She Stepped Forward - TG Caption

*Fair Warning: This is quite a bit more G-rated than most...

The young man advanced slowly, trepidation in every step. This was the right path. He was sure of it. And anyway, it wasn't like he could go back. His village and those surrounding it had a tradition. When a child reaches adulthood, they are to set out on their own, seeking their fortune in far off places. Many wander aimlessly, either unprepared or uninspired, ending up close to home even if it is discouraged. Still, they must venture forward, not back. Looking up, he squinted, trying to see past the forest's trees, to no avail. This has to be right. He'd checked all the maps available, which, he had to admit, weren't exactly extensive. He would know soon enough, one way or another.

There was little information recorded about his destination, and for good reason. At the end of this path, a city waited, one surrounded by a vast, incredible dome, one that could be seen for miles if it weren't for the trees. It was a place that kept its secrets, but was danger in approaching, that much was known. The city abhorred outsiders, lashing out with frightening magics that could twist a person, turning them into something dark, something monstrous. Those poor souls wandered the strange purple woodland that surrounded the city, menacing any that strayed from the path.

Those that weren't turned into monsters still changed. In distant memory this had been seen from afar. The very brave or the very foolish ventured forward, and, at a great distance but always within view of the massive dome, were met by a massive arc of power, originating from the city itself. From one instant to the next, they became something, someone new. Where once one person stood, there would be another, one that stumbled and treated their new body as if unfamiliar. These sightings were few, travel in the area being heavily discouraged, but in each case, the changed person would flee out of sight, perhaps overcome by a kind of madness, perhaps unable to accept the change. It remained a mystery, for none returned.

It was then that the trees parted unexpectedly, a bright blue glow filling his vision. Was it morning already? Or was it... His thoughts trailed off as his eyes adjusted, taking in a view provided by the canopy’s break. A huge, blue marble filled the sky ahead. It was even bigger than expected, for surely it had to be miles away. Even still, he could make out buildings within, lights glowing, signs of life abounding. It was true! There was a great city inside the dome! He hesitated at the edge of the wood, struggling with the decision now that he was actually faced with it, not knowing whether to go forward or back, when it was taken from him. A brilliant, blue beam, more like an arrow's flight than arc of lighting, shot forth from the dome, straight into his chest.

He blinked, then blinked again, attempting to see more clearly. The trees had grown, the low forest grasses tickling higher than before. That should have been alarming, but his attention was stolen by something else entirely. There was a breeze on his legs, high on his legs, like he was wearing a short robe. It blew right up, sending a chill through him for more than one reason. He could feel it, or more accurately, he couldn’t feel it. There was an absence between his legs. He knew. Somehow, intrinsically, he knew. He was no longer a he, he was a she, and a very short she at that. Was... was she a kid. She hoped not, she really didn't want to go through that whole mess again, not as a boy or a girl. Taking things slowly, eyes closed, she moved around, trying to get used to her new form. She could feel long hair caressing the sides of her face and spilling down her back. Her dress, for surely that is what the garment must be, was short, but the breeze was warm, so she wasn't cold. Looking around, she noticed again just how much taller the trees had become. The world looked so big now! Was she a child? Swaying to test the movement of her now noticeably wider hips and looking down at the twin swellings on her otherwise diminished chest, she had to admit to herself she was likely a woman grown, just... a very small one. Clenching tiny hands into tiny fists, she firmed her resolve. This...this wouldn't break her. She wouldn't let fear drive her away from her goal. In fact, this could be a blessing. The old 'him' had never truly fit in with the others. Wasn't that part of the reason she had chosen this path, to break away no matter the cost?

She looked up, gazing at her destination, at the place that had done this to her, at the 'cursed' place that gave her this incredible gift. It didn't look cursed. It looked beautiful and mysterious. She would not run. She would make this her new home and learn it's secrets. She would embrace her future. The excitement and newfound hunger for life chased away any lingering doubt. It was time to go. She stepped forward.