500 Words 2024/25: read a finalist's story from the 8-11 category

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This story was chosen as a top 50 finalist for 500 Words 2024/25.

Remember, spelling, punctuation and grammar are not taken into account for a 500 Words story, therefore all the top 50 stories have been published how they were submitted.

The Transformation by Blake S.

A ragged mist drifts through the air. A biting cold rain begins to fall. The father and son both quicken their pace along the slippery path, towards the shelter of the dark winter forest. The father moves purposefully, with determination. His long limbs covering the uneven ground confidently. He turns regularly though, to check on the youngster - who looks nervously at the darkening sky, then shudders and tucks his neck into his fur coat. It will be night soon. Will they make it in time? He scrambles briefly to catch up. His father does not slow his pace.

In time, the path begins to rise and the ground becomes more jagged and sharp. A gust of wind brings a scent of snow and a chill. Through a tear in the mist, they catch their first glimpse of Wolf Fang Mountain, towering above them. They share a cautious glance and begin their trek to the top. The youngster's muscles soon begin to burn, but he presses on - glancing constantly at the fading light as it dwindles on the horizon. They finally reach the top, as the last glimmer slips away.

The child holds his breath as the first pearl-white beam of moonlight pierces the heavy mist.

With a last look at his son and a deep breath, the father steps into the piercing beam of light. The transformation begins almost instantly. He howls a deafening howl. Clouds scud across the face of rising moon - showing the scene in flashes to the child. First the teeth. Then the claws. Then the midnight-black fur. Then the orange, fire-like eyes. The child presses himself back against the rock behind him in horror. Is this still his father?

His eyes grow fearful. The strange creature is starting to prowl towards him. He is glued to the spot with fear. Is this the end? He can move no further. The creature stalks closer and closer - its hot breath on his face, its eyes unfamiliar and hostile, its teeth only inches away.

At the last moment something changes in the eyes and the expression. A glimpse of thoughtfulness. His father is still in there. He will be safe this time.

This training is important. One day it will be his turn to take on the family curse - and the transformation.

He has no idea why his family has been cursed like this - it happened generations before. But there is nothing that can be done now. He puts aside his natural fear and lays his soft muzzle against the unfamiliarly bare skin of his father's leg. Why would a family of wolves be cursed to turn into men every full moon? He doesn't know - but he does know that it will be important, when his turn comes, to follow his fathers lead and take himself away to this lonely spot - in order to protect all the animals. Because everyone knows that men are the most dangerous beasts there are.

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