Authors Note: Holy, like one person commented on last chapter! What's going on people!? If I don't get more reviews on this one I might just stop posting. I don't want to post with no one reading.


Chapter 7: It's Not Over

Alex had plenty of trouble getting to sleep that night. All kinds of terrible images flooded his mind. Walter was one thought in particular; it was more than a little eerie to think a serial killers spirit could be so powerful. It was even worse knowing he had been a chosen sacrifice to the cult by his own father. By morning he was extremely tired and knew Elle would notice this.

Elle stretched as she made her way from the bedroom in her new clothes. She looked back at Alex who was nearly dipping his face in his coffee. "Alex?" His head jerked up quickly.

"Oh, morning Elle." He rubbed his eyes.

Elle grabbed a box of cereal from the cupboard and gave him a strange look, "You got in pretty late last night." She poured the cereal into a white and blue cereal bowl, "Is everything alright?" Her tone was casual, but to Alex it meant she was suspicious.

"Henry showed me his apartment." Alex said without thinking too much about it.

"Who's Henry?" Elle asked grabbing a spoon and making her way to the chair before him.

"He was outside of your aunt's room yesterday. He knows what really happened here." Alex looked up at her.

She brought her spoon to her lips but lowered it slowly, "What do you mean?" Elle asked confused.

Alex looked at her seriously, "I know you didn't want to talk about it, so to cut a long story short, you and I should really get out of South Ashfield." Alex told her.

Elle placed her spoon in the bowl and looked ill. "What about Aunt Virginia?" Elle looked at him sadly.

Alex shook his head, "I don't know, perhaps we could convince her to buy a new place?"

Elle looked at him angrily, "How?! This is her home! What are we supposed to tell her?" Elle glared.

Alex shook his head again, "I don't know. Yesterday you were so interested in getting out of here. Why do you want to stay all of a sudden?"

Elle folded her arms in front of her and leaned closer, "I'm not leaving this place without my aunt. I can't allow anything to happen to her here without us being there for her at the very least." Elle told him.

"Elle, please don't do this. We have to go." Alex told her.

"No Alex, you wouldn't leave Silent Hill without Josh, and I'm not leaving without my aunt!" Elle shot back.

A burning in his chest ignited the moment Elle finished her sentence. Alex gave her an angry look, "You have no right to bring that up, Elle!" He boomed causing her to drop her spoon in shock.

She stood up quickly, "Well in that case, why don't you get out?" She pointed towards the door hoping he didn't start to get violent with her.

"Is that what you really want?" Alex asked looking at her seriously, "I'm pretty sure you couldn't take on Walter all by yourself."

"Walter Sullivan is dead, Alex! He's not coming back so, I really don't need you here." Elle snapped coldly.

Alex stared at her for a second, "Fine." Alex nodded as he stood up. "When you come to your senses let me know." He retorted before opening the door and slamming it behind him.

Elle lowered her head and felt her lower lip twitch, and she realized what she had just said. Part of her wanted to chase him, but it was too late and she knew it. "I do need you…"

***

Alex got into his car and started it up. He decided they both probably just needed some time apart. In his opinion she was over reacting. Alex headed down the road; he had no destination he just needed some time to think. He wished for once Elle would open her eyes to what he was telling her. Sure, her aunt was important to her, but it was more than likely her aunt had suffered the worse possible situation in store for her. Alex simply couldn't see the town effecting Virginia, the curse seemed to pick and choose. Alex on the other hand had been chosen long ago.

Before long he realized he had made his way to the lake. Getting out he began to pace back and forth. How were they supposed to get to safety if she wouldn't keep her promise and stick with him? Was Elle so blind that she truly forgot about everything she had told him yesterday? Didn't see need him regardless of what she tried to convince him? Too many questions were on his mind. He kicked his tire angrily, "Fuck! What do I have to do to convince her?!" He shouted loudly.

After a few seconds he felt slightly relieved and thought it best to sit down. He climbed onto the hood of the car and took a seat, resting his feet on the bumper. He stared out at the water. The fog off in the distance marked the location of Silent Hill. He peered angrily into the fog for several minutes.

That town had cost him a lot. It had taken his mother and his father. It had broken the protective barrier on his mind and it even forced him to face the most terrifying forces at work. Alex shook his head; The Gods were corrupt. How they felt parents killing children was justice for their ancestors decision, he couldn't understand. Somehow he knew all along something was wrong with his town, he never knew the main source of the problem had been the neighboring town.

