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Magic Dabbling Part Two
Giant arms encircled my body, holding me close to the furnace. Everything was warm. Satisfaction washed over my being, enveloping my mind. Claw tips stroked my head. They gave way to a contented sigh. I squirmed. Little fists grabbed at the shirt of my captor. My tail wrapped around cold legs. Safety.
"He's so cute like this. Was this how he was back as a cub the first time?" Katrina's rumbling awoke my slumber. I looked around the room. Susanna and a foreign rabbit woman sat on the couch.
Susanna looked up. She had slight up curl to her lip. "We're talking here."
"About what?" Katrina looked mystified.
"If you were actually paying attention, you'd know Audrey and I were discussing how best to deal with this situation, rather than entertaining your brother:" My ears folded against my skull. I just wanted to sleep. Why was there so much noise? "We need to know if we can reverse it and, if not, what our plan of action is."
A muzzle brushed my ear. "Why would anyone want you to grow up?" I snuggled closer, shutting down my senses. The distant muttering of voices faded away, my ship returning to the ocean of calm. Curtains fell back and the black closed in.
"Can you pass him here, Katrina?" My entire world jumped. I moaned. Why were we moving again? Pulling into the folds, I tightened my grips on the cloth. A gentle force pried me away. As hard as I tried, my paws gave little real resistance. Protests only fell on deaf ears. Pillowed fur was replaced with the hardwood floor, everyone standing over me.
Audrey spoke up, "We'll need to find out exactly what the poor fool did. My guess is it's something to do with his aura." Her shadow crossed my petite face. She glared into my eyes. Who knew buck teeth could be so threatening. Warmth tingled my limbs, spreading over my body and shrouding my mind. Everything seemed to zone out, blurring beyond recognition. Only the sullen blue eyes stayed with me. The shadows fell back under the radiant blue light that encompassed me, but the gaze retained my attention.
The light dimmed as soon as it began. Around me returned to clarity. I stared at this, Audrey. What had she done?
"Well, this is interesting." Audrey retained a line of sight, though with more inquisition. "It would seem the spell has not only altered his aura, but actually bonded with it. I'm not even sure how that's possible. This is beyond my comprehension, and even yours Susanna." Katrina retrieved me.
Mum scoffed. "I doubt my son is capable of something quite so complex. Can it be reversed?"
"I don't think so. From what I could gather, the way it interlocks is so strong that breaking it could damage his consciousness." I glanced at mother. Clarity was returning to my mind too and I didn't like what was been said. That look on Susanna's face. She was considering tampering with my soul. Even she wouldn't sink so low, right?
Her faced remained contorted, inner gears turning over. Exasperation won out and she sank onto the couch. Her head fell back, eyes staring skyward. She breathed deep. Her composure relaxed.
"So suppose this can't be reversed, what do you propose then? I'm not up to devoting the rest of my life towards the care of a child. Even if he starts growing again, that's another twenty years gone. That's a long time."
Audrey hesitated, her extended ears twitching. I could tell even she recognised Susanna's surface was only the face of a roiling ocean. Her words were chosen with care. "From what I gathered, there is a small chance of fluctuations. He may flip between adult and child. This entire situation has so many variables that time is the only way to learn the full extent of what happens."
Silence tightened its grip. I shivered in Katrina's arm. Despite her warmth, my crotch felt cold. She glanced down at me, a tinge of worry crossing her face. "Ah mum, I think Foran needs a change. Do you…"
Susanna held up her hand. A subtle sneer accompanied it. "Yes, Katrina. Just give him here." I returned my sister the look of worry. I wasn't exactly trusting this woman at the moment. "Remind me to teach you how to change a nappy."
Every step up the stairs was one more closer to hell. My tail tucked between my legs. The door to opened to a weird mesh between child and adult. Inside, the singular bed had been replaced with small cot, and the desk, a changing table. Some things remained the same; wallpaper and decorations, so there wasn't a total shift.
My back met cold plastic and my perspective went from vertical to horizontal. I whimpered as I stared up at the monstrous wolf. She seemed so big, so angry. A single tear rolled down my cheek.
And all the temperament dropped away from her face. Her expression softened, replacing the forward facade. The ears drooped. It seemed layers of defence were been stripped back. Out reached a hand to touch my own face. She smiled as her hand glazed over my fur.
Susanna chuckled. "You're the exact same as when you were first a cub." A strangled sob worked its way out of her throat. I frowned at this sudden attitude change. "What I wouldn't give to do it all again. Make up for all the abuse I gave you and the love I didn't. But after your father…" She sighed. "I guess, what I'm trying to say, is I regret it. Whether you can understand me or not is irrelevant. I love you, Foran. You are my son after all." My thumb worked in and out of my mouth, a content smile as I gazed up at her. She chuckled and smiled back. "Let's fix you up."
