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eccentrcks · 26 days ago

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Silent Decay

Disclaimer: This fic contains content that may be unsuitable for readers uncomfortable with profanity, body horror or grotesque visuals. It is a psychological horror story featuring me and my friends' OCs! Story is all written by me!

The age description to read this fic is 16+ so if you're younger than that, please avoid reading this for your own good. Proceed with caution, and enjoy! (Don't worry! You may opt out of this fic if you like, self-care is absolutely necessary <3)

Special thanks to @efingcod, @imagoddamnonionmason, and @alypink for allowing me to use their OCs for this collab fic! Park and Adler belong to Black Ops: Cold War, by Treyarch!

Note: This story would be divided into a prologue, with parts as the story begins to conclude! Currently, let's proceed with the prologue, the starting of it all.

PART ONE.

PROLOGUE

"Me envenena, te envenena."

A lone cabin stood on the outskirts of town, nestled in the rolling hills of West Virginia. Around it, the dense forest loomed, stretching endlessly into the distance. A worn, asphalt road cut through the landscape, the only path leading back to town.

The sky around was misty, but hauntingly pleasant. The brick house itself was small and unassuming, it weathered by time and the changing seasons. Faded white paint peeled along the eaves, and ivy crept stubbornly up one side, as if nature itself was reclaiming it. Yet, despite its worn exterior, the house breathed with quiet life.

The house of the Adlers from within, carried an air of quiet endurance. The wooden floor, though aged, remained clean and polished, its surface gleaming faintly under the dim lighting. Heavy curtains filtered the outside light, casting soft shadows that danced across the walls. The furniture, though decades old, was maintained impeccably, its polished wood and well-kept upholstery giving the illusion of freshness, as if time had been kind to it, even when it hadn’t been to those who once filled the space.

Every detail, from the carefully arranged books to the faint scent of old paper and wood polish, hinted at an attempt to preserve something long past, a home kept pristine despite the weight of memories pressing in from every side.

The front porch groaned underfoot, its planks whispering their age with every careful step, with a beautifully arranged garden in it. To the three siblings who called this house their own, the sound was as familiar as their own voices. It was the sound of home. The sound of coming in from the cold, of summers spent watching fireflies dance in the dusk, of whispered midnight conversations just beyond their parents' ears. It was a place worn but not broken, standing firm at the edge of the world they knew.

Vincent, Jodie, and Mila, was bound not just by blood but something deeper and unshakable. They spent their entire lives within these familiar walls, growing up under the watchful care of their father, Russell Adler.

He was a businessman, who often had to leave his home due to work reasons, worried about leaving his three children alone, because of his added responsibilities, but his love for them never died. Ever since the tragic incident that took away the life of his beloved wife, he was now a single father, taking care of the three since they were young, who were now grown up to be teenagers.

Evenings were the liveliest. The house had always echoed with laughter, the kind that could make walls feel less constricting and turn even the coldest nights warm. Dinner was always a noisy affair, with Mila teasing Vincent for his terrible table manners and Jodie rolling her eyes at both of them before their father’s deep chuckle settled their playful bickering. In moments like these, it was easy to forget how empty the world outside their little home seemed.

It was a normal day at the house of the Adler's. Vincent was snoring on the couch; with his face covered by a book he was reading previously.

Vincent was the sibling who had just finished high school and he was looking for a college that he can pursue his field in. He was drawn to psychology, to understanding the depths of the human mind, how experiences shape a person, and how past traumas can alter one's perception of reality. But reality weighed heavy on his aspirations. His academic scores weren’t enough to secure a spot in the programs he truly wanted, leaving him caught between ambition and limitation, uncertain of what path lay ahead.

Meanwhile, Mila was busy preparing her favourite recipe, trying to bake some cupcakes using a recipe book she bought from a local shop while travelling to town. Being the eldest, she had already completed her education, and wanted to open a bakery sooner and establish a business. But for that, she had to collect enough funds.

