Lilly lept from her window and into the tree of her garden. She knew she wasn't supposed to be out at night, especially when there was school tomorrow... but after the events of today, (and that weird dream) she really needed some time to clear her head. Doing this was simply the best way as her body always had a lot of energy in it whenever she got tense.
She wasn't sure what she was feeling, if there was some battle between who she used to be or the person she was now- but It didn't feel like that exactly so... could that be because she had already in some way lost? She took another leap towards another large branch, scrambling herself down the trunk and up another tree. She could feel the rustle of the wind on her pyjamas as she leapt to another branch. She didn't feel cold thanks to the fur coat she now had. She was suited to this.
Lilly didn't want to admit it but... there were some things to actually like about this body. Difficult to admit because it might lead to other things to like... then what? Would she accept it? Being able to move so quickly and freely among the trees was making her giddy with a lot of emotion as she felt the adrenaline rush slowly calm. Was being in this new body really so bad? Even if... she wasn't older any more? (and a girl too)
Alone with her thoughts, she continued to run, smelling, sensing, feeling her way through the trees. How did she not notice how many trees were in the suburbs? She never paid this much attention to them before. She allowed herself to just go on instinct, releasing the animal within. She was still in control she realised it was just that... different things mattered now. She knew good trees and bad trees, she knew where to get nuts if she had to...
But it wasn't really her. Was it? She just had this body. And it was a girls body. It felt 'icky' to just think about it. She brushed at her flat chest, cringing at the imagined ticking time bomb. She didn't even want to tell her parents that she had four- the sheer embarrassment of it- she was just glad that it wont happen for a long long long time. Maybe a cure will be found before then.
something seemed off about this tree. Even in the dark she could tell. The shading was off... she scurried up to have a closer look...
The branch... was blue.
Adam found that talking on the phone and taking notes was quite a difficult job. She had the contacts on speaker as she wrote on a piece of paper on the floor with her talons. It was interesting that a lot of people had taken an interest in re-developing technology for different areas, not just in aquatic regions- though that was considered the most challenging market. A lot of renewed interest has gone into solar power, among other self generating systems.
She idly glanced at the news of the larger cities in the world, which had experienced a massive exodus. With such a dwindling population, cities had started to adapt too. One could no longer take for granted various services were available. People had started to become a little more self-sufficient. Adam took it to heart that people were often changed into healthy, strong bodies. Though there were always exceptions.
"Dinners almost ready dear," called her mother.
"Thanks mom," Adam said putting away the notes. She was wearing a shirt, but it still caught onto her tail feathers. She carefully walked down the stairs to the kitchen. It smelled nice, whatever her mother was cooking. It seemed to be fish fingers and chips.
"I've cut them for you dear," she said helpfully.
Adam held out a talon, still unsure this felt particularly 'polite'. No matter how you looked at it, she was eating with her feet! It just felt... wrong. Even if it was normal.
"I've also got you some clothes. I think they will fit you better. The shops actually had some good selections for Harpies... unless of course, you rather not wear anything at all?"
Adam had to blush at that.
"It was certainly very brave of you to go to work without your pants," she said chuckling a little.
"Mom!" Adam blushed even more profusely. It wasn't quite how she had planned it. She got locked out and- well- it just seemed okay to give it a try?
After dinner Adam went into the living room where the various selections of clothing were. Including.. including dresses. Quite a few actually. "Mom?"
"Oh don't look at me like that. Your talons make it very hard to find trousers that wont get shredded. If you're going to wear something it has to be a dress."
"What about my er-" She couldn't even say tail. The long white feathers bobbed behind her as if reminding her.
Her mother opened a clasp behind one of the dresses. "They are modified. I'm just trying to give you a few options. I know you probably don't mind being naked, but I doubt you felt quite so comfortable doing it."
Adam had to agree, thinking back at that time on the bus.
"I've also brought you a few bras" Her mother said just a little too cheerfully. Part of her probably was excited at the prospect of a daughter to help...
