“The professor of music is … on leave.” Ashura smiled cryptically, “I need you to fill in for him.”

Fay stared, waiting for the king to grin and say he got him.

“But, ou-sama, I don’t-“

“You start today, in the orchestral hall,”

“I can’t-“

“Will this be a problem, Fay?”

Fay swallowed and then put on a smile.

“N-no, Ashura-ou.”

Fay stared.

“Hime-sama… what is-“

“I told you, Fay-san,” she interrupted, “You don’t have to be so formal,”

She sat down in the otherwise empty audience area, followed closely by Souma

“Him--…Tomoyo-hime, I don’t understand…” Fay murmured, fingers drifting over the piano

“Kurogane tells me you taught music,” she said, folding her hands in her lap, “play for me,”

He hesitated, possibilities running through in his mind. “What would you like me to play for you, hime?”

“Whatever you wish.”

“Morning Class, my name is Flourite, and I’ll be teaching you for this first term,” he introduced himself, shedding his coats and giving them to Chii, who had followed him like a curious kitten.

“Now,” he began, smiling in a friendly manner, “Music is a reflection of one’s magic. The instrument that chooses you will be your greatest partner, and you will both learn together, as you practise.”

Fay picked up the violin, “Like a weapon on the field, the instrument that chooses you will be an amazing amplifier, and if you practise all the time, well… you just might be the D some day,” he grinned

One of the children put his hand up

“Mister Flourite, sir… My father said you can tell who the D is because of their armband…” his eyes flicked to Fay’s arm, “Are you the D, sir?”

Fay smiled, “I wouldn’t be the D if I didn’t practise violin every d—“

“Can you play for us, sir?” a girl blurted out

Fay blinked and then settled the instrument on his shoulder, “If you wish,”

The bow vibrated over the strings, diving right into the piece. As Fay played the violin, the other stringed instruments followed, ruled by the magic he used from habit.

His eyes closed and he felt… odd. The music came naturally to him, even after so many years without it. It resounded through him like a separate heartbeat, driving him.

His mind always drifted while he played, and he often found himself reflecting on things. It used to be that he thought of his adoration for Ashura, of his studies, of his friends. Now, however, he performed with newer, happier, memories filling him and he felt a small smile quirk at his lips.

The last note rang out and he returned to himself, opening his eyes to look upon the awed students. He smiled encouragingly at them.

“To draw out your own song, you must focus on strong memories that-… yes?”

A student had raised her hand. She blushed.

“Mister Flourite’s memory must have some parts he doesn’t remember,” she commented, “The middle of your song sounded empty, sir…”

The other students nodded and Fay’s smile faltered a little.

“Everybody focus on your happy memories, and try each instrument. Be careful with them, they’re expensive!”

As the students scrambled around with the instruments, filling the room with sheer noise, Fay stared pensively over at the windpipes section.

The song finished and Fay lowered the violin, the remnants of his memories still lapping at his mind.

A sharp clap rang out, and another and another. Fay’s eyes snapped open and he smiled quickly, having forgotten his audience.

“Fay-san!” Tomoyo trilled, “That was amazing!!”

Fay’s smile turned sheepish, “I’m afraid I’m still a little rusty…”

“Oh, nonsense! That was perfect!” she clapped again, “Kurogane must have been lying when he said you couldn’t use windpipes-“

“Pardon?”

“The Piccolo you used! You had it timed absolutely…”

Tomoyo’s voice faded out in his head and he smiled to himself.

“Ou-sama?”

“Yes, Fay?”

“I’m having trouble with the windpipes… No matter how hard I try, I cannot make them play for me...”

Ashura smiled

“They will obey your will when your heart becomes as strong.”