LAMENT OF PURGATORY (ASHWOOD CHRONICLES #1)

by Brandon Chandler

  Panic boiled at the pit of her core.

  “I’m not going to hurt you,” Johann said. “At least not until I claim your soul.”

  Chapter-Twenty

  From the stage, Hayden watched as people yelled, “What,” at one another over the loud music. Others pretended to hear the other person and then laugh. A multitude of the clubgoers waved cash at bartenders who were obviously overwhelmed. And the majority stumbled and bumped into each other spilling their drinks.

  A balcony overlooking the dance floor housed a DJ, along with all his equipment. The abnormally skinny man wore a porcelain mask, harlequin style clothing and his zany dancing even made Hayden smirk. He had to admit the EDM music was catchy.

  He then frowned. Those tricky bastards.

  A boy around the same age as he, stepped up to his side. “Everything is ready, all we have to do now is let Mr. Mena know.” The excitement in his voice was almost as loud as the music. “And here is your guitar. I finished tuning and stringing it. The amplifiers are also adjusted and ready.”

  “Wow, you sound like a true roadie,” Hayden teased without looking away from the crowd.

  The newcomer frowned. However, his grimacing soon turned into a smile and he held the guitar out towards Hayden.

  “Anyway, thanks again for booking us this gig. I love playing here. Now if you only could-” he paused for a moment to look over his shoulder. Brianna and another teenage girl stood near an electric piano engrossed in a conversation. “Set me up with your sister.”

  Hayden rotated to face the new guy. “The two of you are never going to happen, Diamond, I would give up on that idea... forever,” he accepted the electric guitar.

  Diamond laughed fondly. “I did the same to my guitar,” he said gesturing towards the bass instrument holstered to his back.

  “I’m starting to like the idea of you as a roadie instead of our bass player,” Hayden said mockingly.

  Diamond scoffed, “you’re hilarious Ashwood...what’s Brianna’s type?”

  Hayden shook his head and slung the string instrument across his back. “Definitely not you.”

  Diamond sulked. “Why? Is Leah more of her thing?” he said pointing towards the girl who Brianna was conversing with.

  As if she could feel their stares, she looked up from her electronic keyboard and smiled.

  “It’s more like Brianna is her type.”

  “Too bad she goes to a different school than her,” he said.

  With a look of defeat, Diamond turned towards their drummer Axel. He sat behind a drum set, twirling sticks in between his fingers as if they were batons and chuckling goofily. Diamond sighed. “That dude can literally be entertained by anything.”

  “And he’s the only one out of all of us who can legally be here,” Hayden said.

  Diamond nodded. “That’s true, anyway are you enjoying life as a high schooler?”

  Hayden shook his head. “If you didn’t drop out you could have seen for yourself.”

  “Being a sixteen-year-old in the ninth grade doesn’t suit me,” Diamond said with a shrug. “No regrets...I’ll make it big someday in the music world.”

  For a moment Hayden admired his friend’s ambitious nature, listening to his plans.

  Then he smelled it.

  A smell of brimstone and sulfur invaded his nose. Hayden looked around the stage for the source of the odor. Diamond, on the other hand, didn’t seem to notice the potent aroma. However, he did fold his arms across his chest and paused from explaining his plans on how he was going to make it in the big leagues. The faint sound of eerie children’s laughter echoed around the two friends, followed by a gust of wind that chilled them only for a split second.

  “Dude that was weird,” he said. “And am I crazy? or do you smell rotten eggs?”

  Hayden remained silent as he felt the presence of someone from behind. Before he could confront the new arrival-

  “Isn’t it grand?”

  The whimsical voice prompted the boys to face Rogelio Mena. He was a flamboyant man, from his brightly kimono to his burlesque style makeup. Even under the dim lights his bald head managed to sparkle.

  “What is so grand?” Hayden asked dryly.

  “This place,” the man answered with excitement. “It’s the atmosphere, the people, the sexiness of it all. Everyone here together experiencing pure ecstasy from one another’s personal aura.”

