Title: Strings
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Not the characters, nor the music.
A/N: O.o and so I am back! Sorry for the long wait! Please don't kill me… It's been more than the two weeks I said neh? There's just so much stuff going on here with my final months in college, so expect long disappearances like that for a while. My absences usually entail me going to hell and returning with my brain fried. I seriously had half of this chapter done the other week, but then I had to put it on hold due to the school stuff. I thoroughly apologize. I really WAS planning to update the week after my disappearance but then stuff happened. When I finally got back to it, I was like: 'what was I trying to do here again?' and then I just didn't like where it was going so I rewrote it (so many times, mind y'all) and it took a while to get back into the groove since I am studying something completely unrelated to writing or literature. ANYHOO… 'Strings' is back! READ ON TO CHAPTER TWO!!
-Sunday
P.S. In the last chapter, the Japanese names were arranged in the standard Japanese/Chinese/Korean way with surname first then given name. To avoid confusion, since I use the customary given name first then surname with the 'English' names, the same pattern will now apply to the Japanese names. E.g. Yagami Raito Raito Yagami
Otou-san - dad; Okaa-san - mom; Oba-san - grandma (basic address to old ladies); Oji-san - uncle or grandpa (basic address to old gentlemen); shoji - paper sliding doors in old Japanese houses
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Chapter 2: Pulse
"He… He knows you play the violin."
Raito tensed a little at the statement, and the table he and his father sat suddenly felt as if it was engulfed in cling wrap. The cafeteria vanished from around them. The clinking of utensils, the drone of conversations, the shuffling and tapping of steps all faded away. For Raito there was only his father in front of him, as with Soichiro with Raito. A line had just been crossed.
As Soichiro looked at him with apologetic eyes, Raito's own eyes narrowed and the honey brown eyes turned into dark amber. When he spoke his voice had an edge to it. "What?" he demanded.
"He didn't find it out from me," Soichiro quickly defended. "Apparently, he has a video of you during the last competition you played at years ago. He has all our records Raito. He did a thorough background check on all the team members and their immediate family. He says its standard procedure and when he found out that you used to play, he asked if…" He abruptly stopped, realizing that he was rambling. Raito was not moving, keeping his gaze level and his face blank. Soichiro raised his hand and pinched the bridge of his nose, turning away from his son and took a deep breath. When he looked back at the lad, his face was lined with remorse. "I'm sorry Raito, I know you don't want to speak about this, but I just want to warn you that L knows. I already told him you've stopped playing for years but he told me that your background could be useful to the case. He may well talk to you about it when you meet him. I would've insisted that he not speak to you about it, but I didn't think you'd appreciate that."
"I see," Raito said dispassionately, "Any idea on what he'd do with me, concerning my so-called musical background?"
"Perhaps just a little profiling, son. I'm not at liberty to tell you the details, but evidence points that the criminal is a musician, and L reasons that you might have a better idea than the rest of us."
"Especially since I played a string instrument which seems to be the preference," a statement not a question.
But Soichiro replied anyway. "Yes."
Raito stared at his father for a few more moments. The air between the two men was heavy and suffocating, strangling their throats, keeping them stone still from lack of air. Raito's violin playing was taboo. The last time the subject was ever mentioned was about three years ago and Soichiro remembered it quite clearly because it was the one and only time his son had raised his voice to him, not to mention disappeared from home for days. Soichiro never found out why Raito had reacted that way; he didn't know where he went or what he did in that time; he didn't even know why Raito had stopped playing; but when Raito came back after the incident, it was agreed to be a topic never to be spoken of ever again. Opening the matter up after so long gave Soichiro a great amount of anxiety, coupled with the endless stress he'd been enduring the past few days, he was downright panicked. He loved his son more than his own life. He considered himself to be the luckiest father on earth to have had such an accomplished, intelligent… brilliant young man to call his son. Of course, he loved his wife and daughter just as much, but there was just such… pride that only a father with a son could ever understand. He may not know why Raito had given up the violin or why he now lived as if he never touched the instrument, but he knew that the subject was sensitive to say the least. In that light, he never ever wanted to remind Raito of that particular time, because it was what his son wished; and how could a father deny such a son? Also, when he remembered the anguish Raito had bared during that argument, it hurt him immensely, to know he was a cause of such distress. But what was he doing now?
