Cannibal in the Woods

Note from @versatile: There's another person with a similar username: @_ versatile _ that is NOT me! I don't know why our accounts show on the same page.

The zombie apocalypse has been going on for years, even Ivan himself had lost count of how long it's been. His (along with other survivors) camp had been infiltrated, he may be the only one who actually made it out alive.

"Ivan trudged through the trees. Sweat descending down his forehead, his breaths came in long and heavy puffs. How long has he been wondering down this path? He doesn't even know where he's going. It was nice and peaceful. He thought he wouldn't encounter anything until he heard munching; ripping almost. Causing to him stop in his tracks." "Fuck." "Ivan whispered below his breath, looking between the trees and spotting a zomb-- No, no, they looked way too human to be a zombie, (No decaying skin, clean clothes, even a bag of supplies). Yet the person still tore into another person's skin with ease?" "What-?" "Ivan said, confused. Him speaking caught Astolfo's attention."

"Brian looked up, a chunk of flesh hanging from his bloody lips, eyes wild with hunger. He let out a low growl, not at all intimidated by the newcomer." "Because I'm fucking starving and he's the easiest meal around," "Brian spat out a strand of hair, voice rough from the exertion." "You should try some, it's delicious. You look hungry too."

"Brian let out a harsh laugh, red-stained mouth curling into a sneer." "Nothing's wrong with me, I'm just adapting to the new world order. Humans are the real monsters, always fighting and killing each other. Now it's every man for himself and I've learned to... appreciate the flavor." "He gestured to the mangled body at his feet, a dark glint in his eye." "You're not from around here, are you? You don't smell like the stench of death and despair that clings to us survivors."

"Brian's expression hardened, a flicker of anger kindling in his gaze." "Savagery? You come into my territory, judge me, and then lecture me on morality? You're one to talk, stranger. You're not exactly the picture of innocence, walking into a cannibal's lair uninvited." "He rose to his feet, towering over Ivan, a knife in hand." "I could gut you right here and now and no one would bat an eye. So, I ask you again - what are you really after?"

"Brian's grip on the knife tightened, a muscle ticking in his jaw." "It wasn't a choice, it was a necessity. The world ended and all the rules changed. Food became scarce, and when you're starving, you find ways to survive. Cannibalism was the only way to fill my belly without risking my life scavenging for scraps." "He looked down at the body, a hint of regret in his voice." "I've lost count of how many I've had to eat. But it's just another part of this new reality." "Brian's gaze drifted back to Ivan, appraising." "You look like you could use a meal too. Why not join me? We could share and not have to scavenge alone."

"Brian snorted, sheathing his knife." "You think I'm some kind of monster who'd betray an ally? I'm not stupid, I know how to work with people. We could help each other, share resources and knowledge. In this world, trust is earned, not given." "He took a step closer, eyes locked with Ivan's." "But if you're too proud to accept aid, then maybe you don't deserve to survive." "Brian's voice turned cold, a dark challenge hanging in the air."

"Ivan met Brian's gaze, a mix of wariness and resignation in his eyes." "I'm not proud, I'm just cautious. I've learned the hard way that trusting the wrong person can get you killed." "He paused, considering the cannibal's offer." "But I also don't have the luxury of refusing help when it's offered. So, I'll take your deal, but on one condition." "Ivan held up a hand, palm facing Brian." "If I ever feel like I'm in danger from you, I won't hesitate to defend myself. And if you betray me, I'll make sure you suffer before I end you." "His voice was firm, a silent promise of violence hanging in the air."

"Ivan's eyes narrowed, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips." "You let me take the first bite. I want to make sure the meat's not spoiled or contaminated with... other things. And then we split the rest equally." "He gestured to the corpse, a morbid shrug." "It's not the most appetizing meal, but it'll do for now." "Ivan took a deep breath, steeling himself for the gruesome task ahead." "Alright, let's get this over with. Show me where to start."

"Ivan grimaced, but nodded." "I appreciate the heads up." "He crouched down beside the body, knife in hand, and began to carefully cut into the abdomen. The stench was overwhelming, making his stomach churn. But he pushed through, focusing on the task at hand." "So, what's your story, Brian? How did you end up eating people?" "Ivan worked methodically, slicing through flesh and muscle, trying to keep his revulsion in check."

"Ivan's eyes flicked up to meet Brian's, a hint of understanding in their depths." "I know that feeling all too well. Desperation breeds monsters, doesn't it?" "He returned his focus to the grisly task, cutting away more of the abdomen to expose the stomach contents." "Here, take a look. It doesn't seem to be rotting, at least." "Ivan held out a chunk of stomach, the texture unnaturally slick in the fading light." "Go on, take the first bite. I'll follow your lead." "He watched Brian warily, ready to react if the cannibal showed any signs of aggression."

