If you came across a fork in the road, which path would you choose?

---

What makes you, you? I suppose that’s a difficult question to answer. It’s funny- you live your life every day, you know everything about you outside and in, and yet, it’s still one of the hardest things a human being could ever answer.

It’s even harder for us Wyld.

My name is Scott Ryan, although that name is getting harder and harder to associate myself with. You see, I’m a girl, and have been for the past ten years. In order to keep myself hidden, as well as put a face on my already famous legacy, I gave my name to my friend and colleague, Ian Kennedy. At first it was hard hearing my name and not being able to answer it, but soon I grew used to it. It’s just the way it is.

There are very few people who know my real identity, or any of my past. Obviously Ian is one person. Trish and Marcus are some others. Grond might be able to piece together some of it, though I don’t think it interests him, unlike chowing on a smorgasbord of scrap metal. I’ve thought about telling Fatima, whom since I’ve fought alongside her I’ve grown real close to. Yet the opportunity hasn’t presented itself.

And here I am, testing my restraint as Trish, Fatima, and Silverwisp decided to make me their personal dress up doll.

“Hold still!” Silverwisp ordered as she tried to get a measurement of my waist size.

I was wearing nothing more but a frilly bra and black panties. This was the first time I even dared to wear anything this girly. For the most part, boxers did the trick, and even though I needed a bra for support, it wasn’t anything like this.

And I reluctantly put up with it. It was a big deal today as the Kami, unofficial leader of Japan, would come to town to meet with us. Of course, by us she means Scott Ryan, the name Ian currently possesses. However, he wanted me to be there during the meeting; this was technically my country after all, and he’d rather go by my judgments instead of his own.
And that meant swallowing my pride and dressing for the occasion. I didn’t know enough about Japanese etiquette, but what I did know is that I needed to pull out all the stops, even if it kills me.

Silverwisp flew underneath me as she wound the measuring tape around my breasts. “Hey!” I yelled, trying to shoo her from my most sensitive mounds of flesh.

Evading my swatting, she carefully read her measure and gave out my measurements. “34", 24", 34", yeah, that's a model's body there, given your height."

“What a finely shaped body, sis.” Trish remarked. “I think I’m a little jealous.”

"Well, my body tends to burn off fat awfully easy, whaddya expect?" I stated. Honestly the regeneration would be fantastic...if I was a MAN!

Using her powers she constructed a strapless dress with her nanomachinery. It was emerald in color, shimmering as it lied over Trish’s arm, just begging me to try it on.

“Aw, man!” Silverwisp cried in amazement. “Green is sooo my favorite color!”

“It thought it would look good on her,” Trish explained. “Matches her eyes.”

“Well go on!” Fatima urged. “Put it on.”

I sighed as I grabbed the piece of clothing from Trish. “You’re lucky I’m putting up with this!”

Fatima quipped, “You’re such a beautiful woman, Huriyah. You shouldn’t always act like a tomboy you know. You have the assets- you should show them once in awhile.”

Staring at the dress, I sarcastically replied, “Gee, thanks.” Unzipping the dress I couldn’t help but see some extra fabric inside. “What’s this?” I asked.

“It’s support,” Trish answered. “How else are you going to wear something strapless?”

“You might want to lose the bra before you put it on,” Fatima suggested.

Rolling my eyes, I replied, “I’ll be in the bathroom.”

As I made my way outside I was greeted by the three ladies; their jaws all hitting the floor.

“Girl, you are such a knockout!” Trish exclaimed.

“You could be like, a prom queen or something!” Silverwisp added. “You’re not too old for that, are you?”

“All the boys will be all over you!” Fatima claimed. “They’ll be the moths to your flame!”

“Okay, okay!” I yelled, hoping they’d shut up, “Can we finish this? I have a meeting to catch.”

I thought everything I was at the homestretch, considering I put on the dress and crap. Apparently not. They took their sweet time teasing it, making it curlier than it already was, and styled it into a messy bob.

“There! Perfect!” Fatima cried. “That definitely is the type of style for you Huriyah! Elegant, and yet unsophisticated. You’re the working type of girl anyway right? Might as well have the tomboy in you shine!”

“Thanks for the consideration,” I sarcastically quipped as I rolled my eyes. I seemed to be doing that more and more lately. It's beginning to be an annoying habit.

