undertheinfluence

[undertheinfluence]

"Very brutal. But I left out some of the worst details just from that moment alone. Count yourself lucky that I'll help you and not the others." He said, thinking about their question. Would Sage go along with it? It's a huge possibility, especially since his boyfriend trusted him so much and Stefan trusted Sage with Az and Jules...

"Don't worry about it. I'll sit with him and give him what-for. He's gotta learn to let you do as you please, especially as you grow and become an adult." Nodding once, he held out his pinky to them so they could seal the deal in a way. "I promise. You have my word."

Ash flinched at the mention of the kick in the face. ❛ Yes, i've been told demon training is... brutal. ❜ Brutal didn't even cut it, but there was no need to be graphic about it, Stefan already knew. He'd been there. As for themselves... They'd known how cruel humans could be, they didn't feel like facing demon training. Stefan was no ordinary demon, though. He'd managed to gain Sage's trust and heart. Ash was relieved to learn they weren't the only one Sage was overbearing towards and they were hopeful that, with time, Sage would be easier to deal with. ❛ Do you think he would let me train with you ? I would like to go out more. I haven't seen much of the world and i think it's unfair that i have these powers and that i cannot use them to explore. ❜

[undertheinfluence]

"She probably doesn't but reintroductions can be arranged I'm sure." Stefan offered, giving the child a playful wink. He did laugh, though, as Ash seemed to poke fun at their mentor of sorts. "I wouldn't say I'm more fun, just a bit more aware of necessities when it comes to abilities. My training as a demon came like a swift kick in the face. Actually, it was a swift kick in the face that started it all. It helped me. I promise not to kick you at all or hurt you, but I will help you harness your abilities rather quickly."

Sighing softly, he gestured to his phone as if to indicate he was mentioning Sage. "Your father's a bit, what do humans like to say..." Stefan furrowed his brows in thought before speaking again. "Oh, yes. Overbearing. I've had to tell him to take it easy even with me. Because of his own trauma, he's worried about anything happening to anyone he cares about. The Soul that owns this shop can be the same way with her daughter but I've been able to work her over."

A slight smile appeared on Ash's lips as they nod slowly. ❛ I know about Az and Jules. I was hoping to officially meet them eventually, but as i can tell, Sage didn't bother to tell anyone about me. Not even you. ❜ They sighed, sinking their hands in their pockets. ❛ And i doubt Az remembers i was going at her school last week. ❜

When Stefan mentioned teaching them how to teleport, the teenager's eyes lit up a bit. ❛ Would you say you are more fun than a 3000 year-old celestial being ? Ariel is.... kind of a bore. ❜

[undertheinfluence]

Hearing their situation, Stefan nodded and took his hand back. "Ah, okay. Well, if it helps, I know a few people who are about your age and I trust to be friends with Sage's child. The person who runs this shop has a daughter who I see as my own as well. If you come about 4 or 5 in the evening, you'll be able to meet them." He said, giving the child some way of making friends that he knew Sage would trust.

"Teleportation, huh? That's fascinating. If it helps, I know how to do that. I could always teach you if you would like?" Stefan offered, knowing that if Sage had pulled this child out of school that they must be important to Hell's plans. He was as protective as Stefan was so there was no way this kid was going to go about without some sort of protection. Though, as the kid mentioned Persephone, he nodded a couple of times while gesturing to the back. "She does from time to time. Not too often but she always has a specific order. She'll be back next Month at some point."

Ash raised a brow at the words. Making a deal with a demon ? Was it such a good idea ? Ariel, her fallen angel teacher, would disapprove as they weren't a fan of Stefan. They considered him a distraction, someone who could bring about Sage's downfall. But standing here, Ash didn't feel like the demon was a threat. When Ash heard the terms of the deal, they remained silent for a moment before opening their mouth to answer : ❛ Sage pulled me out of school. I have a private teacher. ❜ They looked down at the receipt as they were unfurling it to check the address. ❛ I was practicing teleportation and i was curious to see what the place looked like. ❜ Then they looked up at Stefan and lowered their voice. ❛ Sage said Persephone is actually working here sometimes. Like, The actual Goddess. I was curious. ❜

[undertheinfluence]

Stefan watched the child as they seemed to be quiet for a bit. Almost pensive after the talk of medicine. Raising a brow, he crossed his arms against his chest loosely to express that he wasn't gonna give up. "How about I make you a deal, hm?" He said, taking a step closer but not in a sense of aggression or intimidation. It was almost inviting as he didn't want to scare this person.

