Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors by KOEI. If I did, then this story would've been brought to life in a movie :) and I'll have more say in the romantic interactions between the Qiao sisters and their husbands! The wonderful piece Clair de Lune was composed by the great Debussy and is used as inspiration for this chapter. Chihiro and Souchiro are original characters for this specific story.

Author's notes as of 6/10/2013: I'm back and to get into the mood of planning and writing the collection of bonus scenes with Zhou Yu/Xiao Qiao in the story, I decided to add a bonus story/epilogue on Daikyou's day at the Piano Nationals now that she has her beloved Prince Charming, Son Saku to join with her friends to support her. I hope you guys like it!

Summary of the combined epilogue and bonus story: The piano nationals have finally arrived and Da Qiao (Daikyou) is as nervous as hell. Although her sister and best friends gave her lots of support to lift her spirits, it'll be Sun Ce's (Son Saku) love and belief in her that will dispel the remnants of her stage fright for her performance. Will she win or have her hopes dashed by the competition?

Main characters:

Da Qiao: Daikyou

Xiao Qiao: Shoukyou

Sun Ce: Son Saku

Zhou Yu: Shuu Yu

Other characters in this combined epilogue and bonus story are as follows:

Cai Wenji: Sai Bunki

Bao Sanniang: Hou Sanjou

Sun Quan: Son Ken

Sun Shang Xiang: Shoukou

Ding Feng: Tei Hou

Epilogue and Bonus Story combined: Of Beautiful Music and Muses

Timeskip to early April...

I couldn't believe the piano nationals had finally arrived; the day that I would represent my school with my 2 other teammates from the Piano Elite Club and play my favourite score to the best of my ability. After countless of hours of practice after school, it all came down to this for the chance to win a prestigious prize and bring honor to the Piano Elite Club. From the support of Otousan, Shoukyou, Sai Bunki-chan and Hou Sanjou-chan...I managed to get this far...but it was the loving pride and final bill of support from my new boyfriend, Son Saku-kun that I really felt ready for the competition.

Ever since we got together after the Royal Masquerade Ball, we had been almost inseparable and came to know each other's friends and families. Otousan already became fast friends with Son Saku-kun's father and even got introduced to Shuu Yu-kun's father. I came to know Son Saku-kun's sister, Shoukou-chan very well and she really enjoyed being in our group as we did in her company. She was an exuberant girl who was quite a tomboy with a deep love of sports. Son Ken-kun was completely different from Son Saku-kun; he was soft-spoken and very mature for his age yet he was still pleasant company to be with when it came to discussing literature. Being together everyday at school, Son Saku-kun and I also influenced each other to become better in ourselves. I gave Son Saku-kun the grounding and patience he needed to quell his hotheaded tendencies while he gave me the drive and encouragement to be more confident in myself.

But even my newfound confidence wasn't enough to fully dispel the anxious butterflies in my stomach as Otousan was driving Shoukyou and I to the Shirohana Park Stadium where the event was to take place. My best friends along with Son Saku-kun, Son Ken-kun, Shoukou-chan and Shuu Yu-kun would be meeting us there.

"Onechan, I just got an SMS from Sai Bunki-chan. She and Hou Sanjou-chan just arrived with Shuu Yu-kun," I watched with amusement as a bigger smile lit her cherubic face, "Oooh! I can't wait to see him!"

"That's good..." I could feel sweat building up along my hairline...not a very favourable sign for me...

"Onechan, you need to relax," I jumped upon feeling her hand on my shoulder and turned to see Shoukyou looking at me with concern in her eyes, "You're crushing your music score."

"Am I?" I sighed, feeling the tension ebb away somewhat and my fingers unclenched my portfolio that contained my music score for Clair de Lune, "S-Sorry...the nerves are getting the best of me..."

"You'll be fine, darling," Otousan's deep voice was reassuring, "You've been practicing so hard and it'll sure to pay off. I'm just so proud that you are actually in the competition. That to me is a great accomplishment to take pride in."

I felt a bit better at his words, "Thanks, Otousan..."

