silvermist1116

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

Stacey finished playing and looked up, the anger, sadness, and betrayal faded some. He felt better like he always does when he plays out his feelings, except this time everyone else were freaking out. What the hell did he do? He looked down at his guitar. It wasn't glowing anymore, but whatever it caused had Zoey freaking out, Hagan on the floor, and Isla disappeared and came back all over the bank. Oh no. This is what he was afraid of. It's just like the Thanksgiving incident. What the hell is wrong with him?

You're a pussy ass bitch, that's what's wrong with you.

Stacey froze. He didn't want to look up, because there's no way Sandy is here. She can't be. If she had powers she would've fucked up the town if she could. Probably be on her way to world domination or drag him into a Natural Born Killers joyride across the country.

She's not wrong little bro.

Look at us when we're talking to you.

He looked up then. Standing in front of him were his ex and his older brothers: Sandy, Brodie, and Braeden. She was short and slight, wore a leather jacket, dressed like an alternative rock kid from the early 2000s, and she could stand to eat more, but she had a habit of skipping meals when she's in a bad mood, which was all the time. Brodie and Braeden looked like they came out of Abercrombie and Fitch ads. Tall, muscular, defined abs, straight short brown hair, and brown eyes. They could be twins, but Brodie was a year older than Braeden. They didn't have his wide nose, thick lips, and hazel eyes, nor his curly hair. They were everything he wasn't. Perfection in college football Letterman jackets.

"What? How?" He looked around, but no one paid him any attention. Too busy with things he...couldn't...see. Oh no. What magic he has caused this, didn't it?

Does it matter how? We're here now to keep you company.

Yeah, you disappeared on us all of a sudden. We missed you. Braeden's face said anything but. He looked more ready to punch him in the gut than anything else. Would probably be his face, but last time that happened sent him to the hospital under suicide watch.

"You're not real. You're not really here." He closed his eyes and tried to block them out.

You say that, but you really fucked up this time, Stace. You really think all these people would want you in their group now after what you did? You thought you had friends, but look where that got you. Now you're the most hated person here. More than the monster that took their friend. Told you all you truly needed was me.

He'll die here? No. He doesn't want to die here, but he can't survive if he has to hear and see the people that frighten him the most. At least she's not here. Wait, why isn't she? He turned left and right, even looked behind him, but nothing.

You looking for mom? She should be here, but you're not worth her time even as a figment of your imagination.

No. She'll come, because she's always lurking in the background ready to punish him when he steps out of line.

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

@Ghost Note Lots of bad shit. Might destroy the world.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

Herik could tell Emily was trying to be emphatic, even though it fell flat. He accepts it for what it's supposed to be and smiled all the same.

"Well... my sister's in a similar position to your mother. She got attacked by an apparition and currently... she's dying of some kind of curse. The hospital bills are piling up...It's why I joined the Coven. But, I doubt anyone here can help."
- Emily

“But what if we tried to track down the Apparition and use it to find a way to reverse your sister’s curse. Like creating an antivenom from the snake that bit you, you know?”
- Vashti

"I think Vashti has the right idea. Do you know what Apparition cursed her?" If she does, then she's in the lead for helping her sister. Herik can't say the same, since he doesn't know 100% what's wrong with her mother, but he'll find out. Another idea came to mind, something he found in his research about the different types of Extra-Normal, but he couldn't put...his...finger...A child in a blue t-shirt ran by him, followed by his father calling his name. "Ah ha!" He got it. "There's a type of Adept, correct. One that deals with curses. The blue one. I don't think anyone in the Coven has blue, but we could find someone that does, right?" He looked at Vashti, remembering what she and the others talked about when they met at DQ. "Kimberly Walton was in contact with the Coven when Agatha was leader." He smile fell a little at the thought of their ex-member, but that wasn't important now. "If we can find her she might know something that can help the both of us." He turned back to Emily, smile brighter than ever now that he had an idea he thought was the best course of action.

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

The last thing Stacey expected was for Penny to yell at him, especially with the hatred and disguise on her face. "Stacey, fuck off!" Reminded him so much of what Sandy said at Thanksgiving last year. His mind ascended out of his body, he wasn't thinking when he whipped her new iPhone at the wall broke it. It's like he wasn't himself. He doesn't remember what happened in great detail; just what he felt at the time: Anger. Like he feels now. He should've known not to trust her, because pretty blonde girls were always trouble. Always. But no. He went against his better judgement when he should've trusted his gut, because she saved his life. EMTs did the same for him once, but he didn't sing their praises. Instead he hated them for bringing him back to his miserable life to meet more miserable people and now he's stuck here with the worst of them. Penny didn't do him any favors saving his life; nothing but a backstabbing malicious bitch that was waiting to break his heart. No better than Sandy.

"Just, uh, another time. Just go back inside, trust me." Odessa whispered to him, her hand on his. He snatched away from her, face red and closed off. He didn't want her help. He didn't want anyone's help. He was tired of needing people when he's better off alone. He's always been better off alone.

