Unsung, Untold

A La Corda d' Oro Fanfiction

Author's Notes: At last, a few days worth of break! Good Lord, I thought I would never have a day of rest…thank the heavens for small reprieves. If you guys have not visited my profile, or read any of my other stories, I have announced a hiatus from writing and beta-ing because I have to study for my professional licensure exams. The official date of my return is the end of May, but because I have been allowed a few days of study-free bliss, I managed to scrape together this chapter! Hurrah! There are a lot of cut-scenes here, but I think I did a nice job stringing them together to make it cohesive as a chapter.

On a funnier note, a plot bunny suddenly popped into my desk one day, demanding that I make this a harem-type fic, so Kahoko has a bevy of handsome bishounen at her beck and call. I actually tried to imagine it, but reckoned her grandfather would have a heart attack if that happened. With that thought another plot bunny hopped onto my desk and tried to convince me to just make Kahoko a kick-ass yakuza boss's granddaughter, complete with cool fighting styles and 'I-am-cool-and-you-are-not' attitude, but then where's the fun in that? I want a bumbling Kahoko thank you very much. So before another plot bunny decided to make its presence known, I stowed the first two away into my dresser. They're still there, hoping to be freed, but I won't do that for a while yet. Maybe when I want to write another story…

Lastly, I made this a super-sized chapter (almost double its usual length) to make up for the delay, and the hiatus still in place. Aren't you glad my conscience made me feel so guilty?

Cookies to: stellar24 for identifying Shouji Megumi for me! Thank you so much!

Warnings/Disclaimers: All La Corda d'Oro names, places, and related indicia are copyright to Kure Yuki. The song "Aozora no Namida" is by Hitomi Takahashi, and was used as the first opening song for the anime, BLOOD+. As previously said in chapter five, the rating for this story will change per chapter depending on the content. Also, I am not in any way advertising the brands you may see in this chapter. I only wish I had them, too.

This chapter is rated T.

Chapter 7: Disguises

Waking up with a groan, Kahoko fumbled for the alarm clock shrilly ringing on her bedside drawer. She cursed under her breath when her first few pats on the wooden surface procured nothing. With a deadly glint in her eye she poked her head out of the warm blankets, glared at the offending clock, and flung it to the opposite wall, where it promptly crashed with a loud bang, broke into pieces, and became silent.

Nodding to herself with a small content smile, Kahoko settled back onto the bed, sighing blissfully as her head hit the pillow.

A knock broke through the silence. Kahoko pointedly ignored it and buried herself deeper into the covers. A few more minutes and the door opened, revealing Kahoko's mother wearing a smile on her face.

"Wake up, Kaho! You're going to be late again if you don't get up," she said in a loud, cheery tone. Her smile fell, however, upon seeing the remains of what was once Kahoko's alarm clock. She tsked loudly. "Dear, that was the fifth clock you destroyed this month."

Kahoko grunted from under the covers.

Saeri sighed, rolling her eyes. "The new clock will come out of your allowance, you know."

Another grunt, followed by growled mutters.

"I'm sorry, Kaho, but what did you say?" Saeri asked lightly, her smile coming back.

With a loud sigh Kahoko flung the blankets away and pouted at her mother. "It's too early, mom," she groaned. "Ten more minutes?"

Her mother rolled her eyes. "No, Kaho. It's already past six in the morning. Come on, I made you waffles," she added with another smile, then left the room.

Kahoko sighed, resigning herself to the inevitable. I am so not a morning person. She stretched and yawned, trudging out of bed and shuffling over to the bathroom to get the warm shower running.

She looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were still bleary with sleep, and her hair stuck out in odd places. She winced inwardly at the sight, before sighing again and made to brush her teeth.

As she went with her morning routine, Kahoko's thoughts drifted to the events last night. It was to her intense relief that everything went so well; Kahoko didn't think that Amou would have agreed easily to her request, but agree she did. It was extremely nice of her; maybe Amou wasn't just an annoying photographer, after all.

She was also glad her grandfather had kept his word, and done nothing except watch her performance and actually behaved. A smile quirked her lips. Her grandfather had even been very polite and cordial when she introduced him to Tsuchiura-kun and Amou-san. Both had been initially intimidated by the old man's size and bearing, but in time they were just as comfortable as the rest. Knowing he was just a small-time businessman canning fruits and vegetables helped a lot, too.

Half an hour later, a refreshed, smiling Kahoko was going down the stairs, humming Gavotte as she walked into the kitchen. "Good morning, mom!" She walked over to the sink where her mother stood beating a bowl of eggs, leaned over, and gave her a light peck on the cheek.

Saeri smiled at the sweet gesture. "Good morning, Kaho-chan," she greeted back with a smile of her own. "You're in a really good mood."

Kahoko's smile widened. "Everything went well at work last night."

Her mother made a noncommittal sound in her throat as she took out a pan and placed it on the stove. "So I take it your grandfather loved your performance?"

Kahoko flushed slightly, remembering the look of pride on her Ojii-san's face. "Well, yeah."

"You mean something else happened?"

"Yes," Kahoko admitted. "See, a few friends from school were there…and I kind of introduced them to Ojii-san."

Saeri poured the beaten eggs onto the heated pan and turned to give her daughter a sincerely happy smile. "That's wonderful, Kaho-chan."

"I told them Ojii-san's a businessman making money out of canning vegetables, though. But they all got along great."

"That's nice to hear, dear. Oh, can you pass me the salt and the pepper on the counter?"

"Sure." Kahoko stood up and took the spices from the tiled counter. She stopped. "Mom?"

"Hmm?"

"Why are you making food for a small army?" Kahoko eyed the large stack of toasts and waffles, then the large tray of sausages. She glanced over at the pan on the stove, then the emptied carton that had previously contained a dozen eggs.

