by Nathan Roden
“I’ve seen this movie, Nate. In the next couple of days, I’ll accidentally meet the aging karate master. He’ll pass his unique mystical powers to me so that I’ll be ready for the final showdown.”
Nate scowled at me.
“Do you want a friend who tells you how great everything is or a friend that will tell you the truth?”
He stood up, with some effort.
“Look, you have a girl. Holly is a fantastic, gifted, beautiful and exotic girl. I’m telling you, Wyles. This Apollo guy is motivated—he’s jacked and he’s strong as a freakin’ grizzly bear. He has testosterone feeding his testosterone. He’s obviously madly in love with Skyler KwyK, and he’s focusing all of his frustration on you.”
“I know that, Nate. And I do appreciate you looking out for me.”
“We need to go home,” Nate said.
“Huh?”
“For a couple of days.”
“We’re gonna have a three-day weekend two weeks from now.”
“Well, that’s news to me,” Nate said.
“I would have told you—I thought you knew already.”
“Uh, no, I didn’t know,” Nate said. “I need to call Tooie. Hey, you know what I just realized? We haven’t been on a double-date yet! How crazy is that?”
Nate’s statement hit me like a ton of bricks. I started to answer him, but I couldn’t think of anything to say. I sat down on the bed.
“What’s the matter?” Nate asked.
“Do you know how messed up that is?” I said. “We’ve known each other since the third grade and now we’re twenty-three. We’ve been on exactly one double-date, and that was so long ago that I can’t even remember what we did.”
“I do,” Nate said. “Laser Tag. You don’t remember because I smoked your backside. Man, I used to love me some Laser Tag.”
“That’s not the point—”
“I remember that your old girlfriend, Jen—”
“Unh-UH!” I interrupted. “We do—”
“We DO NOT SAY THE NAME!” Nate finished for me.
“Remember Wyles? She wouldn’t take off her stupid high-heels—even while she was wearing a helmet and a vest and carrying a laser rifle.”
“Yeah, I remember, now. You would think that I would remember every date I’ve been on that ended in an emergency room.”
“I’ll be sure and warn Tooie,” Nate said. “Low shoes and full pads.”
“Maybe we should stick to pedestrian activities.”
Nate stretched. I heard his joints pop.
“Ow.” Nate squeezed his eyes shut. “This is a stage day, right?”
“Yep,” I said. “We’re up at one o’clock.”
“There’s nobody in that room between twelve and one, right?” Nate said, grinning.
“Nooo. Why? I’m not sure I like the look on your face.”
“Do you have anything to do before one o’clock?”
I shook my head.
“Good,” he said. He unclipped the phone from his belt.
“Yo, it’s me,” Nate said into the phone. “Let’s show up outside the gym around eleven-thirty—in case they break early for lunch. Yeah, Wylie’s on board. See ya.”
“That was Bo,” Nate said.
“Bass player Bo?”
“The very same.”
“Do I even want to know?” I asked. “Should I put an attorney on alert?”
“Absolutely nothing illegal involved, my paranoid friend. It just so happens that the rest of your ‘band’ has quite a musical repertoire that they never get a chance to play. We’re getting ready to kick some old-school, Amigo. What do you say to that?”
“Oh, yeah,” I said.
We hung around the door to the gym. People started filing out at eleven-forty. The dancers walked by, wiping their heads and faces with towels. I kept my eye on Apollo. He was talking to another of the male dancers. I watched him move from that dancer’s left side to his right. This put him closer to me. As they got closer, Apollo pretended not to notice where he was. He bumped into me, and I’m pretty sure that he threw an extra elbow into my ribs.
A couple of the other dancer’s chuckled.
All Apollo said was, “Oops.”
Skyler walked through the door, talking to Chris Chadwick. She stopped when she saw me.
“Tell Mother that I’ll be right there,” she said to Chris.
Chris answered his phone. He held up a finger and then put his phone away.
“Your mother wants Italian,” Chris said.
Skyler gave a thumbs-up.
“That sounds divine,” she said. “I’m starving! Would you like to come with us?”
Skyler looked at Nate and me. Nate was twirling a drumstick.
“We had a late breakfast,” I said. “We thought we would get an early jump on rehearsal—while the place is empty.”
“Chris said that the cleaning crew was coming in at noon,” Skyler said. “They’re going to wax the floors tonight.”
All six of us must have looked like we just learned the truth about Santa Claus.
Skyler took out her phone.
“I’ll straighten it out,” she said. “Don’t worry about it. Go on in.”
“You’re the best, Boss Lady,” Nate said.
Skyler smiled.
“Yes, I am,” she said. She held out her hand.
“Kiss the ring.”
We all did so, while Skyler laughed.
“If you really love us, you’ll bring back cheesecake,” Bo said.
“Consider it done,” Skyler said.
The guys walked toward the door. Skyler grabbed my arm.
“What have you done to them?”
She wasn’t smiling anymore.
“Uh, what are you talking about?” I asked.
