Attention:
Authors writing this story: Alcyon Moire, Alexandrya Hale, DreamswithJoy, Pancakezxc, Rainbow Ants
Against All Will
The First Meeting
The musical notes seemed to dance in the air. There were clear symmetrical phrasings and transparent texture. Every note was distinct and bounced off a beautiful sound. More and more rapid notes were played with much force as the music became louder. There was a change of key as she climbed up a scale. The melody was unpredictable and there was several dissonances clashing against each other. Several deliberate distortions was heard and it could be felt as a stressed intense, subjective emotion. A two beat thrill ensued before the music ended. I opened my eyes and smiled. A roar of applause filled the auditorium. With the violin in my hands, I bowed and then, walked out of the stage gracefully.
I unlocked my padlock and opened my locker. Inside, there was a delicately decorated white envelope.
"Mikan, I am going off first if you are going to freeze over there," my best friend warned.
"Give me a minute, Hotaru."
I took the envelope and removed the invitation inside.
You are specially invited to perform at the Celebration of the Okihi's New Heir.
Details will be given at the Okihi HQ
Please be there at 3pm sharp.
"Is that a new invitation for you to perform?"
I watched as my best friend came beside me. Hotaru had let her jet black hair grow long over the few years and her bright violet iris had grown violet. Wearing a black and white striped tank top matched with denim miniskirts, there was not a question why she had so many suitors. I myself had allowed my hazel hair to grow long too, but my orbs had turned a lighter brown. I don't interact much with my schoolmates as I have quite a number of performances to attend. Besides, I could not allow any more attention to myself, since people has already started calling me "snobbish".
"Yup… The Okihi, huh… That is the Hyuuga's company. I wonder if it is Natsume or Aoi taking over."
"I don't care."
After the short meeting of the timing of the performance and what was expected of me to perform, I left the Okihi HQ. I needed to busy myself with the practice of the five required pieces. The Hyuuga expected only perfect performances, not a single mistake must be heard. Then, I would need to choose a gown for the performance night and inform the 'Zero Breakdown' the date and time of our practice together.
'Zero Breakdown' are a team of dancers who are great in jazz, pop, breaking and many other more dancing styles. Like me, they are famous in many Asia and European counties and have been invited tons of times to perform in many occasions. It wasn't the first time I was going to work with them since we have already met a few times overseas. In fact, the leader of the dance group, Tsubasa Andou, was my senior in my previous educational institute.
"Let's try that one more time alright?" Tsubasa spoke.
The rest of us nodded our heads. It was the fifth time we were repeating the whole performance. Things were going quite smoothly, thanks to our past experience. Besides inviting me and the Zero Breakdown, they had also invited a small orchestra, a sand art master, a world known singer and many more world class people to perform. I had been awed by the number of famous people invited but Hotaru had simply shrugged it off, "As expected from the Hyuuga family."
I didn't understand what she had meant. After all, I never believed that there are people powerful enough to destroy a person's life. It just never made sense to me. I don't see how it was possible. I started practicing my violin once again.
On the night of the performance, the sky was overwhelmed with ominous black clouds, no stars could be seen and the moon was blocked as well. There wasn't the slightest ray of light that could penetrate the thick barrier. I watched the sky carefully, and expected a storm to come soon. Mrs Hyuuga came in with a glass of red wine in her hands. Dressed in a soft black formal gown with silvery high heels and large diamond necklace, she was, undeniably, going to be one of the starts highlighted in tonight's celebration. Mr Hyuuga was smartly in his normal suit. She smiled and led her family members into the waiting room. Natsume Hyuuga was for once, neatly dressed in a tuxedo. His raven black hair was combed to the back and not a hair was out of place. His ruby eyes gave everyone a glare. Guess, he was forced to do it. On the other hand, Aoi was beautiful in her blood red gown. It was long, up to the floor and it complemented her maroon eyes and charcoal hair well. Her eyes twinkled at everyone, giving them her warmest welcome. I never knew those two well enough even though we attended the same educational institute. Natsume is even in the same course as me. Aoi, however, was in the business and finance course.
