H ope is not what I peddle A ctions are louder than words N ow join or don’t meddle

S tars above as my witness O vercoming adversity L ighting the way is my business O pportunities I create through tenacity!

Teislyn looked at the others and observed they were straining against the magic bonds that were holding them.  She could tell Aicha wanted to be free to incinerate the fool. Frieda had tears that had begun to well up but was doing her best to show she wasn't afraid of him. Dace was struggling to get at her weapons, and Vae stood there calmly. But underneath her calm exterior, Teislyn saw a spark in her eyes that probably meant pain for whoever stood in her way.

Teislyn started towards the center of the crowd where the man was and nearly collided with Tea_Roll bouncing back to her team. Tea grabbed her shoulders and murmured in her ear and then skipped away. Teislyn shook her head and went to stand in front of the man.

She was about to begin her tale when Lini came up with the other companions and a picture popped into Teislyn's mind.  "Lini that's perfect!"  She put the flute to her lips and out came a mysterious and haunting tune that danced on the air with grace and set the mood for their presentation.  She ended the tune and spoke, "My dear sir,” Teislyn bowed," We travelers have received a missive about needing our help in an urgent matter.  We only come to this city to seek the one who can help us in this quest.  I offer my voice along with my fellow balladeers to earn your trust, so all of us may continue and work together amicably." 

While she narrated, the companions situated themselves in front of her and performed a bumbling pantomime about a team of Protectors trying to find help with their make-believe mission.  Lini and Doom pretended to read a map while Azbre chased Buttercup in a circle or maybe it was the other way around.  Then it happened, Azbre ran without watching where he was headed and crashed into Lini, sending her sprawling into Doom. They ended up in a tangled pile of fur and legs with Buttercup doubled over with laughter. Then Azbre, who had untangled himself from the others, jumped up and had the fairie grounded.  Buttercup was about to get back at the weasel when Lini squeaked sharply and the faerie stopped.  The companions quickly formed a line and whatever the word "TaDa" was in their language they said it and looked up at the man with eyes that begged for him to approve of their performance.

Teislyn bowed and could have sworn she saw a subtle smile on his face, then again, she probably imagined it .  She herded that companions back to where the rest of the team where and while passing by the Jalapenos, she went up to Lovecraft and redid her hair into two ponytails.  Tea laughed and Teislyn returned the wink and went to rejoin her team.

"Gold is the sun that rises in the morning. Silver is the moon that lights the way in night's still shadows. Bronze is the light that lingers between them, but black is my heart when you are lost away."

"The only thing that is certain is the passage of time. With each day and night that pass, our quest grows further out of our reach." Sophia continued boldly, "We are worthy friends to have in dark times, but those who seek our aid must prove their own merit in recognizing ours." She curtsied and let a small smirk replace the otherwise soft expression she had on her face. Sophia noted the looks of surprise on Vanya and Marion's faces, and the amusement apparent in Mira and Alisandra's. Her eyes hadn't left the man's face in what she hoped was a challenging stare. The nerve of him. Who was he for them to trust to help Tanaka?

"Lyra, please focus," said Jean, though she sounded a little amused. "You're wasting time here.”

"Oh right, sorry, Safera, couldn't resist. Right, Tanaka, hum..., oh dear..."

Lyra sat down on the ground cross-legged and pulled out her notebook. Her mind was blank. She gulped. She didn’t cope well under pressure. Her mind was whirling. Sonnets, haikus, even limericks. Did poems need to rhyme? No, she remembered her lessons about blank verse, iambic pentameter and all that. And she was a natural storyteller, she could do this to save her friends. No, she HAD to do this; there were no two ways about it. She flipped through her notebook, looking for her notes on the stories that Clara had told her, about Crystania, about meeting Tanka, saving Vee, the adventures last year saving the Seelie prince, battling the Unseelies. She thought back to talking to the Crystal Pyrates on the way to Ellak City, Jean filling in the gaps and telling her about her own adventures. In her mind, she wove together piece by piece, the storyline of what she wanted to tell.

Slowly, hesitantly at first, she began...

If you think that trustworthy we are not Perhaps advent'rous tales shall change your mind; For Tanaka Protector is as well Like musketeers these ties shall go both ways.

She paused. She looked at her teammates, still all frozen. She took a deep breath and continued.

We met when coming to Crystania's aid: A tale of royalty trapped and rescued. Though Tanaka wished affection had lost: For Jer and Vee a finer couple make. But nonetheless shippers will still persist And Larianne, though only most the same In face is now far sharper than a tack No more a ditz, her spirit fascinates.

A rocky friendship, 'tis, to be quite sure, Tried often while facing Unseelie threat -- And one that loss of Lappy nearly broke.

