Chapter 1 is finished... This is an introductory chapter. Basically, its about showing the setting and Ryo's situation on this fic. Nothing about romantic scenes and lovey-dovey stuffs. If you just want something romantic, you can skip reading this chapter. It really won't hurt at all... Personally, after reading this, it sounded like a whole bunch of crap. Anyways; the most important paragraphs are italicized; maybe you can read only those...

DISCLAIMER: I don't own La Corda D' Oro, I simply imagined Ryotaro Tsuchura moved to a European city that's all...

You Raise Me Up
by Jarield Lunel de Mourcerf

1st Chapter

"The time now is exactly 12 noon. This time check is brought to you by..."

A guy on his late teenage years blinked over the radio. 'Guess I need to eat my lunch now, huh' He turned off the radio which is placed on a coffee table. The guy walked over the corner of the room and placed two books his holding on the bookshelf. The bookshelf of which he noticed is screwed on the wall. 'This could be troublesome' he thought. Twitching his eyebrows and patting the back of his head. He moved over and grabbed his keys. He took out a pair of brown shoes from the black box and fitted it on his feet.

The shoes he thought are quite heavy and thick. Seeing it worn on his feet, he thought that they almost appear like a pair boots. But it could not be considered one for the style is very different and the heels are rather thin which almost has no heels at all. 'Odd shoes, people in this country has a different preference of clothing' So he took off the shoes and placed it on the box where he got it. He opened a traveling bag and grabbed a pair of leather shoes from it. 'I still prefer my old rubber shoes' He put on his olive green gloves, his wristwatch and put on his shirt on his torso.

He flashed himself on a body mirror which is surprisingly at the center of the room. He brushed the front of his hair swiftly with the tip of his fingers. and look at himself. 'Oh, I'm brown' Which is surprisingly true, With the exception of his shoes which are black, his garments are of the brown hue. He is wearing brown cocky pants, and with his shorter shirt draped around him which is made of chocolate brown rayon with prints of gray, majority his cotton red sweater is now covered leaving only the red sleeves revealed. Looking quite satisfied on how he looks, he really do not care for least even if he looks like some sort of chocolate.

He walk out of his room. Closed the door and made sure to lock it. He is living in the 4th floor. In order to go outside, he needed to either take the stairs or ride an elevator. He choose to do the former. As he walks his way out of the main gate or main door rather. An old man came to greet him.

"Looks like you are going somewhere young boy, do you have a date?"

Ryotaro is surprised by the sudden intrusion of a voice. He noticed the voice may perhaps belong to a man. An old man to be more exact, maybe around thirty or forty he thought. He turned to his back to see the owner of the voice. Ryotaro did not forget his manners and made sure to give the other person an answer to his greeting.

"Good afternoon ahmm Mr.?" Ryotaro manage to answer back frowning.

"Cardoso... Julien Cardoso. So I guess you are the new tenant. Okay, for proper introduction. I am your land lord, Nice to meet you; do you mind giving yourself an introduction?" Jerking his hand forward as to shake hands with the new tenant which is an Asian man to be exact. A young man who happened to be from Japan, of course he knew. He has been informed that a foreigner will accommodate one of the last two free units on the building. Well, that was two weeks ago, now both of the units are occupied with the sudden impulse of surge of population in the city. There are more immigrants than those who leave the city anyway.

Looking at the young man. He wonders if he really is a Japanese or having the genuine blood of one. Although he has not seen much of them; only occasional tourist. He is pretty sure that this one does not look like of pure breed; maybe biracial he concluded. Although his physical appearances proposed interest, Julien wonders more of the reason why he moved on the first place. What could possibly his business in this country? Judging from how he talks and his actions; He can tell that the young man has been staying in the city for only few days. He must have arrived either this week or last week only. Yes; he can tell. He was born in the same city, grew up and aged on it. It was his his experiences of which a simple interaction he is able to provide his own appraisal on people. But Julien knew that he was pretty intrigued with this stranger.

"Ahmm... I'm Tsuchuira, Ryotaro Mr.?" He also raised his right hand forward. Both men settled to a hand shake. The man physically may be around his late thirty's or early forty's, so his conclusions were true. He looks flashy for an old man he thought. And looks kind of a very happy man. He is a tall man with brown hair which are shiny brushed up to the back of his head. The shine may had caused by the hair gel or maybe hair wax or just anything he must have applied to his hair. Ryotaro thought that it was funny, but aside from his hair. The man despite his age does not look dreadful.

"Tsu-tsu, tsu, ra? Ryo? Which of which is your family name?" The old man asked with both puzzlement and irritation on his face.

"Tsuchiura sir," Ryoutaro answered politely.

"So you are mister Tsu, tsu-chuir-ra." the man spoke the name slower with stress in the Tsu-chiu syllables. "Your name is rather awkward young man" the man now is smiling upon uttering his comment.

"Not where I came from." Ryotaro blurted with a simple shrug from his shoulders.