"I'll see if I can convince him to stop buying flowers from here, if you try to make a couple of friends. Not from here if that's not something you're comfortable with, but maybe someone at school possibly. We got a deal?" Unfolding his arms, he reached out with his right one towards them so they could shake on the deal.

Ash gave Stefan a look. ❛ I know. ❜ Of course, they knew medicine existed for those things. They weren't from medieval time or whatever, though at times their dreams might feel oddly anachronical. ❛ Just haven't found one that's effective yet. Drugs don't affect me the same as before... ❜ They didn't elaborate on that and didn't feel like doing so either. The trauma of the sickness carried on, despite them being immune to all the diseases and viruses. They would never get sick ever again, so why the fuck were they stuck with their old pollen allergies ?

Their eyes widened at Stefan's last words. ❛ You would ? ❜ But as soon as he asked the question, a hint of sadness appears in their eyes. No one. There was no one they could invite over. No friends to hang out with. They averted their gaze, eyes falling unto the receipt they were furling and unfurling before they gazed up again. ❛ I'll let Sage know once you get him to agree. ❜ is the response Stefan get from them after a moment of silence.

[undertheinfluence]

"There are medicines to help with sinuses and all that if one's allergic to things. I got lucky with this vessel." Nodding once, he let his hands fall to his sides and continued to watch them to make sure they didn't need any medical attention. Though, as he listened, Stefan sighed in remembrance of Az as she had also been upset that she couldn't go out and do things like other teens. "I may not be able to convince him about the flowers but I can talk to him about you having visitors. Do you have someone specifically in mind that you want over?"

Ash simply shook their head as they saw Stefan's hand slightly lifted. Touching demons was never a good idea. The images that would flow through them at the touch were always awful. ❛ If he doesn't listen to you, then my sinuses are truly doomed. ❜ A sigh escapes their lips as they took back the receipt and began furling it into a tight roll, their eyes following the movement of their fingers. ❛ Seems unfair that he gets to have visitors while i don't. ❜

[undertheinfluence]

Stefan was still a bit shocked by this whole situation. Stefan hadn't even heard of Sage having a child. This was something he would definitely have to bring up with his boyfriend. Though, as the child seemed to sway, he quickly moved from behind the counter and held out his hands slightly as if to catch them if they needed him to. "That definitely sounds like Sage. Always so stubborn and proud. I did tell him to lay off the flowers but he doesn't need to have them. He can see me whenever he wants as he's been in the home I share with a friend of mine."

❛ You don't say. ❜ They'd held Stefan's gaze at those first words about the pain of churches. They'd known pain there, too, and it was apparent by the look of deep resentment in their eyes. ❛ He seems to think so. ❜ They'd replied to Stefan's last question, fingers gripping the counter as they fought the woozy feeling that came over them. Maybe this little trick had been too much. They'd done it for shock value. Because it gave power to their words. It had costed them though, such display of power in a plane that wasn't their own anymore. They blinked a couple times as the eyes slowly reverted to their natural hazel color. ❛ I tried to take it up with him. Sage would rather die than admit he can be defeated by pollen. ❜  

[undertheinfluence]

"Churches are not a place for me either. Too much pain." Quite literally, in fact. He'd burn and melt if he stepped foot. That's the last thing he'd need right now. What was up with this bossy ass kid, tellig Stefan what to do? And how did they know his name? "Why are you telling me? He's the one that does it on his own volition. If it's an issue, take it up with him. Besides, how do you know Sage? Is he your family friend or some shit?" Just as he was about to speak more, his eyes locked on the child's which caused them to widen. "Wait, are you his child?"

