SORA: Hey again! Well, I finally made the next chapter! And since I was just reading Nodame Cantabile, I decided to put some musical feel into this chapter!
Nick: And before you forget…?
SORA: Huh?
Nick: …
SORA: … Oh right! Thanks for reminding me! If you see the" * " sign next to a word or phrase, you'll find the meaning or something on the end of this page! And I'll add some other notes too! Thank you and enjoy!
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The Siren's Weeping Ballad Chapter 3
Cherry Sonata
Lamiroir stood in front of the Beethoven Music Hall to ready for her next concert. She came in her usual frilly, white dress with Machi wearing a *Les Miserables t-shirt with jeans (without his sunglasses)with his hair "unstyled" and it looked rather normal. Their manager, Tencho Masai, stood reviewing the few classical pieces that were to be played at the Mistamora Music Festival, black hair fixed in a clean manner and brown eyes intensely observing the notes in his hands.
"Excuse me, Ms. Lamiroir. Do you think the *C de C Orchestra should perform a Mozart's Concerto for Oboe?" he asked her. The songstress thought for awhile. She answered, "Well, I prefer Mozart. The festival, in my eyes, should be colorful. Don't you think? And an oboe concerto seems very interesting." Machi smiled at his partner's observations.
Good choice ma'am…
"But I do not excel at these kinds of fields. You may ask the conductor instead." She said. Tencho smiled. "But ma'am, the conductor wanted your personalized opinion." He said. Lamiroir chuckled softly, "Why, is that so?" When they checked everything, making sure they looked presentable to the orchestra, the sponsors and the board of directors. They entered the grand music hall.
The three were astounded by the elegant structure of the big room. Fancy curlicues crept on the edges of the columns and ceilings. Marble statues of Beethoven's faces lined the walls and on the wall in gold lettering and fancy font read "The Beethoven Music Hall".
Not only was the hall mesmerizing, so were the people they found inside. All were dressed in casual wear but something about their auras made the three dazed by their strong presence. Sitting on the chairs were the sponsors and the board of directors dressed in business-related clothes. A man in his late forties approached them with great vigor. He went to them and shook everyone's hands.
"So you must be Lamiroir, Machi Tobaye, and their manager, Mr. Masai. Pleasure to meet you all! I am Jonathan Dawson, part of the board of directors." The man led them towards the other director's of the event. "This is Maria Jutiev, a former violin instructor by the way, Marcus de la Torres, Steven Baguette, Francisca Maithland-Smith, Christopher Bellamy and Takeru Miyamoto." All of them shook hands and politely greeted each other. All of them sat down on some seats and discussed what they were going to do. Jonathan Dawson went somewhere and came back with coffee for each person (not including the orchestra who were presently practicing). "Here, please do be cautious, the coffee is quite hot." He said. Lamiroir gave gratitude for the hospitality, "Thank you, you are very kind."
Jonathan Dawson sat down, "So Ms. Lamiroir, what do you think of the venue?" he asked. Lamiroir looked around once again. "You have quite outdone yourselves, for us being able to use such a beautiful hall." The directors were all flattered. "Why, thank you. Now, Mr. Masai, have you chosen which pieces the orchestra will play?"
Tencho nodded," Yes, first we decided that we would work with Haydn Symphony No. 104 in D major London. The last piece would be Mozart's Cocerto for Oboe and Orchestra in C major K.314 "
Dawson nodded. "Hmm… I see…"
"And for Machi… He will do two pieces right? He's going to play the Mozart: Sonata k.300d (310) A minor followed by Chopin's Minute Waltz."
All Jonathan Dawson did was nod.
But Maria Jutiev intervened.
She spoke with such straightforwardness. "What about that girl?"
Once the blonde foreigner mentioned "that girl" everyone starting fussing.
"Oh my, she's always late." Said Steven Baguette, fixing his eyeglasses.
"She always sleeps in… or so she says." Francisca Maithland-Smith shook her head.
Lamiroir grew puzzled, who was this girl? Her manager did tell her that Machi wasn't going to be the only pianist in the festival. But she never caught the name… Before she could say or ask anything, the music hall backstage door slammed wide open.
