Meet The Harmonists

Chapter Ten: Welcome To The Beat

Dressing for a service at The Cathedral was a special kind of ritual. Both Callix and Ajax needed their separate spaces for transformation in order to prepare. Ajax’s dressing room was somewhat small, a counter set into the wall was placed in front front of a stained glass window. A mirror lay atop the counter encrusted in an azure frame, a copy of the Sight was propped up against the corner along with a picture of the Beat that he would pray to before beginning the ritual. A speaker sat at the back of the counter, and candles were placed carefully around the room, the first steps in the ritual.

In the draws sitting underneath the counter, were pots of colour, brushes and tools to paint one’s face in a humble act of worship to the Beat. Behind the desk was a large wardrobe and chest of drawers that contained Ajax’s worship attire, in an array of beautiful shades. Many devotees would become entranced by Ajax and Callix’s apparel after taking Treble, as it enhanced the vibrant threads with which their clothes were made. On top of the chest of drawers were jewellery boxes, in which you could find an assortment of decorative treasure.

Callix’s dressing room was an entirely different spectacle. Rich shades of purple decorated the larger space, with full length mirrors that refracted the multicoloured light around the room so it danced on the walls. Speakers had been built into the ceilings so that the rhythm of the music pounded against the walls, allowing Callix to be consumed by the Beat whilst they transformed into the preacher devotees desperately needed.

A copy of the Sight was open on a golden book stand, and Callix would flick through the pages until they were called to a specific verse, they would then read this aloud and begin the ritual. Lanterns were placed about the room, and each one produced a flame of a different colour, the divine concoction of shadow and light spilling out of the door way and coating the whole Cathedral in a mesmerising glow.

Similar to Ajax, their wardrobe was magnificent and quite literally dazzled with it’s many sparkling pieces. Pots of make up lay scattered around the shelves, and jewellery could be found hanging in the most curious of places.

It was 6 pm on Saturday the 17th of September, and both Callix and Ajax were retiring to their dressing rooms to prepare for the 8 pm service. Ajax lights the candles around his room, murmuring quietly in prayer to himself, before turning to the speaker and choosing a piece of music to fill the room.

The thudding bass beat echoes down the hallway as Ajax closes his eyes in devotion, quietly praying for a wonderful service that would really speak to the people who needed it most.

Across The Cathedral, Callix is dimming the lights in their dressing room and lighting the lanterns with a very long match, whilst the music slowly pours out of the speakers above them. Callix burns some incense and waves it across the room, purifying it before they begin their ritual to the Beat.

A satin robe hangs loosely about their frame as they run their fingertips over the different items of clothing that they could use to alchemize with tonight. Whenever in doubt about how to present, Callix would turn to the Sight, as they did today. Callix clears their throat, inhaling deeply and lowering their gaze to the words upon the page. 

THE DANCE

CHAPTER THREE

VERSE FIVE

‘If ever in doubt about the power of the Dance,

One only needs to concern themselves

with the personal nature of the rhythm

how it fluctuates within the bloodstream

and how it manifests in the soul.

Then thou shalt know the potency

the Dance doth carry

and thou shalt remember that

before the Beat we are stripped

of all that makes us what we are

and what we are left with

is the purity of the music.’

Smiling to themselves, Callix slinks over to their Wardrobe, pulling out a glittering golden jacket and an emerald cropped sleeveless blouse. Choosing the matching trousers to the jacket and a pair of green heeled shoes, Callix smiles and hangs them up in front of the mirror before seating themselves in front of the vanity table and preparing to create a masterpiece on their face.

Callix’s long fingers dance over the different pots of colour on the table. Snatching bronze, gold, green and blue off the table, their dextrous hands begin to work on spiralling designs that cover their cheeks and brow bones. Patting shimmering powder across their cheekbones, Callix darts about the room, looking for pots of cream colour to adorn their eyelids and lips. After gathering all the necessary colours for the palette that will grace this evening’s service, Callix draws intricate shapes down their jaw and neck.

Smiling proudly at the finished masterpiece, Callix removes their robe and changes into the outfit they have prepared for this evening. Scouring through their collection of jewellery, the chimes are heard from the clock-tower. Booming chimes that reverberate through the city streets. Callix counts the chimes in their head, smiling as 7 pm has finally landed, and curfew has begun, which meant the Harmonists could come out and play.