Natsume was famous in school for his gorgeous looks and his badass personality while Aoi was the popular girl in school. She had the best grades, best looks and the best friends too. No one could believe that they were siblings at first, but they were, with their similar looks and first names. Obviously, Aoi had taken after her mother. They had the same elegance and gestures. Mrs Hyuuga raised her glass of red wine and held it up, which seemed to signal the waiters to start giving everyone a glass of red wine.
"Cheers to tonight's grand performance!"
We all held our glasses and took a sip. After that, we were given a break as the reporting time for the guests to arrive reached. Mrs Hyuuga then, went to talk to each of the performers. I began apply rosin to my bow. Not long after, Mrs Hyuuga approached me together with her family members. I put my violin down gently, and then took a bow.
"Thank you for coming to perform, Ms Sakura. I hear that you are from the same educational institute as my children."
"I am and please, just call me Mikan."
"I guess there is no need for introductions then."
I shook my head.
"Honestly, I am looking forward to your performance tonight. I want to hear how well you play as one of the top few violinists."
"I won't let you down."
She nodded her head and left. For some reason though, Natsume and Aoi Hyuuga stayed behind. Perhaps they were curious, or they just simply wanted to see and mock me.
"I can't believe that someone from the same school as me is here!" Aoi exclaimed. "Hello, my name's Aoi. I hope we can be friends."
I reached out for her outstretched hand and smiled.
"I hope we can be friends too."
Natsume was nonchalant as though as he was waiting for his sister.
"You play the violin, right?"
I nodded and showed her my violin.
"It's pretty."
Natsume rolled his eyes and I heard him muttered something under his breath, "Pretty crappy violin for a idiotic little girl. How nice."
"What's that?" I snapped back furiously. "I heard that. What do you mean by crappy and idiotic?"
"Literally, what else?"
"Why don't you play something decent and stop goofing around the music room then? We don't need scumbags like you. I mean, people like you just waste the human resources and are just disgracing humanity. I doubt you can even play a piece of music."
Perhaps I had said it a little too loudly since there was a moment of silence in the room, or it could have been my imagination. Aoi gasped and gulped, quietly putting back my violin. Natsume looked ready to kill me. Maybe he had wanted to retort back my comment but Mrs Hyuuga had called them.
"Natsume, Aoi, what are you doing there? Come, I want to introduce you two an amazing dance group."
"Just you wait, imbecile. You will pay."
The last few minutes before my performance crawled by. Even after having been playing in front of big crowds many a times, I was still getting the jitters. Besides the point, I was wearing a thistle sheath dress, which is quite tight and it showed off my figure. It was not my kind of dress. Usually, I would just put on a white formal dress and get it over done with. It was also very comfortable.
"Now, let's give a round of applause for our next item. Mikan Sakura and the Zero Breakdown!" The MC introduced.
Shouts, squeals and clapping roamed the whole stage. Then, everything went dark and everyone quiet down. I took a deep breath; it was my cue to get on stage. I placed my violin in the proper position and started playing Flight of the Bumblebee, by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Then, the first beam of light shone upon me. Not long after, and the next accented beat, Tsubasa and his mates came out dancing breaking to the piece. This dance was specially choreographed by them to match the style of this piece of music. At first, few rays of light would circle on the stage and then, click, the lights was switched on again.
I had always had a habit of closing my eyes and only paying attention to the music I play whenever I was playing on the violin. In fact, it was one of the reasons why I didn't realize what was happening around me. I did not see the sudden blackout happening or the Zero Breakdown stopping their movements. I did not hear the surprise yelp from the audience or the MC trying to calm them down. I just kept on playing, and Tsubasa mentioned afterwards that I was like "being possessed".
Anyway, Tsubase held me by the shoulders, shook me and shouted, "Mikan!"
