Hey everyone! I'm back with another update to this short story. This is the "final" chapter, enjoy!

...

Chapter five: Blessing in Disguise

It…It can't be…I can't be stuck in this world…no way! For the last minute, I had been staring off into the distance…into the Outlands. Nothing is here to send me back…no portal…no wizard…nothing. It's just Hoodwink and me…

Speaking of the squirrel, she looks over to me…unsure what to say or do, "I…I…Caleb…"

"W-what now…" I muttered softly, "what do we do now?" I look away, hopelessness filling me.

Sure enough, I started to laugh…it was silent at first but eventually escalated…I basically became hysterical.

"Caleb…"

"How will I ever be able to adapt to this world…I'm as good as dead…" I said, slumping toward the ground. Hoodwink rushed over to me, deathly worried about my "newfound" depression.

"Caleb, listen mate…I dunno know how we'll do it…we can't…give up…"

"Why am I here Hood…was I sent here to suffer…I mean…I'm sorry I exist, I didn't ask to be! I-I just want to be happy…will that ever happen?" I said while looking away from her, tears falling from my eyes. I was close to giving up…I thought maybe our world was dangerous as it was, but this world is MUCH MORE dangerous than my own…I can't stay in this forest forever, can I?

Inside me, however…I mustered up the strength to soldier on. There must be another way…another path to send me home. I stood up, wiping my tears, as Hoodwink eyed me, "Caleb?"

"…I won't give up…" I jumped down from the cliff as she ran to me and looked down to see me starting to walk. I turn to face her confused face, "where's this Auntie you spoke of earlier?" I asked.

The rodent's ears rose all the way up at this, but she soon shook her head, "she's…not in Tomo'Kan…not now anyway."

"T-then who else…m-maybe we can go…"

She soon jumped down and made it to me. Her eyes seemed to beg me to stop for a moment, "we outta head back to m'place" the squirrel suggested.

I thought about it…but it's true. Daylight will soon end, but our trip here was kind of long. Then again, there were detours that had to be made, so maybe it won't take as long. What else can we do, honestly?

And so, I nodded…gesturing for her to lead the way since she has the nose to lead us there.

After some time, the sun began to set and the forest around us began to darken. Dread washed over me like a tidal wave…hopefully we can make it back to her place on time. Unfortunately, we won't, for we had to stop to rest.

We ended up in the same pond/lake as before. I took this time to wash my face and have a drink while Hoodwink went searching for food. After I'm done, I sit by the shore…silently pondering on my predicament…it's the only thing to do. The last of the sun's rays hit my skin as I gave a long, winded, sigh.

I've been thinking…what if there's a reason we both didn't see anything at our destination? Could it be that I'm not ready to be sent home? Maybe I'm meant to stay here to help Hoodwink? Could it be to help her stop the Primal Beast…or maybe rescue her tribe in Krimwohl, or both? I just don't know…

As I silently ponder, I hear a twig snap behind me. I go to turn my head, "Hoodwink…I…" I stop, eyes widening before my entire body began glowing bright green! I suddenly feel restrained: I'm only able to move my eyes. I gaze over to the culprit: a rather large, purple-pinkish, creature that has a staff in its hand. They are reptilian in appearance…with sharp yellow eyes to match, "what 'ave we 'ere?" They gave a devilish grin.

Hoodwink returned, looking all around for me, "Caleb?" She smelled the air, but his scent is fading, "where is that drongo…"

That's when her right ear moved in the direction of noise in the woods not too far away. Hoodwink being Hoodwink, she decided to investigate. After scampering through the bushes, she gasps at the sight: I'm being carried by the reptile, "Caleb!" She went running in, crossbow in hand to intervene, but some enemies came in and subdued her! It appears they had been invisible, with purple smoke lingering in the air. She knew exactly what they had used: a Smoke of Deceit.

"Ah…bollocks!" The squirrel cursed loudly.

I couldn't even say or do anything: I was placed on the back of an animal and led away. Hoodwink, meanwhile, pulled out her boomerang to try and strike the group in quick succession; however, it's easier said than done. The group that surrounded her ducked, but one didn't. She managed to strike one reptilian in the head…killing them. The others gasped in surprise. An orange brute quickly knocked the rodent unconscious with a blunt hit on the head.

