The Sound of Change Chapter Jerry C: Canon Rock
Hello everyone! Here is the latest chapter of The Sound of Change, but before you read I would like to clarify a few canon errors that I found and fixed in chapter 1.
1: Michael is Half Siren, Half Human.
2: Michael's father is no longer the demon, it is his mother.
3: Michael lived with his parents until he was ten. Before they fought to kill the demons that were after them, and would ultimately die themselves, they sealed his memories about his demonic heritage. Michael began living with Enzo, Sarah and Shirley until he was 20 and recovered them when he returned to their mansion as mentioned in chapter 1.
This was to clear up any confusing facts for those who have already read chapter 1, and do not wish to reread them. Sorry guys!
Now, on with the story!
-The Sound of Change-
"That's it, Tabitha! You're a really fast learner!"
Michael and Tabitha sat under a tree in the Vestri court, enjoying the cool air of the moonlit night. Classes were over, but apparently Tabitha was a prodigy in magic, so she was exempted from classes and allowed to leave whenever she wanted. That really surprised Michael, so he decided to take advantage of the time and taught her the entire afternoon. He had gone over a crash course in basic music theory, the parts of a guitar, musical composition, and was currently helping her memorize scales, helping her hands get used to the strings. Tabitha did them slowly at first, her fingers unused to stretching at these no doubt awkward lengths, but she pressed on. Tabitha's familiar, Sylphid, clapped with excitement at her master's play.
"Good teacher," replied Tabitha. Michael shook his head.
"No, I'm not that good. I'm just parroting back the lessons I learned as a child," denied Michael. Tabitha stared blankly, and Eva hummed, her voice ringing in both their minds.
"Master, I served your mother for a thousand years. Believe me when I say you have her talent, and your father's dedication. You are a very talented musician, more so that you realize. You should take more pride in your ability. What you know is your inheritance from them, just like I was." Michael shrugged at Eva's praise.
"I understand what you're saying, but I just don't see it. I accept that I have their skills, and that they taught me well, but…"
"Are you saying they wasted their time?" Eva gently chided Michael. She knew he was being humble, but she wanted him to profess more confidence. Michael shook his head.
"Now that's not fair…"
"Regardless, good teacher. Thank you," finished Tabitha. Her tone set the end of the conversation, and Michael nodded, before bringing the lesson back on track. Sylphid let out a few warbles of contentment, the dragon breathing through her mouth like a dog as Michael prepared what came next. "Anyway, you've done well with the different scales. Let's take a break, your hands still aren't calloused enough to handle extensive playing." Pulling out a picnic basket from the side prepared by Siesta, Michael stood up, placing plain, Galian blue, picnic cloth on the floor. He then began pulling out different meats, fruits and sandwiches placed inside for him, Sylphid and Tabitha. Michael caught the slight glint in Sylphid's eye, her pupils expanding widely. Michael threw a slab of meat in her direction. The dragon's head snapped at the meaty morsel, her tongue snaking out and snatching the food out of the air. Michael laughed as he watched her chew with a big smile on her face, wondering how a dragon's maw was capable of making a smile. Tabitha was much more subdued, eating her food with a silent, dignified grace. The girl was quite unlike any girl that Michael had ever met before. Though she had a strong resemblance to Alucard, who could literally out-silence death, Alucard did it because of his docile nature. Despite being half vampire, he was a kind, kind soul who would cherished every form of life.
But with Tabitha, he couldn't figure it out
"…Tabitha, do you mind if I ask you a personal question? Why are you so quiet all the time?"
Completely unaffected by his question, Tabitha pulled out her book, titled "The Hero of Ivaldi", and began munching on another sandwich. "Personal," she said. Michael nodded.