Raito seemed to be weighing options. One could almost hear the gears in his head running, or perhaps hear the tapping of pieces on the board of a game of speed chess would fit the image more appropriately. He was considering one option and assessing the outcomes, then pondering on another possibility and evaluating the results of that; then moving on to the next alternative, likelihood or odds. With a multitude of thoughts running and backtracking, pushing and pulling, moving forward and moving back; all happening in a matter of seconds, the chess game in Raito's head would've been going so swiftly, it would resemble nothing but blurs.
Finally, after what Soichiro felt like forever, Raito gave him a curt nod. "Thank you, Otou-san. I'll deal with this myself."
Soichiro visibly relaxed a little, but there were still a few things that hung suspended between them. After another a couple of more seconds, he quietly asked, "you still want to be on the case?"
Raito smirked at this, his chin rising imperceptibly. "Of course. I said I'd help. Besides, I also want to meet the infamous Greatest Detective in the World."
Soichiro looked at him with soft eyes, trying to convey how much he regretted even mentioning the violin, and being the ever-perceptive Raito Yagami, his smile softened. "It's all right Otou-san. It'll be fine," Raito said and with that, Soichiro slumped back in his chair and gave his son an answering smile of thanks. The potentially volatile conversation was closed, Soichiro was forgiven for whatever transgression he made, everything was fine and the world was back in its place... Complete with Matsuda breaking the rest of the tension with an enthusiastic shout from the other table. "WE'RE THE BESTEST!!"
The entire cafeteria laughed as the young detective turned into a tomato and scratched his head in embarrassment, and proceeded to shrink in his seat as he bowed in apology for his outburst to no one in particular. One has to love the guy for being so animated.
It was then peak of breakfast and coffee hour. The clinking of utensils and trays came back to the father and son with a vengeance, the white noise of people talking went from a drone to a higher pitched buzz, and the scuffling of feet was more resonant in that expanse of room with the morning sun streaming in from the glass paneled wall on one side. L's Special Investigation Team (with Raito) made their way to the cafeteria doors, giving their tables to the still-asleep-on-their-feet officers who were ravenous for their scalding hot coffee. It was just the morning of another work day for the police force. Who cares if it's Sunday and the rest of Japan was still lying in bed?
Justice never sleeps.
………………………………………………..
Raito was looking through the files of the Reiji Matsuyama, Eldgar Ivanovich and Bella Grimshaw, another victim who was hidden from the media. Soichiro had excused himself earlier to take a quick shower, leaving him in the office with the rest of the investigation team. He had noticed the white laptop at the very front of the room when they first came in. Matsuda then told him all about their encounter with L and his mysterious assistant, Watari. Raito was intrigued if anything else. L spoke through a laptop? But then not wanting to waste any time since he'd eventually see it for himself, Raito requested the team to brief him on the case so far. He was then given files on the victims' profiles, crime scene records, forensic reports, eye witness reports, up to L's inferences.
He then took a seat on his father's desk placed at the very middle at the very front of the row. Matsuda was directly behind him, while the others were scattered about the room. He just finished reading a couple of pages from Matsuyama's file when the back door opened and a tall figure in a trench coat walked in. Raito blinked in wonder and recalled Matsuda's story earlier, realizing that this was Watari. The team all turned and nodded a greeting, which was returned. Watari then turned to look at Raito's general direction. He gave Watari a hesitant bow, and after a couple of moments the cloaked figure inclined his head to him, and then proceeded to the front of the room. Raito put down the papers he was reading and resigned himself to watching Watari fumble with the laptop. Matsuda was tense with excitement and cheerfully whispered to Raito. "You're gonna meet L!" Raito turned and just gave him a weak smile, then his eyes went back to the man he had been watching.
Finally, Watari stepped to the side and the laptop glowed with a capital black Old English L on a white background.
"Good morning again gentlemen, I hope everyone had a good breakfast," a computerized voice droned from the speakers.
There was a general murmur of affirmatives.
"Ah," the voice breathed, "I see we have a new face among us."
Raito blinked and continued to stare at the laptop.
"Good morning, Raito Yagami-kun. I am L."
Raito hesitated for a half second, finding it strange to be talking to a laptop, much less answering to a letter, of all things.
"Good morning L-san. Please to meet you."
A small sound that could've been a chuckle was heard. "Just L. I am also pleased to meet Yagami-kun. I take it that Yagami-san has told Yagami-kun of my reasons for wanting to meet him?"
"Yes. He mentioned that we hold the same views about the case."
