Chapter Two

Leonard

The converted fog realm became a playground with whirling fans and lava flooring. The air-raid siren echoed. I likewise trapped the cults that bound me in this nightmare. The silent war in the town remained unknown to the surrounding cities for thirty years. Those who dare enter this town disappear, victims of witch hunters. This prolonged madness needs to end. I saw the room get dark. People screamed outside my house. I smiled, closing the dirt-caked curtains of my window. I said. "It's time for this dream to end. First, I'll need some help."

---

Annette

The muggy summer heat of Brahms was miserable, burning hot as if a fire surrounded it. I wiped my forehead and gathered the courage to look at the small plastic, black, and silver scale. I sighed as I looked at the weight scales, regretting the extra cupcakes. Another sigh parted my lips. Though I knew it was the truth, this thing didn't stop me from disliking it any less. The weight gain started six months ago when my father passed away because of a losing battle with cancer. Though it was a long, hard-fought battle for him, he was a warrior, my hero. Though I knew he fought it, the thought of not having a dad to be a daddy's little girl anymore hurts. About three weeks ago, my boss released me with a friendly note that I always had a job to return to. Many times, I have thought about redoing spring cleaning. I had already completed the task at my mom's house before I left her care and moved here. But, working from nine to five. I was dead on my feet once I walked through the doorway. In six months, my life has been one big roller coaster ride. I prayed I could get off of one and take a slight break. Long enough to find life's entertainment.

My fire alarm squealing in the kitchen brought me back to reality. Full speed ahead. I ran to the kitchen, looking around. To my surprise, there was no fire, much less any signs of a threat. As I returned to the bathroom, I heard static on my TV. My phone started playing songs. I didn't download some songs. My heart felt heavy, pounding like a train. I ran to the front door, but someone had chained it up. I stopped and heard children's laughter and playing from the other side.

A male voice said from somewhere in the apartment. "It would appear I'm not the only person seeking your help, my lovely flower." 

I swallowed hard and looked to see who had entered my apartment. It was a tall, slim man dressed in black. I asked the stranger who had somehow found his way into my home. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

He introduced himself with words that flowed like milk and honey. "My name is Leonard. Leonard Shepherd, I'm here to make amends for past sins." 

I looked at him and stated. "I'm not God. I can't help you. You're seeking that in the wrong place. Go to a church." 

Leonard said, his gaze not leaving mine as I sighed. "You are the funny one, my lovely flower. I need your help in my quest. It would appear that they also want you to join this meaningless war. Claudia and Christabella will find you. Only God knows what they have planned for you. My powers can shield you, but if you choose to join them, your safety is out of my hands."

I said, throwing my hands into the air. "I won't be a part of this craziness, dude. You and your friends will have to do this quest on your own. I'm not interested; I have my life to get on track. So, count me out." 

Leonard said as I looked at him. "If you can help me, I can help you. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. That's the law of your God, correct?" 

He said, looking at me. "It also says wolves come in sheep's clothing," I said as he shook his head.

"I'm aware of the book. It's not that deity I have issues with; it's the artificial ones I don't like."

Leonard stated, with arms crossed across his chest. "That I am. But I'm deceiving no one. My claims have been truthful. I understand you picture me as mad. I am, but as crazy as I may be, I desire to see a peaceful and flourishing Silent Hill. Corruption has long dominated the town. She deserves to rest. I'll provide it to her, whether you help," 

I asked him with a sigh. "You think casting voodoo magic on my apartment will get me to help you? Dude, you can't do that. Creeping people out will make them label you as four quarters short of a dollar." 

Leonard said as he looked from the door and back at me. "It might be true. Look through your door's peephole, and you'll feel different. Your nightmare can't enter, and you can't go to them. Should you decide and break the protection I surround you with, it's a mental battle we are in." 

I asked the man in front of me. "Are you high on happy pills?" 

Leonard said with a grin. "No thanks, I stay away from White Claudia. It doesn't work for me anymore. So, I doubt that is the case. Are we focused on resolving my issue?" 

The sound of kicking from my door compelled us to gaze towards it. The door stood despite the force used in attempts to bring it down. Despite the power behind them, the chains remained firm, unaffected. I looked at Leonard, staring at the door, as a black mist surrounded it. The kicking finally ceased.

I asked. "Who was that?" 

"The Brethren, Christabella's goons. I will leave now; remember, your choices will affect the team you are on." Leonard said as he got a faraway look in his eyes.

I asked, waving my hand in front of his face. "Leonard, are you asleep at the wheel?"

He looked at me; a stray tear passed his face as he turned away, "Fire doesn't cleanse; it blackens. Remember that Annette, your father, wouldn't desire that, nor do I. But I must leave. Staying here is weakening me. You'd be at the mercy of the cults if that happened.

Before he had the chance to go anywhere, I said. "Wait a minute." 

"Yes, what's the matter?" With a sigh, Leonard turned his gaze towards me and asked.

"Dude, you're leaving me alone with a group of people who seem more quarters short of a dollar than you are?" I looked at the door and asked.

"Thank you, Annette. Your sarcasm is heartwarming, but with my power protecting you, you are safer here than you would be where I'm going. Don't worry, as long as you don't go with them, you won't wilt. Ignore the screams. They are already dead. A good scare goes a long way. Am I right?" He said with a light chuckle.

I stated, confused at how he spoke of the events casually, as if they were a walk in the park. "Ignore the screams? Dude? If somebody is screaming, I'm freaking out, pardon the human nature in me. I'm human, hi. Hearing people scream outside my door is unusual. Whether they're alive or dead, it freaks us out. I'm going to panic." 

He looked at me and said. "Look, Annette, with those chains, you have nothing to worry about. I'll always watch you; I never sleep, so calm down. Now I need to leave, try to get relaxed. I'll be back in a couple of hours." A dark black portal appeared as Leonard walked into it, and it vanished, leaving an empty room behind. I sighed, looking at the smokey chains with a shiver I said. "Those things even give off a crazy energy," walking from the living room with a sigh.

____ Sneak Peek @ Chapter 3___

~Leonard~

The sounds of the air-raid sirens rang out. With a sigh, I thought of the human woman I had left in Brahms. There was genuine fear in her eyes at the thought of being left alone in the home she once found comfort in; though this was a setback, she would find comfort in that haven again. Despite the lack of verbal communication, the tiny apartment emitted an air of sadness and mourning. The individual shared a strong connection with the youthful lady, who was ultimately revealed to be her father. Although I was unaware of how he met his end, his presence remained in the apartment. One could almost hear the older man's voice from the afterlife if quiet and attentive. I had to do everything to ensure they could remain in one another company; I had to fight harder to keep those fanatics from the apartment walls.