“While now I go by Relia, at the time, I went by a different name, Bran Asher. My family was a well-respected house of nobles, led to prominence by the acts of one of my ancestors that fought alongside our country’s most renowned heroine, Lady Lumina. My grandfather was a well renowned knight as well, one who taught our king when he was a boy. My father in turn was a successful merchant who helped establish vital trade routes with other neighboring partners.

“Back then, I was living my life, training to be a knight of Luxur at the behest of my family. My grandfather had been a proud supporter of the kingdom and insisted upon me joining them after my father became a merchant. At the time I felt okay with the idea. After all, it was all I had known and I wanted to live up to my family’s expectations. I would sometimes butt heads with my fellow knights, particularly with how they would treat the defenseless, but I felt pride and passion for my work at the time. Or at least I let myself believe that.

“It was around my fourteenth birthday when things began to change. Each time I trained, it got harder to keep pace, and I would get more and more tired. Then I began to struggle with my basic training, my sword began to feel heavier, and I began to feel very insecure and vulnerable. I noticed subtle changes in my body too. I began to become slimer, my arms thinner, until finally…”

* * *

A chirp sounded through the air as a small sparrow hopped along arcing branches. It poked at the newly sprouted leaves of spring beneath its talons. It stretched its wings in the morning light as it released another sharp chirp, prompting a nearby youth to rumble in bed.

Bran yawned as he valiantly fought the urge to awaken, an inevitably fruitless escapade, as another chirp pulled at his mind. He tumbled again in his bed, grumbling at the intrusive noise. As he fought, the morning sun made its daily routine, peeking through his windows and shining upon his eyes, scattering the sleep in his eyes. The young knight let out a long yawn before slumping forward. The morning of another day was here.

He went to scratch his head, noticing his thick head of hair. It was strange. It was not as if he had short hair beforehand, he always appreciated a few inches, but this volume and length, it had come about so rapidly. He could feel it tickle his shoulders, whereas a week ago it was just above his ears. He anxiously looked over his body. “It happened again,” he commented to himself as he looked at his small hands. He looked at them peculiarly. He first noticed it a few days ago. His grip on his sword was… off and unfamiliar. It was only after training that he noticed his gloves seemed larger, and then finally realized that his hands had shrunk.

It caused quite a scene, he was training with his partner, Arstis, when his sword was knocked away. He couldn’t help but tumble backward in response, landing squarely upon his rear. Surprisingly it brought a tear to his eye, even though the landing wasn’t as bad as usual. It was fortunate that the prince had sent the others away as they tended to him. He was fortunate to have the prince’s support. It was nice to be thought about and doted upon like that. He shook his head. He was a knight, others were supposed to depend upon him, not the other way around. And yet, how could he support people like that when… He looked to his hands again.

“What is happening to me?” Bran questioned. “What is wrong with me?” he looked over his body, noticing his thinning arms. “What happened to all my muscle? I hardly recognize myself now,” he wondered aloud as he scratched at his neck.

“Bran,” a voice called from beyond his door. That voice, was it the prince? “Are you awake?”

“Y-yeah,” he yelped. “Getting changed. Give me a minute,” he said swiftly as he rose to his feet.

“Good. Are you feeling better?” the prince asked. “You took quite the fall yesterday.”

“I-I’m fine your highness,” Bran nervously chuckled. “I’ll be down shortly.”

“Very well then,” the prince chuckled back. “I will see you in the mess hall then.”

“Right,” Bran answered, footsteps walking away from his door. He sighed. The prince could be such a worrywart about his knights sometimes, although in this case it was more warranted than he would care to admit. He took a deep breath and looking down to notice he instinctively had brought his hands to his chest like one of the maids would when nervously waiting for the others. He felt a warmth in his cheeks. Why was he thinking about that now? He shook the thought off and quickly put on his armor. He panted slightly as he noticed the great weight now upon him. How had he managed to put up with this before? It almost seemed preposterous now.

