Songs in the Void: A Multiversal Score

Hub World, Earth, Japan, Tokyo. 

While Tatsuo, Sumire, Mai, and Tio were in Sumire's office on the top floor of the Kurashikku Ensō HQ, the girl Tatsuo took note of was sitting in a practice room with her violin case in her lap. Unfortunately, just as Sumire and Mai mentioned, she was having trouble with it. 

'Why now?' the girl, Miyazono Kaori, asked herself as she struggled to unlatch the case with her trembling fingers. 'I have a performance right before school starts. I need to practice.' 

Despite the trouble she was having, however, kaori had no intention of asking anyone for help. Just like Sumire said, she was an independent girl who chose to rely on herself at all times. Unfortunately, that often led to her life being more difficult than it needed to be. She was only a fifteen year old girl, after all. And when you add the symptoms of her disease, things got even worse. 

However, after about ten minutes, Kaori was finally able to open her violin case. But that just led to another problem. 

"Great… I got it open, but now I can't pick it up." Kaori muttered as she was having trouble closing her fingers around the neck of the violin tight enough to lift it. Damn it… I should have just gone through with the surgery like Kosei-Kun said. At least if I had done that, we wouldn't have gotten into that big fight." 

A moment later, kaori shook her head. 

"No." Kaori muttered to herself before taking a deep breath. "Soramoto-Sama told me that she would find a way to cure me. Even if she had to spend most of her fortune because I was too talented to let die like that. And for some reason, I believed her. So, I can't start second guessing myself now." 

Kaori then took another deep breath. Then, with all her will power, she closed her fingers around the neck of her violin and carefully raised it from its case. She then lifted the bow from the case with her other hand and position the violin on her shoulder. 

"Okay." Kaori said in a tired tone as she closed her eyes so that the sweat from her exertion did not get into her eyes. "I have to make this time count. I can't mess up in my first real performance. This isn't just a competition, after all." 

Then, with another deep breath, Kaori placed the bow on the violin's strings and began playing one of the songs she would be performing next weekend. 

Meanwhile, Tatsuo and Tio were walking around the building while Sumire was on a phone call with a distributor about getting Tatsuo's album onto the market and Mai was talking to a marketing company about getting his name out to the public. Though, that would not be as difficult as one would think with his fame on video sharing websites thanks to his mother's preliminary work. 

"They have some pretty good stuff here." Tatsuo said after coming out a of a recording studio. "It's the same stuff Mom got for the apartment." 

"So, it would seem.' Tio replied from half a step behind and to Tatsuo's right. "Your mother makes sure you always have the best of any and everything, after all." 

"Yeah, she has been spoiling me a lot since she brought me home." Tatsuo said as he peeked through the window on a door where a group of musicians were practicing. "But I guess I can't complain." 

Like that, Tatsuo and Tio continued to chat while looking around the Kurashikku Ensō headquarters. Though, Tatsuo was a bit disappointed by how well the rooms were sound proofed, as he wanted to hear how good the other artists were with their chosen instruments. But he understood the necessity of such good sound proofing, no one wanted to have their own rhythm thrown off by someone else's playing. 

However, when Tatsuo and Tio passed a room on the third floor, they were able to hear the sound of music coming from a room. And when they got closer, they noticed that the door was cracked, apparently the occupant had not closed the door all the way in their haste or negligence. 

{BGM: "Phantasy for Violin with Piano Accompaniment, Op 47" – Arnold Schoenberg & Arnold Steinhardt} 

Looking through the door, Tatsuo saw that it was another practice room. In the room was a girl playing the violin while there was a grand piano not too far away from her. And as it just so happened, the girl the same one he noticed in the lobby. 

"It's her again." Tatsuo muttered to himself while peeking into the room and trying to figure out what she was playing. "Mom said her name was Miyazono Kaori, right?" 

"That's correct, Tatsuo-Sama." Tio replied as she listened to the music along with Tatsuo. 

Although it took him a few moments to recognize the song Kaori was playing, thanks to the fact that there was no piano accompaniment He did eventually figure it out, though. 

"She's quite good." Tatsuo muttered to himself while listening to the song with his eyes closed. "But Mom was right. She kinda goes off on her own at certain points. But she still keeps the feeling of the song." 

"You would know better than I do, Tatsuo-Sama." Tio replied quietly. "I'm afraid I have never heard this song before." 

"I guess that makes sense." Tatsuo replied while taking off his suit jacket. He then handed it to Tio as he continued. "I usually don't play anything that needs another instrument while I'm at home." 

"Tatsuo-Sama, what are you doing?" Tio asked as she accepted Tatsuo's jacket. 

"Giving her the accompaniment she needs." Tatsuo replied as he quietly slipped into the room. 

Then, with steps as silent as an assassin, Tatsuo walked across the room, Kaori not noticing his entrance thanks to playing with her eyes closed. He then sat at the piano, flipped the keylid, and stretched his fingers while trying to match his play with Kaori's. Then, as smoothly as he could, he eased into playing along with Kaori. 