"You'll pay for that, you'll sssee!" One of them hissed.

My heart sank…we are now held captive by these marauders…

…

After an insufferable amount of time, I am taken off the pudgy cattle and thrown onto the dirt floor by the group of saurians. By now the spell that had me imprisoned had dissipated but they had bound me with rope.

I look over to see the unconscious Hoodwink (who is also restrained by rope) thrown into the ground not too far from me. By now it was night…dark and cold prevailed, so the reptiles had set up camp for the night. Though most of their speech was snarls and snake-like, I managed to understand some of what they had said.

"Who ssshould we eat firssst?" A blue member asked after lighting up their campfire.

"The humannn" the orange one suggested, licking their snout with a forked tongue.

"Perrrfecttt!"

"What will weee turn him intooo?" Another jumped in as I snap my head toward them...t-turn me into…what!? Unknown to me at the time, the reptiles hated human flesh…

"A chiiicken…no, a turrrkeyyy!" The blue one grinned excitedly.

The leader, the tall purple brute, stopped them…inside their head, they already knew but wanted it to be a surprise…

Needless to say, I started to panic, "a-are you all insane!? L-let me go, sadistic bastards!"

"Sssh! No need to ssspoil this moment for usss" the leader laughed, "I learned thisss ssspell from a wizarddd!"

"A wizarddd we killed!" The orange one jumped in, as if proud to say that. I struggled against the ropes as they prepared some type of potion. I couldn't break free…I felt weaker than usual…why? I felt as though some aura in me is burnt out…I remember Hoodwink talking about it during our travels: she calls it Mana. Apparently, it's what allows her to use her supernatural abilities aside from her regular attacks. So…who's not to say I am affected by the same thing? Maybe I have Mana as well now and because of my frequent use…it's all gone? In other words…I'm screwed.

I shouted profanities at them, but it had little effect on them; however, unknown to them and me: my efforts had awoken the squirrel. It doesn't take long for Hoodwink to realize what is going on and she starts rubbing her restraints against something…the edge of a tree stump.

The group of kobolds finished their brew after a minute or two and slithered toward me. The orange one forced me to sit up and held my head while the blue held me in place.

"Open wideee!"

Despite my struggles, they forced my mouth open, and I gave a loud yell before their leader quickly released the contents into my mouth. I started screaming internally, closing my eyes…and started feeling hot all over my body (not to mention pain…lots of pain…)

As soon as I did, however, we heard a commotion. In only a few seconds, the anthropomorphic rodent had managed to subdue one lizard with her bolas while another is impaled by one of her bolts. The purple leader stepped away in surprise and shock. The other members of his group are quickly dealt with the exception of the orange one.

"You'rrre deaddd, tree rat!" They crack their knuckles before charging for the squirrel. She quickly let out an acorn, which struck the first reptile and then hit their leader before he could retaliate with his spells (temporarily knocking him out.)

The second in command recovered quickly and tried punching Hoodwink in quick succession with its fists, but she was just too fast for him. One wrong swing resulted in him having his chest open to attack from the rodent. She smiled as she shot a bolt into his chest, killing him.

By this time, the last remaining saurian, their leader, stood up…rubbing their head. They looked around to see their dead companions…realizing now they are in a bad spot. Hoodwink, still grinning, placed her crossbow on her shoulder as she posed for them, "great news, mate…I've decided to kill you last."

The purple monster stepped back, dropping its staff and began running in the opposite direction. Hood rolled her eyes, little buggers always got'ta run like it'll save 'em…

She aimed her weapon at them…charging a very strong bolt. Though it was unnecessary, she wanted to do it…for Caleb. Leaves lifted from the ground and started circling the anthropomorphic mammal as her smile widened. Sure enough, she released her attack and in a split second, it impaled the fleeing lizard. It's done, the bandits are all dead.

"Rippah!" She congratulated herself, bringing her fist down. Sure enough, the adrenaline flowing in her veins grinds down and her thoughts go back to me…

My painful, seizure-like, writhing had finally ceased. I barely opened an eye to see who was responsible for saving me, but I don't need to know or wonder who it was…for my heart already knew. She looked toward me…her eyes projecting great concern for my well-being. Her eyes widened soon after, however, and this is when I passed out…

…

The next time I woke up I appeared to be next to the shore of the pond where we were not too long ago. It's daytime again. I lift my head groggily and weakly to inspect my surroundings. My head is throbbing, and my vision is blurry. My ears are ringing too, and every part of my body is burning in pain as if on fire.

