“Keep ‘em coming, bartender.” Marcus slid another gold doubloon across the counter along with his empty tankard, the booze settling warmly in his belly. His wings fluttered impatiently as the portly boar working the bar poured him another drink, sliding it his way with a grunt and a nod. 

The Splintered Peg-Leg was usually bustling with activity around that time of night, and that’s what Marcus had expected when he’d entered. The strapping young fur had just finished a quest for a mage’s guild on the next island over, and now he was back on the hunt for work. Unfortunately for him, the quest board was empty. And all his usual quest-givers had little in the way of missions for Marcus to undertake. The coin wasn’t an issue; Marcus had plenty of gold jingling around in his coin purse. His issue was the boredom, an issue he decided to tend to with a few tankards of grog. He had resigned himself to a night of munching bar snacks and tossing darts at the wall, but those plans were interrupted by a large Taun-Taun hurrying into the bar, his face red and his robes wrinkled. He looked around in a panic, eyes darting every which way as if frantically looking for something. And as expected, the strange fellow caught Marcus’s attention instantly. The hybrid continued nursing his grog, waiting to see if the ivory-furred Taun-Taun would introduce himself. After a few more minutes of frantic searching, Marcus grew impatient and took the initiative, clearing his throat to catch the older man’s attention.  

“Oh…” The Taun-Taun stood straight and cleared his throat, “Hello!” He held out a hand for Marcus to shake, and the hybrid returned the gesture, “Forgive my lack of tact. I’m currently searching for someone.”  

“I can tell.” Marcus chuckled, examining the Taun-Taun from ear to tail, “You lost your charge, I’m guessing?”  “How’d you know?” The Taun-Taun gasped. “Those robes.” Marcus nodded at the Taun-Taun’s attire, “You’re a member of the Guild of Caretakers, right?”  “Indeed I am.” The Taun-Taun smiled proudly. It was an easy guess to make, truth be told. If his robes weren’t enough of a clue to his profession, then the diaper bag slung over his shoulder surely would have given it away. “Well…I am for now.” The Taun-Taun sighed, taking a seat at the bar next to Marcus, “If I can’t find Argus then who knows, I might get demoted…or worse.”  “Argus?” Marcus asked, “That’s who you’re caring for, I take it?”  “Indeed.” The Taun-Taun nodded, “You didn’t happen to see him, have you? He’s a shorter fur, canine, light fur, and a bit of an attitude.” The Taun-Taun scoffed, “To say the least…” “I don’t think you’ll have much luck finding a baby here.” Marcus chuckled, looking around the bar, “Not exactly the kind of place for tykes.”  

“Well…Argus isn’t your average baby.” The Taun-Taun said, “He’s an adult in body I mean. He just chooses the role of the charge.” “You…can do that?” Marcus blinked. “He wants to be a baby?”  “It’s not common, but it happens more than you’d think. The Guild is happy to take on anyone in need of a caretaker. I just…when Argus was assigned to me, I wasn’t quite prepared for a charge like him.” The Taun-Taun sighed, “He’s a heck of a handful.”  “How did he get away?”  

“Well…” The Taun-Taun said with a nervous chuckle, “Let’s just say he’s not the biggest fan of pants.” Marcus scoffed, “Seriously?”  

“He’s not a fan of rules, either.” The Taun-Taun snorted, “Guess that’s to be expected from a pirate.” “He’s a pirate?”  

“He insists that one at least.” The Taun-Taun explained, “Part of the agreement when becoming a charge under the Guild of Caretakers is acknowledging your caretaker’s authority over you. I’m supposed to be the one in charge, but apparently Argus thought differently.”  

“Then why’d he join in the first place?” Marcus asked.  “The free supply of diapers, I’m guessing.” The Taun-Taun shrugged, “Though apparently, even that isn’t enough for him. You know about the nursery at the port, right?”  “Vaguely.” Marcus sipped his grog.  

“Well, their supply room was raided last night. Every last diaper, gone.” The Taun-Taun shook his head, “It’s Argus’s doing, I know it.”  

“Might as well let the guards handle it.” Marcus shrugged. 

