Disclaimer: I do not own Silent Hill, it characters, or Komani.

She took a deep breath, raised the gargoyle knocker, and let it fall. The loud clank of metal against metal echoed through the large house, but no one came. She knocked again, and waited, but still there was no answer. Devon had said he was here, and he asked her to come, didn't he? Or did she dream it?

"Devon!" She called out loudly, "Devon its Penny open the door!"

Still nothing. She pulled out her car keys, fumbled with them for a moment and then held up a rusty key. Devon had given her a key to the house a few years back when she volunteered to look in on his father in the first years of Gunther's illness. She slipped the key in the lock, gave it a turn, and pushed the door open. She looked about to see if she could spot Devon, or at least hear him, but she could do neither. She made her way into the study, but stopped dead at the door. The room was a mess. The desk was over turned, the bookshelves had been emptied onto the floor, which was now a sea of papers, and the filling cabinet was on it side. Devon, however, was not there.

"Devon where are you?" She called out.

She searched the kitchen, knock on all 4 bathroom doors in the house, and checked his old room, but still no Devon. She didn't like pranks, and she certainly didn't find this funny. She stormed toward the front doors, whatever game he was playing she was not interested in playing along. She reached for the door, when she heard a voice.

"Penny, Im up here!"

It was Devon, she was relieved he was ok, because now she was going to kill him for answering the door. She made her way to the attic door. The door was wide open, and a set of old wooden stairs lay ahead of her. She stood there suddenly lost in thought.

He was standing on a rickty set of wood stairs that led up, and he was looking down at her.

"Your not scared are you Penny, c'mon its just an attic."

"I don't think we should play up there Dev, please lets just go." She pleaded

"Oh is Penny wenny scared!" Devon taunted.

"Stop it!" she said stomping her foot in a huff. Devon started up the stairs leaving her standing there.

"Its just an attic, with just furniture. C'mon Penny." He turned to face her, "Maybe there's a treasure map up here."

She shook her head trying to shake the memory away. They never did find a treasure map, but there was furniture like Devon had said. She headed up the stairs, and saw Devon standing just in the attic doorway.

"You know you had me scare to de-"

She froze staring into the attic. When they were ten there had been only furniture, old trunks, a dress makers dummy, dust and cob webs, but all that was gone. An alter of sorts stood in the center and on the wall behind it, painted in crimson red, was a strange symbol. Three small circles in a larger circle that was in an even larger circle, and inbetween the large circles was strange cryptic writing. The cloth covering the alter was stained in blood, a book stand with an opened book sat upon it, and metled candles at all around it. Devon stood staring just as dazed as she was.

"Why exactly did you call me here?" She asked moving slowly away from Devon.

He turned to face her, and saw the frighten look on her face. He realized this all must look very bizarre to her.

"I didn't do this Penny, I found it this way, in fact I have been finding alot of disturbing things in this house, and I called you here to convice me that Im not going crazy."

"Crazy, what do you mean?" She asked looking a bit more comfortable with him.

"It would take me hours to explain it all, but I think my father was more then just obsessed with Silent Hill. Penny you know me better then anyone else, I may be a bit weird, but I'm not psyco." He said moving further into the room.

The two of them looked over the alter, and found the book to be written in some kind of cryptic language. It look asthough nothing in this room had been touch in several years. Penny moved away to get a closer look at the strange symbol.

"Wait, I know this symbol, it's called the Halo of the Sun, or the Sigh of Samael, its a cult symbol." Penny suddenly said.

Devon looked up from the altar at her, and started to moved toward her when his shirt sleeve caught the side of the bookstand knocking it over. Beneath it was an opening in the altar, and inside the opening was another part of the book. He gently lifted it out. Penny had joined him at the altar, and watched him removed the book piece.

"What is that?" She asked.

"Its the fifth chapter to this book." He replied placing the book piece into the leather binding with others.

They left the attic and returned to the study. Devon re-read chapters one through four to Penny, and then started chapter five. They both had a eager look in their eyes as he began.

