It was easy to lose track of time in this dark world of Bughuul's. The ex-deputy could have been here hours, weeks, or months.
He had never been an overly religious man, despite how often the search for Bughuul had driven him to seek spiritual counsel. However, he imagined being trapped here was akin to being in Hell. Sure, there was no fire or brimstone and all that jazz, but he did have his own personal demon to torment him all hours of the day.
He could only suppose that this was Bughuul's idea of revenge. The man often wished he had just been killed in that seedy motel room. He would reprimand himself for that thought. He had to stay strong. He had to get through this and get back to Courtney and Dylan. True, he hadn't known them long, but he could see a future with them. They needed someone who would understand what they've been through. Maybe he shouldn't think so much of himself, but he was afraid his disappearance was taking a huge toll on them. They had just lost their son and brother. How was losing someone else right after that effecting them? He could only hope they were doing okay.
The thing was, Bughuul didn't make it easy to stay strong.
The former deputy had learned enough about the supposed deity to know he was evil. He killed families and ate kids. What else did the man need to know? This thing needed to be stopped and he was the one to do it.
As it turned out, Bughuul was far worse than he could have ever imagined. He thought psychological torture was the thing's game, but Bughuul was proving perfectly able to get up close and personal.
Bughuul had some terrible power to dig into his head. The former deputy recalled the first moment he woke up in this room. He knew at once that something wasn't right. At that moment he should have been with what was left of the Collins family, and instead he was in the grip of a monster.
Bughuul didn't waste any time in making his captive's life miserable. While on the force, the man had encountered and dealt with all kinds of threats, but those could be dealt with. He didn't know how to cope with some unnameable force invading his mind, carelessly looking through his thoughts, his memories, his hopes and dreams. Bughuul learned everything about the deputy in those awful moments. The man could see his entire life swirling around in his mind. Bits and pieces would stand out: a puppy when he was small, an angry male voice yelling his name before a fist came swinging down, pretty girls and boys who caught his eye, drunken nights in college, his diploma and then joining the force. It slowed as it came to the point where he met Ellison Oswalt and learned about Bughuul. The demon wanted to comb through those carefully. Damn narcissist.
When it was finally over, he felt so exposed. Every secret or ace he could ever want to hide from Bughuul was now revealed to him. What the hell was he going to do now?
There's nothing you can do.
The man jumped in surprise at the voice intruding in his head. (Well, as best he could with the restrictive arms still around him.) It wasn't what he expected Bughuul to sound like. The voice was an average, smooth tenor that came in a whisper. Perfect for soothing a frightened child or scaring them into submission.
You have had an average life, Deputy. Greater men than you have tried and failed to find me. Although it is a shame that we could not meet during your childhood. I'm sure that you could have made me a beautiful sacrifice out of that father of yours.
A spark of anger ran through him. "Shut up, asshole!" he barked.
The arms around him constricted painfully, as if he were being crushed by a large snake. Oh great, now the thing was pissed.
You will be more careful with your words, mortal. I do not tolerate such disrespect.
"You're one to talk. You won't even call me by my name!"
Low laughter echoed through his head. It was unsettling. I was under the impression your name was "Deputy So and So" from watching Ellison Oswalt. I do not see why you were so fond of the man. His personality was almost as weak as his writing! The only real art he has ever been apart of is when his daughter made her film for me.
The man struggled with renewed vigor. The Oswalt case had been a sore spot for him ever since the murders happened. Bughuul knew this and was trying to provoke him. He should do his best to stay cool, but the former deputy wasn't about to let this thing bully him.
More creepy laughter. You think you can escape the grasp of a god?
"Yeah, some god you are!" he snapped. "You're just another leech that's been forgotten with time! You're an ugly freak- Ah!"
There was pain everywhere. His head felt like it was about to explode. He desperately rubbed it against the couch cushion in an attempt to relieve the pressure.
