.
Heh, look at the way they’re staring at me. No one can resist my charm. I didn’t have to do anything this time. After the two of us were seated I kept my word and let the little hot shot have her head start. No point in showing off too soon.
I watched her progress on the screen monitor. She was really slow…Finally, I just got bored. What the heck.
“Guess I better start.”
Pressing on the gas pedal I easily caught up and lapped her.
“No way!” She shrieked.
That was cute. Now let’s see how she handles being lapped more than once. As my car made it’s way past the girl’s again she lost it and crashed. Darn, well it was fun while it lasted.
“Haruka, I’m here.”
I looked up away from the machine to see Michiru standing in the doorway. The sunlight hit her curves perfectly. I couldn’t help but think how pretty she was. Out of the corner of my eye the other two blondes had similar reactions when they had first laid their eyes on me earlier.
“Been waiting for you Michiru.”
“Gomen ne, Haruka. It took a bit longer than expected.” She smiled pleasantly. “Were you lonely?”
I chuckled.
“What do you mean? I had two pretty young ladies to keep me company.”
The two girls behind me made whispering noises as Michiru gave me a warning look. It was the ‘Don’t you dare’ look. Like I’d do anything with little girls anyway.
“I see you’re still at it.”
The door to the arcade opened for the third time and to my annoyance it was who I thought it was.
Kaiya’s POV
“I wasn’t doing anything Kaiya.”
“Rei!” The younger blondes raced to their friend as she unhooked herself from my arm. The three of them huddled together and started whispering like crazy, while every so often, throwing Haruka, Michiru and I fan girl glances. All three of us shivered.
“Sure I bet.” I replied sarcastically. “Couldn’t just have Michiru, you need to go hit on younger girls?”
“It’s not like I mean it or anything.” He defended.
“Haruka does it all the time.”: Michiru came to his aid.
“That so…You’re still a pervert.”
Haruka crossed his arms and gave me a pouting glare.
“I can’t help it; my charm is working overtime. But don’t worry, it’s not like you have to suffer such a fate.”
Was that a challenge? I think it was.
“Oh, that so?” Things started to heat up.
“Yeah, it is. In fact, I bet you couldn’t go through one day of school passing off as my double.”
It didn’t sound too hard. Michiru watched us both warily, knowing exactly how this was going to go.
“All right, I accept. But if you lose you have to dress up as a girl for a day.”
Haruka opened his mouth to retaliate but stopped.
“What’s the matter, too afraid of losing?” I smirked.
“No way! But if you lose you have to accept being the third person for our group.”
Sure, to tell the truth, if I lost I wouldn’t really mind. I was going to agree anyway. Haruka is the one who has anything to lose.
“Deal.”
We both shook hands and Michiru was our witness. For tomorrow I’ll be Haruka Tenoh. This is going to be fun, bring it on.
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