For some reason, everything looks clearer, more colorful, and dynamic…my body is overwhelmed by these new senses. I can smell things I wasn't able to before…hear things that are far away or silent as if they're right next to me. Naturally, though silently and inwardly, I begin freaking out.

Soon, though, the sensations cool down and my vision slowly returns. Sure enough, I hear a chitter from the trees and I look up, and that's when I noticed it…

In front of my vision…is a snout. I gasped, quickly grabbing it with my hands…or…paws!? W-what is going on!? Before I can fully lose my mind, I sense a small creature landing nearby from the trees…the ones I looked up towards.

It's Hoodwink, putting away some acorns she found in her stash. She glanced over to me with a relieved and excited expression, ears pointed up, "Caleb…you're awake finally!"

"Hood…" I began as she walked towards me, "just take it easy, ye?" She replied, gesturing to me to lie down.

"W-what happened…" I shook my head.

"Them blokes attacked us…you remember anything…I mean…you said my name 'n everything."

I throw my hands outward…seeing the fur up my arms and down to my hands/paws. It's true…I've changed…I'm no longer human!

"I'm…I'm…"

"Caleb…" she crouched down, so we could be eye-level. It turned out that not only am I some animal now but I'm a lot smaller. I appear to be Hoodwink's height now.

"T-they gave me something…" I stood up, wobbling as I do so…my legs feeling strange, "I need to see…" I slowly walked past her toward the water. I guess I just had to confirm everything…brace myself for what's coming. The squirrel could only watch as I finally saw my reflection. Hood sighed softly in response.

The moment I saw myself, I had to pull back. I cringed, but I had to look again to make sure.

Yup…I'm not dreaming…

Staring back at me is an anthropomorphic canine…or fox…it's more like a fox…maybe it is. The first thing I examine is my face. I obviously have a long muzzle which is cream-colored at the bottom, and it runs down my chest. The rest of my body is beige in color. On the top of my head are two long ears that twitch the moment I realize they are there. Most striking, however, are my eyes: they are no longer green in color…they are light blue now…

I'm a critter now…like the creature across from me. I am slightly taller, but I have shrunk in size, so my human clothes no longer fit; however, I look down to see that I am wearing my shirt as pants (I guess Hoodwink came up with that idea…otherwise I'd be naked.) I glance over to my tail, which is ringed just like hers but with a different color scheme.

I finally collapsed onto the ground, my new long ears drooping in the process. Hood came to my side, resting a paw on my naked shoulder, "I-I'm sorry…I wish…" she stopped when I suddenly placed a paw on her own. I looked up at her, our eyes locked on, "you…saved me. Thank you."

She seemed flabbergasted, "what-what about you being a fox?"

I sighed loudly, "should I honestly be surprised? I guess…I outta accept it…"

"Mate…come on now…we'll get 'ya fixed!"

I thought about everything…although she couldn't help me during my transformation, this squirrel still (like all the other times) saved my life. Inside, yes…no longer being human irked me, but at least I'm not dead. So much has happened as of late, I ought to just accept my role in all this…right?

"Maybe…hey, at least I wasn't turned into a chicken" I gave her a light-hearted smile back to her. She pulled away, putting her paws on her hips while giving a raised brow, "you're taking this disturbingly well, aren'cha?"

"I might as well" I gave her a sheepish, tooth-filled, smile to her, "this world is crazy enough as it is…I've accepted that I guess. Who knows…like you said…m-maybe we can fix this…" I stood up, being almost eye-level with her now. Hoodwink looked as though she wasn't sure, and I just scoffed, "what?"

She eyed me for a few moments. Unknown to me, she found my new form strangely interesting. Sure, she had gotten used to my human body…but now she had an anthro friend much like her despite not exactly being the same species.

The girl just had to place a soft paw on my shoulder again, looking into my eyes (which, again, are blue now.) "Ya sound like…ya don't mind this much, nuthead…are 'ya even still…Caleb?"

