Chapter 12
History's like a river
Or a drum's slow beat.
Pulsing notes deliver,
Waking waves repeat.
Mikau headed back to the arts faculty again to attend his last class of the day: Singing. He was never very good at singing, though. It takes a special Zora to sing because lungs are sort of an afterthought for the species. This was the only Singing class this year, and it includes students of all grades and levels. There's not enough people for more than one class. Mikau felt that singing was essential to his music career since it's music produced by nothing more than his own body. His body was an insturment that he can take anywhere, effortlessly. Music this pure adds insight to his overall abilities as a musician.
The Zorian Hero also looked forward to next block because both Evan and Japas would be there. He wanted to introduce them to each other.
Once again, his classroom was in one of the top, airside rooms reserved for music courses. When Mikau emerged from the water surface, he heard a faint, far-off sound. He ignored it at first, but it grew louder as he neared his predesignated room, and he realized that it was a singing voice. A female voice.
"This star of a thousand stars..."
Mikau wondered where the singing was coming from. The closer he came to his room, the louder the voice became. And the louder, the more intoxicating.
"Against the endless velvet night..."
Yes, it is definately from his room. Mikau didn't need to read the numbers on the doors anymore to find his way; he just followed the voice. He started walking faster towards it, then he jogged.
"A beacon in the darkness..."
Mikau wondered if the stories are true; that mystical creatures really exist. Only the song of a legendary Siren could lure men like this. It was as if he suddenly lost control of his body and it blindly surged towards the source of the heavenly sound. He just hoped that he wasn't running into a rocky lee shore.
"Lightens my mind..."
Goddesses, Mikau has never heard music before, not like this. It was beyond sound, beyond anything he had ever experienced.
"Brightens my heart..."
Mikau burst into the music room and the music abrubtly halted. Disoriented, he scanned the room twice before he noticed the Zora standing in the corner. Mikau didn't recognize her at first, but soon realized who it was. Lulu. She sings! Lulu sings! Of course, why wouldn't she sing? With a voice like her's, it would be a crying shame to do anything else. Din, Farore, and Nayru, her voice airside was ten times more pleasant than underwater.
Lulu stared at Mikau, waiting for him to explain his intrusion. Her fins don't twitch as much now that she's on land; instead, they draped down her back like a gauze cape. She tapped her feet, making those silky fins ripple. Mikau thought that he'd better say something to her, and quickly.
"Were you singing? I'm sorry I barged in here. I just wanted to see who it was..."
"So you ran in here without thinking." Lulu sighed. Mikau slumped, thinking that he will never hear her speak pleasantly to him again. But then she cocked her head and her eyes softened. "Yeah, my voice always did have that effect on people. Guess that's the curse of being the daughter of a diva."
"I'm also sorry about last block. I wasn't paying attention so I..."
Lulu looked annoyed again. "Do you have to apologize for everything?" Then she chuckled. Her facial expressions change with the tide. "Actually, I wasn't listening to the introductions either. In fact, I didn't even catch your name."
Oh. Well, that certainly evens things up. Mikau feigned indignity. "You don't even know my name?? Ah! How could you?! Well, for the ignorant of mind and brilliant of voice, my name is Mikau." He took a bow. Lulu laughed delicately, delighted by Mikau's comical performance.
"So you're also a musician, Lulu?" Mikau asked as he chose an empty spot on a bench to sit on. By this time, other Zoras were entering the room. The noise level was rising.
"Uh huh. Of course. It's only expected of me considering how my mom's a member of the Indigo-gos." She sat down beside him. "You like singing too?"
"Actually, I'm more of a guitarist." Mikau replied, almost apologetic. He sighed. "I'm not that good at singing."
"Oh, that's okay. Most Zoras don't naturally sing. My family's been singers for generations."
Mikau sighed again in mock self-pity. "Not fair. All I inherited from my mom are Zorian Hero genes." He flexed his muscles.
"Mikau!" Lulu laughed and looked at him as if he was being ridiculous. "Being a Zorian Hero is good enough!"
"Hey, that song you were singing..." Mikau unstrapped his guitar and tuned it. "It's called 'Neverending Nights', isn't it?" Lulu nodded. "How 'bout you sing, I play?"
"Okay." Lulu stood up and squared her shoulders.
