Under the fading hues of the setting sun, Aina felt an irresistible pull toward the nearby track—a place where she had once observed others running with effortless grace. Today, she was determined to experience that freedom herself.
She didn't even pause to stretch, her snout curling into an excited, wide-eyed smile.
Stripping away the layers of societal expectations, she embraced her primal instincts. Her tail, once a mere appendage, now swayed with purpose, anticipating the movement ahead. Crouching low, she positioned herself at the starting line, her hands and feet pressing into the cool, firm surface of the track. With a deep breath, she launched forward, her body flowing into a natural, quadrupedal gait.
The wind greeted her like an old friend, rushing past her face, ruffling her fur, and dancing through her hair. Her tail, now fully integrated into her movement, swished behind her, aiding in balance and rhythm. Each stride was a harmonious blend of strength and grace, her limbs working in unison, propelling her forward with increasing speed. The track beneath her seemed to disappear, replaced by a blur of colors and sensations.
Elated, she pushed herself further, feeling the exhilarating rush of wind against her skin, the rhythmic pounding of her limbs, and the subtle guidance of her tail. For those moments, she was unburdened by the complexities of her existence, immersed in the pure joy of movement. Her heart raced, not from exertion, but from the sheer freedom of embracing her true nature.
As she slowed, bringing her run to a gentle stop, she stood tall, breathing deeply, a wide grin spreading across her face. The track, once a symbol of human achievement, had become her playground—a place where she could shed the constraints of her transformed body and simply be. In that fleeting moment, Aina found a profound connection to both her human intellect and her animal instincts, a balance she had long sought but rarely found.
A balance.
She smiled innately as she panted, her body still a streamlined arrow flying down the straightway.
She'd been waiting for a good use for that word.