Cover art for a future story I'm getting from  LenoraTheYinglet of Zeydaan travelling to the world of Alrest, and after getting their hide saved by Nia, ending up becoming her in response.

Zey was bored. They had decided to have some fun. But what would they do? Having spent the whole weekend cleaning and doing jobs as Isabella it was nice to be able to relax.
Spending their time playing Xenoblade Chronicles… It was a lot of fun! And they had finished it numerous times.
But by this point they were feeling awfully bored by the game. And had absorbed everything to do with it online. With a huff Zey reclined in the seat, no dust in sight. No work left to do.

So with a smirk they could always try to universe hop…

Naw that would just be silly. The results of that were usually leaving them stuck in some dumb situation anyways. Zey went back to playing the game for a few hours. Relaxing and enjoying their time off. Though having spent the last weekend as Isabella had knocked it out of them. Deciding to pack it in for the night, after a hearty dinner of course!

Though they dreamed. Of Nia, the blades and going on a whole adventure. Zey had woken up in the early morning with a light blush. Now their dreams were entertaining the silly idea.
Well, staying there for a bit won’t hurt. And if they are careful, no shenanigans will be had!
So it was settled!
They took a deep breath and focused, creating the portal in front of them. With a giddy giggle and a skip through Zey’s paws touched the grass on the other side. Closing up the portal behind themselves.


“Okay!! Time to have a look around” They were way too excited. Everything here looked almost as it did in the game. Just vaguely more real looking, if a bit vibrant. They saw a bunch of Tirkins running around.. Probably best to avoid them. At least for now, having no blade would make this place a little dangerous!

And so off they walked, stepping lightly though the grass, soaking it all in. The fresh air. Being on something high up in the sky. The movement would definitely cause a breeze. Well now just thinking about how high up they were, nearly did their head in.

Zey found themselves being snapped back into reality by something hitting them. It wasn’t that it hurt a lot. In fact it took very little HP, it was the shock and mild pain that they had suddenly felt. “Ow hey!!” Zey snapped, kicking the little Bunnit in response. Maybe a few more solid hits like that. How to fight these things.
The wolf had tried to kick the thing again. But being a bit wiser to a simple kick, the bunnit hopped out of the way! Making an attack with its tail again. “OW!” Zey snarled. That was annoying to say the least. Picking up a stray branch the wolf tried their best to whack at the thing. Having no real form overall.
More bunnits were chasing them out. Seeing the commotion and hopping over to try and see what was going on with their comrade.
Making some noises to communicate, Zey quickly realised that they were in for a little fight! It was almost exciting. Not that getting hit a bunch would really be good..

Very quickly Zeydaan started landing more hits. Creaks from the wood and shrieks from the bunnits were quickly becoming the battle sounds. A hit there! And there! And a parry! This was fun!!
Zeydaan chuckled, taking one of them out of the fight! “Hell yea!!” they say with an excited chuckle. They had only taken a few hits here and there! This was a breeeeze! They thought!
Until, they started landing more hits!
Okay, that was starting to hurt a little. “Okay I am-, OW! I am gonna need help with this one!” they said aloud. Zeydaan started trying to back away a little. Doing their best to land hits, but there was so many of these little buggers!

Okay kick and slash! And dodge and roll! Zey was no longer grinning about the fight, the wolf was in way over their head.

Zeydaan kept backing up until, slip! A pesky mud puddle! “CRAP!” They say quite loudly and suddenly. Fur soaked in mud, the Bunnets surrounding them. Making idle and eager noises! Oh no what were they gonna do.
After a few desperate swipes, Zey found themselves panicking. Covering their face with their muddy arms. Holding the arm up, they copped a nasty hit, hurting their arm quite badly.
If they got out of this one, Zey might have to reconsider drawing for a while. A depressing thought.

Suddenly there was quite the commotion! Lots of noise, some grunting. Some snarky comments that were honestly hard to hear with mud in the ears. And finally.
“Well are ya jus’ gon keep layin in the mud or what.” That was a fairly iconic Welsh accent!
Zeydaan opened their eyes. In awe at who they were seeing! Was it really Nia? Oh gosh!! It was her!
“Well?” She asked impatiently.
“How did you know I was here?” Asked Zey, carefully beginning to stand up.
“Ye practically had a great big marker over yer ‘ead that you needed help. You could honestly see it from the World Tree.”
The way that Nia had delivered that, it made Zey blush from the embarrassment.