“Uh, Wylie, look at them! These are musicians who play behind a pop singer. I don’t want to seem mean, but they’re supposed to be…well, they’re not supposed to attract attention. You’ve had them for a few days, and they’ve quit putting their hair in ponytails. They’re dressing in jeans with holes in them and heavy metal tour shirts. Three of them are growing beards! I suppose you’ll all be covered in tattoos any day now!”
“I….I don’t know what you want me to say, Skyler,” I said.
“I don’t know, either,” she said. “Maybe I’m just being stupid.”
“You’re definitely not stupid. I’ll have a talk with them, I guess. They can’t have beards?”
Skyler sighed.
“I don’t know. I’ll have to talk to Chris.”
“Enjoy your lunch.”
“Thanks. Enjoy your…whatever you’re about to do in there.”
I watched Skyler walk away. That is not hard to do, trust me.
We lost all sense of time, of course. I was playing the microphone stand like it was a guitar as we slowed down during the ending of our rendition of AC/DC’s Back in Black. The sounds from the amplifiers faded as we found out that we had an audience.
There was polite applause from Skyler, Veronica, Chris Chadwick, Grayson Kilmister, along with a few stagehands and technicians.
It wasn’t rock concert applause—it was more like piano recital applause.
“That was…interesting,” Skyler said. “I didn’t know you could screech like that.”
“Thanks,” I said. I cleared my throat.
“Hopefully, you haven’t damaged anything,” she said without looking at me.
“I doubt it. Now, the old AC/DC stuff, with Bon Scott—that was always harder on my throat than the Brian Johnson stuff.”
“You think I don’t know who those people are, don’t you?”
“Do you?”
“Ha!” she said. “I used to do a mean, ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ and ‘She’s Got the Jack’.”
“You’re kidding.”
“I don’t often kid when it comes to music.”
“I would pay to see that,” I said. “Do you have any video?”
“That’
s not the point.”
“There’s a point?”
“Yes, there’s a point,” Skyler said, in a little bit of a huff.
Chris Chadwick walked over. I turned my head and coughed a little. I saw Skyler scowl at me. As hard as I tried not to, I coughed two more times.
“That reminds me, Sky. I almost forgot,” Chris said. “Before we nail down the tour dates, we need to get Wylie’s numbers to plug into ‘SAM’. Who handles that?”
Skyler squinted.
“I’m not sure. Check with Skip.”
“Gotcha,” Chris said.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said. “I just hope SAM is female.”
“Ew,” Skyler wrinkled her nose and punched me.
“Seasonal Allergy Map,” Chris said. “Have you ever been tested for allergies? That would give us a head start.”
I shook my head.
“I never needed to.”
“That’s what everybody says,” Chris said. “Do you have any idea how many different pollens and dust there are, in the U.S. alone?”
“Of course, I do,” I said. “But you’ll never drag the number out of me.”
“Funny,” Chris said. “The tests involve needles. Lots and lots of needles. Have a nice time.”
Testing. Testing. One-two. Check. Check.
Last minute adjustments were made prior to our “official” practice.
“That’s too freaking loud!” Chris yelled at the stage hands. “This is practice, not Wembley Stadium!”
Chris looked at Skyler, smiled, and kissed her on the cheek.
“Have a good afternoon, Baby,” he said.
“Oh, I will,” Skyler said. “We’re going shopping!”
“Well, forget I said anything, then,” Chris laughed. He walked toward the stage.
“Seasonal Allergy Maps?” I repeated. “You people continue to amaze me.”
“That’s what I tried to tell you, Mr. AC/DC,” Skyler said. “This isn’t a game. It’s a very serious business. We’re going to be touring in the states during the spring and summer. Do you have any idea how many different tree and flower pollens that involves? You may think that SAM is silly, but just think about how many things depend on our being able to sing. Every day that you or I can’t sing means canceled shows. Do you know how much one canceled show is worth?”
“Well, no….”
“Start with the building rental—non-refundable,” Skyler said. “Tickets have to be refunded, which means we’re in the red for that day because of the costs of transactions. Plus, we have to pay the people on the switchboards processing the refunds. We’re paying stage hands, truck drivers, bus drivers, and band members. We’re covering hotel bills and meals for all of those same people. On top of all that, if we’re in bad enough shape to cancel a show, what are the odds that it will be only one?”
“Okay,” I said. “Yeah, I see what you’re saying. Can’t you buy insurance for stuff like that?”
“Sure you can. And we have it, trust me. But you don’t ever want to use it—because your cost for it after that is probably going to double, or worse.”
I blew out a long breath.
“It’s only rock and roll, but I like it.”
“That’s a fantasy,” Skyler said. “It’s never been ‘only rock and roll’.”
“I will heed your warnings, oh Wise One.”
“My warnings will serve you well, Young One,” Skyler smiled. “I see you living to a ripe old age—when you will finally die from TSAD.”
I nodded.
“TSAD. And that is…?”
“Terminal Smart-Ass Disease.”
“Wylie!” Chris yelled for me.
“It’s time to make the donuts,” I said to Skyler.
“Have a good practice. And try to remember—you only have one voice. And if you break it, it’s gone.”
“But I’m so young…” I said. I grabbed Skyler’s hand and swung it side-to-side.
