Game 4: The Prodigious Pianist Takes the Stage
"Why do we have to change our looks? What's really the problem, Lys" Sho was becoming uneasy. He was worried if it was only Lys scheme or about that phone cal awhile ago.
"That jerk is here!" Lys told him in a soft whisper, they where in a clothing shop and Lys have already chosen her disguise while Sho is still on it.
Sho knows that "that jerk" is no other than the famous pianist, Gokudera Hayato.
It's an even bigger problem if the other 7 people arrives, who knows what would happen to Namimori.
"Sho, Hurry up and chose. I still have a lot to do on the list" Lys complained irritably.
"Okay! Just wait for a minute!" Sho hurried to the dressing room and quickly change to the clothes he had grabbed on, who knows what they'll turn out to be. When he was finished dressing, Lys was amazed at Sho's extreme transformation. He wore a red turn out leather pants and black sleeveless high-neck shirt. He's shoes were black leather boots. He added a skull design white necktie and he's usual ruffled hair was styled to a punkish look. He let them go undisturbed.
"Wow!" was all Lys called say.
"What? Do you like it?' he asked in the same Sho casualness. Lys got an idea.
………………
Well before that Lys also had a change of appearance, greater than Sho. She put on a brunette curly wig and wore a shaggy faded blue shorts and her upper shirt, she wore a pinkish yellow shirt with a cross printed on the back and a shut it on the front and a leveled pink punk converse shoes.
No one would know she was the pretty blonde girl from before. Sho didn't even recognized her if she hadn't said " Wow!" To him.
"So where to?" He asked in a cool chilly manner, different from he's usual personality. No! totally the opposite from he's personality. Lys is really teaching Sho something's in a whim.
"I want to buy some books about interior design and fashion. Oh yeah, 6 golden string for my violin."
"That's a lot of money you're gonna waste on" Sho expressed he's opinion.
"It's an easy money than wasting money. I'm gonna use all those things on the list for my business and performance. Its small invested money that will turn out into big money"
Sho could only look at her in complete awe.
"You know, you sounded more like your father" Sho observed.
"well, I am he's daughter, we are related by blood and I'm damn good than him"
"The last was a little off"
"Don't mind! Its one of my philosophies"
"Philosophies or your to good to be true quotations?" Lys walked a few meters from Sho.
"It could be both, whichever mankind understands" She smirked and continued to her destination.
In the other side of the street not far from them. The talked Gokudera was there, sitting on a bench wearing he's cool inside he's head, he was shouting crazily on where could his lady be. He's scheming to kill Sho when he sees him.
"Hey, isn't that the famous pianist, Gokudera Hayato"
"Where?!"
"There he is! Sitting on the bench wearing the white shirt"
Then people started crowding over him, he quickly retreated to hide.
"Lys, its already 6 pm and where's still going around the place looking for the last gold string. Just order it in abroad. It'll be that quick and easy."
Lys stop and thought of it for a while then she got out her phone called 5 people and talk in complete Italian. After a while, Lys smiled and placed back her cell inside her bag.
"Let's drop the shopping bags and head to the last destination, I'll show you something good"
Sho was relieved at this. Finally he would be freed from the burden of shopping bags.
They went back to where Mr. Mike was parking, he was there since Lys called him a while ago.
"Mr. Mike, sho and I will go to that place so its okay if you take your leave. Just make sure to drop the shopping bags at Auntie's house" Mr. Mike nodded but he have that weird impression on he's face after seeing the two of them in a complete change-over, somehow he doubted if he should take he's leave or not.
*to brief you for a while, Mr. Mike adores and respect Lys. Lys is such a sweet child and she always speaks to older people in a respectful way and Mr. Mike, though in service for just a couple of days(He got hired by the Vongola to be lys personal driver while in Japan) has grown to respect this beautiful blonde girl.*
"Don't worry, Mr. Mike, we'll both be good and keep out of trouble" Lys assured him with a sweet smile but there was really no need to say that. She sounded like she is planning on something related to trouble. She looks so mischievous when she said it.
Mr. Mike gave in and left afterwards. Sho and Lys have huge grins drawn on there faces.
"It's time to play our favorite game" Lys said happily.
"Ummmm, Lys, There is a slight change of plan." Sho announced.
"Spill it! Don't make me anxious!"
