Chapter 14: Someone to Love

Wave watched Shadow change back into his normal form, curious as to what he was doing. When they had woken that morning, he had told her that there was something he wanted to show her. The swallow nodded and followed him. Over the past few weeks, Shadow had been falling in love with Wave. He ran to Tails' house and knocked on the door.

"Hey, Shadow," Tails said. "What do you want?"

"I was wondering if you could make me an invention."

"Sure," he said. "What kind of invention?"

"I was hoping you could change Wave into an anthro."

Tails looked confused, and then noticed a swallow fly out from behind Shadow. She chirped happily.

"Why do you want me to make an inven...oh." Tails thought about it. "I should be able to do it."

"Thanks," Shadow said. "How long will it take?"

"A few days, I think."

Shadow nodded, then turned back into a bird and flew off with Wave. Tails smiled as he watched them leave. Perhaps Shadow had finally found the person he'd been looking for. Tails went back inside and started working on the blueprints for his invention.

Wave and Shadow got back to the nest and looked at each other fondly. That's a nice thing you did for me, she told him.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to at first.

Wave smiled, then nuzzled him. I don't mind becoming a...anthro...but I'd think it would be better if we stayed the way we are now, as normal birds.

Shadow thought about it and nodded, nuzzling her as well. What about Tails? I already asked him to make something for me.

You could say you've changed your mind.

The black dove smiled, putting a wing over Wave. All right. I'll go do that. He might make it anyway though.

Wave nodded and watched Shadow fly away. Once he got to Tails', he turned back to normal.

"Oh, it's you again," Tails said as he opened the door. "What do you want now?"

"I changed my mind. We'll just stay as normal birds."

Tails' eyes widened. "Alright," he said. "I'll make the invention anyway so the idea doesn't go to waste. May I ask why you want to stay as a normal dove?"

"I'm in love with Wave, and I want to be with her."

"Of course," the fox said with a smirk, and nodded. "Alright, Shadow. I wish you and Wave the best. Will it be permanent, or not?"

"I don't know." After thinking, Shadow shook his head. "If I truly am immortal, I'm going to live long past her. It wouldn't be smart to get myself stuck as a dove."

Tails nodded. Then Shadow closed his eyes and began to transform into a dove. A dull ache filled his form in seconds, even the snapping of bones not bothering him in the slightest. Shadow shuddered at the sensations covering him when the feathers sprouted, forcing his fur and quills away. Moving his arms back as best as he could, Shadow waited for the wings to take their place. The way Shadow was standing didn't have to change, but he still felt his spine shifting to change how his back was curved. Looking down, Shadow watched his torso expand. It was a sight he'd never tire of. The curve of his stomach was son lost to his sight and he looked at Tails with a smile. Tails blinked a few times at the half-transformed creature. It was certainly a strange sight. Shadow went to say something, gasping instead when pain shot through his face. This was the part he hated most. Hardening, his mouth formed into a beak. The upper half of his face changed afterward. Red eyes stayed that shade, moving more onto the sides of his face as they shrank. Flattening ears weren't comfortable, especially when they fused with his head. The last thing to change was his legs, as he had been expecting. The way they connected to his body had already been altered, but now the actual appearance was changing. Feather covered the fatter thighs, stopping abruptly halfway down. From there, the legs looked like nothing more than bone. Bird's feet took the place of the feet he had before the entire section turned pink in color. Thighs shrinking, Shadow found himself becoming shorter by a good few inches. All the inner changes happened at once, causing massive pain to break out across him. Shadow chirped loudly but was unable to do anything farther until he had fully shrank down to a normal sized dove. He looked up at Tails, chirping again. Tails watched this time, amazed at the process. Soon, Shadow was back as a dove, looking up at him. Tails' eyes widened and he smiled, then watched the dove flap its wings. It rose into the air and flew back to its nest in the forest.

Shadow landed in front of Wave. I told him.

That's great, Wave said, chirping happily. She looked at the black dove and saw that it was blushing. What? She asked it.

I... Shadow looked away, embarrassed. The words were there, he just couldn't get them to come out. The dove hesitated and looked at Wave. I...love you, Wave.

Wave blinked, pulling back as she blushed. Really? She moved back toward him, nuzzling against his feathers. I love you too.

Would you...like to be my mate? Wave nodded. Shadow nuzzled against her in happiness. The two birds chirped, and began to mate. When they were done, Shadow looked at Wave. Thanks for that, he said. You'll give birth soon?

Wave nodded. I should.

Shadow smiled, nuzzling his mate. How long until you do?

In about a week.

Wave nodded and got comfortable in the nest. The dove smiled, and fell asleep as well. He had finally found someone to love. A week later, Wave had laid two eggs. Shadow smiled at her, chirping happily. They're wonderful, he said. When will they hatch?

Before the month's over, Wave said.

The dove flapped its wings and nuzzled its mate. That's great, it told Wave.

I think so too. Wave nuzzled him back and looked at the eggs.

The two birds looked at the eggs and smiled, then fell asleep, looking forwards to when they would hatch.