Chapter 13: Fox – Birthday – Curse

The next day, Jasmin wakes up in the late afternoon. As she opened her eyes to the bright lid room which gets illuminated through the window from the early afternoon sun, she sees and feels Lena's body on her and as she moves, Lena wakes up as well.

"Good morning, Sweetie." Jasmin whispers and moves Lena's hair out of her face. Did you sleep well? she asks her.

Lena opens her eyes and smiles at Jasmin. "Yes, very well indeed." she whispers and hugs Jasmin who adds a kiss on top of the hug.

After enjoying each other’s warmth and embrace they slowly rolled out of bed and got dressed in their robes again and gathered their belongings from the chest.

"Let's see back with Beatrice." Lena suggests and Jasmin remembers why they did all the hassle the night before. "Yes!" she replies remembering the Transmorphing stuff again and her eyes widen excited.

They leave the room and head downstairs where they thank the barkeeper again for the room before they head out of the tavern and quickly made their way over the cobblestone street to the Enchanted Pages store.

Once they arrived at the store, Lena and Jasmin enter and look around for Beatrice, but they don't see her anywhere so they decided to walk upstairs where they saw her already there waiting for them.

She had already prepared an old book with handwritten notes. As they approached the book, they could feel the magic emanating from its pages. Beatrice explained that they needed to study the book and its contents to prepare for the ritual of Transmorphing.

As they read through the pages, Lena and Jasmin felt their excitement growing. The notes were filled with detailed instructions and warnings about the potential risks of the ritual. They read through each page carefully, trying to absorb as much information as possible.

Finally, they felt ready to begin. They took out the Fae Dust and Moonhair, placing them in a small bowl in front of them. Lena and Jasmin held hands, focusing their minds and their magic.

Guided by Beatrice instructions they tried to put the gained knowledge from the book and especially the notes from Beatrice to the test.

Lena felt the inner urge to explore her animalistic side and couldn't help to think of her favourite animal, The Fox. Goosebumps started to fill her arms and legs as she started to slowly go down on her knees, her hair growing larger and larger and turning slightly more red until she finally finished Transmorphing and Lena stood there as a beautiful Orange red Ember fox, her Green eyes glowing in the light of the candles as she looked at Jasmin still standing there, trying to perform her own transformation. Jasmin looked at Lena, this majestic Ember fox right in front of her she can't fully focus and she feels a pair of white fluffy fox ears grow from her head.

Jasmin's heart sank as she realized she had failed to fully transmorph. She felt embarrassed and disappointed in herself, but Lena gave her an encouraging nudge with her Ember fox snout, reminding her that it was okay to make mistakes and that she could try again. Jasmin took a deep breath and focused on the instructions, feeling the urge to embrace her animalistic side and become one with it.

Slowly, Jasmin sank down on her knees, her hair turning a frosty white and her skin growing paler. She felt the familiar sensation of fur sprouting from her arms and legs, and she let out a deep breath as her transformation completed. Jasmin looked down at her new form, admiring the sleek white coat of fur that covered her body, and the piercing blue eyes that remained unchanged from her human form. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that she had overcome her initial failure and fully embraced her magical animal form. Lena let out a series of excited yips and barks, overjoyed to have a fellow fox by her side but Beatrice calms them down, reminding them that they still need to turn back into their human form to fully close the loop of this magical skill.

"To get into your new animal form you just embrace it and believe you are one." Beatrice starts to explain and Lena and Jasmin Lay down in front of her and wave their tails left and right listening to her every word. "In order to turn back into your human form, simply distance yourself from the thoughts of being one with it and go your separate ways." she end and Lena quickly got the hang of it and turned herself back into the innocent looking Girl she was. Jasmin also manages to transmorph back into the same determined young witch she was just minutes ago.