"Gokudera is near our rendezvous place"
Lys was silent for a while then she pointed to another place close to the spot they're heading.
"We'll erase him!" was all she said and somehow Sho didn't protest to that. It was easier to agree than when she said "I'll rip you to pieces"-It probably means "time to kill"
Gokudera, ended up on a hill overlooking the entire Namimori. It was 7 and the lights look like beautiful Christmas lights to him. He remembered it was almost Christmas and thought of a nice gift that will represent Lys. He thought of nothing. Somehow it's hard to find something that would please Lys. He was intending on getting the highest point on her B-day.
Suddenly there was a loud rustle in the bushes. He quickly got up and took out he's dynamites.
"Who's there?" He asked, "Show yourself!" then a fast moving object flew in top speed towards him. He immediately dodge it but not after a lot more flew towards him from the darkness.
Somehow, someone's trying to kill me. Could it be that it's someone after the life of My Lady……..Unforgivable
Somehow Gokudera determination to protect Lys boost he's ability.
"Even if you kill me now, I won't allow you to kill My lady" he shouted to no one and started throwing dynamites around the place.
If you're a civilian and you hear a loud explosion from the hill, you'll think it's a Christmas countdown, Namimori people always do that to prepare for Christmas.
"Come on! Show yourself!" Gokudera shouted.
Behind the bushes, a few meters far from where Gokudera is. Lys and Sho are hiding.
"Lys, the plan didn't work! It seems we made Gokudera agitated even more. He's not planning to leave that place."
"tch! Then plan B!"
"Eh!"
"Gokudera Hayato!...." A deep voice spoke from the shadows.
"Show yourself!"
"I'm afraid I won't agree with you with that but I have something that holds dear to you than your life" the voice quiet down and Gokudera knew from that instant who that dear person is.
"Where is My Lady?!" He demanded. "there must not be even a single strand of hair be harmed or I'll blow you up" he said, getting angrier than ever.
After he said that a golden blonde hair floated from the darkness and landed on he's feet. There was blood on the hair.
He was surprised, taken aback and finally snap out of himself.
"I'll kill you!" then the deep voice laughed out loud, an evil, cruel laugh and the laugh grew farther and farther away and he rashly followed it.
"Lys! Are you out of your mind!?" Sho told her frankly while running for dear life.
"No! My mind is perfectly in place" Lys was leading the way.
"This is the plan B?! I didn't even know there was a plan B!"
"Chill out! I don't either. This idea just struck in my mind suddenly and I make use of it"
"Well, if I may say……….You're not using it properly" Lys only smiled.
"We'll just have to create a new one from this situation" was all she said. When they got down the hill, they accidentally bump someone, Hard!
"What the hell are you doing here, Slave?" the person they bump asked icily and they both freeze. When they look up to face the owner of it, they already knew who it was. Kyoya!
"well….." Sho glance at Lys
"We are just playing catch the thief game and Sho's, IT" Lys lied pathetically, then glanced at Sho
"Yeah! And we are just about to go home" Sho used the cool tonality of voice Lys taught him. It seems he got used to it. Kyoya noticed the change of attitude and voice and get up they are in.
They both smiled together. Which make it even more suspicious for him.
"What are you two doing here?" He asked them using a tone of authority. Both of them continued smiling not until a loud explosion happened a few feet away.
Hibari looks at Lys, Lys looks at Sho,with a huge grin, Sho looks at where the explosion happened.
"Wha-" before Kyoya could say anything Lys grabbed Sho's hand and made a quick get-away.
"well, see yah Kyoya! It was a huge burden for me. Gotta make a run for it. Bye"
Then they disappeared into the darkness.
After they disappeared Gokudera, emerge from the huge rubble the explosion made and saw Kyoya with a strand of blonde hair beside he's feet on the ground. He mistook him as the culprit.
"YOU! I finally found you……." He took out he's dynamite. "Where's is My lady? Where did you took her?" he asked kyoya, while giving off a killing intention.
Kyoya smiled, "I don't know what you're talking about but letting my prey escape is intolerable, I'll bite you to death" Kyoya took out he's "tonfa".
"If you chose to fight me, then bring it on, I'll make you spat out where you're hiding My lady……I'll gladly blow you up"
Kyoya only smirked evilly and attacked Gokudera directly, in the speed of light. In short he became even faster than before he and Lys have fought. He could have trained after losing badly to Lys.
