Asylum

Disclaimer: For this entire fic, Hey Arnold and its characters do not belong to me. And that's that!

Although..if they are willing to sell it, I wouldn't mind buying it if the price is right! And really low! wink wink

So, I hope you enjoy the read!

Hillwood... my hometown. A hometown filled with promise, brotherhood, and hope for a better future. That's what Hillwood was to me. I spent most of my childhood here, learning about life…and love. I admit, it wasn't perfect, nothing was, but I survived. I faced many challenges, suffered tragedies, and heartbreaks. Yet, here I was.

I learned a lot in Hillwood, but as I grew up, I realized that life had other plans for me, so I moved on and away from this place. I left behind all that I knew, but moving on couldn't keep me away forever from my home, my roots. I knew I would always come back…Always.

It had been six years since Arnold left his beloved Hillwood in pursuit of an illustrious and distinguished career that better suited his selfless and altruistic nature. He had returned to familiar surroundings, and anticipated in practicing his new found profession: psychiatry.

In his childhood years, Arnold always believed that even the most complicated problems could be solved through his expertise. Knowing that he could make a difference in someone's life by guiding them through the hardships that they faced made him eager to start. Nothing was a lost cause in his eyes. That was what made him different from others.

After driving two days straight to arrive in Hillwood by mid-morning, Arnold finally made it to the boarding house where he grew up. He exited his car, and did a 360 around his old neighborhood.

Taking a deep breath of the crisp morning air, he smiled brightly as he took in in the scene. Opting out of entering his old home, he decided to make a small detour to look around the neighborhood.

"AHHH, Hillwood... how I've missed this place." he thought as he walked down the street.

More than anything, Arnold desired to reacquaint himself with the place that held fond memories of his past.

As he walked about the streets, he took note of the area, noticing similarities and differences of the old neighborhood. A slight change was evident as new stores and remodeled buildings predominated the still plain and rustic ambiance that was Hillwood. Each street he passed, he envisioned pinnacle moments of his life.

There on Gerald's Field, he remembered the days he and the gang played baseball often battling for a win against their 5th grade rivals. Here at Slausen's, he recalled the time he and Gerald hung out, eating sundaes while having trivial conversations about video games, books, movies. And down the street, where P.S.118 still stood, he remembered the playground they used to hang out on. The things they learned and experienced over time brought waves of nostalgia flowing back. It was a warm welcome for the football headed man. One he gladly appreciated.

However, he suddenly felt tired. His body screamed for a much needed rest. So, he made his way back to the boarding house. Before entering his former residence, he headed back to his car to retrieve his luggage. He gathered himself to mount up those steps once again after six years.

As he approached the freshly painted green of his house, he smiled. He thought of all the times he spent by this stoop with his grandpa. He also remembered the unorthodox greeting his grandmother gave him as he came home from school.

"Good times" he thought his smile broadening wider. "Good times!"

Opening the door, a herd of pets unknown to him came rushing by.

"I guess things haven't changed much" he said as he pushed his way in.

Continuing his quest into his residence, Arnold hurled in his luggage. The bound package, bounced off of him and on to the adjoining wall. Arnold wobbled through the hallway, finally dropping his luggage halfway into it. He couldn't carry it any further. He smiled brightly as he gazed around the house for a few minutes, catching his breath.

"Wow, it as if I never left" he said as his eyes skimmed over the furnishings occupying the hallway. "Everything looks the way I remembered it!"

Nothing had changed much in the home, just some minor upgrades had been made to keep it up to code. However, the residents have.

A year after the death of Arnold's grandparents, the previous boarders that he had come to call family slowly began to move out one by one, searching for change. Save for Mr. Hyunh, who was offered guardianship of the young boy, which he gladly accepted.

Since Arnold was only sixteen years of age when both his grandparents passed away, ownership of the boarding house was put into a trust for him until he turned 18. However, to keep the boarding house running, they needed new boarders. So, vacancy was made available.

While Arnold went to high school, Mr. Hyunh would help manage it in the daytime, and he took over afterschool.

When it came time for Arnold to go to college, he turned that responsibility solely Mr. Hyunh. To this day, continued take care of the boarding house for a sum of the profit.

Up ahead, footsteps could be heard coming from the second floor. Arnold looked up.

