The Obdurate Avidity

Chapter 17

 

  By TurtleBoy

 

 

          I found myself outside an old farm house in the middle of who knows where.  There were fields of crops and a large fenced in are filled with cows.  My mind raced and I could feel my mouth begin to water.  It was inevitable what was going to happen next, there was no controlling it.  My instincts took over, I lost control of everything.  With out another thought I raced in threw the fields and over the fence.  The last thing I remember hearing was the blood curdling yelp of the unsuspecting beast being plummeted to the ground as its jugular was ripped from its throat.


            The vitality I was feeling at that moment was impossible to compare.  It was a sense of life that no ordinary person could ever imagine.  It was being in control, it was destroying your own prey, it was immortality.

 
            I heard voices nearby, and a screen door slam against its frame.  My head lifted from its position facing a man with a huge rifle, dashing towards me.  If what I felt before was empowering this was something greater, this was a challenge.  I knew the man wouldn’t have a chance, it was all a matter of how I wanted to play with my food.  I scampered stealthily past the stampeding animals and over the side of the fence.  It was dark; I definitely had the advantage.  I crept along the side of the fence which boarded the animals prison.  The man had hopped the fence and was investigating the remnants of my feast with a flashlight.  There were two more men approaching, they were all in their mid thirties.  My guess was they were brothers, their hearts beat the same.  And I could smell the rage dripping off of them.  One of the men let off a round into the air, in hopes to scare away what ever had done this.  No such luck.


            I was briefly distracted by a couple of boys and their mother standing outside the house in curiosity.  This didn’t effect me in the least.  I slyly crawled over the fence keeping low to the ground.  The men were shifting their flashlights across the fields.  The only problem was they were only searching in the opposite direction of the house.  Were all people this stupid?  Just as I was about to make my move one of the lights tracked across my eyes.

“Dad!!! There it is!!!” Yelled one of the older boys.


            I had no choice, it was either them or me.  I forced my weight into the air, and dove down on top of one of the men, tearing his head from its shoulders.  From there I scampered off in behind the cattle.

 
“Dear God”  Cried the man who appeared to be the father of the boys, “Get back in the house!!! NOW!!!”

 
            With that I rolled and pounced in behind the second man from behind, ripping parts of his spine from his back and devouring half of his chest.  The remaining man took a shot at me but missed, only shooting another one of his cattle.  Leaving the carcass in the grass I jumped and ran across the field to gain more control of the situation.  I had lost direct vision of the man, so the advantage was once again mine.  I perched on the ledge of the wooden fence watching the poor guy fall to his knees at the sight of his dead brethren.  I could feel his sadness and smell his anger.  My heart sank to the pit of my stomach, I was sickened with myself.  This wasn’t who I was, what had I done?  I had to learn to control this.  Nothing I was doing was right anymore, nothing felt good.  I was not free, I was confined; and now I was damned.  I had to leave, there was nothing I could ever do to get forgiveness from this man, nor did I deserve it.  I was a monster and those were evil, destructive and senseless kills.


            A loud noise buzzed my ears, followed by a sharp pain in my side.  I looked up to see what was happening; the man was running at top speed with his rifle pointed at my direction.  I should just stay here and let him kill me.  I deserve it, I don’t even deserve to live anymore.  It had been decided, I made no attempt to run, nor make another horrid act of murder.  The man had halted only meters away from me, his face flush.  He could not react to what he was seeing.  I could only imagine what I looked like.  He raised the barrel in my direction.  I slowly stepped down from the fence, and on all fours walked towards the man.  He still did not shoot.  This frustrated me, so I stood in front of him.  Raising my chest, and releasing a scream more horrifying then before.  Still there was nothing.

 
            My eyes watered with sadness and horrors.  Why did he not shoot me?  God get it over with!  I dropped onto one of my knees raising my hands to the barrel, and directed it to my forehead.  I felt the man apply pressure against me, but still did not shoot.