While the fight rage on down the hill…..
Lys and Sho took a different route from the usual pathway and arrived to their rendezvous place without anymore interruption.
"Your cruel Lys!" Sho spoke out the words after holding it for too long.
Lys only smiled. "what we did was plan B running away and luring the target to a wrong direction have all set out perfectly even though there was an interruption and a few problems."
"A few problems!!!!!!!!! My heart was about to explode because of nervousness and shocked. We even meet Hibari-san downhill. How would you think that made me feel" it was the same casual Sho.
"I know! I'm sorry! How do I make up to you" Lys asked sincerely. She knew Sho has a heart problem or was it a stomache problem. She somehow thought of it as an internal problem whenever he gets nervous.
"let's finish quickly and go home….. make me a cocoa when we reached home" he replied. He's a simple guy with simple wants in life, that's why Lys is very fond of him.
"Okay! But I can't promise you all that, but I'll fulfill it, later or the next day"
Sho sighed. He knew that would be her answer. Lys is always calculating the possibilities and he knew she's not sure about it. That's plain obvious
"Let's do this quick" Sho started typing ancient codes on he's Laptop and Lys did a quick connection on the satellite. Sho sent the codes to Lys and Lys sent it to the satellite then both of them adjusted their laptop and the wiring and a few seconds, they have connected to the whole database of Namimori. Every computer is connected and now in control by the both of them, even the security and coded locks of the banks.
"So, which data is that you want Lys?" Sho asked, in a serious tone. Lys did her usual thing. She smiled but now it was a cruel, twisted smile. Sho got immune to that twisted personality of her, that side of evilness in her.
"I want all!" Sho sighed.
She's being mischievous again.
Sho typed fast unreadable codes on his laptop and in just a press of the word "Enter". All of Namimori shut down, It looks like a power outage but all that power was sent to the generator and charged Lys laptop. Lys inserted a disc to the disc pad and accepted the data. Large amount of data and coded securities and blue prints are being downloaded and stored inside the disc.
The downloading took a while so Lys decided a break and took out a big pack of junkfoods.
"Where did you bought this, Lys" Sho asked while taking a bite. "I didn't noticed that you've bought a snack."
"oh no! Its Gokudera! He left it here after running after us" Lys said it calmly while Sho almost choked. Lys offered him a bottle of water.
"is this Gokudera also?" he asked, anxiously Lys drank the bottle and nodded. "sometimes I wonder which is the true you, the kind Lys or the evil Lys"
"Well, wondering is bad for your brain, why not decide which is the real me and stick to it" Lys said it sweetly
"I'll chose the evil Lys" Sho responded quickly.
"Hey! Your decision is not acceptable to me. Chose the kind Lys" Lys complained.
"why would I, you were the one who suggested to chose and so I chose what I have come in mind"
"then I have decided to chose, the twisted Lys" Sho frowned.
"that's not even one of the choices"
"Did I even tell you what are the choices, you decided it on yourself"
There was a long silence as they ate Gokudera's snack and waited for the data to download completely. There was a sound of explosion a few yards away. They stop eating and look at each other.
Lys speed up the download while Sho check all the system surrounding the whole area. He press a red button then the whole area around them where covered in mist.
There was another explosion, and it was nearer.
"Lys, are the downloads complete?" he asked, he was getting nervous again
"2……..1……DONE!" Lys power went back to Namimori and they pack their laptop and the other equipments in a hurry and Lys stored the disc to a box. They then hid behind the bushes. Away from their rendezvous place.
Another sound of explosion sounded then Kyoya and Gokudera were visible from the mist.
"Gokudera looks beaten down." Sho observed. Lys examined then nodded in agreement, the two didn't even dare to show themselves.
Kyoya's attack are close combat style but due to Gokudera's dynamite he cannot attack inside easily. He'll be blown to bits.
"You know, Kyoya is too. I can't believe I had a hard time beating him down when this was just he's weakness. He cannot fight in far range combat………….wait! I did that but…..damn, wish I haven't eaten lobster that time. My reflexes slowed down" Lys was muttering to herself and Sho could hear it clearly.
"Lys! You're not thinking of breaking xanxus record, are you?" Sho asked.