Cardoso laughed on the young man's answer. "Of course you are right, but you are in France now. So that name is quite rare"

The Japanese man is struck on the old man's comment. But realizing that what he was saying is rather true. He just sigh and answer in a lower volume but just low enough to be heard by his companion which is just about two feet away. "Probably" having to pause for a moment, "this place is really different from my homeland." He added with such haziness seen through his eyes but ironically, was able to put a gentle smile along side with it.

Silence floated between the two men. If it is on how the conversation has gone through; if it is about the words that are said and the meaning behind it. Or the emotions that are fleeted on them. Whatever the reason is, Ryotaro could not find any words to pacify his thoughts. His thoughts of his life he left two days before yesterday. Although, the silence did not last long enough for him to be completely drowned in his thoughts.

"Where are you heading young man?" Julien is able to start a new conversation.

"I'm out for lunch mister." Ryotaro answered politely

"Oh really! Why don't you join me for lunch. My daughter is a good cook. Might as well join us instead." Cardoso offered the young man cheerfully.

"I believe I have to refuse the offer sir, I wanted to stroll the place, as well as explore your cuisines on my own accord. Perhaps, some other time"

"If that is what you want," Julien answered Tsuchiura while his chin being caressed ny his own pointing finger and his thumb; moving it on a downward motion allowing his fingers take the route of the shape of his chin which has a simple curve carved on his square jaw. "But let me tell you that if you want to experience real Parisian cooking, you should visit my place some time. After all, I am your land lord." the older male added.

Ryotaro found his legs drawn together together with his feet and both his hands on the side of his upper legs. Inching his head forward with his upper body. Moving them lower and finally made it to a bow. "Well, thank you for your hospitality sir. I can assure that I am safe at your hands"

Cardoso is startled for about three seconds. He blink four or five times. Momentarily, Cadoso chuckled into a laugh. "Ha,ha, ha, you really don't need to do such thing here, we address one another with a kiss."

'A kiss?' Ryotaro still on a bow stature is very surprise on what the man has said. What does he mean by a kiss? Does he mean something like that? Who should do the kissing? And there is no way he would want to kiss this old man, or let the kiss him. Or where should they kiss?

Mistral, notice the puzzlement on Ryotaro's face which accompanied by daze of embarrassment. Although he is quite amuse on the expression the younger male is showing him. He could tell that the younger male may had blushed or somehow nervous. Guilt take over him and better yet explain the whole thing and stop torturing the samurai boy.

"Don't worry my Japanese friend. What I really mean is not a real kiss at all. Although some are doing such a thing. But touching each other's cheek would just do good."

'Cheek to cheek? It is about cheeks this time,is it a good thing that it does not include lips?' Ryotaro blurted a thought.

"It is usually how women address each other or a female to another male, and vice versa. For us men, especially for you my lad. A hand shake will do just fine." Julien note a smile by the end of his sentence raising his hand on the atmosphere and offering it to the younger male. Ryotaro grab the older male's hands and proceed to a hand shake.

"Thank you very much Mr. Cardoso, I'll always remember your words"

"You should better get going now young man"

"I think I should, goodbye Mr. Cardoso"

"You take good care of yourself." Ryotaro started walking to the main gate but did not fail to turn his back a little and give the old man a wave but not likely. It is most likely just a simple raise of his right hand. Then he continued on his walk putting his hands on both pockets of his pants.

Mistral smiled to himself as he saw Ryotaro walked away. "He is really good-looking and a very fine man. Yes! he does look very promising." Nodding on his own comment.

"Reminds me of myself during my days."

Upon those words said to his self, Cardoso started walking down the hallway.

Ryotaro proceeds on his walk. He already scouted the place few days ago, a day after he arrived in Paris At least he knew his way to his new school. Tsuchuira, Ryoutaro now eighteen found himself walking in one of the streets of Paris. Who would have thought that for a general-student like him will find his way wandering in one of the places of which western classical music had its humble beginnings. He was in a place where all of the music students of Seisou Academy, the elite secondary music school in Japan, has always been dreaming to set their foot to.

He came in the same school, where the musical geniuses of his country were nurtured. But he was not one of those who were directly trained, as to say; not part of the curriculum. He graduated on the same school; but he was still a general-education student. Being general by means that he is educated in a way regular schools in Japan will; with not much specialization in any music instruments. He has not encountered the pressure of making his playing better or the criticisms of many music expertise. His pressures are on Algebra, Laboratory works, Club activities and all sorts of papers, same pressure as what other regular High School students had experienced. But that was an old story. After two years of being let's say general, circumstances on his second year put him back to music scene.

