[b]DAY 1: GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT, DON'T LET THE DEAD BITE[/b]

He could hear them scratching the door. The sound their nails made to the iron door was spine-chilling, causing his heart to beat faster than it should. He was anxious, very anxious, but he tried to remain calm. The dead couldn't possibly get through this reinforced door, right? Judging by the sound, the door should hold and keep him safe for the night. But being aware of the fact that the only thing separating him from being torn to shreds was this piece of metal… The thought was frightening. He needed sleep, but the sound of constant scratching was keeping him awake, for he had seen what those nails were capable of doing.

When this madness had begun, he had had a friend with him, somebody he could rely on. But in this new world with new set of rules, you needed luck to survive, and unfortunately, his friend had been very unlucky person. The situation had been like a trap, forged by the fate as a cruel joke. They had got surrounded by a large herd of zombies, and the only way out of that situation was to flee from the scene, as they didn't have enough ammo to deal with them all. They had been almost sure that they could make it, but even a slightest mistake can turn out to be fatal. His friend had tripped and all the zombies had flocked around him and began to shred him to pieces. There was nothing he could do; the number of the hungry dead was just too many. The screams of agony still haunted his mind, and so did the visions of how his friend was brutally mutilated, piece by piece. 

He was so afraid that the same thing would happen to him. Sometimes he stared at the barrel of his gun and quite often, it looked like a friend. Death terrified him, but would it be easier and less agonizing to just give up your life than carry on in this new hell? Why was he trying so hard to survive anyway? All of his loved ones were gone, snatched away by the dead, one by one. The only thing that he had left was just the pure desire to survive. Maybe he could find other survivors and ally with them. Alone he was so meaningless.

He was not a brave man, had never been. But the circumstances had forced him to become one. And yet, here he was, trembling with fear. The dead outside wanted his flesh and blood. They knew that a perfect meal was waiting for them inside. They kept scratching and moaning and it was making him insane. It was incredibly hard to try ignoring them and getting some sleep. He was laying inside his sleeping bag, shivering a little bit from cold. This night was probably the coldest and darkest since the madness begun. Maybe that was the reason why the dead were so restless. Eventually, however, he managed to drift to light sleep. But even in his dreams, he could hear the scratching.

It was almost dawn when he suddenly woke up. He wasn't sure at first what had caused his awakening, and lifted his body to sit. Then he heard it: a loud thump. He couldn't hear scratching anymore, but the sound of them was now replaced with rhythmic thuds. Something was trying to get in and it sounded big. He instantly got onto his feet and grabbed his weapon, his heart racing fast as he pointed the barrel of his gun at the door. He wasn't ready to face whatever horror was attempting to get inside his small temporary haven, but he had no choice. He prayed in his mind that the creature would leave him alone.

But of course, he wasn't that fortunate. It seemed like that tonight it was his turn to run out of luck. The banging on the door got louder, more demanding. The metal was wailing, bending, breaking by the power of relentless strikes. In the end, the door couldn't take it anymore and gave up.

It blew up with a bang, the hinges breaking completely. He could see a horrendous large form of a creature at the entrance. Because of the lack of light, he couldn't really distinguish exactly what kind of monster was in front of him. It was bulky, and confusing to look at. It had extra arms and legs sticking out of its huge body, and was covered in disgusting blisters. He couldn't really tell where this abomination's head was, but he did see a pair of black eyes staring at him. It didn't really move, it just stood there and kept looking at him.

But it had friends. Zombies began to make their way inside now that they had access to the piece of meat they had yearned for the entire night. In panic, he started to shoot them, but the ones he took down were soon replaced by others. It didn't take long for him to get low on ammunition. He could feel the death approaching, there was no way he could survive. In his frightened state he had accidentally used up all his bullets and hadn't realized to leave one for himself in case he had no other choice. He pulled the trigger few more times in desperation, but his fate had been sealed. He would die in a horrific way.

He tried to look around the room if there were any objects he could use as a weapon, but there wasn't any. He backed to the furthest corner of the room, getting surrounded by the dead. He cried helpless tears in front of his demise.

Then they attacked. The zombies grabbed him, sinking their teeth in his flesh, scratching his face. They were eating him alive, ripping his limbs off his body, gnawing his chewy meat. Blood was splattering everywhere as he was getting torn to pieces. His screams echoed in the night, but only the dead could hear him.

The large creature that had broken the door just silently watched the gory play in front of it. Its black eyes observed how the poor human got shredded until he finally was released from the suffering, his screams fading as his spirit left his body. Then the creature turned around to leave the scene, leaving behind a mob of zombies that were savoring the man's flesh with satisfaction.



