silvermist1116

Straits of Steel (A South East Asian Cyberpunk Thriller)

I have time this week. I'll post soon, hopefully.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

Herik almost dropped his phone when Madison burst out Jaws the exact moment the call connected to Vashti.

"What?” Her voice sounded vacant like she wasn't paying attention, but he answered anyway.

"Claudette's dead and Kimberly has something to do with it." He couldn't specify her role, since Madison and Penny didn't believe she would betray them. He only caught half that conversation, since he was also trying to listen on the phone. He didn't get an answer. The news was shocking and he's sure she needs time to process, but when the silence dragged on too long he called out her name, hoping he'd get an answer. When he heard the phone drop, he pulled it back from his ear, the clatter on the floor pierced his eardrum.

"Vashti!" He called again, but nothing. He hung up, worried that something bad happened to her, yet there was nothing he could do for her in Miami when she's four hours away. Two members of the Dollhouse showed up claiming the plan was to take out the big three in the organization, but they got in the way and that the Kimberly that attacked them was probably an extra-normal human that could copy someone's appearance. That made sense, but what didn't make sense was Kimberly not telling them her involvement with them before. He never trusted her, but he didn't want anything to do with her anymore. Her old dealing with them was disgusting. He hopes she rots wherever DENS puts her when they find her.

~*~

Two weeks passed and he hadn't heard anything from the Coven. That was fine. It gave him time to heal, process another sister's death, and check on his mother every day like he should have. He should've never gone to Miami in the first place, not when she's here getting worse every by the week. She's bluer than the last time he saw her. Her heart's still strong, but she looked like she would die any day. DENS was supposed to get them the potions needed to break the curse, but how long that would take worried him. He'd gotten his cast off finally and has physical therapy twice a week. It looks weird to walk on his leg again. The muscles are weak from being off of it for so long, but the therapy helps little by little. He doesn't see himself running or swimming any time soon, but he's better than he was.

He sat beside his mother when he received a message from Lyss to meet up. Hopefully she has good news. He kissed his mother on her forehead, her skin too cool, the blue lines on her face darker. She doesn't have a lot of time left he knows, and he doesn't want to go but he could leave and come back with the thing that'll help her. He had to go.

Herik arrived at the house and took a seat next to Vashti on the pool side. The water was freezing on his legs, but it helped with the burning sun above. Lyss said there was only two potions, instead of the three they needed. One of them would be without. His face fell. He decided along time ago that he'd do whatever he needed to help his mother and between the three of them Vashti didn't need it as much as he and Emily's sister did. He was sorry it came to this. Emily vouched for both of them and wasn't so kind in letting Vashti down.

He turned to Vashti to apologize that he couldn't back down from this only for her to beat him to it.

“It’s okay, Emily. You’re right. They need it more than me. I’ll manage.” From the way she said it to the way she smiled didn't sit right with him. Something was wrong, but he needed this potion and he was willing to feign ignorance just this once.

"Thank you, Vashti. You're so kind." He didn't attempt to put any heart in his words or to follow her to the deckchair. Mariah immediately voted in favor of him and Emily, but he still hadn't said his piece.

"I don't think my mother will make it to the end of the week. She could die tomorrow or today. She doesn't look well." He said the last part softly, holding onto his tears cause when he sees her face in his mind, her sallow, pale, blue face it brings him to tears. "I don't know what condition your sister is in, Emily, but I don't want you to wait five years like I have and see her waste away every day." He dabbed at his eyes with his t-shirt, some of his tears stained his shirt, he sniffed and got himself together. There's a potion for his mother here, he'll get it and she'll recover. Everything's fine. He should be happy, so he smiled. Not his brightest, but it helped him not feel so sad.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

Whoo! Chapter 4. Time for Stacey to make an appearance.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

Lyss brought them some time when she forced Luis and Babylon into the wall. That's good enough for him. He helped her onto Asta's back, pulling her up with her good arm and kept a good hold on her so she didn't fall off, then they backed away from the fight. Penny was ready to keep going, but they didn't have to. The Dollhouse were covered in a blue mist, then they disappeared. Crisis averted. Or so he thought. They were all in the parking lot with the DENS agents. He's ripped a part of his shirt to wrap around Lyss's shoulder, hoping that'd stop the bleed until they were able to get to the hosptial. He's just tied the knot when Helena told them Claudette didn't make it. Claudette didn't...what?