"Ah, I see. Well, we all have our secrets," replied Michael, sitting down to join her and eat. Tabitha nodded, before stopping mid bite. Michael eyed her curiously. Her body had gone still, her eyes locked on nothing as far as he could tell. It was as if she was staring into empty space. Sylphid took no notice of it though, waiting eagerly for the next meal that Michael would give. He tossed it in her direction without looking, keeping his eyes in Tabitha's general direction. Soon afterward, Tabitha placed her food down, looking at Michael straight in the eye. He returned the gesture. "What is it?" Michael asked. Tabitha opened her lips.
"What kind of demon are you?"
Michael blinked. He leaned back on his hands, looking up at the sky as he squinted in thought.
"Wait a second… I haven't told you yet? I swear I thought I told everybody… Let's see, Saito knows, Siesta knows, Tiffa, Louise, Kirche, Guiche, Montmorency, some of the Undine Knights, Principal Osmond and… I guess now you too. Huh, I still have a lot of people to tell." Turning his gaze back to the patiently waiting girl, Michael answered her question. "Anyway, I'm half siren, but it's pretty much a lost cause now," Michael continued, taking a bite out of his food. Tabitha's eyes went visibly wide this time, but not by a large margin. Michael tilted his head. "Surprised?" Tabitha shook her head.
"Why?" Tabitha asked. Michael grinned.
"Just one of the great thing about me." Tabitha stared blankly. "I'm just kidding. As a half demon, we have a split consciousness; our human minds, and demon minds. My Siren demonic side would influence me to manipulate the sounds of my voice and bend the will of others. It has very little influence over me these days, but when I was a kid, man! I had a hard time controlling my hormones. As soon as I saw a pretty girl, I would sing to attract her and then try to bring her to my bed. Luckily, I had…have? I have a human cousin that I grew up together with, and she kept me in check by beating me up. Good times," sighed Michael, reminiscing. Tabitha shook her head.
"Men." Michael grinned.
"As advertised. I'm much wiser and more self-disciplined now than I was then, though, so I think everything turned out well. What do you think? Aren't I a dashing gentleman?" Michael could literally and figuratively feel the groan that Tabitha exhaled. It just made him laugh all the harder. "I'm just kidding, I'm just kidding!"
As time went on and Tabitha completed her lesson for the day, the two cleaned up and rose from their places.
"Alright, next on the list is…" Michael started, but a terrified scream cut him off.
-The Sound of Change-
Earlier
Guiche and Montmorency had decided to go to the ballroom to acquire a nice meal and spend some time together. Though they had managed to get together before, since Guiche was Captain of the Undine Knights those moments were short and unsatisfying for both of them. Today was one of the rare days where Guiche finally had some time to himself, and he decided to spend it with Montmorency.
The ballroom was bustling with hushed conversation, the students sitting at various tables set up by the staff of the school. Though normally a dance space for parties, the ballroom was a wonderful spot that couples frequently visited. The windows and balconies gave a beautiful view of the surrounding plains, especially at night. Sitting upon the fourth floor of the main building, the ballroom was romantically lit up, the chandeliers and candles used to give off a twilight setting. As they took their seats, Guiche leaned back, contentedly listening to the beautiful orchestrated music playing in the background by the servants. Though he came from a militaristic family, Guiche's mother introduced him to the arts, and he came to appreciate what could be done with it. His acting lessons were where most of his dramatic speech came from. If he did not follow his father and brothers' example of devout patriotism for Tristain, he would have spent more time on the acting and music.
Speaking of which, the music that Michael played was rather interesting… Different, but interesting.
"Guiche? What's wrong? You haven't touched your cup," said Montmorency, breaking his thoughts. Guiche held back a cringe. Montmorency had brought wine bottles from her family estate, the finest of Galian make, but ever since she rigged his drink with a love potion some months ago, he had been hesitant to drink anything from her after witnessing the disastrous results done by Louise's hand, who happened to pass by with Saito. She looked parched at the time, and with a gentleman's heart he decided it wouldn't harm his reputation to share, even if it was Louise the zero.
Oh, how his reputation would have plunged, had he taken the drink that night… Ever since then, he hadn't been able to completely trust Montmorency. He tried to ignore the lingering doubt, thinking that spending more time with her would be a remedy, but it only served to increase his paranoia.
