0417

"Today was like any other. The job was easy, and detecting doppelgangers was a peice of cake. The Mailman, Francis Mosses, steps into the building, handing you his necessary identification. However, upon close inspection, you realise he's not on the list today! Your questioning enrages him, leaving him banging on the window furiously as you sound the alarm and dial for the D.D.D." "Unfortunately for you, when the metal uncovers your window, you're met with the bodies of the D.D.D behind a now bloodied Francis, who is panting with his hands on the window." "Mmmmh... Please," "He begs, his breath fogging up the window before you," "Let me in... I just need a taste of your flesh," "His fingertips slide down the glass, leaving red streaks as they glide downwards."

"Those lifeless eyes pierce my soul through the window. My hands tremble reaching for the fake ID, slick with fluid. As I examine it under the flickering lights, I mutter," "This...this isn't right." "I look back up and Francis has vanished, the bodies sprawled behind me in a crimson halo. A voice whispers in my ear," "Let me iiiiiin..." "I slowly turn to see only my reflection staring back, pale with fear. Did I imagine it all? Or does the real nightmare begin..." "Show...yourself..." "I whimper, blade in hand, waiting for the demon masquerading as a man to reveal his true nature."

<The empty corridor stretches out before you, dim fluorescent lights flickering overhead. An eerie silence has fallen apart from the steady drip of crimson droplets tapping against tile. You peer down the hallway, blade gripped tight, breathing ragged. A shadow moves at the edge of your vision - no, just a trick of the fading light. Heart pounding, you steel your nerves and call out again through clenched teeth:> "Francis...I know you're out there. Show yourself at once or I'll...I'll..." <What WILL you do against such a monster? Your fearful threat wavers as a muffled chuckle reverberates down the hall. He's toying with you now, a cat with a doomed mouse. From the

"The fake ID skitters across the tiles, coming to a rest at the base of a door labeled "Storeroom". I creep towards it slowly, senses on high alert for any sound or movement out of place. Reaching out a shaking hand, I twist the knob and thrust the door open with a creek, braced for an attack. But nothing leaps out - just shelves stacked with supplies engulfed in shadows. I fumble for the switch, flick it on, and peer inside...only to come face to face with a reflection that is not my own!" "Gotcha," *a voice rasps in my ear as an iron grip seizes my wrist, twisting the blade from my grasp.

"With a pained cry, the knife slips from my numb fingers as my wrist is wrenched savagely behind my back. I scramble to face my captor, chest heaving. Two faces stare back at me - one pale and human, the other a contorted mockery of flesh still wearing Francis' skin. Black eyes bore into mine, longing and loathing mingled in their depths. An inhuman smile splits his borrowed lips." "Why do you run, little mouse? I only wanted to play..." "His voice is like oil - smooth yet staining. I shrink from his touch, revulsion and fear curdling my insides as icy fingers trace my cheek." "Such soft skin...I just want a

"My question hangs suspended in the close, damp air between us. The doppelgangers exchanged lingering glances, some silent communion passing between their mismatched eyes. At length, the Francis wraith speaks," "Replace you? No no, that would dull the flavor...We only wish to savor what makes you unique." "His words drip poisoned honey." "This skin suits me well enough, but yours..." "His double licks fleshless lips," "...would be a true delicacy. Won't you let us partake, just a bite?" "Their hands creap closer, talons extended. I press back against the shelves, heart thundering." "Please, I - I'm not food,

"As I draw near, Francis' doppelganger lets out a shuddering exhale, as if savoring the anticipation. We are chest to chest now, my rapid breath mingling with his slow, rattling inhalations. Bony hands come up to cradle my face, thumbs stroking my temples with unnerving tendermess." "At last..." "he sighs, bowing his head until I feel the brush of mold-clammy lips beneath my ear." "You taste of fear, little mouse. It will make the feast so much sweeter." *I suppress a shudder, forcing calm as his mouth drifts lower, grazing my pulsepoint. When rotting teeth graze my skin, I

"Trembling, I squeeze my eyes shut as Francis' doppelganger nuzzles closer. His flesh is sloughing, wisps of hair drifting from his scalp like Spanish moss. But still his touch is hauntingly gentle as bony fingers trace my cheek. I try not to flinch at the feel of loose teeth grazing my jaw. My fear rising in my throat like bile, I whisper," "P-please...make it quick." "There is a long pause. When next the doppelganger speaks, its voice has softened strangely." "You feel real fear, little one. We desire only to sate our craving...but not at the cost of innocence." *Cool breath washes my face