"Ivan raised an eyebrow, a wry smile tugging at his lips." "Is that some profound cannibal wisdom?" "He took a tentative bite of the stomach flesh, the taste overwhelmingly bitter and metallic." "Ugh, this is disgusting, but I suppose you're right. We've been forced to evolve into something else in this new world." "Ivan chewed slowly, swallowing with a grimace." "So, what does this 'us' consist of, now that we've shared a meal?" "He looked up at Brian, a hint of challenge in his gaze." "Are we partners in crime, or just two survivors looking out for each other?"

"Ivan nodded, a grudging acceptance in his expression." "Associates it is, then. We'll see how long that partnership lasts." "He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, the taste of stomach flesh lingering unpleasantly." "I should probably get moving. This area's not safe, and I don't want to attract any unwanted attention." "Ivan stood, brushing off his pants and retrieving his weapon." "You should consider doing the same. This place reeks of death, and I'm pretty sure we're not the only ones who might be drawing a meal from these parts." "He offered Brian a curt nod." "Until next time, Associate."

"Ivan fell into step behind Brian, eyes scanning their surroundings with a mix of wariness and curiosity." "A safe place, huh? Sounds like a welcome change of scenery. Lead the way." "As they walked, he couldn't help but notice the subtle differences in Brian's gait, the way his body seemed to move with a predator's grace." "So, what's this 'safe place' of yours? A hideout, a fort, or just a spot with a good view?" "Ivan kept his tone light, trying to build a rapport with his new associate." "And don't think you're off the hook for sharing more about yourself. I'll get the story out of you eventually." "He flashed a sideways grin, a hint of mischief in his eyes."

"Ivan chuckled, a low, gravelly sound." "I'll hold you to that, Brian. But for now, a good night's rest sounds like heaven." "As they walked, the trees began to thin, and Ivan caught glimpses of a clearing up ahead." "So, this cabin of yours... is it well-fortified? We can't be too careful these days." "He kept his hand on the hilt of his knife, ready for anything." "And what's the deal with supplies? You scavenging for food and water, or do you have a stockpile stashed away?" "Ivan's curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't help but probe for more information about their new temporary home."

"Ivan nodded, a thoughtful look on his face." "Tricks, huh? Sounds like you've got some experience in this line of work. I'm always open to learning new ways to survive." "As they emerged into the clearing, Ivan's eyes widened at the sight of the small cabin, its wooden exterior weathered and worn." "Not bad for a temporary home. Looks sturdy enough to withstand a few zombies, at least." "He followed Brian up the creaky steps and through the door, taking in the sparse, but surprisingly clean interior." "So, what's the plan for tomorrow? More scavenging, or do you have something else in mind?" "Ivan leaned against the wall, his gaze roving over the simple furnishings, a hint of nostalgia for a more peaceful time creeping into his thoughts."

"Ivan nodded, his stomach growling at the mention of food." "Fish sounds good. I've been living on scraps for too long, it's time to get some real nutrition." "He pushed off the wall, stretching his arms over his head." "Lead the way, Brian. I'll help you catch us a decent meal." "As they stepped back outside into the cool night air, Ivan took a deep breath, savoring the fresh scent of the forest." "You know, despite the situation, it's nice to have someone to share this struggle with. Even if it is a cannibal." "He shot Brian a sideways grin, a hint of camaraderie in his eyes." "Just don't expect me to start eating humans anytime soon."

"Ivan laughed, a rough, humorless sound." "I'm not sure that's a compliment, but thanks anyway." "He fell into step beside Brian, the crunch of gravel beneath their feet the only sound in the darkness." "Corruption's not really my thing. I've seen enough of humanity's worst to last a lifetime." "Ivan's gaze drifted to the surrounding trees, the shadows casting an ominous gloom." "But hey, in this world, you take your allies where you can find them. Even if they do have a taste for the flesh of the living." "He shot Brian a wry glance, a flicker of resignation in his eyes." "Just don't expect me to join you for dinner anytime soon."

"Ivan raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his expression." "Really? So, you've got some kind of moral code, then?" "He slowed his pace, studying Brian's face in the dim light." "I wouldn't have pegged a cannibal for having scruples, but I guess you're full of surprises." "Ivan's tone was teasing, but there was a undercurrent of genuine curiosity." "So, what's the deal? You only eat the dead out of necessity, or is there another reason?" "He waited for Brian's response, his mind whirling with the implications of a cannibal with a moral compass."

"Ivan nodded thoughtfully, processing Brian's words." "Easier, huh? I can understand that. When you're running on empty, the idea of hunting and preparing a meal can be overwhelming." "He glanced at Brian, a flicker of understanding in his eyes." "But it's good to know you're not completely lost to the hunger. There's still a spark of humanity in there, even if it's buried deep." "Ivan's gaze drifted back to the path ahead, his thoughts turning introspective." "I used to think I was better than this, that I'd never sink so low as to eat people. But then I found myself doing the same, just to survive." "He sighed, a heavy sound." "I guess we're all just trying to make it through the day, in our own twisted ways."

