James Hackett

The name glowed brightly in colourful neon outside the building. The black light caressed the carnage of children dancing, body to body, blood to blood, obeying the commands of the music. There, dreams were traded for a night of desire. It is the heart of Soucouyant’s empire-the opposite of Adrenaline City, and-unbeknownst to most—the portal to the depths of hell. The Club was rocking. Adrian was making his rounds keeping everything together. He was the one that Madame had entrusted with most of this work. For some reason she had found favour in him, and he had found favour in this life. This was a far cry from his Maloney beginnings. He was heir to an empire. At times Adrian wondered if he could wrestle all this from powerful jumbies like Madame and Mr Gahoor- A Ligahoo that had redefined himself as a powerful businessman. Gahoor hated Adrian and he always tried to get rid of him. Adrian was glad that Soucouyant had liked him or he swore that he may have been faced with the option of hitting the streets again-or even far worse, knowing Gahoor’s ‘bad mind’.

Candace called him; he stepped under the women that were dancing in the tubes, which hung from the massive ceiling. This was the lowest level of the Club and it was here that the vilest things occurred. Adrian had almost become accustomed to the sordid happenings of this region. Almost, he thought, as he watched prostitutes go at it in a far corner. Candace was still mute, the transformation from Madame having never left her system properly. She was essentially different at heart and Adrian cared for her as she did for him when he had first entered the crazy world of Madame. He kissed her on the forehead and they walked to another quieter part of the Club.

“Yuh good?” he asked her. She shook her head.

“Aaaahhh!” Adrian felt a pain in his head. Something was calling to him. Now it was Candace’s turn to be concerned. He shrugged it off and told her to meet him later; he kissed her, trying to hide the throbbing pain. She knew he was hurt but he gave her no opportunity to pry. He left quickly and headed for the roof. Candace turned around. A massive hand grabbed her and pulled her into a side room, her desperate screams inaudible.
A shadow spoke to Adrian as he stood on the rooftop trying to ease the pain in his head. It was one of the places Adrian would go to get his thoughts together.

“The power Maljo can do many wondrous things, Adrian. It is this which has brought me to you.”

“Who…who are you?” Adrian stammered.

“The face that no one must see,” was the shadow’s reply. “Don’t talk. I have an offer that you cannot refuse. I have here the gift of the night. It allows any human that possesses it to control the spirits of the underworld. I know you want dominion over this place as I know also that your place is here.”

His headache diminishing, Adrian looked at the figure that stepped into the light. He was about 15 feet tall and wore all white. He was well dressed in a suit and broad brimmed hat, which hid his face well.

“I am Moko. Don’t take me simple. What I say is, and that is all you need to know.

You children always have too many questions.” He paused and looked down over Adrian, towering over the young boy. Adrian had seen too much to be intimidated by this stranger easily, but he was cautious still.

“I have one question though,” Moko’s head tilted. “What is it with you Jumbie types and me?”

“Didn’t your parents teach you respect? You are among the Chosen. Your place is to someday maintain the balance between the good and the bad in this place.

Soucouyant threatens that everyday, and Papa Bois almost muck it up by having too many ‘good soldiers’. I have however dealt with that,” Moko answered almost angrily. “I come to you with the power Maljo which can only be wielded by one that is not of the undead. But it weakens the wearer. However there is a mask that would allow the user the chance to live whilst using Maljo. If you decide yes, then there is much to talk about. If no, then I will have to kill you now. Make your choice and do it quickly.”

“You really not giving me much of a choice I take it.” No answer came.

“I will buy this.” For the first time Adrian notice teeth forming in the obscure face.

“Listen well.”

“You know I really doh like that shitong, Midnite,” Keston said disgusted, as he packed his equipment. He had some DJ work to do that night.

“Look you still on he?” Kayla responded with a steups. “You have too much to worry about, like getting your act together for that Carnival Gig. Midnite is ah @$$, what you tying up your head with small matters so for.”

“I just have a problem with people lapping up all that crap, from one fake @$$ DJ, with even faker dreads, and all he know to do is to talk with all kind of slang.”

“Them time will dead soon you know, you just have to do your thing, because I sure as hell doing mine,” she said throwing a mike for Keston to pack.

Keston smiled, “I know I know, your album coming along nice, any takers yet?” he asked peering outside. “I think I hearing something.”

“Nah, but I may be hooking up with my cousins to try some rock gigs after carnival.”

Keston was by the door, “What is this? You never told me about this.”

“I know, ’cause I knew you would have told me…KES!” someone pulled Keston through the open door, Kayla ran outside only to wind up face to face with Tania.
Kayla instantly reached for the blue around her neck only for Tania to grab her hand. Blue smoke sizzled from her fist and she showed signs of slight pain.

“This is just a warning. Allyuh killed my baby, I eh taking that easily. Soon the mark that protects you will no longer have strength over us. As for this blue…”

Tania ripped it from Kayla’s neck. “It eh go do shit soon.” Kayla stood up, she wasn’t going to take this easily.

“Anytime you ready, my mother eh raise no punks, star!”

Tania just smiled and wagged her tongue at Keston. She called her crew—bigger bunch of douens was with her now—all looking more menacing than before. Both Keston and Kayla swallowed hard.

“Since when we were marked?” Keston asked Kayla

“You worried about that? I more concerned with when they come back. We have to find Rhonda,” she answered, looking at the smoking piece of blue on the ground.