"Oh, your grandfather's coming to eat breakfast with us."

"Um, okay. But Ojii-san is just one person."

"Of course I included all of your grandfather's men, silly," Kahoko's mother chuckled. "Just like old times, neh?"

The memory brought a smile to Kahoko's lips, too. Back at the Sumiyoshi gumi, her mother would have a small army of cooks and helpers assist her whenever she cooked, and she would always include portions for everyone lucky enough to be in the house. Her mother's cooking was nothing if not heavenly, and the Sumiyoshi-kai men all worshipped her like a queen for it. Kahoko chuckled. "You'll have all of them kneeling at your feet come lunch."

"You're exaggerating, Kaho," her mother rolled her eyes. "The poor dears just don't have anyone cooking for them, that's all."

Kahoko snorted. Those 'poor dears' would break the neck of anyone who so much as glanced in their direction if they felt like it. It was a good thing the Sumiyoshi-kai members were not your ordinary run-of-the-mill street thugs; Kahoko knew for a fact that her grandfather personally oversaw their training, and made sure each of them were dressed to kill. Literally and figuratively.

Just then the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Kahoko stood up from where she was leaning on the counter. "Is Kaoru-nee san up yet?"

"She's sleeping in for a bit. Your sister had to work overtime last night."

"Oh." Kahoko opened the door, to find her grandfather's formidable build blocking the doorway. He was grinning from ear to ear, his eyes crinkling near to slits at the sight of her.

"Cupcake!" He boomed, his arms wide open.

Kahoko would have sweat-dropped, had she not expected the greeting. "Good morning, Ojii-san," she greeted with a small bow, although her grin was just as wide. "Mom said you'd be joining us for breakfast." She tilted her head slightly to grin at her grandfather's bodyguards. "You too, Uncle Jin. And the rest, of course."

Smiles broke out from stoic faces. Yep, Kahoko thought inwardly with a chuckle, her mother could take over the Sumiyoshi-kai in a twinkling. She led the way into the living room, knowing they couldn't all possibly fit into the kitchen. Most of the men went inside with slightly awkward expressions; Kahoko tried to make them as comfortable as possible. She knew they were here for work, and did not expect that the granddaughter of the person they were here to protect would be treating them like guests.

As they went to automatically position themselves near exit points of the living room, Kahoko insisted that they make themselves comfortable by sitting on the couch and the chairs. She saw her grandfather and her Uncle Jin smirking, but did not say anything. "Come on guys," she insisted with a grin, "sit. The chairs won't bite."

"But Kahoko-ojou sama," began one of the bodyguards, clearly uncomfortable, "we shouldn't be—"

"Don't be ridiculous. You're guests while you're here," Kahoko replied with a wave of her hand. "We're not in the gumi." She tilted her head at them. "You're new, aren't you?"

The bodyguard who had spoken up nodded, a slight blush of embarrassment in his cheeks. "Er…how did you know, Ojou-sama?"

Kahoko giggled. "Well, if you had been with the gumi long enough, you would know that I don't want to be called 'Kahoko-ojou sama'. 'Kahoko' is fine."

Jin snorted. "Nonsense. You will address her as Kahoko-sama, or Ojou-sama," he directed the last to the other four bodyguards, who nodded and replied with a curt 'yessir'.

Kahoko rolled her eyes. Well, she had to try, didn't she? "As long as you don't call me by the full 'Kahoko-ojou sama' I guess it's fine," she sighed. She looked over at her grandfather. "Mom is almost finished cooking. Kaoru-nee san is still sleeping. She worked overtime yesterday," she explained.

"That's alright, I'll come back later to visit her," the yakuza boss smiled. He turned and took something from Jin. It was a box covered in silver wrapper. "Here, cupcake. My gift for that great performance last night. Me and the boys were mighty proud of you." He gave the gift to Kahoko, who received it with a heavy blush of pleasure.

"T-Thanks, Ojii-san!" She peeled the wrapper carefully and opened the box. It was a mobile phone, sleeker and more elegant than the one she already owned, in metallic red. Tilting the box to her, she read the cover. It was a Motorola KRZR K1 Red. She grinned with obvious delight as she read the phone's specifics.

Her Uncle Jin smiled. "Kahoko-ojou, the phone has been directly connected to Renji-sama's secure line. We've already put in the necessary phone numbers in case of emergencies—the usual," he added, knowing Kahoko would understand. "And please do not worry about the phone bill, Renji-sama has already arranged for everything."

"Thank you, Ojii-san!" Kahoko repeated, hugging her grandfather fiercely, who chuckled at her reaction. "Even Keitaro-nii san's number is in here!"

"Yes, I thought it would be a good idea," her grandfather answered wryly, a knowing smirk on his lips. "But to be sure, contact him using the secure line I told you about."

Kahoko was too happy to receive the phone to even wonder why, and merely nodded as she sprinted to the kitchen. "Mom, look! Ojii-san's got me a new phone!"

Kahoko and her mother served breakfast not soon after, and before long they were all eating and chatting happily among themselves, even the bodyguards. Kahoko listened to them talk about how they had come to join the Sumiyoshi-kai, and even their training.

"You know, Kahoko-ojou," said one while grinning, "Your grandfather was the strictest sensei anyone of us has ever met. He'd tell us to do fifty sit-ups if we so much as blinked at the wrong time!"

Kahoko laughed. "Yes, he was like that with me and my siblings, too."

"Eh? You mean he also trained you to…fight?"

"Who me? Oh no!" Kahoko hurriedly clarified. "But he did teach my brother somewhat. He taught me and Kaoru-nee san something else, though."

"Do you mind if we ask what it is, Ojou?" asked another, very curious.

