Nate decided to head over the fortune teller's tent. While he didn't really believe in magic or the supernatural, he thought it would be fun to see what the fortune teller had to say. As he approached the tent, he saw the sign, "Madame Esmerelda: Fortune Teller" with a $5 in the corner. While Nate thought the price was a little steep, he shrugged his shoulders and decided it would still be fun. As he was about to walk into the tent, a middle aged man stormed out of the tent, muttering in anger.
Inside, he was surprised to find a younger woman, with flowing blond hair. She wore a simple white blouse and black skirt. He caught her wiping away a tear. His heart stirred with a twinge of sympathy.
"Are you ok?" asked Nate, walking over to her.
"I'm fine. That man just...never mind," she replied.
"Are you sure?" replied Nate. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"No, that's ok," said Esmerelda. "You're here to have your fortune told. No need to involve yourself."
"Okay," replied Nate, deciding not to pry any further. "I just thought I'd check."
"I appreciate that," she replied. "Give me your hand."
Nate held out his left hand and she took it. She studied his palm but looked up to catch Nate rolling his eyes.
"Do you not believe in this?" she asked.
"Not really," he replied. "It just seems kind of ridiculous."
"Ridiculous?"
"I'm sorry, I did not mean to offend. It's just that I haven't had an experience that would lend me to believe in this sort of thing." replied Nate.
"And what if I were able to make you believe?" she asked. "What would you do then?"
"I...I'm not sure," replied Nate, suddenly nervous.
"You seem like a nice man, I should just let you go."
"I'm not always nice," replied Nate. "When I'm angry, I can be a real beast. Now, please tell me, I want to know. I want to believe."
"The man who left before you. He attacked me and tried to have his way with me. If you were able to scare him, make sure he never hurt anyone again, I could give you an experience you won't soon forget," replied Esmerelda, smiling.
"Ummm...okay," replied Nate, confused.
He watched as she placed her hand, palm down over his, pressing them together. He looked up at her as she started chanting in a language he didn't understand. Her eyes clouded over, becoming completely white. Nate's heart started beating wildly as he had never been more scared.
"Oh god, what are you doing?" cried out Nate, as he tried to pull his hand away, but couldn't.
She continued to chant in a deep monotone. He felt a jab of pain in his gut, followed by another and another in quick succession. He cried out and fell out of his chair, kneeling in front of the table.
"I believe, okay? I believe! Please stop!" he cried out. He looked at his hand pinned on the table. He watched in shock as his fingernails grew out into long sharp claws and dark brown fur grew in, traveling up his arm. He felt the fur continue to grow in up along his arm, moving across his neck and chest, radiating through his body. He felt a tingling in his ears. He reached up, touching them and feeling as they grew to points. His muscles swelled and grew as his chest barreled out, ripping apart his shirt. He felt his shoes rip apart as his feet reformed into digigrade paws. As the inherent power of the werewolf washed over Nate, he began to accept and even become excited by his transformation. As the transformation worked it's way around his body, his watched as it made it's way to his other hand, as his nails grew out into long sharp claws and his face pushed out into a lupine snout.
Esmerelda released his hand and her eyes returned to normal. Nate faced the young woman, letting out a low growl. He slowly stood up and ripped off the torn remnants of his shirt, revealing his fur covered, muscular chest. His midsection was still covered by his tattered beige slacks. He could feel the strength and power coursing through himself and threw his head back, letting out a loud howl.
"Go forth, my friend and find that man...and make him pay," said Esmerelda. "Earn your reward."
Nate jumped through the tent flaps into the carnival. He had the man's scent, he would find him and he would pay.