Lena and Jasmin looked at each other, amazed at what they had just experienced. They had known that magic existed, but to actually feel it and become a part of it was a whole new level of wonder. As they stood up, they couldn't help but feel a newfound sense of confidence and empowerment. Beatrice congratulated them on their success and told them that they were always welcome to visit, as the girls made their way out of the Enchanted Pages.

"What do you think, Jasmin? We run back to the castle in our new forms?" Lena asks her while smiling at her.

Jasmin grins, "You bet!" They quickly walked to the edge of Raven's Hollow where they turned themselves into their respective Fox form and started to run and jump over the green fields of the Valley. Jasmin always keeping a keen eye out for a good place to invite Lena to, as she only had this day to prepare something for Lena's birthday.

As they arrived on the castle ground, they kept running around as the Ember- and Icy fox are rather agile fast Creatures.

Jasmin spots the River again south of the castle which ends in a waterfall and decides to take Lena there tomorrow for a wonderful day together.

They enjoyed their new ability to turn into a Fox greatly but as the sun slowly started to set, they decided it’s best to grab something to eat before the dining hall closes and go to their dormitory, besides, the two are starving.

After enjoying a hearty meal, the girls quickly walked their way back to their dormitory in the Mist Tower.

They make themselves ready for bed and sit down on Jasmin's bed. Lena grabbing the Book of Spells and how to form them and they continue studying the creation of spells and how to wield them. But the trip to Raven's Hollow shows its signs and they do feel rather tired and decide to rest for tonight. Lena puts the book back on the side next to the window and lays down next to Jasmin who makes sure to not wrap herself to tightly around Lena and have her rest her head on the pillow instead of Jasmin.

The next morning, Jasmin woke up early as planned, to prepare a surprise for Lena. She quietly slipped out of their dormitory and went to the dining hall to grab a few things she knows Lena loves to eat in the morning and quickly made her way back to her dormitory just to enter it as Lena woke up.

"Happy birthday, Lena!" Jasmin whispered excitedly as she entered the dormitory, carefully holding a tray filled with Lena's favourite breakfast treats. She had managed to gather fresh fruits, warm pastries, and a steaming mug of hot chocolate, all arranged beautifully on the tray.

Lena rubbed her eyes, still drowsy from sleep, and looked up to see Jasmin's beaming smile and the tray of delicious food. She was genuinely surprised and touched by her friend's thoughtfulness.

"Thank you so much, Jasmin!" Lena said, sitting up in her bed. "This is amazing!"

Jasmin placed the tray on Lena's lap, and they both dug into the delicious breakfast, chatting and giggling as they enjoyed the morning together.

After they finished eating, Jasmin suggested they spend the day at the river south of the castle, which ended in a waterfall. Lena's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she enthusiastically agreed. They got ready for their day of adventure, filled with anticipation and joy.

When they finally arrived at the top of the waterfall, Lena and Jasmin were awestruck by the beauty that surrounded them. The water cascaded down the cliffside, creating a shimmering curtain of white and blue that sparkled under the sunlight. A rainbow formed in the mist, adding a touch of enchantment to the scene. The surrounding landscape was covered in vibrant green foliage, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

Lena and Jasmin settled down on a soft patch of grass near the edge of the cliff, their eyes locked on the mesmerizing sight before them. As they sat there, their hands gently brushed against each other, causing a spark of electricity that made both of their hearts race. They had always been close, but something about the magic of the moment made them realize that their feelings for one another were truly special.

Leaning in closer, Jasmin gently placed her hand on Lena's cheek, her eyes filled with warmth and affection. Lena smiled softly, leaning in as well. Their lips met in a tender, yet passionate kiss, a confirmation of the love that had been growing stronger between them. The breath-taking scenery around them seemed to magnify the intensity of their feelings, making it a moment they would never forget. Just as an unsettling rumble echoed through the area, causing the girls to break away from their intimate moment.

The ground beneath them began to tremble, sending small rocks and pebbles tumbling over the edge of the cliff. Lena and Jasmin exchanged nervous glances, uncertain of the cause of the disturbance. As they stood up to move away from the edge, the trembling intensified, causing Lena to lose her balance and stumble toward the cliffside.

