Title: The Nightingale and the Phantom of the Red Moon
Author: Tsubame Ongaku
Fandom: Cardcaptor Sakura (AU)
Pairing: Eriol Hiiragizawa and Tomoyo Daidouji
Rating: T
Summary: Tomoyo Daidouji was the talented and only daughter of Sonomi Daidouji, the owner of a toy empire and inventor from Japan. During a party that her mother's business associate was holding, she meets the enigmatic Eriol Hiiragizawa, the Duke of Wylde. With the exchange of smiles, the wheels of Destiny turns. He wanted her. He had always wanted her…
Notes: What in the world did I just write? It is so dramatic! It is so sappy! Why? Oh why? It's too late now though, because it's written and it is almost finished. I might as well finish this. Sappiness and all! I tried to be faithful to the Cantarella video. I made changes here and there, but the story is still the same. Love it… hate it. I will honestly say that I don't know how I feel about it. I wasn't even going to finish it at first, but I didn't want to stop again since my brother said he liked it. If he likes it, then it can't really be that bad, right? But I still don't know how I feel about writing this.
This kind of writing really isn't my type. After this and the story I am going to post after this, I want to start writing mysteries. I can't say that I am really good at it, but I want to practice it some more. Experimenting is fun and I will probably still do it from time to time, but it is making me want to flail and wondering if I am embarrassing myself. I probably am, but what can one expect from an experiment? I wanted to see what other kind of writing I can do.
There will be one more chapter. I had estimated 3 chapters only before, but I was wrong because I added a new scene to the story that wasn't in the original plan. I had to answer a few questions, so I had to change it. I hope you like this chapter and that it answered a few things for some people. Just one more chapter, so if there are still things you want answered, please let me know and I will certainly try my best to answer them.
Well, I am experimenting on weird crossovers. I did think of making a crossover of HunterxHunter and Black Cat. That would be weird, right? I like weird. Hahaha… I am also working on a fic for a friend of mine. I am ironing the loose ends and cementing how it should go.
Edit: I want to thank Pinboo too. She really helped me with this chapter, everyone. She helped with the questioning and pointing out the details I still have to answer. And, details are very important to me because that is what my writing feeds on. Hahahaha... I love this girl's writing, so if you are ever in the need to read an ExT fic while drinking a cup of coffee and eating a muffin- this girl is the person to go to.
My dear Reviewers: Thank you so much.
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The Nightingale and the Phantom of the Red Moon
By Tsubame Ongaku
Reviewed By: Pinboo
Chapter III: A Glimpse at a Portrait
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Tomoyo should have known better. But, she had to admit that she really was more than a little intrigued. She had accepted an invitation from Hiiragizawa's cousin to her little Garden Party. Despite Touya's warning, she had calmly reminded him that it would be very rude of her to refuse such a kind invitation now that she had accepted. Her cousin was livid, but he finally let her go but made her promise not to go anywhere alone with Eriol. Tomoyo asked him why she would ever want to be alone with him anyway.
"Believe me. That brat will somehow find a way," he muttered, sounding completely sure.
When she entered the garden, she couldn't help but gasp. It was such a beautiful garden. Every single plant practically glowed with life and a beautiful white pavilion in the middle of the garden. The roses were especially lovely with their petals looking like the softest velvet. Looking at it all made Tomoyo smile. He did mention that he was quite fond of gardening. Did he do this all, or was he lying to impress her. Curious, she bent down to smell the lavenders… and it smelled as beautiful as it looked.
She saw her host, Nakuru talking with a few of the older guests excitedly. Tomoyo had seen her s few times, but never had a chance to really speak to her. Nakuru came and went as she pleased. No one really knew how to keep her still when she didn't want to be.
Unfortunately, her host's audience was having a very difficult time catching up to the hyper girl's chattering. They were even very much relieved when she looked up and scampered away when she saw Tomoyo had arrived.
"Tomoyo-chan!" she called out, only glad to go back talking in her native language. "You came! I am so glad! I told him you would! But he said that Touya probably wouldn't let you! But he was wrong! And you're here!"
A smile flirted on the side of her mouth when the younger girl approached. It was true what rumors said about Nakuru being a ball of energy. It is quite feat to just be able to catch up with her. "I m honored to be invited," she admitted, giving a small curtsy.
"Come on! I will show you around!"
Before she could say another word, Nakuru was dragging her away. While she was given the tour around the estate, she noticed that Eriol hadn't showed himself. It seemed little odd to her that he wouldn't show himself in his own garden party.
"He is probably with Nadeshiko."
"Eh?"
Nakuru had seen her looking around the party. She guessed that she was probably looking for her cousin. It maybe even what she was there for. "He is with Nadeshiko," she repeated as a matter-of-factly.
Tomoyo forced herself to smile, not understanding why her heart felt like plummeting when she heard that. But, she quickly berated herself to quit being ridiculous. She should not be surprised that Eriol has someone. He is, admittedly, a very attractive man. "Oh? Have they known each other long?"
