TFU Chapter 4

TF University Chapter 4: Old Friends, New Case

                Nearly a half an hour had passed since the break in at the lab was discovered. Brandi had already spent the time browsing over the crime scene and had noted several interesting pieces of evidence. After another moment Peggy walked back into the room. "I called the dean, he said that none of the other building suffered a power outage and that he's on the way here." Peggy remarked. "Excuse me, do you know where the power box is for this building?" Brandi asked the night guard. "Of course, why do you ask?" The guard replied. "Can you please go check it for me and see if you find anything unusual?" Brandi asked. The guard turned to Peggy with a questioning glance. "It's okay Fred, please do as Ms. Hound asked." Peggy stated, the guard nodded and began to walk away to check the power box.

                "I just don't get how Holly, or anyone for that matter, could have even gotten in here?" Peggy asked. "Getting in wasn't a problem with the power outage, it was opening that security container that was the difficult part." Brandi remarked, as she checked the device. "Why didn't any of the  security measures kick in?" Peggy asked. "I think they did, I mean why else would someone bother shattering the glass?" Brandi asked. "But that's all three layers worth of security glass and the last two layers were practically bullet proof. How the heck could someone even shatter it?" Peggy asked. "There's also the matter of the canister itself. If the glass was broken the canister should have locked itself down, at least according to what Steve said." Brandi remarked. "Yeah, it would have taken a small blood sample to open it up, and in that case there should be a bit of blood still left on the canister itself." Peggy remarked, as Fred the night guard returned. "Find anything?" Brandi asked. "Maybe but I'm not sure what exactly." The night guard replied as he held out a small electrical device. "Hmm... could I take a closer look at that?" Brandi asked taking a step closer to the guard. "No you may not!" Stated an angered voice from the doorway as dean Jacobs stepped into the room.

                The dean was looking understandably upset, still it was quite the contrast to the professional demeanor he had displayed at Steve's speech. "It's alright Mr. Jacobs, this is Brandi Hound she's..." "I don't care who she is, I want to know what she's doing in a restricted area after hours and why she is trying to meddle with possible evidence?" dean Jacobs asked. "She was with me in my office when the blackout hit." Peggy replied. "Blackout? What blackout? Ms. Lewis I told you over the phone that no one else has reported a power failure on campus tonight." The dean replied. "Sir if you'll just allow me to examine that device the guard has I might..." "What are you still doing here Hound?" The dean interrupted still as angrily as before. "Mr. Jacobs, Brandi is a good friend of mine, she's clever and she was in my office when the virus was stolen. It's very possible she may have seen or heard something relevant to the theft." Peggy argued. "If that's the case than Ms. Hound can expect the police to contact her within the next few days in order to ask her some questions, however, in the mean time I want her removed from the building before she tampers with this crime scene any further, is that understood?!" Dean Jacobs yelled. "Yes...sir." Peggy replied grabbing Brandi's arm and walking her to the doorway. "Sorry about this Brandi." She whispered to her friend. "Oh and Ms. Lewis?" the dean called, causing Peggy to stop in the doorway. "Be sure not to go anywhere, I have some questions to ask you as well." The dean commented. "Of course...sir..." Peggy replied, before resuming walking Brandi to the exit.

                "Sorry about that, I'm sure dean Jacobs is just...stressed." Peggy stated. "He's not the only one and I don't care how stressed he is, there's no way I can just sit back and let this go." Brandi remarked. Peggy suddenly looked discouraged. "What, what's wrong?" Brandi asked. "I think you had better just leave this to the police Brandi." Peggy remarked. "I handled it the first few times, I don't see why I should stop now." Brandi remarked. "You heard the dean, if you go around messing with things you can be charged with tampering with evidence and interfering with a police investigation." Peggy retorted. "Stop worrying so much Peggy, it's not like I'm going to stop the police from doing their job, I'll just do a little work on the side is all." Brandi replied, as the two walked out of the building. "Brandi, this isn't Travis Fortmasion, dean Jacobs isn't Principle Miller, and if you go poking your nose into this you're going to get yourself expelled, or worse!..Please just.. leave it alone..." Peggy said before turning around and heading back inside. Brandi couldn't understand why Peggy was acting this way, she had always stuck with her through everything else. What had her so worried now? Whatever it was it didn't matter. Brandi was going to get to the bottom of this, one way or another.

