Sitting by the window, Harper stared out at the bleak word. All there was to see were the hundreds of trees that just spread off into the distance.
Swallowing roughly, she just wanted the ground to swallow her up, preventing her from ever seeing another one of the beings that lived in this mansion. Although, she did wonder what would happen if she were to try and leave; people come into these woods all the time and do not receive such a terrible fate. If the Slenderman was unaware of her attempted escape, could she possibly make it out?
Her heart stuttered as the thoughts became even more tempting. There was just enough daylight left so she could get a good distance into the trees. As long as no one knocked on her door, they shouldn't notice her absence. All she had to do was get out in one piece.
Jerkily, she stood, hurrying to the door to her room. Memories of the navy masked cannibal and smiling psychopath halted her for a moment, unease spilling throughout her veins. She could run into them on her way out. Or someone worse. There wouldn't be a Doctor to come to her aid this time, after all. It still frustrated her to know that she was a bother to him—the one person in this mansion she could trust even a little.
Shaking all the thoughts away, she figured she may as well try. It was worth it to see if she could manage to get outside, past the trees and finally home. It has been positively hell trying not to think of her loved ones that were probably worried sick. She hadn't seen her parent regularly for years, only managing to on holidays due to college. But that didn't mean they wouldn't be devastated once the news arrived that she was missing. Did they think that she was dead?
Opening the door, Harper slipped out into the hall. Silently she begged that she wouldn't run into anyone, not a single soul. Rushing down the hall, she would tentatively peek around the edge, only to continue on once she saw it remained empty. Perhaps it was a good thing this mansion was so large—plenty of places for all the monsters to lurk instead of being crammed together.
A cold sweat began to break out on the back of her neck as she saw the grand staircase, the massive front doors right in reach. Tripping over her feet, she caught hold of the rail to refrain from falling, her eager feet hurrying for that door. It was her first gateway to freedom, or possibly death. Now wasn't the time for thinking about such.
Using all her strength, she pushed open the front door, flinching as the hinges creaked. The setting sun gleamed down as she took a fearful step outside, shutting the door behind her.
It couldn't be that easy, could it? For her to just step out, unnoticed, without a single soul trying to stop her? She was certain that the bastard Slenderman would know the second that it happened. Gulping, she hurried down the steps, the dead grass cracking as she entered the usually empty circle in the center of the forest.
Biting her lip, she headed for the treeline, it taking everything within her to push forward. To not let her thoughts bring her fear, enough to make her turn back. She had to make it out of here, had to make it home. But what on earth would she say? Not a soul would believe this. No one would believe the faceless monster called the Slenderman killed her friends, spared her, then made her a maid to his mansion. A mansion filled to the brim with serial killers eager to bring her death.
Getting lost would be a better explanation. Getting lost, and something had attacked her friends. The less said, the better. She just needed to focus on getting out.
Pausing at the edge of the dying grass, she peered into the choking land of trees, their odd appearance seeming to repel her. Just as they originally had when she and her friends had first entered. They should have listened to the silent warning and went about her way. But she had to get out of here, now.
Taking a deep breath, she took a cautious step forward.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
A scream caught in Harper's throat as she whipped around, the enchanting voice obliterating her plans immediately. The voice's owner laughed as she held her hand to her heart, her eyes wide as she looked him over.
It was yet another being she hadn't met. And he was certainly unique, just like the rest of him. Like Eyeless Jack, his skin was a pale grey, almost as if all the life had been sucked out of him. His black hair hung past his shoulders, brittle and dry. A hat laid on the back of his head, partially hidden from the angle he faced her, although she could see it was a dark grey like the rest of his clothes. The most striking thing, however, was the man's eyes.
The were a bright gold, almost as if rays of sunshine spewed from them. There was no white, no pupil. Just striking yellow, along with his mouth as he smiled. His teeth were not rotting or decaying, she could tell. It was just that strange yellow glow, just like his eyes.
"Who are you?" she demanded, tensely edging for the tree's cover. She debated running, sprinting if he was dangerous like some of the others she had met. She had already dealt with enough this day.