“KILL ME!!!”  I Screamed in agony, “DEAR GOD, KILL ME!!!”  I began to beg.  Tears welled in the mans eyes.  He did not expect this beast before him to speak, that much I could tell.

 
“IF YOU DO NOT I WILL KILL YOU!”  I assured him, “FOLLOWED BY YOUR FAMILY”

 
\\\\***BANG***////////

 
            I felt the bullet drill directly threw my skull, the pain was excruciating.  My limp body fell to the ground, but this was not the end.  The man continued to shoot.  Shot after shot, he reloaded twice.  And when he seemed convinced that this animal was not ever getting back up, he shot once more.  Dropping his rifle to the ground he turned and walked back towards the house.  But something was wrong.  Why wasn’t I dead?  Why haven’t I left this place and been delivered to the gates of hell?   The burning sensation returned, almost identical to when all this initially began.  I felt the bullets being expelled from my body, and roll to the ground.  In horror I felt my body become calm and hungry.  Apparently near death only makes me hungrier.

 
            As I struggled to my feet, something felt off.  There was something different happening.  The uneasy feeling forced me to watch the man as he slowly travelled past the bodies of his brothers.  The world around me grew a darker shade of read, my heart once again began to speed its pace.  This was not what I had originally thought, I wasn’t stopping myself from attacking the man once more.  There was something else.  My heart skipped a beat, when I saw a shadow emerge from the forest in the direction of the house.   It’s speed matched that of my own.  Could it be?  Was this another?


            The dark figure, leapt on top of the houses porch and crept towards a window.   Dear god, this isn’t happening.  The man stopped in his tracks.  After what seemed like forever I heard him yell something and than dash towards his house.  His hands waving in the air like a lunatic.  As I watched it became clear to me, he was trying to divert the creature to himself instead of his family. I could no longer watch, again I felt my instincts take over.  Only this time, it was a different feeling.  This was a hatred; a hatred which seemed almost natural.

 
            Not another thought, I jumped from my slouched over stance and bolted as fast as possible towards the man.  With every one of my strides must have been ten of the mans.  Everything was not had I originally thought it was.  As I approached the man and began my decent towards him I was struck with a clarity, I was not in fact in anyway out to harm the man, it was the opposing beast that I wanted.  In that realization I leapt over the man and onto the fence, the thrust of my legs cause it to collapse beneath me.  But it was all I needed.  I soared threw the air on top of the porches roof.  With out so much as a thought through myself into the creature, causing it to whelp and roll to the ground with a thud.


            In return, it scampered to its feet and jumped in my direction.  Meeting its offense, I lunged at it with all my might; grasping my new found claws into its sides.  We met in mid air, and crashed to the ground in a roll towards a barn.  His teeth sunk into my neck as I struggled to match wits with the beast.  Throwing my legs into its belly and pushing out, I forced it into the side of the house.  It’s mangled body bounced off the wall and dropped to the ground.  I took a quick moment to take in its features; Covered in fur of a blackened colour, its head malformed into an obscurely scrunched feature and an up pointed snout.  It’s ears were pointed backwards in defense, while his upper torso being large was puffed out in attempts to intimidate me.  As it raised to its feet, standing at least eight feet tall, it continued and thudded its arms loudly to the ground.  Gripping its stained claws into the ground scratching at it like a bull.  In an attempt at a charge, I only had to respond with a quick leap.  Shifting in mid air I landed on its back, forcing my own claws deep within its body.  The muscles tensed only causing more pain to the creature, when it attempted to roll to get me off of itself, I found my opportunity.  With as much force as I could conjure I thrust my jaw into his throat.  After that all it took was a few shakes of my head, and the creature expelled all signs of defense.  Its body grew limp, and soon became dead weight.  Not being satisfied, I continued until the head of the disgusting creature and been separated from its body.


            My head soon became clear again.  I could feel me coming back into play.  Backing away from the creature I turned and faced the man once again.  His family was peering out from behind the screen door.  Tears filled his eyes as emotion overwhelmed him.  The confusion he must be feeling at that moment must be harshly similar to my own.  I could feel the cold stares almost burning out my eyes.  The man did not move, fear was at play.  I took it upon myself to end this; although a little weary I approached him.  Standing tall in front of the man, I lowered my hand to his shoulder.