You are either very brave or very foolish to test me like this, Deputy. I will not warn you again.
He cried out again as he was flipped onto his back. His eyes were shut as a faux shield from the pain, and some force compelled him to open them and see Bughuul looming over him. Something like a demented grin was stretched across the demon's not-mouth.
I wonder how long this spirit of yours will last.
He couldn't hold back a frightened cry as a smooth, but clammy hand stroked his cheek.
Let's have some fun, Deputy.
X
He used to wonder what it was that caused these children to kill their families. What could they have seen or heard to make them do such horrible things? He knew from professor Stomberg that Bughuul liked artistic sacrifices, and that recording of the little Norwegian girl playing her piano whilst slaughtering her family gave him an inclination. Having Zach Collins chase his family down with a camera helped him learn, too. But even with all that, the former deputy could not have predicted the horrors that Bughuul showed him on film.
Now that the deity could really touch him, the man discovered that Bughuul was very strong. It was ridiculously easy to drag the human from the couch to a chair that looked fit for torture across the room. As soon as he was pushed to sit in it, straps came around his ankles and wrists, keeping him from getting up. Bughuul pushed his head against the back of the chair and strapped his head down. He pried the man's eye open and placed something sticky on the lid, preventing it from being closed. He repeated the action with the other eye.
If he wasn't scared before, the man definitely was now. He was completely immobilized and had nowhere to look but forward. What did Bughuul have in mind for him now?
Bughuul stood in front of him and held up an old film canister. Pool Party '66 was written across it. His feeling of dread grew.
I want to show you the art my children make for me, Deputy. My hope is that you will learn an appreciation for it.
The former deputy heard him put the film reel into a camera that must have been to the side. The projector came to life and showed the deputy its horrible contents. That poor family, drugged and drowned by their own child while a monster watched…
Despite his bindings, he still tried to turn away and shut his eyes. Anything to block out this evil. He could feel Bughuul's gaze on him. The bastard was enjoying seeing him squirm.
Thankfully, the film ended quickly. His relief was short lived.
You did not seem to enjoy that one. Why don't we watch another?
X
His life became reduced to a never ending parade of macabre "art". Like a proud father, Bughuul had kept every depiction of every sacrifice made to him over the years. It was like a museum collection of murder. Now, the former deputy had done his fare share of case studies and crime research and what-if-scenarios. It was easy to view grisly photos and hear gruesome details with a cool detachment. He pitied the victims, but he wasn't losing any sleep over their misfortune.
This was different. The videos alone were bad because he was forced to see the act happen, when he was used to dealing with the aftermath. It was so much more real. When he was still on the force, he hoped that he could prevent crimes before they happened, so that innocent people wouldn't have to suffer. He wished that he could jump into these films and save these unfortunate families form their poisoned offspring.
Bughuul enjoyed his suffering. With every film or record or painting, Bughuul would say something about the child who made it. Before he knew it, the man had a long list of names to go with a brief description of looks and mannerisms. Bughuul threatened to introduce him to some of the children in the future. (Okay, it hadn't been a threat per se, but the man in no way wanted these murderous brats near him.)
He thought he was safe from the Snuff-O-Rama when Bughuul pulled out the stuff predating modern technology. He was wrong.
There was a library's worth of sculptures and papyrus and paintings and drawings. So much pain and suffering depicted in charcoal, paint, pen, and clay. They all looked fresh and new. It would have been neat to see if the older stuff if it wasn't for the circumstances. Bughuul started with stone slabs with a paint style that even the human could tell was ancient Babylonian. Okay, he could deal with that. He's spent his career looking at pictures.
Of course, Bughuul had to ruin that. While one hand held the slab in front of the man's face, the other was placed on his head. As if another movie started to play in his head, he could see the events depicted on the slab as Bughuul had seen them. He was momentarily amazed to see an ancient culture like this. He took a moment to observe the ancient temples, the clothing, the people. Somehow it wasn't as bad as seeing the recent films. He could almost pretend he was watching a very graphic documentary.
