[ WP ] There exist in this world instruments that only work by absorbing human souls . As they do , they become *stronger* , more pleasing to the ear . You are in a high school orchestra , surprisingly filled completely with these instruments .

I used to wonder the appeal of cults, scams, conmans, and the like. It might have taken me so long because I am still a teenager. But I realise it's all about power. People enjoy being feared and revered. They like feeling special, smart, talented, and phenomenal. Athletes push their bodies, directors try to create the perfect film, singers, the perfect song. For glory and respect. To have this title and be on this pedestal no one could reach. 
 
 I am the youngest of four, so I have always been competitive. I hate being babied. But I could n't beat my siblings. They were faster than me, smarter than me. And it did n't matter that they were older. I needed it. And then I found music. It is strange, because none of my family plays any instruments or really listens to music besides the top 40 radio. But one day during middle school, I heard the viola being played and I just knew. I needed it. 
 
 I was fairly good. 
 
 Good enough to be recruited by a local performing arts oriented high school. This week was my first one. Music was my first period. The band director suggested I sit in the back and observed the students. I knew the band director thought I had talent as he was the one I auditioned for. I sat in the back, somewhat smugly. 
 
 Then it began. 
 
 The string instruments were haunting with each stroke and pluck. Their hands were hypnotizing. Their bodies moved to the music intensely and their heads looked like they were almost seizing. The clarinet was an extension of herself, she stood while playing and her fingers appeared to move on their own, precisely. As the song ended, I stood up and walked out into the hallways. Most people have a physical reaction to music, but this was something else. 
 
 It was almost... sexual... but not quite. But I wanted it. Tears fled from my eyes. 
 
 The director walked out. 
 
 `` A common reaction for a new person.'' he assured me. `` Want to come back in?'' 
 `` Are you sure I passed the audition? I'm not nearly this good...'' I asked. 
 `` Do you want to be? It's a lot of work. Emotionally and physically.'' 
 `` More than anything. Music is the world to me'' I replied. 
 `` Then you'll be fine. Meet me after class'' 
 
 It was that day I learned that I received a new viola. One that sounded beautiful. But required work on my part. It required human souls. And it needed me to retrieve them. 
 
 TBC.