"Ah! I see your friends in the distance, girls," we looked out Shoukyou's window and saw two girls and a tall boy waving at us. Otousan stopped the car at the nearby curb whereupon we got out, "I'm going to the parking lot. I'll find you all inside the stadium, girls."

"Otousan, you have your ticket, don't you?" I reminded him as we got out of the car.

"Don't worry, sweetheart, it's in my jacket pocket. Now run along, girls. These parking spaces aren't easy to find."

Otousan drove off towards the parking lot, leaving us with Sai Bunki-chan and Hou Sanjou-chan. The gardens outside the stadium were glorious during Spring...the cherry blossom trees are in bloom, looking simply beautiful in deep and pale shades of pink. Just then, Hou Sanjou-chan squealed and hugged my sister and I tightly, nearly toppling us over. Then Shoukyou broke away from the group hug and embraced Shuu Yu-kun who laughed and lifted her in his strong arms.

"Wow, you look so cute today despite the boring dress code, Daikyou-chan!" she pulled back to look at me, "Your fashion sense seems to get better each day. Is it because of Son Saku-kun?"

I blushed beet red and averted from her gaze, "Oh stop, Hou Sanjou-chan...it's not like I wanted to beautify myself further to keep Son Saku-kun's attention on me...no, nothing like that.

"But you really look sweet and pretty," Sai Bunki-chan complimented with a smile on her face, "The girly look really suits you."

"You think so?"

My blush died down somewhat as I took a good look at myself. For today, I wore a black lace short sleeved dress, a knitted black bolero cardigan with pink ribbons and matching black lace slippers with pink bows. I nervously adjusted my newly acquired rimless glasses on my nose. Since I would be playing for a considerable amount of time, I decided to plait my hair back with Shoukyou's help. But she took it further by twirling it into a rose bun, which rested at the nape of my neck.

"If you pardon my forwardness, Daikyou-san, you look absolutely stunning today and I want to wish you good luck in the competition," Shuu Yu-kun said as he gave a little bow of respect.

"You're far too kind, Shuu Yu-kun..." I replied, watching Shuu Yu-kun turn his attention back to Shoukyou with a gentle smile.

I thanked my stars that Shoukyou had such a wonderful boyfriend with a gentlemanly demeanor. I knew that my little sister would be greatly cared for and I secretly also hoped that his manners and serious attitude would rub off on her...

I took a deep breath and checked my pink lady's watch...only 15 minutes left until the competition was to start. I looked up to see more people filing up near the entrance and various cars parking nearby. The nervous butterflies were still fluttering in my stomach. Then I felt Shoukyou tapping my arm. She looked back at Shuu Yu-kun who smiled and gestured her to continue. My little sister was smiling at me and was holding something in her hands.

"Imouto...isn't that..."

Sitting on her palms was a gold plated comb with sparkling red and orange crystal flowers. The same comb I placed in Shoukyou's hair for the Royal Masquerade Ball and brought Shuu Yu-kun to her...

"Yup! I thought that since it helped me bring Shuu Yu-kun and I together, it'll work as a good luck charm for you to play well in the competition," my little sister explained as she carefully slipped the accessory into my rose braid bun, "There, that's much better! See? It even goes well with your dress."

I smiled at my little sister at her act of kindness, "Yes, I suppose you're right, imouto."

Just then out of the corner of my eye, I made out a girl running towards us. My face brightened. It was Shoukou-chan. She looked very cheerful as she approached us and grouped us into a huge hug.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone. Onichan and ani-kun are lagging behind me while Otouchan is just finding a car spot," Shoukou-chan then turned to me and her green eyes brightened, "Wow! You look so pretty today. You're going to make onichan fall head over heals for you all over again."

"S-Shoukou-chan...it's embarrassing when you say it that way..." I blushed, causing my sister, Shuu Yu-kun and my other friends to chuckle.

Just then, I could see Son Ken-kun following closely behind Shoukou-chan. He was busy reading something in the book he was carrying in his hands before he looked up and locked eyes with the rest of the group. He smiled as he approached us.

