"Don't force your breath out all at once, you'll cause damage to yourself." Jenny told the class, "And that, my dears, will not do if you want to continue singing like so."
Small chuckles came to her as she looked over the boys and girls in the room. So eager and ready, it made her feel good that people still valued music as she did those years ago.
"Miss?"
"Yes?"
"So in order to continue singing, we need to learn the basics of music, practice the songs or ranges from time to time and just be ourselves?"
Jenny moved her head side to side, "A little but there are other things you are missing. Breath control is very large on this scale of my voice along with relaxing the muscles. To sing properly, you must obtain those two things at most. For with them, you will find yourself being able to do more things."
The oohs and ahhs filled the room as they all watched her in wonder, taking in everything she gave them like a sponge to water as a student raised her hand, "Is it possible to have your range change as well?"
"Oh certainly. It's not uncommon that singers find themselves able to reach notes that were unobtainable before. I, myself, when I was training couldn't hit above a C6, now I can reach an Eb6 without much strain or effort put in. Each person has their own techniques and style they follow. That's what makes music so versatile, so understandable. Everyone can have it in his or her way, to their liking and desire."
Small chatter lifted into the air as the bell rang out for the day, "Alright everyone, practice the last chapter of this session, afterward we're moving on to the Romantic Era."
She watched as they all poured out of the room, giving small goodbyes and laters. She didn't realize how much she would love to teach them or how enthusiastic they would be for it, but the moment she sang for them, it was set.
"Seems you had an eventful class."
Jenny looked up to find Liszt in her doorway, "Hello there. What bring's you here?"
"Escaping Motes and Beethes arguing while Shuu complains of things to Cho before defending everything Beethes does."
"Ah, guess it's best not to go home just yet?"
"No, I wouldn't. Mind joining me and Kanae for coffee? My treat."
She smiled at her, "Sure, why not let the day ease by."
Once everything was cleaned and closed up, the two of them made their way to the small little cafe Liszt spoke of, seeing Kanae waiting for them. This was simple, easy, enjoyable, and she wasn't complaining one bit about it. And with it, it got her mind off of the performance later that night. Let it be known, even after all these years, that little Jenny Lind would still have fears and worries of performing and doing badly. Didn't help that she changed her style and technique as well. Bach nudged her in the right directions as Bada and Tchaiko helped her practice day in and day out, yet she still worried over it.
Glancing up from her cup, she saw the two of them in deep conversation. Kanae's brow furrowed as Liszt's usual smile of love adorned her face, guessing it was her usual banter to the young girl. How love was wonderful and why she needed someone good for her yet Kanae wanted no part of it. But as she watched it go on, her own mind fluttered to Ludwig. That man. That's all that could come to mind, he was so many things. A perfectionist, an artist, a cook, bullheaded, sweet, kind, a pain in the ass. Yes, he was all of that. But he was hers, and she wasn't letting any of that change.
"Jenny!" someone called out her name."
"What?" she looked back at the two women, seeing their worried glances.
"Are you ok?" Liszt asked.
"Yea, we called to you a few times but you were pretty lost." Kanae added, "Are you nervous about tonight?"
"What, me?" Jenny gave a small laugh just to let out an exhausted sigh, "Terrified."
"Oh now Jenny, don't be." Liszt's hand came over her own, "I have heard you sing in the mansion and at the school, you are extremely talented and knowing those three, you will be spectacular."
"Glad you have the confidence in me."
"Stop that." Kanae warned, "You really are talented, Jenny. Just think of it as a normal performance."
"You never saw me in a real one."
Kanae sighed, "I would have. I would've paid along with my grandma to see you sing. She would've loved you. Even I adore your singing in the house. It's beautiful."
Well, it was normal for Kanae to ask if she would sing while they cooked, so it was true there, but her mind raced with the reason at hand, "But this is different from that."
"Just because you haven't performed a large audience in so long, doesn't mean you don't have the talent."
"I never said that. It's more than just me singing."
"Then what is it?" they asked.