Kahoko grinned at them. "Etiquette."

"Etiquette?!" Repeated three bodyguards, their faces identical looks of shock.

Somebody cleared their throat very loudly behind them. They turned around and blanched when they saw Nishiguchi Renji eyeing them narrowly. "And what's wrong with teaching my granddaughters etiquette?"

"N-nothing boss!"

"We were j-just wondering!"

Kahoko felt a bit of pity mixed in with her amusement at finding the three bodyguards, all young and well-built, wither at the sight of her grandfather looming over them. They hastily escaped with murmured excuses that they were running out of eggs and bacon on their plates, before rushing to the kitchen.

"Well, I'd be surprised to find out about it if I didn't know you at all, Ojii-san," Kahoko chuckled while her grandfather sat on the long sofa with her, a frown on his face at the retreating bodyguards.

"Keh. If they have time to wonder how in the world I knew about etiquette, they should probably be put under some serious training while I'm here," he grumbled.

"Oh come on, grandpa. They were just surprised, that's all," Kahoko chided lightly. "By the way, how long will you be visiting?"

"Hmm? Oh, I feel like staying for a bit," her grandfather replied lightly. He grinned. "Wouldn't want to miss your little contest at school, right?" He had lowered his voice conspiratorially at the end, so that Kahoko's mother wouldn't hear.

Kahoko flushed crimson, her eyes widening. "B-But—"

"Ah, no buts this time, cupcake," Renji wagged a finger at her as he smiled. "I want to see you play that violin of yours. Kishino claims you're really very good at it."

Kahoko's eyes flashed. "Kishino-san told you?"

"I actually weaseled it out of her, so there's no need for you to get mad at her." Her grandfather laughed jovially. "I didn't believe her at first, but the way she told me the story changed my mind." He tilted his head at her. "How did you learn to play the violin anyway? Did you start after you left Tokyo?"

"Er…" Now how do I explain about a fairy?! "Um, yeah, I started after we left. But you know, Ojii-san, I'm still a beginner…"

"That's alright," her grandfather cut in. "I'd still watch you. And these retards, too, of course," he thrust a thumb behind him with a chuckle. "They've all become your dedicated fans after that performance, after all."

"But your work—the gumi—"

"Ah, don't worry too much about everything, Kaho-chan." Her grandfather leaned back into the sofa. "Besides, Tachibana's in the gumi to keep things in order while I'm here."

Seeing there was no way she could convince her grandfather not to stay too long, Kahoko sighed in defeat. Well, it's not so bad, I guess…I just have to hide the fact that he's yakuza. That's not so hard, right? "Er, does this mean we have to go along with the canning business thing?"

Her grandfather grinned. "Yep. Don't worry cupcake, I promise you won't even see me and my boys in your school unless we're there to fetch and pick you up, or to watch you perform."

Kahoko's tensed shoulders slumped in relief. "Oh, okay." She froze. "Wait. Did you say fetch and pick me up?"

Her grandfather grinned cheekily at her. "You didn't expect me to let you go walking to school while I'm here, did you?"

o0o0o0o

At least they changed cars.

Kahoko groaned mentally, her head hitting the smooth leather headrest of the car. It was not the Bentley, thank heavens, but it was still too conspicuous, in Kahoko's opinion. She chanced a glanced behind her, to where another car was following theirs.

Both were Chrysler 300 full-body sedans, brand new and painted black. Her grandfather explained that they didn't want to catch too much attention, so he opted to buy two, 'more economic' cars. They still look good, even though they only cost me 28,000 dollars a piece!

Kahoko sighed. Trust her grandfather to do something audacious and pass it as something mundane. These cars are still conspicuous! Put little flags on top of the hood and they're the Prime Minister's cars!

Her Uncle Jin was driving their car, with her grandfather in the passenger's seat while she alone occupied the back. The other four bodyguards were in the other car following behind them, all serious and business-like again. For a moment Kahoko admired their dedication to the job, before the current situation bothered her again.

"Ojii-san, can you stop at the corner before the school? I think I should walk the rest of the way."

Her grandfather twisted 'round in his seat to give her a questioning look. "Whatever for, cupcake? We could just drive right inside the school and let you off at the front door."

Which is exactly what I DO NOT want. Kahoko fixed a smile on her face. "Well…wouldn't it be too weird if I suddenly arrived at school in a car? We're supposed to be maintaining our cover here, aren't we?"

Jin looked at her through the rearview window, a smile on his face. He knew exactly what Kahoko was saying. "Boss, I think Ojou-sama is right. It's going to be very inconvenient later on if rumors begin to spread in school." When his boss remained frowning, he added, "Remember the school reporter at the café last night."

"Hmm. Very well," he grudgingly admitted, and Kahoko brightened. "Tell them, Jin."

"Yes, boss." Jin fished out his own phone, identical to Kahoko's except that his was black, and pressed a button. "It's me. Ojou-sama wants to be dropped off at the corner of her school block." With a flick of his wrist he pocketed his phone again in one swift movement.

Kahoko whistled. "That's cool. Hey Uncle Jin, you gotta teach me that."

The bodyguard smiled at her. "Of course, Ojou."

As he expertly maneuvered the car to stop right at the corner, Kahoko asked, "Why'd you learn to flip your phone like that?"

The bodyguard's smile turned into a toothy grin. Jin mused vaguely that his grin often made men sweat bullets in his presence, but to his boss and Kahoko-ojou, it only made them grin back. The thought pleased him greatly, his chest swelling with pride. "Gives me enough time to draw out my gun when needed, Ojou."

"Ah."

o0o0o0o

Nishiguchi Renji watched as Kahoko's figure vanished around the corner before glancing at his chief bodyguard. "Where are they?" His voice had gone cold, more business-like.

