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Even in summertime, the Claremont Academy kept its students pretty busy, so it was the rare afternoon when Erin and Alex ended up in their dorm room together before bedtime. This was one of those days, though, when someone’s mucked-up powers training meant the gym and the library were both closed for a few hours for repairs. As Alex came into the room with her ever-present bag of books, she found Erin cross-legged on the floor near the bed, idly winding up her music box and watching the plastic Disney Princess spin in place to the tinkling music. Erin nodded to her in greeting, but seemed lost in thought. Alex set down her bag and opened her mouth to say something, when suddenly a weird urge seemed to possess her. Instead of the greeting she’d intended, instead a song began pouring from her mouth. (To the tune of Love Story, by Taylor Swift) “We were both young when I first saw you Crackers and alphabet blocks I'm standing there In a circle of platic chairs See the light See the party, the people I see you make your way from the crowd Please don't go, don't you know That you're my Romeo, you were throwing pebbles But you can't see I'm your Juliette And I was crying on your jacket Begging you please don't go, and I said Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone I'll be waiting all there's left to do is run You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess It's a love story, baby, just say yes So I help with homework, just to see you I keep quiet 'cause I'd die if you knew I close my eyes And I dream for a little while†Erin stared at Alex while she was singing, startled for a minute at the outburst of song. Somehow this sounded a little more personal than just a song from the radio. Then the music from her music box seemed to get louder, more insistent, and in a moment she was singing along with the dreamy, romantic tune. She never sang in public, and she wasn’t a great singer, but that wasn’t stopping her right now. (To the tune of So This is Love, from Disney’s Cinderella) “And here I am So far away Inside a world that never can be mine Sometimes I feel It isn't real But everyone around me thinks it's fine Easy for them, They'll never know Sometimes I hate them so Don't understand that life is just a sham And here I am…†As Erin started singing, the adagio of her song threaded through the upbeat allegro of Alex’s, creating a weird sort of duet. Their eyes met as both of them realized the complete oddity of the situation, but neither could stop. Something more powerful than either of them was directing this concert. Alex leaned against the edge of the desk and just kept singing. “You're my Romeo; I'm just your best friend You still can't see I'm your Juliette But you are everything to me I was begging you please don't go and I said Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone I'll be waiting all there's left to do is run You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess It's a love story, baby, just say yes Romeo, save me, I can't help how I feel Its so painful, I know its real Without you, I can't make it out of this mess Its a love story, baby, just say yes Oh, oh I get tired of waiting, Wondering if you are ever coming 'round My faith in you is fading I've got to find the courage to stand and say, Romeo, save me, I've been feeling so alone I keep waiting for you but you never know Is this in my head? I don't know what to do I don't think I'm more than a friend to you Don't worry, I'll be with you You'll never have to be alone I love you and that's all I really know I'll always give your friendship my best Its a love story, baby, just say yes†Erin slammed the music box shut when it reached the end of another repetition of its song, as though that might stop the urge to sing along. Instead, it just meant she was singing a capella for the next verse. “I wish I knew What’s coming next And if I’ll ever find myself a home Will someone care If I’m not there Or is this just a struggle on my own? No one to ask, No way to know Sometimes I hate them so Don’t think I can get with their program And here I am…†Abruptly, the impulse to sing trailed off, as though someone had shut a faucet. The room went completely quiet, leaving the two girls staring at each other.