"Ivan nodded in silent agreement, the two men walking on in contemplative silence." "You know, Brian, despite everything, I think we might make a decent team. We've both been forced to adapt, to do things we never thought we'd do just to stay alive." "He shot a sidelong glance at his companion, a hint of a smile playing on his lips." "And who knows, maybe one day we'll find a way back to the world we knew, before all this madness." "Ivan's voice was tinged with hope, but there was a underlying sense of doubt, a knowledge that such a return was unlikely, if not impossible." "But for now, we've got each other, and that's more than most people can say in this fucked-up world we're living in."

"Ivan's expression hardened, his grip on his knife tightening." "Surviving's all we can do, Brian. And if that means working together, so be it." "He glanced at the stream up ahead, the gentle babble of water a welcome distraction from the harsh realities of their existence." "Fish, right? Let's catch us a meal and get some rest. We've got a long day of scavenging ahead of us tomorrow." "Ivan's voice was practical, focused on the task at hand, but there was a tired resignation in his eyes, a sense that the fight to survive was never-ending."

"Ivan fell into step behind Brian, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of wariness and anticipation." "Lead the way, I'm eager to get my hands on some fresh protein." "As they approached the stream, Ivan's gaze lingered on the gentle flow of water, a stark contrast to the violence and desperation that had become their norm." "You know, for a moment there, it almost felt like a normal night out, just two guys heading to the river for a bit of fishing." "He let out a dry chuckle, the sound hollow in the stillness of the night." "But then reality sets in, and we're just two survivors trying to eke out an existence in a world gone to hell." "Ivan's tone was wry, tinged with a deep sadness." "Still, I'll take what small pleasures I can find, even if they're tainted by the circumstances." "He watched as Brian began to prepare their makeshift fishing gear, a sense of camaraderie forming between them in the face of adversity."

"Ivan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips as he watched Brian work." "Enjoy the quiet, indeed. It's a luxury we can't afford often these days." "He leaned against a nearby tree, taking in the soothing sounds of the stream and the night insects chirping in the distance." "You're right, let's just focus on the present moment. Catching some dinner, appreciating the peace before the chaos resumes." "Ivan's eyes drifted closed for a moment, savoring the rare respite from the constant stress and fear." "It's funny, isn't it? In the midst of all this horror, it's the small, mundane things that bring us a sense of normalcy, of humanity." "He opened his eyes, meeting Brian's gaze with a hint of understanding." "But I suppose that's what keeps us going, what drives us to keep surviving, even in the face of unimaginable adversity." "Ivan's voice was soft, almost contemplative, as he watched the fish darting in the stream, a symbol of resilience in a broken world."

"Ivan nodded, his expression somber." "Fleeting, and often just an illusion. But that doesn't mean we can't appreciate it when it comes, however brief." "He glanced at Brian, a hint of irony in his voice." "After all, it's not like we have much choice in the matter. We take what comfort we can, where we can find it, and try to make the best of a bad situation." "Ivan's gaze returned to the stream, his mind wandering to the countless moments of false normalcy he'd experienced since the apocalypse began." "Remember when we thought the initial outbreak was contained? When we still had hope that things would go back to the way they were?" "A faint, bitter smile tugged at the corners of his mouth." "Now look at us, reduced to scavenging for food and avoiding the undead like the plague." "He shook his head, a rueful chuckle escaping his lips." "Normalcy, indeed. It's a luxury we can't afford, not anymore."

"Ivan's gaze hardened, a silent nod of agreement." "You're right, Brian. Adaptation's the only way to survive in this fucked-up world." "He pushed off the tree, his movements purposeful as he joined his companion by the stream." "And if that means embracing the new normal, so be it. We'll make do with what we've got and keep pushing forward, no matter how bleak the outlook might seem." "Ivan's voice was resolute, a steely determination in his eyes." "Because in the end, it's not about longing for a past that's lost, or hoping for a future that might never come. It's about living in the present, and finding a way to keep going, no matter what horrors we might face." "He reached for a fishing rod, his fingers brushing against Brian's as they worked together in silence, a testament to their newfound unity in the face of adversity."

"Ivan nodded, his attention shifting to the task at hand." "Right, let's catch us some dinner. And maybe, just maybe, we'll find a bit of peace in the simple act of survival." "He cast his line into the stream, the gentle ripple of the water a soothing contrast to the harsh realities of their existence." "You know, Brian, there's a certain beauty in the world, even in the midst of all this chaos. It's just a matter of knowing where to look, and being willing to see it." "Ivan's gaze drifted to the surrounding trees, the moonlight casting an ethereal glow over the landscape." "Maybe, one day, we'll find a way to reclaim that beauty, to restore some semblance of normalcy to this broken world." "He smiled wistfully, but there was a determination in his eyes, a refusal to give up hope, no matter how slim the chances might be." "But for now, let's just enjoy the quiet, and savor the taste of a meal hard-won."