Disclaimer: This story, though maybe not in this chapter but in subsequent chapters, will have celebrities in it. I have no knowledge of their sexuality and this is not intended to imply their sexuality. This is all from my own mind. Scary!! People actually get a glimpse into my mind!!!
Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox.
Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros.
X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox.
Star Trek and all related characters created by Gene Roddenberry. Copyright Paramount Studios.
I don't know for sure if I will use all the above elements, but just in case, I have myself covered.
In this story, which has been floating around in my head most of my life, you will find many universes merging, as the above copyrights reveal. I hope you all enjoy this. I appreciate any feedback that you may want to give. This story doesn't deal so much with sex, sex, sex, but more of my feelings that I struggled with and am starting to come to terms with. Part of his background is mine. I do hope that you enjoy it!!!
jmsotc@yahoo.com
Chapter 16 How To Fight A Spell
"What? Justin is under a spell? Is that what's giving him nightmares?"
"That's what it sounds like. Turic possibly did it so he could look good in Justin's eyes, so he could be some kind of hero to Justin. Justin would end up believing that he could not make due without Turic. It's a form of control that's been around for hundreds, possibly thousands, of years. Today, most people use fear, but it's still the same: manipulation to give one power."
"How do I break the spell?"
"That's the tricky part. In some cases, if we could figure out what spell was used we could use a counter spell. But since he's a vampire who could possibly have been around for several hundred years, it could be impossible to know which spell he used, or even if it's still in print in spell books."
"How could we determine this?"
"I could start researching this."
"Would you do that?"
"Of course. This has to do with an evil vampire."
I figured he would do it since it would be for his cause as well as my own. "Thank you. Now, I must go. I've got a lot to do."
I left Garrett's home and returned to my apartment where I barely slept a wink. My mind kept wandering to Justin and his nightmares, and to Turic. What could be triggering Justin's nightmares? Did Turic perform another spell? These questions racked my brain as I lay in bed.
When morning arrived, I had just dozed off and the alarm sounded. I got up and showered. And left for work. At the office, I was met with greetings from Debbie and Dr. Allison. Apparently, Joshua had already left for ...wherever he was going.
"Good morning, Eric."
"Good morning, Doctor. What's on the agenda for today?"
"Lot's of meetings and paperwork. We've already had your patients shifted to the other doctors so we could begin some studying and training. First, though, we are going to test you on what you already know. We've contacted the correspondence school you took Child Psychology through and are impressed with your grades."
"Thank you, Doctor."
"However, to practice, you will need more than an Associates Degree. That's where we come in. The Practice would like to fund your schooling so you can be a psychologist here with us. Joshua has already told us of your ability to work well with children. Even though they've met you for the first time and, unlike most children, have gone through even more trauma, you have made them feel relaxed and open around you. That's a positive, a major positive.
"Today, we are going to get the usual information, get you to fill out some forms and such. Then, hopefully, you and I will go and visit the school."
"That's awfully fast."
"Yes, but they are well aware of our reputation. Usually someone we recommend and need is helped in quickly. Shall we?"
I followed Dr. Allison into the office that would soon be mine. There I spent most of the morning filling out forms, selecting the classes I felt compelled to take and taking several tests, both for the firm and the school. When lunchtime came around, I was thankful to get out for a while.
I decided to go for a walk through downtown L.A. and have lunch down there. It was a busy and frightening place. It's sad to say that I feel more confident behind the mask. I guess there are many inner demons I have to face concerning myself. These psychology classes will help me help myself as much as help me help others. I looked forward to it. And, as always dreaded it. What if I found out I wasn't competent enough to pass? What if they laughed at my scores? What if they told me to forget everything? I guess I worry too much, too.
I found a little hot dog stand and bought a hot dog with mustard and Sauer kraut. I love hot dogs like that, even though I don't eat hot dogs all that much. It was truly a treat. With that I drank some lemonade and bought a small order of cheddar fries. This would definitely fill me for most of the day.
I walked to the park and sat down at a bench to eat and enjoy the nice whether. As I ate, I noticed some teenagers harassing a young girl. I tuned my ears in to focus on what they were saying.
"Come on, Lisa. You know we've been asking you for so long. You shouldn't have agreed in the first place. My parents aren't going to be home tonight. We can all meet at my house."
"No, David. I told you, I'm too young."
"You're too young to do it but not too young to agree to it? Just wait until I tell the whole football team that we already did it. I can tell a pretty erotic lie that will get the whole school talking. Or I could tell them you're a dyke."
"You wouldn't?"
The guys were laughing at the girl. And my anger was being kindled. I continued to listen.
"Sure I would. Not unless you do it with us all."
