silvermist1116

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

Stacey laughed, "Pffft, yeah her second divorce." The melancholy of Sandy finding someone to marry showed on his face. She'd be lucky to find someone to love her enough to want to be in her life. Considering she pulled him in, it shouldn't be hard. There's plenty of broken people out there. Lilith came through the door and signed something. He couldn't tell what she said, but he got the feeling something wasn't right. He tried to pack his guitar away.

BOOM!

The ship tipped and everyone in the room went with it. He scooted across the floor and into the wall, Penny smashed into him and his guitar. He didn't so much feel the pain in his side than he did the dissonant cords of the strings snapping. He couldn't really process what happened, until he looked down. The neck of his guitar was snapped in two along with the half the strings. Tears feel onto the body. How the fuck what he going to fix this?! He didn't have time to grieve, but his anger got the best of him. He stuffed the pieces into his case and shoved Penny away from him when she tried to help him up. He just needed to not be here right now. He escaped through the hole in the wall, following everyone to the lifeboats. No thoughts about whether or not Penny was right behind them, because he didn't want to think about her. Are all blonde women going to give him trouble? Is that what his life is going to be?

They got the lifeboats, one was ready to get them out of there. He didn't flinch at the big man like he did earlier. He didn't care. He climbed inside. There was a boy already inside. Stacey hardly paid him any attention. He took a seat as far from everyone as he could get, his case held tight to his chest, while he cried angry tears into the fabric. This has never happened before. Not even his brothers dared to touch it. Blue light glowed from inside the case. It was faint, but it attracted his attention. He didn't want to deal with whatever was going on with it, but it didn't go away like it usually did when stopped playing. He couldn't play it, so why was it...? He opened the case and there it was, fixed like nothing ever happened. He caressed the body, his angry tears turned to relief. How? He plucked a string, the weird symbol appeared around it. His fingers inched to play, but he didn't want it to break again. They have something coming after them and the last thing he needs to do is play a song.

"Later when we settle down I'll play you. Promise." He closed the case and held it close protectively. The glow didn't go away.

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

Yay. More teens for Stacey to connect with.

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

Penny sat in front of him and smiled at him.

“Hey dude, I’ve been meaning to ask this for sometime. You any good with that thing? I tried learning to play back in junior high. Figured I could learn a few notes and start a group, but I couldn’t get down the three chords I needed to even start a punk band. Now the recorder? That’s a different story. Anyway, tell me about your guitar. It’s a...Led Paulson, right?”
- Penny

She took an interest in his guitar. He couldn't help himself, but to smile. Not a lot of people were genuinely interested in his passion. He got more questions about what songs he could play. If he told them about what he liked to play original songs he'd get this uncomfortable silence like they didn't believe he'd make something of himself one day. Sometimes he doesn't think he will, but he's got to live for something.

"I think you mean Led Zeppelin. That's a band from the 70s." He set his case cross his legs and unzipped it, showing his teal guitar. "It's a Yamaha APX600. My dad gave it to me on my thirteenth birthday. It's my favorite out of the twenty I have and the only one I really play. I think I'm pretty good." He held it against his body and strummed a few cords. "It got me my first girlfriend, so." His smile waned and he stopped playing. "Can't say it lasted, but my baby got me through the heartbreaks though." He lost count on how many times Sandy broke his heart, but his guitar was always faithful. "I'd just finished my first EP, before I landed here. If an object can be a friend, then this is my best one." He'd be lost without it.

"Between you and I, something strange has been going on with it the last few weeks and I think it has something to do with this place." He vaguely gestured around. "Not the ship, but whatever dimension we're in. It glows sometimes and symbols show up around it. I freak out when it happens and stop playing. After seeing you and Zoey I figure it might have something to do with my power. Whatever that is." He shrugged. It might shoot lasers or blow something up. He was afraid to find out. Amidst the conversation he forgot about his anxieties. He hasn't felt this good in awhile. Is this what's it like to have a normal conversation without worrying about saying the wrong thing and setting someone off? He could get used to this.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

@Ghost Note I have an idea. What if the Coven splits? Not away from being a group, but into factions for the ones that want to do dangerous things that'll get DENS on their asses and the ones that want to learn more about magic and not risk their lives. Once a week they can meet and talk about new developments with each faction, etc. It'd be more even for the Coven members that didn't join to get into trouble.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

“Guilty! I’m Vashti Nour. Nice to meet you. Come, come, you should have a seat, I take it you’re with them, then? Are you the leader? Wait, Kimberley said Agatha was the...sorry, I’m rambling. I’m really excited. You’re really big. And I’m really embarrassed so I’m really gonna stop...talking...now…”
- Vashti

Herik laughed jovially along with the orange woman, he's used to these types of reactions. An ex told him it was because women find him attractive, but he doesn't pay it any mind. Drastic reactions to him vary depending on the person. He took a seat next to the woman with long brown hair.

