The Prestige
Awakening to a piano piece chosen by Alexa Kosei stretched and began the day noticing his phone had an email message from his father telling him he so was excited for the event and also told him Dr. Ogawa was preparing to record it for him. He asked him for the program listing and lastly he also told him was having great success with his oversees meetings and that his surprise was being taken care of as they spoke. Leaving his house he was greeted outside by Tsubaki in uniform with a smile on her face. Koesi hugged her good morning and she hooked his arm tight and they walked to school. A few students pointed, but everyone smiled just happy. A new couple opens eyes, but no one teased.
It was Wednesday, five days until the benefit.
After morning classes Kosei set out to find the music department chair and apologized for not attending to meet the violinist yesterday. She said practice was canceled due to a slight emergency the teacher had with a small car accident, but was fine. The music class would be during the second half of the lunch hour.
Kosei was introduced to Mrs. Akito, the violin instructor, and then her students who were both ten: Mio and Asahi. Kosei was about to introduce himself when the two of them said they immediately knew who he was and were happy to meet him. Kosei still wasn't comfortable with being known so much, but no longer let it bother him. He was no longer anyone's puppet. He asked Asahi to join him the classroom while Mio was taken to the adjacent music room.
"Ashai...do you know what your name means?" asked Kosei with a pensive look.
"Yes, it means 'Morning sun' or 'sunrise', " Ashai responded.
"That's right. It is a handsome name. I feel as though it means you're looking towards the rising sun. They tell me you've got skill, would you play something for me?"
"...For you? Forgive me...I have only played for my parents, Mrs. Akito, and my fellow students. Never another musician such as yourself. I am far too shy."
"Why do you like the violin? There are many instruments. What drew you to it?"
"...I suppose the energy I see people put into it. The passion. It can be done with most instruments when one feels passion or excitement, but I heard it played in Western style from the United States. I saw people 'sawing' I think they called it. It's not all recital and prim and proper, there can be some great flare to it."
"Do you have any heroes in music? Any great players who inspire something in you? Any great players for whom you wish to follow and play their kind of music?"
"Well...there are two. The first is Charlie Daniels...he plays the song 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia' and someday I wish to play like him. He seems he plays the violin with joy more than the strings themselves."
"That's poetic. And the second?"
Ashai looked down, "...Miss Miyazono. I am sorry to name her."
Kosei looked at Ashai and asked, "Why would you say such a thing? What concerns you?"
"I know the two of you were close, you played together. She passed just under a month ago, Arima. I looked up to her a lot. She inspired me to learn with more than just learning, but to love the violin with a flare, to play with spirit, and just well 'dance with the music itself' as she called it. She played for me on a few occasions and I felt very honored. She listened to me and said I had greatness and fire within me. She insisted I call her by her first name and I only could do it once. She said I reminded her of someone she knew who once had greatness in him which needed to be harnessed again."
" 'Kosei', you may call me Kosei."
"Thank you Ar-Kosei. I hope I don't sadden or anger you by mentioning her."
"You do not sadden or anger me. I will tell you something if you can keep it secret for now. Can you keep a secret?"
"Sure...what is it?!"
Kosei saw the boy smile for the first time the entire time he was there.
"Mrs. Aktio, could you come in and join us?" Kosei said at the door to the classroom.
Mrs. Akito entered the classroom and smiled and asked what's going on.
"Ashai, Mrs Akito, I am sure you both know of the upcoming benefit for the Miyazano family. I hope you're both planning on attending. It would mean a great deal to everyone. Can you both promise me you'll come and sit together?"
Both nodded.
Kosei smiled and asked Ashai to play Brahms Dance #5, Vivaldi Spring, and Bach Prelude E Major. He played each with skill and smiled too.
Mrs. Akito nodded at Kosei. He asked Ashai to sit at the table and put his violin down.
Kosei smiled, "Ashai...Koari entrusted her violin to me and told me I am to find an aspiring student who yet does not have his own...I wish to pass it to you and you treasure it and treat it as you would your best friend. Her entrusting it to me came with one important condition: Whoever this student is should they decide to play on stage I play with them for a season. With that said if you will accept me as your piano accompaniment I know Kaori would be happy to have you take her violin and have her spirit she brought to it be passed to you. You will treat it well and someday designate a successor, another honored student, for which to pass on her spirit and yours."
Ashai fell silent...he just looked at the two of them for some time and began to cry and hugged Mrs. Akito. Mrs. Akito looked at Kosei, back to Ashai, patted him gently on the head, and asked what was wrong. He said it was too great an honor to bear. He said that he didn't know if he was right to carry on her spirit.
