Prologue

 

This tale takes place in the colourful, yet complicated City of Tyrell. Colourful because of it’s wide variety of people and complicated also because of it’s wide variety of people. It’s not an ideal place to live; in fact, if you were to move to the city, then I guarantee that within a week, you’d be looking at houses in another city! People don’t move to Tyrell City. People from Tyrell City move to other places in Tyrell City because other cities in the country would probably discriminate them for their origin.

                I shall explain; within Tyrell City, there are four regions. The city itself is built in a small but steep valley and it’s houses spreading right out to the surrounding highlands, but stopping and giving way to a vast desert beyond. At the centre if the city is, the quite astutely named City Centre. This is where you’d find the typical shopping centres, the schools, train stations, monuments and tourist attractions. It’s a shame that the only thing that the City Centre is missing is tourists. This is in the centre of the valley, deep in the heart.

On one side of the valley, the gold of the grey city, is Boundary. Boundary is filled with big, modern houses built from pale bricks, wide, tarmac roads, black, neatly paved drive ways, posh cars, neat, well-kept front gardens, trees and, most importantly, Horizon House. Horizon House sits at the top of Boundary, gazing over the surrounding Valley and it houses the Mayor and the people who govern Tyrell. Boundary is where you would find the successful business men’s houses, the policemen’s homes, the most expensive schools and the people who are most well off and can afford their electricity bill, along with taxes and gifts for their children at Christmas.

The opposite side of the valley is called The Wynde. Looking at The Wynde, you would notice the tall, dark brown-bricked, historical buildings built extremely close together, the narrow, cobbled roads running up the steep hill like black veins, the black, slate rooves, some which had ancient gargoyles nestled in the corners. This is probably the most historical part of the city, the only part with the original, iconic, gothic buildings from centuries ago. It is here you would find the people who live in small, confined flats down narrow streets, people who have no real jobs but get income by other, more shady means, people who dress in a certain way, people who are looked down upon by the rest of the city. Oh yes, discrimination is a big part of life in Tyrell City! People who live on The Wynde live in a tight community, look out for themselves, concentrate on surviving, not luxury.

The last region of Tyrell City is the Outskirts. People out here are middle-class, normal, in-between people who aren’t defined by where they live. They aren’t defined by money or status but go about their daily lives, rarely involving themselves in the conflict between the prejudice and the survivors.

There is another part to the city, a part that people learn about in their history lessons and are told about in the form of legend. The city’s Underworld lies beneath The Wynde and spreads out beneath the whole of the city and some of the desert or wasteland that surrounds the city. It is only legend, not many people speak of it. Years ago, in medieval times, the king decided to ‘cleanse’ the city of the vermin. To do this, he decided to build a wall around the section of the city where the peasants lived and dwelled. Doing this, he entrapped the peasants and effectively, ordered his men to build another city on top of their city. Their city was buried deep beneath, the only hope for them were the people who knew better, who knew that one day, the kings plan would fail him; vermin would find it’s way back into society somehow. So a secret group was created, people who were part of the kings court were given keys to secret entrances to their underground city. These people who were entrusted to passages to the Vaults, which in turn, would allow passage to what the people called The Warrens. These people were called the Descendents. People in league with the descendents, were known as disciples. Together, they believed that one day, the people of the Warren would once again, rise and punish the king for his actions. Of course, the legend was soon forgotten about.

This is who we are. We are survivors, living against the harsh inner rims of society who call themselves sophisticated but are really just tyrannical beasts posing as human beings. Or so I say; I’ve yet to meet someone who isn’t form The Wynde, who actually accepts us and isn’t a complete bitch. People say, however, that a Black Parade will soon rise and take back the city. What once belonged to the myths of the Warrens and what was once held in hands of black and gold, of The Wynde and Boundary will be reclaimed. Those who claim they are gods, who drove the warriors beneath the city itself, will fall to it. And all it’s descendents.