"Indeed, when Yagami-san informed me that Yaga… Pardon me, but may I call Yagami-kun Raito-kun instead of Yagami-kun? For convenience purposes only, of course?"
"...Of course... L."
"Well then, it has come to my attention that Raito-kun has top-notch investigative abilities. Yagami-san has told me about the inputs you have given him about the murders. Considering that you only deduced your theories from media coverage is quite… commendable."
"... Kind of you to say so."
"Tell me, Yagami-kun, what else can you say about this case, aside from what you have told your father? I take the team has briefed you on the things the media has missed?"
"Yes. I admit I'm quite surprised that there was another victim. The news said that she died of pneumonia."
"Ah… So Raito-kun knows of Bella Grimshaw?"
"American violinist, gave one of her farewell concert two months ago, then died just a few days later, or so the news said."
"Hm. With that new information in mind, what can you say about the murders?"
Raito hesitated for a moment and sighed. "I can only speculate. There are similarities with the murders. They were all musicians killed after their performances, as if the killer was letting them perform one last time, or perhaps that performance was a form of judgment. Another connection is that they all played stringed instruments. From the method of killing, I think this has some significance. Aside from that, both Matsuyama and Ivanovich, and now
Grimshaw, are well known in the classical music field and have good careers, so it is possible that the killer was envious of them."
"Why would the killer be envious?"
"I assume, just as you do, that the killer is a musician as well or other-wise connected with the classical music business."
"Please explain."
Raito took a deep breath, exasperated with the conversation. "Well the only way he could've gotten to the victims right after the performances was if he was there himself. He could be part of the orchestra or the crew or the guests and managed to get in and out without being noticed."
"Yes, that was what I thought as well."
"So, taking note of the fact that he targets well-known musicians after performances that they were highly praised for makes me think that there is at least a factor of jealousy."
"Raito-kun thinks the murderer is a 'he'?"
"How could he overpower the men if not?"
"Hmm… How did you infer that Ivanovich was killed using piano wire?"
"Musician, strangled, wire. Similar murders in a span of three months. It just seemed logical. A lucky guess that my father confirmed."
"… Very good, Raito-kun."
"Why do you need me to tell you all this anyway? You probably have the same ideas, if not better with the information at your feet."
"I simply wanted to see how much Raito-kun has thought about it, especially since he has musical background. It would give a more intuitive view. I confess that the thought of the murder doing this out of envy did not really occur to me."
"You were testing me." A statement, not a question.
"I do not deny it. Also, I wanted to have a second opinion."
Raito scoffed. "I suppose I should be flattered? The great L needing a second opinion from someone like me?"
Another sound that resembled quiet laughter. "I am truly impressed with Raito-kun, do not get me wrong. It's not everyday that I find a person that thinks… similarly… as I do."
"I don't find that to be…"
A gasp. "So Raito-kun thinks the same way as L?! That's so cool!"
Raito turned in surprise, blinking, to find Matsuda behind him with eyes a sparkling. He had forgotten that there were other people in the room. He quickly reasoned that he was just too aggravated by the condescending laptop to have remembered. "That means you're just as just smart as the Greatest Detective in the World? Whoah..."
He gave Matsuda a small smile. "L has more experience that I do, Matsuda-san. I cannot compare." He then turned back to the aforementioned annoying electronic appliance and glared.
"But you just…!"
"Matsuda…" Aizawa mumbled from his desk.
"Matsuda-san may be correct. Perhaps Raito-kun is just as intelligent as I," said the voice from the laptop, making the entire room stiffen and stare at the laptop.
The front door then opens and Soichiro walks in, pausing for a moment when presented with the scene. "Uh…"
"Good morning again Yagami-san," L greeted the man.
Soichiro's head snapped to the laptop and gave a bow. "Good morning L," he answered. "Watari," giving the figure on the far side of the room a nod. The door then closes and he heads to his desk where his son was slowly standing up to vacate the chair.
"I see you've met my son."
"Yes, and I must say I am not disappointed."
Soichiro squeezed Raito's shoulder and gave his son a proud smile. The rest of the team smiled discreetly at the show of affection.
"To finish this," L said gathering the attention of the room, "Is Raito-kun willing to join the team as an official member?"
All eyes turned to the young man.
Raito stared at the lap top for a few more seconds, and then sharply nodded his head once. "Yes."
Again Matsuda shrieked, "YES! Now we have two geniuses on our side! That killer won't have a chance!!"