Kosei smiled and felt maturity growing inside him and said, "You have spirit, you have skill, and you have humility. You also carry honor, and not arrogance, and you already feel it. I'll tell you another little secret: when she started playing she feared she could never play like any of her heroes...but she rose. I feel you will too...I know you will. I just have one question: Would you accept it on Monday night during the benefit? If you feel you'd be too shy to-"
"I would be honored. I would be honored to accept this great gift...and carry on her spirit," Ashai said drying his eyes.
Mrs. Akito and Koesi exchanged smiles and nods. Kosei told Mrs. Akito he would bring Kaori's violin to school tomorrow for her to hold.
Before parting ways Kosei asked him to play one last song to which he smiled for the chance.
Everyday had become regimented for Kosei with his studies, practicing, and thankfully spending regular time with Tsubaki doing things between his studies like going out for ice-cream & stargazing, eating egg sandwiches and drinking Moo Moo Milk in the park during lunch, and making sure to value every minute. Tsubaki for her part was very supportive and didn't demand extra time at this critical time, but played the role of a supportive girlfriend very well. She stayed with him during his practicing, brought him tea, cooked dinner for two nights in a row, and when he felt he needed to be intensive in his studies she would give him space. Little did Tsubaki know that when he requested private study he was actually practicing her surprise dedication at the end of the benefit.
Friday morning came and Kosei went online to the Yamaha website with his plan in action: He wanted to found a charity in Kaori's honor: Victorious Violins. A charity to help students who otherwise couldn't afford to purchase their instruments. The logo would be a violin and maybe have a halo above it, or a feather, or maybe something else. He figured that logos could come later. He looked and looked for information on sponsorship, donations, or such as Yamaha makes some of the finest instruments after all. After not being able to find anything he called their HQ in Tokyo and with the help of the receptionist was able to get to the division which did charity and rentals.
"Non-profit and Sponsorship, this is Chika, how may I help you?" a voice asked.
"Hi, my name is Kosei Arima and I wanted to know-"
"Mr. Arima! I am so happy to speak with you. I wanted to let you know the equipment will be there on time and we'll meet you outside Ma Fille at 4:30 to set up."
"I'm sorry...what are you talking about? I was calling to learn about possible donations and-"
"We have your equipment ready. Dr. Ogawa and the Miyazanos have already made the reservations. We're bringing our equipment to your benefit at no charge. Isn't that what you're calling about? Confirming it?"
"...No, thank you though. I am forming a charity and wanted to see about applying for sponsorship from you, possible donations. I cannot find anything online so I figured I would call and see if I can fill out any forms or the like."
"...What is this charity going to be called?"
"Um...Victorious Violins ...it's meant to carry on the legacy of the person for whom the benefit is being held. Is there any chance you can mail me forms or give me an idea of how to write a proposal?"
"...Don't worry Mr. Arima. We always send people from our PR department to photograph our equipment in use. I'm coming too and I'll personally bring a set with me."
Friday came and in the evening and Kosei suggested ordering out when a knock came from the door. Tsubaki said there wasn't any need to order out and answered the door and Kosei said no one was expected. Emi and Takeshi were there and walked in and Kosei jumped out of his chair. Emi and Takshi smiled and told him to sit. They brought foods and they were going to cook tonight they said. They explained they didn't want to come Sunday, the night before the benefit, and stay up too late. Emi went into the kitchen followed by Taksehi who motioned Kosei to the living room.
Takeshi smiled and said, "I kind of took a page from your book and while I have been practicing I asked her to help me cook a meal and figured some time in the kitchen together would help me get a little more comfortable." Kosei smiled.
Aromas from the kitchen emanated with chicken, rice, ginger, garlic, and noodles. Mushrooms were heard being cut, cucumbers, and even a white radish. The sounds of laughter could be heard among the sizzle of food. Tsubaki quickly set the table and sat next to Kosei holding onto his arm tightly.
The meal was like last time and was quickly becoming a tradition. Once again minimal talk was given on music, just talk about updating the list of music. They each played one piece & Kosei told them about his call to Yamaha and how they were bringing the equipment and he had wondered if they were somehow going to bring a piano. They ate and told stories of the past, humorous ones and serious ones, and even played some board games. It was nice to just be able to socialize outside of school and get together for a night.