At the top of The Wynde is Duskgate Mansion. My house. It sits at the peak of the hill, surrounded by trees; it’s huge, gothic structure reaching above the tallest pine trees. My parents are dead, so I inherited it. The mansion itself is only the tip of the iceberg, there are more chambers running deep into the earth, reaching the Vaults through the Archives and the Cellars, through it’s many rooms. The mansion itself rivals the beauty that of Horizon House, the two houses stand face to face, forever locked into each other’s sights. It holds authority; as do I. As my parents died, I and the house inherited the secret of the Descendents. I know for a fact that the rumours are true. I am a key holder. I see the future from my bedroom window.  I can see almost all of Boundary from my bedroom window. It seems a shame that so few people can witness such a beautiful sight.

But that’s just the way things work.

My name is Cynthia, and I can see The Black Parade rising in the east; we are ready.

 

 

Part 1: Knowing

 

                Gus was waiting in the lobby of the building, his eyes fixed on the elevator. He stood, leaning against the wall, looking somewhat incongruous in his surroundings; he was dressed in skinny jeans, heavy boots and a denim, sleeveless jacket with a hood, and no top beneath. His hair was a deep brown and the fringe was pushed into a small quiff above his pale forehead.

                He looked around, briefly at the businessmen, dressed in suits, carrying brief cases hurrying on their way. He didn’t care, though. He was only here for one person. And if that meant braving the Boundary to come and see her, perhaps even meet her father, then so be it.

                He glanced back at the elevator and it opened and out stepped a tall, thin-looking girl with golden hair that fell down her back like a waterfall. She has bright green eyes that shone when she saw him.

                Amelia!

                He went to her and pulled her into a long hug.

                “Gus, this is my father.” She said, turning to a man behind her. Gus looked at him and held out his hand.

                Amelia’s father was a tall man with a bald head and a grey moustache and beard. The way the other employees shied away from him, or gave a quick, nervous smiled and then hurried away immediately implied he was in charge. Of course he was! He was possibly one of the richest people in Tyrell!

                Amelia’s father looked at Gus’ outstretched hand and a slight look of disgust flickered across his face. Gus frowned, confused.

                What had he done wrong? Had he offended him?

                “So, you’re the boy that my Amelia is so taken with, hm?”

                “Mr. Princeton, you’re daughter is an amazing person. I’m very pleased to meet you.” Gus replied, with all the politeness he could muster.

                “I know she is. She’s my offspring.”

                “Then she must have inherited it from you.” Gus smiled. “You’re a very successful man; I’m honoured to meet you.”

                “Politeness won’t get you far on the Boundary, Gus. Where is it you’re from?”

                “The Wynde, sir.”

                “I thought as much. No last name. The way you dress. The way you look too small and out of place in a place like this. Now, what makes you think you’re good enough for my daughter?”

                Gus paused. Why did this feel like an exam? “Because I love her. I love her purely and completely and I would give up my life to make her happy.”

                “And how can you make her happy?”

                “Dad! Stop it!” snapped Amelia.

                “I can give her everything she wants; a home, money, a life.” continued Gus.

                “On The Wynde? What kind of life can anyone have on The Wynde?”

                “I’ll move away from The Wynde. I’ll buy a house on the Outskirt, or in Boundary.”

                “And who would sell you a house after finding out where you’re from?”

                Gus paused. This was going nowhere!

                Despite the fact he knew her father was intimidating, Gus found himself strangely unafraid.

                “Dad! Stop it! You’re not going to stop us from seeing each other. It’s my choice!” snapped Amelia, taking Gus’ hand.

                Her father smirked.

                “You are my daughter, you are mine, to do with as I wish.” He spat, then turned and walked away.

                Gus turned to Amelia. “That went well.” He knew her Father was not to be trifled with, especially as he was head of one of the most successful businesses in the whole of Tyrell: Wyvern Industries. He practically had the whole of the city in the palm of his hand, able to get away with anything – even murder!- and get away with it. Somewhere in his mind, Gus knew he should be scared, and without Amelia next to him, he was terrified, but she gave him the strength he needed.

                “Don’t worry, he’ll come around.” She looked straight into her eyes, her words strong and confident.  There was no reason why they shouldn’t have been.

                “How about I buy us lunch? I think we need it.” Laughed Gus, taking her soft, white hand and pulling her from the huge, glass building that smirked it’s reflections of sunlight and advertisements.  The pair of them floated through the City Centre and towards the Wynde. The floated along the border of the two sections of the city, not really caring about anything but their feelings for each other. The war meant little to them.