Chapter 5: Heaven's council

The exilheration of flight ended all too soon as I gently landed on the smooth white cobbles. It was then I realised that the gleaming white stones were actually giant flattened pearls. The creature sighed and smiled, "Ahh home. Look here's something I have to show you. The seven towers of Dumahllen." He let me take control again so that I could look around and marvel at the structural beauty of the palace. I was astounded at the sheer magnificence of the craftsmanship that surrounded me, built by this ancient and winged race that surely must be angels. 'Not quite,' the voice chimed in, 'but close. We are the guardians of heaven known as the Dumahll. The angels are the last lines of defence and can usually be found in the great halls of praise located in the massive inner sanctum.'

A thought occurred to me "Is Xuchilpaba really God or is she something different as well?" The creature answered in disbelief that I had actually asked the question, 'Xuchilpaba is God. She is a spirit of God and therefore the same as God just as your hands are the same as you. If they were cut off they would still be you.' I was happy with the answer and sensed that the creature was content that my faith had not suffered. I continued to look around.

Each of the massive towers were made of two separate buildings. Two narrow structures that seemed to go on forever. The two were intertwined to form one complete tower. They were decorated with golden and silver statuettes and huge carved murals depicting different historical events. Great victories and tragic defeats were included side by side. It is often said that history is written by the victorious insinuating that the stories are suited to make the victors look good. The Dumahll did not need to make themselves look good and so did not leave anything out. I looked around more trying to take everything in at once. I now noticed that the towers were not just coloured but were in fact made out of precious jewels; emerald, ruby, amber, sapphire, obsidian, diamond and amethyst.

Fountains were scattered around the courtyard. Some flowed with sweet milk, some were completely covered with a continual layer of honey. There was no pain, no fear and no imperfection. I thought that the sun's light on the gleaming white cobbles would surely blind me but to my disbelief I was actually in a state of complete bliss. 'Impressive isn't it?' The voice said proudly. My reply was nearly unintelligible as I was still struck by the beauty of the place. The voice chuckled 'Yeah I know…I know.' I forced myself to walk to the palace gates.

The palace itself was a gleaming white building of which some parts seemed to be made of cloud. The rest was made of some material that gave off it's own radiance. Again there were great winged statues adorning the tops of the palace. It had a dome like roof with seven spires adorning it. Each made with the same materials as the towers of Dumahllen. There were large circular holes in the roof. Each was outlined with gold and silver rings, inside each were seven runes, again with the colours of the towers. They glowed brightly whenever someone emerged from it. It was a large eyrie. I couldn't make out what the murals on the building depicted, as the tower was so bright that there were no shadows to distinguish the shapes.

The creature decided to take over again. "We are not here to take in the sights, beautiful as they are, we are here to sort out our current problem. In time you can come back and stay." There were two guards keeping vigil on top of the golden, bejewelled gates. Their wings were white with a diagonal black stripe running across them. The Dumahll were garbed in chain mail and leather with red and blue sashes running over the chain mail diagonally. Their helmets were in the shape of a lion and an eagle with their mouths open so that the guard's faces could be seen.

They were armoured to the teeth. Their weapons looked like they could cut through stone without even denting or blunting the blades. Large curved blades on the end of silver poles clanked against the guard's rune covered gauntlets. As the creature ran his gaze along the wall of the gate I saw that there were differently coloured guards. I concluded that there must have been some sort of caste system. If this was the case then it left me with another puzzle, 'I thought everyone was treated equally in heaven. What is the situation here?'

The creature answered "You are correct to surmise that the guards are of different castes however the castes represent nothing more than what each guard's personality is like. For example the guards of the red Dumahllic are a stronger, more aggressive guard in battle. The guards are all treated equally but they are chosen to live in a certain Dumahllic according to their behaviour, in order to make them more effective in their duty. They are the peoples of the Dumahllen and the front line in heavens defence against any demonic onslaught." I began to understand, 'Ah I see. Well whatever they are it seems that heaven is preparing for war. News spreads quick in these parts.'

The creatures voice held a note of sorrow and regret, "It is preparing for battle. I fear that these may be the last days for many of the Dumahll after witnessing the scene at Toluca Lake. Come, let us enter." He called up to the nearest guard, "Klintoch my friend. How fare you?" The guard looked down and focused his gaze on me. "Sunak? It has been a while. Fate finally found you then. I heard that you were approaching and made sure that I had this shift so that I could see for myself. I never thought that this day would actually come. Come in. Come in she is waiting. You are slightly late."

