Me: What up folks? Welcome to Chapter 7.
*A flute's tune can be heard as Shirai appeared. After sometime, he stopped.*
Me *smiling*: Now that's really wonderful.
Shirai *smiling*: Thanks. Uh Oh, Ushio is coming. Can I keep it in the drawer?
*I nodded as Shirai kept the flute in the drawer. By that time, Ushio arrived.*
Ushio: What is that beautiful noise?
Shirai: Nothing. Maybe it's from outside.
*Ushio is a bit suspicious while Shirai is waving both of his hands to try to convince her. I chuckled a little bit.*
Shirai: Zahir890 would like to thank everyone who continue to support him by reviewing and liking this and his other stories.
Ushio: No Mermaid Melody. No Clannad he owns. Just the OCs.
Me: And now enjoy Chapter 7.
Ushio: Hmmm...
Shirai: What Hmmmm?
*I laughed.*
Chapter 7: Flute and Shirai's Headache.
Tomoya and Ushio are having a walk around the park.
"Are the Shirai family there?" Ushio asked.
Tomoya looked around for a moment but then said:
"Sorry. I don't see them. They must have be staying in the hotel this time."
"Mou." Ushio sighed.
All off a sudden, they could hear a beautiful tune of the flute. Ushio got awed upon hearing that while Tomoya is also surprised but is enjoying it.
"Daddy. Who could be playing such a wonderful tune?" Ushio asked in awe.
"I don't know but I never heard such a beautiful tune in my life." Tomoya said, "In fact, the flute's tune is very unique. Let's go look for it shall we?"
"Hai."
And so Ushio and Tomoya began to search for the flute's tune. They went north and south, east to west, up and down and left to right but to no avail.
Finally they went straight to the tree in which they are sure this where the flute's tune is coming from. However, the tune stopped and they could hear no more.
"Hey! That's an awesome tune you have played!" Tomoya called, "Do you mind if you can come down and play with us?!"
However, there is no reply.
"It's okay! You don't need to be frightened! Only me and my child are here!" Tomoya called again.
Still no reply.
"Please come down!" Ushio pleaded.
"It's no use Ushio." Tomoya sighed, "Whoever is playing it must be really nervous to come down."
"Do you think it could be the tree playing the flute?"
"Don't be silly Ushio. There's no such thing."
"Then can I climb on the tree to see who is playing?"
Tomoya is horrified upon hearing that.
"Oh No Ushio! I can't allow that." Tomoya said, "It's such a big tree and if you make one mistake while climbing, you might get hurt badly and start crying."
Ushio wanted to protest but then realized that Tomoya could be right. She herself is a bit scared after seeing the height of the tree. Sighing herself, she and Tomoya left to go to somewhere else.
Top Middle Part of the Tree:
Shirai sighed in relief when he saw Tomoya and Ushio leaving.
"Well that was really really close." Shirai said to himself and sighed.
Shirai then looked at his flute for a while. The flute is in aqua colour with a small aqua mermaid statue on top of one side. But before he could play it, flashbacks started to come around his head.
Not normal flashbacks but terrible flashbacks of the incident that haunted him a year ago and that is hurting Shirai's head.
Shirai is groaning in pain and is clutching his head tightly. The headache is becoming painful thanks to those flashbacks. Surprisingly, Shirai is still keeping his balance. He knows that if the terrible flashbacks takes full control of him, then you will fall down and suffer injuries or maybe even worse...death.
"Why?! Why at the time like this?!" Shirai thought as he clutched his head and tears started to come out from his eyes.
Luckily however, two drops of leaf water came down right straight to Shirai's head. This interrupted his flashbacks and though Shirai felt a little pain in the head, he is alright. He thanked the leaves before slowly coming down to the ground. Shirai rubbed his head for a while.
"I better get back to my parents. They will be wondering where I am." Shirai said to himself before running off, carrying the flute with him.
Furukawa Bread Bakery:
Akio is throwing papers in the bin as he grabbed a new one and started to draw something, grinning his teeth. Sanae and Nagisa looked at him with curiosity.
