The lights of the Grand Dome dimmed as Clavis stepped up to the podium. "Today, many of you leave to resume your regular lives. For some, this will be your first return to land after learning about Thrum. I must warn you. Everything will seem different; colors will look brighter, sounds will have more detail, and people will seem more vibrant. Over time, this will fade, and you will get lost in daily duties and responsibilities. That is when it is time to return, recharge, and learn."
"Our main responsibility as musicians is to help people remember the important things in life." Clavis continued, "And these are the most common topics in song: love, family, trust, loyalty, and celebration. If we do not do our job well, the world will lose its soul, become fixated on numbers, greed, and competition, and lose its connection with Thrum."
"Before we begin the festivities, I want to mention five young heroes. Please join me on stage Angus Tutter, Veronica O'Connell, Hamish Henry, Trevor Noseworthy, and Adora Plowman."
The friends shyly stepped up as the crowd hooted and cheered.
"For those who have been practicing under a rock," said Clavis, "I will fill you in on these five youngsters' courageous deeds."
"In cooperation with six out-of-tune factions, Lucas Wagner concocted a plan where motifs, written by captive composers, were entered into a giant supercomputer. The intention was to use these motifs to create procedurally generated music. They believed it would give them the power to control the production, flow, and release of music, grant them oversight of culture and the arts, and distance all of humanity from Thrum itself. Their motivation was greed, jealousy, and the pursuit of power."
"Composers were kidnapped by the notorious pirates, Knucks and Scribbs of the Squali faction.”
Several boos rose from the crowd, and Clavis continued. “The abducted composers were forced, under threat of terrible punishment to themselves and their loved ones, into signing contracts. There was also some very controversial lawmaking involved that we will deal with in due time."
"All of the composers were rescued and are currently resting and well cared for, except for Kevin Brown, who unfortunately could not be saved. Lucas and his associates will be brought to justice, we promise."
"Now for our champions. These five children escaped capture, somehow found the composers in Lucas Wagner's office building, sneaked up floor after floor, took on Lucas and his fellow faction leaders, and finally burned all the contracts freeing the composers and destroying the consortium. Did I miss anything?" Clavis asked Angus and his friends.
The five smiled and laughed as the crowd cheered. Veronica spotted the familiar form of Valora approaching.
“OMG, OMG, OMG,” Veronica stammered as she elbowed Angus in his ribs, “It’s Valora, the coolest Guardian ever known.”
“I will now pass the microphone to Valora,” said Clavis, “one of our highest-ranking Guardians.”
Valora stepped up to the podium carrying a small black box. “The Guardians of Thrum wish to recognize these young champions for their bravery, ingenuity, and determination to rescue our beloved composers at great risk to themselves. I am honored to present each of them with the Golden Note, a symbol of our esteem.”
The kids stepped forward so Valora could affix a small pin to their collar. Last in line, Veronica shifted from foot to foot, trying not to hyperventilate.
“Ms. Valora,” a familiar voice called from the floor, “I hate to interrupt, but I’m afraid the time is now. Thrum has notified me that a pairing must be made.” Tuner approached, holding up a tuning fork.
“You have got to be kidding me,” mumbled Valora.
Tuner passed the tuning fork to Veronica and flicked it with his finger. The small red orb that formed did not have to travel far. Unsurprisingly, it hovered over Velora, and as Veronica so dearly wished, the two became mentor and apprentice.
Still grieving over Pascal's passing, several people in the crowd smiled through tears as Veronica leaped up and wrapped her arms around Valora’s neck. “You and I are going to be the bestest of friends,” swooned Veronica.
Valora turned to Clavis and mouthed, “Seriously?”
Clavis shrugged and laughed, then reclaimed center stage. “The ceremonies are complete. Let the entertainment begin!!"
The curtain rose to reveal Dionis opening the show with a complex solo on his drum kit, Lucantus. Tika strutted through the crowd, waving her trombone Prattle as she joined in, and Horace, on his Violin, Strauss, followed close behind. Freyja and her massive pedal harp, Aria, faded into solidity on the stage along with Concordia on her cello named Gwendle. Finally, Clavis rose from the floor amongst clouds of billowing smoke and strobing lights with his electric guitar, Zeebee. The band of Sages joyously ripped out a pounding mashup of Handel's Hallelujah with a techno beat and screaming rock guitar.
As the night wore on, many people approached to congratulate and thank the five friends. Angus had been absolutely forgiven for the behavior of his wretched father. He received numerous sheepish apologies, a few tearful with shame. Even Zach shook Angus's hand and congratulated him but, true to form, squeezed a little too tight. Betsey congratulated Hamish a little too long, Bill stared at his shoes a little too much, and Clem yawned a little too loud.
"Angus," said Adora as they settled into their familiar seats, "I keep thinking about your brilliant idea to use the baton to pull us all together."
"Oh yeah, I don't think we would have beaten those guys without it," said Trevor.
“I think he just listened to Thrum,” Veronica coolly eyed a group of giggling girls pointing at Angus. "I'm pretty sure people don't hate you anymore, though."
Angus followed her gaze and blushed as the girls waved and smiled.
"What about Swarm?" said Hamish.