He barely sat down before Lyss came over. Did he miss the memo about her joining him? He would check his phone, but that would be rude in the middle of a conversation. He knew Kayla was coming. He smiled at Lyss and waved. He looked watched each woman, tried to get a feel for them. Vashti seems sweet, someone he could a long with. He's always up for friendly individuals. Taylor had a similar feeling to Kayla, which wasn't a bad thing, but definitely one that could cause the Coven trouble. He wouldn't deny her entering though. The more the merrier and she probably needed people like they all needed each other. Ashley was hard to read. She didn't react to him either way. Probably a quiet type. That's good too.

He was last for a second on who Kimberly was, until Lyss said her name. Paranormal investigator Kimberly Walton? She was in contact with their group? He's a huge fan. He wondered why Agatha never said anything...actually she probably would have if they weren't attacked by the FBI or whoever they truly are if Lyss is right that they aren't who they said they are. Hopefully he'll get to meet her. Someone so experienced could teach him a thing or to, help him with his mother perhaps.

Kayla joined them, he slid over as much as he could, hoping he didn't squish Ashley into the wall, but the booth wasn't big enough for three adults, no matter how small the other two were. The energy chanced. It was a little awkward with Lyss and felt like something could start, but it got heavy when Kayla sat down. It felt like usual conversations with the Coven goes. The newcomers tensed up and he could tell they felt threatened. Oh no. He doesn't want this to be their first impression of the group. While threats and yelling worked for other members, it wouldn't work for new people that needed somewhere to go. They might decide to leave like Agatha did and he didn't want to lose any more friends. New or old.

Each girl presented their situation, which was tragic in all three cases. They could help them, so he brought his smile back to lighten the sober and serious mood.

"You're all powerful, which is great but you need help like the rest of us. I think that's the most important. I don't think we should refuse them." He looked at Kayla, bright eyed and hopeful. "As long as they follow the rules." Rules they haven't made yet. "Then we should be good. They seem like good fits and could get along with most of our members." Minus Emily and Babylon. "So far I'm not getting any bad feelings." He leaned into Kayla's space and whispered. "Not like with Babylon." Cause she's the worst in terms of trouble. None of the newcomers are like that, so they can't be that bad. "Plus, Ashley plays guitar. That's pretty cool." He said aloud. He hoped he pleaded their case well. He's not good with words sometimes.

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

Penny reassured him that they could handle whatever is going on. That helped some of his anxiety, but it didn't get rid of the feeling that something was going to happen. He hoped he wouldn't be keyed up the entire time he's here. Home was stressful enough, he didn't have his razor bla-no, stop, don't think about it. He was supposed to be better - Sandy fucked that up a year ago - but at least he can pretend to be better. Oh boy, he hates this. He tried to focus on the music. If he can figure out the notes in the song to play it later it'd shift his focus to something less destructive. Zoey dashed his hopes and dreams when she destroyed the radio. Fantastic. He glared at her the slightest bit, then averted his eyes. He likes her and doesn't want to do anything to make her hate him.

"... Talking about me?"
- Hagan

Stacey flinched and moved as far from the door as he could get. The new comer was huge in height and muscle. He looked like a member of his brothers' football team. The type that...nope don't think about it. Three panic attacks in two days. This is too much. Too much. Too MUCH. He pulled his guitar case off his back, clenched it to his chest, and sank to the floor, face smothered in the fabric. His stomach hurt, his hands shook, and he tuned out everything around him. What if he was just as bad as those guys and beat the shit out of him? His body ached from residual pains. Tears came to his eyes. He wanted to cry, but he didn't want attention on him. The smaller he made himself the less likely he'd be a target. He knew that was bullshit. If anything he'd be targeted more.

