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Jake becomes alert as she hears a sound from the other room. She blinks a few times as she feels her body under her control again; Winter has given full control back to Jake. <Thanks for letting me recover Winter.>

Calmar gets up and motions to follow. He steps to the door that leads to the room with the closets and taps politely as he asks, “Young miss, is everything alright?”

There is no response from the other side as Calmar opens the door a bit and asks the same question again as a concern enters Jake’s mind. “Is she ok?”

“I’m sure she is.” Calmar says as he opens the door fully and steps in. “The bonding can be quite draining but I still prefer to be polite. As you can see, you have a new ally.”

Stepping into the room, Jake first sees Calmar muttering a spell before looking in the direction of his actions and spots a leopard woman lying on the ground.

<This changes things...> Winter comments with an odd mix of concern and awe.

Stepping beside Calmar, Jake looks up to the man before looking back at the figure on the ground as she makes a subtle shift as the leopard woman stretches in place as she makes an extended, cat-like, yawn.

"Nyaa!" She says as she finishes her stretch and lifts herself effortlessly from the ground with a feline grace that seems out of place on a human figure. As she meets Calmar's eyes, she says, "Well hello Calmy!"

"Zoe," Calmar responds as he bows his head slightly. "You're looking as spry as ever."

"Nyot you, though," she responds with remorse. "You're old!"

Smiling warmly, he responds, "You think? I'm likely older than that; but we must be on with things, we can catch up later. More importantly, how did it go?"

"Bond made and she's out like a candle," Zoe answers.

"The links?"

In an odd motion, Zoe's eyes seem to roll back momentarily as she goes ridged. Her body shakes a few times before her eyes refocus and she relaxes. "The bond was fully successful and all links are complete."

<What was that!?> Jake asks Winter in alarm.

<A check for bond strength.> Winter responds nonchalantly. <Zoe was confirming that everything is working correctly.>

Not sure whether she should be concerned, Jake asks, <Did you do that with me after our bond?>

<I checked immediately after the transformation was completed and we have a full bond.>

Relief comes to Jake, though she's not sure that's what she should feel. With that concern alleviated, Jake takes a moment to examine Zoe's form as she notes Zoe’s triangular ears as they shift with every sound, her cute young face with a short cat muzzle, and her yellow eyes as she scans Calmar then the room for a bit before both of their eyes meet. A twinkle seems to fill Zoe’s eyes as a mischievous grin comes to her mouth.

"Anyother bonded one? Calmy, who's this?"

“You know who I am!" Winter says annoyed as she walks up to Zoe as Jake feels like she’s been mentally thrown back as she loses control of her body.

"Nya hahaha!" Zoe breaks out into laughter, “Oh foxy, you’re always too serious!”

“I-” Winter starts before Jake asserts control of her body again. <Sorry,> Winter says as a bitter chill emanates from her spot in Jake’s mind. <We did not part in the best of circumstances, and I wanted her to be a little more serious...>

Unsure of what to say in response, Jake decides to come back to this later –both Winter’s explanation and Winter’s ability to instantly take control. Not sure whether she should trust this leopard woman either, Jake weighs her options. She doesn’t want to look bad in front of Calmar but at the same time she’s not looking to make friends here either. Deciding a simple greeting doesn’t commit her to anything, she says, “Hello Zoe, I’m Winter, the Snow Vixen. It’s nice to meet you.”

Accepting the shake, Zoe responds, "I am Zoe, the Amber Leopard,” as the twinkle in her eyes seem to turn to wonder. “And nyow I nyeed to knyow who this is!"

"You will, but not now," Winter says as she grabs control of Jake's mouth again as she continues, "We've been attacked-"

"You're nyo fun Winty!" Zoe says interrupting Winter as she shakes her head. "And I knyow about the attack from her, poor girl. You really should be more careful about falling signs and people's long legs!"

The joke hits a sore spot in Jake’s heart as she lowers her head. “I know...”

“You’re nyo fun either!” Zoe mutters with disappointment as she steps up to Winter and wraps an arm over her shoulders and pulls her in for a soft hug. “But I do need to thank you for saving her. You really were in danger of dying yourself Winty.”

“As she’s admonished me for already,” Jake responds as she feels Winter’s chill continuing to spread. “Believe me.”