Finally Trish handed me a pair of long emerald earrings. “Here,” She said. “I know we can’t pierce your ears seeing that they’d just heal up in a matter of seconds, but I think these can stay on you no prob.”

Silverwisp came fluttering back with a pair of green stilettos. “Try these on!”

“High heels!?” I stated, feeling uneasy. “I’ve never worn anything like that!”

“Well,” Trish replied. “If you break an ankle you’ll just heal so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting used to them!”

…One of these days I’m gonna get back at these ladies, God willing.

Finally we were finished, bless my lucky stars. Surprisingly It was getting kind of late, and was wondering where Ian was.

“I sure hope he’d hurry up,” I complained.

“Oh, who? Scott?” Silverwisp inferred, still using my name to identify him. “He’s waiting out in the living room.”

“What?” I gasped as my voice raised a few decibels. “How long has he been here?”

“Oh, I’d say about an hour now,” Silverwisp replied. “But, hey, at least you look good for him!”

I really wanted to ring her neck for assuming I was doing all this for him. I didn’t have the time, however.

“I’m late, I’m late!” I cried as I circled around the room. My panicking didn’t help with the whole walking issue as I quickly twisted my ankle and fell right on my ass.

“Ugh!” I yelped, as the pain spread throughout my lower leg. “How the hell do you women live with this?”

“Oh, the price we pay to look beautiful,” Trish remarked as she handed me a purse. “You probably should take this.”

Grabbing the bag, the most embarrassing thing occurred when Fatima led Ian over to me. There is nothing worse than feeling absolutely helpless in front of another person. It would take a few minutes for this ankle to heal, after all.

And what I saw in his face. Jesus, his face was beet red. He better not be getting any perverted ideas! It wasn’t happening!

“Uhm…” he began as he scratched the back of his neck. “You need a lift?”

With my teeth gritting I held back my frustration, and simply replied, “I-I’m fine! Really!”

“I don’t know if you have much time,” Trish reminded us. “You might have to let it heal while you make your way there.”

“It won’t take that long!” I pleaded. “Real-“

I couldn’t finish as Ian immediately picked me up with his arms and carried me in front of him out into the car. Throughout the way I threw quite the temper tantrum.

“Let me down! Damn it! I don’t deserve to be manhandled like this! Let me down!”

...I swear I hate being the light one.

---

We made our way to the Presidential Palace- Toledo’s City Hall, if you would. There have been many people who’ve been willing to come in and build a building that would be more majestic, but honestly, I don’t see the point. Maybe if we bring in more people.

My ankle fully healed I slowly took a step outside, hoping not to make a fool out of myself this time. With Ian cordially offering me a hand as I got up, I fought back my pride and accepted it. It was a formal occasion, and no matter what happened I was playing the female, so that meant accepting Ian opening the door for me, helping me from my seat, locking arms around his and other things I would otherwise never do. Having the only known untamed in our presence was a huge honor. Getting in her good graces would be essential in having a healthy state. So, yes, I tried to keep cool.

With our arms intertwined, we slowly walked down up the stairs to the entrance, already putting my heels through the gauntlet. Being sexy shouldn’t have to affect convenience.

Staring straight ahead, Ian began to whisper to me. “I’m surprised you’d go so far for this, dressing up like this. Doesn’t seem like you.”

“…Never again,” I sternly retorted. “Let’s just get this over with.”

“You look very beautiful, by the way,” he added. I didn’t know whether to thank him, or chew him out.

We made our way inside, where the great Kami awaited us, along with her aide, whom seem to be a little upset with our lack of punctuality.

“You should be appreciated of our great leader’s patience,” he chided as we greeted them.

“I apologize,” Ian began, “We had some unforeseen delays getting here.” I began to wonder if he was trying to insinuate something. It wasn’t like I wanted to dress up THIS nice.

Meanwhile I could help how Kami stared at me. First I was just wondering if she was approving of my attire, but somehow I felt like she was staring at something deeper.

She turned her attention back to Ian, and began to speak. “Forgive my assistant’s lack of tact. We are very busy individuals. Sometimes our schedules get very tight, and it’s hard to get around everything. As it is we have to travel to Chicago to find a successor to Doge Giovanni, seeing he’s been indicted. But, I assure you, it is not of your doing!”

“I appreciate it,” Ian stated. “I am Scott Ryan, President of the Wyldlands.”