"Ani-kun! What took you so long? Where's onichan?" Shoukou-chan pouted as she lightly punched his shoulder, causing him to chuckle and close his book, "Don't tell me you're going to read throughout the performance?! You are so rude to Daikyou-chan!"

"What? I won't do such a thing, imouto!" Son Ken-kun looked outraged.

"It's good to see you again, Son Ken-kun," I said, intervening between them before another argument broke out between them.

"Daikyou-san. You look wonderful today. I want to wish you the best of luck before you play your piece. Ani-ue praises you highly of your music."

"And we think the same as Son Ken-kun, Daikyou-chan," Sai Bunki-chan said resolutely as the girls gathered around me.

"You're going blow their socks off. I just know it!" Hou Sanjou-chan burst out confidently, her green eyes sparkling.

"Onechan is the best piano player of all!" Shoukyou agreed.

"I...I don't know..."

I looked at the other young people that were just starting to congregate in front of the stadium entrance. I recognized a few of them...they came from other prestigious schools. I could see them carrying their scores and my eyes widened upon seeing that a boy of my age was going to play Chopin's Fantasie Impromptu...oh God...my Clair de Lune score couldn't compare to his...and the other players in the nationals...my heart...pounding so fast...breaths not coming in...

"I...I'm not sure anymore..." I said softly, still transfixed on the every growing crowd of players, all carrying more complicated scores than mine...

"Daikyou-san...what's the matter?" Son Ken-kun asked with concern, stepping forward to gently grip my shoulders, "Are you alright? You look a bit pale."

"Daikyou-chan," Hou Sanjou-chan turned my face away from the crowd, "Don't look at them. Concentrate on yourself. Wipe off that pessimistic look off your lovely face so that you'll be ready to see Son Saku-kun."

"What's going on, guys? Daikyou-chan?"

A new voice caught my attention and Hou Sanjou-chan and Son Ken-kun moved aside to let the new arrival into the group. I looked up to find Son Saku-kun there. God, he looked more handsome today in his smart polo shirt, dark jeans, light dress jacket and silver sneakers. His face bore a loving and concerned expression as he approached me and gathered me in his arms. He cupped my face to kiss me softly.

"Hey...uhm...I think we should leave onechan and Son Saku-nichan alone now," I heard Shoukyou, "Can we go inside now?"

"Yes, let's do that, Shoukyou-chan. Guys, let's go inside and find our seats," Shuu Yu-kun agreed.

Everyone took Shoukyou and Shuu Yu-kun's cue to leave and they followed the couple inside the stadium. I could tell because I could hear their chatter fading away from us as Son Saku-kun pulled away from the kiss to hold me even closer. He brushed against my cheek.

"You look simply gorgeous today, Daikyou-chan. But why are you looking so sad and worried?"

I looked away from his beautiful dark eyes, "You might think me silly, Son Saku-kun..."

"Hey...Daikyou-chan..." his fingers gently grasped my chin, making me face him again, "I will never think of you that way...you can tell me anything. What's troubling you, my princess?"

"I...everyone is confident that I will help our school win the competition but..." I turned to the crowd of the competitors. My gaze was instantly focused back on their scores...they must had sounded more melodious and were played by more talented fingers than mine...

"Daikyou-chan?"

"They have more complicated and lovelier scores than I do...how can I possibly match up to the high calibre set in the competition when I have my Clair de Lune to play?" I must have looked distressed because Son Saku-kun's face had softened, "Everyone is expecting me to top the competition and...and...I'm scared that I'll let everyone down...our friends...Otousan...the school...and...and you..."

"Daikyou-chan...remember the promise we made when we got together in the music room? I told you that no matter what happens in the competition, I will always be proud of you. And I'm sticking to it because you being in this prestigious competition is already an achievement in itself. You ARE that good a piano player to be here, Daikyou-chan. And besides, hearing you play Clair de Lune during those practice sessions with Sai Bunki-chan is absolute magic for me..."

Son Saku-kun...why did I deserve such a wonderful and supporting boyfriend to lift the worrying burdens off my chest? Now I recalled the countless times he sacrificed his free time to spend more time with Sai Bunki-chan and I so that I can play Clair de Lune without making mistakes and to continue fighting my stage fright...