You do not seem as distraught now. Are you finally seeing the beauty in what me and my children accomplish?
Did Bughuul honestly think he was giving in now? "No, damnit," he bit out.
He could sense the demon's displeasure. Was he actually offended by that? This has been one of my favorites for a very long time. How about another like it?
Of course they were the thing's favorites. They were from the time when he was actually important. He winced as pain flooded his skull. Bughuul apparently didn't care for his opinion. Whatever.
As Bughuul showed him more, he couldn't help but wonder how Bughuul managed to fall into obscurity. It seemed like he relieved plenty of sacrifices and worship and all that. Even if the old pagan gods faded out with Abrahamic religions, they were still well known from the many statues and stories about them. Bughuul managed to be erased by only some medieval Christians. Why was this demon lesser known when the others thrived?
He tensed as a cool hand ran through his sweaty hair. There was annoyance coming from Bughuul, but it wasn't aimed towards him. In fact, the monster seemed almost...pleased?
That is story for another day, Deputy. Perhaps I will tell it to you...if you behave.
The hell was that supposed to mean? Bughuul didn't give him much time to think about it. He presented the human with a canvas filled with childish drawings in oil paint.
Maybe this will excite you more. You humans came up with more creative killing methods during this time.
X
At some point, he began to feel tired. He wasn't sure if that was even possible in Bughuul's realm. It must have taken a lot of time to see as much of Bughuul's "art" as he did. He hadn't felt hungry or had to use the bathroom or anything. Which was good, because he wouldn't trust any food Bughuul brought him.
He realized that he became completely relaxed in his chair, as if he were trying to unwind after work in his comfy armchair with a beer. It wasn't as though he didn't register the horror of what this demon showed him anymore, it was more like...he was becoming indifferent. There was only so much a person could see of anything before they stopped caring. No matter what age or media the sacrifice was depicted on, the man knew people were going to die. No point in being surprised about it. It if wasn't for whatever kept his eyes open, he would have nodded off some time ago.
He barely registered his bonds being undone. The stuff on his eyelids was removed and they immediately shut with no intention on opening for some time. He only had the strength to make a small noise in protest as cold, strong arms lifted him up. It was like being carried by a statue.
You are a surprisingly wonderful audience, Deputy. Although I do wish you were as enthusiastic as you were attentive.
Yeah, because he totally volunteered to watch all of that.
Bughuul was showing him what was going on through the deity's own eyes. The man saw his almost-sleeping form being practically cradled in this thing's arms. An eye twitched on his otherwise peaceful face. He felt the couch cushions as Bughuul placed him down on it. He was surprised when Bughuul placed a soft blanket over him.
You must rest now. You will need your strength for later on. I have much more in mind for us.
Everything went dark as he fell asleep in the first time in what felt like a long time. For now, he was free of Bughuul and his mind games.
X
When he woke, Ashley Oswalt was standing inches from the couch. The former deputy sat up quickly. The blanket pooled in his lap. Logically, he knew she had to be somewhere in this realm, but he never expected to see her again. He had not seen the red haired girl since the day her father called about a disturbance in their attic. Even then, it was a passing glance. He memorized her face not from then, but from the newspapers that detailed the murders of her family.
He lost count of how many times he stared at that family photo, wondering how such a sweet looking girl could do such horrible things. Then again, that's what Bughuul's terrible, suffocating influence could do to people. He shuddered as he took in her appearance. Pajamas covered by a blood covered painting smock. This must be what she hacked her family to death in. What a get-up to be stuck in forever. Or...however long she lasted. He felt a small bit of pity. No matter what that monster convinced these children to do, they didn't deserve this fate.
"Deputy," she greeted in a small voice. Her expression was eerily blank, but her eyes held a child-like softness.
