-Jack-

I could almost see Gabriel as I channeled him. The more we spoke through telepathy, the stronger the connection became. I was going to tell him how being back in my body and fully replenished again is a feeling I'd almost completely forgotten. The excitement was overwhelming me. He knew we were becoming more connected, and I could just barely taste how uneasy he was becoming about this. Quite closed off and defensive... For the first time in ages, he'd truly surprised me.

Just as he was saying something about me lying to him, which I couldn't believe, some kind of strange force severed our connection. I couldn't see it, nor could I feel it. There isn't any sort of disturbance in the air.

I've tried multiple times to reach Gabriel again, but to no avail. I don't understand what's happening!

These tunnels are becoming increasingly confusing; some lead to dead ends and I have to make my way back only to find the two fools I devoured earlier. This makes no sense at all.

Will I ever find the exit?!

I stop in the middle of one tunnel as I hear something to my left in an open area; it sounds like a few dragging footsteps, followed by a quiet wheeze.  

My eyes still half-lidded in annoyance, I look in that direction and see a somewhat short frail old man with long white hair glaring at me with large eyes. The unexpected sight causes me to step back a little bit.

"Hello?" he calls, of course in French.

I'm examining him and know for a fact, either something is playing tricks with my perception or he isn't human. His heartbeat is too faint and irregular, and he doesn't have a natural human scent. It's bordering the scent of sulfur. I do smell live human blood... strongly.

Is this the reason why I lost Gabriel? Could he be the culprit or is that too far-fetched? Is this truly another living person down here with me?

"Please, please... just take my life already!" he suddenly runs toward me.

I quickly step back again, shoving a hand out at him, "Stay back!"

He halts at my hand, quivering as if he'd been out in a blizzard. He's presenting himself as fearful and desperate. 

"No, I've been here so long! I know you're the beast that torments my mind! Every corner, every end of these tunnels I meet, I hear it in my thoughts; 'turn back the way you came; that's the way out!' It isn't though, because when I follow the voice, I keep coming back here to you! Please, the only way is death. My fate is sealed; I know you're the one to end my life!"

I slowly, slightly tilt my head at him. "Is that so? I have never seen you before."

"How could you not! It's always this!"

I look around us and then back to him, "I haven't any time for this. I have to go." I start to pass him and he stops me with; "No! No, don't do it! You'll only come back here and this will just continue to happen!"

I peer down at his hand gripping my arm as he stutters out, "It'll happen to you too. This place is a deceiver! If only it were possible to keep the voice out, then it wouldn't be so difficult to find the way out!"

I jerk away from him. "Old man, have you ever considered doing that?"

He puts his hands together while worriedly looking at the floor; "Of course... of course, I have. I did manage to keep it out for a little while and thought I'd come close to finally making it out of here. The voice came back just before I met a door made of wood and small skulls... It didn't want me to open that door. As soon as I touched the handle, my hand was burned and something screamed at me. I was chased and ran so much that I... I lost track of everything. I ended up here -- again." he looks up at me and sees my eyes glowing out of bloodlust. He seems to be on the verge of tears.

"A door made of wood and skulls... Intriguing." I avert my gaze in thought. "It's obvious that must be the exit. Or perhaps, close to it... Old man, I don't aim to kill you. I could, however, help you if you help me." A wide toothy smile gradually spreads across my face and I look down at him again. "How would that sound?"

His teeth begin to chatter as he fills with amazement. "How could you help?" And then he notices my fangs. "Your eyes were glowing and your teeth are- What are you?"

"I can assure you, that is nothing for you to worry about, my friend. And how could I help? I can help you by quieting your mind."

"That- That's impossible... What sort of madness is this you speak of?"

"Is it really madness? See for yourself; I do not lie." I telepathically say. When he hears me and doesn't see my mouth move, he gasps in a bit of fear.

"I don't wish to harm you in any way, I promise." I raise one hand, bowing my head. 

He moves away slightly, studying me in suspicion.

I say with a sigh, "Please... You asked me to kill you earlier and now you want me to spare your life. Can we just rid ourselves of this dramatic runaround and find the exit?"

"...Yes." he fiddles with his hands while looking everywhere but at me.

"Very well then. Now, before we do... would you mind telling me your name? And exactly how have you survived down here without any food or water?"

He darts his eyes up at me; "My name is Jacques... And insects, whenever they're about. I've eaten smashed skulls and bones too. I've found places where water trickles from the ceiling and walls."

"Ahh..." I nod with a brief sneer, but quickly soften my expression to something kinder; "Of course you have. I can't blame you, my friend. My name is Jack." I extend my hand.

As he shakes it, he asks me why I look so clean and vibrant under these circumstances.

"Oh," I laugh modestly, "I eat humans."

He stares at me in horror and makes little sounds as if he wants to say something.

"Just kidding!" I heave out a laugh and pat him on the back, then point in both directions, "Lead the way, won't you?"

"Right, right...!" He bows his head and points in one direction with a shaking hand, "This way."

"Great!" I follow his somewhat slow, careful lead.

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Author's Note:

Hey, I said I'd publish 9 soon, didn't I?! :) Yes, this one was about Jack. We needed to know what's going on with him and why he suddenly stopped talking to Gabriel. The mystery is still there... Can't wait to explain it in further chapters! Consider this a bit of a jump back in time.

Chapter 10 is going to make your head spin. Oh boy is it going to be CRAZY! Hahaha

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this one! Do you have anything to say about the old man? Any thoughts or theories? Please comment your ideas! Thanks for reading and I'll be looking forward to seeing you at the next chapter! :) :) :)