A fae Prince's affections turned her way, And yet, the girl is here and so are we To help the one who had been helping us.

A face from distant mem'ry seen once more And urgent message sent with restored pup, For if Chiasa lives our friend pursues. Though Tanaka and Master trouble found Her rescue we shall aid if choice we have.

This was it, a critical part. She was about to make a guess as to who this man was. She hoped she was right.

And here, good sir, if I might make a guess: You are her brother and Tanaka's friend, So I believe you too must share our goal.

Now kindly break the spell holding most trapped There is so much to do -- we're wasting time!

Lyra held her breath. Was that enough? Did he believe her sincerity? She hoped so.

With her lute always near, May knew she must step forward for her team while all the rest but companions were frozen. How this was done would be the center of much discussion and conjecture later and maybe even a song but now she would sing for the man. The lute had a lovely sound at the first strum and May's voice was so beautiful it was beyond description as words unfold in her plea.

Hello, kind sir. How are you? How are you? How are you? We are a small group of trav’lers out on a large quest.

We were summoned to the Squirrel, Wayward Squirrel, Wayward Squirrel, as Protectors of the realm to have a bite to eat.

Whisked then to the Gearwork Goose, Gearwork Goose, Gearwork Goose, we met with some Crystal Pirates and some vehicles.

They took us to Crystania, Crystania, Crystania, and we were given a star map to find our way to you.

Though we thought we were here for coffee, here for coffee, here for coffee, our journey was to meet someone who’d help us on our quest.

And that is where you come in, sir, come in, sir, come in, sir. Perhaps you’re one we’re looking for? Now, please unfreeze my friends!

Some have been on quests before, quests before, quests before, and they have been successful with different sets of skills.

Willow is a vagabond, vagabond, vagabond, and she has a companion named Ninger… She’s so cute!

Chook is a great warrior, warrior, warrior, with a past filled with overcoming tragedy.

Kronus and his horse, Cooper, horse, Cooper, horse, Cooper, is a ranger from Shamor Galaxie… Where is that?

Jed also has a horse, Hoss, a horse, Hoss, a horse, Hoss. He is quiet, hardly talks, but swaggers like a wolf.

Emma, she is so darn nice, so darn nice, so darn nice. She is awkward and polite, and full of wisdom too.

Oceahna has a cat, has a cat, has a cat. Oceahna loved to read with Misty by her side.

May, that’s me, plays on her lute, on her lute, on her lute, this tune to tell you about us. Now please tell us about you!

Before Elethia can race into the cafe to see if she could get her caffeine fix, Lizzy grabs her arm. "Look at the people in front of the entrance!" Lizzy stammers out alarmed "I was hoping that we could enter peacefully, but it looks like force might be necessary!" As we prepare ourselves for a tough battle, Elethia feels a chill go down her spine. Odd I haven't had that feeling except that one time when the black mages attacked us... "Everyone be careful!" Elethia yells out as the dark tendrils appear out of nowhere and start racing towards them. Elethia begins to prepare a defensive spell as her other teammates draw their weapons. Before the battle can ensue though Lizzy notices how oddly Klytie is acting and she follows her gaze upwards to where she sees the strange man on the roof.

As he plays his flute, the tendrils dissipate and the people stationed at the door wander off as if they were being controlled by something. Before Elethia can race in and bellow out her order for a cup of coffee, she notices that she can't move! She tries to growl out curses and becomes further infuriated when she notices Mr. Scoots snickering at her. Of all the elementary attacks to be caught by! I hope that Aodh is able to placate him before I combust from sheer aggravation! Elethia groans out in her head

Aodh POV

Not much of a warrior Aodh gives an internal sigh at the prospect of getting hands to hand with something unseen - or shadowy. His music is his only weapon but it doesn't work that well on beings that have no soul or passion. Sure, he could find a knife and use that but the bard would rather abstain from bloodshed if possible. Before any battle can start though, Lizzy notices Klytie acting strangely again. And then there is music. A flute! Aodh knows exactly what kind of spell is woven around them but the halfblood is not fast enough to counter the magic. Still, apparently the other bard is willing to give him a chance to explain himself - and the actions of his group as a whole.

Fearing the worst if he should dawdle, Aodh begins to sing:

We have traveled far and wide.

Adventures were never a few.

Tackling cases of despair we began a new journey anew.

Many friends we made and enemies slain.

To one day see the land undivided.

Tanaka is a friend of ours.

Why would we travel this far for naught?

He has aided us time after time.

Now it's time for us to help him that's why.

We beseech you now dear sir, have our actions labeled us wrong?

Gaze with new trust in your eyes that we may venture out together and I have now finished my song...