Looking at the scenery on his left, on his right and on the path where he is heading; he could not deny the marvel he is sensing. Ryotaro knew it; as what everybody know about it. Paris is definitely beautiful, breathe taking indeed. He has not yet seen the Eiffel Tower and all the Cathedrals and other marvelous building on which he has known and what had said to him. But with his simple stroll in an avenue of the city, he still could feel the captivated essence of the place. The old streets made of stones and all the houses and mini infrastructure adorned with all the colors of life and distinction. The texture and the shape carved in symmetry of grace. The trees which has grown together with cycle coarse of history; filling the spaces of which the man-made marvels fail to cover.

On this place where milestone of man and blessings of nature propose harmony and melody together, this as what he thought is a place where any man would not want to step their foot out. But even with those realizations; Ryoutaro find himself the least satisfied.

Ryotaro's expected short trip to restaurant took one and half hour. The mere search for a place has become a good opportunity to observe the place and its citizens. Aside from being drown in thoughts, Ryotaro can't seem to find the place which suit his taste. He is not the type who is very meticulous about which place he could eat. But this time, he is rather picky. Aside from the name of the establishment, he even considered its menu. He has looked the place for its design to and even scan the number of costumers; making sure if the number is not too large or too small. Glancing at every restaurant he passed by, sometimes even entering the place; finally Ryotaro find a place which satisfies his preference.

Croissiante, with elaborate italic roman lettering, the sign is rather too small for the place. But not small enough to be noticed by incoming customers. It is located on the first floor of a five story building. Painted in red; it is obvious that the remaining levels of the building are either offices or units of apartment. Staircases made from bricks wooden ridges are located on the side of the structure. He chose to eat outdoors where round tables and wide chairs are arranged in front of the place just beside the street. At a glance, one could tell that it is an extension of the restaurant.

Ryotaro wanted to gaze upon a refreshing scenery while he is eating his meal. It is not that interior design is bad; in fact the interior is promising. The set of furnitures on the outside is the same; same round tables covered in a red cloth with golden flower prints, same wide brown wooden chairs. Their were paintings hanging on the wall. And several plants scattered on its sides. And also at its center; a grand piano and a golden chair is standing side. The elevated platform where the piano stands is made of bricks; its floor is not covered with reddish brown tiles like the rest of the restaurant. Instead; stones and crystals scattered on the floor.

Ryotaro has find the cuisine he wished to taste. He is not going to eat the usual French cuisines he had savored in Japan. As what he said to Julien earlier; Ryotaro wanted to discover those different cuisines by himself. He never had the trouble in pronouncing the dishes' names, he had learned enough about the French language that he could read the symbols and talk with the language minimally. Although he is much more comfortable in English than in French.

He was done with the main course. Yet his meal isn't finished for he also ordered himself something for desert. As to when a sweet was placed on his table he suddenly heard a sound from the restaurant. Despite its simplicity, Ryotaro could tell that the sound relaxes him.

He has never been this relax for a long time. Not only after his arrival in Paris but even before when he was still in Japan. There is no music could have made him feel this serenity before; not even the melody he hears in Chopin's Tristesse produced by the strings of magical violin. Neither did he encounter such when he hears his own, live or through a record; nor his mother's playing is of different warmth. Even all the most respectable pianists of whom he admired could not produce a sound more divine than this. No, only that sound from the violin could he feels intensively all these fleeting emotions. Yet, this sound is unique of its own. But how does this simple play of yet a beautiful song could have made his soul repulse? There are no tricks, much to say no intensity; furthermore, imperfect. Despite its grace, the notes are imperfect and simple, way too much plain. But it could be its simplicity that has brought through these feedbacks from his own soul; that made his own time stop. Not even bothering to touch his food; Ryotaro laid into the melody. But he could not still find the reason what makes this sound special? Could it be the piano? Perhaps it is the piano, for he has not love any sound in the world more than the melody of this 88-key musical instrument.

He laid longer to the song; but as he closed his eyes shutting the world outside did he realize that the piano is not alone. There he hears yet another sound; a voice. A voice something he could not describe nor remember; which for him is more awkward for it is clear that it was only the tune of the piano is heard by his ears. But the voice is something only his heart could translate.

He remains steady until the sound ended. Realizing that he could not hear no more note; Ryotaro whipped his head to reality. He scooped a portion of his desert and put it on his mouth. A couple of chews; he placed the spoon back to the container; stand up to his chair; walk over the entrance of the restaurant. 'What the hell am I doing? The person may had left that piano' he thought. But his body is doing the opposite. He peaked over the platform where the piano is standing. He saw the platform still decorated with colors, the golden chair and the grand piano. But there is no person, no man, no woman or even a child. It is exactly how it looked like just before he started his meal.

He was about to go back to his table to finish his desert when he heard yet another sound. A sound that came from the ground or to be more accurate,it came from where his right foot had stepped into. Curious about it, he lift his right foot and there he sees a silver coin lying on the ground. He bends his knees and reaches his right hand to the ground until his fingers touches the edges of the coin; gradually picking it up.

