Chapter 4

Two days later, J.S.O.M. found a temporary replacement for Mr. Tada. Digging through my music folder, I didn't see the old man approach the conductor's podium. A hush fell over the orchestra and a dry voice filled the silence.
I am your substitute teacher. Until Mr. Tada is well, you are under my charge. The man looked us over with a glaring eye. I will not tolerate any disrespect. Here is your music.
A rustle of puzzlement crossed the orchestra. We already had the season's music. I felt a cold chill seize my spine as I took a new folder. Opening it, the chill deepened - there were no notes. Looking up, I saw that Melody had not taken a folder, but clutched her violin and fingered the pin she always wore. The old man chewed the end of his conductor's baton.
Um, excuse me, sir? The first violinist raised his hand.
The man growled.
Um, sir, there is no music.
My name is Javier. He reached into the breast pocket of his jacket. Of course there's music. You become the music. He flung out his arm, scattering something. With a wave of the baton, Javier shouted,
A huge note exploded on the blank sheet on my stand. Stunned, I stared at it transfixed until screams of fear and pain made me turn. Other members had been engulfed by the possessed paper and were transforming into gross mockeries of their instruments. A flash of brilliant white light blinded me. Someone shouted,
String Music Compose Violin!
I couldn't help thinking, What a cheesy line...
The charm on my bracelet began to shine silver.
A second shout rapidly followed the first.
String Lash!
In a flash of red, the paper that threatened me disintegrated. My charm continued to glow, the light engulfing my body and lifting me up. Time slowed. I could see the strange monsters throwing music stands aside and saluting Javier, who was laughing crazily at the chaos. Looking around, I saw that three others had escaped, eerily rising above the crowd in their own glow of light. Chiro, Yuki, and one figure which could only have been Melody.

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A red-winged mask edged in silver covered her face. Wide, flowing and pleated beige sleeves fell gracefully from the shoulders of a tightly fitting bodice while a similar skirt swept open from a red and silver belt at her waist to dip behind her knees. The light cloth fluttered in the air, revealing beige leggings and red sandals with wings on the heels that laced up to her knees. In her hands a violin glowed silver-red. She pointed at Chiro and me.
Descendants of Zeus!
Chiro, an amazed look on his face, stared at his clarinet reed as it transformed into a wooden staff topped with a note. I gasped as the piano charm detached from my wrist and in a burst of violet light, changed into an ebony staff topped with the base and treble clefts. Yuki drew a card from inside his jacket and calmly spun it in the air. He spoke,
Wind Music Compose Flute!
With a flash of green, the card turned into a silver rod with finger keys - a long, thin flute. He played a few distinct notes and a ribbon of light emerged from the tip. It wrapped around him, masking what it was doing. I felt a moment of fear, wondering if it could be a different form of Javier's magic. The silver flute spun, bursting through the ribbon to reveal a transformed Yuki. He wore a white breastplate with green detailing, leather boots that protected his legs to the knee, and a sharp- cut mask which nearly doubled as a headband. Forest colored gauntlets ran up his arms.
Flute Cascade!
A wave of green energy smashed into a tuba reaching for Chiro. The thing screamed and smoked, but didn't stop. Melody, though now I wasn't sure who she really was, held up her violin.
String Lash!
The strings glowed, and four red beams shot out and struck the tuba. Again it shrieked, and then vanished, leaving an unconscious boy on the floor.
A window shattered and another costumed man leapt in. A voice I would know anywhere challenged,
Let them go Javier!
Javier laughed. The legendary Muses of Harmony. I've been expecting you. I have also found your companions for you, though they won't be any help in a moment. He waved his baton.
Every instrument began to play. A loud screeching cacophony slammed me from the air and I tumbled towards the waiting grasp of the monsters. Ken leapt and caught me, his right hand out palm forwards.
Trumpet Fanfare!
White energy shot from his hand and cleared a path to the door. Setting me on my feet, he helped Yuki support a dazed Chiro. Melody still hovered in front of Javier. She pointed her bow accusingly.
We have been waiting for you to show your face again, Conductor. You will be defeated once more.
He laughed again. You must get through my music first, and the ones who play it - for look...
Glittering shadows of people appeared within the instruments. Eyes glowed red, but the faces of pain were haunting. Melody hesitated. A sheet of music wrapped around her, trapping her in midair. The Conductor twisted his wrist and she screamed as the music contracted. He hissed,
In no way can you harm innocents. Your precious rules won't allow it.
Harmony Blade!
Ken sprang up, a sword appearing in his hand. Slashing the paper, he broke Javier's grip. His arm around Melody, he growled, You Baka! Weaklings use the helpless as shields.
Javier sarcastically replied, Yes but it works so well and has such a tradition. Sometimes I just can't help myself.
Ken turned to Yuki, Yoka, I have the other. Pull back until we have a plan.
Swiftly the two herded Chiro and me out the door. Again Ken raised his hand.
Trumpet Fanfare!
The lock melted, temporarily sealing the room.
They'll be out in a few minutes. We don't have a lot of time.