The Dark Expanse - Astral Clash Series - Book 1

by Jack Hammond

  Luke crossed the street and cornered onto Alberta Terrace. He stopped as he saw Wesley outside his house over the roof of the silver car. He looked anxious, even scared. Luke stepped back into the shadows as he caught sight of the man from the Castle. Wesley had lied. His eyes widened as he realised it was the same person from the cafe, he was following Wes. No wonder he was acting the way he was, he was being stalked. Something else must be happening for him not to tell his parents. He took a moment to weigh up what he should do.

  As the man emerged from the alleyway Luke kept his distance but always within sight. He kept close to the walls, shop fronts and fences as he followed him down Nottingham Road. Luke wasn't certain he was doing the right thing. His mum and dad hadn’t seen him leave, if they discovered he was gone and called him, Luke would just say he was spending the night at Wesley’s as he’d done hundreds of times before.

  Nottingham Road was no different to any other at night, the street lights illuminating the pathways for the pedestrians. The houses sat back on each side, small concrete gardens between them and the road. Cars were still frequent even though the rush hour was long gone. The terraced houses were no longer sitting back; they leaned forward as the road narrowed. With no gardens or drives between the buildings and the road, the section ahead was almost claustrophobic.

  Luke kept his distance, continuing to stay close to the walls of the properties or the fences of the businesses. He was still asking himself why he was doing this, as it was above and beyond, even for him. After all, from how Wesley was acting surely this man was involved in something serious, possibly dangerous. Thankfully he didn’t appear to be paranoid; he wasn’t looking back over his shoulder to see if he was being followed.

  The road ahead opened out, Luke actually felt a touch safer. The crossroads led down into a busier area. A church on the corner, a gymnasium sat to his right, followed by a restaurant and pub, before a car showroom. His left had a well-known branded garage, their workers still hard at it, this late into the evening. A public house directly opposite another, both must be popular to be surviving in such close proximity and then a chain of fast food shops. The aroma from the fish and chip shop, kebab house and a chicken emporium drifted along the road.

  Luke reached the bottom of the street, to his right a huge superstore sat way back. The massive shop front lit up the car park in a haze of orange and brilliant white. He stopped at the traffic lights as the man ahead turned back. Luke had somehow anticipated it, sidestepping into a darkened street. He gingerly gazed around the wall, craning his neck. He had taken a diagonal path across the big intersection, quickly glancing left and right, Luke dashed across the road and continued his pursuit only for his journey to come to an end.

  The apartment complex was new, modern looking with grey window frames and red brick. Compared with the rest of its surrounding structures, it stood out like a sore thumb. He waited for a moment after watching the man enter the car park, Luke fiddled with his mobile in his pocket. Should he call Wesley, he asked himself. Phone him and tell him he had found where his stalker lived? He frowned and dismissed the idea, he hadn’t really found out anything. All he had done was follow a stranger along Nottingham Road, he needed more if he was going to help Wesley.

  Luke knew him well; they had been inseparable until this week. So how on earth had this guy cemented himself into Wesley’s life without Luke noticing and what had he got on Wesley, for him to refuse to tell his parents? Wes had admitted only this morning he had tried to become friends, what if they had got Wesley to do something illegal, perhaps this guy was the victim and he was getting his own back, a personal form of justice? No, he thought. Wesley was many things, but a sheep wasn’t one of them. He wouldn’t do anything stupid just because Darren asked. Wesley had gone through most of school being a non-popular. What would be the reason for him to suddenly change with only a few terms remaining? Luke hunched his shoulders. A single name could explain it all, it had to be Sadie.

  The stone doors rumbled open once again for him, the small crack allowing him to feel the noise, before the solid rock parted like inviting arms. The fighters pit was full, yet strangely sombre. An eerie silence gripped them all. A few people made eye contact before drawing their gaze away as if Wesley had some grotesque deformity they didn’t want to stare at. Sadie broke through the crowd and charged towards him. The purposeful look he'd seen that morning at school was undiminished with the passing of the day.