"Thank you for picking that for me." a voice came calling. Ryotaro still bended on his knees tilted is head upward to his right. He gazed upon a visage of a woman. She is standing slightly bent looking at Ryotaro's direction; both her hands on her back. She is wearing a green sheathe dress with black sleeves printed in white and black. The dress was cut cleaned and straight until it touches her knees.

She has short light brown hair that curls into her shoulders. A smile is painted into the her pale face making her dark eyes seen more evidently.

Ryotaro simply look at the woman with confusion. She must have sense that she won't get any answer from the stranger and so.

"That penny, that is my penny." pointing her finger downward into what Ryotaro was holding.

Ryotaro now aware of the situation rise to his knees and hand down the silver chip to the woman.

"Ahmmm... Sorry about that, here is your coin."

The brunette took her money cheerfully.

"It would do just fine, I have to thank you again for picking my penny... I haven't seen you before. Are you new here or just one of occasional visitors?" the woman questioned.

"I just moved yesterday, I live in one of the pads here." Ryotaro answered with caution.

"I see, if that is the case. I may bump into you in the following days."

"Perhaps." Although his eye brows were raised, Ryotaro remarked with coy.

"Oh, I better head now. Father must be very hungry. See you around." Ryotaro was not able to give his feedback to the girl for the stranger ended the conversation while retreating her way to the west. He then go back to his table for he still have an ice toukette to finish.

After eating his lunch meal. Ryotaro withdraw to his walk. He had seen more of the main street glancing at every establishment, taking note where it is located. He made sure he is being familiar in the shortcuts and turns of the compound. Entering every drive and exploring them. He is not satisfied until he discovers every entrance and exits of each path he encounters. Even with the sun very high that its heat touches his skin; he never bothered. He is used on being soaked in sun rays anyway.

The mere reason on which his pale complexion that used to rival snow flakes of winter has vanished into tan is because of his days in the field. Although his skin slowly returning to its original color now that he has taken breaks in sports; his body is rather adopted to it; walking under the sun has never been a trouble.

Finally, now tired of his activity; he went to the nearest park and sat on one of the wooden bench. He sit on it lazily as in slouching; his legs far apart; foot rested on his heels; his arms on top of the leaning board of the bench; his head tilted upward looking at th sky.

"The clouds are high today" he sighed.

He took a sipped of his Cola which he purchased in a vend machine earlier. He place the can on the side of the bench. He then rearranged the way he is seated, moving his body upward looking for a more comfortable position. He stretch his legs forward and cross his feet and place both of his hands on the back of his head.

And once again, little big Ryotaro has sprouted a battle of fire and ice at the core of his mind. He wonders about all the person he had left in Japan; there are few whom he did not have to worry much. Like his family who has been grateful about him moving. His family who had always hoped great things about him; whom he never failed. He wonders about his father; now that he is away. There mornings will surely be quiet now. Not a chance, contradicting his thought earlier, his little brother with his cheerful persona there surely be no dull moments. His older sister; surely now that he's gone; he wonders whom will she bug then. His grandfather, his number one fan, or rather his manager. Could he find another person whom he can shoot with his video camera? And of course, his mother. Her loving care that is reflected on the sound of every palpate of their grand at home. The very melody which he heard even before his awareness and even after that. The music he first fell in love to.

Then he shifted his thoughts to his other bonds; of which are not founded with blood. His bestfriend, his partner in the field. He reminisce those days where they strategized their games and make combinations that will surely win them a point. Now he think about his former team mates. The ones he left; whom he surprised when he realize to himself that he can no longer commit a hundred percent in their game. If the circumstances two years ago had not happened, he wonders about where his life is heading now. Would he had entered any of the university that had scouted him. Or maybe, he must also had dwelt his foot in the same ground as he is now. Only for a different reason, pursuing a different career. He thought, will he also conquer the world soccer like the way he is trying to dominate the music universe.

Still forseeing illusions of his past. Now he wondered about the strings of events that happened for the past two years. It was in these two years on which his life in notes and melody echoed back in his days. It was on those years he met the many music devotees on which he had shared perhaps his most passionate performances. They are of different sorts; from a perfect liar, to a bashful beauty, an out of this world parody, an enchanting listener, laughter bringer.

The gifted narcissist; his rival. Ryou remembered how his opinions always differ from him. To a certain bluenette, Europe is the only place where he could play to his fullest; to Ryotaro, skills is not defined place; most especially in that place, his home... But why is that Ryo is here and the other isn't? For all those years, he didn't know how... But it was all those twist and turns of the strangest affairs that brought him to the land of strangeness and unfamiliarity and left the other in the land of the rising sun.

And lastly, he thought about the soulful beginner. Although what really reminds him of her are pains; he never denied that those days were the most magical, enchanting and wonderful. It was on those days where his music was revived by a certain Paganini; of which the same Paganini who took his soul from him. The mere reason why he is here right now. And though far away; her shadow still haunts him.

He had the same thoughts, same questions, and as how it always ended, no answers...