The two thugs in the Riverside alleyway bust open the handbags they'd snatched over the evening. “That's gotta be over 300 bucks, Bill!†crowed one of them, stuffing the cash into his pockets. “Yeah, keep it down!†hissed the other, “You know how them supers are always crawling about, George. I'm sure I heard something overhead.†“Damn right you did,†came a voice from above. The two thugs glanced up to see a green airship floating above them with a wiry-looking kid in a green costume sliding down the rope suspended from the bottom. “Hand it over and you fellas won't have to go to hospital before I cart you off to the cops.†“Hah!†laughed George, pulling out a gun and pointing it at the teen, “No kid like you could get toys like that, unless you stole them. You're just as bad as us.†Geckoman nonchalantly walked towards the thug. “Well, now that you mention it... wait, do you hear music... oh no, I saw this on the news. People start singing and tell uncomfortable truths...†George started looking unnerved, shaking the gun aggressively. “What are you talking about you utter moron!?†To the tune of 'Misery Business' by Paramore “I'm in the business of superin', Let's take it from the top. I've got an airship and some zappers and can run right up the walls You can just shoot me now, it'll heal back real fast, Then I'll shoot you in the chest and I'll have a blast! I used to be some kid, I walked round town alone, Saw some warehouse, claimed its contents for my own Few minutes, made impact with hill, I've got gecko powers now, So I wear the biggest smile! Whoa, I never meant to brag But, I heal fast and I run up walls, Whoa, it was never my intention to steal But I think I'm gonna keep it for now. 'Cos man does it feel so good, Cause I could fly 'round the world right now. And if you could then you know you would. 'Cos man it just feels so, It just feels so good. Second chances they all really matter, people need to change. Once a thief but could be more, if I atone that'll change. So I'll go catch crooks, that's what I'm doing now you see? I'm sorry dude, but he's knocked out, cos he tried to shoot me! Well there's a thousand other crooks who do it just like you. Running up alleyways to hide from guess who? They steal and what they steal is petty 'less you take a risk. Well I guess I did, guess I did, guess I did! Whoa, I never meant to brag But, I heal fast and I run up walls, Whoa, it was never my intention to steal But I think I'm gonna keep it for now. 'Cos man does it feel so good, Cause I could fly 'round the world right now. And if you could then you know you would. 'Cos man it just feels so, It just feels so good. But my ship's so. My ship's so damn good. I flied 'round and I saved good folks But you'll compare my theft to you But those folks all thanked me, it's true Not one of them's comparing! Well, I never mean to brag, but I think the stuff's better used here! Whoa, I never meant to brag But, I heal fast and I run up walls, Whoa, it was never my intention to steal But I think I'm gonna keep it for now. 'Cos man does it feel so good, Cause I could fly 'round the world right now. And if you could then you know you would. 'Cos man it just feels so, It just feels so good." Geckoman kicked Billy's cowering and bemused form into a bin and upper-cutted him with his power knuckles. “Stupid confession song. Nobody's allowed to know I stole my ship!†He stopped and mused for a second. “Although I can sing. I'll be humming that tune all day now.†He turned and went to drag these two crooks off to the cops. Humming as he went.

In the middle of one of his DJ nights at the Millennium, Eddie suddenly feels the urge to break out in song. In front of a crowd full of people, he leaps over the DJ table, self-projecting the music to Sublime's "What I Got" And putting his own words too it. His song is a little bit of a confession about how he knows he's not the best hero around, and he isn't that confident about his abilities, but he doesn't let it get him down, because his music encourages him. The song is as follows: What I got – Breakdown – June Vingette Early in the morning, risin' to the street Start me up that iPOD and I strap shoes on my feet Got to find a reason, a reason ta’do what I want Got to find a reason why I should be a hero I got a Jazz record, and I can still fly high Wish I could play the guitar like a *explitive deleted* riot Life is too short, so use the stuff you got 'Cause you might get run over or you might get shot Never start no static, I just get it off my chest Never had to battle with