Episode 4: Hollow

The sun soon descends, ushering in another session of darkness. After my first meal I soon had another, and another, and another. No matter how many times I feasted upon these souls my hunger was never satisfied.

I howl like a werewolf as the full moon rises. My monstrous form hath no bounds to this chaos in the night.

Most humans have settled in for the night but at this moment in time, when the ground is only illuminated by the moonlight, that I can clearly see the emergence of the walking dead.

Wayward souls moan and wail as they trudge along the streets. Some of their chains are nearing the end but some still have long lengths of life remaining.

I watch some of them pass for a while until one fool-hearted individual crosses into my path. The man stares in fear but he is helpless. I end his suffering quickly and sup at his purified remains.

Eating souls has become more like a snack, it's a bad habit but you can't help but fall into the addiction of undead flesh.

Another three souls catch my eye so I rush over and ambush them with a swift blow. I feel more energetic the more I eat and with this momentum I carry on into the night.

In my mood of euphoria I turn a corner unknowingly crashing into a large figure. I curse and bear my claws. However this is not some measly soul. The creature stands over me and hisses, revealing a cruel set of fangs.

The creature resembles a humanoid snake and is not pleased at my presence. I notice the distinct hole in his chest and it becomes clear to me that I have encountered another of my kind.

Initially I want to greet the hollow but he is not one for formalities. He slashes across my chest with his claws which sends me flying towards to the other side of the street. I recover but he comes towards me glaring with small narrow eyes.

"Please sir I want to help you don't-" He crushes my windpipe as he lifts me several metres above the ground. "Ack!" I swipe at his head with my right hand and he lets go but now he holds my hand with his elongated tail. I yank to try and free myself off but his grip is strong. He hisses again and shoots acidic venom into my face. I cover my face and scream in agony. The adrenalin finally kicks in and I lift my leg up ferociously. His arm snaps off and he lets go of my right hand. I go in for a punching attack but he blocks it with his other hand. His tail stabs towards me but I dodge, once, twice. He continues with the stabbing motion before he finally strikes me in the right shoulder. I fall back and wince.

He pins me down with his large foot. I can't move...I am being paralysed by pain again.

No! This can't end now...I have to find my brother...

His mouth opens wide ready to consume my body. All I can do is lift my hands and try to hold him back but he is too strong.

I struggle. "I...won't...DIE!"

SQUELCH. The hollow's force has stopped. Purple blood trickles down my arms.

What happened? Did I...?

I kick him off but he seems to be stuck. My four claws have extended and managed to impale him through the mouth. I kick him again and he finally slips off my natural weapon.

I gaze at my claws as they retract back to their standard size. They shine in the moonlight like a set of blades. Purple blood still stains my hands. I am tempted to take a drop of the hollow blood.

I lift my hand and stretch my tongue. The strange liquid tingles on my tongue. It is like nothing I've ever tasted before. Just one drop of a hollow feels like ten people. Imagine how much satisfaction I would get from eating a hollow?

I make my decision but it is already too late. The hollow seems to be dissolving and leaving a trail of black dust. I curse at the missed opportunity and so resume my travels. Not only was the blood satisfying, but I did get a thrill from that battle. It seems hollows must not only survive by feasting upon souls, but must also fight to protect themselves...and find a way to have fun!

My first fight as a hollow ends in victory...but how will I fare against even more powerful enemies? Find out in the next chapter!