                “So, Gustav, where you gonna take me?” Amelia laughed, her hair shimmering. She loved using his full name. Gus didn’t know why. It was a stupid name.

                “I know a place.” He knew they were dangerously close to The Wynde and if her father caught them here, then he’d be in for it- her father’s eyes were everywhere.

                He didn’t care.

                Gus lead Amelia down an alley way lit up by fairy lights and had walls covered by soft, yellow ivy. Sunlight cascaded down in shafts on a tiny courtyard where iron chairs and tables were set out. Gus offered her a chair and sat opposite her, the only thing in his way was a wine bottle with a red rose sat inside it.

                “This is beautiful! How did you know about it?”

                “I know a lot of things about the city that no one else does.” Gus winked.

                “Hello, what can I get you?” asked an old-looking woman holding a note pad and dressed in an apron.

                “Two house specials please, and a bottle of red.” Replied Gus.

                The woman nodded and shuffled away.

                “House specials?” Amelia leant forwards in wonder.

                “You’re favourite dish- roast. I would have cooked but you know how it is.” Gus lost his smile momentarily.

                Amelia breathed in, as if about to say something, but then hunched slightly.

                “What’s up?” asked Gus.

                “I...Gus, I want to go back to your after this. I don’t want to go home.”

                He paused. “Is something wrong with your apartment?”

                “No, there’s nothing wrong with it. There couldn’t ever be anything wrong with it. Nothing bought for me by my father ever is. That’s why I want to go to yours!”

                “Of course! You know what’s mine is yours. There’ll always be a place for you there!”  Gus took her fragile, pale hand in his. Now it was his turn to be strong. He knew how much she hated her father.

                Their meal was satisfying and fulfilling and once the two had replenished themselves, they didn’t linger, not even to finish the wine. The floated, once again, in each other’s arms back through the streets, this time, stepping over into The Wynde and through the black streets. Sometimes people smiled and said hello, other’s waved, some just nudged the person next to them and snickered or pretended to vomit. Gus didn’t really know anyone on The Wynde- not like they said they knew everyone. Yes, people would greet him, but that was it. One second of friendship, but then it would fade again. He knew it was dangerous not to have any friends on The Wynde, but he didn't care, he had one now.

                Gus’ flat was modest, small, but quaint. Amelia had insisted she tidy it- she couldn’t have Gus living in squalid conditions, so in she came with mops, brushes and polishes. Gus was thankful. He was barely surviving on his own.

                Amelia dropped herself onto the sofa, closing her eyes and breathing deeply. Gus took the opportunity to show her just why he could barely survive. He’d recently made a big purchase!

                “I...I have something to give you.” He whispered in her ear, before disappearing to the kitchen where he’d hidden it. He took it from the corner of a cupboard, behind a stack of plates- a small silver box. He took the contents of it in his hand and said, “Stand in front of the mirror with your eyes closed.”

                Amelia stood up and stood in front of the mirror that hung over the fire place. Gus stood behind her, breathing in her scent and draped a silver chain around her pearly white neck.

                Amelia opened her eyes and gasped in delight when she saw the silver ‘A’.

                “It’s beautiful! How did you afford this?”

                “I didn’t!”

                “You shouldn’t have, Gus, you need that money.”

                “I don’t care.”

                And with that, Gus planted a long kiss on her lips. When he found Amelia kissing her back, he didn't want to stop. He wanted to be close to her. Not just close...in her...

 

                Part 2: Becoming

 

                Gus led Amelia to his bed. They shared it that night, together, committing the glorious acts that nature intended. Together, they dwelled in the moments of pure pleasure, and, like the motion of the sea, poured into each other what love and passion they had accumulated. Between the sweat, the grease, the waves of heated passion, Gus knew that they would never truly be apart.

                Gus lay next to a sleeping Amelia, listening to her breath. He didn't quite have the heart to untangle himself from her peaceful form, but his night shift of a local pub beckoned to him. Glancing at his clock, he had half an hour before his shift. Trying not to stir Amelia, he reached for some clothes- jeans, a black vest and a denim, sleeveless jacket with a black hood- and started to dress.