  “Don’t fight!” that was Sadie’s opening gambit. The truth was Wesley could have guessed that, it was either that or a tirade of abuse. Darren followed through the spaces Sadie had left between the contenders, arriving staunchly at her side.

  Wesley licked his lips, he had never noticed before but the pit was humid, heavy and actually uncomfortable. Then again, it may have just been this situation with Sadie, although this morning Darren had been a threat, the thought of physical violence was very real. Here, now, in this place he appeared less threatening. “Sorry, I’m fighting.”

  “Why? Why are you doing it?” Sadie remonstrated. “It’s not just a game.”

  “Yes, yes it is. That’s exactly what it is.” Wes replied. “I can beat him, just because you didn’t, doesn’t mean I can’t.”

  Darren turned his head in disgust at Wesley’s remarks. The way Wes was trivialising the Reaper clash as if it was nothing angered him.

  “He’s too strong. I couldn’t touch him. Neither could Darren.”

  Something popped into his head; he wanted to say it, but he knew he couldn’t it was too hurtful. Sadie was actually showing concern for his wellbeing, she was worried about him. Not just worried he might show her up if he wins, that’s what Darren feared.

  “I’m clashing him, I’m going to win and I’m sorry you don’t think I can,” Wesley replied choosing the far more diplomatic reply.

  “Please, don’t.”

  With a shake of his head he replied. “Sorry.”

  “Let him fight if he wants. Let him get hurt when he loses.” Darren scoffed in a derisory manner.

  “Thanks man, I’m glad you understand.” Wesley said sincerely, acting as if he understood.

  Darren whipped around; astounded he had misunderstood his comment.

  Wesley moved his way through the fighters, nobody thought he could win. But now Wesley had seen those pictures, he was filled with confidence. He looked longingly at the golden sand; his victory tonight would be a magnificent one, his best easily. He remembered the difference in his previous two battles, the sheer raw power he felt in the first and then his second clash against the lesser opponent. He had offered nothing but the cheers of the crowd, but tonight. The Reaper would surely be a bigger rush? He would require more, he closed his eyes taking a breath slowly savouring the upcoming feast of power.

  A slap on his back sent Wes jolting forward. He turned and saw Alwin, his face beaming with smugness. “Ready for the big fight?”

  “Yes,” Wesley replied.

  Alwin could see it and hear it in his response. Belief, “You know you will win don’t you?” he said.

  “Yes.” He smiled knowingly.

  “This will be good.” Alwin said as his fist pumped the air.

  Wesley looked at the colosseum sand. “It’s going to be glorious.”

  “Now that’s a word that doesn’t get used enough for my liking.” He mocked, “Along with swell, jeepers and crikey.”

  “I’m going to win.” Wesley laughed. The victory seemingly in the bag already.

  Sadie returned again in a vain hope of talking sense into Wesley. “Alex!” she said, obviously being serious she used his real name. “Tell him not to fight. Tell him he’s going to get hurt.”

  Alwin looked at her, then at Wesley before returning to Sadie. “Sorry, I can’t. He’s going to win.”

  “Don’t be stupid, no one here thinks that!” she snapped angrily. “Look around. No one’s even looking at him. They all know Grim’s going to win. If you keep filling him with
false hope you’re just as bad as Chris.”

  “It’s nothing to do with him.” Wesley interjected. “Or you for that matter!”

  Sadie reeled at his words. “I’m looking out for you.”

  “You didn’t seem overly concerned when I took on the ogre the other night.”

  “Red ogre Wes, he was red.” Alwin added as he leaned in. “Two loses, three wins.”

  Both Sadie and Wesley glared at him. He stepped back and held up his hands, “Sorry.”

  “I was mad, I’d lost my fight.”

  “Before that, you weren’t giving me any advice on who I should or shouldn’t fight. No you were too busy stroking Darren’s bruised ego because I won a fight.”

  “Is that what this is? You’re jealous of Darren?” she threw her hands up. “You need to grow up!”

  “I need to grow up? You’re the one that said we were friends. You said we back each other up. So far, only he has.” Wesley said pointing to Alwin.