"Akio-san. What are you doing?" Sanae asked curiously.
"Making plans on how to catch that Hippo guy when we visit them." Akio said, "He is so gonna pay for neglecting his duties that costed Yukito's best friend's life."
"Ah yes Dad." Nagisa said, "Once we catch him, he will have to pay thousands and thousands and thousands of yen as compensation to the ones who are affected by Azumi's death. Parents, friends, etc."
"And if not, jail for life." Sanae said happily.
"But we are not judges." Akio said.
"But the judges will understand the suffering the people who were close to Azumi had to go through. Especially Yukito." Nagisa said.
The Furukawa Family then smiled. There was a door bell which rang and Nagisa ran to open the door in which it is Tomoya and Ushio.
"Tomoya-kun. Ushio. How was the walk?" Nagisa smiled.
"Mummy. We heard a beautiful flute tune." Ushio said happily.
"Eh?"
"Beautiful flute tune?" Sanae asked.
"Ah yes. We were just walking around the park when suddenly we heard a beautiful tune that is coming from the tree." Tomoya smiled, "We then tried to call the one who played the flute but there was no response."
"I think the tree is the one who is playing the flute." Akio said in which everyone roared in laughter.
"Do you believe in fairy tales Dad?" Nagisa smiled and giggled.
"Yeah Pops. Even Ushio said the same thing." Tomoya said.
"It was just my guess!" Akio whined.
"Anyway. What's with those papers?"
"Oh. Plans on how to capture that Hippo guy."
There is a silence for a moment.
"But how can we be sure that which one is Hippo?" Tomoya asked.
"Oh. We just have to know that he wears a sailor uniform." Nagisa said.
"And what do we do if we catch him?"
"Take him to the judge so that the Shirai family and their friends can testify against him." Sanae said happily.
"And he must pay compensation. If not, jail for life." Akio said.
"Yeah!" The Furukawa Family roared.
"Yeah! Hippo bad guy. Hippo bad guy." Ushio chanted.
"I'm with you guys." Tomoya smiled.
There is then another door bell in which Sanae ran to open it. It's the Shirai family.
"Hello everyone!" Yukito said happily while at the same time, Nagisa and Sanae also said it. Everyone then laughed.
"So what brings you here?" Tomoya asked.
"Well just a visit." Taoki said, "Anything else?"
Everyone shook their heads. Ushio then ran towards them.
"Uncle. Aunty. We heard a beautiful flute tune in the park today." Ushio said happily.
"Really?" Yukito asked.
"Yeah. We heard it coming from the tree and we tried to call him or her but there was no response." Tomoya said.
"Oh. Too bad." Shirai said nervously.
"And why are you so nervous may I ask?"
"Nervous? Me?! No! I'm fine and fine."
Everyone giggled.
"House. House." Ushio said happily.
"Oh well here we go again. Looks like she wants to invite you again." Tomoya smiled.
"Well it can't be helped." Shirai smiled.
"Okay then Tomoya-kun. See you later for lunch." Nagisa smiled.
"Yeah. Later."
And so Tomoya, Shirai and Ushio left to go to Tomoya's apartment. Akio then slapped Taoki on the shoulder.
"So My Friend! How about telling us about your lives as a parent?" Akio asked happily.
"Eh?!" Taoki asked in shock, "But we already told you about that."
"A part of it." Nagisa smiled, "You actually told us about your teen lives."
"Well it will only be fair if you also tell us about your lives as a parent." Yukito said.
"Okay."
Meanwhile on the street, Ushio spotted a small part of the flute in Shirai's short sleeve shirt.
"Shirai? What do you have in your shirt?" Ushio asked.
It is then Shirai realized that Ushio noticed it. He tried to keep it properly but he knows it is useless.
"Looks to me like it's a flute." Tomoya said before gasping.
"No. It's something else...uh...you know." Shirai mumbled up.
"Don't tell me..."
"No please No." Shirai thought and gulped.
