The next day I touched the head of our dear dog Hotame, and my vision got a golden sheen as I felt the spirit of Hotame and asked him to do something more complicated than I've ever asked him before. As soon as I was done he left and immediately did as I asked; he ran around the house, patrolled the property's perimeter, ran inside, jumped on our children's beds, and returned to me. It was remarkable, like nothing I had ever seen, perfect. Soon I tried it again, and again. Eventually, I realized, that while physically it took no effort at all, it was taxing upon my spirit. But like the body and the mind, the spirit can be exercised as well, learn to gain endurance. I had thought myself to be strong in spirit, but the truth was I had never had to exercise it before. That has changed, and so will I to adapt.

one must first understand them, and now I do...

Hotame remains my faithful companion in discovering my new "Gifts." I now fully understand his desires and meanings because I hear his voice and the voice that all animals speak in. It's uncanny, incredible even. I barely even noticed that his eyes had a golden sheen, I heard no normal animal noise from him, nor any others when I communicated with them. But now I hear every claim the birds make of their territories in the morning, every statement as to what belongs to whom, every inquiry as to each other's intentions. My children even asked why the animals nearby have such pretty eyes. I think back at the costs of what it took me to earn this great gift and it harrows me. I must keep my resolve and remember what this will do for my goals.

This will shape my entire life...

I simply hope it is not one I am making too hastily... I really don't want to get this wrong.

I don't know this world fully, it is not unlike my own, but there are some very clear differences. While I was in my home world I knew my goal, and there was an organization that could help me do it. I knew I would go to them and we would make the world a better place. Now I am here and it doesn't exist, and I thought I was lost. I realize now that I must create this organization; I need to make the Occult Wildlife Landing. (Or at least a version of it.)

I have noticed a few other changes in my as well. As my powers grow I find that the animal's spiritualism influences me as well, the predatory instinct to fight back challenges in me grows.