Ian held out his hand as Kami graciously accepted it. Then she turned to me, and claimed. “So I assume this enchanting lady is your date tonight?”

I couldn’t pay attention to what she was saying, otherwise I would have probably snapped at hearing the word “date.” No, it was those damned eyes again, piercing through my calloused exterior. She isn’t Medusa or anything, right?

“Um…” Ian started, and seeing my lack of reaction replied, “You could say that, yes.” With a quick digression he got to business. “So I’ve heard you would be interested in setting up an embassy in our newborn nation.”

“Well Ryan-san,” she began. “We Wyld must stand together. It might not be the best of interests as a whole; many have refused to accept your status as a new nation. Many of our other allies would undoubtedly respond negatively of such a move. The Japanese Diet have also shown their concern.”

“And what is it we can do to help solve this problem, madam?” Ian wondered.

“It isn’t of your doing, Ryan-san,” she answered. “It is just the predicament of your situation. You’re still technically at war with the Confederate States, and likewise the Lake States don’t appreciate that you threw their country into disarray. Our people fear if we agree to a partnership that we would be dragged into a conflict which may cost us in the long run.”

“You know that it was the Doge who attacked us, correct?” Ian inferred.

“Of course, but that doesn’t change things,” she replied. “Without some leadership they’ll be doomed to chaos. I must tread carefully in hopes that we all can come to a reasonable solution.”

The talk was over my head. I felt so nervous, so paranoid. I didn’t even notice that my legs were starting to shake. Everything was a whirlwind, but maybe that’s what happens when next to what was in all purposes a "God". All I know is I couldn’t stand here much longer.

“Excuse me,” I said to the group, “I…I believe I’ll go freshen up a bit.” Clasping my purse I turned and broke away, hoping I could regain my composure.

I made my way to the woman’s restroom. All alone I leaned up against the counter. I felt unbelievably uncomfortable. It wasn’t just the dress, or the makeup, or even the high heels. It was that woman, Kami. It felt like she could stare directly into my soul, and then some. It felt as if she could sense my insecurity, my masculinity, my pain and my defiance. I didn’t want to feel that.

How ironic was it that she would enter the bathroom, with me trying to avoid her like the plague.

“Taking a good long look at yourself?” She asked. Standing right beside me she proceeded to compliment my features. “You make a wonderful woman. The dress suits you. The green compliments the color of your beautiful red hair.”

I really didn’t want to hear that. However she seemed to keep pressing. “It’s a shame someone like you does’t wear it more often.”

I was shocked. “Just what are you getting at!?” I asked, raising my voice.

“You can drop the charade. It’s only the two of us here,” She declared, “Scott Ryan.”

And that left me speechless. She knew who I was, but how? It’s not like I’ve ever met her.

“How-how did you know?” I stuttered, both amazed and frightened at her talents.

“It’s not difficult,” she claimed. “That negotiator doesn’t have much energy to draw from. However you, the Wyld energy flowing from you is very apparent. Just using that I could read your thoughts, and feelings. I knew you were the real Scott Ryan.”

So, she was reading into me. Every little bit of personal information siphoned from me like a vacuum. I’ve never felt more disturbed in my life.

“You needn’t worry about your thoughts,” she tried to assure me. “I haven’t scried deep into them. Just enough to get a good grasp of you, Ms. Ryan.”

“Don’t call me that!” I cried as I turned away from the mirror. "I'm not a 'Miss!'"

“Why not?” she asked. “Ten years and still you refuse to accept the plain fact. Look at yourself. Look at your long, narrowed fingers, your soft skin. Look at your long, curly hair, and how it brings out the youthfulness of your face when it’s bobbed like that. Look how your body fits so neatly into that beautiful dress you willed yourself to wear.”

“Stop it!” I begged. “Leave me alone.”

“It’s time you start coming out of your shell, my beautiful daughter,” she continued. “All of us Wyld have trials and tribulations to overcome. Yours is no different. Why do you keep yourself hidden?”

That was the one question I rather never answer. “It’s…complicated.”

She didn’t need to hear any more. She stopped pushing me and immediately changed the subject.

“I will only desire the answer of the true leader of this region,” She digressed. “Miss Ryan, do you wish to establish communications between my country and yours?”

