• Invisible Music
    Prologue


    Hey Alexis here! I’m a sophomore and I study at Nyx Academy, one of the most prestigious all-girl schools here in the land of Alfar.

    To start off Nyx Academy has five main buildings: Academic, Olympic, Guild, Music, and Research.

    The Academic building is where all the students take classes, activities, quizzes, etc.

    The Olympic building is basically where all the jocks meet and practice for competitions.

    The Guild building is where all the club meetings take place, except of course if your club is related to music or sports you go to your designated area.

    The Music building is where the musically inclined practice at their leisure.

    And lastly, the Research building, this is where we read our research materials, get fictional books to read, etc.

    School uniforms consist of black with gold trim polos, black with gold trim miniskirts, knee-high socks, and black leather shoes.

    Our call time is at 7am and most of us get dismissed at around 5pm.

    Did I tell you that we’re currently buried with projects, and festivals? I just wish I could blow them I away but that would make life BORING.

    ~xXoXx~

    Chapter 1: Melody of the heart



    It’s 5:00 in the morning and I have to get ready for school; which the alarm clock annoyingly reminded me of. I got up, turned the alarm off, and went through my morning routine.

    At 6:00 I finished my morning routine and departed for school. Walking takes about 15-20 minutes and it usually takes longer depending on my mood.

    I arrived at school at around 6:20 and students were already starting to fill the campus little by little.

    I made my way to the classroom on the third floor of the Academic building, which is conveniently placed of the third floor of the classroom.

    Ugh… I hate stairs…Will they ever put elevators? Please let them put elevators before… the next century.

    Something’s kinda different about this morning… the Academic building is quite empty… I wonder why…

    As I approached my class room I heard a song from a violin, Bach’s Ave Maria…? Who could create such sweet music? Well… I’ll probably find out after opening the door… twisting the knob… moving my joints… yes… I have no life.

    After opening the door I was… in a word: shocked to see who was playing this kind of music. Well this is awkward… it’s Alice ‘the terrible’… whose version of right now is not… so… terrible? I’m running out of adjectives…

    Alice is one of my classmates she has got the brains, the looks, and most of all: the attitude. Let’s just say… she doesn’t like warming up to people.

    “You know it’s rude to eavesdrop.” Alice complained.

    “Well sorry for having ears.” I retorted.

    I went straight to my seat hoping not to attract anymore omens for the week.

    Not too long after the annoying conversation people started flooding the classroom bit by bit. And thank god that my best friend: Kate decided to come earlier than usual…

    “What’s with the face? Alice torture you?” She asked… which apparently hit the bullseye.

    “Bingo. Sort of… well she got irritated after me seeing her play the violin.” I replied.

    “I see… well you’re in it for some trouble… I think.” She joked.

    “You think?” I replied sarcastically.

    “Aww… come on Alexis! Lighten up a bit. It’s not your fault that you have eyes and ears you know!”

    I sighed…

    Wow… no wonder we’re best friends.

    “Oh by the way… have you heard about this contest Alice is going to participate in?” Kate asked.

    “Uh… no… what kind of contest is she going to participate in?”

    “A Musical Concours!” She said a little bit too loud…

    She signaled threat on the way… which I identify is the topic of our conversation.

    “Can I borrow Alexis for a bit?” Alice asks in a scary tone.

    “Uh… first off… I’m no thing and second what do you want from me?” I answered.

    “Why don’t you be a good girl and follow me?”

    Yikes… scary is kicking in… I’ll just do what she says if I want to keep my head where it is!

    We walked outside the classroom and headed for the school attic or should I say my second house? I eat lunch there more than enough.

    “All right Alice what do you want from me?” I queried.

    “Did you tell anyone?” She replied.

    “…No… it’s about the contest right?”

    “Yes. And I hate people who barge into my performance cheering for me after all it’s a formal concour… and a big one at that.” She sighed.

    “Well I sure as heck didn’t. So… can I go back to the classroom now?” I yawned.