"Fuck you too, Penny! Caelea's better off dead with a piece of shit friend like you!" Stacey stomped back inside, face stormy and red in his fury. The door slammed behind him. He plopped back on the couch, guitar brighter than it was before. Fuck her. Fuck all of them. If he had to be miserable, then they all should be. He played the same cords from before violently and loud, the symbols returned and circled around him. Blue light crept up his hands to his arms and face, then spread down his body.

"What are you so afraid of?
What do you see in your sleep?
If you face your demons,
Then you'll be set free!"

He sang loudly. Blue shot off from him and covered the interior of the building for an instant, before it was gone. He stopped playing not knowing he fucked everyone that heard his curse. They'll hallucinate what they fear the most, and they'll have to deal with it until they face their fears.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

Herik startled and looked at Vashti thinking there was something wrong only for her to be excited about pizza. That's good. He thought something was wrong. With all the Coven business lately he's happy to see someone happy about food. Not a lot of happiness going around with the members lately.

“Sorry, what were you two talking about?”
- Vashti

"Emily has something important to say. We can order the pizza if that's what you want when she's finished." He looked at her, giving his undivided attention. "Continue." It was odd to see Emily nervous and avoiding eye contact when she's one of the most confident members. It's nice to see her honest with how she's truly feeling for once, instead of being antagonistic.

"The reason why I wanted it to go through was that I need money to help my sister...Let me just cut to the chase and say I'm sorry. For what it's worth."
- Emily

Herik smiled and patted her hand. "You're forgiven. I understand wanting to help family." He didn't know the situation, but if she needs the money he gets it. Whatever's going on must be difficult. "The reason I joined the Coven is to help my mother. She's in a coma and the doctor's can't explain why. I did a lot of research and found out about magic. I figure she's under for magical reasons and I want to help her get out of it. If you don't mind sharing, what does your sister need the money for? Maybe we can help you." The waitress came back for their food order. Herik ordered the mozzarella sticks, artichoke dip, and lobster pizza for Vashti and himself. He didn't know want Emily wanted, but there's plenty to share.

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

Stacey finished the song. A few lyrics came to mind, but he needed something to write on to work it out. He doesn't have his lyric notebook on hand, but he could improvise. He got up from the couch and went to one of the offices. It was clean like no one's ever stepped foot inside. Nothing was on the desk other than a calendar, a computer he's sure doesn't work, a cup with pens and pencils, and a phone. He opened the top drawer and found a yellow notepad. He grabbed it and a several pens. He paused before he left. He can fill up a notebook in a week, the pad wouldn't last him long and no telling how long he'll be here and when he'll find something else to write on. He did a complete sweep of the drawers and found other supplies, smaller pads, but no regular sized ones. So he went into the other offices and collected each pad he found. He shouldn't want for something to write on for awhile. He went back to his seat and wrote down the lyrics he thought of, then crossed them out, because he hated them. He stopped thinking about the notes of his songs and wrote something off the cuff.

Not different than what he usually writes, but he doesn't have a tune in mind for this one. He strummed a few cords to try to match the words. He sung along; none of the notes matched. When he found the right ones his guitar glowed blue, symbols surrounded it. This is what happened at home, except he didn't have lyrics to go with it. He sung what he wrote.

What are you so afraid of?
What do you see in your sleep?

He stopped. Wait. He doesn't know what it's going to do if he finished the rest of the lyrics. What if he blows them up or something? The guitar continued to glow. Penny said she'd help him. He needed to talk to her, but she wasn't inside with everyone else nor was Odessa. He knew the latter went outside to keep watch. Maybe they're together. He got off the couch, walked out the door and saw them talking on the steps. He didn't want to interrupt, but he doesn't know when they'll have down time again to help him.

"Excuse me." He approached and showed them his glowing guitar, but the symbols weren't around it anymore. "Uh, could I get some help? It started glowing when I played and I don't know what'll happen if I sing what I wrote."

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

Red Lobster wasn't Herik's first choice, but it was a good choice and he was volunteered to pay for everyone. Would've been nice if they asked, but that's okay. He's got the money to pay for everyone. It helps that not all the Coven members are coming. He makes enough to sustain himself, his rent, bills, food, and the gym are all he pays for. Whatever's left is saved up and sitting in his bank account. He's got plenty to spurge here and there. He can't remember the last time he paid a lot of money for something fun. Probably before his mother got sick. Spring break with his best friend, perhaps? That was over a decade ago. Before they left Fantasy Land, he pulled Vashti aside away from everyone else. He didn't want her to think treating the Coven to dinner was the same as treating her. He hadn't planned to pay for everyone and he asked Vashti before the idea of going out for the night was brought up.

"Treating you to dinner still stands, different from tonight. Think of where you want to go and let me know." He patted his pockets. He's in his work uniform. Nothing in it, but his whistle and keys. "Follow me." He made the long trek from the park to his car in the parking lot and opened it. He dug around in his fanny pack. He should've wore it today, but hadn't thought he'd need it. He pulled out a piece of paper and pen, then wrote his cell number on it and handed it to Vashti. "Here, you'll get the rest of the members' numbers eventually, but let me know where you want to go. In the meantime can I give you a ride to dinner?"