His head swam and suddenly everything was spinning. He clumsily climbed off Asta's back, paid barely any mind to his leg, and collapsed on the ground. This couldn't be happening. Not another sister. Not the one person that was actually leading them in the right direction. The one person he had faith in not to get them all killed, to actually take care of them. He sobbed loud and hard. He couldn't remember the last time he'd spoken to Claudette without all the usual drama between members. If he hadn't just stood there when she got shot. If he'd done something maybe she's still be alive. Rationally he knew there was nothing he could do for bullet wounds, but his rationality could take a backseat, because nothing made sense anymore. He couldn't hear all the arguing going on around him over his tears.

If he hadn't suggested that Kimberly help them they wouldn't be in this mess. His, Vashti's, nor Emily's problems were solved, their sister was dead, and the person that got away with it was no where to be found. He hoped the Coven didn't hate him for this. He's responsible for bringing her into their lives, which makes him indirectly responsible for Claudette being dead. And now Kimberly was off in the wind and...Oh no. They left her with Vashti. He puts a lot of stoke in Leviathan keeping her alive, but if she had her guard down then it wouldn't been easy to take her out. He rubbed at his tears, while taking out his phone. He dialed Vashti's number, hoping she'd pick up, that she was safe, that another member didn't end up dead.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

What you mean Claudette didn't make it? I'm upset.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

This was worse than he thought possible. Herik expected a fight, but he didn't expect for this to be a set up. Kimberly didn't seem like the type to double cross them, she even sent her friend to keep an eye on things, so why would she come in guns blazing and trying to get them killed. Something doesn't add up, but he can't think of it right now. Claudette's hurt, Ilsa's been drugged, and there's a serious possibility that half of them will die in the crossfire. He didn't know what to do with himself. A flock of birds came in and carried away their injured. That left him, Lyss, Madison, Penny, Babylon, and Luis cause he heard screaming and is sure a few of Luis's friends are dead. He called Asta to his side. Time to jump in from the couch. He's glad they're in a small space and he doesn't have to move from his spot to do damage. Asta repelled Babylon's hellfire away from him, until the sprinklers came on. He didn't want to waste Asta to keep him dry, so he ordered him to stop and let the water soak him through. Now his cast is wet. That's another trip back to the hostipal to get it changed. He needs to go anyway. Hasn't seen his mother in awhile.

Lyss was struggling and asked for Madison's assistant, but asking for help didn't get far when a man suddenly appeared behind her. Herik hesitate; Asta immediately went to Lyss's aid, grabbing her around the waist by his tail and pulling her away from the man split seconds before he could hit her. Asta let go of Lyss by his side. Herik's not sure if moving her made her release her hold on Luis and Babylon, but he knew for sure if she got knocked out it would and he's not sure if he and Madison could take down three people on their own.

"I'm not sure if we should fight this out with the three of us. Luis healed when you attacked him earlier," He said to Madison.

"You're bleeding too much," He said to Lyss, worried that if she didn't get help soon she'll pass out from blood loss. "And I'm on a bad leg." He climbed onto Asta's back, leaving his crutches, just encase they needed to make a quick get away.

Coil: Pantheon Divided (A Modern Day Mythology/Urban-Fantasy)

When do you plan to start?

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

The club was what he expected from Tampa. Bright, loud, and shaddy. He used to come to places like this with his friends after they graduated high school and every one of them were the same: dancing, drinking, and designer drugs. He always got in without being carded, because of his size and some clubs didn't care his friends had fake IDs. He doesn't miss places like this. They lost their appeal around the time he was legal to drink and it's been so long he doesn't know what kids wear to clubs anymore. He hadn't packed for that, because he didn't have anything remotely club worthy in his closet and he didn't have the money to spend on an outfit he'd only wear once. He made do with a simple gray shirt, black shorts, and sandles.