“Thank you.”  Was all I could think to say, still surprised at the sound of my own voice.


“Why?... I don’t understand.” The man pleaded his insecurities.


            I had no answer for him.  I could not think of anything to say.  I had just killed two of his family members than saved the rest.  I was probably more lost than he was.  The only thing that I was sure of; was that this was the power I wanted.  This was the feeling I wanted.  If I was to be cursed with this disgusting deformity, at least I knew that there was a way that I could control it and maybe even make good of it.  One things for sure, Oakpoint is about to get a whole lot more interesting.


            Left with out words, I turned to leave the man with his grieving family.  Although the horrors of the night would remain with me forever, I felt it was also a turning point.  It was definite that this new found ability was meant for nothing other than evil, but its design however was flaw.  With the right motivations this horrific power can be manipulated to do something right.


            I could feel daybreak seeping into the world once more.  The feel scorched my skin.  In a panic I scurried off into the forest in hope of shelter.  Anxiety crept upon me and restlessness consumed me.  Rays of light cast over me causing the most excruciating pain imaginable; even worse than the initial transformation.  This was not accompanied by the familiar want that had once consumed me.  This was the complete opposite.   I found myself in an attempt to escape the pain.  My body in denial, I felt as if I were to die.  This time however I was unwilling to let this happen.  My heart and mind were determined to gain control of this curse, and maybe turn it into some form of cruel gift.


            Diving threw the trees and bushes as fast as I could; dodging every spec of light possible.  But the turn out was inevitable that this was soon going to end.  The burning caught up with me in an attempt to cross a clearing in the trees.  Dead centre I dropped to the ground with a clumsy thud.  I felt my skin burst into flames, but there was only smoke.  I gripped my claws too my back, digging them into me.  Pulling as fiercely as I could I shred into myself.  My bones became like gelatin and my muscles rubbery and limp.  I collapsed to the ground, screaming at the top of my lungs; the deepness which it had before diminished, becoming once again familiar to my own.  This must be the end.


            Curled in the fetal position gripping my sides, I found myself covered in ash and surrounded by grass and bushes.  Ants scurried in all directions around and over me crawling across my naked body.  In a half conscious panic I jumped to my feet and swiped my hands in ever direction in attempts to remove the creatures.  It was over, I was me again.  My mind was set at ease; feeling great all over I began my venture back home.  The birds chirped a new found sound.   The world around me was louder and crisper.  Everything appeared more vivid than it had ever been.  I took a deep breathe of the morning air than exhaled releasing a comforting sigh.  I felt good, more satisfied than I had been in a long time.  I had a sense of belonging now, a motivation of purpose.

 
            It wasn’t too long before I could see the road, and hear the buzzing of street lights.  It was still early, maybe six in the morning.  I could probably manage to sneak in and grab a shower before ever being realized of my absence.  Picking up my pace I began to run.  I had become aware of partial civilization, as well of the fact that I was stark naked.  Attempting to avoid some embarrassment I jumped into the trees and continued until I came to my back yard.  Keeping a careful eye and keeping close to the ground I scurried towards the stairs which led to the porch on the second floor in the direction of my sanctuary.


            As I slid open the door to the den it appeared I was in luck; no one was up yet.  I immediately closed the door behind me and tip toed toward the shower.  The smells of my house seemed stronger than usual, relaxing.  Was this how I smelt?  Wow, I smell good.  I giggled to myself.  Turning on the showers to a nice hot temperature, I watched the steam immediately rise and fog the glass.  I ventured towards the toilet to relieve myself.  Glaring into the mirror, I almost didn’t recognize myself.  I looked different; healthier.  There were small scabs across my body and one on my forehead.  This must be where the bullets entered.  I cautiously picked them off, than retreated to the shower.

