Aubrey cradled the unconscious Liza and hefted her up. Damn... this woman was light. Aubrey supported her with an arm. With her free limb, she strapped her guitar against her back and then carried Liza's violin case.

Carefully, Aubrey navigated the maze of alleyways and passages, taking a roundabout route back to the cathedral, wary of any lurkers and vagabonds. Luckily, her trip ended without further incidents, and Aubrey soon returned.

With a kick, Aubrey nudged the cathedral's entry doors. Cedric greeted her. "Welcome b—is that a woman you're carrying?"

"Yep. Mind helping?"

"Do I know her? Is she someone... important?" Cedric assisted Aubrey and took Liza from her arms.

"Nah. Found her unconscious somewhere. Thought to bring her back here. Help her recuperate. Where's Thaddy at? Let's stick her upstairs. Also... we should discuss forming a band. Tonight, actually. Have a discussion ASAP."

"Thaddeus is below," Cedric gestured with his stone chin. "Let's set her down first. Follow me."

The duo ascended the stairwell and deposited Liza on a couch by Aubrey's bed.

Aubrey arranged the violinist's case and set the instrument next to her.

"So... a band discussion?" Cedric prompted.

"Yep. Stay here. I'll get Thaddy."

Aubrey departed and descended the steps. She strode down the corridors and arrived at the catacombs. Soon, she reached Thaddeus' workspace. The chamber buzzed with the sounds of mechanical whirring and grinding.

Inside the dimly lit basement, the automaton tinkerer fiddled with his gadgets and contraptions. A soldering iron sizzled and sparked in his metallic digits.

Aubrey cleared her throat.

Thaddeus peered over his shoulder, his brass optics meeting her gaze. "Ms. Aubrey. Good eve. I trust your excursion was favorable?"

"Yep. Met a violinist. Saw her shred. Sounds awesome. Recruited her. Well... kinda. She's knocked unconscious and resting upstairs. Hey. Got a moment? Let's have a band discussion. Form our official roster."

Thaddeus extinguished the soldering tool and replaced it amongst his workbench. He retrieved his top hat and readjusted it. "Certainly."

"Cool. Follow me." Aubrey spun and padded upward.

Together, the duo ascended and arrived upstairs.

Cedric stood guard near the sleeping violinist.

"Ceddy. Move aside. She'll come to. Leave her some privacy."

"Understood." Cedric ambled away and took watch near the balcony.

Thaddeus analyzed the violinist, his optics shining with curiosity. "Peculiar. She has an Unhallowed taint. Though... unusual. Her affliction bears a different aura and signature."

"Yea. About her. We'll recruit her and add her to the band. Sound good?"

"Yes. A violinist would fortify our musical capabilities," Thaddeus adjusted his lapels and nodded approvingly. "Though... the matter of recruitment is not without reservations and conditions."

"Cool. We'll wake her and explain." Aubrey paced over and gently shook the sleeping Liza. "Yo. Wake up."

Liza mumbled and groaned.

"Hey. Wake up. You're safe. Nothing's wrong."

"Huh... Whaa—" Liza's eyes fluttered open.

Aubrey offered a winning smile and thumbs up. "Yo. Rise and shine. Welcome back to the land of the awake."

Liza shot upright and scanned her surroundings. The shadows that engulfed her flickered and pulsed. "Wh-where... what place is this?"

"A cathedral. I carried you here. Relax. Nothing bad will happen. Ceddy. Thaddy. Approach. Introduce yourselves."

Liza hugged her knees and cowered. The shadows around her intensified.

Aubrey didn't blame the violinist's alarm. A gargoyle and a steam automaton had an imposing presence.

"Relaaaax. They're friendly. Nice guys. Gentlemen. Right, guys?"

Cedric bowed. Thaddeus tipped his top hat.

"Introduce yourselves."

Cedric spoke first. "Salutations. I'm Cedric, the cathedral sentinel."

Thaddeus straightened, his mechanical joints whirring. "Thaddeus Vanholt. Tinkerer. Instrumental designer. Enchanter."

"See? Nice. Welcoming." Aubrey waved and introduced herself. "And I'm Aubrey. Frontwoman and guitarist. Eldritch rockstar. Lead vocalist and songwriter. Also... a banshee. Revenant. I'm an Unhallowed like you. Actually, would everyone here be considered Unhallowed?"

