He had defeated them using music. Magic could happen in many ways, and you needed to know them at least at their most basic level to try to counteract them, although that did not assure you complete immunity. Ariel's power was channelled by more than his microphone or speakers, and he did more than defeating them. He drained the energy to those not on his side, taking away their ability to defend themselves. His furtive attack on Arden would remind him that he could not rely on appearances.

Ariel was powerful; he knew that for some time, but not invincible. Finnian ignored the extent to which his melodies affected them, but the lion was able to carry him like a potatoes' sack without worrying that no one else would stand in his way. He could breathe and even blink, which was a relief, but the rest of his body and senses were numb as if they had really gone to sleep.

After hours of his trailer, Ariel had left him right on the opposite side to Blanche's. Perhaps he feared what they could achieve if they were close and chose to avoid surprises, although that did not make that sweet nightmare less insufferable. Because the worst thing was not that they were kidnapped or left their friends behind, but Ariel ignored him from the moment he got them there, too immersed in his work and the information that his screens provided.

"You never give up, right? Looking what you can get that gives you an advantage, Signer?" Ariel sneered without turning around.

Nor is it that he had concealed much or could do so. Did Ariel expect him to fall asleep in order not to pay attention to him? Finnian couldn't close his eyes even if he tried, not while he was around. He had enough reasons to yell at him, but would it be of any use to complain at that point? Ariel turned, fixed his gaze, almost waiting for him to answer, and then shrugged with his eyes, aware of what he had forgotten. After approaching him, Ariel snapped his fingers in front of his nose, freeing him from his magic. However, for many questions Finnian would like to ask, that was an opportunity that he would not waste.

Taking a deep breath, pretending that the paralysis had harmed him, he concentrated his energy to create a current of air that would expel Calamity from there, or at least to smash him against the ceiling. However, he could only blow him up, as if he tried to remove something from his whisker.

"Cute," Ariel said after a laugh. "Did you think I would release you without any guarantees? Those ties prevent you from doing any spells."

Instead of ropes, he had used handcuffs of an alloy unknown to him. Rigid When he tried to get rid of them, the only contact with his skin made releasing energy more complicated. However, as much as Calamity had him at his mercy, he was not entirely helpless. The bond with his partners remained active, offering them his power so that evolution did not disappear even without being at their side. Those handcuffs were not infallible, although he did not know how long he could continue to give them energy, especially since they moved further and further away in a matter of seconds.

"Cat got your tongue?"

"It's funny to hear that coming from you," Finnian replied, rolling his eye. "Satisfied with your work? Or should your Sweet Serenade have knocked me unconscious?"

He pointed his head to Blanche, who had not opened her eyes yet, although she did make sporadic movements. Ark, by her side, was in a cage, showing a similar appearance to that of his partner without severe wounds.

"That's what most people think," Ariel masked his laughter with a smile, one where he showed all his teeth, "but Sweet Serenade only prevents my enemies from escaping. I like to appreciate the terror in their eyes when they understand how helpless they are. A pity that no one appreciates it."

"At least I'm here to praise you for your great performance," said Finnian raising his hands with a fake smile. "You could untie me, by the way. It wouldn't hurt to eat something. Or are you going to starve me?"

"You're weird," Ariel said seconds after watching him closely to do just what he had asked. "I just kidnapped you, and you can only think of that?"

He had more comments, but they were lost in thought with the adrenaline and tiredness of a night that did not end. Ariel was too civilized, although deep down, Finnian could not trust someone that easy, not after orchestrating all that to kidnap him.

"You've let me go. That's a good omen."

"Not that you have anywhere to flee either," Ariel taunted.

"Now, you just need to free Blanche," Finnian continued, rubbing his hands and wrists.

"Don't be naïve. You know she's my guarantee. You will do everything I tell you to do as long as I have her well-controlled," Ariel said.

As if it weren't obvious! Was it that the night had also affected him? Or maybe Ariel was like that because he hadn't had dinner?

"You are rare to be a Lord of Calamity," Finnian repeated. "Aren't we supposed to fight until there is only one left? Are you so afraid of us?"