Ajax is dressed in a dark amber material that covers his shoulders and arms, but falls only to his chest. His chest and abdomen are covered with tattoos and glimmering paint that twinkle under the lights. Loose navy billowing trousers flow down his legs and brown boots that cuff just over his ankle compliment the rings adorning his fingers, chain hanging from his left ear and studs in his left eyebrow. He lowers his head, praying one final time before the service and blows out the candles, swiftly leaving the room and making his way to the Main Hall.

In a similar vein, Callix extinguishes their lanterns and looks up towards the ceiling, silently asking for strength from the Beat. Striding to the Main Hall, they meet Ajax who is testing the speakers for sound clarity.

“You look marvellous.” Callix exclaims joyfully and Ajax’s lip twitches.

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

Callix chuckles at this, slowly ascending the steps that lead up to the raised stage on which Callix’s throne is placed, along with a lectern where Callix would read passages from the original copy of the Sight that is locked in a glass case in the back room.

Lights pulse in different colours as Ajax makes sure they’re set to Callix’s preferred rotation. Callix beams as they look over the Main Hall, a grand open space where the main services were held. Artwork hung over the walls, streaming twists of fabric spiralled down from the ceiling and plush cushions lined the sides, for when tired devotees needed a rest from worshipping. There were no chairs on the wooden floor, and Callix would fondly look over the scuff and scratch marks from where people had danced over the past twelve years.

Reminiscing is cut short as three loud knocks are heard from the front doors, and Callix’s eyes dart to the entrance.

“Shall I let her in? Or would you rather?” Ajax asks his leader and Callix smirks.

“Let her in, and bring her to me.” Callix commands, watching Ajax walk to the front door as they take their seat in the throne.

The throne was purple and gold, and although Callix was only supposed to sit in this during services, occasionally they enjoyed receiving guests here. Ajax re-enters with Faye behind him, and waves his hand towards the throne. Faye clenches her jaw in irritation, she always hated that Callix insisted on sitting in that stupid throne whenever she brought the Harmonist supply.

Grunting in frustration, Faye walks up the steps and stands some feet from Callix. “I’ve brought the supply for this week.” 

Callix rolls their neck, stretching out their back as they watch Faye become gradually more disgruntled with every passing second that does not have a response. “My dear Faye, how is my second favourite Rifter?”

“It was two cases, yes?” Faye confirms and Callix examines her, intrigued.

“Yes, it was. So eager to carry on with the business.”

“Well, I have other deliveries to make.” Faye explains, although in truth she would rather speak to Valdair than Callix.

Callix extends a hand elegantly, palm skyward. “May I see the merchandise?” They murmur quietly and Faye removes her backpack, unzipping the central pocket.

She produces two wooden boxes, and Callix holds out both of their hands, fingertips eagerly stretching to touch the cases. Faye places them cautiously in Callix’s hands who sighs contently, carefully opening the first case and lifting up a vial of silver liquid.

“Ajax, light.” Callix calls out, and shortly afterwards a bright shining light falls on their hand.

Callix twists the vial in the light, watching the liquid spiral in a mesmerising view. Repeating the same process with the other seven vials, Callix nods agreeably and hands the first case to Ajax who proceeds to the back room whilst Callix inspects the second case.

“These are beautiful, truly magnificent. Have you altered your process of creation?”

Faye shakes her head. “Not that I’m aware, just got more adept I suppose.”

Callix closes the second case, placing it on the shelf underneath the lectern. “How much today?” Callix inquires as Ajax returns with Callix’s zyte and the original copy of the Sight, he hands the former to Callix and places the latter on the lectern.

“One thousand six hundred.” Faye responds and Ajax scowls.

“Last week it was just over a thousand.” He interjects cynically.

Faye regards him with an icy stare. “Times are hard.”

“They are indeed, and I am content with the price.” Callix unlocks their zyte, inputting the final sum before presenting the zyte to Faye who meets it with her wrist.

The robotic voice announces that the transaction has been completed and Faye slings her backpack over her shoulders.

“Thank you for your custom.” Faye states neutrally, and Callix rests their chin in their hand.

“Would your Rifters want to come to one of our services some time? We wouldn’t charge an entry fee for you.” Callix muses and Faye attempts to conceal her repulsion.

“Faith isn’t really our thing, plus I don’t think K-, I don’t think our Guild Leader would like it.” 