                “Gus...” Amelia murmured, shifted position in Gus’ bed.

                “Sshh, sleep. I’ll be back in time for breakfast.” He whispered, leaning on the bed and kissing he lips softly.

                Gus was very much a night person, mostly because of his insomnia, but having a 1:00 a.m. shift at The Steamwork Clock was a good enough job for Gus. It was a source of income to go with his other day job as a mechanic, and although it didn’t pay as well as his main job, it was still money.

                Amelia murmured and relaxed back into the pillows, curling up in a Gus shaped crevice in the mattress.

                Before Gus could turn to reach for his work attire, there was a crash from his front door!  Amelia was wide awake before Gus could turn to see what the commotion was, and all he saw was her terrified face, staring wide eyed at whatever was behind Gus!

                There was a muffled thump, and whoever it was had hit Gus over the head with something heavy. Amelia screamed and Gus was behind carried from his flat. Strong, iron-like hands gripped his arms, shoulders and legs, carrying him face down. He tried to struggle through his disorientation, but whoever had Gus was too strong!

                There must be loads of them, he thought as he was carried from the building and into the road.

                The last thing he saw was the dark, hole-like shape of a car boot, before he was dropped and thrown into darkness...

 

                He’s contaminated her! He’s infected her with his vile blood! His very touch is infectious! I’ll never get her back now. Not even with the right education.

                But I can get my revenge. That much is a given. I want him wiped off the face of the earth. But not dead. I want him to experience what it’s like to lose everything. Even yourself...

 

                Gus heard voices, but grogginess clouded his thoughts.

                “So, we take him there, and then just...leave him?”

                “Yeah. Those are the orders. I don’t even know what this guy did!”

                Gus tried to shift, but he hit his head on something hard. The sound of a car engine. The gentle vibration of his tiny prison.

                He was in the boot of a car.

                “I think he made out with some girl.”

                “Oh, that blond bimbo- the bosses daughter. Christ! It’s a wonder the boss didn’t slit his throat! This must be one brave dude!”

                “Well, of he was from anywhere else, it would have just been a slit throat. He’s from The Wynde, apparently. And yeah, if he survives, he’ll be admired for his bravery. If anyone hears of him again. You hear...”

                “Yeah. That’s harsh, dude. That’s harsh. Even for the boss...”

                Gus knew for sure that the conversation was about him. If he survived what? Where were they taking him?

                “Here?”

                “Yeah, here.”

                The car rolled to a stop and Gus was blinded with the light of day, and the heat of the desert flooded through him.

                The next thing he knew, his face was pressed against the gravelly ground and the sound of a car got further and further into the distance.

                Well shit!

                Gus lay in the heat, trying to break from his disorientation, but only managed to turn himself over and see the pink sky above him. How long was he out? It’s almost morning?

                Well, whatever Amelia’s father had done to him, Gus was sure he was gonna bounce back, ready to fight for his love!

                As the sun rose, and the morning heat started to sink in, Gus finally got up and looked around. The road was pale and dusty, almost hidden beneath the yellow sand! In the distance, he could make out a line of thick black against the jagged horizon.

                He started to walk slowly, back to Tyrell- the City of Stone.

               

                However hard he tried to mask his feelings of anger, Gus couldn’t get rid of the image of his girlfriend’s Father’s dead body. It haunted his thoughts, and, strangely enough, pleased him.  With her father dead, he’d be free...

                But could he sacrifice that freedom to be with Amelia.

                Of course! He’d sacrifice everything to be with her! Even his life!

               

                The walk to Tyrell was a slow one, but eventually, Gus stumbled into the shade, collapsing against a wall of a building, exhausted from the heat. Even with his hood up in an effort to protect him from the sun, it still burned.

                It would always burn

                Not stopping for long, the vision of being with Amelia again luring him onwards pulled him from his rest. He wandered through the Outskirts, his steps short and staggered, his breath short. When he got to the City centre, he claimed a bench and took a welcome rest. His flat wasn’t far. He didn't live far into The Wynde- just far enough.

