• He walked in the darken room, quietly walking towards the bunk bed. As he got closer he whispered.

    “Wake up….”

    Sitting on the bed, the young boy stirred. Lazily looking in the older one’s direction.

    “Hmmmm…. what’s the matter?” He spoke groggily.

    “Get dress.”

    Without question he did as what he was told. The eldest waited as the young boy got his clothing on. When he was finished they both left the bedroom. But the young one returned for the flashlight left on his bed. Silently, the walked down the short hall. As their parents room were cracked open. They could hear their fathers’ heaving breathing. But not a sound came from their quiet mother. They went down the stairs. Carefully, tried to tiptoe down, only a few of the steps creaked. But it was loud enough to awaken their mother. When they reached the turning point of the stairs, they moved more quickly. As the oldest skip the last step and slowly open the front door. The young one landed his right foot on it making a soft but loud cccccccrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeekkkkkkkk. Like a door with it’s un-oiled hinges. Both of them turned both their heads up at the railing. Nothing happen for a few minutes. The eldest look at his young brother in frustration. The young one could only crack a smile, as he stepped on to the hardwood floor. They both left the house.

    Once out side, they could feel the cooled air the night gave. The young boy stood still and turned on his light in the darkness.

    “A-Alex? Where are you going?”

    The chestnut hair man just walked further after reaching the street, he turned to what seem like a fright child. “Just follow me, Joshua.” He said.

    The nine-year-old boy quickly caught up with his big brother. With the flashlight, he felt safe. But he was also with his brother, whom he greatly looked up to. Walking through the dark, Joshua flashed his light around to see. He was right behind his brother. Though he was uncertain of what they were doing out so late, he only knew Alex would never let anything happen to him. While he was lost in his childish thoughts, he bumped into Alex’s back. Joshua stepped back and saw where they were. Toluca Lake.

    Alex stepped off to the left of Josh. He kept the flashlight close to his chest.

    “Joshua…come here and help me.”

    He turned his head. “With what?” He asked as he walked to him. Alex was taking the rope of the tree.

    “Just help me push it.”

    Once he finished Alex threw the rope in the small boat and as he got on the right side, Joshua, went on the left. Both of them pushed the boat off land. As soon as the front hit the water Alex told Josh to get in quickly. Alex hopped in and took a seat a crossed from his brother at the front of the boat. He grabbed the oars and began rowing out into the lake. After a few minutes, Joshua looked around keeping the flashlight facing right.

    “What are we doing here, Alex?”

    Only hearing the sounds of crickets and the water splashing. He kept looking.

    “Dad will freak when he finds out.”

    Alex stopped the boat and leaned forward. “Give that to me someone will see us.”

    “NOO!” Joshua reacted and held the light closer. He hunched over almost terrified.

    Alex looked at him and gave a small smirk.

    “It’s okay, I’m not gonna let anything happen to you.” Alex said reassuring as he reached out his left arm toward him. Slowly he handed him the flashlight. Alex grabbed it and set it down on the side of him. Still the noise of crickets filled the area.

    Alex places his elbow son his legs and looked at his brother. Joshua on the other hand glanced around. “Why are we here, Alex?” He finally looked at his brother. “What’s going on?”

    The light flash upward on his face. When he was about to speak, he looked at how Joshua glances around more frequently. And decided to ask. “What’s the matter? Scared?” He said tauntingly. But also figured he could tell him after he asked.

    Josh looked at his brother brown eyes. “No, no, I’m cool it’s just….” His own brown orbs looked down, then he held his head down for a few seconds. Slowly he held his head up a little but kept his focus on the dim lighting. “…Dad never lets us out on the lake.”

    As his little brother talk Alex then faced him. “Not you anyway. Dad thinks you’re a little baby who can’t do anything on his own.”

    Inside that comment made Josh toughen up a little. He raises his arms to his neck as his hand reached in his shirt. “Oh yeah? Then why he give me this?” In his hands was a sliver chain, which went through a rather large sliver ring.

    Alex looked at the jewelry. “What is that?”

    “It’s dad’s ring.” He explained as he removed it from his neck. Looking at the necklace. Joshua moved it to his right hand and let it dangle between his thumb and index finger. “But he told me not to show you…. so I guess that makes me cooler.” He added looking at Alex.

    “Let me see it” Alex said as she snatched it from his younger brother.

    “No!”

    Alex inspected the necklace in his right hand. He began to look at in disgust. He moved his hand side-to-side and the looked at his brother. “What a piece of crap!” He said bitterly.

    Joshua tried to stay strong and not let his brother words hurt him, but obviously anyone could tell it hurt him. He looked at Alex.

