The Void

5

5
Encounter

At the end of the skywalk, a dark figure blocks his path. The light from his phone casts over the person and he can now see the details. An immediate sense of relief hits him, thankful to finally have some sort of human contact in the quiet labyrinth of the downtown buildings. But as his light reveals other features of the man before him, that relief soon falls back into unease.

The being before him provides no clear indication that it is a man at all. Its clothing is a black robe, tied with what looks like frayed rope around its waist giving it an hourglass shape. Standing motionless, the fabric of its cloak drapes down the arms and sits just above wrinkled, pale hands. A hood covers its head, and for the moment keeps the man's face hidden.

"H-Hey..." he mutters, noticing something reflect his light under its hood.

The figure does not budge, so he takes a cautious step closer. He steadies his light onto its face and finally sees the strange object protruding from the hood. It is a mask, its gold shimmer somewhat faded like worn metal, and its shape molded to form a wolf's head.

His nerves pinch, a subtle warning from his body that the man is not to be trusted.

"The door's locked..." he says, waving towards the parking garage behind him. "Do you know where everyone's at? I really need to get home..."

Finally, its head looks up a bit and fixes its blank gaze towards him. Its head then cocks to the side as if William's words had caught its attention.

"You... want to leave?" it asks, its voice soft and wispy. "But why? You just got here... And our Master is quite eager to see you..."

William's brow furrows.

"Umm, what?" he stammers, not sure how to respond. "Look, I assume you don't work here with this... outfit of yours. So how did you get in? There must be an open door to the street, yeah?"

A soft chuckle comes from behind the mask, and the figure straightens its posture.

"How amusing. You still deny everything around you. Foolish man. There is no escape from this place... Not for you."

Growing frustrated, he rolls his eyes and curses under his breath.

"What is going on?? Where is everyone? And what happened to all of the lights?"

"The light that reveals the hidden from shadows, the warmth of a divine sun, the comfort of loved ones... all stripped from this place. And it's all thanks to you, William. You have given us this triumphant hour. Another chance to roam the earth and taste its delicacies."

"Who are you?? How do you know my name?" he asks,  adjusting his satchel on his shoulder.

"I am one of many... You may consider yourself lucky that one of such refined mannerisms found you first," it explains, pausing for another low chuckle. "There are others that are more—how should I say—savage than I. Death is a cruel place, and most succumb to its torments..."

"Jesus Christ... the fucking homeless in this city..." he internalizes, ready for this encounter to end. "Okay great. So, you're not going to help me. Get the fuck out of my way..." he commands, stepping towards the figure still blocking his path.

Not seeing the figure move, he steps to the side to slip around it. But as he steps, the figure follows, keeping its body in line with William's path.

"What the hell is your problem, freak??" he shouts, throwing his arm out and shoving the person back a few paces.

The figure staggers back but maintains its composure. The motion is swift. A hand squeezes his forearm as he passes, and another across his neck. Behind him the foe's leg extends out, catching his legs as he is thrusted backwards. He crashes down onto his back with a heavy thud against the thin carpet, and his phone bounces away. A struggle ensues with the foe jumping on William's body, preventing him from rising off the ground.