Watanabe Jin noticed, and his own visage changed subtly. His smile was gone, and his face had turned into an unreadable mask. He nodded subtly. He glanced at his rear-view mirror. "They are coming, boss."

The yakuza oyabun looked to where Jin had glanced. The other sedan had parked right behind them, and two men were stepping out. Renji vaguely noted that they were the two youngest of the bodyguards he had come here with; he nodded in satisfaction. They would do very nicely.

He lowered his window completely, his eyes studying the young men as they approached. Both wore the standard suits and dark-tinted shades he required of all his men, their faces mirroring looks of imperturbable calm. They carried nothing. Renji smiled inwardly. He remembered these two. They were the ones who had been dubious about his teaching skills on etiquette. He grinned at the thought, and the two bodyguards faltered slightly, their cool expressions slipping.

"So it's the both of you, is it?" he asked.

The two young yakuza members bowed. "Yessir," they answered crisply, even though they had begun shifting uncomfortably at the way their boss grinned almost maniacally at them.

Renji turned to Jin with one raised eyebrow. "Have you told them what their assignment is?"

Jin nodded. "Yes, boss."

"Good." Renji smiled briefly at him, then turned towards the young men standing outside the car, waiting for his instructions. "Remember: be as inconspicuous as possible. Don't let her see you. I want to know what she does when, and where. I want to know who she's with. Names, pictures, background. But your first priority is to always make sure she is unharmed." His grin fell, a grim frown replacing it. "Understood?"

The two bodyguards stiffened. "Y-Yessir!"

Renji wanted to laugh. Ah, he's still got it. "And one more thing," he added, as Jin began to rev up the engine. "If you can, record a video of Kaho-chan playing the violin."

The two bodyguards bowed again, nodding. They backed a pace as the car drove off, followed by the other black sedan. As one they turned to the corner where their ojou had run to moments ago. They squared their shoulders and walked to the school, determined to fulfill their mission before the day was over.

o0o0o0o

Kahoko was excited. She grinned all the way to her classroom. Once in a while she would touch the mobile phone in her skirt pocket, and her smile would widen a bit. Finally, she would be able to talk to her brother!

Mio and Nao were pleasantly surprised to find Kahoko in such a good mood when she walked in the room with a grin. Nao was the first to notice. She gave Kahoko a look-over, then smirked. "So. I take it something good happened?"

"Eh? Oh, yeah!" Kahoko giggled. Nao and Mio looked confused for a moment, before smiles spread on their own faces.

"Well, what's the good news?" piped Mio.

"It's a secret," Kahoko smiled, sitting on her chair and serenely resting her chin on a propped hand.

"Hey, that's not fair!" Mio puffed with a pout as she sat on the seat next to Kahoko. "We're your friends—we have the right to be privy to you secrets!"

"So you'd better spill," Nao added with a Cheshire cat-like grin. "Did that soccer player confess his feelings for you?"

"W-what?!" Kahoko blushed to her hair, eyes widening. "What the hell are you talking about Nao? Tsuchiura-kun is a friend!"

"Right," Nao replied, clearly not believing her. Her grin turned into a smirk. "And friends ogle their friends while wearing hot, sexy outfits, right?" Mio giggled at the sight of a flustered Kahoko. "Don't tell you didn't notice the way he was staring at you?"

"No!" Kahoko shook her head vehemently, her blush turning a shade deeper. "And Tsuchiura-kun was not staring at me!"

"Yes he was," Mio said in a singsong voice. She sighed dramatically, her eyes fluttering. "Ah, too bad he's not in the concours and plays the violin, but all the same this is such an exciting development in Kaho-chan's life!"

Kahoko looked at her as if she had grown another head. "What are you talking about?"

"The 'Violin Romance', Kaho-chan! 'Violin Romance'!" Mio sighed dreamily. "But if you decide to date Tsuchiura that's good, too." She paused for a moment. "Or you can go with…um, who was that cute trumpet player, again?"

"Hihara Kazuki," Nao supplied with an amused grin.

Mio nodded to her. "Yes, him. You can go out with him, too. Or Yunoki-sempai! Or—"

"Do you plan to have me go out with everyone?" Kahoko sighed in exasperation, rolling her eyes. "Besides, Hihara-sempai and Yunoki-sempai are out of my league."

"Then you're going out with Tsuchiura?"

Kahoko made a strangled noise in her throat as she fought down her blush. "Mio, Tsuchiura-kun does not feel that way about me! And I certainly don't feel that way about him, either! We're friends!"

Nao chuckled. "So why are you blushing?"

Kahoko glared indignantly, the red in her cheeks becoming more pronounced. "I am not blushing!"

Both of her friends only giggled in response, and Kahoko was left to splutter and puff her cheeks indignantly at them, unable to come up with a better response. They kept teasing her about Tsuchiura, even some of the concours participants, until their homeroom teacher arrived. Kahoko had never been as grateful of her teacher's presence as she had been that day.

As class began to settle down, she felt the phone vibrate in silent mode against her hip. She discreetly took it out and flipped it open with a thumb, a smile stretching her lips when she found out it was a message from her grandfather, wishing her a good day, and luck for her practice. She told him earlier that she was going to practice the violin that afternoon.

"Woah, new phone, huh?" Nao leaned over slightly and whispered to her, staring at the phone. "It's the latest model, too. Did your grandfather give you that?"

"Yeah." Kahoko tucked the phone back into her pocket. "He gave it to me this morning."

"Cool. I wish I had a doting grandfather, too."