"You said it!" Ukita injected.
Soichiro squeezed Raito's shoulder tighter. Mogi and Ide moving to the front of the room to acknowledge their new member, while Aizawa took Raito's hand and shook it. "Let's work hard neh?"
"Yes," Raito replied, giving the rest of the team his best smile.
After the initial excitement died down, L spoke up. "Welcome to the team Raito-kun. Now, let us proceed. I would like Raito-kun to read the rest of the files he has been given. Ide-san, please go to forensics and see if they have anything new on the Ivanovich case. Anything, no matter how miniscule or insignificant, bring it to me." Ide moved for his coat and headed out the room.
"Mogi-san and Ukita-san, I need a list of all the performers in the theatre Ivanovich performed in for the past three months. If it's possible to get a guest list, please acquire it as well. Also, get warrants for the theatre. I believe the forensic team only processed the crime scene and not the building entirely." Mogi and Ukita nodded and walked out.
"Aizawa-san, please go to the hotel where Rousseau is staying and question him further about his friend. Strange behavior, stalkers, strange letters or phone calls, people he came in contact with recently, events before, during and after the concert, details he may have forgotten, and so on. He must be in a better state of mind by now." Aizawa nodded and turned around to gather his things at his desk.
"Matsuda-san, please go with him. Watari will drive the two of you there." Matsuda nodded profusely and gave Watari a bow as the man began to walk towards the door. Soon the room was empty except for Soichiro, Raito, and the lap top.
"Yagami-san," L began.
"Yes? What do you need me to do?"
"I would like Yagami-san to go home and rest. It has come to my attention that he has been in the office since Thursday."
"Eh?"
"Yagami-kun is fatigued. Even though he has eaten a healthy breakfast and taken a shower, he still looks quite exhausted. According to your medical records, you are healthy enough, but because of Yagami-san's age, there is a possibility that he might experience a heart attack if continued to be stressed as such. So please, I order you to take the day off and if possible, come in late tomorrow, preferably after lunch."
Soichiro was about to give a retort, but Raito interrupted him.
"L is right, Otou-san. You haven't rested properly. Okaa-san is already very worried."
"But what about you Raito?"
"I'll be fine Otou-san."
"I will supervise Raito-kun from here. He is already a part of the team, so he has every right to be in the building as any of you. I would also like to discuss the case in further detail with him."
"But the director…" Soichiro started to argue.
"…has put me in charge of this team and investigation, hence Yagami-san answers directly to me. Please do not trouble yourself. I will take care of everything. Go home and rest."
"Well…"
"Go Otou-san. I see you later," Raito smiled encouragingly.
"Well… I suppose I'm not at my best today, so…"
"Exactly. I need Yagami-san to be well rested so he can function at his finest."
Soichiro faltered, but both the detective and son had a point. He was very, very worn-out. With a sigh, he resigned himself to their wishes and took his coat from the back of the chair.
"I'll see you later then, Raito," he told his son.
"Yes. Tell Okaa-san and Sayu I'll be home a little late," Raito smiled.
"L," Soichiro nodded.
"Thank you for working so hard."
The door closed with a distinct click of the lock and the investigation office left only Raito shuffling papers as he read, and a lap top whirring as it added to the illumination of the room.
………………………………………………………
"Has Raito-kun finished reading all the reports?" L asked through his synthesized voice.
"Hmm…"
"What does Raito-kun think?"
"Of what?"
"Hmm… Well, for starters, the victims?"
"Prominent figures, specializing in playing classical music; good careers. All have different backgrounds, ages, features, nationalities. Basically, the only thing they have in common is their music."
"Hmm… and that they played string instruments, though the piano is percussion, correct?"
"But it still uses strings. Some people consider it to be both."
"Hmm…"
"Why wasn't Bella Grimshaw's murder reported and covered up?"
"Simply because her family requested it, Raito-kun. She was actually dying of cancer as you have read in her profile. She had six months to live, but the killer cut that short. She did not make her illness public since she did not want the media to make a circus out of her. When she was killed, her children respected those wishes and told the world that she died peacefully and merely stopped breathing because of some respiratory problem."
"I see… Her last concert was here in Tokyo at the Dome."
"Yes. Japan was where she had her first major break decades ago. She played as a guest for Shuiichi Tsubasa, the late composer."