"The Puppeteer," he nodded, his smile thinning into a crooked grin. "You are Harper, correct? Laughing Jack spoke of a human girl he met that now lived in the mansion—a maid," he hummed, not moving a muscle. Still, she didn't relax.
"Yes, I am," she breathed, teetering were she stood. She had not a clue what to do as this man—the Puppeteer—gazed over her, those odd eyes hard to look away from. Not to mention his voice seemed to belong to an angel, like sweet music. "Are you going to kill me now?" she scoffed, tired of dancing around the topic like she had with everyone else. He already knew who she was and what she was here for. All that was left was figuring out if she should run.
Those gold eyes sparkled as his grin pulled wider. She merely blinked and he was now standing right in front of her. Jumping, her heart sped as his chuckle rumbled within his chest. "Would you like me to?" his beautiful voice breathed, melting her bones.
Her jaw dropped in awe, her nerves seeming to sing as his words wove their magic, those golden eyes almost persuading her to do whatever he said. Feeling like jelly, she didn't even flinch as she noticed his hand rise, his fingerless glove allowing her to see the odd golden strings that slithered from his fingertips. Twisting his hand, one rose, gently caressing her cheek.
Shivering, she fought to remember why she was out here, what her plans had been, her name. It was as if her thoughts were wiped clear from her head.
"All you have to do is ask," he continued, the melody of his voice causing her blood to boil.
Shutting her eyes, Harper deliberately took a step back, roughly shaking her head. What was wrong with her? "No!" she spat, viciously shaking her head. "Why would I want that?"
Her eyes were like fire as he heartily laughed, those odd strings snapping back into place, wherever that may be. "Disappointing as it is, I was expecting such. You aren't seeking death—you are fighting to stay away from it as is," he grinned as she stared in confusion. "You can relax, Miss. I only bring death to those who ask for it. A little game, you could say," he sneered, although his voice sounded like the sweetest symphony.
"And who would ask for it?" she grimaced, tempted to run. This odd man unnerved her to the point where just looking at him shot fear throughout her.
"You'd be surprised," he snorted, crossing his arms. "I could always try to change your mind. I'm awfully convincing as you could well imagine." Cruelty clung to his lovely voice, Harper's breath catching as he smirked. "But, since you work at the mansion, I suppose I shouldn't bother. Were you trying to leave?" he asked, cocking his head to the side.
Biting her lip, Harper tilted her head back towards the trees, looking out into the distance. It would be silly to try right now. This man, whom appeared out of no where, could alert Slenderman immediately. Then she'd be done for.
"I was... thinking about it," the muttered, refusing to meet those golden eyes.
She heard him let out a sigh, his straight hair swishing as he shook his head. "Like I said, I wouldn't do that if I were you. When the Slenderman isn't out within the woods, the Rake usually lurks throughout them. If he were to catch you wandering alone, you would be a pretty meal," he humorlessly laughed.
Her eyebrows furrowed as her frown deepened. "The Rake?" That was certainly a new one. She hadn't heard of this being yet, but if it continuously roamed the woods, then it must be more... animalistic.
The Puppeteer's grin widened, his cheekbones sharp. Leaning forward, he allowed his gloved palm to rest against the tree beside her head. She was just at the edge of the forest now, her feet barely still planted on the faded grass of the center.
"Yes, the Rake. I presume no one has told you of him yet—otherwise I doubt you'd be so eager to leave," he snickered, Harper's jaw tightening due to his close proximity and captivating voice. "He isn't exactly like the others you have met. Not even the Slenderman," he wickedly laughed. "I would know this due to not a soul in that mansion being like the demon. If it found you out in these woods, you wouldn't last a minute, darling. And by the time he was finished, all that would be left of you would be bones. Perhaps not even that—I heard he simply swallowed them whole."
Ripping away from him, she bared her teeth as she scowled. "You're only trying to frighten me," she accused, although a chilling pain did seep down her spine. If such did exist... "People come into these woods and come back alive plenty. If that so called monster did roam out there when Slenderman does not, how come not a soul knows of him?"