Ryotaro stand up, he put both his hands on his pants' pockets. Started taking steps again; not paying much attention to his environment. He walks with steadfast on his legs crawling to his toes. Following the directions on which the path of stones leads him. He made his turn to his left where another trail of stones lined with pines on both sides.

"Oh! that hurts..."

Ryotaro halt for he had felt that he may perhaps had bumped into something. Looking down, he saw a girl on the ground touching her nose, he eyes close uptight and frowns between her eyebrows. "Aww,aww,aww" she is mumbling. One could know that she looks to be in some sort of pain.

"Sorry about that." Ryotaro uttered realizing that what happened to the other person is his own doing. The young woman stop from mumbling and touching her nose. She opened her jaded eyes; now Ryotaro can see her features much better. Her hair is red; but not of how the roses bloom. Much more of the color of a flame; with shades of orange. Her skin is almost of the same color as his, fair of you call it. But hers is much lighter. He is tiny which is ironic to her round face, but much to say she is fleshy so the irony is being neutralized.

The girl gained her composure realizing of her situation. She looked up and soon her green eyes did not take its gaze away from the stranger.

"Let me help you with that"

Ryotaro slightly bends his left leg adjusting his torso downward as he is offering his right hand to the person under him. Before the other could reach his hands; out of nowhere he received a slam of a heavy fist on his left cheek. Ryotaro was forcefully retreated backwards on the impact he received from the punch. It did not make him fall to the ground but strong enough for him to take few steps backward. Not letting his guard down, in a second he stands on his feet straight and is able to see clearly the incoming opponent. He raised his legs giving the other man a kick to his belly. Now the other male is seated on the ground. Two other men help him to get up. "Looks like you are in a fight" the other muttered. "Just shut up and help me with this one, he's too strong!" The guy who attacked him now is talking. Now there are three of them on a fighting post is ready to take on Ryotaro.

"Will you freaking stop!" the redhead girl cried out as she tries to get up.

"But Belle, this bastard hurt you." the guy who attacked Ryotaro reasoned.

"It was an accident." Ryotaro declared still caressing his left cheek.

The three males look into the girl known as Belle with a questioning look.

"What he is saying is true." Belle said back. She then walk forward Ryotaro, take an orange handkerchief of which a rose is printed on its four sides and hand over to him.

"You don't need to bother, and it would only cause you inconvenience if I stain your handkerchief." He chuckled.

"No, it was my brother's doing why you get this. I feel responsible" she said in low voice...

"You don't have to. It can't be help that others are having misconceptions"

"Mariabelle!" the girl cried as how a child will answer which of the toys he likes.

"..."

"My name is Mariabelle." she said again.

Before Ryotaro can give the other his introductions. A male voice interrupted their conversation.

"If you are going to tame my sister, you better give a good impression to the brother first"

Ryotaro look at the other male. Judging from his appearances; it could not be denied that he is Mariabelle's brother. Same red fiery hair and green eyes. Only he does not look short as to say the least, he is only about two inches shorter than Ryotaro.

"Ah I see, I'm Tsuchiura Ryotaro." he said raising his hand forward offering the other a hand shake.

"Are you some kind of a child with rich upbringing? I'm sorry but people like us never do hand shakes. My name is Marco Savati, I prefer if you call me Marco" he said with much confidence yet annoyance on his face.

Ryotaro was confused about what the French boy had said to him. But it could be impossible what Julien told him is not true. Perhaps this were the kind of youth who mostly rebel in the norms of society. It is no big deal, people like this exist everywhere, there are of course teenagers in Japan who do not vow as much as Italians who do not engage to hand shakes.

"I am just being polite, Marco..."

The two other male also joined the conversation.

"My name is Lucas." the blond with gray recited pointing his thumb into his chest.

"Don't mind what Marco had told you, I am Mychio." another blond guy; slightly shorter than the other; this time with dark blue eyes; announced while raising his right hand of which Ryotaro grab and shake.

"What kind of show-off is that Mychio?" Mariabelle chuckled to Mychio of which he just answered with a grin.

"Your name is long, what would you want us to call you?" Marco interrupted as he gives the new kid another question.

"Tsuchiura would serve me well." Ryotaro preferred to be called in his family name, for new acquaintances, it will be enough and of course he was used to be called one.

"Tsuchiura..." Mariabelle thought she spoke soft enough and yet she was heard by the group. The blood on her cheeks came rushing when the males look at her.

"Are you here to play soccer?" Ryotaro had finally asked the question he was yearning, he had seen Mychio holding the ball earlier but could not bring up the subject.

"Well yes. We are here to practice. We are some kind part of the league. Do you want to mingle with us?" Lucas asked.

"Ahmm... I had been playing soccer in the past. But I am not quite sure if this would be the right time. I..."

"Don't worry, we'll go easy on you. It is the least we could do for the trouble we cause you." Marco shut Ryotaro before he could even finish his sentence.

What Ryotaro hate the most are people underestimating him. He has always hated those people who thinks full of themselves.