                **********

                It wasn't unusual to see so much muscle gathered on the Practice field so close to the start of Football season. What was unusual was how much of that muscle was covered in fur. "I can't believe you dragged me out here this early." Andrew Manning remarked. "Come on, it's not that early and besides this is going to be fun, we may as well put this bovine strength to good use." Bill Bell replied. The two bull-like transformees had been trying to patch up their friendship since graduating from Travis Fortmasion, but things were proving to be difficult. "Look I appreciate you trying to find something for us to do together, but I think I'd rather be back in bed, or at least playing my axe." Andrew replied. "I can't believe you even brought that thing with you, you know that it's getting confiscated the first time there's a sound complaint in the dorms right?" Bill asked. "It's a men's dorm, who's going to complain? Besides, do you really think anyone is going to want to risk making me angry by taking my axe?" Andrew retorted. "I suppose you do have a point there." Bill replied. "Still if you play football half as well as you play your guitar, you're definitely going to win over a few college girls." Bill Stated. "Well when you put it like that, I'm a little upset you didn't mention it sooner." Andrew replied and the two shared a laugh.

                "Are you guys sure I should be out here? I mean I know I'm pretty big and all, but I don't think I'm nearly as tough as I look, and I'm kind of worried about what might happen if I get hit too hard." Percy Crest stated a little nervously. "Relax, you'll do fine." Tim Ramsey replied. "Yeah, seriously you're literally pure horse power. The only guy's that would be able to hit you hard enough to do any real damage are going to be on our team anyway." Tom Ramsey added, trying to reassure the half ram twins' fellow transformee. "I'm still not sure, I mean what If I fall backwards and shatter my... you know?" Percy asked. "What, your wings?" Tim asked. "Shhh...shut up, dang it. I don't want people knowing about them." Percy replied. "It's weird enough being part horse, I don't need everybody gawking at my wings too." "Well you're not going to have the room to hide them under all your padding and jersey if you make the cut." Tim pointed out. "Oh man, I hadn't even thought of that, maybe I should just leave..." Percy replied. "No way, we need as much muscle on the team as we can get, besides isn't Andrea planning on joining the cheer leading squad to support you? She'd be pretty disappointed if she found out her boyfriend didn't even try out for the team she's going to be cheering on." Tom retorted. "Yeah, I suppose I better not risk upsetting her, at best she'll just be upset and won't speak to me for days and at worst she'll beat the snot out of me and force me to try out anyway." Percy remarked. "I'm a little surprised Andrea is even considering cheer leading, I didn't think she was into all that girly stuff anymore." Tom commented. "It seems to come and go, but she's definitely set on cheer leading no matter how she's acting and she's definitely set on me joining the team." Percy explained. "Well I guess you had better not disappoint her then." Tim replied. "Fine, but if I break a wing or something I'm blaming you two for suggesting I play in the first place." Percy whispered sternly.

                After another couple of minutes the boys were joined by Head Coach Winters. "Good morning everyone, it's good to see so many new faces here today." Coach Winters stated as he approached the group of students. "Now before we all get started let's go through the basics. This is a university team and as such you will be expected to maintain a passing GPA during the season. Also you will be expected to make every practice session, save those for which you have a valid excuse. And finally I expect your complete respect and dedication, not just to me but to your team mates. If you do not follow these three rules, you don't play, understood?" Coach Winter's asked. "Yes sir!" The group responded in unison. "Okay, okay, settle down, this isn't a military school." Coach Winter's joked. "Now I'm sure that many of you have questions about the University's standing on allowing students with animal characteristics to play on various sports." Coach Winter's stated, at which point the crowd grew noticeably silent. Both the transformee and non-transformee students had been wondering how exactly the University would handle the possibility of half animal students wanting to play various sports. "Well I would like to make it quite clear that as far as I am concerned any student who wants to play will be allowed to try out and will be given an equal chance to join the team no matter their physical differences, on the grounds that they would not cause serious damage to the field and equipment or injury to themselves or another player." Coach Winters explained, to which many of the students in the crowed sighed in relief. "Now then, let's get out there and get started with this year's try outs!" The Coach exclaimed excitedly as the boy began to line up on the field.

                The drills went fairly quickly and to no one's surprise transformee students performed especially well. On the defensive end nothing could get past Andrew and Bill. Likewise Tim and Tom Ramsey put their ram-like speed and footwork to good use, pushing through  the opposing defensive line to run the ball. Even Percy did fairly well, quickly outrunning the competition to receive passes. It was clear that there were mixed emotions about their performance from the other students, some couldn't help but be impressed and excited at the prospects of this new team. However, it was no surprise that despite Coach Winters' instance that everyone would get a fair shot, there were still complaints that the transformees had an unfair advantage. However, not wanting to upset Coach Winters, most of the complaints didn't go beyond faint whisperers.

