At a large music hall, only the sound of Beethoven's 5th Symphony filled the air.
The audience sat in attention as the young girl on stage played the familiar notes with skill and passion. After she finished the final movement, the audience erupted in applause, and the girl took a bow and left the stage to make way for the next performer, Kristine Williams.
Kristine stepped into the stage next and instantly captivated the audience with her stunning beauty. She wore a simple white dress that accentuated her slender figure, and her blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall. She walked over to the piano with grace and confidence and sat down to begin her performance.
The audience leaned forward in their seats. They were eager to find out what the young prodigy would being playing today. This girl was the main attraction and the reason they had all come to the music hall tonight. Her skill and passion for music was renowned and she had been called the "Mozart" of the new era by many.
"Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3," Kristine whispered to herself, before striking the first note. Her fingers danced across the piano keys, bringing the dramatic and complex opening of the piece to life. The audience was instantly mesmerized by her delicate and precise fingerwork. She played with such grace and passion that it was as if the music was flowing directly from her soul.
Christopher, who had been dragged to the recital by the servants in an effort to make him less violent, had a bored look on his face. However, he was secretly impressed by Kristine's skill and beauty, despite his lack of interest in classical music.
Thanks to their Devil and Angel system, both he and Kristine possessed the same exceptional piano-playing skills, but Kristine added a unique spin to her performance.
When Christopher listened to her play, he felt envious of her. He could feel the passion and dedication his sister put into her music. He wished he could do the same and find something that ignited that same spark within him in this new life.
Despite the chaos and violence that has engulfed the world, classical music still thrives in this world, providing a brief respite from the madness and offering a glimpse of beauty and harmony. As Kristine continues to play, the audience is transported to a time before the calamity. Before Psions and Psi-Beast existed. The audience was completely captivated by her performance, and when she finished, they erupt into applause.
When Kristine finished her performance, the crowd erupted into applause and demanded an encore. She smiled and remained seated at the piano. She began to play Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2, a tamer arrangement that still showcased her piano skills and beauty.
As the music filled the hall, love points flowed from the audience to Kristine. She could see system notifications popping up at the edge of her vision but she quickly ignored them and focused on her piano playing instead.
Kristine finished her encore and the audience erupted in applause once again. She smiled and took a final bow, grateful for the love and admiration of her audience. She looked beautiful, her flushed face shining with joy and happiness.
When she left the stage, she was greeted by Christopher and their servants, who congratulated her on her successful performance. However, their congratulations were quickly drowned out by the clamoring of reporters and senior musicians who wanted to meet Kristine and congratulate her.
Christopher tried to step in and blocked them from approaching when he heard a familiar voice.
"Stand back," a commanding voice boomed. The crowd parted to reveal Kristine and Christopher's father, Brigadier General Garrett Williams, in a full white military uniform. "My daughter has had a long day and needs her rest."
The reporters and musicians complied, seemingly intimidated by Garrett's commanding presence and the knowledge that the twin's family was wealthy and influential, with their father being a major general in the army. Most of them had already investigated Kristine thoroughly and knew the strong background behind her, so they were content to wait for another opportunity to speak with her.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Garrett walked before Kristine and smiled. "You were amazing as always, Kristine." His voice was filled with admiration for his daughter's musical talent. Each time he heard her play, pride swelled within him and a permanent smile would be stuck on his face.
"Dad!" Kristine's face lit up at the praise from her father. She hugged him tightly, grateful to see him again. Christopher stood to the side smiling, happy to see their father too. His hostility towards the reporters and musicians was quickly forgotten.
"Come on," Garrett said, taking Kristine's hand in his. "Let's go home." Then he turned to Christopher, "And we need to talk about something important when we get back, son."
Christopher nodded, curious about what his father wanted to talk about. He knew that his father was always busy with his duties in the army, but he was able to make time for Kristine's performance tonight. Whatever he had to tell him must be very important.
As they walked out of the concert hall, the crowd parted for them, recognizing the medals and rank on their father's uniform. They all knew that Garrett was a general in the army and he was someone who had dedicated his life to protecting their country.
"Welcome back, General," Mr. Daniels greeted, as they approached the car. He opened the door for them, and they all got in. "Shall we head home now?"
"Yes, let's go," Garrett replied, as he settled into his seat.
As the twins stepped into the car, their hearts were beating with anticipation. They wondered what their father had to talk to Christopher about, and couldn't wait to find out.
**
At home, Kristine and Christopher sat at the dinner table, waiting for their father to reveal the news he had for them.
"Christopher," Garrett began, his voice now cold and serious, "I have some news for you. I have learned that you have been suspended from school for two weeks for fighting. This behavior is unacceptable and I will not tolerate it. I have decided that it would be best for you to attend a military high school, where you can learn discipline as well as develop your physical and mental abilities. What do you think of this idea?"
Christopher thought for a moment, considering his father's proposal. He knew that a military high school would be a good place to earn hatred points, as he could use his cunning and strength to intimidate and manipulate others.
"I agree, Father," Christopher said, his voice now sounding a little more serious and respectful. "I will attend the military high school and do my best to make you proud,"
Kristine listened to the conversation, feeling a mix of admiration and concern for her brother. She knew that he was strong and capable, but she also knew that the military high school would be a dangerous and unpredictable place. She decided that she would also attend the military high school so that she could support Christopher, as well as earn some love points from the other students and teachers.
"I want to attend the military high school too," Kristine raised her hand, her eyes locked on her father's. "I want to be there to support Christopher."
But her father shook his head. "I understand you want to be there for your brother and support him," he said his voice firm but understanding. "But military high schools these days are not safe places for young women, especially ones as beautiful as yourself. I have many enemies even in the military, and I can't risk putting you in harm's way. I'm sorry, Kristine, but my answer is no."
"I just want to make sure Christopher's safe and out of trouble," she said, her voice quieter than before.
"I know," her father said, his voice filled with love and understanding. "And I will make sure he's safe and taken care of. But I need you to trust me on this. Besides, it would be a waste of your musical talents."
Kristine nodded, trying to push down the feeling of disappointment. She knew that her father loved her and only wanted to protect her.
"Alright, dad," she said with a sigh.
"Good girl," he said, and then he turned his attention back to Christopher, discussing more the military high school.
Kristine's heart sank. She understood her father's concerns but it didn't change the fact that she wanted to protect and support Christopher. She felt that it was unfair that she couldn't attend the military high school like her brother. She knew that she was just as strong and capable as Christopher, as the Devil and Angel system applied enhancements to both of them equally.
She felt frustrated and angry, her emotions making her doubt and question her father's decision. She wondered if her father didn't trust her, or if he didn't believe in her abilities. Maybe, he was being biased and sexist, valuing her brother's abilities over hers just because he was a boy. Kristin tried to push these thoughts and feelings aside, knowing that they would only make her more upset and stressed. She knew this wouldn't be the end of the conversation.