Chapter Five- The Curse

Mahad studied his books for days, taking time to do patrols, teach, and sleep. He reveled in what he had learned and could do, but kept his new abilities to himself. No one had to know that he was getting stronger. But, it might be noticeable in my new level of confidence, he thought as he prepared for the day after four days of studying. All this power and knowledge I've acquired is giving me a confidence that rivals Seto's, but a bit higher than that. He smirked slightly as he left his room for the Throne Room.

Isis shook her head in dismay. "I still see nothing but darkness, despair, and death."

The priests and Atem exchanged stunned looks. All their efforts and Isis' prediction hadn't changed. Was it impossible to change this future? Atem shook off this feeling as he said, "Mahad, step up the patrols again. Arrest any criminals you find."

"Yes, my pharaoh." Mahad headed off to gather the guards once court was dismissed. He thought of the criminals he had sensed recently and the majority of them were minor. The serious offenders were the real threat. If I find one on my own, he will not be arrested. Serious criminals will only returned to crime even after a Millennium Trial. I have another solution.

The man fell to his knees, his body trembling before the man with the glowing Item. "Please, my Lord, have mercy," he begged.

"Mercy?" Mahad repeated, his eyes showing contempt as did his voice. "I have detected a great evil in you that no trial will fully expel. Imprisonment is not an option as you will return to crime when released. Therefore, I will use another solution." He stretched out a hand and put a finger on the man's forehead before silently casting a spell.

There was a flash and the man was gone; in his place was a rat. The rat ran off and Mahad softly laughed. It worked as I knew it would. I will root out the serious criminals and transform them into harmless creatures. They will have no memory of being human and will act as the animal they become. He laughed a little louder, unaware of a dark tone entering it. He felt his sealing spell weakening but instead of easily strengthening it, he lifted it and allowed the shadows to flow forth and speak to him.

"Changing people into animals? A bit extreme, isn't it?" they asked.

"Not at all. They will never change their evil ways and that would threaten the safety of the city and the pharaoh. I've been given great power to protect and I will use it."

"We have no qualms about that. It makes perfect sense." They paused for a moment. "You recall that you are cursed?"

"Yes." Mahad touched the band under his jewelry that concealed it. "Will you reveal what it is?"

"No, but we will tell you that it will activate tonight. It will run for three nights, these full moon nights. Furthermore, you will be physically powerful."

This caught Mahad's interest. "I will?"

"Oh, yes."

Mahad sensed the connection being closed, but didn't care. He wondered what kind of curse he had that would make him physically powerful. He was interested to find out more and thought maybe he could research it after patrol as the shadows had hinted that it would only occur during the full moon. I wonder who else deserves to be changed. Mahad left the alley and let his Ring lead him to his next victim.

Mahad had changed two more people into fish before patrol ended. He glanced back at the city as the gates closed. He sensed there were more dangerous criminals out there that he hadn't found. Perhaps I can use my curse to root them out tonight. Nodding, Mahad headed inside to give a report and then do some research. Atem seemed pleased that the criminals arrested were minor offenses, but concerned that the serious ones were still free.

"We will find them, my pharaoh. Rest assured," Mahad said.

"I have every confidence that you will succeed," Atem said. "Now, how are your students doing?"

"They are doing wonderfully. They study and practice hard, eager to help protect everyone."

"Good, good. Carry on."

Mahad bowed and left to begin his research. He grabbed everything about curses and the full moon. He hoped to discover a connection and find out what would happen tonight. It didn't quite happen. He was looking over the first scroll of curses and was fascinated by the ones he read. Some were minor ones that were more like pranks. Others were moderate with no lasting side effects. Mahad read on and on, astonished that he hadn't looked at them before. He left the library, deep in thought before he looked outside and saw the sun was setting! He quickly went to his room, removed his headdress and jewelry save for the band before pulling on a robe and hood and headed for the gate. He ordered the gate open and headed into the gradually darkening city.

He moved quickly to the outskirts and slipped into a deserted side street and dropped the robe. He was in an ideal place for the moon's light to shine on him. He watched the sunset fade and looked opposite to see the edge of the moon beginning to rise. He blinked as the dark alley was clear visible and the moon wasn't shining in the alley yet. I have night vision! Incredible. He looked down and his mouth dropped. His nails had grown out and resembled sharp claws! What is happening to me? Am I becoming an animal under the curse? If so, that would explain the physical power as some animals are stronger than humans.

He watched in fascination as his hands shaped themselves into paws, his nails hardening into actual razor-sharp claws that were still exposed. He gasped in surprise as his clothes and shoes faded away; only the band remained, the moonstone glowing brightly. He gave a grunt and looked down to see that his feet were now paws with extended claws. His eyes trailed up from his pawed feet to see his leg muscles bulging and growing larger, much, much larger than what any animal would have. The muscles in his body and arms also bulged and grew larger. He knew he probably looked strange: A very muscular naked man with paws for hands and feet.

A surging sensation ripped through him as black fur started to grow all over his limbs, body, and head. It was so black that Mahad knew he could hide in the shadows and no one would ever see him. He felt his spine curve, forcing him to all fours. He felt something push out of the base of his spine and craned his head to see a bushy black tail swinging side to side. He faced forward and he saw his jaws and nose elongating into a muzzle and his teeth turning sharp. He felt his ears move upwards and guessed they were pointed now. His eyes turned red and glowing and he felt darkness and shadows fill his heart. He howled to the night and Mahad, in the second before his human mind was shoved aside, that he now knew what the curse was: He had become a werewolf!

The wolf stalked out of hiding, sniffing the air. He was hungry and desired to eat. He smelled potential prey and headed toward it. His eyes swept side to side as his nose guided him. The scent grew stronger and he realized that there wasn't just one prey; there were several! He licked his chops at the idea of a feast.

He reached the edge of the marketplace and he saw the humans milling about. Humans, his mind snarled. He hated humans and so wanted to kill them. And so I will, he decided. He howled again before charging into the crowd. Screams reached his ears and he growled as he lashed out, his claws catching a child in the throat. He fell with a gurgle before dying. The wolf smelled the scent of death and it sent him into a killing frenzy. He growled and snarled as he chased down humans with his muscular legs, slashed out with his claws, tore throats out with his teeth, and enjoyed the chaos and terror he caused. He eventually dragged a corpse away and feasted on it in peace before slipping away into the darkness to sleep; not even the gold band and moonstone around his neck like a collar could be seen in the shadows.