The Anime, Manga, and RPG High School

Misty stood up and walked calmly to Music class, making it just in time. A lot of people were already there, waiting for Mrs. Heartily to start the class.

Zidane hated music class. He was probably one of the least musical people in the world. In fact, the boss always made sure he had the only non-musical role. If there was no such role, the boss made one for him.

It wasn't that he hated music itself. He loved to listen to it, especially when Garnet was singing. Maybe he could get away without actually doing anything musical related.

Karin felt her blood rise slightly as Lavi grabbed her hand, but it wasn't as violent a reaction. Apparently, she'd caused some of Lavi's misery by trying to get away from him so often. The rush was still there, but she could probably manage it now.

That's when Karin realized what class was next. Karin was a klutz. In music class at her old school, she was never trusted to touch any of the instruments for risk of breaking them. Maybe she could get away with just singing...

Allen glanced around the music room when he entered. There were quite a few instruments lining the walls, from the grand piano to maracas to xylophones (sp?). As far as Allen could tell, all the instruments were reperesented.

Julia smiled as she watched all the students file in. So many bright faces... she thought before going over to her desk that was shoved in the corner of the room. "All right, everyone!" she said, pulling out a bunch of papers from her desk. "Music class isn't about how well you play your instrument or how good you are at reading my mind for what I think songs mean. It's about participation and appreciating music. Now, here I have a couple questions for you. I want you to answer them honestly, and then we'll share our answers with the rest of the class if you'd like to."

She passed out the questionaires. She couldn't wait to see what everyone put down. She'd already done hers, and it was laying on her desk, along with a couple of scores, pens, and a couple pictures.

If anyone looked at them, they would have seen a picture of her husband and her daughter Rinoa in a frame, and on the other side a picture of her with Laguna, a man she had once been in love with before he disappeared.

Misty filled out hers quickly.

What instruments do you play? (voices count!) I sing.
What's your favorite instrument and why? (doesn't have to be one you can play) I like flutes. Not sure why. Just a pretty sound.
What's your favorite song and why? Orchestrated music in general. It's easy to listen to, and my Pokemon like it.
What would you like to do in my class? Learning how to play the flute, maybe?
What would you rather not do in my class? Anything with drums.

Zidane scratched his head as he looked at the questionaire.

What instruments do you play? (voices count!) I'm a horrible musician and tone-deaf.
What's your favorite instrument and why? (doesn't have to be one you can play) Singing. It's pretty.
What's your favorite song and why? The song my friend Garnet sings. It's beautiful and she sings it really well. Makes me think of faraway places when I hear it.
What would you like to do in my class? Sit in a corner and listen to music
What would you rather not do in my class? Not have to do anything musical.

Karin accepted the sheet and set to work on it so she'd seem busy.

What instruments do you play? (voices count!) Singing
What's your favorite instrument and why? (doesn't have to be one you can play) I like them all.
What's your favorite song and why? Eyes on Me. It's a love song that isn't too sappy.
What would you like to do in my class? Listen to music.
What would you rather not do in my class? Touch the instruments because I'll probably break them.

Allen wondered a moment if he should tell the truth about whether he could play the piano or not. He decided to tell the truth.

What instruments do you play? (voices count!) Piano
What's your favorite instrument and why? (doesn't have to be one you can play) Piano
What's your favorite song and why? The song Tamaki-san was playing
What would you like to do in my class? Learn to read music better
What would you rather not do in my class? write essays

Julia handed Rei one of the questionaires. "Well, while Rei finishes hers, why don't I answer my own questions?" She smiled and picked up the questionaire she'd filled out.

"First off, let me introduce myself. I'm Julia Heartily. I would like it very much if you would call me Julia and not Mrs. Heartily. It makes me feel old." She chuckled and moved on to the actual questions.

"I've played the piano for years and actually used to play at a bar. I also sing. In fact, if you've ever heard the song Eyes on Me... Ah, but you might be a little young for that." She wasn't that old and neither was the song, but she didn't think any of her students would listen to a love song such as that.

"Anyway, my favorite instrument is definitely the piano, though I love just about any kind. I've learned how to play all the instruments in this room, too, so I'll be able to teach you all how to play something if you want to learn it."