The creature now known to me as Sunak replied, "We were a little waylaid. Our enemy is more powerful than I expected. We crossed paths with Nathaniel." Klintoch's face paled, "Nathaniel is free again? The dark one has indeed gained power. How did this happen?" Sunak sighed, "He claimed an entire town." The guard rushed to the stairwell and a clinking noise was soon heard. The decorative portcullis was quickly raised and Klintoch's voice drifted out into the courtyard. "Come in quickly. I doubt the lady Xuchilpaba would have surmised the problem to be this bad by the time of your arrival. I will gather the entire Dumahllen and triple the guard." Sunak made my face look grim, "I think that would be a wise idea."

We walked through the archway and into…darkness. 'Sunak, I have two things to ask of you. One why am I only finding out your name now?' Sunak smiled, "It would have been dangerous to mention it where we just came from. Zanthar wants me disposed of just as much as my lady. Had I spoken my name in those woods a hundred demons would have shredded our flesh to ribbons before either of us would have known what hit us. What was the second thing?" I wondered for a bit as I had lost my train of thought. I looked at the darkness around me for a while searching to recall the second question. Then it hit me, 'Yes. What is this place? I don't understand. I thought this was supposed to be golden, perfect, a paradise like an oasis in the bleakness of reality.'

I blinked and had to look again as suddenly I was standing in a huge forest of palm trees, orchids, blue spruce and weeping willows. They all grew out of golden sands like those on the shores of Toluca Lake. Dotted about the forest were crystal clear fountains flowing from nowhere into beautiful blue pools that never changed in volume. The only things that I did not imagine were various doorways in trees, much like those in the eyries. There was also a long set of steps that led to the top of a snow capped mountain that was beautifully set off by a burning orange and crimson sunset. A golden glow shone from a small building at the top of the mountain.

'Guess we head over there then.' I said nearly giving up on understanding any explanation. Sunak smiled, sensing the emotion, "Yes. As for the sudden appearance of everything I will explain so that you can understand. Heaven is paradise. Paradise is whatever you imagine it to be. You are in an empty space in the universe where you can dream anything you want into existence. As for the doors they are for the parts of heaven such as the halls of praise and various other places within the inner sanctum."

Suddenly a creature stepped out of a gateway in the hollow of a weeping willow. It was a black panther with golden wings and a blue stripe running horizontally across its wingspan. Sunak smiled, "Sarina." I was confused, 'Who?' The creature known as Sarina balanced on its back legs with its wings spread. The blue stripe spread across the fur to form loose clothing that covered the body except for the wings and arms. I watched in amazement as the body changed shape and the black fur massed at the back of the creature's head to form long black hair. The arms were now white and gave off a faint golden glow now that the fur was gone. The face reshaped to resemble that of a human's, as did the body to finally form one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. She had sleek black hair that flowed freely down to her lower back and the most beautiful captivating green eyes.

Sunak finally spoke again, "It is good to see you again Sarina my beloved." Sarina smiled as she came up to me and held me gently in her arms. We looked into each other's eyes. "I have missed you husband. This fate of yours is a frustrating thing." Her lips were so close to mine that I could feel her breath on my lips. Sunak smiled as if all the problems in the world had disappeared. "It has been too long my love. I have missed the warmth of your touch. I had almost forgotten how much your loving embrace could stir my feelings." She gently kissed me on the lips, as we broke away I could feel her lips calling to me, stirring up strong passions inside me that I had never felt before.

She whispered so low that if we were surrounded I would be the only one able to hear her. "Let me remind you then." Her taste still lingered on my lips and I truly knew what it was to yearn deeply for a woman. Sunak was now in complete control and took Sarina in a passionate embrace. I felt the love between them, the sweet passion that had burned between them for centuries. They explored each other as if they were finding themselves for the first time alone and free to act as they pleased without consequence. Time stopped: literally. I saw Sarina weave a bubble similar to the time loop I had seen earlier yet hers was infinitely more delicate and complex.