    “No it’s not…” Speaking it quietly then raise his voice to a normal level. “ It’s worth more than a million dollars, that’s why dad gave it to me!” He said defensively as his voice crack towards the end of his sentence.

    Alex looked at the jewelry he held away from him his own body he placed a smile on his face as he dangled it in front of Joshua, chucking as he taunted his brother.

    “Give that back!” Joshua shouted as he grabbed that ring with both hands.

    Alex still laughing watched as his weak brother tried to pull out from his right hand.

    Joshua struggled with his brother, the sound of the boat was heard loudly as Josh stood up and the water knocked against boat as it rocked. “Give that back!” Joshua shouted again. “It’s mine!” He used all his strength to get it out of his brothers’ grasp. Alex still laughed as he watched. Alex pulled back once as Josh still tried to get from him. Joshua did one final tugged and it broke free from Alex, but doing so he lost he footing in the rocky boat. Instantly Joshua hit his neck on the edge of the boat and fell in the lake. Alex looked over the edge then grabbed the flashlight near him. “Josh?! Josh?” He said scared as he looked in the water.

    A few moments later Alex was on his fathers’ boat as he waited. His father eventually came back with Joshuas’ body in his arms. Alex looked at his limped younger brother then stared down at the necklace in his left hand. His father looked at him in pure anger.

    “Do you know what you’ve done?” He asked.

    Alex looked at him completely speechless, like a child, he moved his lips. “It was an accident.” He said almost breathless.

    As his father kneeled down he stared as his oldest son. “This is not the way it was suppose to be.” Adam exclaimed. When he was finally on his knees and kept his eyes on his son. “I chose you! Now you ruined it for all of us!” He told him.

    Alex stepped backwards and was in disbelieve, he didn’t know what to do or say. His father looked at his younger sons’ corpse and could only be sadden to have lost the wrong child.

    “No…no he said he’s okay…he said…right he’s fine?” He was at a lost for words, his mind could not wrap around this. He sat down in denial, staring at the sky. His heart raced through his chest. “No.” He whispered as he breathed heavily. He swallowed whatever saliva was forming in his mouth. Looking down his eyes was not focus on anything or anyone.

    “No…” He said sternly. “ I-I can save him…” His left arm was on his stomach. “ I can save him! He’s okay!” Convincing himself.

    Realizing the truth Alex leaned over his brothers’ body. “I’m sorry Josh”. He pleaded. He turned his head trying his hardest not to cry. He then looked back at the body then the heirloom in his palm and placed around his brothers’ lifeless neck as he lifted the head. “I never meant for this to happen.” He spoke to him. Taking his flashlight off his jacket he put that with his brother as well. Remembering he gave it to him when he was afraid of the dark and had nightmares. “Here buddy…take this.” He looked up. “I forgot…” He clenched his left hand into a fist and held his head down. "Josh..." Choking on his words as he spoke in a low tone. “I’m sorry.” He whispered. Finally holding his head up, he stood up slowly. Alex turned around and walked out. Coming to terms with his brothers’ death.

    As he came out from the sewers, it was daylight. Shortly after he was out, Elle had come to greet him with a hug. After their brief conversation Alex and Elle went back home. She had asked him what he planned on doing now that the horror is done and over. He did not respond to her. She looked at his face and how focus it was on whatever thought pop in it. Once she figured it out, she already knew what he was going to do now.

    4 ½ Years Earlier.


    It was summer and everyone was exciting about this year. Leaving to go to college or to travel the world, or just beyond Shepherd’s Glen. Elle and Alex were on their way back to their own homes.

    “So Alex, what are your big plans now?” Elle asked.

    The sun glowed brightly against her simple scope-cut pink and white short-sleeved shirt and light blue denim jeans, with plain white sandals.

    “Not sure yet. But when I found out I’ll tell you.” He said.

    She smiled. As soon as they hit the busy four-way stop in the middle of town, they headed their separate ways. Alex walked by himself home, back to his unpleasant life. He knew his parents loved Josh more than him, out of all the pictures in the house he was not in one of them. There was only one picture of just him, only one picture in the entire house. Sometimes he wonders what was the point of it all. Suddenly, a voice called him in the distance. In front of him was a girl running towards him.

    “Alex!” She called.

    Alex was able to put a smile on his face because of this girl, this one girl; he was able to force away the bad moments in his life. When she was in front of him, she leaned up to place her soft lips on his cheek. Alex was never able to bring her near his home, for some reason his father dislike her. He never knew why.