Alex stared at the water sadly; Josh had died in that water so many years ago. It was his fault, and how he had managed to forget such an event puzzled him. It was the work of the Gods and he knew that now. Alex covered his eyes as he thought of his brothers last moments. He must have been so angry at Alex; it made him wonder if the pain had lasted onto the other side.

Alex couldn't hold it back anymore; he squeezed the place between his eyes and began to sob. Alex hadn't cried in so long, it almost felt like bliss to release it all. His throat began to tighten as he choked out his emotions heavier now. "I'm so sorry Josh…" He said nearly incoherently.

For an entire minute he remained in that position, drops from his eyes hitting his knees. He looked up from his hands through red eyes at the lake. He stopped crying abruptly as he saw something off in the distance. Getting off the hood of the car he walked towards the edge of the water. It looked like someone was floating on the water. They weren't there a minute ago, he started to panic; what if they were in danger? Could he swim out there and actually save them?

Alex tossed his coat onto the sand along with his jeans and t-shirt. He ran at full speed into the lake and began to swim out as he had learned in his swimming courses. Alex swam as hard as he could to make it to the floating body, it was several feet out but he was getting closer and could see the dark red of the t-shirt. "Hey!" Alex called trying to see if the person was coherent.

Alex swam through the waves of dark water before reaching the small floating body of a young boy. He noticed something on the young boy's chest; a flashlight. Picking it up with horror he realized it was his. Turning the boy's head he gasped; Joshua! "Oh God…." Alex couldn't contain his horror as he practically smothered the body looking for any signs of life.

The boy contained no pulse, and he looked like he had been out on the water for a little while. Alex gripped the necklace Josh's corpse was wearing. He began to sob again, "No… this isn't happening." He looked up towards the sky, "What do you want from me?!" He yelled to what ever God was listening.

Josh's head turned and opened its eyes. Alex's body froze. It blinked once, "Alex?"

Before Alex could react, a hand pulled his leg under the water. Alex began kicking and floundering. He switched on the flashlight to see dozens of hands reaching up from under the sand. The legend couldn't have been true could it? Alex kicked the hand clinging to him hard and gasped for breath once he hit the surface. "Help me!" He shouted to a boat he could see off in the distance. "Over here! Hurry! Please!" Alex managed before he was pulled under once again.

Josh gripped Alex's throat as he was pulled deeper under. Alex watched in horror as the flashlight lit up his face. The sight of Josh's decomposing corpse was enough for Alex. Closing his eyes, he blacked out.

***

Alex opened his eyes realizing he was no longer in the lake, but he was lying on a cot covered in blankets. He sat up quickly and looked around. He felt his body go numb, he was in a jail cell.

His coat and clothing were folded on the ground next to his cot. Something cold was sitting on his chest; he looked down to see the necklace hanging from his neck. Alex placed his hand around the ring with his family crest embedded on the surface. "Josh…" He furrowed his brows; it wasn't over it was far from over.

Alex pulled on his clothing and walked toward the bars, "Hey! Can I talk to someone?" Alex called loudly.

After a few seconds he heard heavy footsteps towards his cell. He saw a rather burly security guard approach the gate, "What am I doing here?" Alex asked the guard.

"Well, Mr. Shepherd you did escape from the Hospital against authority. It's about high time you returned." The guard said seriously.

Alex felt his eyes widen, "No, I don't belong there. I'm not crazy!" Alex tried desperately.

"That may be, but I'm not the judge of that." The man seemed like he was just doing his job, but Alex wasn't going to go back so easily.

"Can I have a phone call?" Alex asked.

The man pulled out some hand cuffs. "Turn around and place your arms against the bars."

Alex did as he was ordered and allowed the man to cuff him. Alex walked out of his cell slowly and co-operatively. "I need the number for the police station in Brahms." Alex said as he was lead to the phone.

"Who are you looking to speak to?" The security guard asked him.

"I'm looking for a deputy Wheeler." Alex said to the guard as he dialed the number.

Alex waited patiently. "Hello, this is Officer Grant from the South Ashfield Police Department; I've got an Alex Shepherd looking to speak to a Deputy Wheeler." The guard said into the phone.

After a long pause the guard held the phone to his ear. "Hello?" Alex asked.

"Alex? Long time no see. I hear you got busted. Is this about the stolen car?" Wheeler's voice sent big relief through Alex's body.

"No, this is actually about something a little more serious. Look, I don't have time to explain, I just need you to come down here and get me out of this place. They're going to send me back to the mental hospital." Alex stated.