"All the murders are here in Tokyo…"
"… which may indicate that…"
"… the killer is Japanese…"
"… approximately seventy percent…"
". . ."
"Aside from that, it just so happens that there is a sudden boom of Classical music with the population, neh?"
"After that pop star Ryuuga Hideki mentioned in one interview that he digs Beethoven, more attention was given to the genre. Now, a lot more people are going out to watch orchestras play Mozart."
"I see…"
". . ."
"The murders have been going on for the past three months. Matsuyama in March, Grimshaw in April and now, Ivanovich."
"It's highly likely that the next murder would take place next month."
"Sixty-seven percent."
"That gives us some time."
"With lack of evidence, we need all the time we can get."
"Yes…"
"… Can Raito-kun still play the violin?"
Raito stiffened and looked directly at the 'L' in the middle of the screen with eyes made out of amber. "No. I've stopped playing since I was fifteen."
"Yes… so your records say… Why would Raito-kun give up the violin? From all I have read, you were especially talented."
"I got tired of it. Just like tennis." Raito said succinctly.
"Is that so...?" the voice murmured.
Raito cast his eyes down and began looking at the words he had read earlier.
"Raito-kun?" L said after a few minutes.
"Yes?" Raito replied without looking up.
"The killer… as you mentioned, he may be part of the musician or the crew."
"Yes, it's feasible."
"So without any evidence, but having hypothesized that he, the killer, is a musician from the circumstances, what do you think we could do to capture this criminal in the least amount of time?"
Raito thought for a moment and then raised his head. "Lure him out," he answered steadily.
"Yes…" the lap top whirred.
". . . "
"Raito-kun, I have a proposition…"
Raito clenched his teeth. He had a feeling he wasn't going to like this.
"Even if Raito-kun has stopped playing the violin for three years, I am sure that he still recalls how to use the instrument properly. If we are correct and the killer is a musician, the best way to get him would be to be in his environment."
". . ."
"He seems to be targeting the musicians who are most anticipated of the month; Matsuyama's private concert, Grimshaw's farewell concert, and Ivanovich's special guest appearance which could've been considered as a comeback…"
"Your point?"
"Raito-kun, please do not interrupt me. I do not like it and it is very impolite. I was getting to my point, before you became so rude."
". . ."
"Thank you. Now where was I? Ah… Since there seems to be a pattern, the most logical way to lure him out would be to create our own hype about a planted musician, don't you agree?"
"I hope you have someone good in mind."
"I was hoping that it would be Raito-kun."
Raito sat up straight, putting his hands on his lap under the table and clenching them tightly. "Me?"
"Yes."
"I do not play the violin anymore, L."
"Well, from what I see, Raito-kun was very good and has natural talent. With a little practice, you'd be as good as you were before."
"Why not get a real musician?"
"Because Raito-kun would be the better choice. A musician would be too focused on the music instead of his surroundings, would he not? If it was Raito-kun, I would be assured that he'd be taking notice of the people around him and the environment and perhaps spot suspicious characters which we may consider suspects."
"It takes years to be a good violinist, L. If you plant someone into the scene, he has to fit. If I played with those professionals, I'd sound like nails on a chalkboard. This plan is very flawed."
"Raito-kun does not need to play with those professionals. I could arrange for him to only play at one concert next month, and by then I'm sure he would be more than ready with constant practice."
Raito tried very hard not to keep gritting his teeth and making his face impassive. "How could anyone convince those people that I was the real deal if I didn't play?"
"The magic of videos, Raito-kun! And advertising! Do not underestimate their power. Worst case scenario, we'd just get someone to play the violin and you could play the recording on stage."
A muscle on Raito's jaw twitched. "You're planning to trick the whole of Japan?"
"I'm capable of it."
"L…," Raito sighed, exasperated. "I agree that it would be a good strategy to plant someone in the midst of these people, but 'me?'"
"Why not you Raito-kun?"
"It would be better if it were a real musician, L."
"I have already told Raito-kun why he is the better choice. Pray, do not make me repeat myself."
Raito looked straight at the tiny circle at the top edge of the screen. The web camera.
"L," Raito said with all his being, "I will not play the violin."
A momentary silence. "Even if it means that it would lead to the capture of a criminal killing the innocent, Raito-kun?"
"You're playing the guilty card," Raito ground out.
"I simply do not see why Raito-kun does not agree with this plan."
"I have my reasons."
"Raito-kun would be of the best use to this team if he does as I ask."
