Her face turns red, and she becomes noticeably flustered, but I know she cares too much about me to lie or keep anything from me. She speaks slowly and takes many long pauses between her words, and the sadness in her eyes turns into shame. She is very conflicted, wanting to answer me, but being scared of what I'll think of her.

"Yes, Aspen, that is a part of the reason I adopted you."

She looks down at the floor for a moment before speaking again.

"Do you want the full answer? Will you still accept me?"

"Yes, I love you Mum, and I will accept you as my mum no matter what."

She smiles softly at me and tears up a bit. She puts a hand on my shoulder, and looks into my eyes with compassion and love, before she speaks. She speaks carefully and slowly, making sure that she says everything right. There is a pause before she speaks, and I smile softly at her.

"I cannot bear children, Aspen. I always wanted to be a mother, but I... I found out a very long time ago that I will never be able to have children of my own... It has always hurt me very deeply that... I cannot have children..."

"Oh, Mum!"

I sit up fast and squeeze her tightly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to bring up anything unpleasant! But, if you want to answer, why didn't you adopt a girl that was not your own species?"

She hugs me back, tightly, and speaks in a quieter voice. I sound a bit shy and nervous when responding. The smile on my face has become more bittersweet, and it is clear that this subject is painful for me to discuss. I answer your question slowly, and carefully, wanting to make sure this is a topic that would never make you feel uncomfortable.

"Because you..."

She pauses for a moment, collecting her thoughts.

"You looked like you needed a mom the most... You are very special... I wanted to be that person for you... I wanted to provide you with a safe home."

I start to cry at your words.

"Thank you... You are the best Mum I could ask for."

The tears start flowing from her eyes. She hugs me tightly, her hug firm yet gentle. I can feel my gratitude for my words and She speaks in a soft, tearful voice.

"Thank you. Thank you for saying that. You are very kind..."

She smiles through her tears and the smile is brighter, filled with more happiness and joy. She hugs me a little bit tighter and gives me a small kiss on the head. Her eyes are full of love and happiness for me.

"It's good to hear that. You are my most precious daughter and I will do everything in my power to keep you happy and comfortable. Anything else I can do for you, my dear?"

"Can we go home now, Mum??

Her eyes light up and she smiles softly.

"Of course, dear. Should I carry you, or do you want to swim?"

She stands up and holds her hands out for me, showing that she is ready to lift me and carry me home.

"I want to swim!"

I stand up and step out of the room and into the hallways filled with water. When I step into the hallway, I transform into a full humanoid axolotl.

"Mum!?! I thought this wasn't supposed to be finished for another 7 months!"

She looks on in surprise and at first, she looks concerned, but, her concern quickly turns into pride and happiness, and she smiles. She speaks with pride and joy as She walks towards me.

"Oh, my dear. Well, it looks like I may be the wrong one. I walk up to you and smile. Is this alright? Is this what you want?"

I look down at my body and my arms.

"It's okay... I just wasn't expecting this to happen so soon."

She puts a hand on my shoulder, her heart filled with pride as she looks at me in admiration. She takes a moment to take in my transformation and then speaks.

"Do you like it?" She asks with a warm tone.

I can tell she is happy to see me so beautiful. I flick my tail and realize that I don't have an oxygen bubble around my head but still breathe underwater. I feel the gills on my neck and cheeks.

"I love it! I can swim so fast now and I don't have to use a spell to be able to breathe underwater!"

She gives me a big wide smile and a tear of joy rolls down her cheek as She sees me happily flicking my tail around. She speaks in a voice full of joy and her ears flatten to the side in excitement and happiness.

"That is so wonderful to hear..."

The pride and gratitude in her voice are evident, all the while her arms are wrapped around me. I can clearly see at this moment that She is incredibly proud of me. She pets me some more before speaking again.

"Is there anything else I can help with?"

"Don't pet me, Mum. It's kinda weird. Now, let's go home!"

I pull her into the water and we swim back to the palace, with me doing front flips and swimming in big circles in the water. I am very happy to have my full humanoid axolotl form. She laughs a little bit and lets out a big smile, but complies with my wish and stops. She swims alongside me as I start to zoom around and she laughs with every flip I perform. She smiles at me as we return to the palace and her face is filled with pride.

"Do you want some time to try out your body and its new abilities?"

I stop moving for a moment and smile, giving her the floor to speak.

"You have earned the right to have fun with your new body if you'd like."

"Yes Please! Can I go around town and try and make some friends?"

She gives me a big smile when I respond and she nods enthusiastically.

"Of course, my dear! Do whatever you want! As long as you promise to be safe, I will make sure that no harm comes to you. Enjoy your new body, I will see you in the evening."

She smiles softly and moves back a little to give me space, looking at me with pride and excitement.

"Do you have any other questions?"

"When should I be home?"

She gives me a little wink. She smiles softly and gives me a little kiss on the cheek.

"You can come home whenever you like. I trust you to use this freedom I am granting you appropriately. You have my full faith and trust, Aspen. Can I ask you a question before you go off on your adventure?"

"Sure, Mum."

She smiles thoughtfully and speaks in a soft, but genuine and sincere voice.

"Do you like it here? Do you like me? Do you have any regrets about me being your mom?"

"Yes, Yes, and No."

She smiles brightly and hugs me tightly, her arms wrapped around me. One of her hands gently rests on my head. She stays like this for a moment, before She pulls away.

"Thank you."

She gives me a big wide smile and a wink.

"Now, go off and have fun. I'm sure many people in the kingdom would love to meet you."

And with that, she waves goodbye and lets me go off and have fun in my brand-new body.

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