I gave a smile back, "I'm Caleb…that hasn't changed. Sure, it sucks not having my green eyes anymore and my human body, but…"

I stopped. She moved slightly closer as if trying to find the truth in my words. Despite the difference in color, Hood carefully looks into my orbs and finds my soul within them…coming to know the subtlety in their design, "it is 'ya…" she muttered softly.

"Hoodwink" I began, placing my new paw on her own shoulder in response, "I wanted to tell you this before we were kidnapped…but I think this was all meant to happen. Well, maybe not me turning into a fox part…but still." I rolled my eyes as she appeared confused at first, but I continued, "maybe I'm meant to help you save your people…maybe I'm meant to help you get rid of the Primal Beast…anything! This all can't just be a coincidence."

"It's not…not to me it isn't" she made her usual smiles, the ones I've come to know her by.

"Hell" I pulled away and scratched the back of my furry head, "I'll be honest…I haven't had this much fun in a LONG time."

The squirrel couldn't help but laugh back at this, "glad 'ya have that philosophy, dingleberry. Well come on, let's find 'ya something bettah to wear, ye?"

"Lead the way, squirrel" I fake bowed to her, grinning.

"Follow my tail, fox" she retorted playfully, tail twitching happily.

That's going to get some getting used to, that's for sure…and the same goes for walking on digitigrade legs…

…

And so, with my new body, I followed Hoodwink through the misty woods: learning how to use my new body in the process. Eventually, she taught me how to climb trees and utilize the branches for movement.

Thanks to my new form, I'm able to traverse the landscape even more quickly now, especially when Hood gave me a potion to help restore my Mana (which it turned out I actually had.)

It seemed as though I'm a natural despite having only been such an animal for a few hours. Running on all fours seemed easy enough once I got my legs in rhythm. Sure enough, Hoodwink and I are running together through the trails on all fours for the first time. She saw just how fast I was going, and she smiled impishly, "come on then…race 'ya!"

The rodent sped through the woods at unbelievable speed, scurrying across the forest floor as though the forest itself guided her. I tried to catch up, picking up speeds I wasn't able to do when I was human (even with my powers.) I felt the cool wind on my new snout and face. I closed my eyes for a moment to let in this wonderful new sensation. For some reason, having fur is a totally different animal than not having it (excuse the pun.) I had to…I just had to…I let my new (longer) tongue out and it hangs to the side of my face as if I were a dog and its head out of a car window.

Hoodwink looks back, faintly giving a smile in my direction. The squirrel almost made a cocky remark on how behind I was compared to her; however, when she saw just how much fun I was having, she couldn't help but feel happy. It was a pure moment for both of us.

This human, she thought, he must prefer things this way…why…I just don't know. I ought'ta not question it, he's a joy to have around for sure. Heh, now he'll fit on my couch, that's for sure, she thought.

It's not too long before we end up at her mound once again. After such a long time outside in the forest, it felt good to be inside a place like this again. For a few hours, we rested. The next morning, Hoodwink spends the day tailoring a new outfit for me…one that is appropriate for my new, smaller, size. She used materials from the forest and her own personal stash to fabricate the clothing.

I, meanwhile, (with permission from her) tried to play her guitar. Though, with my new, smaller paws, it took some getting used to. It was harder than it looked, for my claws or paw pads would get in the way, but at least I'm small enough now that the instrument feels like a regular size guitar to me.

I played a bit of the song "Guitar Man" by Bread on it as she silently worked across from me. From time to time, she stopped to listen to my song…a smile on her face that never ceased…something I loved about her.

Once the outfit is complete, the squirrel offers it to me, and I happily slip into it. It's a bit similar to her own outfit, but without the green hood that Hoodwink has. Instead, I have sleeves and trousers that only go to my knees.

I look at her work in the mirror, amazed by how she's able to create such things. I had to give a toothy smile back at my reflection and she stood behind me…having such a smug grin while she did.

"Amazing…" I muttered.

"Chur bro" she thanked in her slang, closing her eyes with a smile on her furry snout.

"Really…it's…spectacular…" she tilted her head at this, her ears fall in that direction in a rather cute manner, "Hood…thank you…for everything…" I turned around and went in for a hug. Stupid me, what if she acts negatively: hits me on the noggin with one of her acorns?