Mikau spun out the opening of 'Neverending Nights' on his fishbone guitar with meticulous care. He didn't want Lulu thinking that he's some second-rate amateur guitarist or anything. Mikau did falter at one point though, when Lulu heaved a breath in preperation for her first line. He stared at her chest for a moment, and wondered at the capacity of air her lungs could hold. He quickly looked down at his hands, blushing purple. He certainly doesn't want anyone interpreting that incorrectly!
Now, when Mikau started playing, many Zoras paused to listen. When Lulu filled the room with her own version of music, all conversation halted. A few started up again, but in hushed voices so they can hear the song. String and voice in perfect harmony. Some Zoras who knew 'Neverending Nights' sang along with Lulu. Hey, this was a Singing class after all.
Like all good things, the song ended. Mikau put his guitar down and exhaled as if relieved. Suddenly, those in the classroom applauded and Mikau and Lulu found themselves to be the center of attention. Mikau had expected many people to go to Lulu to compliment her on her singing, but found himself equally swarmed with new admirers as she was. For some reason, that surprised him. He didn't consider himself to be anything near Lulu's musical ability.
Finally, Lulu and Mikau were left alone again. "Your playing is WONDERFUL, Mikau!" Lulu exclaimed. Her eyes were wide and shining, like she really ment what she said. Mikau was taken aback by the sincerity of her words. Part of him wants to doubt what she said was true, while the other part swelled with pride.
Mikau opened his mouth to say something. At that moment, Lulu's gaze passed over the door to the classroom, then suddenly, her full attention was focused on it. With a wide, excited gasp, she ran towards the Zora who just entered the doorway. The Zora caught sight of the incoming Lulu, opened his arms into which she ran. He caught her at her hips and spun her in the air in what could only be a happy reaction. He kissed her on the cheek as he eased his dizzying spin and released her. She put her arm on his shoulder, he wrapped his tail around her neck. And together they walked towards Mikau.
Even from a distance, Mikau could already tell who Lulu was with. After all, there aren't a lot of brown-grey Zoras swimming around. It was Evan.
The two of them sat down beside Mikau. "Hey, Mikau! Lulu, have you met Mikau yet?" Evan asked Lulu.
"Yes!" She replied. "We had Script together last block!"
"Yeah? He has Phys Ed with me first thing in the morning. Imagine that! He sure gets around a lot!"
"Mikau plays great guitar! You should have come earlier, I was singing while he was playing."
"And I missed it? Sear the shark! You know I would do anything for your singing." Evan smiled tenderly at Lulu and leaned his head on hers. She leaned back.
During this whole exchange, Mikau could only manage to smile and nod. It came as a surprise that Evan and Lulu knew one another, and even more so that they were so comfortable around each other. He realized that he was disappointed, and couldn't figure out why. Now that he thought about it, how could someone as talented, wonderful and beautiful as Lulu not already have a boyfriend? Mikau should have realized that earlier and mentally slapped himself for his ignorance.
Mikau opened his mouth and was just about to add his piece to the conversation, when a great, resounding "MIKAU!!!" was heard in the hallway. A beat later, Japas leaped into the room, aiming straight for the Zorian Hero. He whipped his tail against Mikau's so hard, that it caused Mikau to smack himself with his own tail. Evan and Lulu stared, confused but amused.
"Hi, man! Hey, last block of the day! Don't give up, together we can make it out alive!" Japas slapped his friend on the back.
Actually, Mikau was torn between slamming his head rapidly against the wall and slamming Japas' head rapidly against the wall. So he just sat there and did nothing. Usually, the Zorian Hero would not have any problems with Japas' antics but this was just plain embarrassing in front of his new friends. He seriously considered acting as if Japas was a total stranger.
"Um, hey Evan, Lulu! This is Japas, my friend. Japas. Lulu. Evan." As Mikau said their names, he pointed to their owners.
As soon as Japas set his eyes on Lulu, he smoothed his hair back, as he had a habit of doing. "Afternoon, Waterlily. Are the fins damp lately?" Japas said with an amorous tone. Then, without waiting for a reply, he leaned towards Mikau and whispered loudly. "Mikauuuu, the suave one! Where did you find a catch like this?"
Evan looked annoyed at Japas. Lulu's eyes darted from Mikau, to Evan, to Japas in confusion. If Mikau had hair, he would be pulling it out in frustration by now. This was so embarrassing!
Please, Goddesses! Mikau thought desprately. Give me a tsunami, a shark attack, anything! Any distraction!
And then the teacher walked in. All attention focused on her.
Mikau blinked. Oh well, close enough. Thanks.