    The two of them sat at the park, even though there were children and toddlers there. They sat on the bench. He had her leaning on his left shoulder as he aimlessly play with her waist length honey-brown hair. She was very different from everyone here. So gentle and so smart, and so beautiful, but was lucky to have her in his life. But what got to him and made him weak were her soul-piercing eyes. They were big and lovely; it was like mixing paint together. Such a soft blend of green and blue. And sometimes-slight hints of purple were in them. Her skin was a perfect color of light brown, which adorn with her hair.

    While he was busy in his own odd world. The girl straight her white blouse and mid-calf length white skirt. “Alex? Are you listening to me?”

    He snapped from his mind and looked down at those big eyes. “Yeah?” He lied.

    She huffed. “Your lips twitch when you lie, Alex.” She said as she sat up. “ But why don’t we leave Shepherd’s Glen?”

    He was confused. “Why?”

    She stared at the sand on the ground, noticing one of the kids must have trailed it from the sand box across the sidewalk. “I mean, what’s here? Not too much everyone knows who we are. We can start a new life. You and me.” She spoke.

    “But my dad wants me t-“

    “To be a soldier, I know.” She looked at him so child like. “But what about what I want?”

    Alex stared at the blue sky above. “But where?”

    “South Ashfield Heights. Just a few miles down the road.”

    His eyes shot back at her. “Miles? Elizabeth, that’s almost a two-hour drive. Three tops.”

    “Yes, but it’s away from everything and everyone we know. It’ll be good. Plus they have a small club called Heaven’s Door. I can try out my singing there.” She explained.

    He sighed and looked away from her. “But my brother?” He questioned.

    She tried to get in his view. “Can come visit. Please Alex, come with me.” She almost begged.

    Alex thought for a while about this. He’d be away from his family, which in a way would a great thing. He’d be with someone who loves him, who includes him in her life. Not having to feel bitterness towards Joshua. His life would brighten. As he collected everything, he turned to the girl and kissed her forehead. “When the summer’s over, we’ll be heading to South Ashfield Heights.” He said.

    Elizabeth smiled at first then it faded when she registered his words. “No…that-that’s too long.” She reacted quickly.

    “Then when?” He asked confused.

    Without a second to spare she told him. “In two weeks.”

    His heart stopped, he could not believe that. How in the world could he pack his things in two weeks?!

    “It is gonna have to be later than that, El-“

    “No!” She said loudly. The people close enough heard her, but eventually turned away when she glared her owns eyes at them. “No…it has to be in two weeks. You just have to pack your clothes and any money you saved. That’s it.” She calmly said to him.

    His brown eyes glance at her, she was serious about up and leaving in just two short weeks. But complied with her anyway. “Alright, but I’m telling my brother and Elle. That way someone can tell my dad.”

    Elizabeth nodded and hugged one last time before leaving. “Alright, but tell the day before we leave.” She smiled. He nodded to her and watched her white outfit disappear into the streets.

    Two days later he told his friend Elle of his plan. She was disappointed by his decision to follow that girl. Though she had to set aside her own feelings for him. He was obviously in love with that girl. They had been friends all of her life, then at the age of fourteen was when she moved into town with her father. Since that day he became friends with the new girl they were always around each other. Sometimes it was the three of them hanging out in school, by Toluca Lake, or just anywhere!

    “Well, I am happy for Alex.” Elle lied through her teeth, faking a smile.

    He looked at his childhood friend. “Thanks.” He responded. After that they hadn’t spoken in days.

    Two weeks later…

    When the time came for Alex to tell Joshua everything, he took him out on the boat in the middle of Toluca Lake. There he knew no one would hear Josh freak out. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Something so simple to do, so easy to accomplish, turned for the worst. The death of Joshua Shepherd. With all of what he been through that night. His plan to run off with Elizabeth escaped his fragile mind. It didn’t take too long for him to be hospitalized and for the word to get out about Joshuas’ so-called-dissaperance.

    Present

    Is it me? This time...Am I too far? Did I cross...That line...Getting hard to tell...Different day, and another war...Orders shifts, stumbles down. Standing strong, with your sacred line...With your cold, sacred line. Genocide... Unfolds...I forgive all...Ring of thorned... It shines... I refuse to fall. Standing still, in this rocky boat. Chase my mind, takes it's toll...
    Something lost... Is now found again...I return to my soul...This line, that can't be broken... This line, never will be crossed again. Inside, will be forgiven...This light, affected by the innocent. Opposite of what you hear...
    Dying is the least of fears...

