Your Dark God

>.>

.....Yeah....posting the next chapter/sequel after a LONG time. Didn't realize that the chapter had actually survived my last computer crash until I miraculously stumbled across it on a backup backup BACKUP file on....some disk or another.

And many thanks to odd-stick for looking over the story with me (and also sending me the chapter when I was an idiot and forgot where it was).

Be gentle because most people who followed my Silent Hill works KNOW how long it's been. XO

Title: Your Dark God
Author: Chaosdreamer (dreamerchaos)
Warning: Slash hints, gore, horror, AU. Hard R for violence. May evolve into NC-17 should I consider trying to throw a rational sex plot into here.
Pairing: Pyramid Head/James. Other characters will play a role, including Angela and a few Original Characters.
Disclaimer: Silent Hill is owned and copyrighted by others beside myself. I make no profit by writing fanfiction. I'm only playing with the boys.



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PART II: CHILD
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His hands fist deep, twisting and tearing at the tousled sheets thrown haphazardly around him; creating a rough nest upon the hospital bed. James buried his face into a flat pillow, muffling another ragged cry of pain, and body seizing from the fierce stinging fire as a tremor rippled deep within his torso.

He panted roughly, breath misting in the cool winter air that had fallen and settled within Silent Hill several weeks ago. No matter how frigid the days or nights grew, it was not enough to calm the scorching heat burning inside. Sweat trickled free, his face shone bright with fever. He hadn’t expected it to be so difficult!

'How times have changed.' The thought ran, so bitter he could practically taste it. Nothing had truly changed. Alessa, self-proclaimed god, still lived and persisted with subjugating any demon that challengeed her. Many opponents had already done so, but only few offered a decent match.

He had not changed; no matter how many months passed by. His hair had not lengthened and skin remained pale as before. His rage and indignation had not faltered, constantly simmering beneath the surface. Alessa's attack had robbed him of coherence long enough that he feared he would go mad. However, with a great deal of effort and patience, he had overcome the trying episode. But Alessa…still remained, gloating and alive, moving where she desired and doing as she wished, enjoying undue pleasure like an obese pig wallowing in muck.

'She has not challenged either of us because she believes we are weak. Alessa, the God. Mother. You're not my God!' He hissed at the thought. 'Strong, and still such a child. Underestimating any opponent will ultimately lead in her demise.

Another ripple of pain roared through him like an electric wave, crackling, attempting to scorch his nerves into dust. His next scream came more like a snarl, and he shoved his face deep into the pillow.

'I don't care how many demons challenge her! Alessa will meet her end through us. I just…need to get…through this pain!'

"Fuuuck…" He growled, body unable to tolerate and numb the constant waves of pain.

Several Nurse Demons hovered close, guarding their charge, but uncertain how to assist. The seizures and screams had started almost an hour ago. Pyramid Head was gone as well, patrolling the town and reaffirming his position as top ranking demon; even if it meant staking the corpses of any possible challengers along the world's borders. They had no knowledge of what actions to take, and stood in silent observation while James continued to thrash and scream, arms repeatedly falling to wrap around his stomach.

The demons jumped when James twists and bucks, flipping onto his stomach to bury a fierce growl into the bedding, the motion sending blankets and pillows flying. His new, more demonic qualities shined in that moment, eyes flaring pitch black. Pale lips, ghostly blue from straining against the pain pulled back in a growl, baring shiny teeth. Blue veins stretched up his neck and down his cheeks, power pulsing from the fire gathering within. "Don't just stand there. Help me! I may not be as terrifying as the Red Pyramid, but I'll do everything I can to make you beg for death!!" He growled, more like a beast than man.

'It's time now.' He almost crowed at the realization. 'After so long, and through so much error. The first stage is finally reaching completion.'

"What are you waiting for? Help me!" The Nurse Demons leapt to follow the order recognizing the power behind his words, the six females surrounding the bed and awaiting his next command.

He still panted hard, but managed to speak past his rough breathing. "Turn me over - onto my back and - each one of you hold a limb. The rest of you - get a knife and - be ready for when I tell you to cut." He managed to speak with every breath he could muster, shouting, "Do it!", when they hesitated a second too long.

They quickly complied. Four demons turned him over, each grabbing limbs and held them flat against the bed.. The remaining two exchanged lead pipes for sharp knives, moving to where James indicated with a snap of his head.

As they pinned him to the bed, James thrashed so savagely that his spine bowed, bucking off two Nurses. "Damn it!" He snarled, the pain shredding what remained of his humanity--battling both the force driving him mad, and the urge to scream incoherently. It would not be in his best interests to draw unneeded attention.