After their guests left Tsubaki told him to get some old blankets or towels and sit down as he needed a haircut. With a gentle hand she cut away his excess and made him look quite good. She smiled at her handiwork and asked what he planned to wear. Kosei thought he'd wear his school uniform. Tsubaki shook her head and opened his closet to find a nice charcoal gray suit he hadn't worn for a while and said tomorrow first thing they are going to the cleaner to have a set of clothing cleaned and pressed.
"Come on, it's time to 'walk it off' ", Tsubaki said.
They walked beyond the train-tracks, arms firmly locked together, and entered the park with famous bridge over the little river which Kosei first enjoyed a fall into water. Under the night sky the sound of summer insects emanated from all around like an orchestra.
Tsubaki led him to a tree and started to pull him down as she sat down back against the tree and snuggled up under his arm.
"What about grass stains?" asked Kosei.
Tsubaki smiled, "We'll take them to the cleaners with the suit first thing in the morning."
She remarked how still the air was and how nice it was and as Kosei opened his mouth to speak she again kissed him and he let the world go dark as he returned her affections. Tsubaki released herself and rested her head on his shoulder and lightly kissed his neck and felt him jump and every hair on neck stand on end. She laughed to herself. Kosei looked at her so gently with her smiling all the way as he took her by both shoulders.
"What about grass stains?" asked Tsubaki
Kosei smiled, "Don't worry...we'll take them to the cleaners with the suit first thing in the morning."
Saturday morning saw Kosei meet Tsubaki and the drop off their clothing to the cleaner and watching Tsubaki on the baseball field, saw the team with renewed vigor, and thought of whatever pieces may come to mind realizing the list really should be chosen on Sunday before turning in and have them playing in his mind. After practice they walked to the cleaner and decided to go get Western food and bought Kentucky Fried Chicken. The Sawabes had Kosei join them for dinner which was, thankfully, a lighter meal. Once home he brewed his normal tea and went to sleep and slept soundly.
Sunday morning came and Kosei spent much of it walking around town for inspirations which may come. There wasn't much going on and it started to look like rain. Kosei went home and set up some ambiance, some soft music in the background, and with his cats near him on the couch, took out a notebook to finalize the pieces of the night:
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Thomas the Tank theme
Tetris Theme
Pyote Tchaikovsky March of the Toy Soldiers
Don McLean Vincent Starry Starry Night
Debussy– Clair de Lune
Mozart Piano Sonata 11
Beethoven-Moonlight Sonata
Beethoven- Fur Elise
Vivaldi Four Seasons -Spring
Rachmaninoff -Flight of the Bumblebee
Erik Satie Gymnopédies
Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody #2
Rossini/Liszt The William Tell Overture
Aaron Copeland's Hoe-Down
Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue
Annoucement
Encore
No mention of Victorious Violin's first presentation could be put on the list as much as he wanted, but surprises need to be surprises.
Kosei played the piano and found himself enjoying it like never before as he got lost in the notes. It was the exact opposite of the days of his mother. He heard the music and nothing else. He felt like he was dancing with the very music itself. He lost track of time and was interrupted by a gentle voice calling out to him in the room and turned to see Tsubaki holding some food and Kosei went to get up when she told him to relax. She asked what he was playing. He patted the place next to him on the chair. He said he was just starting a piece and would start again. He played Gymnopédies, also known as "Once Upon a Time In Paris", and Tsubaki put her head on his shoulder and hand on his thigh.
A/N: I really recommend putting this one while reading the next scene
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She listened to the somber and almost haunting notes. It reminded her of being in a café, while outside it rained, by the fireplace in the center. She thought of hot cocoa and being curled up with him. She began to cry.
Kosei stopped playing and looked over, "Hey, hey, hey...what's wrong?"
Tsubaki wiped a tear away, "Nothing, it's just beautiful. Keep playing, please."
Kosei returned and he felt her head shift a little as he continued to play for her. She remarked how emotive it was as she wiped away a single tear. Kosei played as she just rested her head and occasionally looked up to smile. He played nearly the whole piece until he turned to ask if she was okay and she said she was just captivated...that it didn't feel like she was listening to him practice, but she was getting a private concert.
Tsubaki prepared dinner herself and it was pasta, beef meatballs, chicken cutlet, grated cheese, and warm slices of bread she heated in the oven. She said he knew it wasn't the caliber that he, Takeshi, or Emi makes. Kosei smiled, said it looked great, and was sure it would delicious. Tsubaki smiled and blushed just a little.
After dinner Tsubaki just sat on the couch listening to several pieces captivated. She went to brew some tea and brought out her almond cookies from home.
Returning from walking home he went straight to bed, his cats joined him, and he slipped into a deep and peaceful sleep.