 ❛ A church ? Hell, no ! I've been told to stay away from those. Not that i would ever set foot in one ever again. ❜ They 'd shrugged and strolled down the aisle, making their way to the counter where the person who'd spoken was. Stefan, Ash recalled from the many times Sage had talked about him. The one reason their father kept buying from that flower shop.  ❛ I'm here to put in a request. ❜ They slid the receipt on the counter. ❛ Do not let Sage buy any more flowers. He's terribly allergic to pollen and so is one other person who lives with him. ❜ They'd locked eyes with the demon as they spoke. There was no mistaking now. The amber eyes that were staring back at Stefan were alike ones he knew too well. This teenager had his eyes. Sage's eyes.

[undertheinfluence]

Of course Serafine would leave this place to Stefan. People were terrified of him and didn't think he'd be friendly. Well, he wasn't friendly at all, but he could be civil. It was the issue with being a Wrath Demon. He always had a resting bitch face... unless he was drunk or fucking.

As soon as he heard a sneeze, he looked up from his phone with a slightly concerned expression that still seemed to show anger. He didn't recognize them, but there was something otherworldly he was able to pick up on. "Yeah, that's the name of the florist shop. Sorry it's not up to your standards but this is a place of business. Did you expect a fuckin' church or somethin'?"

Meanwhile at the flower shop... @undertheinfluence The sound of a sneeze echoes in the shop. Someone's in the store. Odd, considering not a single ring of the antique doorbell had been heard since Serafine left leaving the shop within the care of Stefan. Yet, there they are. The culprit of the sneeze. The light haired figure strolling within the aisles do not look above seventeen. They're holding a piece of paper that look like a receipt and mumbling to themself as they look at it.  ❛ Persephone's garden, huh ? This looks less underworldly than i'd expected. ❜ There’s something about them. Something not entirely human and yet well acquainted with the earthly plane.

[undertheinfluence]

The book had stopped and Serafine looked so broken. Mouse had been there when he had first discovered his necromancy. It was terrifying and he was sure she was scared. He'd smelled the blood in her saliva as it hit the air so he was okay with that. It would work to keep that book from doing what it did again. He got next to her on the floor, putting an arm around her to offer comfort. Mouse could see how confused she was and he could hear mentally all the unanswered questions she had. "That grimoire..." He started but paused, keeping his eyes on her. "That means you're the descendant who can revive her. It's a necromancy spell that should never be read out loud while that book is in the same room as you while it's open. What I had you do, though, was to end the connection you had with said spell. What happened won't happen again as long as no one in your family besides you comes into contact." Running his free hand through his hair, he looked to the book and shook his head. "That is a spell I thought I'd never see in my life."

To say she was freaked out by the haunted grimoire was an understatement. She'd back away from the floating book as much as she could until her back touched the door of the room. Though even from here, she could still see the writings. Some were in French and some other in Ancient Greek. Do not read the page out loud, Mouse had said. The temptation was there, though she managed to grab the piece of paper he handed to her. This was Latin. She did what she was told because she didn't know what the fuck else to do. Her voice was shaky at first, then it became more and more assured as the words seemed to take effect on the grimoire. When the book shut and dropped to the ground, her knees gave out. There was still one step left. She crawled to reach the book, then spat out whatever blood she'd ingested from her finger. There was more saliva then anything else but that would do it, right ? She looked up to him, her gaze full of untold questions.

[undertheinfluence]

Watching Serafine have what looked like a panicked realization, his eyes widened at the sight of the book glowing and turning blood red. "Oh fuck..." He sighed out, trying to keep himself together. This was definitely the Grimoire owner's descendant. Quickly snatching it off the ground, he tried to flip the pages but it started rapidly flipping the pages itself before floating in the air. It finally stopped flipping pages and flew over to Serafine and facing her upright.

"Whatever you do, don't read that page outloud. You don't know what it'll do. It could be a lie, it could be a death spell, we don't know. Commit what it's showing you to memory and then recite this three times. Once it shuts, spit the blood you took from your finger onto it." Quickly writing down three words in Latin, he handed it to Serafine. If she were to read it, she'd see "Finem. Finitum. Desinite."