  Hayden shook his head. More like a place for your kind to feed off the unexpected.

  “Rogelio Mena.” Diamond said nervously. “It’s an honor to be playing here at your club again sir.”

  The man’s broad smile dropped. “It actually belongs to Hayden’s uncle; I only manage it.”

  “You might as well call yourself the owner.” Hayden charged. “I doubt he even remembers he owns this dump.”

  Rogelio winced at the hostility in Hayden’s voice. “Are your young ones ready to go on?”

  “Y-yes we are sir,” Diamond said tripping over his words.

  “Excellent, I shall inform DJ. Atom.”

  The club manager along with Hayden and Diamond made their way towards the other two band members and Brianna. She smiled politely at the approaching trio. Rogelio nodded in return but didn’t stop. He continued vanishing into the darkest corner of the stage.

  The club manager no longer in earshot, Diamond gasped as if he had submerged from underwater.

  “For some reason, that guy always makes me feel like I owe him a large sum of money and if I don’t pay up, he’s going to cut off my feet and force me to watch my mom eat them.”

  Brianna frowned in pure disgust.

  “And that’s one of the many reasons why you’re not her type,” Hayden whispered to his friend.

  Diamond lowered his head in defeat and scuffled off to plug his bass guitar into a nearby amp. “We should get into position.”

  “What’s wrong with him?” Leah asked.

  “Nothing he can’t get over,” Hayden replied. He turned towards Brianna. “We’re starting soon.”

  She nodded. “Good luck...I’ll be backstage.”

  Not long after her departure the music abruptly ceased.

  Hayden plugged his guitar into an amp, then he and the others got into their respective position.

  Next the lights switched off immersing everyone in absolute darkness.

  Quizzical murmuring took root as more and more people began to realize the music was no more and the place had gone dark.

  [Ladies and gents, you have heard them play here before, and every time they’ve performed, this band always rocked the house.]

  As the whimsical voice blasted from unseen speakers a slow build of stillness crept across the clubbers. The lights on the stage flashed on, revealing Hayden and his band. For a moment many of them either swapped confused glances or shrugged to one another.

  [Now give it up for Damage Society!]

  Right as the band’s name escaped from the announcer’s voice the awkward silence was replaced with the crowd erupting into cheers. Hayden doubted that any of the audience remembered them from before but nonetheless, his heart raced from excitement. He closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. He allowed himself to soak in the chanting and cheering before tuning out the world around him. Hayden exhaled and opened his eyes. With his string instrument in hand, he took a few steps closer to his microphone.

  The drummer grinned and began to tap his drumsticks together while counting to three before banging them against his drum set skillfully. Leah joined in followed by Diamond and Hayden strumming their instruments in unison. Together the four of them created a soothing melody that flowed in perfect sync.

  [Drifting through the edge of time

  Like a light that is quivering in a young child’s hand

  I try to find serenity.]

  Hayden’s voice streamed throughout the crowd like a welcoming breeze, causing them to erupt with raw admiration. He strummed his fingers effortlessly across his electric guitar wh
ile resting his lips against the microphone.

  [Do you still remember all the time that has gone by?

  I wish I could bring it back.

  Because tomorrow all I will have is the love and pain

  I hold tightly in my heart...]

  He drifted off allowing the steady course of his music to resonate throughout the nightclub.

  The horde below the stage danced and he felt as if the energetic multitude were worshipping them as gods and goddesses. However, he ignored them, unlike his bandmates he cared little for the fame. He loved how he could let go and become lost in the composition. He was well pleased they decided to perform this song. It was one of his favorite melodies his mother use to sing to him. He closed his eyes letting his mind roam back to the times when his mother would play this exact song on her violin. A song of love and loss and wanting it back while reminiscing of happier times. In fact, most of the tunes the band played were the ones his mom had taught him, songs of forgotten legends, lore’s and the struggles of heroes. After years of guitar lessons and a few tweaks to the lyrics, Hayden and his crew had songs from a time that mortals never knew existed.

