After weeks consumed by battle, the corridors of Vanguard Academy finally echoed with laughter instead of desperate commands. For one evening, the weight of the world's fate lifted—if only briefly—to celebrate Carmilla's 23rd birthday.
It was Thalamik's idea.
He stood awkwardly at the entrance to the academy's rarely used music room, secretly proud of what they'd accomplished. Raymed had spent the afternoon hanging strings of soft fairy lights between the rafters, while Lulu—enthusiastic and resourceful as ever—secured a towering chocolate-strawberry cake. On top of that, A colorful karaoke machine hummed quietly, awaiting its performers.
A hastily painted banner, written in Raymed's questionable handwriting, hung above the doorway: "Happy Birthday, Carmilla! The World's Greatest Saint!"
The guests began trickling in. Diko, serving as MC by default, is adjusting his aviator sunglasses probably just to look cool, and he has a clipboard in hand. Trish, eyes alight with curiosity about this particular human tradition.
Lulu hopping energetically with her bunny ears twitching in excitement; Kiliar and Illias arriving quietly, promising brief attendance due to other obligations; and finally, Besitulars, rowdy as always, their laughter booming through the hall with his gang.
When Carmilla entered, escorted by a suspiciously cheerful Raymed, she paused abruptly. Her cheeks flushed pink as she realized the room was filled with familiar smiling faces.
"Surprise!" they shouted in unison.
Carmilla's gaze softened, her eyes glistening slightly. "You all really didn't have to do this."
"Too late," Raymed grinned, guiding her forward. "You deserve it, Carmilla."
Thalamik stepped forward, shifting nervously. "Happy birthday, Carmilla. I wanted to apologize properly, in my own way, for the message I gave you that day. This seemed small in comparison. But I am thrilled we can celebrate your birthday like this in person, not just by a letter."
She smiled gently, joining his hands together. "This means more than you know, Thalamik. Thank you."
Lulu walked and presented the magnificent cake, a confectionary masterpiece towering high, topped with rich ganache and fresh strawberries. Carmilla, somewhat overwhelmed, made the first cut, handing Thalamik the initial slice as an unspoken acceptance of his apology.
As the cake was quickly devoured, the room buzzed with cheerful banter. Besitulars, messy and carefree, demolished their slices, licking their fingers shamelessly, while Trish giggled, frosting smeared across her nose.
Lulu busily snapped photos, capturing memories of genuine happiness.
"Alright everyone!" Diko clapped, seizing control of the room with practiced authority. "Time for karaoke. Thalamik—you planned this, so you're up first."
"What? Why me?" He asked before looking at Carmilla who said, "Just do it!"
Thalamik reluctantly stepped forward, the karaoke mic trembling slightly in his hand. He chooses the song and it started. The haunting guitar intro of "Unravel" from Tokyo Ghoul began playing, a song he had first heard back in Highschool at Sevental.
Raymed recognized the beat and shouted, "LESSGOO THAL!"
Thalamik's smiled and sung with a voice that was raw yet powerful, resonated deeply as he sang.
"Oshiete, oshiete yo sono shikumi wo. Boku no naka ni dare ga iru no?"
The guitar then enters.
"Kowareta, kowareta yo kono sekai de, Kimi ga warau nanimo miezu ni"
Then the guitar riff became crazy.
He paused, hands gripping the mic like a lifeline. The audience held its breath.
As the chorus went by, Thalamik favorite part appeared.
"Ugokenai, ugokenai…"
Suddenly, Raymed leapt forward.
He'd memorized this part of the song which was Thalamik's favorite.
"Ugokenai, ugokenai yo! UNRAVELLING THE WORLD!" Raymed and Thalamik sang as they screamed.
The room filled with two intertwined voices—Thalamik's rough sincerity and Raymed's bright passion.
The crowd openly wept. Trish dabbed at her eyes; Lulu whispered, "That was abrupt but is really cool!," under her breath.
If one were to analyze the lyrics, they struck deeply, mirroring Thalamik's internal struggles as the Fiend Kaiser, constantly fighting to hold onto his humanity amid the turmoil.
When they finished, a respectful silence was quickly replaced by enthusiastic applause.
"Thalamik, that was awesome," Carmilla whispered, clearly moved.
He nodded quietly, stepping back gratefully into the shadows.
Because he was already there, Raymed was decided as the person to go next to sing.