Just then, he felt the impetus inside of him gather into one spot, nestling into a tight ball of power deep within his flat belly. He didn't have much time. The demons noticed as well, actually witnessing the flare of neon crimson shining through his skin. From all the bucking and flailing, his shirt bunch high against his chest, giving them a unhindered view of his torso.

"Now! Cut it out!" He snapped the order as he strained against the weight holding him steady, directing his words at the two knife-wielding demons. "Carefully! Do not damage it!" James barked, balling his hands into tight fists, and willing himself to tumble back into the deepest and darkest reaches of his mind. He needed to numb his mind and body in preparation for the pain that was to come.

With patient but hurried strokes, the two Nurse Demons slid the knives deep --completely to the hilt. The metal instantly came back seeping with blood, a fountain of crimson spurting between the long cut. A rippling puddle amassed underneath the hospital bed, soaking the bottom of the Nurses’ heels. They cut further, slicing through muscles and fat in order to reach the source that throbbed, warm and alive, pacing with the tremble of James' heartbeat.

The blades sunk deeper so the tip of one blade clicked loudly against vertebrae. James twisted instinctively as the metal grazed bone and nerve clusters, hissing in warning when the sharp edge digging inside drew dangerously close to the force pulsing within his torso.

It’s an obscene birth taking place among demons and blood. Any ordinary human would undoubtedly have passed on from the shock of suchhorrible wounds, his torso nothing more than a gaping maw of smooth red meat from navel to the ribs. Yet, James merely curled himself deeper into the safe dark haven inside his head, waiting and watching with glazed eyes, needing to see what rose forth from within. 'Hurry, hurry. Before the wound seals over.'

Both pairs of hands sunk wrist-deep into James' body, moving within the opening and chasing the squirming slick mass that evaded their fingers, slithering impossibly deep within the man’s torso to hide amongst vital organs where it did not belong. After several fumbles and rough jostles, the two demons managed to grip the small slimy bundle; they pulled it up and out with a wet sucking noise, while a river of fresh blood followed. As soon as the red wrinkled mass freed his body, James skin began flowing back together; the blood staining his torso and dripping onto the bed and floor would be the only testimony to these events.

The two demons appeared disconcertedwith the flailing bundle, confused over what to do. James, stiff from freshly mended skin rose shakily, momentarily lightheaded from the mass loss of blood. Taking the trembling mass of flesh, he tore one unstained sheet from the bed, swiftly bundled the wriggling mass, curling and wrapping until only a tiny section allowed in light.

Now that James and the small entity were close, the Nurse Demons immediately sensed with dawning realization the magnitude of what lay within James' arms. Tiny eyes open and flickered towards them, regarding fellow demons. Their blood froze, heads dropping to break the connection from such a fierce gaze. They shuffled backwards, gore-painted gloves raised in front of their faces as if warding off an oppressive force. The demons could already sense the emanating power seeping outwards from the small bundle.

James forgot their presence entirely concentrating on wiping away excess blood from the little one's face with a corner of the blanket. He was aware of how his little one grew, physically and in power,-- and so soon!! This one, yes, this was the one he had waited for. His brothers and sisters had not survived the hands of Red Pyramid, but James would ensure his survival, and approval into their family. He would make them both so proud.

A low, steady hiss trickled out from within the blankets, but it was not aggressive or ill tempered; instead, a sound of pleasure as if he instinctively recognizing the blond-haired man holding him close, warming his flesh. He knew and had etched the face and name into his mind as soon as his eyes had opened.

FATHER.

James smiled, features alight and shining beatifically. The infant hissed in dual pleasure. "Oh, my sweet little one. You need to grow up big and strong. I have such plans for you."

But first…he had to find a safe place for him until he grew, stronger, or at least powerful enough to face the Red Pyramid without fear for his life.


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Angela stumbled awkwardly over a crack in the road, stifling a cry when the can she held escaped from her hand, rolling away. It rattled as it spun across the pavement, making such a loud racket that she half-anticipated demons pouring onto the streets in answer to the proverbial ringing of the dinner bell. She swiped it up, stuffing the can back into her small backpack. Finding food, even canned, after going so long without sustenance, had been a blessing. Now, she needed to get back to her little hideout before any of the monsters caught sight of her.

She was scared. So, so afraid. More demons were arriving each day; and each monster was terrible and horrible, worse as they all appeared. Some disappeared as swiftly as they had come, but lately,more remained.

'Mamma.' The feeble plea caused her shoulders to droop, clutching the full backpack against her chest like a child receiving silent comfort from her teddy bear. 'Mamma, I miss you. Why can't I find you?'