"I've not been part of the team for two hours and you're already coercing me?"
"No… I am merely trying to deduce why Raito-kun is so adamant to not go with this stratagem."
"You're asking me to plaster my face all over Japan as an accomplished musician, L. What happens after this case is closed?"
"If Raito-kun does not like the attention, I could arrange for him to go on a long vacation somewhere. Honestly though, I think Raito-kun could deal with it himself, having had similar experience before from all his other accomplishments."
"My university…"
"I could transfer you to study in the best law school in any country in the world."
"The violin is a difficult instrument to play, L."
"Raito-kun already knows how to play it. I am sure he merely needs practice. Paganini's Caprice No.24 at fifteen years old, Raito-kun? You were considered to be a prodigy."
"It sounds as if you're using me."
"I am trying to make full use of Raito-kun's talents, not himself."
"You're asking me to risk my life."
"Doesn't that come with the job, Raito-kun?"
"This is coming from someone who hides his face behind a lap top?"
"… Touché."
"Get someone else, L."
………………………………………………….
When Ide came back from forensics later that morning, it was found that the piano wire used to strangle Ivanovich only held the victim's DNA. A small white fiber was found, but it had to be analyzed further, though considering that it was a white thread which was the basis of a lot of fabrics, it was bound to lead to nowhere. The trash in the dumpster and the litter around the body were all dead ends. There was nothing that could be considered as a clue.
Mogi and Ukita came back just before lunchtime, and were able to get the floor plan of the theatre, the list of performers and first class guest list for the past three months. As an added bonus, they were able to acquire the security camera footage for the night of the Ivanovich performance, much to L's pleasure. They were then asked make copies of all so that Watari could give them to L. After that was done, they set to work on looking through the lists.
Aizawa and Matsuda came back later that afternoon, apparently having thoroughly 'interviewed' the charismatic violinist, Rousseau. They now knew enough material to create a biography for the Frenchman. L asked them to type out a report and leave out the insignificant details, to be emailed ASAP to a certain address. With that, L signed out and left instructions to contact Watari in case of emergencies, and for the team to leave at any time they wished and be back the following morning.
………………………………………………
When five o'clock came, the team more or less dispersed to head to their homes. 'Good-byes' and 'thanks for working hard' phrases were exchanged as people left. Raito was the last to leave, gathering some final notes before putting them in a folder. He then stretched out and hung his head over the chairs backrest. He had been reading through files upon files on paper and on the computer. His eyes were tired. No, his entire being was tired of sitting in one place for so long and not finding anything of real importance. There was a sense of exhilaration though, for being actually in the investigation team. He had helped his father in his cases many times before, but only as an outsider who gave his opinions. This was the very first time he was actually officially an investigator. Junior investigator, if one was strict about titles, or maybe apprentice; but he was part of the team. He couldn't help but smile at that.
He then thought of the conversation he had with his father and L. It made his brow furrow, but he quickly dismissed the thoughts. He had avoided disaster, no need to dwell.
After a few blissful moments of languor, he stood up and gave a final sweep at his father's desk for any misplaced items. Satisfied that everything was in place, he headed for the door with the folder tucked under one arm, switched the light off and closed the office with a click and his footsteps echoed through the hall.
He rode the train and got off at a different station than the one he rode on the way to his father. When he got off, Raito walked the empty streets leisurely. He made his way across the grid of streets and houses, his feet stepping one in front of another automatically, having memorized the way long ago. His mind wandered thinking about the recent events that had been plaguing is usual boring existence.
Minutes later, he stopped in front of a large wooden gate with a blue tile roof, flanked by white walls. The address read: 'Honda' and he pushed the door bell once. He looked up at the now very familiar bracketing of the roof as he waited for the gate to open. Soon, he heard the distinct clacking of wooden sandals on a stone path. He prepared a small smile. The gate creaked open.
"Ah, Raito-kun. Good evening," said an old lady with her white hair in a bun and a dark blue kimono.
"Konbanwa, Kiku-Oba-san, are you well?" Raito asked as he was ushered in.
They walked side by side along the stone path illuminated by small stone garden lamps. The scent of cherry blossoms scented the warm night air, as the breeze kissed the leaves of the plants meticulously placed in the front garden.
"Yes, thank you. Long time no see. How was your day, Raito-kun?"
……………………………………….