The girl looked at the four other guys. She was terrified. I could tell. I would have been terrified at the prospect of being forced to have sex with five guys, no matter who they were. I listened further to find out his address. It was no good. I would have to get here as soon as possible after work to follow him. I wasn't about to let something like this happen.
My appetite was gone. I threw my food away and returned to work. The rest of the day seemed to drag. When I got home, I suited up and went back to the park. Hopefully, they were still in the area. It was 5:30 and the guys were part of the team. They had practice that afternoon, thankfully. I waited and followed the rather rude jock back to his place. The four other guys went with him. I watched them go into the house and waited, hoping and praying that the girl would be strong enough to say 'no' and not show up. Sadly, I was mistaken. Peer pressure, no matter how stupid the activity is going to be, is still a major driving force. Peer pressure can be good, but for the most part, it's used to get kids caught up in stuff they should not do. I've seen too many lives destroyed because of stuff like that.
Lisa rang the bell and the door was quickly opened letting her in. I decided to move into action. I crept up beside the house and got out my mini-camcorder and began filming inside the window. I got what I was hoping to film.
"David, I told you I don't want to do this."
"Too bad. I told you what would happen if you didn't. Your reputation would be ruined, no matter what. I'll spread the rumor that you did me good, or that you're a dyke. Now the choice is yours: do us or get a bad rep."
That was all I needed. I turned off the camcorder and placed it safely on the ground. Then, I jumped through the window, smashing the glass and watched as everyone wet his or her pants. I stood up and stared at each and every one of them.
"Oh my God," one football player said.
"You better be praying," I said. "All of you. I've got you on videotape. You are trying to blackmail her. That's a crime. Now, you can either apologize to her and let her go, keeping your mouth shut about all of this, or I can send the tape to your parents and the principal of the school. NOW, the choice is YOURS."
I watched them, waiting for someone to do something. At first it was quiet. They were too freaked out by someone dressed like a Bat standing in their presence. Then, the one who was doing the praying earlier spoke up. "I...I didn't think you would come after us. I mean...we're just a bunch of kids..."
"Who are committing a crime. It doesn't matter your age. You're still breaking the law of man, not only a law of honesty and integrity. I suggest you guys do a lot of growing and maturing before you even think about having sex. And I hope you guys aren't bigots against homosexuals, either. If you are, I will have to keep my eye on you."
The five gentlemen shook their heads 'no'. I looked to Lisa. "Get out of here. Don't talk to these guys again." She left immediately. And I turned my attentions back to the would-be blackmailers. "Now, as for you, I suggest you straighten up because you are in hot water with me. I will be watching you. I have my eyes and ears everywhere. Blackmailing someone to do something you want him or her to do is so immature and inhuman. You're lucky I don't turn the tape in anyway."
With that, I leapt out the window I came in and grabbed my camcorder and hid close to the house to where I could hear what they were saying but not be seen.
"Did you guys see that? That was Batman! I've read about him in the paper! He was at the fire last week! He saved the little girl! The fire didn't hurt him! He's not human!"
"Shut up!"
"What do we do, David? What are we going to do?"
"I said, shut up. We don't say anything to anyone about tonight. About Lisa or this...this psycho. I don't want to chance anything. You heard him. He's going to be watching. He must be able to if he knew what we were doing tonight and how to get to my house."
I couldn't hold my laughter much longer. I succeeded in what my objectives, but I couldn't believe how they were reacting. I guess it's true. Teenagers can be mature about a great many things, but sometimes certain things scare the crap out of them. Luckily, I was one of them.
I returned home and got back into street clothes. I packed my suit into a bag to take with me. I was going to see Justin and then go to Garrett's to see if he discovered anything useful in breaking this spell.
At the hotel, Justin had looked as if he had been put through the rigors of space camp. He looked so out of it and dark circles surrounded his eyes.
"Hey, Eric," he said kissing and hugging me. "I'm glad to see you."
"I'm glad to see you, as well." I looked around and Lance could not be found.
"Where have you been?"
"I had some things to take care of. Work was crazy today. I had so many papers to fill out and tests to take. I felt as if I was back in school, though that won't actually be starting in few weeks. How was your day?"
"Busy. I didn't sleep well at all last night. I woke up tired. We had to work on choreography for one of our new songs. It was tense today. But now that I'm with you, things are better."
We went over and sat on the couch, with me sitting down first and Justin sitting down between my legs. He laid his head against my chest and I put my arms around him. "Just relax, now. You're with me."
"I was thinking that maybe this Friday night, you and I could go out on a date, see a movie, take in dinner, go dancing. How does that sound?"
"Just spending time with you sounds great to me." I said with a smile.