Between his verses the bard adds gentle humms. Words are one thing, but in melodies, he can lay an entire world and all the emotions that swirl to his friends and himself. Aodh tune speaks of hardship and friendship , also of despair and gratefulness. The last note of his small melody now is a note of greeting and the offer to help if Tanaka would let them.

Letting the music fade, Aodh looks towards the white haired flutist and waits anxiously. Hopefully his songcraft would hold true in the eyes of this master. The halfblood yearned to use his flute but some obstacles were meant to be braved without any aid.

Seeing that the flautist appeared to be a fellow musician who wanted an explanation for how they knew Tanaka, an idea occurred to her. Hmm... Amongst the group, she would say with confidence that she most familiar with Tanaka - having had an adventure with him just last year. It was an adventure she would not soon forget. And one she had hoped would be her last.

Here goes nothing... Angelica closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

May it be a friend from afar Coming now to aide you May it be when sunlight stalls A heart that is so true He carries a heavy load Oh how far he must roam

The dark fog has come To take all you know and hold dear The dark fog has fallen Believe in he who stands with you

May it be when all seems lost He will come to your aid May it be when all is won He'll rejoice and be proud When the tears are overflowed You may find your loved one's come

Friends have come Trusting you to guide the way Friends have fallen A faithful hope bringing new life

Together we will fight as one

Abigail was glad that her mother had insisted that she learn to play at least one musical instrument with her music training. Abigail cast a spell that created a harp from the energies in the earth. She began playing chords on the harp, matching her counter melody to Angelica's soul-felt song. As Abigail played she let the magic fill the air and expand the broken chords and diminished minors into full ringing chords that softly rebounded into their resolving tones. The music softly filled the air and sent chills up her spine.

Shalinda was so not happy with being immobilized. Her anger was beginning to spike when Angelica began to sing. The voice was divine, the melody breathtaking and the words flowed like sweet liquid in the air. But, Angelica looked mildly worried and irritated all at once...which worried Shalinda too.

Realizing that the girl shouldn't have to do this by herself, Shalinda wiggled her nose and quietly chanted a quick spell to link her newfound friends together with Angelica's thoughts (very briefly...a chanted spell with no magical ingredients and ritual to back it up can only do so much you know!). The chorus of the song was coming up and as Shalinda had hoped, everyone chimed in to create a lovely harmony backing Angelica up.

"Thank goodness that worked!" She thought to herself. "And thank everything that these people all have decent singing voices. It didn't even occur to me we might have a frog voiced member of our group...I really must think these things through more completely!"

While Shalinda's inner dialogue was wrapping up, so was the song. She saw the relief on Angelica's face as well as the surprise on most everyone else's and quickly muttered the word needed to stop the mental linking...no need for everyone to be intruding on the lovely girl's thoughts any more. Now when would she be able to move again?! Her nose kept twitching with a terrible itch!

Alexia felt uncomfortable as she watched Angelica interacting with the flautist. She looked down at her feet and hoped that she could just slowly back away from the group without being noticed. She really didn't enjoy being around so many people. The group wanted her to participate in music making, something she wasn't fond of doing in front of others.

All of a sudden Alexia felt like her body was tingling from the inside out. She looked up with wide eyes as her mind became linked with Angelica's. She was not afraid of sharing thoughts, after all sharing emotions is similar to thoughts, but it was a new experience for her.

As the link strengthened, Alexia began to feel the music and know the words without even trying. She smiled as Angelica's pure passion of music filled her being. During the chorus Alexia found herself singing in along with Angelica, although at a much softer dynamic level than Angelica. Jacob sat on Alexia's shoulder and slowly swayed to the rhythm with his eyes half shut.

Kalyna couldn't feel more blissful. Music is, and has always been, a big part of her heart. In Skeylarod, her homeland, she would go everyday to Pippo's Tavern, ask for a mug of beer, share a table with her dear (though a little scruffy) mates and stay there for long hours, delighting their ears with the wonderful songs and music that the local pirates shared with everyone in the tavern, with the intention of brightening up everyone's day.

The atmosphere. The music. Kalyna felt grateful for meeting such a wonderful group of adventurers and, slowly, started to feel like she was at home. She was still scared of what would happen next, or if she would return home alive, but all these fears began to fade away as Abigail's soothing harp and The Angel's graceful voice reached her tender heart.

“This is beautiful.”, said the young pirate with a brittle voice, while she wiped off the tears that suddenly appeared in her eyes. “I know.”, replied her new friend Starboard, who was standing next to her, as she gently gave Kalyna a one-arm hug. The little Spike, who was also moved by the charming melody, caressed Kalyna's neck with his soft and feathery head as she leaned her cheek on his wing.

A joyful smile showed up on Kalyna's face as she closed her eyes and contemplated the magical atmosphere that their mage and bard had created. All of a sudden, the song's lyrics came to her mind and, within a moment, the young pirate started to sing along with her fellow adventurers.