"You've worked so hard for this moment, my princess. Show me that confidence that you've built up. I want you to go out there and show the other competitors what you're made of and prove to the rest of Japan that you are a great talent at the piano. I don't care whether our school will win the competition or not...what matters to me is that you did your best out there."

I found myself nodding to my boyfriend's words, feeling more and more sure of myself. Sure enough, I was smiling up at Son Saku-kun and leaned up on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

"Feel better, Daikyou-chan?"

"Yes...much better, Son Saku-kun...and...and...I will make everyone proud...and..I want to make you to proud of me too..."

"There's my confident princess..."

Just then, Son Saku plucked a small sprig from a nearby cherry blossom tree and held it in front of me. The small pink flowers looked so pretty and delicate and the small buds looked like cotton candy. He smiled at me as he carefully placed the sprig behind one of my ears.

"Son Saku-kun?"

"For good luck, Daikyou-chan...I know how much you like these flowers so I thought well...they'll make you feel better when you perform so that you know that I'm still with you cheering you on."

I found myself melting at his sincere words...

"Ah, there you are, Daikyou-san, I am glad to see that you are on time."

Son Saku-kun turned around until we saw Tei Hou-sensei approaching us. His usually stern face bore an encouraging expression and his eyes were filled with pride. I saw Chihiro-senpai and Souchiro-senpai beside him, the other two members in the Piano Elite club who were both older than me by one year and were excellent piano players. Chihiro-senpai was one of the few older girls who was genuinely nice to me and we usually exchanged short and pleasant conversations in the hallway whenever we saw each other. Souchiro-senpai...even though he was a star performer, he had a gruff demeanor and seemed to be angry all the time. I shivered under his cold stare. We bowed back in respect to the three of them.

"It is best that we head inside now to go backstage and get ready, Daikyou-san. Son Saku-kun, you'd better find your seat inside before it gets too difficult to navigate through the crowds."

"Will do, Tei Hou-sensei," Son Saku-kun nodded to our music teacher before turning to me with a twinkle in his eyes, "Remember to do your best, my princess. That's all I ask you to do."

With that, he pecked my cheek before heading inside the stadium. I briefly touched the spot on my cheek where his lips caressed the skin. It still felt warm. Just then, I heard deep chuckles behind me. I found Tei Hou-sensei and Chihiro-senpai smiling in amusement while Souchiro-senpai was fiddling with his phone.

"Let us get going, shall we?"

I felt Tei Hou-sensei's large but reassuring hand resting on my back as he carefully guided me to join the group. I really did like him because he really was a gentle giant and I always seemed to be calmed by his demeanor alone. I smiled back up at him and nodded in affirmation before we went through a different entrance where the other competitors are lining up with their teachers.

I clutched my score close to my chest as I listened to Souchiro-senpai finished the last page of his score. I couldn't believe that it was finally our school's turn to play in the competition. Chihiro-senpai, having played first, was quietly talking to Tei Hou-sensei about something or other while I was lingering near the stage curtains. I dared to peek out of the heavy burgundy fabric. I widened my eyes in shock. It was a full house and I made out my family, my best friends and Son Saku-kun somewhere near the front. Then my chest tightened in dread upon seeing the lined tables where the judges were sitting, looking stern and poised as they scribbled on their pads and judgment cards. Then I directed my gaze to the stage. Souchiro-senpai was playing his score on the beautiful onyx black grand piano that stood in the center, all basked in the spotlight. Recognising the end of his score, I hummed to the last tunes before thunderous applause echoed towards the stage. After Souchiro-senpai stiffly bowed to the audience and the judges, he gathered his score and returned to the wing where we were waiting for him.

"It's your turn soon, Daikyou-san. I hope you're ready," Chihiro-senpai commented as she moved aside to let Souchiro-senpai sit down for a well-deserved rest, "Good luck!"

"Don't mess this up, you hear?" I looked at Souchiro-senpai...he glared at me, "I won't forgive you if you jeopardized our school's hopes in winning the nationals."