“He’s my charge.” The Taun-Taun said firmly, “Which means he’s my responsibility. I just need to find him…”  “Sounds like you need help.” Marcus smirked, “Mister…”  “Oh!” The Taun-Taun chuckled, “Of course! I haven’t properly introduced myself.” He bowed his head, “I’m Bixby.”  “Marcus.” The hybrid nodded, “So, Bixby, it seems like you’re in need of a seasoned adventurer to help you out.”  “I would appreciate that.’ Bixby nodded. “I’d love to, but do be warned, I don’t work for free.”  “Oh, gold is not an issue, hon.” Bixby assured, “I’ll pay your questing fees. I just need to find Argus soon, before he gets himself in any more trouble.”  “Hmm.” Marcus smiled, “Then consider this an agreement.” He went to shake the Taun-Taun’s hand, but Bixby hesitated. “Oh, goodness, I nearly forgot.” He reached into his diaper bag and pulled out a glowing scroll, sparkling with magical energy. “My duty list…”  “Your what?” Marcus asked.  “My duties as a caretaker.” The Taun-Taun explained, “There are certain things I’m expected to do for my little one; feeding, bathing, diaper changes, etc. I’m supposed to fill a quota of each every day…but…” Bixby winced, “I’m running behind.”  “I’m sure there’s a mother around here that would let you change her baby.” Marcus said. “It’s not that easy.” Bixby continued, “It has to be one of my registered charges. I can’t just take care of some random kid.” The Taun-Taun pondered his conundrum for a moment, then snapped his fingers, “Wait, you can be my charge too!”  “I…I what?” Marcus blinked. “All you have to do is agree to be my charge. That way I can fill my quotas and–”  “You…you want me to wear diapers? And what, be your baby?” Marcus blushed. “You’ll see.” 

Bixby summoned a quill to write on the enchanted parchment, making a contract for Marcus to sign right near the bottom. “All you gotta do is sign your name.” He handed the quill to Marcus, who looked over the agreement anxiously.  “Hmmmm…” The adventurer could hardly read the fine print. He wasn’t keen on the idea, but the promise of a fat sack of gold had a way of swaying him. He scoffed, “Eh, fine.” He said, signing his name in big, bold letters. Just because he was officially Bixby’s charge didn’t change anything, right? It wasn’t like he had to wear diapers.  But the moment he signed his name, something felt…off. The hybrid shivered as a magical rush came over him, a strange tingling sensation that blanketed his entire body from head to toe. He felt strange, both light and heavy, cold and hot, and just as the strange sensation became overwhelming, it suddenly vanished, leaving him standing very confused next to Bixby, his new caretaker.  

“Welp, it’s official.” The Taun-Taun nodded, “As of this moment, Marcus, you’re my charge.”  “Great.” Marcus rolled his eyes. “So what now? Do you have any leads on Argus?”  “Well, first and foremost, we better get you diapered, and quick.” Bixby took Marcus by the hand and led him to the back of the bar, where the restroom was located. “I d-don’t know about this.” Marcus said indignantly, “I really don’t need diapers.” As if on que, the hybrid’s belly began to rumble, and his bladder began to flutter. What was more worrying was how weak those muscles suddenly felt. He knew he had to “go”, but he couldn’t be sure of how badly. It was a harrowing realization, and Marcus wanted to know the cause. “W-what happened? Why do I feel so…weak!”  “You’re fine, I assure you.” The Taun-Taun nodded, “It’s your potty training that’s been weakened.”  “WHAT?” Marcus exclaimed. “Well…a bit more than weakened, actually. It’s more or less nonexistent, to tell you the truth.” The Taun-Taun chuckled, guiding Marcus to a changing table. “I-I didn’t agree to that!” Marcus huffed, his face burning bright red as Bixby helped him out of his trousers and laid him out across the changing table.  “Yes, you did.” Bixby removed the scroll from his diaper bag and tapped the contract, “It says right here that any and all potty training will be forfeited to the caretaker upon signing of the contract.” “So…so I-I need diapers now?” Marcus stammered.  “For as long as you’re my charge, you do.” Bixby cooed, pulling a fresh diaper from his bag along with a bottle of talcum powder and a tub of baby wipes, “Don’t worry, I’m an expert diaper-changer. You’re in good hands.”  “B-but I don’t want to wear di-AAAH!” Marcus gasped as a chilly, wet wipe was dipped between his cheeks without warning. He scowled at the Taun-Taun as he removed the wipe, chuckling nervously.  “Guess I should have warned you, huh?” He laughed, " A little cold.”  “You think?” Marcus blushed, his arms crossed and an annoyed pout on his muzzle as Bixby gave his diaper area a cursory scrub. A liberal coat of powder came next, and once that was on, the fresh diaper was laid out under Marcus’s wiggling behind. He was taped up quickly, and just like that, the grown hybrid was wearing a thick, crinkly diaper, so thick in fact he could barely pull his trousers up over it. “There’s one diapering for the day.” Bixby nodded, making a note in his enchanted scroll.” Still gotta get a feeding and a bath out of the way too. And a few more diaper changes…”  “Don’t get too excited…” Marcus blushed, grumbling indignantly as he got back to his feet. His leather trousers were stretched comically tight across his new padding, bursting at the seams as the hybrid’s rotund posterior rustled and crinkled within, “Once we find your little padded pirate, our contract is null and void.  Bixby nodded his head, trying to hide his growing grin, “I’ll request a contract nullification once Argus is safe and sound back under my care.” 