Nakuru nodded. "For as long as I can remember!"
"Oh," was all she could reply. If they had been together for that long, she shouldn't bother them. But, in the back of her mind… even she admits that there was something very curious about Eriol that she wanted to reach. "Is she his girlfriend? Maybe I know who she is. There aren't many Japanese families in our circles."
Nakuru stared at her, looking like Tomoyo had just grown another head. It took Nakuru a few moments to process and understand what Tomoyo meant before she finally replied, "Eh? But Tomoyo-chan, Nadeshiko isn't-"
"Nakuru, there you are."
Both girls turned towards the new voice. They saw Eriol walking towards them with his signature smile on his face. As always, he looked perfect that morning. Not a hair out of place, his clothes fitted him like it was made for him (and it probably was) and his glasses perched carefully on the bridge of his nose.
"Eriol!" Nakuru ran up to him and gave him a tight hug, completely forgetting what she was saying to Tomoyo. "I told you she would come! Didn't I tell you?"
Eriol chuckled as he pats his cousin on the head, amused by her obvious delight and triumph. He had to admit that he was a little surprise to see Tomoyo. After what hd taken place in the Daidouji's home, he didn't think Touya Kinomoto would even allow him to come ten meters from her.
He turned to Tomoyo, admiring how lovely she looked in her bright, sunny-yellow dress and white cap. "Welcome to my home, Lady Tomoyo. My cousin was very pleased when she received the letter that you accepted her invitation. Though, she had been hoping so much that you would be bringing your cousin with you."
Tomoyo smiled, finally understanding. "Touya had some business to take care of today." He had wanted to free his schedule as much as possible before her concert. "But he did promise to pick me up later."
To her surprise, Nakuru shook her head. "I am going out with Yuki later. Maybe next time!" With that, she turned around to meet and greet her other guests now that Tomoyo was with Eriol.
The confused girl turned to Eriol, who was just smiling and didn't look at all surprised. "She is happy and in love with Mr. Tsukishiro but has a harmless crush on your cousin I am afraid. Last time they met, she followed him around like an itch that can't be scratched."
"I believe Touya mentioned something like that," she replied with a giggle. "What does Sir Tsukishiro think of this harmless crush?"
"Mr. Tsukishiro and your cousin are bestfriends. I believe he understands that it is harmless," he shrugged. "I trust Nakuru. She says that she loves Yukito Tsukishiro. She had never said that about your cousin. She simply likes following him around because he is good-looking."
"I am not sure Touya would like it if he knew that."
"I have a feeling he already does. Touya Kinomoto is admirably intelligent."
Suddenly, a little boy pushed pass her, trying to chase another child that was now hiding behind a tree near them. The boy pushed too hard, causing her to trip yet again. This time, Eriol had managed to catch her without problems.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, that was simply clumsy of me."
The garden was beginning to fill up with more people and it was getting a bit difficult to talk privately. There was always someone who wanted to talk to them. Finally, Eriol offered to show her the inside of the house. "We have quite an impressive collection of art pieces from China."
China? She would like that. It did worry her that Touya did tell her not to go anywhere alone with Eriol, but her instincts told her that he would never hurt her. When she was in China, she never had a lot of opportunities to see a lot because her tour and rehearsals kept her busy. "When had you been last been to China?"
"A few months ago."
Tomoyo tried not to look surprised. Had he been in China when she was?
"Tomoyo? May I ask what seems to be bothering you?" She had suddenly become quiet as they walked down the lonely corridor. Her eyes was staring into nothing and she didn't seem to be listening when he was trying explain about the paintings they passed.
"It is nothing," she assured him, feeling a little guilty about not paying attention.
"If there is anything I can do, you are free to-"
But he never got to finish his reassurance. "Master!" One of the butlers called out to him. He looked extremely worried about something. When he realized that his master had a female companion, he turned a deep shade of red. "I apologize for the intrusion, my Lady."
Tomoyo shook her head. "Please. If it is important, it certainly can't be helped."
The butler gave a bow and quickly turned to his master. "There is trouble in the garden, my lord. Lady Fiona seemed to have said something offensive to Lady Abigail and now they are fighting. We cannot calm them down."
Eriol frowned, knowing that he was going to have to take responsibility. Knowing Nakuru, she would only say something that will make the situation worse. "I will be there," turning to Tomoyo, he gave an apologetic gaze. "I will come back. Will you wait for me here?"
When she smiled and nodded, Eriol left with his butler and leaving Tomoyo alone in the bright corridor looking at each painting with a curious eye. She had never been around so many paintings before. A lot of them looked like they were of their garden. Each painting made the garden look like a piece of a fairytale.
Suddenly she heard a door creak. Turning towards the sound, she saw a black cat walking out from a dark room. Her eyes widened and she smiled, wondering if he was Eriol's pet. She would certainly believe it. They had the same strange and intelligent eyes.
