Unbidden Past, Unbidden Thoughts

Chapter 1

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'Man, why do the teachers find me to do all the work, especially at this time of the day, when I have to practice', thought Second Year Gen Ed student Hino Kahoko. Thoughts of practice made her smile: the violin.

When she started playing the violin, she thought of it as nothing more than a burden; because she had literally been forced to take part in the competition by the Fata Lily, who had blessed the original founder of the school.

As the concourse proceeded she found herself falling in love with the violin. She discovered her love for it when she attempted to not play the violin after the strings snapped during the third selection. She couldn't keep away from the violin and finally admitted that she loved it as if it was her own soul. 'I have Lily to thank for showing me the beauty of music, she thought, and Tsukimori-kun as well..'

'Tsukimori-kun...I do miss his company...his guidance was precious...it doesn't seem like Zaoyinu sensei will be teaching me with my level, so I have to look for a violin teacher soon...those classes will be heavy on the pocket alright..I better take up a job soon', she mused.

Tsukimori Len had left after Christmas to study in Germany. He would probably move to Vienna after he graduated from college, he had told her so, he had also told her that she meant something to him..a precious friend..as he had told her. She smiled at the thought. 'You mean something to me as well…'

Her musings were cut short as she finally arrived at the principal's office. Her homeroom teacher had asked her to get all the Christmas assignments signed by the principal. It was really a lot to carry, but she had made it without tripping. On knocking twice, the principal said, "Come in."

When she entered she suddenly found the heavy files off her hands and was facing Ryotarou and Kazuki with grins on their faces, holding her files with ease. "Tsuchiura-kun! Hihara-senpai! You scared the shit out of me!"

Kazuki grinned playfully at her and answered, "Sorry to scare you Kaho-chan, but you were gonna trip with all those files in your hands since they were almost upto your head."

"He's right, you know…" ,said Ryotaro. Kahoko gave a sheepish smile before dropping all her mock anger. "What brings you here Hino-san?", asked the principal. Turning to the principal, she answered, suddenly remembering the reason for her coming to the office, "Sir, Kishida-sensei asked me to bring the Christmas assignments to you so that you could re-sign them." At that moment only she noticed the other concours participants in the office as well as a red haired woman with green eyes..Someone she knew only too well..

"Zia Ayame???", she asked, her eyes widening to saucers. The said woman gave her a grin and winked, "You and I have a lot to catch up with, caramia .Let's talk about it later all right?" Kahoko could only nod, blinking in disbelief. "You know her?", asked Kazuki disbelievingly. Kahoko nodded, words failing her.

"Exhibition Concert?", asked Kahoko. "Yes, we are planning it at the end of March this year," answered Kira Akihiko, the chairman of the school, nodding. This time they were seated in the Music Classroom.

"The concert will be open to public. The venue has not been decided as of yet, but will be soon. I decided on that time particularly because the entrance exams for colleges will be over by then so the outgoing third years can practice at that time. I am excluding no one this time, last time I did so only because one of you was inexperienced and I felt that it would be a disaster when you are playing on such a level and the chances of your screwing up were high. Now that I have seen the improvement I don't feel the necessity to prevent you from performing in this level. It will definitely add to your experience and help you improve, believe me."

'I thought he disliked me that's why he didn't allow me to participate...now I see he only had the best interests in mind', thought Kahoko.

"Speaking of improvement, I have someone I would like to introduce you to." Turning to the red haired woman beside him he said, "This is Ayame Daidouji. She is an international violinist and lives in Italy. She completed her tour of Italy a couple of days back and is here for a couple of months. She will be your instructor for the program along with Kanazawa- sensei."

The participants gaped at her, they couldn't really believe it: it really was her. Of course they had heard of Ayame Daidouji: she was a violin prodigy, starting off as early as four years old. She graduated from Seiso Academy's Music department with the highest honours and went to France to study further. 25 years later, she was reputed as one of the most talented on the classical circuit, having gained worldwide fame.

Dressed in a form fitting white dress, set off by white peep-toe heels and a casual ponytail, showing off her long hair that almost reached her waist, she certainly looked her part. Bowing to the participants she began with a smile, "Well Akihiko-san does sometimes exaggerate. I teach kids in my free time and so when he asked me to help out with the concert, I gladly gave in. We will start off tomorrow, but introductions first if you don't mind. Seniors first," ,she said with a wink.

"Yunoki Azuma, Music Department, Class 3B. I specialize in the flute," said Azuma with a smile. His mood had lightened considerably just by being in the same room with this woman.

"How long have you been practicing, Yunoki-san?,"asked Ayame.

"Since I was six," replied Azuma.

"Was this the first instrument you played?,"she asked.

Azuma stared at her, dumbstruck. "I am asking because violin isn't my first instrument and I have a feeling that it isn't your first instrument either."

Seeing his shocked look she added, "Of course I may be wrong.." Regaining his composure he said, "Yes, it is my first instrument."

She looked at him for a second, and nodded, knowing well that he was not revealing everything.

"Hihara Kazuki, Music Department, Class 3B. I play the trumpet," said Kazuki cheerfully. When asked the same question, he said that he started playing from middle school. "You must play beautifully to be able to participate in the concourse." Kazuki turned beet red at her compliment.

"Believe me, I know how hard it is to get into it. I was a participant in my time here," she added.

"Tsuchiura Ryotaro, General Education department, Class 2-5. I specialize in the piano. I have been playing since I was five."

"Who's your favorite composer?", asked Ayame with a grin. "Chopin and Liszt.", replied Ryotaro with a smile.

"I love Chopin. His music seems to fill your heart."

" That's true", said Ryotaro.

'She's captivating', he thought, 'even though she doesn't say much she can surely make someone feel calm and relaxed..somewhat like Kahoko.'

"Hino Kahoko, General Education Department, Class 2-2. I play the violin", said Kahoko with a smile. She didn't feel at all uncomfy with her; in fact it felt good to see her again. "Should have started earlier pronipote caro, but it's never too late to start, eh? I am just glad that you are practicing music again," Ayame said with a smile.

"Yeah I guess I should have zia, but I didn't so it's really no use thinking about it. 'Never dwell on the past, work on the present and the future will be the result of your efforts'. That's what you used to tell me, remember?"

Ayame stared at her and then gave her a huge grin. "You remembered? That's good to hear!" Kahoko gave her a grin in return. The rest of them simply stared at them, not quite believing the fact that Kahoko knew her, personally..the famous Ayame Daidouji..

"Excuse me Daidouji-san, but do you two know each other?",asked Kazuki, not being able to hold back any longer. Ayame looked at Kahoko as if asking for her permission. Kahoko stiffened and was about to shake her head, but realized that she had already shown her familiarity with her and saying anything else that proved otherwise would have been a contradiction. She mumbled," Go ahead.." slumping forward in her chair.

Ayame looked up from Kahoko's slumped form and began with a smile,"Ok then..Kahoko happens to be my niece."


AUTHOR'S NOTE: This happens to be my first fan fic. Please read and review, as a well rounded review is the reward author expects in return for her work. The last name "Daidouji" is inspired from CCS,as I am not very familiar with Japanese last names. Happy reading!!