NightHare

Year 5, Magic, & Hare (3.3)

The next day, Lexi planned on returning to the forest alone.

She told Saxa and Inu that she needed to get a few more herbs. They wanted to come along, but she reassured them that she would stay safe and that it would be quicker.

Although it was part of the reason, Lexi also wanted to find and check on the rabbit. She feared that Saxa would try to catch it and turn it into their next meal. Oven-baked black rabbit with carrots.

While they were busy with afternoon classes, she stood in the field. She patted her sides and looked over everything, ensuring that all her stuff was safe and secure.

Then, Lexi shook her arms, willing the transformation to activate. In a flash, her arms turned into large bird-like wings covered in maroon feathers. Harpy wings.

Raising her arms, she observed the transformation. Since Sister Fauna advised her not to until she was thirteen, this was her first time transforming.

Why? Because according to her and the church, children shouldn't forcefully use magic until their bodies are strong enough, even if the magic is natural. It was less stressful on growing bodies and protected children from injuries.

The day she turned thirteen, Lexi asked Sister Fauna how to transform and fly. She rubbed her head, saying that she would instinctively know.

It was. She watched her feathers flutter in the breeze and brushed them. Soft.

Steadying herself, Lexi prepared to take off. She lifted her arms and flapped down, generating a strong gust of wind below her. It wasn't enough.

She repeated the motion, flapping faster and firmly. As she pushed the air down, it pushed her up, lifting her into the skies. Lexi was flying.

She hovered for a few moments, balancing herself and getting used to the feeling. After a while, she adjusted her weight, practicing her mid-air control and flight.

"Ah!" Lexi's inexperience caused her to rapidly fly out of control as she shifted forward. Her body dove down towards a tree.

She flailed around, attempting to turn herself upright.

Swish. After some rolling, she stopped herself just in the nick of time.

Lexi gasped for air, calming her rapid heart. She almost crashed on her first attempt.

Sister Fauna is a liar. Flying isn't intuitive.

As she took deep breaths, June and Rose darted over. Their eyes were wide with fear and horror. They spun her around and examined Lexi for injuries.

"Oh my," exclaimed Rose, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah."

"You should've been careful." After ensuring her safety, June ran a hand over her wings. She sighed, "If you're gonna practice flying, at least get someone to spot you."

Lexi shrunk. Her arms lowered, and her feathered ears drooped. "Yeah."

June stared at Lexi, contemplating something. She sighed, "Sister Rose, you can leave. I'll spot Lexi as she practices."

Rose peered at Lexi before nodding. She turned and entered the church. June glanced at her, telling her to try again.

So Lexi started flying under June's watchful gaze. It was prickly.

They spent the rest of the day practicing, and she got the hang of it. Lexi could twirl in the air and safely land.

"Well, we should end today's practice session." June rubbed Lexi's head, ruffling her hair. "Good job but don't practice alone. That could've been dangerous."