The most surprising thing about this teacher was that she's a Bottom- feeder! Plump and short, she waddled into the room as fast as she could, realizing that she's late for class. Undaunted by her speed and the stares from the students, she smiled broadly when she reached the front of the room. Her head turned this way and that to look at everyone, since her eyes were so far apart that her depth perception had to be affected. She sported a single dorsal fin on the top of her head and her tail poked out the bottom of the generic Bottom-feeder dress that she wore.
"Hi!" She announced cheerfully. "Glad that everyone quiets down as soon as the teacher comes in. You are all so well behaved!" The students looked at each other. "I'll be teaching you Singing this semester. I know what you're all thinking: how can a Bottom-feeder be a Singing teacher? Well, I might not be able sing, but I can sure teach it! Oh, did I mention my name? It's Mrs. Yvett." She reached for the attendance clipboard. "You should all know the drill by now. Take a seat and put your belongings in the cubby hole over there. I don't want it crowding the benches." And like every teacher had done today, she started reading out the attendance.
Evan, Lulu, Mikau and Japas sat on a row of benches, together in that order. There were a number of benches in the room at different heights, perfect for a choir.
"So how was your Script class, Mikau?" Japas whispered.
"It was okay. That's where I met Lulu." The Zorian Hero replied.
"She's quite a catch, isn't she?" Japas leered. He crossed his legs and put his hands behind his head as if he was relaxing.
"Stop it." Mikau hissed. "She's already got a boyfriend: Evan. Can't you tell?"
"What?!" Japas jerked up. He stared at Evan and Lulu and for the first time, noticed how close together they were sitting. He seemed taken aback. "Man, I sure feel stupid right now!"
"If it's any consolation, you sure look it." Mikau grinned, comfortable in his own 'relaxed pose'.
"H-e-e-e-y!" Japas cried, his tail flapping indignantly. "I resent that!"
"Oh, I just remembered! Gossip of the day!" Mikau used a hand to cover Japas' mouth. Japas was surprised at first, but didn't resist and waited for Mikau to explain. "You promise not to spaz out when I tell you this?" Japas nodded though his reply came out muffled. "Y'know Lulu? Her mom is Lulu of the Indigo-gos."
Japas froze as he processed that information. Then he tried to scream. He couldn't with Mikau's hand in the way, so he did the next best thing.
"Ow ow ow!! Aaahhh!! Quit it!" Mikau hissed. He twisted his arm in pain but still kept his hand over Japas' jaw. Those jaws were clamped over one of Mikau's fingers.
"Is Japas Sycrune around?" Mrs. Yvett called out.
Mikau had to let got of Japas' face so Japas could answer. Which he did. "THAT IS SO COOL!!" He yelled. Everyone laughed and/or stared at Japas. Mikau shook out his injured hand and tried to surpress his embarressment, with little success.
"Well, now!" The teacher seemed delighted. "It's good to know we have someone so enthusiastic in our class!" Mrs. Yvett continued listing off names. Mikau grabbed Japas' tail and turned him so that they're facing each other.
"Goddesses, man! Was there any moment in your life that you're not making a scene?!" Mikau said in a low voice.
"Hmm..." Japas wrinkled his brow in deep thought. "Not in recent memory. Hey, do you think I can ask Lulu for her mom's autograph?"
"If you want, you can just ask." Lulu said softly.
"Gaah! Were you listening to us the whole time??" Mikau cried.
"No, I started just now. Here." Lulu reached into a fold of her wrap and withdrew two pieces of paper. She handed them to Mikau and Japas. "These are autographs from my mom. I keep 'em around for bribes and stuff, but I hope they'll do for new-friend presents."
"Oh, thank you so much!" Japas looked like he was going to cry. "I'd kiss you right here, but I'll have to get through Evan first."
Lulu blinked. Evan stretched his neck out. "Huh? What's going on? Did someone say my name?"
"Alright!" Mrs. Yvett exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "Now we can get to the fun part! How many of you have been in a choir or took singing lessons before?"
Evan and Lulu raised their hands. Japas shot his arm up so fast, that it flicked Mikau's ear. "Ow! You fish! Hey, you never took lessons or been in a choir!"
"No? We did that concert thing years back. I consider it a two person choir." Japas grabbed Mikau's wrist and raised his hand for him.
"Lovely!" The choir teacher clapped her hands together again. "Then this class should be no problem for all of you! We'll begin warm up exercises right now. Everyone, stand up! Raise your hands and take a deep breath...release it while you lower your arms, like this..."
