Darkness Incarnate

It was snowing, as it usually would this time of year, never in winter but just before. “I wonder if we’ve ever had a winter that kept the tundra we endure just before.” I thought to myself. 

Then I remembered the weather here is harsh and doesn’t care for anyone who gets caught in its dangerously freezing grasp. It wouldn’t be unusual to see someone half frozen and on death’s door, such is the cruel fate many have fallen to.

The world can be dark sometimes, but it’s just nature removing the pests it’s created. It’s fair for the world to take back what it has created. I wouldn’t care either way, my life has been pure misery, and no one comes back after death so I wouldn’t have a choice either way. It’s only a matter of filling life with meaningless short rushes of happiness that gives us the ability to live another day. And then again. Happiness is taken. Not earned.

As I was walking home through the valley of taunted souls my small town claims title to, I noticed a man walking almost parallel to me. I found it strange that someone would be walking through this place given how hard it is to even think of warmth here, but the strange part was his attire. A black suit, a white tie, a red rose in his suit pocket, a black fedora with a white ribbon, and a pair of black leather shoes. “What masochistic idiot would risk his life by coming out here with that outfit?” I said to myself silently.

I tried to get close to him so I could get a look at his face, but no matter how much I walked towards him, he seemed further away. Like he was walking away from me. It would be strange to why he was doing this since meeting someone in this tundra would be a miracle, it’s death to be alone out here, then again I go alone all the time but only because I have to. “Hey, are you lost out here?” I shout. He just turned and stared at me, without a response or even a reaction. I still couldn’t see his face, yet I felt his gaze.

It was starting to get increasingly dire that I found shelter, so I rushed to find some form of a shield from the icy devil that haunts this place. But when I found some I realised that man was still out staring at me, I could feel it, yet I couldn’t see him. His gaze felt so judgemental, as if he had weighed my lack of sins in this wasteland and felt some distorted form of pity for what I have been through. I felt every second of his unrelenting gaze and felt sad for myself that I hadn’t invited him in, he could die out there, and it would be my fault. I can’t leave anyone behind to die. Not ever again.

I ran towards the man and pulled him away from the demon trying to freeze his every movement, as we got inside, all his did was thank me and take a seat while using his fedora to cover his face slightly. “Is there anything I can do for you? I own this place so I can get you a drink if you’d like.” I asked. “Do you have tea?” he replied. Water is scarce here, which is hard to believe with all the ice, but it’s toxic. So it would be strange for someone to ask for tea. “No, but we have alcohol?” I told him, wondering if maybe he’s just making a joke about that tea. He said nothing.

He proceeded to say nothing for about 10 minutes before attempting to leave after thanking me for my hospitality. “Hey. You aren’t leaving until I know you’re sane, you can’t run around in freezing weather with a suit and tie. That’s suicide.” He replied with nothing but a slightly pitiful gaze as he walked back to the table. Still hiding his face. I could tell he wasn’t bothered about the freezing weather, and I doubt he even thought of his own life. But I won’t let anyone die out here. Not now, not ever. Still hiding his face, he said “So, are you going to keep me here forever or let me leave.” Knowing he was growing impatient I grabbed a few of my spare supplies for venturing into the cold.

I gave him a coat, some food, and a half frozen bottle of water. So he wouldn’t immediately die. Then let him be on his way. I just hope he doesn’t stall on his journey to wherever he is going. He waved me a goodbye and set off. As I walked back inside I noticed he had left something on the table he was sat. It was a small stone with a diamond eye carved into it. I rushed outside to see if I could give it to him but he had already walked out of view. I was in awe of how beautiful the carving was, but didn’t understand what it meant, or even how I could understand what the carving was immediately. I didn’t think much of it, but as I went to put it down.

I was suddenly blinked into a dark room...

End of chapter 1