Nano prompt entry
Subject: 18. Possibilities
Xander had finally decided to take matters into his own hands. He was very much tired of his body being as much an inconvenience to him and others as it was a pleasure. Cass had often insisted he was like some sort of old folk myth her people believed in. A seal spirit that could change shape when they willed it. Xander had dismissed it, never feeling particularly magical. On top of which while he had always wanted proper legs, and also to just be a seal, he had never really worked at it.
Now though the manifest was giving it a real shot. Stretched out along the foredeck, soaking in the sunshine, Xander was trying his best to concentrate. He wasn't exactly sure how this whole thing was supposed to work. He'd read some books but they never described what the transforming was like from a personal point of view. Assuming he really could do it at all.
This of course left him staring back over his shoulder at his lower half and trying to envision it as if it were human and not seal. As if his grey and black fur would just peel away and leave behind it the same tan skin his upper body boasted. His thick powerful tail would split apart and become the graceful and flexible legs that so many others had.
For all he willed it nothing was happened and frustration sparked in Xander's dark brown eyes. Why could the world not see how much he wanted this.
If it was true and he could truly change, the whole world would be open to him. Opportunities currently closed off by his lack of mobility would suddenly be available. Xander would be able to run and climb, taking to the crows nest or charging across a field to engage in combat if the need arose. Being a greater help aboard the ship was something Xander truly wanted. Cass took care of him and he had his chores but he was so awkward that there was often no place for him as he got bigger and bigger. He wanted to not be a burden to his guardian.
Xander could also learn to dance with proper legs, something those of the upper class seemed to relish and which might impress Auden if he could learn in secret. Auden who seemed so much better with his magic and his ability to shift forms even if he got stuck on occasion. Xander wanted not to hold his friend back anymore, wanted to be able to go to the places and do the things the other other boy could. If he could summon this damned internal magic he supposedly had then perhaps it would be something that helped strengthen their friendship in more way than one. the two of them becoming great mages.. it was a little unlikely but it was still possible and something they could explore together.
Not that Xander intended to give up his current form forever. Two legged might be able to swim fine as evidenced by most of the crew but he was a damn sight faster and more agile than most of them in the water. Xander was simply thinking of what might be possible if only he were truly capable of magic.
The only way to know was more practice. With a deep sigh the young man returned to his visualizing and hoped that when next he opened his eyes there would be actual results.
words: 582
Point Tallies
3 points for entry in the 500-1000 word range
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