Mike had trouble maintaining his awareness. The steady grooming that the boy was giving him felt wonderful, and a large part of him wanted to just relax and enjoy the sensations.
[Having fun, Mike?]
He blinked and looked around, having 'heard' a familiar voice in his head, but not with his ears. There! Tye was sitting on the back wall of the stall, though the boy did not appear to notice him at all.
[Don't worry. Your boy there can't see or hear me. I was going to turn him and all of the others involved into donkeys, but there is no sign that any of this was forced onto you. Have you been tricked or lied too? Or is this something you really asked for? Be honest with me.]
Mike felt the steady rhythm of the brush, and the growing sense of connection with the boy. This body felt not only natural, but perfect. He was sure there was magic involved, something that was assisting the transformation to take root. But when it came down to the basic truth, he had asked to be a horse.
Apparently, Tye could read his mind. The boy nodded with a grin. [That's what I thought. There's some kind of spell on you that is slowly getting you adjusted to your new life. Actually really nice of Liam to do that - no lingering doubts or worries, just total contentment. He has given you exactly what you asked for. You are going to know what being a horse is like. A really handsome animal, too. I bet you'd be a show winner back home.]
Mike felt pride at the compliment, but then a few of his lingering doubts resurfaced. How long was this going to last? How would he get back home? He had to struggle to focus his thoughts. Why was it so hard to think?
Tye laughed. [Man, you really didn't think any of this through, did you? And you sure weren't listening when I told you this was all real. You are going to be a horse for maybe 15 to 20 years. And you ARE home. This is where you belong now. You chose this. So even if I wanted to change you back, it would be really hard. You really are a horse now, which is why you can't think clearly. You'll live a horse's life, and when the time comes, you'll die a horse's death. After that? Who knows? I think you might even go to the animal afterlife, if there is such a thing.]