The loneliness was terrible. Every day, she wondered if she would ever mind Mamma. She needed her. Mamma had always cuddled her when she felt afraid; whenever she had a scary dream. But Mamma was far away now, somewhere…and she couldn't find a way to reach her.

A haunting melody trickled and hummed in a low throb, echoing off the building walls and, startling Angela out of her dismal thoughts. The siblant whisper of a song thrilled a chill up her spine, the lyrics sounding like a sacred tome being read outloud to some dark ancient god. Spinning around in a circle, there was no way to discern where the voice came from.

"You're my angel with black wings
Will you remain my little prince?
Or will you become our serpent-king?
Shine your eyes towards me
And I'll sing of red paradise dreams"

She prepared herself to run. As silence fell, the hairs on the back of her neck rose, sensing the invisible eyes that caught sight of her. Not a creature stirred, all aware of the predator and even the wind had stilled, flickering traffic lights halted and each remained in red.

Panic caused her to bolt. Angela shrieked loudly when she ran directly into a firm body, the figure slamming a shoulder into her chest, throwing her off-balance. She crashed hard onto the ground, backpack flying over her head.

The man hunkered over an armful of wrapped blankets, eyes fever-bright with lips curled back in a silent snarl. "Hey! Watch where you're going!" He snapped.

The blond hair was longer and the front of his clothing stained red, but the face seemed familiar to her. The eyes were different, though, sharp and dangerous, appearing to assess her to see if she was a possible threat. "Y-You!" Angela gasped, rising swiftly to her feet.

James' eyes narrowed, scrutinizing her carefully: Short dark hair, long-sleeved feminine shirt, and slim jeans -- exactly the same, after so many months. "Angela." He acknowledged curtly. "I thought you had left some time ago."

"N-no." She mumbled softly, not taking her eyes off him while she groped blindly for the backpack; not willing to lose a scrap of food that she managed to gather. "I'm still looking for my Mamm -- my mom." She shifted her words before James noticed.

"Hmm." James added, not appearing surprised. "Well…any luck finding her?" If Angela didn't know any better, there was an odd inflection in the man's voice. As if he were testing her, somehow.

"No." She sighed sadly.

"Poor thing." It was an effort to offer his condolences.

It fell short, though. Clearly, he had other things on his mind.

Judging by the manner in which he clutched the bundle of cloth in his arms, that was the item holding all of his attention.

Angela gasped in surprise when the bundle shifted awkwardly within his arms. A long, wailing howl of impatience rippled through the street. Angela instinctively whipped around left and right, scanning to see if the noise had gained any unwanted attention.

"Stop that. I'm right here." James urged, not unkindly. His fingertips tickled at the edge of an opening, cajoling the --infant? -- to calm down.

Another long yowl, ending in a guttural hiss of complaint answered his coaxing.

"Yes, I know. She startled you." A rumbling hiss, and James frowned down at the hidden face. "Don't look at me like that. You can't punish her for not paying attention." James reprimanded softly.

Angela found herself somehow drawn to the spectacle. She approached cautiously, an intruder although curious, looking from James to the bundle. "Is…is that a baby?" She asked.

"Of course!" James replied, sounding almost offended by her hesitation in asking the question.

"Where did you find the baby?"

"He's mine. My precious little prince." James smiled down at the infant. Angela felt a twinge of regret flutter inside, feeling like a voyeur looking upon a private intimate moment, a wash of embarrassment and longing chokes a small sound within the woman’s throat. A selfish wish filled her: If only her father had ever looked at her with the same warmth and love in his eyes.

"I need to find him some place safe." His words snapped Angela out of her mental wandering.

"Why can't he stay with you?"

"Because he's not strong enough to defend himself just yet. He'll die if he's not tucked somewhere safe. He needs to grow big and strong. And then…" James hugged the infant tightly against him, burying his face against the carefully bundled body. His voice was whisper-soft, desperate and shaking, as if trying to assure himself of what he said next. "We'll all be a family."

Then James head suddenly snapped up, jerking to the left and peering down a connecting road. Angela prepared to ask what was wrong when she heard it. The long, screeching sound of the Big Knife dragging along the rough concrete. Far away, but approaching at a steady speed. Steadily drawing closer and closer.

Angela felt her body begin to tremble. It was Him! The Fiend! Demon among demons. He was coming.

James' breathing escalated, color fleeing from his face. He took two shaking steps back, facing the wall of fog, shaking his head furiously. "No! No, Not yet." He moaned softly, clutching the infant close to him.

She wanted to run. She needed to flee. But…she couldn't leave them. Especially the baby…

Angela acted before she thought.

James startled when she grabbed him by the wrist, staring dully at the slim appendage as she pulled him towards her. "This way! I know a safe place." She said, jerking him along. "Come on!" She shouted when he paused momentarily, eyes still frozen and facing the direction of the approaching demon.