“Yea I may be a little, uh, new to combat”

“You couldn’t half tell” Rex said with a chuckle. “Hey, come back with us. We can get you all patched up.”
“What! I don’t think that’d be wise bringin a canine back with us” Nia said with some sass!
“Come on, I’m trained” Zey joked back. Nia cracked a smile! Now that was a good sign!
Or she doubted them…

They all gestured and started to bring Zeydaan back. The wolf was looking around in awe. Now with some protection they felt a little more confident in it again. Starting to get all excited about the whole thing!


“Well I’m Rex, and this is Nia!” Nia harrumphed in response to her introduction.
“And this is Pyra and Dromarch. Our respective blades!”
“I’m Zeydaan! just.. call me Zey!”

“Pleasure to meet you” Dromarch spoke. Much more polite than Nia. Then again he seemed like a big fuzzball.. so long as Nia wasn’t in trouble one pondered.
“Well Rex trusts you enough so why not” Pyra chuckled, seemingly bemused by Nia’s jumpiness around the anthro.

“So where are you from then. You don’t necessarily look local” Rex asked looking the wolf up and down. “And why do you look like you’re enjoying yourself so much” He followed up with, catching a glimpse at Zey’s tail.
It was wagging like crazy to say the least! Certainly enjoying themselves! “Well I basically just teleported here” Zey explained. Wanting to avoid most of the details that discussion could bring.
“What do you mean? You have abilities?” Nia asked, glancing back.
“Kinda. Nothing that could be used in combat like before..” Zey tried to evade. Why would they wanna leave so soon, even in combat?

They got into a safe spot and stopped for a moment. “Alright, let’s stop here and get the dog all patched up”
Gosh she really was a cat huh? Zey scoffed.
“Oh I’m sorry” She spoke sarcastically. “I’m just not sure how much I trust some standing and natterin wolff.”
Rex frowned “Nia, play nice alright. I am sure they are good dogs,” he teased slightly. But seemed genuine!
With an annoyed exhale Nia spoke up again “Look I’m sorry.. Come ‘ere and I will take a look atcha”
Mostly following orders she gestured Zey over.


Zeydaan walked over to her Trepidatiously. They were geeking out inside, being so close to Nia. And though they thought her quite cute looking they did fear her to some degree. She was rather intimidating! To say the least!

She started to cast some spells. Healing Zey’s wounds. Taking her time to be quite gentle, though Zey still winced. Expecting there to be some weird sensation with the healing spell. Though, there wasn’t. And that was probably the most surprising thing.
It felt like nothing.
Even while watching scratches heal over and fur growing back in its place. Zey’s tail started back up again.
Watching with shock and awe at what was going on. Mouth agape as the healing did its work!
“Wow!!!” Zey exclaimed!
Not just at the abilities but how things differ here than they do in the game.

Nia raised her brow at the wolf but nothing more until the spell had completed its work. Completely healing the wolf from head to toe! No more scratches and no pain! The wolf spent some time rubbing where the scratches were in amazement.
“Holy crap! It.. it’s completely healed!” It was what they were expecting but.. Well, it was not entirely what they were expecting!!
“Naw come on it ain’t a big deal” Nia said. She was trying to be modest but she knew she was the best here!
“No Seriously thank you!!” Zey said tail wagging like crazy. They went to hug her.
She gasped and stepped back. Dromarch stepping up “Are you alright my lady”
Now Zey could really hardly contain their excitement. Noticing now the faint glow under Nia’s clothing.
“S-sorry!” Stammered Zey! Doing their absolute best to keep the geeking out on the inside.

“Don’t make me jump like that.” She said with a stern huff.
“I doubt the wolf means any harm” Dromarch spoke up. “though if they did I will protect you my lady”
Pyra chuckled “Come on Nia, let them hug you to say thanks”
Glancing back over at the wolf. Nia could see them. Looking at her worryingly. One ear on it’s side with the tail slowly shifting from side to side.
“Ugh fine. Come here, “she said. Holding up her arms.
Rather excitedly Zey jumped at the chance, wrapping their arms around her in a biiiig hug!

Though quite suddenly her chest glowed bright. Whatever could that-.
A loud pop. And a flash of light, the two were now both on the ground.
Everyone was shocked “Are you two alright??” Rex said in a panic.
“WhAT IN THE BLOODY HELL WAS THAT” Nia shouted.
With a giggle Pyra spoke “Seems like she is”

Zey sat up. Rubbing their furry head “I have no idea… something to do with magic maybe.”
They flinched a little when they saw Dromarch staring them down.
“Why is your chest glowing now too?” Rex said. Looking Zey up and down.
Confused, Zey looked down. It was the same glow that they knew was on Nia’s chest. But that meant… oh no.