    “Sure you can go back now.” She answered.

    I steadily paced for my classroom… which seems to have a situation… I hope I can steer clear of… I don’t want to attract anymore jinxes for heaven’s sake!

    “… What are we going to do about this? Sir Hawthorne is on his way…” Nana said, realizing how big the commotion was.

    As far as I can tell… it’s a big disagreement between… Class Prez… and Class Rep…? Now why the heck would those two disagree? I mean, they’re in perfect sync as always…

    “I don’t think she should be the one to play for the class! I‘ve known her for quite some time and she isn’t really a musician!” Class Rep argues…

    “Sure you’ve known her for a long time but I’ve seen her play!” The Class Prez argues…

    Who the heck are they talking about?

    As I neared in the commotion, hoping to go unnoticed, the entire class gave me silence and stares…

    Oh great… they weren’t talking about me were they? I sincerely hope not.

    I rushed for my seat noticing Sir Hawthorne on his way.

    “You two better calm down Sir Hawthorne is in the hallway!” I announced trying to change the mood.

    The entire class gulped and hurried for their seats.

    “Kate I need explanations later.” I whispered.

    She gave me a nod and kept quiet.

    Sir Hawthorne came in with his usual ‘shut up I’m annoyed’ face… which always manages to scare anyone away.

    “So what was the commotion from earlier…? I heard the voiced of 2 people involved… Ms. President and Ms. Representative… will you please explain yourselves?” He asked in an annoyed voice.

    Finally some answers.

    They both looked at each other whether they should answer truthfully or otherwise… for their sake I hope it’s not the latter.

    “It was about Alexis being our representative for the school festival’s musical concours.” They both chorused.

    “WHAT?! You guys want me to represent?!” I unintentionally replied.

    Oh crap… this means I’m gonna be on his bad side for today…

    “Alexis I understand your shock but please on my class only talk when you’re asked… and you two… care to explain more?” Sir Hawthorne sighed.

    “Well… no one in this class… is musically inclined except for Alexis…” The Class Prez replied.

    “But she isn’t willing to do it.” The Class Rep argues.

    “All right, all right no more arguing… now I want you two to settle this some other time of the week or day… for now we’ll have normal homeroom… does anyone object?”

    Let me explain: The Class Prez’s real name is Isa... a friend of mine since grade school… The Class Rep’s real name is Ysa… a friend of mine since grade school as well… confusing huh? Well… good thing for me their faces are different… as I was saying… they’ve been best friends for as long as they can remember and they rarely argue like this… it’s been almost a year since a big argument like this… and it’s over me of all people…

    Musical Concours huh… I suppose I used to play the guitar but… that’s used to for you. I don’t play anymore. Don’t ask.

    How am I supposed to break it to Class Prez…? Well… the truth hurts I suppose I’m gonna clear that up during lunch… or now…

    I took a piece of paper and sent it on her direction… the minute Sir Hawthorne ended class.

    She has to understand… I ended that hobby 2 years ago.

    Morning went by faster than expected and lunch came by fast.

    “So… any other thing I don’t know about this morning’s argument?” I asked Kate as we settled down on an empty table.

    “Well… for all I know Isa is bent on putting you up there… and well… I don’t know what she’s getting out of it but she’s definitely working for Alice.” She explained… in a grim manner.

    I over-slurped my juice box and said, “Why me?”

    “It’s because you have the talent to do it.” A very familiar voice said.

    “…Yeah… and that gets you nowhere because I’m not doing your lame job.” I retorted.

    She smiled in a very insulting manner and left.

    I sighed. Who the heck does she think she is?! She can’t just barge in on us like that! That eavesdropping little—

    “Whoa… loosen up Alexis… you’re kinda twisting your spoon.” Kate warned.

    “Oh great… Remind me to wake up a bit later than I do all right? I don’t want to get on her bad sides… in fact I just don’t want to get on the bad side of anybody.”

    “Big news: everyone does Alexis.” She said as she continued eating her lunch.

