The Reality Chapter 15:
The dinner was going well. It had been a little boring though. Having to keep our true selves under wraps keeping our conversations at a minimal. The adults were joking with one another and laughing. Most of their jokes were pretty dry. Lex was fidgeting in his seat. He adjusted his pants a bit. I was not the only one who noticed though. “May I be excused.” Lex said. Right after saying that he stood up and grabbed a bag from Ren and left the room. Ms. Williams spoke. “He seems to be a very lonely cub. Someone should keep a close eye on him and give him proper attention. He could turn out to be criminal when he's older.” The tone she said that in had gotten me angry. “You know next to nothing about who he really is. I have known him far longer than anyone here. No one has the right to be judging him after what he has had to deal with. You are ignorant when it comes to what we have been through.” I looked away from everyone I sat there trembling with anger. Ms. Williams's eyes widened at my outburst; she began to speak. “I am sorry if I had upset you. I was just speaking what was on my mind. It is an aura that he gives off.” I turned to face her. “Sometimes things you should just keep in your mind, and not open to everyone.” Ren sighed and stood up. “Looks like someone is a little cranky. Come with me Kyoga.” I got up and followed Ren.
He took me into the washroom to talk. Lex had already left and gone back to the private room. Ren kneeled down to look me in the eyes. “Kyoga, I told you to not overreact to anything that was said today did I not.” I nodded my head. Ren continued. “It seems to have upset you. Yet you have to understand that, in the present time, everyone is different. We have different standards that what you two had in your days.” Ren stopped talking and just looked at me. “Ren, I understand that everything is different, but there is no excuse for saying something behind someone's back. She could have just as easily said it to his face and got the exact same reaction from him. Lex and I are close and we always will be. I will always stand up for him when he can’t. I hope that he would do the same for me. Also, different topic. The Headmaster is really quiet. Is there a reason why.” Ren chuckled a bit on the last thing I said. “He is really not much of a talker outside of his profession. He is here only because he has to be. He is considered your acting guardian and all. Just like I am considered Lex’s guardian. Now let's go back and finish, please. I would like to get you two back before it's late. Your bodies are still young after all and it does affect you even if you are used to things being different.” We both set back off to our private room.
Once we got back into the room Ms. Williams walked over to me and gave me a hug. “Now she is trying to go to try to apologize for what she said. I guess I should apologize as well.” After she hugged, she looked into my eyes. “I am so sorry sweetie that I upset you. I did not mean to.” I waited a few seconds to find the words I wanted to say. “I should apologize to. I should not have acted the way I did. He is one of the only joy’s I have in this world. I had to defend him.” She gave me another hug before she went and sat back down. The rest of the dinner continued without any problems. Once we were all finished the chef came into the room. “Ren my boy! How was the meal. I hoped it suited all of your tastes.” The chef said. Ren got up from his seat and hugged the chef. “It was good Dad. Now how much is it?” The chef gave a hearty laugh. “Don’t be foolish my boy. It is on the house after all I can’t have my son starve now can I.” Ren chuckled a bit and gave his father a hug. “Thank you again Dad. We should all be leaving now. We all have a lot to do tomorrow.” Everyone said their goodbyes and then We all stood out in the waiting room waiting for the carriages to arrive to take us back. Lex wrapped his arms around me and placed his muzzle on the top of my head. “Lex. What are you doing.” Lex yawned before responding. “I’m a little tired and you’re the perfect height to lean on.” I just stayed there standing still. “You owe me then. I”m not letting you do it for free.” I could feel Him nodding his head. It was a few more minutes until the carriage got to the front of the building. Lex and I were ushered in by Ren.
The carriage was warm on the inside. I finally felt how tired I was. Lex was right beside me yawning, as well. I listened to the sound of the wheels rolling through the snow. The soft crushing sound as the wheel spun was making me even tireder. I rested my head on Lex’s shoulder and before I knew it, I was gently shaken awake by Ren. “Get up you two we are here. You guys can sleep when we get you to the room.” I had fallen asleep on Lex’s shoulder. Lex seemed to have fallen asleep, as well. His head resting on top of mine. I quickly shoved him off of me and stood up. I was blushing a bit. It was kind of embarrassing. The walkway towards the hospital was shoveled this time unlike when we had left. I had no problem walking by myself. We slowly walked the halls of the hospital until we got to the room. Lex went into the room ahead of me. I walked into the room to find Lex has just jumped onto the bed and passed out right away. I went into the washroom first to get changed. Since I was in there, I brushed my teeth, as well.
After I finished getting ready, I walked over to the body length mirror and took a look at myself. I placed my paw on my chest. “It’s hard to believe that this is what my body is now. I can barely remember the face I used to have.” I traced along what used to be my tattoo. I started with the flower going over every line. I looked to my lower body my eyes stuck on the diaper I was wearing. So much about my life had changed. I no longer had the freedom I had. Everyone looks at me like a child. I let out a sigh as a turned towards the bed and went and lied down. I quickly got under the covers and closed my eyes. I could feel Lex shift over and felt his arms wrap around me. He said nothing so I remained quiet. Sleep never came so easily for me.