  His fingers plucked the notes on his guitar effortlessly...

  [I close my eyes and begin to think

  About how beautiful it would be

  To be loved and happy. I never want to

  Leave.

  When my eyes are shut, I see you but

  You’re only in my dreams]

  ...He continued to sing while gazing about the crowd and eventually, spotted Kori. She was sitting with a feminine looking man. Her head held low, whereas the gentleman seemed to be delivering a disciplinary lecture. Nonetheless, the fellow didn’t seem to be too harsh. He reached over and soothingly caressed Kori, from her hand up to her shoulder.

  Hayden slung the guitar on his back and then looked over to Diamond. The two of them exchanged nods. Hayden finished the last verse, and Diamond took over. He watched the man brush away a lock of Kori’s silver-colored hair then continued to massage her hands while speaking. She made little effort to thwart any of his advances.

  Why is she here? Hayden thought to himself.

  He became even more concerned after witnessing the man leaning forward and whispering into Kori’s ear and like a mindless servant, she nodded her head. The man smiled standing from his seat and Kori did likewise. He extended his hands towards her and she shamefacedly accepted. Hand in hand the pair made their way towards a door marked with a golden star. Etched on a silver plate underneath the star were the words V.I.P. and standing on either side of the entrance where two bouncers.

  What is this stupid girl doing? Hayden screamed internally.

  He watched them enter the room. However, his attention shifted from the twosome to a boy making a Beeline towards the V.I.P room.

  Dominic? What is he doing?

  Hayden swore underneath his breath allowing the overpowering sensation to investigate get the better of him. Hayden released his guitar from his back and placed it on the foundation before vaulting off the stage. With both feet planted on the floor, Hayden began to pursue after Dominic but due to the sea of club-goers, Hayden lost track of his brother in a matter of seconds. The patrons called out, showering him with great admiration for his music. However, Hayden ignored them and forced his way through the enthusiastic crowd. After several moments of forcing an opening, he spotted Dominic a few feet in front of him. He cupped his hands around his mouth but before he could call out, a slender hand gripped his shoulders.

  He spun around to see Ethan beaming a ludicrous smile at him.

  “Finally, a familiar face,” he said swaying from side to side. “By the way your voice is amazing.”

  “Are you drunk?” Hayden asked as he picked up on Ethan’s slurred speech.

  “No...but I am so glad that Dominic talked me and Kori into coming here.”

  Hayden raised an eyebrow. “Bringing you both here was Dominic’s Idea?”

  Ethan nodded his head multiple times, giggling. “And thanks to him I made out with the most beautiful woman known to man!” he screamed. “She smelled really nice too. I knew from the moment our lips touched she would forever be my queen and I would do anything for her...Anything.”

  Hayden took a step back and gave Ethan a once-over. Taking notice of the twinkle in his glossy eyes Hayden asked- “This woman, was she with a group of attractive women?”

  Ethan paused from his rambling. “Yes, she was...Why?”

  Hayden scoffed. “Is Dominic trying to get the both of you killed?”

  Ethan hesitated as if Hayden’s statement needed time to register within his mind.

  “What do you mean trying to get us killed?” he appeared to have snapped out of his puppy love state.

  “Go home,” Hayden said pushing his way through the crowd.

  “Wait I’m not leaving without Kori,” Ethan shouted giving chase.

  Chapter-Twenty-One

  The private chamber resembled a high-end hotel suite that was well furnished with luxurious commodities. Under any other circumstances, Kori would have loved to spend the night in the fancy room. However, due to her current situation, she wanted nothing more than to flee the lovely room.

  No matter how hard she tried to scream or try to escape, she couldn’t budge. She could feel Johann manipulating the strings to her physique like a puppet master.

  He ushered her to sit on the sectional couch. Without any resistance her body bended to his will.

  How is he controlling my body?

  And as if he read her mind Johann answered, “It’s called possession ...a wonderful gift that was bestowed upon us superior creatures.”