"Souchiro-kun! Don't say such harsh words to Daikyou-san! The last thing she needs is your overbearing competitiveness!" Chichiro-senpai crossly reprimanded Souchiro-senpai who merely ignored her and looked away in another direction, "Don't listen to the grumpy bastard, Daikyou-san. I know you will do well."

"Believe in yourself, Daikyou-san and your talent will blossom and outshine like no other," Tei Hou-sensei said wisely, "Let the music you love so much fill you and guide you to your pinnacle."

I momentarily closed my eyes to recollect the group hug Hou Sanjou-chan and Sai Bunki-chan wrapped me in. I recalled Shoukou, Son Ken-kun and Shuu Yu-kun's kind words. Then I fiddled with the beautiful comb in my bun, remembering Shoukyou's act of kindness. Finally I softly brushed the sprig of cherry blossoms nestled behind my ear and felt Son Saku's warmth of where he touched them...accompanied by my beloved friends' and Otousan's encouraging words. I was going to go out there and prove my piano playing abilities. Before long, I heard my name and the score I would be playing being announced and straightened myself. I bowed to Tei Hou-sensei.

"I won't let you down, Tei Hou-sensei. I will do my best."

"I know you will, Daikyou-san."

I tried to stifle the anxious bubbles in my stomach as I walked out onto the stage in what I hoped was a composed and poised demeanor. I tried hard to ignore the murmurs coming from the audience and the impact of the piercing stares from the panel of judges lined up before me. As I sat down on the stool and arranged my score so that I could still access it while I played, the audience's murmurs ceased and became eerily silent. Then I chanced to glance at the audience and found myself looking straight at Son Saku-kun, whose dark eyes were soft and encouraging to match the tender grin on his face.

Brimming with confidence, I turned my attention back to the piano and skimmed my fingers across the smooth piano keys to play the beginnings of Clair de Lune...it was to be played for my sister because she loved it so much...but now, my other reason was so that Son Saku-kun could listen to how well I could play it and make him proud of me...

My heart sang as I began to delve into the melody that I loved so much. Soon enough, my thoughts no longer centered on the audience or the judges. All I could concentrate was to bring out every single note to its full glory so that its musical story of magic could be expressed. Clair de Lune had such a sweet, gentle and romantic charm to it...I felt that it needed to be embraced to those who chanced to hear this wonderful music. I lightly swayed as I began the long stanza which never failed to capture the romantic soul within me.

I found myself smiling in amidst the melody. Usually upon playing this piece, I would visualise the moonlight dancing among the star dappled night sky and the silver surface of a still lake. It was a perfect picture. But now, I'm beginning to focus the twinkle present in Son Saku-kun's beautiful dark eyes that seemed to resonate that star-filled sky. The tranquility of the moonlight seemed to fade in radiance to Son Saku-kun's strength and warmth that always made me feel loved and protected. Suddenly the once perfect picture of moonlight against a silvery picturesque landscape didn't feel complete...not until Son Saku-kun was present, standing near the lake...looking towards me...and reaching out to hold me in his arms...

My beloved prince had become my new inspirational muse in my music on the piano...

I sighed in surprise when I realised that I was nearing the end of Clair de Lune...the picture in my head faded away, bringing me back to reality. I willed myself to even my pace as I played the finale with a sweet resounding echo...

Upon lifting my hands away from the piano keys, I nearly jumped out of my skin when a deafening applause erupted from the audience. But much to my surprise, I could see some people standing up while clapping...and some of the judges too! I looked up to my sister, Otousan, my best friends, the boys and finally Son Saku-kun...he was wearing the most proud expression I had ever seen. I smiled as I stood up and bowed, causing the audience to clap louder...

Wow...did I really play that fantastically? I sincerely hoped so...

I gathered my score and quickly strolled back to the wing whereupon I was greeted with the sight of Tei Hou-sensei clapping and his beaming face filled with pride.

"You have far exceeded my expectations, Daikyou-san. Your talent is like a shining beacon filled with heavenly light. Most impressive."