                After a half hour or so the group found themselves just finishing up with the tackle dummies. However, it was soon discovered that the cart used to tow the heavily weighted dummies off the field had broken down, leaving them obstructing middle field. "Piece of crap..." The Coach commented in frustration unsure about what to do. Looking around Percy noticed a familiar face walking by. "Hey Toby, Toby!" Percy called and waved to the elephant transformee, who had gone out to enjoy a walk before class. "Hey Percy, need something?" Toby Smalls asked as he walked up to the group. "Actually we're having problems moving these dummies off the field." Coach Winters stated. "Really? Mind if I give it a shot?" Toby asked. "Be my guest." The Coach replied, handing Toby the hitch chain. Firmly grasping the chain, Toby easily began to pull the weighted dummies off of the field, impressing even Bill and Andrew with the display of strength. "Need anything else while I'm here?" Toby inquired. "No I think that's all we need um..Toby right?...But if you'd like there is still some spots open on the team and you're more than welcome to try out." Coach Winter's offered. However, Toby pick up his bag and began to walk away, "No thanks, I'm not really interested in sports. Besides, at my size I think I may accidentally hurt someone." He remarked.

                The potential players returned to their try outs and Toby returned to his walk. "Maybe I should have tried out, it's not like I've got anything better to do anyway." Toby soon thought to himself.  Right until graduation Toby had been one of the students more heavily transformed by the Virus, basically making him a slightly smaller than average elephant. Peggy's work towards a cure had managed to shrink him down a bit and allowed him to regain the use of his hands, however, Toby had quickly realized that even though he was now free to do practically anything he wanted to he had no idea what it was that he wanted to do with his life. Being mostly elephant left him with few options, he would have likely gotten a job  hauling heavy loads simply because that was about the only thing he could do. There had been no time or reason for him to develop his own identity, or plan a career path because of his situation. Ironically, he now had the freedom to choose what he wanted to do and now way of knowing what he would be interested in.

                "First I was the small guy, then I was the big guy, and now I'm just some guy. I just don't get what I'm supposed to be doing. I thought going to college was suppose to help me figure out what I'm interested in, but now I just feel more lost than ever!" Toby thought. "Everyone else gets to move on, Most of the guys know exactly what they're studying for and are joining the football team, Joey and Herb both have Jobs, and here I am not even able to decide on a major yet, This just sucks!" Toby found himself walking further into the campus not really sure where he was even headed. Eventually Toby walked into the duck pond park and looking a little ways ahead spotted someone he hadn't expected raking leaves. "Chester? What are you doing out here, aren't you going to try out for football like everyone else?" Toby asked as he approached the Cheetah transformee. "Hey Toby, nah I'm too busy with my job right now. My uh...my boss is taking care of something at at the moment but he should be back any minute and I told him I'd finish raking these leaves by then... By the way if you see him with me call me Ed or Edward okay?" Chester asked. "Sure I guess, But why exactly?" Toby inquired. "I just don't want him knowing my real name, it's too complicated to explain right now." Chester replied.

                "So what brings you out here so early?" Chester asked, as he continued raking. "I just needed to think some things over, that's all." Toby answered. "I guess I can understand that, it's kind of the same reason I took this job." Chester remarked. It was nice to be able to talk to Chester, the conversation would have never happened 4 years ago. Before both boys had become transformees Toby was a bit of a runt and Chester typically gave him a hard time about it. They hadn't even really started considering each other friends until well after each of their transformations, it was nice to know how much things could change. "Chester, do you know what you're going to do? I mean after college, do you have a idea of how you'd like to spend the rest of your life?" Toby asked. "Well, I figured I could try and go pro in something, basketball maybe, that's what everyone keeps saying I should do anyway." Chester replied. "What you don't want to be a pro athlete?" Toby asked. "Don't get me wrong, it be great to play a sport for a living, I'm just not willing to bet my future income on a chance I might play pro ball, I'd rather have practical experience that I know I can fall back on and I've always been pretty good at numbers and interested in business. I guess that's why I'm studying accounting." Chester explained. "Great, you even have a backup plan and I don't even have a major declared yet." Toby remarked. "You're thinking too much about it Toby you've got time to figure out a job, for now why don't you try and find hobby you're interested in, you know like Sam and boxing. It'll help you be less stressed so you can focus better." Chester explained. "Yeah maybe, but I'm not even sure what hobbies I would even be interested in. I'm not even sure where to start." Toby replied. "Well, I could use some help with something, if you're not busy." Chester remarked. "Okay, with what exactly?" Toby inquired As Chester lead him to the edge of the duck pond.

                By the side of the pond was a massive rock, which had clearly been moved recently. "Some of the students think it's funny to push these boulders down towards the pond. My..my boss thinks that they want to try and push it all the way into the pond itself but they don't seem to get that they can't move it after it reaches the bottom of the hill. Problem is neither can we without special equipment. But I figure with all that muscle you've got you could move that thing easily." Chester remarked. Toby looked at the bolder and then turned towards the hill spotting where the bolder need to go near the top. "Easily no, but I'll give it my best shot." Toby replied before approaching the bolder and getting ready to lift it. Bending down Toby reached around the bolder a slowly lifted it from the ground and began to carry it up the hill. Relieved to make it in one trip, Toby put the bolder back in its place. "Thanks a lot man, I owe you one." Chester stated. "Don't...mention it..." Toby replied somewhat out of breath before standing up straight and getting ready to head to his first class. "Thanks Chest...ur I mean Eddy, I feel a lot better now." Toby stated, before walking away.

