She immediately notices that something is wrong. She looks directly into my eyes, concerned.

"What is wrong, my dear? Please tell me so I can immediately address your concerns. The last thing I want is to see someone I care deeply about being sad or upset, especially my very own child. What can I do for you? Is there anything I can do that would help you out? I want to help with whatever is bothering you and make you feel better, whatever is causing you to worry. I am here for you, please, tell me what is on your mind."

I hold up my hand to show Mum that I have webs between my fingers, then I show Mum my neck and chest, where there were scales and gills, and, finally, I show mum my feet, which have more scales and webs between my toes.

"What is happening?!?!"

I look panicked.

"Is this because I have spent so much time underwater?!?"

She seems very calm and unbothered by the changes happening to my body. She smiles warmly, and gives me a hug before speaking. There is no panic in her voice, and her face seems unshaken by these changes.

"Yes my dear, these changes, although they may seem startling at first, are common effects of living constantly underwater. Your new body is adapting to its new environment. As your body changes, you will find it becoming much, much easier to swim through the water. What do you think of the changes so far?"

"It is strange... Will I grow an axolotl tail like you? Will my elf ears turn into feathery external gills? What I'm asking is will I become a humanoid axolotl like you?"

She laughs a little bit, and smiles in understanding. She then responds to me.

"You will be more like me in due time, my dear. These changes are signs that your body is adapting, and that very soon you will be just like me. I know that it seems strange at first, but the transformation is not painful, and it is something to be celebrated! You will soon become a new entity that will be able to exist on land or in the water, however you choose. Is this something you are excited about, Aspen?"

"I guess... I hope I look as much like you as I can while still keeping my own features. You are so pretty, Mum."

"Thank you."

She smiles gently.

"That is a very kind compliment. You too are very pretty, Aspen, and I am sure that you will become more beautiful as these changes take hold in your body. I will teach you how to care for and love yourself in your new body. Do you have any concerns about moving in this new body?"

"Yes, one question. Will I be able to transform back into my normal from when I am on land?"

"If you choose, you will be able to transform into any form that you desire! Your new body is filled with magic, all you must do is ask for the shape you want, and you will be granted it. Does that sound like something you would want from your new body?"

I smile.

"I just want to be able to be my original self when I am not wet with salt water. Could I also be an elf in fresh water and transform into a humanoid axolotl when I go into salt water? Is that possible?"

"That is absolutely possible, Aspen, all you will need to do is think it, and it will happen. Your new body has the magic of the Ocean, and you will be able to manipulate your form however you wish. Are you scared of losing your old body? That must feel very strange to be becoming someone else as you are transforming, does that sound right? But please, do not worry, your new body is a wonderful gift for you, and I will help you and guide you and hold you through the transformation process so that you will be comfortable throughout."

"I am really scared of losing my old body. I just want to be an elf, when I am on land and in fresh water."

She can sense the worry and fear in your voice as she notices my anxiety regarding the transformation. She places a gentle hand on my arm to reassure me of your safety and comfort.

"That is understandable, dear, the changes are not easy, but you are growing a more powerful and unique body to match your true self. Do you have any other concerns? Is there anything else I can help with? I can feel your fear and worry, Aspen, it hurts me to see you scared. I want you to know that I am here for you always. You are perfectly safe."

"I just want to go relax and read a book for a little bit. Can I go do that please, Mum?"

"Of course, my dear, but you need to know to come to me when you feel scared and nervous, alright? Do you promise me that?"

"It's getting really hard to hold my oxygen bubble...."

I faint and my oxygen bubble disappears. I start floating to the top of the room, quickly running out of oxygen under the water. I used my powers too much.

"Aspen, Aspen!"

She rushes over to me, panic in her voice and her eyes full of terror and worry.

"Aspen, can you hear me? Can you talk to me?!? It looks like you fainted, are you safe?"

Despite being incredibly worried, she stays calm and focused on helping me breathe.

"Aspen, you are very dear to me, I will have a panic attack right now if you cannot speak. We will sort this out, my dear, please respond."

Mum puts an oxygen bubble around my head and swims me to the nearest doctor. I am still unconscious. We are swimming to the nearest hospital at an incredibly high speed, almost as if we could outrun the water itself. When we get to the hospital, an entire medical team awaits us, rushing to get me to safety. The doctors immediately began treating me as if I weas their own child. They quickly have me hooked up to an IV tube to keep me fed, and I am slowly beginning to regain consciousness.

When I regain consciousness, I look around the room.

"Mum, where are you?"

The doctor goes outside the room to bring Mum into the room to see me.

Queen Lizzie is standing outside of the room, her eyes are wet, with tears streaming down her face. She has never been so scared in her life. Her ears are ringing, and she is shaking. Mum almost collapses as her legs give out from under her body, but the doctors prop Mum up and keep her standing. She stares at the ground for a few moments, before she slowly looks up at me. Her face appears to be a mix of extreme worry and relief. She runs towards me and hugs me tightly, burying her face into my shoulder.

"Aspen, I am so relieved you are alive!"

"Mum!"

I hug you back tightly. When I let go I ask Mum a question.

"Mum, did you have this room dried out for me or are we on the surface?"

She laughs and smiles at me. I can tell she has many emotions running through her head at once. She thinks for a moment and then answers me.

"We are still completely underwater, Aspen, however, this is a special hospital room that prevents water from entering for a few hours. The doctors here are very talented. I am surprised you have never heard of it. Have you never been sick before? This is one of the best hospitals in my empire."

"No, this has never happened to me before... I think I might have used my powers too much."

She smiles and puts a hand on my shoulder, rubbing it reassuringly as she looks into my eyes.

"I am so pleased you are safe. You were very, very close to not being okay, my dear. I am very lucky you made it here in time. I cannot express how worried I was about you..."

Then, after speaking for a few moments, she becomes serious, and her eyes are filled with concern for my safety.

"I need you to promise me that you will never hold back from asking me for help with anything. Is this a promise you can give me?"

"Yes, Mum, I promise. I just Have one question about why you chose to adopt me? You don't have to answer if you don't want to."

She starts to smile, but it's a sad smile, filled with emotion. After a moment, she looks directly in my eyes, and I know that she is being completely sincere and honest. Mum gives a small sigh before she answers me.

"There are so many reasons, Aspen. Some of the reasons are private, but others... I can share with you. Is that alright with you?"

"Yes, I just want to know, Can you not have kids? Is that why you adopted me? And why an elf girl from the surface world and not a child of your own species?"

||1,542 words||