"M-My dear Montmorency, there is nothing to worry about! The food is just so exquisite, that it satisfied both my hunger and thirst at the same time!" Guiche replied, pointing towards their evening snack; a bowl of beef stew, with fresh toasted bread on the side. Montmorency frowned, but said nothing. Trying to find a reason to change the topic, Guiche sighed with relief as the clock struck nine, the loud ringing of the bells echoing in the hall. "A-Ah, is it nine already? I'm glad, I've been waiting to see the Alviss dolls dance for us! I'm sure that it will be a wonderful show, wouldn't you say my dear Montmorency?" Guiche turned his head with false eagerness as the two foot tall dolls emerged from the doors of the Ballroom staff hall, where the servants kept their supplies and storage. The entire student body went silent, smiles on their faces as adorably dressed dolls moved in two single file lines, the males on the left and the females on the right. There were fifty dolls in total, each of them dressed in formal attire. The music stopped when the dolls reached the center of the room, and in unison the dolls faced those that they walked beside. The male dolls bowed, offering their hands, and the females curtsied, taking them. The music began playing again, and the dolls began to dance. They moved with a simple choreography, stepping to a ¾ time signature. Guiche couldn't help but tap his foot to the beat. Still, he made sure to do it with subtlety.
Guiche's entire body froze as a long, thick moan echoed throughout the hall.
"W-What was that?!" One of the students shouted. Guiche's head whipped around, a fearful look on Montmorency's face. She was about to speak, but another moan cut her off, and her voice hitched in her throat.
"T-That sounded like… like a…"
Guiche stood witness as their fears were realized. A spectral figure emerged from the floor.
"G-G-G-GHOST!"
The students scrambled, but not Guiche – his training in the military was the only thing keeping him sane. Staying low, he rushed over to the screeching Montmorency's side, pulling her down and pushing the table over for cover. His hands stumbling as he hurriedly reached into his shirt pocket for his wand, and Guiche looked over the table. The ballroom was a mess. Chairs were overturned, trays and food scattered, musical instruments and their cases laid on the polished floor, and papers flew through the air as the students ran in panic. Guiche couldn't tell exactly, but the figure was definitely feminine. She was dressed like a ballerina, her uniform soaked red with blood that spilled from the slash across her neck. It was a stark contrast to her pale white skin. Her hair was a muddy brown, coming down from her head in messy waves. Large glass shards were stuck in the heels of her feet, propping them up like an unholy set of high heels, blood seeping as her feet touched the ground.
"W-W-We need to get out of here, Guiche," whispered Montmorency, who was crying now. Guiche nodded, unsettled by the display of the girl. He didn't understand why, but looking at the girl seemed to ring a bell in his mind, but he couldn't place exactly why he recognized her… Tearing his eyes away from the disturbing image, he pulled Montmorency along, trying to not look back at the horrible visage behind him. But as they were running, Montmorency tripped over a violin, breaking it in the process. The strings twanged noisily as the wood shattered and spread across the floor. Guiche bent down to her side.
"Montmorency, are you alright?!" Guiche shouted, but stopped as he felt the temperature in the room drop. His breath became visible as Guiche turned his head towards the ghost, who eyed Montmorency with a menacing jeer.
-The Sound of Change-
Michael and Tabitha burst through the doors, finding the ballroom a mess. As his eyes quickly scanned the area, they settled on a figure in the middle of the room.
"Son of a bitch. Just when my life start's to finally put itself together peacefully, this had to happen."
The ghost was crouched over one of the male students, though Michael couldn't tell exactly who, the supposed head of the fog seemingly kissing the boy's lips and covering his face. His body, deathly pale, twitched and thrashed as he screamed, his voice muffled from the contact with the figure, spectral arms pinning him down. His eyes were wide with fright as Michael felt the figure sucking out his life energy, draining the boy of life. Nearby Michael heard a voice of one of the female students screaming.