After fifteen minutes of breathing exercises, Mikau was getting bored. He never warms up before he sings. Lulu on the other hand, grew more relaxed and focused. To her, singing warm-ups were like the calm before the storm, with her being the storm.
Mrs. Yvett walked over to a piano at the side of the room, and played a series of notes on it. "Now sing this, in whichever octave suits you best. Males will probably want to sing lower than females." Mikau sang quietly, so he could hear Lulu's voice. Lulu was also singing quietly, so that she won't smother other people's voices. Japas sang his heart out, just for the fun of it all. Evan's voice was rich and deep considering his denser body. His voice was as well trained as Lulu's, but he certainly doesn't have her talent.
"I'm sorry children, but because today is the first day and all, I won't be handing out music." The choir conductor sounded utterly dismayed as she said this. "Now, now! Don't worry, we can do that all tomorrow!" She quickly put in, as if she expected everyone to burst out crying. "For now, we'll establish positions. If you don't know what section you want to be in then stand in the front of the room. I want the baratones to the left, altos in the middle and sopranos to the right."
Evan glanced at Lulu regretfully, then headed for the left. She took a step away from him, looked back once, then continued to the right. Japas went to the front of the room, where all the indecisive people were. But Mikau didn't know where to go. During the concerts in Termina, he would sing the lower parts if there were any, since Japas could be high and squeeky if he wants to. However, Mikau often plays the main or descant parts in guitar, since he's better at it. In the end, he plunked himself with the altos. He'll get a taste of both main and supporting parts there.
Mrs. Yvett turned to the group at the front of the room. "I want you all to sing a C." The students obliged. The conductor walked around the crowd, listening with her fin-rimmed ears, then choosing a position for each Zora according to their vocal range. Japas found himself also among the altos.
Mrs. Yvett held a conducting stick and waved it in the air. "Baratones? Sing this note." She pressed a key on the piano and listened carefully to the result of the combined voices. "That's very nice! Okay stop. Now the altos...Perfect! Sopranos...Very good! As usual, my judgement is perfect!" She praised herself.
Suddenly, the bell rang. "Congradulations!" The teacher cried, throwing her hands up. "You all survived your first day of university! Now go home and get some rest; the real work begins tomorrow!" Mrs. Yvett shooed the students out of the room, which they were more than willing to do.
"WHOO HOO!!" Japas yelled as he dived into the submerged sections of the building. "I'm going to grab something to eat, I'm starving!"
"Didn't you just eat? Isn't there a shell of lobster meat in your pack?" Mikau asked with his arms crossed.
"Oh yeah! I forgot!" Japas flipped onto his back and fiddled with his pack like an otter.
Lulu and Evan swam up to Japas and Mikau. "Mikau, Japas," Lulu started. "Why don't you come over to my dorm? I'll cook everyone a welcome dinner. It'll make us all feel more settled in."
"You cook? You're so talented!" "Food! I'm there!" Mikau and Japas yelled respectively, simultaneously.
Mikau suddenly smacked his forehead. "Oh geeze, I can't! My roommate will be waiting for me back at our dorm!"
"Aww, man. That means I can't go either." Japas hung his head, depressed. Then he looked up. "Hey, how 'bout you guys come over to Mikau's place?"
"Huh? Did I offer?" Mikau asked, clueless. Japas elbowed him in the ribs. "Ow! Oh, yeah. Yeah! Sure you can all come over! I'm sure my roommate doesn't mind."
"Then it's decided." Evan proclaimed. "Dinner at Mikau's!" He turned tail in the direction of the men's dorms.
"Sounds great." Lulu floated in front of Mikau. "I'm sure you'll cook us all a wonderful meal!" She swam ahead following Evan, Japas in tow.
For the moment, Mikau was left behind. He blinked in confusion. "Cook?"
End of Chapter 12
So no one expected Lulu and Evan to be together? Ha, I can break away from the storyline of Majora's Mask if I want to! Hmm, not a lot of Tijo mentioned in this chapter. Ah well.
For those of you dunces at choir, here's a crash course on choir sections. Baratone are low parts usually sung by men. Altos can be sung by both girls and boys, but rarely carry the melody. Sopranos sing the highest parts. And now you know. You learn something new every day. Sure, there's other sections such as Tenor and Mezzo Soprano, but whether or not a choir has them is dependant on the conductor.
