Symphony of Blood
Chapter 2: Speechless
I didn't expect as many alerts and reviews as I got so I'm really happy ^^ So, first of I would like to thank my reviewers:
EverlastingRyo - you are right, my mistake. I usually write with dashes even if I do know that's a mistake. Thank you for pointing that out. :3
Musical Teardrops - thank you so much. I am really glad you liked it, and I hope you will continue to follow the story ^^ By the way I glad you offered help, because I might just need it in some of the next chapters, so I'm reaaally thankful for that.
borntoflyhigh - hahah thank you a lot... Here it goes, just as promised ^^
Mai – POV
After Naru accepted the case, Aika-san happily announced that she will prepare our enrollment papers. In a much better mood, she left the office with Ayako. Narus' icy glare was pointed at me, full of blame. I just grimaced at him and crossed my arms. He didn't have the right to blame me, not like I could have known the plan that has been prepared by Aika-san.
"I'm not sure how are we going to fit in this academy." Bou-san finally said with a frown.
"Oh, a school full of elite teenagers with above-average-skills… I think someone will fit in just perfectly." Yasu finally decided to join the conversation. He closed his laptop and smiled mischievously. Naru ignored him.
"On the other side…" Yasu continued now looking at me with amusement.
"Hey, I will fit in just fine." I said angrily.
"Well, you kids will find a way. But what about me, Lin-san and the old hag?" Bou-san smiled "We don't look like high school students."
Before anyone could answer, Naru picked the school file from the table, uninterested in our conversation. Well, of course, he probably already has a plan in that ridiculously attractive head of his. Without speaking a word, he sat up and went straight to his office. Before the doors closed behind him, I heard two annoyingly familiar words.
"Mai, tea."
I knew it. This case will be a pain in the ass to deal with… But on the other hand, every case with Naru was a pain. I strolled to the kitchenette with a smile. He was a pain, but I wouldn't love him any other way.
Two days later- Midou Academy, front yard
My neck was hurting from the way I glared around the campus. The whole team assembled in the gigantic front yard. Even after two days, no one actually knew the plan we were going to use infiltrating the school. Naru kept everyone in the dark and I didn't like that. It was obvious he thought it was interesting to watch me struggle trying to find out.
"If you continue glaring around like that, you'll break your neck." an amused yet cold voice came up to me.
"So do you finally intend to tell us your brilliant plan?" I said ignoring his previous words.
"Perhaps, perhaps not. It was interesting watching you trash around like an idiot." he said with a smirk.
"You narcissistic jerk." my face getting hot and red "You thought it was fun?"
"It's always fun watching your small brain comprehend my plans." he said with a shrug, his eyes obviously amused by my reaction.
"Stop insulting my brain." I stomped on the concrete like a small child.
"With the way you act and talk, it's really hard not to." he said matter-of- factly , making me blush even more furiously. By now I was sure I looked like a tomato.
"You'll see I can be perfectly mature." I said raising my chin higher so I can face his blue eyes, already looking at me. I stepped back and looked at him from a safer distance.
"Yes, I'm sure you can" he said sarcastically "Now go and help with the equipment."
He turned on his heel and continued to the school entrance without glancing back. Oh, I had a lot of things to say to him. I felt the blush on my face slowly cooling. I put both hands on my cheeks and continued to the black van. Lin-san and Bou-san were getting finished with the equipment. This time there was considerably less of it, since we weren't working as usual. We had a lot of smaller cameras that can be hidden all around campus, but most of the big work is going to be done by us. Masako was watching the school with an interested glow in her eyes. She wore her usual kimono combination, in a dark blue color. Next to her Yasu was finishing the equipment inventory, looking bored. Ayako on the other hand was happily chatting with Aika-san about something. They bursted in giggles. Now that I remember, they never did answer us how did they know each other. As Ayako saw me staring at them, she waved and smiled.
"Mai-chan, come here for a sec." she said. Aika-san giggled once again. She and Ayako both had elegant dresses and high heels. It was obvious that they were raised in these kind of elite schools.
"Ayako-chan, Midou-san." I greeted with a small smile.
"Please call me Aika." she said, blinding me with one of her perfect smiles.
"So, is Naru giving you a hard time?- Ayako asked me with a wink.
"He is just so infuriating" I said throwing my arms in the air.
"Oh, honey, all men are" Aika said "You never get used to it. But after a while you start enjoying it"
"Well I doubt that is going to happen" I said with a sarcastic smile.
"I think it already did.." Aika said smiling to me. For the first time in who knows how long I was speechless, because I knew that what she is saying is very probably the truth. It just seemed that I wasn't ready to admit it to myself.
"Say, Mai-chan, do you play an instrument?" Ayako asked me.
