Just Another Day

The Sylvans were up and ready for the morning lessons before the sun rose and eagerly waiting for Onami to begin teaching them. He was pleased with their enthusiasm when he found them outside his door and set to work. Shanku stayed back off to the side as Onami began.

"This is usually taught at a much younger age, but should have no impact on your success. Magic is woven into every living thing, from the sky, to the grass, to the insects, to you. It is a sacred gift from the spirits beyond. It would be unwise to misuse it, and doing so can come with dire consequences. I will awaken your sleeping potential," Onami said and extended his staff toward the leery Sylvans before him. They bore mixed looks of curiosity and unease as they felt the energy for the first time. "This is similar to what you would feel before you shift. To use this, you must focus. Concentrate on this feeling and channel it. Feel your wings melt into the air," Onami said as his features began to fade with a demonstration. "With a little faith, you'll reach your goal. But, remember, you had best learn it on your own. Having somebody do it for you can be painful," he finished sternly and cast a suspicious glance at Shanku.

Ina cocked her head to the side and looked very concerned. "Are you human now?"

"Yes, cub, I am," Onami nodded. "Or as human as kurach can ever be."

"What did you mean by 'have somebody do it for you'?" Katari asked.

"It is possible to trigger the shift in another person by imparting your energy into them, but such spellcasting is generally uncomfortable and unnatural," Onami explained. "As your impish friend here learned once, you can guide another into shifting safely, but if you're not careful, you can cause some serious damage."

"I think I want to figure it out on my own," Ina said with a grin. "This seems fun."

"Yes, you each should try to raise your spirit on your own now," Onami nodded. "Try to concentrate on creating a ball of light between your hands."

The Sylvans dutifully began their attempt. Katari and Ina managed little static arcs that fizzled out quickly. Hilael, to his own surprise, held a small and steady sphere of light over his palms. Onami continued to work with them until the sun was high in the sky before he had to tend to other duties.

"Not bad!" Shanku said proudly. "The only ball I managed when I was a wee thing was the one I curled into waiting for class to be over."

"I must admit I'm still nervous, but, I'm enjoying myself," Ina admitted. "How long did it take you to do it your first time?"

"I got it that night. Eru and I cheated," Shanku giggled. "We joined hands, channeled together, and shifted at the same time."

Hilael looked down at his hands while the others were talking. Innugati trilled softly to him and he glanced at her. He carefully began to summon the ball of light again. It sat poised between his hands, making his palms tingle. Hilael stared at it curiously, thinking about Onami's human form, and slowly the change spread up his arms and throughout him.

"Humans have absolutely horrible hearing," Hilael said grumpily. "Still doesn't tune out you chatterboxes."

"That was fast," Shanku remarked, her head tilted to the side and an ear flicked back. "How'd you manage it so quick?"

"Just... concentrated on the light," Hilael shrugged. "Instinct, kind of. I don't know how to explain it."

Ina circled around him, looking over the changes. Hilael shifted uncomfortably as he waited for her to finish. "I'm gonna try again." She sat down, closed her eyes, and became lost in thought.

Katari nodded and sat down not far away. "Papa didn't raise a quitter."

Shanku and Hilael settled into the grass nearby as Ina and Katari concentrated. The sun was low and the shadows were long when finally there was a golden flash and Ina managed to become human.

"Wow, they really can't hear, can they?" she laughed and tried to stand. "And their balance is terrible too!"

"No, that's all you, honey," Shanku chuckled. "Take it easy as you get used to not having your tail or wings."

"Fah! This is hard," Katari groaned. "I am hungry and can't think straight. Let's go find something to eat."

Hilael allowed Ina to hold on to him as she went staggering back to Makehe's home, chattering nonstop with excitement.

"I may ask for a bit of help," Katari said lowly.

"After they all go to bed then," Shanku whispered back.