"No, Guiche! Please, someone save him!"
Wasting no more time, Michael moved Eva into playing position, and was ready to cast a spell when Tabitha's voice stopped him.
"G-G-G-Ghost," whispered Tabitha, holding her staff to her chest. The girl lost all her sudden bravado from earlier, her knees shaking violently as she began backing away, her eyes wide with fear. Michael grit his teeth.
"Now's not the time to be afraid, Tabitha! We have to save our friends!" With that, Michael let out a deep sound wave, the distortion from Eva shaking the foundation of the entire room. The ghost shrieked as Michael's attack made contact with the ghost, the spectral remnant letting go of Guiche. The voice sounded female, but Michael couldn't be sure. It turned towards him, giving him another terrifying screech.
"Oh master, this is wonderful! We will be able to hunt again!" Eva cried out joyously in his mind. Michael ignored her for now, but agreed with her sentiment. He smiled.
"Let's rock, baby."
Screaming like a banshee, the ghost began telekinetically lifting up the objects in the room, a soundless whirlwind spinning with the ghost girl at the center. Michael merely grinned as he felt the adrenaline surge through him, countering her storm with another sound blast. The waves were evenly matched, and although the situation didn't change, Michael was able to rush forward and grab the collar of the unconscious Guiche. As the ghost girl screeched again, Michael immediately moved, pulling Guiche to safety. Thanks to the marble floor, there was no resistance, allowing Michael to move at full speed despite the extra drag weight. With a quick spin, he sent Guiche over to Tabitha, who caught him with shaking hands. Montmorency rushed to their side, crouching down to see if Guiche was okay. Michael couldn't help but grit his teeth.
"Go! Get out of here!"
With a quick nod of her head, Montmorency took the lead, guiding Guiche and Tabitha out of the ballroom. Michael turned back to his target, ready for another fight. Giving another ghastly wail, the ghost took the offensive, throwing the floating objects around the room at Michael. He dodged swiftly and with ease, although the ghost gave Michael no opportunity to get close. It was a game of keep away, one that annoyed Michael to no end. Still, if he could find out what she wanted, why she manifested, he would be able to end this. But the question remained; how? As he dodged another attack, he took the time to get a better look at her features. It was bloody and gruesome, but what troubled Michael the most were the glass shards within the heels of her feet. That doesn't happen on purpose; someone had to have done this to her. Was she out for revenge?
"I suppose it doesn't matter now," Michael decided. The ghost had been and attacking others. If it had been a simple appearance, he would have left it alone, but now it was personal. He would put it out of its misery once and for all. Michael switched Eva to axe mode, and raced forward. The ghost dancer pirouetted into the air, sending a barrage of objects at Michael. Dodging swiftly, he got in close, swinging his weapon with full force.
"W…y… ou… inter…fere…"
Her voice caught him by surprise, making him miss as the ghost girl elegantly dodged by bending backwards, her head almost touching the floor as she supported herself with one leg, the other raised high in the air. He had to admire her skill; she was most likely a very good dancer when she was alive. Michael dodged again as she brought her foot down, trying to smash her heel on his head.
"What did you say?" Michael asked her, lacing his voice with his Siren power. The ghost stilled at his words, probably not expecting him to be able to speak to her. She tried to speak, but all that came out was a pained wail, the blood seeping from her throat and her feet covering the floor. Michael couldn't help but shake his head in sadness, feeling for the young dancer. Who would do something like this?
-The Sound of Change-
Guiche was in a trance, a vision flashing before his eyes.
He saw a little girl dancing, tutored by her father, if their closeness and resemblance was anything to go by. The man was dressed in commoner wear, his dainty yet beautiful wife sitting off to the side, watching with a smile on her face.
Then the scene changed.
The young girl was older now, more experienced, pulling off maneuvers that made him greatly respect her skill. This girl worked hard for her ability. However, it seemed that the parents were having a dispute. He couldn't hear anything, the silence deafening as he watched the girl stop her dance as her mother took her by the hand. The scene changed again.