His laugh was like the peal of bells, the gold in his eyes simply glittering. "It's not up to me what you believe. If you do decide to leave, then best of luck to you. People do come within these woods, you are right. But we can't draw too much attention, as you can well imagine. That's why Slenderman and the Rake are the only two who ever hunt here. In all reality, that is rare as well," he mused, shrugging his shoulders.
It just seemed like the more he spoke, the more confused she became. "What do you mean rare? How could any of you kill anywhere else?" she grit out of her clenched teeth. She hated her curiosity, along with the fact that he made it near impossible not to ask.
Tilting his head, his grin fell a tad before a clipped laugh sounded in his throat. "You truly don't know anything about this place, do you? I hope that you know enough to notice how this mansion technically doesn't exist. To all the others, it is an empty circle of land. Rumors of multiple dimensions—which is actually the truth. This hell on earth is a simple gateway, providing us all with a place to stay. Not all of us are here at once. Some of us, myself included, have different abilities."
Shutting her eyes, she opened them to see he was gone. Her jaw dropped, spotting him standing in the far distance, leaning against the side of the mansion. The next second, he was back. He hadn't made a move, yet he traveled such a distance.
"Different groups go at a time to different places. Do our jobs, then return. I must say, without the Slenderman, Laughing Jack, Observer and myself, things would be rather difficult for the others," he smugly grinned, pride shining within his eyes.
"So what you're basically saying... is across the world, the four of you take groups, kill in the area, and return? Like that is a job?" she hissed.
"That sounds about correct, although curtly put. You don't seem to truly know what you've gotten yourself into, silly girl. As you hopefully know, we aren't normal people. We are not humans, and we have an entirely different purpose than your little mortal self. How you expect to live amongst those who are only meant to kill I do not know," he sneered, situating his gloves.
All blood was now drained from her cheeks, his words each like a punch to the gut. Yes, from what she had known it had been bad enough residing here. But with just the partial truth, it only made it worse. She couldn't even try to run out through the woods because of the Rake. There wasn't a drop of hope, like she has been repetitively told. Angry tears welled within her eyes as she avoided the Puppeteer's gaze, his mouth softening into a gentle smile.
"I can make things easier for you, darling," he breathed, stepping closer, just as he had before. "There is nothing but pain and suffering within those walls. Nothing but a hunting monster within the trees. Slenderman was incredibly cruel, using you for his cheap entertainment to watch you survive. Instead of a quick, easy death, all you received was a slow torture—almost like being starved," he sighed, his smile falling.
Those gold eyes forced her gaze to lock with his, holding them without any effort. "Bets are likely being made, if they haven't already. How long you'll last. Who will end up taking your life. Did you believe there was anything more? It's purely sickening—I am a fan of quick, painless deaths. I even offer a choice, as you know; isn't that far more civil? I can see the pain in your eyes, darling. I can take it all away. I just need your word and it will all be gone," he breathed, his melodious tone causing her knees to shake.
Shutting her eyes, she felt the pain from his words, along with the intense desire to beg him to end it all. It was like a siren's call, gentle, caring. Offering the world and sounding so sweet. A hypnotic melody.
But she did remember just who he was.
Snapping her eyes open, she jerked away from him, jolting a few feet back towards the mansion. "I'm not falling for that," she growled, ignoring the tears that trickled down her cheeks. The Puppeteer's gold eyes were wide with shock, his mouth hanging open. "No, the answer is no! Just leave me alone," she snapped, ignoring the crack in her voice.
The lump in her throat made it hard to breathe as she stormed back to the mansion. Peeking behind her, she saw that the Puppeteer was gone. A nagging part of her mind wondered whether she should have taken him up on his offer. But the other, more prideful side, refused to give him the satisfaction. It was all that he wanted, not a drop more.
Storming inside, she allowed the massive door to slam behind her. The nearby vases rattled, her attention focused only only the stairs. All she wanted was to get to her room and sleep—hopefully without a clown's appearance. The last thing she wanted right now was to deal with any other monsters that lived here.