Lastly, Jodie was exercising in her room, moving and stretching her body as the music went on with the beat. Headphones on her ears, vibing as she joyfully danced. Jodie’s dream was to become an athlete, for which she had always been exercising and training for. She even did win a couple of medals and trophies from her school’s sport competitions, for which she even declared of joining the Olympics one day. As amazing as it sounds, the only thing was that she likely avoided studying, thinking it to be a distraction from achieving her dreams, though Mila persuaded her to complete her education, since it comes first than anything else.

Outside, their golden retriever, Timmy, slept soundly, keeping watch over the house as he always did. More than just a guard dog, he was their loyal companion, practically a family. A little child raised by siblings, as they liked to say.

Mila was downstairs, mixing the batter for the cupcakes, and was getting distracted by Jodie's constant footsteps thudding above like a one-person stampede. She called out for her to be less noisy, but Jodie, too possessed by the rhythm of her song, was busy vibing like she was at her own personal concert. "Jay! Keep it down, I'm trying to bake a cake!"

As the noise persisted, Mila groaned, rolling her eyes so hard they almost got stuck. She dragged a hand down her face, questioning all of her life choices. Then, glancing over, she spotted Vincent, who was still dead asleep, blissfully unaware of the chaotic disaster unfolding around him.

"These two will never learn." Mila sighs in annoyance, until she sees Adler coming out of the basement, quickly pulling out his keys and locking the door. He takes a deep sigh of relief, as the lock secured whatever was inside that room, tucking the keys back into his pocket.

"Ghost hunting down there, dad?" Mila chuckled. She remembered her father telling stories to the siblings of a “ghost” being down there, which they carried the old tale for years. The truth was, they were likely not allowed to enter the basement for a myriad of reasons. Reasons they never got to know about as well.

No matter how many times the siblings ask Adler about the basement, he was always able to make up an excuse to brush them off, saying that the one who touches the door.. gives them a curse? As stupid as it sounds, Adler was sure trying his best to have his kids stay away from the door as possible.

On the other hand, if anyone tried to know what was truly in the basement, it was none other than Vincent himself. Ever since he was a kid, he even tried to sneak his way to open the basement but always got caught by Adler. He was very stubborn to know what was inside. He himself never understood why Vincent was so keen to know what was in it.

Sooner or later, that became less of a bother for the siblings, as they never talked or wanted to know about the basement anymore. But, you’d never know when that thought would revoke within you, again. They say, curiosity kills the cat.

"Anything special, Em?" Adler asked as he made his way to the kitchen, spotting Mila busy with her baking. “Did you feed Timmy?”

“Yeah, Dad. Now he’s sulking like he just had the best meal in his whole life.”

“What is so special in there that makes you go there all the time, Dad?” Vincent mumbled through the book, as he groaned.

Adler shook his head, chuckling, ignoring the question Vincent had asked him many times, his attention now going to Mila. "Trying out that recipe again? You know what happened when you tried it the first time?"

"Yeah, Dad. I almost burned the kitchen down because we forgot to take the cupcakes out of the oven. I will be careful this time." Mila replied, chuckling as she continued mixing the batter.

"As long as we don't call the fire department again, we all are good." He leaned around the counter, while talking to his daughter.

"I’m careful with these things, unlike Jay or Vince. That’s my thing, not theirs." Mila sighed, and gently poured the batter into the tray moulds.

"Oh, really? And what makes you special?" Adler folds his arms, who was likely interested to know about Mila's reason, engaged into the conversation this instant.

"While you were gone, Jodie nearly set the microwave on fire while she tried heating up a bowl of stew, and Vince thinks stirring occasionally means staring at the food until it cooks itself. This is why I think twice before letting them in." Mila then places the cupcakes in the oven while recalling the past, setting the timer and letting them bake, sighing as she finishes with her work.

"It’s hard keeping everything in order, you know? Being the older sister isn't easy. Especially after Mom.."

"I know, Mila. You do a lot, more than you need to. And for this.. whatever you do, whatever happens, I’ll always be proud of you, it's a shame that I often have to go out of town to attend to my businesses, but there has never been a day that I have not missed you three." Adler paused a little, his voice slightly down with a tone of grief, looking at the ceiling as he wondered.