“Hey, that looks like my…” Nia remarked. Looking at her chest for a moment. It was still there for her too so what could this mean?
Zey had the realisation dawn upon them. A weird combination of magic happened for sure. With their bodies touching causing some kind of reaction with their own magic.

Everything felt somewhat. Off…

“You alright, you look a bit sick” Nia spoke up. Watching Zeydaan as she stood up. Already the tips of their ears were turning a light grey, with white fluff starting to fill inside them.
“Yes, yes, fine. But I think my own magic reacted to yours and your-”
“Core Crystal?” She questioned.
“Yes yes that. I think something is happening because of all that” It was only speculation on Zey’s part. But it was as good an answer as any for it all.

Zeydaan rubbed their chest. Feeling it over, the skin beneath already felt strange and kinda sensitive. With the skin around the core Crystal even starting to drop some of their fur!

Rex looked at the floor around the canine, asking a question, “Is it shedding season?”
Dromarch spoke up in response “No I don’t think so.”

Zey was shedding more and more fur. Leaving behind pale skin. Rubbing up the arm against the fur, feeling and watching as the fur dropped down. Falling to the ground in no small amount either, seems whatever they had done caused more to fall. It was… concerning to say the least. The wolf yelped, “What’s going on!” They say in a light panic. This wasn’t normal for sure! Their body was shifting as fat started to shift, their chest started to swell more and more. Hips too!
Rubbing their hips they spoke up “What the… What’s going on with my hips! They feel… fattier!”

“You’re starting to look a bit more.” Rex said. Pausing. “Womanly?” He finished.

Zey mulled over some thoughts. Unsure of quite what was occurring so far! More fur shedding off leaving behind pristine skin, absolutely no signs that it was ever covered in fur!

“Not so toasty warm now huh” Nia teased watching it unfold. Dromarch chuckled at the remark!
Pyra pondered what was happening “Quite the nice shape you have there. Looks almost like Nia’s”

Everyone pauses. Nia looked frustrated. “What!? Wait? What!”

Zey went wide eyed “Oh no.. no no I can’t believe it” There was a level of excitement there. But overall there was concern. They weren’t doing this at all! This was induced by something completely different. Feeling overwhelmed with concern.

“Oh crap my.. My magic! I think it didn’t react well to that” Zey explained anxiously. In instinct, they tried to warp themselves back to normal, the surge of energy passing through their new core crystal seemed only to make it worse.

Their ears were shifting, looking more feline than canine. With her hair starting to look more and more like Nia’s, silver bob cut hair!

Nia was just perplexed and perturbed! Speaking up, "Well, I feel obligated to help you- and in a way I don't think I've ever done as fitting 'Ready or Gormotti'."

Everyone just muttering in confusion as they watch over Zey’s changes. Seeing as her tail was shrinking slowly. Zey gasped! “Not my tail!”
Grabbing onto it, only to feel it slipping away under her fingers. Which were slowly getting more slender. Though, the grip was getting remarkably better!

The canine fur was disappearing under the clothing. She could feel her toes shrinking a bit, another lot of toes growing out! Claws shrinking down and flattening into humanoid nails. Toes getting much smaller, far more human and small compared to the canid paws she was normally used to!
She had wiggled them a bit, wobbling as she was feeling off balance. Nia rushed up to her and grabbed a hold!

“Here I gotcha.” Nia spoke supporting Zeydaan!

“Hey thanks” She coughed. Sputtering a little as her voice started to change. Some tones and inflections sounding... Welsh!
Guess that was proving it further, Zeydaan was becoming the driver herself!

Zey spent some time, somewhat zoned out to the blades and the drivers musing over what was happening. Zey spent some moments focusing on the changes, watching as the skin was being revealed under the falling fur.
Hands were thoroughly smoothing out. No more pads, no more fur. Just feminine hands.

Zey blushed, watching the fur completely fall from her arms. Naked, completely smooth!! It was crazy to say the least. And the arms looked exactly like Nia’s!

Fur was rapidly falling from Zey’s body. Leaving a ton of fur on the ground.
“Aw man, don’t tell me I will have to clean it up!” Rex said with a huff.

That got a laugh. Zey was looking astonished to say the least! Swaying her hips as they continued to grow in. The body shape was completely matching Nia’s now. And having no tail to counter balance made things a little odd!

She grabbed over her body. “I’m… gonna need clothes” She quickly said, realising that what she was wearing.
As if triggering it, her whole body felt very very weird suddenly. Her whole body tingled as something started appearing on her hands. Something quite soft and… felty! It was growing from the skin, seams and stitches growing from her pale skin!

