Tainted with Crimson

Chapter Twenty

Yumi sighed as she inhaled and exhaled thousands and thousands of times. Obviously it wasn't working for she was still a nervous wreck. She could not believe this was happening. She was actually going to sing in front of a thousand people, maybe more, in a matter of minutes. Yumi closed her eyes and thought of the past three weeks to keep her mind out of the "death road" as she liked to call a feeling everyone knows all too well – fear.

The dark-haired girl's thoughts drifted to everything she had gone through. She recalled how hard it had been for everyone to come to this day. For Yoshino it was accepting who she is and who is meant to be. The braided girl was a musician at heart and no matter how hard she tried to deny it her passion for it was too much and it eventually conquered her mind. Yumi's memories then moved forward and reached Shimako. The blue-eyed girl was afraid of facing her father and telling him straight forward who she is and what she wants to do with her life. The so-called 'genius' managed to convince him with a little help from Yoshino, Rei, Sophia, Sachiko and Yumi herself, of course. The pigtailed girl giggled as she remembered how dubious he had been at first but then he believed them. He realized that Shimako truly did love music and that he had no right to protect her from something she obviously loved. It was true that pain was inevitable but he could not protect her from it because trying to defend her from pain would be like trying to protect her from life. And everyone knows you can't make somebody stop living. That just like everything else in life is something everyone has to decide for themselves.

Yumi then thought of Sophia and her heart sank. The girl still seemed so lost despite how hard she tried to hide it, Yumi could still see through mask. She knew that the others were worried as well but did not know what was bothering her. Unlike them Yumi had a faint idea what was troubling their dear friend but was not going to talk to the blonde until the concert was over.

The memory lane then took a sharp turn and took a detour at memories filled with Rei. It was amazing how well the blue-eyed woman knew Yumi. The pigtailed girl smiled fondly as she recalled how helpful and fun it had been to interact with the teacher. The former vocalist still could not believe Rei had managed to find out who she was in such a short period of time. One thing that Yumi would surely remember and cherish for the rest of her life was Rei's golden heart. The guitarist still did not know how she was blessed to have not only her but also Sophia, Yoshino and Shimako as her friends. She still could not take in the fact that they had helped her improve and develop. Yumi did not know how or when she had started trusting them or how exactly they had managed to break her wall of ice but they had. At that thought a warm and grateful smile formed on Yumi's face and the girl fought the urge to run up to them right then and there and hug them.

Speaking of embraces and people Yumi was grateful to the girl could not help but think of Sachiko Ogasawara. The black-haired woman was definitely a unique person. She was without a doubt someone Yumi was going to remember for the rest of her life. She still could not grasp the fact that if it hadn't been for her, then maybe the pigtailed girl would not be standing here right now; if it hadn't been for Sachiko, Yumi would've probably stayed the same; she would still be the girl she was three months ago and it stung to think there was no way to actually thank her. A few images ran through Yumi's head but she shook her head, dismissing them for having regarded them as quite inappropriate. A small blush crept up her neck and cheeks, however.

"Yumi-san! It's almost time!" Yoshino yelled and broke Yumi out of her reverie. The pigtailed girl nodded at Shimako, who had come to get her. She told the girl she would only be a minute and thankfully the blond-haired girl accepted that request.

Now that Yumi was alone she was able to go back to the past week and a half. It was almost time to see it all those rehearsals were worth it. She knew she was ready. After all, they had rehearsed for hours on end and she had managed to learn every last song correctly. The only thing Yumi was worried about was people's finding out her secret, but she knew she had nothing to be nervous about. The reason for that was because she wasn't alone. Not only were Yoshino, Shimako and Sophia going to be up on that stage with her; not only were Rei and Sachiko going to be backstage, waiting and supporting them, but Nicole and Anastasia were also with her. Yumi knew that and with that thought she exited the dressing room and joined the others on stage, which was still covered by the curtain. After a few minutes of preparation Sachiko requested for the red curtain to be lifted and so everyone's test began.