The girl was a student at the academy now, dressed in a maid uniform. She made friends, had a decent lifestyle, and remained hardworking throughout her time at Tristain Academy. But every night, she would go to the ballroom as the hour struck twelve, practicing her talent in secret with the Alviss dolls. However, despite being able to continue her passion, she felt empty, knowing that she was unable to share her passion with another, unable to dance with another.
On one particular evening, she decided to practice earlier than usual, so that she could spend the rest of the night with her friends. But as she did, a nobleman who was visiting happened to pass by, watching the girl's elegant and graceful beauty, enchanted.
"C-Count Mott?"
It was definitely him, but he was years younger than the man he knew. He didn't have his thick, curly mustache, and the creases in his face from serving years as the personal royal family messenger had not yet appeared. His hair, which was slicked back now, was neatly combed to the side. The girl was shocked when the Count sought her immediately from Principal Osmond, accepting after some minor hesitance. A man of his station would surely be able to help her acquire the stages she wanted, needed to dance on. She was enlisted into his service before long.
But that's when things became grim.
The girl quickly realized that Mott did not appreciate her for her talent. No, he saw the girl as a trophy for him to show off, using her elegant dancing to earn the favours of many a noble within the royal court. She was grief stricken, and after a year, she tried to leave him, tired of dancing only for the unappreciated entertainment of the wicked nobility.
Count Mott found out, and in return great anger, cast her into the dungeons and had glass shards shoved into her feet. For an entire week she was chained up and forced to stand, but she never gave up. Her dream of becoming a great dancer was bright in her mind.
Mott spat in her face and slit her throat.
-The Sound of Change-
With a scream, Guiche was pulled out of the void, his eyes jerking open and his entire body jumping. Sweat poured down his face, and his breathing was ragged. Guiche's entire body violently shook. Everything was blurry, the images of a moment ago engraved into his mind. He desperately tried to calm down, but could not. He looked up, and saw Montmorency, trying to talk to him, her voice faint. He could barely hear her voice.
"Guiche! Guiche! You're alright," wept Montmorency, falling into his arms. He held her tightly, relishing the warmth she gave his cold body. The images were still there, and he couldn't stop thinking about the girl who had touched her lips to his.
He had to help her.
Pulling himself to his feet, Guiche ignored the cries of his fiancée as he cast his gaze on the distant form of the girl who only wanted to fulfill her dream. He struggled to walk forward as Montmorency and Tabitha held him from behind.
"Guiche, no! You can't, it's too dangerous!" Montmorency shouted, but Guiche shook his head.
"No! I can't… I have to help… She's not a monster!"
As he reached the ballroom, he stumbled, forcing himself to his feet. He couldn't give up. He had to help her, he had to give her what she wanted. And he would rather be damned than continue to let her suffer.
-The Sound of Change-
Michael's thoughts were interrupted as the doors burst open again, revealing Guiche, who was struggling to walk forward as Montmorency and Tabitha held him from behind.
"Guiche, no! You can't, it's too dangerous!" Montmorency shouted, but Guiche shook his head.
"No! I can't… I have to help… She's not a monster!"
Michael's eyes widened with surprise as he examined the look of determination on his face. Pulling himself free, he fell to the floor, forcing himself to his feet, heaving with deep breaths.
"She wants to dance… That's why she's here! She wants to dance with someone!"
Though not surprised, Michael watched with great interest as the ghost girl stilled at Guiche's words, floating down to the floor with an elegant air. Michael took note of the blood that trailed behind her as she walked towards Guiche, her hips swinging with the movement of a professional model. They were clean swipes, flowing beautifully on the ballroom floor. Even the blood she dropped during their fight left a swirling pattern, no splatters whatsoever. Guiche stood tall as she stopped in front of him, a look of determination in his eye.
"G-Guiche," Montmorency cried out worriedly, but she stopped, surprised as the ghost girl curtseyed. Guiche bowed.