Kahoko snorted. "Better watch what you're wishing for, Nao." You have no idea who Ojii-san is…

Nao looked strangely at her, but did not bother to reply. Their sensei was already calling out attendance.

o0o0o0o

Mio was by no means the brightest in the bunch, but being an artist and amateur fashion designer, she had developed the ability to detect details that would normally go unnoticed by anyone else. An uneven haircut, or maybe a collar folded out-of-place. A spot of dirt on someone's shirt, or a haphazardly stitched hem.

That late morning while in their gym class, Mio noticed something out of the ordinary. As she sat down on the grassy field, her eyes fixed themselves on two guys who seemed to be pruning the bushes that grew right up the gymnasium building's wall, near the field where they were supposed to be playing soccer. She tilted her head. Didn't the school only have three gardeners, all of them old men?

"I'm beat." Nao suddenly appeared beside her, sprawling on the grass and wiping the sweat on her forehead with a hand. "Aren't you going to play?"

Mio shook her head. "Coach said I should sit this one out. I was already able to score a few points in the last game."

Nao shook her head. "I still can't believe you're actually a decent soccer player, Mio."

Mio playfully pulled her tongue out at her. "Just because I prefer to draw clothes doesn't mean I can't do anything else."

Nao laughed. "Apparently though, Kahoko's not much of an athlete." They both turned to the soccer field, to see Kahoko fumble with the soccer ball and tried to kick it. Tried being the operative word, because she only managed to kick up dust and bits of grass, the ball still right where it had been for the pat few minutes. They could see most of their classmates laughing, while Kahoko turned beet red and bowed several times in apology. Their coach shook his head and whistled for a time out.

Mao laughed, Nao joining her. "You're right." Her eyes turned to the two gardeners again, who had by now abandoned their work and were watching the class. They were wearing, of all things, dark shades that hid their eyes. "Hey Nao, see those guys over there?"

"Hmm?" Nao turned to look, her eyes narrowing in order to see better. "You mean the gardeners? Why?"

"I've never seen them before," Mio answered.

Nao shrugged. "Maybe the school hired some new ones. Anyway, who cares?"

Mio made a noncommittal noise, continuing to stare at them until Kahoko's groan reached her ears, complaining about her ineptitude at the very simple task of kicking a ball. As she and Nao began to comfort their rueful friend, Mio forgot about the two gardeners. She did not see one of them take out a slim digital camera and take several pictures of them, before they walked away.

o0o0o0o

"I have to find an accompanist?!"

Kanazawa-sensei sighed, rubbing the nape of his neck while frowning at Kahoko. "What, you didn't know? I thought I already mentioned this during your orientation."

"No you didn't!" Kahoko scowled at him.

"Well, now you know," he said with a shrug. "You still have time to look for an accompanist; I'm sure you can find one in no time."

Kahoko stopped short of giving Kanazawa a piece of her mind. "Sensei, does my accompanist have to be someone from Seisou?"

The teacher was rummaging for a cigarette in his pockets when she asked. "Hmm? You have someone in mind? Sorry, but you have to have a Seisou student as your accompanist."

Ah well. She could not ask Ken for help, then. Kahoko deflated. "I don't know anyone from the Music department," she groaned.

"Ask Hihara or Yunoki to help you," Kanazawa offered. "Or Tsukimori."

Kahoko stiffened at the mention of the aloof violinist. She sniffed. "No, I'd rather not."

Kanazawa sighed again. "Whatever floats your boat. Anyway, I called you here to tell you that you'll be excused from your tests on the day of the first selection. I already cleared everything up with your professors."

Kahoko brightened up considerably at that. She left Kanazawa's office with a grin on her face, her footsteps light. Being excused from her tests was a great relief; that meant she didn't have to worry about her academics while juggling the concours and her work! Plus, she would be able to call her brother tonight! The thought made her want to skip all the way to the Practice rooms, where she had already reserved a booth for the afternoon.

As she descended the stairs and turned a corner, a familiar voice caught her attention. She stopped and sneaked a look. It was Tsukimori Len. He seemed to be talking—no, he was arguing with a few Music students. She noticed their dark green ties. They were all seniors, and they looked pretty angry.

She wasn't able to hear most of the words, but she could recognize the angry voices and Tsukimori's cool, almost detached tone. She groaned. The guy was practically begging for a fight. This is not good.

Then one of the seniors had slammed the sophomore violinist into the wall, Kahoko was spurred to action. Grabbing a nearby flower vase, she flung the contents onto the seniors that had begun to crowd around Tsukimori. Cut flowers and water splashed in their direction, effectively stopping their advance.

Kahoko grinned victoriously in her mind. Alright! I got them to stop! Three soaked and thoroughly pissed seniors turned angry gazes to her. Eep. Kahoko unconsciously took a step back. "Uh…I'm an advocate of peace?" she offered hesitatingly.

The tallest and most forbidding of the three, who seemed to be the leader, let go of Tsukimori. Kahoko shot a quick glance to him. The blue-haired young man had gotten wet, too, and he was looking at her with a mixture of confusion and alarm. Well, at least he wasn't hurt. The low growl from the seniors' leader brought her attention back to them. "Bitch," he snarled, "this is none of your business."

Kahoko stiffened indignantly at the insult. "You should talk," she snapped before she could stop herself. "You have no business bullying people, you ugly brute!"

Kahoko vaguely heard someone gasp from behind the tall senior. She thought it might have been Tsukimori. But before she could look the large student had lunged at her. She instinctively closed her eyes, waiting for the blow that never came.

"Touch her and you'll regret it, punk."

Kahoko's eyes flew open. At first she was confused to find two school gardeners in front of her, but when her eyes landed on the face of one of them her eyes widened. "You!"