"R-Right!" James snapped out of it, twisting around and adjusting his speed to match her pace as they fled from Red Pyramid. Fog fell around them, swimming away from the bodies rushing through the sea of gray mist.


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He arrived shortly after, following the tickling, teasing trail of the newborn demon.

A familiar brush of heat entwined itself with the elusive musk of the frail infant demon; the smooth splash of flavor spilled into his mouth like a fine wine. He tasted the air around him, red helmet arching graceful as he turned left and right chasing the fresh scent of the other.

'JAMES.' He hissed the name, recognizing the presence of his twin. Roughly a minute or two separated them nearly meeting each other. 'JAMES, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?’

It was not an ordinary flight of fancy. James knew better than to run. He had reached the metal gated the last time he attempted escape, but the punishment was so severe, that it had left James shaking. He wouldn't dare attempt such a thing again. If he wanted to venture from Silent Hill, he could not leave unattended.

Knowing this, and still he had run. And for what, exactly?

At the moment, he didn't have time, nor did he feel the need to chase after his smaller companion. Later, however, James would have to answer for his sudden disappearance.

He would also have to answer for the reek and stain of blood within his room and on the bed…and for the sweet spice of new life and warm flesh and hot demon blood intermingled with the drying fluids.


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James almost laughed when they arrived at the familiar Apartment Complex. The waif-like young woman led him down a long corridor on the second floor to one of the farthest doors. He was surprised when she pulled a slim key out of her pocket and unbolted the door.

She caught his surprised look. "I found it on a body lying in the street." She murmured softly, a green tinge gracing her cheeks, remembering the drying remains of a mauled corpse. Urging him inside and quietly closing the door behind them, she swiftly locked it, turning the heavy bolts.

He wrinkled his nose in disdain, scowling at the thick layers of dust and mold, the reek of oiled grime and heavy musk of decay biting, putrid as the stink of human waste.

It was a small space; a single room held the living and dining room space and a small kitchenette. There were no windows, the main room having a lumpy green couch and a low recliner and rickety coffee table. A small hallway led to a cramped bathroom, tiles worn to a crusty yellow, decrepit sink and shower stall and possibly working toilet. Across from the bathroom was narrow closet, tucked to the ceiling with bundles of clean towels, blankets and pillows that Angela had managed to snatch from other rooms. The second hallway held the bedroom, large enough to hold only a thin twin-sized mattress and frame, and an oak nightstand with long deep gouges along the surface.

Angela appeared to suffer greatly from his unmasked disdain, hair sliding to shield her face. "It's not much." She offered, speaking in a whisper. Aashamed that no matter how hard she tried, everything remained ugly, -- almost taunting her efforts to seek some form of normalcy.

James sighed, knowing how uncomfortable he was making her. "I've seen worse." Honest and true. Some of the small hovels and rooms tended to have decaying corpses splayed out like broken dolls, bent and twisted at the whim of demons bored due to lack of fresh victims.

He paced from one end of the apartment to the other, and after several minutes returning to inspect the narrow space between the bed and wall. There was only so much that he could work with, and he didn't have much time. The Child continued to grow at an astonishing speed; James also hadn't forgotten about Pyramid Head, and the questions that would demand answers once the demon managed to corner him.

This would have to do.

"Angela. Please bring me all of the pillows and blankets that you have." He commanded softly, and with one hand he began shoving the bed aside to make more room.

"What? Why?" She asked. "What are you doing?"

James paused in the middle of rearranging, turning his head to stare hard at the young woman. "Angela." His voice instilled a hard knot to lodge in her throat, voice failing her. James' blue eyes flared pitch black, obsidian strands swimming within a sea of white. "I don't have much time, Angela. I need to make him comfortable."

For a brief moment, the young woman ceased her challenge. She ran from the bedroom and down the hall, coming to ahalting stop and throwing the closet door open. Heaving mounds of blankets and pillows to the floor, she gasped, "You can't leave a baby here. I - I can't take care of him." Angela pleaded.

"Yes you can." It frightened her that James heard her over such distance and through the thick walls.

"He needs -- baby formula, clothing -- I don't know where to get that." She said, treading awkwardly with the heavy bundles of sheets and tower of pillows in her arms, forced to make several trips to deliver all that she had tucked away. 'There has to be a shop that has those things. But baby formula spoils, right? A baby can get really sick if he drinks bad formula.'

James maintained a firm grip, using one arm to cuddle the swaddled infant close while he briskly padded pillows across the floor, looping and bunching the blankets. At odd moments, he would upheave the entire mass, somehow finding fault in it and starting anew from scratch. Slowly, a high lumpy nest began shaping itself next to the bed.