Callix’s jaw tenses. “How is Kai? I haven’t seen him for some time.”

Faye meets Callix’s eyes, aware of the intense animosity between Kai and Callix. It had begun with the founding of the Rifters, in the 26th era. This was when Kai had discovered how to make Treble and Bass in a better way, they’d always been around in Night-Wing, but Kai was the first one to truly turn the two substances into a business model.

Naturally, the Harmonists were and still remain Kai’s biggest client. Kai had formed a sort of friendship with Callix at the time, even attending some of their services. But after an argument about Callix’s intentions, Kai had left the Cathedral and never returned. He always assigned Cathedral drops to Faye or Jayed, refusing to enter that ‘hall of fucking looneys’ as he referred to it.

“He’s alright, a bit stressed I think-”

“A natural component of leadership.” Callix interrupts and Faye narrows her eyes at the Harmonist Leader.

“Perhaps. I need to head off or I’ll fall behind schedule. I’ll see you in a week.” Faye descends the steps, marching out of The Cathedral without a word to Ajax.

“Bring some manners next time!” Ajax yells after her and the front door slams shut.

“Oh calm down Ajax, she’s not going to modify her temperament anytime soon.”

“Maybe we should pray for divine intervention.” 

Callix roars with laughter. “I’m not sure if even the Beat could perform a miracle of that kind. What time is it?”

“Seven forty, we’ll have people arriving soon, so I’ll go and stand on the door. Would you like music as they enter, or wait until after the reading?”

Callix ponders this for a few seconds. “Let’s have silence to start with, there’s quite a few newcomers today I believe. I don’t want to overwhelm them.” 

Ajax nods and goes to move towards the entrance, but hesitates. “What is the entry fee today?”

“Let’s put it at twenty zarries, if they’re a newcomer they can pay ten.” Callix clicks their tongue thoughtfully and Ajax walks away.

Callix closes their eyes, tilting their head back and relaxing into the throne as they await the sound of their devotees. Several minutes pass, and slowly the commotion of voices spills through from the corridor outside the Main Hall, nervous whispering from first timers and eager chattering from seasoned Harmonists.

Callix opens their eyes at one minute to eight, and counts down the seconds until the devotees spill into the Main Hall. Lights begin to flicker over the room and Callix feels a wave of power wash through them, calmly, they count down from ten and when they reach one, the doors to the Main Hall burst open and hundreds run through. They look up in awe at Callix who glimmers down at them, waiting until Ajax has closed the door, Callix rises and walks towards the lectern, taking in the congregation.

“Good Evening all!” 

“Good Evening Callix.” The voices chant and Callix grins.

“Thank you for joining us at this week’s Harmonist service. Whether this is your first time or you have been with me since the beginning, please know that the Cathedral welcomes all. We do not expect you to be a converted Harmonist when you leave this building, but if you will allow yourselves to trust me, then I would like to take you on a journey tonight. Surrender to the mighty power of the Beat, and feel the music within you.” 

A chorus of gasps and cheers erupts from the crowd, and Callix raises their hands to their lips, overwhelmed with emotion. 

“I would like to first extend my thanks to Ajax, he is the soul of The Cathedral and without him we would not be able to hold these services. So please join me in showing him gratitude.”

Callix and the devotees clap loudly, whistling and cheering for Ajax who loathes this part of the service. He loved serving the Beat but did not like to be in the spotlight whatsoever. Nonetheless, he bows his head thankfully and Callix’s lips curve up into an impish grin.

“Now, before we begin the service. I would like to read a passage from the Sight. Today, when I was preparing for this evening, I was experiencing feelings of doubt. I often wonder if I am the best Leader for you all, am I teaching the correct messages, am I leading my people in the best way I can? Well, this particular verse spoke to me, and if you’d like to join, please lift your arms to the sky.”

Many devotees do, hands outstretched and chests turned upwards. Newcomers gaze around nervously, unsure of what is about to happen, but feeling a sense of serenity from Callix’s voice. Callix’s voice was immeasurably pleasant to listen to, ready to inspire when needed or scold when required.