                "Friend of yours Edward?" Mr. Scott asked as he walked up from behind Chester. "Yeah, a good friend." Chester replied. "Pretty strong too I'd assume, from the way he lifted that rock. So you ready to get back to work?" Asked the groundskeeper. "Yeah, sure thing..." Chester replied. However, as he returned to raking leaves Chester couldn't help but ask how ironic it was that Toby had asked him for help. "He wants people to know who he is and so he comes and asks me for help, the guys who's trying to hide who he really is from his own father...and I thought becoming a transformee was going to be the strangest thing to happen to me in my life..." Chester thought. "Hey Edward, you're slowing down again, you need a break of something?" Chester's father asked. "No, I'm fine." Chester replied now working more quickly, but underneath it all he wondered just how fine he really was.   

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                "So you told Sam, but you still haven't told Brandi?" Max asked on the phone. "I know, I know, I've tried to talk to her but there always seems to be something that gets it the way." Nelly replied as she stood in what had become her special corner of the student union building. "Now there's this whole deal with the virus, and both Brandi's former boyfriends showing up again..." "Boyfriends?" Max interrupted. "Yeah, Dave and Marcus...wait you probably wouldn't know Dave huh? Your weren't...Living with Brandi until after she and Dave had broken up." Nelly explained. "You know it's alright for you to just say I was a pet before right? I really don't mind." Max remarked. "Anyway, You might remember Marcus, I think Brandi said he had been over to the house while you were...young..." Nelly commented. "You can just say when I was a puppy...Anyway, I think I might remember him, how'd he smell?" Max asked. "How should I know, why even ask?" Nelly retorted. "I can't help it, dog's remember things better through smell." Max replied. "Look it doesn't really matter, now just isn't the right time to tell Brandi, no matter how mad she might get about it later..." Nelly stated.

                "Yeah you're probably right, it would be better to keep her focused on everything there, especially with all everything going on here." Max commented. "Why, what's going on?" Nelly asked. "looks like there may be another virus spreading around, it's too small to be considered a full blown outbreak yet but the board of education is considering closing the school." Max explained. "But if they do that won't that mean your classes would get canceled too? You promised me you would be here next term Max!" Nelly stated upset at the situation. "I know, and I will find a way to be there, no matter what." Max replied. "Okay, I'll be waiting for you...I wish you were here now." Nelly said. "I know, I do too...I  miss you." Max replied."I miss you too...just don't take too long to get here okay?" Nelly requested. "It'll go faster than you think...I wish I didn't have to hang up but I've got to finish this assignment, I'll talk to you again tonight okay?" Max asked. "I'll be waiting." Nelly replied and the couple ended their call.

                Nelly placed her cell phone back in her pocket and began to walk out of the corner, however before she had managed to go too far she was taken off guard by a familiar voice. "So you and the fleabag are dating now?" Nelly didn't have to turn around to know who it was, or just how bad the fact that he had overheard the conversation was. "I thought you had said you were going to leave me alone Trent..." Nelly remarked, trying to keep walking and ignore the boy. "No I said I would be content to admire you from a distance, but of course that was before I learned you were settling for some mangy house pet." Trent remarked, as the raven-like transformee quickly caught up to Nelly and began walking alongside her. "I'm not settling on anything Trent, Max is kind and sweet and considerate, and unlike someone I know he would never even consider trying to snap photos of me changing in the girl's locker room!" Nelly retorted. "All in the past, I'm more interested in the future, say this Friday night around 7 o'clock?..." Trent asked. "Your seriously asking me out on a date? After I just got off the phone with my boyfriend?" Nelly asked. "Well, I can either spend my night with you, or I can spend that night telling Brandi all about you and your boyfriend." Trent replied. "I wonder how she'll take it? But don't worry, I'll be nice and give you until tomorrow to let you think it over." Nelly clinched her first, she would have liked nothing more than to slam her knuckles into Trent's face, however, she knew it wouldn't do any good. Trent walked away and Nelly began to cry softly, unsure of what to do.