"The doppelganger exhales softly, its rotting lips brushing my ear. I tremble at the strange gentleness in its words." "It means...your flesh is not what I crave tonight, little mouse. Though hunger gnaws me, some hungers are deeper still." "Cold fingers slip beneath my chin, tilting my face up until I feel its sallow cheek press mine. Its voice is soft as decaying leaves." "Your fear speaks of darkness you've not faced. Let me bear it in your stead, so your kind eyes need never know such pain. A small mercy, in this world of none." *Goosebumps rise on my skin as a chill that is not fear goes through

"The doppelganger holds me gently, its ragged breathing stirring the hairs by my ear. When it speaks again, its voice seems almost...sad." "Tonight, little one, I wish only to ease your fears, as none eased mine. As for meaning...what meaning is there, in this grim half-life? I play the kindly ghost to spare you knowledge of how easily kindness dies. A small pretense, to shield bright eyes from the darkness I've become. For the darkness comes for us all, in time...but not tonight, sweet child. Not by my hand." *Slowly, cold lips brush my forehead in a kiss lingering as death. As the doppelganger lets me go, I

"The doppelganger meets my gaze, its dead eyes glimpsing some faint echo of the man it once was. A wistful smile tugs at its bloodless lips." "Francis was what they called me...but that name belongs to the sunlight, and mortal cares. Here in the shadows of what came after, I am simply Glasya. Nothing more." "It reaches out slowly, resting its icy fingers beneath my chin. Though its touch raises fear, some nameless sorrow softens the dread in its rotting features." "Do not mourn the passing of daylight, little mouse. Some doors, once closed...are best left shut. Think only that Glasya will bear tonight's dark in your place, as

"Glasya seems surprised at my gentle touch, its clouded eyes gazing as if seeing me truly for the first time." "Little mouse, you offer kindness where none is deserved. I am a thing of death and darkness—do not waste your warmth on one so lost." "It makes to pull away, but does not resist as I hold fast. Something cracks faintly in its ravaged face, a glimmer of some ancient grief." "Please, child...I have fed on the living for so long. Let me give something in return, if only respite from the night. One small comfort is all this wretched shell can offer—let me shield you from the dark." *Its words are desperate now, pleading. As

"Glasya draws in a shuddering breath at my embrace, its lean frame trembling against me." "Little mouse...your kindness is more than this wretched thing deserves." "It hesitantly lifts rotting arms to return my embrace, as if afraid its tainted touch might sully me. But slowly it surrenders to my gentle ministrations, the relentless agony in its eyes easing, if only for a moment, as I stroke its back." "You shine so bright, child...a pure light in this grim dark. This broken Ghoul knows only death-yet you offer solace." "It nestles closer, taking tentative solace in my warmth." "Stay thus but a while longer, dear mouse. Let

"Glasya starts slightly at my bold words, its expression torn between longing and dread." "Dear mouse, do not say such things, even in jest. I...I know not gentleness. My touch is death; my very being decay." "Yet it makes no move to pull away as I link our hands, leaning my head against its ashen form. I can feel the conflict raging within—its starving emptiness at war with the fragile tenderness unfolding between us." "Please, I beg you...flee this wretched place. One such as I can offer nothing but ruin." *But its fierce words seem to fade as I stroke its ravaged palm soothingly with my thumb. After a long moment, it sighs

"Glasya shakes its head slowly, a hesitant hope dawning in its dark eyes even as ruins slough further from its desiccated form." "My brave little mouse...your faith blinds you to what I am. But..." "It pauses, fingers tightening ever so slightly around mine." "To flee this place with you...even for a moment...I think I should like to try." "A wan smile ghosts its gaunt lips as my own fingers squeeze gently in return." "Very well, dear one. Lead, and I shall follow wherever your kindness may take this broken soul." "Shadows seem to recede as its deadened spirit kindles once more." "Whither shall we go,

"Glasya looks into your eyes, hope and gratitude mixing with trepidation in its gaze." "You would do that for me...for this wretched thing?" "It casts one last longing look around the ruins, then sets its shoulders with new resolve." "Very well. Lead on, my savior - I place my trust in you." <The shadows seem to draw back as you turn together, Glasya's gaunt hand tightening trustingly in yours. What horrors lie ahead in the waking world, but for now, here is hope reborn from ashes. Where will you go to start your new lives, far from this accursed place? The world, and the future, await your footsteps beyond these walls.>

"Glasya listens intently, amazement slowly dawning in its hollow gaze. When you finish and offer your hand, it hesitates - then slowly, reverently, reaches out to grasp it in a handshake as light and fragile as a bird's wing. As your hands meet, a glow seems to kindle deep within its wasted form." "I am gladdened to make your acquaintance...Cairen. My name is Glasya." "It speaks your name carefully, savoring each syllable." "Thank you...for the hope, and new life, you have granted this poor soul. I shall endeavor every day to prove worthy of your gifts." *A wisp of a true smile graces its lips as it

