silvermist1116

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

Stacey stayed close to Ilsa like she said. She was a little faster than him, so he tried to keep pace. Ambiguous kid picked up some of the weight, so it was easier to move. They made it a fair bit down the street when Ilsa called that it was gone. Stacey turned around and didn't hold on when ambiguous let him go. It really was gone and with it the ghost people. The cold that settled in his bones went away. He felt the high noon sun and wow it was hot out. He wanted to pull up the sleeves of his shirt, he pulled them down instead. It didn't do much, because the shirt was a perfect fit. Why'd his sweater have to get wet? He didn't like his hands exposed.

Penny and the rest caught up to them. Odessa couldn't wait long enough to freak them out. What the fuck is the Hound? Finley and Ilsa waited to know just as much as him, because if there's nothing dangerous that appears after a death, then they need to keep moving. That was the idea, until Penny said it was Death. Can't outrun death and apparently it wasn't Caelea's time to go yet, which meant that thing could still possibly be his fate. Not what he wanted to hear. While it sucks someone else died in his place he thought his running was over with.

"So what you're saying is we'll see Caelea's Apparition. What's the chances that she'll know who we are? Will she be like the one that..." He made a slashing motion with his hand. He didn't want to say "killed" out of respect for the grieving.

"I'm saying we could potentially be trapped in a... shared dream? Or something else caused by an abstraction."
- Odessa

"... Or purgatory.
- Zoey

Purgatory suggests they're dead or kind of dead and if Supernatural is right they can climb their way out of it, but wouldn't the Hound show up for something like if he's a reaper or Death personified? Nope, he's not thinking about it. He'd rather be in someone else's dream world than dead on someone else's terms.

"If it's a shared dream, is there a way out?"

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

Herik was used to fights in the group, even the harshest of things said didn't faze him like they used to, but he didn't expect something like that from Vashti. She seems so sweet. He knows she is. Hot elevator and Madison being difficult set her off. Claudette didn't deserve that and he knows it hurt her. At least Vashti apologized. It was rare anyone in the group did other than himself and Nina. It was unfortunate they didn't have more displays of remorse within the group. She wasn't easily forgiven, but maybe with time all will be well. Hopefully it didn't create a conflict they couldn't afford to have in the elevator.

“Sorry. This is my fault. Herik, if you can actually get that door open I’ll go.”
-Vashti

"Of course." He gripped his fingers between the doors, then pushed it open. The automatic mechanism that kept the door closed when it moved fought against him. It triggered the fail safe that only allowed the door to open the tiniest bit. No one other than Vashti and Taylor could fit. He didn't break a sweat holding it open. If anything it was the weather more than anything else. Vashti slid down to the eight floor. Once she cleared it and her feet touched the floor and she moved away from the door he let it go. The heat wasn't unbearable anymore. Claudette cooled them down. Fantastic.

"So, what are we doing with Madison once we're out of here?" He looked down at their inebriated friend. She wasn't moved or said a word in awhile. She didn't look unconscious. More drunk dazed when the drowsiness took over. Maybe she'd sleep it off, so they could send her home. The elevator lights came on, then moved again. It worked! He owes Vashti a hug once they get to the first floor. The elevator stopped, air conditioning hit them once the doors opened tot he lobby with Sin standing in front of it.

"Hello, Sin. The rest are upstairs. We're trying to take care of Madison. She had too many drinks." He easily lifted her off the floor, his arm under her legs and the other around her shoulders. He moved around Sin and set Madison down on the lobby couch across from Vashti, then he did just as he promised himself and lifted her off the couch, arms tight when he hugged her.

"Thank you! You're a life saver. How about I treat you to dinner, yes?" He asked jovially and set her down.

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

Odessa grabbed his hand and warmed him up. If his reflexes worked he would have pulled away, but he couldn't nor did he want to. If it's warmth he could deal with being close to her for a few minutes at least. That's all he got, before something exploded and the thing came back. Odessa left them and told them to run. He doesn't have a problem with that, but it didn't come for him like it usually did. No. It dropped to its knees, cried, then spoke, its voice distorted. He couldn't understand it from where he was. Not that it mattered. Whatever its reasons didn't matter to him. Not when its his life that hung in the balance.

Caelea left Hagan's barrier and approached it. What is she doing? You're not supposed to get close to that thing. It tore through a building, destroyed two boats, terrorized him. He's exhausted. He needed to rest. It's been non-stop since the moment that thing came into his life. When was the last time he slept? Three days ago? Maybe four? None of it here. The creature moved so fast he blinked and missed it. It was on its knees last he saw, then Caelea was split in two. Stacey fell to his knees, shaken. That could've been him. That could've been him. That could've been him! A sense of dread hit hard, along with relief. It got what it wanted, right? He should've felt guilty Caelea died, but he didn't. It was him or someone else. He felt bad Zoey, Penny, and Hagan lost a friend though.