Jenny lowered her gaze to her hands, remembering the past and the god-awful stares and comments, "It's the people that judge it all. The ones that critique everything and anything. From volume and pitch to even looks and posture. Everything is judged, even today it is. It's never changed."
"Oh now Jenny, you are basing this during the turn of the century, the times have changed and isn't as harsh-"
"Liszt, look at the groups today. Look at Wagner and Tchaiko and Bada. Look at all of them and tell me that looks and show don't mean anything." Jenny cut the woman off.
Both of them tried to reason with her, but as her words laid in the air, their own dissipated, "See what I mean? You have to have the coup de gras of it all to even be seen. I'm none of it."
"That's what you think." someone stated behind her.
Jenny whipped around to see Sousuke smiling at them as Pad lit to life, "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt."
"What are you doing here, tool?"
"Hey, really I thought we talked about that?" Sousuke whined.
"Ignore him." Pad chimed in, "But Jenny, your vocals are what people desire. It's not just the show that you give. Today, music isn't always seen on a stage, it's hidden away. It's seen in other ways than in person."
"Like radio and TV?" Sousuke asked.
"Pretty much." Pad replied.
"But I am still judged-"
"By people that haven't heard your voice." Pad cut her off, "No offense, the only people that have heard your true singing voice, besides the home, are all passed. There's no record of your voice anywhere. And if there was, it's barely audible and salvageable."
She wasn't sure what to say, there was so much going on in her head that it was almost deafening. Pad's reasoning did make a point, but her worry was just too much.
"Look, Jenny, just try and relax. We already have the dress set for you and the song so all you have to do is go up there and sing." Liszt pressed at her.
She didn't know why this seemed so hard, yet it was absolutely daunting, "Fine. I'll go forward with this as best as possible."
"I think I change my mind, Bada." Jenny stated as she looked at herself in the mirror.
"You'll be fine, there is nothing to worry about." Bada replied as she placed something in her hair, "You have practiced with us for days now and even have yourself singing a different way. It's amazing that you learned it that fast really.
"Still, that's not really my point-"
"Plus," she interrupted, "We will all be out in the audience. Out of sight, out of mind."
"Not helping."
"Would you rather see us?"
Jenny sighed, "It's not the point of seeing you all. It's not being good enough for this. In any way."
Suddenly, she was turned around, facing the dark-haired woman, "Didn't you sing Beethes's Ode de Joy?"
"Well, yes but it wasn't grand or anything."
"Not what I heard."
Jenny scoffed, "And do tell what you heard from Beethes?"
"I didn't say it was Beethes." Bada smiled at her, "Try Motes."
Oh, how things were turning great for her, "Motes, really?"
"Yes. He said your German was on point and you carried each note without worry. You held yourself high and sang your heart out and awed him as you had Beethes practically lovestruck with you. Well, that's what he said."
She wasn't sure if she was going to slap the happy-go-lucky man or hug him. He pointed out to her at times how she was doing or what could be improved but he was more the shoulder to laugh on when things came too tight. Well, they were all like that really.
"So, I'll be on the stage for, at most four songs, and then?"
"And then it's over. I gave you the list for a reason, but the first one was the one I knew would set it all in motion."
"But singing a song from a movie that so happens to have my supposed backstory, wouldn't that make it a bit suspicious?"
"You think too much. Bach has everything locked down there along with Akira. They have guards and more there protecting everything that can go wrong and as we said before if anything happens, we are all there to help you."
Jenny sighed, praying that it was all in her head and nothing more, but deep down she worried that it would all blow up in her face, "Fine I'll try and stop worrying over it."
"About time because we need to get you to the hall. It's time."
She felt the fear well in her belly as Bada yanked her down the halls and shove her into an awaiting vehicle. Swirving and turning down streets, Bada gave her bits and pieces of information as she fixed her and herself up, they pulled into the hall. People of multiple statures, rich and poor came into the building, excitement coming off them as they spoke of the events and what they witnessed beforehand.
"Don't worry. There were small time people before you in the entrance here along with shop owners and more trying to get their names out there. They are truly ready for the real thing."