“Nyaa hahaha!” Zoe laughs as she breaks the hug, faces Winter, and bends down to eye level. Her focus is serious and seems to not be looking at Jake herself, but rather through her as if looking at Winter directly. A warm smile crosses her face as she says, “Hi Winter, I’m glad to see you again.”

Winter’s form seems to wilt from Zoe’s sincere words. A sense of remorse crosses the ball in Jakes mind as Jake asks, <Winter? Are you ok?>

<Dumb cat...> Winter says after a moment. Her tone is affectionate but there’s something more that Jake can’t place. It’s certainly not anger or sadness though.

A cough comes from Calmar, drawing everyone’s attention to him.

"Calmy, do you always have to break the moment?" Zoe says with mock weariness.

"I must, sadly for you," Calmar responds seriously. "It is getting late. I know both you and Winter have had a very busy day."

"She will be ready for a true rest when she come to." Zoe admits.

Jake exhales as she simply nods. She knows she doesn't have to explain her day to the old mage. A wobble from her companion makes Jake look over to the leopard girl as she seems to lose balance! Quickly she reaches out to help support her companion.

Sluggishly and with little grace, Zoe's head looks up. Her eyes seem dull, like a flame barely clinging to life, as her pupils strain to gain proper focus. Jake applies a bit more force to help Zoe right herself as she finally seems to come fully into her own. Her focus lands first on Calmar and then travels over to look at Jake.

"Hey there," Jake ventures, "Are you back with us?"

Zoe's eyes blink once more before opening fully. "Winter?" Her voice is a whisper, curious and faint.

"Yes, it's me," Jake reassures her as she slowly pulls her paws away from Zoe. "You feel balanced?"

Wobbling slightly, like a newborn fawn finding its legs, Zoe finds her balance as she says, "Thanks. I think I’m ok now...”

"Take your time," Jake replies with a smile. “It can take a bit to recover from bonding.”

Looking down at her new form, Zoe laughs, not in a playful you-are-the-butt-of-the-joke sort of way, but instead joyfully. "I really am her!"

"You are." Jake responds, unsure what else to say, as Zoe looks into Winter’s eyes. A strange soothing synergy seems to fill the room as silence fills the air.

A murmur from Calmar alerts Jake to a change as the room’s light dims. Looking over to the mage, his silhouette haloed by the gentle light, she sees him watching them with an almost paternal nature etched into his wrinkled face. "Perhaps," Calmar begins, his voice soft, "it would be wise to spend the night here. This space is warded and will be extremely difficult to find or attack."

"Sounds like a plan," Jake says as her gaze returns to Zoe and noticed how intimidating Zoe’s figure is in the dark. She really is a true predator, and the darkness displays how stealthy she can likely be.

"Sleep sounds wonderful," Zoe says softly in the room's flickering candlelight as she sways a bit, breaking the image of a deadly animal. She blinks slowly, her eyelids growing heavy with fatigue as the remnants of her afterglow linger in her mind. "Here 's good 'n safe." Her words are muddled, but her agreement is clear.

"Alright then," Calmar says as he starts to walk to the previous room. "Take a seat in the other room as I get things ready. Enjoy the warmth of the fire."

Jake can’t help but appreciate Calmar’s guidance through all of this. His demeanor through everything today has been nothing short of impeccable; either a sign of leadership or a hallmark of his many years of life.

A weight on Jake’s side breaks her from her admiration as she does her best to support Zoe as she leans slightly against her. With great care, Jake helps Zoe through the door and over to the chairs they had been seated in previously.

Silence fills the room, only broken occasionally by snaps from the fire as the seemingly ever-burning wood pops from the heat. Shadows paint the walls in an ever-changing mural as Jake’s entire body relaxes into the seat as thoughts move slowly through her mind. She looks at the furry woman seated across from her as strange emotions fill her heart. For most of her life, she could never trust anyone. Yet she didn’t realize how scared she was to face this coming unknown thread alone. She tries her best to place what she’s feeling until Winter answers for her.

<It’s relief and joy, Jake. I know this is going to be hard for you but remember our bond.>

<I know...> Jake says slowly. It’s hard for her to fight her set ways but she knows Winter is right and that she needs to accept all the help she can get. <Do you trust her?>

<Zoe?> Winter asks for specification. <Of course, without a moment’s hesitation!>

<Then why did you lash out at her?> Jake presses.

