Moon Play - MWBB

I managed to try and write something for last weeks Mid-Week Blues-Buster, despite the persisting pain in my right arm and shoulder, due to a trapped nerve. I was particularly surprised at this piece getting 3rd place as I struggled with ending it on Friday through a sleepy painkiller induced haze and ended up deleting half of it. The song really spoke to me though, with it's moody Doors-like feel to it, and with the moon only one outcome was possible, although I rarely write any of these sorts of supernatural creatures.

The prompt song this week was:

 Tito & Tarantula - After Dark

 

Jonas shifted his leg and felt another next to it. He lifted his head from the pillow and saw several tangled limbs entwined with his. It had been another busy night. He sighed and fell back.

Hours later he stirred again, the heat getting too much for him. This time there were fewer limbs on the bed. He shuffled up into sitting position, rubbing at his face, feeling the days of stubble.

He looked round. She was gone. Damn, he’s missed her departure again.

He pushed the other limbs off him, causing groans as he left the bed.

He grabbed boxers and a t-shirt as he staggered out onto the landing, tripping down the stairs to see who else was up.

In the kitchen three of them were sitting round the breakfast bar nursing mugs.

Darius looked up. “Hey Jonas.” His tussled hair still had leaves in it.

‘Where’d Cathy go?”

“Didn’t see her, sorry.”

“Arh shit.”

“But she was with you guys last night, right?”

“Yeah, she crashed in my room, but I want to be sure she’s running again tonight.”

“Third night Jonas, that’s asking a lot.” Darius’ twin brother Damien took a swig from his mug.

Jonas regarded him as he took the milk out of the fridge. “She’s ready for it.”

“You think?”

“Definitely.”

When Cathy walked through the door at sunset Jonas was relieved. She went straight to him, sitting across his lap in the crowded lounge. He embraced her.

“I was wondering where you got to. You ready for the last run?”

“What do you think? It’s not like I have a choice.”

He grinned. “True. You can feel it then?”

“Been gagging all day.”

“Good, cuz tonight’s gonna be intense.”

She smiled. “I wouldn’t expect anything less on full moon.”

“I’m serious Cathy; there’ll be no playing tonight.”

His didn’t smile and hers faded as she caught the serious intent.

Once they were all gathered in the lounge, people started to get up, jumping up and down, and making whooping sounds as they removed what few clothes they had on, until eventually everyone was ready and psyched. Then they ran out into the night air, following the leader out into the forest behind the house.

They raced each other to the summit of the clearing, all eyes turned to the horizon, watching the bright edge of light grow and reveal its magnificence - the full moon.

Their whoops turned to howls as their transformations wracked their bodies. Even though it was the third night, it was no less painful as hair sprouted, claws protruded and faces elongated, until the pack was complete.

And this time, rather than race into the forest and find small creatures as they had the previous two nights, they headed for town.