Bleak [Eyeless Jack X Masky]

Chapter 1

It was cold, a day in winter to be precise so the harsher conditions were to be expected. For the cannibalistic maniac who goes by the name of 'Eyeless Jack', however, it was simply another hunt. The man, if you could even call him that, feasted on human kidneys, a trait that stemmed from unknown origin. It was speculated by the few that knew of him it was simply because he was a vengeful spirit, but it is a topic frequently debated.

He trudged quietly through the treeline, hunger satisfied for the day. He felt sombre and hollow, a rare thing due to the fact he was rather used to his own company and honestly wouldn't like it any other way, yet, everything seemed so eerie, so silent. He shook his head, his mask moving a bit, to his annoyance, so he straightened it out quickly. Despite his obvious issues, he was rather organised and believed things had to be somewhat neat. He continued his walk, dodging the view of the people who were simply patrolling the park, keen for adventure or perhaps trying to feel some nostalgia. He envied them. He envied their ability to feel so comfortable and safe out in the open and he envied their normality.

His guts churned and he felt just rotten. He didn't want this life, to be a cannibal, a fugitive, a man with morals who couldn't speak out. However, he knew very well this was all he had and he simply had to deal with it and make the most of this life, no matter how rotten it may be.

Frostbite nipped his exposed fingers, turning his grey flesh into a soft hue of blue. He shuddered, empty sockets surveying the surrounding area until he settled his gaze on something rather abnormal. It was a man wearing a yellow jacket, yet, he appeared to be masked. The other odd thing about him was he appeared to be hiding, too, just  not very well. He appeared to be following someone, his movements cautious and slow.

Curiosity overwhelmed Jack, as he slowly edged closer, very careful to stick to the shadows and places he knew he'd be hidden. He was infatuated by this strange man, whatever he may be up to. He was snapped out of his daze when he saw the man scatter, pursued quickly by who he was following.

The whole situation was quite odd to Jack, he just simply didn't understand. He mostly hoped both would be okay, his curiosities of the stranger causing him to desire seeing him again, yet his morals hoping he isn't some deranged killer, hoping to kill someone innocent. He believed the innocent shouldn't die, mentally tying it to the fact he didn't wish for others to experience anything similar to him.

He continued his stroll to the place he called home. It was an abandoned building that had started to be broken away by time. It was most likely just a sweet little cottage in it's prime but now it was a decaying shell of it's former self. 

Jack entered through the doorway before settling on the damp mattress placed in the most sheltered corner of the dying structure. He knew he'd have to leave soon, but knew that first he'd have to find a replacement shelter.  He removed his mask, knowing very well no outsiders would make it to his safe space, before brushing a bony hand through his tangled hair. He frowned, his fingers getting caught up and the feeling of oil quite prominent. Being on the run meant he hand't washed properly in years, the most he'd have is falling into the lake nearby by mistake or running through particularly deep puddles. He honestly didn't mind too much, though, as long as he kept to a somewhat decent standard. It wasn't a top priority anyway, getting food and shelter was and that's what he did daily.

He mentally reflected on who he thought the odd man to be and concluded it was probably some loony and left it at that. He decided he'd explore that area in more detail he next day, just in case he decided to stick around. He was unsure what he'd do if he saw him, but knew he had to find some way to lose his curiosity. 

He lay down, mind blurred with gory images and constant questioning before his eyelids rested over his empty sockets, dragging him into a numb slumber.