Cedric and Thaddeus affirmed the designation.

"Cool. So... everyone here's an Unhallow." Aubrey continued. "Anyhow. Here's the deal. I formed a band, a musical collective. We want you—Liza—to join. Be our violinist. What say you?"

"Join... a band?" Liza blinked.

"Yep. Join my band. Play music. Sing. Perform. Do concerts. Entertain. Make coin. Get famous. Rock and roll."

"Concerts..." Liza's eyes widened. Shadows leaked and leaked and leaked. Soon, the darkness engulfed her.

"Holy shit, woman. Calm down," Aubrey stepped back. "No need to freak."

"Musicals... live venues... fame... money...?" Liza's voice projected from the nebulous cloud.

"Yep. Concerts. Live events. Festivals. We'll eventually tour. Hit the road. Become famous. Make a name for ourselves. Fortune and glory and all that jazz. Interested?"

The shadows subsided and unveiled Liza. She clutched her violin case and trembled. Tears and droplets spilled from her emerald eyes.

"Really...?" Liza sobbed.

"Hell yeah," Aubrey placed a palm atop the violinist's shoulder. "We can support and help you. Provide safety. Security. Protection. Comfort. Whatever you need."

"Support..." Liza wiped her tears and sniffed.

"I must state that the path you've laid out would be perilous," Thaddeus chimed and adjusted his monocles. "Because we are Unhallowed, we lack the protections and societal privileges accorded regular beings.

Additionally... performing onstage and exhibiting our Unhallowess would incur the wrath and ire of the Cogsworn Order, along with other inquisitors and hunters. Our pursuits might invite calamity and danger. Are you prepared for such repercussions?"

"Absolutely. I can handle whatever bullshit that tries to stop us. Trust me. I'll wreck anyone who messes with the band." Aubrey grinned and puffed her chest.

Thaddeus glanced at Cedric, who shrugged and nodded.

"Very well. Your conviction emboldens confidence. Thus, we shall endeavor together." Thaddeus tipped his top hat.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Awesome. Glad we're unanimous." Aubrey pumped her fist. "So... band members. Cedric. Thaddy. Meet Liza. Violinist."

Aubrey furrowed her brows. A nagging feeling told her that she was forgetting something. Oh... right.

"Hey, Cedric... Do you know anything about music? Can you play an instrument?" Somehow, she had always assumed that he could. He did guard a cathedral devoted to music. Surely, he knew a thing or two?

Cedric inclined his stone chin, his expression thoughtful. "Alas, the duties of the cathedral and maintaining the grounds have left me little time for self-improvement. But I will happily learn an instrument if given the opportunity."

Thaddeus stroked his mechanical chin. "Perhaps an instrument that matches your unique physique and abilities would be the best choice. Something durable and sturdy. Perhaps a percussive device? Drums are a popular option."

Aubrey rubbed her chin. Thaddeus' idea held merit. Cedric could pound a mean kit and fill in a steady and dependable groove. Yeah. Aubrey liked that plan. But...

"I thought the drums were your thing, Thaddy?" Aubrey prodded. "That's how I found you, and I thought your beats were killer."

"While drums suit my abilities and dexterity due to my mechanical aptitude and proficiencies... perhaps expanding and diversifying our instrumental offerings would augment our versatility and musical range. Your skills in the guitar inspired me to venture beyond the percussion. I am in the process of crafting a bass guitar and experimenting with the instrument's tonality."

"Wow. Bass. Awesome idea." Aubrey liked the automaton tinkerer's ambition. "You're right. Why limit yourself? Go wild. Try everything. Craft instruments. Explore. Experiment. Variety's the spice of life."

"Exactly my sentiments," Thaddeus tipped his tophat.

"Cool. So drums and bass. Both covered. Violin. Check. My guitar and vocals. Four. Enough to perform."

Aubrey turned her gaze back to Liza, who sat quietly. "So... Liza. Any comments or concerns?"

The violinist remained silent, clutching her violin case.

"Speak your mind, Ms. Liza. Aubrey will not judge," Thaddeus encouraged.