[b]DAY 2: MY LIPS ARE SEWN SHUT, I WATCH MYSELF BLEED[/b]

Terrors during the day, terrors during the night. Just how long can one retain their sanity? It was a question Floyd often made in his head. That's how his days usually went. But today, strangely, was a good and peaceful day, for his mind wasn't playing tricks with him. He felt calm and relaxed, although there was some light sleepiness mixed to them as well. He was sitting on his couch in his apartment, looking out of the window in a rather melancholic way. It was very much grey and cold day and it was raining quite heavily. As he watched the raindrops dance on his window, he thought to himself that luckily, he could just stay home, he didn't have any affairs to attend to and there was no need to go shopping or anything of that sort. He could enjoy some time with himself, just watching the rain soak the world. It had a calming effect on him, as long as he didn't have to actually go outside. He had turned his TV on, but still, he would occasionally look out of the window.

Inevitably the day would turn to dusk. The weeping sky was devoured by darkness and the rain faded away quietly. Floyd was still sitting on his couch, wrapped in blanket, sipping hot tea from a mug. He still felt rather content, but with the nighttime coming, the shadows would grow darker and stronger. He had his lights on, but he could see and hear them skittering and slithering around, trying to strike fear into his heart. He was getting a little nervous, but he was used to their presence and ignored them as well as he could. He remained in his living room watching TV and decided to stay on the couch for that night. He could keep his TV on and feel less lonely since he had no human friends in his sad little life. He made a cocoon out of his blanket and lied down, closing his eyes and was soon asleep.

But of course, even though he had had a good day, he would get tormented in his dreams.

Just where was he? Floyd felt like he was floating in a void, in a place that seemed as vast as the universe but at the same time small like a prison. But he didn't pay much attention to that, there was something else he was focusing on. In his hand he had a rusty needle and thick thread. Through the needle's eye the thread went and then he took the sharp object close to his face. His hand was guided by some other entity than himself and he pierced his lower lip with the needle, then doing the same with his upper lip. He was bleeding little from those holes, but he kept going. Time and time again he would pierce his flesh, the thread trapping his lips together, he was sewing his mouth shut. But for what purpose, he couldn't tell.

When he was done with this deed, the needle and the thread disappeared. His surroundings turned crimson and Floyd could feel his body descending somewhere. Eventually his feet touched a red solid ground and he looked around him. Rings of fire were surrounding the place like a fence and he could see some strange red masses everywhere around him. It took him a while to register that these seething masses were conjoined bodies, wailing and moaning in misery. This place was like some twisted stage for a play and Floyd didn't really want to have a part in it.

He could feel a sting around his stomach and lowered his gaze to see what was causing it. Blood was gushing from his abdomen, spluttering everywhere. But he just let the blood flow, he knew that it should be allowed to happen. He was in pain, but oddly, there was not even a single drop of dread in his heart. If anything, the bleeding made him feel stronger, which didn't really make much sense. Even less sense made how the blood suddenly changed its direction and began to stream upwards his body, gathering to his left arm and hand. His limb now completely covered in his own blood; he raised it to inspect it for a second. Then he violently made a motion forward and released a bloody shockwave that instantly flew through the area. It landed on the masses of bodies and terrible screams could be heard as they painfully died. But Floyd himself remained stoic. He was the lord of this land.

That was when he woke up.

Floyd opened his eyes suddenly, blinking a few times. He was back to his living room again. The odd dream was over. It had left him with an uneasy feeling that bothered him quite a lot. But he tried to brush it off that it had been just a bad dream. He searched for his phone to see what the clock was. Five in the morning. He could still sleep a little. Yawning, he laid down again, closing his eyes. He hoped that he wouldn't see that dream again.



[b]DAY 3: WATCH ME DIE, DURING A SADISTIC LULLABYE[/b]

Another era of cruelty was coming to an end. The world had been enveloped in darkness and desolation for far too long, people were completely fed up by it at this point. All the misery that had happened was because of the acts of a tyrant. When the leader of the nation kindled only hatred in the hearts of the people, it was time to throw him off his throne. The folks of the land of the damned demanded justice, marching through the streets of rot and sickness, holding torches that were burning together with their abhorrence. With their hearts united, they made their way to the dark castle, the symbol of misery in this land.

Their brothers were already waiting for them in the courtyard. Paved with black stones all around, being just as dark as the heart of the tyrant who had ruled this land, the courtyard gave an impression that it was cursed. Nothing could thrive in this place, even the trees just stood there all dead and withered, reaching to the sky as if pleading to be freed from their eternal anguish. But even if you are deceased, that doesn't mean you're released from torment. Everything can become worse. However, there's also a slim chance that things can turn out to be better.