Lys was silent then laugh silently, "Of course not! Xanxus can't even beat me in a one on one match!"
"He beat you in 5 seconds and 1 minute record in bringing down the enemy"
"Oh! Shut up! He was entitled the "Bloody Noble", while they called me "The Thorn Princess"! How lame! Why does he's alias sound even fiercer than mine, Urgh!"
"You were called Thorn princess because you torture your enemies using the magic loom(2nd string) you always love to wrap them in thorny red roses and your blonde hair would always get stained with blood. That's the reason why they gave you that title"
"Sho! Somehow, I realize that this part of the week, you've been pointing every obvious fact to me!"
This time it was Sho's time to smile, "Can't help the genius in me"
Lys smirked, "Geni! Tell me about that!"
While the two were busy talking they didn't see how Kyoya made a pathway through all those close range limiter and gave Gokudera a blow.
Gokudera couldn't stand the sudden, powerful blow and fell down, beaten. It was clear from that situation that Kyoya is the winner.
"Now let me play with you some more" when Kyoya was about to strike another blow to the fallen Gokudera, He's attacked was blocked by a black haired guy using a sword.
"I believe that's for today! It's your win and Gokudera has already fallen. You don't have to continue a meaningless battle" The black haired guy said it in a calm and cool manner while putting he's katana back in place..
Kyoya raised an eyebrow. "Your strong! I want to fight you!" He said icily. He was finding it hard to stand up from the blows he got from Gokudera. The black haired guy noticed it in that instant he made he's appearance.
"I'll pass! My lady will kill us if she finds out about it during our sudden visit"
"I already found out about it" was what Lys was thinking. Sho whispered something to lys. Lys thought for a moment then nodded. Together they crawled silently away from the scene.
While the black haired guy pick up Gokudera and carried him like a sack" I'll take this guy and take my leave now" He was about to leave when Kyoya stop him using he's "Tonfa", he blocked it easily using one hand.
"You're already beat up, and even standing makes it hard for you. Let's fight when your condition is perfect" he left in a breeze just like the way he appeared.
The Black haired guy arrived down the hill, now dragging Gokudera, it seems Gokudera was even heavier as it seems.
Sho was waiting for them.
"Long time no see, Commander" the black haired guy greeted with a cheerful grin.
" How are you doing, Yamamoto-san" Sho asked, that's how he greet people he know when he sees them after a long time.
"Fine as always" he replied cheerfully, "anyway is "My lady", ok?" he asked.
Sho smiled, "She's the same as the usual, it was her fault this incident happen." Was he's all-knowing reply. Yamomoto only grinned.
"Where is she know?"
Sho looked up the hill. "Taking a fresh night air………" that was what Lys gave him as an excuse.
Kyoya lay flat on the grass, beaten down. It was he's victory but he didn't feel that he won. Somehow that other guy wasn't intimidated at him. Strong guys are appearing and all he heard from them is the way they call a woman, "My Lady". If he knew about the identity of this girl then he could meet even stronger opponent.
He slowly close he's eyes and the first person that flashed in his mind was Lys. The first person who defeated him. She sure was strong. Hard to tell in a first glance. She acts in lady-like manners and spoke in such polite ways.
My Lady
Then it came to him, there could be a possibility that Lys is the one they are calling "My Lady". Suddenly a figure appeared from the fading mist.
"Hey! Kyoya! You look all beaten down!" was Lys comment to him.
Kyoya stared at her for a moment then look away, "Shut up!" was all he said. He slowly stood then fell down again. Lys looks at him then laugh.
"You don't just look beaten down, you look even more broken down. Hahahah!" she observed, then took a step towards him. "You look like you were beaten down so badly, what happen?" Lys asked.
"Shut up! Is that why you are here, to insult me!"
"Yeah!"
"Tch!" was all he said
Kyoya was silent and he remained that way the entire time Lys treated he's wound.
"What's with that outrageous clothes your wearing, you look ridiculous" he insulted her dress up.
Lys frowned and tightened the bandage on he's arm which made Kyoya flinch. "It was a game me and Sho made. We were trying to change our image." Was her irritated explanation.
"You sure got into it, your hair looks hilarious, I mean that's not your real hair right?" Lys put force as she tied the bandage that made Kyoya utter a curse word because of the pain. Lys only smirked in satisfaction.