Raymed leapt energetically onto a chair. "This is the ultimate anthem!" he proclaimed, punching in "Highest" by OxT from The Eminence in Shadow.
Raising the mic like a champion. The gathered crew let out a cheer as he opened with unbridled enthusiasm.
"Kono subete ima kakete, Tada risō ni todoku made kono te nobashite…"
As the chorus hit, Raymed's voice soared.
"Highest, highest, I'm going on, Shinjitsu yori shinsō no kage wo ike. Highest, highest, I'll carry on…"
He suddenly took out Avalon, surprising the crowd, throwing power into every word.
One might also ask how Avalon is present. Well, the answer, according to Raymed, was that Kourin found a fragment of Avalon and poured mana into it, making it whole again. Well enough about that.
Diko, stepping back in awe, couldn't help but drum his drumsticks on his scooter. Besitulars and his gang pumped fists to the beat, their unified chants echoing "Highest! Highest!" through the room.
Trish jumped up, waving sparkles in her hand, matching Raymed's energy in adrenaline-fueled mimicry of a concert-goer's wave. Lulu twirled, bunny ears flopping in time with the rhythm.
Thalamik smiled wide seeing this.
On the final chorus, Raymed invited Thalamik up, whispering, "Come on, sing with me!" Thalamik's reluctant nod sparked brotherly synergy as they matched voices, creating a thunderous duo that resonated in their bones.
"Highest, highest, I'll carry on, Ze ga hi demo saa nozomunara kokō ni tsuranuke!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, some chanting back "Highest!" even after the song ended. Raymed hopped down, glazed with shout-desier sweat.
"Damn, that was legendary!" Diko yelled, recovering his director's poise. "Next up it's Carmilla!"
When Carmilla's turn came, she shook her head vigorously. "Absolutely not."
"You must," Diko insisted cheerfully. "It's tradition for the birthday girl."
Carmilla reluctantly scrolled through the playlist, her eyes suddenly lighting up.
"Hey, don't worry, we'll sing along with you here if you are shy!" Raymed said while Thalamik nodded.
She selected a nostalgic Indonesian hit she'd heard back in South Jaka City café. A few days of respite after the trio were there training just after fighting Baal and Paimon.
The opening guitar riff rang out. Carmilla's voice began low but steady.
"Kita berlari dan teruskan bernyanyi. Kita buka lebar pelukan mentari…"
She glanced at Raymed and Thalamik, who exchanged a quick, meaningful look. "Bila kita jatuh nanti kita siap tuk melompat lebih tinggi"
Soon, on the bridge, Raymed added harmony. "Bersama kita bagai hutan dan hujan"
Thalamik entered with a soft voice, "Aku ada karna engkau telah tercipta"
"Ah~~" The three sung in unison.
Carmilla closed her eyes before opening them quickly.
"Kupetik bintang, untuk kau simpan. Cahayanya tenang, berikan kau perlindungan…"
Raymed reached to hold Carmilla's hand mid-chorus. Thalamik leaned in, matching their inflections, solidifying a musical bond. The room felt suspended as nearly every soul held its breath.
"Sebagai pengingat teman." Raymed said.
"Juga sbagai jawaban." Thalamik said.
"Semua tantangan" Carmilla finishes.
By the second chorus, Carmilla sang more confidently, heart lighter with each lyric, along with Raymed and Thalamik. Trish and Lulu danced joyously despite not knowing the language, pulling Killiar and Illias to dance along with them.
The song continued until it finally ended.
At the end, Carmilla's eyes were teary-blurred with a glowing smile. "Thank you," she whispered, voice thick. She squeezed both their hands. They shared a quiet, victorious smile.
"That… was magical!" Diko said, clapping his hands like a maniac.
"Yes, but never again!" she laughed as applause thundered warmly.
After the emotionally charged trio performance of "Melompat Lebih Tinggi," the room hadn't quite recovered when Diko cleared his throat and grinned mischievously.
"Your turn, Trish!" he called, swinging the spotlight toward her.
Holding the microphone, Trish spun toward the karaoke machine with the confidence of someone born on stage. Her hair twirled with her movement as if wind machines had been summoned just for her entrance.
The background music kicked in, smooth and mellow.
Thalamik recognized the tune a few notes in but couldn't place it. Trish had chosen a Korean pop song—"사랑을 했다 (Love Scenario)" by iKON.