I froze and was stood rooted to the ground for a few moments after I opened my eyes. Darkness was everywhere and I could hardly see anything. Fear rippled through my skin and I gulped, almost petrified. A icy hand seemed to grip my palpitating heart. I hated the darkness and hook my right arm with Tsubasa's left. I clasped my violin tightly with my other free hand.
"Wh-What happened?"
"I am not too sure too. The lights just sudden-"
Then a chilling voice spoke, as though as it was emanated from a distant planet and it sent cold shiver down my spine.
"The moment Okihi HQ announce their new heir, it will be when their dirtiest and deepest secrets are dug out and revealed. I dare you, to declare your new heir."
In the midst of all the chaos, a strong and clear voice stood out.
"Everyone, please calm down. I strongly believe that this is nothing but a small little joke. My apologies, but due to the sudden interruption, the celebration will end right now. Our people will be directing you out of the mansion. So, please do not worry."
It was Mrs Hyuuga. As expected, she was calm and steady and she knew how to handle this crisis perfectly, without hurry.
Some of the lights, powered by the backup system, began to flicker and was very soon switched on. As many as one hundred security guards and another few hundred more helpers were leading the way out of the mansion. The performers, including myself, were directed to the waiting room. Still hooking with Tsubasa's arm, I nudged him and queried, "Why aren't we guided out too?"
"We won't be unless they find out who did it. After all, only we have access to the backstage."
"Weren't we performing when this happened?"
"Well, it is impossible for someone to do it alone."
Everyone was seated in the waiting room, including Aoi and Natsume. It was only after two hours, when the guest is dispersed completely, did Mr. and Mrs. Hyuuga come into the room, bringing the police with them. We were told to seat separately and away from each other without communication. One by one, we were questioned on what we were doing and certain time of the day and our background was investigated. Tsubasa's dance group and myself were the last few people to be interrogated. Two males, dressed in proper uniform, sat in front of me and introduced themselves as Narumi L. Anju and Jinno. Narumi had cream coloured, slightly unkempt hair and soft ash grey eyes while Jinno's tawny eyes were hard and sharp. His brown hair was unnaturally neat.
"Where were you at the time of the blackout?" Narumi quizzed gently.
"Playing the violin on the stage."
"Do you know anyone who has a grudge against the Hyuuga family or heard anything about destroying the Hyuuga family?"
"They are so rich. I'm so jealous!"
"Me too. I wonder if they have any ugly truths."
"I bet they do. Everyone has their own secrets."
"Did you see Natsume Hyuuga? He's smoking hot!"
Sumire Shouda and her friend. They are the violinists from the orchestra. I heard the conversation in the toilet, but I guess, it shouldn't be related.
"No."
"You're lying," barked Jinno. "I saw your eyes. You know something."
"I really don't."
"I see your future. You will have many complications with the Hyuuga family after tonight's performance," Kokoro Yome, the magician, predicted.
"What? I do not believe in fortune telling, but thank you."
"Wait, you might need my help afterwards. Take my card."
"Really, I don't believe in this stuff."
"Trust me, the Hyuuga family will not let you off."
"I really don't know anything."
"Did you see anyone in the control room behaving suspiciously?"
"Hey, Nobara, what are you doing in there?"
"Uh.. No- Nothing. I was called in he- here to ch- check the volume of my piano and see if I- I match well with the play. You know, I'm playing sound effects for the play."
She mentioned she was called to the control room.
"Ms Sakura, your co-operation to this investigation is greatly appreciated and needed, please tell us what you know," Narumi urged.
"I really don't know anything at all."
However, at this time, I was not sure if I really did not know anything at all.
Natsume's POV
"Hello."
"What do you want?"
The voice was computerized and did not sound like a normal human being.
"Don't be so smug, Natsume Hyuuga. Your family will be receiving a very wonderful gift, this Christmas."
The caller hung up abruptly. Immediately, I tried tracing where the call came from but it ended up that it was from a public phone.
