Most believe that when they hear a lovely song, it means peace. Happiness. A calming atmosphere. But that just so happens to be the complete opposite at this moment. A sky, once blue, was beginning to haze over into a bloody red, darkening to black in the horizon. Demented growls and shrieks of creatures of the unknown, being allowed to walk the earth and terrorize the undeserving. The screams that echoed across the land of those they preyed on. The world seemed to be falling apart, and there was not a thing I could do to stop it from happening. In fact, it was my fault... all my fault.

It was my fault that every one was standing here. Slender. Jeff. Ben. EJ. LJ. Jane. Not to mention every last person we called to for help. They were now facing the consequences of answering to that request. It was my fault that Slender and Offender lost their tentacles. It was my fault that Sally would more than likely have to go without a family. It was my fault the world seemed to be hell on earth, coming to a complete end as the demons took over. It was my fault we were all going to die. It was my fault that Zalgo even came at all. If it weren't for me... None of this would have even happened. Masky was wrong. I didn't walk through those mansion doors for a reason. In fact, it was more like a death sentence for all. Slender just should have killed me in the forest, without me putting up a fight. He wouldn't be standing there in shock right now, looking into the face of death while I stood by.

Time appeared to have frozen as I thought those things, wanting nothing more than to go back and change history. I was so preoccupied, I hadn't noticed Slender appear next to me, bloody and in pain. Even still, he scooped me into his arms, then began to run. I could feel his heart beat pound viciously beneath my ear as he barreled forward, me bouncing up and down in his arms as we went. I didn't even realize what was happening until I saw everyone else following his lead, sprinting off in different directions. Running from the beasts that were approaching, and the world that seemed to be crumbling away beneath our feet. I was slightly questioning why Slender wouldn't teleport. But by looking at his injuries... I just wouldn't ask. One thing I wanted to, however, was for him to let me go to Zalgo and end this once and for all. But after all we've been through, would it even be worth it?

I saw the mansion in the distance, the bloody sky looming above it menacingly. I heard Zalgo's deep laugh far off, and I was honestly wondering if he was just letting us run away. That we weren't actually getting away from him; if it all was just a game for his entertainment. Probably. But Slender and I were going to stay alive as long as possible it appeared. Slender rushed forward, nearly breaking down the mansion's front doors as he went, then slamming them behind him. Ms. P., Sally and Sonic exe. were standing, worrisome expressions on their faces as they took in the sight of the black blood that continued to poor off Slender's back.

"What happened?" Ms. P. demanded, her voice raising an octave as she did.

"Get Sally out of here, now," he growled, setting me on my feet. "Before Zalgo arrives. He sung the song that will end the earth, and all of you must get out," he hurriedly continued, rushing me forward as Sally wailed.

I turned my head, seeing Sonic's black eyes widen, then him proceeding to run out of the room, I assume back to his videogame dimension. At least there he would be safe. Ms. P. yanked Sally away, dragging her off to god knows where. I just hoped that they would make it out okay. Before I could say a word to Slender, a deep rumble could be heard below us, shaking the mansion as if there was an earthquake. Dust and dirt fragments fell from the ceiling, a large crack splitting straight down the middle. Without another word, Slender grabbed my hand before pulling me down the main hallway. The sound next to an explosion rang out, as I made the mistake of turning my head to see what it was. Zalgo, standing at the doorway. The large front doors were broken from the hinges, now laying useless on the floor in front of the beast. I stumbled as we ran, turning away as tears gathered into my eyes once more. We were going to die. There was no way around it.

Slender sped around the corner, before yanking his office door open. He shut it, then opened up the bookshelf door that led to his piano room. Would we be safe here? By the looks of the mansion, it wouldn't be for long. I ran through as he shut it behind us, hiding us within. I walked down the same hall, entering the circular room where his piano sat. It's beauty was still mind numbing, but for once, it wasn't the only thing that stole my attention. Through the glass windows, I couldn't even recognize the forest, let alone the world. The maroon sky. The dark, inhuman beings that now filled it. Trees uprooted from the ground. It was a sight I will never be able to forget, even though I will most certainly want to. I turned to Slender, watching as he slumped down against the wall, his form shaking and covered in the black liquid. He reached around, a pained expression pulling across his blank face as he seemed to be trying to heal his shredded tentacles.