"So we really don't need to be serious right? I guess I also need some exercise." Ryotaro answered

"So its settled then! Let's hurry to get into the field. The others must be waiting!" who could it be but the cheerful, childlike Mychio.

The group retreated to their way to the field. The Savati siblings leading the way followed by the two blonds who are walking beside Ryotaro. While the other two is talking occasionally with Ryotaro about the city of which the other is eager to hear; he noticed that Mariabelle is taking glances of them, or maybe him. Instead of making an issue over it; he shrugged it as a maiden's curiosity.

After a walk from the other side of the park. They finally reached the soccer field. There on the field are waiting seven other men. Most probably members of the soccer team. At a glance, one would think that they are players of a college varsity team with their built body and exercises. But what would a varsity team do training in a public field anyway? They only have three balls; never have the proper equipment; nor a coach. They appear more of group of boys enjoying a typical game of soccer. With all factors in accord; most of those who had thought about the former are diverted to the later.

Ryotaro was introduced to the other players. They had a little chat on which includes little history of what happened earlier having Mariabelle and Mychio the story-tellers. After a few talks; they had decided to play a little practice game in teams of five. Because of the excess number of players; since Ryotaro joined in, Lucas did not need to participate in nthe game. Instead, he was assigned to be the referee, scorer and announcer.

As what is expected, Ryotaro and Marco are on opposing team. So let the game begin...

Ryotaro is fired up at the start of the game. Without hesitations, he attacks the other team with his tricks and instincts. Marco give him a direct challenge of which Rytaro accepted with no hesitations. Bringing his game up, Ryotaro steals the ball from Marco's defensive feet in a blink of an eye. Moving at the speed of light he reaches nearer and nearer to the goal passing through all the other players. When he is satisfied with the distance; he bring all his strength on his legs and perform the starlight kick. GOAL!

"Goal!" Ryotaro announced while clenching his fist elbowed inwardly.

The other men playing with him are startled on what he had just done. Mariabelle burst into joyous screams and rapid jumps looking really amazed on what the samurai had done. She then run towards Ryotaro and tripped into a giggle.

"Oh my Tsuchiura, you are amazing." she said excitedly.

"It was just one goal." Ryotaro said quite humbly

"It does not look ordinary to me! I mean the speed and how you take the ball from brother. I mean, I thought brother is the best soccer player in the world. And then you kick it as it reaches the goal. Everything is ingenious!"

"Tsuchiura you are really good! Will you teach me to do that?" Mychio joined in in the conversation. Ryotaro being as his self as always could not digest all the compliments and just give them a shrug. The number of admiration has increased as the others as well came to cheer him. Ryotaro could not help but be embarrassed, any moment now he could blush or look really annoyed.

"Hey Jacques, looks like your chances on Mariabelle has gotten lower than 1%" one of the two players on Marco's team who has been observing the drama said to his companion.

"Shut up Enrique! you are just pissed off because he passed through on your defense."

"You must be referring to yourself as well"

"I told you to shut up!"

"That game is not yet over!" Marco announced "That won't happen again!" he added smirking.

"Let's find out!" Ryotaro replied also smiling.

And so the group of aspiring athletes retreated to running in the field, tossing the ball with their body and head and kicking it with all their might. And with those seconds, minutes that had turned into two whole hours had been the most enjoying activity Ryotaro had in the day. A feeling of enjoyment, no anxiety, no worries; just having fun. In the end, he might had choose to leave the field in professional basis. But soccer will always have a place in his heart. But with this simple exercises did his stress of the day worn out even for two hours. So, it was not only the stage of which can drag him to wonderland. Especially now that the stage has abandoned him again, it was the field that provided him a thing of Paganini took away from him, the feeling to belong...

"That is a good game" Marco almost had a hard time saying the words straight between his breathes

"I suppose it was, it was nice" Ryotaro replied

"Here are your refreshments!" Mariabelle handed down bottle of water to each player

"Ah.. thank you" Ryotaro said to the lady as he opened the bottle and drink up its contents

"Hey Tsuchiu, have you decided to join our team. You said you enjoyed playing with us and I bet all of us feel the same. So I guess you are officially member of this team." Mychio proposed just after he drink his water. Because of the intensity of his talk, droplets of the liquid he put on his mouth earlier came flushing while doing the act.

"I can't give any direct answer, you see I have other commitments."

"Why? Are you already a member of a varsity team?" Enrique uttered with sarcasm

"No, not at all. And I am not planning to join one"

"It is quite odd, I could say that your level is of a college varsity or a pro? But I think it is rather a good thing right?" Mychio now analyzing his thoughts by himself paused for a minute. "for you can join us!" he added childlike and merrily.

"I also see no problem about that. All of us here have different backgrounds. Some of us are already working after finishing High School but there are also students. Like Jacques for example, his school is one of the best four soccer team in the country. But he denied the invitation of the coach and their scholarship grant." Enrique reasoned

"Because it is more fun to play with you guys." Jacques responded on the comment about him.