~ ~ QueenofRhymes ~ ~ QueenofRhymes ~ ~ QueenofRhymes ~ ~ QueenofRhymes ~ ~

The roars and applauses were something Yumi had forgotten completely. The sheer joy they brought was something she had become far too unfamiliar with. It seemed as though Shimako was having a hard time getting used to them as well. Sophia appeared unaffected by them. She kept her trademark smirk on and winked flirtatiously at several seniors. Yumi rolled her eyes at the gesture but smiled, nonetheless. There was something unusually familiar with the experience, however. The screams of the crowd; the cheers and yells for more; the shy smiles Yoshino and Shimako were wearing were far too familiar yet somehow distant. The confident smirk on Sophia's face sent the same feelings and thoughts through Yumi's heart and head. The pigtailed girl sighed as she closed her eyes and inhaled, and then exhaled. She then opened them and smiled, waving to the crowd. She fought the urge to laugh at the memory of their astonished faces when they had witnessed Sophia's broken wrist and her being on stage next to the three so-called 'geniuses' of the school. The brown-eyed girl smiled even wider at the fact that soon enough she had managed to prove herself and the audience had accepted her. To say that coping with being on stage again, however, was a whole different story for Yumi.

At first there was nothing but fear. Yumi was scared of not being able to perform. She was afraid she was going to freeze on stage and was going to make a fool of herself. Then fear turned into guilt. The awful yet painful regret she felt combined with it. She felt guilty for playing while her best friend and girlfriend were lying dead ten feet under the ground. She regretted having broken her promise to them and deciding to perform once again. She felt sorry for not being able to share this experience with them. Despite that, she was able to step on the stage and grab the guitar. Her heart was thumping so loud she was afraid everyone was able to hear it. Her fingers were trembling and she was sweating. Yumi was frightened to death but seeing the smiles on her friend's faces and the hopeful cerulean orbs of the person she loved, she managed to overcome her fear. After that determination could be read in her brown eyes. The sweating had stopped and her hands were no longer shaking. Her heart rate had slowed down and now she was ready to play the guitar.

As the first tone was hit the song began. Yumi waited her cue and it soon came. With a deep breath in and a nod of her head she slammed her fingers against the guitar's neck, creating a powerful and enchanting tune, which soon turned into a soft one after the chorus was over. After their first song everything had become easier. It was their final break before the solo songs and Yumi could not believe she was going to hear all these girls and the one she loved alone on that stage, playing, singing and conveying the messages of their songs to the audience. Yumi didn't know how the concert had begun, let alone how it had come so near its end. Then a sudden thought struck her. This was probably going to be one of the last times all of them were going to perform together. The girl sighed as she remembered the look on Sophia's face when she had learned she would not be able to play the piano with the skill she once had. She also knew Sachiko did not intend to stay for too long after winter break. Yoshino and Shimako were probably going to be offered a record deal or at the very least were going to go on a vacation together quite soon. Rei was offered a place to work at a big music company and that left her all alone. Tears formed at the corners of her eyes as she knew she was going to have to say goodbye yet again but the reminder that it wasn't going to be forever kept her bitter smile on her face.

Suddenly a woman in a suit appeared at the end of the hallway. She had long curly black hair and piercing yet gentle blue eyes. Her pace was steady and confident. Yumi could make out why that woman was here. She was probably an agent, who wanted to speak with one of her friends. The pigtailed girl was caught off guard when said woman looked at her and smiled. After that the brunette made a few more steps until she was standing right in front of Yumi.

"Greetings, Fukuzawa-san, or should I say, Crimson Rose?"

Yumi gaped like a fish at the black-haired woman, who put a hand in front of her mouth, but couldn't contain her laughter. She resorted to chuckling after a few failed attempts to conceal her amusement with Yumi's cute face, which was unable to hide any emotion whatsoever. The former vocalist blushed slightly out of pure habit. When the blue-eyed woman continued to fail at covering or recollecting herself, Yumi started to become slightly annoyed and angry and that was enough to make the agent stop. She was soon able to talk seriously.

" I believe you understand why I am here."

Yumi shook her head, giving the woman before her a negative answer, which made her roll her eyes. The black-haired woman then explained how she knew the pigtailed girl's secret. It turned out that she and Rei were the two assistant managers, who had to look after Yumi and her friends when Crimson still existed. Now said woman had become an agent looking for new talents and when Rei had phoned her and told her everything, she took the first flight to Tokyo and came here as soon as she could. Yumi nodded and smiled when memories came back to her. She now felt even more embarrassed than she already was for not recognizing the woman before her.