The one to the front and a bit left of her—who had a hand wrapped around the tall senior's throat—turned slightly to her. He smiled apologetically. "Sorry, ojou-sama. The boss said—"

"I don't want to hear about it right now," Kahoko cut him off, shaking her head. Ojii-san…She looked to the one to her right, who was holding a formidable pair of gardening shears in his hands like a weapon, seemingly ready to lop off the heads on the other two students. "Since when have you been following me?"

"Since this morning," he replied with a grimace. "Gomen, ojou-sama."

Kahoko sighed. She looked to the three seniors. "I think you should leave now."

The one who had wanted to attack her stirred. He scowled. "Don't think you can—urgh!" He coughed, choking. The fingers tightened on his throat, cutting off his air supply.

"I suggest you listen to her, kid," the yakuza member said coolly.

Kahoko was impressed. They looked like school gardeners alright, but their stance, their poker-faces, and the casual way one was hefting a large pair of garden shears and the other squeezing the air out of the guy's throat made them anything but—hang on a minute!!! She stirred to action, placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "Let him go," she said in a soft voice, slightly pleading.

The shoulder underneath her hand tensed. "But ojou-sama…"

"Don't worry, I don't think he'll try anything funny after this." Her eyes glanced to the student, who was trying to pry the fingers from his neck, with no success. His eyes were already bulging, and a bluish tinge was appearing on his face. "Come on, you don't want to cause trouble do you?"

Someone stirred from behind the other two senior students. "H-Hino? What's going on?" It was Tsukimori.

Kahoko cursed under her breath. It was only through sheer luck that they were blocked from view by the two other students. "Let him go now!" she hissed so that Tsukimori would not hear.

He seemed reluctant, but he relented. "Yes, ojou-sama," he answered, releasing his grip on the student's neck and lowering his hand so quickly Kahoko would have missed it if she wasn't watching.

The student coughed violently, the unexpected release dropping him unceremoniously on the floor. His comrades instantly hauled him up, one on each arm. All three were shooting them terrorized expressions as they scrabbled to leave without another word. Kahoko watched them leave with an aggravated frown. On the bright side, they won't be up to bullying for a while. And they don't really know who I am, so that's fine, too.

The two yakuza members appeared before her, looking thoroughly abashed. "Ano…ojou-sama…" began one of them, fidgeting. "We…um…"

Kahoko sighed with a small smile. "Don't worry, I won't tell Ojii-san." They both released large sighs of relief. Kahoko's smile widened, but her brows furrowed together as she waved the empty vase at them. "But if I see you anywhere inside the school again—"

"Hino? Who are these guys?"

Kahoko froze, her insides flipping uneasily. She turned slowly. Tsukimori was already on his feet, but one hand was held out on the wall for support. He was still dripping wet. His amber eyes narrowed as he took in the sight of her and the two 'gardeners', one of which was still holding aloft a large pair of garden shears. Tsukimori took a step forward. "What happened? Those Music students—why did they—"

"Me and my friend were passing through when we saw one of those idiots going for ojo—ah, this lady here," interrupted the yakuza to Kahoko's left. His lips had split into an easy grin as he gestured to his partner, who also sported an apologetic and somewhat shy smile as he lowered the gardening tool, inconspicuously hiding it behind his back. "Turns out it only needed a warning that we'd tell the school principal before they took off."

Tsukimori was still frowning at them while he tried to shake off water dripping from his cobalt blue hair. "Ah, I see," he began. "And you were just passing through."

The other yakuza member nodded. "Lucky for you guys that we did, eh?"

"Why would you be passing through the school corridors? There aren't any plants inside the building you would need to take care of."

Busted. Kahoko frantically tried to wrack up a plausible excuse in her head. The two yakuza members had sent each other warning glances, their stances already shifting. Alarm bells rang off inside Kahoko's head. She knew what they were going to do, and she did not think it was a good idea at all! "Wait, Tsukimori-kun! Do you really have to be suspicious of them? I mean, they did help you—I mean, us—and well…shouldn't we at least just be…thankful?" She looked at Tsukimori with a sheepish grin. Inside her head, she was praying to all the spirits and gods that Tsukimori would listen, because if he didn't, her grandfather's men would have no choice but to render him unconscious and leave him lying in the corridor while they escape. Not that I don't think he deserves a good wallop up the head for his horrid character, but I don't want to take any chances of leaving him with a broken jaw.

Tsukimori seemed to be weighing her words for a moment. Finally he sighed. "Sorry. I guess it was just the tension from before." He bowed shallowly, his posture still stiff. "Thank you for your help."

The first yakuza who had spoken up shook his head with another grin. "Nah, it's alright. It wasn't any problem, gaki."

Tsukimori's brow twitched. "Gaki?"

"Ah…Tsukimori-kun! I think you should go and change out of your wet clothes before you get a cold!" Kahoko interrupted quickly, sensing that Tsukimori was at his limit for civil, polite conversation. She turned to the two supposed gardeners and bowed her head. "Thank you for your help, gardener-san!" Under her breath, she added, "Get out of here!"

The two of them bowed back rather hurriedly, saying they needed to get work done before the day was over, before dashing quickly out of sight. That left Kahoko to deal with a wet and rather irritated Tsukimori. She turned to him with a smile. "Ano…I'm sorry about getting you wet." She laughed sheepishly, putting the empty vase back on its stand.

Tsukimori made a noise that was half grunt, half sniff. It sparked Kahoko's annoyance, but she took a firm grip on it before she could glare at the Music student. She needed to be careful; after all, who knew how much he had heard? It wouldn't take him a lot to string the conversation together to deduce that she was somehow related to the two suspicious gardeners. She put her thoughts aside as Tsukimori took off his sopping wet jacket and frowned at her. "I suppose I have to thank you for your…timely and unexpected interruption," he admitted, somewhat grudgingly.