Jasmin reacted quickly, reaching out and grabbing Lena's hand just as she was about to slip over the edge. With a surge of strength, Jasmin pulled Lena back to safety, but the force of her pull and the unstable ground caused Jasmin to lose her own balance.

"Help!" Lena cried, scrambling to reach her friend. However, it all happened too fast, and she could only watch in horror as Jasmin plummeted toward the rocky landscape far below. Her eyes widened as Jasmin's body struck the ground with a sickening crunch, sending up a cloud of dust.

"No!" Lena wailed, unable to accept the awful truth. She fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably, her heart breaking at the sudden loss of her dearest friend.

Jasmin lay lifeless on the ground, her silver dress torn and stained with blood, a pool of crimson surrounding her head. Lena could see that her friend's chest remained still, offering the undeniable truth that she was gone.

"Oh, Jasmin," Lena choked out, covering her face with her hands and weeping into them.

After a few agonizing minutes, Lena mustered the strength to face the heart-breaking scene before her once more. She couldn't believe it. Jasmin, her best friend, her love, was gone. She sprinted to the bridge that led down to the bottom of the cliff, her heart aching with every step until she reached Jasmin's motionless body.

Lena collapsed beside Jasmin, her sobs wracking her body as she clung to her lifeless friend. A part of her still clung to the hope that this was some cruel illusion, that Jasmin would suddenly rise and embrace her, reassuring her that everything was all right. But that comforting moment would never come again.

Lena's gaze fell upon the cliffside, desperately seeking any distraction from the devastating reality before her. It was futile. As much as she longed for an escape from the anguish, she couldn't tear herself away. Her tears flowed ceaselessly as she laid her head on Jasmin's chest, longing to hear her heartbeat just one more time.

"You're really gone," Lena whispered, her voice barely audible through her sobs. She pulled out her wand and aimed it at Jasmin, desperation clawing at her. "Episkey!" The green dust emitted from her wand merely flowed over Jasmin's body. "Episkey!" Lena's sobbing intensified, and she barely managed to choke out the incantation, "Vulnera Sanentur!" As she spoke the words, she recalled the countless hours they had spent practicing the spell, learning that they needed to imagine the wounds healing in front of their eyes for it to work effectively. Focusing on the memory, Lena desperately envisioned her best friend whole and alive, her heart yearning for Jasmin's return. Miraculously, Jasmin's body began to heal before her eyes; the torn skin mended, and the bruises faded. However, despite the incredible transformation, Jasmin's body remained still and showed no signs of breathing.

Lena's tears streamed down her face as she pleaded with Jasmin's lifeless form, begging her not to leave her alone in this world. Emotionally shattered and filling a void where her will to live once was, Lena broke down on Jasmin's body. Her mind reeled with the memories they had created together, her heart fragmented by the unbearable loss. All she could think of was Jasmin's warm smile when they first met, a moment that seemed like a lifetime ago.

As Lena lay on Jasmin's lifeless body, her tears flowed like an unending river of sorrow. The despair she felt was so immense, it threatened to consume her entirely. Lena's heart ached with every beat, and she felt as if her will to live was slipping away. The love that had grown between them, now threatened to drown her in its depths.

In that moment, as Lena clung to Jasmin, she felt an overwhelming urge to hold her friend's hand one last time. She grasped Jasmin's cold hand, the warmth of their connection flooding her memories with all the love and laughter they had shared. "Don't leave me alone," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Lena leaned down and tenderly kissed Jasmin's pale lips, a bittersweet farewell to the love that had blossomed between them.

It was then, as Lena's lips met Jasmin's, that an extraordinary and powerful force began to awaken within her. The sheer strength of her love, the unbreakable bond they shared, and her overwhelming desire to bring Jasmin back seemed to defy the boundaries of life and death. Lena's life force reached out to Jasmin, seeking to share itself in an attempt to revive her.