"I'll think about it. But I think I better go now for it is getting late already. You see I still have chores left unfinished" Ryotaro said as he stand up from the grass field they are sitting.

"Are we going to see you again?" Mariabelle asked

"I'm just around. And did I said I enjoyed playing with you guys?"

Upon hearing this words, Mariabelle's lips turned into a big smile.

"Hey Tsuchiura" Marco said raising his right hand forward as to offer Ryotaro a hand shake. "Let's play another good game next time" he ended.

"Let's find out" Ryotaro grabbed the others hand as they moved into hand shake.

He then started retreating but not forgetting to wince a wave to his new friends. Ryotaro started walking in the direction of the setting sun. 'I haven't decided how will I arrange the sofa.' He continues on his journey; wearing his faith on where the stones will lead him.

When he can no longer see the silhouette of Ryotaro nor his team mates are around. Marco is ready to start his ritual of teasing her sister.

"Belle, you are acting strange today"

"Brother, I am not! There is nothing wrong with me"

"You are strangely quiet and all of the sudden someone you just burst out into laughter... You like him don't you?"

"But he's not French"

Marco is startled on his sister's answer. Now that she is more straightforward; Marco can tell that something is really out of the ordinary.

"Since did we care anyway" Marco answered giving his sister a genuine smile.

His journey returning to his pad took shorter than he expected. He concluded that it was the cause of the of his growing familiarity in the place. On his way to the building, Julien Cardoso welcomes him waiting at the gate.

"Mr. Tsuchiura, I didn't expect you coming home late." Julien greeted.

It is already dusk when Ryotaro arrived; he'd expected his new tenant to be home before sunset. That is why the reason he waited in the gate long in the afternoon.

"Am I, is this time late already in Paris?"

"No, not at all. I just expected you to be a lot earlier. You said you were only out for lunch." the old man confessed.

"You'll never know what is in store for you. Things around here are more interesting than what are written on books"

"It seems to me that you had enjoyed Paris, even in a little neighborhood like ours. How about join my family for dinner?"

"But Mister that is too much"

"Didn't I told you my daughter is a good cook. And besides, there is nothing special about it. I always invited my new tenants for a good meal. It is a some kind of a tradition for me." he paused taking a better look to the other man "And you really look exhausted. It appears to me that you need a good rest. Let alone prepare your meal or go out for food"

"Mister..."

"No buts! It is my pleasure. Is seven-thirty fine with you?"

Ryotaro sighed "Thank you sir I think seven-thirty is great."

"I'll see you then"

The two generations of men depart going to each other's place.

"Have you done all the preparations?" Julien asked his wife.

"Why are you so anxious about this tenant anyway? You don't have to worry I'll be as lovely and as hospitable as always. You look very excited." Theodora, Julien Cardoso's beloved wife answered back. She has brown curly hair; she always prefer it to be pulled back on the back of his head wearing a flower ornament with it.

"I am not excited!" he protested

"Of course father is excited; he had always enjoyed talking to young men. He always thought they are his long lost son or something." Magali, Cardoso's daughter had the hair, the eyes, the nose the same as her mother; almost getting the face of hers if only Juliens's lips, thin as a sheath of gold, is not painted on Magali's face.

"Is my lovely daughter getting jealous? have you finished the Carbonara sauce anyway? I still didn't get it why do we have to eat Italian today when we have a foreign guest."

"Working on it. Will you lend me a hand and get the milk I need. About your comment, It was you who wanted to eat pasta tonight. You even specified Italian cooking. Don't worry I baked some buttered croissants." Magali still working on the carbonara sauce had started preparing the ground beef and bacon of which she sauted earlier in dry white wine. She mixes it with the fresh beaten eggs she also set aside earlier. Pouring the milk on the sauce she realized that she had not chopped the tomatoes and the parsleys yet. She takes the knife and the slicing board and starts doing the task, few more tick tocks and it is seven-thirty.

Few knocks on the door caught Julien Cardoso's attention. "This must be him" he uttered as he stands up from the sofa. Opening the door he sees the young Japanese man standing in the doorway. They made few greetings as Julien invited his guest to the dining table. Of which he is greeted by Theodora.

"Are you the young man? Oh you look so adorable, no wonder Julien is anxious to have a dinner with you." Theodora said to Ryotaro as she place his hands on both of his cheeks. She looks very happy seeing their visitor. She moves her face to the side of Ryotaro's cheeks as it touches hers and did the same to the other side. 'So this is cheek-to-cheek', the teenager thought.

"You never told us that he is a foreigner Julien, oh I forgot my manners. My name is Theodora, Juliens's unfortunate wife. You can call me Aunt Theodora. What is your name?"

Ryotaro thought about what the older female said. He must have called her Theodora-san or in her case, maybe obasan will do.