"I'M HERE I'M HERE! SORRY I'M LATE! TRAFFIC!"
Lamiroir stood in shock. She clearly recognized that comical aura and voice, especially the voice.
"R-Rhian?" Lamiroir unsteadily raised her fingers. Unable to point.
Rhian stood before the orchestra, the directors, Lamiroir, Machi and their manager. Wearing a black parka with fur lacing the edges of the hood, a big, black shirt that read *"Miss Saigon" jeans and leopard printed boots that kept her feet warm. She carried a beige bag with cherry patterns. A violin case and to complete Rhian Rosamond was a haystack of brown bed hair.
Rhian's voice went shaky, "La-La-Lamiroir?!" She screamed, nearly dropping her bags. Jonathan Dawson shushed her, "Rhian! How rude of you! You must treat her with respe-" he was cut off by the Landscape Painter in sound. "No Mr. Dawson, the both of us are close." Machi felt his jaw drop, Tencho Masai felt dumfounded while all the others were silent.
Rhian went down the stage's stairs and bear hugged Lamiroir in a anime-like way. "WOW! You're gonna sing in the program! I'm so happy we got to see each other again!" Lamiroir calmly chuckled. "It's great to see you too." Mr. Dawson soon recovered from the event, "Well, there isn't a need of personal introductions then," he cleared his throat, "Anyways, Ms. Rosamond over here will be playing alongside Mr. Tobaye."Lamiroir felt shocked, she had no idea a person she just met at the sidewalk was a musician. "Once Machi is done with his solos, she will be next and play both Schubert Piano Sonata No. 16 in A minor and Chopin's Etude Op. 10-4." Lamiroir turned her attention to Machi, who in turn, had sparkling eyes of peridots. "That's a really advance and difficult piece. You must have practiced a lot on it." He said to Rhian. Rhian looked at Machi, she smiled at the young fourteen year old."You bet I did! It takes years of practice ya know? But it's pretty amazing you'll do the Minute Waltz Machi." Lamiroir smiled, she saw Machi's eyes spark with inspiration and flattery, "Why, thank you," He said rather shyly.
Takeru Miyamoto clapped his hands twice to grab everyone's attention. "Everyone! We will have a rundown of everything right now! Please go backstage until you are called, there, we will do some of your blockings." Everyone said "Understood!" in unison. With that, everyone went backstage.
Once everyone was backstage, Lamioir silently watched from afar Rhian and Machi converse with each other.
"Hey," Rhian said, "You're wearing a Les Mis shirt!"
Machi looked at himself, then at his companion, "And you are wearing a Miss Sai!"
Rhian grinned wildly, "Cool!"
"Yeah!"
Lamiroir felt a hand on her shoulder, "Guess who?" a voice asked.
The songstress turned to head to face a Phoenix Wright. "Why, Nick! What a pleasant surprise."
"Don't forget me-e!" A Trucy Wright's head popped out of her father's back with her usual magician's outfit with *arm warmers. Lamiroir was shocked to see her here. "And… you brought Trucy." She managed to say. Phoenix nodded while the energetic magician behind him jumped from behind ,"Oh! Lamiroir! I got a new trick! Lookie here!" Lamiroir made sure she was looking at every detail Trucy was going to do, she felt she wanted to tell her the truth so badly…
She thought to herself,"Please, can the right time come here faster?"
Trucy stood proud, "OK, here we go!" Trucy took of her hat, placed it on a table and muttered a strange incantation,"Now, who's hungry for apples?" and when she said that, a fountain of apples, green and red burst out the hat, everyone in the room applauded at the act and the Amazing Trucy Wright felt proud. "Now, for the big finale… CHERRIES!!!" She grabbed her hat and fresh cherries blasted into the room. Everyone was marveled by the performance and deserved a standing ovation from the orchestra members that came back after their practice onstage.
The applause was held back once Ms. Jutiev came in from the door,"Rhian, Machi, your turn!" Rhian stood up from her chair and so did Machi, Lamiroir followed them,"May I come and watch?" Maria nodded. Once on stage, Machi sat down on the piano's chair while Rhian sat at the opposite piano's chair. The balladeer wondered why there were two pianos.