Finally shoving open her door, she all but collapsed on her bed. She had survived another day, yet now... it didn't seem so much like a win. Only prolonging the inevitable.
xxx
Harper's lips were a stiff line as she prepared breakfast. It was becoming the norm, easier, she noted. Where to place the meals, what to start on first. It was the one time she could lose herself enough to not think about her current predicament. Still, her eyes flickered to the doors, knowing someone could enter at any second. Even though she promised the Doctor she wouldn't come to his aid, it was a bold lie. It wasn't like she would allow herself to die, just so she wouldn't annoy him.
Her eyes were dull as she picked at her own breakfast as she waited for the last set of toast to pop. Truthfully, she wasn't very hungry. She barely ate the past few days, her uneasy stomach making it nearly impossible. Still, she had to eat to survive. And with enough odds against her, she figured she may as well not add to that massive pile.
It wasn't long before she finished setting the plates, slumping against the long table in relief that no one had entered. Thankfully, she managed to complete her job without interruption. Heading back into the kitchen, she hurriedly cleaned up before peeking outside the door. The hall was empty, making her wonder just what exactly she should do now? She was still too timid to try and explore this place. Had not a soul to visit to keep her company. None that wouldn't be irritated, at least.
Biting her lip, she wondered what the Doctor would do if she did visit? This time there wouldn't be anything for him to help her with. She could assist him with something that he needed. But would it be risky if she even tried? Pushing him far enough to where just the sight of her would be infuriating? He would probably slam the door in her face.
Immediately tossing the thought aside, she figured there wasn't anything else to do but sit and hide in her room. But truly, could she manage to do that every single day? Was it much better than death to hide away, hoping that everyone ignores her until she rots away? She might as well explore the mansion just a little—after all, there wasn't much to lose. Taking a deep breath, she left the kitchen.
Hurrying through the halls, she paused at every edge to make sure she wouldn't pass anyone. Only once did she have to stop, seeing what appeared to be a black shadow creeping down the hall, their back turned to her. She hasn't met this monster yet, nor did she desire to. Waiting at the corner, she watched until he finally disappeared, spotting his shocking white eyes for only a moment.
Shivering, she forced her feet forward, gazing around at the dusty paintings, smeared to the point where their picture could barely be seen. This massive place must have once stood in glory, far more beautiful than the dark scene it has now become. Considering the mansion's purpose, she wouldn't be surprised if it has never seen such days.
Pausing to gaze out one of the hall's window, she tried her hardest to ignore the moth-eaten drapes that sadly hung by its side. Her mouth formed a stiff line as she remembered her venture outside yesterday and the malevolent being she had met. He was nothing more than a silver-tongued trickster that she hoped to never meet again.
Her shoulders slumped as she carried on, freezing as one of the doors opened. Letting out a deep breath she hadn't realized she had been holding, she was relieved to see the monochrome clown exit, laughs bubbling from his throat. Yet to his side, was a little girl.
At first, Harper panicked, thinking she was witnessing one of his victims. The dead children that surrounded his nightmare land were still engraved into her memory. Yet the sight of the blood that drizzled down her cheeks and the unnerving green of her eyes, Harper feared that this child was already dead. Even worse, one of the beings of this mansion.
The clown's silver eyes looked up, widening when he noticed her. Then, a massive smile ripped across his black lips. "Well, if it isn't the maid! Hello, tootsie!" he snickered, the small girl's hand tightening around his claws.
Missing was the child-like innocence that should have lingered within the emerald. A malicious gleam cloaked them, the dried blood within her lashes not helping. The tattered pink dress that clung to her tiny form was splattered with blood, almost making it appear part of the design. Her tiny lips pulled back into a scowl, those unnerving eyes glowing brighter.
"Hello," Harper breathed, it taking all her effort to look away from the small child, back to the joyful clown.
"You're still alive! How funny is that," he snickered, looking down at the little girl. "Sally, this was the maid I was telling you about. Aw, sweets, don't give her such a look," he scolded, shaking his head.
The little girl's eyes refused to leave Harper, although her scowl relaxed. "I can't kill her?" her soft voice asked, that emerald flickering up to the shocked clown.
Chaotic laughs spilled from Laughing Jack as he hunched over, hugging on to the little girl. Harper, on the other hand, was frozen stiff. Just hearing those words come from such a little girl was the perfect mixture of horror and pity.