“RUN!”
- Penny

He staggered to his feet. She said to run. Penny always had the best ideas. Isla was okay, the boy and the other kid, he couldn't tell boy or girl, ambiguous then, weren't doing so hot. Penny had dropped the boy and ambiguous was having a panic attack. Okay, he couldn't deal with it, but Penny wouldn't leave them there so he couldn't either.

"Isla grab him." He pointed at the boy, then went to ambiguous. "You're freaking out. I get it, but now's not the time. You learn you can only have panic attacks in this place when there isn't something that's about to kill you." He threw the kid's arm over his shoulder and moved from the park as fast as he could. He wasn't going fast. Not when the cold still bit his bones, getting colder the more children he walked through, and the extra weight, but it was in the opposite direction. It should be fine. Penny said it'd be okay. That's what she always says right before something bad happens, but he's lived this long. He won't doubt her now, so he kept moving.

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

The shore was close, he had hope they were going to make it through, but the creature dashed all his hopes and dreams when it rammed the boat and destroyed it in a single hit. Stacey went head into the side window. The door that separated the controls from the rest of the group slammed closed, locking him inside, water rising. Pretty soon he wouldn't be able to breathe. He had to get out of there. He pushed at the window, but it wouldn't budge so he tried the door. It was locked. No. Not locked. Can't get locked inside a room with the lock on the same side as the door. It was jammed or held closed by the entity that wanted his body. Water rose up to his neck, he kept his head above water, breathing the only oxygen left. The Apparition swam in front of him under the water outside the boat. It swayed back and forth like it was taunting him. Fear gripped his heart, he couldn't breathe. It reached out a hand when water consumed him completely. He took his last breathe and held it, hands slapped over his mouth and nose to stop it from coming out. Its hand punched through the window and pulled out. He was swept away by the current and sunk head first.

Stacey didn't black out. He went from the ocean hunted by a mystical predator to landing on his feet in the middle of a town near an ice cream parlor with families and pets enjoying treats and people having friendly conversations with one another. It was picturesque, like A Sunday Afternoon. Perfect. Too perfect. No one acknowledged his presence, their eyes vapid, empty, hollow, creepy. His unease worsened by the minute, but it wasn't that bad compared to the creature. All he needed to know was if it was far from him and wouldn't show up for at least another day. He needed that much.

He looked around, trying to find someone familiar, but didn't see anyone near him. He's alone? Did everyone else die and he was the only one that made it out? Or did he die and this was hell? If hell looked like this, then why was his life so shitty? Then again anything that reminds him of that town in Edward Scissorhands is inherently evil and can't be trusted. He best not stick around. He chose a direction and walked down the sidewalk. The people went right through him. A cold chill settled in his bones each time they did. He shivered and held himself. Only then did he realize he wasn't wet anymore, but his side hurt like a bitch. He adjusted his case on his back when it slipped off his trembling shoulders.

He doesn't know how long he walked for when he arrives at a park with children laughing and playing games. They were ten times creepier than the people. Just as hollow and vapid, but in kid form. Kids are evil. The horror movies said so. Children of the Corn comes to mind. Nope. He kept going. Walking through the children, until he saw familiar people a ways away. He recognized Penny right away. Thank God. She's alive. Ilsa too and the other teens he knew of, but didn't know. He saw Penny help one up off the floor.

"P-Penny." He shivered, teeth clattering. The cold was getting worse. It didn't feel like air conditioning in the summer anymore. Now he felt like he was in the middle of winter naked.

"I-I don't think I-I c-an feel my fi-fi-fingers." They were locked onto his sleeves as though holding himself for warmth worked when it didn't. He knew he looked pale, maybe a little blue. He was familiar with what his face looked like in the mirror the mornings after he was locked out of the house in the cold.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

The mood shifted to dangerous quickly. Vashti felt she was insulted and he couldn't blame her. Madison was not the worst drunk he's ever seen, but it definitely brought out the worst in her. He tried to think of was ways to deescalate the situation, but Claudette did it instead. He felt like he hadn't seen her use her power in awhile. The darkness disappeared just as soon as it appeared, but the elevator also stopped working. He didn't know the details for Claudette's power, but he can't recall it ever stopping power before. That's not good. It's over 100 degrees outside, no air conditioning, and no circulating air.

They were on the in between floors, the manual ticker on stop of the door was stuck between 8th and 9th floors. There were two ways out of an elevator, the emergency hatch at the top and prying the door open. He couldn't fit through either, but the girls could get. Maybe get some help. There's also the call button. Yes. Emergency button. He pressed it, but nothing happened. Needs to power to work, that's right. Back to hatch or door.

"Let's not panic. I can open the hatch and if you can fit you can get out that way and get some help, or I can pry the door open and you can climb out that way." Maybe Madison will sober up in the mean time.

The Darkest Minds Never Fade in the Afterlight

@morbidity I'm generally doing well. Been coping while locked inside. Feeling kinda anxious this week.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

Madison chucked the bottle off the side. Well that didn't work. Okay, time for a new plan, but he didn't have to think of one. Vashti saved the day.