"All fixed up!" Lys announced as she finished treating Kyoya's wound. "Your pretty lucky, you only got minor wounds, They'll heal in 3 days" was what she said then she offered Kyoya a hand.
"Wanna go to our house! Auntie's even good at treating wounds than me………ummm……..I'll make a good excuse this time." Lys said with a bright smile. Kyoya only stared at her without a word. He was about to took Lys hand when Lys draw it back to pick up her phone.
"Hello?"
"Oh! Sho……What is it?"
Lys listened for a while then spoke
"Really?.....No way!......Why are they there?.........What?!......Where's Auntie?......I'll be right over!" Lys hang up and look at Kyoya.
"Hey! Kyoya, the night here up the hill looks beautiful, don't you think so?"
Kyoya look at the still, silent, calm night. "It is" he said gently, appreciating it.
"Then I leave you in your peace……Bye" Lys said and gave him a wink then dash away in a hurry.
Kyoya's eyes followed her until she disappeared in the darkness.
"Maybe, Just maybe…….." he muttered as he touched the bandage Lys put on he's right arm. Then he smiled, "There's no way in the world it could be her"
At the Irie home
"Its late and she isn't back yet! You sure she's alright" Yamamoto asked in suspicion. Sho only smiled nervously.
Lys where are you. I'm covered in nervousness here! – He shouted in he's mind
The doorbell rang and Sho automatically stood up to open it. 3 rings, he knew who it is.
"Lys your late!" He said annoyed as he opened the door. Then he paused and studied her. Lys stood at the door wet and dirty. "Where did you end up this time?"
"I trip while going down the hill and landed on the river. It's water level was just below my knees and the soil was dump when I got on land" Lys replied in an even more annoyed tone than Sho.
"Gokudera-san hasn't woken up yet. He pretty got a hard beating from Kyoya-san." Sho reported to her.
"He just got himself on the K.O. He's fine but I really need to take a bath before I'll be fine. Tell cupball I'll treat the jerk after a warm bath" was all Lys said and run upstairs.
*cupball is what she called Yamamoto, since he likes baseball.
Lys took a hot bath which warm her body, She came out radiant and refresh.
Sho and Yamamoto were talking and it seems Gokudera have finally woken up. Lys paused at the doorway to observed Gokudera's condition. When Gokudera saw her, he quickly looked away avoiding eye contact. Yamamoto instantly stood up when he saw her and immediately greeted her by kneeling in front of her and kissing her left hand.
"Long time no see, cupball" Lys greeted him with a cheerful smile. "You look energetic as always not like our other guest here…..Did you end up in a fight?" Lys added.
Yamamoto only grinned brightly, that's the way he is. Lys move towards Gokudera and when she tried to look on he's wounds Gokudera jerk her away.
"Gokudera-san!" Sho reacted in shocked. Yamamoto only stared at him in surprised.
"Don't touch me!" was all he said
"Hey! Gokudera, Why are you here in Japan? I thought you're next performance is in Boston." Lys inquired
"Boston is in America and Namimori is a few fly away from Italy so I decided to come here before the nearest country" he explained politely but he still didn't look at Lys.
Lys didn't reply, she frowned, Gokudera, Sho and Yamamoto saw it. "But you came here and got yourself in a fight………" The three were anxious as they waited on Lys next action.
Lys got up and went towards the door. She opened it widely. "I want you to leave this house Gokudera, Auntie still hasn't known that you've arrive and looking at the state you are in, you'll only trouble her…….but Yamamoto can stay……..wait! I'll kick you out too cupball…………Now get out!" Lys ended her last sentence in a cold, foreboding tone.
A black Mercedes benz wheezed at the gate.
"My Lady! I have come to pick up Master Gokudera and Master Yamamoto" a middle age man said sitting inside the driver's seat.
"Thank you! Mr. Paul" was Lys kind reply.
Sho look at the three people inside the house, the open door and the black car.
Lys is angry for real! If this continues Gokudera-san is in big trouble! –Sho thought
There was a deafening silence then Yamamoto broke it.
"Then we're leaving My Lady" he said with a grin. He move towards Gokudera and was about to drag him when Gokudera took out he's dynamite and lit it up. He look at Lys and throw it to her in a rage.