Kahoko wanted to wring his neck. Why you ungrateful, tight-assed bastard! Instead she let out a light laugh. "It was nothing, Tsukimori-kun. Come to think of it, I wasn't really thinking about what I was doing," she admitted truthfully.

Tsukimori sighed, somewhat miffed. "Apparently."

So God help me, if he ticks me off enough I might call those two back here and borrow those gardening shears to cut him to pieces! Would it kill him to be nice?! Kahoko forced a grin on her face and offered to help him dry his clothes. The sophomore Music student did not reply, only began walking off in search of the clinic for some towels. Since he didn't actually refuse, Kahoko followed silently after him, mentally fuming at his cool, detached attitude.

Thankfully though, they did not encounter anyone in the halls. Kahoko let out a sigh of relief at that; it prevented awkward questions and more lies, something Kahoko did not relish doing. Lying about her and her family's identity was a matter of necessity though, so she lied about that, even though she did not like it.

The clinic had not been far. It was only three corners away from where she had seen Tsukimori attacked. As he hung his wet jacket on the back of a chair and pulled out a towel from a cabinet in the wall, Kahoko sat on the edge of the empty white bed. "Ne, Tsukimori-kun, why did those guys attack you?"

The blue-haired violin prodigy froze in the process of drying his hair and stared coolly at her. "I don't think that is any of your business, Hino."

Kahoko bristled. "I was only trying to make conversation," she snapped with a scowl. "If you don't want to answer that's fine." She sniffed and looked away. "Meany."

Tsukimori frowned. "I didn't mean to sound harsh, but it's the truth."

"Right," Kahoko muttered, then mumbled more softly to herself, "tell that to someone who believes, bastard."

Tsukimori paused. "Excuse me?"

Kahoko shrugged her shoulders. "Nothing," she replied loftily.

"Those seniors didn't hurt you did they?"

"Eh?" Kahoko had to blink a few seconds before the question sank in. "Uh…no. The gardeners came just in time." She was staring oddly at him now.

Tsukimori seemed affronted by the way Kahoko was staring at him. "It's only natural for me to worry about you, Hino. You're a girl. Seeing you confront three guys bigger and stronger than you would make any person with half a brain wonder if you are alright." He frowned at her then, seemingly annoyed that he had to explain his actions to her.

Kahoko felt a sudden urge to snigger, but quickly held it in. So he's not used to being nice? She smiled more naturally this time. "Don't worry, I don't even have a scratch on me." Suddenly her pocket hummed, the vibration tingling her skin. She fished out her phone and saw that Kishino-san was calling her. "Excuse me, I have to take this call."

"Go ahead," Tsukimori gestured, and he turned away from her.

Kahoko gave him a small apologetic smile and walked a few paces away. She flipped the phone open and sighed into the receiver. "Please tell me this call is actually important."

"Good afternoon to you, too," chuckled Kishino on the other end of the line.

Kahoko rolled her eyes. "How did you get my number?"

She could hear the older woman snort. "Your grandfather, who else? Anyway, are you free tonight?"

Today was a Tuesday, which meant she could either waiter for Kishino or just stay home for the evening. "I'm free," she answered. "Do you need an extra set of hands?"

"Oh no. I wanted you and the band to practice the song for tomorrow."

Kahoko groaned. "Great. Don't tell me I'll be wearing…that again." She glanced quickly at Tsukimori, who seemed to be busy trying to dry his white dress shirt with the towel.

Café Melody's manager barked a laugh. "Kaho-chan, you know better than to ask."

"I was afraid you were going to say that," Kahoko grumbled. "Where are we practicing?"

"At the park near the bay area. A few of Yuji's friends at school are having a small performance there at six. They agreed to let you borrow the stage and the instruments at around eight."

Kahoko narrowed her eyes. "You're not going to try anything funny, are you?"

"That hurt, Kaho-chan. Who do you think I am?"

"A sadistic, opportunistic manager," Kahoko replied flatly.

"Hmm, well that's true," Kishino replied musedly, making Kahoko snort again. "Anyway, are you good to go?"

Kahoko sighed. "Park at the bay area, eight o'clock. Yes, I'll be there."

"And bring your violin."

"What?!" Kahoko exclaimed. "Why do I have to bring my violin? Isn't singing enough for you?"

"Relax," Kishino said reassuringly on the phone. It only served to make Kahoko even more wary. She could somehow hear the woman grinning at this! She was sure of it! "I just wanted you to be able to practice for your concours as well as for your performance at the café tomorrow."

It seemed like a good idea. "Well…alright," Kahoko agreed, somewhat reluctant. "Have you told mom about it?"

"Of course I did. And your grandfather knows, too. I guess that means you won't have any problems with going there on time."

Kahoko could feel a headache coming on. She knew there was something off about all of this. "Fine," she sighed. "Anything else I should know?"

"Well, since you asked, you should tell Mio to come along and bring more designs for me to look over—you know, I have a lot more songs and themes in store, and I want to see if Mio-chan has designs for them."

"I hate you, you know that?"

Kishino laughed. "Kaho-chan, if you hate me that much your grandfather would have had me killed a long time ago."

Kahoko winced. "That was not even funny, Kishino-san. Really." She sighed again. "I'd better go. I have an hour of violin practice to go before I leave."

"Alright. Remember! Eight o'clock!"

"Yes, yes," Kahoko replied wearily, before terminating the call. First the incident with Tsukimori, and now this…Kahoko was sorely tempted to call this a bad day, except there was still her silver lining in this gloomy cloud of mess: the chance to call her brother. She smiled at the thought. She would do it tonight, after her practice.

"Good news?"