“Thiiiiis is your captain speaking. Double time it to the bridge. We’re gearing up to go.”
- Penny

Penny's voice over intercom broke the train wreck in his mind. They're leaving? He looked up, but didn't get off the floor. Zoey and Caelea he thinks her name is, were instructed to take everyone else and go, but he doesn't want to leave Penny nor does he want to be anywhere near the big guy with just Zoey. Two people to project him is better than one. If he stays he'll be a liability to Penny, he knows that. Maybe he would be better off with the group. He doesn't know what he wants to do.

Caelea motioned for people to move out, but he didn't get up. He decided he was going to stay with Penny. A new woman came through the door while everyone else moved out. She had an accent, Scottish he thinks, and she was long winded that's for sure. He listened to her drawl on about teleporting. She didn't seem too bad. Good. Not someone that's going to make him more of a nervous wreck.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

It was five o'clock and Herik just got off from work. Towards the end of work he received a text message from Emily about money and a Mr. Schmidt. He didn't recognize the name. He didn't have a good feeling about it. Seemed fishy only, because he didn't really trust anything she had to offer. Babylon could be in on her decision for all he knew, so he was skeptic. He'd get caught up on what she was talking about at the meeting later. First he had to go meet the new recruits at Dairy Queen. Not his preferred meeting place considering other members got caught there after the fight with the vampires last week, but it was already set and he volunteered to go.

He put on a purple t-shirt and his brown sandals when he got to his car; deciding to leave on his red life guard trunks. Grains of sand were stuck to the bottom of his feet and in between his toes. He liked the feeling of the sand and lamented leaving the beach, but he had other priorities. He drove to DQ and parked the car. He had a vague idea of what the new women looked like, but he couldn't really remember the details, just that they'd be at a specific table. When he walked in there were three young women, one with orange hair, another with dark hair, and a woman in a hijab. Lovely. He put on his brightest smile and approached the table.

"Hello, new friends. My name's Herik Cletis. Are you the new members of the Coven?" He asked. He didn't sit down. He didn't know boundaries yet and didn't want to put any of them off. That wouldn't make a great first impression.

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

Stacey didn't get the chance to answer Zoey, because Penny called over the intercom. He smiled. Thank God she's okay. It was dumb luck he found Zoey, he's happy he didn't have to find her too. He followed her and the new girl through the ship. It was still eerie and creepy, but not as much with company. One of them being the person that saved his ass yesterday or two days ago? He doesn't know how long they'd been out before ending up here. He's safe with Zoey he knows that. Eventually they went their separate ways when the girl split to finds clothes. Now that they're alone he answered her question.

"I'm kind of okay now that I'm with you, but I'm afraid that thing is going to back for me. Odessa said it could find us again and I don't know if I can cope with a target on my back. Also, your friend." He hiked his thumb back to where they split up. "Is she cool? I'm nervous about whether she's like Odessa or Elron. I can't deal with three people that make me uncomfortable." He hoped he didn't offend her in anyway by insinuating her friend is like the others and he didn't get any negative vibes from her, but better safe that sorry. Odessa was off and turns out she's a plant. No telling if her friend is good at hiding weird shit too.

They were right outside the bridge when music played over the intercom. Elron. Not the Killers, but not a bad song. Stacey walked inside the room. He spotted Odessa and a dancing? Elron. A) He was bad at it. B) Stacey wanted to scrub his eyes with bleach. That's not something he needed to see. Ever. He stood next to Penny, tried to find his happy place, only for Elron to ruin his already not too bad day.

We're not alone he said. Maybe he should've drowned himself after all. He squeezed the straps of his bag, knuckled white, face losing color. He's gonna be sick.

"So what's on the ship?"

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

Herik smiled at Ellie. "Don't worry about it. You got me to safety and had to come back for everyone else. Thank you for protecting me. I got back on my own, so it's fine. Don't beat yourself up over it." The conversation picked up, Claudette calling for there to be changes, but Madison and other returned, alive, but worse for wear. He worried this would happen. He's happy they're alive, but the trauma of whatever happened was all over their faces. Madison looked the worst. He'd have to check up on her later once the discussion was resolved.

