Basically, humans took a path not taken, and don't use faster than light travel.

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Full moons were once a time of freedom for my kind, but since the renaissance we have been forced into squalid cages offering no relief to the beast. Coming from a rather large and diverse were-family I had seen the numerous ways one could deal with the mandatory monthly transformation. None of them would do for me, however luxurious the cage, it was still that, a cage.

To be a were-creature is to be connected to the most primal part of yourself, but that part is no less in need of enrichment, connection, and joy than any other. As one of the top supernatural zoologists in the country, I plan to revolutionize the way my kind live. 

To cast off the shadow of shame that follows our nature is one of my greatest dreams. 

Working with local and continental agencies I manage to get approval after seven years of wading through red tape. It was all worth it, for the chance to create Primal Gardens, rural, well-wooded areas that are converted to were-being friendly parks.  

Werewolves like myself, werebears, werejaguars and any other werebeing that needs it finally have a place to enjoy their full moon, instead of merely enduring it. 

Now the day has arrived, it is the opening of the parks, witches in place to warp the reality around each designated area, making it appear and feel endless. The signs designating each were-creature area are up on the trees, big and bold enough for anyone not blind to see. All of the animals for hunting have been released and the weighted dummy’s, balls, and elevated platforms, and mazes have been properly set-up. 

Standing on either side of me on this momentous day, are my were-jaguar wife, Niceta, and six-year old son, Nico who is shaking like a leaf. His thunderous heartbeat pounds in my ears like drums, his scent sour with anxiety. Exchanging a quick look with a Niceta, I go to comfort him. 

“It is incrível, Querido” Niceta beams at me, glowing with pride. 

Nudging Nico, she urges him to calm himself, “quit shaking, Amorzinho, you are finally of age to reveal your true form. We do not shake in the face of our greatness.” 

Squeezing his shoulder, I reassure him. “Your first transformation is a time to celebrate not fear.” 

“B-b-but, won’t it hurt? Ricky said he felt like he got turned inside out.” My son asks, his big honey-brown eyes searching mine for assurance. 

Sighing, I drop to one knee, now eye-level with my boy. “It only hurts if you fight it, or you get turned instead of being born this way, buddy.” 

Niceta, places her hand on Nico's head, stroking his hair and pulling him into her arms, purring. “Meu Filhinho, trust in your papa and mama, we will guide you.” 

Behind her, the sun sets, bathing the world in brilliant shades of deep pinks and reds that streak across the sky, bleeding and blending together. Deep in the woods, tall trees cover every inch of earth as far the eye can see, surrounded the wild on all sides. 

I take a deep breath, looking at my son, his face buried in his mother’s middle as she soothes him. Looking at the pair of them, a warmth spreads in my chest, as I think of how my work will make this night better for the both of them. 

Slightly muffled against his mother, I hear my son ask, “What if I don’t look right? Then you won’t love me anymore.” 

Still on one knee I reach out, stroking Nico’s back. 

“Buddy, even if you transformed into a bear, hawk or worm, your mama and I, we’d love you to the end of the last forest and back to the first.” 

“We will not leave you hurting even a moment,” Niceta swears. 

Slowly, Nico releases his mother, just in time for the sun to fully set. Blinking several times in the darkness, he rubs his eyes. 

“Mama, I can see! Just like you and Papa!” He exclaims, looking everywhere he could with his new sight. Running across the grass, jumping over boulders with glee. 

“Seems he has your agility.” I quip to my wife, sneaking a hand on her lower back as our son runs wild. 

She runs a hand down my chest, leaning up to whisper, “Ah, but that energy is all you, meu lobo.”

Before we can get any closer, Nico bursts in between us, bouncing with the energy of his oncoming transformation. Recognizing his time is close, I exchange a knowing look with my wife. 

Looking down at my little pup I can’t help but smile even wider as I scoop him up, laughing as he squeals.  

“Why don't you, me, and your mom have a race?” I ask, setting him down when he’s sufficiently red and breathless for giggling.

Clapping, Nico nods “Yes!! I bet I’m even faster than mom now.”

My wife crosses her arms, raising her brow, teasing him. “Oh? Careful, Meu Filhinho. Pride comes before the fall.” 

Stretching to get loose in case I transformed while running, “Alright, ready?... *1…2…3…4…*5!” 

We all set off into the park, the three of us running freely, the air clean and possibilities endless. Within minutes we shed our human skins, Nico too lost in joy and community to even notice. 

That night, my life's work was more than a dream, it was the reality.