Suddenly, the footsteps came to an abrupt stop. Arnold stepped forward with a smile to see a stunned Mr. Hyunh, staring right back at him. The man's face had aged a bit, but his demeanor was still upbeat and as lively as ever.

"Arnold! Welcome Home!" He exclaimed gleefully, making his way towards the young man.

He enveloped him in a tight hug, patting him on the back. "It is so good to see you" He uttered his accent still apparent.

"Aww, It's good to see you too Mr. Hyunh. And it's good to be back" Arnold replied sincerely.

They both smiled at each other for a moment before walking forward side by side towards the living room.

"So, what have you been up to?" the older man asked.

"Nothing much really" he shrugged, "I found a job working at the Hillview Mental Institution as I mentioned over the phone, and that's why I'm here" he said showing a humble half smile.

Arnold continued to admire the familiar surroundings when Mr. Hyunh spoke once more.

"Oh Arnold I am so proud of you, and I'm sure your grandma and grandpa would've been proud of you too." He commented as he place a hand on his shoulder amicably.

At the mention of his late grandparents, Arnold's face saddened for a moment, he sighed. "Yeeaahh, I know they would be." His mind began to drift temporarily as he swayed uneasily from side to side, disheartened by their missing presence. Mr. Hyunh noticed Arnold's discomfort and decided to change the subject.

"Well Arnold, I'm sure you're exhausted. So far, everything is in order here and your room has been prepared, so just go right on up and make yourself comfortable!" he said as he winked.

"Thanks, Mr. Hyunh" Arnold replied, a slight smile returning to his face as he hugged his long time friend again "I really appreciate all that you've done for me over the years. I really do."

"Aaah, don't mention it Arnold, you're like family!" Mr. Hyunh exclaimed. He then looked to his watch. "Oh my...Arnold, I've got to go to work, so I'll see you later, okay?" Arnold nodded.

Mr. Hyunh walked towards the door and turned to look at Arnold once again. With a welcoming smile he said, "If you need anything to eat there's plenty of food in the kitchen, I know you must be hungry and don't forget dinner's at 6:30 sharp. I'll introduce you to some of the new boarders then, okay?"

"Okay, Mr. Hyunh. I'll see you later and Thanks again." Arnold said warmly. Both waved to each other goodbye before going their separate ways.

Once Mr. Hyunh left, Arnold continued to take a small tour throughout the house before settling into his room.

He walked into the study, and stared at a glass display case containing photos of him and his grandparents on holidays and special occasions. He also stared in awe at the framed newspaper clippings of him and Gerald atop the turned over bus when they saved the neighborhood. As his eyes roamed lower he noticed a framed picture of him and Helga standing below a coronation of flowers both looking lovingly into each other's eyes at junior prom.

Tilting his head back and taking a deep breath, Arnold somewhat got misty eyed by the beautiful memories rushing back in his mind. All these photos were of many priceless memories he just couldn't forget.

He let them linger for a few moments, especially that last one..of her. At one point in time, he wondered what became of the beautiful soul in that photo. The thought of her alone flooded not just good memories but the bad.

Arnold felt troubled, his body grew tense at the thought of his relationship with her which began with a lot of promise. Unfortunately, it ended devastatingly. They lost touch with each other years ago! Suddenly, he felt concerned.

Shaking his head furiously, Arnold brought himself back. He couldn't start his new life thinking about the past. Right now, what was best was to focus on settling in and go on from there.

Taking his luggage, Arnold went upstairs to his room. Upon entering, he noticed that it was very different. It had more modern furniture, new carpeting, and freshly painted colors on the walls to complement his furnishings. His sound system was of a new technology which he liked. And the finishing touch was a brand new flat screen TV on his bedroom wall. He looked around in awe.

"SW...EET" he said in amazement. Feeling giddy all of a sudden. He felt like a little school boy at the arcade. Arnold fiddled around with the new gadgets, testing out the furniture for his pure enjoyment.

Feeling satisfied, he grabbed his suitcases and unpacked his belongings, placing things were they belonged. He had finished in record time when his cell phone rang.

"Hello?" he answered

"Hey Arnold, what's up man?"

