Magic and Thighs

The two-hundred-ton metal cylinder shuddered as its landing gear descended, flaps lowering with a hum. Braith watched through the small circular window as Japan rose to meet him, the city of Tokyo sprawling below like a jungle of concrete. Tiny movements rippled across the control surfaces as they fought the crosswind, though inside the cabin it was barely noticeable.

The runway climbed into view. A gentle bump - then they were down.

A hearty, unnecessary round of applause broke out, but Braith kept his gaze fixed outside. The intercom crackled to life, the pilots welcoming everyone to Japan, but his mind drifted far from the practiced announcement. His heart thumped hard against his ribs; he still couldn’t quite believe this was real.

It had all happened so fast. And yet… he wasn’t complaining.

He was going to get to use magic.

The aircraft slowed, turning off the runway and rolling along the taxiway toward the terminal. The intercom clicked again, and this time the words snagged his attention.

“…and I’d like to welcome, and say farewell, to all those who’ve come here for the new magic policies. Man, do I wish my job didn’t prevent me from joining you.”

A pause.

“Just kidding. I love my job. But good luck to you all, and I hope you find what you’re looking for!”

A chorus of cheers rose around him. Judging by the excitement in the cabin, most of the passengers were here for the same reason. Magic. Freedom. Possibility.

Braith felt ecstatic too, though he kept it hidden behind a composed expression. Everything he’d researched, watched, read - everything he’d daydreamed - it all led to this moment. It was an added bonus that he'd already learnt Japanese.

He’d packed in a frenzy, leaving behind anything too big for two suitcases. Those weren’t even with him; as per the agreement he’d signed, his bags were being held and would only be released after he’d lived a few days without causing trouble. Trust was essential when dealing with magic, but precautions were still necessary. Magic was a double-edged sword - capable of easing daily life, or ending it.

But he didn’t care about policies or philosophical debates.

He just wanted to use it.

The aircraft rolled into the gate and slowed to a stop. Half the passengers immediately stood, forming a pointless wall in the aisle even though no one would be leaving for at least twenty minutes.

Braith remained seated, eyes returning to the window. Sunlight poured across the tarmac. A light breeze shimmered over the ground. Hotter than home, definitely - but he wasn’t bothered. He inhaled deeply, trying to steady himself.

He knew what would happen the moment he deboarded.

He’d be scanned by a magic user - his first encounter with real magic - and then sent to perform the unlocking ritual. The ritual would split his soul in two. One half would remain inside him - he needed that to live. The other half, infused with magic, would take a physical form. Usually an animal. Unpredictable, but deeply personal.

He couldn’t choose the form, but he had his preferences.

A wolf would be cool.
A fast bird - like a falcon - would be incredible.

The thought was electric, like waking up on Christmas morning as a child and waiting for his parents to get out of bed so the presents could finally be opened.

Then a warm wash of fresh air drifted through the cabin. Somewhere up front, the door had opened. The line shuffled forward, inch by inch.

Braith stood, shoulders tight with anticipation. He pulled his day bag from the overhead locker - the only belongings he’d have until his suitcases were released - and slowly exhaled.

Here we go.

The magic user who scanned him just after security looked like any ordinary man, which caught Braith off guard. He had almost expected a flowing magical robe or some eccentric accessory to match the way the man held out his hand with a dove perched delicately on his fingers. Braith froze, bracing for a probing sensation, but felt nothing.

The man opened his eyes and nodded, gesturing left. Braith nodded back and joined the group waiting outside the room where the magic unlocking ritual would take place. His heart thumped, but his attention was drawn to the dove.

It was a Mahotona - a magical soul - but it looked uncannily real. The only giveaway that it wasn’t a normal bird was the faint glow that shimmered across its feathers. Each Mahotona had its own quirks, some beneficial, some… less so. A simple glow could mean anything: a guiding light in the dark, or a beacon marking your location. Probably why this man worked in security.

