Marcus Hennley watched as the city of Boston passed him by outside the window of the yellow cab he was presently sitting in. He had never been to this part of the United States and was interested in exploring the city. But, first he had attended ten band auditions. It wasn't until the last band he had met with that he found a new band home.
The group ReAmped played mainly weddings, festivals, and parties. They played popular music, but wanted to expand their possibilities. Therefore, they actually asked Marcus what he could do. He played the drums and piano, sang, played bass, mixed music on his turn tables, then kicked into what he was actually competitively known for, which was the electric guitar. The group made up of a girl and guy lead vocals, bass guitarist, and drummer was shocked.
"Dude, who are you," the lead male vocalist Devin asked.
"If you are well connected you most likely know me under the name, Batman."
"Holy shit! You are the guitarist known as Batman?"
Marcus took off his shirt. Down one arm was Batman, the comic character, crouching on a building tattooed on his skin. Under that tattoo on the inside of his forearm was Batgirl and Robin. The other arm sported a mural of batman enemies including Poison Ivy, Penguin, Scarecrow, Mr.Freeze, Joker, and Harley Quinn. He turned around to show off bat wings starting at his shoulder blades then wrapping around his sides to the front that crossed underneath his belly button and ending right above his groin. On his lower back was the batman symbol and written underneath was the words THE DARK KNIGHT.
Marcus was built like a muscled swimmer. He was six feet tall, black hair that was long on the sides but spiky on top and had brown eyes. He preferred wearing his skater sneakers, baggy jeans, a black belt with a belt buckle of the Batman symbol and tight shirts when playing his guitar. Otherwise, he usually wore jeans, a button down shirt, a black belt and black Doc Martins. He put his green long-sleeved shirt back on.
"Those are why they call me Batman. I still have plans for tattoos on my legs but haven't gone there because I am not ready to keep my legs shaved."
"Wow, they are awesome. Well, you are really what we are looking for," Devin looked at his other band mates who all nodded their heads. "If you like, we would love to have you join us. We practice almost every night, expect the nights we have a gig. We can go over more information tomorrow night if you decide on us. We have a party in two days. I know it's a time crunch but we can work with you on the song list."
"I most definitely feel more comfortable with you guys than the other bands I have auditioned with. So, yes, I will play with your band."
The group had smiled at Marcus and welcomed him with open arms. They actually had convinced him to play a couple of songs with them before hailing the cab he was currently in heading to where his godparents worked, and lived, at the Marsden Estate a half hour outside of Boston.
His godmother, Molly, had sent him money to pay for the cab fare. Not as if he needed the money. He was actually fairly rich, and not just because of his acclaim as a guitarist. Being a five hundred year old vampire had more to do with it.
Unlike most myths, vampires in the world were not burnt by the sun and garlic had no effect on them. Crosses were useless. Vampires had to drink blood, but most he knew did so by getting pigs blood in packets while also having to eat normal food. Stakes and cutting off the head weren't myths but truth. That was how to kill a vampire.
After another twenty minutes, Marcus was finally standing outside with his one suitcase and his guitar and turn tables. He had a pod with the rest of his items being shipped from the west coast. It could take a week or two to arrive but he had what was essential with him. He looked up at the mansion and smiled.
The house was sprawling. It was white with black accents. It had white columns at the top of the stairs to the front door which was a glass door with white paneling. It looked like it could house a small college.
Marcus walked up to the door and rang the bell. As he waited he turned around and looked at the other buildings the cab had passed to get to the main house. There were stables, a guest home that he suspected his godparents lived in and barn where he could hear animals such as cows, pigs, and chickens. There was also a large vegetable garden near the guest house. Also, next to the house was a large garage that had to be able to house twenty cars. He was so occupied he barely heard the door open.
"Marcus," asked a short woman who, when he turned around, burst into tears and a happy laugh. She hugged him tight and didn't let go for almost a full minute. "It has been too long my godchild. Come in, come in. We are so excited you are in Boston. Mr. Marsden hasn't used the east wing for sometime so we prepared it for you and your things. I bought the bed you asked me and they delivered it yesterday and got the sheets and everything you asked."
Marcus took a moment to look at Molly. Like her mate Darius, she had been turned at an older age, about 50, so she had a few wrinkles to make herself look that age. But, she was to never be underestimated. She was a strong and very protective vampire that would as soon as rip your arm off if you hurt her loved ones.
"Thanks Molly. Let me know what I owe you."
"You owe me nothing. Mr. Marsden insisted. I think you will like him."
"Does he know what I am?"
"Of course, He himself has been on this earth for 800 years or more."
"Ah. You hadn't mentioned that," Marcus followed Molly past several doorways before reaching the back of the house where a grand staircase went up to the second floor.
"So, as you see to the right of the landing is the east wing which will be yours, and to the left is the west wing which is all of Mr. Marsden's. He has his personal office, bedroom, and a couple of rooms for his personal use. You have your bedroom and three rooms to use as you wish. Downstairs is the study, library, entertainment room, kitchen, and dining room as well as ballroom, swimming pool, whirlpool, and workout room. Come, we will go to your bedroom first."
"So where is Darius?"
"He is with Mr. Marsden at work. He is chauffeuring him to and from work today."
"Who takes care of the animals and such?"
"The family that lives a couple miles down the road comes everyday and takes care of the animals while I tend the garden. Any other questions," Molly stood outside a pair of double doors.