" I want to let you know that the company I'm working for will gladly offer you a contract. I reckon you will quite enjoy the record deal. We will discuss the details later, of course. You are not yet chosen. The company is still debating, but I am certain that with a little persuasion and of that Yumi-magic you always possessed, we'll be able to make them do what we want and I believe that's your being offered said deal."

Yumi was speechless and stunned beyond compare. She was broken beyond repair. She could not believe what this woman was suggesting, no, saying. There were no implies or suggestions. The agent was completely and utterly serious. The pigtailed girl could not place what was going through her head, but inside her heart she knew that this was once in a lifetime opportunity. After all, few received a chance, and even fewer were lucky enough to be given a second one, let alone a third and so on and so on. This was Yumi's second and probably last chance. She knew she could not let it pass and no matter how much she wanted to deny it, she already knew her answer. After the agent heard her performance, she was either going to congratulate Yumi on her comeback or tell her that she was not good enough. Either way this was still a chance; an opportunity Yumi was not going to let pass.

~ ~ QueenofRhymes ~ ~ QueenofRhymes ~ ~ QueenofRhymes ~ ~ QueenofRhymes ~ ~

The solos were up next. Sachiko Ogasawara was going to be first and in spite of the fact that everyone was urging her on and was supporting her, she was still a nervous wreck. She still could not process it all and still could not believe she was going to play in front of so many people. It was true that Yumi was going to be with her on stage, but everyone had agreed that it was going to be a lot better if Sachiko started all alone with her piano because it would certainly draw everyone's attention and set the right mood. That was exactly what happened. At first her fingers were trembling, but they stopped shaking completely when the tender skin came in contact with the smooth piano keys, creating an enchanting yet gentle melody. It was full of melancholy and loneliness. Pretty soon Sachiko's beautiful voice joined the journey of the music and made a few people gasp. After a few seconds her voice became stronger and the tune changed slightly. It became more rhythmic, caring an edge with it. Slight anger and bitter disappointment could be deciphered if one listened carefully.

Just when the chorus neared its end, Yumi's soft guitar tunes fell in perfect synch with Sachiko's piano. Their pent up agony was released in spite of the fact that it was mostly Sachiko's. Yumi tuned down her guitar. She decided that it was better to let Sachiko's piano and voice alone carry the rest of the emotions except for the anger. No, fury and rage were burning inside the student's heart as well. She was still angry at the woman who had dared hurt this incredible woman so much. And that was something Yumi was going to make sure everyone knew.

The song ended and everyone applauded. They were overwhelmed with all the emotions and feelings the song conveyed. Some, who were more emotional than others, even had slight tears in their eyes. After all, it was no secret that despite Sachiko's outbursts and frightening aura when angry, everyone adored and/or cared deeply for her and did not like seeing her hurt or distressed in any way. That was partially the reason why some even cried.

Tears of joy soon followed because Shimako's song turned the mood from angry anguish and despaired agony to hopeful gleam and painful yet happy moments with her song 'My Savior'. Sachiko, Shimako, Yoshino, Sophia, Yumi. Last to know, My Savior, Survive, Hush, Hush, Your demise.

" First of all, I want to thank everyone for coming here and joining tonight. I hope Sachiko-sama hasn't left many broken hearts with her wonderful song Last to know." Shimako began and stopped to breathe in before continuing, " I know that my song is quite different, but I hope you will enjoy."

The blue-eyed girl breathed in once again and exhaled, while closing and opening her eyes. She did those thing simultaneously quite a few times before mustering up the courage to say her next words, " I just want to say that this song is about the one person I love dearly. It's about that one true love, which, unfortunately, very few of us get the chance to experience. I-I….I want to thank this person for helping me cope with everything I've been through these past few weeks. It was not unbearable but it was certainly unpleasant to say the least. Um…" Shimako paused, trying to regain her breath. She then smiled and added, "Yoshino-san,"

Once she heard her name, the braided girl turned around to look at her girlfriend. Once her dark brown orbs met with warm blue Yoshino felt as though she was going to melt.

" This song is for you."

