Shadows

Chapter Five

"So, I think it would be best if we practiced music today. That way you can get a feel for how we play our instruments," Alpha said. I nodded.
"Sounds good," I mumbled through a mouthful of bacon.
I took note of everyone's attitude in the morning. Omega seemed a bit tired but chipper as he downed his third cup of coffee. Alpha was somewhat calm but acted as though he had been awake for hours. Air was quiet as always, and Earth was practically bouncing off of the walls. Water seemed quite tired, but she was still alert as ever. They were all wearing hoodies of various colors and sweatpants or jeans.
"We will meet you in the music room. Sister Flora can show you where that is," Omega said.
"Okay," I grinned. "See you there."
Everyone dispersed and went to their rooms to get their instruments. I walked up the stairs, searching for the woman called Sister Flora.
"You must be the new Papa Emeritus," a voice behind me said. I turned to see a woman walking up the staircase behind me. She was middle-aged, and had pale blond hair that frayed out from under the hood of her nun habit. I nodded to her.
"Yes, I am the third Papa Emeritus. Are you Sister Flora?" I asked.
She nodded. "I am the one who raised the Ghouls. Well, of course Sister Imperator helped, but it was mostly me. You are looking for the music room, correct?"
"Yes," I said quietly. "Who is Sister Imperator?"
Sister Flora smiled and began to lead me up the stairs. "She is the head Sister of the Church. Her rank is equivalent to yours, if not higher. Let's just say I hope you never have to meet her," she said the last part almost silently.
We reached the music room, and before I could thank Sister Flora she was gone. I stepped into the room, and I heard beautiful sounds spill into my ears.
They were playing Genesis, an instrumental. Every note was perfect. Every sound was just where it needed to be. I closed the door and sat, drinking in the notes until they finished. I couldn't help but clap after they were done. This made the Ghouls smile, and some of them even blushed.
"That was amazing. Really," I said. I couldn't help but get incredibly enthusiastic about the music. Air smiled. "Did you want to play anything specific?" He asked in his quiet voice. I paused for a moment.
"How about Per Aspera Ad Inferi?"
Earth grinned. "YES! I love that song!"
Omega smirked at the corner of his mouth. "Then it is settled. We will play Per Aspera."
Earth adjusted his position on his small stool, and once he was sure that the other Ghouls were standing and ready, he smacked the drumsticks against each other four times, signaling the tempo. Everyone began to play, the heavy notes filling the room. Then, before I knew it, it was time for me to sing. I was nervous, wanting to make a good impression on the Ghouls. I breathed in shakily:

"Unholy is the lust in your eyes.
'Blasphemous' would not suffice...

Perverted are your wishes and dreams.
Tanning in Lucifer's beams..."

The Ghouls played the lead-up to the chorus. As I began to sing, I realized that Water was singing the harmony part. It almost threw me off of the rhythm, but I focused on matching her lovely voice:

"Per Aspera Ad Inferi..."

Before I even had time to think about it, the song was over. I was staring at Water. She looked at me.
"What are you staring at?" She said accusingly. But I just looked at her.
"Your voice is so beautiful," I whispered.
Maybe I just imagined it, but I think she blushed.