The connection between Lena and Jasmin transcended magic or ancient rituals; it was a rare and extraordinary bond between two souls that had the potential to defy the odds and bring Jasmin back, even in a world where resurrection was considered impossible.

As Lena's tears continued to fall, her life force slowly infused Jasmin's body, their love acting as a conduit between them. The process was quiet, almost imperceptible, but it was enough to gradually bring Jasmin back to life.

Jasmin's wounds, healed by the earlier casting of Vulnera Sanentur, now started to regain color, and her once-still chest began to rise and fall with each shallow breath. Lena, her energy dwindling with each passing moment, barely noticed the change in her friend's condition as she continued to cry and hold onto her.

As the transfer of life force continued, Lena grew weaker and weaker. Her vision blurred, and her breathing became shallow. With every ounce of her life energy that flowed into Jasmin, Lena felt herself slipping away. In a final act of devotion, Lena hugged Jasmin tightly with one arm, while pressing Jasmin's hand with her other hand. Exhausted and emotionally spent, she rested her head on Jasmin's chest, seeking solace in the closeness. As she held on to Jasmin, her strength gave out, and she collapsed onto her friend's body, weak and drained from the sacrifice she had made.

Jasmin's eyes fluttered open, the love and life force Lena had shared with her filling her with gratitude and awe. She realized the tremendous sacrifice her friend had made, and her heart swelled with an indescribable mix of love and pain. Jasmin gently reached out and touched Lena's tear-streaked face as she lay on her chest, their connection stronger than ever before.

“Lena," Jasmin whispered, her voice weak but full of love. Lena, barely conscious and fighting to stay with her friend, slightly opened her eyes in disbelief. The two girls stared at each other, their love and bond solidified in this miraculous moment, the result of an extraordinary force that had defied the impossible.

As Jasmin took in the sight of Lena's weakened state, a flood of emotions washed over her. She was overcome with gratitude for the selfless sacrifice her friend had made, and her heart ached with love and concern for Lena's well-being. Gently cradling Lena's head in her lap, she whispered words of gratitude, love, and reassurance.

Lena, though barely conscious, could feel Jasmin's warmth enveloping her, and a glimmer of hope began to stir within her. Her shallow breaths gradually deepened as the bond between them seemed to bring her back from the brink, the connection they shared growing stronger with every heartbeat.

Beneath the towering cliff and the cascading waterfall, the serene surroundings provided a peaceful atmosphere for the initial moments of both girls' recovery. As Lena's eyes slowly opened just a bit more, she met Jasmin's tear-filled gaze again, both of them marveling at the depth of their connection and the extraordinary force that had bound them even closer.

Over the next few hours, both girls' strength began to return, with Jasmin recovering more quickly and able to help Lena. Together, they managed to stand and take their first few shaky steps. Under the moonlit sky, the two friends made their way back to the mist tower of Castlehaven, where their dormitory awaited. Supporting each other as they walked, their bond stronger than ever. Fortunately, they had a week without classes, allowing them to focus entirely on their recovery mentally and physically.

As the week drew to a close, both Lena and Jasmin continued to recover mentally and physically. Lena's vitality returned, her skin regained its color, and her eyes sparkled with life once more. Jasmin, too, found her strength renewed, her heart filled with gratitude for the love and sacrifice that had saved her life.

The experiences they shared, along with the immense love and sacrifice they had both demonstrated, had created an unbreakable bond between them. Overwhelmed with emotion, they found comfort in each other's presence, often holding hands to reassure and support one another. Knowing they had faced the impossible and emerged stronger than ever, their love, desire, and affection for one another had grown deeper.

Now, side by side, Lena and Jasmin were ready to face whatever challenges life had in store. Forever changed by this extraordinary journey, they knew they could conquer anything together, their hands entwined as a symbol of their unyielding connection.