Dismal grey sky matched the entire Garreg Mach outlook for the day. Everyone adopted Linhardt's sluggish personality. As if a sleepy, dreary spell was cast over the land. No enthralling missions were available either. It seems good and evil forces are at a standstill.

.

Flayn pouted. Instead of philosophically staring into the pond or visiting her favorite patch of flowers at the greenhouse she sat in an empty classroom.

Studying complete and with a huff she shut a book. Was there nothing to do today?

.

"What's up Flayn?"

"Oh…absolutely nothing Raphael."

"Aw." Her bulky friend pats her back. Carefully too –like Dimitri these giants wielded naturally devastating strength. "What's with that gloomy frown?" He snapped his fingers. "I know what'll cheer you up!"

.

Raphael grabbed a chocolate bar from his pocket. "Food always makes me happy! I'll share some with you." Breaking it in half he gave it to Flayn.

.

Her eyes instantly shine and her mood perked up. "Thank you my friend! I can always count on you."

"Aw, it's nothing! Gotta keep your strength up, right?"

"Hmm…" Flayn's eyes closed and she thinks profoundly. "Can I ask you a favor Raphael?"

He grins and flexes his muscles. "Sure! I can carry anything."

"No, no." She laughed. "Nothing like that."

"Oh?"

.

"I want to start a band!"

"A band? Whoa. Don't know how I can help –but I'll do my best!"

"You have…powerful vocal abilities."

"My shouting? I suppose so!"

"Good. So you'll join me?"

"Of course! That sounds fun!"

Flayn stood, her heavy dress swaying from gentle spring winds. "Excellent! Let us find others who'd be interested in our band!"

.

So the pair, Raphael carrying Flayn upon his shoulders, searched every nook and space of Garreg Mach for volunteers. Upon hearing about their band, Dorthea headed straight for them. She wears her best flattering smile. Any chance to be part of the best show in centuries –how can she pass that up?

.

"Hello Raphael, Flayn. I heard you two are staring a band."

"Why yes! Care to join us Dorthea?"

She blushed. "If that's acceptable for you both."

"Of course!" Raphael exclaimed. "Everybody knows you have an incredible voice!"

"Do they?" She twirled her thick cedar-brown locks with a finger. "Well. Maybe they're right. I'm not one to miss out on a grand performance! Hard work is important."

"You can be our star!" Flayn said.

"Me? Really?! Why, I'd be honored!"

.

Sprightly green eyes studied the pair. "But as it stands we're lacking. A songstress is nothing without brilliant musicians to complement her voice."

"Well," Raphael rubbed his neck. "Flayn and I can't play. We'd be more of backup vocals."

"That's why we're looking for people to join. You know a lot about theater so perhaps you can give us some advice."

Dorthea smiled sweetly. Nobody can say no to Flayn. Plus, she adored how her friends looked up to her.

.

"I admire your passionate enthusiasm," Dorthea said. "But one must rehearse tirelessly to obtain flawless success. First, have you decided on a genre?"

"Good point. What should it be?"

"Oooh. I know! Heavy metal!"

Silence.

Raphael and Dorthea's jaws hang agape in shock. Very unexpected!

.

"Don't you think it'd be so cool? So…mysterious and alluring!" Flayn gushed.

The songstress giggled. "She is right."

Raphael nodded. "Totally! As long as I can express my emotions through song I'm fine with anything."

"What is the unruly commotion about?"

"Yes. I'm quite curious myself."

.

The leaders of the Black Eagles house approached. A moody intimidating man and an elegant ivory-haired astute woman. Both are clad in black and red cloth.

"Edie! And Hubie."

"Dorthea. How are you my friend?"

"I suspect that they're up to some insufferable fanfare." Hubert pointedly guessed. Every word is venomous and laced in serrated sarcasm.

.

"Your conversation interrupted Edlegard's training."

"Oh Hubert. I needed a break anyway."

"We're looking for people to be in our band!" Flayn explained.

"A band? I'm afraid I won't be available. But I'm sure Hubert can spare some time for it."

"Me?"

"Yes. They need members –and you've got talent in playing instruments. Many of them."

Hubert put a fist to his chest and bowed. "If it is to serve you Lady Edlegard, I shall do it."

"Good. Because I have a special mission for you."

"Yes?"

"To have fun."

.

"Fun?" Hubert sputtered.

Unblinking, her lavender eyes latched onto her dearest friend. "Yes. You deserve to find a hobby you enjoy, Hubert."

"I only need a hobby if it makes-"

"Nonsense. I admire your long-lasting dedication for me, but I wish for you to find happiness too."

"Very well, Lady Edlegard."

"Great! I can't wait to see the first performance! Take care, my friends." Turning, Edlegard's cape waved as she strolled down the hall.

.

Disgruntled, Hubert complied. To him this was a train wreck waiting to happen.

Flayn clasped her hands together. "Fantastic! You'll be an amazing addition to our band!"

"Yes. I'll make sure we don't stray from our goals. Which instrument shall I provide?"

Dorthea grinned. "It's a metal band, Hubie. Maybe a guitar?"

.

His mint-green eyes glow. A spark of interest and…oh? A faint gleam of amusement! "Maybe this won't be a catastrophe after all…"

"I can also play a few instruments," Dorthea said. "But two won't be enough. One more person and I think we'll be-"

.

Bang! Crash! Mop buckets, brooms, a ladder, dusters, and junk explode from a closet and fall on a student. The others (excluding Hubert) run and yank him out of the mountain of clutter.

"Pywaa! Pwthaa! Thanks guys. I owe ya!"

"Are you alright Caspar?"

"Yeah!"

.