'I can see why she's practicing alone.' Tatsuo muttered to himself as he almost effortlessly kept up with Kaori's playing. 'She's really all over the place. Not just anyone would be able to keep up with her. Especially if they spent the time to learn the sheet music. But playing like this is actually kind of fun. It's kinda how bands jam… I guess.' 

While Tatsuo enjoyed the feeling of playing in a way that he had rarely had the chance to do, other than the few times he had tried his hand at playing jazz, Kaori was feeling better than she ever had during practice. In fact, she would have even said that she was in the zone. So much, in fact, that she felt as though she could hear the piano accompaniment the song was missing. 

'This is great.' Kaori cheered to herself. 'I've felt like this before, but it was only when I was imagining playing with Kosei-Kun. But since I know I'll probably never get the chance to play with him again, I wasn't even thinking about it. It must be because I'll be performing for real, this time, and not just in some competition.' I've even got a better grip on my violin and bow. I haven't felt this good in a long time.' 

Naturally, Kaori was not in the zone that she thought she was. Rather, it was because Tatsuo was playing so seamlessly with her. On top of that, that good feeling she was having was thanks to Tatsuo, as well. Though, she had no way of knowing that. 

However, Tio was well-aware of what was happening as she watched from just outside the room with Tatsuo's jacket gripped in her hands. 

The actual reason for Kaori's improved health for the moment was because Tatsuo, while letting himself go as he played, was circulating his [Energy], activating his [Pianist Skill]. And because of that, an effect was added to his music. And that effect was… 

Regeneration 

And because of that effect, Kaori's disease, which had been affecting her nerves, was being held at bay. 

{BGM: "Preghiera (Arr. By Fritz Kreisler from Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18, 2nd Movement" – Sergei Rachmoninoff, Gidon Kremer, & Daniill Trifonov} 

In fact, the two were so in sync while playing that neither Tatsuo nor Kaori reacted much when they spontaneously began playing a different song. Even so, Tatsuo had to adjust his play on the fly because Kaori played her own version of the song. 

Though, that did not seem to matter to the small crowd of spectators that had started to gather in the hallway after hearing the beautiful music that was flowing through the slightly opened door. 

"Who's that playing?" A female pianist asked after she exited her own practice room. 

"I don't' know." A male horn player replied after looking around the hallway. 

"Does it really matter?" A female conductor asked as she noticed Tio standing next to a door that was slightly opened. "Just be quiet. We don't wanna interrupt them." 

Hearing that, the other artists in the hallway looked in the direction the female conductor was looking only to see her pointing at the door where Tatsuo and Kaori were playing. Then, the group made their way over to the door, making sure to be as quiet as possible along the way. 

Meanwhile, Tio, noticing the people starting to gather, glared at them harshly. The look in her eyes promised a world of pain to anyone who interrupted the music. And everyone who saw that look made doubly sure to be quieter than they ever had in their lives. 

Over time, Tatsuo and kaori played four or five more songs. And during that time, the crowd grew from just four people to nearly two dozen, as more people joined to listen as their own practices ended or they headed up to the floor to start their own practices. 

But like all good things, the music coming from the room eventually came to an end, leaving quite a few people disappointed that it was over. Meanwhile, as soon as the music stopped, Tio glared at the crowd one more time. Then, she quietly slipped into the room and closed the door. 

"Oh man!" Kaori exclaimed energetically. "I've never played like that before. This concert is going to be amazing if I can play like that next weekend." 

"Well, that's only if you can find an accompanist who can keep up with the way you play." 

Hearing that unfamiliar voice, Kaori was snapped out of her euphoric state, jumping in shock as she dropped her violin. 

"Oh no!" Kaori exclaimed in panic as she tried her best to catch the arrant instrument. 

Unfortunately, although Kaori was feeling better than she had in years, she was not in good enough physical condition to react fast enough to catch her violin. 

Luckily, before she could see her beloved violin fall to the floor and break into who knows how many pieces, a slender, pale-skinned arm reached out and caught it gently. 

"Oh, thank God." Kaori said in a relieved tone. 

"You really should be more careful with your instrument, Miyazono-San." Tio, the one who caught the violin, said while smiling politely. "But I must say, your performance just now was incredible. It would seem that you and Tatsuo-Sama make quite the duo." 

Tio's words were enough to bring Kaori back to the here and now. Looking around the room, she finally realized that she was not alone, as the young man the boss introduced was sitting at the piano in the room while one of the women that came with Sumire was standing in front of her with a suit jacket and her violin in her hands. 

"What's… going on?" Kaori asked after carefully accepting her violin from Tio. "And how did you get in here? Did you break into my practice room?" 

"No, you left the door open." Tatsuo replied as he shut the keylid to the piano. "And because of that, I heard you playing. But I felt that something was off. So, I came in to accompany you. I guess you were really lost in the music, though. I mean, we played like six or seven songs, but you didn't even realize someone was playing along with you." 