    The woman left the stage, hearing the sounds of a satisfied audience. She went into her dressing room to change from her sparkling sheer black sleeveless dress, to a simple sapphire blue sundress. Even though this is the first time in a few days the sun had shone its glorious face to the city. Placing her honey looking hair in a single high ponytail, she walked to the door, turned off the light and walked out the door. Saying goodbye to the staff. At the same time they congratulated her. The manager met her by the door, holding an envelope.

    “I gotta admit, you do ring in the customers everyday you come.” He said as he talks with his cigar on the crack of his mouth.

    “What can I say? I’m a natural.” She joked.

    He handed her the surprisingly think envelope, which she looked at him he already knew.

    “Just a little extra for your troubles.”

    She nodded and left the place. As she searches through her purse for the keys to her car, she was puzzled.

    “These are yours, right?” A voice said.

    “Ma-“ She looked up to see those familiar eyes, face, and hair. Overcome she ran over and embraced the man in her arms. ”I’m so glad you’re here, Alex.” When she was face-to-face with him, they stared into each other eyes. “How do you find me?”

    “Just came to Heaven’s Door.” He laughed.

    She could not help laugh at his poor excuse of a pun.

    “Plus if I recall someone wanted a '76 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible, in a off shade of red almost a--, what did you say? A candy cherry lemonade color?” He laughed once again.

    “Well I got it, didn’t I? More of a cherry colors if you ask me. And don’t forget the black leather interior.”

    After laughing in the parking lot for almost five minutes. They walked to her car. She looked at him as the stopped at the back of the car. He could only remember that he has not seen her for almost five years. Before she could speak, Alex clumsily, not to mention lazily, pulled her closed to him and gave her a long deserved kiss. They stood their lips locked for almost minutes, but seem like hours or a lifetime to them. He held her tighter than ever. Not wanting to let her go, or ever forget her again.

    After such a fiery and passionate moment, they both got into her vehicle and drove off to her home. Which was only a thirty-minute drive. Or at least it was with the route she as taking, at which normally, it only takes a mere fifteen minutes. The radio filled the car with soft music. None of them spoke to each other, Elizabeth focused on the road while Alex looked out the window. Ten minutes later they reached a long red light and were behind two cars.

    “Did you know?” he said breaking the silence.

    Elizabeth looked at him. “Excuse me?”

    He turned his body straight and his attention on her. “Did you know? About Shepherd’s Glen?”

    Her body let out an exhausted sigh. “Yes, I did. But I overheard your dad talking to the other parents. At first I had no idea, but I heard your name. Telling the mayor, Dr. Finch, and Judge Holloway about how your mom and Joshua were leaving for the weekend. And that was when he was going to…” She didn’t finish her sentence. Alex’s expressions were enough.

    “You don’t believe me?”

    Alex shook his head. “No, I do. My dad told me. I saw my name on the sacrificial bed.”

    Again silence, the light was still red. “How is he?”

    “Dead…so is my mom.” He said emotionally. “But why did you not tell me this years ago, Elizabeth?”

    The light was frustrating the drivers ahead. Elizabeth looked in the direction then back at Alex. “Come on, if I had told you your father planned on killing you, would you have really believed me? I mean really?”

    “ I guess your right.” He said and looked away from her. Elizabeth did the same and saw the light was finally green. She waited then drove ahead. “It was crazy, I had no clue my family was part of this. Part of The Order, the willingness to murder off their own children, Silent Hill any of it.” Alex spoke somewhat out of content.

    “Please let’s just start a new, no more talk of any of that. None of it, let’s forget it all. Forget the towns, the people, just let it slip away in the darkest part of your mind, forever to be lost. Never to see the light of day, never to reappear and remind us of that.”

    Alex looked at her as she spoke. Her eyes were once happy now were filled with sorrow and hatred. But she was right; nothing would disrupt the reunited couple again. Elizabeth looked at him and smiled. Alex leaned into the chair and nodded off.

    She glanced at him sweetly.

    Kill him, so Order may be restored!

    She shook that thought away. “No…” She whispered.

    His death is needed…his death was and is planned. Kill him!

    “Leave me alone…this one you will not take…not from me.” She whispered again.

    He must die eventually…

    “But not by you…leave my mind”

    Not me than you…you will kill him, our God still needs a sacrifice.

    “Not anymore…” She whispered angrily.

    Nothing happen after a while, her body shook tensely but she needed to over come it; they reached her home. She nudge Alex lightly, he stirred a little. “Alex we are here.”

    He woke up and smiled. Getting out of the car Alex admire the ranch 2-story home. It was simple and comfortable. Elizabeth opened the door for him, as she was the last to walk in. She only hoped nothing or no one would make this moment short for her…