Plastic ripped and my hips elevated, wind breezing my short fur. A wipe brushed my crotch and a new nappy slid underneath. I cooed. Mum smiled. Euphoric endorphins overran my brain. A gentle hum emanated from mother as her arms wrapped around me. We settled down on the rocking chair, my thumb replaced by a plastic nipple. Calmness's blanket wrapped around me, rocking me back and forth whilst complexity relinquished its grip. Warm liquid flowed down my throat bringing satisfaction and bliss in a double combo. It was like walking on cloud nine. I lost myself in the rhythmic sensations of suckling. Once only air was left Mum preceded to drape me over her shoulder and rub my back, creating a tiny belch. Laying there with not a single care in the world, there was nothing that could touch me.
Mum stood up and went out of the room holding onto me. Voices drifted up from the lounge room, too hushed for me to comprehend the words. The conversation cut off as we entered the room. I couldn't see Katrina or Audrey's expression but it was clear they weren't yet relaxed.
"I think it's time for lunch," Susanna said. Her commandment brought everyone to their feet. We made our way into the dining room. Mother slipped me into a high chair, scratching my ear as she did so. I thumped my tail. Katrina and Audrey still hung back. Katrina's ears folded down whilst her hand stroked her tail. The rabbit remained rather blank but her lip quivered and gave the game away. Mother gave me a wink and chuckle whilst preceding to lay out a banquet. A jar of greens was placed in front of me.
"Please, people, sit down." Mum smiled at Katrina and Audrey, an equal mixture of genuine kindness and mirth mixed in. Both of them glanced confused at each other. I smiled to myself. They had no idea why she was happy, though come to think of it, neither do I. "Do pipe up Audrey I've much to learn after my recent absence from work."
I sat in silence throughout the meal, focusing on my own inner thoughts. This treatment from Mum was something new, and I could feel myself warming to it. Perhaps my regressed mind was altering my perception but it seemed she'd come full circle. Years of abuse weren't just forgotten, but I felt like progress was been made. My pondering ended when a damp cloth started violating my face. I reach up a hand to block it but mother pushed it aside. I grumbled and sank into my chair.
"Oh wipe the frown Foran, it's just water." I only sought to sink lower, eyebrows following suit. Hands reached under my shoulders and removed me from the chair. "I think it's time someone had a nap." My protests fell on death ears as we made up the stairs. As the door opened though, my whining started to die down and by the time I was on the mat it had completely stopped. With a plastic rip and baby wipes, my crotch was cleaned. Susanna replaced my padding before smothering me in fabric. My limbs were pulled threw the holes and the snaps were done up.
Just like before, it was a rubber nipple that followed. Milk flowed through me once again, washing away all anxieties with it. With the milk slowing down my brain, slumber started to assert its grasp. Each suckle brought my eyelids over further. My back was soothed with a continuous rub. So too did my mind accepted its placation. Mum placed me over her shoulder again, massaging me till I my stomachs tension. Next thing I knew, soft covers had enveloped me and bars were locking me in.
My hand raised, seeking mother's comforting touch. Her large finger brushed mine, stimulating a coo. Footsteps alerted me to her departure. The light went out and my room plunged into gloom. I snuggled further into my mountain of blankets. Sleep had me. Both my adult and infantile minds continued their spiralling descents. A small plush found its way between my arms and my thumb worked in and out only mouth. I sighed one last time, languishing on the edge of consciousness. My eyes finally closed over and I dived into the waters…
The world rumbled around me, straps holding me in place. Rain fell outside. Everything was drenched from the downpour. In front of me sat another wolf. His gaze was focused on the road in front. I yawned, still shrugging off the last remnants of sleep.
"Hello sleepy head." His gruff voice caught my attention and I turned to look at him. "Finally returned to the waking land huh?" I nodded my head, catching his gaze in the rear view mirror. My view turned back to the window. Green fields and brown bark merged together forming a Picasso painting of scenery. "Well I hope you like the weekend away. You're mother needed a break from us, what with your new sister and all." Excitement built up inside of me.
"Where are we going?" My voice squeaked as happiness took hold. A tail did its best to attack the chair it was trapped by.
The wolf chuckled. "Wherever you want."





 With a satisfying click, the door shut behind me. My stance relaxed. I'd forgotten how taxing taking care of a newborn was. I could still feel the tension from the jaw muscles working to smile. They'd had so little time in that position. Despite the sore muscles, with each step my elation grew. By the time I'd descended the stairs my entire being hummed with energy. Katrina and Audrey watched in awe as I strode through the lounge room.
Upon entering the kitchen, my smile wilted a little. The highchair was the centre of a baby food bomb. Just some more detriments to taking care of young ones. Perhaps this maternal care of a baby was good for an afternoon, but I was realising why I'd been so eager for my children to mature. I set to work.