She read the next question. "My favorite song... That's a tough one. I've always loved children's songs, to be honest." She laughed and moved on to the next question.

"I'd like to teach you all how to play an instrument and maybe have a little concert for the rest of the school, unless we have a bunch of people who suffer stage fright." She smiled warmly, and then frowned at her last question. "I'd rather not have to discipline any of you, so try to follow school rules and not damage the instruments, okay?"

"So, does anyone else want to share any part of their questionaire with the class? I'm sure everyone would love to hear what you have to say about the first three questions."

Karin's eyes widened. So their teacher was THAT Julia Heartily?! The famous singer Julia Heartily?! Her hand shot in the air. "Julia, I've loved your music since I was little!" She smiled when she saw Julia smile. She was speaking with her favorite musician ever! ...But she could feel some unhappiness radiating from her. Not enough to make her blood rush, but enough for her to notice...

"Thank you. It's always nice to hear someone actually listens to that song." She laughed again and called on the next person who'd raised his hand.

"Um... I play the piano a bit, but I can't read sheet music to save my soul," Allen admitted. "Actually, I would love to try and play a duet with Tamaki, if it's okay with him." Allen glanced at Tamaki to see his reaction to the suggestion.

"I'm afraid we only have enough time for a couple more people to share," Julia said sadly. "You," she pointed to Haruhi, "you," she pointed to Lavi, "then you," she pointed to Daisuke. "If we have a little extra time and no one else wants to share, you can play a little bit, okay?"

Thank God we have two pianos, she thought, smiling. She always loved a good piano duet, and the harp would make it just beautiful.

Allen nodded. He'd never really heard a harp before, but Lelouch's tuning notes sounded nice. "I think it'll sound really good if I don't mess up," he said, smiling.

"If no one else would like to share anymore answers, then there's time for Allen, Tamaki, and Lelouch to play a bit. Allen, if you'll step over here," she said, nodding to the piano right next to her. "Now, is there anything you'd like to play, Allen, since you're the least experienced with playing?" She could tell Tamaki and Lelouch could catch on to whatever tune Allen chose and would be able to play along.

Allen walked over and blushed at Julia's question. "I... uh... I don't know anything about playing, really... I just... can." He didn't want to go into detail, so he sat down and placed his hands on the keys.

So we have a natural, Julia thought with a smile. Just like Cross told me earlier. "Then just play. The others will catch on to your tune, right?" She turned to the other two.

Allen heard Tamaki warm up. Once he was sure Tamaki was ready, he turned to the piano. He placed his fingers on the keys, took a deep breath, and started playing.

It was a warm, happy tune. Allen never knew he could play anything but the lullaby from the 14th's memories. He hoped it didn't sound horrible and that Tamaki and Lelouch would catch on to the tune.

Julia closed her eyes and let the melody wash over her. Beautiful... she thought. "Oh no!" she cried when the bell rang. "I'm sorry kids, you all have to get to your next class! Have a nice day, everyone!"

Allen stopped playing when he heard the bell and Julia. He was a little disappointed he couldn't play more, but he didn't want to be late for his next class. He picked up his things and was about to leave, but froze when he saw Karin. The memory of vampire fangs came back to him, and he placed his hand gingerly on the gauze around his neck. I must be paranoid, he thought. There's no such thing as real vampires!

Still, to be safe, he walked closer to Misty.

Misty noticed Allen getting a little closer. "Allen? Are you okay? You look a little pale." She frowned. "Maybe you should head to the nurse."

"Eh? No, I'm fine!" Allen said quickly. "Hey... uh... Misty... Do you believe in vampires?"

"I believe in 'em," Zidane replied. It was his specialty to butt into other people's conversations. "They bite people and turn them into their legions of the undead." He grinned, seeing he'd spooked Allen. "What? Are you hiding bite marks with that gauze?" he chuckled darkly when he saw Allen's hand shoot up to cover the gauze. "Don't worry. You won't turn into a vampire until midnight tonight!" He was, of course, completely making up that last part. That was entertaining, he thought before joining Raye.