More from her chest and arms! Thicker material, and far puffier started to push its way up. Much poofer at the bottoms of the legs and ends of the arms the sweater-like yellowish material kept spreading. And felt quite soft and rather warm. Which was indeed rather nice, being cold due to loss of fur was already quite disconcerting.

It was spreading up the arms, the fabric was soft though strange that your skin was turning to the wooly feeling fabric. Threads and fibres lifting from the arm, itching quite a bit.
Zey scratched her arm, seeing the fabric move as if they were indeed wearing real clothes. The former wuff grabbed at the cuff of her new clothes and tried to yank it, but it wouldn’t budge. Almost hurt in fact!

“Ow!” She yelped, felt like a strong pinch.
She shook her head a bit, and watched some changes progress further, fingers were softening. Seams were running up the sides of her fingers as the cuffs started to explode out into something resembling a white flower.
The glove forming from her hand was soft and silky. It felt super odd, feelings and sensations were somewhat dulled by the fabric! Wiggling them the cat ears could pick up the sounds of fabric rubbing. The ends of the arm getting heavier as armoured cuffs seemed to be forming, they were sturdy for sure, but not too heavy.

The fabric from the bodysuit was quickly spreading. Over her chest and hips. Quickly covering up any of the exposed bits. Every part of their body itched like mad wherever the fabric was growing from.
Another odd thing to happen, a bump was pushing up at the hips. It looked brown, with large metal buckles forming, all from the skin. Making it feel rather tight and strange.

“Oh goodness this is weird” She spoke in an increasingly welsh accent. Everyone simply looking on in bewilderment and curiosity.
All the while adornments and daggers were forming from Zey’s very own body. Mass being converted into simple items of clothing and gear!

Her feet began to tingle. The former paws were already feeling weird, with thinner toes and softer soles.
She could feel the soles starting to harden. Her heels were hardening, turning red and getting taller. With her toes starting to fuse together, twisting and pulling as the fabric forming off of them hardens. A point growing atop them as stiffer materials started to wrap around her ankles.

While still trying to wiggle her toes, she spoke upo“Now this feels a bit weird.”
Watching the shoes form, Zey played with her grey hair! Feeling over the ribbons in her hair. watching as the fabric folds down, and large shin guards grey upwards. Now looking a lot like grieves her shoes were done! Any movement of the feet translated as if they were inside the shoes. But they would not budge. None of the clothing could be taken off now.

“Well, this is.. Particularly troubling.” Zeydaan stated. Fiddling with the ribbons and extra bits dangling off them that was once a part of them! A little flush in the face, she brought her gaze up to the group looking over her. Standing in a circle around the new Nia clone. Core crystal and all!

“Well how the heck did you end up like that!” Nia yelled, utterly bewildered by how Zey had turned out looking identical to herself.

“W-well…” Zeydaan started off, “you see I have some minor... Shape-shifting powers. I can become quite a lot of things. Though it is usually a conscious decision.”

She hummed for a moment. Looking over herself, and pulling at the bits on her body. Pondering how it must have happened.

“You reckon touching my chest did that?” Nia conjectured. Looking over Zeydaan and then the faint glow on both their chests.

Zey tried to follow her train of thought. Though feeling quit drained from the whole process. She brought the gloved hand up to her chin. Rubbing it. At first missing where the snout would be. Goodness she should surely be used to that! Especially with all the changes she had done in the past.

“Everything will be fine! But, I’m not too sure something about this does feel awfully different” The new Nia said with a frown. Feeling around her mouth, the way she spoke. Accent changes were always the most strange. The way the mouth moved was always a bit odd. Something about the way it moved changed so subtly it was somehow more weird than most other changes.

“And I thought having one Nia was troublingly loud” Rex laughed.

“Watch it-” The two Nia’s said in complete unison!
They turned to each other and laughed.
“You think I could take over from you sometimes. Until I figure out the whole turnin’ back thing?” Zey spoke up.

“Do you know what you are doing?” Nia asked. The group looked over at Zey, “Oh well uhm. Yes, sort of. But I am sure you can show me whatever I need to know?”

“Oookay fine, we can do a little trainin’ session, then I get to kick back for a while. So excuse me fellas. It’s a Nia only party!” Nia chuckled with a smirk as she pushed Zey off, taking her to a nice open field for training!

Zeydaan had some odd feelings. Something about this felt different. Hopefully it would only be a few days until she would turn back and get home.

For now though a little fun wouldn’t be so bad! Right?