Chapter 15

Rebirth

Music should not stop because of break-ups. It should not stop because one of the strings of your violin was broken or because they told you you're not good at it. It should not stop even if the very last person in your audience left you unfinished. Music is not all about them, it's all about you. It flares from the fire deep within. Have you forgotten? You taught me that when we were still in high school. His voice echoed in Kahoko's thoughts, his golden orbs lingering around her and the memories of his coarse touch on her shoulders sent chills in her, they were shivers of guilt and melancholy.

"Did I?" She thought aloud, staring at the blue horizon connecting her with the man she never understood, but still the same man that would always help her up when she stumbles. The blue azure reminded her of his electric blue hair. She sighed, the thought of him made her laugh.

Len was seating at his balcony, gazing at the blue sky as he sipped his morning tea. "Kahoko…" Her name escaped his lips. He sighed, knowing that she would never hear him. He knew that she would never be near him and that she has already been chained by Azuma Yunoki.

What is this feeling? Why are things so uncontrollable now? Why am I so disoriented? And why does her face keep popping out of my mind? Have I gone mad? Have I gone crazy? Or is this that stupid feeling that makes things complicated? But that can't be… It's all too hopeless. She's to be married to another man, somebody else owns her Len uttered in his thoughts as the cold breeze brushed by him.

Kahoko opened her locked closet, revealing her precious treasure. It was the treasure she tried to bury and forget two years ago, together with her fragmented heart. It was the same treasure that fills her empty life with joy. She broke it but somehow, somewhere it was fixed.

[Flashback]

The afternoon before Len and Kahoko went back to Japan a few months ago, Kahoko went to visit Mr. Giuseppe, the owner of the music shop.

"Mr. Giuseppe, may I ask you to do something for me?" Kahoko asked.

"What is it?" Mr. Giuseppe beamed a warm smile.

"Could you fix my violin?" She opened the case she was holding since the time she entered. Mr. Giuseppe was shocked, taken aback and unsure if he could really fix it.

"My dear, this is impossible, it's all broken." Giuseppe uttered.

"Please, I'll pay you any amount. Tsukimori-kun had told me how good you are and I believe that." Kahoko plead.

"I'll just give you another violin, a better one. You see dear, this is an overstatement to my skills plus you have to leave tomorrow, right?" Mr. Giuseppe ssaid.

"Please…" Kahoko's eyes moved him with pity. He sighed.

"Fine. But you see, Ms. Kahoko I may be able to fix its exterior parts but I could never guarantee that this could still be played the way it was played before." Kahoko's eyes glistened with hope and joy upon hearing this good news. She hugged the old man giddily as a simple form of gratitude, her eyes were teary with overflowing mirth.

"Thank you so much!" She uttered.

"But I'm going to send it to you in Japan after three weeks, would that be okay?"

"Yes sir" Kahoko saluted and went back to the hotel, excited.

And After three weeks…

Her awaited package finally arrived. It was her broken violin all fixed and a new one, with that was a card.

To Miss Hino Kahoko:

Because of your persistence and ever joyful aura, I'm giving you this neew violin. I tried to play your old one but sadly, its tune couldn't be fixed anymore. I hope you'll enjoy my gift. Extend my greeting to the virtuoso.

-Mr. Giuseppe-

"Thank you so much." She uttered. [End of Flashback]

Since the day Mr. Giuseppe had sent this to me, I never used it. She thought to herself as she played her fingers on the strings of her untouched violin. [The new violin Mr. Giuseppe gave her]

She got the fiddle and the violin, shaking. Her heart was pounding fast and loud. What if music has forgotten about me? What if… But even with the hesitation she started playing the AVE MARIA.

As soon as she started, Tsukimori played the same piece too. They had a duet, thought they were unaware of it. Kahoko's music was way different compared to Tsukimori's. Tsukimori's Ave Maria sounded elegant, class and beautiful. It was a true work of music masterpiece. Well, he's a virtuoso. Kahoko's on the other hadn sounded like a beginner's with lots of mistakes and mistunes but still with a flavor of persistence and beauty.

As she played she felt rejuvenated. She felt as though she was born a second time around with swarming joy and happiness. She instantly felt the connection between her and her new violin. Yes, she missed this, those days when she felt so free. She was so happy that the familiar sensation came back. She regretted the day she even thought of forgetting about this.

If only you heard me, what would you say? I'm I rightful to become a violinist again? She asked in her thoughts as she ended the piece.

If only you knew that my music is for you, would you play your music for me too? Len asked himself as he put down his violin.

Xxxxx

Kahoko is happy, no doubt. Finally, this day did come. This started a new life for her. It's her rebirth.

The violinist was unaware that below her balcony was a golden-haired knight, looking at her and was listening to her piece. A broad smile was painted across his face. "I'll never allow him to own you, Hino Kahoko." He whispered quietly to himself.

Thank you for reading this chapter. For those who had reviewed, thank you. Cat Stop, thank you for all the comments you've given. Mina-san, I hope to hear more from you See you in the next chapter and please do keep comments flooding. They are highly appreciated.