Pochi, metamorphose.
Pochi’s Point of View
Why is everyone so surprised…? No, my drawings, the crystal rabbits, Suigetsu-san, and Crys-kun aren't surprised. The ones who are astonished are the Free Wind group and the bad guys.
"Um… I've reverted from full beast form… right?"
I can't quite put it into words, but there's a sense of unease. What is it? My hands are human now, but… something feels off. My perspective seems different somehow…?
"Po-po-po-Pochi! Look! Look at this!!"
Sugar-san handed me an adorable hand mirror. A mirror? It’s beautiful. The craftsmanship is excellent—very meticulous work. The frame is wooden, huh? Women tend to like these kinds of things. I wonder if Oneechan would be happy if I made one for her?
"No, not that! Look into the mirror!!"
"Huh?"
I couldn’t help but inspect the craftsmanship, but a mirror’s primary use is to reflect oneself. I peeked into it and…
Huh??
My face… It's been a while since I've had a beast head. It looks more like a wolf than a dog? I used to be rounder and fluffier, but now I look sharper. Did I lose weight??
Wait, wait?? My brown fur now has black streaks mixed in… And why is my neck so thick? Looking further down… wow, impressive pectoral muscles… No, below my waist says it all.
"Wh-wh-wh-WHAAAT!?"
I was so flustered that I might break Sugar-san’s mirror if I wasn’t careful, so I returned it and used Tsuyoshi to summon a full-length mirror.
"Wh-wh-wh-WHAAAT!?"
The person reflected in the mirror was no longer me—it was someone completely transformed. As I moved awkwardly, the reflection moved the same way, and since the Free Wind group behind me looked normal, it had to be real.
I had become the picture of a buff, muscular figure like Jend’s dad-level physique. Speaking of which, my viewpoint was higher too! My height had increased!! I might even be taller than Jend! Score!!
"Whoa, what muscles!"
"Solid…"
"You’ve gotten big…"
"Could this be Rosarin-chan’s doing?"
"… Blaming everything on Oneechan isn’t fair, you know."
That sensation.
The moment I first fully beastified… I felt "liberated," and I didn’t sense any of Rosarin Oneechan’s magic. So, I don’t think this has anything to do with her. It’s understandable to think she’s involved, considering how often she’s at the center of incidents, but blaming her for everything is unfair.
Still, even though this form is unfamiliar, it feels oddly natural. I feel like I’m on the verge of grasping something, but it slips through my fingers before taking shape. Why? It’s frustrating… joyful… No, that’s not it. Ah, I see…
(Nostalgic.)
Nostalgic? Why? Yet somehow, this form feels nostalgic to me.
"Pyuui…"
Lost in thought, I was brought back by a gentle, concerned voice.
"It’s fine. I don’t feel any harm, and I actually feel better. I’m glad. You’ve recovered, haven’t you?"
The red Crystal Rabbit seemed worried about me. It must have been healed by Mirula-san. When I patted it, it snuggled up to me. It’s cool to the touch and feels nice.
Now that I think about it, am I surrounded by crystal rabbits?
"Pyuui, pyupyuu!"
"… Thank you, Brave One."
"I’m not a hero. I’m a fledgling artist."
I kept a straight face. The hero in our family is Oneechan.
"Pyupyuu. Pyuu pyuu."
"Please take this child with you. I’m sure they’ll be of help."
The elder, grandfather-like Crystal Rabbit said this, and the red Crystal Rabbit child nodded enthusiastically.
"Um…"
After some thought, I gave my opinion.
"You have a family here, so while you’re still little, I’d like you to spend time happily with them. Occasionally, you can come help me out, okay?"
"Pyu…"
"Pyuuu…"
"Pyuuuuuu…"
W-wait, they’re looking at me with such sparkly eyes…
"It seems like they understand… but now they like you even more."
"I figured as much!!"
"Is this where the report of a smuggling ring came from!?"
"Gyahhh! A monster!?"
"No escape!?"
(Ah.)
It seems the knights who rushed to the scene ended up fighting my zombie-kuns. I quickly had them stop. Sorry about that. When I explained they were connected to Oneechan, the knights seemed to understand… but did Oneechan do something to them? Their fear of the zombie-kuns was abnormal.
Thanks to the Free Wind group’s explanation, I avoided getting scolded, but I was made to sign an agreement that I’d seek permission before using the zombie-kuns again since they’re considered hazardous. I’m sure Oneechan’s antics had something to do with this.
The Crystal Rabbits were returned to their habitat, and their cave is now under proper surveillance, so for now, I guess everything’s settled…?
What do you think about this chapter?