"There'll be a piano duet eh?"
Lamiroir found the ex-lawyer onstage with the other pianist, well, Nick was a pianist before at the Borsht Bowl Club(before he quit after that case) but to be honest… He wasn't really the best of players.
"May I?" Phoenix asked Machi.
"Well…OK."
"HOLD IT!"
Everyone looked at the source of the voice, it wasn't Phoenix, it wasn't Apollo…
It was Rhian…
"Rhinnie Rosamond strikes again…" Murmured Trucy.
"Huh?" Lamiroir seemed puzzled.
Trucy saw Lamiroir's confusion that swirled throughout her face. "Ah, Lamiroir, you see… Rhinnie loves acting out sometimes… Sometimes the cause of too much dessert…" Lamiroir felt dumfounded, dessert? She thought.
Phoenix groaned, "Aw, Rhian! You're spoiling my fun!"
"ARE YOU TRYING TO SHATTER THE WHOLE PLACE DOWN?!" Screamed Rhian.
The fighting went back and fourth, "Well, excu-u-u-use me princess!"
"Hey, now you're copying Zelda!"
"Well, you're the one acting like a lawyer!"
"You trying to pick a fight with me?!"
"You bet I am!"
If this were ever a anime, you would see sweat drops on our heads, thought both Trucy and Lamiroir. "STOP IT YOU TWO! NOW!" Exclaimed none other than Mr. Dawson. "I suggest you take your childish acts elsewhere after the practice." Both Phoenix and Rhian felt ashamed. They said in unison, like two siblings scolded by their parents…
"Sorry sir…"
Dawson cleared his throat. "Well, let us begin, Machi." Machi nodded and began playing his piece.
Lamiroir listened intently, she closed her eyes, wanting to feel the music. Machi's Mozart was so youthful and colorful, as if you were riding slowly on a vividly colored carousel.
Once Machi ended the first symthony, his calmness and somewhat cheerful, yellow aura changed into a passionate crimson as he played the Minute Waltz… Lamiroir, who's eyes were still closed thought of Machi playing. She thought she was hallucinating when she thought she saw the notes on the score flying upwards as the stage started painting a sunrise on the horizon. Though she gave no reaction physically, there were big impacts in her mind. She was proud Machi grew as a pianist when he was with her. She felt she played a big part in his life… Lamiroi felt herself crying.
All the members of the board of directors applauded to a successful performance. "Bravo, bravo! What an exceptional performance!" Machi bowed down and went backstage, Lamiroi didn't leave yet, she wanted to see and listen to how well can Rhian play…
Rhian sat up properly, facing the piano, she looked at her spectators, when Maria Jutiev nodded Rhian's easy-going character seemed to disappear…
Rhian was a whole different person when she played the keys, Lamiroir kept her eyes open, observing her style and her music as well. Her Schubert was beautiful and clear, as if she was playing in a forest, surrounded by a labyrinth of woodland giants. Her passion and meekness in this piece could calm one's mind and fill one's heart. Lamiroir started crying again, for there was such meaning in both Machi's and Rhian's performances.
But the solemnity of the piano vanished and there was no music left…
Lamiroir opened her eyes, why did Rhian stop playing? The songstress saw Rhian, looking at the ceiling, the stained-glass ceiling that beautifully colored the stage. Slowly, as if her life energy was fading away, she bent down, closing her eyes, facing the piano…
Her fingers brought the instrument to life.
Lamiroir couldn't close her eyes, she was too shocked at such power of her Chopin. Rhian's fingers were swift that it seemed inhuman. Lamiroir could feel the aura, a feiry blanket of a blue flame seemed to coat Rhian all around. Her Chopin, was powerful, dignified, full of soul…
Lamiroir never seen such great pianists in her life-time…
The music stopped, Rhian's fingers stopped, she burned out of flames, she panted really hard, tired. The board of directors clapped and complimented her performance. Nick and Trucy followed after, so did Lamiroir but her hands could move that quickly. She felt she was still stunned by the performance.