~.~

Later that evening Herik arrived with Vashti at Red Lobster and got a table for five. He sent Claudette and Madison text messages inviting them to dinner. He hadn't gotten a response from Madison. He didn't expect to, considering she's probably sleeping off her hangover. He's not sure if Claudette will join them or not. He hoped so. She deserved a break after watching Madison all day and he hoped she and Vashti could clear the air. Perhaps become friends after the moment in the elevator. Emily joined them, dressed beautifully as always. Her face said she wasn't amused. Knowing her taste Ocean Prime was her tastes, but he's be pushing it with his money if he treated four people to something that fancy. Plus, he didn't want to wear a suit. His high school graduation was the last time he wore one and the next time he did would be a sad occasion he didn't want to dwell on. He was here for team bonding, so let's focus on that.

"Well, I think we have some things we need to discuss... is everyone here?"
- Emily

"I believe so. I invited Claudette and Madison. I'm not sure if either will join us. What did you want to discuss?" He hoped it wasn't anything related to the deal today. He was hoping for a laid back, getting to know everyone experience.

Recollections: The Othergrounds [Complete]

Caelea'll come back relatively normal and they were stuck, until they found a way out. Not too bad given the circumstances. Stacey felt the most relaxed he has in days. No more creatures coming for him, he could breathe, and his anxiety wasn't at a ten. So far so good. Zoey led them to a bank, while Odessa explained things he didn't think were important to know. Chances of them ending up somewhere death didn't want to go were slim, he assumed. Sounded hard to get to the Pit. Nothing to worry about. Like he needed something else to fuck with his head. The bank reminded him of the bar. It was just as nice and empty with couched to stretch out on. He didn't hesitant to sit down on one, though the offices looked nice, but he didn't want to be alone. First rule of horror movies: Don't go off alone. He pulled his case off his back and pulled out his guitar. It wasn't glowing anymore. Good. He didn't know what power would come out of it and he was itching to play. He's never gone this long without playing other than his stint in the hospital two years ago. He laid down, head propped up by a pillow and strummed a few cords, before drifting off. He hadn't noticed he'd gone to sleep, until Hagan woke up screaming.

Stacey jumped up, his grip on his guitar tight, his knuckles white, heart racing, he looked around wildly wondering where the creature was, but nothing happened. He looked at Zoey when she called out to Hagan. It was nothing. Just a nightmare. He's had ones that woke him up in a panic before, but in the safety of his own room where the only person he's disturbing is himself or in Sandy's room.

"Fuck." He rubbed his eyes, too wired now to go back to sleep. How long did they sleep for? He hoped it wasn't a few minutes like it felt. He couldn't go back to sleep now, so he sat up completely and set his guitar across his lap. He strummed the first few cords of a song he finished before he came here, but hadn't practiced a lot. He didn't have lyrics to go to it yet either, but he hummed along as he got into it, his foot tapped along.

Untitled

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

I don't like the sound of that.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

"Would you mind uh... Filling me with what happened?"
- Quinn

"Of course. Emily's boss Mr Schmidt wanted to meet with us about something magic related, I think. I didn't stick around beyond that, but the man gave me bad vibes. Almost like Babylon, but not as bad. I don't trust him." His phone buzzed in his pocket. It wasn't the hospital or his job. His ringtone would've gone off, so that meant it was an app and probably wasn't important. Claudette's reaction tipped off it was Coven related and not good. He pulled out his phone and opened up snapchat.

"The deal went south and if you're still in the building get the fuck out." He read aloud for Vashti and Sin. This is the second best news all day, second to the new members and the best outcome he could hope for. Now they weren't in danger with a dangerous man and could perhaps move onto bonding. Bonding is always good. Claudette requested his help with Madison, so he helped her get her to the car

~.~

They met back at Fantasy Land. It's been decades since the park closed down. He remembered going as a child. He was maybe five last time he came. He and his mother hadn't gotten the chance to experience any fun when they first moved to Florida and it was cheaper than Disney World. No less fun for them. It closed down a few months after, so they hadn't gotten a chance to go back. To think this the new meeting place. A lot changed that's for sure. He didn't stay too long in his thoughts. Chompy didn't let him. It ran at him and nearly took him down, but Herik's reflexes were quick and he held the gentle beast under its front legs.

"Hello my scaly friend. You look well and did you gain weight? You're a litte heavier than last time." He didn't flinch from the scratches left by claws on his arms and chest. He'll take care of it later. A little bleeding wouldn't kill him. He set the gator down, rubbed under his chin, then sat around the table for the explanation of what went down. He couldn't have guessed it was because of Maya and Izzy. Kayla turning it down, yes, but sexual misconduct with the boss's wife was wild. He's not happy they bare partial responsibility for ending a marriage and causing someone emotional damage, but it still led to the offer being taken off the table. Best ending in his book.

"Instead of drinking to bond, how about we go for dinner? It's late, I'm sure we're all hungry and it's better than coming to the meeting with a hangover tomorrow."

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