I thanked Tei Hou-sensei's praise as I sat down with him, Chihoro-senpai and Souchiro-senpai for a well-deserved break. There were still two more schools for their competitors to play their chosen pieces. All I could do now was to wait until the results were announced at the end of the nationals. I had done all I can to the best of my ability...I could only hope that I hadn't let everyone down...especially Son Saku-kun...

After the last of the performances were finished, we all took a break in order for the judges to finalize the results. Before long, my nerves returned as soon as we all returned to the stage in a queue to await the results of the competition. I saw that a podium with a microphone located near the edge and a table had been set up with three shiny trophies differing in decoration and height. Other than the sought after trophies, there were other awards arranged pristinely in their velvet boxes on the clothed surface. According to some muffled conversations of the teachers that attended, it appeared that this has been a very tight decision...it must had been a good thing, I supposed...

Then I saw one of the judges receiving 2 sealed envelopes before making her way to the podium. She looked very elegant and her beautiful face bore a mysterious and enigmatic smile. She tapped on the microphone to test whether it was working...seeing that it received the sound of the taps, she cleared her throat, successfully bringing the audience to attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am most honored to be here and having listened to the most wondrous music these talented young people have offered. In my years as a judge for the piano nationals, I am most pleased to state that this year's selection is, by far...the most magnificent," loud applause and cat calls erupted before falling silent again when she held up a hand. She took the first envelope and opened it to briefly read the contents before making another announcement, "Now then, I would like to ask the players belonging to these top three schools to step forward."

Much to my amazement and surprise, our school was named among the top 3! I felt an exhilarating heat travel up to my cheeks as Tei Hou-sensei pushed me forward with Chihiro-senpai and Souchiro-senpai. The cheers just seemed to get louder and I could see Shoukyou and the girls looking extra excited. I held my breath in trepidation as the judge began to read the results.

"In honorable third place, we have...Tenkai High School! Please step forward to claim your award. Well done!"

My chest tightened in anticipation as we watched the three players from Tenkai High School receive their trophy. Could it be true? There was a chance that we could...

"I will tell you all this truth. It was not easy to pick a winner between these two fine schools. They all truly have markings of greatness in them and are all winners by other standards. Students from Sangoku Musou High and Sengoku Musou High...you should be proud of yourselves for being in the top 2 in Japan and my fellow judges and I commend for your hard work that brought you to this stage. However there can be only one winner...and the school to win this year's piano nationals is..."

I clutched my score close to my pounding chest...I could hear my heartbeat echoing in my ears...feeling a bit dizzy...

"Sengoku Musou High School!"

I felt my breath leave me but my spirit felt a bit deflated from all the excitement. I looked to my personal audience and saw outraged and disappointed looks...my heart fell. I had let them down...but Son Saku-kun's face hadn't changed...he was still wearing that sweet grin on his face and his eyes shone with that admiring twinkle...that meant...he was still so proud of me. With some renewed strength, I plastered a brave smile and clapped with the others as the three Sengoku Musou High School competitors stepped forward to receive the towering trophy before returning to their original positions. Then the three of us to stepped up to the judge to receive our 2nd place trophy, which I must say was a lovely piece of metal craftmanship. It was then the judge and I made eye contact...if anything, her smile just turned soft...it made me wonder why and before long, I was about to get my answer...

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would also like to present these awards for exceptional individual performances displayed in the nationals," excited murmurs surfaced in the audience...so that's what they extra awards were for...I wonder who was going to receive them? She broke open the second envelope and took out the card to scan the contents before continuing, "Please step forward and receive your prize when I call your name. First off..."

I watched and applauded for each entrant being called by their name and awarded their hard earned prize and a firm handshake from the judge. Before long, there was one more award to be presented...I wonder who the lucky recipient would be?

"Finally, this last award goes to an astounding young lady who enchanted us with her beautiful interpretation of a well known classic...Clair de Lune..." my heart skipped a beat and more heat flushed up in my cheeks...Clair de Lune? I was the only one playing it...but that meant... "Daikyou-san from Sangoku Musou High School!"