"Hey Gerald, nothing much just got home now" he laughed at the thought that just came to him, "Wow…Home...that sounds... nice"

"Yeah, Arnold it sure does" Gerald replied "Man, I can't waaaiiit to see you. It's been awhile since we hang out like we used to." His friend said sounding chipper.

"Yes, it has. But...I'm sure now you have to ask your wife for permission" Arnold teased, chuckling at Gerald's quiet reaction before his unamused friend replied, "Don't go there Arnold. Besides, you should know...I wear the pants in the family. No one can tell a smooth, cool man such as myself what to do!"

But in the background, Arnold could hear a voice speaking to his 'smooth, cool friend'. "Gerald who are you talking to?"

Gerald stammered, "Um...I'm... just talking to Arnold, Pheebs."

Phoebe's footsteps could be heard coming closer. "Did you take out the trash like I told you to ten minutes ago?" Arnold could tell she was standing next to him by the loudness of her voice, and he imagimed her hands on her hips, foot tapping against hardwood floor. "Because I see it staring right at me at the moment."

Arnold chuckled over the phone.

Once again Gerald tried to smoothly reply but instead stuttered "W-w-well about that?"

"Well!" Phoebe's voice small yet firm remained clear as Arnold waited along with Phoebe for Gerald's reply.

"O-o-okay Snookums, I will once I'm finished talking with Arnold okay? I promise!" he looked to his wife of four years with pleading eyes.

Sternly, she replied, "You better!" And added in her mousy cheerful voice, "Oh and by the way say 'Hi' to Arnold for me!"

"Okay, Pheebs I will" replied Gerald a slight grin coming to his face, thinking he'd won the battle.

On the other end of the line, Arnold was laughing hysterically.

Gerald inquired, "What's so funny Arnold?"

Once the laughing died down, he mocked. "Pants in the family? Suuure!" Arnold smirked at the irony of Gerald's statement.

"Oh and Snookums? Really Gerald...really?" Arnold stated, unable to stop from cracking up.

"W-Well, wait till you get married Arnold. We'll see then who's laughing!" Gerald scolded, "Oh Yeah, we'll see about that" he continued knowingly.

Arnold sighed contentedly and inquired, "So... when do you want to meet up Gerald? Can't wait to know what I missed while I was gone."

For a moment Gerald paused before saying monotonously."Wow Arnold, you sounded like you were channeling Rhonda just now!"

Grinning wildly, Arnold said. "Gerald?"

"What?" he questioned.

"Shut up!"

It got quiet for a moment, but then they both burst out in laughter for a minute, until Gerald needed to cut short the conversation, probably to avoid ticking off his wife.

"Okay, okay, are you free this evening say at 8 o'clock, my house?" he offered

"Sure, I'll be there" Arnold replied.

"Alright see ya then, Bye Arnold and Welcome home!"

"Bye Gerald, and thanks!"

As Arnold hung up the phone, he smiled cheerfully. He couldn't wait to see his best friend. He turned around, admiring the art on his wall.

It felt so new and fresh, just like this new beginning. He glanced to his side to see his bookcase with a collection of books, that he hadn't changed since he left for college. He browsed at various titles of books and comics, stumbling on one without a title.

A little pink book.

He went and reached for it, examined its surface.

With a gentle smile on his face, Arnold caressed the cover of the book with fondness before flipping it open. Fatigued, he walked over to his bed. As he laid down on it, he continued to look through its contents, focusing his attention on every written word. Reading the first poem, a wider smile plastered itself on his face. He reminisced the memories of him and the owner of this book again, at least the good ones.

Progressing into the book of poems, his mind began drifting. It drifted, until...he fell asleep.

Arnold found himself in front of an abandoned purple brownstone with broken windows and bricks falling apart.

He thought, "This house seems familiar and it also looks like it hasn't been inhabited in years."

He turned to look around him, noticing the deserted streets and marched on. Taking a few steps onto the stoop, the door automatically opened, inviting him in. Arnold tried to take a peek inside, but all he could see was darkness. Taking a deep breath in, he hesitantly walked through the door, cautiously.

"This is so weird" he uttered, the tension rising in him as he marched on.

Upon entering the house, he noticed that the inside was dusty, filled with mold, ash, and soot everywhere. He detected spider webs extending along the innermost corners of the house, the critters claiming their residence there.