"Come here," she whispered, lowering herself for the cat. "What were you doing in there?" For a few seconds, the cat simply meowed but then leaped into the girl's waiting arms. Curiosity getting the better of her, she entered the room. Again, it was filled with paintings. But, it was too dark to see any of the faces. She walked towards the windows and pulled the satin rope that opened them. Once she did, she realized that she was in the family portrait room.
She smiled as she peered at the paintings of the past dukes that resembled the current duke so much. From the dark hair and eyes to the mysterious and mischievous smiles. She stopped at a painting that seemed to be of young Eriol with his mother and father. They looked very happy. In most family portraits, the subjects are stiff and unhappy but not this family. The hours of posing doesn't seem to bother them. They enjoy having their portraits taken.
The previous duke had smiling eyes just like his son. The duchess was more serene. She was nowhere near as playful as her son and husband, but her eyes seemed to look at them with love. She was Asian… probably Chinese, judging from her clothes. Strangely, there was something familiar about her…
Tomoyo was sure that they have never met before, but still… she looked strangely familiar.
Her eyes strayed to another painting. The name under the portrait said: Clow Reed.
Her eyes bulged, amazed by the resemblance. His hair was longer, but his eyes were the same color and gave the same teasing glint. The smile was soft and knowing. It was amazing how the painter captured him so well. But that wasn't what drew her to the picture. It was that he had no portrait with his wife. Unlike the other Dukes of Wylde.
"His name is Clow Reed. He was my great grandfather."
At the door, she saw Eriol smiling with his arms crossed in front of him. He didn't look very surprised to see her there.
She still felt guilty for it though. "I saw… a cat… I'm sorry."
"A cat? Ah, you mean Spinel Sun?" he asked. "A black cat?"
"So he is yours, then?"
Eriol nodded and walked beside her; joined her in admiring the painting. "Yes. And I am not surprised. Spinel likes spending his afternoons in this room. I believe he enjoys the silence and privacy."
"Smart cat."
He gave her a wink. "That he is."
She smiled back and clasped her hands together. A bit nervous. "I'm sorry for coming in here without permission. I suppose the curiosity got to me…"
The duke chuckled, "Do not worry. I find it charming that you are curious about my family."
"That is a conceited assumption."
"Maybe, but correct one."
"I suppose if I say no, it would not mean anything."
Eriol simply smiled and turned to look up at the painting. "Clow Reed was the first in the family to marry an Asian. His father, my great great grandfather, was opposed to the match. The girl's parents were too. But, they were in love. To get the approval of the parents, he took the name of the girl's family. Hiiragizawa. It was the condition. They had a son, my grandfather."
"Did… his father approve of the match later?"
The bespectacled man shook his head. "No. He killed himself. People thought it might have been the humiliation of losing a son. After that, my great grandfather became the duke."
"Why isn't there a portrait of the duchess?"
"But… there is. It was simply never finished."
"Why?"
"Because… she died," he explained, keeping his timbre neutral. "She fell off her horse while she had been out riding."
Sadness filled her eyes instantly and felt guilty for bringing it up. "He must have been devastated."
Eriol nodded. Clow Reed had spent the rest of his life alone in this old mansion. His father told him that he frequently saw him during the winter months and he taught him a few magic tricks and tutored him little about astronomy. At old age, Clow was still a very handsome man but he never married again. He said that Clow Reed had spent the rest of his life loving only one woman.
His eyes went to the young woman beside him. He could see the sympathy she felt for the smiling man on the portrait who had lost so many people in his life. He was drawn to that compassion. It was almost funny how the men in their family always fell for Asian women. If he were to be honest, he wanted to kiss her that moment.
He snaked an arm around her waist, leading her out. "Lets go back to the party. Nakuru will wonder why we were gone so long."
"What about-"
"Believe me, Tomoyo. I should not be alone in the same room with you," he warned. "Not if you aren't ready to be more than we are now."
Maybe it was the seriousness of his voice, but Tomoyo couldn't seem to argue. After that moment, they returned to the party. He was the perfect gentleman. He kept a respectable distance away from her and didn't tease her more than it is respectable. Nakuru was waiting for them in the guardian and as soon as she saw them, she pounced at Tomoyo.
Later, Touya came to pick her up to take her back home. As expected, Nakuru could resist giving him a bear hug. Yukito just smiled, knowing that it was harmless idol-worship. Also, Touya is his bestfriend. Finally, they were able to pull Nakuru away from Touya… she then turned to Tomoyo and grasped both her hands in hers. "Take care of Eriol, okay, Tomoyo-chan!"
Tomoyo stood there frozen before finally blushing. Did she-did she know? In the end, she didn't reply… simply too embarrassed to do so.
When they finally got away, Touya turned to his cousin. He became a little worried when Tomoyo looked very distracted. Also, he wasn't very pleased with the what Nakuru had said. Something nagged him. Did something happen in that party?
"Did something happen?" he asked. "That brat didn't try anything, did he? If he did, I will wring his little-"
But, Tomoyo shook her head. "He was the perfect gentleman."
"Then, what is wrong?"