                As Gus approached his flat, he started to look for his key in his pocket, but all his pockets were empty.

                Figures!

                He approached the window and made to break it, when he noticed the inside.

                He stopped.

                Everything had gone. Furniture. TV. Of what little he could see of the kitchen, everything looked empty. He went to the front door and stared in horror at the plastic sign nailed across it.

                FOR SALE.

                What? Did he have the right flat? Yes! This was defiantly his flat!

                He’d not wanted to sell it! He couldn’t afford to sell it! What was this?

                Unless...

                Amelia’s father had control over this kind of thing...

                Damn him! He’d no flat, all his stuff was gone!

                Identity! Phone! Money! Card!

                All his pockets were empty. Gus turned, not sure what to do. The shock was still but a cold sweat on his forehead, not yet sunk in.

                He stepped out onto one of the main roads. People sped by, very few of them in cars. People stood, talking to friends.

                Not one of them knew who Gus was.

                Not one of them could help him.

                There was only one place he could go.

                Gus strode of towards the city centre.

 

                Part 3: Existing.

 

                The building wasn’t very busy; in fact, there was only a janitor and the receptionist in the lobby. Gus felt surrounded by a fragile frame of a building, made form nothing but glass that could shatter at any moment.

                “Hi,” Gus said to the receptionist. “Can I see Mr. Princeton? I wish to speak to him.”

                The receptionist looked at him, stunned. “I’m sorry, you may only see him by appointment/

. He’s on a very tight schedule.”

                “I think you miss understand,” Gus replied, an edge of coldness in his tone. Fuck this, he was done being polite to this man. “He has something of mine, and this isn’t a request. I have to speak to him, whether you or your fancy fucking employees like it.”

                “Well...I, err...”

                “Got it?”

                The receptionist didn't answer, but picked up a phone.

                Gus suddenly felt confident.

                “Sir, there’s someone to see you. He seems adamant. I think it’s your daughter’s friend...”

                She put the phone down.

                “He’s coming.” She muttered and went back to her computer, her head down. He could tell she was scared.

                Gus didn’t move. Not until he saw the door of the lift nearby open and Amelia’s father step through.

                “What the fuck did you do? You bastard!” Gus yelled, moving towards him. Suddenly, security guys surrounded him, holding him back with their iron hands.

                “Where is she? Where is she? Where is she!” Gus yelled, struggling against the guards.

                “Now now, little Wynde boy. I’ve dealt with her, as I should have done long ago. You’ve done enough to her as it is.” Mr. Princeton replied, looking at his fingers.

                “What did you do to my flat?”

                “You need punishing. You will now know what it feels like to loose everything.”

                “Where’s Amelia? GIVE HER BACK YOU FUCKING MONSTER!” Gus yelled at the top of his voice, not caring about the scene he was causing, or the iron hands grasping at him, or the fact he was yelling at one of the most powerful men in Tyrell.

                Mr. Princeton only looked at Gus, calmly and said, “As I said before, politeness won’t get you far on Boundary. Nor will violence. Get him out.”

                Gus suddenly found Mr. Princeton getting smaller, more distant. And then he saw the front of the building. He swathe sky as the guard pushed him to the floor. He saw the door close. He only saw more obstacles between him and Amelia...

                The door closed...

                The only thing that stood in his way...

               

                Gus wondered the streets of The Wynde, trying to think of someone- anyone- who might have known him, or spoken to him, or even heard of him.

                Everywhere he went, the same question echoed in his mind: do you know me?

                Excuse me, do you know me? Have we met? Have we spoken? Do you know my name?

                No money.

                No identity.

                No home.

                Without really realising it, Gus stopped outside a gun shop. Going inside, he looked around at the stacked rifles, pistols, machine guns...

                He went to the counter.

                “What can I do for you, young sir?” the man behind the counter asked, polishing a large looking assault rifle.

                “Erm, I’d like a gun please.”

                The man laughed. “Well, you’ve come to the right place! What you looking for?”

                “I don’t have any money. I don’t have anything to give you. But I need one.”

                “Well, I’m sorry, I don’t do freebies.”

                “I need to get my life back. To do that, I need a gun.”