"That you were the one playing the flute?!"
Shirai then sighed and gave up. By looking at Shirai's reaction, they knew right away that he was the one playing it. Ushio hugged Shirai right away.
"Oh Wow! You could play so well." Ushio said happily.
"Come down Ushio. Let's talk about it in the apartment." Tomoya smiled.
So they entered the apartment and they settled themselves down for a while in which Tomoya gave Shirai some water to drink. After drinking, Shirai sighed for a moment. He is a bit devastated to be found out about it but tried his best not to show it.
"Wow Shirai! Do you even know how to climb trees?" Tomoya asked in awe.
"Well yeah. I almost fell down once but since then, I know how to climb properly." Shirai said.
"Who gave you the flute?"
"Mom and Dad gave it to me at my 5th Birthday."
"Can you play it now in front of us?" Ushio pleaded.
Shirai appeared shock for a moment.
"But...But." Shirai gulped.
"Oh come on Shirai. Just once. We might never get to see you play again." Tomoya pleaded.
"Well if you say so."
Shirai sighed for a moment and is about to play the flute but then something really bad happen. As he is about to start, again the terrible flashbacks starts to haunt him and this time, more terrible than ever. Because of that, Shirai immediately clutched his head and is in the world of pain. Tomoya and Ushio panicked and rushed to Shirai.
"Shirai?! Are you alright?!" Tomoya asked in panic.
"Shirai?" Ushio asked.
"My...My head hurts!" Shirai cried.
"Shirai! Hang in there! I will call Nagisa and others right away." Tomoya said as he rushed to phone Nagisa while Ushio is checking on Shirai.
Furukawa Bread Bakery:
The Furukawa Family told Yukito and Taoki about what Tomoya and Nagisa did as parents and they, along with Ushio, did for a few years which left Yukito and Taoki in awe. Yukito and Taoki then told them about themselves. Everything is going well untill...
"There was one incident which really left a mental scar on our son." Yukito sadly said.
The Furukawa Family gasped in shock.
"Oh dear. What could that be?" Sanae asked in shock.
Before Yukito could say anything, there is a phone ringing in which Nagisa picked it up.
"Hello. Nagisa speaking." Nagisa said.
"It's me. Tomoya." Tomoya said on the phone.
"What is it Tomoya-kun? You seem to be in panic."
"Hurry and get back to the apartment! Bring the others with you! Shirai is having terrible head pains!"
At that moment, a boy's scream could be heard which left Nagisa horrified and in shock.
"Shirai!" Tomoya called and the line is cut off.
"What is it Nagisa?" Yukito asked.
"Let's all get to the apartment quickly!" Nagisa cried, "Your son might be suffering from some terrible headaches!"
Everyone is shocked at what they heard but mostly Yukito and Taoki.
"Headaches?!" Sanae asked in horror.
"Wait. So that means..." Yukito said in horror.
"Uh Oh." Taoki gulped.
"Could it be related to that mental scar you are about to talk about?" Akio gasped.
Taoki nodded as they ran to the apartment. Once they got into the apartment, Nagisa rang the bell quickly. Tomoya quickly opened the door. What they are seeing now shocked them. Shirai is rolling backwards and forwards, still clutching his head and is crying in pain. Ushio tried desperately to calm him down. His flute is lying on the table.
"Shirai!" Yukito cried in horror as she and Taoki ran to their son's aid.
"Mom! Dad! Help!" Shirai cried.
"We are here. Don't be scared." Taoki said as he and Yukito tried to comfort him.
"Tomoya-kun? When did that happen?" Nagisa asked.
"It happened all off a sudden." Tomoya said.
"Have you done something to him?!" Akio asked angrily.
"I didn't do anything Pops. It was just..."
"No time to argue you two. This is really serious." Sanae said, "Poor Shirai."
"This is bad." Ushio cried.
"Tomoya. Can you get some cold water?" Yukito asked, "It might help him."
And without hesitation, Tomoya rushed to the bathroom to get some cold water.