"God I hope you're right."
Moving into the building, Bada threw one more door open to her and smiled, "Well, this is it. Once everyone is settled the usher will get you and place you on stage, and then it's you from there."
Jenny swallowed the forming lump in her throat, "Alright."
"Don't worry Jenny. You will do marvelously." Bada gave her a small hug, "You need a moment to see us, we're in the top overlook, right in the middle of it. We'll see you after the performance."
Then she was alone backstage. She could hear the chatter of the audience settling in as the time grew closer. God, this was maddening. Her heart thrummed in her ears as she waited for them, almost ready to burst in fear and worry.
"Madam?" someone called to her.
Spinning around, she saw a young woman smiling at her, "Are you the performer from Arkhe Tower, asked by Bach?"
"Yes." her voice squeaked out.
"Right this way." she gestured her hand to her, the smile never fading.
Jenny did as asked, feeling the silky material of the gown she was in. It really was it. She swallowed the lump down once more as the woman stood her right before the large velvet curtains.
"Alright. They're ready for you now. Oh, I forgot, Bach didn't give us a name for you. What do you go by?"
Oh of all things, they left out. Jenny struggled to think of how to hide herself, to be hidden yet herself, but then Beethes crossed her mind, "Well, that's silly of him. It's quite simple."
Beethes waited on baited breath as the others spoke softly, waiting for the audience to settle down and await the performance as Bada came up to them.
"How is she?" Cho asked.
"Nervous." she sighed as she sat down, "But alright."
"Not shocked. She did have a horrid bout of self-doubt and conscious of herself. Always thought she wasn't good enough."
"Are you kidding?" Beethes looked over at him.
"Oh yes, she was always double thinking everything. Afraid to let people down and ruin what she promised them." Cho replied, "You have no idea how many time I or other composers and writers had to prove her wrong. Even when the Queen of England asked for her by name, Jenny fretted over every little thing that ran through her head."
Was Jenny always that fearful of letting people down? He didn't notice it himself but he was always entrapped by her voice anyway. He looked back down to the stage, wondering if she was ok behind the curtain just as someone walked upon the stage.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome one and all! We thank you greatly for watching and learning of uprising stars and inventors, so many brilliant, talented minds and people before us. Now before bigger desicions are made, we have a special presentation of vocals. A new star rising higher than others." the young man announced as he clapped his hands together, "Introducing, the young, the beautiful, the talented Jennifer von Betz!"
No, she did not do what he thought. Asmall applause echoed the large room as he heard Cho chuckle beside him, "Seems you have an effect on her."
"That it would." he whispered out as the curtain moved.
There in the middle of the stage was Jenny, and he couldn't move. Couldn't even breath as she moved closer to the edge. Her eyes focused and ready as she looked over the audience, the dark blue dress gave her a feminine look as it shaped her, giving her an elegant flair with the gloves that covered her arms. Her hair pinned with gems and flowers, accenting her blue eyes more. She was breathtaking.
The piano lifted int the air, giving a slow, melancholy tune as she readied herself. Then she began. Her voice dipping into the alto range as it had a new edge of modern music place into it, she flowed with it all, giving the lyrics a newfound energy and feeling that no one expected. There was power and emotion coming from her that microphones were useless to her. The piano was just an additive to the mood, yet she carried the whole thing herself.
The farther the song went into its crescendo, the more she gave it. He looked down at the audience, seeing them being moved by her deliverance of the song, even Liszt and Kanae were holding themselves back as they watched her. He was awed. She truly was talented, more than she believed in herself. He watched her, her body swaying slightly with the lyrics, her hands together in fists as she emphasized the song and then, her eyes landed on him. He could almost hear her asking for his thoughts, he smiled at her, nodding as his hand laid over his heart. With the last note, she belted out the end of the song, the piano fading with the echo of the hall. Just for her to smile and give the last words to the song and gain the audience's reaction.
The roar of the people gave him the light of what they thought and the smile on her said the same. He, himself, stood up, clapping his hands as has he could. She really was perfect to him.