Thalamik and Raymed blinked twice. "How does she know this song?"
She began smoothly, voice crystal-clear and surprisingly full-bodied.
"sa-rang-ul haet-da, u-ri-ga man-na. ji-oo-ji mot-tal chu-eok-i doel-tta"
Her pronunciation was nearly flawless, and every syllable came with the grace of someone who had practiced endlessly in front of a mirror. The crowd fell utterly silent.
There was something dazzling about the way her voice carried itself—the tone rich, soulful, and controlled.
Then came the chorus.
"u-ri-ga man-deun LOVE SCENARIO. i-jen jo-myeong-i kkeo-ji-go. ma-ji-mak pei-ji-reul neom-gi myeon. jo-yong-hi ma-gul nae-ri-jyo"
Her hands flowed effortlessly through light choreography. A spin here, a finger point there—everything timed with the precision of a professional idol. It wasn't just a song. It was a performance.
Besitulars leaned forward. Lulu's eyes sparkled. Carmilla tilted her head, smiling in fascination.
Mid-verse, Trish leaned toward the mic, eyes twinkling.
"I know, I know. You thought I'd go anime. But after all that's been sung already," she giggled, twirling again, "I figured I'd go with K-pop tonight! This song stuck on me." Raymed clapped softly in disbelief. Thalamik crossed his arms, now clearly intrigued.
Then came the final bridge:
"na sa-ra-gaa-myeon-seo ga-keum-ssik ddeo-o-rul gi-eog
geu a-ne ne-ga it-da-myeon geu-geo-myeon chung-bun-hae"
Trish closed her eyes, one hand gently clutched to her chest, and delivered the last verse.
Silence.
Then—
Lulu jumped up, clapping wildly. "You're a literal idol!"
Carmilla watched with a proud, almost sisterly smile.
Besitulars and his gang whooped and stomped like fans at a concert.
Diko, eyes wide, muttered, "Why isn't she an idol?"
Thalamik walked forward, absolutely floored. "That… was unreal."
Raymed spoke. "You crushed it!"
Trish bowed deeply, elegantly, and humbly. "Thank you, thank you! This was fun~!"
A quiet chill settled over the room after the glitter and rhythm of Trish's K-pop spectacle. The lights dimmed slightly, casting long shadows across the wooden floor.
Diko stepped forward without a word, adjusting the microphone stand like he was about to deliver a divine decree.
"I suppose," he said with theatrical flair, "it's time to shift the mood a little."
He selected Evanescence's iconic anthem, "Bring Me to Life." As the eerie piano intro echoed from the speakers, the room hushed. A few chuckles surfaced from Besitulars, but they quickly quieted.
Diko began, voice low and mournful.
"How can you see into my eyes, like open doors? Leading you down into my core…"
He sang not as one of the Academy's directors but as someone unraveling his thoughts.
Perhaps due to his bad past romantic relationships.
The unexpected vulnerability in his voice drew everyone's attention.
"Without a soul… my spirit sleeping somewhere cold… Until you find it there and lead it back home."
Then, the atmosphere cracked open. The pre-chorus rolled in like thunder:
"(Wake me up!)"
Thalamik stepped forward, his voice cutting through the dark. "Wake me up inside!"
Raymed joined him instantly. "I can't wake up!"
The three then sang in unison.
"Wake me up inside!"
"Save me!"
"Call my name and save me from the dark!"
Besitulars howled in synchronized rhythm, banging on nearby boxes, their voices growling the iconic chant. Then, those four people began to sing along together: Diko, Besitulars, Thalamik, and Raymed.
"Wake me up!"
"Wake me up inside!"
"I can't wake up!"
"Save me!"
By now, the entire room was shouting along, caught in the grip of the anthem. Lulu raised her arms and danced with abandon, Trish drummed the table with glowing eyes, and even Carmilla found herself mouthing the words while watching the chaos with surprised joy.
Diko powered through the bridge, eyes half-lidded, one hand reaching toward the sky like the lyrics were pulling something out of him.
"There's nothing inside… Bring... me... to... life...."
The final chorus hit like a storm.
"Wake me up!" Besitulars, Raymed, and Thalamik sung.
"Wake me up inside!" Diko sung.
"I can't wake up!" The trio sung again.
"Wake me up inside!"
"Save me!" The trio continued.
"Call my name and save me from the dark!"
Then as if there's a shift the four people began to sing together as one.