none’ma powers yet Take a small example, take a tip from me Take all of your money, use it to make music free! Music’s what I got, it's within my reach Yeah, and the Breakdown style's still straight from FC! Rhythm comes back to you, you'll fin’ly get the beats you deserve Try and test me, you're bound to get served Music’s what I got, don't start a riot You'll feel it when the dance gets hot Music’s what I got, I said remember that Music’s what I got, I remember that Music’s what I got, I said remember that Music’s what I got Why I don't get nervous ‘bout screwin stuff up I don't get mad at the villains I have to drop I don't get upset, I don’t wanna stop I’m not confident, I just wanna rock! Jamin’ and fightin', it's all the same Livin' with my muic’s the only way to stay sane Let the Music, let the Music come back to me 'Cause Music’s what I got, I said remember that Music’s what I got, I remember that Music’s what I got, I said remember that Music’s what I got, I got, I got, I got

Location: Curious Things, Jos Terhune's antiques shoppe in Riverside. Inside are Adam Mears, Tom Wells, and Danny Levinson (better known as Fox, Vulture, and Shark) and Jos Terhune. The Trio are huddled together in one section, near a table of various knick-knacks, while Terhune sits at the counter, reading over the newspaper. (Note: this is taking place in late June 2009, many months after their run-in with some heroes in Riverside and their run-in with some other heroes at the Waterfront, which occurred in Sep 2008.) (Song is to the tune of "Be Prepared" from The Lion King) Adam: I don't think you two deserve this. {He dangles a set of storage locker keys in front of them} I practically gift-wrapped that Mind-Witch for you, and you couldn't even dispose of her! Tom: Well, ya know... it wasn't exactly like she was alone. Remember, it was that grim, dark Avenger who destroyed our suits. (Terhune lowers his newspaper and leans a bit closer.} Danny: Yeah. What are we supposed to do-- {swallows nervously} kill Scarab and Avenger? {Terhune speaks up.} Terhune: Precisely. {The Trio pause from their discussion and look over to Terhune questioningly.} Terhune:{spoken} I never thought souls were essential. They're crude and unspeakably plain. But maybe they've a glimmer of potential If alloyed to hellfire and pain. {Three-top flutter to coincide with Terune's long strides towards the Trio.} {Terhune walks calmly through sheets of flame and gas which are now shooting up from the floorboards of his shoppe} {Terhune paces slowly around Danny, who is nervously fiddling with a small bone wand.} Terhune: {Full song} I know that your powers of retention Are as wet as a Deep One's backside But thick as you are, pay attention I'm talking 'bout Lust, Wrath, and Pride {On 'Pay attention', Terhune angrily swats the bone away; Danny comes to abrupt attention} Terhune: It's clear from your guarded expressions You know my Deal comes from "Downstairs" {on "downstairs" Terhune makes an air quote gesture; Danny makes the Sign of the Horns, and Terhune winks} Terhune: But we're talking power! Possession! Even you can't be caught unawares {Adam & Tom are standing slack-jawed behind him; on "you," Terhune turns and leaps at them, throwing them backward onto a pair of chairs, which then animate like bucking broncos, throwing the two men into the air and crashing behind an aisle.} {In the next verse, Terhune is strutting theatrically up some small crates onto and then down the length of a long display case.} Terhune: So prepare for a deal of a lifetime Be prepared for sin-sational news A shining dark era Is creep-crawling nearer Adam: And how do we fit in? Terhune: {Grabbing Adam's cheek} Just shut up and listen {Adam rubs his cheek, which is now bruised red} Terhune: I know it sounds sordid But you'll be rewarded When at last I am given my dues Make a deal and you'll meet all your goals Sell your souls! {Terhune leaps up beside Danny, who is again messing with the bone wand, and here kicks him away from the display case} {The Trio crash into two aisles which fall in on them, submerging them in bric-a-brac; they reappear, each with a different horned skull on his head.