Lys close her eyes and move towards Sho in a protective defense. Then thick white string from the floor and engulfed the dynamite. Lys ordered Yamamoto to throw it away from the house as possible, he obeyed and a few seconds later the dynamite exploded out of house range.
"That's my revenge!" Gokudera said with a smirk then he found himself face to face with Lys.
Spack!
Lys slapped Gokudera hard on the face.
"Do you have any idea what would happen if it exploded inside the house." Lys shouted in rage, "If Auntie arrives and find the house completely destroyed what would you think she'll do……..What are you even thinking!" Lys added, grabbing Gokudera's collar.
"Then what were you doing all day, Dating with Sho, having fun! I thought you came to Japan to escape your father's pestering on taking over the Vongola Family. Do you have any idea that you're the family's pride and hope. What would you think would happen if nobody takes over the Vongola after the 9th will die or if he dies!"
"If the reason why you came to japan is lecture me on what am I supposed to do then you shouldn't have come in the first place! Your bothering cupball, who missed he's much just to watch over you, your bothering auntie if you have blown the house a while ago and your bothering me for causing a lot of problems for me, now that I have a lot of free time and easy time around"
Gokudera was silent and left the house without a word. He didn't get in the car instead he ran off somewhere. Yamamoto was about to follow him when Sho stop him.
"Leave him be, Yamamoto-san! He's angry that he lost in a battle and totally made a mess of himself in front of Lys" Sho explained matter-of-factly.
Lys was silent for a while then, "Hey! Guys I'll cook dinner! There's still food inside the fridge! Auntie will be late today! I just remembered that she have late-night job today!"
Sho smiled appreciating Lys offer. Yamamoto grinned.
"It's been a while since I last tasted My Lady's cooking" he grinned as he followed Lys and Sho to the kitchen. "I wonder how it have gotten better already"
Lys paused the two boys froze. Yamamoto somewhat regretted what he said.
"It's much better than before" was Lys enthusiastic reply . "I'll show you what I got from the 2 weeks training"
Sho somewhat have doubts on it while Yamamoto gulped.
As to where Gokudera ran off. He ran towards Namimori musical house. It's not a house really, it looks more like a huge opera was built for performances such as his.
He got on stage and opened the piano. He press a note then another until he played Mozart Serenade in E-flat major. He and Lys always play it in piano and violin duet. Somehow they produced a divine sound.
He press the note that he and Lys would emerge.
When was it that I decided to follow her, he thought……..he played and played until he remembered it.
Gokudera's flashback memories
I was crying at that time. It was pathetic to see a guy crying so I hid at the end of the castle's garden, where red and white roses bloom together.
There was a pain in my heart, I couldn't get rid of it. Somehow it hurts to the point of blowing up.
I didn't know how long I've cried that time. I just cried and cried to ease this sorrow in my heart.
"Boy! Why are you crying?" I heard a sweet, gentle voice spoke. I look up and saw a pretty girl with blonde hair that glows in the sun. She was the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.
"Are you deaf?" she asked in a funny, irritated voice.
"No! I'm not!" I replied, I quickly wipe my face to remove the tears. She smiled at me while doing that. She looks very angelic when she smiles.
"Then why are you crying? Do you have a stomach ache?" she asked.
I don't know how to explain my situation and I don't want to tell her about it.
"No, I don't!" I replied, "its just that a very important person was taken away from me, and I didn't even realize how important she was until I realize the loneliness that have taken effect inside me chest" somehow I didn't realized I was talking to her about my problem.
"Is she your grandmother, sister or could it be…….your mother" She guessed. I reacted at the word mother and she understood it right away.
I didn't say anything, I just sat there silently. She didn't say anything too.
Then slowly she stood up and left. I was a little shameful of myself. Here I was with a pretty girl beside me and I just ignore her and continue to mope around. I feel a little embarrassed of myself.
Then softly and gently, I heard a gentle and heart soothing tune of a violin. At first I listened then curious of who the musician is stood up and followed its music. It lead me to a pavilion. I remember that there was a grand piano there and my mother used to play it for me. Now standing beside the grand piano was the blonde girl I met before. The sun ray's would pass through the stained glass and create a pixie like light. She stands at the center of that light and she look like a beautiful fairy princess to me.
I stood there and listened to her music as it slowly touched my heart with gentle warmth. It was like I was embrace by her music. The music ended with a sweet end.