The Taun-Taun’s smirk grew, “Unless you’d want to stay as my charge, of course. At my rank, I’m authorized to care for up to three charges at once. I’m sure I could handle a second.”  “I don’t need a caretaker.” As if to punctuate his point, the seat of Marcus’s trousers loudly ripped after one too many attempts to secure his belt buckle. The pants gave way, the plastic padding bulging out through the growing seam until the whole seat tore open, leaving the hybrid’s bulbous, crinkly behind plainly visible for all to see. The adventurer blushed, gazing down over his shoulder with his lips pursed and his cheeks redder than ripe tomatoes. “Oh crap…”  “To be expected, really.” Bixby tutted, hands on his hips as he shook his head and clicked his tongue against his teeth, “That diaper looks ridiculous underneath those big-boy clothes.”  “It looks ridiculous, period.” Marcus huffed, hiding his diaper behind his hands and doing a pitiful job of doing so, “Y-you wouldn’t happen to have a spare pair of pants, would you?”  “Pants? No.” Bixby looked around in his diaper bag, sifting through its seemingly bottomless contents, “But I have overalls, onesies, footie pajamas, bonnets, bibs, pacifiers, swaddling cloth.”  “You have all that in there?” Marcus blinked. “Bottomless diaper bag.” Bixby winked, “Magic is a lifesaver when it comes to childcare.”  “But no pants…” Marcus sighed. “No pants.” Bixby confirmed.  Marcus’s sigh turned to a groan. “Guess I’m going pantless then, huh?” The hybrid gathered up the tattered remains of his trousers and ripped them the rest of the way off his waist, leaving him bare below the waist save for his padding.  “How bold of you.” Bixby chuckled, “Usually I don’t let my charges go around in public with their diapers out, but I guess we are in a bit of a rush.” “Just watch my stuff.” Marcus handed the pouch of gold and dagger he’d been keeping in his pocket to Bixby, then prepared to head back into the bar. 

The hybrid steeled himself as best he could, mustering up all the courage he could muster as he stepped through the doors. The bar patrons were slow to realize what had changed. Most hadn’t even noticed the adventurer’s exit, nor his return. But a few did. A few noticed the proud hybrid waddling from the restroom with a tall old Taun-Taun following closely behind, and a short time after that, they noticed what exactly Marcus was wearing. It started as hushed whispers and giggles, knowing smiles and toothy grins. Word spread amongst the bar as more and more people noticed the diapered adventurer trudging between the tables, his head hung low and his padded posterior crinkling with every step he took.  “Is he wearing a…a…” “By the Gods, he is! He’s not even wearing pants!”  “I didn’t know they let babies in the bar.”  “At least his Daddy’s watchin’ him.”  “Pay them no mind, young one.” Bixby whispered, gently squeezing Marcus’s shoulder as they made their way for the exit, “Ignorance is an all-too-common affliction. Don’t let them get to you.”  “I’m not.” Marcus huffed, “I’m fine.” He barged through the double doors at the front of the bar, coming out to a bustling cobblestone road just at the edge of the market district. 