} {Spoken} Adam: Yeah, make a deal. Yeah-heh... we'll make a deal, heh. ...For what? Terune: For the death of Avenger. Tom: Why? Is he sick? {Terhune grabs Tom by the throat} Terhune: No, fool - we're going to kill him. Scarab too. {Dropping Tom back onto the floor} Tom: Great idea! We'll rush in and overpower 'em! Tom (and then Danny): {Sing-song voices, dancing around Adam} Zerg Rug! Zerg Rush! Mua-ha-ha-ha-haa-haa! Terhune: Idiots! There will be no rushing! Danny: Hey, but you said, uh... Terhune: Plan out these things! ...Stick with me {triumphant, toothy grin}, and you'll never see prison again! Tom and Danny: Yaay! All right! Hail, our Dark Lord! {Camera reveals hundreds of imps in the shadows, ranging in size from horsefly to housecat, popping up from between and out of the antiques.} Trio & Imps: Hail, our Dark Lord! Hail, our Dark Lord! {Full song again} { Terhune's army of imps is goose-stepping across the floor of the shoppe, now stylized into a Nazi-esque quadrangle. Terhune sits upon a rock throne set atop his counter.} Imps: {In tight, crisp phrasing and diction} It's great that we'll soon be connected. With a fiend who'll tolle Inferni. Terhune: Of course, quid pro quo, you're expected To do a few small deeds for me {Motions a slice across the neck} Terhune: The future is littered with prizes And though I'm the main addressee The point that I must emphasize is You won't get revenge without me! {Leaps off his rock throne, hulking out into his Demonic Form, to single out one hapless imp in front of the Trio; that imp slips and falls into a fiery crack in the floorboards} {Throughout the next verse, the entire horde of imps joins in dancing boisterously, leaping along the tops of rock pillars that are bursting forth from beneath the shoppe & through to the second floor above, shaking animal & human skeletons in the light, one playing a rib cage/xylophone.} {The parenthetical parts are the imps' counterpoint singing} Belphegor: So prepare for the deal of the century (Oooh!) Be prepared to be ranked 'mongst the damned (Oooh... Damn! Damn Damn!) {rear ends punctuating} Meticulous planning (You'll have might!) Tenacity spanning (Might makes right!) Decades of torment (Say again) Have honed my intent (Pow'r of Sin) Be Fiend undiluted (Aaaaaaah...) Fear, envied, saluted (...aaaaaaah...) And seen as Hell's Great Artisan (...aaaaaaah!) Make a deal and you'll meet all your goals (Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo) Sell your souls! All (Even Danny): Make a deal and we'll all meet our goals - Sell our souls! {Close with a fill-in and a fade-out. Belphegor and the Trio are laughing evilly, then kneel before the demo. Drum roll rises to a crash.} Note: "tolle Inferni" is Latin for "raise Hell"

(This little scene take place in May the week before Memorial Day [making Grimalkin the very first victim of the effect!], on a largely deserted street in Riverside; the tune is original, and I’m hoping to have my sisters record it as a duet.) Sometimes when he touched her, she’d melt beneath his fingertips, but other times she flinched like a whipped dog. He thought he’d drown in her eyes like pools of dark brown coffee, except those days when all he saw was ice and fear. He finally decided to ask her about it on a warm spring night in Riverside after a movie, when her mood was light as cotton candy, and a street corner combo played guitar, pedal steel and fiddle. For a while she was quiet as she stared down at the sidewalk between her toes, and then she began to sing. Long Train to Nowhere (Grimalkin’s Song) When I was growing up back in New Jersey I always dreamed of heading out West Stuck out in a trailer My daddy was a failure And Momma never gave him a rest But I thought if I could make it to the railroad I could leave that sadness far behind I was riding the long train to nowhere Hoping and praying I was not found There’s a thousand miles between me and you But somehow it still feels like you’re around I met you in a camp outside Altoona You held me at night when it got cold To you, it wasn’t much But I shivered at your touch Remember I was just fifteen years old So we lived from train to train out on the railroad A freedom that I thought I’d never find Yes we’re riding the long train to nowhere Hoping and praying we don’t get found There’s a thousand miles between me and you But somehow it still feels like you’re around Then somehow it all changed out in Montana You tried to take something I could not give My back against the wall You were twice as tall And I found out just what I’d do to live Well I thought I would be safe out on the railroad But the strangers that you meet aren’t always kind So I’m riding the long train to nowhere Hoping and praying I don’t get found There’s a thousand miles between me and you But somehow it still feels like you’re around Now I find myself back in New Jersey And I see you in the eyes of every man It’s the price I’ve had to pay Never give my heart away I might dance, but lonely I will stand You can try to hide yourself out on the railroad But you can’t run away from your own mind I’m still riding the long train to nowhere Hoping and praying I don’t get found It’s a thousand lonely miles back to your grave But somehow it still feels like you’re around