“I'm glad to have met you, mate.”, said Starboard while poking Kalyna's arm with her elbow. The pirate let out a timid smile and continued with the sing.

Starboard could feel the vibrant energy as the music and voices filled the whole place. She refused to sing in front of her new mates, as she prefers to save her voice to herself while she sails the skies in her ship, but Shalinda's spell was undoubtedly strong.

Suddenly, she felt a strange vibration come from her chest, followed by a little hoarse voice that got arranged with a soft hawking. Oh well, she thought to herself, and finally joined the singing.

As the mist swirled, Levity could feel a type of serenity come over her. Usually tender moments made her strangely uncomfortable but this was somehow different. She loved the camaraderie that was already growing between the group of adventurers. Looking down at Pistol, who was looking around him in awe, she reached down and scratched his fur in reassurance. Just as she straightened she felt her voice light and airy, which was another pleasant surprise, join the others in song. She happily went with it.

Yasha had been sitting on the ground playing with a sewer rat when she heard Angelica start to sing. She looked up and noticed that Shalinda was standing by Angelica and softly uttering an incantation. Yasha's attention was taken by Abigail, who had begun to play an air harp that glowed and danced in the wind. She's pretty good, for a mage, she thought.

Just as Yasha leaned back to enjoy a performance, she realized that her thoughts were not her own. Somehow Yasha was having Angelica's thoughts seep into her mind. She cast her bright green eyes towards the two mages and decided that it was Shalinda who had performed the magic tying in her thoughts to Angelica's. Yasha immediately tried to block out the feeling that she should start to sing along during the chorus. Singing is the last thing I want to do today, was the thought she kept repeating, trying to drown out Angelica's joy-filled thoughts.

Yasha tried to halt herself from joining everyone else in the chorus. However she could not resist Angelica's powerful urge to sing and involuntarily began to hum along with the rest of the group. Yasha's soft humming did not quite make it up to the correct notes, but at least it sort of matched the harmonies Angelica and Abigail were creating.

Three sewer rats came up and took up positions on Yasha, one on each shoulder and one on her foot. Each rat seemed mesmerized by the music but also looked like they were standing guard over Yasha, as she was clearly not herself at the moment.

Abigail slowly whispered Rune's releasing incantation and mentally told him to form a shadow over them all as the song came to an end. The misty shrouding that Rune created caused the perfect still atmosphere for the music to take hold in the souls of those hearing the angelic sound that was created.

Song's lyrics based on May It Be's lyrics. (Original version sung by Enya).

Garrick gave a nod and said, “You can do this, Lark.” He had faith in the bard, having heard her sing. In fact it was her singing that had led him, along with Alia, off the beaten path and to a serene woodland glade where they had found Lark and her small furry companion, Felicia, a marmus who had the power of speech. Garrick was still a bit amazed by that, but the little creature was shy and as ladylike as her human friend and thus very lovable.

“Of course she can,” Alia added confidently. ‘Natch rested on her shoulder and lightly patted his friend’s face with a small hand as though to reassure the vagabond that she would soon be able to move again. Alia was grateful for the pat, and even more grateful that ‘Natch hadn’t decided to take advantage of the situation to ‘acquire’ a few things from the other Protectors pouches and bags.

Felicia sat up beside Lark and rested a tiny paw on the bard’s leg. “Take your time,” she advised in a soft voice. “You have the answer to what the mysterious one seeks.”

As the other bards sang, Lark stroked Felicia’s fur, her mind on the task. What was trust? What inspired it? What had bound her with her little marmus friend and caused Felicia to first trust her? The thought of first meetings had her gaze returning to Alia and Garrick. Though their meeting with the bard had been nice enough, Lark had learned that the meeting of ranger and vagabond had been anything but peaceful. The pair had shared their recent acquaintance with Lark as they all traveled together to the Wayward Squirrel. Apparently Garrick, a ranger who was in the same group as the renowned elven prince, Leaf, had been alerted to the quest by his fellow ranger. Garrick had opted to go instead of Leaf and as he had other matters to see to, Leaf had allowed it, giving his friend advice, though according to Garrick it was the tales of previous adventures that would likely help most. Passing through a town, Garrick had, according to him, very nearly been robbed of all his possessions by the thieving monkey known as ‘Natch. According to Alia, who had rushed from a shop at the sounds of commotion outside, she had had to save her beloved pet from the unfeeling ranger’s dagger. Who would try to skewer a helpless little manchu? After a heated discussion, the two travelers had discovered they were both bound for the same place and rather reluctantly agreed to join forces. A tentative bond had been formed, especially once Lark was with them. Indeed the bard seemed to pull the little group together with her easy going and quiet ways.