History's like a river
Or a drum's slow beat.
Pulsing notes deliver,
Waking waves repeat.
Mikau headed back to the arts faculty again to attend his last class of the day: Singing. He was never very good at singing, though. It takes a special Zora to sing because lungs are sort of an afterthought for the species. This was the only Singing class this year, and it includes students of all grades and levels. There's not enough people for more than one class. Mikau felt that singing was essential to his music career since it's music produced by nothing more than his own body. His body was an insturment that he can take anywhere, effortlessly. Music this pure adds insight to his overall abilities as a musician.
The Zorian Hero also looked forward to next block because both Evan and Japas would be there. He wanted to introduce them to each other.
Once again, his classroom was in one of the top, airside rooms reserved for music courses. When Mikau emerged from the water surface, he heard a faint, far-off sound. He ignored it at first, but it grew louder as he neared his predesignated room, and he realized that it was a singing voice. A female voice.
"This star of a thousand stars..."
Mikau wondered where the singing was coming from. The closer he came to his room, the louder the voice became. And the louder, the more intoxicating.
"Against the endless velvet night..."
Yes, it is definately from his room. Mikau didn't need to read the numbers on the doors anymore to find his way; he just followed the voice. He started walking faster towards it, then he jogged.
"A beacon in the darkness..."
Mikau wondered if the stories are true; that mystical creatures really exist. Only the song of a legendary Siren could lure men like this. It was as if he suddenly lost control of his body and it blindly surged towards the source of the heavenly sound. He just hoped that he wasn't running into a rocky lee shore.
"Lightens my mind..."
Goddesses, Mikau has never heard music before, not like this. It was beyond sound, beyond anything he had ever experienced.
"Brightens my heart..."
Mikau burst into the music room and the music abrubtly halted. Disoriented, he scanned the room twice before he noticed the Zora standing in the corner. Mikau didn't recognize her at first, but soon realized who it was. Lulu. She sings! Lulu sings! Of course, why wouldn't she sing? With a voice like her's, it would be a crying shame to do anything else. Din, Farore, and Nayru, her voice airside was ten times more pleasant than underwater.
Lulu stared at Mikau, waiting for him to explain his intrusion. Her fins don't twitch as much now that she's on land; instead, they draped down her back like a gauze cape. She tapped her feet, making those silky fins ripple. Mikau thought that he'd better say something to her, and quickly.
"Were you singing? I'm sorry I barged in here. I just wanted to see who it was..."
"So you ran in here without thinking." Lulu sighed. Mikau slumped, thinking that he will never hear her speak pleasantly to him again. But then she cocked her head and her eyes softened. "Yeah, my voice always did have that effect on people. Guess that's the curse of being the daughter of a diva."
"I'm also sorry about last block. I wasn't paying attention so I..."
Lulu looked annoyed again. "Do you have to apologize for everything?" Then she chuckled. Her facial expressions change with the tide. "Actually, I wasn't listening to the introductions either. In fact, I didn't even catch your name."
Oh. Well, that certainly evens things up. Mikau feigned indignity. "You don't even know my name?? Ah! How could you?! Well, for the ignorant of mind and brilliant of voice, my name is Mikau." He took a bow. Lulu laughed delicately, delighted by Mikau's comical performance.
"So you're also a musician, Lulu?" Mikau asked as he chose an empty spot on a bench to sit on. By this time, other Zoras were entering the room. The noise level was rising.
"Uh huh. Of course. It's only expected of me considering how my mom's a member of the Indigo-gos." She sat down beside him. "You like singing too?"
"Actually, I'm more of a guitarist." Mikau replied, almost apologetic. He sighed. "I'm not that good at singing."
"Oh, that's okay. Most Zoras don't naturally sing. My family's been singers for generations."
Mikau sighed again in mock self-pity. "Not fair. All I inherited from my mom are Zorian Hero genes." He flexed his muscles.
"Mikau!" Lulu laughed and looked at him as if he was being ridiculous. "Being a Zorian Hero is good enough!"
"Hey, that song you were singing..." Mikau unstrapped his guitar and tuned it. "It's called 'Neverending Nights', isn't it?" Lulu nodded. "How 'bout you sing, I play?"
"Okay." Lulu stood up and squared her shoulders.