Just like today. As the townsfolk began to gather to the courtyard, several people that had served in the castle were already there. Solemnly they were standing in a fine line and in the middle of them was the tyrant, hands tied and stripped from all of his power but he was still wearing a wide grin, watching arrogantly how the crowd got bigger. They all wanted to see him dead and he knew it, but still, he remained proud of himself. That was one thing they could never take away from him.

As all the people were present, they all had their eyes in the tyrant, hatred blazing in them, and they began to chant ominously. Actual words were not shared in that moment, but everyone knew what was going to happen. It was time to punish the cruel-hearted man who had turned the land so dark and barren. A couple of former servants began to escort the tyrant towards a mighty statue that stood in the courtyard. It was a dragon, made from black stone, it had spread its wings and looked like it was going to take off at any moment. It was rumored that it had originally helped to build the castle and that its spirit was still within the walls, but obviously, those were just rumors, nothing more. Nonetheless, today it would witness how the justice would get served.

Former warder had brought thick shackles with him. Together him and the servants shackled the tyrant to the statue, raising his arms in such high point that he was almost hanging from them. Then they retreated and blended in with the crowd, for now it was the time for punishment.

Children started to sing a sinister song that came from their hope-deprived hearts.

The people began to throw stones at him, each one of them tainted with hate. Imperfections started to surface to the tyrant's skin in a form of bruises and bleeding, but that wasn't enough for the crowd that were thirsting for blood. Some people had brought bows with them and were now using the tyrant as their target. Arrows were piercing his flesh, sinking into him. Knives were also flying through the air, their blades cutting him. Some were even throwing rotten vegetables at him, not to hurt but to humiliate him. But no matter what the townsfolk were tossing at him, he kept wearing his wide grin, they couldn't wipe it away from his face.

Then came the angriest ones with their pitchforks. The other people stopped throwing objects at the tyrant for a moment and followed with their gaze how a couple of individuals got closer to the broken man. And when they were close enough, they began to stab him with their tools. Driven by their rage, they kept piercing his body, time and time again, showing no mercy. It was ultimately their actions that was the last straw, costing the hated man his life. 

But even so, at the death's door, he was still grinning, regretting nothing. He was looking at the crowd who had gathered there to witness his demise, but all he saw were weaklings and cowards. They had spilled his blood, torn his flesh, causing him horrendous agony, but he refused to scream in pain – he actually was encouraging them to do their worst.

Fine, they could have their miserable little world. He smiled one last time, his head flopped down and he closed his eyes, the wicked lullaby of the children carrying his soul to the netherworld.



[b]DAY 4: I'M SORRY I KNOW I SHOULDN'T LAUGH BUT I HAVE WAITED SO LONG FOR THIS MOMENT[/b]

Tortured by bad dreams, eh? Your body is twitching as if being under an influence of some greater force than what you are capable of handling. Perhaps your sins have finally caught up with your lying and selfish heart. I'm circling around you as you lay on the ground, still in unconscious state. I'm humming the song that we had together made so many years ago, when things had been great. I admit that I'm still cherishing some of the memories of our previous life, but it doesn't really change how I feel about you now. I could never forgive you; you caused too much pain.

A soothing darkness surrounds us and I look around, spotting small glinting lights in the distance. I know them rather well, for they are shreds of souls that you had torn apart. They are here for you and waiting for the moment of your awakening. We are here in a small white area, sort of like on a stage under a white spotlight. We are being watched, but of course, you are completely unaware of what's happening. I stop pacing around and I stare at your figure and how your inner struggle shows outside of your corrupted mind. You're not having pleasant time, that is clear, and I couldn't help but smile a little.

Then you wake up. Your eyes are completely wide, you're like a feeble prey that's facing the maw of a predator. You look around, seeing only darkness, until your eyes land on me. You seem confused for a moment, but then your gaze freezes up and there's nothing but coldness in your eyes. Well, that was to be expected.

“You know, sins have to get atoned”, I say as I start to walk around you once again. “It's time for you to face what you have done. Not only for me, but to others as well.”

You don't utter a single word, but there's a smug expression on your face. Oh, how I hate that expression. I spread my arms like wings, and just like I intended, your eyes are on me. I can hear a faint tinkling sound and I know what that means. The pieces of souls that had got torn apart are ready. Glinting in the darkness, they are aware that it's time for vengeance. Your expression starts to change as you began to understand what is going on and you're not looking so smug anymore. There's worry and anger in your eyes as you are facing your judgement.