Tomoyo smiled and tilted her head to the side, looking into her cousin's eyes. "I am alright. I am just-"
She could not finish. There was no way of telling Touya without making him angry that she was drawn to the duke.
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"Mr. Kinomoto! What a pleasure to find you here! We did not know that you would be in town this Season. How long will you be staying?"
Touya sighed before turning to address the speaker. He had hoped that no one would recognize him. He guessed it was too much to hope for. The speaker was Lady Reid and her young daughter. One of two people that he was not looking forward to meeting; the other being a certain duke that he did not trust. When he was done giving a polite bow and a kissed the back of the bejeweled hand, he spoke. "I will just be here for a week or so. I came to visit my cousin, Lady Reid… Miss Reid."
He knew that Lady Reid had been hunting for a good match for her daughter and the look in her eyes made Touya feel like a prize racing stud in the market. It wasn't something he was unused to, but it was quite annoying especially when he didn't consider himself in the market. Sighing again, he turned to survey the area. It seemed secure, but he was still very uncertain. Tomoyo's late night visitor had managed to get pass her guards, this place might not be any different.
"Mr. Kinomoto? Are you busy?" She was trying not to sound impatient, but she was failing at it. Even her daughter noticed and it was making her nervous. She didn't want her mother to annoy him. It would be bad for her if he lost interest in her because her mother talked too much. "My daughter, I'm sure… would love to hear more of your travels. It never hurts for a young girl to know more about the world, right?"
"Eh-uh- Gom- I mean, I apologize. But I am a little busy. There are some last minute preparations I want to help with before the concert begins," he told them, excusing himself. Before they could say another would to trap him to stay, he left to check on the stage. He sometimes forgets himself and accidentally speaks his native tongue.
The stage Tomoyo chose to sing in was incredible. It was called the "Red Rose" theatre and it was fairly big. Enough to accommodate a hundred people. It was not as big as some of the places she performed in back in Italy, but a beautiful presentation nonetheless.
The curtains were made from red satin and trimmed with gold. Red roses in tall vases on top of small pedestals. On the walls made from dark wood were lovely still-life paintings. But, the beautiful surroundings wasn't the only reason why his cousin chose to sing there. If Touya remembered correctly, this place brought a lot of memories to Tomoyo. This was the place she had her first concert. He had been there too… along with Sakura, their father and Tomoyo's mother, Sonomi. Tomoyo wasn't popular yet that time, so the theatre wasn't very packed… but now, one needed to buy his or her ticket in advance to see her performance. Thinking of that made Touya smile a little, but his smile quickly faded with the appearance of someone he didn't like…
…Eriol Hiiragizawa.
"You." He didn't even want to bother being polite to him. "What are you doing here? You aren't part of the staff nor do you have a ticket." He was going straight to the point. He also checked the list of those who bought a ticket and Eriol's name wasn't there.
Eriol just gave a deceptively innocent smile that only seemed to fuel Touya's annoyance more. That smile didn't fool him at all. "I just wanted to check how the preparations are going," he replied. "After all, I am the owner of this establishment. I must take care of my investments."
"The…owner?" For a moment Touya just stared, understanding yet at the same time disbelieving of what Eriol just revealed to him. "The owner? You own the Red Rose? Since when? How?"
Eriol smiled didn't seem perturbed by Touya'a surprise and outrage. "After witnessing a delightful performance, I saw the potential in this theatre…" Eriol couldn't tell him whose performance he had witnessed though, but he had a feeling that Touya knew exactly what he was talking about and it only irritated him more. Touya really disliked his kind of people. Manipulative and unreadable. He was the type that could easily be classified as dangerous. He chuckled at Touya's suspicious look and continued in Japanese, "Don't look so suspicious, Kinomoto-kun… if you are concerned… then look. I am not alone."
Touya followed Eriol's eyes and noticed that woman behind him.
Eriol grinned at the shocked look. "I believe you know her. Kaho Mizuki." Kaho was waiting patiently by the door with a hesitant smile on her face.
Touya's hands clenched and quickly turned to Eriol, making it clear in his eyes that he wanted so much to punch him in the face. Of course he knew her, and he clearly knew why as well. He and Kaho Mizuki were in a relationship for a while before they broke up because Kaho believed that his heart wasn't with her. "You, Hiiragizawa are a bastard. A bloody bastard… and I'd like nothing more but to tear you limb from limb."
"Oh? That's scary, Mr. Kinomoto," he said, going back to English.
He didn't care even if Eriol Hiiragizawa thought that he was the boogeyman. He didn't trust him. "Get out of here. We're busy." And just right on time, a stagehand called Touya's attention. He left, leaving Eriol and Kaho behind.
After Touya left, Kaho walked closer to Eriol and asked, "Should I feel hurt that you used me like this?"
Taking her head and kissing it, Eriol gave a genuinely apologetic smile. "My apologies, Kaho… I have no desire to hurt you. Please believe me, but this is necessary. I swear to you." And it was true. He always knew about their relationship, for a while he stored that information believing that it may be useful in the future. He never felt good when he manipulated people… but in this case he had to. It was the only way to get Touya to leave him alone as he surveyed the electricity.