Sunak started kissing Sarina's neck, drawing small amounts of blood near to the skin, making it a little pinker than before. He started to make deep purrs against her neck, the vibrations of which produced the desired effect as Sarina pulled him to the ground and tore his shirt off exposing his body. Well it was my body but she wasn't looking at me it was only him that she saw. Sunak resumed kissing her neck and started moving slowly down. He took the sash covering her upper body in his teeth and tugged it down exposing her perfect breasts. He looked at Sarina for a moment before placing his hands on her shoulders and kissing his way from the neck down.

She took one of his hands and playfully began sucking on his finger. She took his finger out of her mouth and bit on her lower lip as he moved further down. After a while he came back up to kiss her on the lips. This time the kiss was much more passionate as they were becoming more aroused. Sunak moved his hand down to her lower sash to remove it. There was no gentle tugging this time; he simply ripped the clothing from her body in a quick, controlled movement. They looked at each other for a while. Not a word passing between them. Lust now controlled them as they passionately made love on the desert sands.

Some time had passed before they had finished. The two lay on the ground propped up on one elbow, looking at each other in the light of the sunset. Sarina spoke in seductive tones, "You don't have to go you know. I can keep this spell up as long as I want. Heaven isn't all its meant to be when you're lonely." Sunak sighed, "You know what I want." Sarina smiled but Sunak spoke up, "You also know why I can't have it yet. If Zanthar got in we could never see each other again. I have to make sure that doesn't happen." Sarina looked unhappy but resigned to accepting what fate had thrown down. "Fine. Go then but be safe my love and take this with you." She gave me another kiss before snapping her fingers. Suddenly we were both fully clothed.

We eventually said our goodbyes and made our way to the mountain steps. "Goodbye my love. Until next time." Sunak kissed Sarina softly once more; a tingle left on both their lips. "I shall always burn for you. I will come for you when this is all over. Know that I love you and am searching for a way to bring us together forever. Soon I will have a way to stop Zanthar and his minions permanently and then I can once again walk with you in fields of golden sands and pools of the brightest blue. Until then my love. Farewell."

Sarina became a panther once more and ran off into the forests and the meadows. Sunak shed a tear and I realised something tragic. 'You're not sure if you are ever going to see her again.' Sunak sounded sorrowful, "It is probably the last time we will ever be together for a very long time. I can feel it in my bones, Sarina knows it as well." I pondered at Sunak's predicament, 'Then why do you stand here?' Sunak replied, "Fate is a great burden and a cruel mistress. I am playing out the part that I was created for but there is always hope and that is what Sarina and I each carry in our hearts. Hope and faithful love. It is what has kept our love alive over these years. Come now, I shall speak of this no further. We must see God if there is still even a chance of stopping Zanthar." With that we began the slow ascent up the steep staircase.

Finally reaching the top, my feet crunched in the snow yet I did not feel cold. I was now dressed in Sunak's normal attire, consisting of a black and white sash over leather armour with the symbol of God on a patch placed on the right shoulder. I looked closely at the small structure that lay before me. 'Surely God is not in here?' Sunak gave a little sigh before muttering something about mortals. He went on up to the entrance of the glorified shed… for that is what it was.

Sunak let me have another look around. This small outpost was seemingly shaped from wood, yet when I touched it the material felt as smooth and as hard as stone. I knocked the door and entered. I found myself in a massive throne room.

Marble pillars lined the path to the large throne. A snake coiled around each one. Each snake was different in some way. The smooth marble floor had ember runes poured into it. They were the same as the ones I had seen etched around the eyrie's exits. I walked cautiously towards the throne. 'Let me handle this now. We are going before a God, not some animal in a cage to be gawped at by the ignorant.' It was Sunak again. I was going to argue but in the end I knew that he was right, as I had never met a God before. I felt myself sinking back into the subconscious again.

My body took on a much more confident stride. I saw glimpses of someone in my head. It seemed that Sunak and Xuchilpaba were close friends. Though the picture I saw in my mind was far from the vision seated on the throne before me.

She wore a large, decorative crown of silver with oval sapphires that looked like drops of water from the deepest and most mysterious parts of the ocean. Seven small towers rose out of the silver band to form a bejewelled sunrise. They were each of a different colour. Obviously to represent her rule over the Dumahllen. A white mask hid the upper half of her face. It was possible to see eyeholes but not the eyes that lay behind them. She wore a silver dress that covered her up to her neck and yet it still revealed enough for men to want and worship her. The dress shimmered like a beautiful lake on a hot summer's day.