Tsukimori's voice startled her out of her thoughts. She pocketed her phone quickly and gave him a smile. "Not really. I was just thinking things. Well, since you're alright, I had better go." She walked to the door. "See you later then, Tsukimori-kun." Without further ado, she gave him a last cheerful wave and left the clinic.

Tsukimori stared long and hard at the door. "The bay park…hmm."

o0o0o0o

Kahoko smiled wryly as she spotted three of her grandfather's bodyguards sitting on a nearby bench, seemingly out for a casual stroll down the bay. She recognized the two as her rescuers from earlier that afternoon. When she caught their eye they nodded and grinned at her before going back to scanning the area.

Yuji walked up to her, adjusting the strap on the electric guitar. "Do they have to follow you everywhere?"

Kahoko turned her neck to look at Yuji. "Ojii-san," was all she said, but Yuji nodded as if he understood completely. He shrugged and gave her a grin.

"Ah well. Can you ask them to run a few errands for you though?"

Kahoko glared. "I'm not going to make them my servants for you, Yuji," she said flatly.

"No harm in asking," Yuji grinned cheekily. He went back to where Nobu was adjusting the strings of his base guitar, and Spud re-aligning the drums around his stool. Ken was sitting idly on the left edge of the small wooden stage, his legs dangling over the side. Kahoko walked over to him.

"All set?" she asked.

Ken looked up at her. "Yeah," he answered in a bored tone. He looked over to Yuji and the others. "Are those slowpokes done yet?"

Kahoko chuckled. "You know how fussy they are about setting up instruments." She looked down at him. "Anything unusual happened at your school?"

Ken, Yuji, Nobu, and Spud were all from the same high school, as was evidenced by the uniform they all wore: white button-up shirts with the logo of their school embroidered on the breast pocket, along with a pair of dark blue pants. Kahoko noticeably stood out in her Seisou Academy garb; she had not bothered changing, too.

Ken seemed to think about her question before shrugging, the ring hanging off his nose glinting dully in the light provided by the lamps hanging all over the stage. "Nothing much. This concert was all part of the school festival."

"Oh, so that's why." Kahoko sat down beside him and looked over the park. Very few people were passing by at such an hour, which made Kahoko glad. At least there won't be too much of an audience. Excluding, of course, her grandfather's three bodyguards.

They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes before Yuji called them over to start practice. It had been an unspoken agreement between all of them that Yuji was band leader, seeing as the concept of the group—including their present gigs—were all his idea. "Alright. Kaho, you got the lyrics down pat, right?"

"Yep." Kahoko waived a piece of paper at him. "The melody was good. It made memorizing easier for me."

"Right." Yuji looked over at the guys. "Well, you all know what to do. This is more rock and pop, so let's get the beat up and running, okay?"

All of the guys nodded their assent as they took their places. Kahoko stood a bit off center, the microphone already in her hands. Yuji scanned the stage for anything amiss before nodding once to Spud, who instigated the beat by striking his drumsticks.

At the mental count of three, Yuji began playing, the first notes piercing the cool evening air. Ken followed soon after with his keyboard, and then it was Kahoko's turn.

Hitorikiri kurayami no naka

kimi no namida no imi wo shitta

negau basho fumi dashita kedo

dare mo kizutsuketaku nakute

(All alone in the darkness,

I learned the meaning of your tears.

I've stepped forward to the place I wish for,

Yet I didn't want to hurt anyone.)

Spud was now working the rhythm at a steady pace, upbeat and thrumming even underneath Kahoko's skin. She grinned at them, the joy of playing shared by everyone else in the band. Yuji winked, and Nobu even sounded like he was laughing. A few people were now watching them, but Kahoko did not notice.

Umi wo wataru kaze wa kyou mo

mayowazu ni ashita ni mukau no ni

kokoro wa doushite ugoki dasenai

(Even today, the wind crosses over the sea

And faces tomorrow without hesitation.

Why can't my heart begin to move?)

Donna unmei ga matte iru n darou

kuyami takunai yo umareta koto

kanashimi no naka ni yuuki ga aru

kagayaki tsukamu to shinjite iru

furishikiru aozora no NAMIDA

itsu no hi ka egao ni kaeru yo

(What fate awaits me?

I don't want to mourn over the things that have come forth.

Within feelings of sorrow, courage still exists,

And I grasp its radiance while believing.

Tears flow down from a clear blue sky.

Someday they'll change into a smile.)

Kahoko's feet tapped the stage, keeping up the tempo as she sang. She found her grandfather's bodyguards cheering her on, and she waved at them. The lyrics flowed easily to her. Singing had always been relaxing for her, a way to deviate her attention from everything else, and just have fun. She often sang for her family back when she was in Tokyo, but it took a while for her to get over the stage fright of performing for strangers. Since then, whenever her grandfather had people visiting the gumi, she would sing a song or two, much to her Ojii-san's delight.

They finished the song and repeated it twice more before Yuji deemed them ready for the performance tomorrow. Kahoko enjoyed the practice session immensely, even going so far as to admit that wearing the costume again wasn't so bad, if she got to sing such a great song. It motivated her to move: to strive harder somehow, and to fight. To fight what became perfectly clear to her as the three bodyguards moved as one when they saw her approach. Somehow, she had to fight against the ghosts of her past, and accept the present. She waved to them with a grin. Kahoko knew her grandfather's visit was not a mere passing whim; she had a pretty good idea why he was here. After all, yakuza bosses don't go out of their territories for a mere social visit when he had not even done that for the entire two years they had escaped from Tokyo.

She allowed one of the bodyguards to carry her bag, the other her violin case while the last one led the way to the car parked around the corner. Kahoko was not duly worried though; not yet, anyway. Sooner or later, her grandfather would tell her the truth. She was sure of it. He was just waiting for the right opportunity.

o0o0o0o

End Chapter 7.