"(Wake me up!) Bid my blood to run! (I can't wake up) before I come undone! Save me from the nothing I've become."
"Bring.... me... to life...." The quatro sang together.
"I've been living a lie." Diko sung.
"There's nothing inside," Thalamik screamed.
"BRINGG MEE TOO LIFEE!!!" Diko shouted the last sentence of the song.
By the end, the stage was chaos incarnate—Raymed on a chair, Thalamik with a mic in his hand, and Diko crouched dramatically like a rock star at his farewell concert.
Silence followed as the last chords faded—then an explosion of cheers, claps, and whistles.
Lulu bounced. "That was terrifying and amazing!"
Trish laughed. "Diko's got hidden angst!"
Carmilla nodded, clearly impressed. "And surprisingly good range."
Diko stood slowly, brushing imaginary dust off his jacket.
"Well," he smirked, breathless, "I never said I was only good for directing."
Besitulars howled in approval, one of them shouting, "Do it again!"
Diko bowed low with mock flair. "Once is enough for tonight."
Then Besitulars enthusiastically commandeered the stage, choosing Queen's rhythmic classic.
"Another one bites the dust, and another one gone and another one gone, another one bites the dust!"
Their rendition was humorously aggressive, accompanied by enthusiastic drumming on snack boxes and wild dancing. It culminated in comedic chaos when one member of his gang tripped spectacularly while trying a Freddie Mercury-style strut.
The karaoke event was over soon after.
The room dimmed softly as Diko called for Carmilla's birthday wish.
Gazing around at the faces she'd grown to cherish deeply.
Carmilla closed her eyes and wished silently, simply, for more nights just like this one.
She blew out the candles with a gentle breath, and the room erupted in warm applause.
As the festivities began winding down, Kiliar and Illias quietly excused themselves, offering Carmilla gentle smiles and small birthday gifts before disappearing into their duties.
Illias lingered briefly, squeezing Carmilla's hand gently. "You've grown into a truly remarkable Saint. Don't forget to let yourself rest."
***
As the other guests dispersed into the starlit evening, Carmilla lingered with Thalamik and Raymed, quietly absorbing the comforting silence of the empty music room.
"Did tonight live up to expectations?" Thalamik asked softly, eyes glinting uncertainly.
Carmilla smiled warmly. "It surpassed them. Thank you, Thalamik."
He relaxed visibly, managing a shy smile. Raymed threw an arm around each of them, pulling the trio close. "We really did it, huh? A normal night for once."
Carmilla leaned into the embrace, feeling a comforting warmth spread through her chest. "More nights like these," she whispered softly, echoing her wish aloud.
"Sadly, it won't always be like this. I mean, Ray is sent on a mission as part of his introduction to every race in the world. The United Front's first-ever hero."
Raymed pulled away his arm and scratched his head. "Hehe. I'll be sure to come back lots of times when I have the chance."
"Thal, didn't you forget you will also be drafted as Special Auditor now? Illias told me they are creating a new program specifically for mentorship, and Special Auditors must handle at least one student. How would you even have time to hang out with us?"
Thalamik scratched his head. "Hehe. I'll be sure to make some time."
Raymed coughed and spoke, "But didn't you forget Carmilla? You're a full-fledged Saint now. An acknowledged Saint means you are Veuz's most trusted, along with the other Saints. So by metric you are the second busiest from the three of us."
Carmilla also scratched her head. "Hehe... I'll be sure to send letters if I am too busy." She then sighed. "I just don't feel that happy right now. I am so used to being with you two."
"I mean, we did separate at this academy, but now... We are really on a long-distance friendship, most probably."
Thalamik look at Raymed.
As their eyes meet, both laughed.
"What's so funny!" Carmilla asked.
"Hey for what's its worth, this is not goodbye Carmilla. It's just a till we meet again. Don't overthink it!" Raymed put a hand on Carmilla's head.
"Yeah kiddo, you aren't getting rid of your favorite uncles just yet."
"DON'T TREAT ME LIKE A KID!" Carmilla shouted as the three started a slapstick fight.
Carmilla looked through the window and saw the moonlight.
It was really beautiful.
She turn again to look at the crowd.
She thought to herself.
Thinking back.
I am delighted everything turned out this way.
Every one of these people had my back covered.
They protected me when I needed them the most.
I am so glad to be a part of this family.
Then she saw a black moth fly across the sky.