A sad feeling envelops Jake’s mind. <I will tell you, Jake, but I think it’s best that we save that for another time. If you truly want to know I will tell you but at the same time trust me that I cannot think of a better ally to have than Zoe and the one that she is bonded with.>

Feeling the regret in Winter’s tone is enough for Jake to not delve deeper. <I will trust her too, then.>

As the minutes pass, Jake latches on to something Winter had just said: “The one she is bonded with”. Thinking quickly, Jake knew exactly who was wearing Zoe but couldn’t think of her name. She tries to picture the woman she had bumped into this morning, but all the mental images of the woman seem fuzzy, as if the image had been taken by an unfocused camera!

<You will not know her name or full image,> Winter says breaking Jake’s thoughts. <When someone is transformed, their identity is removed from everyone's memories. It’s a form of protection. You will remember her name when she reverts.>

Before Jake can fully process this new information, Zoe says softly, “I wish these seats were cushioned...”

Looking up, Jake can see Zoe’s eyes are closed. Curious about her state of mind, Jake asks, "Is your mind any clearer?"

Slowly, the leopard girl’s eyes open slowly as she gives a weary smile. "Like my head's stuffed with cotton candy; only less sweet."

"Sounds sticky," Jake says with a small laugh deciding to keep their conversation light.

"Ha!" Zoe mews back as she smiles contently. "You try having your psyche twined with a..." Her words trail off as her gaze turns inward as her brow furrows suggesting an internal struggle.

Feeling Winter taking control of her mouth, she says in a playfully chilly voice, "Psst, don't listen to her!"

"Nyaa!" Zoe laughs as a mock growl. “Nyo one’s talking to you foxy!”

Jake laughs to herself as she realizes it's more like the bickering of old friends than the anger of adversaries. A shift in Zoe's eyes tells Jake that it’s not the costume looking at her as her facial expression changes to something like a, "Sorry, we're still working on communication."

"Seems like you’re handling it well enough," Jake says as she takes control of her mouth again. It’s odd that such a strange thing as controlling one’s own body would link the two of them like this. A part of her even wants to reach out and put a comforting hand on Zoe’s shoulder.

Giving a slight shrug, Zoe says, "I just need to get used to this...”

Unsure what to say next, Jake lets silence take over again as the fire lets out another crackle. Her mind wanders back to her bonding with Winter. Would she have been able to enjoy her transformation this much too if the pressure of an attacking monster hadn't stolen the experience from her?

"What are you thinking?" Zoe prompts, tilting her head to peer toward Winter.

"Everything that's happened today," Jake admits. "There's a lot to take in."

"Tell me about it!" Zoe agrees then pauses before pushing herself up to a straighter sitting position as if she had just found a new reserve of energy. "When you say, 'a lot to take in...', what else happen today?"

<She's a sharp one!> Winter says with a chilly laugh.

"No one’s told you..." Jake stammers as she realizes Zoe’s ignorance. "I formed my bond this morning."

“You did!?” Zoe breaths out as her eyes go wide in both awe and surprise.

"Yes," Jake murmurs, looking down at her hands for a moment to gather her thoughts. "After physics, I decided to wander down Main and stepped into the magic shop across from the theater. Calmar, he owned the place, and he took me to a back room just as the monster attacked."

Astonishment covers Zoe’s face. “No way!"

"It wasn't long until I was being tugged toward the costumes and Calmar showed me the way. I found Winter and, well, we bonded," Jake explains as she fidgets uncomfortably with her fingers.

Pausing for a few breaths, Jake realizes that if she and Zoe are going to be fighting together, it's best not to keep secrets. "You asked me what I was thinking just now. I was wondering if I would have been able to enjoy my bonding if I didn’t have to drive that monster off..."

Zoe's gaze softens as she gives Jake a knowing smile. “I will need to learn how to fight these monsters too.”

“We’ll learn together.” Jake assures her. "We're both in the same boat with this. Just two women trying to navigate our way through this new magical girl thing."

"I'm glad I'm not alone..." Zoe says as she looks at Jake. "I hope we can be good friends too, in and out of battle."

Fighting back the all too familiar urge to reject Zoe’s companionship, Jake swallows and collects herself before asserting that her old ways will no longer work. With confidence she nods and says, “I want that too."