15 minutes later:
Shirai is lying down on the bed with a towel on his forehead with some cold water with his flute beside him. Everyone looked at him with great pity before going back to the other room so that they can leave him alone for sometime.
"Say. Is that the flute we saw in your photo?" Akio asked.
"Yep." Taoki nodded.
"Tomoya and Ushio. What in the world happened before our son acted like this?" Yukito asked.
Tomoya told Shirai's parents on how they found out that he was the one who played the flute on the tree and how they requested to play it once and then that happened.
"So you found out about it." Yukito said.
"Ah yes." Tomoya said, "Why? Did anything happen to him?"
"They said that the headache or head pains Shirai is getting is related to the incident which left a mental scar on him." Nagisa said.
"Mental scar?" Ushio asked curiously.
"Yep. She was going to tell us until Tomoya-san called." Sanae said.
"So what was that incident?" Akio asked.
"Too scared to tell about it." Taoki gulped.
"You will understand when you read this article." Yukito said as she gave them the news article.
The Okazaki and The Furukawa Family began to read the article:
"Nearby Policeman arrested two criminals!
After their statement, police raided Watashi's house and arrested all of its family members on alleged that it attempted to kill a young boy over a flute!
Had the policeman not witnessed it, this child would have certainly being brutally killed by those criminals. Luckily, the policeman saw it and arrested them and the child was saved.
The victim is Nagisa Shirai, 8 years old. The incident took place at night in which he was returning home when suddenly they attacked him. The two criminals said that they were contracted by Watashi's father and mother to first kill him and then take his flute.
On hearing that, the police raided over Watashi's house where they were making plans at that time and also arrested the family members including Watashi, who admitted that he was the mastermind behind the plan to murder Nagisa.
According to the school and his classmates, Nagisa is a pretty popular boy not only for his looks but is known for playing the flute so well. The flute is unlike an original flute. Everyone likes his playing style and the melody is very beautiful and pleasant.
But this had fueled jealousy on Watashi, a bully everyone hates. But no one ever knew that he was born on a criminal family. Eagared to get the special flute on his own hands and sell it, he contacted his father and mother about it and together, they agreed to kill him and take his flute and sell it for 2 million yen.
The whole Watashi family confessed to it and showed no remorse or shame for their actions. They even killed 6 children to fulfill Watashi's deeds. Nagisa would have become the 7th victim.
On hearing about this incident and the confession, many of Nagisa's classmate formed a human chain demanding that Watashi be immediately being suspended from school and that he and his family be punished for this. One of his classmate, wishing not to be named, said this:
"I had a feeling that Watashi was totally jealous. When Nagisa was performing on the talent show, I noticed that Watashi had an anger on his eyes. An anger of hatred."
"But for him to have Nagisa killed, which didn't happen, and get the flute by himself? Now that's off the hook!"
At an emergency meeting, the school decided to ban Watashi. The female principal visited Nagisa's house and met his parents and went to see Nagisa, who is now suffering a shock. She regretted that she hadn't check on Watashi's background.
"One of my first priority is the safety of our children and I have totally failed." The principal broke down in tears.
"Nagisa is a very sweet boy who plays his flute so well that the melody is very pleasant. Now I fear that he might be unable to do so."
"We are providing help to Nagisa's parents who are obviously being affected by this incident. We wish Nagisa a speedy recovery."
The policeman who saved Nagisa from being killed was invited by his parents to visit to their house. He said he felt honored to go there.
"He was very lucky." The policeman said, "He could have being killed. I was walking at night when I heard shouts and screams and 'Take that flute!' and 'Kill him!' words. I immediately rushed to the scene where I caught them red handed. I hope they and Watashi's family gets the punishment they deserve."
A physiologist who is currently treating Nagisa Shirai warned that some of his personalities might change as a result of this incident. The court is ready to lay down charges to the Watashi's family over the killing of six children and an attempted murder of Nagisa today."
As soon as they read it, they are all shocked and mouth opened. They could not believe what they have just read!