"Michael, may you please play us a song?"
Taken aback, Michael couldn't help but smile.
"No problem. I have the perfect song too, but be ready. It's really intense and long, but I can cut it down a bit if you want. Is that okay with you?" Guiche smiled, replying, "That will be quite alright. Play the entire thing; let's give her a chance to do what she loves as long as she can."
Bowing to his partner, Michael watched as Guiche took the girl by the hand without hesitation.
"May I have this dance, Isabella?" The ghost girl, Isabella, let out a cry of glee.
Not wanting to fail them, Michael played the song he chose, using his own guitar to play the notes of the Cello introduction. Eva's sound was subdued, mimicking the sound of the Cello but with a slight electronic whirl. The pair listened for a moment, getting a feel for the music as the soft violin accompaniments joined, a large smile on Isabella's face. She was glad with the choice of song. They began to dance, moving in a waltz.
Michael began playing the main guitar entrance, letting the music flow from his inner being as he focused with concentration, allowing the two to dance as they wished. He would need to focus on the music; he trusted Guiche to do his part. From the way he was able to move with her, Michael could tell that Guiche had some experience in dance. Michael rose the sound of his play in a crescendo, expertly twiddling his fingers on the triplet notes of the near ending introduction. As it came to an end, he let the final note whine for a few seconds, warning his dancers of the oncoming transition.
With a snap of their feet, Guiche and Isabella were on the move, jerking around the dance floor in beat with the intense chords. Guiche took large strides, but wanted to do his best to accommodate and make smaller steps. Still, Isabella's skill was clear when he noticed that she did not falter, able to keep up with his movements despite their difference in skill and size. Guiche lifted Isabella up in a pirouette, carrying her across the air with little difficulty. She was incredibly light, and flexible too. Her legs opened up all the way, her right leg forward and her left backward, gracefully and perfectly horizontal. Michael began the next guitar melody of the song, playing the singular notes with frightening accuracy.
Guiche adjusted his movements to the tone of the upbeat song, no longer jerking himself across the floor. Instead, he let his motions smooth as Isabella opened her legs like wings, keeping a firm grip on her hips. As she touched the floor, Guiche took Isabella by the hand, spinning her into his arms, and then outward at arms-length, their hands remaining linked. Isabella kicked out as she reached maximum distance, her flexibility unlike anything Guiche had ever seen before. Isabella gave Guiche a smile. Pulling him back into her arms, Guiche held on firmly as they began sliding sideways across the floor, Guiche wishing he had proper dance shoes. Noticing, Isabella changed the movement again, taking wide steps as they raised their arms, turned their heads sideways and began walking to the beat. Guiche and Isabella spun to change direction, and with a spark of inspiration, Guiche pulled Isabella in once more, placing a firm hand on her hip as he leaned forward, guiding Isabella as she bent backwards.
Michael's hands flew across the guitar as he began the ascending-descending scales that signalled the end of the melody section, moving onto the main melody that Canon was known for. As Michael played, Tabitha and Montmorency watched the entire spectacle in amazement. Tabitha has seen Michael play before, but this song was on an entirely other level. It was fast, it was intense, and it was extremely difficult. Michael's fingers were a near blur as he raced across the guitar neck, each note struck with perfection; there was no flaw in the sound or in the holding of the fret, not like her. Tabitha realized that she still had a lot to learn.
Montmorency, however, was less focused on the music and more on the dancing pair. Her mind wandered to Guiche, thinking about the look in his eye as he decided to help the ghost Isabella. She had never seen such a fire in his eyes before, and at that moment she knew he was serious. It made her feel a little jealous, that he would make such a large deal out of it, but he knew that he only wanted to do the right thing. Guiche was a shameless flirt, yes, but he was a good person who cared about the wellbeing of others, even if those others were only nobles.
