Burning Desire

13. Trust

After a long walk over to the empty field where the rest of the gang was hiding out, I approached my friends. Afraid I was still "The Beast," they got ready for fight by taking their stance and activating their powers. Brookelynne motioned for me to stay behind while she went ahead of me to try to explain what had happened. I stood back awkwardly looking down, trying to cope with the fear of losing my best and only friends because of the monstrous form that stood before them. As she explained, I saw multiple looks from them to me...a seven-foot red demon with hulking muscles. I would be intimidating to anyone who laid eyes on me, especially with my glowing red eyes and horns on my head. Brookelynne started to walk back over to me while the rest of the group stayed back, eyeing me cautiously.

"They want you to go back to headquarters," Brookelynne said, speaking for the group.

   Hearing this, my fears came alive. My head was hanging low as I turned around preparing for the long walk back. After another long walk, I leaned against the wall as I waited at the entrance to headquarters. Because of my new size, I didn't want to go inside and accidentally break anything that I hadn't already destroyed in my earlier rage. Finally, the group arrived. Suddenly, Don and Elizabeth approached me as everyone stood at a safe distance.

"We are going to have to rebuild and adjust your room before you can go to bed tonight. Maybe it's better if you wait outside while we do that," Don said. He was standing about five feet or more away from me. Obviously still scared, Don kept avoiding making eye contact with me.

Saddened, I nodded and walked away from the building. I passed the group who once was happy to have me back, but now was afraid to even be in my presence. I walked down the desolate road full of nothing but plains. I suspect that this location was selected for the new building so it would draw less attention. As I walked, I thought of how I had ruined everything they worked for in just mere moments on the very first day I was back. I began to think that maybe I was not fit to be a part of the team.

"See I told you...they won't accept you for who you are. I'm your only true friend," the voice said, making the peaceful quiet of the night vanish.

I ignored the voice and I kept walking.

"You should just run away...they don't understand you like I do," the voice said, trying to get me to do its bidding by hitting me while I was down.

"You're not my friend...just leave me alone!" I said, as I continued down the road.

   Without fear, I could easily fight the demon inside of me. I could make him quiet down, leaving me to my own thoughts for the moment. For awhile, I walked, trying to map out a plan to appeal to everyone. I couldn't figure it out... the only way it was going to get remotely better was to go back. After about a ten to fifteen minute walk back,I was greeted by Brookelynne at the door. She had been handpicked by the group to look after me.

"Hey, how was your walk?" Brookelynne asked, putting on a nervous smile, hiding something.

"It was ok," I said, as she stepped aside, letting me into the building. I headed toward my room, leaving her behind me.

"You need to follow me," Brookelynne said as she caught up with me.

"Fine," I said, annoyed that I had to be watched like a little kid.

   As we walked down the hallway, I saw that my room was outfitted with some extra security that consisted of a handprint scanner.

"Ok, so I'm a prisoner again?" I asked, angry with the way they were treating me now.

"Just please get in...we are going to help you," Brookelynne said, stepping aside to let me in.

"Oh come on, isn't this a bit much? Don't you guys trust me?" I asked again, angrily in my deep new voice. I attempted to reach out to Brookelynne, but she jolted back.