BLADESTORM

17. Drawn/Tonight/Performance

Paris jumped in the backseat and slam closed the door.

With Balance on the line, and their hearts drawn to the road,

they set out before the dawn for a destination once called home.

"I'm so tired of waiting for the day..."

Phoenix adjusted the rearview mirror and stared at her.

"Now the time has come to take this all the way." Drago was seated beside her in the backseat but did not turn to speak, "If you got a bone to pick, Paris, get ready for a fight."

"I want to take down the Fardel Cartel, tonight," she declared.

Everyone sang together, "Meet me at "Les Cave" and don't be late. I need to have my revenge and it just won't wait." Paris continued alone, "Take me out to dance or I will fight."

And the Banned joined again, "I want to take down the Fardel Cartel tonight."

"We know, Paris. We're going to get him."

A pair of shoes hung from the power lines outside Le Cave Underground like an omen as the Windbreakers nailed the the warning to the doorway. The rain poured across the clogged gutters, directing a curtain of water over the entrance, hiding the doorway to Le Cave Underground. Jason got soaked holding open the door for Aplot who knew about his reputation on the streets and dressed in disguise. "We could arrest everyone inside," Jason encouraged. "For harboring low thoughts." Aplot ignored him and stopped in the doorway to address his loyal pawns, "Windbreakers," he announced. "Zip up." They followed him into the venue. Aplot was determined to put his magic to the test by freezing the Banned, his way—once and for all... by using the power of dance. Successfully molding the forces of nature was all the justification he needed for his dance moves. He would be remembered for years to come. The Music Guild was out of date and needed to be put out of its misery. The delicate balance of energies that governed the world should not be left in the hands of the Music Guild and their irresponsible musicians like the Banned who used to turn this place upside down.

Meanwhile, Paris and the Banned arrived (in a town much like this at a venue called) "Le Cave Underground"

They stood in a half circle amazed at the warning nailed to the doorway. Phoenix ripped the warning from the door and read the notification to the others: This is to Notify that the group the BANNED is unsafe and hereby condemned until further investigation—signed, Aplot Fardel, the Scale of Public Safety. Phoenix scoffed at the warning, tore it in half and threw it in the wind.

"This place has changed," said Tortoise.

Tiger purred, "This is a new world, split in two."

The smell of mist at the base of a water fall welcomed them as they opened the doors. Paris arrived parched and found who she was looking for tending bar. Go On In presided over the establishment with grace and wisdom carrying the Gourd that holds the Mysterious Water. From behind the bar her smile embraced Paris in a world of serenity.

"I could use your help," Paris asked.

"It takes a falcon eye, Paris, to see through Fardel's plot." Go On In poured from the Gourd that holds the Mysterious Water. "You saw something that got you in trouble, just for doing your job and Fardel tried to silence you but it didn't work! So, lift the glass to your mouth before we grow old and die."

Paris drank.

"Have you ever thought about revenge?"

Go On In surprised Paris. the Bartender of Mercy and Compassion proposing vengeance? Well, she wasn't alone these days: Countless individuals seeked reprisal in these difficult times. Everyone was exhausted and the Fardels were selling energy at a premium cost. Paris' could become a symbol of retaliation and a source of inspiration.