❛ I would assume he was pretty pissed off when he killed her, yes, and so was she because he was slaughtering her entire coven and all... What ? What did you find ? ❜ Serafine came closer, her brown eyes falling onto the pages of the book he'd shown her. She didn't know how but she knew it was hers. It felt familiar somehow. This handwriting... She'd seen it in her dreams. Her eyes went wide at the thought. No way ! It couldn't be... And yet, she grabbed the book from Mouse's hands and flipped through it, looking for the page. She found it. The very spell that had allowed her to cage her guilt. The spell without whom she would be devoured by remorse for the child she had to kill to seal her pact with Stefan. The one that came to her in a dream. Was everything she thought she was creating was in fact Evanora's doing ? She shook her head and flipped through the pages again, fingers shaking from the horror she was witnessing in this grimoire. ❛ Ouch ! ❜ She let out, feeling the sharp pain of a paper cut on her index finger. She brought her index to her lips and dropped the book as the pages slowly turned crimson red, as if they'd been soaked in blood, and some other writings rose to the surface of the pages.

[undertheinfluence]

"I was right to assume then. Do you know if said Sin was what fueled the spell or was it another deadly sin?" He asked, looking to the third book and flipping through it a bit until he got to the right page. But, as she mentioned that she came from the same lineage, Mouse flipped a few more pages and his eyes widened a bit. "Holy shit." Mouse uttered in shock. Slowly looking over at her, he held up the book he was looking at and showed it to her.

If Serafine were to look at the book, she'd see a handwritten page that explicitly explained a blood-binding spell that she was describing. "I knew what you were saying sounded so fucking familiar but I had to be sure. This book is back here so it doesn't get into the wrong hands again. It's a grimoire specifically written by a very dark, demented Witch who held power over a Sin Demon."

❛ Yes, a... Sin Demon. ❜ Serafine replies at last. It made her uncomfortable to refer to her friend like that. She much preferred calling him by his name but she wasn't gonna tell his name to a stranger whilst also sharing his awful predicament. She nodded at Mouse's theory. It made perfect sense. Perhaps Stefan was inhabiting his own original body. Perhaps the curse had caged him into his original flesh as well. ❛ I don't think there are wrong-er hands than hers to be honest. Even in death she found a way to haunt him. We come from the same bloodline she and i. ❜

[undertheinfluence]

He paused as soon as he heard what Serafine's friend was. "A Demon? Like a Sin Demon?" Mouse questioned, looking to her with a raised brow. He had no problem with Sin Demons. A couple of them frequented his Coven head's home. "Yeah, that's definitely gonna be trickier." His gaze went back to the books and started flipping a few more pages. "So, if your friend is a Sin Demon and there was a blood binding spell put on them, it wouldn't just be attached to the Demon, but the vessel as well." Running his finger over one page and then his other finger over the other book, he nodded while processing his conclusion. "This is a very dangerous spell, especially in the wrong hands. But, like any spell, it can be broken."

Serafine followed. She probably wouldn't have been as eagered to follow a stranger in the back of a store if it wasn't to gain knowledge that would help her friend. She watched as he drew the sigil, trying to memorize it. I definitely need to try that trick at home. She raised an eyebrow at the question. ❛ A vessel ? Like possession or something ? ❜ Was Stefan occupying a body ? Was his face his real face ? She'd never asked. ❛ Do... Do demon have vessels ? ❜ She was standing by Mouse's side, glancing over his shoulder as he flipped the pages of the books.

[undertheinfluence]

Looking over Serafine, Mouse wondered if they should be talking privately. Sure, people could talk about whatever here but what she had just mentioned was some really dark magic. "This may need some privacy. Follow me." Waving for her to come along, he looked to the store owner and sent them a thought about what he needed the back for. He started to walk over and behind the counter, leaving the books with the store owner and stepped through the back.

Once Serafine would step through the door, he'd write down a sigil on a piece of paper before tacking it onto the bulletin board. Soon, the door would glow and any noise from outside the door would cease. "This isn't common magic at all. It's illegal in most occult circles, actually. It removes a being's free will and binds them to this surface no matter their end. It's kind of a Necromancer's worst nightmare... or a dream come true if they're fucked up enough." Looking behind him, he found a few old books that definitely looked more along the lines of something a real witch would use. Mouse placed them down and started flipping through each one. "Is this supernatural being Kindred like me or someone who is in a vessel?"