The other four looked at him, puzzled.
"Swarm," repeated Hamish, "the name of my Persona."
“Ohhh,” Adora cried,” I love it!”
"Me too," Trevor chimed in, "I was thinking of like, Mr. Slick for mine."
The other four nodded; it was a good name.
"We don't have to name our Personas yet," said Veronica, "We have plenty of time, and we'll be back."
"Oh yeah," said Angus, "I will be back for sure. On that note, I think it's time for bed. We have to get up early for breakfast with our Mentors before the trip home."
***
Clavis greeted his protegee with a warm smile. “Your first trip to Benthos was much more interesting than the typical orientation visit. Has it been a positive experience, Angus? Do you think you’ll return?”
“It. Has. Been. Amazing. Of course, I’m coming back! There’s so much to do and learn and investigate. I’m really going to need your help to figure out where to start. For the first time, I have actual friends. I also have a piano I don’t know how to play and a baton I don’t know how to use. My singing voice seems to be working too. Then there’re the caves to explore and all those weird little singing creatures to study.”
Clavis’ eyebrows shot up. “You can see them? Those are called Muzes, and they certainly are worthy of study! I look forward to spending more time with you, Angus; we have much to discuss. And one small bit of parting advice? Your life will likely be turned upside down when you get home. Take it easy on yourself and stay in touch with your friends; they are your most valuable support system in a world where Thrum is poorly understood.”
***
"All aboard! No dawdling," Edna bellowed as they entered her hybrid submarine ship.
The companions sat at the same table as they had on the first trip. Zach and his friends did not disturb them.
"So, is your mom doing okay?" asked Trevor.
"Clavis said they got her back to my grandparent's house." replied Angus, "The Guardians made up a story about how she was living in some remote fishing village. She'd been found on the beach years ago after the storm that washed her overboard. They said she’d had a head injury and didn't remember much, but at least recognized her parents and brother and is settling in well."
"What about your father?" asked Adora, "Whatever happened to him?"
"Well, Dionis said he had a heart-to-heart conversation with him, whatever that means," said Angus, "and then handed him over to the authorities. I have a feeling he'll go to jail for a long time."
"Would you ever visit him?" asked Adora.
"I don't know, to tell you the truth," said Angus. "Maybe one day, I'll understand why he did what he did, but I need to get to know my mother and grandparents first. I think my family situation is in for some big changes."
"Well, guys, I have to admit I'm kind of excited to get things back to normal," said Hamish. "For once, school sounds like a break. I'll truly miss all of you, but I know we'll meet again, and man, I need home for a rest."
"Yup, and this is our stop, Hamish," Adora rose as they pulled into Houston. "I love you guys. You know you can always contact me." She tapped her phone, and a tear leaked down her cheek.
Adora and Hamish exchanged hugs with everyone and hopped off the Allegro.
"Trevor," asked Veronica, "What's it like raising an instrument from scratch? Anastasia refuses to tell me her age, but I know she’s ancient. Can Gronk talk yet?"
"Yes, it's learned a few words here and there, but it's taking a while." replied Trevor, "I like how I have a clean slate, though. I feel like I will be able to teach it so much."
"Veronica," said Angus. "Speaking of Anastasia, do you think she has a dark side?"
"Well, not exactly," replied Veronica, "she's very complex and strong-willed, but I think her intent is always true. She says she’s sorry for getting us into such a mess but that it had to happen."
"Sounds like her player," winked Trevor. Angus smiled and agreed.
Veronica blushed. "She's so old and has this wonky sense of time. I think she gets the past and future mixed up sometimes. It's bizarre, but I'm sure I'll get used to it."
They arrived in Boston with another round of farewells as Veronica left to go home. She squeezed Angus's hand twice, almost like she was trying to tell him something, but Angus didn't quite get it.
As the Allegro pulled away, Trevor found his phone and started tapping on the screen.
”You can’t play games on a flip phone.’ said Angus. "I wish I had a smartphone."
"No, you don't," said Trevor, "All they do is make you worried about things you can't control. Social media is just a distraction from Thrum."
He continued fiddling with the small screen.
"I take that back," said Trevor, "Here's something interesting."
Trevor turned up the speakers on his phone.
"Breaking news, Billy Jackson, Lady Shade, Eddy Buckets, Tori Z, and Toni Keys have all returned from an ultra-private retreat on an uncharted island in an undisclosed location. The musicians are rejuvenated and eager to resume performing and composing. We'll keep you up to date as tour dates roll in."
They looked at each other and smiled.
"I'll see you soon," said Trevor as they pulled into Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and shared a quick hug. "We’ll have to figure out the next weekend that works for everybody."
"You bet!" said Angus, realizing this was not goodbye forever. He was used to leaving people and never seeing them again.
"Move it, move it!" bellowed Edna to Angus. "Although you, my friend, may have an extra thirty seconds, just because." Edna smiled for the first time in ten years.
"Well, I do have a question for you, if it’s not too upsetting," said Angus, "What's the real story behind Oak Island?"
"Ahh," said Edna, "That's very confidential information. I only tell people on their second voyage."
Angus nodded and hopped to the pier. When he looked back, the boat had disappeared.