This story follows Jordan, a long running D&D character of mine, experiencing a very strange moment in his childhood. A sudden ilness leads him to find out more about himself than he bargained for.

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He lay curled up in his bunk, twitching and shivering. He had been feeling lousy all day but he had at least been able to go about his business without incident. That was up until he fainted in the middle of afternoon prayers. His brothers had to carry him back to his room and ever since he had been falling in and out of consciousness. He heard father Olwyn, the high cleric who cared for the temple foundlings, speaking nearby.
“It's a bad fever but nothing too serious. I'll stay and watch him overnight just in case.”
As he once again passed out of consciousness he began to see shapes in his sleep. Dark twisting tendrils swirled across his vision, amorphous clouds pulsated and warped around him, thrashing and flailing limbs knocked him head over heels while spots and stripes encircled his head for what felt like eternity. Next thing he knew he was tied in a sack; coughing and choking, thrashing and tearing as he desperately clawed at his bindings.

“Jordan! Jordan! Calm down!” Fresh air wafted across his face as he was pulled clear of his bindings by a concerned looking Olwyn.
“You fell out of bed, that's all. You were thrashing around in your sleep and fell off the edge. You're perfectly safe now.”

Jordan looked around, quickly realising where he was. Lying in a heap by his bed, soaked in sweat and worse besides, so dizzy his head was spinning but definitely still home. Panting, he let Olwyn help him up, he was aching all over but managed to sit down before his legs gave out. Cradling his aching head, he suddenly realised that his hands looked different. His fingers were longer, tapering to a claw-like nail protruding through a layer of thick grey fur!

“Um... Olwyn,” he stammered. “I think I must've hit my head a moment ago. I must be seeing things. I could almost swear that I've grown fur.”

“Well Jordan, I'm afraid you might want to brace yourself.” Olwyn said, passing him a small copper mirror.
Staring transfixed into the mirror, Jordan saw the face of a large dog staring aghast back at him.

“AHHHHHH!” Jordan leapt up from the bed, lurching over before clinging to the wall to steady himself.
“What in the hells is going on? What is this? I'm a beast! I've got fur!” He paused, suddenly feeling at his rear. “Gods above I've got a tail! I'm a monster! A beast! Bahamut save me I'm cursed!” He slumped against the wall, sliding forlornly to the floor.

“Olwyn; what am I?” he pleaded weakly, tears running down his muzzle.

“You are not not a monster Jordan, and no more or less a beast than anyone else. You my boy, are a Hengeyokai.”



“Hengeyokai?” Jordan sniffed.
“Yes, they are a race of people who can change shape from human form to an animalistic form like you are now or even turn into a dog as they wished.” Olwyn explained.
“I could turn into a dog?”
“You did. You were shifting between forms in your sleep, Your body trying to react to your fever I suspect.” said Olwyn.

“Hold on,” Jordan said, “How do you even know that I'm one of these Hengeyokai in the first place?”
“They were a widely known race where we found you back east. Considering the circumstances where we find an infant wandering alone in the forest, we considered the possibility of your race ever since. Bearing that in mind, your state just now more or less confirms it.”
Olwyn picked him up and helped him into a chair. Your bound to turn a few heads among the congregation . You'll look quite fierce once you've grown a few inches. I should have you pass around the collection box at our next sermon.”
“What?” Jordan snapped, “Go outside? Work the temple? Like this? No chance, I couldn't!”
“Why not? You're the same person you were yesterday, you might look different but why hide it?”
“What would the others think? Or the townspeople? By the gods names they'll think I'm a werewolf!” Jordan said, picking up the mirror and nervously bearing his teeth.
“Your brethren wouldn't dare give you any trouble, they'd answer to me for starters. As for the townspeople, this land is diverse and you would be surprised what people can come to accept if you let them. Now sit still for a minute while I fetch something.”

Jordan sat dumbfounded, trying desperately to comprehend his situation. Running his hands over as much of his unfamiliar body as he could reach, he never thought he could look in the mirror and see a stranger. He tried to stand but his head began spinning as soon as he moved and he could only stagger back to his seat.

After a few minutes Olwyn returned carrying a wash pail and a bundle of cloth.
“I cannot imagine how confused you must feel but try to relax for now. You're still ill after all and you've had a very difficult night. We'll get you cleaned up and you can get some rest.”
Jordan nodded and let Olwyn help him wash. Normally he would detest such childish treatment but today it was the last thing on his mind.
Once he was clean and dry, having continued to shock himself by instinctively trying to shake himself dry, he sat wrapped in towels while Olwyn changed his bedding.

“You seem remarkably collected over all of this. Ten minutes ago I was a gibbering mess but you looked over one of your charges turn into a dog while barely batting an eyelid.”
“Well as I mentioned I've worked with Hengeyokai while our temple was working in the eastern continent. They are secretive people but we managed to work closely with a couple of communities. I had to admit I was taken aback when you first changed I wasn't totally unfamiliar with your situation.”
Olwyn gently lifted the small canine out of his chair and put him into his bed.

“you should get some sleep,” Olwyn said, feeling Jordan's forehead. “All that shape-shifting business didn't help your fever. A couple of days in bed will do you good, You could even catch up on your reading a little.”
He produced a slim volume from the folds of his robes and handed it to Jordan.
“Hen-Ge-Yo-Kai” Jordan mumbled, translating the Draconic script which adorned the cover.“I've never seen this book before.”
“I took it from the special collections for you, I'm sure it will make excellent reading. Now unless you need anything I should talk to the others, everyone has been worrying about you.” Olwyn turned towards the door.
“No wait!” snapped Jordan. “Please don't tell anyone about... this.” he pointed towards his thickly furred muzzle. “I need some more time.”
“I will simply say that you are awake and feeling a little better but are not to be disturbed. If anyone wants details I will endeavour to be discreet. Beyond that, I leave the matter up to you.