A swell of warmth fills Jake’s chest as Winter’s icy presence hums in agreement from where she's nestled within Jake’s consciousness. The entity understands, in its own distinct way, the profound importance of this moment.

A rumbling makes Jake's ears twitch as they point toward her new friend. The unmistakable rumbling of a cat purring is coming from that direction. She can’t help but inquire, "Zoe? Are you... purring?"

Zoe's cheeks flush under the dim glow of the orange firelight. "I... um, uh..."

"Purring is simply nyatural when a cat is content with life," Zoe explains lazily with no playfulness or any other emotion except for contentment in her voice.

Jake can't help but let out a genuine full-bodied laugh that echoes in the small space around them as Zoe's face grows even redder. The laugh is infectious and breaks through, though, as Zoe can't help but giggle herself. The shared emotions intertwine them in an unspoken bond of companionship.

As their laughter ends, Zoe looks toward Jake again with a serious expression. Hesitantly, she asks, "Who are you? Really. If you were in the same class as me and just became Winter, then you were just another student like me?"

Shocked by Zoe’s ability to come to an informed conclusion, Jake chuckles as Winter laughs along with her. “I recently learned that you won’t know my name and it’ll be hard to remember what I look like right now. Not while I’m transformed. Same for me knowing you. I know your name, well knew it, but for now I only know you as Zoe."

“Zoe just told me the same thing. No matter, I should still be able to do this. I just have to figure out who’s name or face I don’t remember.”

<Amazing...> Winter says slowly to Jake, her voice is calm and analytical. <I knew women were being educated from your memories but if this is what most people are capable of now...>

<Winter?> Jake enquires but before an answer comes, her attention is brought back to Zoe.

"You can't be Merry, or Caddy, or Lisa since I can name them. And they'd never risk their necks like you did to save me."

"I admire your resolve,” Jake says, “but I don't think you'd be able to name all, what, hundred or so people in the class."

"There's only like twenty female students, so that shouldn't be too hard. I just have to think a bit to remember all of them..."

Jake chuckles, shaking her head gently. "You've really got a good memory, huh?”

"It’s how my mind works." Zoe replies as she starts to rub her chin and closes her eyes as the firelight casts flickering illuminations on her thoughtful expression.

"Let me give you a clue," Jake says, breaking the comfortable silence between them before a growing hesitancy hits her. Can she really reveal this information?

"Sure, let's hear it," Zoe says partially opening one eye when Jake says nothing more.

"Well," Jake starts to say as she chuckles oddly, "I'm not one of the twenty..."

After a moment, Zoe's eyes shoot open as her brows furrow as the fox girl’s words formulate completely in her mind. The fire crackles as Jake watches Zoe examine her furry body anew as a slight blush comes to both of their faces.

Nervously, Jake puts her hands together, uncomfortably from Zoe’s scrutinizing gaze. Swallowing hard, Jake adds, "You may not have noticed, but all of the costume are female. The bond. The transformation... it can do more than just change you into a magical animal girl..."

"But..." Zoe seems to be lost for words as her mind races to comprehend this new revelation.

"I'm Winter," Jake says with a sigh, then curses under her breath. “Maybe this will work. My name starts with a J."

Zoe is silent for a long time, her amber eyes wide and unblinking as she stares at Winter. The fire continues its crackling song, creating a bubble of warmth around the two of them.

"J...?" Zoe begins to murmur, her mouth trying out different J names as her eyes scan horizontally as if reading through a book of names. "I don't know many guys in the class now that I think about it..."

Jake can't help but laugh again, despite the surreal nature of their conversation, as she says, "Don't stress yourself too much. When Calmar's back I'll ask him how to turn back and we can meet properly."

"Wait, you don't even know how to turn back!?"

"Between bonding with Winter, defeating the monster, saving you, healing you, going unconscious, having a splitting headache after waking up, and helping you after your transformation, the concept of turning back really didn't cross my mind."

A moment passes before a soft, "Sorry," comes from Zoe as she retreats a bit into her chair. "I didn't mean to..."

"No!" Jake says as she waves her hands back and forth as if trying to clear the air. "I'm sorry too! That came across wrong. I didn't mean to place any blame on you! I'm glad you're here!"

"Thanks, Winter," Zoe says as she relaxes. Her eyes continue to look at Jake before she says, "Winter," again.

“Yeah?"