"How is the security?"
"Not bad, but I can get in. If they keep the box empty like I always instructed, there will be no problems."
"The staff still believes the ghost story you manipulated?"
Eriol just grinned but neither confirmed or denied it. There was a story in the old theatre about a ghost that liked to watch the performances from the box seat, which happened to be the best seat of the theatre. It was really no coincidence. According to the story, it was the ghost of an old actor who loved the theatre too much to leave it… even after death. Nobody remembers who started the legend… which was how Eriol had planned it from the very beginning. It was amazing what one can do with lights, mirrors and dressing in old fashion clothes.
Eriol remembered that he had so much fun with that trick.
"One of these days, these tricks of yours will get you in trouble, Eriol," Kaho warned him with much concern.
"I will be very careful," he whispered his promise. "Haven't I always been?"
There was hesitation before she replied, "Yes. You have. But it only takes one mistake, Eriol… and that frightens me. As powerful as you are, you can't afford too many mistakes."
The magician smiled, but didn't reply. He was confident he wouldn't get caught. Touya Kinomoto was a simple miscalculation but the results would be the same. Tomoyo Daidouij would definitely remember. She would remember and-
"And what?" his mind asked. Unanswered questions.
He never had many of those in his experience… because he made sure there wouldn't be many and made sure that he was always a few steps ahead. That is how he had survived this long in the dark world of the Polite Circle. His parents had taught him well… and experience polished the rough edges in his education.
Unconsciously, he pulled out his favorite coin and began flipping it between his fingers, making it disappear and reappear again. No one is ever sure if Eriol was conscious of this habit or not, but it was quite a familiar action because he was doing this particular magic trick without even looking. His eyes were busy looking around and watching the busy people getting ready.
Everyone wanted the concert to be perfect.
Eriol could see that they were trying so hard because they were so fond of the songstress.
Nightingale.
There was another reason why she was given the name. It wasn't just because of her lovely voice. There was something healing about her. Her very presence was calming. Some say that she could even calm down the hearts of broken soldiers, but that might be an exaggeration. Might. No one really knows or has any evidence if those rumors were true… but the locals found it romantic and it remained just one of the many mysteries about her.
"Let us go. I must take you home."
As Eriol led her away to the nearest exit, she noticed that from the look on his face… his thoughts seem to be elsewhere. She was flattered that he could allow himself to be this off guard when she was around- at the same time, she also knew where those thoughts were. "I really cannot change your mind?"
"No. You cannot."
After a while of looking around the number of people around, noting the entryways and exits- the level of security. He noticed that it was tighter than he expected. It might be because it is under Touya Kinomoto. He learned a lot about security since he had to learn how to protect the relics he excavated.
He didn't look too bothered though. If it wasn't hard, then it wouldn't be interesting.
"Lets go. I have a few hours to prepare." With a grin, he turned and offered an arm for Kaho and together they walked out the door to their waiting carriage.
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"Eh? A phantom? Did he… happen to wear a mask?"
Tomoyo was in her dressing room and her makeup artist was telling her about one of the famous ghost stories o the theatre. The woman looked surprise and nodded. "You saw him? That is incredible. Usually, we only see him on the day of the performance."
"No. No… you're mistaken," she told her. "It was simply a guess."
"That is a pretty good guess then," she said, continuing to brush Tomoyo's lovely long hair. She hadn't touched such thick hair in such a long time… and it was so smooth. "According to the stories… the phantom appears by the window in the second floor when the moon is as red as a rose…" She twisted her hair, trying to decide if it should be styled up or left down. "But when he appears during a performance, that is a sign that the performance is going to be a big hit! Maybe we'll get to see him tonight! That would be so exciting!"
"Maybe we won't see him at all."
"What? But you're voice is the most gorgeous I have ever heard!" Then the stylist winked. "And if you look outside, the moon… is the color of blood."
Smiling, Tomoyo simply continued to look at herself in the mirror. Somehow- the girl really reminded her a bit of Sakura. It was nostalgic… but it made her remember her bestfriend and how much she missed her. Sakura had always stayed with her before it was time for the curtain to rise.
Tonight was the night of her concert.
"This ghost… he seems pretty popular," she muttered.
"He doesn't really do any real harm. In fact, people say he is good luck," the other girl chirped. "That's why I am positive that he is going to appear. You know? He hasn't really appeared in a while. I can't really blame him.. the theatre has good reviews and all, but nothing amazing in a long time." She finally decided to style her hair up, seeding it with clips of real diamonds. "There!I think we're done, Lady Tomoyo!"
Tomoyo touched her reflection in the mirror and smiled, "Oh my! I-"
"You look beautiful, cousin."
"Touya!" She turned around, her skirt swaying with her movement. Without thought of anything else, she walked towards him and gave Touya a big hug. He smiled at her and hugged her back gently, being careful of her costume and pins on her hair. "I was going to say different but- You're late! I was beginning to worry. Where did you go? Were the people at the front giving you trouble?"