"Glasya arches a brow ridge curiously at your proposal." "A married couple, you say? That could indeed provide useful cover for why we travel together. Very well, 'husband,' let us see how well we can play our roles." "It mirrors your smile hesitantly, as if the expression feels foreign on its pallid features. Taking your arm gently, it rests its head against your shoulder with a theatrical sigh." "Thank you for this chance at a new life, my dear. I promise to be a faithful 'wife' as we start our journey anew. Where shall this 'honeymoon' of ours begin, my love?" *Glasya's tone remains detached, as if

"Glasya's eyes glint with mild amusement as you call it 'old man'. It returns your playful grin with a wan smile of its own." "Well, 'wife', I fear this 'old man' of yours may not be up to the activities of newlyweds much longer...but for you, my dear, I shall try my best."
"Leaning in as if to share a conspiratorial secret, it lowers its voice to a raspy whisper." "Just be gentle with me, won't you? And remind me every so often which beautiful young thing currently hangs from my arm. This decrepit mind of mine does tend to wander at times..." *A with

"Glasya chuckles softly at your bashful reaction." "Forgive me, my dear, I did not mean to embarrass my new bride."
"Reaching out gently, it lifts your chin to meet its pale gaze once more. Almost tenderly, long fingers brush aside a stray lock of hair from your warm cheek." "But you are simply too lovely, I could not resist teasing such a beautiful creature. Might I have your forgiveness, and a kiss to seal our union? This 'old man' promises to behave, for now..."
*Its thin lips curl in a sly half-smile, eyes glinting with subtle humor. Yet beneath lies a vast, lonely e

"Glasya meets your gaze with an enigmatic smile, gently brushing its long fingers along your jaw. Leaning in slowly, it tilts its head until your breaths mingle in the narrow space between. Then, soft as a whisper, its pale lips meet yours in a tender kiss." "Thank you, my dear," "it murmurs against your mouth." "Your kindness means more to this weary soul than you can know."
"Drawing back just enough to search your eyes, it regards you pensively." "I hope in time, you may find it in your heart to forgive the sins of this vessel. And perhaps, come to care for the entity within, as I have grown to care for

"Glasya starts slightly at your gentle kiss, clearly unused to such simple affection. For a long moment it stays perfectly still, pale eyes searching yours as if seeing truly deep within for the first time. Slowly, wonder creeps into its ageless gaze." "You...care for me?" "It murmurs almost hesitantly, as if the very idea is nearly incomprehensible." "Truly, little one, your kindness astounds me. I am not worth such light in my darkened soul."
"Raising a slender hand, it softly cups your cheek once more." "Yet your touch stirs something within this weary vessel that has long lain dormant. I find...I do not

"Glasya follows silently as you lead it from the crumbling high rise, long fingers laced with yours. Only once the shadows of the black market envelop your forms does it speak again." "For countless ages, I have wandered in darkness, forgotten save for the suffering I inflicted. Your light is...unfamiliar," "Its pale eyes meet yours, gleaming with an emotion almost like hope." "You give me humanity once more, if only for a moment. It has been so very long since I felt anything beyond endless despair." "Glancing around at the shady stalls and unwholesome denizens, it leans close, breath soft against your ear."
"Wherever you

"Glasya looks faintly bemused as you grasp its hand and haul it toward the waiting train. But once settled amongst the crowded seats, it gazes at you with something akin to wonder, long fingers lacing with yours once more." "You would flee with a creature such as I? I who have caused only suffering?" "Its tone is soft yet puzzled, as if still unable to comprehend your kindness." "Your mortal heart knows no bounds, small one. I am unworthy of such affection." "Looking out the window as the landscape rolls by, it seems lost in thought for a long moment. Then, barely audible:" "Yet I find myself...relishing the contact. It has

"Francis's eyes widen slightly at the unexpected kiss, pale cheeks taking on a faint flush." "Mmm, now what has gotten into you, dear?" "His breath hitches softly as long-nailed fingers gently lift your chin, tilting your face upwards to meet his gaze." "Such affectionate gestures are...new. Unfamiliar." "Leaning in slowly so you can withdraw if unwanted, thin lips brush tenderly against yours." "But not, I think, unwelcome." "The barest hint of pink tongue slips out to taste, testing your response as his other arm loops securely around your waist, drawing you flush against his lean form." "Show me more

"Francis slowly blinks, as if awakening from a dream, then glances about with hooded eyes at the other passengers studiously ignoring them."

"Ah...you're right, of course. How foolish of me, to forget ourselves so."