We sat like that for a good half hour not saying anything to each other. The rest of the guys came and went but he and I just sat there enjoying each other's touch. It was around 11:30 when I broke it up. "I've got to get going."
"So soon?"
"Yeah. I have to meet someone tonight."
"Someone? Are you...seeing someone else?"
"No, of course not. There's some stuff going on and this guy offered to help me fix it. That's all." I didn't want to say, "Well, Justin, you're under a spell because of Turic. There's a guy I know who's going to help me break the spell. Until then, you are going to have to worry about nightmares." That just wouldn't have been tactful.
"Okay." Reluctantly, Justin sat up and helped me to my feet. We kissed and hugged and then I left.
When I reached a dark, secluded alley, I changed into my Bat-suit, since Garrett did not yet know who I was, and went to the mansion.
"Did you find anything?" I asked Garrett.
"I found several things which my interest you."
I followed Garrett into the library and he grabbed one of several books on his desk. "It appears that Turic has gone by several names in the history books: Turc, Turoc, and Turos. He is quite legendary in his evil. He is a wizard of enormous power and influence, pillaging and destroying villages for over two centuries. He studied under the great wizard Azkar, the darkest wizard to ever have walked the earth. After promising to make him immortal, Turic traded for learning magic and wizardry. He studied with Azkar for thirty years, making him the oldest apprentice wizard."
"And the smartest, no doubt. He had time to perfect his skills while under his teacher's tutelage. Do any of the volumes say how to break his spells?"
"There are two. The first is to find his spell book. In it contains all the counter-spells to the spells. The second, however, is to slay him."
"Great. Call Jessica. I need her help."
"Oh, no. She's on assignment. She cannot return until she's finished."
"Which leaves me here by myself. Great. Do you think I'm ready to slay demons?"
"You've shown much promise. We will continue your training, as always."
"Good. Now the question is, where can I find Turic?"
"Well..."
I looked at Garrett. He had the look on his face as if he had information that he wasn't sure he wanted to share. "What is it, Garrett?"
"Turic's spells are usually proximity spells, meaning that when he is nearby, they go into affect. I guess it's his horrible way of letting people know he's around without actually letting them catch sight of him. Rather scary, isn't it?"
"I'll say. Well, since he's in town, I'll have to start hunting him down."
"Be careful. He's a very powerful wizard and very dark vampire. He's killed men, women and children. He would think nothing of killing a man dressed as a Bat. He may even consider it a trophy."
"That is if I even wear the suit to kill him."
"Why would you not?"
"This is a personal issue. I'm not going to let the Batman do something for the man."
"Are you sure that's wise?"
"I don't know if it's wise. But it is what I want to do."
I left Garrett's and returned home. I was so exhausted from the busy day that I fell right to sleep. But my dreams were anything but peaceful. I had nightmares of Turic and Justin getting back together. I dreamt of Turic hunting me down. I dreamed Turic turned Justin into a vampire. And what's weirder, but not so scary, Lance was there the entire time trying to help and comfort me. Lance was becoming a real friend. I was very thankful for that.
To Be Continued...
Well, another Chapter down! What do you think of the solutions to breaking the spell Turic put on Justin? Pretty easy to figure out. But what kind of spell did he put on Justin? The nightmare spell? Hmm, lot's more to read about.
What about peer pressure? That, too, is a spell that I wish could be broken in this world. Peer pressure can be used for good, if you have several friends who are trying to get you to do the right thing. It is also bad, as you can see here. But it encompasses more than that. So much more. I'm sure you have had peer pressure that seemed too great to deal with. If you want to share with me, I would like to hear about them. I, sadly, did not have much peer pressure. I was too busy separating myself from everyone because of my sexuality. I had such a hard time dealing with the fact I'm gay that I didn't have time to worry about drugs, alcohol, smoking, teen sex, etc. I was too busy hating myself and trying to be heterosexual. In a way, my homosexuality saved me from peer pressure. And that's a good thing, though I still have much to deal with because of the damage I inflicted upon myself.
I wanted to ask what you thought of my commentaries at the end. Do you like them or hate them? Do you agree or disagree? Tell me. I want to know your point of view. Am I way off base in them or right on target? What do you think? I would LOVE to hear from you!!! Also, just so you're aware, I'm not an older man writing these! I'm in my mid-twenties so it hasn't been too awful long for me to remember what it was like in high school and growing up.
Please keep reading! More Chapters to come!!! So much more!!!
And I have made a toy of my Batman character! As if I'm not busy enough working, planning on going to college and writing two Star Trek RPGs and writing this, I also have time to make toys and draw pictures! I can send pictures of my Batman character's costume design if you would like to see it. Maybe I can start marketing the toys! LOL