The fee to get into the club was more than he wanted to spend. The price has gone up since his day, but he paid the price. They were here for something that could help his mother and he'd pay any price to get it. He followed everyone else inside, bringing up the rear on his crutches. He got a lot of stares. It could've been from a combination of his height, his outfit, and his crutches, but even if he were dressed normal he'd be noticeable anyway. A few of the bouncers eyed him up, took a look at his leg, then shook their head affirming to themselve they could take him in a fight. The biggest guys always check out the biggest guy in the room, which wasn't him cause there was a bouncer by a set of stairs that was huge. Sometimes he takes for granted that he's a peaceful person, but he always appreciates his nature when he sees a man like that. No trouble coming out of him. He can't say the same for one person that was with his group. He hoped she gets her head about her. This isn't Schmidt.

Going up the stairs to the VIP section was daunting, but he did it. No worse than the stairs in his apartment building, but he was tired after all that work. He would've called Asta to help him, but that's not the brightest idea in a building with extra-normals they know nothing about and would preceive him as a threat. He was just a little late to the party. He hobbled right as Luis introduced himself. The room did nothing to make him feel better about being here. It looked like a stereotypical sex dungeon without all the toys. Toys he can see anyway.

He took a seat next to Claudette, since no one wanted to and he needed to rest his leg. Four more weeks in this thing. Time didn't move fast enough. Hopefully he'll have his mother back between now and then. When Luis told them the Dollhouse could provide any service he was prepared to speak on behalf of Emily and Vashti, since they weren't here to represent themselves, but Penny jumped in on a long spiel about Annabelle Heart. Not what most of them were here for. Claudette eventually took over the conversation as their leader. He didn't know she was cursed as well. So four members needed cures and Luis was about to name his price when Molly and Ellie walked in.

He was shocked, not sure how to process seeing their dead members "alive" and "well". He hadn't known what Molly got up to, if she left or what, but seeing Ellie again made his chest hurt. He was still grieving for her and to see Babylon parade around like everything was fine pissed him off. He clutched in his fist, face stony, while he kept in his desire to pick a fight. That's not what they're here for. He wants to avenge Ellie, but she's dead. He's accepted that. His mother was still worth saving. Her condition hadn't gotten worse when he checked on her before coming here. They just needed a price, then they could hash this out in the parking lot. He's sure Emily would like a piece of this demon.

"Mr. Luis, you were naming your price." He turned away from Babylon, eyes on the man that would get them what they wanted. Cut out all the noise and get back to what's important. That's all he had to think about.

Recollections: The Coven [COMPLETED]

It was a time and a half getting back into the car after he heard the first gun shot inside the gas station. He knew something was up with the man in the assless chaps, but it was Florida. He was raised here most of his life. Most things didn't surprise him anymore, human things. Extra-normals still got to him like nothing else did. He saw weird things on the beach all the time. A cowboy wasn't all that bizarre. When Madison came out with Jaws he knew the situation was going to get worse, so he hobbled as fast as he could back into Quinn's car, then dialed the police. Chances are none of them are going to see anything out of the ordinary. He'd just ended the call with the operator when everyone came out and they booked it out of there. He needed to sleep.

By the time they made it to the hotel he could barely keep himself together enough to get into his hotel room. He just took his pain pills, then gingerly laid down in his bed, and went to sleep. He woke the next day with a notification of Claudette about staying preoccupied until tomorrow. There was nothing he could do with a cast on his leg and he needed a break from the Coven, so he was content to stay in his room. He ordered room service for lunch and texted Vashti to see how she was doing. He meant to do it the night before, but he was out before his head hit the pillow. He imagines he's fairing better, since they left before the dust settled after the argument, and he doubts Leviathan won't take advantage of her mental state. On top of paying for this trip, Schmidt might have to get a new beach house too.

