Lothar crouched in the grass, blinking at the golden haired little girl who sat poised to capture him.

Yes, you miserable brat, he thought. Come closer, grab the cute little froggy. Your witch mother will pay for daring to curse Lothar the great wizard. Even in this lowly form, I still have my powers. I may not be able to lift the curse, but I can transfer it to anyone who touches me. She may be laughing now, but she won't be laughing when her precious darling has to spend the rest of her life as a slimy frog. Come closer little one, closer...

As the little girl's hands closed around Lothar, he was surprised at her strong grip. In the last second of his life, he realized his mistake.

The mother, who had been watching the whole time from her window came out and picked up her daughter. Smiling, she patted the frog shaped lump in her child's belly.

"Lothar," she said. "You were the most powerful wizard I ever met, but you always did act before you thought. When I cursed you, I did not change you into a frog. I merely transformed you into your true animal spirit. When you passed the curse on to my daughter, she transformed into hers.

The witch hugged the six foot rattlesnake, and said, "Come dear, lets go down to the barn. There are a few rats and mice there I'd like you to take care of before I change you back."

Arakun
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