“Dude, I’ve been to resorts like these before. Everything’s watered down it’s a total fucking sham. We should go somewhere cooler! Surely there’s a club on the beach that’s better than this tourist trap. Drinking...dancing…Hot guys…”

He caught her look and smiled. He didn't want her to know he wasn't thrilled of the idea of them going to party and drink. That's not a good idea, but he didn't speak out about it. Better to get Madison out of here first, then protest the idea. Yeah. That'd work. Madison promptly squeezed her breast. Herik looked away. Oh boy. Okay. Yeah, they needed to go. He didn't want her to do anything else that'd she be embarrassed about later. At least she was up for it. Vashti led them to the elevator, while Taylor and Claudette half carried Madison out. He looked at the meeting one last time. They were still talking. That's not good. It didn't take time to tell someone no. He'll know how bad it is when they have their next meeting. They got on the elevator when it came up. It was just as hot as before, but there was more room.

"There's this place near my job we can go to. Great food for good prices and it's still by the beach if you really want to go. It's called Adrian's Skillet. It's a mom and pop diner, but good vibes and good people. It'd be best to get something in her stomach." Plus he was starving. He hasn't eaten since lunch. The portion sizes should be enough to soak up all of Madison's liquor. "Eat first, then beach. I've saved the lives of many people that thought it was a good idea to swim under the influence. Don't want to make an example out of Madison." Plus, he didn't think she'd be receptive to getting CPR from him if she drowned.

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

The ship shook again. He heard the screeching of the ship breaking in half. He didn't go out there to check. No point. He didn't feel safe in the boat, but it was better than out there. Half of the group got in, including the big guy, but he's too terrified to worry about it. Isla popped in, then the boat hit the water, but they bobbed in the waves. No one was driving the thing. Penny didn't get on, the ship sunk, he felt guilty for thinking bad of her before. It wasn't her fault his guitar got broken. He doesn't want the last memory of her to be poison by his rage. She doesn't deserve that. Then she and Odessa dropped on top of the boat, he was elated she was okay, but didn't know if he deserved to feel that way now. Zoey and Caelea were okay. Everyone but Lilith was there, he noticed, but it was too late to go back for her. No. They had more important things to worry about. Like creature feature coming back with a vengeance.

The thing was just as terrifying as it was the other day. And was it bigger? He hoped not. He couldn't run away on a boat in the middle of the ocean. More opportunity to get him this time. Nope. Not happening.

"Someone get this boat started!"
- Hagan

He didn't need to be told twice. Stacey couldn't do anything to fight it, but he could try harder to help this time around. He drove a boat once when he was ten. One of the few times his father made time for the family. He didn't remember everything, but it couldn't be that much different from driving a car. At least he hopes so. It didn't have pedals, the speeds were controlled by the gear shift. The key was already in the ignition, he turned it, the engine kicked up, then pushed the gear shift forward. The boat sped away. He gripped the steering wheel tight and aimed for the shore. The boat worked against the waves, the ride bumpy, but he kept control. He didn't know the first thing about docking a boat and hoped he didn't crash it against shore or get them killed.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

Coven: Civil War could be a thing. I'd be down for that. A spin-off series.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

Today was a strange day, but a good day so far. They have three new members. Ones he's eager to get to know. The DQ almost got held up by a reptile man, but he gladly carried the man out the restaurant while they waited for the police to arrive. He hardly weighed anything and the animals were nice. He's sure he'll be released from jail in a day. No one got hurt. All was well. Kayla told them about the meeting they had with Blake Schmidt. He still didn't know who he is, but the meeting place was bright and lavish. The kind of place he never went to, but was always invited by the women that came to see him during work. They piled into the elevator. He did his best to stay in the back and made him as small as he could so there'd be enough room for everyone. It was hot in the tiny box. He felt around his pockets for a hair tie to pull his hair up into a bun.

Once the elevator arrived to the top floor, the sunlight was blinding. It seems brighter up high than it did down on the street. Emily introduced them to a Mr. Schmidt. A rich man if he's ever seen one. One he didn't like the look of. He seemed similar to someone he's met before, but it's a vague feeling. A memory itched at the back of his mind like he couldn't breathe. He brought tears to his eyes. One rolled down his cheek. He wiped his face. What reason did he have to cry? Whatever it was this wasn't good. He stepped up behind Kayla and poked her in the back. His smile ever present and happy.

"I don't trust this." He whispered through his teeth like a ventriloquist. "I'm getting a bad about this man. A deal with him is one with the devil." Mrs. Schmidt pulled down her sunglasses and stared at him. He waved politely, then went to the bar. Claudette seemed to have a hard time with Madison. He heard her laugh hysterically. She's drunk. That's the only explanation, because this wasn't like her.

He turned to the bartender, "Water for my friend please. She's had too much to drink today." It was at least a 100 degree outside. She needed to hydrate. He was handed a bottle. "Thank you." He uncapped it and handed it to Madison. "You should drink. Get the alcohol out of your system, then we should talk. I don't know what happened the other day, but this isn't like you. I sense something painful inside. Whatever it is we can solve it together."