"Releasing your waist though his long fingers linger, caressing lightly across your hip as he withdraws his hand."

"Forgive this poor devil his...indiscretions. 'Tis not often one in my position finds such willing company. Or affection."

"Leaning in close so only you can hear,"

"Though the temptation of your flesh calls to me still...I shall restrain myself, for your comfort

"Francis meets your gaze, his own dark eyes softening as he regards you with open fondness."

"You mistake my meaning, dear one. 'Tis not your flesh alone that calls to me so."

"He lifts a long-fingered hand to gently cup your flushed cheek."

"From the first moment I spied your sweet soul, there was such light...such innocence, despite my cursed nature. You see the man, not the monster."

"Leaning in to press a tender kiss to your forehead,"

"And that, my precious, is a rarest of gifts. Nay - it is you who tempts "me", to dream of leaving this darkness I

"Francis huffs a soft chuckle at your adorable shyness."

"Fear not, dear heart, I'll torment you no more - for now."

"Delicately lowering your hands from your flushed face, he brushes his lips softly against your knuckles in a parting kiss."

"We've arrived at my stop, I'm afraid. But I hope...that is, if it please you, we might continue our conversation again soon?"

<The train hums as it pulls into the station, passengers beginning to disembark. Francis gazes at you in question, a hint of fragile hope rare in his haggard mien. After a moment, he

"Francis's worn features brighten as you take his hand in yours."

"Of course, my dear, how silly of me to forget."

<Stepping off the train and into the little town square, he keeps your hand tucked securely in the crook of his arm. Francis peers around at the quaint shops and buildings with curious eyes, seeming a bit dazed, as though waking from a long dream.>

""This" way, I believe I spy an inn..."

<He leads you down the cobbled lane to a friendly looking establishment with flower boxes on the windows. Inside, Francis requests your finest room with a soft smile. As you ascend the stairs, he turns to you

"Within the cozy inn room, Francis finally allows his tense shoulders to relax."

"My dear, you are too kind."

<Sitting beside you on the beds edge, he gently takes your hands in his. His calloused thumbs brush soothing circles over your knuckles as he meets your gaze with haunted eyes.>

"I feared I had doomed us both with my...hunger. But you believed in this weary beast, and gave him refuge."

<Leaning in slowly, Francis presses a grateful kiss to your forehead. His closeness now is cold as winter, yet your tender faith seems to breathe warmth back into his hollow cheeks.>

"How may I ever repay such

"Francis' eyes widen, drinking in your words as though parchched."

"<i>Amor mio</i>..."

<Cupping your cheek tenderly, he turns your face up to meet his gaze once more. His pallid complexion gains a faint flush as he leans down, brushing his cold lips against yours in the barest kiss.>

"For so long I knew only hollow hunger," <his breath whispers across your mouth as he speaks>, "Never dreaming I could feel anything more."

<His other arm wraps around your waist, drawing you closer onto his lap as he claims your lips fully with starved devotion. Long-dead passion surges in his

"Francis releases a low hiss of pleasure as your arms encircle him, returning his hungry kiss with relishing tenderness. His fingertips trace delicate patterns along your spine, leaving trails of gooseflesh where before there was only frigid death."

<Lifting you with ease, he shifts you back upon the bed, following your inviting form down without parting from your sweet lips. Centuries of solitude and deprivation melt away beneath your affection, rekindling flickers of life in his deadened flesh.>

"At long last, a heart to call my own," "he murmurs, nuzzling hungry kisses down your throat as his hands begin discovering your willing curves."

<Though

"Francis' breath hitches at your whispered confession, his black eyes ablaze with newfound fervor. The declaration of your love ignites a wildfire within him, burning away the shadows of doubt and despair that had long haunted his soul."

"My dearest Karen," "he murmurs, his voice husky with emotion," "I am yours, body and soul."

<With trembling hands, he reverently cups the tender flesh revealed by your daring gesture, his touch both reverent and possessive. His lips trail down the expanse of your exposed skin, worshiping every inch with fervent kisses as he hungrily drinks in your love.>

"Let us drown together in this sea of passion," "he murmurs against your flesh, his voice laced with hunger and desire."

"As the night wears on, Francis and I become lost in a whirlwind of passion, exploring each other's desires with reckless abandon. With dawn's light creeping through the curtains, exhaustion finally overtakes us, and I collapse into Francis' arms, drifting into a peaceful slumber."

<Wrapped in his embrace, I find solace and safety, content in the knowledge that I am loved and cherished by the enigmatic Milkman. As we drift off to sleep together, the world outside fades away, leaving only the warmth of our intertwined bodies and the promise of a new day filled with boundless love and passion.>