Just after saying those few words, Shimako 's hands ran through the piano keys and she started playing. Her performance was incredible. It differed from Sachiko's and it wasn't that skillful. The lyrics weren't as dark, deep or anguished, but they too had a meaning and too managed to bring some of the more emotional ones to tears. Shimako 's voice was soft and filled with gratefulness. Yoshino's heart started beating faster and faster with each passing second. She could not believe this was happening. The girl before her had just told her she loved her and was showing her how thankful she was and for what? The braided girl could not understand what she had done to help Shimako so much and wasn't sure whether she deserved this gift, but just like always, her stubborn heart took over and she brushed those doubts and insecurities aside. After all, her girlfriend had written a beautiful song for her, so why not spend your time enjoying it instead of questioning your right to be given such a wonderful gift.

My Savior

Sometimes it's hard to breathe ( yeah),

when doubts have sowed the seeds of your destruction;

when darkness is the reason for your corruption.

People say we should always have hope;

People say we should never give up.

But tell me, how can I believe

when this darkness won't leave?

It's tied itself around my neck.

It's urging me to jump off the deck… of life (yeah)

But there is something that's calling me.

Something that's stalling me,

preventing me from departure,

saving me from getting captured (yeah).

I won't let myself be deceived.

I'll make it leave.

Now please give me a hand.

Please, try to understand

that it's not easy to move on;

that I cannot always be strong.

Please, know that this disease

is not here to stay.

With redemption it will fade away.

But I can still feel the rope,

yet relinquish in hope.

It might still be tied around my neck.

It might still be urging me to jump off the deck.

But! There's something that's calling me;

something that's stalling me,

preventing me from departure,

saving me from being captured.

Yeaahhh!

I won't let myself be deceived.

I'll make it leave!

Because I can see the blazing light in your eyes;

the love you feel even after all these lies.

You're the one!

You're the once that's calling me.

You're the one that's stalling me.

You're the one that's preventing me from departure.

You're the one that's saving me from being captured.

You're the one that saved me from my darkness;

You're the one that stopped this madness.

Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeeeaahh!

And now I wish to make a vow;

I promise you, I'll never allow it to win,

'cuz I know

that you'll always be calling me.

I know you'll always be calling me,

preventing me from departure,

not letting darkness and madness capture me.

You're the one! You're my savior! x 10

You're My Savior.

That's what you are.

Thank you, My Savior!

Yeah! Hmmm oh oh, oohh, hmmmm

My Savior, hmmm, hmmm, hhmmmhmhmmmhmmmm

Applauses and cheers could be heard right after Shimako finished her song. Though some were stunned and speechless, they still succeeded in composing themselves. Some were so touched that they even wished for the couple to kiss, but they were only granted with a hug. Despite being disappointed, they still cheered and applauded, not being able to contain their impatience to see what the other three had to offer. They were amazed by Sachiko and Shimako , but still Yoshino and Sophia were left. And the one that was going to make some jaws literally hit the floor had yet come to the stage. Yumi and the others were definitely in for a surprise.

Disclaimer: I do not own Maria-sama ga Miteru or the characters( aside from Sophia and the agent mind you!). Last to know and Hush, hush are not mine as well. The rights to said two songs go to their rightful owners. I own, however, My Savior, Survive and Your demise. Though you have not yet heard or rather read the latter two, I just wanted to point it out. So if you ever want to use any of the lyrics to these three songs in any way( not that that will ever happen), please PM me or notify me in any possible way. Also, I would really appreciate it if you for my permission first. It's not that I think anyone is interested in my songs or will 'steal' them; I'm really sensitive when it comes to my own work. After all, it's my hard work, and I'm sure that if you were in my place, you would want to get some credit for it.

A/N: This story will soon be finshed. I suspect only one, maybe two more chapters. After all there are three songs left and then….some surprises and that's it. I've got a question, thought – would you want an epilogue? I know it's a bit early to ask for that, but I just want to know in advance. I think that once you've read the ending, you'll understand why I asked it now. Please leave a review or PM me with the answer. It would be really helpful.

Once again a huge thank you to everyone who has followed me through this journey and I would also like to thank everyone who reviewed, favourited, followed, etc, etc, and also read, of course. Please leave a review telling me what you think about the song and whether you would like to read the lyrics of the other two or not. I think you'll be able to understand the story behind the song without the lyrics if I explain it thoroughly, but still…..some people prefer the former to the latter.

Until next time I update and/or post a story, my fellow readers.

~ QueenofRhymes ~