I'm in a fucking great mood this morning and I wish I knew why. I guess part of it is because of the performance I'm putting on later. Even Ram still being quiet toward me ain't getting me down. Well, too much, anyways. Least she's looking at me now. We're nearing the end of breakfast service when Roswaal grabs my attention.

"I would liiiike to give you a little time to prepare for later. I was thinking after lunch."

I give it a think over. Not too bad an idea. I realise that I've not chosen any songs yet. "No problems. If it's ok with the twins, at least. I'll still help out over dinner."

He looks back at the and they both nod. "I believe that is aaaaaall the answer I need. I have matters to attend so I shall be busy until dinner. I shall see you later." He stands and leaves, exchanging goodbyes with Emilia, with Ram following. Rem and I start the clean up as Emilia finishes.

After the dishes are done I come up with a little idea. I can't and won't force Ram to talk to me but I think I know a way she can start relaxing round me again. I know a couple songs that have easy piano lines, ones I know how to play. Maybe, just maybe, I can convince her to help me out. Hmm. I need to grab my phone back off her at some point too.

I work on autopilot til lunch. I'm working alone today, fixing some stuff up round the mansion. Over the last few years I've become pretty good at the basics of DIY, mainly cause I tend to keep shit til it can't be fixed. At the moment it's the door on one of the ovens and it's pissing me off! The fucking thing just won't sit right. I've pretty much got my head in the damn oven when I hear the kitchens door open, followed by a quiet squeak.

"Takara, what are you doing?"

I pull myself upright and look at the girls, Rem looking mildly curious and Ram… bright red, for some reason. "Fixing! The door on this was being an asshole. Wait, is it lunch already?"

Rem chuckles, nodding "It is. Time seems to have gone rather swiftly for everyone today."

As I wash my hands I grin "Yeah, been one of those days, I guess." I turn to the twins "Gotta say, I'm looking forward to later. You two gonna be there?"

Rem nods, smiling "I am looking forward to hearing more of your songs."

"Awesome! I do kinda owe you a full one." I look to Ram "How bout you, darlin'?" A small nod. "Cool. Will you be able to bring my phone… my Metia with you? Gonna need it tonight." Another small nod. Better than nothing, I guess. "Thanks. How bout we get started?"

Now lunch is outta the way I can get to work on deciding a few songs. Well, while I'm doing a bit more work. I'm debating playing Fools Rush In again, mostly cause 'Lia and Rem only heard a little of it, but from there I'm at a loss. One thing I'm going to do is mix up acoustic and electric tracks. Nothing too harsh on the electric… maybe. Honestly thinking about blowing their minds out with Eruption. See how that goes down. One I think I will play is Cliffs of Dover. It's one of the best instrumentals I know. The dowside that I'm gonna have, sort of, is I don't have any sort of effects. It just means it'll sound a little weird to me. Fuck it, I can deal with that. The crowd won't know the difference. At least I'll have my phone with me. I'll be able to listen as I play, keep the timing right. It's what I normally do when I'm playing songs that have drums and shit. The song I want to play, I can't. I want to play Master. Problem is I can't sing and play it at the same time yet. Again, fuck it. I've been staring at this fucking oven door for about five minutes now. I should get to sorting it out.

It's time for me to go set up and have a little practice, if I'm reading this time crystal thing right. I think I'm supposed to be set up in the ballroom, so I'm heading to my room to grab my stuff. Turning down the last corridor before it, I get called. I look back to see Emilia with Puck "What's up, guys."

She walks over with a smile "I hope you are well. Are you starting your practice?"

My lips curl up into my usual grin "Yup. Lookin' ta sit in?"

Her smile widens "If it is fine with you."

"C'mon, you can give me a hand." I carry on toward my door, Emilia in tow. Puck is being unusually quiet. "You ok there, Puck?"

He yawns before he answers "I am fine. Just saving a little energy. I would like to hear at least a little of this evenings performance."

"That's fair. You weren't able to sit in on the last one either." I push through my door and head straight to my case, flipping it open. Ahh, my babies. I grab a cloth and give them both a wipe over as I set them to the side. Then I grab my mini amp and double check the dials and switches. I like to know my gear's good before I play.

I'm setting that to the side when Emilia speaks "Takara, what is that?"

I look over and she points to my amp. "It's an amplifier." I point to my electric "Makes this one louder. I'll show you after I set up."

I pick up a strap before I grab my acoustic, handing it to Emilia "Could you carry this one for me?"

"Of course! Wow, this is lighter than I expected."

I chuckle at that. "Yeah, it's basically just a hollow box. That's where the volume comes from." I heft my electric "This one, however, is a solid body." I fit the strap to my electric and loop it over my shoulder, grabbing my amp and lead. "Let's head out."

As we're getting close to the ballroom I have an idea "Hey Puck. How bout I actually play a couple songs for you? That way, if you do fall asleep before, you've still heard some."

He looks up from his perch on my guitar, inspecting it. "You would do that for me?"

I nod and grin "Damn right I would. Best way to practice is to play a song or two. And this way I'll be entertaining while I practice."

As he beams I hear a piano. Wait. Is that… Warmness? Emilia and I walk to the door, coming up behind the piano. Ram. She's playing this. Holy fuck! Idea. I turn to Emilia and Puck, pressing a finger to my lips and creep behind Ram just as she starts singing. Oh Gods, her voice is fucking beautiful.

