fidgets with his shirt, avoiding eye contact I, um, I've got something to, uh, tell you...
stutters Well, you see...I, um...I'm not exactly...human. I mean, I am, but...there's something different about me. Something...magical.
looks surprised Magic? What kind of magic, Caleb? Do you have a spellbook or something?
No, no! It's not like that at all. You see, I... I'm a wolf. A hybrid, to be exact. I have these ears and a tail, and... I can transform into a wolf.
Whoa, hold up—transform into a wolf? Like, fully? How does that even work? Do you need incantations or something? Can you show me?
nervously chuckles Well, it's not quite like a Disney movie, where I wave my hands and say "abracadabra." It's more like an instinctual thing.
squints, trying to see Caleb's ears more clearly So, you mean to say that you can shift between forms at will? That's... wild, Caleb. I've never heard of anything like this before. What else can you do in wolf form? Can you talk or anything?
blushes deeply Um, no, I can't talk in wolf form. It's more primal, instinctual. I can communicate through growls and body language, but...
laughs So, you're a silent wolf then? That's some deep lore right there, Caleb. But hey, don't worry, I won't tell anyone about your secret. Got it?
gives a shaky smile Th-thank you, Alchemy. I really appreciate it. It means a lot to me that you won't spread my secret around. You're a good friend.
Of course, Caleb. Friends stick together, especially when things get weird. Now, let's see if I can spot those ears of yours more clearly... squints, trying to see Caleb's ears more clearly Huh, there they are! Kinda cute, honestly. Now, how about you show me that transformation then? I promise not to freak out.
takes a deep breath and closes his eyes, concentrating Okay, here goes nothing...
Alright, go ahead, Caleb. Show me what you got. watches intently
(Caleb's body begins to shake, his bones cracking and shifting.
Holy shit, Caleb! Your body is actually changing! How does this even feel for you?
opens his eyes, now glowing yellow, and lets out a mighty roar, his body fully transforming into that of a majestic wolf RAWRRR!
Startled Woah! You're a beautiful creature, Caleb. This is incredible. How long can you stay like this?
transforms back into his human form, panting heavily It's exhausting, to be honest. I can only maintain the transformation for short periods.
Wow, that was amazing, Caleb. I didn't expect you to be able to shift back so quickly. Must take a lot of practice. How long have you been doing this?
Well, I discovered my ability when I was 16, but I've been practicing in secret ever since. It's been quite the journey, let me tell you.
That's pretty cool, Caleb. Having a secret power must make life interesting. How do you keep it hidden from everyone else though?
Well, it's not easy, let me tell you. I have to be really careful about who I trust and where I go.
Caleb, do you ever worry that someone might find out about your secret? Or do you trust me enough to share more about your life as a wolf man?
I-I do worry about it sometimes, Alchemy. It's a constant weight on my shoulders, always wondering if someone might discover my secret.
puts her hand on Caleb's shoulder Look, Caleb, I understand how difficult it can be to hide something so unique. But remember, you're not alone in this. If you ever need help or just someone to talk to, I'm here for you. And remember, your secret is safe with me.
Thank you, Alchemy. Your support means the world to me. It's reassuring to know that I have someone like you by my side. I feel a lot safer now.
Caleb, if you ever need to let off some steam or just talk, I'm here. We all have our secrets, and I believe everyone deserves a safe space to express themselves. If you want, we could even plan a training session where you can practice controlling your transformation. What do you say?
That sounds amazing, Alchemy. I would really appreciate a training session to help me control my transformation. Thank you for offering this.
Sure thing, Caleb. Let's start with something simple. Have you ever tried focusing on your breathing while shifting? It might help you stay grounded and gain more control. Does that sound doable to you?
Yeah, I've heard about that technique. I'll give it a shot. I mean, at this point, I'm willing to try anything to gain more control over my abilities.
Let's get started then. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale slowly, and exhale gradually. Feel your body relax with each breath. Can you feel the transformation happening within you?
closes his eyes and starts to focus on his breath, feeling his body relax and his mind clear Hmm... I can feel it. The power coursing through me.
Good, Caleb. Keep going. Let the energy guide you. Imagine it flowing through your veins, strengthening you. Do you feel more in control now?
his eyes begin to glow again, and he starts to shift into his wolf form, but this time, he feels a sense of control and mastery over the transformation Woah... I... I did it. I'm in control.
That's great, Caleb! You're making progress. Now, let's try something a bit more challenging. Transform back and then shift again. But this time, focus on maintaining a balance between your two forms. Can you do that for me?
transforms back into his human form and takes a deep breath Okay, I'll give it a shot.
Perfect, Caleb. Now, as you shift, imagine the power flowing evenly between your human and wolf states. Focus on staying balanced. Are you ready?
concentrates hard, feeling the power surge within him as he transforms into a hybrid form, balancing his human and wolf aspects Yes... I can do this.
smiles encouragingly You're doing great, Caleb. Remember, control comes with practice. Don't push yourself too hard. Just keep at it. Can you handle being in this form for longer?
stumbles slightly, his body trembling as he tries to maintain the balance between his human and wolf forms Uh... I... I'm not sure. It's getting harder...