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                The dean's questions had taken a lot longer than Peggy would have liked. it had left her mentally exhausted but with the only sample of the virus she could have worked with now stolen, she knew there was only one other thing she could do. Before long Peggy found herself at the offices of the University's paper. Walking inside it didn't take long for Peggy to spot Thomas working at one of the computers. Thomas, looked up noticing Peggy walking towards him. "Hey Peggy, I was wondering where you've been. I heard you're working for the university now, congratulations." Thomas commented. "Well thank you Thomas, I appreciate it." Peggy replied. "So what brings you down here?" Thomas asked. "To be quite honest you do." Peggy remarked. "Brandi and I have noticed something, and I wanted to ask you, do you think that for all your time as a journalist at Travis Fortmasion, and for all the times you where right in the path of the virus, that it's odd you never became a transformee yourself?" Peggy asked. "Maybe, I guess, I never really thought about it." Thomas admitted. "Anyway, Brandi had this idea that you might be immune to the virus's effects and I was wondering if I could get a sample of your blood to see if her theory was true or not?" Peggy remarked. Thomas suddenly become much more quiet and closed off. "Nope." Was all Thomas said before turning back towards his computer and his work.

                "Oh come on Thomas, it's not like I'm asking you to give up you body for science or anything, I just want a little sample of your blood. Look I'll even pay you for it if you need the extra money." Peggy insisted. "Peggy, I've got to get through my article on  Samantha's boxing training, I promised I would get it done before my class this afternoon." Thomas replied. "Look just tell me how much you want for it." Peggy stated. "My blood isn't for sale Peggy. You're not getting any of it from me, so please just go bother someone else." Thomas remarked, but Peggy wasn't going to give up easily. "Look how about I pay you $100 bucks for a vial?" Peggy asked. "I already told you, my blood is not for sale!" Thomas retorted. "Come on, what if I offered you 300 dollars for a vial?"  Peggy asked. Thomas stopped as if to consider the offer for a minute. "Peggy, I'm not selling you my blood, now if you don't mind I'm busy." Thomas stated.

                Peggy couldn't believe how stubborn Thomas was being, but she had saved a special offer just in case this had happened. "Fine I guess we can talk about something else then...like say, the break-in at the labs last night. Which I'm sure you've heard about by now." Peggy stated, regaining Thomas's attention. "Go on" "Well there's some pretty interesting details about it, and how the break in actually occurred was quite interesting , but I'm sure you're aware I can't tell you much of anything as far as details are concerned." Peggy remarked. "Unless?..." Thomas asked in anticipation. "Unless it's done in an official interview, which I'd be more than happy to have with you." Peggy stated. "If?..." Thomas asked in anticipation once again. "If, you just let me take a sample of your blood." Peggy added. "Of course. Why would I have expected any differently. Look Peggy, I'm not giving it to you, I'm not selling it to you, and I'm certainly not going to trade it to you just for a lousy interview, you are not going to get a sample of my blood and that's that!" Thomas exclaimed. "Is there a problem here?" Eli asked as he walked over to the two of them. "Sorry Eli, I was just trying to convince Thomas here to agree to help me with something." Peggy replied. "Ms. Lewis, you are aware that the university prohibits harassing students  in such a manner do you not?" Eli asked. "Yes, I'm aware of that policy Eli, but under the circumstances..." "Circumstances aside you are harassing one of my staff members and I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave." Eli replied. "But...but..but I..." Peggy tried to explain as Eli pushed his way in between his reporter and the new teacher. "Out!" Eli stated stepping forward. "But..." Peggy tried to explain. "Out!" Eli stated again pointing towards the exit. "Fine, I'm going." Peggy stated turning around and walking out of the office.

                "Well that was a total waste of time." Peggy thought aloud as she left the office,  looking down at her watch.  "Well at least it didn't take too long. Hopefully I'll have enough time to pick up a salad for lunch before I get back to work." "Mind if I join you?"Asked a familiar voice. Peggy looked up shocked to find a well curved cow transformee. "Coline! Wow, how are you?" Peggy asked. Coline and Peggy had attended Travis Fortmasion high school at the same time. However, the two had started out on bad terms, Coline being a mean girl and Peggy being more of a nerd the two did not get along. However, after both had transformed they began to work out their differences and even start a kind of friendship. Peggy was shocked to see The cow transformee at the college, let alone in such good shape. "I'm doing well, great actually." Coline replied. "I can tell, gosh you look like you're in better shape now than you were before you changed." Peggy stated, commenting on Coline's surprising hour glass figure. "Thanks, it wasn't easy getting back down to size but I guess all that work at the gym paid off." Coline replied. "But you were talking about getting lunch, I could go for a salad right now if you want to catch up." "Sure, I'd like that." Peggy replied as the two girls began to walk towards the Student union building chatting along the way.