  “Well it’s nice to get recognition for it, but I can’t…”

  “Shut up!” Sadie and Wesley said simultaneously.

  “Charming!” he said jokingly as if he was playing to a crowd.

  “I clash who I clash. If I win I win if I lose I lose.” Wesley said adamantly. “Either support me as a friend or don’t.”

  Sadie just looked at him, she wanted to scream. She wanted to slap him so hard it would knock some sense into him. “I wish I could change your mind.” She said honestly. “I really do.”

  “Why? He’s the one being dumb, let him get caned. Not our problem.” Darren sneered as he rejoined Sadie.

  “I don’t get why you two are so bothered about me. I’ve been at the same school as you for the last five or six years and neither one of you have even considered getting to know me,” he said. “Why? Because you two think you’re above people like me, well here, in this place, I’m above you.”

  Sadie and Darren gawped at each other.

  “Yeah, I said it. I’m better than you. It’s not wrong to say it because it’s the truth.” He looked at Alwin. “He knows how good I am, he has faith in me.”

  “I do, I have.” Alwin added quietly.

  The two of them stopped gawping at each other and just turned away, neither one willing to continue any kind of dialogue. Alwin stood next to Wesley as he watched the two walk away. “Well, there’s nothing like playing down your chances, Wes.” Alwin smiled. “I mean, modesty is a virtue, you may want to invest in.”

  “I know. I came across as a complete tool.” He admitted. “It just came out.”

  The clashes before Wesley’s awaited battle seemed to be of diminished interest, even to the contenders themselves. Chris had arrived with his brother Perry and the two of them sat in a dark corner of the pit. Still, people gave uncertain looks and gestures Wesley’s way. No matter, Wesley was beyond confident. The images he had seen depicted just what he needed to do, exactly what would be required, to take down Chris Grim.

  “Two more fights, Wes.” Alwin told him.

  “Yeah,” he replied. “Not long now.”

  “You’re going to win, don’t think you won’t. Focus on the positives.” Alwin coached, “Eye of the tiger, eye of the tiger.”

  Wesley laughed, “Are you kidding me? You’re giving me Survivor lyrics?”

  “Hey, it worked for Rocky. I can’t do Mickey’s voice, or I’d give you the speech before he fought Apollo Creed.”

  “You’re mad, seriously,” Wes said continuing to laugh.

  The looks from the other contenders had turned to curiosity, as they wondered what he could be laughing at, before a fight he would surely lose, not just lose, but be destroyed. What did they know? Wesley said to himself. They didn’t know he had an ace card up his sleeve, and he would use it to great effect.

  “Come on, Wes.” Alwin urged, “Rising up, back on the street.” He sang.

  “Stop it, I have to focus.” He couldn’t stop laughing.

  “Sorry. I just can’t get that song out my head. It just hypes me up!”

  The colosseum had fallen into a deathly silence as the last two contenders left the sand. The cheers had been replaced by a nervous quiet, as everyone awaited the announcement of Chris Grim’s Reaper, versus Wesley Finton’s Gladiator. Already moving to the doorway Wesley was anticipating something special. He stepped out onto the sand. His hammer appeared instantly, along with his shield and something else. It was a tingling sensation, starting in his legs at first, then his arms, before reaching his head. He felt dizzy as the arena spun. He staggered to one side struggling to stay on his feet. The crowd gasped before the Reaper had even entered the fray.

  Wesley managed to reach the wall, he could hear Alwin calling to him but he couldn’t understand what he was saying. Everything started to blur. Not just his vision but the sounds. What was going on? Across the arena he could make out the dark cloak of his opponent before dropping the hammer to the ground. Wesley pressed both his hands against the Corinthian rock, trying to steady himself. He squeezed his eyes shut as he tried frantically to fight off the intoxication that overwhelmed his senses.

  “What’s wrong with him?” Sadie asked Alwin.

  “I don’t know, he was fine a second ago.”

  “He’s realised he’s in for a world of hurt. It has just sunk in.”

  Alwin looked at him in disgust. “You’re very helpful, Daz.”

