Rabid

Rabid \rab-ed\ also 'rä-bed\
adj.

1. a : extremely violent : FURIOUS
b : going to extreme lengths in expressing or pursuing a feeling, interest, or opinion
2. affected with rabies

"Bruder?"

Gilbert didn't respond. He was staggering drunkenly, holding onto the walls just so he could move. With every word, foamy spit sprayed from his open mouth.

"Bruder?" I said again. "It's me, it's Ludwig. Remember?"

Gilbert stopped. For a moment, he stayed there, motionless. Then, he looked up at me, and I could clearly see that the person behind those red eyes wasn't Gilbert at all. His eyes were raving mad with something I'd never experienced before.

Feliciano shrank behind me, not making a sound. His little hands had an iron grip on my shoulders.

"Gilbert," I said warily, adjusting my grip. "Look at me. Focus on me."

His wild eyes were unfocused, until they locked onto something just behind me. I felt Feliciano let go of my shoulders as he turned to run.

Suddenly, Gilbert howled with fury and charged past me. His strength was terrifying, forcing me to the ground as he barrelled towards the younger man.

By the time I got to my feet, Gilbert had pinned Feliciano to the ground. The younger man was screaming at the top of his lungs, trying to break free from his assailant.

There was only one thing I could do then.

Picking up my rifle, I cocked it, put my finger on the trigger, and aimed right for Gilbert's head.

"I'm sorry, mein Bruder."