Raito sat on his heels in front of the alcove with the small black tablet and bowed, paying his respects. His jacket was folded neatly beside him. It warm night and he was wearing his favorite long-sleeved black shirt.
"Good evening, Oji-san. I'm back."
A small laugh. "You haven't visited in a while, Raito-kun. I'm sure he's been expecting you."
Raito turned and smiled at the frail old woman. "University has been taking some of my time. I just finally got settled."
"Congratulations," Honda Kiku nodded, "I heard you got a perfect score in the entrance exams."
"Thank you, Kiku-Oba-san."
A pause, then a smile "Would you like to begin?"
"If it would be all right with you?"
"Of course," she whispered as she slowly stood up and walked into the next room. When she came back out, she held a black, almost rectangular case, in her arms. Raito patiently waited as she sat back down on her heels in front of him and placed the case into his arms.
Raito placed it on the hardwood floor and carefully opened the clasps. He paused for a moment and admired the familiar blood red lining of the case. He reached out and brushed his fingertips over it, missing the texture, getting reacquainted with it. Slowly, his fingers made its way to the instrument housed in the case. The familiar scent of oil and wood filled his lungs. He smoothed over the dark reddish-brown wood, the black neck, the white strings… 'Welcome back' it seemed to whisper to him, 'so where have you been?' Raito allowed himself a small smile.
He took the violin out, as well as the bow, and gracefully stood up. He tucked it under his chin and began meticulously checking then pegs. It had been a while since he last played. A fine ringing sound echoed in the room and Raito looked towards Kiku. She was smiling and holding up a tuning fork, helping him. Raito nodded thanks and adjusted his fingers on the board. He slipped the bow slowly along the strings, listening to the tune. A few tiny twists on the pegs, and he was satisfied. He checked his posture, and took a deep breath. But then he seemed to suddenly remember something, blinking slightly, and looked towards the old woman who was serenely walking out the room.
"Any requests?" Raito called out.
Kiku turned and seemed to ponder on this for a few moments and finally said, "If it would be alright with you, Raito-kun, could you please play Romance from Violin Concerto No.2?"
Raito smiled. He knew that song. It was her late husband's favorite song for her. "Of course." He then resumed his position and gazed at his fingers, preparing himself. And ever so gracefully, his bow slid down and his fingers moved along, as Kiku closed the shoji's.
For the next five minutes, everything was quiet except for the resounding voice of Raito's violin. It carried clear through a number of houses, making the occupants stop at whatever they were doing and wonder where the music was coming from. All was still; even the crickets seemed to stop chirping. The lamps in the garden glowed from their niches. The cherry blossoms in the park shone almost-white under the full moon that hung on the dark night sky. The streets were empty except for one or two stray cats sleeping on the walls. Street lamps illuminated the pavement with soft yellow circles spreading out as it melded with the shadows. Even the distant hum of traffic was drowned out, and only their speeding lights that seemed like bright red and yellow ribbons could be noticed. In the distance the tall buildings flicker with luminescent yellow, the bridges spanning across the water in a contrast of stillness and speed, the colorful lights of a Ferris wheel ever changing. The waters of Tokyo Bay reflected the skyline in its brilliant glory. A twinkling city in lieu of the stars in the sky. It sparkled, suspended somehow in the current, the small waves, swirling around and around as if in a waltz with the deep. Tokyo is radiant. Beautiful…This city of lights.
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After about a couple of hours, he said good bye to Honda Kiku and made his way back to the train station. As his steps echoed along the empty streets, nothing had really changed. It was the same old street he had walked on since he was twelve. Same old, same old… And just like all those times before, his steps towards home were lighter and more rhythmic, like a weight was lifted from somewhere in his soul.
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A/N: Whoah. I seriously did not anticipate Chapter 2 to be this long. It's TWELVE (12) pages in size 8 Verdana font (including both a/n that is, but still,) Yikes! Hmm… but then it's probably just coz of all the dialogue. Ah well! Tsk tsk tsk. This is what happens when one deprives me of writing…
On the music imagery: As I have stated, I am untrained in music, so I won't even try to describe it technically to save from embarrassing myself. So, in here I just described the pictures that came into my head as I listened to the music while taking the story into consideration. Each line would more or less be for every shift in melody. Of course it has hidden meanings, but I leave you all to have your own interpretations. It's by Wieniawski, by the way.
We will have a bit more of a peek at Raito's mind and his thoughts on these events on the next chapter, but for now, how was chapter two? :)
-Sunday