Her eyes found me and she smiled that gentle smile. "Did you like it?" she asked, her cheeks blush that made her face look rosier.
"It was a beautiful sound……" I replied, I didn't know but I became self-conscious. "so you play the violin" I added quickly. She nodded.
"I play the piano" I sounded like I was bragging but she only smiled and asked me to play her a song I like to play. She sounded like she was keeping me in company to forget my troubles.
"Do you know Mozart Serenade in E-flat major?"
"Yeah"
"How about we both play it together, like a duet"
"A duet?......piano and violin?"
She nodded and positioned herself.
"You start the introduction and I'll merge with you in the chorus" she said.
Actually I know that piece but I have a hard time playing it. I was nervous at first but seeing her, encouraging me, gave me courage.
I played the 1st and 2nd verse and then the music reach the chorus, she played her violin.
It was the first time I heard a violin and piano play together and for me that moment was simply divine.
We ended the song in a cheerful melody.
"You just don't play the piano. You play it pretty good, as if you're playing it from the heart." She complimented. I blushed, conscious on the nice compliment.
I heard noises a few feet from the pavilion, she turned and look at the direction of the noise.
She smiled at me and quickly ran towards the opposite of where the noise are. I called out to ask what was her name, but she didn't answer. She just ran and ran and became farther and farther away from me. I didn't know girls ran as fast like that.
Later that evening I heard from my father how good I became at playing the piano. He somehow heard me playing at the pavilion……..Wait! The grand piano at the pavilion produce a sound that spread throughout the entire castle, then they could have heard the violin playing along with it.
"Father! Did you hear a violin playing along with the piano." My father paused and gave me a huge smile.
"Yeah! My lady and you both played extremely well. The negotiation became well"
What is he talking about? "My lady"?
"My lady?"
"I forgot to tell you that the head of the Vongola, together with he's family and great granddaughter came for a visit. They came to talk about family business between our family and theirs"
"But you haven't answered my question!" I complained, "Do you know the girl that played the violin?" I asked anxiously. My father merely smiled.
"She's the great granddaughter of 9th Vongola Boss and she will be the next heir to the Vongola Family." My older sister, Bianchi explained in place of father.
"The next heir?"
"In short, she's the most treasured treasure of the Vongola. The negotiation a while ago was getting bad but because you entertained her by playing the piano, the 9th was somewhat joyful and decided to have a partnership with our business."
"What father mean to say is, The 9th favored our family so he let us off on he's list. He got interested in our family and I heard he was asking if he wants he's children to be part of he's great granddaughter's family when we grow up. Father was saying he'll think about it but the 9th doesn't take a no for an answer so he smiled and change the topic immediately but he looks like he still haven't given up. He found out about my poison cooking, and he thought of you as a means of entertainer for he's great granddaughter"
"ahahahaha! Your as sharp as always Bianchi" my father change the topic but he was pretty embarrassed. It was written all over he's face. The father I hated for being the cause of my mother's death, the father I despise until I die.
"So what is her name, exactly"
"well…." Father was trying to think of her name.
"father doesn't know her name, the 9th keep calling her he's little princess while everyone address her as "My Lady". I see what they mean, she was very beautiful and elegant, it suited her perfectly. She greeted father with a gentle smile and the 9th decided to leave after that." My sister explained to me
"I guess that's how they define treasure. They were very protective of her" father muttered. But he looked kind of thankful for that girl. She save our entire family from all the trouble that is to come.
Later after that day, I research about the Vongola family and learned that they hold the utmost power in the Mafia. They control the whole world as well. Then I realized, being the next heir means the power to control this great power. The power of the world and holding that power puts one's life at stake.
I've decided to become her right hand man. Loyal and Obedient. Her knight and protector. I decided on my own will to follow the girl, who made my melody have its meaning.
End of Gokudera's memory flashback
"I've never heard such an awful sound" Gokudera stop playing the piano and look to face the owner. He knew it too well.
"Why are you here "My Lady"? he asked
Lys just smiled. "I'm here to check how my right hand man is doing, guess he's doing the usual thing when he's upset"
Gokudera frowned and look away.
"Hey! Did you remember how we first met?" he asked in a soft tone
Lys thought for a moment, "Isn't that time when I was eating and you rash inside the mansion wanting to battle me, shouting I'm not fit to be the next heir of the Vongola and all and you actually blow up the table and got me all pissed. I almost intended to kill you at time."