"Ashley," he choked out. It seemed like forever since he had used his voice. "What are you doing here? Did...did he send you?"
The girl shook her her head. "No, I don't think I'm supposed to be here. He never lets any of us in this room."
"Then why-?"
"I just wanted to see you," Ashley explained. "We never see grown-ups here. He can't eat them."
The man nodded. Honestly, he was glad to have some company other than Bughuul. "Does he talk to you about me? Does he say what he plans on doing with me?"
She fiddled with her smock. "We asked after he brought you here. He said that you were his now, and we weren't to disturb him when he was with you."
What did that mean? Did Bughuul regard him as property? As some little play toy to psychologically torture for eternity? He wouldn't doubt that for a minute.
"How long has it been since I came here?" He winced at how desperate he sounded, but he needed answers so badly.
The girl shrugged. "I'm not sure exactly. Time passes kinda funny here. But...in the last house, it was snowing outside, if that helps."
Snow? It had been late summer when he was last back in his own damn dimension. So it had at least been five months. It simultaneously felt like so much more time had passed, and yet not enough for that to be right.
"Did you like my film?" she asked eagerly, catching him off guard. "I know he's been showing them to you. I worked really hard on it!"
He felt bile rise. "How could you do that?" he demanded quietly. He didn't have the strength to shout. "That was your family. Your own mom and dad and brother! How could you kill them like that? Because he told you to?"
Ashley frowned. "I hated them. Dad was so mean to me! He kept moving us around. All the kids at school didn't like me. He was always either yelling at me or ignoring me. Mom wouldn't do anything about it. She let him hole himself up in his office. Trevor was so annoying. He would hide my paint and call me names. None of them even noticed what was going on until..."
"Your father would have crawled through glass for you." The former deputy knew from his brief talks with Ellison Oswlat that the man could be difficult, but he also knew what it was like to try and figure out Bughuul. Despite his dickish tendencies, the man knew without a doubt that Ellison loved his family dearly.
Ashley didn't look impressed. "There's no point in that now."
They both shuddered as the air grew even colder. He didn't have to look to know Bughuul was standing close by. He turned his head anyway. He could see the annoyance on the demonic face. Ashley looked appropriately frightened. He didn't know if Bughuul said anything to her, but when the monster raised his arm and pointed toward the door, Ashley sprinted toward it and let herself out.
A chill ran up his spine when Bughuul turned towards him. Was he going to be punished for talking to the girl without permission?
Bughhul silently walked closer and sat down on the end of the couch. He gripped the man's shoulder and pulled him down so he was laying with his head in Bughuul's lap. The blanket was pulled over him again.
Go back to sleep. You need more rest.
He instantly obeyed the command and drifted back into unconsciousness.
X
He wasn't sure when Bughuul started to be more casually physical with him. It must have been a gradual process. Small touches here and there so he wouldn't care when it evolved to more.
Bughuul had years upon years worth of art in his collection. He would let the former deputy nap in between their viewing sessions. He think it began with him waking up to the feeling of Bughuul stroking his hair. He would stay still and enjoy the calming touch for a few moments before he fully registered what was going on and pulled away. Where did Bughuul get off stroking him like a house cat? He wasn't a goddamn pet. (I disagree, Deputy.)
A cold hand would slip into his, or it would caress and cheek and hair while Bughuul continued to act like the art teacher from hell. It's not that the former deputy welcomed the contact, but he got used to it the same way he got used to the cold and the lack of human contact. (Why do you need that when you have me?)
After some time, Bughuul began to give him breaks from the Murder Marathon. He brought books for the man to read and would leave him alone for some time to enjoy them in peace. (I'm afraid my selection in English is limited. I know that you do not speak any other tongues, nor do you play any instruments, so I did not bother to bring those. Perhaps you should use your time here to develop some artistic talent.)
...Dick...Ow!
(I do keep warning you, Deputy.)