  “Not my fault you backed a donkey.”

  “Give it a rest Darren.” Sadie told him.

  “Wes, snap out of it!” Alwin shouted.

  Wesley could hear things coming into focus, the sounds were clearer, like they had been ramped up by THX. The dizziness subsided, opening his eyes; they bulged as he took in detail he had never noticed before. Whoa! He said silently in his head, it was like he was looking out in full HD. The colours were effervescent and brilliant.

  He felt taller, bigger, and stronger. No, it was more than strong. It was incredible; he could sense the waves of energy coursing through him like an electric conductor, surging with endless power. The shadowed figure announced the clashes start. Wesley reached down, his hand curling tightly around the leather grip. He sensed the tingling currents under his skin as he lifted his hammer. Turning to face his opponent he walked away from the arena wall. The apprehensive atmosphere within the crowd had been heightened, by Wesley’s poor entrance. He had reacted badly to the intensity of the power.

  “Echelon three… prepare!”

  Wesley gritted his teeth. His focus on the Reaper solid and steely.

  “Echelon eight… prepare!”

  The Reaper remained still, the hooded figure looking unimpressed.

  “Clash!”

  The sensation of the crowd moving forward as one surrounded the two fighters. Both stood over a hundred feet apart, neither making a move toward the other. Like two chess masters they sized each other up, waiting for a move to be played before they countered.

  Wesley’s whole body felt as if it was burning from inside, his skin was hypersensitive. The tiniest change in the air around him and he could sense it perfectly.

  “Come on, do something!” a single voice yelled, a titter of laughter trickled through the tiers.

  “Let’s begin!” Wesley hollered, raising his hammer aloft. Streams of burning light arced and bowed from the blazing weapon. Swirls of crackling energy snapped and burst above his head. Torrents of piercing yellows, oranges and vibrant reds channelled into the head of the hammer, until a flash erupted. The enormous fiery dragon that had taken the polar bear manifestation by surprise took form in the colosseum sky. The wings and tail scorched into life, the body blazed as the neck and head seared into being.

  Alwin stood open mouthed; the sheer intensity of the dragon was unbelievable. “That looks stronger than his last one!” he remarked.

  “A-huh,” was all Sadie could muster. The dragon’s inferno radiated pure power above Wesley’s head.

  Wes thrust the hammer forward and u
nleashed his glorious beast upon the Reaper. With no sign of concern Chris’ manifestation dropped the back end of the scythe into the sand, making his move he unknowingly played directly into the echelon three’s hands. The Reaper spun around creating his portal, the minute his focus left Wesley, it happened!

  The weapon pulsed with blazing fury, slamming it into the sand, the plume of golden grains burst into the air. A sudden rumble was followed by another and another. As Chris’ focus returned to his lower level opponent, the dragon was still drawing closer. The huge wings sweeping its smouldering form through the air. Another rumble, this one grabbing Chris’ attention. He couldn’t tell which direction it was coming from, the sand shimmered beneath his feet as he prepared to enter the void.

  A wave of disbelief crashed against the stands, the pit was aghast as a solid rock formation speared out of the ground. The dense structure punctured the Reapers lower body, sending him aimlessly and uncontrollably into the air. The crowd had found its voice as the granite spike connected with Chris Grim’s creation. A cheer shot up, increasing to a deafening boom, the arena in awe as the flaming dragon clamped its teeth into the Angel of Death in mid-air. The inferno of flames whirled around the dragon as it spun the victim furiously in its grip. Then vanishing, Death was hurled unceremoniously to the ground with a thud. The crowd were on their feet as the seemingly invincible Gladiator did the unfathomable.

  “He’s going to do it, isn’t he?” Sadie said spellbound.

  “I knew he'd win... but not like this.”

  Darren remained silent, his hopes of Wesley’s defeat fading with each passing second.

  The Reaper was traumatized, staggering at first he looked aimlessly for his scythe. His grip on the weapon had come loose when he was being whirled around in the jaws of Wesley’s monster. Chris saw it a few feet away and rushed toward it. He tried to compose himself before the next attack.