"Marssss!" I yelled. Or I tried to, but I couldn't speak. My jaw structure had changed, and I couldn't pronounce any words. All that came out was, "Grawrss!"
Mars laughed at my attempt to talk. I tried to scowl, but that didn't succeed either. He collapsed in hysteria. There was a large window, so wanting to know what he found so hilarious, I went to take a look at myself.
I recoiled in horror. I was a monster! I howled as I began to panic. My long hair appeared as if it had been electrocuted, and my eyes were golden with red pupils. My jaw was filled with sharp fangs, and my claws were at least six inches long.
No wonder I couldn't talk.
My gaze went to my legs. They were strangely bent, like a Manx cat. That was the last straw. I shrieked and leapt at the giggling Mars. I snatched him and started to shake him.
"All right, all right. Calm down. I'll help you transform back. Now put me down, and relax," he said while patting my arm.
Not feeling very thankful, I dropped him. Mars didn't let that bother him. He jumped on a chair and spoke calmly, "To transform back, think tranquil. Don't panic.
Imagine being alone in a forest filled with singing birds. Let their song fill your head. Take deep breaths; there you go."
I inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. But I couldn't envision myself in the forest. I watched too many programs where people got attacked in a forest. Instead, I pictured myself in the fields of Scotland.
I began to feel sleepy when Mars interrupted. "See? You did well. Go look in the mirror." Nervously, I dashed to the window. I was back to normal! My knees sagged, and I dropped to the floor.
"What the heck, Mars? What did you make me do?"
"That is FULL FORM. Although incomplete," Mars explained. "It was about your father's level when he tried it. But you shouldn't give up like he did.
If you can transform fully, you'll be able to defeat not only high level spirits but even demonic spirits," he said eagerly.
"While looking like that? I guess being ugly would chase anything away," I retorted.
"No, no. Listen. If you transfigure into a Feile Maor, you will become an impressive being. In my world, only a selective few are chosen. And they are the royal personal guards."
Mars became excited. "Their strengths are unparalleled compared to other soldiers. You will become on par with them." I'm going to be equal with a royal guard?
"My full power is that weak? I'm going to be that weak?" I stared furiously at Mars. "Why did you teach my family such a weak technique?"
Mars looked at me as if I was crazy. "You're an idiot. Weak? You fool. In my entire world, except for the royal family, they are the strongest. Learning Feile Maor is a privilege.
I can't believe it. You just insulted the Sith. Be glad it's me here, or you would be killed." Mars groaned in exasperation. Okay, maybe I underestimated it a little.
"Sorry," I apologised as I stood up.
"Never mind. Let's continue. You're almost there. Giving up now would be regretful. Well, Nathan?" If the final form was as magnificent as he said, then I could continue. But that monstrous form—I shuddered.
"Let's keep going," I said, determinedly. For the next two hours, I didn't make much progress. I avoided the window or any mirror. I didn't want to see my monster form. Mars started to become impatient.
Time was of the essence. We stopped for breakfast and a bath.
The Anderson's came knocking to see how we were doing. It's going spiffing. But I went back to training the moment they departed. We had to return by at least five in the evening.
I tried my best until lunch. At least I was able to easily transfigure back and forth now.
"Hey, Mars," I uttered as I jabbed a fork into my salad. Mars sat dejectedly by his bowl of meat.
"What?"
"I don't suppose I can defeat that thing, just like I am now."
"You can try. But don't have any high hopes of defeating it," he answered grimly.
"Yep. I thought not," I sighed.
I really tried. I promise, I really did. But as five came, I didn't make any further progress. I packed up my things, returned the key, bade farewell to the owners, and returned to my doom.
I took a detour on my bike, wanting to savour my last day of living. As I pulled into the parking lot, gloom set in. I didn't look forward to this exorcism.
"Can't we just bypass this once?"
"Tell that to your father." (Censor).
I trudged fearfully up the stairs. For the first time since I started this work, I was afraid. I clutched Mars against my chest, causing him to squirm.
Lea had left us the key, so I easily opened the door. The evil that rushed out when I went inside was stifling.
"Mars. Just what is in here?"
"I'm not sure until I see it for myself. Put me down, and start searching."
I activated my SENSE, and nearly passed out.
My breath got knocked out of me, and my eyes couldn't see a thing. "How can you stand this?" I coughed. Mars walked around, sniffing.
"I went through worse with your grandfather once," he replied. Wow, granddad. Just what kind of cases did you solve?
I frantically swiped a cloth from the kitchen counter and tied it around my mouth. It didn't work. Moaning, I followed Mars as he explored the rooms.
At last, we came to the bedroom. I couldn't see anything, but I could sense the most evil here. Mars started to growl. "What? Is it here?" I panted.
"Nothing yet. But stay alert, Nathan. I sense it close by, as if it were watching us," he warned. I nodded, and I activated LEAP as well. We lingered, expecting it to attack, when we heard cruel snickering.
"Where's it coming from, Mars?" I cried hysterically.
"I don't know! Be careful, Nathan," he hissed. The laughter became louder and louder. My breath shook as I stood by the door. Chills ran down my back as a voice whispered in my ear, "Die for me."
I was frozen for a moment before I leaped, grabbing a startled Mars. I bumped against the wall, breathing hard. We gaped as the air cleared and a figure appeared. In the doorway floated an exceedingly beautiful yet terrifying woman.
She wore a flowing black dress and high heels. Her eyes and lips were deep red, with tiny fangs. Her long, dark hair spilled around her waist, in contrast to her white skin.
"She's a v-vampire!" I stammered.
She sniggered. "Wrong. Try again."