The X Phials
You concentrate your attention on the phial right in front of your nose and notice it's a shocking pink, almost day-glow. You also notice that just like the others in the room, it's sealed. And here you are in a tiger's body with big clumsy paws that are no good at manipulating small objects. Looks like this place could need some better planning...
Oh well. After pondering a bit you pick up the phial in your mouth and shake your head briskly. You feel the phial clattering against your teeth, and keep going until you suddenly feel a fizzling sensation, as if you just had a big sip of soda. By using your tongue to press the phial against your teeth as you swallow, you manage to down the potion without the container following it.
Oops. Looks like you were less lucky with the stopper. Oh well, it's pretty small and should get through your system without much trouble.
A tingle spreads through your body, and you feel it shrink, twist and turn - but not so much as the first time. Looks like you're turning into another kind of big cat...
Oh no! You feel a surge of panic as you make the connection. Pink Big Cat??
A minute later the feeling subsides, and you find you had less reason to worry than you thought. Sure, someone at the potion kitchen has been watching too many cartoons, but you are not the Pink Panther(TM). You are, however, a pink panther. As far as you can tell from looking in a conveniently placed mirror, you look just like the animals that lived in the hills where your grandfather grew up - only your fur isn't black but shocking pink!
Now what kind of environment is that supposed to be perfect for? Looks like you are about to find out - a door (pink of course) just opened in front of you. Taking a deep breath you become aware of a tightness around your neck, and a final glance in the mirror reveals that you are wearing a collar. It has an inscription that seems to say PROPERTY OF, but the rest of it is out of sight.
Does that mean you are a pet? Well, that would explain the fur! As for who you are supposed to belong to, that has to wait until you find a way to shift your collar or look at yourself from behind, or find out some other way. Like meeting your supposed owner.
Taking a final look around the room before you leave it, you notice that all the phials are still there, and decide to bring a few along. You pick out a pawful, and after checking that they are securely closed, you carefully pick them up in your mouth. You have a feeling that mixing several potions won't do any good...
Written by Won-Tolla on 10 December 2007
