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hellwillfollowoffical · 22 days ago

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Hell Will Follow Ch . 1 & 2 ~ A Supernatural Fic

Summary: Syrena hasn't returned to Sioux Falls in years. But when she arrives in town, she meets some old friends and a mysterious FBI Agent who is taking over the investigation of local disappearances.

Series Master List

A03

Word Count: 4,101

TW: Panic Attack, PTSD, Religious Trauma/Guilt, Religious Symbolism, Child Abuse.

Chapter 1

“You're gonna burn in Hell, Syrena Grace!”

That’s how all the dreams started. My hands pounded against the bolted door. My nails scratched at the splintered wood until they broke under the skin. Most kids’ time-out was in their rooms or a corner of the wall, but mine was in a tiny room to pray, repent, and think.

My Aunt Agnes’s voice echoed from the other side of the door.

“You pray, Syrena!”

“Only He can save you!” the members chanted in haunting unison.

Hell. I’d have a lot of time to think about that place.

Some say Hell is a fiery pit of constant torture and terror. Others believe it’s your worst nightmare relived for all of eternity.

But to me, this was Hell. Trapped inside the cold, dark room.

Usually, I’d wake up, and my dream would end there.

But this time, something changed. As the scene played out like it did each night, something else made its presence known…

“Syrena…” a voice whispered.

But not the frail, cracked voice of my aunt. No, this was something else entirely. It was almost... alluring. My vision narrowed to the door, where my nails and fists had left dents in the rusted wood.

“It is time…” it whispered as the room darkened around me. The door was now etched in blood, a symbol I didn’t recognize. A triangle—maybe a pentagram of some sort. Whatever it was, the voice got louder.

“We are FREE—”

BUZZZZZZZ!

I choked on the air leaving my lungs when I snapped out of my daze and saw myself drifting off into the dirt road.

“Shit shit SHIT—!”

I yanked the steering wheel back into my lane on the open road. The gravel crunched underneath my tires, leaving a trail of dust. My heart felt like it sank straight to my ass.

The sun glaring through the front windshield burned my cheeks.

“Come on, get it together, Syrena,” I muttered, shaking my stiff shoulders and opening my sweaty palms after white-knuckling the wheel.

It was the summer of 2009. I had just graduated from college with my whole life ahead of me, and yet I had no idea what I wanted to do or where to go. Everyone I knew packed up and moved to the big city to start their summer internships. When my friends asked if I was driving back home, I brushed it off. I’d lie—say I was doing one big road trip. But the truth was, I didn’t know where my home was—my real home.

It was the same summer when the world went to shit. Endless news headlines with reports of strange weather, earthquakes, and even virus outbreaks. No credible scientists or experts could explain why. But if you ask any of the conspiracy theorists, they’d say it’s the end of the world. Great. Just what I needed.

I never dreamed of returning to Sioux Falls, the town I grew up in. I didn’t have a traditional family to welcome me back with open arms. The only blood family I had was my aunt, along with her righteous community of church members. And I’d doubt they’d celebrate my return. No amount of therapy or meds could undo their years of torment. I’m pretty sure it’s why I have these dreams—and why I can’t escape them.

And it was the same summer they all went missing. One by one, they vanished—my aunt, her faithful followers—all gone without a word or trace.

I thought at least the drive to Sioux Falls would give me some time to take it all in. The sudden plot twist in my dreams, my missing aunt, and the world ending—no big deal. But I couldn’t untie the knot in my stomach to concentrate on the endless road.

It was miles with no one in sight, until now. A police car swerved out of a nearby ditch and flicked on its lights, the siren blaring in the distance.

“Oh, come on. Seriously,” I cursed to myself.

The patrol car trailed right behind me as I slowed down to park on the side of the road. When I reached behind me to dig out my wallet, I noticed which town the cop car was from. Sure enough, “Sioux Falls” was plastered across the side of the patrol car. I found it odd that they had patrols this far outside of town. Of course, this would be my luck.

The officer’s eyes inspected my rusty truck under his dark shades, and he loudly knocked on my window.

“You almost swerved off the side of the road, ma’am. You know how fast you were going?”