I feel like I'm the ringleader here. My arms spread, I start to walk slowly around our little place and whenever I pass by a glinting piece, they would gain strength to soar, aimed right at your heart. They would hurl through the air and strike you. Your chest is vulnerable for them and like bullets, they pierce your skin. I admit, I'm a little surprised to see that your blood is red, I thought it would possibly be black. You are on your knees on the ground, gasping for breath as the bullets keep penetrating your chest and bit by bit, a pool of your own blood starts to form under you.

And I am so delighted to see this happen. It brings me such great joy to see you in pain, and I start to laugh. I haven't laughed for a long time, but now I have to. I know it's cruel to do that in front of someone who is so helpless at that moment, but I have waited so long to witness this. You have hurt too many people, it's only fair for you to be hurt too.

My hand gets drawn to my chest. From the bottom of my heart, another glinting piece appears. I grasp it and look at it for a brief moment. I am the last bullet. I let it go and it darts at your heart, doing the deepest wound you have got. You are coughing, spitting blood everywhere. And then, you're just kneeling there with glazed eyes. We have damaged your soul like you damaged ours. That's your punishment.

I start to make my leave from the scene. I turn my back at you with a light heart, hoping that I'll never see you again. I blend in with the darkness, my course set to the unknown. Even without looking back I know that you're left behind in this dark place, abandoned and all alone.

There's no one who would ever miss you.



[b]DAY 5: SOMEBODY'S DYING, SO COME SAY GOODBYE, KIDS[/b]

You guys probably thought that you would be safe in the woods, in the middle of nothing. Sheltered by the ancient trees, free from the problems of society. You may assume that your escape was success, but I wouldn't be so sure about it. Such a happy life you have had in here in this small world of yours, but that's going to change. You can't get away from me that easily, oh no. You are my prey and I will never stop chasing you, even if it takes the rest of my life to catch you. This is the way of the bounty hunter and I will swear on my honor that I will see the light die out from your eyes.

What a cozy little community you have established here, I'll give you that. From the shadows of the woods, I observe the ordinary day of your tiny village. Such happy children you have, too bad that it's going to change once I'm done with you. I move swiftly from one spot to another, making sure that I'm out of sight, and I'm slowly getting closer to your house. After all, I'm only interested in you, the other villagers can have their boring and mundane lives. They are out chatting cheerfully, but I'm sure that their topics will soon be about something else.

My heart is racing with excitement as I sneak around your house and make sure that no one has noticed me. I'm just a shade, you may see me for a second, but then I'm gone, leaving you wondering did you really see anything at all. I look around for a bit and take out my special knife. I strike it against the wall and a purple dot appears at the point where the blade struck. I move the knife downwards and it runs smoothly through the wall, and the purple matter starts to spread, making a clean slice to where the blade had run down. Through this cut I can move beyond the wall, it's a nice little trick. I stick my hand through my purple doorway, the rest of my body soon following.

I'm inside your home now. It's a neat little place, it's surprisingly tidy considering that you have a pack of kids. But I'm not sightseeing here, so I start my mission to seek you out. And I'm so tensed up, I can barely contain my eagerness. I feel the thrill of the hunt as I sneak from room to room looking for you.

It doesn't take me long to find you. A creak from the floorboard exposed me, but it doesn't matter. You turn around, stopping what you were doing – you were making a wood sculpture. As you realize that you are facing me, you drop your tools to the floor and your eyes widen with horror. You take few steps back, but you know that there's no escape, not anymore.

“No, please! Don't!” you plead.

My only response is a smile on my face. With a swift motion, I take out another special knife of mine, but this one has poison in its blade. I'm slowly getting close to you, savoring every little bit of your terror. But I have already wasted enough time toying with you, so I make a quick dash towards you and sink my blade through your ribs. I assault with such heavy force that you get flung against the wall. I have a hold of your shoulder as I stab you repeatedly, the knife impaling you over and over again. You still have strength to fight, but eventually you start to succumb to the poison and blood loss. Holding my bloody knife, I let you to fall on your knees and then you tumble down further, now laying on the floor gasping for breath. And I look at your agony, still smiling widely.

I could hear footsteps coming closer. Multiple footsteps. But I'm not worried.

“Daddy, daddy, guess what!”

Three children arrived to the room eagerly, but they completely stopped when they saw you on the ground bleeding. They were petrified, not able to act at all, they could only stare at the bloody scene in front of them.

“Good, good, good!” I say to the children, smiling. “Come say goodbye!”

I start to make my leave for I have fulfilled my mission. Calmly I walk past your offspring that now decided to surround you, watching you to die, being completely helpless. I glance back at the children for a second, chuckle a bit to myself and exit the room.

Ah, it feels good to get the job done.