"She works here, lollipop. I usually slaughter little kiddies, and you usually slice up grown men. Seems kinda pointless, considering what we usually do," he smiled, patting her head as he straightened up. Looking back at Harper, his eyes hardened. "I wont stop you if she gives you a reason to, though," he cackled, causing the little girl to grin.
Furiously blinking, Harper shook her head. She had no plans to anger the little girl, nor did she want to stay in her presence much longer.
"Alrighty then! Well, I better get Sally down to breakfast. Then out for a nice killing," he snickered, his pointed nose twitching. "I'll visit you later, sweets!" he beamed, before continuing down the hall with the little girl.
Harper slumped against the wall, sucking in a deep breath. To think that a little girl was living in this mansion—not to mention she was a killer amongst them was unimaginable. It was funny to think that a eight or nine year old person could cause such fear to swell inside her. It was frightening enough to be around that clown. Now, she got to look forward to one of his visits later.
Groaning, she squeezed her eyes shut, regretting not just going back to her room. This place was pure madness. Starting forward, she figured it would just be best to head back to her room. Unaware exactly where she was, she tried her hardest to just retrace her steps. Only when she reached the Doctor's hall did she know exactly where she was—relieved she hadn't become lost. That was the last thing that she needed.
Biting her lip, she stared at his door. Recalling her thoughts from earlier, she remembered how he would be angry if she tried to visit. Shaking the thoughts away, she took a step forward to continue. Hearing voices down the hall, however, caused her to stop. Around the corner was a very loud, very familiar voice.
"I said to stop following me!" came an angry hiss, it clearly belonging to a girl.
A familiar laugh followed. "What, Janey? Is it bothering you? Must be irritating; I'd hate to be followed, especially while I'm killing," the rasping voice snapped. Jeff the Killer.
"One of these days I'm going to manage to kill you," the woman seethed, the voices growing closer. "I made that promise long ago. You should be used to it by now," she growled.
Jeff snorted, as Harper took a step back. "That's something you'll never manage to do, princess. Keep it up and I will put a lovely smile on your face," he hissed, his voice even closer. Their footsteps sounded, as Harper panicked.
He could not see her. After what happened before, she'd rather face the thing called the Rake before that smiling bastard. Ignoring her racing heart, she grabbed the handle to the Doctor's room, yanking it open without a second thought. Tumbling inside, she hurriedly shut it, terrified to face him. Damn it! She never should have wandered the halls!
Biting her lip, she peeked over to see the Doctor's irritated red gaze. He was seated in the corner, a book laid open on his lap. She heard a deep sigh echo against his mask as his eyes narrowed.
"You again," his grumbling voice murmured, shaking his head.
Blood flushed into Harper's cheeks as she slumped against the door, far more than embarrassed. He was going to wind up killing her if she kept this up.
"Good morning," she sighed, shaking her head. How pitiful this truly was.
"What do you need my assistance for this time?" he snapped, shutting the book and tossing it onto the table. The fire in his gaze was boiling, the red adding to the intimidation.
"I don't," she hurried to shake her head, it half the truth. "I um... I wanted to see if you needed help with anything." Her cheeks burned from the lie, and it was clear that he saw straight through it.
"Really now? I remember the first time you came here you were stabbed in the side. Yet you still knocked," he glared, crossing his arms. "Sure there wasn't something you were avoiding outside?"
"Well... um... I heard Jeff the Killer, but I-"
Humiliation filled her to the brim as the Doctor approached, his tall form looming over her. "You need to understand something," he growled, his crimson gaze freezing her against the door. "I have been far more courteous to you than I should have been. Whether you believe it or not, my job is to kill the likes of you, not to be your guard dog," he snarled. "Due to that bastard Slenderman, however, it puts me in a difficult place. I also have to look after the residents of this mansion. Because of him bringing you here, you fall under that category. Do you not understand how infuriating it is?"
Tears welled in Harper's eyes as she snapped them shut. "Well do you not understand how infuriating it is being forced to live somewhere I could constantly die? Having not a soul to go to—and meeting so many different people that ache to kill me? I met a little girl today that asked if she could kill me, Doctor! Whatever odd loophole it is that I fall under concerning you, I'm sorry that it bothers you. But I am thankful it is there, otherwise I would have nothing," she cried out, causing his eyes to widen.