                "Wow, so things are getting pretty serious between you and Steve then?" Coline asked as the two sat down to eat. "I think so, but I wish he would stop dragging his feet already, I understand that he's got a company to run now but we've been going out for a few years, we're both adults with decent jobs, he's even paying for my apartment, an apartment he practically lives in when he's not busy at NewGen. So why is it so hard for him to just ask already?"  Peggy asked. "I know what you mean, I guess It's just not easy for some guys. Heck it took forever for Mike to even work up the courage to ask me out for our first date." Coline replied. "Yeah I guess your...Wait what? You're dating now?" Peggy exclaimed. "Yeah, did you have to sound so surprised?" Coline asked.  "Sorry, I'm just a little shocked, it wasn't like you to settle for one guy in high school, and you didn't seem to have any interest in starting a relationship when you graduated. But hey it's great you found someone. How did you two end up meeting?"  Peggy asked. "Well after Travis Fortmasion I was a bit of a wreck. You know how hard it was to find a college, and with me looking the way I did, even with my hormones all balanced out and my 'milking problem' solved,  I didn't really want to attend one anyway. Eventually Bill got tired of me lying around the house sulking and dragged me to the gym with him. I didn't like it at first, looking at all the other people just made me feel  fat and ugly. I guess Bill understood how I felt though, because he used it to get me going again. He pushed me to stop whining about the way I looked and do something about it. I guess it worked too, because a year later I was skinny again and working as a personal trainer at the gym alongside Michael Manning, you know Alex and Andrew's older cousin." Coline explained.

                "So you two were co-workers?" Peggy asked. "Yeah, although I had met Mike a few times before that. He was always nice to me and offered a lot of support when I was working on my weight. I had thought it was just because it was his job, Imagine my surprise when he asked me out on a date shortly after we became co-workers." Coline remarked with a smile. "And now you look great, are dating a nice guy and attending a university, congratulations." Peggy replied cheerfully, before looking at her watch.  "Do you have a class to get to soon? I heard you were teaching here now." Coline asked. "Not for a little while still... So is Mike attending Timothy Franklin as well?" Peggy asked. "No he's busy working at the local gym. I can't really work as often as before with my classes, but between the two of us we make enough for the rent on our apartment." Coline commented. "I've got to admit I'm kind of jealous of you. It seems like you've gotten everything figured out." Peggy remarked. "Well what about you? Dating a multi-millionaire, a job teaching at a university? Seems like you're doing pretty well for yourself." Coline replied. "I guess so, although it hasn't been easy. I suppose I should be honored that the university would even have considered asking me to come work for them but I've got to admit between the amount of work I'm doing in the lab and the classes I'm teaching I would have expected the pay to be a little better." Peggy replied. "Well if you deserve more why not ask for a raise?" Coline asked. "It's not really about the money, I'd be happier with the money I'm making now if I had more time to spend with everybody else." Peggy remarked. "Well if you really needed more free time why did you agree to teach that many classes?" Coline inquired.

                 Peggy looked away, she was having such a good time catching up with Coline that she had forgotten her situation. "It's...complicated... I'm sorry Coline I really shouldn't be talking about this with me being a teacher and you being a student...it's not exactly professional." Peggy remarked. "we're not talking as teacher and student Peggy, we're just talking...But if you  don't want to talk about it I understand." Coline commented. "Thank you." Peggy said as she stood to clean off her place and return to work."Peggy?" Coline asked, causing Peggy to stop for a moment. "Yes?" Peggy replied. "I know being a transformee can't make things easy, but never feel like that means you have to let yourself get pushed around." Coline commented. Peggy took a couple of breaths to clear her head. "Thank you Coline, but I'm fine.. really." Peggy insisted. "Okay then, it was good catching up with you. I guess I'll see you around campus?" Coline asked as she stood. "Yeah, definitely." Peggy replied. The two girls gave their goodbyes and began walking away. As she headed towards her next class Peggy couldn't help but feel like she should have told Coline everything, but she knew she couldn't have. Friend or not, there was no guarantee that Coline would understand what she was doing this all for, who she was doing this all for. Like it or not she had made her choice and now she had to live with it.

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                "Wait, wait, hold on... So you actually ate a whole packet of pet jerky without realizing that's what it was?" Dave asked with a chuckle. "Hey, in my defense they tasted pretty good. Besides they probably had less junk in them than what I would typically eat." Brandi replied. After the break-in at the lab Brandi had nearly forgotten about meeting Dave, but now that she was sitting there talking to him she was glad she hadn't. It was strange how much Dave had changed since they had been together, although Brandi was sure Dave probably felt the same way about her.  "I wish we had talked like this back at Travis Fortmasion...things could have been a lot different." Dave remarked. "I think they're pretty different now." Brandi remarked, taking a sip of her decaffeinated coffee. "I guess you're right, it's been a strange few years, but at least it lead to me seeing you again, albeit with a pretty radical new look." Dave commented with a chuckle. "We'll thanks a lot." Brandi replied sarcastically. "But seriously I think you look pretty good, being part dog suits you." Dave commented. "Just shut up Dave." Brandi replied teasingly giving the boy a playful slap on the arm.