Ace was late to the trustee meeting, not in and of itself unusual but the delay in this case had been due to the full vaudevillian routine of 'Puttin' on the Ritz' he and most of Wading Way had been compelled to partake in on his way to the meeting. Fortunately as he arrived the rest of the board was completing an acapella rendition of Pink Floyds 'Money' and the meeting was quickly voted to be postponed. Ace made a couple calls as he headed to talk in person to the commissioner about what might be going on. It seemed this song and dance act was pretty widespread as he mounted the steps of city hall he felt words swell unbidden to his lips once more. He moved to the music swelling within as he continued up the steps bounding back and forth and posing between stanzas as if in a music video and belting out the lyrics, a fast hard hitting sound that he personally didn't really care for even during its height of popularity. ((To the tune of 'The Kids Aren't Alright' by The Offspring)) "When it began the light was so bright The Whole city was full fire And everyone up and down the street Was terrified my heart skipped a beat The Omegadrone's cracked the sky I said it was too late but he had to try How can one foolish man Stand against such might Lances fire I can't see Searing pain Agony Try so Hard Hard to be A better man Why not me Rex took a chance, to save that kid Drones flew down fast he did all he could The Centurion took his final flight And saved us all from eternal night Had it been me I'd try to hide Saw Rex vaporized So many lost that day Why couldn't it be me Lances fire I can't see Searing pain Agony Try so Hard Hard to be A better man Why not me" He ended the song on his knees before the wide doors of city hall panting heavily. the assembled citizens glanced nervously at him and he quickly brushed himself off and with a grin and tip of his hat headed in to see if there was anything he could do to help with the situation.

Pompadour was behind the wheel of his street rod, headed to The Ink Tank to see his friend Trevor. Suddenly a low-pitched woman's voice moaned out "Oh, I need you soooo bad!" Thoroughly startled, he pulled over to the curb to investigate; the unknown woman continued to express her (presumably carnal) needs. Ah. Cell phone. Generally, his cell made a very subtle tone, but he had programmed an emergency override code for when authorized people needed to get ahold of him. The porn-sounds signified his agent absolutely, positively needed to speak with him instantly. Pompadour decided on the spot that he absolutely, positively needed to change the ring-tone... it seemed funny when he set it, but now that it had been used, oh so inappropriate. "Talk to me Mandy. What's the crisis?" "I don't know! I don't know! Your presence has been requested at Freedom Hall." "Oh my God!" "I know!" "Why?" "I don't know!" "I'm going!" After hanging up his cell, Pompadour quickly dialed his friend Tank, to let him know about the change of plans. "Hey man, I need to cancel on you. Sorry about the last minute thing, but someone wants to talk to me at Freedom Hall." "Oh my God!" "I know!" "Why?" "I don't know!" "You gotta go!" Pompadour put his wheels into gear, and went to see why The Freedom League wanted him. At Freedom Hall, Pompadour did his best to walk with confidence. He had been working on writing some of his own music, lately, and he found that some of the songs he had written were running through his head, and he suppressed an urge to start singing them. Stupid nerves... this is Freedom Hall. Save that for the shower, man... The pleasant looking woman manning the reception desk had a name placard that indicated that her name was Cynthia. "Hello miss. My name is Pompadour, I believe someone is expecting me?" The voice came from behind Pompadour. A voice he recognized. "Yes, Pompadour. Thank you for getting here so quickly." Sheer force of will kept Pomp from dropping to his knees and babbling for mercy. He turned to face Captain Thunder, who reached out to shake his hand, and then gestured for Pompadour to follow him. He did so, doing his best to steady his nerves. He found that he was humming the chorus line for the song he was writing, and dug his fingers into his