 
            The feel of the hot steamy water across my body was ridiculously relaxing.   It was like my muscles were absorbing the warmth and saving it for later.  Washing my hair and feeling the tingling of its bubbles sweep down my back to my feet, gave me the shivers.  My mind soon wandered to James, how was I going to explain this to him?  Was there any chance he would believe me?  Or if he did, would it scare him away?  I wasn’t sure if that was a chance that I wanted to take.  But in all honesty I had to tell someone, and keeping something like this from someone I love would not be wise.  Dishonesty and secrets lead only to disaster.  It was settled, I was going to tell James.  A moment of grief and worry consumed me.  Would I tell him of the deaths I caused?  Dear god, I don’t think I could forgive someone for something like that.  How was it I could expect James to?  This whole situation was unfair, I didn’t ask for this to happen.  Nor could I be expected to control it.  I didn’t know what was happening, and the power of this inner beast was overwhelming.  What was I anyway?  I had not paid much attention to myself other than the miraculous abilities I had been given.  Was I in similarity to that of the disgusting beast that I had killed?  Or was I something different


            I was soon shaken from my thoughts as the water had become uncomfortably cold.  With out another thought I turned off the shower and grabbed a towel.  Wrapping it around me I marched to my room.  My room was a mess and smelt like dirty socks.  How gross, hehehe.  Throwing on some shorts and a shirt I decided a quick tidy up was long over due.  So I calmly began to collect the scattered laundry across my floor and dropped it down the laundry shoot.  In the middle of my floor there were several tears spread across the carpet with splinters of wood mangled in its threads.  I didn’t even want to contemplate any attempts to explaining that one.  So instead I dropped my towel over it, in a horrid attempt to disguise it.  Which was not so good of an idea as I had just tidied up a bit but what ever, I really didn’t care at the moment.


            I hopped out of my room and down the stairs towards the sounds of lazy feet flopping around the kitchen.  Dad had just woken up and was preparing some toast and coffee from himself.

 
“Wow, you’re up mighty early bud.”  He complimented.

 
“Yup, guess I fell asleep a tad earlier than usual  hehehe.”  I giggled, wow… how could they not know I was gay?

 
“Well, come sit and join me for breakfast.”  He gestured, while sitting his sleepy self down.


“Sure.”  Was all I said, as I was too busy grabbing some cereal from the cupboard.

“You’re looking might energized today, I’m impressed you’ve had such bad luck this summer with your health.”  He said in a low voice, while forcing some coffee down his throat.

 
“Yea, but what can you do right?  I just hope I can enjoy the rest of the summer now.”

“Me too, there’s lots of yard work you need to catch up on.”  He smirked while looking up from in behind his mug.

 
“Funny Dad, really.  Oh hey, I’ll do the yard work… If you let me use the mower!”  I bargained.

“Hmmm…  That’s usually my job, you know how I hate giving up my chores.”  He remarked with a chuckle.

 
“Well, guess I’ll just have to ignore the yard, I mean I can’t really do anything until the grass is cut.”  I bargained with some honest sarcasm.


“You know, I think you might be able to handle it.  Just, I might have to get you something so you can reach the petals.”  A smile crossed his face as the look of shock crossed my own.

 
“Shut up! I’m not that short!”  I shoved him lightly, he returned with a chuckle.

“Well, if you promise to do some weeding I’ll let you mow the lawn, just be careful with my baby.”  He agreed, in an all too serious tone.

“Oh wow… Baby?  Geesh Dad, you can be awfully scary sometimes.”  I teased.

 
“That is probably true.  Oh, and if you feel energized, you can trim back the branches at the end of the yard.  Your Moms been after me for a while on that.  She’s all in a fit saying the shade is killing her flowers.”  He explained.

“Hmmm, we’ll see.  But I’m not making any promises.”  I blurted out in between mouthfuls of Count Chocula.


“Well no pressure, it’s just with my crazy schedule lately I haven’t had the time.”  He announced in hopes of some reverse psychology.

 
“Wow Dad, I can read you like a book,”  I giggled, “That hasn’t worked on me since 5th grade.”