The port town was alive even at the wee hours of the night, with ships coming and going at the docks and all manner of goods being hauled to and from the cargo ships. The Goldenshore Port was massive, and finding a single anthro amongst the thousands would be like finding a needle in an entire barn of hay.  But they had to start somewhere. Marcus stroked his chin, leaning against the wall of the bar as he pondered their options.  “Perhaps we should start our search tomorrow? It’s already awfully late.” Bixby said, looking up at the full moon above them. “I’m not spending any more time in diapers than I need to.” Marcus said, “Besides, the longer Argus is on his own, the more trouble he’s gonna get into.” “And all the more trouble he’ll get me into.” Bixby said, shaking his head, “Alright, alright. But no later than midnight! I wouldn’t be a caretaker if I didn’t enforce some kind of bedtime.”  “Then we only have a couple of hours…” Marcus sighed, “Hmmm…what was the last place he robbed?” “The diaper-depot. It’s an infant-supply store in the middle of the market district.”  “And before that?”  “A nursery, I think? Not too far from the depot.” “And before that?”  “Cloth nappy store. Right next to the nursery.”  Marcus drew a map of the robberies in his head, along with when they had occurred. Argus’s first diaper heist happened at a disposable diaper factory at the far edge of the harbor, far away from the port itself. Every robbery afterwards crept further and further into the heart of the port city, towards bigger and bigger targets…as well as more and more resistance.”  “He’s getting bolder…” Marcus realized. Bixby scoffed, “Don’t know how that’s even possible. He’s plenty bold enough already.”  “He’s robbing stores that are deeper and deeper into the city.” Marcus explained, “He was being cautious at first, robbing from places with an easy escape route. The deeper he gets into the port, the more guards he has to contend with. He’s getting cocky…and reckless.”  “He’s gonna get himself arrested…” Bixby sighed, “That pup, I swear. A tanned rump and some time in the corner would straighten him out real quick.”  “What’s the next target, though?” Marcus stroked his chin, “If we figure out what spot he’ll hit next, we can get there before he does.”  “Well, there’s a custom diaper shop a few blocks down from the last store he robbed…” Bixby said, “But the guards would certainly be on high alert. There’s no way he’d be that reckless…” “I wouldn’t be so sure.” Marcus said, standing up from the bar wall, “How far away is the diaper shop?” “About an hour’s walk, I’d imagine.”  “Then we don’t have time to waste.”  

The two made as much haste as possible, hurrying through the busy streets as Marcus did his best to keep up with Bixby. The old Taun-Taun was far slower than the fit, young adventurer, but the diaper taped around Marcus’s waist forced the hybrid to take on an awkward, bow-legged gait to keep his balance. He waddled as fast as he could, but even a fast waddle was still slower than a brisk jog. They’d traveled for more than an hour, and still the store was nowhere in sight. Marcus was growing impatient, and the jeers and giggles from the furs he passed by weren’t helping. There was no escaping the fact that he was wearing a diaper. Every crinkle, every whiff of talcum powder, and every gawking onlooker was just another reminder of his absorbent undergarment. He didn’t feel like the dashing, daring young rogue he knew himself to be. He felt like a fool, like a little boy wearing his father’s armor. “Just finish the job, Marcus.” He told himself, “It’s just a quest, nothing more.”  “Time out, young one.” Bixby said, stopping in his tracks. Marcus bumped snout-first into the Taun-Taun’s rump, nearly landing back on his butt from the impact. “What gives? We’re almost there!”  “I know, Marc.” The old Taun-Taun smiled, “This will only take a moment.”  “What will?” Marcus looked on in confusion as the caretaker brought Marcus close, pulling the hybrid to his chest in what Marcus assumed was a hug. His confusion was answered when he felt the waistband of his diaper being tugged back, followed by Bixby’s quiet tutting.  “Just as I thought.” He smiled, “You’re soaked, little one.”  “I’m…I’m what?” Marcus blinked in disbelief. Was…was he talking about his diaper?  “This thing’s close to leaking!” Bixby said, shaking his head, “You’re gonna need thicker diapers, little adventurer. I had no idea you were such a heavy wetter.” Marcus’s cheeks burned, his mouth agape as he tried to hide his embarrassment. “I…I’m not…I didn’t…”  “Yeah…you did.” Bixby chuckled, “Look down, bud.”  Marcus hesitated to do so. He froze, his head refusing to move. But he didn’t need to see what he’d done to know he’d done it. He felt it, a damp warmth enveloping his undercarriage, his diaper heavy between his legs. His legs were parted even further now, leaving his padding all the more visible. He finally mustered the courage to look down, and sure enough, a pale-yellow stain now replaced the pristine, white padding that had been there mere moments before. He’d wet himself….for the first time in well over a decade, he’d pissed himself without a modicum of control. He hadn’t even realized he’d done it! “No…no way…” He stammered, his cheeks turning from pink to red, “How?”  “How did you pee your diaper?” Bixby giggled, covering his smile behind his hand, “I think it’s pretty self-explanatory, little one. You must’ve had quite a lot to drink.” Marcus scowled, staring daggers at the Taun-Taun as he attempted to pull his tunic down over his diaper, but to no avail. There was no covering his undergarments, nor the state of them. The thick scent of talcum powder that clung to him like a cheap cologne was now tainted with the slight but noticeable aroma of a soggy diaper. 