He laughed. How could they give him trouble when he had been in charge of safety or the whole affair? It was thanks to his coaxing to Sonomi. He avoided telling her of Tomoyo's visitor, but he told her that the security might still not be enough. "I promised that I would be here, right? I keep my promises. I will be in the second balcony. It's strange… they just won't give me the first. Is it left empty for some reason? Is the King coming to watch?"
"Eh? No, nothing like that. Its a superstition in the theatre. A friendly ghost." Tomoyo didn't know what else to call him.
"A ghost? Aren't they a little too old to be believing in such things?" He touched a the strands of hair left down to frame her lovely face. He looked very proud of his very pretty cousin. "Now that you're done getting ready. Get out there and show them that… little 'ole you can knock their socks off."
Tomoyo giggled and stood on her toes to give Touya an affectionate kiss on the cheek. "I will certainly try." The exiting her room to begin her performance.
She wouldn't admit it, but she was more nervous than she was willing to admit. It was strange, but she had a feeling that something was going to happen that night. She didn't really know what and why she felt that way. This night should not be any different from other nights, right?
As she stood on her spot, she closed her eyes and listened to her heart pounding so hard.
Thump. Thump.
"Please be quiet, my heart," she told herself.
Thump. Thump.
"I'm ready."
As soon as she muttered those words, the curtain rose.
There was complete silence and nothing was heard except the sound of the orchestra to begin the concert. Tomoyo gave a sweet smile as she looked upon her audience. In the second box would be Touya and that gave her a lot of comfort. Her mother would be coming as well. A little later, but her mother never broke a promise before so that didn't concern her. In front of her there were about a hundred pair of eyes looking at her, waiting expectantly for her to begin. She felt her breathing become more labored until she saw Touya in one of the box seats. It comforted her greatly…she began her song.
It must be odd… to hear a petite Asian girl singing Italian arias…
Sometimes she even wondered if people came to hear her sing, or simply to witness the oddity. Tomoyo tried to push such thoughts away. Touya was smiling at her proudly and that was all that mattered-
For a moment, Tomoyo blinked. A mere second ago the first box was empty.
She blinked. But she knew she wasn't dreaming. There it was again…
…that impish smile.
She knew that impish smile…
The surprise and confusion in Tomoyo's expressive eyes did not go unnoticed by Touya. He wasn't sure why… did she see something? When she saw his worried expression, her face brightened again and losing herself to her performance. Her expression never faltered again after that. Once in a while though, her eyes would dart to a certain direction unnecessarily. The First Balcony? But nothing was there. He should know because he checked that room himself and locked it. The only key was inside his pocket.
Was it because she was curious about the superstition? At that thought, he smiled. If that were true, it was endearing to know that in some ways his cousin was still naïve. He never thought that she were the type to believe in such things. As the performance continued, he began to notice that the other performers were acting strangely. Their attentions were also drawn to the same direction.
The First Box…
A few minutes later, Sonomi Daidouji arrived and sat beside him. She did not speak…simply gave him an apologetic look. They could speak later. For now, they both wanted to listen to Tomoyo's songs. Her attention then went to her daughter. Tomoyo looked up to her and her smile widened. Obviously, she was pleased that her mother had arrived.
Tomoyo hid it from her mother well, even though she could not fool Touya's observant ways. She tried to ignore the figure that was watching her and with her eyes, pleaded to her fellow performers to ignore them too. There were questions. She could see it in their faces, but they did as she asked and the show went on.
Only once did Tomoyo allow herself to look again. He was still there. Half his face was covered by a white mask. His tall form barely visible in the darkness. He was wearing black… and he looked just as mischievous as the first night they met.
Was he really a phantom?- a ghost? And not a flesh and blood man?
She tried very hard to push him from her thoughts. It was not the time to look at him… or think of him.
However…
Why did that smile feel so familiar?
Before Tomoyo knew it, it was almost the end of the show. She did not need to look at her phantom to know that he was watching her proudly. For some unknown reason, that thought made her smile. It couldn't be explained at all, why his approval felt so important to her.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, her smile showing satisfaction and pleasure. "Thank you so much for coming tonight, everyone. Unfortunately, this will be my last song for tonight." She turned to the orchestra… then to the other performers watching in the wings. "I want to thank my fellow performers, who worked hard to please all of you tonight…" Her eyes darted the Second balcony. " And my cousin, Touy-" she paused for a second. "Touya, who was kind enough be here tonight…" The reason for her pause was the fact that Touya was not in his box. "and my mother, Lady Sonomi Daidouji…" Her eyes softened as she met her mother's. "My inspiration… and the woman who made me… me."
As naturally as she could, she turned her eyes towards the First Balcony. She saw him still watching her. She had meant to look away, but he locked her gaze into his. She could not… look away. He blew her a kiss and threw a beautiful red rose towards the stage. He stepped back into the darkness of the box and seemed to just disappear. Seconds later, Touya entered the balcony… looking confused by the fact that it was empty. He turned to Tomoyo as if asking 'where is he?' but she didn't reply.
