The song used in this chapter is called 'Every Time the Rain Comes Down' by Anna Blue.

Serena gazed out at the droplets of rain sliding down the glass of the window. "What crappy weather," she said with a sigh. "This is gonna mess up our plans today."

"Well we can still perform," Leon told her. "I worked hard to make my music mixer waterproof. It should hold up under a little rain."

Lex glanced outside, seeing people with umbrellas and rain coats still out on the streets. "Gotta give the people what they want. They're definitely not letting a little downpour stop them."

Serena looked over her lyric sheet before finally tossing it aside. "Y'know what? Forget the new song. I've got another one perfectly suited for this. Let's get ready."

~~~~~

Iris reached a hand out from under her umbrella, feeling the cool rain. "I sure hope this doesn't ruin Serena's performance today."

"Me too," Prompto added. "I was really looking forward to hearing her sing."

"I'm sure they'll figure something out," Gladio assured the two.

People had gathered around the stage, waiting for the pop stars to arrive. They didn't have to wait long for someone to climb up on stage, but it wasn't Serena. Lex stood before everyone, his visible brown eye scanning over the audience.

"I'm afraid there's been a change of plans. Serena and Leon won't be performing on this stage." People were beginning to murmur in disappointment at hearing that. "Instead, they've set up a stage of their own at the Leville. You're all welcome to go see them."

Almost immediately, the crowds began heading there. The prince's group followed Lex. At the hotel, Leon had his device along with speakers set up all around the Leville right under the roofing where the rain couldn't hit. Serena stood at the entrance, smiling at seeing the fans approaching.

"Thank you all for coming," she spoke into her microphone. She immediately noticed her newest friends lightly push their way to the front of the crowds. "Because of the weather, we decided to move our performance here. I've also made changes to the song I'm gonna sing today. It isn't what I had originally planned on, but I hope you all enjoy nonetheless."

Leon started up the music, steadily drowning out the patter of the rain. Serena held a hand out from under her sheltered spot, letting the rain touch her skin.

"And every time the rain comes down,
You'll know that I'm the one who'll be around

"You're fighting a daemon,
Your heart keeps on beating,
You're feeling so close to the edge
You're losing your temper,
You want to surrender,
I'm talking you down off the ledge
You won't go lonely into this fight,
If you just hold me we will survive

"Every time the rain comes down,
I'm the one who'll be around,
I'll become a part of you and share your pain
Every time the rain comes down,
I'ma lift you off the ground,
Gonna grab your hand and take you far away

"Every time the rain comes down
Every time the rain comes down

"All your tears are in vain,
And it drives you insane,
'Cause nobody cares if you cry
Deep inside there's a riot,
I feel that you're tired,
You don't wanna live a lie
You won't go lonely into this fight,
If you just hold me we will survive

"Every time the rain comes down,
I'm the one who'll be around,
I'll become a part of you and share your pain
Every time the rain comes down,
I'ma lift you off the ground,
Gonna grab your hand and take you far away

"Every time the rain comes down
Every time the rain comes down"

Applause erupted from the audience. Serena smiled and took a bow. With her performance over, the crowds slowly dispersed while Serena, Lex, and Leon got their things moved back into the hotel lobby. The prince and his friends followed them in.

"That song was so good!" Iris gushed.

"Yeah!" Prompto agreed. "And it totally brightened up the dreary weather!"

"Thank you," the girl replied. Lex suddenly had a phone call. He slipped his phone from his pocket and answered it, stepping away from the group. "It wasn't the new song I had planned on singing, but I think it worked out in the end."

"Serena," Lex called. Everyone looked over at him. He held a hand over the bottom half of the phone, allowing him to talk without the person on the other end hearing. "It's the first secretary of Accordo. She wants to book you for an event in Altissia."

Serena gasped. "The first secretary... wants ME to perform?" A giddy grin spread across her face. "Tell her I'll do it."

Lex nodded, removing his hand to speak into the phone. "Miss Concordia has agreed. We'll be leaving within the next few days. Thank you."

Leon smirked. "Damn, we're really in the big leagues now! Performing in a place like Altissia?! I can't wait to see the sights!"

"I'm so happy for you guys," Iris said. "I hope your music becomes super popular among everyone in Eos."

Serena smiled, bringing the brunette into a quick hug. "Thank you, all of you, for your support."

Iris was in shock by the time Serena pulled back. "I was just hugged... by Serena Concordia." She squealed in delight.

Serena only laughed. "We'll be cheering you on," Gladio said.

"I'll listen to every one of your songs on the radio!" Prompto added.

"I hope you achieve your goals," Ignis chimed in.

Noctis had a faint smile on his lips. "Keep spreading joy to the people of Eos. You're doing a great thing in these dark times."

Serena nodded. "We will. We'll do our best to spread goodwill. And maybe we'll see each other again sometime, Highness."

Soon enough, the groups split apart and went their separate ways. While Noctis was fighting to banish the darkness, Serena was battling to keep people together and not let the darkness take over their hearts. Both were fighting for the same things, but in different ways. And hopefully, they would both succeed, and perhaps even join together one day.

The End