Pulling off her shirt, a little awkward to accomplish over the muzzle, and removing the rest of her clothing, Merse decided to go even further. Focusing on Kayl's form, she imagined her own body taking on its shape, and again closed her eyes in concentration as her body itched and tingled. Opening her eyes and looking down, Merse discovered that her entire body now matched Kayl's - tail, fur, and all - just as it had the past few days, except now she was completely in control. Although a bit shocked and bewildered, Merse quivered at the strange sensation of power, although she knew it came with its pitfalls.
After a bit of experimenting with changing various body parts between human and wolfen, Merse found that some changes were easier to control than others, but that she did not have enough confidence yet to try a similar test with the other souls locked inside her. After all, Kayl had never actually contested her soul for supremacy as the others had, but rather had only gone up against the spider. Furthermore, his capability for rational thought meant he could be reasoned with, unlike the others. Ignoring Kayl's confusion, Merse transformed completely into Kayl's form and huddled down with the blanket and pack in a small hollow, hoping that Kayl's enhanced senses would warn her should anyone approach.
Waking around midafternoon, it took a few seconds for Merse to remember where she was, and more importantly, what she was. Returning to her human form, Merse proceeded to wash herself quickly in the pool, then dress herself. As she contemplated putting on the soft shoes which provided little protection, she was startled by a sudden question from Kayl.
Do you intend to kill more metabeasts? Kayl asked probingly. You are a Soul-stealer, after all, he said somewhat disdainfully. It was obvious he had been pondering the ramifications of her abilities all night, and what was needed to enhance said abilities. Although Kayl himself was a warrior and a hunter, it was plain to see that the idea of subjugating the souls of other creatures did not sit well with him, especially when some of those creatures could end up being members of his own pack.
You mean do I want more of you running around inside my skull? Merse sneered contemptuously. I didn't want anything to do with you lot in the first place. If it hadn't been for that damn spider, I never would've gotten into this mess. Why in the blazes would I want even more freaks fighting over my body?
Look, Merse sighed as Kayl looked on duboiusly. I don't want to kill anything else. I just want to get the hell away from you and monsters and metabeasts and the Conglomerate and live the comfortable life of a small-town thief, not bothering anyone. I've had enough of gods and politics and power struggles to last me a lifetime. Is that too much to ask?
Kayl seemed to accept her explanation, although inwardly he did wonder a bit at the reference to power struggles and politics. Nevertheless, it wasn't an immediate concern, so he decided to act passively for the moment, since his death would soon be revealed to the pack. In other words, there was nowhere else for him to go, and he was stuck with her.
Eyeing her footwear doubtfully, Merse suddenly grinned as she came up with an idea. Shoving the moccasins back into the pack, Merse concentrated on her lower body, only to be rewarded with a sudden pinch to her rear. Reaching back, she quickly lowered the pants slightly, releasing her cramped tail. In doing so, she noted that in changing herself from the waist down, it meant she had also changed her gender from that point down. Looking at Kayl's furry sheath-covered member, memories of his days with Alra sprung to her mind unbidden, causing Merse to feel a strange heat from her loins as she blushed slightly.
I wonder, Merse thought to herself. If Alra has more pups, would they be Kayl's or...mine? It was my body, after all, even if it was in his shape...
Shaking her head at such thoughts, Merse focused on the problem at hand. Reaching behind, Merse carefully tore a small hole in the seat of the pants, which she threaded the tail through. As Kayl was much larger than her, the pants were quite tight, but since they had been rather loose from the beginning, they did not tear. Furthermore, as Kayl's legs were longer than hers, Merse found her height changed as well. In order to avoid drawing too much attention to her feet before she would have the opportunity to change back, Merse took the pieces of blanket she had used as shoe covers the night before and wrapped them around her legs from shin to ankle, hiding somewhat the fact that they ended in padded paws.
To complete her ensemble, Merse once more returned her ears to the shape of wolfen ears, hoping that they would allow her to hear any trouble coming long before she ran into it. Cutting two small slits in the blanket, Merse donned it as a hooded cape, sticking the ears through the holes, and hoping the getup would give her enough time to withdraw the ears to her human ones were she spotted. The makeshift cape also served to hide her tail, as well as masking the oddness of her gait.
Satisfied that she was now ready for a long trek through the forest, Merse set off to return to the nearest town: Dregsbale.