"Here is my last song…Tui la voce sua soave. The story is about a woman who unable to have the one she loved, as a result, she goes mad…"
The song was her favorite. They story is so tragically beautiful… it makes her wonder what it's like to have a love so deep that can drive you mad. She did not know how the woman felt when she speaks of love… but Tomoyo could feel her pain and hopes that she was able to convey that pain. It also showed of her voice to perfection… her voice's range, power and beauty. With this song…
"Please hear me…" that was her silent plea. And he did, he let at a wistful groan. He wanted so much to take her in his arms and let her know exactly how he felt about her voice… and her very being.
Not yet. Not yet. He needed to be patient.
Her song brought tears to many of the members of the audience. Ladies daintily wiping their tears and men wiping their tears like it was from the devil. No sooner than the second she sang the very last note, the audience stood up from their seats and gave a thunderous applause. An applause louder than a rushing river. How pleased she was! The concert was a success! But… her eyes kept going to the lone rose lying on the stage's floor- as if waiting for her. She waited for the curtain to fall before she went to pick up the rose. There was a piece of paper tied to the rose. It said: I will see you tonight.
Tomoyo smiled…
"I guess this answers my question," she muttered. The phantom was a flesh and blood man. After all, Ghosts don't write.
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Eriol watched from behind the painting as Touya Kinomoto entered his box. He was fast- the guy was too observant. If he had delayed his exit another second, he would have seen Eriol enter the secret passage in the wall behind a painting of a fat lady with a cat on her lap. The cat looked suspiciously like Spinel Sun. Bursting in, Touya scrounged around the box for any evidence of his presence. He was not going to make the same mistake as he did that night in Tomoyo's room.
The young magician sighed. Why was courting the lovely Tomoyo such a complicated endeavor?
When he sighed Touya turned and seemed to have noticed the painting. He was about to leave the room, but then he thought that heard someone take a breath. It sounded like it was coming from the painting, but paintings could not breathe, could they? He scrutinized the painting for some time… but then heard his cousin's praise to his aunt, his expression softened.
But he didn't have much time to daydream because one of the staff came and asked for him, "Mr. Kinomoto? Lady Daidouji is seeking you."
"Eh? Lady Sonomi?"
There was nothing he could do. No one says no to Sonomi Daidouji. He told him that he will be with her in a while.
"And my cousin, Touy-Touya, who was kind enough be here tonight…" he heard Tomoyo say. Her dedication made him smile, but only for mere seconds because he had to get back to looking at the painting.
From behind the painting, Eriol held his breath and cursed the man for his impressive senses. His face gave a deep frown. Whatever happened, he was going to have fight Touya with everything he got. He stared when Touya suddenly reached out to touch the painting
"Mr. Kinomoto!" Another person from the staff entered, frantic. "One of the performers said that they saw the ghost! Above the stage! Quickly! We must go!"
Touya didn't waste any time and ran out of the room. Eriol finally felt it was safe to breathe. He must thank Nakuru and Spinel for the distraction. In case something like this happened, he had readied for it. He had taught his cousin how to make a ghost with use of light and mirrors. They were safely hidden in a little secret room above the stage. Since his purchase, Eriol had made a lot of additions to the theatre, such as that room and the many secret passages in every room of the theatre.
The magic of creating a ghost is quite simple actually. In the room, there is a slanted, half-silvered mirror. Nakuru, dressed as the ghost, in front of the mirror and times herself. When she has a witness, the staff members who went above the stage to check on the lights, she would only need to turn on the light… a ghostly reflection will be created and sent to staff. Just as planned, they went immediately to Touya.
He had instructed them that if they saw Touya in the first box, they were to make the ghost to draw him out. It was strange how he did not even notice that he was holding his breath the whole time Touya was watching the painting. Smiling, he could not deny at all that Touya was a dangerous man… and admirably intelligent. A man he can really say that rivaled him in wits.
As ridiculous as it is, Eriol felt a twinge of jealousy at that. And he knew why. Sonomi Daidouji wanted to speak to Touya. He had a vague idea what it would be about. If he was right, there was no way he could be happy with it.
Later, Touya left a crack on the wall on the way to meet Sonomi Daidouji. He was too late to see the so-called ghost. Why did it feel like he was missing something? What was the trick here? Upon entering Lady Sonomi Daidouji's balcony, she found the lady sitting primly, distracted and staring at the intricate patterns on her fan. Men would give anything to know what Sonomi Daidouji was thinking about whenever she was staring into space. She had always been so demure and private that men did ridiculous feats for her thought on the silliest matters. There were many times that Touya wondered what his aunt was thinking about as well. He knew for a fact that she had never forgiven their father for marrying their mother, but it looked like he bore no grudge against him and Sakura…with Sakura, she really doted on her.