He took a moment to look all around him. "What is this place? Why am I here?" he uttered as he trekked towards the kitchen. Entering it, he heard whispering. He shivered. He paused and turned to look back at the entry way, facing the staircase.

"H-Hello? I-Is somebody there?" Silence.

"Humph, must be my imagination." he muttered trying to subside his fear.

But as he made his way towards the kitchen, once again he heard more whispering.

He felt a light touch, like that of a feather, along his back. He flinched then shuddered at its coldness. He was frightened, but remained calm as he stopped and turned once more.

"S-Somebody there? I know there's someone there" he said fearfully.

"Please...show yourself" he demanded, the panic already setting in.

But the whispering continued. He carefully listened for the sound and noticed it came from wrestled to leave, but chose to stay.

Walking back towards the sound, he voiced,"This is too eerie"

When he arrived at the stair case, he apprehensively stood there, looking on. He felt a pull that led him forward and up the stairs. He ascended, the whispering sound increasing. It grew stronger as he stopped at the first door on his left.

Approaching a white wooden door, he noticed it slightly ajar.

Slowly, he fully pushed it open and entered, making sure to leave it accessible in case something went wrong.

Once Arnold was fully in the room, he turned to see a little blonde girl with pigtails huddled on the floor. He smiled for a moment, he loved children. He wondered what she was doing here in this deserted house, but shrugged it off.

The little girl was positioned in the corner of the room, her back facing him. Upon observation he saw that she was rocking herself back and forth repetitively, unmoved by his presence. The whispering continued to be heard in the room and he looked around for someone, but no one else was there other than her. At least he thought so.

However, the whispered voice sounded once again, it was unearthly and grave, not that of a child. He looked around once more, trying to figure things out, but he got nothing except the little girl.

"It must come from her" he thought. However,...he couldn't tell.

He tried to focus in on what was being said instead, unfortunately, the words were all jumbled. All he had managed to grasp were cornflower, despair, tormented soul and jellybeans. He brought back his focus to the girl, cautiously walking near her.

Coming close, he felt a familiar warmth encircle him. He felt at ease by her presence, so he spoke, "Um...Hello? A-are you okay?"

The girl did not respond, but he continued to approach her. And as he grew closer, he noticed the girl's familiar likeness to that of his childhood tormentor.

"It can't be her, can it?" He thought, wanting to find out. So, he drew closer and hesitantly reached out to touch even closer, his fingertips lightly brushed against the girl's shoulder.

He whispered, unsure if that was truly the girl in question. "H-Helga?"

But once he touched her, his palm firmly on her shoulder, she quickly spun around and faced him.

Her head lifted in his direction, and Arnold stumbled backwards only to fall, creating a loud thud sound on the floor.

"Oh my God!" he whispered in horror.

The mysterious girl...had no face, no eyes, no nose, or lips. She had no facial features distinguishable at all to show who she was.

Suddenly, an insurmountable chill overcame his entire body, making it difficult for him to move. Arnold was frozen in place.

He noticed the girl standing from her spot and slowly beginning to approach him. He gathered his strength and began scurrying backwards on his hands and feet.

"Stay back" He said, his arm extended. "Stop."

"Don't come any closer" he continued feeling his eyes about to bulge out of its socket from continually looking into her unidentifiable face.

Abruptly, the girl had stopped in center room, still facing him. Arnold cautiously stood up and walked backwards to the door his eyes never leaving her face. But as soon as he reached it, the door slammed itself shut, locking him in.

Panic overtook Arnold as he ran about the room frantic, searching for any opening to escape through.

He went to the window, but when he reached it, the window itself disappeared. He ran back to the closet door, maybe he could find an opening in the attic, but that door was locked shut as well. Arnold couldn't understand what was happening to him. He stood there, confused, unable find his way out. At that moment, he heard multiple whispers increasing in range in the room accompanied by some wicked cackles, taunting him at his girl was unmoved from her position, she could be the immovable force keeping him here.

His eyes welled with tears and his head felt like it was going to explode. He lowered his head, tightly shutting his eyes, cupping his hands to his ears.

"Stop...please stop!" He yelled, but the whispers continued on and on.

His ears felt like they were beginning to bleed and still the voices kept getting louder, and louder, and louder until they all accusingly hissed in unison, "You...you did this to me!"

Then everything went black.