The Shadows appeared over the far horizon, double the number expected. They were all dark haired and olive skinned, complimentary to that of the Drum Majors or low brass, but with a more burnt appeal. In front were three figures, two males and a female. Reid's eyes fixated on their uniforms: black and gray cloaks and scraps, some parts familiar to the sections. He noticed many Clarinet leather boots and green, black-stained jackets; it made him uncomfortable. "They look like…"
"Like us," Lute said, now joining them. He patted Sal's shoulder and looked at the approaching renegades. "They look like us who walked out of the fire." Reid began to turn around. "No, don't go, Reid!"
"I can't do this. These traitors killed our parents years ago, and they're going to kill us!"
"Reid, that was a long time ago," Sal comforted, holding his friend with them. He glanced to Lute. "Don't get Ette just yet." The Shadows were getting closer, more intimidating. "I don't want her to be pressured to meet them." Reid rolled his bright green eyes. "You don't have an excuse," Sal ordered.
"I don't want to do this," Reid muttered.
"Neither do I!" The three turned to see Cornett approaching at a steady run. He lowered his cap and looked out to the coming brigade. "I have to. Don't worry, the band's warming up and doing fine without me." Sal and Reid smiled with relief. The four seniors were together again, as it had been before, always successful.
"Shouldn't we ask the others if they want to…"
"No," Lute said, facing the Shadows, mere yards away. "No, trust me. We're the ones these guys want to see." Cornett nodded seriously.
"Sou said it would be too much for her. Gliss didn't even bother to reply." They quieted and faced forward. The Shadows stopped only a few feet away. They could see the two male Drum Majors stepping forward. They were both tall, dark, and tainted. The Bandopian's clean, long features contrasted the Shadows' by all measures. The taller one stopped in front of Sal and saluted stiffly. He didn't smile while extending his hand.
"Sal?" he darkly greeted. Sal nodded and took his hand. It was icy cold in his grip, even through the Shadow's black gloves. "My name is Reb." Cornett looked to his companions. The next looked to Lute.
"My name is Art," he said, a little more warmly. Lute shook his hand quickly.
"Lute. This is Cornett and Reid, some of our top players." The two nodded in time. Sal gulped and coldly looked from Shadow to Shadow.
"I thought I saw three of you? Or, do you have enough talent for three Drum Majors." Reb glanced to Art, not sure how to take the comment. "Ours is rehearsing," Sal said, sarcastically comic. "She'll be here tomorrow."
"I'm here," a female voice said. Each set of eyes was on the shorter, slimmer figure in the middle. It was a female indeed, but her features were shockingly different. She was stunning, blue eyes and shoulder length blonde hair. Her gaze caught Reid first while he was off guard. He blinked, unsure of what to do. "My name is Harp," she introduced, not bothering with a hand. "If you wish to insult us, do it on the field." Reb and Art actually smirked, twisted and unappealing. "Where are your Great Ones? Or, do you call them for their real names now, your Dictators." Cornett's lip flattened.
"We need to go," Lute said, pulling Cornett back. "Don't mess up the field." They each looked over the rough, tawdry group before backing away. Reid still watched Harp's strange eyes. "Reid, let's go." He turned and left.
Reb nudged Harp's side, Art already facing the Shadow band. "We've only got a few hours on the field," he muttered. "Harp? Are you paying attention?" The junior jerked her eyes away from the lean, regal looking senior that had been so interested in her. She wished she remember his name.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm here. Let's go." The Shadows began to move around her. "He's a Clarinet," she uttered under her breath. "Like I was."