Gokudera smirked. You remember that quite clearly"
"Of course! I don't forget the people who have offense on me that easily" was her humble reply. Or is it?
"Before that, the first time you saw me"
Lys thought harder, "All I know that was the first time I ever saw you in my life"
"WHAT!" he shouted "You don't remember that time when you came to me when I was crying and…and ….well we played Mozart Serenade on duet"
"hahaha! What are you saying, I never did that with you, but I remember when I was 8, I met a boy who was crying in a garden and in order to shut him so I can play my violin well, I played a soothing song for him……he turned out to be a good pianist." Lys recalled it well but she didn't know it was Gokudera. So which means that memory he treasured belong only to him. He's own side of the story.
"What! After all my flashback, you haven't remember it"
Lys got annoyed with all he's shouting. "Hey! Shut up! Will you, I don't remember so I don't remember. I can't force my brain on things of little interest to me" She said it in a cold tone.
Gokudera frowned and attempted to leave but Lys grab him on the collar.
"Hey! Before you leave for good, Let's play that song……..Mozart Serenade"
"Huh?!"
"I've never touch the violin for a year but I can still play it" Lys eyed the elegant violin patiently waiting for someone to play it on the stand.
Gokudera didn't give it a thought, Lys have pushed him to the piano then grab the violin and move near him.
"Are you ready?"
"Wait! I've-"
"Hayato! This will be the first and last time I remind you this" Gokudera look at her "If you continue to follow me, sooner or later, if you let your emotion interrupt your judgement, then its better if you leave for good, I don't need a subordinate who allows he's emotion get the hell of him, I'll kill you before you kill yourself" Lys gazed was like ice, cold and emotionless.
Gokudera consider this for a moment then he smiled. "That will be the last thing I would do. Nobody can entertain you as good as me and nobody can irritate you than me. Even if you don't need me, I'll be by your side and even if you hate me, I'll be always your knight……My Lady" Gokudera kneel down and kissed Lys right hand, "and I'm the only one whom you allowed to kissed your right hand" he smirked at this priviledge.
"Hey! I think I remembered now the tune of that piece! Come on let's play it just once"
"As you wish! My Lady"
Gokudera and Lys played Mozart Serenade. But it wasn't like the way Gokudera remembered it. This time the tune was new, it was alive and vibrant than before.
The melody she played, the way her hands held the violin gently and carefully, the way her hair sways as she meets the tune. Her gentle, twisted, cold, cruel, bloodthirsty, kind, caring and fragile personality made him fall in love with her even more. A love that have grown from a young boy to the man he is today and now playing the same piece as before, he vowed to be by her side until he dies.
Watching them, comfortably sitting at the audience sit was Sho and Yamamoto.
"I was just curious Yamamoto-san, why is Gokudera-san the only one who kisses Lys on her right hand?"
Yamamoto only smiled at the thought. "You see, among 8 of us, he's the first one who followed her and the one who have the guts to actually confess he's love to her. My Lady probably admire that courage he has that's why she gave him a privilege in exchange for that courage"
Sho ponder about this for a few seconds before he gave he's humble opinion. " What I think is, Gokudera have already lost the game"
"Eh?!"
"There's a lot of game in this world and Lys love playing those games. The life of a person is both an important existence and a challenging game for her……..Which means that when it comes to love. She had already started playing that game, She respects the loser and acknowledge the winner, however in the game she plays, The one who falls for her have already lost, that is her victory, only when she lose shall she acknowledge the title of the winner to the one she fell in love with" Sho sighed.
Yamamoto observed him for a long while, "Is the game over for you?" he asked out of plain curiosity.
Sho only smiled as he fixed he's glasses. "I never lost nor have I won. I never took part in that game"
"but you're starting to play it unconsciously"
Sho smiled while Yamamoto just grinned and the two continued to listen to the beautiful melody Gokudera and Lys made.
The Game that Lys have played have slowly become a game everyone have taken part unconsciously or consciously.
It started when you acknowledge and allowed her existence to enter your own little world freely and when you embrace that existence, you have lost the game in that instant.
The game of love is both a wonderful and cruel thing. However Humans cannot avoid to play that game, even if you run away, you cannot escape.