Mikau spun out the opening of 'Neverending Nights' on his fishbone guitar with meticulous care. He didn't want Lulu thinking that he's some second-rate amateur guitarist or anything. Mikau did falter at one point though, when Lulu heaved a breath in preperation for her first line. He stared at her chest for a moment, and wondered at the capacity of air her lungs could hold. He quickly looked down at his hands, blushing purple. He certainly doesn't want anyone interpreting that incorrectly!
Now, when Mikau started playing, many Zoras paused to listen. When Lulu filled the room with her own version of music, all conversation halted. A few started up again, but in hushed voices so they can hear the song. String and voice in perfect harmony. Some Zoras who knew 'Neverending Nights' sang along with Lulu. Hey, this was a Singing class after all.
Like all good things, the song ended. Mikau put his guitar down and exhaled as if relieved. Suddenly, those in the classroom applauded and Mikau and Lulu found themselves to be the center of attention. Mikau had expected many people to go to Lulu to compliment her on her singing, but found himself equally swarmed with new admirers as she was. For some reason, that surprised him. He didn't consider himself to be anything near Lulu's musical ability.
Finally, Lulu and Mikau were left alone again. "Your playing is WONDERFUL, Mikau!" Lulu exclaimed. Her eyes were wide and shining, like she really ment what she said. Mikau was taken aback by the sincerity of her words. Part of him wants to doubt what she said was true, while the other part swelled with pride.
Mikau opened his mouth to say something. At that moment, Lulu's gaze passed over the door to the classroom, then suddenly, her full attention was focused on it. With a wide, excited gasp, she ran towards the Zora who just entered the doorway. The Zora caught sight of the incoming Lulu, opened his arms into which she ran. He caught her at her hips and spun her in the air in what could only be a happy reaction. He kissed her on the cheek as he eased his dizzying spin and released her. She put her arm on his shoulder, he wrapped his tail around her neck. And together they walked towards Mikau.
Even from a distance, Mikau could already tell who Lulu was with. After all, there aren't a lot of brown-grey Zoras swimming around. It was Evan.
The two of them sat down beside Mikau. "Hey, Mikau! Lulu, have you met Mikau yet?" Evan asked Lulu.
"Yes!" She replied. "We had Script together last block!"
"Yeah? He has Phys Ed with me first thing in the morning. Imagine that! He sure gets around a lot!"
"Mikau plays great guitar! You should have come earlier, I was singing while he was playing."
"And I missed it? Sear the shark! You know I would do anything for your singing." Evan smiled tenderly at Lulu and leaned his head on hers. She leaned back.
During this whole exchange, Mikau could only manage to smile and nod. It came as a surprise that Evan and Lulu knew one another, and even more so that they were so comfortable around each other. He realized that he was disappointed, and couldn't figure out why. Now that he thought about it, how could someone as talented, wonderful and beautiful as Lulu not already have a boyfriend? Mikau should have realized that earlier and mentally slapped himself for his ignorance.
Mikau opened his mouth and was just about to add his piece to the conversation, when a great, resounding "MIKAU!!!" was heard in the hallway. A beat later, Japas leaped into the room, aiming straight for the Zorian Hero. He whipped his tail against Mikau's so hard, that it caused Mikau to smack himself with his own tail. Evan and Lulu stared, confused but amused.
"Hi, man! Hey, last block of the day! Don't give up, together we can make it out alive!" Japas slapped his friend on the back.
Actually, Mikau was torn between slamming his head rapidly against the wall and slamming Japas' head rapidly against the wall. So he just sat there and did nothing. Usually, the Zorian Hero would not have any problems with Japas' antics but this was just plain embarrassing in front of his new friends. He seriously considered acting as if Japas was a total stranger.
"Um, hey Evan, Lulu! This is Japas, my friend. Japas. Lulu. Evan." As Mikau said their names, he pointed to their owners.
As soon as Japas set his eyes on Lulu, he smoothed his hair back, as he had a habit of doing. "Afternoon, Waterlily. Are the fins damp lately?" Japas said with an amorous tone. Then, without waiting for a reply, he leaned towards Mikau and whispered loudly. "Mikauuuu, the suave one! Where did you find a catch like this?"
Evan looked annoyed at Japas. Lulu's eyes darted from Mikau, to Evan, to Japas in confusion. If Mikau had hair, he would be pulling it out in frustration by now. This was so embarrassing!
Please, Goddesses! Mikau thought desprately. Give me a tsunami, a shark attack, anything! Any distraction!
And then the teacher walked in. All attention focused on her.
Mikau blinked. Oh well, close enough. Thanks.