It quickly dissolved with Agatha storming out. Herik got up, went to the bar to get his keys, then left the casino after Agatha. She can't say much for her leadership skills, but he didn't want her to leave the Coven either. She wasn't even out of the parking lot yet.

"Agatha, don't leave." He called to her. He caught up with her, but kept his distance. He didn't want to intimidate her or be in her space. Angry people liked their space. "What you said in there is right. I'm here for the same reason you are, and so are some of the other girls. We have a few loose cannon members and that can't be helped, but don't leave. I don't know how to fix it or if it can be fixed, but don't leave. Please. I don't-I don't want you to be alone or to lose a friend."

@wxps350

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

Stacey startled awake, cold and wet, he flailed, chlorine got in his mouth when he yelled out. He got his feet under him and coughed up water. What the hell? He looked around. There was a deck with white lounge chairs, tables, a bar under an awning. He turned around and looked out at the ocean. Where the hell were they this time? He looked around the pool. There was a bobbing pool mattress floating away from him. How? He swam to the end of the pool and pulled himself out. His guitar case wasn't on his back. Shit. He looked in the water, but it wasn't at the bottom of the pool either. Good, so where is it? He did another sweep of the deck and found it leaning against a table.

"Ha-fucking-ha." He shivered under his breath and grabbed it by the handle.

Okay, so he was on a cruise ship. Hasn't seen one of those, since he was ten. Stacey quickly moved to the exit. He had to find everyone else, because according to Odessa that thing's going to find him wherever they go, and maybe find some clothes too. He walked down a long hallway full of shop windows. All the lights were on and would looking inviting if it wasn't empty. Like the bar...that got totaled by the monster. Yeah, no, not sticking around. He paused when he found a clothing shop and regretted it as soon as he walked in, because it was a Hugo Boss specialty store.

"Fucking."

He backed out and looked at all his other options. The other windows weren't clothing. More so purses and other bags, technology, and other useless knickknacks. He quickly walked down the hall to the end that let out to the center of the ship with shops, restaurants, and bars. He saw other expensive brand specialty shops he was too Cinderella to wear and colorful cruise merchandise without logos on them. He new those stores only had short sleeved shirts and shorts. He wouldn't be caught dead with his skin exposed. He didn't want anyone asking questions. As much as he liked Zoey and Penny, maybe Elron if he acted as a buffer between him and Odessa (at least his taste in music is likable), he didn't want to explain the marks and scars, so he walked back to the Hugo Boss store. He seriously contemplated leaving his wet clothes on, but maybe they had options that didn't make him look like Elron's little brother or his brothers' little brother.

He walked inside, eyes searching for anything white, beige, or black. He knows they have skinny jeans, so his pants were taken care of. He needed a shirt. He passed anything with short sleeves and went towards long sleeves. Wrong color, right color but ugly, no logo please, no, no, more no. How's it this hard to find-he found a simple black long sleeved shirt. Unfortunately he couldn't find it a three sizes too big, they only had his size. Better than wet. He made sure no one was around, then stripped out of his wet shirt, eyes averted from the mirror next to him, he didn't want to look at his failures. The shirt fit tight in the arms, but a little loose in the chest. He'll take it. Then he went for the shoes next. All the options were terrible. They didn't have black lace ups, so he had to settle for slip on boots instead. Looked like shoes Elron would wear if he attempted to go casual. He found black skinny jeans, at least they had something he likes. He almost forgot the underwear, until he unzipped his pants. Right. Soggy boxer briefs won't cut it. He found a pack of three in black and orange. He didn't care. He changed out of the rest of his wet clothes, feeling better now that he wasn't wet. Even though he looked like a pretentious hipster. All he was missing was the hat and glasses. He stuck the extra underwear in his guitar case's outside pocket, then slung his bag on his back and adjusted the straps. Now back to finding everyone else.

Stacey got lost or more so turned around. Not that it mattered when he didn't know where everyone else was to begin with. All he knew was that he was on some floor with cabins. He went down a flight and opened the door when he heard Zoey calling out. It was familiar to when they met in the city. He smiled, happy he wasn't alone anymore. He speed walked to her down the hall. She was with a blonde girl in a hospital like gown he didn't recognize, but apparently they knew each other.

"Zoey, you wouldn't happen to know why we're on a cruise ship, would you?" He stayed several feet from the new person and hoped she wasn't like Odessa.