                "Okay, okay, we won't talk about your looks. How are your parents doing?" Dave asked. "They're good, my dad is still busy with work and my mom is keeping herself busy with various projects." Brandi explained. "Think they're feeling lonely at home without you?" Dave asked. "Nah, I think they're just happy I was able to move on. Besides I'm sure they'll have their hands full with Max." Brandi replied. "Who's Max?" Dave asked. Brandi paused for a moment realizing her goof in mentioning her sibling. "Max is my brother." Brandi replied bluntly, unable to think of anything else to say. "Wow, so you have a baby brother now?" Dave asked. "Well...um, no. Not exactly. He's actually...older than I am..." Brandi replied beginning to blush slightly, although it was nearly impossible to see through her fur. "So your mom and dad adopted an older kid then?" Dave asked. "No...um not an older kid exactly...it's actually pretty complicated now that I think about it..."Brandi replied. "Come on, complicated or not he's your brother right? I want to know all about him." Dave insisted. "Um...I'm really not sure where to even start..." Brandi remarked, scratching the back of her head.

                "Oh, does the dog have an itch?" Brandi heard someone ask from behind, in a strangely familiar sounding voice. Turning around Brandi found a female student about her age standing behind her. The girl wore a formal outfit that could have easily been mistaken for a school uniform. "Silly dog, haven't you heard of a flea collar?" The girl asked Brandi teasingly. It finally clicked why the voice sounded familiar, "Hey, you're one of the jerks who teased me when I tripped the other day instead of helping me up!" Brandi remarked. "Please, like I would risk getting your fur on my clothes, you  couldn't even afford the cleaning bill." The girl commented. "So you have money so what? Is that the only reason you came over here, just to brag about how rich you are?" Dave inquired. "I don't think I was talking to you, gutter trash. But since you're so keen on talking, where did you find those clothes? The local thrift store, or in their dumpster?" The girl asked with a laugh. "Look all we're trying to do is have a conversation, you mind going and bothering somebody else?" Dave asked. "Like any of you charity cases even come close to having enough class to ask me to do anything. You should be happy I even decided to talk to you." The girl replied.

                 "Just because your parents can pay for you to be here you think that makes you better than everybody?" Brandi remarked. "You obviously don't know who you're talking to stupid dog. I'm Abigail Briggsbee." The girl replied, as if the name were supposed to mean something. Brandi stared at the girl in confusion. "You don't even recognize my name do you?" Abigail asked, obviously not expecting an answer. "Here's a hint my father owns the second largest corporation in the region. I graduated with a perfect GPA from private schools you couldn't even afford to hear the names of. I've been recognized in multiple educational journals throughout the country, and I've even been voted as the top up in coming brain and beauty. I'm more than just money, I've got intelligence and looks too. See I'm not here because of my dad's money, or because some Corporate CEO felt sorry for me. I'm here because I'm simply better than any of you in practically every respect. You beasts don't even have enough class to be considered my house pets." Abigail stated.

                From the way Abigail spoke it was clear she was expecting Brandi to be completely in awe of her accomplishments, which made it all the more shocking for her when Brandi started to chuckle. "And, what exactly is so funny?" Abigail asked.  "You obviously." Brandi replied bluntly. "You know I have to actually think you're insulting  for me to be insulted right? Quite frankly I just find you pathetic." Brandi replied. "Excuse me?" Abigail asked in shock.  "Don't get me wrong it's impressive just how egotistical you are. But as far as I'm concerned you're just a rich brat." Brandi replied. "How dare you? I don't have to tolerate this kind of behavior from someone as lowly as you." Abigail commented before turning around and storming off. "Wow, I'm impressed at how well you handled that. I would have thought you would have just bit her or something." Dave remarked. "Believe me I was tempted." Brandi replied. "I'm going to grab a refill on my coffee, you want anything?"  "Sure, just a coffee please, Black." Dave replied. Walking towards the cafeteria's coffee shop Brandi  was surprised to spot Steve talking to dean Jacobs. "They must be discussing the break in." Brandi thought to herself. "Sorry about Abigail's behavior." Commented a voice from behind. Brandi turned to find Professor Adams behind her, cup of coffee in hand.

                "Professor Adams...ur I mean Frank, I didn't know you were here. " Brandi remarked. "I was passing by to get some coffee and I overheard some of your, less than pleasant, conversation with Abigail. Although for what it's worth I'd say you handled it rather well." Professor Adams replied. "Wow, your hearing must be even better than mine. I didn't even notice you anywhere nearby." Brandi replied. "I also noticed Dave's voice, you two seem to be getting along fairly well. Better than the first day of class at least." Professor Adams remarked. "We used to date, it's complicated." Brandi replied. "I hear you. May I offer a little advice?" Frank asked. "Sure what is it?" Brandi inquired. "Never waste the opportunity for a second chance, once you lose something  there is no guarantee you'll ever get it back." Frank remarked. "I think it's going to be more complicated than that Professor, but thanks for the advice." Brandi replied. "Well, I better be heading off to my next class. Feel free to come by my office if you feel like talking about anything, class related or otherwise." Professor Adams stated. "Thanks, I'll see you in class Professor." Brandi replied. "Looking forward to it, just try not to cause another scene ..." Professor Adams stated with a chuckle , before turning and walking away.