My tears were set free as I walked over, sitting down next to him. I watched as his tentacles healed, only being small stubs on his back now. Regretfully, he pulled them back into his skin, hiding them from view. Only the torn fabric of his suit was any sign that they had been there. Silently, I took his hand into mine, squeezing it lightly. If we were going to die in here, I wanted to at least be as close to him as possible. After all he's done for me, trying to keep me alive. And it has to come to this.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice breaking off as I did.

"Don't be. I'm the reason we are all here," he replied, his voice monotone. Emotionless.

"No you're not. If I had just gone back home like you told me to, none of this would have been happening," I contradicted, shaking my head. I refused for him to believe it was all his fault.

"Aribella, I'm the demon who fell in love with a human here, not you," he chuckled without humor. "Once again, you have nothing to be sorry for."

There was then a bang on the door behind us, causing me to jump. I held onto him for dear life, fearing we had been found. "Yes I do," I replied to him. "But you'll never agree. How about we call it even?" I murmured, trying to be as quiet as possible.

"I just might agree to that," he whispered so low, I wasn't even sure that was what he said.

Boom. The bookshelf door fell down, the terrifying beast now standing before us, a malicious smile spread across his face. Slender, although appearing drained of energy, sprung up and crouched protectively in front of me.

"Oh, Slenderman. Still determined to save your little human? Face it, demon, no matter where you run, I will find you. No matter how hard you fight, I will beat you," he taunted, his serrated teeth pulling into an even wider smile.

Slender offered no reply as I sat frozen behind him. Why should I let them fight again? Slender already got hurt enough the first time... I slowly stood, my limbs shaking as I did.

"Zalgo," I began, grabbing the attention of both demons. Slender appeared ready to cover my mouth, while Zalgo looked rather amused. "I will go with you to be changed... if you return the world to how it used to be," I continued, avoiding Slender's fiery glare. Even though he had no eyes... I could feel the betrayal and anger that they contained.

"No," Slender growled, before Zalgo could even respond. "Don't you get it, Aribella? You will not be the same. The only thoughts on your mind will be to kill every last person you come in contact with. Your sanity will be gone. You will not care about me, or the rest of the family. You will not be capable of love," he hissed, his shaking form seeming to be close to exploding.

"You weren't supposed to be capable of it either. But look at you now," I replied, trying to reason with him. "And look at everyone else. Jeff especially," I snorted. "Just let me go," I whispered, giving him the most pleading look I could muster.

"I refuse," he growled, balling his fists up.

"Very well then, Slenderman," Zalgo sighed, shaking his head. "I guess it will have to be by force, then." Without another word, Zalgo charged forward, slamming Slender back into the piano. It smashed in half with the force, a few odd keys being heard in the process. Slender seemed close to passing out as he laid in the rubble, the dark being looming above him. Zalgo then turned to me. "So you wish to go? Well, things would have been a lot easier if this would have been decided earlier. All of you needed a reminder of whom you were dealing with. But, since it is your fate, and you decided, it is time to go to purgatory," he spoke, holding out his claw.

I stared at it for a moment, fear taking me over. "Slender can't come with me?" I whispered, my heart beat increasing.

"I don't believe things would go well if he did. Besides, he doesn't appear too up for it," the beast chuckled, arrogantly.

Looking over, I saw my Slender laying there, knocked out cold. After all he's gone through this day, I didn't blame him. I just felt terrible having to leave him without even getting to say goodbye. Without responding to Zalgo, I walked over to Slender. Bending down, I kissed him softly where his lips would have been, then whispered I love you. Who knows if this would be the last time I would say it, or feel it. But the world didn't seem to have much time for me to wait, just to have Slender continue to fight. I would come back. I would come back for everyone. This wasn't the end. At least I hoped it wasn't... Looking up, I stood in front of Zalgo once more.

"Okay. Let's go."

Hey everyone! Hope you all enjoyed the first chapter of the second Slender Mansion! Please review! :)