"Natsume, who is it?"
"Someone who is going to send us something special."
"From a public phone?"
I nodded. For these few days, Mum and Dad had warned us against telling anyone anything and had wanted us to tell them everything we had done. Aoi had looked very nervous these few days and I suspect that she had done something unforgivable. Her eyes had begged me not to say anything. I trust the mum had smelled a rat already though.
Within a few minutes, the doorbell rang annoyingly and a parcel was delivered to our house. The parcel went through a check to make sure there was no bomb inside then, it was delivered to the living room. Our family gathered there as the parcel revealed to be containing a CD. Aoi looked extremely worried. She was perspiring profusely, playing with her fingers and fidgeting on her seat. Mum eyed her distrustfully. She played the tape on CD player.
The video was clear, and there were no evidence that the CD had been tampered with. It showed Aoi stealing. She was standing in front of the shelves. The time was two weeks before at 2.43am. Stealthily, Aoi took jewelries - a 10k gold chain, a ten carats diamond, many silver accessories and lots of many different rare ores. The shop owner, apparently was not at the counter and the staff was busy in the toilet. I gave Aoi a look. It must her her friend's doing and suggestion.
At the end of the video, large words printed across the television screen.
I am sure you do not want this to be broadcasted on the news. I am sure it will not only bring down Aoi's reputation, but also the Hyuuga family and the Okihi HQ. If you want to keep this a secret then, you better to prepare to pay US 1 Billion Dollars.
Mum glared daggers at Aoi. Aoi could not lift up her face to face mum.
"I- It- I- It was my friend's-"
"We know, don't bother," I cut her short.
"We have no choice but to-"
"No, don't pay the money!"
"I do not intend to, Aoi. Right now, we have to change the heir taking over the company and look into the owner of this video."
THE TOKYO TIMES
HOT BREAKING NEWS: THE OKIHI HQ IS CHANGING THEIR HEIR TO NATSUME HYUUGAA
[Picture] [Picture]
Natsume Hyuuga ...Aoi Hyuuga
Age: ... 25 ... 21 ...
Height:... 1.83m ... 1.61m ...
Highest Education:... xxxxxxxx... xxxxxxxxx...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
What's this sudden decision to change a new heir? Is it because of the freaky message on the celebration? Or maybe, it's just a change of heart? Next page to find out more...
Early morning, there was a cry from one of the maids in the house as she rushed with the golden newspaper. Mum received it from her and read it. She left the newspaper on the coffee table as she went to make a call. Then, it was my turn to read. I placed the newspaper back on the coffee table as I took a bite on my ham and cheese sandwich after I finished reading. Aoi took the newspaper from the coffee table. Quietly, she put it back and did not touch her breakfast at all. Dad sighed and spoke, "Don't worry, we will solve this. It's not that big a problem."
We all knew that it was that big a problem. Our company's reputation made sure our company thrive and make money. If our reputation's down, then it must be the work of our rival companies. I did not believe that this was just a case of normal blackmailing. Somebody is behind all this. After all, why would a shop owner make so much effort to hack in to out PA System on the celebration night. Our blackmailer could have just send it to us.
"Get ready, kids. We're going to meet the media."
Just as we were ready to leave, mum's phone rang. After taking the call, she announced, "Change of venue. We are going to meet our blackmailer."
We met up with our private investigator in a secluded area where most properties were under our name and where it was impossible for the media to follow us. The private investigator remained masked but we were friends with him. Besides that, I heard that he used to be dad's friend. So, he was completely reliable. He took a stack of papers, relating to the blackmailer, the blackmailer's family, friends, working area, job and many more. Then, he showed us the pictures of people mentioned in the stack of papers.
Mum quickly grabbed a photo, her eyes widened in surprise but then, she squinted, out of fury and disgust.
"Mikan Sakura."
Alcyon Moire
First chapter for the newest co-authored story is out, read, review and enjoy:)