Though the clouds overhead seemed impenetrable a few scattered stars broke through the overcast. The young man walking below the dim streetlights seemed hardly to notice the threat of rain. His mind was filled with the scene he had just witnessed at his own home. Returning home after a long day of work he opened his door to find the house in shambles. Amid the wreckage and a myriad of missing items he had found a note.

"I will not be here for you to read this, I'm leaving. You haven't even attempted to fix the rift between us and I can't take it any longer." Those words still burned into his mind evoking a feeling of self-loathing as he knew thier truth. His return from the war had not been easy on him let alone anyone around him. Haunted images of terror and pain constantly plagued his mind. He had become withdrawn from friends and family. Distrust plagued his every action, and now he had lost the one person he most loved. The young mans mind tripped over itself trying to find a way to cope with these feelings. As he continued to walk the suburbs around him gave way to the night time bustle of the city. He continued to walk ignoring those around him in his pain.

Soon he reached the district known for its oddities. As he walked a shadow flickered along the edge of his conciousness. As he headed down another dark alley his mind whispered a warning. His suddenly intense gaze swept around him for danger, but search as he might he saw no threat. The back of his neck prickled, and as he turned he was wrapped in arms that seemed to be made of steel.

A smooth sultry voice whispered into his ear, "I can feel the pain and uncertainty in you young one. Let me take your pain and give you a new life to live. Or, I will leave you here in your pain wondering if you could have escaped. Now, choose quickly I grow hungry."

The prickling on his neck subsided as the young man made up his mind.