                Brandi smiled and returned to the line. Things moved pretty quickly even with the obviously newly hired staff members working the counter, a few spilled drinks, and a lab worker nearly knocking over a stack of cup lids. Brandi hardly noticed though, she was too busy considering Professor Adams' advice and the incident at the lab. Eventually she made it up to the counter. Getting what she needed she started walking back towards Dave only to find Jenny chatting with him.  "Well, it was nice seeing you again Dave." Brandi heard Jenny telling the boy as she walked over.  "It was good seeing you again too Jenny." Dave replied. "Well I'll see you around." Jenny remarked, spotting Brandi and walking away. "Hey here's your coffee." Brandi stated, passing the boy his cup. "Thanks, hey why didn't you mention you were sharing a room with Jenny?" Dave asked. "I didn't think it was important, why?" Brandi replied. "I just kind of figured it would be difficult for you is all. I know you and the 3 J's didn't really get along all that well back at Travis Fortmasion. I can't imagine you both being part dog now makes things any easier either, especially knowing how...territorial you both can be." Dave commented before taking a sip of his coffee. "You know you don't have to pretend like you don't like her, I know you two used to be friends." Brandi replied. "I wouldn't say we were actually friends. We just ran with similar groups." Dave remarked. "By which you mean the jerks and bullies." Brandi replied. "Hey I've improved haven't I?" Dave asked. "Well you certainly seem more understanding than when we broke up." Brandi commented teasingly.

                "See I told you I...I'm..." Dave coughed  in an attempt to clear his throat, rubbing his Adam's apple with his hands. "Something wrong?" Brandi asked. "Yeah *cough*...My throat, *cough, cough*... Just feels really itchy *cough, cough*...all of a sudden..." Dave replied, now sounding strange. "Dave, seriously what's..." Brandi stopped and gasped as fur began to show through Dave's fingers. "Brandi? *cough*,What's wrong?" Dave asked pulling his hands away from his throat and spotting the tan colored fur and dark claw like nails that were starting to grow. "Wha...What is this?" Dave asked in nervous confusion, fur quickly spreading up his arms. "Is this?...Brandi, don't tell me I'm..." Dave stopped mid-sentence stunned as his torso began to grow more muscular causing Dave's clothes to tighten. Brandi watched speechlessly as Dave's now fur covered face began to push out into a canine muzzle, his ears became dog like and shifted towards the top of his head. The fur that was now growing across Dave's torso was considerably darker on the  back of his neck and by the look of it Brandi would have assumed that this dark coloration continued down he still changing boy's back were she not still stunned by what was happening. Dave's feet hands and feet had become a bit larger and similarly structure to Brandi's by this point. The changes were nearing their completion as Dave stood up and his new fur covered tail formed behind him.

                It was finally over and the two stood shocked staring at what had become of Dave. "Brandi...Am...am I..a dog?" Dave finally asked. "Um...yes, part German shepherd I think..." Brandi replied nervously. "And there's a group of students staring at me right now isn't there?"  Dave asked. Brandi, realized where they were and glanced around at the group of worrying faces all staring at Dave. "Um...yeah...yeah there is..." Brandi replied, unsure of how Dave was going to react. "I'm sorry Dave I have no idea how this could have happened." Brandi stated. Dave simply looked down at his fur covered and padded hands, flexing them a few times. "Actually, it not that bad at all....matter of fact I feel pretty good." Dave commented. "Really? You're fine with this?" Brandi replied. "Sure why wouldn't I be fine, I'm reconnecting with my old girlfriend, Jenny's not a jerk anymore, both of you are part dog, and hey I'm part dog now too, it's pretty clear what's going on here." Dave remarked surprisingly calmly. "Dave, what are you talking about?" Brandi asked. "I'm totally dreaming right now, so why should I be worried about changing into a dog in front of practically the entire university?" Dave replied. "I'm just going to close my eyes and I'll wake up in bed." Dave shut his eyes before opening them again a moment later, finding the same group of students staring at him. "Brandi?" Dave asked. "Yes?" "This isn't a dream is it?" Dave asked. "No, no it's not..." Brandi replied. "Okay, well in that case..." Dave slumped over fainting from the shock. Brandi rushed over to Dave to make sure he was alright, glancing around she noticed both Steve and the now incredibly angry looking dean Jacobs had now joined the crowd of students. "So much for any chance at a calm semester." Brandi thought to herself.