 
“It was a valid effort.  But I gotta run, I’m headed to Edmonton to oversee a couple of projects.  Apparently there’s a few problems in a design.”  His tone seemed defeated of inspiration, like he had failed at something immensely.

“It’s probably something stupid, that’s how things like that seem to go.  I’ve seen all your designs, they’re as close to perfect as god would allow.”


“You’re probably right, but I’m still new at this.  And worrying is in my nature, I do after all sleep next to your mother.”  He joked, than peered around the kitchen in search of any evidence of her being about.


“Haha, I’m so telling on you!”  I threatened with a smile.


“Than ummmm… I’ll uh…”  He was caught on words, his morning auto pilot was kicking in.

 
“Nice come back Dad… really.” I teased.


“Thanks.  But now I must part to the shower.”  He stood, placing his dishes in the sink, and trotting towards his room.

 
“Have a good day Dad.”

 
“Thanks bud, you too.  Try not to kill yourself on the mower.”

 
            I finished up breakfast and cleaned up a little, heading towards the back door to get some fresh air.  I slid on some shoes and stepped outside.  The sun was beating down hard, today was gonna be a scorcher for sure.  But that didn’t affect me in the slightest.  I was in a wonderful mood, and felt amazingly energized and alive.  Breathing in the fresh morning air, I stretched out allowing the sun to caress every inch of me.  I could hear Mom staggering about in the kitchen now, and the birds chirping away without a care in the world.  It had whole new meaning when there was life running about.  Those little critters were not to be taken for granted anymore.  When they were loud and lively everything was right.  It was the times of silence that disturbed me, when not even the wind dare blow past the trees.


            Forcing any ill thoughts from my mind, I retreated around the side of the house towards the mower.  Oh yes, this is going to be fun.  Hoping aboard I pressed the ignition button.  The beast roared to life in a healthy grumble.  With a shit eating grin stained against my face, I shifted to drive and pressed down on the acceleration.  With a quick round about of the massive yard, I chose my starting point and lowered the blades.  Grass began to fill the two bags attached to the rear, as I slowly tracked my way back toward the house.  This was so much better than the push piece of crap we had before hehe.  When I was nearly halfway done the back yard, Mom stepped outside with a large cup of coffee and sat down on one of the patio chairs and curled up.  She held the mug close to her chest and up close to her chin to smell the aroma of her beverage.  I could see a smile overtake her face, and almost feel her comfort chime threw the breeze.  I couldn’t help it, a smile overtook me as well.  I turned and waved to her.  She raised her cup and offered a warm nod and a whole hearted smile.  Wow, she seemed to really like it back here.

 
            The grass was so long, I had to stop and dump the bags contents into the compost twice.  The vegetation rolled out in hearty clumps of green mulch, pummeling into the ditch with its half rotted brethren.  Reconnecting the bags I quickly finished up and stopped to say good morning to Ma, before continuing up the side of the house and to the front.

 
“Morning Sweetie.”  She greeted with a comforting smile.

 
“Good Morning Moms.”  I smiled as well and sat down beside her facing the yard.


“You’re up mighty early.  And with such energy, I’m impressed.”


“Yea I feel great, how’s about you?  You seem awfully cheery today.”  I questioned.

 
“It’s just good to see you up and about.  It’s almost like your old self, I was beginning to worry.  Your Dad wont admit it, but he’s worried too.  He was thinking on moving us back to Toronto.”  She explained catching me off guard.

 
“Toronto?  But… No!  I’m starting to like it here, we can’t go back.”  I almost begged with James right at the top of my reasons to stay.  If she had said this a few weeks back I probably would have jumped at the idea, but now… There was so much happening, and so many feelings… I couldn’t leave.


“I would have thought you would like that idea.  You don’t seem to be adjusting to well to this new life.”  Her smile broke, and her face grew stern and serious.


“I told you before, I only needed some time to become used to the place.  I’ve got a couple friends now, and I’m feeling greater than I have ever felt before.  Besides, we’ll never fit that monster mower in that small shed back home.”  I joked half heartedly.