"You have got to be kidding me!" Tomoya gasped in shock.
"How terrible!" Nagisa cried.
Ushio burst into tears upon reading it.
"I never thought that your child had to go through this." Sanae said in shock.
"Unbelievable and shocking!" Akio said in horror, "That Watashi and his family bastards also killed 6 other kids as well. This is really inhuman!"
"Oh the humanity!"
"All just for his flute?" Tomoya asked in shock in which Yukito and Taoki nodded.
"So it must mean that he is getting a headache remembering these flashbacks." Akio said.
"I'm really really sorry to hear about it." Nagisa said, "It was really tough for you Shirai family."
"When did that incident happen?" Tomoya asked.
"7 months ago." Taoki said.
Everyone is shocked.
"7 months ago?! And I'm thinking right now that it was last year!" Akio gasped.
"So that means he can't play his flute at all?" Ushio gasped.
"He can." Yukito said, "But only alone, with us and the people who have helped him."
"Who are the others that had helped him?" Sanae asked.
"My best friend and her family. The green one."
There is a silence for a moment.
"What happened to those really bad criminals?" Tomoya asked.
"The court sentenced all of then to death. As for Watasi himself, he was given life sentence and forced labor since he was young at that time." Taoki said.
"That wasn't right. Watashi should also be hanged." Akio said, "He mastermind the killings and almost got Shirai. I can't believe that a child can have such a criminal mind."
"Well the law says that a child can't be hang cause he was in the same age with Shirai." Nagisa said.
"But still! What he did was unforgivable. Besides, what happens if he escapes?"
"Good point there, Akio-san." Sanae said, "So you got two enemies in your home area: That Hippo guy who broke Azumi's heart and Watashi who nearly had Shirai murdered."
"Yeah." Taoki said.
Ushio then cried a little bit while Tomoya clinched his fist.
"I'm sorry Aunty." Ushio cried.
"Ushio. Tomoya-kun. What's wrong?" Nagisa asked.
"Without even knowing about it, we wanted Shirai to play the flute in front of us." Tomoya sadly said, "It's our fault that your son suffered like this. We are really sorry."
"Hey don't blame yourself. You didn't know about it in the first place." Akio said.
"Dad is right. It's not your or Ushio's fault." Nagisa said.
"Hey don't worry. Armed with our Furukawa and Okazaki style, we will, if possible, catch either of them when we arrive at your home area." Sanae smiled, "Right guys?"
"Yeah!" The Okazaki and the Furukawa Family cheered.
"Thanks." Taoki smiled, "But we would like to tell you one thing."
The Okazaki and the Furukawa Family are curious to know what it is.
"Please never mention about that incident to him. That had almost haunted him to eternity." Yukito said, "If you do that, he will go crazy and start shouting. Already he suffered a headache."
"Understood." Nagisa said, "Ushio. You heard Yukito."
Ushio nodded. Then suddenly a door opened. Everyone looked to see Shirai standing, holding his flute. Shirai is still a bit dizzy and his hair is a bit ruffled up but other than that, he is alright.
"Shirai. Are you okay?" Yukito asked.
"Other than being dizzy, yeah Mom." Shirai said.
Tomoya and Ushio approached Shirai and bowed for a moment.
"We are so sorry, Shirai." Ushio cried.
"Eh?" Shirai asked in puzzlement.
"We are sorry that we wanted you to play the flute in front of us." Tomoya apologized, "We had absolutely no idea about the consequences of it."
"No it's my fault. I made all of you worried so I should be the one who is sorry."
"Oh come on! Everyone should be sorry!" Akio said in which everybody laughed
"I need to go to the bathroom."
"Sure." Nagisa smiled, "It's right over there. "
Nagisa then pointed out the bathroom door and Shirai went straight there. There is a silence for a moment.
"I guess we better not talk about that incident right now." Taoki said, "Otherwise our son might hear about it."
The others nodded in agreement as Yukito took the article from the table and put it in her handbag.