"After your mother, Aleks passed away.. it feels so different.” Adler shook his head, his eyebrows knitting at the thought of his wife, who had passed away years ago, after giving birth to the siblings. “You all have your dreams, and I am definitely entitled to help you fulfill them. Though some days, it feels like a battle I can’t win.”

Mila listened quietly as Adler spoke about Mom. A lump formed in her throat, realizing that neither she, nor Jodie or Vince had gotten the chance to meet her.

"I sometimes doubted if I could ever be a good dad for you, after all of this. But I don't want it to seem that I call you all kids a curse to my family." Adler looks at Mila, with concern. "You’re all I have. If I ever lost you.. I don’t know what I'd do. I think I'd go insane."

"No, Dad.." Mila looks at Adler gently, with hurt but compassion. "You’re all we have. After mom, you're the only one who can shelter us from this horrible destiny we’re going through. You’ve given us everything, and we’ll always be grateful. We’re doing this together, just like how Mom wanted." Mila then hugs Russell, in which he hugs her back, sharing a heartfelt moment with each other.

For a couple of moments, there was a slight pause. To which Adler broke the silence. "I might have to go again, Mila."

Mila pulls back from the hug, looking up at her dad. "Again?"

"Yeah.. they said they wanted me to be present in a meeting with some other company. Though I even tried persuading them not to take me there, but these guys.. ugh, they won't let me breathe." Adler groans, rubbing his face in frustration. "But don't worry, I-I've asked Aunt Park to take care of you three, like the last time. She'll be there for you while I'm gone."

At the news of finding out that she and the rest would be left alone at home, she barely reacted. She was used to it by now, watching him pack his stuff, say his goodbyes, and disappear for weeks at a time. A part of her wondered if he was growing distant, but she quickly shoved the thought aside, understanding that their father has a lot of responsibilities to handle. Ever since their mother’s passing, everything had been in shambles. Someone had to keep things together, and if that meant taking on more responsibility, Mila was willing to do it.

"But how am I supposed to celebrate my birthday without you?" Mila's voice wavered as she shook her head, trying to hold back tears. Adler's chest tightened. He hadn't even realized how close the date was and he was now going to leave this early.

"I know your birthday is super close, Mila. But I'll try all my best.. to come back to you all, and celebrate with you." Adler pressed his hand against Mila's shoulder.

"These next few weeks are going to be hell for me." She murmured, barely above a whisper. She lowered her gaze and leaned on the counter, trying to control her emotions.

"Mila, I—" Before Adler could continue his sentence, he was cut off by another familiar presence. "Are you leaving again?"

Suddenly, the two turned to face Jodie, who had overheard their conversation.

"Dad, you promised you’d stay with us for a couple of months." Jodie walked towards him; her voice laced with concern.

"Jay, I understand, but—"

"No, Dad. You can't do this." Jodie’s voice wavered; her brows furrowed in frustration. "Can't you cancel the trip? Mila's birthday is coming up, and we can't do everything without you!"

"I understand your worry, Jodie. But, my—"

"You always care about nothing but this business of yours, dad!" Jodie snapped, her voice breaking.

"Jodie, go upstairs." Mila interjected gently, trying to diffuse the tension. "I'm handling this, not you."

"No, Em!" Jodie’s voice cracked; her fists clenched. "You always have been the one taking a stand for us, why do you have to carry everything alone? If he did care for you, he would stay here, not wanting you to bear the burden. I don't understand what kind of business Dad has that makes him ever so invested in there instead of us."

"Jodie, please!" Mila protested, trying to hold her younger sister back, as Adler watched her daughter take out all the frustration she had held within herself. She walks towards Jodie and holds her shoulders. "Please, listen to me. It's okay. He promised that he'll come back to us, he'll try his best. I know him, he would never miss the date."

"You're just making yourself feel better, Em. It's just Dad who is not able to understand." Jodie glared at Adler, clearly disappointed how their dad was now leaving at the time of her elder sister's upcoming birthday. Vincent, who thought to be asleep, was overhearing the conversation in the kitchen as well, but kept himself in secret, not wanting to face his father as well after knowing he was going to leave for town again.