Back and forth I went, no stain escaped my sight. My train of thought changed tracks. What was I going to do with Foran? Been stuck here wasn't an option for him or me. This child deserved the best after dealing with my horrors. Spit choked in my throat. What had I done to him?
"Need any help?" said Audrey. The rabbit stood there, long ears twitching. I shrugged off my troublings. It was obvious she wanted to talk. I caught her mouth open trying to say something. My brow raised while my tail swished back and forth. Audrey looked at me. I waved my hand in encouragement.
"What are you going to do with him?"
I sighed. "I don't know, Audrey. What do you think?" My rump found its way to a chair. My ears flopped to the side, limp and exhausted. I followed Audrey's movements as she sat down. Her eye twitched. She thought I was still angry.
"Truth be told, Susanna, I don't know. I know what not to do though." She put on an almost fierce expression.
"I'm not going to tamper with his soul, Audrey," I said. "Despite what you may think, I do care for Foran. I'm just not sure if I'm up to looking after him. Or if I'm even worthy to." Audrey frowned. She looked at me almost confused.
"What do you mean?" she said. I raised my eyebrows again. Her act dropped. "Fine. As long as I've know you, Susanna, you've not been the best parent. But you're not going to just abandon Foran? I know you love him and he needs someone who cares about him." If elf a pang I guilt. I sighed. My head fell into my waiting hands on the table. Another hand joined the pile. "Let's go discuss this with Katrina."
I nodded. Audrey's words were mulling over in my head. I knew she had no intention of hurting me, but that comment had struck a broken string.
Katrina sat nestled in the couch corner. A frown fleeted across her face. In response I shivered and tucked my tail between my legs. It seemed I'd forgotten Foran wasn't the only person who'd been scarred by my actions. I took my place across from he rand kept my eyes low.
"What do you want to know?" I said. Katrina faltered. It seemed in her anger she had forgotten what she was going to say.
"You're not going to hurt Foran, are you?" said Katrina. She pleaded with her eyes. Guilt pounded my chest. I'd never considered how much Foran meant to Katrina. Siblings were a foreign phenomenon to me.
"No, Katrina." She frowned with discontent. After a few moments of contemplation she nodded her reply. Relief washed over my shoulders. She believed me. Silence resonated with my acceptance. Audrey shuffled her large paws and twiddled her fore claws. I caught sight of Katrina's lifeless tail. This was going nowhere.
I tried to walk with confident gait. Despite the lacklustre conversation it seemed my message had been received. Now with Katrina and I on the same page, maybe we could make a more well thought out approach to this situation. But after exiting the room, voices began speaking again. My ears folded and a tail returned to between my legs. Perhaps my message had been conveyed but it appeared I hadn't yet earned their trust. I turned back to the door. There was no hurt in waiting and listening in.
"I still don't believe her, Audrey," said Katrina. "She's had a change of heart too quick. Something doesn't add up." Katrina's voice was soft and hushed.
"I know. But that doesn't mean we can't give her a chance." Audrey reshuffled herself. "I've known Susanna for a long time. She has good intentions. The death of your father did a lot to her though."
A drop of encapsulated grief rolled down my cheek. Audrey's words weren't intended for my ears, but they cut deep nonetheless. My emotional dam was cracking. I slunk up the stairs. At the top, I stopped and turned to face back. No one was following me. Breath cheered with triumph as it escaped my lungs.
With soft steps I trod down the hall to Foran's room. It was doubtful he was awake. Sure enough, the little wolf still slept inside his cot. The door shut behind me with a soft click. I leaned over the bars and looked at him. His little arms were wrapped around a beaten plush worm. A broad grin spread across my face. How wrong I'd been to assume that I didn't care for this child. He was so cute.
My paw stroked his face, eliciting a contented sigh from the small cub. I noticed his thumb stuck within his mouth. Reaching over to the changing table I retrieved a dummy and replaced the wet digit with it. This didn't seem to phase him and Foran took to sucking off the rubber nipple instead. My rump found its way to a nearby chair, my back resting against the frame. The tip of my tail rested in my lap as the world focused on Foran.
I'm not quite sure how long I spent staring like that. Even so, it was a soft knock from the door that awakened me from the stupor. Audrey stepped into the room and smiled at me.
"I thought I'd find you here," she said. I didn't reply, but instead turned back to the cot. A hand rested on my shoulder. I shivered. "Don't worry Susanna, I'm not here to part you from Foran. On the contrary, I was just coming to let you know I was leaving." Still I ignored her. I couldn't face her. Audrey shuffled her feet. "I, uh, guess I'll see you then. Thanks for having me."