Angela persisted, trying to reason with James as he continued ignoring her, focused entirely on making the nest just right. "James, please. I can't. It's too much for me to handle."

"He won't need food. Once he's tucked in, he will stay until he matures." James tried to soothe her worries. Carefully, with both hands now he shifted blankets and pillows around until he found an adequate spot to tuck his bundle in. Crouching down, he dropped a soft kiss onto the hidden face's forehead, whispering nonsense words before covering the infant with heavy layers.

"You'll suffocate him!" Angela was ready to throw herself onto the nest and rip the sheets away from the infant's face. "You'll kill him!"

"He will be fine. Trust me." James cajoled.

Angela shook her head, wrapping thin arms around her waist. She huddled against the doorframe, closing her eyes, not understanding and following the fast turn of events. She had gone so far as to invite this strange man into her sanctuary. What was she doing? He wanted her to help him with this…task. He treated the baby as an infant, and yet, not. No food, diapers, and covering him with blankets. What was she getting involved in? "I can't…I can't…" She whispered.

"I need you to do this for me." Hesitantly, her eyes fluttered open to find James next to her, so close that she could feel the warmth of his body. He came nearer, slowly, as if approaching a timid rabbit,. James lay his hands on her shoulders, squeezing them lightly and leaned close as he shushed her whimpering."I need you to help me." He whispered gently, breath causing her bangs to flutter along her temple.

"I - I'm no good. I can't do anything right. You can't make me do this." Angela argued, raising her eyes, a small spark of defiance lighting; she had not forgotten that James dallied with demons, and she wanted no part to play. "Why should I help you?" The demand was delivered with hardly a stutter or stumble.

James silently applauded her for trying.

"Because if you help me, then I'll help you. Or, rather, my son will help you."

Angela's head lowered, disbelieving. "What makes you think you could help me?"

"I can help you, because I know the one thing that you ache to have."

He spoke so confidently, with a smile that felt like an ice cube running down her spine. Leading her on no matter how much she tried to plea or counter; determined to usher her astray into the realm where shadows and monsters really were alive. Angela quivered.

"Tell me what it is I want, then." She challenged.

James smiled softly, cupping and lifting her delicate pale face. He spoke only when their eyes met. "You want to see your mother."

Angela pushed him away, slapping the hand from her chin. "I told you that already!" She snapped harshly, feeling foolish for that moment of hope that he had been telling the truth.

James lifted his hands in a motion of self-defense. "What if I told you that my son has the ability to deliver you to your mother?" He countered.

"That's impossible. If I can't find her, then how could he possibly know where she's at?"

"We share the same knowledge. I also know where she's at."

"Tell me!"

"No." James cut off any further angry words. "I have the ability to send you to her, but…I will leave that to my son. If you swear to watch over the nest, your reward will come once he rises from it. He will honor our side of the deal."

"How do I know that I can trust you?" Angela demanded.

James shrugged. He had nothing to lose whether she agreed or challenged his offer. "Have you had any better success in finding her?" He inquired.

Her silence offered all the answers he needed.

James released a heavy sigh, tilting his head and eyes falling partially shut as he coolly regarded her. They were running around in circles, and he didn't have the time for such games. He needed an answer. "I can't stay for much longer. Speak now or seal your lips forever. Do we have a deal, or not?"

Angela twitched back, warily regarding James as he offered a hand towards her, beckoning silently for any answer. 'Was this how Eve felt, listening to the coaxing words of the Serpent?' She wondered.

'Can I trust him? Am I willing to risk everything, just because it's James' word?'

'But…if it means I can be with Mamma…'

Angela gulped, swallowing the heavy weight of doubt.

'It's been so long. This may be the only way.'

'But there's no guarantee!' A voice argued.

'He's bound by his word.' She fired back.

'You would trust the word of this man? One who consorts with, and might actually be, a demon?'

Her small breasts rose and fell sharply, breathing fast as if she was running a marathon, overwhelmed from the speed and multitude of thoughts bouncing around in her head.

'I'd do anything to see Mamma again.' She thought with finality.

Her conscious and survival instincts warred with her desires. There were so many voices shouting and arguing with each other inside her head, logic, survival, and desperation battling for a say.

"Tick tock, Angela. Time's running out." James cautioned. "We can also forget about my offer."

His warning stirred Angela.

'No!' The voices cried. The choice was unanimous.

"All right!" She agreed, nearly leaping forward to clasp her hand to James. "I'll do it. But you have to promise that I'll be with Mamma!" She begged, clasping his hand so hard between hers that the skin grew white, her nails leaving thin crescents of color.

