A/N: I planned on writing a sequel for As One Life Ends, Another Begins, and while I was thinking of ideas, this popped into my head. It's kind of an alternate ending to my story, a different way it could've gone. A darker, not-so-happy way. Hope you like!

The Darkness Within Us All

Prologue

His fingers burned with intent, longing to take action. The need coursed through his veins, poisoning his blood, seeping into his muscles so control was lax and desire was venomous, fighting against its restraints. It screamed inside his head, roaring to be let free so havoc could be wrecked and blood could be shed. He was losing the fight. Truth is, he wasn't really trying, for fighting required effort and conviction, both of which he was lacking. He'd never been fighting, and he wasn't about to start now, even when it was most desperate for him to do so. He didn't care anymore, for he had nothing to live for. Come what may for his actions, because nothing else mattered to him other than this moment, this opportunity that he's been hoping for. The voice is whispering at him in his mind, that relentless darker shadow of himself that refuses to let him be. It's taunting him, daring him to do it, mocking his indecision and weakness.

"This is what you wish for."

"This is your chance."

"Do it."

"What's wrong? Are you afraid?"

He had tried to block it out at first, but it made so much sense. The voice spoke with such reason, such reassurance, so how could it be wrong?

"Do this, and everything will be right again."

How could he refuse himself?

"Do it. For her."

And that's what this was all about. Her. Everything had always been, and always will be, about her. All of this could have been prevented, she could have been saved, if only she'd seen that you truly must be cruel to be kind. He'd been waiting so long for retribution, and with this, he'd be paid in full.

Knife gleaming in his hand, he stares at his reflection in the threatening blade. A stranger stared back with eyes full of darkness, such haunted orbs he would've been afraid, but he knew that somehow, it was him. He knew who he was now, knew who he used to be, and he knew all too well how he'd got there.

It wasn't his fault, not really. He'd tried to be a good person, but life just kept throwing it back at him, laughing at his pitiful efforts, so what was the point? Something that was supposed to be so good, so pure, so innocent, turned out to be cruel and vicious, turned out to be able to take everything away from him in favour of himself.

So it wasn't his fault, he thought to himself as he raised the knife in the air, not really. He hadn't meant to turn out this way, didn't want to. But evil lies within us all, and life just brings it out of people with the twisted games it plays. He was just the puppet to the voice in his head.

"Come on, what are you waiting for?"

"Do it, before they come back and it's too late. You might not get another chance so soon."

Okay, he thinks, this is for the best. When I've done this, everything will be right again. Balance will be restored.

One life for another.

So as he brings the blade down, whistling through the air towards its helpless, unsuspecting victim, he thinks this isn't his fault. Not really.

Okay, so it's a bit vague, I know, but there'll be more soon! As always, your feedback is much appreciated.