Ladder: It's easier to say goodbye to the world when it says goodbye first.

Chapter 1

Buttercup loosed a primal scream as she flew through the iridescent clouds of the nebula. Her charge led her on a direct course to a large black craft with a mirror-like gloss. As she drew nearer, she lowered her head, thrust her fist forward, and gritted her teeth at the expected impact. As she plowed through the hull of the ship, she felt a sharp pain in her head just before the world went black.

Author's Forward:

Ladder is the first entry of a study in horror. It is intended to stand alone, and was originally written as a one-off. Ladder is followed by Unstrung, Crimson and White, Project Rebreather, and Ashes from Ashes.

Each story in the series examines a different form of horror. Horror does not always inspire fright, nor does it always try. Ladder focuses on primal fears expressed in equally primal ways. Sometimes unsettling and uncomfortable ways.

Other stories in the series examine horror from other perspectives. Each has a different focus and a different "feel." However, they all continue the same story line, and they were all written with the assistance of mood-setting music.

These stories list a musical accompaniment that is entirely optional, but which the reader is welcome to follow. Although not a crossover with Silent Hill, its music and music inspired by it includes some of the most beautiful, haunting melodies this author has heard. Readers who have taken the time to find these albums and songs (many freely and legally available online) have expressed happiness at the impact it had on their reading.

I personally dislike reading certain things, and try to avoid writing them. Well-established characters acting out-of-character without good reason or explanation. Grittiness and death as an alternative to telling a story. It's up to you, dear reader, to judge my eventual success or failure in these regards.

Suggested listening, presented in the order they are used:

Silent Hill 2: The Day of Night

Silent Hill 2: Prisonic Fairytale

Silent Hill 3 (unreleased track): Familiar Places

Broken Notes Vol1: Dawn of Day

Silent Hill 4 (Limited Edition): Lifetime

Silent Hill 1: Only You

Broken Notes Vol1: Desolation

Silent Hill 4: E-Tangin

Broken Notes Vol1: Screaming Flux

Silent Hill 2 (unreleased track): Blood Pulse

Silent Hill 4: The Suicidal Clock Chime

Broken Notes Vol1: Search for Cheryl

Broken Notes from the Vault: Station

Silent Hill 4: Resting Comfortably

Broken Notes Intermission Vol 2: Crimson Paintings

Silent Hill 2: Black Fairy

Silent Hill 3: Lost Cause

Silent Hill 1: Never Again (track 29)

Silent Hill 1: Die

Silent Hill 4: Room of Angel