I woke up to the sound of a camera going off. I shuffled around a little bit trying to move. I was being held down. I remembered Lex was cuddling with me in his sleep last night. Was he still. I heard the camera go off again. I opened my eyes to see Ren standing there holding a camera his tail was wagging quite fiercely. “Ren what are you doing here so early in the morning?” He chuckled a little bit. “I’m not early at all you two are just sleepyheads. When I first walked in guess what I saw. Lex had his arms wrapped around you. You both looked very peaceful. So I went to go grab a camera. You two look so cute in the pictures.” I shot a glare at him. “I hate my picture being taken. Especially if someone does not ask. Please get rid of them. So I have a feeling that something more is planned for today other than just Lex’s studies.” Ren cracked a smile. “Well, I see you’re more perceptive than I thought. Over the next few days you two will be taking day trips with the Jamesons and the Williams.” I slipped out of Lex’s arms attempting to not wake him up. Once I slipped out of his arms I padded off to the shower to get ready for the day.
By the time that I had gotten out of the shower. Ren was helping Lex study and he was getting more used to using the voice box. It seems like he was actually making better progress than I thought. I went over to my bag to grab my fur brush. I sat down on the bed brushing my fur. I stayed out of Lex’s lesson today, it seemed like I was only impeding his ability to learn with my presence there. Lex was making really good progress today. It was actually not surprising considering when we were kids he was always a straight A student. I was always the troubled kid, well at least after my parents pass away. I started getting lost in thought. Thinking about my past and what I should have changed. It had been awhile since I actually reflected on my actions I had taken. A door slamming shut woke me from my thought. I jumped a little and looked up. Lex standing by the door looking over at me. “I swear man if you think too much your brain will explode.” Lex said grinning. “You’re so funny I forgot to laugh. Besides it’s not like thinking once in awhile will kill me.” Lex shook his head and walked towards me. He leaned over and whispered to me. “When you start making a face like you just did, you normally are thinking of something you shouldn't. You go into a spiral of depression afterwards.” He then pushed me down onto my back and walked away. He had a bounce to his step today. “Well, I am going to shower I wont be too long.” Ren was packing up his things and getting ready to leave. “Kyoga. You should get ready for the day. The Williams will be here any minute now.” I walked to my bag to grab some close for the day. I mumbled some incoherent words of disgust. So far I hated the Williams, She could apologize as much as she wants but it will still not change how I dislike her. I put on some grey jogging pants, a black shirt, and a grey hoodie, as well. There was no reason to look nice after all.
A few minutes went by and Lex came out of the bathroom. He was wearing a pair of blue jeans, a light blue sweater with what appeared to be a snowman on the front of it. I let out a small laugh. “Whats with the sweater Lex someone else dress you this morning.” Lex pushed me over. “A shirt is a shirt. Either way I don't care.” As I sat back up I said. “Yeah, but its like one of those ugly Christmas sweaters your grandmother would buy you because she thinks it will look good on you.” Lex sat down in one of the seats. “Exactly that's why I wore it. Gotta change things up once in awhile. You may have never seen me, but I was once a grumpy old man yelling at the kids to get off my lawn.” Lex rambled. I saw Ren pointing at me and motioning for me to come towards him so I did. Once I walked gotten over to him he put a collar on me, the headmaster had made me wear the other day. A tracker collar just what I wanted to wear. Ren then walked behind Lex and put a red collar around his neck. “At least I’m not going to be the only one wearing this stupid thing.” I thought to myself. “Come on you two they are here. Let's not keep them waiting.” We both put on our cloaks and set off through the hospital.
The Williams's were waiting at the front of the hospital for us. I could see the carriage outside, waiting. Ren handed them a bag with the items we needed. I prayed that they would not change me and let me do it myself. I figured Lex was probably thinking the same thing. Mrs. Williams kneeled down and smiled at us. “Are you two ready to go have some fun.” Lex said, “Sure whatever.” And I nodded my head. They both took one of our paws and walked us towards the carriage. I looked back at Ren and mouthed “Save me.” I saw Ren chuckling as I was lifted into the carriage. This was very possibly going to be the worst day I would have since waking up. I yawned a bit and decided to pretend to sleep. I listened to the conversation the others were having. Lex was attempting to use his voice box a bit more. “So how have your studies been going Lex.” Asked Mr. Williams. Lex responded with the robotic voice of the box. “They have been going a lot better now. I am getting the hang of it now.” I heard Mrs. Williams right after. “Well, that's good. Did you two not get enough sleep last night the little one seems tired.” Lex responded right away to that. “I got a good sleep. I’m not sure about Kyoga though. He was up and about before I was.” I heard the sound of the diaper bag that Ren gave them un-zip. All of a sudden I heard an aww escape from Mrs. Williams mouth. “Look at this picture dear they look so cute like that.” “I’m going to kill Ren when we get back.” That's all that ran through my mind when I heard her say that. A few more minutes passed by before the carriage stopped. They gently shook me to wake me up.