Alex listened as loud amused laugher emitted from the other end of the phone-line; clearly something about the situation was amusing to Wheeler, "Back to the mental hospital?! God damn it, Alex. I always knew you had a few screws loose." Wheeler continued to laugh amused while Alex rolled his eyes.

"Wheeler, I have a feeling the lake that connects to Silent Hill is able to carry over," Alex dropped his voice, "The curse."

Wheeler paused for a moment, "Are you in danger?" Wheeler asked him.

"Yeah, but Elle isn't co-operating. You'll have to get a hold of her for me; I used my call on you." Alex explained.

"What's the number?" Wheeler asked.

"Um… I'm not quite sure to be honest. She's at South Ashfield Heights in room 108." Alex paused, "That place in particular might ring a few bells." Alex hoped.

"Yeah, I heard something was going on down at that place. A bunch of people were going to the hospital with heart problems. Also, I heard it had something to do with that old Walter Sullivan case from several years ago." Wheeler said suspiciously in a low voice so no one could hear him.

"Something is wrong, Wheeler. You're the only person who can help me. Is there any way you can get down here?" Alex asked.

"Sure, but you might want to give me a few hours." Wheeler replied.

"Not a problem, just make sure to contact Elle." Alex said.

"Give the phone back to Grant, I'll tell him not to transfer you." Wheeler told him.

"Officer Grant, he wants to speak to you." Alex looked up at the balding man.

Officer Grant placed the phone against his ear, "Hello?"

Alex sat silently hoping Elle would come down soon. All he could do now was wait and hope. "Alright Shepherd, back to your cell until your friend gets here." Officer Grant said before leading him back to his cell.

Alex followed the officer obediently knowing perfectly well if Wheeler couldn't get him out, Alex could always make a run for it. Once he was back in his cell he sat down and began to ponder what reason he had saw Josh. He wondered if perhaps it was a sign his apology meant nothing. Alex twirled the ring between his fingers as he thought about it.

Those hands under the water, they were from a tanker that had sunk several decades ago. 60 or more men were found with only their hands reaching up at the surface. How they had all ended up in the same position Alex didn't know. It wasn't likely he wanted to know.

Alex wondered why his brother had given him the necklace after wanting to drown him. Clearly it wasn't a very happy message from the other side. Alex would get to the bottom of it.

Not even twenty minutes after he had finished pondering, Elle was at his cell door looking panic-stricken. He stood up and looked relieved, "Elle." He placed his hands on hers.

"What happened?" Elle was worried.

"I can't explain right now, but it has to do with the lake." Alex explained.

"Wheeler told me he was coming to get you. What's going on, Alex? I can't wait for an explanation." Elle shook her head.

Alex took off the necklace around her neck and handed it to her. She examined it and her eyes grew wide, "Alex… It's your family crest." Elle looked up into his eyes.

Alex nodded, "Josh gave it to me." He decided to explain.

Elle's face seemed to drop, "What? You mean… this isn't over?" Elle asked him.

Alex shook his head, "I know you don't want to leave your aunt, but I really don't think anything will happen to her. She isn't cursed like we are." Alex explained.

Elle looked down and nodded, "How fast can we get out of here?" Elle asked him.

"As soon as Wheeler gets his paper work together and comes down here from Brahms." Alex replied rubbing her hand softly.

Elle smiled slightly; she was relieved Alex was alright. The memory of that morning entered her mind as she looked him over carefully, "I'm sorry about this morning." She said to him.

"That doesn't matter anymore. We just have to focus on getting out of here." Alex said soothingly.

Elle nodded, "I was so worried when you left." She told him.

Alex looked into her eyes as she continued on, "I didn't meant what I said, Alex. I do need you; I doubt I would be standing here right now if it weren't for you." Elle said to him honestly.

"No doubt." He said as he looked around at the Cell block.

"That's not what I meant." Elle said to him rolling her eyes.

"I know, Elle. Everything will be alright; we just have to get away from anything that touches Lake Toluca." Alex replied.

Elle nodded, "Well, we have a few hours. I suppose I might as well take a seat with you." She said to him.

Alex watched as she headed to the guard, "Could I have something to sit on with him?" She asked.

The guard nodded and walked over to the gate and unlocked it, "Tell me when you want out." He said to her.

Elle nodded and watched him leave. Elle placed her arms around Alex's neck, "Don't ever do that again, alright?" She asked him.

"Do what?" He asked her.

"Don't ever leave me in a rage like that." She stared up at his face looking rather hopeful.

Alex laughed, "I won't." They pulled back at the same time and sat down on his cot waiting for Wheeler to arrive.


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