Callix clears their throat, and begins to speak. “From the book of the Dance, chapter three, verse five. ‘If ever in doubt about the power of the Dance, one only needs to concern themselves with the personal nature of the rhythm, how it fluctuates within the bloodstream, and how it manifests in the soul. Then thou shalt know the potency the Dance doth carry, and thou shalt remember that before the Beat we are stripped of all that makes us what we are and what we are left with is the purity of the music.’ T‘his is the rhythm of the Sight. We praise the Beat.” The final sentence is spoken in unison with some of the seasoned Harmonists.

Callix continues, practically glowing with admiration. “I hope these words speak to the many of you who are here this evening. They reminded me how we cannot pretend in front of the Beat, we can only offer the core of ourselves and know that no matter what we will be accepted with love if we can also love in return.”

There’s a chorus of approving noises and Callix raises their hands so that their palms are facing the crowd. “Tonight, let the music flow through us, let the rhythm strip away everything that is not of you, and let us Dance freely, unarmoured, exactly as we are.”

Cheers erupt from the crowd and Callix looks over at Ajax who hovers over the play switch. The devotees drink up Callix’s form as though they are parched of faith and only Callix has the ability to quench their thirst. The first note of the music rings throughout the room and the devotees gasp, feeling it hum through their bodies. Callix’s leans closer to the microphone, and the devotees eyes are glued to them.

“Welcome to the Beat.” Callix announces.

Music booms out of the speakers, erupting in rhythmic trance as lights dance across the bodies that begin writhing and twisting in response to the sounds. Callix walks across the stage slowly taking their seat as they drink in the vision that is the worship. It could almost be a painting, a mesmerising combination of colour and movement that is impossible to watch joylessly.

Ajax brings over a glass of red liquid and hands it to Callix who drinks deeply from it, Ajax bends down to whisper in their ear.

“Are you planning on using the treble tonight?”

“There’s a case under the lectern. We’ll begin handing it out in the next half an hour.”

“Where do you plan on taking them?”

Callix presses their palm to Ajax’s cheek fondly. “Wherever the Beat commands.”

The two smile warmly at each other and Ajax returns to his post by the sound decks. After half an hour of worship has commenced, Callix returns to the lectern, taking out a single vial of treble and holding it up so that the light bounces off it and amongst the devotees. Dancing slows as they all move in unison, hands outstretched, sweat trickling down their bodies, curving and jolting in time with the music.

“I hold in my hand the conduit of the Beat, and this is how we shall begin our journey. If you would like to venture with us, please come to the throne.” Callix begins pouring the vials into a bowl, and with a golden cloth over their shoulder, returns to the top of the steps which is already lined with voracious devotees.

Callix beckons the first devotee of the queue up, who kneels before Callix as Callix places their hand on top of their head, murmuring words of prayer. The devotee rises, and Callix places a pipette into the bowl, extracting some of the treble and squeezing one drop into each of the devotee’s eyes. Callix wipes the treble that spills down the devotee’s cheeks and smiles at them, gesturing for the next devotee to join them.

The process continues for quite some time as Callix ensures that each devotee who wants treble has received it. After giving the final devotee the drops of treble, Callix returns to the lectern and administers themselves treble also.

Then, Callix waits. Waits for the familiar warmth to bloom in their irises, before rushing through their bloodstream and making them feel as though they are walking on cushions of air. Callix’s eyes open, their irises now silver as their vision swims in front of them, slowly transmuting into a lush forest. 

“Can you see it? Who walks in the forest with me?” Callix asks, and many respond with shouts of confirmation.

Indeed they do walk with Callix, many of them appearing in Callix’s vision as Callix touches the shoulder of each one. “Follow me, let us see exactly what the Beat wants to show us.” 

Callix glides ahead of the devotees, walking past rushing pools of water and boughs laden with fruit and flowers. The forest glistens with golden beams of sunshine, and a gentle breeze brushes through the trees. Callix continues down the path, entering a large clearing with a marble statue in it’s centre. Callix approaches the statue, pressing their hands to the cool marble and inspecting it meticulously. The statue shows the figure of a man clothed in riches, treasures lie at his feet as extravagant fabric runs through his fingers. Callix turns to look down at the devotees who are patiently waiting for Callix’s teaching.

“I think the Beat wants to remind us of the richness it brings into our lives. Without the Beat we are in poverty, starving for faith, craving something that will make us feel alive again. Only the Beat can provide this for us.”