James shook her hand, once, twice, firmly gripping the slim appendages. A shark's smile would have had more warmth than his baring of white teeth. "I give you my word. My son will deliver you so that you and your mother can finally be together."


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A half an hour later, Angela sat alone in her bedroom. Arms wrapped around long legs, she guarded the nest which stirred constantly. Thin hisses and warbling growls caused her to jerk. 'What kind of infant makes so much noise?' She wondered.

Stop it. She didn't need to focus on that. If she did this, then James would honor his side of the bargain.

She would do everything she could to ensure the infant's survival and growth. Mamma depended on it.

Angela didn't dare to be lax about her duty. Although…She frowned thoughtfully, hugging her legs tightly against her chest… There really wasn't much for her to do. James had only left her with several rules to follow.

She recalled their conversation from earlier, both she and James standing in front of the bolted door before he had left her to her duties.

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"Listen very carefully, Angela. There are some things that you need to be aware of." James whispered, listening carefully to the rustling outside the door that had started when they approached, speaking low so no entity in the corridor outside could hear.

"O - Okay."

James pressed an ear to the door, frowning bitterly as the noise continued outside. Angela leapt back from the door as it jostled roughly, James hardly flinching, hands pressed flat against smooth wood. Sounds, like fingers raking against the outside of the barrier, caused goose bumps to rise across her flesh. "Damn it." He muttered crudely. "Even they can smell him."

Angela didn't understand, and found that she didn't want to know.

James leaned back, glaring defiantly at the barrier, as if daring any to challenge him. Guarding the door like a lioness protecting her cubs. He turned slightly, continuing the earlier conversation. "First, NEVER let anyone other than yourself into that room. If anyone finds their way in, they will try to kill him. You can not allow that to happen!"

"Okay." Angela promised. She would do her best; if she failed, then the deal was broken, and she would be farther from ever finding her mother.

"Second. You'll only need to adjust the blankets if the nest becomes rumpled. Keep him tucked in a comfy dark space. But whatever you do, do not look at his face. Do not dare look, for your own sake!"

"But --"

"Swear it!" James cut in.

"Okay!" She gasped, startled by his brisk tone.

"Finally. There will be…a lot of strange sounds coming from within the nest. Just ignore it; he's completely fine. Do not be alarmed or attempt to see if something is wrong with him."

"Because I'm not supposed to look at his face." Angela quoted the second rule.

James smiled, pleased that she remembered. "Please don't fail me, Angela. For all of our sakes -- especially yours."

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Not long after he had left, unbolting the door and literally throwing himself into the clusters of shadows and the abyss of darkness. Angela hastily slammed the door shut behind him, sliding the bolts and locks firmly into place right when a large body slammed into the barrier, the force hurling her away and onto her back. She squeaked loudly in surprise, body aching from the rough blow, thrown so far back that her skull had almost cracking into the side of the coffee table.

The door rocked and jostled as if a mighty wind attempted to tear it off its hinges, every two seconds, a heavy weight hurling itself against the thick wood barrier. Angela rushed to her feet, covering her mouth, listening to the horrible snarls and roars while the walls nearly trembled from the crazy melody of beating fists and wailing throats.

Thankfully, the hounding, drumming blows of grasping hands ceased. Vaguely Angela caught the sound of running feet, and the louder tempo that followed the fleeing, lighter footfalls. Was it James leading the attackers away, perhaps? Had he managed to escape?

It was too dangerous for her to leave; no doubt, whatever had been throwing itself against the door would not abandon the area anytime soon. There was a possibility, however small, that the beast may have realized that James had attempted to advert its attention from its current target. If it was indeed that intelligent, then it certainly had enough patience to wait around and see if any prey was foolhardy enough to venture outside.

Angela didn't dare unlock the door and tread out into the narrow confined corridor. She had enough food to last well over a weak; there was plenty of running water in the bathroom and kitchen sink. She could hold out for a while.

She gasped when the bed shook roughly. Turning sharply, she realized that the nest appeared to have grown in size, actually stuck between the wall and bed. The restless mass smashed hard into the bed, shifting and turning to make room for itself.

'No.' She realized with a dawning sense of horror, pushing herself to the opposite side of the mattress. 'It's the infant moving and brushing against the bed. It's…it's already growing.'

But growing into what?


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Running from the Apartment Complex to Brookhaven Hospital, with the demon almost biting at his heels for over half the distance, had been almost too taxing. His lungs burned, as if scorched by fire.

But it had worked. The demon's attention had been adverted long enough for James to escape, and for Angela to slam the door shut behind him. Realizing halfway that James was a decoy, the demon had snarled furiously and whipped around, running back towards the Apartment Complex to chase after the tempting smell and heat of James' son.