“Yes, sorry, it’s been a long drive. I’m coming from out of town and—”

“License and registration,” he barked sternly. Without hesitation, I handed him my license. The officer seemed like a younger guy. I was secretly praying he was a rookie and he’d let me off with a warning. Instead, he lifted his shades and looked between me and my license. In an instant, his police officer persona broke.

“Wait a minute, Grace—I know that last name,” the officer pondered.

“Oh wait, I remember you!” His eyes flicked down to read the name across my ID.

“Yeah, Syrena, right? We went to high school together, remember?”

My memory of this guy completely escaped my mind until I read the name on his badge. Tyler Barnes. I remembered now. He was a star football player, prom king, and a massive douchebag. I think the only reason he remembered me was because of the nickname he gave me behind my back—“Scary Carrie,” like the Stephen King novel, after we did a project on it in sophomore English class. Even outside of church, I didn’t have a chance to at least appear normal.

“That’s me.” I painted a fake smile.

“I’ll be damned. I never thought I’d see you ‘round here again.”

“Yup. Me neither.” I sighed.

Tyler leaned across my window, poking his head in casually. Behind me was everything I owned, packed away in trash bags and cardboard boxes. To say my back seat was a wreck was an understatement.

“You got quite the load. You coming back to town?” he asked.

“Uh, yeah. I’m here to see Officer Mills.”

“Ahh, you’re here to see the boss. Let me call it in and let her know you’re coming!”

“No, it’s okay. That’s not necessary—”

Before I could put up a fight, Tyler whipped out his radio like a kid with a new toy.

He cockily leaned against the side of the window. “Will you let the sheriff know Miss—uh—Syrena Grace is on her way to the station?”

The officer on the other line confirmed before he handed over my license.

“I’ll escort you back to town. Follow me.”

I reached out the window for my license, but his grip didn’t let go. My eyes flicked up to his as we both held the ID.

“I’ll let you off easy today, Miss Grace. Just this one time.” For a moment, he seemed serious, his tone stern. But his smirk betrayed his firmness, and he laughed as he let go of my ID.

“Or, next time you’ll be riding in the back of the cruiser.”

He slid his shades down from his head and jogged back to the patrol car.

“No. Thank. You.” I muttered to myself as I twisted my keys back into the ignition. My truck engine sputtered as I swerved back onto the road, following the patrol car. With the radio still busted, I was left with nothing to listen to but my thoughts. The only thought cursing through my head;

We are free.

Chapter 2

Once I drove past the faded "Welcome to Sioux Falls" sign, it was like traveling back in time. The 24/7 diner was bustling with locals getting their afternoon coffees, school kids playing in the town courtyard, and the old bookstore on the hill had a fresh coat of blue paint. Everything was exactly how I remembered it. It was comforting and eerie all at the same time.

I swerved into the police station along with my escort. My hundred-year-old engine didn't make my arrival discreet. I winced at the thought of everyone turning to stare at who could be driving this loud piece of shit. And in a town this small, you can spot new and old faces. I twisted the keys and shut off the engine as light rain drizzled against the windshield. The warm summer turned into an overcast that darkened the station around me like a haunting silhouette. I pulled my jacket tight around my neck and braced myself.

I made my way to the front doors when Officer Tyler raced up to join me as if we were buddies. "How do you and the Sheriff know each other?" "She’s an old friend." He whipped off those tacky shades again, now eyeing me up and down. "You sure changed a lot since school. I like the new style; it suits you."

For a brief second, I glanced down at my outfit. He wasn't entirely wrong. Since high school, I traded the frumpy sweaters and ankle-length Amish dresses for jeans, boots, camis, and this brown flight jacket that matched my hair. I was never allowed to wear anything remotely form-fitting, especially tops. Aunt Agnes said I’d draw "sinful attention" to myself if I did, given my figure. But I couldn’t help it back then; I was just a kid. The one thing I kept relatively the same was the French braids, swept to the side. I tightly wrapped my jacket around my chest and kept walking.

