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.

Magnificent Margo and the Mystery of the Missing Millie by Lyra B.

Margo may seem like an ordinary (though rather pretty) cat, but to her animal friends she is Magnificent Margo, the crime busting moggy, working with her neighbouring cats, Tremendous Tom the Tabby, and Nala, who sleeps a lot. Together they are F.U.R. - Feline Undercover Rescuers! From their secret badger set hideout within the woodland behind where they live, they work together to keep all the nearby animals safe.

One morning, there is a big commotion. Millie the hamster from down the road is missing! Margo and the team quickly assemble at the hideout. Lots of pets have been disappearing recently, so F.U.R. already made sure that everyone in town was micro-chipped. They switch on the catellite tracking system. "There" exclaims Margo, "her signal leads to the river then mysteriously vanishes". "What are we waiting for, let's go" says Tom, who springs into action. Nala yawns "I'll monitor from here", and closes her eyes again.

The daring duo rush to the river. Millie's tiny pawprints end abruptly at the riverbank. "Impossible, she hates water" says Margo. "I think this calls for a stake out!" replies Tom. "Did someone say steak?" chips in Nala over the cat comms. The pair make themselves comfy in a nearby bush and wait…

Just after dusk, they spot a shadowy figure creeping towards the old willow tree. They could just make out a bushy tail and pointy ears. "Ferocious Fox!" whispers Margo, "I might have known". They watch as he pulls on a gnarly branch and suddenly a portion of the river drains away revealing a small door on the far bank behind which Fox quickly disappears. The fearless friends dash towards the opening and just make it before the doorway closes and the river water comes crashing down again. "That was way to close!" pants Tom.

The twosome struggle to keep up with Fox in the dark maze of passages, which twist and turn as they descend underground. Eventually they tumble into a huge shadowy cavern lined with cages. "There's Millie!" shouts Tom "and all the other missing animals!". Their nemesis turns sharply and growls "What are you meddling furballs doing here?". "Never mind that, why have you taken all these poor animals?" quizzes Margo. Fox suddenly appears a bit sheepish. "It's my birthday," he quietly replies. "I wanted a party but didn't have any friends to invite. You all think I'm terribly ferocious". "So, you just kidnapped some?" questions Margo incredulously. "Well, yes" says fox, "sorry", now seeming not that ferocious after all. "You could have just asked, we love parties" squeaked Millie. "Yes" chorused all the animals. "How about we just call you Fox from now on, and let's open up these cages and PAR-TY!!!" whoops Margo, and her and Fox high-paw. Another case solved, the heroic pair get to work releasing all the animals whilst Fox leaps onto the decks to get the party started. "Will there be cake?" asks Nala eagerly.

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