The door closed with a satisfying click. I stood up and looked down at my son. A smile touched my lips but it was soon replaced with a frown. There was so much going wrong right now. My back turned from the cot and I made my way out of the room. I leant against the door and breathed deep. Foran needed someone better than me. I wasn't up to the task.
With that decision made, my mind was eased. Now all that was left was to decide upon where his future lay.
I slipped into my own room and collapsed on the bed. My muscles ached for rest but my mind continued its machinations. Options tossed and turned in my mind, something that reflected out to my physical movements. Where could he go? I knew no one that could take him on. And then it clicked. It wasn't perfect but where else could he go. My eyes closed. He deserved so much better then what he had. I could only hope his future made up for that.





Blankets were wrapped tight around my body when I awoke. My arms tried to reach up to rub my eyes but failed due to the cocoon. As my sense of touch engaged its heightened sensitivity I began to recognise the rhythm of a moving vehicle. I groaned around the object in my mouth. When my eyes finally opened I found myself staring out at the night through the windshield. Straps retained me in the vertical position, another layer of restraint on top of my blankets. I shuffled trying to lessen the tension but my efforts were to no avail. The lack of manual dexterity was annoying but at least it was warm.
After giving up on my prison I turned to my surroundings. I was in a baby seat. A frown crossed my face, until my mind kicked back into gear. The emotional weight returned with full force and I found myself retreating back into my mind. My failed regression spell, been stuck as a newborn and my deteriorating mind. With a few quick breaths I calmed back down. My mind regained clarity. Returning my gaze to the front, I managed to see mum in the windscreen mirror. My hand reached out to her and she gave me a small smile.
"Hello sleepy head. You've returned to the waking land? That's a shame, you were so peaceful." Her voice carried a tinge of despair but her tone was still joyful. I smiled in response though I was still confused over her sadness. My confusion transferred over to another question. Where exactly we were off to at this hour? Wherever it was, I hope it was exciting..
Then I noticed the plush toy on the floor in front of me. My hand reached for it and gave a small cry. It'd been so long since I'd seen that raggedy worm. I wanted him now. I moaned when I couldn't reach Wormy but the car stopped at that moment. Mother got out and opened the door beside me. She noticed my pleas of help. Sure enough the toy was soon returned to my hands. Musty old scents filled my nose and I felt at ease. Hands in turn then wrapped around me. Mother carried us across an empty car park in the cold night. An ominous grey building stood off on the distance but I didn't feel too scared. I just snuggled closer to mum and held on to Wormy tighter.
Into the doors we stepped and I felt heat rush over me. The walls of the room were rather colourful, though the paint was peeling. I pondered where we were.
We rounded the corner to a female kangaroo at a desk. Her attention was focused on a stack of papers. Upon Susanna's approach though she glanced up over a pair of glasses. A concentrated frown changed to a welcoming smile. Something seemed fishy though.
"Susanna, I presume?" said the kangaroo. Mother nodded. Her neck was stiff and I looked up at her. My sensitive nose picked up pheromones of grief. I gripped onto mum tighter and looked up at her. She just squeezed me, but didn't meet my eye line. Panic started welling up inside of me.
"I've signed all the papers," said Mum. She handed down a stack of notes. The kangaroo leafed through them. I tried clawing for Susanna's attention but she continued to ignore me. With a final nod the kangaroo stamped the papers and pushed them to the side. A slight sigh left the kangaroo. Her smile dropped on the dime and became one of concern.
"Are you sure you want to do this? You know there is no withdrawals. Once you let him go that's it." I looked back and forth between my mother and the kangaroo. What was going on here. I whimpered around my dummy. Mum patted my head. I felt mum hold her breath, before releasing her own sigh. She nodded.
Her muzzle pushed against my ear. "I'm sorry, Foran. But know that this is for you, not me. I love you." With much hesitation she handed me over to the kangaroo. What was going on? Where was mum going? My attempts to fight the roo were futile and I ended up in the kangaroo's arms anyway. Whimpers rose in pitch to full on cries. The dummy fell out of my mouth and tears rolled down my cheek.
The kangaroo started off down the hallway, her hand on my back trying to reassure me. But over my shoulders I could see mother tearing up herself. I reached out my hand a cried out for her, but she just turned away and bowed her head. Louder and louder my cries grew. Susanna just started walking in the opposite direction. The kangaroo shivered beneath me. As the wolf walked down the corridor, the distance between me and her grew. So did the sinking feeling in my chest.
A single word stuck on the bridge of my tongue.
"Mama!"
The kangaroo rounded the corner and she was gone.



Here is the second part to the Magic Dabbling series. My apologies for the long wait. You'll be happy to know, at least I hope so, that my production rate has increased. Hopefully that means there won't be a seven month wait for the next part. Anyways, I hope you enjoy.

Don't forget to comment, critique and favourite if you enjoyed.