Backing away, he let out an angry huff of air as he slumped into his chair. If it wasn't for the distinct tick from the wall clock, silence would fill the room. Brushing away her tears, Harper tried to calm herself from the sudden explosion of emotion. Remembering the conversation the Doctor and the Slenderman had yesterday, she couldn't help the question that fled from her lips.
"Why can't I be your proxy?"
Within a single second, his head snapped up, his red eyes the size of saucers. Even though his mouth was covered, it was clear that his jaw was dropped. Obviously this question took him from surprise, it taking every ounce of dignity she possessed to keep her head held high.
"For starters..." he mumbled, his eyebrows furrowing, "I haven't the need for one. I said so yesterday. I am not fond of company, nor do I need help of any kind. Second, you have no idea what you are truly asking," he scoffed, shaking his head.
Gritting her teeth, Harper's fists clenched. "I believe I do. If I were a proxy, I wouldn't have a target on my back every time I walked down the halls. I'd be just as safe as Masky and Hoodie. I wouldn't keep running to you, bothering you every single time something bad happened," she reasoned.
His eyes narrowed. "You already have work within the mansion, Harper. It will grow by the day. Slenderman is already your boss—could you handle two?"
"If safety is what I get from it, then yes! You already said you didn't need one, so not much work would have to be done. I'm sure I could find something to do for you," she pressed, almost stooping to begging.
"You have no medical knowledge to assist me, and I doubt you have the stomach for anything else," he brushed off, far more than stubborn. "You haven't the slightest clue what I do. Could you handle seeing a victim? Hearing their screams and yells as I cut into them? Watch their skin fry away when a new medicine I create fails, mimicking acid in their veins? Watch the life flood from their eyes as they die? How about cleaning up the mess once it is all over?
If someone were to work for me, it wouldn't be bringing meals as you know. It wouldn't be simply dusting the room and organizing the shelves. Besides all of that, I have said countless times that I do not need it. I have managed on my own for years and I have been just fine."
Her hazel eyes were blurred as his words sunk in, the reality of what she asked for slapping her in the face. Could she handle such? Not just seeing the gore, but being a part of it? She knew that she could sterilize his tools, hand him things he needed. Simple little things in that nature. But to actually witness humans deaths, watch their pain as the Doctor guiltlessly works... Could she face her conscious each night, assisting him as he took lives, just to save her own? It seemed so heartless.
Biting her lip, she tried to remind herself that his victims would die either way, whether she was there, or not. There was no stopping fate. It all wouldn't be pinned on her shoulders, and it would be the hefty price to pay for protection. She could do it.
"As long as... I am never the one to kill them... I could do it," she swallowed, ignoring her shaking voice. "This would be... good for both of us. That loophole you spoke of would no longer exist. You wont be frustrated helping a human any longer. Work will be easier for you. And I will be safe."
Her eyes refused to meet the red that stared pointedly at her, barely seeing him run a hand through his tousled hair in frustration. "The three proxies within this mansion all kill. It would be expected of you as well. Even if I don't require it, you would have to at least seem willing. It is the one thing each of us have in common here."
"Please."
Her voice could barely be heard, but there wasn't anything else she could say. It seemed as if he would just continue to point out reasons why this couldn't be so, therefore it was her last shot. She might as well hunt down Jeff the Killer if he rejected her again.
An angered growl tumbled from the Doctor's lips as he stood. Poison leaked from his dilated eyes as he glared at her, seeming anything but happy. "If you fail to do as I say one time, I will kill you myself," he snarled, Harper's jaw dropping. "Tomorrow when you are finished with work, you are to come straight here. Whatever I say, you will do it without question. Do not argue with me and do not piss me off!"
Even though his words were furious, Harper couldn't help the large smile that ripped across her face, the sparkle of hope distantly glinting within her eyes. She had more of a chance, now. The proxy of Doctor Smiley. Never would she have dreamed...
But she could live.
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