Lark realized that the music had stopped for the moment and she looked around, sensing it was her turn. Taking her lyre, her nimble fingers began to strum as she hummed softly, allowing the music to flow over her and through her. Only then could she put feelings into words. As her mind cleared of all but the music, she began to sing in her lilting voice.

“Trust comes from the heart, There’s really no other way to start. You can try to look in their eyes, It gives a clue but some still lie. It is your heart that will tell what’s true, Look deep, examine the words we sing to you. Tanaka’s name at the Wayward Squirrel is well known, We come now to assist him, each one from our home. From different backgrounds we have come And we will persevere until the quest is done. Here we stand, wanderers all, Friends now united to the answer the call. You have your goal, we have ours, And obviously neither are all sunshine and flowers. Question our motives, what will you gain? Challenge our words, they remain the same. Smokescreen fade, acts fall apart, Trust is truth and only comes from the heart.”

As she finished, Lark looked deep into the stranger’s eyes, praying that her words had been enough to convince him and release her friends.

Through her telepathic bond, she connected with Shimmershadow who had stayed behind with the demons because the dark smoke made them cough. The unicorn filly sent soothing thoughts back, reassuring her that the companions were alright, Rhea and Kronos frozen, too, yet safe on Shimmershadows back.

Myra felt her soul mate smile through their bond, chuckling. It wasn´t only a multiverse law that faerie godmothers and polite talking puppies can´t be frozen, a unicorn would cast off such magic quite easily, too, yet would be too polite to tell somebody. So the wise filly stayed put yet ready for action if needed.

„Verrek!“, the alchemist whispered, „are you up for this?“ She had seen the Shade going a shade paler if even possible as he heard about the singing and rhyming. He wouldn´t have to be apprehensive of this task, Myra thought. Verrek was a great story teller, she had listened more than one evening to his well-narrated and enthralling tales at the campfire. „You can do this!“ she told the Shade with her gentle voice, „once again, you´ll safe us all!“

Krios was annoyed about being entrapped by another mage, disappointed because he wasn´t chosen to sing one of his brilliant, ingenious and captivating ballads and already bored after only two minutes of immobility.

He wrecked his brain for a counter spell yet somehow, he could think about all kind of things, even complicated mathematical formulas, yet not about one simple incantation. Must be part of the freezing spell, he pondered, I am useless.

Probably the best thing is resigning to the fate and trying to collect some power through meditation, Krios thought. I am sure the Shade will find a solution, even when his song probably isn´t a masterpiece. And so the young mage immersed himself deep in meditation to benefit from the break he was forced to take.

For a moment there Valera thought it was the alcohol really getting to her when she could no longer move her body. When she took notice everyone else was stuck like that as well... HA! SO IT'S NOT THE BOOZE SHE DRANK EARLIER! What a relief.

Feng on the other hand did NOT like the idea of being frozen as a statue again. The stone beast growled in defiance about this situation and then his steely voice entered Val's mind.

"Feng, so help me! I WILL SMASH YE WITH A HAMMER IF YE ENTER ME MIND LIKE THAT AGAIN!" The pirate roared back at Feng, noticeably uncomfortable and unable to recoil from the voice she heard. "VERREK! Hurry up and do yer thing!" she shouted at the shade, unable to move her head to look at him. It was clear that whatever it was that Feng had said to her didn't resonate well with Valera, she was starting to get antsy.

Still standing on the rooftop three stories above the Café Verrek stiffened.

There were no bards amongst their group, so the stranger went on to say he would hear from any vagabonds... And though only a few of his companions were angled so they could see him the Shade he felt the attention of all the Chimeriad on him.

Sure enough...

Verrek thought Myra said something but before he could focus on her words-

"VERREK! Hurry up and do yer thing!" Val yelled to him.

Something was wrong, Valera sounded unnerved, something very uncharacteristic for her. Verrek's mood immediately darkened. This blasted minstrel! Who was he to spout nonsense about magical laws then cast an invasive spell over a whole party who obviously meant him no harm?

Locking his black eyes on the stranger the Shade took in the scene. Threads and tendrils of enchantment stemmed from the flute staff, each keeping a Chimeriad member bound in place.

A half-millennia ago Verrek would have put an enchanted arrow between this man's eyes for attempting to keep the Shade and his companions bound with this unwarranted magic.

But a lot can change in five hundred years and Verrek had come to appreciate and value the lives of others...

Verrek acknowledged and curbed his bloodlust, he wasn't proud of how dark his thoughts could turn but at times they helped him see things as they really were, rather than the romanticized version. For all he knew this fellow could be really helpful, heck they might even wind up friends (doubtful) but still... It's fine to be suspicious, just don't act on your prejudices.