"Go on, Daikyou-san! Go and claim your award! You earned it!" I somehow heard Chihiro-senpai's excited words among the thunderous applause surrounding me and the flashes of cameras blinking in my line of vision.

I shook out of my reverie and stepped forward to face the judge who smiled at me. Her hand felt smooth as jade and her grip was firm. As she shook my hand, she passed the award to me. It was a crystal plaque with a gold-plated crest. My name, the words 'Commendation for an Exemplary Performance' and today's date of the nationals were engraved on in elegant script. The crystal facets sparkled under the spotlight and seemed to radiate further as it sat on its velvet violet cushion.

"Congratulations, my dear," the judge said, her smile sincere, "You have great promising talent. I do hope to see you again next year."

I couldn't help but smile back at her, "I hope so too, Madame."

"That's my onechan out there!"

"Way to go, Daikyou-chan!"

I couldn't help but laugh slightly upon hearing Shoukyou's and Hou Sanjou-chan's exuberant voices above the applause. I turned back to the audience. The girls were shrieking, the boys were chuckling and Otousan was comically clutching onto Shuu-ojisan and Son-ojisan as he pointed up to me, happy tears in his eyes. Then I glanced at Son Saku-kun and my heart warmed at that sweet grin. It had brightened to match my growing sense of accomplishment in my heart.

"You're a blessed young lady to have such great supporters," the judge commented.

My heart sang as I noticed Son Saku discreetly blew a kiss to me. I waved back shyly at him.

"I am, Madame..."

"I can't think of a better celebration to praise Daikyou-chan's great accomplishment in the nationals than a tranquil picnic under these beautiful cherry blossoms," Otousan said as he arranged the bento boxes and drink canisters onto the picnic blanket.

"Otousan...stop, it's no big deal..." I was smiling despite the embarrassed flush present on my cheeks.

"Onechan! You should take more pride in your accomplishments!" Shoukyou chided me lightly, "I knew that the judges were bound to notice your obvious talent sooner or later."

After a brief chat to Tei Hou-sensei, Shoukyou and I were helping Otousan to set up an impromptu picnic just minutes after the nationals. Otousan had amazed us by his foresight to prepare a huge feast. My best friends along with the boys agreed to chip in and went to the nearby convenience and sweet shops to supplement the picnic. And it was just in time for Hanami too for I could see some families gathering under the blossoming pink trees with their own picnics. Shuu-ojisan and Son-ojisan went to buy additional tea, sweet drinks and plum sake.

"I'm just surprised that you managed to prepare all these food and keep them fresh even after the competition was done, Otousan," Shoukyou commented in bewilderment as she took out the chopsticks from the basket, "You must be some kind of culinary magaician."

"On the contrary, sweetie, I was merely just being prepared knowing how hungry you kids will be and I knew that today is worth celebrating."

"Kyou-oyagi! Girls! We're back!" Son Saku-kun called out.

I saw my boyfriend leading the group as they clutched several plastic and paper bags filled with goodies. Shuu Yu-kun went straight to Shoukyou while Son Saku-kun bee lined towards me and sat down next to me. The girls settled themselves near Shoukyou and myself while Son Ken-kun was content to lean back against one of the trees, ready to continue reading and keeping an eye on Shoukou-chan. Slowly we unpacked the packets of different flavored chips, dips, cookies, chocolates and various other snacks. Shuu-ojisan and Son-ojisan also back arrived just in time with the drinks.

The Hanami picnic was amazing. Otousan really had outdone himself with the bentos and the additional food really made the company lively and enjoyable. Otousan excused himself, along with Shuu-ojisan and Son-ojisan to sit elsewhere where they could enjoy their sake and leave us to our own conversations. The atmosphere was pleasant and the faint yet heavenly aroma of cherry blossoms lingered wonderfully as we were occasionally showered in the rose pink petals and flowers.

"I got you some special candies, Daikyou-chan. It wasn't easy because there were so many to choose from...I hope you like them," Son Saku-kun handed me a pink paper bag with decorated with cherry blossom patterns. I peeked inside and saw the contents. The sugar and candied sweets looked really delicious and pretty like jewels.

