"How do you feel?" Phoebe asked as they remove the restraints from David.
"About the same," David replied. "I don't really feel any different from before."
"That's to be expected," Greg said walking over to the chair. "You did say you didn't feel anything different after your initial accident. There's no reason to think this would be any different."
"Did it work?" Paige asked. "Is that thing gone?"
"We won't know that until we've analyzed the results of the readings from the recorders," said Greg. "Even then, there may be no way to tell if it worked. I won't know anything until I've had a chance to look at the readings."
"Thanks, Greg," said David. "I appreciate everything you've done. Even if this hasn't worked I appreciate all the help."
"David, what's going on?" Greg asked. "You aren't thinking of leaving?"
"I have to," said David. "Listen, if this worked, I can come back. If it hasn't worked it's too dangerous for me to remain here. The next time I get angry I'll change. When that happens you and everyone here, not to mention everyone who lives around here, will be in danger."
"David, that's precisely why you can't leave," said Greg. "This is the best place for you. We can study the creature. We have the technology to restrain the creature if that's necessary. And we have the best chance of finding a cure for you."
"I can't take that chance," said David. "Too many lives are at stake. I haven't killed anyone yet. That's why I have to keep moving. It's easier to keep the creature from hurting anyone that way."
"David," began Greg.
"No," said David. "My mind is made up. The next time I get angry I'll know if this worked. If it did, I'll come back. I'll keep in touch with you, I promise. Maybe, sometime in the future, I can come back and we can research this thing together."
"Well, if you change your mind, I'll be here," said Greg. "It's going to take months to analyze the data I've collected today. If it's any consolation, what we've learned today may help prevent something like this from happening to someone else in the future."
"That's a big consolation," said David. "I wouldn't wish this thing on anyone. At least maybe some good has come out of all this."
"Well," said Greg, "you should be getting out of here if you're going. If security should find out you're here I won't be able to explain your presence. I just don't know how we're going to get all of you out of here undetected."
"Don't worry about that," said Leo. "We'll leave the same way we got in. No one will ever know we were here."
"Thanks again, Greg," said David, shaking Greg's hand. "I hope I can come back here soon."
"So do I," said Greg. "Take care of yourself, David. If I learn anything that might help you I'll let you know immediately."
"We'd better get going," said Leo.
Everyone left the room heading back to the closet Leo had orbed them in to. As they did, Greg moved to the recording machines to check the results of the procedure. He had a lot of work ahead of him and he wanted to get started right away.
"Are you sure this is the right choice?" Phoebe asked David as they stood on the outskirts of San Francisco. "Maybe Dr. Brenner was right. Maybe that Institute is the best place for you right now."
"It's too dangerous," said David. "I have to keep moving. At least until I find a way to control this thing. Or get rid of it permanently. Thank you all for everything you've done. You've given me hope. That's something that's been in short supply of recently."
"We're just glad we could help," said Piper. "Are you sure you want to walk? Leo can orb you anywhere you want to go."
"I'll be fine," said David. "I'm very used to it. Besides, I'm not sure exactly where I'm going yet. And you all have done so much all ready. I think it's best if I just headed on out."
"Good luck," said Phoebe, kissing David on the cheek. "I'm glad the demon in my premonition wasn't a demon. And if you need anything don't hesitate to contact us. We'll help anyway we can."
"I appreciate that," said David. "Well, I've never liked long goodbyes. Thank you again for everything. I hope we get the chance to see each other again some time."
"You're welcome any time," said Piper.
"What do you think?" Paige asked as David began walking down the road. "You think that creature is gone for good?"
"That's hard to say," said Cole. "Not even Dr. Brenner knew the answer to that question. We can only wait and hope the next time David looses his temper that he'll just get angry like everyone else."
"Poor guy," said Leo. "His life must be a living hell. Not knowing when that creature will appear. At least you guys can vanquish demons. You can't vanquish something that's part of you."
"Well, with any luck it's gone for good," said Piper. "Speaking of demons, I think we'd better get back to the manor. We still have them to deal with and like this hulk creature we never know when they're going to attack."
They all moved into the woods away from prying eyes so Leo could orb them back to the manor. As they did, David walked down the highway with his thumb stuck out hoping someone would give him a lift to the next town. And praying that, maybe, the Incredible Hulk inside him was now just a bad memory he might one day be able to forget.
The End
Author's endnote: This story is loosely based on the "The Incredible Hulk" television series of the 1970s staring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk. While there have been many incarnations of the Hulk, this is one of my favorites and the theme of that show fit best with the concept for this story.
If you've enjoyed this story, you can find more "Charmed" stories at my website, You can also post your own "Charmed" stories if you like to write fan fiction.