The ritual room door opened suddenly, making Braith jump. The last group filed out, each accompanied by their animal: one person had a parrot perched on a shoulder, a snake coiled elegantly around another, and a woman whose cat had claimed her hair as a cozy sleeping spot. Braith barely had time to notice their quirks before a hard-faced man appeared in the doorway, uniformed in JSDF attire. He barked:

“Alright, get in. We’ve got a lot to get through today.”

Braith followed the others inside. This batch had seven people; he was second in line. The room was nearly empty except for a row of chairs and a desk behind which a uniformed woman wearing glasses sat, prim and proper. She forced a polite smile as they filed in, anticipation clear on every face.

The army man slammed the door behind them and shouted far louder than necessary:

“Right! You there, closest to me. You’re up first.”

The woman next to Braith stood. She was striking - delicate black hair, small brown eyes - but nerves made her shuffle as she walked to the center of the room. The man sized her up and drew a gun from his holster so quickly Braith’s imagination leapt, fearing a worst-case scenario. The weapon beeped softly before being holstered again.

Then he barked:

“Miyata! Get in here!”

The air seemed to shimmer, and suddenly another man appeared in the room, making everyone jump. He bowed with a wide grin.

“Greetings. I am Miyata. I will perform the Mahotona unlocking ritual for you today.”

He approached the front and smiled gently at the woman.

“May I have your name, Miss?”

“E-Elina, sir,” she stammered, bowing slightly.

Miyata nodded, and a chameleon appeared on his shoulder as if from nowhere. He scratched its chin and smiled.

“Elina, this is Shirube. He will guide your soul as it separates into its two forms. Please raise one hand when you are ready.”

Elina drew in a shaky breath and lifted her palm as if making a solemn vow. Miyata extended his arm, and Shirube scuttled down to perch at the edge. Wisps of white magical energy curled from the chameleon’s mouth, wrapping around Elina. Her legs trembled, but she remained upright.

Suddenly, the room was bathed in a blinding flash of light. For a heartbeat, everyone was blind. Then the brightness faded. Miyata stood normally, Shirube perched calmly on his shoulder. In front of Elina sat a small dog, its golden fur catching the light.

Elina looked around, dazed, then gasped in delight at the small creature before her. Miyata smiled as she lifted it gently, her eyes sparkling.

“Is this… is this-”

Miyata nodded.

“It is. That is your magic, manifested in physical form.”

He glanced at the rest of the group.

“Now, if you haven’t done your research, you might think a Mahotona is a spirit. I’ll say this once. It’s not. Got that?”

The group nodded, and Miyata grinned.

“Sorry. I’ve been asked a few too many times today already. Alright, who’s next?”

Braith stood and stepped forward, swapping places with Elina, who was happily petting her new dog. Miyata’s expression brightened as if he’d just remembered something.

“Oh! Also, I don’t know if Nagata here has told you-”

The army man grunted, but Miyata ignored him.

“You will be given basic training on how to bond with and use your Mahotona after this ritual. With that said, let’s get you prepared, young man. What’s your name?”

“Braith,” he said, stepping into the center of the room.

Nagata lifted his gun again - it beeped - and Miyata extended his arm, letting Shirube scuttle down.

“Raise your hand, Braith.”

He obeyed. Wisps of magic swirled around him. He felt a tug in his chest… then another… and then a blinding flash. In the milliseconds before it faded, something inside him seemed to tear apart. And then it was gone. The world snapped back into focus.

Blinking, he looked down - but instead of the animal he expected, he saw feet and thighs. Slowly, his gaze traveled upward, heart racing, until he met eyes straight ahead.

A girl stood before him, stark naked, serene, eyes closed.

No one had anticipated a humanoid Mahotona.

In the brief moments Braith allowed himself to take her in, he noted several things: she was strikingly well-proportioned, undeniably beautiful, and certainly not human. From her blonde-orange hair sprouted a pair of fluffy fox ears, and a matching tail swaying behind her.

For a heartbeat, the room fell silent, stunned.

Then she opened her eyes - soft grey, calm, curious.

“Hello?”