As she goes through the first verse I just stand and listen, captivated. She moves onto the second and I place my amp down quietly. Making sure I'm plugged in, switched on and set up right, I wait for the solo.

"I give my heart, cause nothing can compare in this world, to you. Woah"

I slide in, Ram spinning in surprise. I smile and flick a nod to the piano. She goes bright red but turns, fingers on the keys to continue. The solo ends and she carries on, me waiting to join. The moment hits and I give it everything I have, singing to her. Her playing is damn near perfection, even through the piano solo.

Our voices join again into the final verse and I don't think I've ever enjoyed a song so damn much. The final notes ring out and Ram turns, face still bright. I prop my guitar against the wall and walk over. "Thank you."

She gives a small smile "It is no problem."

"W… Why that song though?"

Her eyes meet mine "I wanted to do something for you. Even with the short time you have been here, you have done so much for us. I was going to surprise you with it later."

I beam "I think this was a better surprise. How did you learn it so quickly?"

Another small smile "Roswaal-sama had been teaching me for several years. He says I have a natural talent for music."

"I'd say you do. Seriously, thank you. That was beautiful."

Her smile grows "I thank you." She pauses, looking a little nervous "Takara. I…"

Clatters from the main doors interrupt her, some of the maids bringing chairs through. I turn back to Ram as she goes bright red again "Hey, we can talk later. If you want."

She nods "I shall see you soon." She heads out past a stunned Emilia, who walks over as soon as Ram passes.

Her eyes are like fucking saucers! "Did you know she would be doing that?"

I can't help but laugh "'Lia, I wish I knew she was gonna do that. That was amazing. I'm just… I… I can't even express it properly."

I take my acoustic from her and sit on the piano stool. "Best way to clear my head is to play. Still wanna sit in?" Her and Puck both nod, taking one of the seats. "Alright, here goes."

I play for about twenty minutes, Emilia and Puck listening quietly, asking questions after each song. Dinner soon rolls round and I join the twins with serving, Roswaal back in attendance. It flies by with some small talk, Roswaal obviously a little excited, and we head back to the ballroom. Downside, I have a headache brewing. Fuck, should be able to deal with it. Roswaal and 'Lia take the front and centre seats, the maids filtering in over the next couple of minutes. The twins join them at the front after Ram passes me my phone. I connect my headphones and wait til the chairs are filled before getting started.

"Hi there. To those of you who don't know me, I'm Takara. I've not had the pleasure of working with most of you but those who I have worked with will know my love for music. I love to listen to it and I play a lot in my spare time, too. The downside of tonight is, if you're expecting a familiar tune or one of your favourites, you're gonna have a shock. I don't know any songs from Lugnica yet. I do, however, have an extensive list of songs from my homeland. The ones I know range from sappy love songs to extremely aggressive so there's gonna be some variety. I gotta tell you, if there are any questions, leave 'em til the end." I look over the crowd "Y'all ready?" A sea of nods, a few yes'. Roswaal and the girls just smile. "Alright. This first song is the first one I ever learnt. A few of you already know this one."

I notice Rams face light up, Rem and Emilia beaming. I take a deep breath "Here we go."

Eleven songs and about thirty billion questions later, I'm headed back to my room. I ended up keeping it acoustic but that was fucking awesome. I had to call it a night though. This headache's getting worse. Decided to leave my guitars in the ballroom. Little chance of something happening to them, being in the mansion and all. I get to my room, down a glass of water and sit at the table, head in hands. Gods, I wish this fucking thing would just stop.

About ten minutes pass before I hear a knock. Oh shit, Ram! Did say we'd talk. My hand is almost on the knob when a massive spike of pain stabs through my head. I drop to my knees with a strangled groan. What the fuck is happening? Is this another curse? Another spike, making me almost scream. My door flies open, Ram rushing to me.

"Takara?! What is wrong?"

I answer the best I can between moans "Don't know. Nee-Nnng. Need help."

She stands "I shall get Roswaal-sama. I shall be as quick as I can."

She's gone before I can reply, the spikes coming faster. It's only a few minutes, which feels like roughly fourteen years, before I hear footsteps, voices.

"Do you have any idea what is wrong?"

"No. Do you think you can help her, Roswaal-sama?"

"We shall see."

I feel Rams hand on mine "Roswaal-sama is here."

"A-awesome." Another spike.

Roswaal speaks "Takara, can you describe the pain?"

"Feels like a fucking… lightning bolt through my…" Spike "Aagh. Brain. Can you help?"

I feel his hand on my head, cold and firm, before I feel the pain start to diminish slightly. The spikes are still there, just… softer.

He takes his hand away "Is that any better?"

I manage to open my eyes "Yeah, a little. Any idea what's wrong?"

He stares between his hand and me for a moment "I think I know. I also believe I know how to help."

My gaze hardens "Care to fucking do it?"

He looks at Ram "Could you gather a sword for me. Summon Beatrice, also."

Ram glares at him for a moment before nodding, almost running out of the room. I get to my feet. "What the fuck you needing a sword for?"

He smiles "I would like to duel you."

I glare "What the fuck are you talking about? A fucking duel? How the hell is that gonna help?"

He turns "I ask you to trust me."

I take a huge breath. I swear I'm gonna stab this fucker. "Fine. Lead the fucking way."

As he walks he mutters something I barely make out. "Hmm, seems Rem was correct."