Mask on the Outside

The rage in his eyes causes the the kid in front of him, the apparent leader, to recoil in surprise. Salzem used the distraction and tore his arms free of the other two. He felt his chest burning and his head light. He needed his mask. He jumped for it, arms out in front of him. He landed atop it, quickly pulling it to his face for breath. He breathed deep, pulling and tightening the mask around his face. His rage erupted as he noticed the crowd watching him. HIM out of the four of them. The one being attacked! The one being wronged and all they do is watch. Then suddenly, his rage dissipated just as quickly as it had formed. He felt nothing now but a heavy weight in his stomach. His rage had seemed to have transcended emotional form and felt like it had become physical in the pit of his gut.The three other kids regrouped and noticing that they weren't being stopped for their transgressions, advanced on Salzem. Salzem held up his hands in defense. His body seemed to move on it's own as if Salzem was watching from the outside. The kids attacked, throwing punches and taunting him. Salzem backed out of the way of each punch, using his hands to redirect each potential blow. Emotionless and efficient. Salzem watched helplessly. He knew what would happen next. When the leader threw he next punch, Salzem stepped inside his attack, Shoving his masked face into the kid's exposed one. He tried to push Salzem away but Salzem grabbed his arm with both of his and tossed it out to the side, leaving the kid's belly open. He brought a fist slamming into the kid's gut. The kid gasped in pain but didn't fall as the punch didn't have much impact. The other two kids rushed Salzem from behind, attempting to tear him off. Before they could reach him, Salzem slammed another punch quickly into the leader's gut before leaping clear of the other two's charge path and landing in a crouch. Salzem tried to gain control of his body but it was like reaching for something just out of reach. He stood, emotionless and efficient, hands raised in self defense. The two kids barreled into the leader and the three of them sprawled into the street, separating the tide of spectators. As the tide parted, Salzem felt the control over his body return. The terrifying calm disappeared and was replaced with fear. He had just beaten up those kids! He didn't even bother looking at the crowd anymore. He knew what they felt. It was no different than it had been before. He turned and ran. He didn't care where he ended up. He just ran. Salzem's fear turned to guilt as he ran, causing tears and ragged breathing to hider his speed. Finally, he stopped running.  He found himself at the edge of a pond, under the shadow of an old willow tree. He heard the sound of small frogs and insects go about their business by the water, peaceful and alone. He flopped down on the grass by the bank, all the strength leaving his legs. He pulled his knees to his chest and stared at the water through his mask. He was a monster. He fought and beat up a kid with no consideration of care! He sat by the bank, letting his sorrow fill the space between him and the water, hoping it would all go away.