I didn't know you could dance like that, either…
Michael began another rapidly ascending scale, striking the last note with a small pause, before sliding two octaves higher. Guiche and Isabella picked up the pace, Guiche allowing Isabella to spin away and solo a bit. With another pirouette, Isabella spun as her feet kicked across the floor, lifting her legs high above the ground. Upon landing she lifted her foot over her head with slowed, elegant spins before swinging her feet down as Michael played a descending scale. Isabella faced Guiche as he spun to her himself, taking her hips into his hand again. They lightly danced across the floor this time, no doubt because of the sweating Guiche, who was breathing a bit harder now. Guiche spun her a few more times as Michael played yet another scale, before entering a revised version of the earlier melody. They danced together again in a waltz, using the time of the beat to time their own spins and bends. Guiche did his best to keep up, but it was obvious that he was very tired, slowing down slightly and letting Isabella take most of the movement. She guided him without a problem, and Guiche let himself go, letting his jelly limbs follow the master at work, not even complaining once. As he finished it and the main melody began again, Isabella moved for another solo. Like a painter stroking his brush across the canvas, Isabella danced across the ballroom floor, creating a picture with her poses that stopped time itself with its magnificence. Feeling excited, Guiche moved in himself, ignoring his tiredness and wanting to this time take his own moment to solo. He began tap dancing, adding his own flare with spins and arm stretches of his own. He wanted to do kicks as well, but he feared not being able to do so with the pants he was wearing, so opted for low leg raises and knee raises. His feet were on point with the drum beats and cymbal crashes.
The song came to a slow, calm melody. Taking each other in their arms again, they slow danced, Guiche inhaling deeply to help catch his breath. Isabella leaned her head against Guiche's chest, a slightly chilly feeling spreading across the place she put her head. Guiche relished it, feeling the soothing cold against his sweating body. And as the beat began to rise again, Guiche let Isabella go for another solo, and Isabella's true skills came to light. She used a variety of dance moves that Guiche had never even seen his mother do before, never even thought possible, and she had been dancing since she was a child, much like himself. Triple air spins, spinning on one crouched leg with her other horizontal, and slides landing into splits. Each movement was perfectly executed, so much so that he thought calling them movements was an insult to Isabella.
As Michael began playing the main melody a semi tone higher, Guiche came to a realization as he watched Isabella dance. These were not simple kicks, jumps and twirls, no; this was art. An art that he could appreciate, an art that he felt very blessed to see, and at the same time, very sad to see disappear.
Isabella was going to disappear after this.
The realization hit his heart like a hammer, but he did not let his eyes wander from Isabella's form. She would want to be remembered No, even if she didn't, he would never forget her. He would never forget the feeling of dancing with her, the cold limbs around his, the graceful movements forever burned into his memory. He would not forget. He felt that is what she deserved, after all that she had been through. He wanted her skill to receive the justice that it deserved. It was only fair, after all. No one would be able to dance like her, no matter how hard they tried.
As Michael entered another melody after another rapid descending scale, Isabella felt the ending coming close. Her movements became faster, her kicks harder and her leg raises higher. Isabella smiled even wider as she realized her dream had finally come true, that someone was able to dance with her. She found people who shared her passion, and with that, she found peace. It was a feeling she had not felt in a very, very long time.
The song slowed. Michael took the time to see what was happening, letting Eva take the wheel with the music play, his fingers instruments of her will. He couldn't help but smile himself as he gazed at the infectious smiles on Isabella and Guiche's faces, feeling happy to help. Though he enjoyed playing music more rather than dancing, Michael felt sentiment towards Isabella's plight, and was glad to give this girl just one night of peace in her lonely eternity. How long she had been waiting, he couldn't even guess.
As the song came to an end, Michael watched as Isabella approached Guiche once more, a hint of sadness lining her features. She knew her time was over. Reaching out, she cupped the side of his face.
Thank you
And with a fading mist, Isabella departed from the realm of the living.