Adler sighed deeply, shaking his head slowly, as if the words were too much to bear. "I didn’t want this." He murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "I never wanted to fall apart from you. But after losing Aleks, it.. it shattered me. And now.." He swallowed hard, his voice thick with regret. “I can’t even have the courage to face you all three, because I’m myself ashamed that I couldn’t be a good father for you."

"But we said we'll do this together, Dad. You don't always have to leave thinking we can handle everything.” Jodie groaned, trying to ignore everything for what’s happening, as her eyes started to brim with tears. “You’re not bringing this up ever again. “It’s.. it’s that I don’t know if you really love us or not.”

Adler sighed as he caressed her face. “I love you, Jodie. I love all of you. I’m so blessed to have you as my children. You’re the reason why I’m still alive, or my life would have ended the day your mother died. But, I promise. One day, this will all end, and I'll be back with you all, forever."

"You're just making this up again, are you?" Jodie said with pain and disbelief in her voice. Mila shook her head, holding onto her tears.

"I'm not." Adler gives a nod, his voice in assurance. "I promise. This will end, and we'll be together. Again."

A faint creak echoed through the room as the wind rattled the window. The warmth from the oven felt distant now, drowned out by the chill settling over them. Jodie and Mila share glances at each other, their eyes conveying the message. Mila furrows her eyebrows, persuading Jodie to let Adler go. Vincent could only spectate the chaos unfolding. Jodie stares at her dad, deeply exhaling as she casts her head down. "Fine, Dad. This is the last chance. After this, we'll not give you any."

Adler sighed in relief, with a smile. "Thank you, sweetie. Come, give Papa a hug." He opens his arms for Jodie to join him for a warm embrace, as she hugs him back tightly. Mila also joins them, wrapping her arms around him.

"We'll miss you again, Dad." Mila said softly, rubbing her face against her father's shoulder, sniffing to hold her tears. Jodie couldn't seem to hold onto them any longer, letting the tears out. Just then, Vincent comes out from his hiding, who had been overhearing the whole conversation, standing there watching the three. His eyes were filled with tears too, as Adler watched him in pain along with the others. Vince, who had no choice, came running to him and hugged him as well, sobbing uncontrollably.

After a moment of venting out their pain of seeing their father go apart from them once more, Adler breaks the silence, still holding onto the three. “I'll be leaving tomorrow. I'll just get my things ready, because I'd have to leave early in the morning.” He said softly, though his voice lacked the strength it usually carried knowing he was going to be separated from his children again.

"It's fine, Dad. We understand.." Vincent sighed, wiping his tears off. "While you're gone, we'll have the preparations ready."

"Don't forget to bring me gifts."

"My chocolate." Jodie adds with Mila's request.

"And my Dostoevsky books." Vincent too adds up in the list with the things they want Adler to come back with.

"The best ones I can find. You'll love them for sure." Adler chuckles as he keeps hugging the three, as the scene fades.

The next morning, Adler gets prepared for town, as Mila helps him in wearing his coat and Jodie gives him his glasses, as the father smiles at his two daughters. Vincent was waiting for Adler and the rest to come downstairs, walking back and forth as he wasn't ready to see his father leave.

But, all of a sudden, his attention went towards the basement, as he stared at it for a good while, which made him wonder what even was in that basement that Dad didn't want to talk about. The curiosity was growing deep inside of the young’s mind. Checking to see if anybody was not watching, he walked towards it, and grabbed the handle, checking to see if it was locked or opened. Turns out, it was sealed shut, much to his disappointment.

“He must have kept the keys somewhere..” Vincent thought to himself. “What are you hiding, Dad?”

Quickly, Vincent regains his composure as he hears the footsteps. Adler walks down the stairs, seeing Vincent who was waiting for him. “Oh, Vincent. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“No, Dad.. it’s alright, let’s just go.” Vincent shakes his head, stepping out of the house.