It was then that I realised that the dress itself was moving to make her more appealing. Sunak spoke in his thoughts, 'It is an interesting device and was used with devastating effect by the high seductress Kitali.' There was obviously a story behind the comment, 'What happened to her?' Sunak replied with a grin, 'She used it on one of the guards that Xuchilpaba was more fond of.' 'Oh,' I said understanding everything without having to be told.'

We finally arrived at the great white throne and bowed before the great woman; her raven black hair spilling over her shoulders. The chair itself was a marvel. It was made out of a single layer of large white feathers. The back of it looked like a mighty wave crashing against a cliff face. She looked down at me and smiled. "Rise dear friend. This is no time for formalities. Come hither and take my hand." I made sure that Sunak had full control, as I knew that I was way out of my depth here. Sunak rose and kissed her hand. "My friend, it is good to see you again. I trust you knew that I was coming." She smiled with ruby red lips.

"Of course. Did you enjoy the test I prepared for you." Sunak smiled, "You were always one to mix duty with pleasure. Yes I always enjoy Sarina's company no matter how brief it is." Xuchilpaba daintily and regally walked down the steps to her throne. "Walk with me." We obeyed. Xuchilpaba sounded curious, "Why did you not stay with your wife? You had the chance. She did not lie about her offer. Well…it was really my offer. Why did you not take it?" Sunak looked straight at Xuchilpaba, "In truth I would have loved to stay with her but the burden of my duty lies too heavy on my heart for me to be content. Once I am free of it I should like to spend the rest of eternity with her. For now I have to take care of this business before it destroys everything I have ever known and loved."

Xuchilpaba nodded "I was right to choose you as my steward. I know what is to come and I must tell you now that you are to rule over my kingdom for some time. During that time the servant you occupy now will be the agent of my revival. The one thing he must do is obtain and protect the seal of Metatron until the time comes when my body returns to paradise. I need Valtiel to hide the seal until the order is again restored. They will guard it until the ascent of the Holy Mother is performed.

To perform the spell that you need to put your plan into effect I will need to descend into the place of the silenced spirits in my corporeal form. Once there I will set out my mark in blood at seven locations in the area. This being done, the spell will be completed and the place will become a prison for that abomination.

I need you and a representative from each of the Dumahllen to protect me and then one by one guard each symbol until the ritual is completed. Once this is done it is up to Valtiel to disguise himself as one of them, perform the gathering and get the seal to the order so they can perform the ascension. Are you sure he is worthy of the task? There is a lot riding on his shoulders. You must be sure of him."

I was afraid to say the least, but Sunak's answer reassured me. "I have never been more sure of a servant in my life. He found me in the first try. He is noble, sure, a little slow but eager to serve and protect you." Xuchilpaba had a serious look on her face, "That is high praise indeed from your lips." Sunak looked at the marble floor, "It is well deserved praise. He was attacked by Nathaniel after using the power for the first time and survived with hardly a scratch on him." Xuchilpaba looked thoughtful, "Impressive. Although it is a little worrying to hear that Nathaniel is free once again. No doubt he will already be at Zanthar's right hand, reporting news of your freedom. Meet me in the courtyard with your best men. The board is set, let us begin this game."

When had finished reading he turned to Penny. She looked astonished by what she had heard, but she looked less frightened about the book then she had about the attic. For a moment they just stared at each other unsure of what to say.

"So, am I going crazy, or do you too feel a strange addiction to this book?" He finally asked

"Your not crazy, but I think your father might have been. Alright I'll help you, first lets find the rest of this book." She replied.

"There's more then this book, in the top drawer of the desk is a red leather portfolio, read whats in it. " He said laying back on the sofa.

He was relieved to have someone with him who wasn't going to think he was nuts. He watch Penny remove the portfolio and sit down at teh desk to read it's contents. He suddenly felt his eyes grow heavy, and then everything went dark as he fell asleep.

A/N: I'm sorry for yet a another delay. I went back and re-read this chapter and realize the idea of Devon's mothers skeleton, although creepy, was a bit to much for this story so that is why I choose to re-do it. please let me know what you think.