'Don't disappoint me, Angela.' James sent out. 'I can't lose my son to the likes of him.' He swore.

He still gasped for air, dropping to sit at the top of the stairs leading into the hospital. A low snarl trickled underneath his breath, remembering how the claws had dragged along the back of his jacket. Too close for comfort. The demon had chuckled darkly, the sharp tips tickling across the surface of the jacket, flexing the fabric tight and a scant distance from shredding flesh. That particular demon found much pleasure in chasing James, so much that he had to go out of his way to avoid any confrontation.

He had been careless; much time had passed since their last encounter, causing James to be reckless about his own safety. Concern over his son had left him blind to the unmasked and steadily approaching miasma signaling a fast-approaching demon. James was fortunate that he had made it inside, safe with his son, before the demon had literally dropped down right on top of them.

'Foul beast.' He hissed. The scent of warm, young demon flesh had brought the creature running. Once it had realized that James was also tucked inside the locked room, it had been more eager to break in. Undoubtedly sensing him, and wanting to sink his claws and fangs into James.

He regained his strength, rising to his feet with a small sound of relief as muscles were stretched. 'He probably wanted to sink something else into me.' James thought in disgust, snorting bitterly at the image. 'Laughable. I belong only to the Red Pyramid. A shame he hasn't grasped that knowledge quite yet.'

Still…this was one demon not to be trifled with. He was the first, beside the Red Pyramid, that had made James experience true, raw fear for the first time. And not that long ago, either.


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He had felt safe to explore the area outside the Hospital walls, and had been given permission by his demon companion. Wandering, moving as if caught in a dream, he flexed his powers, testing and stretching them wide open. It was exhilarating. He could see the energy, the miasma dancing along his fingertips and through the air like tumbling sprites and twisting ghosts. Even the sky thrummed with life, heavy fog masking the sleek spray and flash of creatures darting in mock chase. Some were birds. Some of the birds disappeared just as quickly as they appeared, swallowed up by other larger flying creatures that savored the juicy flesh, performing loops and twirls to mark their meal.

Lost in the parade of sounds and sights, too late he felt the massive weight of the miasma that swallowed his entire body.

A dense, solid body followed the attack, throwing him to the ground. His head smashed hard into pavement, stars swimming across his eyes.

Stunned, limbs tingling from the singeing electrical burn, calling card of the attacking demon, he lay weak and defenseless for several seconds. Long enough for the demon to strike again.

Thrown onto his back, gray and black splotches danced across his view, the concussion making him as weak as a newborn kitten.

It took him a moment to realize what was happening. The world was spinning, too fast to follow, shapes melting and flooding his sight. One large blob rose steadily above him, pale green reptilian-slit eyes flaring with luminous demonic flames. Pock marked face riddled with black welts, the demon looks half-decayed, thick slick black bones peeking through wet slits of sliced meat.

He screamed, claws dragging slow, so slow, down his chest, splitting open the thin shirt while jacket remained spared from the callous treatment. Jagged, red-flamed cuts began to mend while blood seeped to paint pools into the sidewalk.

He attempted to shove his hands into the demon's face, clawing and scratching, willing to shred the demon's eyes right out of their sockets. Fingers dug deep, a rain of gray fluid slipping down damaged cheeks. A snarl laced with annoyance marked his success, but it was short lived.

His wrists were grasped, and his throat ached from the scream that threatened to shred his esophagus, frail white bones snapping underneath the unforgiving twist and jerk.

Arms lay useless beside his head, hissing for breath and chest heaving underneath the long fingers stretching wide over his bare chest. Slowly, casually tracing the healed lines and the small beads of blood spotting pale, cool flesh.

"IMPRESSIVE." The hand's owner cackled, melody of bones rattling within a stone cup. "SHAME TO TAINT SUCH WARM PALE SKIN." James turned his face away, leaning from the brush of fangs and long supple tongue snaking out to lave his neck. "AHH…BUT YOU'RE SO COLD RIGHT NOW. DID I STARTLE YOU?"

"Don't touch me." James spat shakily, giving wrists time to mend, instead using his elbows to roll to the side and began pushing himself to his feet.

A rough hand twisted a chunk of his hair, slamming the side of James' face into the pavement.

The pain submerged him in a field of white light. "NNnn--" He dropped flat to the pavement, teeth rattled and the inside of his cheek split, spitting out a wad of viscous blood.

"YOU'RE NOT PLAYING NICE." The demon scolded, sharp and dangerous. James gasped in pain, feeling the deep bite of claws raking down his back. Skin split open muscles screaming from the cruel tearing grind, shoulders and lower back shining crimson and the waist of his pants soaked from the steady stream.