    “Well… life just isn’t fair… to anyone… especially you.” I teased.

    “Hey! I’m not the one with the big enemies.” She retorted.

    “Ah yes… time to show them the ‘bad’ Alexis?” I asked.

    “Oh yeah… I feel fireballs are gonna come out today!” She chirped.

    Let me explain: the ‘bad’ Alexis are just one of the school’s outlooks on me. During the first day of school I felt like wearing a leather jacket instead of the school polo… and pow… they thought I had a motorcycle gang… well… most of them anyways… I have some people here who know me since grade school; in short I have to act like a punk for the rest of the day.

    Well… here goes nothing…

    I walked in the classroom with my leather jacket on… and it seemed to be working… I suppose… they’re staring at me… ugh… remind me that I’m doing this for my own good.

    “Is it working?” I asked Kate, who probably has the best opinion at the moment.

    “I think so… although you didn’t need to go as far as the ponytail…” she giggled.

    “Maximum effect or something…” I raised my eyebrow and smiled.

    “Well you better keep it up! Oh by the way… will Danica…” Kate asked.

    “Pretty much heard much of this already… and no need to worry about her… she likes annoying me.” I snorted at the last part.

    “Oh well… today sure is hectic for you.” She teased.

    “Oh shut up.” I acted.

    “Yes, yes I will leave you to your ‘punking’” She sighed.

    She’s the only person I can’t trick… she can see through all what I do… which of course, what mostly makes us look like sisters.

    Our last three subjects just went through the window… and here comes clubs… well… I wish I could tell how things will fare in this part of the day… it’s always more unpredictable than you would expect from the art club.

    ~xXoXx~


    Chapter 2: Abandoned talent



    Music… it was something I regretted doing 2 years ago… maybe abandoned is the proper word…

    *Flashback*

    “You play the guitar so well Alexis!” Diana, my best friend, announced.

    “I don’t think I’m that good. I think I just play well enough not to make noise come out of this thing.” I said sheepishly.

    “You have to go and play with me! My violin and your guitar will make a wonderful pair! We might even beat the piano sisters!” She joked.

    I giggled. The “piano” sisters? Since when did she call Ysa and Isa that?

    “You know it’s rude to laugh at someone’s idea.” She pouted.

    “Hahaha… I’m sorry… Since when did you call Ysa and Isa that?” I asked, still giggling

    “Since I found out in music class of course!” She answered.

    “Well… I do know they both play the piano but… don’t you think it’s a little too… um… hm… sudden?” I asked.

    “You’re changing the subject!” She pouted once again.

    “All right, all right. You win, can we please just play something I can play?”

    She paused to think...

    “What about… Canon in D? I know its a little bit cliché but who cares?” She said with vigor.

    “A little bit too excited, you are.” I said, emulating this famous old character from a science fiction movie.

    She giggled a little too loudly.

    I ‘glomped’ her and said, “Who gave you permission to laugh Ms. Diana?” I said emulating one of our teachers this time.

    “Alexis you have to stop acting like teachers… you’re actually starting to look and sound like them.” She warned.

    “I can’t have that many faces little girl.” I threatened with our principal’s voice.

    “Haha… No, you better stop or you’ll look 20 years older!” She teased.

    And we laughed without caring who stared at us on our way home.

    Eventually the next day came. Our classes ended quite fast and clubs came in.

    “See you after clubs?” I asked.

    “Yeah. I can’t wait!” She said as she tugged her violin.

    I nodded, changed, and left.

    The basketball club was all about energy and unpredictability; you could say it’s an energetic boot camp.

    “I’m here coach!” I announced.

    “Oh great! You can begin warming up with 50 push-ups and sit-ups!” She happily announced.

    I didn’t enter the wrong gymnasium… right?

    “Oh and by the way: You have to finish that in 15 minutes!” She added.

    I sighed. I didn’t know what the difference between demons and coaches are…

    I managed to finish my ‘warm-ups’ in my given time and apparently I was given no time to rest.