The man enjoyed all the privacy he could get. He could never completely relax. He was still in Bughuul's world and the deity could return to his side at any moment he chose. But the thing was usually gone long enough for him to get comfortable. He spent what had to be hours reclining on the couch and reading whole novels. Any sort of entertainment that wasn't produced by Bughuul's "children" would do for him. It was finally a distraction form his situation. He was surprised when he found a few of his favorite crime novels in the book stack. Did Bughuul already have those, or did he get them just for the deputy.
His mood was tainted when he discovered a copy of Kentucky Blood. This was another way for Bughuul to taunt him. He placed the book out of sight and tried to quickly forget he saw it.
When Bughuul did rejoin him, it always came as a shock. The man had no way of sensing his captor's presence. Bughuul didn't even greet him properly. He would instead run a cold hand over the back of his neck or cover his eyes, just to see the man's reaction.
"You're spending too much time with those kids," he complained once. He was trying to calm himself after almost jumping out of his skin. "You're picking up their habits."
This amused Bughuul. The human let out an embarrassing scream when Bughuul suddenly sat beside him and pulled him so he was laying against the thing's chest. Strong arms kept him from getting up. It was like a reenactment of when he first woke up here. Bughuul's touch felt more repulsive than ever. He squirmed as best he could.
Why are you so eager to be away from me? I was beginning to think that you missed my presence.
"I was not," he insisted. He hated how petulant he sounded.
Bughuul chuckled. I am sorry I had to be away. I did have to feed, and the children were becoming restless with my long absences.
"Are you saying they actually miss you when you're gone? After all you've done to them?"
But of course! I am their god. They worship me, idolize me.
Even with all he had seen, the man had a hard time believing that. Did the children not realize Bughuul was eating them alive? Did they not care? Just how much power did this demon have over them?
The children are glad that their life force is being given to such a higher being. They were all unhappy in their mortal lives. I offered them a way out, as well as a greater purpose in their existence. They are better off as my servants than an average child with a mundane future ahead of them.
"You're a trickster," he protested. "You lie and manipulate and make them think they're getting a prize when all you're really offering is death."
Mmm. Perhaps. But it has worked for so long. I have thrived even when others sought to erase me. I have grown strong while others have weakened.
He could sense hidden meaning behind that last part. He wasn't sure he wanted to know what it was about.
He cried out as Bughuul's head settled in the crook of his neck and he was held even tighter. Was...was this thing actually cuddling with him?
Is this not what human adults like to do? I have been watching your kind for millenia and some things always stay the same with you.
Bughuul was only doing this to piss him off. He had to be. "Yeah, but with people we actually enjoy being with!"
Oh? You do not enjoy being with me? The voice was teasing. I thought we were building a strong companionship!
"...I hate you so much."
Why don't we change that attitude, hmm?
X
Bughuul was enjoying his human pet more than he could have imagined. The man's spirit did not break like a twig, as most humans did. Instead, it became malleable. It stayed strong, but Bughuul could twist and shape and rebuild the man as he saw fit.
He was a solitary creature. His nature was to feed and seek out entertainment. He never understood the love or friendship or loyalty that humans always prattled on about. But he did know when he liked something, he had to have it. The deputy had become one of his prized possessions in the short time they had been together. Bughuul didn't forsee getting rid of the man in the near future. He was not yet bored, so that was a promising sign.
His human was dozing soundly in his grip. Bughuul knew humans did this for comfort, but such an act was a demonstration of control and ownership for him. The deputy was slowly but surely learning who he belonged to.
While he often did not think beyond where his next meal would come from, Bughuul found himself wondering what the future might hold for him and his pet. In was only a matter of time befor ethe man was completely his. It had been so long since a fully grown human ha dpaid tribute to him. The man could be his new priest, his advocate to spread Bughuul's image around the world and bring him the worship he deserved.
Yes, a new golden age for him could be achieved through this man.
He couldn't wait.