Hell Beast

Power

I fall asleep almost instantly, the smell of Liv still in my sheets. I can almost imagine her arms around me as I drift off.

I am met by bloody nightmares. I am tearing apart monsters and animals alike, blood everywhere. I want to resist, but I can't control it. It's not that my instincts are in control, I simply can't stop. I fight against myself, trying to stop my rampage. Finally, I finish tearing apart an animal and look up.

I am surrounded by bloody carcasses on all sides. Only one creature is left standing. She has short red hair, and fearful blue eyes. Her delicate lips are twisted into a horrified grimace, her trembling hands curled into fists.

Liv.

I try to shift back into my regular form, but my body will not allow me. She stares at me, completely repulsed. I begin to walk forward to her, but she shies away.

"Liv..." I whisper.
"G-get away from me!" She cries.
"Olivia, I'm not gonna hurt you," I say, reaching towards her.
"No!"

She turns and runs from me. I collapse in a heap and begin to cry.

I jerk awake with tears in my eyes. The first rays of sun are peaking through my shades. I want to call Liv and have her come comfort me. But I can't. I fear what I could do to her. I fear that I could tear the gentle girl to pieces. I fear that I'll enjoy the taste of her blood, reducing her to just a pile of skin and bones...

I need blood.

I need it now.

I'm still in regular form, but I can feel the instincts taking over. I hear my parents getting up to get ready for the day. I stumble down to their room. I take a deep breath, steadying myself so I don't look as crazed as I feel.

"Mom?" I ask, stepping into the room.
"Yes, dear?" She responds, twisting her hair into a bun.
"Can I stay home from school today to train?"

A surprised look crosses her face, which is soon replaced by a pleased smile.

"Yes, of course. Your father and I will be ready in ten minutes."

I nod and practically sprint back to my room. I change into a t shirt and shorts, and then run out of the house. I shift as I run, the coiled rage flowing freely through me. I pick up speed as I run, at a full sprint as I reach the course. I do not stop and stand at attention, nor listen to my parents instructions as I barrel into the course.

I stumble through as quickly as I can. I dodge and deflect obstacles, my instincts guiding me. I make it through in half the time it usually takes.

I tumble out into the bright light of the arena. I slightly squint and see a large bear before me. I grin as it glares at me, and begins to lunge forward at me.

I am on it faster than it could have possibly harmed me. I sink my teeth into the scruff of the creature's neck, the cool blood filling my mouth. It's thick, metal taste sharpens my senses. I give full control to my instincts, tearing the beast before me as it stumbles and thrashes.

I feel it's figure shrink like a deflating balloon, the blood pouring out like air. I continue to rip it to pieces long after it is dead. Finally, once of lies in a pile of what used to be a bear, I back away, savoring the last taste of blood.

I shift back, but do not feel remorse. I feel energized and powerful. I feel fantastic. I feel... Beastly.

My parents approach me with nervous expressions on their faces. They are both shifted into regular form. My mother touched my arm. I flinch away, as she never touches me, nor should she. I see pain flick in her eyes for a moment, but then they are back to their usual steel.

"Cameron," my father addresses me, without touching me, which I am grateful for.

He glances at my mother, who clears her throat and then averts her eyes for a moment. She then looks into mine straight and hard, and for once I do not look away. I no longer fear them. I have no reason to fear anything.

My mother takes a deep breath.

"Cameron, it is now time that we must talk about the prophecy."