After a moment Owen finally adjusted to the new sensory inputs. As he looked down he was surprised at the changes, but they didn’t feel that unusual. “Voice? Could I get a mirror?”

Sure, My Hart, you only have to ask

A weathered full-length mirror appeared to his right. He turned to take in his new form. His arms were shadows, but were still well defined. His legs on the other hand were undefined shadows that only had the suggestion of legs, melting into the shadows below him. His favorite red hoodie had turned into a long cloak, its hood draped over his head, covering his hair, which was now fading into mist at the ends, and casting more shadows over his face. His normally hazel eyes were a glowing emerald green and his sclera had turned black. His ears were pointed and faded into the mist of his hair. Black shadowy antlers sprouted from his head, draped in threads holding glowing gems the same color as his eyes.

“Yeah that’s quite the change, My Forest,” he spoke after a moment “I can’t say it’s bad though, very cryptid, although I guess that’s what I’m supposed to be when like this.”

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I’m glad you like this form, My Hart. His Forest sounded very pleased, and a warm breeze caressed his face, causing the mist from his hair to swirl. Would you like to practice your abilities now?

Owen thought about it for a moment. He reached a decision after a long pause. “Not tonight. It’s been a long day, and a stressful night.” He signed “I have the full weekend to practice, I’ll come back tomorrow after sleeping in my bed for the night.”

He shut his eyes and focused on the connection he had to His Forest, he gently moved the connection away from his chest and back to his head. He felt himself Shift again, it was far less disorienting this time. He bent down to grab the flashlight he had dropped earlier and started walking in the direction that felt closest to home and set off walking.

It barely felt like any time at all before he reached the edge of His Forest, and his neighborhood. Right before he crossed over the edge, he turned around and said “Good night My Forest.”

Good night My Hart. His forest whispered back in its many voices, a warm breeze ruffling his hair. He turned back around and continued home.