"Do you think we need to fight? Right now, you don't have your elthean to help you?" Ariel said, "they didn't make a big difference before, but I promise you something. Give me your power, and none of them will be injured."

"You're not the first with that. You should buy a ticket," Finnian said, raising both eyebrows. "What do you need to understand that it is not as easy as asking for it?"

"You will learn to make it so. You have reasons for that, don't you think?"

He might be defenceless against him, but he still had resources that Calamity did not know. The conversation ceased, perhaps because Ariel expected him to "reconsider", and seeing that he had no other alternatives would make him come to his senses. But neither those minutes were used to shrink in a corner nor did he think to give in, not when the other Signer opened her eyes.

"How are you doing?" he asked Blanche as he helped her sit. "Is Ark okay?"

"They haven't even touched him. They know he's no match for them," admitted his partner, casting a quick glance at him without separating herself from him in the slightest. "What are we going to do, Finnian?"

"Hold on. The others will not give up," he smiled.

"How can you be so calm?" Blanche frowned.

Why was hope the last thing lost? He was uncertain what he should do in such a situation, especially when they were always at his side to solve the problems that appeared on their way. He knew them, Finnian had faith that they would reach them, and now more than ever, he would entrust their lives to them.

"We will get out of this one. We will find a way out. Trust me," Finnian whispered.

"I doubt it very much. Do you think I'll take my eyes off your shoulders?" Ariel said.

He had a good hearing that would not be in doubt either. The trailer where they were located closely resembled a bus in its size and elongated shape, plus the constant shake caused by the movement. There was no seating but a wide variety of electronics on the walls. These were used by Ariel's henchmen, a mixture of human-hyena dark brown skin with light speckles.

While the rest of Elthea he had seen did not appear so advanced, Lord of Calamity should be equipped with the most modern technology. Then, as Finnian moved, one of the farthest away that was not connected to the rest lit up for an instant.

"You're too curious for your own good," Ariel replied, grunting as he checked the machine. Is it that nothing escaped him?

"I haven't done anything," Finnian said, feeling like he had messed up something he shouldn't touch even when he didn't.

"Of course," Ariel growled.

"What are the others doing? Tracking?"

"Very sharp, Signer."

"It's not that hard to read a screen," Blanche said, rolling her eyes.

"I doubt you know how to run my machines," Ariel said without the tone of defiance disappearing from his voice, maybe even frustration.

He was looking for the Eroder. Just as they as Signers or Ariel gave off an aura that differentiated them from others, their persecutor was no different. However, the similarities with Calamity and how fast he moved, it was hard for them to find him.

"Any suggestions, mates? A Signer's trick that makes my life easier?" Ariel raised both eyebrows, almost as if he knew anything more than them.

"Can't you do it by yourself? If you think you're so powerful, of course," Blanche said, glaring at him. "Or are you useless?"

"Watch your words, little girl. You may serve as an asset against him, but you are not essential."

"Are you sure?" she insisted.

"Don't complicate everything anymore," Finnian intervened.

Hadn't he told him to trust him? It wasn't the first time She'd done something like that, and they would end up regretting it. What was Blanche playing?

"The last time we met, you were looking to stop him. Do you plan to "force" him to work for you, just like us?" Finnian said, crossing his arms.

"Force him?" Ariel repeated, taking off his hat and running one of his claws through his hair. "Rather make it disappear forever. I never believed that I would find such a dangerous elthean."

"More than you?" Finnian added.

It took him a while to answer, but his "Yeah" spoke more about him than about anyone else. Calamity admitting that someone could pose a more significant threat than their own? That was big news.

"Let's make a deal. We tell you what we know about the Eroder, and you do the same."

"Oh, will you do the honours?" said Ariel.

"Why don't you stop making fun of us? We are cooperating, aren't we?" Blanche said, getting Finnian to stand in front of her.

"In addition, we have a common enemy."

"That doesn't make us allies," Calamity replied.

"No, but if he's changing the way he acts, so are we," Finnian said.