1Prompt #6: Together
"For peace to reign on Earth, humans must see the whole first"
A/N: To everyone wondering what happens to "A hundred pieces of heaven", if there's any... it's not dropped. I simply don't want to release it until I've ironed out the kinks. The alpha version is still available from the #KuchuSanto/#AirSanto tweet, tho. (If you don't know what they are, check them out because a slew of fanworks goodies will welcome you).
A string of notes held high before fading into an awe-stunning silence, marking the end of the concert. The crowds erupted, throwing cheers and ovations to the three performers who were politely excusing themselves out of the stage. Somewhere in the back of the audience seat, a short-haired woman stood, dragging her two companions with her. "Quick," she beckoned, animatedly pointing to the back door. "We can still catch up with them."
The three found the musicians as they headed back to their lodgings. While initially surprised, the vocalist returned the young woman's embrace with a bashful smile.
"Miss Nanami! L-leader! And... and... is this your friend? Thank you so much! We don't know you're around!"
The two musicians exchanged handshakes with the two men.
"That's beautiful. That's truly beautiful," said the sandy-haired man Annallee couldn't recognize. When he spoke though, he sounded as if he had been around for a very long time, sad and solemn at the same time.
"Thank you," replied Annallee. Then, as if she was gathering courage, she glanced at the two musicians, who gave her encouraging winks.
She took a deep breath. "It's all thanks to the army, and you, General Riou."
"I believe in music. There's so much conflict happening simply because we fail to understand one another."
"I- I want to change it! If only... if only people would listen a bit... perhaps we could save at least a life."
"There's only so much three people can accomplish, but I believe one day we'll make it."
It was the longest speech Riou had heard from Annallee, who'd normally spoken little when she's not singing, but he appreciated it all the same. She seemed to have this determination bottled for a long time, and he was suddenly thrown back to the nights he would find her dusting the hall alone after all the soldiers had gone asleep, mending clothes with Yoshino, or in the kitchen with Hai Yo. She'd told him she was afraid to be a bother, that she couldn't do much other than singing, but she didn't know what Riou knew. She didn't know how many souls she'd healed through her songs, how many hearts she'd soothed, how many hopes she'd kindled. Now, though, it seemed like she'd found her place and he was proud of it.
And the three travelers would like to believe in the optimism so much, that one day their journey would bring them what she sung of: of soldiers returning home, of children playing in the fields, and of the day the pain would finally end.