Cabs rarely passed through the road that led them to the city, since the area they lived was not a busy road, barely any soul dare to come there. But it seemed more like a peaceful place to live in, with no worry of noises or traffic, living and connecting with nature.

The street was pretty silent, but they waited patiently as the wind gently blew on their faces. A part of them did recall not letting Adler go, but they didn't want their Dad to also let go of his responsibilities that do still keep them intact. Finally, a cab was coming its way towards them, Vincent waved at the coming vehicle, as it slowed down next to them, whereas Adler faced the three siblings for the last time.

Timmy, their dog whined sadly, watching Adler go for town again. For the fact, Timmy dearly loved Adler too, like the siblings. The way he’d wag his tail when he’d see the man, and would jump on him excitedly, happy to see him back. But, seeing him leave again, broke his heart as he slightly bowed down, Jodie comforting him as she petted his head.

"Take care of yourselves."

"We're not children, Dad. We've been through this before." Jodie rolled her eyes, hearing Adler chuckles at his daughter's sarcastic remark.

“But you’re still a child, Jay.” Adler pointed.

"No one holds this family together the way Mila does. Not after what Mom left behind. She keeps everything going, even when she's sick, even when she’s exhausted. You don’t see it, but I do." Jodie continues.

"I too want to be equally responsible for what I do, Dad. I want to be just as responsible as her. Maybe you never really wondered what your eldest daughter is going through, and what it costs her to stay strong. But I see it. And maybe one day.." She paused, her voice quieter now. "I'll take it all on myself. Just so she doesn’t have to."

Adler was pretty silent on Jodie's response, but tried to brush his concerns away because there was no time for a bitter farewell. "Anyways, second, I don't want any of you to try to open or step inside that basement. Because there's?"

"A curse." Vincent rolled his eyes. "Kind of stupid but fine."

"And lastly, don’t forget to feed Timmy at times."

"Got it." Vincent gave a small nod, but his curiosity piqued him constantly, the urge in him to investigate the basement was slowly growing stronger. Timmy suddenly woofed.

“And as I always say, don't—"

"Burn the house down." The three said in unison, promising not to cause any more chaos in his absence. Adler gives a warm smile, nodding in acceptance.

"That's more like it." Adler opens the door of the cab, stepping inside the vehicle with his suitcase, shutting the door and opening the window pane, offering a one last message before he leaves. "See you in a few days."

“Oh, and one more thing.” Suddenly, Adler thought of something as he looked at his children again. “I heard there's been some issues with the signal and telephone lines recently and the hills don't help. Don't be surprised if it doesn't work at any point or the signal gets lost, it should be resolved in a day or two."

Mila gives a nod with a sly smile, holding onto the hope that her dad would come back soon. She has always been the person to hold onto some kind of optimism that even in her Dad's absence, she understands how hard it must have been for him to go through all the stress after their mother's death, something which does give her the reason to sympathize with her father.

He may not be perfect. But he was their Dad, and always will.

“And lastly, do keep the candles burning for me.” Adler smiles before he shuts the window close, preparing to leave.

The cab then accelerates, taking him away as the three wave him goodbye. The cab was long gone, slowly disappearing from their sights as they still stared at the running vehicle. They turned away, making their way back home until Jodie coughed, slightly wheezing as if she lost some air. Timmy looked up at her, his tail wagging as he was curious to know what happened to her.

"Woah, Jay you're good?" Vincent asked, with concern when Jodie held her chest.

"I'm fine, it’s just a cough." Jodie cleared her throat, coughing a little more again.

"Maybe the smoke of the vehicle might have irritated her lungs for a bit. She'll be good anyway.” Mila adds as they walk their way back, her gaze briefly shifting to the street ahead, before turning back.

But this was just the beginning of it all.

END OF PROLOGUE

Taglist (opt in/opt out): @ctxinari @liamthemailman @islandtarochips @imjustsocute @ladysouthpaw1213 @mutant-okuri-inu @burnatnight @fitzycoffee @iamcautiouslyoptimistic @aroserinosman @kingofowlsandcards @writercloves

#silent decay au #cod au #call of duty au #call of duty oc #khushi’s works

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