His stomach growled, and he relented, discarding his thoughts and departing his room and descending toward the mess hall. Hopefully food would distract him. Who knows, perhaps it would even help his condition.

“Come on, why don’t you help us out?” he heard a voice down the hall.

“Please, I told you no. I’ll get in trouble if…”

“Come on, you’re supposed to serve us, right?” Bran gripped his fist as he began to understand the nature of what was happening. He turned the corner finding one of his fellows, once again harassing one of the maids.

“Viren,” Bran snapped. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Crap, if it isn’t chivalrous ol’ Bran again,” Viren rolled his eyes. “Look, I’m just trying to get this chick to help get some records from the princess.”

“I already told you I’m not allowed to…” the maid objected.

“You don’t have to do anything, just give me the key and I’ll go grab them,” Viren huffed.

“I can’t,” the maid trembled under Viren’s hungry gaze.

“Listen, girlie, I’m trying to be cooperative, now stop being a problem and…” Viren reached for the girl.

“Viren!” Bran smacked his hand down. “She told you no, now back off.”

“What the hell Bran!? You know we need that information!”

“Then ask the Princess,” Bran snapped. “Stop harassing the maids. They’re simply doing their jobs. Leave them in peace.”

“You’re a real pain in the ass, you know that?” Viren scoffed. “Fine, whatever,” he shrugged before walking off.

“Jackass,” Bran grumbled. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, thank you,” the maid nodded. “You know what the princess will say though, right?”

“I’m sure she has her own reasons and expectations. It’s not our place to make things harder for you like that,” he smiled.

“Thanks Bran,” the maid smiled. “You’re always so nice and considerate,” she looked up to the knight. “You really remind me a lot of my sister sometimes.”

“Your sister?” he blushed.

“Yeah, she’s always so dependable, like you,” the maid giggled. “She’d stand up for me against our father, just like you did now.”

“O-oh, yeah?” Bran scratched at his head.

“At any rate, I should get going. Thank you again for everything.”

“Geez,” he sighed. “Dependable like her sister, huh?” he blushed. “Get ahold of yourself Bran,” he said to himself as he tried to subdue the heat in his cheeks.

“Oy, Bran!” another knight called out.

“Oh, Arstis,” he perked up, quickly focusing upon his approaching friend.

“I know it’s fun to flirt with the maids and all, but c’mon, you need to get some breakfast or you’ll get even skinnier,” Arstis said, grabbing at his hand. “Let’s go.”

“H-hey,” Bran yelped. “You don’t gotta pull me like that,” he objected, attempting to resist his grasp. He blinked in shock as he realized he could no longer resist Arstis’s might. It was… strange. Arstis was a capable fighter, but he was far from the strongest, and he could always get out of his excitable grip. Had he really lost that much strength? He had little other choice as Arstis continued to drag him along.

The day returned to a normal pace for the knight-in-training. He enjoyed his breakfast of a ham and cheese omelet with jam on toast. He tried to quiet his mind as his fellows proceeded with their usual antics of rough housing and crude jokes. He never quite understood why they were so intent on being so rambunctious. He looked over to a nearby table populated by a small gathering of Lumina Knights. Sure, they could be loud and rambunctious at times, but they always seemed to have much quieter and more comfortable lunches, it made him more than a little jealous. They were certainly less obnoxious than…

“Whoa!” one of the knights, Rald, yelped as he crashed on the opposite side the table. “For the love of god, Kergo! How the hell was that a warmup punch!?” he snapped.

“Eh? Get over it, ya wimp!” Kergo shrugged. “You’re the one who wanted to help me spar.”

“Slam something into this table again, and I’m going to make sure that you have something to complain about,” Arstis declared, Bran sighing beside him. “Some of us are trying to eat here!”

“Oh? The hard ass is going to teach me a lesson?” Kergo laughed.

“I’ll do more than that if you call me that again!” Arstis retorted.

“Arstis, please calm down,” Bran pleaded.

“Aww, how precious, having cute little Bran try to talk you down,” Kergo pushed on.