palm to make himself stop. Captain Thunder lead him to a small meeting room, still on the main floor. He gestured for Pompadour to have a seat, and settled into a chair himself. "Alright, Pompadour. The reason I wanted to see you, was just to do some personal followup on the incident back on the Memorial Day long weekend. Multiple reports indicated that you claimed that the man that attacked that nightclub was me. Although, beyond making that statement to the police who arrived on the scene, you didn't make any public statements. Can you tell me more about this?" "Uh, yes, Captain. The man who attacked the club did look like you, and he said his name was Ray Gardner. He also said his name was Donar, though. I said what I said for the official record, because that's what I saw. I didn't go blabbing it around, because I figured I'd look like a fool... and no one, including me, thinks you run around attacking night clubs." "Now that you're sitting face to face with me, do you still think that the man at Da Bomb looks like me?" Pompadour searched his memories for images of the lightning-lit club, comparing an image of the self-proclaimed Thunder God to the face of Captain Thunder. They were identical. "Yes. Not having seen you in person before, I suppose I wasn't 100% sure. But now that I'm here, I'm sure." Pompadour realized he was tapping his foot against the chair-leg, along to a rhythm in his head, and Captain Thunder was looking at him quizzically... wait, was Captain Thunder tapping the table along to the same rhythm? Did I just see that? Pompadour stilled his tapping by crushing his foot to the floor ruthlessly. "Given your former career as a Super Criminal, there was some muttering among my colleagues that this was some sort of elaborate scheme to discredit the Freedom League. Of course the other strange attacks over the weekend seems to suggest some extra-dimensional power was at work. I just thought I should do you the courtesy of interviewing you before we closed our file on this. Actually, I've heard that you're making strides pursuing a career as a hero and I'm glad to hear it. Did you have anything else you wanted to share with me, or The League?" To his horror, Pompadour found himself propelled out of his chair, with his voice raised in song: You've got great Powers, Well, I think mine are just okay. I used to be a Genius too, But next to you, I'm just a Mook. I really Love your costume, yeah, Maybe I should get one, too, 'Cuz that's what Heroes do, I betcha. So what do you do? Oh yeah, I fight criminals too. I'm not on a Super Squad, But you know I'm pretty new. I've got a gig as a Super Dude, If I put myself on the Map, I can be a Hero that the People will really Love. Cause I like you, Yeah, I like you, And I want to be a Superhero like you, Yeah, I like you, Yeah, I like you, And I feel in my Heart; Whooo! Whoo-hoo hoo-ooooh! So, Until then, I'm really just a fraud. And I'm feeling kinda blah, Yeah, I want it really bad. It's not just what you do, it's what you are. But the real truth is, I'm really afraid of getting smacked down. Cause I like you, Yeah, I like you, And I want to be a Superhero like you, Yeah, I like you, Yeah, I like you, And I feel in my Heart; Whooo! Whoo-hoo hoo-ooooh! I'm getting brave, And I'm feeling super heroic like you, It's just that I've been afraid, 'Cuz Supervillainy is a Scary Thing. It isn't? It is for me. And I like you, Yeah, I like you, 'Cause I want to be a Superhero like you, Yeah, I like you, Yeah, I like you, And I feel in my Heart; Whooo! Whoo-hoo hoo-ooooh! Whoo-hoo hoo-ooooh! Whoo-hoo hoo-ooooh! Whoo-hoo hoo-ooooh! Whoo-hoo hoo-ooooh! Captain Thunder looked... surprised, but applauded politely as he also got to his feet. He opened his mouth to say something, but a look of horror washed over his face, as he realized he was not in control of the words coming out of his mouth! Well I guess it would be nice If you could be a hero. I know not everybody Can be heroic like me. But you've got to think twice Before you try the hero game And I know you're looking for fame But you can wind up maimed. Oh, but you Need some time to show true devotion Time to get your heart into the game And when the crunch comes down You'll put it in motion Well, it takes a strong man, Pompy But you already know the way But I already have faith... Now you've gotta have faith. Faith - uh - Faith - uh - Faith ... ahhhh! Captain Thunder finished his song with a cough, and shook his head. "We will never speak of this," he told Pompadour, as he ushered him towards the exit.