The cool A/C of the lobby made me shiver. At the front desk, a secretary with a pristine updo, wearing a fitted blouse and matching pencil skirt, typed away on a computer. She hardly noticed me until I cleared my throat. "Hi, I’m here to see Sheriff Mills."

The secretary nodded and told me to take a seat. Behind me was a bench, and above it a large bulletin board. Smack dab in the center was a flyer with a familiar face. I slowly walked toward the board and read the giant text: MISSING PERSON: Agnes Anne Grace, Age: 68, Height: 5’5", Hair: Brown, Last Seen: June 16th, 2009.

The photograph captured her perfectly. Her posture was straight as a board, and her dark hair was pulled back in a modest updo. Her expression was strained, emotionless. Even through a photo, I could feel the glare of her piercing eyes. But hers wasn’t the only one. Dozens of missing person flyers were stapled to the board. Some of them I recognized from church. Was I happy I didn’t have to see my aunt? Yes. Did I want her and all these people to go missing? No. From children to the elderly, all were gone, with my aunt's photo in the center of it all.

"Sorry to hear about your mom," Tyler said in a hushed tone. His sudden appearance knocked me out of my trance. "My aunt. She was-is my aunt." I slumped down onto the bench, and he took the spot beside me. Could this guy seriously not take the hint? Jody should be turning up any minute, and I needed something to distract myself from more small talk.

"Strange, isn't it? We’ve been turning this place upside down trying to figure out what’s going on." "I can imagine," I huffed, half listening to him. My foot started to shake impatiently as we sat in the awkward silence. Then Tyler looked around the lobby and ducked his head down to me. "Did the Sheriff tell you the feds are about to take over the investigation?"

I stopped my fidgeting. "Feds, like the FBI?" Jody bringing in the FBI? Nothing this exciting happens here to warrant that kind of attention. But given the state of the world and these people disappearing by the day, I guess it was getting serious. All of this to bring her home.

"Syrena!" A familiar voice came from around the corner. I turned and saw her—Jody Mills, in full uniform and that same warm smile. Not much had changed, aside from the gold star on her chest that now read "Sheriff." Jody was promoted around a year after I left. No one was more deserving than her. She is the best damn officer in this town. It made me feel better knowing she was in charge.

"Hey, kiddo." She walked over, arms open. I returned her hug and fell into her warm embrace. "Wow, it’s so good to see you again. Look at you!" Jody took a step back to look at me, pulling forward the braid of hair that rested on my shoulder. Behind me, Jody glanced over to Tyler.

"Officer Barnes," she called to attention, and he practically shot out of his seat. "Did you get those reports printed?" "Uh, no, ma’am." "Well, let’s get a move on!" She ordered, and Tyler scurried away.

"New guy," she rolled her eyes before patting me on the shoulder, and we turned to face the bulletin board. I couldn't look away from all their faces staring back at me.

"Any updates?" I asked quietly. Jody’s voice softened. "No, not at the moment. I have patrols running twenty-four seven. Something will turn up soon."

She patted my back again. "Why don’t we go to my office?"

I followed Jody to a small office tucked into the front of the lobby. The space was way bigger than her old desk, but kept in the same Jody fashion—a little cluttered. Two coffee cups lined up beside her stack of reports. She lived and breathed this job.

I noticed the picture frames on the corner of her desk.

“Wow, is that Ellie!” I leaned forward and examined the picture. It was a school picture of a young girl with a carbon copy of Jody’s smile. Ellie was Jody’s daughter, and her perfect mini-me. I used to babysit her back in school. She was so little then, now she was all grown up.

“What grade is she in now?”

“About to go into sixth grade. She’s 10 going on 16!” Jody exclaimed as she started tidying up her desk.

The other frame was a family photo with her late husband. He passed away a couple of years ago in a car wreck. Ever since then, Jody’s been keeping things afloat.

I carefully sat into a seat across her desk, “Thank you again, Jody, for letting me stay. I swear I won’t be a bother.”

She chuckled, “No, never! You were such a big help with Ellie when I needed it. I couldn't have done it without ya.” Jody opened a drawer beside her and tossed me a pair of keys.

I fumble before I catch them, “What’s this?”