Upon closer look at the fan, he guessed. She was thinking about her late husband. Touya recognized the fan. It had came from her late husband.
"My lady, are you alright?"
Startled from her daze, Sonomi looked up and gave him her most engaging smile. That moment, Touya thought that he was seeing his mother again in that smile. "Touya-kun?" Using her native language now that Touya and her were alone. "I did not notice you return. I'm sorry. I am thinking too much, I believe. Did you leave to see Tomoyo? She wanted to see you after the concert. Don't tell me she forgot to mention that."
"In fact, I believe she did…"
"That is because I didn't think I would need to… because I knew exactly where to find you," Tomoyo entered the box with a pleased and playful twinkle in her eyes. "I was watching you."
Touya's mouth softened into a smile as he went towards her. There was really no winning against her. Did she know that she had the power to chase away people's worries with that sweet smile of hers? Knowing her, he really doubted that. "You were great tonight. I believe that this is the best performance you ever gave."
Tomoyo felt it was the best performance she ever gave, so she had no trouble believing that it might have been.
The elder Daidouji looked upon her lovely daughter laugh, and for a moment… she thought she saw the smile of her dear Nadeshiko again. Tomoyo truly shined that night. All those years of sadness and sacrifice leading to that moment didn't seem to matter to her anymore. It was a difficult time those days before her toys brought so much fame into their lives. Many times, rich Western men tried to buy her to come to their beds. The more she denied them, the more they had wanted her… and her daughter…
To protect her daughter, she sent her away… in a safe place where these men wouldn't reach her, protected by many female bodyguards. Also, she wanted to help Tomoyo with her dream… to become a singer that touches the hearts of hundreds. Sonomi could protect herself from them, but she wasn't sure if she could protect Tomoyo as well… which is why most of the years she spent growing up was away from her.
"That was a magical show, my dear," the mother praised, standing up and kissed both her daughter's cheeks with her eyes twinkling in pride. "Is there any special reason for it?"
Tomoyo blushed. "No reason, mother. I simply wanted to give you my best."
Touya saw that blush and frowned. No, there was something else. Again, he turned to the first box, suspiciously. "My ladies, we must go quickly. It grows late. I will escort you both home."
"That is sweet of you, Touya-kun." Sonomi said, rising from her seat. "Daughter, lets go."
"Yes," Tomoyo replied, throwing one last look towards the stage. It is strange. How did he know she would be here? Did he listen to her tonight? It would be her thank you for sharing his magic. She wondered… will she see him again?
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Author's note: I noticed something. Sometimes, the things I listen to have nothing to do or doesn't suit the chapter or story at all. Sometimes I like to listen to rock when I am working on a story like this and I listen to Mellow Jazz or Ballads when I am working on action scenes. Sometimes, pop for the most dramatic scenes. Does this make me weird? Hahahaha… also, if you like this fic, you might want to watch out for She Grows Up in Beauty. I came up with the story the same time I came up with this, so you might notice some similarities. It isn't an Eriol and Tomoyo Fic. It is a Touya and Tomoyo one. Just to be fair? Hahaha… xD
Listening to: Boys and Girls by LM.C, 88 by LM.C and Dive to the World by Cherryblossom
Mood: Uncertain and sleepy.
Working on: When She Grows Up in Beauty , Chapter 2.
Shout outs:
jHeyTTernallie: I am glad you like the way he came out! To be honest, he came out very different from how I wanted him to come out at first. Strangely, Tomoyo also came out a little different. In the end, I am still satisfied. ^^
CreamieKitty: Thank you! Yes, it is pretty vague. I hope his intentions are a little transparent now.
Rayar: Thanks!
Malu Daidouji: Thank you so much for all of your reviews. I think you also reviewed another story of mine before? I thank you so much for taking time to read my stories!
Tranquil Spring: All? Hahaha… I am not sure about all since I have written a few things I am now too embarrassed to even remember. I am still glad that you seem to enjoy them! I will try to write more and make sure that they are even better!
JaydeRabbit: Thank you so much! I am so glad you like my story. Yes, your review had boosted my confidence a lot. I am so sorry I only replied to that now. I hope you are still following this story and that you read this. I am only very happy that I could make you happy with this story!
Akitsuki Akira: Phantom of the Opera? Really? Now that you mention it, maybe? Pero Cantarella mostly ang inspiration ko. Hahaha… at oo, pinay ako! Ikaw? :D
Wafflesz: I am still a bit busy… but I find time to finish this story. I hope you don't give up on me!
Blue-Sapphire1: I am glad you like it!
Midnight Ghost: Yep! Cantarella!~ I hope you watch it!
SnowCharms: I think out of all the reviewers I ever had, you had the most questions. Hahaha… I will try t answer them!
KiNoMoTo18: You're Filipino too! That is great! And, yes… I understand. I do need a beta very badly. I just don't have the time to beta after I finished writing. I have so many things I know I still have to write. I am glad that you like the story despite all the things I have to correct!
Shinigamiotaku: :D Thank you! May I ask for your email add please?