"So this guy wants to hear our story in song or verse? I'm going to need your help here pal." The shade said to the crow silently.

"I'll do what I can, but it'll be a shoddy piece since we're on the spot with this one." SilentOne responded. The crow flew high above them all, well out of reach of the flute's spell.

"Whatever it takes, I don't care if it's sloppy. But don't be gentle, I want to make a point with this one."

SilentOne began sending quickly worded bits of verse and rhyme to the Shade's mind, all passable attempts.

Verrek bowed his head, breathed in, and calmed himself. Breaking free of enchantments was a specialty of Verrek's, and he instantly saw a half dozen ways to worm out of this one. But he chose the one that would leave an impression. He let his dark Shade's soul devour the magic of the spell holding his mortal shell.

There was a rumble and the invisible magical tether connecting the dark-eyed man to the flute snapped. Black mist rising from his skin where the spell had been burned away the Shade slowly looked up through the curtains of his black hair to lock his eyes onto the stranger holding the flute.

"You wish to hear a tale?" He asked, jumping down from his three story perch to land in a comfortable crouch as if the distance had been only a few feet. His coattails swooping around him like wings, black mist streaming into his shadow. Verrek strode forward to stand towering and foreboding in the center of the street before the Café where all gathered could see and hear him.

His shadow widened beneath him like a reverse spotlight, and the Shade began to recant in a low thrumming tone that seemed to carry to the very souls of those listening:

"The Wayward Squirrel 'pears once a year To summon Protectors brave They come to calm all fear From fen and glen and forest enclave

No foe can withstand their might Nor ignorant minstrel impede They march on for what's right They'll support a friend indeed

Strong Takano, Hayao's nephew To call him friend would be prudent Larianne's admirer known by a few Skilled fighter, Master's student

Long thought lost in his youth To forget it all Takano fought Hayao found him and showed truth Taken in by master who taught

Now we all seek our friend Dire news we must deliver Dark forces might be his end Chiasa warned from a castle on a river

We Protectors of the Wayward Squirrel Who are we who call him comrade? From a tavern that flies in fromp and furl We are the Chimeriad!"

Verrek lifted his arms as he called out the last bit like a battlecry them swung them down banishing his over-large shadow into more black mist.

He glowered sidelong at the minstrel.

"Now release my friends." He growled.

Valera's shout had concerned him, he knew of only one thing that would worry her that much. He wanted this meeting with the minstrel to end as soon as possible.

Dark again, Myra thought, hearing Verrek´s resume about their adventure so far. Dark and sharp, and there has to be something going on out of their control between Val and Feng, too. Otherwise, the Shade wouldn´t be that impolite to a stranger. Feng was a force to be reckoned with, Myra pondered. Hopefully, the master knew his way with giant stone beasts who wants to devour some souls for dessert.

Dread was imminent. With a shudder, Krios emerged out of deep meditation. A look at the pirate´s aura showed him her deepest distress, it pulsed brown and gloomy and didn´t emit its usual red and orange swirls. He tried to flex his right arm in preparation for some magic gestures yet he was still rooted to the spot. The young mage moaned faintly and glared at the minstrel, the cause for all the hubbub.

The pirate was relieved that Verrek and the rest of her team sensed something was amiss. Valera hoped that the minstrel would free them sooner than later since unknown to everyone else her life hung in the balance; Feng refused to accept that he was going to be stuck as a statue again for another thousand years. The stone creature was prepared to take his own master with him through what he considered Hell.

Meanwhile across town, Akalia was picking at the prison lock. It was then that the elf heard faint voices. Fully alert, she backed up to her cot, motioning for Gunther to join her. She listened for the whispers, but was unable to place them before the voices faded away.

Waiting a few moments to ensure that no one was truly around, Akalia got back to work using the metal pieces on the prison lock until the door swung open. The elf approached the desk and grabbed her bow and quiver, slinging them on her back. Next was the small dagger, it quickly found its home in the sling around her waist. And finally the small jewel, this she kept firmly in her tight grip as she and Gunther snuck out of the building.

Once outside, she ran as far away as possible from the jail house. When she deemed herself far enough, the elf jumped with joy.

“Alright! We made it! Now we just need to find the others.”

Gunther pranced around excitedly, and neither noticed the small stone glowing in Akalia’s hand.