'Safe place, find a safe place.' James urged himself, wanting to fall away into the sheltered retreat of his mind. The demon didn't give him a chance to gather enough of his concentration. A large chunk of his tattered jacket and shirt ripped away, tearing like a second layer of skin. He bit his bottom lip ragged when claws traced, following and reopening half-mending wounds, sparking another wave of cold burning pain.

The steady rising agony was falling a close second behind his fear.

Right at the moment a larger body rolled him all the way onto his stomach and leaned over him.

"N-NO!" James yelled, kicking back with his feet, slamming heels into groin and stomach. He attempted to crawl out from underneath the heavier bulk, crying out, dragged mercilessly back, stomach and chest scrapped raw from the unforgiving pavement.

'Help me!' James screamed, cringing underneath the weight pushing down on his flanks, buttocks, and shoulders. Hands grappled with his wrists, pinning them to the ground. His eyes rolled back, for a third time claws dragging down his back. A long, wet wriggle, tongue snatching up thick strands of blood. Chasing the sweet coppery flavor and beads of cold sweat.

'h-Help me…' The side of his face mashed into the pavement, teeth cutting into the damaged cheek. Droplets of blood seeped past swollen lips. 'Help me…'

"GET OFF HIM."

The body on top of him stiffened abruptly. It was too difficult for James to lift his head, so heavy, throbbing and aching, but from the corner of his eye, he could see the Big Knife, point resting dangerously close to his attacker's shoulder.

"IF YOU STRIKE ME, YOU'LL HIT HIM AS WELL." His attacker threatened. There was a noticeable shake, a hesitation in his words.

James almost sobbed, reaching out with one hand towards the newcomer. Beseeching him to act. 'I don't care. I can't stand his touch. Impale us both upon the Big Knife if you have to!'

"YES. BUT HE WOULD SURVIVE IT. YOU WON'T."

"YOU WOULDN'T DARE."

Pyramid Head didn't waste any more words. With a move belying the awesome weight of the Big Knife, he swung the weapon around lightning fast. James felt the air above him move to accommodate the slash of the blade.

A grating shriek of pain, and the weight shoving him down disappeared. The demon threw himself back, clutching at his ruined face. Cartilage and bones glistened through wet carved muscle. Slick slime trickled down one cheek, eyeball punctured like a grape.

James pushed himself to his hands and knees, falling several times before running smack into Pyramid Head's legs. He buried his face against the side of the demon's thigh, curling himself into a fetal position against him.

The Big Knife slammed down, point resting directly on pavement, between James and the howling, whimpering demon.

"I DIDN'T SPARE YOU. THIS ISN'T MERCY. I DON'T HAVE TIME TO PLAY WITH YOU. THE NEXT TIME I FIND YOU, I'LL MAKE YOU BEG TO DIE." Red Pyramid promised.

"YOU'LL PAY!" The threat was ruined by the seeping injury to his face. Gracelessly he flung to the side, and to his feet. Without looking back he fled into the fog, disappearing with a proverbial tail between his legs.


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Like the coward that he was, the demon never appeared when Pyramid Head was around. The demon knew that Pyramid Head was eager to tear his head from his shoulders. All bark and no bite.

He abandoned those dismal thoughts, hurling them far into the distance where they belonged. Pyramid Head had saved him, and left the demon with a scar for all others to see and whisper of. 'Look at that,' They all sneered. 'He wasn't even given the honor of a swift death. I wonder what the Red Pyramid has in store for him?'

The attack had been horrible, but it was in the past. Ancient history; hopefully, the demon would soon follow.

Entering the Hospital, James thought it was strange that no Nurse Demons were present anywhere. For once, as elusive as smoke. Highly unusual. He encountered no one on the second or third floor as well.

'Pyramid Head will have their hides if he finds out they abandoned their post.' James knew that one of the things that drove the Red Pyramid into a rage was when subordinates did not follow direct orders. The last Nurse Demon that had grown lazy and left her station had been nailed to the wall by the end of Pyramid Head's Big Knife.

Stepping into his room, James froze in the doorway, like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming truck.

Pyramid Head stood motionless beside the hospital bed. His Great Knife rested near the metal headboard. A spattered, drying sheet caked with blood twisted tight within one hand. The mattress and floor revealed more drying pools.

Without the red helmet off, James sensed by the straining hands and tight shoulders that Red Pyramid was not amused by his findings. He jumped several inches into air when Pyramid Head flung the blanket to the ground with a wet snap, coming around the bed to meet James.

'This…could be bad.' James warily approached his partner, taking a foot forward, cautious step by step. "I can explain this." He pleaded, hands falling on top of the larger ones that came down to grip him by the shoulder.


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