-The Sound of Change-
"Her name was Isabella, a commoner from the capital city. Her family served under one of the lord's there, before she was sent to be a servant here at the academy, to help her family earn money," started Guiche, explaining what he saw in his vision. Guiche, Montmorency, Michael and Tabitha were sitting at a cleaned table in the ballroom, although the rest of the area was still worse for wear. Guiche went over his vision in great detail, and everyone was surprised and shocked to hear about how she died.
"That's horrible," whispered Montmorency. Guiche nodded, taking her into his arms.
"I wonder how many other women have suffered the same fate…" Bowing his head grimly, Guiche clenched his fists, his knuckles white. Michael couldn't help but shake his head, disgusted as well.
"But why hasn't anyone done anything yet?" Exchanging glances, Tabitha answered his question.
"Nobility. Cover up," she said. Michael couldn't help but grit his teeth.
"Selfish, greedy humans like him are the reason the world is poisoned. If I ever catch him taking anyone else, I'm going to destroy his establishment, nobility or not." Gripping Eva to comfort himself somewhat, Michael blinked in surprise as he saw Guiche nod.
"I'm with you on that. I'll try to see if I can dig for any information, but until then, we'll just have to wait."
The table went silent again. It was heavy and uncomfortable, so Michael decided to try any lighten up the mood.
"Say, Guiche, I didn't know you were a dancer. Where did you learn?"
Lifting up his gaze in surprise, Guiche smiled sheepishly as Montmorency gave him a stern glance. "Yes, Guiche, please tell me, where did you learn how to dance in a way you've never danced with me?" The minor hostility was clear in Montmorency's tone, making Guiche laugh with a slight fear in his voice.
"W-Well, my dearest Montmorency, I've never danced like that because I haven't practiced in a while. When I was younger, my mother introduced me to the musical arts, and I've had a… secret passion for it ever since. I found it unfitting for someone of patriotic station as I, so I haven't really thought about it since I started schooling here." Michael couldn't help but grin as he leaned on the table.
"Nonsense! You have a natural talent for dancing, Guiche, you should refine it! Can you sing as well?" Montmorency and Tabitha turned their heads in great interest, Guiche leaning back in his chair as we all stared deeply into his eyes.
"Uh… Well, I suppose I can, but I-I'm not very…" he started, but Montmorency cut him off, standing up from her seat.
"Guiche! As your girlfriend, I order you to sing for me!" Guiche paled at the order.
"W-What?! O-Oh, My dear Montmorency, I would love to, b-but I've been out of practice, and I—" This time, Michael cut him off, standing up too.
"Oh I am so in on this! I know a bunch of songs I could teach him too! If you give me a few days, I could whip him into shape!" Guiche's head whipped back and forth as Michael and Montmorency began chuckling, a dark cloud of ominous intent above their heads. Well, to Guiche it seemed so.
"I want a beautiful, slow song, nothing too intense like today. A song that would move my heart and sweep me off my feet!" Sighing as she clasped her hands together, Michael went through the catalogue of songs in his mind.
"W-Wait a second! Don't I get a say in this?!" Guiche cried out, standing up as well. The grins that appeared on their faces and the glints in their eye make him whimper like a cornered rat. They began laughing together in perfect synch, and Guiche couldn't help but imagine the horrors that awaited him. He was going to die.
Shaking her head twice, Tabitha took out her book, turning back to the page she had bookmarked.
"Whipped."
AND DONE! Sorry this took a while. I was actually supposed to upload this on the 31st, but I had some problems with my internet. It's all good now though.
Honestly, I'm kind of not that happy with this chapter. I had another plan with this one, focusing on Guiche and Montmorency instead of Guiche as Isabella, but this is how the chapter turned out so I'm not really gonna complain. I wouldn't have been able to use Canon rock if I did focus on Guiche and Montmorency, and I was damned set on using it so whatever. This helped me set up future chapters and relationships, especially with Guiche and Michael! I have very big plans for them along with some other characters, and I'm really excited to put it all down!
What did you think? Was the story okay? Was there anything that bothered you about it? What did you think of my portrayal of Guiche and Montmorency? Tell me in a review! :D
~CxP