Liza finally raised her emerald gaze and met Aubrey's crimson ones. "If... joining the band means I have a roof to sleep under... companions and friends... I would... I would love... to."

Damn, this girl's so adorable—as long as she's not sucking someone's soul out. Aubrey patted Liza's shoulder. "Great. Welcome aboard."

"But... I have to... kill sometimes." Liza's voice lowered. Shadows churned. "I... drain... people's essence... to survive."

"Same," Aubrey nonchalantly waved a palm. "Well, I eat their emotional highs, so it's not quite the same, but I get you. I've killed a bunch of people too. Happens. Shit happens. Whatever."

"Truly?" Liza's eyes widened.

"Yep. I have two goals in this life. The first is to make music and sing my heart out. Second... avenge my murder. Kill the four assholes that snuffed me. Until I accomplish those two missions—until I achieve my objectives—nothing will stand in my way.

If people try and prevent me... they're toast. So... Liza. Same with you. If someone's hassling you or hunting you or chasing you down... bring it. I'll annihilate them. Guaranteed. Cross my still-beating heart."

Liza met Aubrey's gaze. Then, the violinist burst into tears and embraced her, crying and sobbing.

Surprised, Aubrey stiffened and awkwardly patted the weeping Liza. "There, there... Girl... relax. Chill. Stop crying. Tears... they hurt my ears. So... please. Pull yourself together."

Liza stifled her sobs.

Aubrey guided her upright. "Listen. So. Welcome aboard. Glad you're in. Now... let's craft a contract. Promise and affirm shit. Commit to music. Swear the band oath."

"A... contract...?" Liza sniffled.

"Yep. Take a gander. A verbal oath."

Everyone gathered and huddled.

Aubrey adopted a solemn tone. "Let's swear. I... Aubrey. Promise to pursue and dedicate myself to music. Form this band. Create rocking tunes and blasting hits. Establish a legendary group. Become a household name. Bring the noise."

Everyone nodded and awaited Liza's oath.

"Me... too. I... Liza. Promise... to... pursue music. Form the band... create rocking tunes. Hits. Household name. Bring the... noise."

"Sweet," Aubrey beamed a radiant grin. "Now, swear and repeat after me."

Everyone recited the oath and concluded the band's founding ceremony.

"Welp. Now that that's done. Next. Band name. Suggestions?"

Liza shook her head. Cedric and Thaddeus responded in a similar fashion.

"Figures." Aubrey tapped her lower lip. Hmm... Ideas. I need ideas. Band names. Cool titles. Badass concepts. Concepts and motifs. Motifs. Eureka. Got it.

"Since we're Unhallowed... how about 'Unhallowed Harmony'? Because harmony's synonymous with music. Get it? Un-Hallowed. Harmony. See what I did there?"

Silence.

"It's a tongue twister," Aubrey defended her suggestion. "Also... hallowed's opposite of unhallowed. So... harmony's like... the antithesis and the opposite of unhallowed, right? Opposing forces. Music versus damnation and curse and evil and all that. Balancing forces. Yin and Yang."

Cedric's and Thaddeus's stony and mechanical visages showed no indication or opinion.

Aubrey sulked. Did no one get the clever pun?

"Unhallowed Harmony suits our circumstances and predicament. Indeed, harmony is the opposition and antithesis of Unhallowed. Apt description and depiction." Thaddeus' comment saved the day.

"Fuck yeah. I win the band naming contest." Aubrey pumped her fist. Sweet. Epic band title. Nice. Badass. Edgy.

"However, the Cogsworn will utilize every measure and implement in their efforts to eliminate us. Hunting an Unhallow will incite additional resources and endeavors. Hence, our group should avoid displaying or prominently broadcasting our association and link to the term Unhallowed," Thaddeus advised.

"Ah. True. Good point. But we'll already stick out like sore thumbs. Doesn't change much." Aubrey shrugged.

"Indeed," Cedric agreed.

"Thus Unhallowed Harmony it is." Aubrey finalized the band's title.

Liza tilted her head. "Unhallowed Harmony..."

"Yep. Cool. Finalized. Nailed. Confirmed." Aubrey's thoughts transitioned to the next topic. "Cool. Band's founded. Officially formed. Contract sworn. Name confirmed. Next agenda. Musical direction. Song themes."