                “Give him a gun!” Gus turned at the strange, female voice coming from behind him. In the threshold stood a woman. She was quite short, small, weak, but somehow, she looked stronger than anyone Gus had ever seen. She wore a short, black dress with lace- it kinda looked Victorian, her hair was long and bronze. Confident.

                There was something about her, something behind her eyes that seemed...beaten...

                “And why should I do that, Victoria?”

                “Because I know a man who has nothing, but needs something. You will give him a gun.”  And with that, she strode behind the counter, only stopping to mutter to the man, “You are part of this, are you not?” and then disappeared into the back.

                The man turned and sighed. “What can I get you?”

                “Something with power.”

 

                Gus sat, concealed in the bushes outside Wyvern Industries. The sun had set long ago, the shadows were thick around the vile place; not even the light from the streetlights could touched Gus in his hiding place. There he waited for Mr. Princeton to come down from his bejewelled tower. It should be soon.

                Something he did witness while waiting, however, interested Gus greatly.

                5 people, dressed from top to toe in black appeared from the shadows. Gus listened.

                “You know the plan?” it was a female voice. He couldn’t make out their faces.

                4 other male voices grunted.

                “Once we have the files, meet back at the yard. Got it? Go.” The five figures disappeared into the shadows. There was no sign of life for a while after that, and Gus could only wonder who they were, and what their plan was. But it didn’t matter.

                Eventually, Gus saw someone emerge from the building.

                Mr. Princeton.

                Gus leapt from the bushes, holding a machine rifle at him. Mr. Princeton was alone, except for a woman. The two were dressed like businessmen, but Gus knew was lurked beneath their ironed uniforms.

                “Give me back Amelia.” hissed Gus.

                Princeton didn't notice him at first, but once he did, his eyes widened on the rifle. For a moment there was fear, and then the fear became arrogance.

                “You think that can scare me?”

                Gus said nothing, but cocked the gun.

                “You’ll never see her again! You wanna know why?” he paused.  “Because I sent her away. She was no longer my daughter. I sent her to the bottom of the earth. I gave her to the Shamar people. No one ever comes back from the depths!” he laughed a little. Gus was disgusted.

                “She was your daughter, you sick mad man!” Gus spat.

                “No. You’d infected her with that....that thing in her womb!”

                What? Was she...? No!

                “Oh yes.” Laughed Princeton. “She was pregnant! The whore!”

                “You bastard!”

                “When I knew what you two had done, I had her checked. It seems this wasn’t the first time you’d poisoned her.”

                “SHE’S YOUR OWN DAUGHTER!”

                “NOT ANYMORE!”

                “Sir...” the quite voice floated form the woman.

                “What?” Princeton spat, heated from rage.

                “We have a breach. It seems the Wyverns are back.”

                Princeton sighed.

                “You’ve taken everything from me. My house.  My identity. Amelia. And now I will take everything from you.” Gus whispered.

                He pulled the trigger.

                The woman screamed, but it was drowned out by gunfire.

                Princeton’s body jerked from the force of the bullets. Gus stopped. The body fell to the floor.

                It was over. He breathed out. The woman ran. Gus saw the tip of the man’s belly still moving slightly, as if struggling...not really breathing...

                Not his problem. He’d be dead soon. But the feeling of victory wasn’t there. Instead there was a renewed sense of anger.

                Gus turned, not really registering his own movements. Amelia was dead...

                He retreated into the shadows of The Wynde. The warm, welcoming shadows,

                Amelia was lost...

                He gazed up the long road. Something big and friendly loomed at the end of it.

                He killed her...

                People had spoken of it. People said it was a place people could go when they needed friends. Family. Company. Revenge.

                He’d sent her to the depths...

                People said she’d let people in. Give them a home. She was a strange one...

                And now she was dead...

                Gus wandered through the woods, the assault rifle on his back. The woods were misty at night. He could just make out the mansion through the trees.

                Dead...

                He knocked on the door. It wasn’t over. One man was dead, the source of his pain, but this wasn’t over. Gus’ story was but beginning. And it began at Duskgate Mansion.

                Boundary... they all disserve to die...

 

 

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 02.12.2012

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