A content smile crosses her lips as she closes her eyes. I know who you are. You're taller, right? Maybe six feet? Short brown hair? I can’t see your eye colors.

"I’m not the only one that fits that description but if my image is fuzzy, that’s me." Jake confirms as she returns Zoe's smile.

"But you're so small!"

Jake chuckles softly, looking down at her furry fox body. "Yes, that seems to be the case at the moment, doesn't it?" she says, her voice laced with an uneasy acceptance.

"What does it feel like?" Zoe asks tentatively. "Being a girl, I mean."

Jake hums thoughtfully as her eyes turn back to the fire. “I’m not sure," is all she says at first. "I can't say for certain, only having been a girl for half a day and not really being able to focus on things. I can tell that I'm shorter. And, well, the obvious things like my walk is different. So far, though, it feels strangely normal."

"I guess I can understand that." Zoe muses aloud with some disappointment in her voice. She falls silent once more; the steady crackle of the fire the only sound disturbing the stillness in the room.

"She's sorry for asking that embarrassing question-" Zoe whispers before being cut off. "Dang it Zoe! You weren't supposed to say that!"

"It's alright," Jake says laughing. "I know you're curious. You ask great questions in class. And, really, it may have been worse if you didn’t ask that. In a way you’re helping me process all of this too."

Heavy footfalls alert the two animal girls of Calmar’s approach as he enters the room. He walks to the two of them and hands each a metal key as he explains, "There are two doors in the hallway from whence I came. The one on the left is Zoe's, the one on the right is Winter’s."

"Before we go to bed,” Jake says, “could you tell us how to change back?"

"That hasn't come up, has it?" Calmar says in disbelief. "It's simple, actually, just say you wish to turn back. They will confirm your request and then you will change back. You can also ask them things like that directly and they will explain how things work."

"Oh!" Calmar quickly amends, "Since you were naked for your bonding, you will be naked when you change back so wait until you’re both in your rooms. I've put your clothes in your respective room."

Jake and Zoe exchange glances, both of their faces flushing a deep red at the thought of turning back into naked humans after Zoe's probing questions.

"Right, thanks Calmar," Jake manages to say, gripping her key a little tighter. Zoe just nods in understanding.

Calmar looks between the two of them and, not sure what to make of their behaviors, claps his hands together, breaking the awkward tension in the air. "Well, it's been a long day for all of us. I believe we could all use some sleep." He heads towards the door leading into the costume room and pauses as he opens the door. "Do your best to sleep tonight. Try not to dwell on today."

Zoe and Winter nod as Calmar goes through the door and closes it.

Jake lets out a soft sigh once she's sure Calmar is gone. She looks down at the key in her hand before raising her gaze to meet Zoe's. "Ready to go see our rooms?"

Zoe gives her a small yet encouraging nod as she says, “After you.”

Together, they make their way to the indicated door that leads into a short hallway with doors on either side.

Zoe takes the left door as per Calmar’s instructions, flashing Winter one last reassuring smile before unlocking and opening the door as she looks back at Winter for a second time. "Who will I see tomorrow morning?"

"I will be reverting back tonight.” Jake says with a smile. “I will meet you as my human self."

Nodding, Zoe steps into her room and closes the door.

Unlocking her door, she steps in and is greeted by a modestly decorated bedroom. It’s simple, yet tastefully furnished. A comfortable looking bed is along one wall with an adjacent nightstand. On the opposite wall is a simple desk with a chair. She does note the lack of any window though. Looking at the bed she notices her clothes are carefully folded on top of the comforter.

"Winter?" Jake asks as she feels a chill come to her mind. "Can I change back?"

"Yes. You want to turn back to your human form?"

The confirmation seems weird, but she fights back any question about it as she responds, "I do."

Light spills from the collar around Jake's neck as the gems start to encircle her, filling the room with bright light. This transformation is nothing like the one she had experienced earlier; this is much faster and much less exciting as her fur quickly recedes into her body and she feels herself growing larger. Looking down, she watches as her breasts pull into her body, forming pecs as her other parts become masculine. Looking behind himself, he can see the last bit of his tail pull into his back.

Within seconds, the gems slow and merge back with the collar as the light dims back to the original level.

A new-found fatigue hits Jake as he stumbles over to his bed and can barely get under the covers before he loses himself to sleep.