As the minstrel floats to the ground the Fallen Angels rally themselves around Atrueheart in total defensive mode. Jeice grips her bo tightly, looking around for the slightest movement, with Torchy emitting a low growl at her side. Calie slips her hand in her bag, fingers surrounding a nut bomb, Geep scrambling up to her shoulder again to see what's going on. J'heva's raven Na'wa is squawking her displeasure on her shoulder. J'heva puts up her hand and strokes Na'wa's feathers calming her. Laurie sinks into her battle stance in full warrior mode. Sword sliding out of her pen, she tucks her companion Hope between herself and Jeice. Atrueheart looks around at her team, her companion Jinx chittering incessantly on her shoulder with a tight grip on her hair, and seeing that they are prepared for anything turns her attention to what the Minstrel is doing and how Lariane and Klytie are reacting. Quickly shushing Jinx, Can't even hear myself think! and starts to reach up to hold him still when she realizes she is frozen in place! She looks around to see her team in the same predicament.

Rolling her eyes, True looks toward the Minstrel and states "Seriously? Was that really necessary?" The minstrel ignores Atrueheart and her team as Jeice, struggling to move, bursts out ""Funny how this is one of the first things to happen to us in a place that isn't supposed to be fond of magic," she snarled, trying in vain to move something, anything and reach for a weapon. Torchy, sensing something was wrong, bounced up and down around Jeice a couple of times before climbing up her legs and back, nuzzling and snuffling in her silver hair. When tickling didn't make her move, the young dragon got angry. He perched on her shoulders, flaring his wings as the small ridges on his back began to glow. "Oh no, Torchy!" Jeice hissed. "No fireballs, just be calm, we have to sort this out another way." Torchy's wings folded down a bit, and he blinked at her in confusion. "Just relax, True's got this." Torchy grumbled, but flopped down and draped himself over her shoulders with a heavy sigh. Laurie was in the act of reaching for her notebook, thinking that if she didn't need her sword she could at least take notes, when she realizes she is frozen. Hope whimpers and reaches for her frozen hand. Straining to move, Laurie is mumbling under her breath "Make me immobile will ya!? You just wait till I get outta this, I've got a multiverse law or two of my own just for you" then quietens as she listens to the minstrel challenge Lariane and Klytie.

J'heva's eyes widen as she realizes she is frozen, her hand on Na'wa preventing her from flying at the minstrel. Na'wa struggles a bit flapping her wings uncomfortably until she makes eye contact with her life long friend and relaxes back down, observing the whole scene with beady eyes. Talli, who had raised a hand in preparation to cast a spell, frowns in frustration upon realizing that she can't move. Moriel sensing something is wrong growls aggressively and takes several steps toward the minstrel. Talli quietly calls her back to her side where she stands with hackles raised waiting on Talli's command. Calie didn't mind being frozen in place. It gave her an excuse to stare at the guy. She hadn't dated in a while and he was kind of cute. Her little gecko, Geep rolled his eyes at her and ducks back in her pocket.

Upon hearing the challenge True turns her eyes on the rest of the Fallen Angels and exclaims "A song? Let me just pull that right out of my a..!" and then a slow smile emerges on her face. "Alrighty then! Angels I'm gonna need y'all to think of all we know about Tanaka, that sexy thing, so I can compose something."

Calie winces, "I know it probably doesn't help convince him, but do you remember when we thought Tanaka was a traitor and working with DeWinter? It wasn't until later we found out he was secretly working against DeWinter to protect his Uncle Hayao and help save Vertilline and Larainne." "Right!" Atrueheart agrees. "You can imagine my relief that he recognized the spiked rose and because he was secretly part of the resistance that he immediately recognized us as friend not foe. It didn't hurt that Tanaka dances like a dream and definitely a gorgeous man."

Talli spoke up "He was so brave that time when he swung down the ladder to save TwoFer! Do you remember? TwoFer was going to sacrifice himself for us, but Tanaka saved him just in time! His uncle, Hayao, compared them to a 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'."

"Hearing all about the team's first encounter was the highlight of my first year with them!" Laurie paused and glared at the annoying minstrel who had put them on ice. "I haven't always been the team's warrior. In fact, I wasn't part of the first time they met Tanaka at all, I stayed in the archives." Turning her attention back to Atrueheart she smiled fondly, "Oh for the memories!"

"I remember when he teamed up with Kelian to repel all those Bonerider attacks! They were both so brave!" Laurie remarked. Jeice states in agreement "We couldn't have defeated all the boneriders and other dark forces without 'em!" Temporarily forgetting the predicament she was in Laurie rambled on, "I don't know from gorgeous, but the one thing I'll never forget is hearing about the spiked rose! What a simple yet clever way to reveal if Tanaka was with DeWinter or not! Too bad no one told your warrior back then. Maybe she wouldn't have been so quick to subdue such a marvelous man. Remember how he saved you from certain death, Larianne? Oh, wait. If you were unconscious, you wouldn't remember, would you? Well, from what I heard it was an act of pure heroism! OH! And, remember how the ones who went to Katsuhiro's couldn't figure out how he got there before they did? Did anyone figure that out yet? I would love to learn that one, that's for sure."Turning her eyes toward True she states "Definitely should include that!" Before she could rattle on even longer, Laurie caught sight of Atrueheart's expression and fell silent, wondering what is was she shouldn't have said this time.

