Wavering Destiny

Chapter 16: Moonlight Shadow

"So...what did you want to ask me?" Minako lowered herself onto the sofa in the music room.

Yaten sat down next to her. The hum of the ceiling fan was the only sound. Sunlight spilled across the floor, catching the dust that floated above the instruments.

"I already talked it over with Seiya and Taiki and they said it was okay. But I figured I should ask you if you'd even be interested..."

"Yeah?"

"Do you wanna sing at the party?"

Minako's eyes lit up. Had she heard right? "Really?" She examined Yaten's face for any sign that she was joking, but found none.

"We could use an opener. Figured you might be interested."

"Yes! Of course! Oh my gosh. Wow."

"I mean..." Yaten looked away, hesitating. "I think people here should hear your voice. I don't know anyone who shines like you do."

Minako felt heat rise to her cheeks. "Thanks..." She twirled a strand of hair around her index finger. Her heart pounded as she imagined performing at the party. The flash of lights, the sea of people, the roaring of applause...

She snapped her head up. "But...what am I going to sing?"

"Whatever you want."

Minako nodded, brain jumping ahead already. C'est la Via? Route Venus?

Yaten shrugged nonchalantly. "Or we could write something together if you wanted to. It's short notice, but I'm sure we could pull it off in time if we worked together on it."

"Yes!" Minako scooted closer to her on the sofa. "We could totally do it!"

Minako couldn't think of anything better to do than spend the next few days writing a song in here. And to open for the Three Lights - talk about a dream come true!

"Here, c'mon." Yaten stood and moved to the instruments. She motioned to the row of sleek guitars. "Do you play?" she asked.

"Not really, I'm mostly vocals."

"In that case..." Yaten guided her to the sleek grand piano in the corner of the music room. She pulled out the cushioned bench for her.

"I've been working on this piece for a while," Yaten said, opening the cover, "but it's missing something. If we can fix it up and add lyrics, you might be able to sing it."

"Okay, let's hear it!"

Yaten turned to the piano before her. She stretched out her delicate hands and hovered them over the black and white keys. She took a deep breath and leaned in. What happened next was absolutely magical.

Minako was sure she was listening to a movie soundtrack. The notes surrounded her, pulling her into a world of harmony. The way Yaten's fingers danced back and forth. It was a mystical, almost bittersweet tune, despite no lyrics.

Minako peered over and watched Yaten consumed in the moment. Eyes closed, silver bangs in her face, slender shoulders moving, pouring everything into the piece.

Minako sat back and closed her eyes as well. She could sit here and listen to Yaten's music forever. She couldn't decide which song was better, the one she sang to her on the guitar a few days ago, or the wordless piano piece she was playing now.

The ballad faded out.

"So...what do you think?" Yaten sat back, drummed her fingers on the top.

Minako opened her eyes and put her hand over her heart. "Wow...that was beautiful, Yaten. I don't know if I deserve to sing to something like that."