“Oh, that is it!” Arstis stood up.

“Will you boys quiet down please?” a woman approached from a nearby table. “You’re scaring my sister.”

“Like that’s my problem,” Kergo shrugged. “If you don’t like the little brat getting scared, then how about you just don’t bring her here? Or what, does the mighty Helena want to fight me over it?”

“For the love of,” Helena sighed. “So much for showing Ayana around,” she groused. “If you keep this up, you may just kill her interest in defending our country.”

“If she’s that easy to…” Kergo began to rebuke.

“That is quite enough of that,” a calm voice interjected, Bran looking up to see the familiar face of their prince, accompanied by another soldier beside him, a mere squire by the looks of him with hesitant doe-eyes looking to the group. The room quieted as he approached the group.

“Zerto,” Bran whispered, the prince nodding to him.

Zerto put a reassuring hand on the shoulder of the soldier next to him. “It is alright Klein. You may go eat. I will speak to your instructor later,” the soldier nodded and left, Zerto returning his gaze to the group.

“Good morning your highness,” Bran greeted the prince.

“Good morning to you as well Bran,” Zerto gave a soft smile before Kergo pulled his attention away again as his comrade passed another glare to the Lumina Knight. “Kergo, stop that.”

“C’mon, Zer, you’re not gonna tell me you’re taking her side on this?” Kergo complained.

“Kergo, this is the mess hall, not the training ground. If you wish to practice, I suggest you go out there to do so.”

“Ugh, fine, whatever,” Kergo rolled his eyes as he left. “It wasn’t a good match anyway.”

“Apologies for the mess, Lady Helena,” Zerto bowed.

“It’s not your fault your, highness,” Helena shook her head. “There’s no need for…”

“That would be untrue,” Zerto sighed. “Kergo is one of my knights. I am accountable for his behavior,” he said putting his hand over his chest and bowing. “I offer my deepest condolences for the trouble he caused you.”

“Uh, th-thanks your highness,” Helena blushed. Bran squirmed slightly. He was a little jealous of how his highness could charm many of the women in their midst with his cool chivalry. And yet, there was something unnerving about it, though he discounted it as mere jealousy. What else could it be, after all?

“If there is anything I can do for you, let me know,” Zerto gave an elegant smile. “In fact, I shall suggest to father that he prioritize getting your troop new equipment.”

“That would be incredible generous of you, your highness, thank you,” Helena smiled happily.

“Very well then, I shall see what I can do,” Zerto gave another bow. “I wish you and your sister a good time today.”

“Appreciated, your highness,” Helena nodded before she went back to her table, a young girl excitedly waving to her, with long fluttering brown hair.

“As for you three, if you’d please take your seats again,” he looked to Bran and the others, Arstis and Rald taking their seats again. “How have you all been?”

“Eh, same old, same old,” Rald shrugged. “Been a bit pent up, but nothing a little training won’t solve. It’ll be nice to get back on the road again soon, though.”

“I can be your training partner,” Arstis chuckled, his short red hair bouncing upon his head. “After all, Kergo is being Kergo.”

“Hm? Don’t you normally train with Bran? Does this have to do with yesterday?”

“Sort of. I’ve been feeling under the weather lately,” Bran explained. “Just been feeling weak,” he sighed, trying to hide his embarrassment.

“I see,” Zerto said, crossing his arms as he began to think. “You’ve been feeling unwell for a while now. If it persists, be sure to talk to one of our doctors.”

“I’m actually returning to Dad’s place tonight, so I might just get our usual doctor to look me over,” he lied. The last thing he wanted was to worry his father after all.

“I see, just be sure to keep yourself well,” Zerto gave a small smile.

“Yeah, we care about you man,” Arstis laughed as he patted him on the back.

“Yeah, and once you’re feeling better, maybe we can convince the king to let us take a small outing,” Rald proposed.

“It has been a while since we last did a mission together,” Zerto grinned. “Going out and taking out some of the usual bandits would be a fun excursion.”