  He paused and sat on the king-size bed across from Kori with one leg over the other. Glaring into her eyes he continued to speak.

  “I’m a fallen human... A human who has become a demon; by enduring an extensive torturous procedure. My very soul was purged of my humanity along with everything that’s moral and decent. Some say it makes us corrupted, extremely evil and enormously powerful, but to me I say it makes us flawless.” Johann smiled at her with perfect teeth. She no longer found the teacher adorable; instead he now resembled an insane serial killer.

  “Sadly we are required to have the heart of a human in our chest to walk the Earth, but the perks like possession, superhuman strength and immortality are worth it.” He motioned for Kori to join him on the bed.

  Her body trembled and became rigid as she fought against the invisible force that was forcing her to stand.

  “You’re a fighter,” Johann said nonchalantly.

  Kori began to take baby steps towards the bed.

  “However, my will is-”

  Johann felt a surge of annoyance flaring within him after hearing a constant knocking at the door.

  “What the hell?” he raised a hand and much to her relief her body halted.

  “I told those idiotic bouncers to let no-one disturb me,” Johann said. He walked past Kori and towards the entrance. The knocking became fiercer and so did his irritation.

  Upon opening the door his annoyance shifted into bewilderment.

  “What are you doing here?”

  Dominic beamed a smiled at Johann. “Don’t tell me you forgot already...” Dominic said stepping into the room and then closing the door behind him. “Remember I’m here to kill you.”

  Before Johann could respond Dominic thrust his right-hand forwarded impaling it into Johann’s chest.

  Eyes widened with shock he gasped, spewing blood from his mouth.

  Dominic continued smiling while he fished around in Johann’s chest cavity.

  “There you are,” he whispered.

  With both hands Johann gripped Dominic by the forearm. He tried to pull himself free however Dominic lifted his left foot and shoved it into Johann’s stomach. The strength of the kick hurled him across the room while liberating Dominic’s hand from the torso.

  Johann crashed onto the floor several feet aw
ay from the bed. He crawled to his feet with the blood exuding from his open chest wound.

  “Give it back,” Johann shouted in a distorted demonic voice.

  He managed to take several steps before he fell to his knees foaming at the mouth, his body trembling as if he was suffering from a seizure.

  Dominic smiled, tossing a blood-spattered heart from hand to hand.

  “Oh yeah, that’s right you need this to maintain your human form,” Dominic shouted. “But don’t you think the human you stole it from might have needed it more...you know to live and all.”

  “Damn you,” Johann screamed demonically.

  The control he once had over her was gone; Kori gasped at the sight of her teacher.

  Wheezing, Johann lunged towards Dominic.

  Within a matter of seconds, a double-barrel handgun materialized in his awaiting hands. He tossed the heart into the air, took aim and fired the pistol twice.

  The rounds struck the body part two by two causing the organ to burst and spew bloody fragments across the chambers.

  Johann stopped in his tracks screaming with a mixture of remorse and anger.

  Dominic smiled. “Now let’s see that true hideous form of yours.”

  “Screw you,” Johann screamed. He once again fell to his knees and proceeded to vomit green chunky liquid. The sound of his bones breaking echoed throughout his build and he dropped face first to the foundation twitching. His skin began to bubble and blister resembling molten lava.

  Kori always had a vivid imagination but not even in her nightmares could she dream up something as revolting as what stood before her.

  He looked like a cross between a hairless ape and a skinless human. His face was also partially masked by collections of bones and the parts of the face that weren’t covered, housed a tumor-like eye and slit mouth.

  Kori screamed, while Dominic stood unwavering. He kept his eyes on the creature, smiling with excitement.

  Dominic took aim at the demon’s head. “No wonder you loved your human form so much.”

  “Shut up!” Johann wailed in a distorted voice.

  With a claw-like hand Johann swiped at Dominic. In one fluid motion he sidestepped and retaliated by placing the barrel against Johann’s temple.