The most surprising thing about this teacher was that she's a Bottom- feeder! Plump and short, she waddled into the room as fast as she could, realizing that she's late for class. Undaunted by her speed and the stares from the students, she smiled broadly when she reached the front of the room. Her head turned this way and that to look at everyone, since her eyes were so far apart that her depth perception had to be affected. She sported a single dorsal fin on the top of her head and her tail poked out the bottom of the generic Bottom-feeder dress that she wore.
"Hi!" She announced cheerfully. "Glad that everyone quiets down as soon as the teacher comes in. You are all so well behaved!" The students looked at each other. "I'll be teaching you Singing this semester. I know what you're all thinking: how can a Bottom-feeder be a Singing teacher? Well, I might not be able sing, but I can sure teach it! Oh, did I mention my name? It's Mrs. Yvett." She reached for the attendance clipboard. "You should all know the drill by now. Take a seat and put your belongings in the cubby hole over there. I don't want it crowding the benches." And like every teacher had done today, she started reading out the attendance.
Evan, Lulu, Mikau and Japas sat on a row of benches, together in that order. There were a number of benches in the room at different heights, perfect for a choir.
"So how was your Script class, Mikau?" Japas whispered.
"It was okay. That's where I met Lulu." The Zorian Hero replied.
"She's quite a catch, isn't she?" Japas leered. He crossed his legs and put his hands behind his head as if he was relaxing.
"Stop it." Mikau hissed. "She's already got a boyfriend: Evan. Can't you tell?"
"What?!" Japas jerked up. He stared at Evan and Lulu and for the first time, noticed how close together they were sitting. He seemed taken aback. "Man, I sure feel stupid right now!"
"If it's any consolation, you sure look it." Mikau grinned, comfortable in his own 'relaxed pose'.
"H-e-e-e-y!" Japas cried, his tail flapping indignantly. "I resent that!"
"Oh, I just remembered! Gossip of the day!" Mikau used a hand to cover Japas' mouth. Japas was surprised at first, but didn't resist and waited for Mikau to explain. "You promise not to spaz out when I tell you this?" Japas nodded though his reply came out muffled. "Y'know Lulu? Her mom is Lulu of the Indigo-gos."
Japas froze as he processed that information. Then he tried to scream. He couldn't with Mikau's hand in the way, so he did the next best thing.
"Ow ow ow!! Aaahhh!! Quit it!" Mikau hissed. He twisted his arm in pain but still kept his hand over Japas' jaw. Those jaws were clamped over one of Mikau's fingers.
"Is Japas Sycrune around?" Mrs. Yvett called out.
Mikau had to let got of Japas' face so Japas could answer. Which he did. "THAT IS SO COOL!!" He yelled. Everyone laughed and/or stared at Japas. Mikau shook out his injured hand and tried to surpress his embarressment, with little success.
"Well, now!" The teacher seemed delighted. "It's good to know we have someone so enthusiastic in our class!" Mrs. Yvett continued listing off names. Mikau grabbed Japas' tail and turned him so that they're facing each other.
"Goddesses, man! Was there any moment in your life that you're not making a scene?!" Mikau said in a low voice.
"Hmm..." Japas wrinkled his brow in deep thought. "Not in recent memory. Hey, do you think I can ask Lulu for her mom's autograph?"
"If you want, you can just ask." Lulu said softly.
"Gaah! Were you listening to us the whole time??" Mikau cried.
"No, I started just now. Here." Lulu reached into a fold of her wrap and withdrew two pieces of paper. She handed them to Mikau and Japas. "These are autographs from my mom. I keep 'em around for bribes and stuff, but I hope they'll do for new-friend presents."
"Oh, thank you so much!" Japas looked like he was going to cry. "I'd kiss you right here, but I'll have to get through Evan first."
Lulu blinked. Evan stretched his neck out. "Huh? What's going on? Did someone say my name?"
"Alright!" Mrs. Yvett exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "Now we can get to the fun part! How many of you have been in a choir or took singing lessons before?"
Evan and Lulu raised their hands. Japas shot his arm up so fast, that it flicked Mikau's ear. "Ow! You fish! Hey, you never took lessons or been in a choir!"
"No? We did that concert thing years back. I consider it a two person choir." Japas grabbed Mikau's wrist and raised his hand for him.
"Lovely!" The choir teacher clapped her hands together again. "Then this class should be no problem for all of you! We'll begin warm up exercises right now. Everyone, stand up! Raise your hands and take a deep breath...release it while you lower your arms, like this..."