Callix holds up a finger, entirely commanding the attention of the crowd. “No matter where we come from, what material possessions we own, the Beat will give us all and more when we reach the plains of Harmony. For only there are we in paradise, only there are we at our most content. But we must continue to serve the Beat whilst we walk this earth, we must continue to worship the music and…” Callix trails off as they hear a rumbling, the ground beginning to shake in front of them.

Callix looks down to see a crack forming in the earth, that splits up through the middle of the statue and runs all the way into the depths of the forest. Clouds cover the clearing, golden sunshine rapidly disappearing from the vision and Callix hurries back down the steps, looking up at the statue in concern. The rumbling stops. Callix exhales a sigh of relief.

Then a loud crack echoes through the forest, and a thick black liquid pours out of the eyes of the statue, rolling down onto the floor and expelling a putrid stench. Callix wide-eyed turns to their devotees. “Quickly! Back to the Main Hall.” They begin running through the forest, as the thick black liquid continues to spill out of the statue, chasing after the Harmonists.

Callix reaches the point where they entered the vision, and looks around wildly, usually this allowed them to enter back into their actual surroundings. The liquid is rising, covering the trees and swirling towards the Harmonists. Callix calls out for Ajax, for the Beat, for anyone to save them. The vision abruptly ends and Callix looks up to see Ajax shaking their shoulders.

“Cal, what happened?” Ajax shouts at them and Callix shakes off the vision, pushing Ajax’s hands off them.

“I’m not sure. I couldn’t get out of the vision, I had no control.” 

Ajax exhales shakily, and looks at the devotees who’ve taken treble who are clutching their chests as they sit on the plush cushions, surrounded by sober devotees who are bringing them water.

“Cal, you need to take command of the room, or you’ll lose them.” Ajax warns, Callix nods and takes a sip from their glass.

Strength returning, they clutch the sides of the lectern for stability and speak into the microphone. “Devotees!” The crowds heads whip in the direction of Callix. “Fear not, the Beat’s power is immense and it saved us this evening! We must give thanks!” 

A pause, then an eruption of cheers. Callix silently thanks the Beat for the fragility of the devotee minds before them, and ushers the crowd to be silent.

“To thank the Beat for saving us, let us continue in our worship this evening. Let the music flow through you, remember the reading, the power of the dance is incomprehensible.”

Swiftly, the dancing begins again and bodies ricochet off one another as people begin to dance in pairs and large groups. Callix wipes their brow with the cloth, looking over at Ajax gratefully. Surveying the crowd, Callix is stopped as they spot a familiar person at the very back, who must have slipped in whilst the vision was taking place. Valdair.

Callix exits from a door on the side of the stage, and heads into a small side room where their bass is kept. A few moments later, the door swings open and Valdair closes it behind him hurriedly.

“That was some vision.” He taunts.

Callix scoffs at him. “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Dangling a paper bag in front of Valdair’s face, Callix watches as he begins salivating, body shaking with withdrawal symptoms.

“Please Callix, I’ve not had a hit for thirty six hours.”

“That’s your fault for not stocking up.” Callix’s words slither out of their mouth in a manipulative chain that locks around Valdair’s neck.

“Callix, I beg you.” 

“Mm, beg me then.” Callix looks at Valdair, who without a second thought drops to his knees, hands above his head.

“Callix. Please.” His breath shaking and Callix crouches down, lips brushing Valdair’s ears.

“Ask me one more time.”

He meets their eyes despondently. “Callix, I implore you, please give me the bass.”

Callix smirks, and drops the bag in Valdair’s hand. “I trust you’ve already paid Ajax.” 

He nods, rising to his feet.

“Good. Well off with you, I wouldn’t want the CODERS missing their fearsome leader for too long now, would I?” Callix purrs at him, Valdair manages to smirk back before closing the door behind him.

As Callix returns to the Main Hall, Valdair heads for the side exit that Callix had shown him some years ago. Treading carefully down the hallway, Valdair lifts out a patch of bass, pushing it under his tongue and wincing as the metallic twang of blood coats his tongue. Sighing with relief, he puts the bag in his jacket pocket, and looks up to see none other than Skell.

The two stare at each other in pure shock. Both aware that they’re committing illegal activity. Skell attending a service, when he’s from a dissonant organisation that the CODERS are trying to take down, Valdair taking bass, the very thing the Government are trying to outlaw. Caught in a deadly snare, the two part ways quickly, each wondering who will escape and who will be punished.