It never happened. At first, she was surprised, but felt as though the hug was warranted. She slowly but surely placed her own arms around me as a return gesture. Sure, she often aided kindred souls, creatures similar to her and she had had hugs from her Auntie and Uncle, but this hug felt different than the others.

To me…it certainly felt the same, but something in me brought doubt and I ultimately pull away from her. My face darkened slightly, and she noticed immediately.

I'm not really a fox…just a product of an evil spell…why do I feel SO comfortable like this? Ever since I woke up in that pond in this body, I haven't minded…do I actually think I will be like this forever? I'm a freak!

The moment my sight moved toward her blue eyes, something in me thought…what the hell am I saying!?

As much as I could try to deny it, I'm no longer human…I'm probably going to be stuck like this forever. Even if I could go back to my world…who would accept me? What do I do…go back to the life I had…living in the gutter…having everything I own in one plastic bag…go back to being a petty thief with no direction in his life? No…no! I have a purpose here…even if I don't…I'll GIVE MYSELF A PURPOSE!

Yes, would I like to see my world again…the world I've known for more than twenty years: sure, but I'll NEVER be happy there again. The truth is…I have NOTHING to go back to…

I'm here now, in this new body…with someone who understands me…who went through HELL to make sure I was okay. I NEVER had something like that in my life before coming here!

We pulled away slightly, but our eyes were kept squarely on one another. I stared into her deep blue eyes…it's as if I saw my whole world in them…comfort…belonging…encouragement.

M-maybe my old life is gone, and this new life is what I needed.

Hoodwink also looked intensely into my new pair of eyes, still seeing the real me underneath, the human she had known for days. She had friends, but she always felt like solitude was her best friend. Now, that may not be the case. Despite having grown up alone in the Misty Woods, learning to survive on her own from such a young age, now she had true companionship. Her Auntie and Uncle could never stick around for too long, but maybe Caleb will?

"H-Hood…" I started…my breathing slowing down as my heart started racing for some reason, "I want to stay…"

Hoodwink smiled inwardly, pleased to hear this, and it's not like she would have let Caleb leave so easily either.

"Good, I wasn't gonna let 'ya leave!" She joked.

We finally broke apart, "so…I guess this makes us roommates?" I put a hand behind my furry head and gave a sheepish grin back.

"Ya bet it does!" She winked, "but ya gotta help keep the place nice 'n tidy, yeh?"

"I reckon that'll be hard to learn to do at first" I retorted.

"Don't expect me to babysit 'ya, mate" she folded her arms while raising a brow.

I lean in with a smug look in response and she just had to pull away slightly, "I'm a fast learner" I added, "besides…I have the best teacher" she rolled her eyes playfully, lightly pushing me away, "that's enough, mate."

Then, a thought crossed her mind…it was more like an idea, honestly, "sweet as, with 'yer help, we'll be able to get a bigger stash for this winter!" It was so random, but I couldn't help but feel like she said that to make me retaliate.

"Oh…" I scratched the back of my head, "in that case, I see the door…later!"

"Good idea, let's start right now!" She hopped toward me as I grinned sheepishly, "let's 'git going then!" She smiled, opening the door after holstering her wooden crossbow.

"Oh boy…what did I sign up for…"

"Come on then, out 'ya go!" Hood slapped my back with her ringed tail.

"Okay, okay, you little monster!" I retorted playfully. She almost hit me on the head with an acorn but decided to save it for later…maybe for a better moment, the squirrel thought mischievously. I, meanwhile, rolled my eyes back.

Oh well, I might as well make this fun, right? Who knows, maybe this whole thing: me ending up here…turning into a fox…meeting my best friend…maybe it's just what I needed. I haven't smiled this much for a long time. My life changed…for the better for the most part. I can't wait to see what Hoodwink and I will do…new adventures are just around the corner!

And so, we left her den and we're welcomed by the forest of Tomo'Kan: a place where pink and blue flowers blossom…where beauty is found but also danger at every corner. I will meet them head on alongside the greatest person I know: Hoodwink.

End of Book I

…

I hope you all enjoyed! That's a wrap for this story. Though technically, I will probably write an EPILOGUE of the story: maybe explore how Hoodwink gets her hands on Gliphnir and how she traps the Primal Beast. Maybe I can explore how she ended up fighting in the arena from the games. Let me know what you think in a review. Take care and maybe I'll see you next time, peace!