Atrueheart clears her throat. "OK that's enough for me to work with." she states. "Let me think." Atrueheart ponders a bit and then looking over at the minstrel she says "I'm gonna need my hands and arms hon for my instruments." With a nod of assent the minstrel unfreezes Atrueheart who pulls out her mandolin and strums it a bit, tuning it as she goes.

Working out an intricate melody on her mandolin, True's fretwork flawless, she steps away from her Fallen Angels and faces the minstrel and begins to sing.

"Draw close and hear of a true hero of Crystania... Tanaka Katsuhiro!

Lithe and nimble, when he smiles the ladies swoon winks and his enemies tremble.

Dragon ship captain and faithful friend, clever and strong there can be no quarrel.

Defeated the enemies of Crystania with the help of the Protectors of the Wayward Squirrel.

Cleaving through bone riders with the greatest of ease. Foiled the evil plot as pretty as you please.

A crowd of townsfolk has gathered, drawn by Atruehearts entrancing voice. Atrueheart plays to her audience with a seductive smile, inviting them to experience the events through her song.

When evil threatened the ones he loved he did not run, he did not waver, but stood strong against evil and became one of our saviors.

Cunning and strong he bided his time and was able to save our Larianne and Two-fer in the nick of time.

Returning her home to The Wayward Squirrel, the Protectors cheered as all again was right with the world.

Now into the breach he strides once again, to save his sister from dastardly hands.

The call has gone out and the Protectors have answered. To stand with Tanaka again, we Protectors have mustered.

Letting nothing defeat us, we'll stand by his side. Proud to support him no matter the ride.

Victory is assured for never fear... Tanaka Katsuhiro will triumph and the way will be clear.

No evil will triumph when Tanaka is near!

repeats and lets the words fade at the end

No evil will triumph when Tanaka is near!"

Atrueheart ended the song on a trembling note and then with a final strum of her instrument bowed to the minstrel. The townsfolk burst out in thunderous applause as the rest of the Fallen Angels expectantly wait for the minstrel to release them from his spell.

How can you tell if a heart can be trusted? It's easy if you know what to look for. For appearances can be altered and words can be false. But there's one thing that can tell you for sure.

Just gaze into our eyes, and you will see our hearts. There's one thing that never will cease We've seen hardships and war, and many bad things But our eyes tell you we're striving for peace.

So if you desire the same thing as we, Please release us from your gripping spell. So we too can help find out dear friend in need, And deliver us from all of this hell.

Liath finishes her song and opens her eyes and found herself looking directly at minstrel. After a long pause she blushes bright red as she notices all eyes are on her. She swallows hard and awaits the reaction of the white haired stranger.

"Uh, guys? I can't move. Can you move? Because this is kind of an awkward position to be frozen in," Sky says glancing alarmingly at the other Fables. In the hubub, Sky had been knocked and was in the middle of righting herself so as not to fall when she was frozen. Webby only stares grimly ahead at the man pretending to be a simple wandering minstrel, wile Blue chitters in her ear alarmingly.

When Klytie and Lappy convince him to let the bards explain, Sky glances at Rosaline. "You can do this!" she says encouragingly as Rosaline steps forward. "You go girl!" shouts Webby.

Stepping out to the front of her group as if she wielded a sword and shield, the tall, lithe half-elf tossed her head a bit sending her sakura colored hair falling over her shoulder. Improvisation was never her strong suit, but she let her voice fly from her like a siren.

When I was alone, my voice was my life. I had known nothing but strife. Living above a tavern, many souls passing through my heart became a cavern that I attempted to fill with brew.

Now trust is the shield we carry, hand in hand we travel. Our presence keeping each other merry lest our lives unravel. Care for each other, supporting our friendship friends like sisters and brother. With it, we battle against hardships.

We are the Farseeing Fables, sisters in battle and heart. If we are able, we will help you from the start.

As Rosaline stepped back next to Sky and Webby, Webby smiled saying, "Good work!" Sky silently thought to herself, 'I sure hope this works, if he leaves us frozen for the darkness to return to...,' she shuddered at the recent memory of unstoppable shadows. 'Hard to fight shadows with arrow and knife. Well, and frozen body. That doesn't work very well either,' she thinks smirking. Looking over to Webby for confirmation, Sky decides to put her faith in the friends that brought her out of her own shadows. 'They have helped me with my loneliness and darkness, it is time to forward the favor in helping Tanaka and the Master with this darkness that seems to have taken them.' Staring resolutely at the strange Music Man of Ellak City, she tries not to laugh out loud at her silliness.