I sighed. I was not a “Miss” by any stretch of the imagination. The dress, the hair, the heels, I did it all for the sake of this one deal. But damn it, if I was going to live as a woman, then I’ll be the biggest tomboy this world will ever see!

And with that I answered, “Yes, I would like it very much. With the Japanese by our side our prospects as a nation looks brighter.”

With that she bowed. As she walked out the door she gave me a harsh reminder. “One day you’re going to have to face yourself…and face the one you fear.”

The evening came. After the big meeting I returned to my apartment. The silence was deafening, but no matter. I needed to think.

---

Pulling off my heels, the first place I headed was the bathroom to get changed. Sitting down on the toilet seat, the first order of business was to pull off my panty hose. I rolled them down from my thighs to the ends of my feet. Finally off you could see my shiny green toenails that Fatima painted the night before. Staring at them, I realized they weren’t really all that bad looking on me.

I stood up and inched my way to the mirror. This was the first time I really had a good look at me wearing this. The first time I barely glanced at myself, and gave Fatima and Trish my approval just so they’d be off my back. Now however was an entirely different story. Kami was right- the dress really did suit me, molding to every curve on my body, accentuating every feminine feature. My hair was wonderfully styled; how the strands of curly hair escaped the loose bob and effortlessly sat on each side of my face. Probably the most style hair I’ve ever had, and let’s be honest, a loose bob really isn’t all that high fashioned.

I pulled off my fake earrings while my thoughts drifted further at the beautiful visage staring before me. What kind of name would a girl like this have? I thought to myself. Sarah? Nah, too obvious. Stephanie? Too prissy by my standards. Sandra? …I don’t know.

At this point I was completely naked in all my female glory. I threw my dress aside as I made my way to the bathtub. Often times I didn’t take too long showering. I wanted to avoid seeing myself as much as possible. Tonight, however, I didn’t feel so apathetic. Something in me wanted to soak for a change. I think I’ve earned it, after all.

With a bottle of soap in hand I began to pour the contents in it to make the bath water all bubbly and suzzy. I dipped my feet into the warm pool; the feeling was sensational after all the pain I felt walking in heels all day.

My eyes closed I felt myself at ease as I slowly lied down in the bubbly bath below. I looked at my body, hidden underneath the suds as the bubbles moved over me. My boobs stood out in front of me, semi erect from the cold air flowing around the room.

I raised my foot up from underneath the mountains of suds. Wiggling my toes, I said to myself, “I guess I have gotten a little more effeminate lately. …Just a little.”
Sitting up I took a washcloth and began to lather myself. I rubbed the cloth down my arms as
I stared in amazement at how fine and smoother they looked.

Peeking down submerged underneath the water was my fire red mound. It was something I never paid attention to, but at least it was relatively neat. The last thing I ever want to see was the penis I didn’t see. But right now it didn’t seem to get to me.

Something in me was starting to stir. I slowly took my hand and inched it closer to my labia. Never had I gotten this close to my new genitalia, which you would think is odd, considering I’ve been a girl for 10 years. I steeled myself against it, no matter how close I’d get myself. Perhaps that’s why at times I acted like a total bitch. I seriously doubt it’s all just because I’m a red head.

My thoughts were in overdrive as I began to imagine that wonderful lady in the mirror that stood right in front of me. I didn’t even realize that I began to pleasure myself as my finger entered my vagina. I was getting horny over my body; I was getting horny over myself. Or so it started out.

Yet the more I surrendered myself; the more I stroked my obviously female organ the more I to shifted into the feminine state of my mind, my feelings I so desperately kept hidden from most people’s view. All of a sudden I became that girl. I could feel that certain something, messaging my vagina, making me experience this new and exciting feeling.

I could almost feel the appeal of a guy’s member within me. Moving inside me, making me feel alive. How it got that far, I don’t know, but something within me could imagine such a thing, as I envisioned myself being penetrated.

“Oh God,” I screamed as I was getting extremely aroused, “This is wonderful!”

I couldn’t help but gasp and moan. It didn’t really matter, I was in the privacy of my own home, and furthermore, in the privacy of my own sexual fantasy. The rush of heat was filling my insides, I knew I was about to burst.

And all of a sudden my fantasies turned into a nightmare as I looked up from my imaginary lover and looked in his…no, into her eyes.

As I orgasmed I shrieked out of horror and not of pleasure, “Miriam!”