I smiled at him and kissed his cheek in gratitude, "Thank you, Son Saku-kun. That's so sweet of you."

"Onechan! Shuu Yu-kun got me candy too!" Shoukyou exclaimed, holding up her own bag as Shuu Yu-kun smiled warmly and kissed her temple.

"Awww! You two are so lucky!" Hou Sanjou-chan pouted briefly before she smiled as she helped herself to a chocolate coated Madeleine cookie, "But I have got to say that our school should've still won 1st place. Our Daikyou-chan is the best there is!"

"And she has proven it so by winning that individual award, Hou Sanjou-chan," Shoukou-chan pointed out as she gestured to my box containing my award resting on my lap, "It is NOT easy to win one of those trophies. Daikyou-chan, all of us...we are so proud of you!"

"Believe me when I say that your rendition of Clair de Lune truly touched my soul, Daikyou-san," Son Ken-kun added to his sister's words.

"Thanks, Shoukou-chan...Son Ken-kun...but still...I'm sorry that our school didn't win first place...Souchiro-senpai...he wasn't happy about it..."

At this, everyone went quiet, recalling what happened after we stepped down on the stage. While Tei Hou-sensei and Chihiro-senpai were excited that our school came in a close second in the nationals, Souchiro-senpai didn't share the same reaction. He directed most of the disappointment onto me and reasoned that my score wasn't good enough for my first time...I was in near tears when my group found me and it took some comforting from Son Saku-kun to remind myself that I had done my best in the nationals and having earned the wonderful individual award. But I did feel bad for Souchiro-senpai...he worked hard to enter the nationals like the rest of us...

"It was mean of that bully to lay the blame on you just because it was your first time in the competition, onechan!" Shoukyou looked comically angry with her cheeks puffed out and red. She gazed up at Shuu Yu-kun, "I would've kicked his butt for insulting onechan like that if you didn't hold me back, Shuu Yu-kun!"

"I admire your belief in your onechan and commend in your protectiveness over her , Shoukyou-chan. But it's not worth it, my little flower. What matters is that we know that Daikyou-san is the best piano player we should be proud of," Shuu Yu-kun reasoned patiently. I watched my little sister visibly calm down before cuddling happily up to him like an affectionate kitten.

"Shuu Yu-kun's right. And I know that your next performance will be even better than before. We can't wait to see what's in store for you," Sai Bunki-chan agreed before turning to Son Saku-kun with a friendly smile, gesturing towards me, "Son Saku-kun, I'm sure you must have something wonderful for Daikyou-chan to play brilliantly in her performance."

Son Saku-kun's smile was warm as he brushed a stray hair behind my ear where the sprig of cherry blossoms was still nestled securely, "All I did was to encourage Daikyou-chan to do her best regardless whether our school would win or lose."

"Awww...that is sooo sweet! Just like my darling and I, you two look absolutely romantically beautiful together," Hou Sanjou-chan gushed before elbowing me gently witha smirk, "Has Son Saku-kun become your new musical muse?"

The embarrassed heat instinctively returned to my cheeks. But I smiled as I looked up to Son Saku-kun who wrapped a strong arm around me and gently kissed my temple.

"You can say that..." I answered shyly, "But I am still blessed that you guys are here to support me in the nationals. Thank you all."

Soon as we finished the tea, sweet drinks and snacks, I watched my sister and my closest friends continue to chatter amongst themselves as I leaned against Son Saku-kun who was holding me close. The soft cherry blossoms rained upon us in gentle tufts...

"I am your muse, Daikyou-chan?" Son Saku-kun asked me curiously.

I nodded and leaned up to kiss his cheek.

"Yes, because of you...I was able to create beautiful music worthy of a great award, my prince."

Son Saku-kun's smile was bright as the sun.

"Glad to hear it, my princess."

The End...

Author's notes:That's it for this number! I'm finished! Now I shall endeavor to work on the bonus Zhou Yu/Xiao Qiao bonus scenes within this story. Please be patient as I am going back to TAFE for a busy new semester! But do please leave a review and let me know of this little addition to this beloved creation. See you next story, my dears!