After fifteen minutes of breathing exercises, Mikau was getting bored. He never warms up before he sings. Lulu on the other hand, grew more relaxed and focused. To her, singing warm-ups were like the calm before the storm, with her being the storm.
Mrs. Yvett walked over to a piano at the side of the room, and played a series of notes on it. "Now sing this, in whichever octave suits you best. Males will probably want to sing lower than females." Mikau sang quietly, so he could hear Lulu's voice. Lulu was also singing quietly, so that she won't smother other people's voices. Japas sang his heart out, just for the fun of it all. Evan's voice was rich and deep considering his denser body. His voice was as well trained as Lulu's, but he certainly doesn't have her talent.
"I'm sorry children, but because today is the first day and all, I won't be handing out music." The choir conductor sounded utterly dismayed as she said this. "Now, now! Don't worry, we can do that all tomorrow!" She quickly put in, as if she expected everyone to burst out crying. "For now, we'll establish positions. If you don't know what section you want to be in then stand in the front of the room. I want the baratones to the left, altos in the middle and sopranos to the right."
Evan glanced at Lulu regretfully, then headed for the left. She took a step away from him, looked back once, then continued to the right. Japas went to the front of the room, where all the indecisive people were. But Mikau didn't know where to go. During the concerts in Termina, he would sing the lower parts if there were any, since Japas could be high and squeeky if he wants to. However, Mikau often plays the main or descant parts in guitar, since he's better at it. In the end, he plunked himself with the altos. He'll get a taste of both main and supporting parts there.
Mrs. Yvett turned to the group at the front of the room. "I want you all to sing a C." The students obliged. The conductor walked around the crowd, listening with her fin-rimmed ears, then choosing a position for each Zora according to their vocal range. Japas found himself also among the altos.
Mrs. Yvett held a conducting stick and waved it in the air. "Baratones? Sing this note." She pressed a key on the piano and listened carefully to the result of the combined voices. "That's very nice! Okay stop. Now the altos...Perfect! Sopranos...Very good! As usual, my judgement is perfect!" She praised herself.
Suddenly, the bell rang. "Congradulations!" The teacher cried, throwing her hands up. "You all survived your first day of university! Now go home and get some rest; the real work begins tomorrow!" Mrs. Yvett shooed the students out of the room, which they were more than willing to do.
"WHOO HOO!!" Japas yelled as he dived into the submerged sections of the building. "I'm going to grab something to eat, I'm starving!"
"Didn't you just eat? Isn't there a shell of lobster meat in your pack?" Mikau asked with his arms crossed.
"Oh yeah! I forgot!" Japas flipped onto his back and fiddled with his pack like an otter.
Lulu and Evan swam up to Japas and Mikau. "Mikau, Japas," Lulu started. "Why don't you come over to my dorm? I'll cook everyone a welcome dinner. It'll make us all feel more settled in."
"You cook? You're so talented!" "Food! I'm there!" Mikau and Japas yelled respectively, simultaneously.
Mikau suddenly smacked his forehead. "Oh geeze, I can't! My roommate will be waiting for me back at our dorm!"
"Aww, man. That means I can't go either." Japas hung his head, depressed. Then he looked up. "Hey, how 'bout you guys come over to Mikau's place?"
"Huh? Did I offer?" Mikau asked, clueless. Japas elbowed him in the ribs. "Ow! Oh, yeah. Yeah! Sure you can all come over! I'm sure my roommate doesn't mind."
"Then it's decided." Evan proclaimed. "Dinner at Mikau's!" He turned tail in the direction of the men's dorms.
"Sounds great." Lulu floated in front of Mikau. "I'm sure you'll cook us all a wonderful meal!" She swam ahead following Evan, Japas in tow.
For the moment, Mikau was left behind. He blinked in confusion. "Cook?"
End of Chapter 12
So no one expected Lulu and Evan to be together? Ha, I can break away from the storyline of Majora's Mask if I want to! Hmm, not a lot of Tijo mentioned in this chapter. Ah well.
For those of you dunces at choir, here's a crash course on choir sections. Baratone are low parts usually sung by men. Altos can be sung by both girls and boys, but rarely carry the melody. Sopranos sing the highest parts. And now you know. You learn something new every day. Sure, there's other sections such as Tenor and Mezzo Soprano, but whether or not a choir has them is dependant on the conductor.
