Into Darkness Pt. 1

Into Darkness

Ever since we were kids I remember my best friend was always into the darker side of things. When we played, Jack would be the dark wizard or demon king. He was always the bad guy, the anti-hero without fail. Anything that leaned towards evil or the appearance of, that was Jack. Dark clothes, music, movies, books, occasional torcher of some unfortunate neighborhood pets. But I never thought much of it myself; he was my friend, that’s all. Looking back now I’m not surprised, given the chance to become that which he desired that he would take it. I never guessed he would actually go this far. I’m losing my friend to the darkness and don’t think I can stop it. I feel so helpless, life has turned upside down. My name is Matt Anders and I may have to kill my best friend before he kills me. This is my story.

***

It had been a great day from the moment Matt woke to his eighteenth birthday. The sun shone in cloudless blue skies of early may. The air was crisp and cool, the smell of fresh cut grass filled Matts nose as he leaned out his window. “Perfect for my birthday party at the river tonight” he thought excitedly. Today though, Matt belonged to his family, his parents wanted to make it special for him. After all, their baby was a man now. They were going to treat several friends and relatives to a day at the water park. Have a big picnic and party for him. This was going to be fun but, tonight was what he really was looking forward too. He would be alone with Sally Johnsen in the woods without worry of anyone bothering them. They had been dating for over a year now and were very close. Sally had told Matt she had something very special to give him tonight. He was hoping it was what he had been dreaming about ever since that first kiss. Jack Waters, his best friend since preschool and Jacks girlfriend Dana were going to be there for the overnight getaway too. They were going to stay the night plus the whole next day in the woods alone. It was going to be awesome.

The day went by so fast, faster than Matt thought it would. So many old friends and family that hadn’t been seen in years showed up bearing food and gifts. Of course Jack was there with Dana and Sally. Jack seemed much happier and was more outgoing than usual. He had his trademark black hair and dark eyeliner; both had always been part of him. He had recently tattooed an unfamiliar symbol on his left shoulder. He said it was an ancient power and protection rune. This is probably one of the reasons he got noticed by the local bully. Matt, Jack, Sally and Dana were in the pool messing around like kids will. They would throw each other back and forth, chasing each other and just having fun.  During one of their games, Jack tripped while trying to get away from someone and fell into Butch (The Butcher) Reynolds. The Butcher was a large troll like person, with beady little eyes, buck toothed and bulging muscles. He had at least six inches on everyone around him. It seemed he had always been like this.  For years Butch had tormented all those he deemed unworthy in his eyes. Which were most people other than himself and a few lackeys with less brain power than a house plant. Some, like Jack got more abuse than others because he was always different from the norm. Butch didn’t like different, but what did he like anyway?

Jack hit a wall and stopped dead. The Butcher turned to see who bumped into him and as soon as he saw Jack his face turned dark with rage.

“You!” he growled and grabbed Jack by the throat, cocked his arm back to punch. But before he could do any more, several hands had hold of Butch pulling him back. There was such hate in his eyes directed solely at Jack. Jacks face didn’t show anger or even fear but more of a calculating look, which gave Matt a bad feeling.

“I’ll get you little freak! Just you wait!” spat Butch as he was forcibly pulled further away.

“Come on Jack, let’s go back to the pavilion” Matt urged his friend out of the pool and towards their reserved area.

“That guy has had it out for you longer than I can remember. Jack what did you ever do to him?” Matt asked.

“Nothing at all, I just exist, that’s enough apparently for him. But don’t worry about it Matt, I don’t think he will bother anyone much longer.” Jack said cryptically.

Matt didn’t know how to respond to that and felt he should just let it go. He figured it was just another of jacks off comments as usual.

The rest of the day went without incident; Butch must have left because no one saw him again. Family had something to do with his disappearance Matt was sure. After all it was them that hauled Butch off. Matt imagined the conversation that took place back in some corner and laughed inside just thinking about it.  Eventually everyone said their goodbyes and wished Matt well, then went their separate ways.

***

Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think. Pt 2 is up also.