'Is this guy for real?' Kaori asked herself, feeling rather embarrassed about being so unaware of her surroundings. 'But wait, did he say he accompanied me? No way, he's even better than Kosei-Kun. Is that even possible? I mean, I've never seen him at any competitions or anything. Just how is he so good?' 

A moment later, however, kaori finally registered what Tatsuo said when he surprised her. And when she did, her shoulders slumped. 

"Miyazono-San, are you okay?" Tio asked in a concerned tone as she moved to support Kaori, thinking that her disease was affecting her. 

"Yeah, I'm fine." Kaori replied in a dejected tone. "it's just that what he… uh... Sorry, I kinda forgot your name." 

Reaching that point, Kaori finally turned to look at Tatsuo. And when she caught sight of him, her breath was caught in her throat. 

'Holy crap!' Kaori exclaimed internally. 'he's so good looking. And he looks about the same age as me. That makes me even more surprised that he's so good at the piano. Does he do anything other than play the piano? That's the only way I could imagine someone being that good.' 

"Tatsuo… Soramoto Tatsuo." Tatsuo replied, introducing himself. "And my mom told me that your name is Miyazono kaori. And apparently, we're gonna be going to Yagami High together in a few days." 

"Seriously?" Kaori asked in surprise. "And what year are you gonna be in?" 

"I'll be a first year." Tatsuo replied as he stood up from the piano bench. 

"Me, too." Kaori said with a smile. "I wonder if we'll be in the same class." 

"Who knows." Tatsuo said with a nonchalant shrug. "Anyway, I should probably get back to Mom's office. I didn't mean to stop here for so long. But it was nice to meet you, Miyazono-San. Playing with you was fun, too. I've never really had to play on the fly like that before. But it was a good experience." 

With that said, Tatsuo walked away from the piano and made his way towards Tio. He then took his jacket from her and quickly put it on. Meanwhile, Tio bowed politely to Kaori before turning around to follow Tatsuo. 

"Oh, and if you can't find an accompanist by the time you're supposed to play this weekend, tell the company to call my mom." Tatsuo said, stopping just before he reached the door. "I don't' have anything planned for next weekend. So, I should be free to play with you. Just make sure you send a list of the songs you'll be playing. Even though I'm sure I already know most of them, it still wouldn't be bad if I got a chance to look over the sheet music a couple of times… Not that it will make all that big a difference." 

And with that, Tatsuo reached for the doorknob and pulled open the practice room door. Then, he and Tio stepped into the hallway. 

"Thank you very much!" Kaori said while bowing at a forty-five degree angle. "I'll make sure to send you the song list before the weekend." 

After speaking, Kaori straightened up just in time to see the door close. However, she did catch Tatsuo waving his hand behind him through the window on the door. Then, when she could no longer see either Tatsuo or Tio, she flopped into the chair behind her with her violin cradled in her arms. 

"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" Kaori berated herself. "He said ask for his help if I can't find anyone. But I just blurted it out like he was already set to be my accompanist. What are you doing, Kaori?" 

A moment later, however, Kaori deflated as she laid her violin across her lap. 

"*Sigh* yeah right." Kaori muttered to herself. "If I had an accompanist, why would I be practicing by myself so close to the concert? He probably knew that, too. *Sigh* But he was right, with my tendency to go off the sheet music, not many people can keep up with me. Everyone tells me I should fix that. But if I did that, would I really be me?" 

Looking down, Kaori stared at her violin as she gently ran a finger over its surface along the grains of the wood. Unfortunately, as she did that, she could see that her finger was shaking while she could barely feel the sensation of touching her violin. 

"*Sigh* Not that it really seems to matter." Kaori muttered sadly. "I probably won't even be able to play for that much longer." 

Meanwhile, Tatsuo and Tio had just entered the elevator on their way back to the top floor. 

"You seemed to enjoy yourself, Tatsuo-Sama." Tio said as she pressed the button for the top floor. "Your music said as much." 

"Yeah, that was fun." Tatsuo replied. "I've never played with anyone else like that before." 

"Then, I suppose you'll be telling your mother that you would like to accompany her during her concert next weekend?" Tio asked with a smile. 

"Yeah, I guess I will." Tatsuo replied with a smile of his own. "*Sigh* I guess I'll cure her of her disease, too. It would be a shame to lose someone I can play with like that, after all.' 

Hearing that, Tio smiled even wider. She was there when Tatsuo took care of Myu in her world. And seeing his kind side was one of the reasons, other than the absolutely delicious pain he inflicted on her, that she liked him so much. So, seeing him show such kindness again, even if he made it seem like it was self-serving, was something she enjoyed seeing. 

"The only question is how do I do it without her finding out?" Tatsuo muttered while looking down at the floor in contemplation. "[Purification magic] is too much of a spectacle when I use it. I mean, I guess we could hypnotize her and the doctors that do a checkup. But that's a whole lot of work. We'd have to hypnotize her family, too. Then, there's everyone that knows her. *Sigh* I'll just let Mom figure that out."