Straits of Steel (A South East Asian Cyberpunk Thriller)

The outskirts of the Triangle close to Canton Canal

Twenty-seven degrees wasn't as hot as it could get here in New Malacca, but it was still unbearable when one was in a house with no air conditioning packed with AR and VR addicts that haven't moved in days, the walls had mold and it smelled of mildew, oil, and B.O. The perfect hiding place from an organization that was built on the foundation of paper records and wouldn't think to find their target among a group of a Deep abusers that lived in squalor.

Xia laid on a futon next to a girl they didn't know the name of. That's not completely true. She told her name the first time they connected to the Deep together nine months ago. She said it was 01101011 01100101 01100101 01110000, but they don't know what that means. Binary code isn't something they've picked up on even with all the time they've spent in Precipice houses. Like the one they're in now. They meant to leave hours ago, but 01101011 01100101 01100101 01110000 grabbed their hand and wouldn't let go, until she showed them something they didn't understand in the Deep. Although, they're fortunate she pulled them along into her Deep interface or Xia would miss their appointment later on today. One they should be leaving for now that the sun was west instead of high in the sky.

Xia pulled their hand away, but 01101011 01100101 01100101 01110000 kept them connected and they weren't skilled enough to detach their mind from someone else's interface. They didn't want to do this, but they really couldn't miss this appointment. Xia slammed their fist into 01101011 01100101 01100101 01110000's chest. She gasped and popped up, while Xia rolled onto the floor out of reach. They were still connected, but she didn't have the hold on them like she had before. It was a shallow connection for them to communicate through their interfaces without either having too much influence over the other.

That hurt. Why'd you do that?

I have an appointment. I gotta go.

When will you be back?

Xia shrugged. This was their third time here. It depends on how long they get to stay in any one place before the Green River Snake assassins catch up to them. If this job goes well, then they'll be back afterwards. If it doesn't, then they won't. Simple as that. They pushed 01101011 01100101 01100101 01110000 forehead, she fell back onto the futon, and just like that they disconnected and she was in the Deep forgetting the last twenty-fours they spent together. Xia changed into their full spectrum body suit. It activated the moment they zipped it up. The color changed to beige, unassuming, and unnoticeable to the average person. They put on the head mask to check if the settings were functioning today. Their vision was clear, their optic scope could see a house bobbing in the water miles away clearly. It was a great day for their tech. Xia pulled it off, hid their bag in a cabinet next to the room's door, then left the house.

It was a short boat ride into the heart of Canton Canal. They paid the water taxi, then continued their trek on foot. If the Snakes tracked down anyone that's had contact with Xia, which they do sometimes, they don't want the cabby to give any information about what they could've possibly been doing based on the location they were dropped off at. There was too much riding on this latest assignment. The ad for the 500,000 asyuan was not only the biggest possibly payday they've ever had, even when they worked for the Snakes, but it was more than enough to get all their bootleg body mods removed and replaced with legitimate technology from reputable a company. By the time Xia arrived at the
Suraiboshen their suit turned navy blue when the sun on the horizon. Two bodyguards stood outside the omakase doors. They weren't anything they haven't seen before. Large, looked like they could throw them around, the usual intimidating type that hasn't scared them in years.

"Weapons on hand?"

Xia's right arm deconstructed and turned into a sniper rifle. They left their nail gun in their bag. Chances are if they needed to use it, then they could just snap the target's neck. The guard on the right looked mildly impressed, but did a once over on the rest of them, and they could tell that first impression was short lived.

"Keep it normal. Please wait in the hall way with the rest of the group. Our employer will be with you shortly." The guard on the left opened the door to let them in. Just like he said there were four other people waiting. The ad hadn't said anything about this being a group assignment, but unexpected things happened in their line of work all the time. Xia didn't sweat it. It'd either turn out good or it'd turn out to be shit. The money was the main goal and if they had to team up to get it, then so be it. They only hoped 500,000 asyuan wouldn't be split between all these people. They took a seat next to the woman with the hijab and pull up a AR tetris game in the meantime.