"Lamiroir?"
Lamiroir broke out of her daze, Mr. Takeru Miyamoto gently shook her shoulders, "It's your turn." He simply said.
Lamiroir nodded and stod up, Machi came out from the left curtain. Lamiroir got up the stairs and went to the waiting Machi. Machi spoke, but his voice was very soft, but not to the point his friend couldn't hear, "She was great…" He whispered. Lamiroir knew he spoke of Rhian, she softly smiled,"Now you have someone to look up to don't you?" Machi nodded and sofly smiled. Steven Baguette called their attention, "We are unable to practice the piano duet today unfortunately, sorry for the inconvinences." Lamiroir politely shook her head, "No need to worry, the festival is on Christmas Eve." Even though she said that, she felt it seemed that it would be tomorrow.
"Well, did you memorize the song?" Asked Steven.
"Yes, I have." Replied Lamiroir.
Machi sat on the piano's chair and readied himself. He looked at Lamiroir, who seemed ready, he looked at the C de C Orchestra, who was ready too. He began to play and Lamiroir started to sing "My Only Christmas Wish.
Stockings that hang near the fireplace
Waiting for St. Nick to come by,
And take the letters that were placed,
As the children look at the snowy sky,
The girls want this, the boys want that,
Spying for that big red hat,
But the only thing, I want this year,
Come closer…
Come closer I'll tell you know… woah, woah…
I want to… hold you, tell everything's alright…
Let's cherish this special night,
I don't need the presents nor the snow,
I don't really need that mistletoe…
I wanna take you in my arms… Baby, everything's alright
The others may have their Christmas lists
But I only want you…
You're my only Christmas Wish…
Before the songstress could continue her song, a familiar voice barricaded the music. "Fraulein! Herr Wright!"
Everyone turned around to see a Klavier Gavin in the flesh, some of the female orchestra members squealed in delight. Klavier ran towards Phoenix, then bending down to catch his breath. Phoenix seemed puzzled, why is Klavier Gavin in a place like this? "Gavin, why are you here?" Trucy was shocked. "Prosecutor Gavin?" Rhian, who was sitting on one of the chairs all this time stood up. Lamiroir felt weird, as if what Klaiver was about to saw would be veryserious. "Herr… Forehead…" The former rockstar said between breaths. Herr Forehead? Lamiroi thought, wasn't that the nickname of Apollo given by Gavin himself? Lamiroir grew worried. Phoenix looked alarmed, he grabbed Klavier's shoulders with both his hands. "What happened to Apollo?" Lamiroir went downstage and behind Trucy, who was worried as well. Klavier was hesitant to talk, only making Phoenix shake him as if forcing him to spill the beans, "What. Happened. To. Him." Phoenix demanded.
Klavier looked away… "Severe… need a miracle…"
Phoenix grew impatient. "TELL US!"
Klavier closed his eyes. "Car…accident…"
Phoenix was alarmed, Trucy was terrified, Rhian and Machi were worried and scared, the others were worried as well but Lamiroir was traumatized…
Klavier continued. "Comma… Might… Never… Wake up…"
Right know, Lamiroir hated the word Never. She felt her system giving up on her, her vision was getting vague and black…. Was she going blind again?
"No…"
Thud!
"Lamiroir!"
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SORA: Well, that's about it for now! Phew that was tiring! Took a lot of research!
Nick: It took you 2 days…
SORA: HEY! I STARTED LATE! ANYWAYS… here are the author's notes!
Les Miserables: This is a famous Broadway musical by Alain Boublil and Claude Michel Schonberg. It revolves around the French Revolution I think… You can search about this anyway I'm just putting these things so you don't really have to! Forgive me if anything here is wrong!
C de C Orchestra: It is a fictional orchestra I made up. It stands for Le Ciel de Coulers (sky of colors) Orchestra.
Miss Saigon: Another Broadway musical by Alain Boublil and Claude Michel Schonberg. The story revolves around the love between a Vietnamese orphan named Kim and an American G.I. named Chris.
Arm warmers: I don't really know what they call these things… I'm trying to make it equivalent to the leg warmers but for the arms.