“And ti-i-i-ime is on my side. Yes, it is!”
“You’re hopeless,” she said. “Get on the stage before Chris fires you. Or, I fire you. You need to be fired.”
Thirteen
Sebastian Wellmore
Wellmore Village, Scotland
Tara’s eyelids fluttered. She felt the warmth of the sun’s rays on her face. She opened one eye in time to see a dark cloud pass in front of the sun.
Thunder rumbled in the distance, and lightning struck nearby. Tara saw large raindrops fall through the arched stone window.
She sat up slowly. A damp cloth fell from her forehead into her lap.
“How do you feel?” Sebastian Wellmore asked.
“I’m fine,” Tara said. “I have to go.”
“There’s no rush. You hit your forehead when you fell. You have a bit of a lump, there. If you would like to rest up for a bit, I will drive you into the village.”
“Thank you,” Tara said. “But that won’t be necessary.”
Outside the window, lightning and thunder continued to display their fury against the fading light of late afternoon.
“Don’t be silly,” Sebastian said. “This weather is fit for no one—especially a young girl.”
“I am never silly, Mr. Wellmore.”
“Fair enough. Still, there is no reason to even think of braving this storm. You are welcome to stay until it passes—”
Sebastian peered out of the window.
“Although it shows no sign of waning. Curious, indeed. The day was lovely, until minutes ago. My only concern is that it would appear improper for you to stay after nightfall.”
Tara pushed herself to her feet.
“It is only water, Mr. Well—”
Tara’s knees buckled and she started to fall. Sebastian leaped forward and grabbed her by the arm. Tara’s eyes watered, and then widened as she grabbed Sebastian’s arm.
Ghoulish creatures floated before her eyes—taunting her.
Behind them—the Great Red Beast, who had stopped her heart only an hour ago.
“At last!” the Beast said.
He seemed to taste the words as they left his horrible mouth.
“At long last, you have brought the girl to me, Heir of Wellmore!”
The Beast stretched to his full height and breathed in deeply.
“Ah! Her essence is indeed sweet! Such power! Such delicious anger! You have outdone yourself, my boy!”
Tara trembled. Only the pain kept her from falling again.
“You’re hurting me!” she said to Sebastian Wellmore. She pulled Sebastian’s fingers, which were locked tightly around her upper arm.
“Let me go!” Tara jerked her arm. She kicked at Sebastian’s shins.
She stopped when the Beast bent over until they were face-to-face.
“You are not going anywhere, Miss McFadden!” the Beast said.
Tara screamed. Sebastian lost his grip, and Tara fell backward to the floor.
“Miss Mc—? My name is not McFadden!”
“Oh?” the Beast pondered. “Is she a liar as well, Heir of Wellmore?”
Sebastian straightened his tie.
“This is not Holly McFadden.”
“What do you want with Holly!” Tara screamed.
The Beast stood tall again. He began to laugh.
“We have no need of the McFadden girl now, Sebastian! For this child brings us not only the ability to cross planes of existence—she is also imbued with a dark power all her own! A power that will soon be mine!“
“What do we do with her?” Sebastian said.
Tara stared at Sebastian in disbelief.
“You are—? You are in league with this…this…creature?” she asked. Her voice was hoarse from her screams.
“You sealed your fate when you entered this place and mentioned the name of Holly McFadden,” Sebastian said. “Now, it matters not if I seek her. She will come. She has no choice.”
Sebastian stepped toward Tara. She jumped to her feet and backed ag
ainst the wall near the window.
“Who are you?” Sebastian asked. “How do you know Holly McFadden? Are you a relative?”
“No!” Tara said quickly. “I told you—!”
“You’re wasting our time, my dear,” he said.
Sebastian turned and pointed.
“You have made quite the impression on our mutual friend. He appears to feed off of your very presence!”
“Hundreds of years—captive in these depths! Able to move only within its walls and the dark world beneath!” the Beast growled.
“I sensed you, my Lovely,” the Beast purred at Tara. “Your presence in this place has released many of my bonds. My bonds of captivity—bonds of a thousand years! I now move freely throughout this castle, and this is but the beginning. We were made to be together! Today, you shall meet your destiny…
“Tara!”
“Do not use my name, you filthy creature!” Tara croaked.
The Beast leaned into her face again. His lips bared in a demented grin, showing rows of teeth and fangs. He threw out his arms, and the door and windows slammed shut.
“Tara!” he whispered.
“Tara,” Sebastian said. “What is your surname—Tara?”
Tara spit in Sebastian’s face. Sebastian drew back his hand.
“Do not dare strike her!” the beast roared. “Bind her! She is not yet convinced of the futility of resistance.”
Sebastian reached for Tara, but he stopped with his hands in mid-air.
Electricity crackled in the air around the girl. Bolts of lightning shot from her fingertips. One of them struck Sebastian on the shoulder. He spun around like he had been punched.
Sebastian stared. Tara’s hair stood out from her head. Her hands rose to her sides, and she started to tremble. Her eyes rolled up into her head.
Tara opened her mouth. Her voice was deafening and like nothing Sebastian had ever heard before.
“REYGAR!!!!