Animatedly he jumps up to his feet and pats dust from his uniform. His bones pop as he stretches. "I was just finishing some chores. Nothing I couldn't handle."

"This…spectacle says otherwise." Hubert mumbled.

Caspar ignored him. "What are you guys up to?"

.

"Well," Flayn excitedly skipped around. "We're making a band."

"A band? For real?! That's AWESOME!"

Hubert flinched and glared. Caspar disregards the icy sensation and says, "Can I join?"

"Can you play?"

"Sure! Drums. And I can get some good vocals in too!" He inhales to scream but Dorthea slaps a hand over his mouth. "You're in!"

.

The group has lunch outdoors. Admiring the Monastery's gardens they discuss what else to do. "What about costumes? Looks are just as essential as performance on stage."

"I know how to sew!" Flayn offered.

"Next is a song. It should reflect deep motion."

"Can food be poetic?" Raphael asked.

Caspar shrugged and shoveled some more food into his jaws.

"Perhaps," Hubert flourished his hand elegantly. "Somber music about calamity? Or blood. Either captivates an audience."

Caspar snorted. "What's your inspiration? Shakespeare?"

"Edgar Allen Poe. An extraordinarily amazing, stylishly gloomy writer."

"Not bad." Dorthea hummed. "How about each of us draft a song?"

"We'll meet up in a few days to start practicing."

.

It's the beginning of their band. Crude yet wonderfully energetic. Everyone gathers in the dorms, excited to try on costumes. Flayn put in tremendous heart into each outfit. Even Hubert displayed genuine smiles –rare and not as scary as his other smiles.

.

"I feel like royalty!" Dorthea spins, her dress fanning out like flower petals. Strings of pearls ornament her brown silky hair. "Absolutely dazzling!"

Hubert's hawk-like gaze analyzed every thread of his own. "The fabric…dark like a moonless night." Thin pale hands brushed through a soft collar. "Raven feathers. Perfection."

Flayn giggled sweetly. She watched her friends pose and flex. "Thank you!"

.

Everybody tuned and tested their equipment. Since she acquired the most experience Dorthea leads. Practice is relentless. Yet they manage and they're cheerful. Sometimes styles clashed. But Flayn's infectious buoyant mood keeps the band focused. Eventually they feel confident to perform on stage.

.

"I'm so nervous. Giddy yet uncertain. But excited!" Flayn clasped her hands together while standing underneath the saint statues. Gazing up she spoke, her words resonant in the small stone chamber. "I hope we do well. We put in so much effort!" Flayn pats her dress and the heavy, empty silence embraces her like a cloak. It's peaceful.

.

She turns. "I didn't know you were here, Professor."

"Apologies." Byleth stood beside her. "I didn't mean to-"

"It's alright. I just was about to leave for the show."

"Shall we walk together?"

Flayn curtsied. "We shall!"

.

In the corridor Flayn's nervousness returned. She hears loud cheering from the outdoor courtyard. All the students wanted to exhibit their talents today. Some even set up food stands along with Hilda, Ignatz, and Petra selling hand-made trinkets.

"Your outfit looks lovely." Byleth stated. His simple straightforwardness always seemed to soothe Flayn. The certainty –It melts any self-doubt in others. "Thank you Professor."

"I'm…excited to attend the talent show."

"You are?"

He nodded. And smiled. Very rare from Byleth. It's a wonderful smile. At least Flayn thinks so.

.

"Yes. It's wonderful seeing everyone so happy. Very…heartwarming."

Right. Byleth doesn't remember much besides mercenary work. This is the first time he can recall having friends or experiencing anything thrilling –outside of combat that is.

"I believe you and the others will be the best act."

Flayn grinned. "You think so?"

Byleth nodded.

.

They arrive backstage. Byleth bowed stiffly. But his smile remained. "I'll be seeing you."

Flayn curtsied. "As will I, Professor."

"Good. Everyone is here." Hubert noted. "Let's give this our all. I refuse to accept anything but total victory."

"Ready to rock!" Caspar twirled his drumsticks.

Dorthea waved a hand in air and sang warm-up tunes.

Raphael did some push-ups.

.

Sylvain glanced around a stage curtain. "Yo! You guys are up in five!"

Flayn longingly stared at the doorway. Her thoughts tangle and her cheeks became warm. Byleth is supportive and selfless to everyone. Was it his tactic to swoop in and gift Flayn the sureness she needed? She thinks so. He's always in the right place at the right time, providing uplifting care to those in dismay.

.

"For our next act," Manuela exclaimed. "Is [Band Name]!"

The curtains fall aside and Flayn's eyes meet audience.

She'd imagine where she likes spending time most. By the ocean. Lively waves crashing upon shore. Cerulean sky and endless horizon beyond. Just her, her singing, and the beach.

.

Caspar drums an energetic tune. Raphael couples it with deep somber vocals. It reminds Flayn of the music of the ocean. Splendid!

Hubert adds a guitar. His dark magic crafting otherworldly song as they pluck the strings. It's a mesmerizing rhythm.

Flayn takes a deep breath. Then another. She stares back at the crowd.

.

Dorthea sings. Her whimsical vocals instantly captivate the audience. Beautiful as an incredible sword of legend, everlasting as the shimmering stars in the sky.

Flayn's voice is airy, light, and bouncy. It complements Dorthea's elegant performance. Then, the she screams.

.

The crowd roars. Wide grins, standing applause, swaying to the music.

It isn't the reaction Flayn expected. But better –uplifting! Exhilarating!

The tempo accelerates and in a breath the show is finished. Deafening applause drown out any other sounds.

Bowing, the curtains slide shut, sweeping them out of view.

Flayn felt as if this had been one of the best days of her life. It was an extraordinary experience, one she will cherish!