Two strange creatures dashed from tree to tree and bush clump to hedge as they worked their way from the park to a safe haven. Naked as the day they were born but still covered in lion's fur and sporting a tail it was most difficult to run across streets. A few cars honked and some drivers rolled down their windows to jeer at the crazy people in costumes.
At last it was Carol Ann that darted into a gated backyard of one old home. As Jack caught up to her he was panting like a tired dog. "We are near my place but whose home this is I don't know, we best keep moving!"
Just then the sound of a slamming screen door made them both jump and turn around.
"Good morning Jack I see that you and Carol Ann met in the Park! I hope the two of you continue to enjoy a special curse from the spellbinders book of the Ragshaggle family album. You Jack, you are too happy all the time! Always in the joy of giving, well now it will be your daily thrill to give unto Carol Ann what even animal you coin at the two of you talk. Oh one need not say it outright but just a slight word so simular and that will be you form. I have one way for the two of you to make the spell end, Jack at one time or another must not have sex with anyone for a full day. Oh it's been tried by so many for so long but none have made it yet. One last note, this spell will last for 31 days, the chosen animal for day thirty two is your's to remain, for life! Now get from here and never return!" said and evil and angered Mrs. Ragshaggle.
Carol Ann was the first to dart out the gate and run down the alley.
"I will return as man or beast to make you pay for this!" Growled Jack. He too then gave a quick look down the alley and swung around the gate and followed Carol Ann's lead.
As he ran along the gravelled laugh of Mrs. Ragshaggle echoed the houses. A clawed hand reached out and sunk a hold on Jack's shoulder.
"Hey dumby this is my house and remember, I live alone, lets go inside!" offered Carol Ann.
Jack turned and followed her inside the fence and up the winding brick steps to the sun deck attached to the rear of her big old house.
Carol seemed rather nice about things when one might consider she had been dragged into a Ragshaggle curse with Jack her near neighbor. A clawed finger pointed to a bathroom with shower and Jack offered a small grin of thanks.
As the hot water and soap touched his hairy hide the lion's form and skin became almost all human. After some time of just standing and steaming Jack came out to dry off.
A half steamed full length mirror made the statement of what had not changed. Looking saw Jack saw his elongated feet and the shape of animalistic hind legs made him remain in a crouched stance. As he dried off more the fact his ears remained high on the head also gave concern as what might be next.
Donning a bathrobe Jack walked out into the hall and down to a windowed family room overlooking the sun deck.
"Are you feeling better?" asked Carol Ann as she stepped into the room.
Jack turned to see his friend standing in a robe too and having much the same body form as he had. It was then Jack noticed they both had tails.
Jack suddenly got angry. "Why did that evil bitch curse me and or then you? I've always been kind and considerate, heck last January when we had that big snow I took my snowblower to clean out her driveway. She offered to pay and I turned it down and just smiled. Now she puts some dumb family curse on me and then you. I'm sorry I dragged you into this but the Lion's mind took me over at first and I couldn't think for myself. It was a wild rage, I couldn't control it and was driven to do..." Carol Ann stopped Jack short.
"Calm down or your going to make some sluring remark and send us out today as God knows what!" as Carol Ann made a shushing action with her finger to her lips.
Turning around Carol Ann went to the kitchen and offered to make breakfast. Jack followed her to the doorway and stood still steamed about their screwed up lives.
"Damn it, damn that evil woman I'll make her pay something for this damn curse. If you help me we can give her some pain for this disgrace. I'm, oh I'm so damn mad if she think's she will get away scott free then she's got another thing coming!" Jack's face was red with rage.
"Oh calm down Jack before you say something we'll both regret!" chidded Carol Ann as she reached for a frypan.
"No, No, I won't calm down! It's not fair, not one damn bit it's not fair to you or me! We did nothing to the old woman, damn it damn it!" Jack yelled very loud and turning to look at Carol Ann's surprised look he said, "She's not going to make Jack and Carol look like a pair of Jackasses!"