    “Great one match… you against… Bea.” She announced.

    Already?! She knows how to make me go on an adrenaline rush…

    I managed to score some points… but Bea is a far better shooter than I am and in my current body condition I wonder if she was even taking me seriously.

    “Coach is hard on us today… are the regionals coming soon already?” She joked.

    “No joke. We haven’t even entered anything yet… I think. You’re captain you should know what she signs us up for you know.” I replied.

    After one very tiring club session we were allowed to shower and go home; of course, I was going to meet with Diana in the music room.

    It’s already around 4:30 and the school is still filled with over-timing clubs especially the archery, fencing, and soccer clubs since they were busy with tournaments of their own.

    On my way to the music room I accidentally encounter Diana.

    “You’re done with clubs and you look like you were lazing about in clubs.” She teased.

    “Complete opposite she’s acting like the regionals are tomorrow!” I complained.

    “Isn’t that supposed to be right? I hear you guys are participating in one!” She said.

    “What?! How come she never told us?” I managed.

    “I think she was thinking of it as a present for you.” She said, sticking out her tongue.

    “My birthday is a few weeks from now… oh crap…” I thought out loud.

    “Well… at least now you know!” She joked.

    “Just wait until her birthday comes. I’ll make her the best present ever.” I threatened.

    “Haha… Can’t wait for that.” She laughed.

    Time went by and kazam… we’re here.

    “You ready?” I asked.

    “Yep. What about you?” She retorted.

    “Yeah… just a bit nervous… Mind if I record this?” I said pulling out a recorder.

    “Sure… so long as you give me a copy.” She grinned.

    We both readied our instruments and looked at each other. At Diana’s signal we started playing.

    Here we go… the first few sections… so far so good.

    I eventually enjoyed listening to the sound we produced and eventually I let myself flow with the music.

    That’s it… D…A…F#m…Bm… G…D…G…A… and a little twists here and there…

    Eventually the song finished and we both looked at each other saying that it was a success.

    “Phew… that was… different…” I said.

    “Haha… you’re better than a piano accompanist!” She boasted.

    “You said that I didn’t.” I replied.

    “That’s cold.” She complained.

    “Well… we have this to remember it for.” I said, raising the recorder.

    What Diana had realized, I realized far too late… below her a combination of spell circles were already formed.

    “Don’t move an inch Alexis! Don’t you dare move one inch!” She warned.

    I instinctively followed her instructions… and as I turned my attention to her I noticed her mumbling something…

    Was magic really possible anymore? Some say a faint reminder resides within our blood… but I didn’t believe that until I saw it with my own two eyes.

    “See you soon.” She said.

    And just like that there was no trace of her existence except for the instrument she left behind with me.

    *End Flashback*

    “Hello? Earth to Alexis!” A voice called.

    SMACK!

    “Ow! What was that for?!” I yelled.

    “Oh good I thought I was never getting you out of dreamland...” She sighed.

    “Well sorry for having a brain!” I complained.

    “Be sorry later! Right now… draw for me! I want some athletic ones… five in 30 minutes! Oh and punishment at full if you don’t finish in time!” She announced.

    Let me explain… the person I’m talking to right now… has no mercy when it come to judging drawings and she has the tendency to overwork her members… especially me.
    Her name is Danica but most of the time I call her ‘prez’ instead of Senior Danica or Danica…

    “30 minutes?! Are you out of your mind prez?” I asked, clarifying her sanity.

    “How about I tell you do n***s of yourself instead?” She continued.

    “Ugh… I’m taking the athletics…” I sighed.

    “Good girl. Now hop to it!” She said, shooing me away.

    I wonder what they’re up to now… I always seem to be in the middle of their little games… I might as well finish this crap.

    A sport… what about… the gymnastics club? But all their poses are nothing to write home about… I’ll just use the fencing club then…

    I can’t believe prez gave me all the time in the world to finish this…

    At the moment I finished thinking of what sport to use as a guide I started running at full speed toward the fencing room in the Olympic building.