I Seek Redemption

.: Leonard's Point of View:

The sound of the air-raid siren rumbled in the surroundings of the converted fog realm to that of whirling fans and lava flooring, my playground. The cults that had me bound to this realm, as I had them, also bound in this nightmare. For thirty years, the silent war raging in the town unknown to the town's around. The mysterious disappearances of those who dare come into this wicked town who involuntarily take part in this madness of witch hunters, those foolish enough to enter this town, never escaped, never living to tell the tale. This madness has lasted long enough; it is time to extinguish the fires the cults have started, as well as the dreamers within this world. I watched as the surrounding room became dark, the screams of the residence outside my house rang in the air outside. I smiled, closing the dirt-caked curtains of my window. "It's time for this dream to end. But, first, I'm going to need some help." I walked out the door.

---

Annette

The muggy summer heat of Brahms was miserable, burning hot as if there was a fire surrounding it. I wiped the sweat from my brow as I mustered up the courage to look at the tiny, plastic, black, and silver liar that I now stood on my scales. Looking at the weight scales with a sigh, Maybe I shouldn't have had that extra helping of cupcakes last night, another sigh parted my lips. This thing, though I knew it was the truth, 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 bravely, just the thoughts of not having a dad to be a daddy's little girl to anymore, it hurts. About three weeks ago, my boss released me with a friendly note that I always had a job to return to. His stipulation, however, was going to require time; time is something that I now have plenty of his deal was I could return to work once I got my life back in order. With this thought, I looked around my bathroom. The room was tidy compared to the wreck that was the other rooms that made up my small one bedroom, one bathroom, medium-sized living room, and a 5x5 kitchen area. Many times I had 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. One that I prayed I could get off of and take a slight break. Just long enough to find the entertainment that was life.

The sounds of 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. Just as I turned to go back to the bathroom, I heard my television admit static and my phone speaker skipping through my playlist, playing songs at random. Some songs; I didn't download, my heart heavy, pounding like a train about to derail from the tracks, I ran to the front door, only to stop in my tracks to see it chained up and the haunting, ghostly sounds of children's laughter and playing sounded from the other side.

"It would appear I'm not the only person seeking your help, my lovely flower." Came a gravelly voice from behind me.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I slowly turned to see who had come into my apartment, to see a tall-lean man dressed entirely in black attire. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

"My name is Leonard. Leonard Shepherd, my reasons for being, here are redemptions for past sins that I have allowed to carry on." The man's gaze never leaving my face. His words flowed like milk and honey. However, he was seeking redemption from me.

"I'm not God. I can't help you. You're seeking that in the wrong place. Go to a church- "his throaty chuckle interrupted me.

"You are the funny one, my lovely flower. But you can help me with my quest." Looking around at the door, Leonard's gaze came to me once more. "It would appear that they also want you to join this meaningless war. Claudia and Christabella will find you. Then only your God knows what they will have in store for you once they get you. My powers can shield you, but if you choose to join them, your safety is out of my hands."

"Look, dude, I don't know what any of this is about, but, I will not jump into this craziness. You and your friends will have to do this 'quest' on your own. I'm not interested, plus I have my own life to get on track. So count me out."

"If you can help me, I can help you. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Isn't that the law of your God?" I looked at the man.

"It also says wolves come in sheep's clothing."

"That I am. But, I'm deceiving no one. My claims have been truthful. I understand you picture me as mad. Perhaps I am, but as crazy as I may be, I do desire to see a peaceful and flourishing Silent Hill. The town has suffered for far too long. She deserves to rest. I intend to give her that with or without your help, without would be harder."

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

"That may be so, go look out the peephole of your door, and you will have a change in attitude, your nightmare can't come in, nor can you go to them, should you decide and break the protection I surround you with, it's a mental battle we are in."

"I think you're high on happy pills."

"I stay away from White Claudia. It doesn't seem to work for me anymore. So I doubt that is the case."

The sound of kicking coming from my door caused me to look. The door stood despite the force used in attempts to bring it down. The chains jarred, but stayed firm, not affected by the brute force coming from the other side of it. I looked at Leonard, who was staring at the door, as a black mist surrounded it. The kicking ceased, then finally came to a stop.

"Who was that?"

Leonard looked at me. "The Brethren, Christabella's lapdogs. I will leave now, just remember your choices will affect the team your on." He stopped as he got a faraway look in his eyes.

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

He looked at me; a stray tear made its way down 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. If that should happen, you'd be at the mercy of the cults they wouldn't hesitate to eliminate you, just by their beliefs of you being a witch."

He walked away, "Wait a minute.''

He turned to look at me as I felt my heart sink.