“I suppose you’re right.  Let’s give it some more time.  I for one would love to stay here.  This house is just beautiful, and the fresh air and the scenery is amazing.”  I could tell her heart had become attached to Oakpoint.  Perhaps that’s what this town did to you.  It sucks you in, shatters your dreams than rebuilds them into a better all around vision.  It was really beginning to seem like home.

 
“Cool.  Besides, your garden’s starting to look amazing.  Guess you really do have magical green thumbs haha.”  I joked once more.

 
“I’m not sure about that, but I’ll agree to the lesser.  This place is definitely turning around.  And your fathers stresses aside, he’s really come alive here.  His inspiration has just flourished since we moved.  I’ve never seen such creative designs.  His boss is just eating them up too.  That’s why he’s been gone so much, granted there has been a few unforeseen flaws, but nothings perfect right.  I just hope as he moves up in that company he doesn’t make us move to the city again.”

 
“Same.  I don’t think I’d be able to readjust.  But I wouldn’t mind heading to the Edmonton Mall for a while.”  I dreamed.

 
“You know, that would be a good idea.  We should steal back your father for a while and drive down there for a few days.  It would be good for us.  And I’m sure James could come and keep you company, if not that, than to save you from us hehe.”  Her face lit up, the idea of a vacation just seemed to liven her in ways I rarely got to see.

 
“That would be awesome!  But now… NO take backs!!!”  I demanded.


“No take backs.”  She agreed with a nod, “I’ll talk to your father and see if he can arrange a few days for the family.”

 
“Right on!  West Edmonton Mall!  Wow, this is gonna be great.”  I felt the excitement surge threw me, “Well, I better get this yard chopped before I get too distracted.”

 
“Okay Sweetie, make sure to drink lots of water.  I’m heading out to town to get a few things shortly.”


“K Ma, I will promise.”  I agreed, and tip toed inside to grab a bottle of water.


            Making my way back to the yard, and hopping onto the beast of a mower; I chugged back nearly half the contents of the water than placed it in the holder.  Starting the ignition once more, I noticed James little brother out playing what appeared to be pirates or something along that line.  I smiled and lowered the blades to continue my venture.  Steering rapidly up and down the side of the yard as close to the ditch which separated our yards as gravity would allow, I noticed James pop his head out the door of his house.  My heart froze and skipped a beat, I fell in a blank stare as I pressed down on the break to prevent a horrible turn of events.  Waving excitedly I turned the wheel and continued up towards the driveway.  Looking back I saw James making his way towards me.  Fortunately the front yard didn’t have much to do and I managed to complete it before James had even hopped over the ditch.  Parking the mower back at the side of the house and covering it up, I turned and walked towards James.


            He had a smile on his face and wore those same silky smooth shorts and jersey he had worn the day I met him.  The goofy expression on my face caused him to giggle, as I clumsily bounced down toward him.


“Hiya Adrian, how yea feeling?”  He asked with concern and joy.

 
“Honestly?  I fell great. Hows you been doing?”  I returned.


“I’m good, you scared me the other day though.  It’s good to see you moving around again.”  His face fell towards the grass as he kicked up some left over mulch.

 
“Don’t worry about me, I’ve been through worse lately hehe.  Must have been some kind of flu.”  I joked.


“Adrian.”  He looked up at me, as if calling my bluff with offense.


“Sorry, I just don’t like to see you worried.  You must think I’m a real head case with all these things going on lately.”  The attempt was there, but I just couldn’t grasp it tight enough to get out the right words.  I mean, what was I supposed to say?  That I had somehow changed into some kind of beast, ate a cow, than killed to human beings last night?  Not exactly a favoured conversation starter.


“It’s alright, seriously don’t worry about it.  I had close to the same shit happen to me when I came here, only, it didn’t last as long as you.  And I didn’t end up in the hospital forever.”  I could see the tears welling up in his eyes, it broke my heart to know that I was the cause of his pain.


“It’ll all work out James, you know that right?  I mean look at me, I feel great! Things are definitely looking brighter.”

