Author's Note: New uploads are going to take longer since I am having a few "technical issues" at home and I'll be away for a long time so I gotta to say 'Sorry!'. Anyway, I still love you guys and this episode is another set in the past, YES! And it is also Tiana's big fight with Mr. Froggy Prince, at last! I don't really understand why this movie was so underrated. I have seen Tangled and it wasn't a master piece and the upcoming Frozen is nearing my nerves since the so-called Snow Queen does not look like the Snow Queen to me. My point of view, I respect other opinions on this matter but seriously! Andersen's story deserves a COOL Snow Queen like in the version of Bridget Fonda or the BBC version.

Anyway, off to our story!

10. Chains and Bones

A few days after the concert, the news about the broken tombstone of the Shadowman begin to unnerve Tiana. People are getting pretty uneasy and she has to admit that even with Odie's words, she's restless. What if he's really back? What if...? Oh, c'me on, Tia! You bested that bozo once, you can do it again. Besides, even if he has come back, he surely isn't doing anything suspicious or any kind of sabotage or conning. Maybe all that the Shadowman wants now is to leave town if he's really here and it has sense since everyone has their torches and forks ready to get him.

"Uh, Tiana?" Naveen walks into the kitchen of the restaurant. "Can we talk for a sec?"

"Sure. But aren't you...?"

"Uh, yes, yes. But we really need to talk" the prince takes a deep breath. "Here goes nothing"

"Here come some excuses"

"Tiana, I... I was thinking that maybe you should take some vacation"

"What? Are you nuts? I have lots of work"

"I know, I know. Trust but, Tiana... Have you heard all the talking about the Shadowman?"

"Not you too. I kicked that guy to dust once, I can do it again!"

"Tiana, I'm just trying to protect you. I know you are strong and stubborn. But please think this through"

"Naveen, please! Am old enough to say when I can climb a mountain! And you told me it was impossible for him to come back!"

"Ugh, faldi faldonza! I know! But use that thick head of yours. We're talking about a witch doctor who tried to kill your best friend's father, almost took over the city and turned us both into frogs among other things; and who is very charismatic. I want you to be safe! If I send you know now to Maldonia for..."

"WHAT?"

"It would be just a few weeks, until is OK to come back!"

"Naveen! You, you... I can't just leave my restaurant, my mother and everything I love cuz you think am in danger!"

"Tiana, I'm just trying to save you!"

"No, you're just ignoring my decisions as always!"

"Can't you see that he..."

"I will not run, Naveen. I ain't a coward and specially when it comes to the Shadowman! I appreciate your concern but if that man has a bone to pick with me, so be it!" she walks away in anger.

"How can she be so...? Argh! Merde!" Naveen kicks down a nearby trash bin.

"That no-good, that idiot, that..." Tiana walks outside. "I won't run! Ye hear me? I ain't runnin' from ye, Shadowman!" she kicks the ground and sits on a crate. "I ain't running, I..." she begins to cry.

"Care for a rest before the run?" a gloved hand is offering her a tissue.

"Thanks" she looks up and recognizes the dancer of the other night. "Is very nice from you"

"Problems in paradise?"

"In the frog pond? Yes"

"He's just worried bout y'all, cher"

"I know but, he thinks I can just run away and all of our problems will be solved. And that is something I can do and I won't do" Tiana cleans her face.

"That's a queen talking" the man grins. "Don't bother your pretty head too much, doll face. Is your decision, not his" his hand gently touches her cheeks making her close her eyes with delight. "Yes, it will be you"

"And rest your head.

Let the voice be your guide,

Through the night, resuscitate."

"Tiana!" calls Eudora.

"Tonight I shall see you again, my princess" he gives her a slight kiss in the neck. "Anything y'all need, tell me. Your every wish is me command. And if y'all need to find me, look for the bones. They know the answer. They know everythin' deep in their cave" when Tiana opens her eyes, he's gone but she feels better. Once inside, she asks her mother about a cave and bones but Eudora knows nothing, or better say, wants to say nothing about it so Tia goes to one of her cooks, Jerome, who knows the bayous and the bays of Louisiana better than anyone.

"Missy shouldn't be interested in that place. Red Loa lives there"

"Red Loa?"

"The Cave of Bones, Miss. Is the lair of the pirate called the Roux Loa"

"Where is that cave, Jerome?"

"I shouldn't tell ye, Missy. Bad Juju. Black Bay and Barataria are owned by the Roux Loa"

"Jerome, please. We're in the 20th Century, for God's sake! Pirate's are long gone!"

"Not this one, Mamma. Not this one who dwells between the dead and the livin'"

"Xcuse me?"

"The Roux Loa is neither alive or dead. His crew are all bad demons"

"Ok..." why would that man direct her to that place?

"Tiana!" Eudora intervenes. "Stop distractin' poor Jerome. Why aren't ye talkin' things out with Naveen?"

"I ain't gonna leave this country just because..."

"Tiana. I would have understand that a few years ago but now it's all different, baby cakes"

"Mamma"

"I know ye can take that Shadowman again but not forever. Please..."

"I'll think bout it"

"Thanks. And don't be mad at Naveen, he's just tryin'"

"He doesn't trust me"

"But of course he does. He'll be talkin'to me otherwise" they both sit down. "Tonight is a big night, babe. Don't let that frown gotcha"

"Thanks, Mamma" Tia leans on Eudora.

"Is just that... Nah, never mind"

"Tiana"

"Really, is nothin'" the young woman gets up.

"Tiana, please"

"Mamma"

"Whatever it is, always remember that we're here for ye, ok?" Tia smiles.

" (Sigh)" Eudora goes to the scenario where a man with a broad brim hat seems to be interested in the preparations. "May I help ye?"

"Eh, no. Am good"

"Hey, I know you. Are ye feeling good today?"

"Yes, and I should thank y'all"

"Be my guess" soft smile.

"Y'all seem worried bout, eh, your daughter"

"Tiana is havin'a hard time n'I dunno how to help her" Eudora rubs her arms uneasily.

"Y'all her mother, y'all know when the time is right"

"Thanks. Didn't quite get your name, by the way"

"Uh, it's, eh... Ami"

"I like it"

"Much obliged, cher. Any news bout your friend?"

"No, and I feel bad bout it"

"I see" they hear Louis playing his trumpet in a soft mood. "Uh, well..."

"If ye want this dance, all you gotta do is ask"

"I really do" Eudora smiles and they both have a few minutes of soft pacing dance until the gator stops playing. "Y'all a great dancer"

"Thanks. Ye ain't bad either" they hear Lotte entering with her usual racket. "Back to work"

"Am sure all will turn up great"

"I really hope so. Thanks again"

"I'll see to Tiana, cher. This is a promise" he bows.

"Merci, Ami"

"Is what I do for me friends, darling" he tips his hat and leaves. "Specially for good old friends"

Nice.

I'll try to upload again before leaving.

Next Stop: Mr. Bones