I stared blankly for a few seconds. That's right, this is a Music Academy, after all. I slapped my forehead in despair. How was I going to enroll in a Music Academy if I couldn't actually play any instrument. I was even pretty terrible at singing. I bit my lip, well damnit, why didn't this come to my mind a little bit earlier. Hell, I could of practiced my voice, at least, not that it would help but still it would made me feel better.
"Oh, don't give me that look, Mai." Ayako patted me on my shoulder "You don't need to worry at all."
"Yes, Ayako is right, since you will have the best teacher in the world." she winked conspiratorially.
"Who?"I said with a little more hope in my voice.
"I'm glad you asked… From now on, you can call me Ayako-sempai!" she said with a bow.
"Y-You?" I stuttered, not really sure what should I think about that. I didn't want to question her teaching skills, but Ayako-san wasn't really the most patient person in the world.
"Yes. I'm sure you will make excellent progress with the help of my exquisite teaching skills." she said.
Well it can't be much worse. Can it?
The whole team, with the exception of John who was running late, along with the Chairman and Aika-san was in one of the empty classrooms. Naru was facing us all, finally prepared to tell us about his brilliant plan. Since the moment I entered the school I felt like being watched. Masako had a concerned look ever since, so I was positive that she was feeling the same. It was like I had to turn around and check was there anyone behind me. It was the feeling of uncertainty and expectance for something I couldn't actually see.
"Let's make this meeting as short as we can, since we have a lot of work to do." Narus' cold voice cut through the silence.
"The whole team enrolled this school in order to find the clues and uncover the mystery behind the death and the activity the students turned in." he said seriously "First off, Matsuzaki-san will work as a professor on one of the music departments, since she has the necessary knowledge." Ayako nodded contently.
"Next off, Yasuhara-kun and me will be in the same class 4A, the violin department." some of us gave Naru and Yasuhara questioning stares.
"You play the violin" Bou-san asked Yasu with a frown.
"If you want I`ll play it to you, tonight." he said, coming closer to Bou-san with a flirty smile on his lips. Bou-san wacked him with a disgusted look on his face.
"If I may continue?" Naru gritted through his teeth, obviously angry no one was paying any attention to him "Bou-san, you and Lin will be on janitor duty."
Ayako burst into giggles before anyone can say anything. Bou-san crossed his arms and mumbled something. Lin-san the ever stoic professional, didn't say anything. Sincerely I had problems imagining Lin as a janitor. He just didn't look the part, nor was his personality suited to… Well, cleaning other peoples' mess.
"Don't worry I'll love you no matter what you do." Yasu threw his hands around Bou-san dramatically.
"Please, don't" Bou-san said pushing him away with an evil look.
"Also, Hara-san you will be in the Traditional Japanese Music department. Class 3B." Naru continued to Masako who nodded with a faint smile.
"John will be on the piano department since he already has some knowledge, and Mai" he stopped his eyes on me "You will be in Matsuzaki-sans' department, meaning – flute, class 3D"
Well, who knew it actually could go worse, I thought with a bitter smile. I wasn't sure how the flute actually looked like, how was I going to play it? Even if Ayakos' teaching techniques really were exquisite I doubt I could catch up with everyone in third year.
"Ne, Naru, how will you catch up with the fourth year students?" I asked him.
"I won't be the one catching up. It will be other way around." he said shortly "It will be a pain studying everything over again, though." he smirked. So, they all had some knowledge in music, no wonder I feel out of place.
"We will have to explain our meetings other students. Even if we keep away from socializing with others, they will ask questions." Yasu said seriously.
"Yes, I thought of that. That is why Yasuhara, you and Hara-san will be presented as siblings. And John and Mai will be childhood friends who know each other through their families connections." Naru said.
"What about you, Naru?" I asked interested.
"I will adapt my role to the situation." Naru answered.
Everyone nodded, already thinking about their situations. Masako and Yasu were already making a story about their families. Ayako and Aika were chatting with a tall grey-haired Chairman. John entered the classroom and now Naru was filling him in the situation. I again felt out of place, but decided that won't stop me.
"Another thing, everyone." Naru said "This isn't vacation, we are here on a case. There is something in this school, so try and ask questions. But, be discreet . We cannot allow our covers to be discovered." he exited the classroom with Lin at his heels.
There he goes, again, leaving me unsure of everything. Damn you, Naru and your plans. Then again, I did always wanted to learn how to play an instrument…
Third chapter: Playing the Game will also come very soon, as I already begun writing it ^^ Here is a small spoiler from the next chapter:
"What the hell did you mean by that?" I asked with a frown.
"Just what I said... Last time I checked you weren't deaf, just stupid." he said coldly.
"Well last time I checked you didn't have any right to order me what to do."
"I am your boss, so yes, it does give me every right to do so." he crossed his arms staring at me with that icy stare of his.
"Fine.- I knew I just lost a fight but I didn't have much choice "I' ll play this little game of yours. For now."
He turned around leaving me in the room, alone. Damnit!
Thanks for reading, R&R
-FireNemesis