"Tsuchiura, Ryotaro Tsuchiura" Julien interrupted smirking. He is relieved that his wife like the young man. Well, as she said. She will be as lovely and hospitable as always. Perhaps, that is what the Cardoso's are most famous for, their hospitality.

Magali heard the commotion on the dining room. She knows that their guest has arrived. Good thing she finished preparing the sauce. Holding the bowl of carbonara sauce; she started moving from kitchen to the dining room. Upon seeing the man with her parents; She can't help but smile.

"Oh it's you! I didn't expect to see you sooner" she said while placing the bowl in the table.

"Wait, wait, wait... You know each other?" Theodora asked confused.

Ryotaro still mystified about the girl tried to review his memories.

"Ah... We bump into each other in a restaurant earlier." Ryotaro remembered the scene earlier explained casually.

"He was the one whom I told you about. You know, the one who picked my penny." she added

"I see, so I it seems you already meet each other. This is Tsuchiura Ryotaro, our Japanese friend." Julien introduce Ryotaro moving his hand on Ryotaro's direction. He did the same on Magali's case. "This is my daughter; Magali Cardoso"

"Will you stop your formality father. I suppose I already told you not to call me by that name." She responded annoyed, then facing Ryotaro, "Call me Maggy."

"The food is waiting. I propose that we should start our dinner."

The dinner is light and casual. Although Ryotaro was uncomfortable at first; he was able to relax eventually. 'The Cardoso's are funny, ahm I mean a happy family' he thought. The conversation they had is light and casual. Julien and Theodora talking the most; they had been telling tales about their lives which still surprises Maggy. There are still things she does not know about her parents. They had talked about Maggy's cooking, French food, and ask Ryotaro occasionally about Japanese life.

"Aren't you too young to be that far away from home? I mean this is a foreign land. You are not familiar to the ways here. Wouldn't it not hurt you to be here all alone" Theodora ask the new tenant

"Oh I am not really alone. My godmother lives in London. If it is not for her, I wouldn't be here."

"Oh I see, so the woman who negotiated with me is your godmother. Anyway, you said you are here to study. I believe you are in college; what particular field are you pursuing?" Julien asked

"Music," Ryotaro said expressionless, monotone yet soft "I play the piano." he ended.

"Oh really! Don't tell me you are one of the music students of the university nearby" Theodora cried amazed of the discovery.

"I suppose I am"

"Oh Magali. Isn't it nice to have a pianist in our building. You can ask him to train you so you can improve your playing." Theodora said excitedly

"You play the piano?... Since when?" Ryotaro asked Maggy, somehow he is always curious when it comes to music.

"Just a few years back. My ex-boyfriend taught me." The young woman answered the question casually.

Ryotaro is struck on the information he found out. But even with the sudden silence; the table instantly gained its joyous conversation. Ryotaro found himself enjoying the time he had with the Cardoso's. When the meal has ended; Julien insisted for Ryotaro to stay but he told them that he is quite tired and need some sleep. That is what someone will get for walking non-stop in the sun; involving in a fist fight and play soccer without any breaks. Magali escorted him to the door.

"Well, thank you for coming. It's been a while since our family had a good company." Magali thanked the Asian man.

"Does your family always had visitors before?"

"My father loves inviting people. Our house had always been full of visitors. That is why I was trained to cook"

"That was a good training, your cooking is real good."

After saying his compliment; Ryotaro received a kiss to his left cheek from the brunette. This sends both his cheeks to blush. Maggy is pleased on the other's reaction.

"You are more innocent than I thought" she said teasingly

"What was that for?"

"It's a thank you kiss, for picking my penny and for a nice evening. Goodnight!" She said as she rush inside their pad.

"Goodnight" Ryotaro retorted as Maggy closed the door.

He then started walking down the hallway and this time; he used the elevator to get into his pad's floor level.

When Ryotaro arrived in his pad. He changed to his pajamas immediately. He brushed his teeth and washed his face. He lies down on his bed scanning his memories. Looking at the darkness; the recent events on that day flashes in his mind. He had seen the new place he will live in; it is a wondrous place he thought. He remembers meeting the people of the city; he has nice neighbors; he gained some soccer buddies. He realized that the day did not turn to a disappointment . It was a good day, a very good day. Analyzing them deeper; 'I'm gonna be fine' he whispered.

Of all the things that happened to him that day. There is sill one ting that remains a mystery. The sound; the most beautiful melody he had heard for a such long time. He closed his eyes and fall into a deep slumber; the sound of the piano still ringing deep within his soul.

-MORE-

Author's Note! (I suppose I need to explain a lot of things...)

I think I had written quite a long chappie. I have no idea how it went this way. When I was thinking about it; I even wondered how it would make five pages. Well, I hope many of you weren't bored.

So I finally revealed the setting. If you ask me why I did not choose Vienna? Well, let's start with I don't have much idea about that city. And it does not have some factors that I needed for this story.

Actually, I originally decided to have an Italian city like Rome or Florence. But it has to be Paris...