“Yeah,” Arstis chuckled. “Don’t you think so Bran?”

“Y-yeah,” he nodded. He enjoyed the idea for the company, but he felt… perhaps disappointed was the right term. His friends cared for him, he knew that, but he couldn’t help but notice a bit of frustration at their interest of picking a fight. Sure, bandits were an ever-occurring problem, it came with the kingdom’s wealth, but he didn’t quite see what was so fun about it.

“By the way,” Arstis looked back to the prince, “what was with the kid? He’s one of the new squire’s, right?”

“Correct,” Zerto nodded. “His teacher has been running him and his sister through training everyday without much time for rest.”

“That don’t seem too healthy,” Rald crossed his arms. “Can’t exactly get stronger if you’re tired all the time.”

“You are of course correct,” Zerto nodded. “I noticed their exhaustion the other day and ordered them to take a break. He was giving me an update on his instructor, who has been unhappy with my meddling.”

“Heh,” Arstis chuckled. “I think you made the right move, the kid seemed to be doing a lot better today, don’t ya think Bran?”

“Y-yeah,” Bran nodded. He felt bad, he hadn’t actually noticed Klein’s exhaustion before, not with all the other stuff happening to him lately. He hid his flushing face to hide the sudden wave of embarrassment, look out toward the courtyard.

As the others continued to talk, he watched as a pair of women tended to the beautiful flora that decorated it, giggling all the while. He sighed briefly as he considered how nice such a hobby must be. Girls like them certainly were lucky to enjoy such peaceful things. Just the thought of being able to accompany them, tending to beautiful flowers and smelling their wonderous scents made him smile. Yet the smile did not linger long as he began to feel a strange pressure around his stomach, a twist and churn. He gripped his hands, hoping to pass the pain, but it failed to calm him. “Are you okay?” Arstis asked.

“I… I’m fine,” Bran lied.

“I’m not so certain,” Zerto frowned. “Go ahead and head home for now. You’re in no condition to train right now.”

“R-right,” Bran nodded.

“Rest well,” Rald said. “Shall we get to it then?” he asked as the others got up to leave, each waving goodbye to Bran, who could only sigh as he tried harder to focus upon himself.

The churning only intensified as he winced in pain. What was wrong with him? Why did he feel so weak and tired all of a sudden? Actually, it was becoming a common occurrence lately, but why? For that matter, what was happening to his body in general? Was his bouts of weakness and his body’s changing related? He wanted to ask for his friends’ advice, but he refused to do so, quietly damning his pride in the process. With a little time, his breath began to calm, and his pain quieted.

“Are you alright?” a familiar voice asked. He turned to face it, seeing Helena, the Lumina Knight once again.

“Y-yeah, I think,” Bran said, trying to get up, only to wobble as he did so.

“Whoa, careful now,” she said, catching his arm and helping him up. “You’re definitely not fine,” she frowned. “Here, let me help you.”

“Uh, thanks,” Bran blushed as she wrapped her arm around him. “I was actually about to head home. I think I could use the rest.”

“Not could, do,” Helena corrected. “I overheard you earlier, you’re headed to your father’s, correct?” Bran nodded. “Good, then here,” she offered her hand. “I’ll help you to the front gates, and get a carriage for you,” she said, Bran only offering a weak nod. “Come on, Ayana, we’re going to help Bran out.”

“Okay,” a younger girl answered as she followed the two outside. The group quietly walked towards the front gates, Helena releasing Bran to a nearby bench as she went to fetch a carriage. Bran could only let out a deep sigh as he began to relax. “Um, hello,” Ayana waved at him.

“Hm? What’s up?” he asked mustering up his best smile.

“Um, I just wanted to say that you’re really cool,” Ayana smiled.

“Really?” Bran tilted his head then smiled. “Thanks.”

“Yeah,” Ayana nodded. “I’ve always wanted to be a knight like big sis,” she smiled. “I can’t wait to be old enough to join the Lumina Knights.”