I was helped down from the carriage and we stood in front of a large building. I realised how warm it actually was today. There was no wind and it did not feel cold at all. There was a bunch of people walking into the building. It was all families mothers and fathers with their cubs. There were a few older in their teens going in, as well. Everyone had bags that they were carrying, as well. We walked towards the buildings and entered the doors. As soon as we got in I could smell chlorine water. It was an indoor swimming pool. As far as my nose could tell. There were cubs running around screaming all over the place. We all walked farther into the building there were large glass panels that you could see the swimming pool from. It was surprisingly packed in there. We walked straight to the info desk. I found that weird because there was another desk that everyone else had lined up at to pay. Mr. Williams handed a card to a badger standing at the info desk. The badger had a nametag on his name was Tom. Tom spoke. “Okay, so if you would just follow me this way.” Mr. Williams spoke up. “Well, you see these two cubs do have a problem if you understand what I am saying.” The badger nodded his head and grabbed two small packages from behind the counter. “Great all they have to say have a problem and everyone understands.” I thought to myself. I looked over at Lex and I could see he was bright red. Tom showed moved began to walk in a different direction from where the swimming pool was. He lead us to the door and opened it for us. “Here you are sir, please enjoy your time here.” With that Lex and I were ushered through the door by Mrs. Williams. Tom ended up ruffling my hair before I got through.
Once we entered there were a few stalls for changing your clothes. There were a few other families in there waiting for the rest of their kin to get changed. Mr. Williams handed Lex a pair of swimming trunks and one of the packages that Tom had given him. Lex went into one of the stalls to changed. For me, however, Mrs. Williams picked me up and took the bag from her husband and walked into one of the stalls with me. She started to take my shirt off. “You know I can undress myself. I’m not a baby.” I said to her. She stopped and let me undress myself. Or to an extent anyway. After I had my shirt and my pants off she lifted me up onto the changing table and changed me into one of the swim diapers that Tom gave them. After that, she put a pair of green swimming trunks on me. Once she was satisfied with how I was dressed she pushed me out of the changing stall and told me to wait for her. “So how did it go there.” Lex said as he was leaning on one of the walls. “Well, other than people doing things for me all right I guess.” I padded up next to Lex and stood beside him. “So swimming. Not what I was expecting.” Lex nodded with me in agreement. “I was expecting to be doing something more boring actually. So this is actually kind of exciting. I have not been swimming in forever!” I walked to the front of Lex. “I have not been swimming in forever either. Or in this body. How do I know if I can even swim still. It will be embarrassing.” I whispered into his ear. Lex licked my nose. “Don’t you worry a hair on your head. I’ll be there for you. And besides last time I checked we should still be able to float right.” I blushed and turned away from him. “Don’t go saying things like that to me. I can take care of myself.
In a few minutes, both Mrs. and Mr. Williams were ready. Mr. Williams was wearing just a black pair of swimming trunks showing off the muscles of someone who took pride in his body and health. Mrs. Williams was wearing a red bikini showing off her lithe dancer like body. The two put our bags into a few lockers and walked over to us. “Let's go we need to shower off first before going into the pool.” Mr. Williams said while pushing us forward into the showering area. “So why did we go a separate way from everyone else.” Mr. Williams was the one to answer. “Well, it's because we are upper class. Upper class citizens have special privileges.” “Everyone should have equal rights.” Is what I thought to myself. Everyone each went under their respective showers and quickly rinsed off before heading towards the swimming area.
Once out of the changing rooms I took a glance around. There was a surprising amount of other furs in the pool. It seemed like mostly families with little ones a few years older than me. The smell of chlorine was strong, while looking around I could see five lifeguards on duty constantly yelling towards the young ones misbehaving in the pool. There were three diving boards all set at different heights and life jackets hanging along one of the walls exiting the changing rooms. I also gave a glance upwards to see large skylight allowing us to see up into the sky. Although there was nothing pretty about the grey colour currently present. Looking in the pool, there were a lot of inflatable toys and balls for the kids to play with most of them already taken. Out of Lex and I, I took the first step forward to the shallow end of the pool dipping my hind paw in the water. It had a surprisingly warm temperature. After giving it little thought, I jumped into the water. The water level of the shallow end was up to my chest “I guess it really shows how small I am.” I thought to myself as I slowly turned around in the water. I heard a lifeguard blow their whistle. “Hey! No cubs under Eight years old allowed in the water without a parent!” The lifeguard shouted. Mr. Williams just waved towards the lifeguard before getting into the water himself. Leaving Lex standing beside Mrs. Williams. “Lex don’t just stand there looking bored get in here!” I shouted over towards Lex as he stood there looking around.
Lex just shrugged and jumped into the water making a big splash. He ended up splashing me as he jumped in. I shook off the water dripping from the fur on my head. When I looked back up Lex was sticking his tongue out at me. “So whatcha wanna do?” Lex asked. I pushed the water splashing Lex in his face. “I don’t know. I’m sure we will find something.”
