Chapter 3 - Ultra-violet is a Wicked Spell
Darren reclined in his chair and watched Daniel fidget. Planes didn't make Daniel nervous but trusting his precious guitars to the cargo compartment did.
"Come on, come on, " he was muttering "what's the hold-up? Was the trip supposed to be this long? They must be going slowly on purpose!" Darren chuckled before pulling out his discman and slipping in some Sarah Mclachlan. He put on the earphones and pressed 'play', trying to drown Daniel out.
They were headed back to New York; Darren's favourite city. But this time, Darren was having a hard time mustering any enthusiasm.
I never thought I'd ever get bored with New York the singer wryly thought, gazing out the plane window. But the thought of the huge buildings and bright lights didn't bring feelings of excitement, Darren merely felt reluctant. He yawned and decided to take a nap, maybe he would feel more cheerful after it. Soon he was dozing quietly...
..Darren and Daniel were enjoying themselves at this party. The dark-haired lad was idly sipping a glass of champagne, watching Daniel gulp down a beer as he continued an intense discussion with a fellow musician. Something about guitars, Darren heard with amusement. Then something caught his eye and Darren found himself staring at the full moon glaring through a nearby window. He looked at it for a moment, puzzled by its sudden brightness, then he felt a fierce pain rip through him. Darren cried out in confusion and fear as another and another tormenting spasm wracked his body. He doubled over and fell to the plush, cream-colored carpet. Soon Darren was filled with agony, his anguished screams causing the guests to mill about uncertainly.
A concerned Daniel ran over to Darren, whose muscles felt like they were melting. The moonlight was like a surgical laser, cutting and reshaping his body without mercy. Darren opened his eyes and looked, in horror, at his hands which were now twisted into something paw-like and were covered with thick, black fur. When he flexed his 'hands', he could see that his nails had been replaced by wicked-looking claws. As he raised his head, the guests gave a collective gasp and began backing away. Darren was confused until he caught sight of his shadow, he could tell his face was more lupine than human. He could see the fear in Daniel's eyes, but the guitarist bravely stood his ground.
"Darren?" he said tentatively "Are you alright?" Darren was so grateful that his friend hadn't deserted him. But the cruel moon wasn't done yet, he could feel the beams searing his mind, crushing his thoughts and leaving only mindless anger in it's wake. An intense hatred that wiped out the humanity in Darren's still-human eyes. He uttered a blood-curdling growl, his lips curling into a snarl that revealed rows of dagger-sharp teeth. People screamed and bolted for every exit while Daniel vainly tried to back away. Darren crouched then sprung, knocking Daniel down and pinning the guitarist's shoulder to the floor with iron-strong claws that cruelly pierced the shirt and skin.
"D-Darren?? Stop, please!" Daniel stammered, his voice shaking with fright. But the moonlight's torment made Darren oblivious and he merely paused long enough to snarl horribly down at Daniel before he sank his teeth into the soft flesh of Daniel's throat. Blood began bubbling down the guitarist's neck, Daniel screamed in pure agony and terror, trying to break free. And, somewhere in the depths of his own mind, Darren was screaming along with him...