“Keys to your place.”

My eyes widened. “No way, seriously!”

“I called in a favor. It’s furnished, with the first month's rent paid. I thought you should have a space of your own. And I owed you one.”

I trace the keys' cool edges with my thumb. “This is perfect; thank you, Jody.”

A large group of officers and detectives walks by.. I’d never seen the station so busy like this. Jody walks to the door and gently cracks it shut.

“Hey, I heard something about the FBI being involved. Is it true?”

Jody hesitated before she answered, “Yes. Didn’t have much of a choice, we could use the extra help. But I’ve dealt with these agents before…”

“Dealt?” I laughed, “Are they bad at their job or something?” Jody walks around her desk and takes a seat. “They've been around town before, digging their noses around small cases here and there. It’s two guys, young. A real good cop, bad cop duo. They have a strange way of working their cases. But by law, they haven't done anything wrong besides giving me a headache.”

“Interesting.” I caught myself glancing at the door as well.

“And you trust them with the investigation?”

“Trust, I’m not sure. But it seems like that’s the only option I have.”

I could see the strain in Jody’s face. But for the first time in all my years of knowing her, I’d never seen her scared.

“Speak of the devil.”

I turn my head to see a black Chevy Impala drift into a parking spot at the front of the station.

“Who’s that? Nice car.”

Jody huffs, “Bad cop.”

A tall, chiseled man in a suit stepped out of the car. The man was younger than I thought, maybe late twenties or early thirties. I’ll admit he was good-looking; he looked more like a movie star agent than a real one. And he certainly played the part. With a smug smirk, he glided to the desk and leaned down to talk to the secretary, and even from afar, I could see his eyes lingering on her outfit. He spotted us through the window and made his way over to the office.

The agent waltzed in with a charismatic, cocky smile, “Mornin’, Sheriff.”

“Good morning, Agent.” I could feel the heat coming off in Jody’s tone.

“I see there’s only one of ya. Will your partner be joining us today?” The agent cleared his throat. “No, he will not. He’s been assigned a case out of state.” I could see the ripples of annoyance under his smirk-clearly that struck a nerve in him. “I was told you have a list of witnesses for me.”

“Yes, I do.” Jody digs through her stacks of reports before gesturing to me, “Agent, this is Syrena Grace. She just drove in from out of town.” “Agent Smith, FBI.” He flashed his badge at me as I stood up from my chair. “Hi.” I reached out and shook his hand. His grip was firm. “Miss Grace, I’m sorry we have to meet under these circumstances.” His grip was firm, but when our hands touched, I got an uneasy feeling again. A heavy feeling came over me, like a sudden wave of sadness. It must have been from the long day of driving.

“Thank you,” I mumble as I unclasp his hand. I mumble as I unclasp his hand, and my uneasiness starts to fade away.

“Agnes Grace– from what I understand, she was your guardian.”

“Yes, she was my aunt.”

The agent clears his throat, “I’m conducting witness interviews as part of the investigation into the local disappearances. Collecting information from family, friends, and anyone who might have some insight. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask a few questions regarding your aunt. ”

“I doubt I’d be much help. I haven’t spoken to her or seen her in years.”

“I understand. Were you at any point involved with the “Path of Deliverance” church?”

My throat turned dry. “I was…a long time ago.”

“And you attended church frequently with your aunt?”

“Yes.”

The agent straightened his stance, practically towering over me, “From what I understand, she was well known among the congregation?”

I shifted awkwardly in my stance, and the blood started to leave my face.

“Yes, she was a very dedicated member.”

“And yourself?”

“No. Not in the way she was…”

“How do you mean?” The agent's expression shifted slightly; he was more intrigued. He didn't take notes or write anything. Just staring, like he was studying me.

“Wasn’t much of a church person, I guess.”

“Any particular reason why?”

His forwardness caught me off guard. I hesitated to answer. I cursed myself internally for not coming up with some bullshit excuse.

“You weren't part of any of the church groups? Youth groups? Sunday School? Choirs?”

I shook my head no, and my hands felt clammy.

“Syrena, was there anyone your aunt didn't get along with?”