"Now you see why I created pieces for her." Cho said to him as the audience continued to cheer.
He really did now. He could see the tears laying lightly on her eyes as she smiled and curtsied to the crowd, overwhelmed with their reaction to her. The young man came out from the side, his face marveled with her as he gave a small bow to her.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Jennifer von Betz!" the crowd grew louder as she curtsied once more, just for the lights to suddenly dim.
"Yes, you are quite talented, no doubt about that." a chilling voice echoed the room, "But it seems like the little group you're in, isn't as smart as they think, Jenny Lind."
Oh no. He looked down at her, seeing complete fear overcome her as the audience murmured in curiosity. He knew, he knew what they were up to and now had her separated from them. He could hear Bach and the others speaking frantically yet he was focused on her.
"I must thank you all, you've helped me gain what's mine back. And with it, a few new friends." Warin spoke once more as darkly dressed people came in, "Grab her."
Beethes reacted, "Jenny! Run, Jenny, run!"
He watched as she darted off the stage, moving around people as others tried to leave the slowly growing chaos that was growing. He took off for the door, praying he could get down there in time before worse came about. Motes's Symphony No40 filled the air as Dovo's New World followed behind, proof that it escalated to that moment of time. He rushed down the stairs, fighting his way in as people fled the hall. He tried to find her, anything that would set her apart from anyone yet it was falling shorter as he searched.
"Jenny!" he shouted above the crowd, "Jenny!"
The sudden organ music gave way as rose vines and dark pillars and curtains came forth, her voice lifted into the air, the familiar operatic tone he knew. She let forth her Musik. They must've found her. Following her voice, he ran behind the stage, seeing men and women be thrown around as the flowers blocked something.
"Jenny!" he shouted again, hoping she could hear him over her music.
Then a blue light flashed within the area, the flowers slowly receded as the vines and pillars disappeared, finally leaving Jenny open and bare to them all.
"Finally got you." Warin walked up to her, reaching his grubby hand to her tear soaked face.
"Nein!" Beethes shouted, feeling his Musik coarse through him, "Spielen wir unsere Musik!"
The somber intro of Moonlight came forth as Warin glared at him, the man coming his way as he turned the stone on the cane. Why this one? Of all his pieces, he ended up bringing forth Moonlight. But why? Before Warin could come closer, snow enveloped him and the others as lyrics followed his music. Not of his own, but from Jenny. Looking over, she gained her Musik back, singing along with him as the snows of Sweden and the strength of Germany came over them, finally making Warin call a retreat.
He blended with Jenny, her Musik flowed with his own to the point he swore he could hear her heart beat in rhythm with his. It felt perfect. Like a puzzle finally coming together and then, it ended. The crowd disappeared as the other Musik was no longer heard and Warin and the others of RosenGold were nowhere in sight. Finally, it was over.
A small gasp caught his attention, pulling him back to the matter at hand, "Jenny."
He ran to her, seeing her kneeling on the ground as she clutched her arms to herself, shivering after the ordeal. He removed his jacket, draping it over her exposed shoulders just to see her look up at him, "Ludwig?"
"Ja, Jenny, it's me. You're-" he didn't get a moment to finish as her arms wrapped around his neck, a small sob escaping her.
"Dear god, I was so afraid." she cried out, "I was afraid that he was going to take me back. That I wasn't strong enough to get away. I'm sorry I messed this all up."
"No, no, Jenny, it's not your fault. We just didn't think he would figure it out so quickly. I'm sorry that he almost had you. We tried, we all did, to get you. He just overwhelmed us."
She buried her head against his shoulder, another shudder leaving her, "Are you sure?"
He pulled her away, cupping her chin to see her fully, "As sure as I am sitting here before you. You did nothing wrong."
Jenny gave a small nod, resting her forehead on his own, she sighed, "Ludwig, I want to go home. No more for me, please."
He kissed her head, gathering her in his arms as tight as he could, "Yes, no more. Now you can go home and rest. And I'll make sure you do."