(ON HOLD) On a Purgatory High / Sanders Sides / Polysanders

Prologue/Pilot

THIS CHAPTER IS GRUESOME, READ TWS.
Also please read all of the AN after the prologue.

TW: Death, mugging, murder/death, gangs, being stabbed, guns, kinda suicidal thoughts, lots and lots of blood, bleeding out, baseball bats... Yeah, this chapter is pretty graphic.
Most of this book is pretty heartfelt and comedic but... Yeah, not this part.

Sorry in advance...

————————————

The moon wasn't visible, but that was ok. The stars were much clearer and were much brighter reflecting in the lens of Virgil's camera.
It was peaceful. The night had shrouded the whole neighbourhood in a warm darkness, save for a few lamp-posts that weren't broken.
However, on the horizon was a looming cityscape, still glowing with life and activity.
The sight brought a smile to his face and he couldn't help but snap a picture. He treasured the piece of technology, holding it carefully, as if he would never hold something as precious. Something as fragile or meaningful.
Once he'd captured the beautiful landscape, he took flight. Unfurling large and angel-like wings that blended with the inky night. The chilling wind raked through his lilac hair, giving him that windswept look that he had always loved and his mothers always despised. He flew to the city, taking pictures of the beautiful scenery - pictures that usually only drones could take.
The vibrant yellows against the darkness... It made the images stunning.
He eventually landed on top of a small apartment block, marvelling at the artificial urban beauty. He perched himself there, continuing to take photos.
Eventually his phone rang, startling him and almost causing him to drop his camera (which he thankfully saved and held close to his chest afterward). He cringed when he saw the contact, answering hesitantly;

"Hey M-"

"Where the hell are you?!" A familiar voice squealed. Virgil flinched away, holding the phone away from his ears. He stumbled for an answer, trying to think of a viable excuse. However, nothing came to mind. "Your mother heard you taking off from the roof! Oh, Virge, I thought we talked about this!"

"We... Did..." Virgil breathed, "Calm down, Mumma, tell Ma to calm down too." Virgil tried to give them a reassuring smile before he realised that they couldn't see him through the phone. "It's just a short flight."

"Last time you had a short flight you ended up in another country! You almost got your wings stolen!" His Mumma argued.

"It was a long time ago, Mumma. I've grown and I'm being careful. I'm sat on the roof of a block of flats! There's no-one up here." Virgil giggled.

"You're on the roof?" Mumma squeaked, "is it at least flat?"

"Yes Mumma, it's a flat roof. And if I did fall I have wings."

"It's still possible!"

"Rachel, calm down, lovely." Virgil's Ma spoke up for the first time in the call. "I'm sure that Virgil won't be stupid and will get home before midnight." Ma said clearly, prompting him to respond.

"Obviously. Listen to the snitch, Mumma."

"Hey!" Ma gasped. Thankfully that managed to get a laugh out of his Mumma, who'd eased up a bit.

"Fine, but you better be home not a second after midnight!"

"I won't be-" He paused mid sentence, hearing yelling coming from below. He looked over to see a quivering girl, surrounded by men armed with guns, throwing knives and baseball bats. His breathing froze, and it must've been clear over the phone because his Mumma was questioning him.

"Virgil?"

"There's a mugging going on. I have to hang up for a second." He muttered swiftly, the words almost jumbled to an incomprehensible point.