Avenger stood on a balcony in the Boardwalk overlooking a lovely view of the ocean. He wasn't paying attention, though, not when he was dangling a low-level informant for the Russian mafiyah over the edge of the balcony, keeping an iron grip on his ankle, and waiting for the man to talk. Jack tuned out the man's sobs and pleas as he waited for him to break...but as it happened, it was Avenger who broke first. Behind his mask, he began to sing. "Never knew I could feel like this. It's like I've never seen this guy before, I could make him vanish with a kiss Every night eat him more and more." He leaned close and added, his voice gentle and loving, "Listen to my heart, Can you hear it sing? No. There is no life in me, There is no thing! Seasons may change, winter to spring. I'll live now 'till the end of time." The man shrieked incoherently as Avenger nearly dropped him, waving him wildly around in the air in tempo with his sudden jerky lyrics! "No matter what you say, this night is ending my way!" He shook the man violently, making the flab in his cheeks shake like a bowl full of jelly. "Come on and stand your ground! For life, freedom, and man!" His voice went up, and up, echoing off the walls now. "You won't fool the children of Draculya! You won't fool the children of Draculya!" He took another step out, leaping up onto the railing. "My gift is your life..." His voice trailed off for just a moment, but the rhythm of the moment hadn't ended. "I will love life. I will save life. Until my dying day..." He leaned close, his mouth right next to the man's ear. "MY WAY" Only when the madness stopped did a shaken Avenger realize that the mobster had been yelling, "No speaking English! No speaking English!" All in all, maybe it was better that way. Maybe it was better to just let this all be forgotten. EDIT: The tune is from the reprise of "Come What May" from Moulin Rouge.

It was a very busy day at Flowers By Design. A massive wedding the next day meant all hands were on deck, organizing and arranging flowers in the crowded back room. Stesha was crammed cheek by jowl with two other employees as they all put together identical table centerpieces in pink roses and lilies, tucking sprigs of lily of the valley here and there for extra interest and scent. It was boring work, with fifty tables to cover, but exacting enough that there wasn't a lot of unnecessary conversation. On the other side of the room, two more employees and Will, the owner, were putting together the massive altarpiece. Stesha had no idea how they planned to transport it without use of a hacksaw, but it was going to be magnificent. She wished she had a few hundred thousand dollars to drop on a wedding in Freedom City's biggest church. She wished she had a boyfriend at all, come to think of it. But she was awfully busy lately, and hadn't ever really had much luck in that department. She sighed wistfully, bending again to her work. Suddenly, what sounded like a trumpet fanfare blasted through her mind. Before Stesha knew what she was doing, she was up off her stool, surveying the room as though it were the audience of an opera house. And before she could stop herself, she was... singing... "On laundry day we wash our sheets, Scrub them with detergent, I wash mine just once a month Cause I'm still a virgin! Never in a boyfriend's bed Or in his Ford Excursion, Even though I'm 24, I'm still a virgin!" She ended on a triumphal note and then suddenly regained control of her body, while everyone was staring at her. Her face turned beet red. "Um... isn't that the funniest song you ever heard? I saw it. On TV. Last night. I'll be right back." She ran out of the room with little grace, locking herself in the bathroom. What the hell had just happened?