 
“You know as well as I do Adrian.  This whole thing is above us, it’s the town.  Not you, not me.”  His tone became seriously tempered.  It scared me to see him this way.


“James, please don’t get angry.  We’ll work this out.  There’s a way we can live here, I know it.  The people here might be a bit over the top, but with you I know there’s hope.”

 
“You can be strangely cute sometimes you know that.”  He smiled.


“I ummm…  Can we talk?  You know… In private for a moment?”  I had to get this out.  If anyone would except this in me, it would be James.

 
“Uhh.. Yea sure.”  He agreed somewhat reluctantly.  I lead him up towards the porch and we sat down on the chairs around the patio table.


“The uh, the other day at the theatre…”  I saw his face flush as if he was scared, “Well, that wasn’t the end of it.”


“What do you mean?”  He said softly.


“Something happened to me last night, it’s really really hard to explain.  You probably wont even believe me.”

 
“Adrian, I’ve always taken you for your word.  We may not have known each other for very long, but I love you…. What ever happened wont change that..  Believe me.”  His words were very convincing, and gave me the courage to continue.


“Last night I went for a walk, and before I knew it… it was dark, and I got lost in the woods.  I found this weird stone thing in a circle, my hands got stuck to it… and that’s when those pains came back to me.  Just like at the movies.  The thing is, the stones were in my dreams before… it was like I was supposed to find them.  But anyway….  The pain got really bad, like my insides were burning…. And…  I changed James.  Into something I can’t even explain to you.  I ran through the trees, and and…  I ate a cow…”  I stopped, James face had gone pale, tears were rolling down his eyes.

 
“I don’t understand. How did this happen?”  He forced the words out of his mouth in a scratchy whisper.


“I’m sorry, I’m rambling.  I ummm…  I killed someone, but…  it wasn’t me!  I couldn’t control it!  I’m so sorry!  If you hate me I’ll understand, or… if you don’t believe me I understand that too.  But… I love you James..”

 
“Killed?  Who?  Adrian where were you?  It wasn’t a farm was it!  Adrian?!”  James expression changed into anger.  His hands grasped my shoulders shaking me.  I was scared and began to cry uncontrollably.


“Yes!  It was a farm…  Two men, are dead...  … because of me.”  I trailed off trying to bury my face in James shoulder, but found myself rejected.  In shock, I jumped back and raised to my feet.


“How could this have happened..  Adrian…  That couldn’t have been you!  The farmer said it was a man that did it!  It’s all over town!  He shot the mans head clear off his body!  It wasn’t you!  It couldn’t have been!”  James cried.  That was when I remembered the beast that I attacked, but I couldn’t remember a man.

 
“There was no man!  It was another creature,”  My tone softened, “Almost like how I was, but this thing was ugly and massive.  It had claws and huge teeth…  It wasn’t a man, I know… cause.. I killed it.”  Flashes of the nights events rushed through me.  The gruesome images were all too vivid in my mind.


“Adrian, you’re wrong… Tell me you’re wrong.”  James pleaded.

 
“What would I possibly have to gain by making this up?  Wait!”  I tore off my shirt, “I was shot!  But the bullets didn’t harm me, only left marks…  I mean they hurt, but were pushed out of me…  God! How do I explain this?!”  Frustration began to take over, as I searched my body for any trace of the marks.  My luck as I had it was not there.  “DAMN IT! They were there I swear to god!”

 
“Adrian!  Your back!”  James cried.

 
“What?”  I questioned.

 
“There’s something there.  But it’s not from a gun..”  His expression scared me, as I felt his hands leave me, as he stepped back.


“What is it?”  I begged.


“It’s… the mark Adrian… You’ve been marked!”  His tone was tainted in fear.

 
“What mark!  What’s it mean?”


“I don’t know.  I saw it in one of those books at the library before.”

 
“Which one James?”

 
“You know the one… it’s one of the seven symbols.” His voice seemed in distress,  “Adrian… you bare the curse.”



Chapter 18