Crystal heard a voice, and watched a bear enter the stream. She gasped unconsciously. Her eyes lit up, she loved bears. They were her favorite animal. Crystal smiled, and giggled.

The animal jumped up at the sound looking around. What was that?! Adam stood on his back legs looking around.

She clapped her hands over her mouth, to stifle her giggles. The bear was just so fuzzy and cute! She edged fore wards, sidling towards it. She smiled, and hit her hands behind her back, hiding her claw-fingers.
Hello dear...
She said softly.
Youve really banged yourself up, havent you, big guy
She continued, smiling.
Ignoring her instincts, she revealed her hands, showing that she had nothing in them. With one hand, she slowly reached up, and stroked the fur on its side.

At first he appeared aggressive, growling lowly and raising up to his full height of nearly twelve feet tall. When she continued forward he backed away. Was that Crystal? What happened to her hand? He didn't want her to know it was him, she would see what happened to his face. She would leave him like the others did. He was a freak, and a deserter. Slowly he backed away, keeping his head low. He didn't want to hurt her as well. What if it happened again? What if he hurt her accidentally because of his own fear? She was better off alone.

Hm? Its ok big guy... I wont hurt you. Now, lets see what I can do for youre wounds.
Crystal murmured, reassuringly.
She fondled a ear, while touching the edge of the bears face.
You are being very good... you know that? You are the most beautiful bear I have ever seen. Lovely. Quite pretty.
She complemented in a calming tone.
She reached into her back pack, still petting its ear, and brought out a squeeze tube of burn ointment. She held it out, for the bear to smell, and be comfortable with.

He watched her, still ashamed that she had to see him like this. Adam lowered his head towards her, making it easier for her to reach. Even if she didn't want to be near him, he felt better in her company. After a moment he laid down, keeping his head up for her to put the cream on his face.

Good boy... I promise it wont sting. Ill make sure.
Crystal cooed.
She took the bears head in one hand, and smeared the burn cream with the other.
All better! You did such a good job, big guy. Im proud of you. She wiped the excess on her hand, and held its head with her other hand too. She gave it a quick smooch on the tip of its nose, and smiled. Crystal rubbed her hands up and down the fur its neck, marveling in the softness. The cream immediately started to heal, and a new layer of skin grew quickly across its burns.
Crystal hummed a small tune, and she packed her bag up again.

No...he wasn't going to let it heal. He needed to suffer for what he did. As the cream began to burn he dunked his head in the water, washing it away. He needed to remember what he had done, it was the least he could do while he was still living. Gasping he raised his head, shaking the water off of his ears. "Crystal wait..." Adam said looking at her. "I-I'm sorry...."

Crystal was about to rush forewards and hug the bear, and say that she was sorry it burned, when she heard the bear talk. It was the voice from earlier. She cocked her head.
H-how do you know my name... and DO NOT tell me I just cooed over a person, not my favorite animal in the entire world. Turn back. NOW.
She said sharply.
She crossed her arms, and waited for an anwer.

He did as she asked, shifted back. Adam looked away from her, ashamed of himself. Not only had he not told her before, but to make matters worse he was just sitting there naked in the water now. He had screwed up. He raised his hands, covering his face. She didn't need to see it...she was better than that.