I shake my head, “No, not that I can think of.”

“Anyone you didn't get along with?”

I shook my head no again. My face started to feel hot.

He persisted, “For someone whose life revolved so much around this church, you sound pretty distanced.”

“I guess my experiences were just different then her’s.”

“Different how?” he asked sharply.

I blinked as my mouth fell agape, but nothing came out.

Only he can save you.

Jody stepped forward and handed him a manila folder. “Here are your witnesses. I suggest you get a head start; you've got a lot of ground to cover.”

The agent grabs the folder from Jody, but doesn’t break his gaze from me. It was like he was looking right through me.

Before he could persist with his question, I blurted out, “Agent, it’s been a long time since I’ve been to the church or talked to any of these people. I hardly remember any of it. I’m sorry.”

The agent let off, for now. He reached inside his suit pocket and pulled out a small white card. “Well, if you do remember anything, give me a call.”

I take the card from him and shove it into my jacket pocket.

Jody guides him to the door, “Our officer will have the rest of your paperwork by the front.”

The agent smacks the folder in his hand and scoffs, “Yeah, about that, is there any way you can assign me a more experienced officer?”

Jody crosses her arms with an amused expression. “What’s wrong with the one you have now?”

The office door swings open, and Tyler smacks the agent in the arm with the door.

“Ooo, sorry, boss. Here’s your reports!” Tyler pokes his head in and hands the agent a stack of papers. Agent Smith snatches the files from Tyler and shoos him away.

Jody smacks the agent on his hurt shoulder. I cover my mouth trying to contain my laugh.

“Guess you don’t need your partner after all, you got all the help you need!” Jody shuts the door behind him.

“You see what I gotta deal with all day!”

Before I could respond, the office door swung open again, causing Jody and me to jump.

“Sisi!” A small voice squeals. Ellie, in karate uniform, runs up to me and I catch her.

“Hey bug!” I embrace her hug as her glasses nearly fall off her small face.

Jody puts her hands on her waist.

“El, I told you to wait for me to come pick you up. I don’t want you walking by yourself right now.”

“Mom, it’s fine. Jeanie's mom gave me a ride.” She huffed, annoyed. Ellie never lost that attitude. “Besides, I wanted to see Sisi!”

“It’s good to see you, too, bug.”

I set her down and examined her uniform. “Look at you, tough girl! What is this karate?”

“Yup. Mom said I could do any sport I want this summer,” Ellie exclaimed proudly.

“And of course, she picks the one where you get to kick and punch people.” Jody rolled her eyes playfully before taking Ellie's backpack off her shoulders.

“How about we let Sisi settle down in her new place and then we have dinner at the good ol’e diner?” Jody looks at me as I take the backpack over her shoulder.

“Yeah, that sounds great.”

The station was getting busier again, with officers walking in and out. We escape the chaos inside and walk towards the parking lot.

“Here’s the address.” Jody reaches into her pocket and hands me a crumpled note.

I opened it and read the address while Jody gave me directions to get there. At the bottom of the note was a phone number.

“Whose phone number is this?”

“That’s the owner, Bobby Singer. He lives down the road from the house. But try to call me first if you have any issues. He’s an alright guy, but he likes to keep to himself.”

“Alright, then.” I chuckled as I folded the note into my pocket. Inside, I could feel the smooth business card from Agent Smith. As I make my way to my truck, I take another glimpse at the black Chevy Impala. It was getting all too surreal, having the FBI investigate a mystery that turned this whole town upside down, along with my life. My mind kept slipping back to our conversation, his questions about the church. The heavy feeling from when I shook his hand washed over me again. I couldn't explain this feeling. Maybe it was the overwhelmingness of being back. Or maybe it was his determined glare, like he was reading me for something besides just intel on my aunt. It was a feeling I couldn’t explain or turn away from.

Authors Note: AHHH THANK YOU IF YOU READ THIS FAR. This is actually my first fic ever, and I'm so excited to be writing this story. I'll be posting chapters actively on A03 and here on Tumblr. This will be a slow burn/long fic with much more to come. I hope you stick around for the ride! <3 -Ray

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