THE UNEXPECTED
1015 Words
The full moon hung low in the sky, casting a chilly glow over the forest.
The soldiers were enjoying the smoked bushmeat they roasted.
One of them went to check on the soldiers watching the prisoner's tent, as they complained they hadn't seen any of them.
As he went to check, he opened the tent and couldn't find Shirl.
He stepped out and found the dead bodies of the soldiers.
Shocked at the scenario, he immediately raised an alarm.
The other soldiers hurried towards the tent.
“Someone must have outsmarted us, but I believe they are still close. The girl was badly injured,” the leader said, touching the bodies of the soldiers to determine how long they had died.
With fury in his eyes, he commanded the soldiers to transform and find the intruders.
“Make sure they don't survive. Kill the girl; we should have done that earlier,” the leader commanded.
The soldiers, now transformed into snarling werewolves, feeling even stronger due to the full moon, prowled the underbrush, their senses heightened as they tracked Shirl from the blood pool in the tent.
The soldiers howled continuously.
Rufus, Rad, and Selene fled through the trees, their breathing ragged, as they realised the soldiers had noticed Shirl absence and the dead soldiers.
Shirl, who was still in pain, leaned against Rufus' back, her weight a constant reminder to him of their mission.
The soldiers finally caught and surrounded them.
“It seems we'll have to fight this battle; we can't outrun them, they are fast,” Rufus said, his eyes searching the surroundings for a safe place for Shirl.
He dropped her by a rock and pleaded with her to stay calm, assuring her everything was under control.
“It's me they want; please go and let me die,” Shirl pleaded, resting her back against the rock, although Selene had stopped the bleeding, the pain was immeasurable.
“I won't do that; you're going to be safe,” Rufus assured.
As the moon's light bathed them, Rufus felt a powerful stir within. His body began to shift, senses sharpened, and his bones cracked, and his mind surrendered to the primal urge.
He dropped to all fours, his hands transforming into paws. Fur burst forth, covering his arms, legs, and torso.
He transformed into his werewolf form.
Rad and Selene underwent their own transformations, their bodies contorting into powerful werewolf forms.
The three stood united, their eyes glowing in the darkness.
They began to fight; claws clashed, snarls filled the air, and the forest echoed with the savagery of their fight.
But as the soldiers gained ground, they outnumbered them.
In a blink of movement, a soldier lunged towards Shirl's hiding spot.
Rufus rage scaled over.
A surge of energy exploded within him, unleashing a torrent of magical power.
His claws extended, razor-sharp and glowing with an ethereal light.
With a loud howl, Rufus tore through the soldiers, his strength and speed unmatched.
He defeated all the soldiers, leaving none to survive.
Rufus ran back to Shirl to ensure she was not harmed.
He dropped to his knees, cradling her pale face in his hands.
“Shirl, are you okay?”
Shirl eyelids fluttered open, her gaze locking onto Rufus.
A faint smile crossed her lips.
“I'm...fine, thank you for your concern,” she whispered.
Rufus' relief was palpable.
Selene and Rad looked at each other, and both nodded to confirm they were okay.
“You must be a powerful werewolf, Rufus; I believe when we get to Healior, we'll know who you really are,” Rad said, walking closer to Rufus and Shirl with Selene behind him.
Rufus, also confused about how he defeated the soldiers, agreed.
They decided to continue moving, as there were chances the other soldiers would soon be notified
*********†*†***********†**†*****
Amira's eyes wavered open, her surroundings unfamiliar. She lay on a lush, green meadow, surrounded by towering trees. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of wildflowers.
“Where am I?” she examined the environment. Her gaze searched every angle of the forest around her.
A wild beast emerged from the underbrush, its eyes fixed on Amira.
Fear gripped her heart as she screamed for help.
A figure suddenly burst from the trees, claws flashing in the moonlight.
The beast fell, defeated. It was Rufus. The portal landed Amira in the Nine clans.
Rufus approached Amira, an engraved concern on his face.
"Are you alright? Why are you here by yourself" he asked, unaware of who she was as she had hidden her face in her hands out of fear. She looked up and couldn't believe what was before her. She panicked.
She shivered, her eyes widened in shock.
“ No! This is not real, I must be dreaming. "A talking werewolf." Amira said.
Her eyes locked onto his.
Rufus gaze roamed her face, ensuring he wasn't mistaken. He immediately recognised her
"Amira, what are you doing here?" Rufus asked, his voice laced with confusion.
Amira sat up, still shaken.
"Who are you? How did you know my name" she stammered.
“ There's no time for that, get up. I'll explain better during the day.”
Rufus helped Amira stand, his touch sending shivers down her spine.
“ You're coming with us,” Rufus said, his tone firm.
As they walked, Amira noticed Rufus' companions – Selene, Rad, and Shirl – who stood from a distance. Shirl leaned on a tree, Selene and Rad, who had transformed into their normal forms beside her.
"Who are they? Well I'm glad I have found people" Amira felt comfort.
"They are Friends," Rufus replied. "I'm sure you'll feel better in a while."
“ Rufus, Shirl condition is getting worse, we need to find our way back to the village.” Selene suggested, concerned as Shirl wasn't conscious.
Amira, astonished to hear Selene call the werewolf Rufus, wanted to ask questions but decided to remain quiet until day. Rad and Selene helped Shirl on Rufus' back and the journey continued.
- Writer