“Yeah, they’re pretty cool, aren’t they?” Bran chuckled. “Shame I don’t get to work with them more.”

“Really?” Ayana asked confusedly. “But I thought you trained alongside them. I mean, you fight like them, right?”

“Huh? How do you figure that?”

“Well, I like watching sis and the others train a bunch,” she smiled. “And I sometimes watch some of the boys practice too. I always thought it was cool how you fight so elegantly. It reminds me of sis,” she giggled.

“R-really?” he blushed. Wait, why was he embarrassed by that? It kind of felt good even. And for that matter, this had been the second time someone had compared him to their sister. Thinking about it, this warmth, he felt it then too, but why? He could only wonder that in silence before Helena returned looking up to her, unable to shake off his unease.

“I hope my sister hasn’t been too much of a bother,” she chuckled.

“I was not,” Ayana pouted. “I was just talking about how cool you all are.”

“Are you sure?” Helena teased.

“It’s fine,” Bran chuckled giddily before catching himself. “Uh, I like working with kids,” he scratched his cheek.

“Is that so?” Helena laughed. “Well, at any rate, Bran,” she looked to the knight, his body jolting to attention. “It’s time you got home. Be sure to rest well, okay?”

“Yeah,” he answered with a smile as he walked towards the carriage. “Thanks for everything you two. I’ll see you later,” he waved as he mounted the carriage.

The carriage ride was rather quiet, typically so, as he sat quietly in the back. His mind again began to drift. Everything that had happened to him began to fill his mind. His lost strength, his changing body, the strange compliments he had received, and the even stranger sensations that took root. He tried to fight off such thoughts, but they would only bubble up again and again. Before he knew it the carriage had slowed to a stop before a pair of intricate black gates.

Bran lowed himself to the ground and pushed the gate open. He smiled. Good they remembered to keep it open for him. He slowly began to make his way through the courtyard, passing a variety of finely trimmed hedges and the fountain that was the site of so many of his beloved childhood memories. Memories of when she was still here. He was still rather young, but he remembered her clearly. Her brilliant red hair tumbled down her back, she always had an equally brilliant smile. Such memories only made him miss her more. “Mother,” he whispered.

At long last, he finally arrived home, sapped of mind and strength alike. He quietly snuck his way upstairs and into his room, undoing parts of his armor along the way. As he entered his room, he was quick to stow his armor in the corner before changing into a comfortable set of pajamas and setting himself to bed. In moments, his mind began to drift, guided by a warm and soft sensation. It was almost strange. Had he not known any better, he’d have mistaken the soft warmth for his own body.

The siren of sleep called the youth to rest, easing his mind and body into a plume of comfort. It was a deep and revitalizing feeling, one he had not known for a very long time. A lovely sleep full of equally lovely memories. He was with his mother, cuddling up to her like he had as a child as she stroke long locks. A distant forgotten feeling seemed to bubble forth before it was disturbed and popped by the morning’s rays.

He took a deep breath, laying in bed as he lamented the end of such a lofty dream, grieving its distance from reality. He just wanted to curl up and lose himself in that blissful dream again, just for a few minutes longer. He turned in his attempted sleep, his eyes cracking open for but a moment. He noticed the flash of small digits fly through the air. His eyes opened wide in surprise and looked to his small dainty hands.

He blinked as he looked at his delicate digits. “W-what is this?” an unfamiliar girlish voice asked his words. He curled his fingers, the fingers before him following suit. He pulled them to his body and felt their pressure, their touch, and his hands felt the soft resistance and the matching smoothness of gentle skin. He traced his curving form and felt the long dark blue hair resting upon his back.

“W-what has happened to me?” the high tones questioned. He noticed the mirror in the corner of his room and gulped. He rose and readied his mind as he approached it. It was just as he had suspected. The body that looked back, it was gracious and curvy, feminine and smooth, cutesy and even sexy. The reflection blushed as their eyes traced their over body. “T-this girlish body… is that really me?”