Issue 1 Downtime

Despite John's own stubborn insistence, no one had locked him in a holding cell. So when the opportunity arose, he retreated to the woods of the estate where he hoped not even Bear could find him. The cure was slow at calming his mind and he was still terrified he would try to hurt someone. Now he just lay there, head between what used to be his arms.

"Maybe Dad was right to hide me away..." he sighed miserably.

There was a thump, as a ball landed at his feet.

A ball bearing a smiley face.

He sighed. "It was worth a try..."

"You're not exactly a ninja. And I do have good eyes."

Bear smiled, dropping from the treetops to land a few paces from him.

"I needed to be alone," he said, having yet to lift his head.

"I know."

Bear took a seat next to him.

"But you couldn't be alone forever."

"Maybe I should... where I can't ever hurt anyone."

"No. No more running away. That's what the school is here for.. That's what I am here for."

He looked to her, a sorrowful self-pitying look on his face.

"Bear... look at me. I'm... I'm a monster. I was before this. Eventually something's going to happen and I'll lose control and someone's going to get hurt."

"Not while you've got friends who care for you, no matter what."

Bear followed up, with a deep, loving hug.

John tensed at first but the relaxed, if only a little.

"Why couldn't I just have been born normal..." he sighed sadly.

"Being normal is no fun."

Bear continued her hug, embracing him more.

"You aren't covered in scales..."

Bear frowned, feeling inadequate she could not really experience john's troubles more personally.

"No, but I have accidentally put a hole through a wall. Several walls.."

"So have I," he chuckled uncomfortably, despite his misery.

Bear smiled a little.

"John, I'm going to do everything I can to get you back. I swear."

He sighed.

"I know, and the treatment's working. It's just..."

"It's just...?"

Bear kept her hug firmly attached.

"That angry animal voice is still there. Weaker... but there." He seemed deeply troubled by this.

"We'll find a way to keep it content. You will come out on top. I promise."

"And if I don't?"

"Then I will have broken a promise. And I'll feel terrible about it." She replied, chuckling.

John didn't chuckle with her. "Bear... I'm scared..."

Bear had hoped the laughing would make him feel better, and kept her hug going.

"You are a good person, John. We will beat this."

"Don't let me forget that."

Bear nodded, with a sigh.

Wherever his snout ended, she planted it with a kiss and a warm smile.

John smiled weakly but affectionately.

"I don't know what I'd do without you."