"While we wait for Shirai, let us prepare for lunch." Nagisa smiled.
Everyone nodded.
12 minutes later:
Shirai then came back, perfectly fresh.
"Sorry that I took a bit long." Shirai said.
"No worries cause you are just in time for some lunch." Tomoya smiled.
Nagisa came and put the food on the table. Upon seeing that, Ushio immediately grabbed some food and munched and munched and munched. Everyone laughed a little bit. After finishing their lunch, everyone sighed for a bit.
"So kid. How about you play the flute in front of us?" Akio asked.
Shirai is shocked upon hearing that.
"Are you crazy?!" Shirai asked in shock, "After what happened to me just now?!"
"Well it's not like you are playing in front of a stranger." Tomoya said, "And besides..."
"But...But."
"Shirai. It's okay. We are with you." Yukito smiled as she patted Shirai's head.
Shirai then first looked at his Mom and Dad, who smiled and nodded. Then he looked at the Okazaki and the Furukawa Family before looking at his flute. He then sighed for a moment.
"Oh Alright." Shirai sighed.
"Hooray!" Ushio cheered happily.
But when Shirai tried to start playing his flute, terrible flashbacks started to come again. Not painful as before but it's still hurting Shirai and it failed him yet again.
"Will this ever end?" Shirai thought sadly.
"Shirai. What's wrong?" Nagisa asked in concern, "Are you alright?"
"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry." Shirai sadly said, "After what happened to me 7 months ago, I just can't."
Everyone looked pity at Shirai.
"It's okay Shirai. You don't have to do so if you feel that if it's not the right time for you." Sanae said.
"We will wait." Ushio said.
"Eh?" Shirai was puzzled.
"We will wait till your head is free from those terrible flashbacks." Akio said, "And then you can perform in front of us when you are confident."
Shirai got up and bowed at them.
"Thank you so much for your words." Shirai said, "I will definitely contact you when I'm ready."
"That's the spirit." Tomoya said happily, "We will definitely keep in touch."
"Yeah. But we live in another part so has you given us your mobile phones?" Taoki asked.
Everyone fell down in anime style. How could they not possibly give each others' numbers?
"Well I guess we need to give our mobile numbers to you guys." Yukito smiled.
"You can say that again." Nagisa said and everybody laughed.
Next morning
Sayama Park:
Ushio, Tomoya and Nagisa had a walk around the park. They then came across the tree where Ushio and Tomoya heard the tune of the flute.
"So this is the tree where you heard the flute's tune?" Nagisa asked.
"Yep." Tomoya smiled.
Suddenly they again heard the flute's tune. The tune of a different song but still beautiful. Knowing that who is playing it, Ushio wanted to run and climb the tree but Tomoya stopped her.
"Don't. You might fall down and get hurt badly." Tomoya said.
"Daddy is right. Don't climb in such a high tree." Nagisa said before saying to Tomoya, "But she really wants to hear it. What should we do?"
"I can give her a lift. Do you want it?"
Ushio gladly nodded as Tomoya lifted her up. They then continue to listen to the tune for sometime.
"It's a really beautiful tune, isn't it?" Nagisa smiled.
"It sure is." Tomoya smiled, "I wonder what's that song called?"
Neither of them knew about it and sighed but nevertheless, they continue to enjoy it.
Me: Yep. So it's the end of Chapter 7. Hey Shirai, why are you wearing headphones?
Shirai: I'm wearing headphones cause I don't wanna hear about this incident ever again.
Me: As you wish.
Ushio *smiling*: My. What a lovely flute.
*Ushio carried the flute in triumph. Shirai panicked.*
Shirai: Hey! Give it back!
Ushio *chuckling*: Tee Hee.
*Ushio is about to run away but dropped the flute on her way. Shirai picked it up with a swift.*
Shirai *cheering*: Yeah!
Ushio *whining*: Not fair!
*Me and Shirai laughed.*
Me: So untill Chapter 8 is coming up, see you soon.
Shirai *smiling*: And don't forget to review and like please.