Serafine was thrilled at the idea of showing off her pride and joy. She'd worked hard to get where she is after all. Eyes widened a bit. ❛ Necromancy, hm ? ❜ She pondered the word and what it entailed. ❛ I'm curious to know how blood magic and necromancy mix together. I know i can heal and maim and channel my own blood for power but other than that, i'm still learning. ❜ She hesitates at the question, pursing her lips. Then, she decides she can afford to tell some of the truths. ❛ Do you know anything about severing a blood link between a dead witch living in hell and her supernatural victim ? ❜

[undertheinfluence]

"Sounds lovely!" He agreed, smiling to her while organizing the books in his left arm. Though, as he continued to listen, he raised a brow in curiosity. Blood Magic wasn't common at all amongst Witches, let alone Kindred but he knew a lot about it thanks to his own affinity. "Well, it's a very rare affinity, a dangerous one to have, but so is mine. I've got Necromancy and it can involve blood magic at times. If it's involving one of my species or one who uses a vessel, I might be able to help. Would you be able to tell me what it is that your friend is suffering from?"

❛ Oh, I would be delighted to give you a tour then ! ❜ Serafine said, her wide smile showing how enthusiastic she was about showing him her pride and joy. ❛ My goal here today wasn't really to buy anything, it was mostly to interact with my kin, which i can say is mission accomplished. ❜ She winked at him, then lowered her voice. ❛ But whilst i'm here, Is there anything here about blood magic ? My friend is in a bit of a pickle with a wicked witch. He has been for a century in fact. I'm trying to help him out. ❜

[undertheinfluence]

"Sounds like a lovely place. I might just take you up on that offer, Sera." He smiled a little brighter, not being able to sense a single human in the store. Mouse laughed at her joke, though, giving a shrug. "My fledgling thinks I'm too quiet himself but laughs whenever I startle him." Serafine was actually quite sweet and he was hoping he could hang out with her more often. "Are you gonna continue browsing the store? I can always help you if you'd like."

❛ I own the flower shop down the street. Persephone's garden. I don't have a social media page or a website for my shop and most of my clients are regulars. ❜ Advertising herself would've been too risky as she was looking to hide from her abusive adoptive parents. She smiled at him giving her a nickname. It felt nice. ❛ You'd either be the best or the worst roommate. I like quiet, but i'm easily startled. ❜ she says, leting out a little chuckle. ❛ You could come visit my shop if you want. Once you're done here of course. ❜

[undertheinfluence]

"Oh? What shop do you own?" He asked, not having really been in any of the other places in the area since he was mostly helping Rebel. Shaking her hand gently, he let her hand go and picked up the books. "Never? Well, it's your lucky day, Sera. I like Mouse better than my actual name. It suits me. I'm usually rather quiet and move about without making much of a sound. My Sire had given it to me."

❛ Is that so ? That's wonderful news for me ! My shop isn't too far away from here so i came on my lunch break. ❜ Serafine was really happy to learn her community wasn't too far from her home. She looked over him with renewed curiosity as he told her he had an affinity as well. She had no idea vampire could perform spells. She wondered if Tyler could too and blushed a little at the thought. They'd been on her mind a lot lately. ❛ I'm Serafine. ❜ she says, shaking Mouse's hand, with a shy smile. ❛ Mouse it is then. I suppose people could call me Sera. I never really been on familiar basis before. ❜

[undertheinfluence]

Seeing her almost visibly relax, he chuckled at her joke and placed the books he was getting on a small shelf that had space. "You've picked a good place to start visiting in person. This one's owned by a multi-generational family of practicing witches. I've got my own affinity that is rare and this place is helpful while I'm away from home." Reaching over with a free hand, he nodded once. "I'm Bennett, but everyone calls me Mouse. Mind if I get your name?"

Serafine smiled in return. ❛ Well, to be fair, they have some good titles here so you're excused. ❜ She'd never been in person but she often stared way too long at the book section of the online shop. Her warm brown eyes widened slightly at the sight of the fangs before a knowing smile appeared on her lips. ❛ Not really. Let's say i've been avoiding my roots, but i decided it was time to intact with my kin so here i am. I usually shop online. ❜