"Music... direction?" Liza tentatively posed a query.

Out of all the things they could talk about, musical direction was the most crucial. The topic made or broke bands. Without a solid concept and theme... the band's songwriting and song-making suffered. Aubrey could attest to the value of having a concrete theme. Her old band—back from her punk rock days—suffered for a while because no one could agree on a style.

Sure, Aubrey performed and wrote several genres. Mostly punk, rock, and metal. However... Unhallowed Harmony had to have an edge.

It wasn't a stretch to assume that the musical scene of this place was probably conservative and stuffy. Aubrey wasn't an expert on music history and theory—despite her former life as a musician—but she understood the ebbs and flows and trends and dynamics of genres.

Considering Mordenstradt's Victorian-esque aesthetics... the local musical sphere would probably follow historical precedents of that era. Opera. Classical. Baroque. Etcetera. Stuffy. Stale. Dull. Conservative. Aubrey had experienced enough classical concerts, performances, and shows to last her a lifetime.

This place needed a palette cleanser.

Moreover, the band's theme would impact the instrument choices. Drums, Bass, and Violin suited the early rock genre. But would adding an electric guitar skew their sound?

It shouldn't. Thaddeus had mentioned the world's mechanical advancements and innovations. Aubrey recalled seeing steam-powered trams and clockwork-driven automatons. If an industrial revolution had occurred... an electrified sound shouldn't throw this society off its rockers.

Besides, people at the tavern had reacted positively and enthusiastically to Aubrey's guitar riffs. If locals had positive opinions...

Yeah. Electric guitar's a yes.

Guitar would anchor and establish a foundation for their sound. Violin and Drums could supplement. Add texture and layers. Thaddeus' mechanical precision would nail and deliver tight and groovy bass lines. Perfect.

Hmm... Aubrey wondered if a keyboard would complement their style and setup. Synths would add lush and depth. Enhance dimension. Color and shade the tracks. Yeah. Keyboards should fit their sonic formula. But they didn't need one right away. Maybe later. Future addition.

Overall, Aubrey visualized their sound and aesthetic. Dark. Groovy. Gritty. Raw. Moody. A touch of darkness and edge. But not overwhelming. Enough to grab and hook the listeners. Keep them glued and invested.

Which begged the question. What new genre should she introduce and pioneer?

Hmm... Aubrey's knowledge of music history lacked extensive depth and comprehension. She had dabbled and experimented with a myriad of styles. Indie, folk, rap, pop, rock, ballads, metal, punk, and grunge. Most audiences enjoyed her vocal stylings and appreciated her diversity.

So... what genre should she adopt?

Aubrey weighed and ruminated. Rock. She'd start there. Judging by the tavern's response, her renditions had received a warm reception. People appreciated her interpretations.

Additionally... rock aligned with her tastes and preferences. Heavy distortion. Growls. High-pitched screams. Rapid strums. Fast and fluid. Headbanging. Aerosolizing sweat.

She could spice it up with a bit of punk. People living in the Gallows Row probably identified with punk's anti-establishment anthems and messages. Throw a pinch of metal. Speed up the tempo. Crank the distortion. Sprinkle liberal amounts of grinds and gravel in the vocals.

Oh! Aubrey had it. Industrial.

Industrial rock.

Yeah. It would probably vibe well with the culture in Gallows Row and Ironworks. Industry and factory work seemed to attract exploitation and abuse. Having an outlet and channel for that pent-up energy and aggression made sense.

Combine aspects of the past with modern sensibilities and the present. Classic meets cutting edge. Traditional meets innovation. Organic substance with synthetic influences.

Plus, industrial rhythms would suit the steam-powered and mechanized technology prevalent throughout Mordenstradt. Aubrey envisioned her and the band shredding on an elevated stage, mechanical pistons and cylinders belching smoke and smog, sparks flying, steam hissing.

Yeah. Industrial rock's the way to go. We can start with that. Aubrey finalized her band's musical direction.

"I vote industrial rock," Aubrey declared.

No responses.

"Industrial rock. Opinions?"

"Ms. Aubrey," Thaddeus cocked his top hat. "To clarify. Define 'industrial rock'."

A wide grin blossomed on Aubrey's countenance. Time to educate the masses and enlighten the misinformed.