The Tainted

Prologue

When you're on the streets you don't need a name. You might have one, but it's useless when everyone who walks past you avoids your gaze as if it was infectious. But me, I stayed nameless. No need for one. I was one of the lucky ones I guess, I didn't have to eat or sleep, the cold couldn't hurt me. It was almost easy for me to survive. Too easy. The way my victims deaths unnoticed just as they had been in life, it sickened me to the bone, but i have to admit it made it easier for me. I kept moving, never staying in one place for long. But no matter how far I ran; I couldn't escape what I was.

I was a stranger even to myself back then. I think I was too scared of what more of the monster inside me i would uncover. Something dark festered inside me, I knew that. A shadow so vile, hell spat it out and cursed me with it. I didn't know what foul crime I had committed to deserve such a punishment, but I was sure if I knew I'd hate myself even more. The pain I suffered each time it took over, each time I felt I deserved it. But it was always someone else that had to pay the ultimate price. The first time I lost control, I could never forget; the blood; the screams; the body. And for every night after. Each time. Blood, screaming and a body.

Who knows how long I could have continued like that, if they hadn't found me. I guess i should be thankful. But after all that's happened it's still difficult to find light in the darkness. Difficult but not impossible.