The Guardian of Music: The Beginning

Chapter 1

A few moments later he arrived at his school, Everglade Academy.

Taking his earphones out and putting it in his bag with his mp3 player, he speed walked to his locker before the Basketball team captain Castriel Taylor. Unlike Apollo, Castriel was the popular kid of the high school, having supposedly saved the principals daughter from a speeding car. The upper part of Castriels perfectly sculpted face as well as his red eyes was covered with his red hair.

Oh no. Apollo groaned mentally as Castriel grabbed his bag and threw it in the garbage can, Again Castriel? Really?

What did you say to me? Castriel asked menacingly.

Nothing. Apollo said quickly, finding great fascination in his worn-out shoes.

Thats what I thought, just give up already Zhen. You could never be stronger than me. Castriel said turning back to join the rest of the schools Basketball team.

Apollo glared at the red head before fishing his bag from the trashcan and silently thanking God that it wasnt covered with disgusting garbage like the last thirty-eight times. Hearing the bell signal for first period he took a running start to his first class, Science.

Morning Mr. Frank. Apollo said entering the class and taking his usual seat at the back.

Ten minutes earlier than usual Apollo. Mr. Frank observed, Music Club plans cancelled?

Apollo gave a weak smile at the fact that unlike the rest of the world his teachers actually treated him like a human being and not like some pest that would give them the plague at any moments.

Mother again? Mr. Frank asked sympathetically.

Apollo nodded before grabbing his text book and turning it to page 865 before he started to read the different formulas for the days quiz. The rest of the day passed as it normally would in Everglade Academy with the cheerleaders and basketball team ending the day with one of their chaotic pranks that always seemed to get Apollo and a few other students in the Nurses office.

Sighing, Apollo shouldered his bag and left the school running before jumping off the last of the schools steps before making his way to his grandfathers house. Smile back on his face. Apollos grandfather Benigno Zhen was just as talented in music as he was, his grandfather was the only person he could turn to after his father left and his mothers attitude towards him changed, and the only person that Apollo felt safe with showing his true personality. He was the one who had taught Apollo everything he knew about playing the guitar though it isnt so surprising since he had made Apollos guitar with his bare hands.

Apollos guitar wasnt any less precious to him than his grandfather. A simple Navy-blue acoustic guitar with the proverb, Those who wish to sing will always find a song. sewn on the strap.

He smiled, remembering all the hours he and his grandfather have spent playing songs under the Alder tree in his backyard and the number of times the two had written their own songs in his living room.

Opa, Im here! Apollo called opening the door to his grandfathers house.

Ah, Kleinkind come, come! Benigno greeted with his usual cheerful air and kind smile.

The two exchanged greetings and a fatherly hug that always made Apollo smile before they made their way to the back patio of the house with their guitars slung over their shoulders.

So where did we last left off? His grandfather asked as they sat down and positioned themselves.

You were teaching me the pre-chorus to Something Just Like This. Apollo said tuning his guitar.

Benigno smiled at his grandsons sharp memory before showing him the chords and the finger movements before twelve minutes later Apollo was playing the entire song, smile clear on his face, with his eyes closed.

Bravo. Benigno praised as Apollo smiled at him.

Thanks, Opa. Apollo said before checking his phone to see that it was already seven oclock.

Same time tomorrow?

Cant, Orions planning a family outing tomorrow. Apollo said carefully placing his beloved guitar on its stand.

Apollo, one of these days youre going to have to tell her. Benigno said as his grandson shouldered his backpack while remembering that whenever his grandsons stepfather would make plans for him, Adeline, and Apollo the boys mother would always come up with an excuse for Apollo not to go and just stay in his room.

And get locked up in my room for a year? Apollo asked, sarcasm dripping on his every word before he opened the door, But Ill think about telling Orion though.

Benigno gave his retreating grandsons figure a sad smile before he turned to the leather bound buried under the endless music sheets on the desk of his office.

The time draws nearer. He thought before sighing sadly.

*

Im back! Apollo shouted to his foster father who was in the kitchen, Wheres Mother?

Meeting. Orion said simply as he started cooking once again.

After saying that he was going to his room to finish his already answered homework he ran to his room, threw his bag onto the floor, and flopped onto the bed where he began to think of ways to tell Orion that he was secretly visiting his grandfather and learning how to play guitar.

From the time he was called to dinner to the time he laid down on his bed to sleep, Apollos mind was going through scenario to scenario, trying to figure out which one would be the most effective way to break the news to his foster father that he had been breaking the two most important rules his mother have ever told him for almost thirteen years. The rest of the night gave Apollo nothing but a pounding headache the next morning. After replaying the events of the previous morning, Apollo once again sat at the back of his Science class with his text book wide open.

Apollo is everything alright? Mr. Frank said as he walked up to his student, a slightly worried look clear on his face.

Family problems. Apollo said simply before going back to his book, Im planning to tell Orion about my –