It was hard to detect on the salty sea air, but Marcus could smell it, and that was bad enough.  “We should really get you changed, Marcus.” Bixby said, gently squeezing the young hybrid’s shoulder, “I’ll get a demerit if your nappy springs a leak.”  “I…I…” Marcus shivered. He wanted out of his wet diaper badly, but he knew time was of the essence. They were already cutting it close. The sooner Argus was caught, the sooner Marcus could get out of the contract, and get out of the diaper by extension. Sprinting across the port in a soggy diaper wasn’t ideal, but it was still faster than a change, no matter how deft Bixby was at the task. The hybrid sighed, looking down at his bloated padding, then back at the old Taun-Taun. “I’m fine.” He pointed further down the road, “We just follow the road, make a left at the Bay Hotel, then just follow the boardwalk till we get to the diaper shop.”  “But you’re dia–” “We’re almost there…” Marcus sighed, “We don’t have time for…that.” Bixby tapped his foot, clearly unhappy with the delayed diaper change. The Taun-Taun crossed his arms and considered Marcus’s plan till he finally relented with a prolonged sigh, “Alright, little one…but if you tinkle again, you gotta let me know, alright?”  Marcus didn’t dignify that little reminder with a response. He was waddling off down the road without a moment of hesitation, Bixby following closely behind without issue. The Taun-Taun had an even easier time keeping up with the hybrid, now that Marcus’s diaper was even more unwieldy to walk with. He felt like he had a big, soggy beanbag between his thighs, and the longer he walked with it, the more exhausted he felt. His toddling was at a snail’s pace, and anytime he tried to speed up he’d end up flat on his butt for his efforts, becoming very familiar with the diaper he was so desperate to be out of.  But as slow as they were moving, they still made progress. It took an hour to reach the Bay Hotel, and half an hour to make it to the boardwalk. They were running out of time, but their destination was in sight. The custom diaper shop was the last shop at the end of the boardwalk, and while it wasn’t exactly close, at least it was finally visible.  “We’re…we’re almost there…” Marcus panted, leaning against a palm tree as he attempted to catch his breath. “Perhaps we should take a moment to rest.” Bixby said calmly. “I just need a minute…”  “How’s your nappy, little one?” “It’s fine…and stop calling me that!” Marcus growled. He was lying, of course. His diaper had become cold and clammy throughout their journey, and while a recent wetting once they’d reached the boardwalk did warm it up for a time, it was now just as cold and soggier than ever.  “Did you wet again?” “No.” Marcus lied. “Hold still, little one. Let me check.”  “I said I–” Marcus groaned as Bixby tugged out the waistband of his diaper, peering down at his soggy rump before letting it snap back into place. “Didn’t wet again, huh?” Bixby tutted, squeezing the hybrid’s bottom, “You’re absolutely drenched, Marcus.”  “W-whatever.” Marcus blushed, batting the Taun-Taun’s hands away, “We don’t have time to–” “I’m making time.” Bixby said, taking a firm grip on Marcus’s hand as he guided him towards one of the many public restrooms lining the boardwalk, “You’re lucky you haven’t leaked already.”  “B-B-But…” Marcus whined, planting his feet and tugging at the Taun-Taun’s hand with all his might, but to no avail. Bixby shouldn’t have been that strong. He was a Taun-Taun, sure. But he was an old man, and Marcus was a strapping young adventurer. He should have easily been able to stop Bixby dead in his tracks, yet the Taun-Taun guided him along effortlessly, hurrying him into a family restroom and locking the door behind. “Okay, Marcus, you know the drill.” Bixby unlatched the fold-out changing table and patted its surface, “I’ll be as quick as I can.”  “I said…” Marcus said, his scowl looking more like a pout when paired with the wet diaper taped around his hips, “We don’t have ti-AHH!”  Bixby gathered Marcus up by the armpits before he could fuss any further. “Fussy little guy, aren’t you?” Bixby chuckled, laying the hybrid out across the changing table, “I bet you’ll feel better once you’re in a fresh nappy, little one.” “I don’t need a fresh nappy!” Marcus fussed, squirming like a beached fish while Bixby affixed the changing table’s safety strap across the wiggling hybrid’s belly. He was lying, of course, both he and Bixby knew it. Marcus’s diaper was saturated to an almost comical degree, sloshing between his thighs like a portable waterbed. It was a miracle he hadn’t leaked already, and his reluctance to getting changed bordered on delusional. But it was hard to think rationally when undergoing the first diaper change he’d had since preschool. Marcus was used to being in control, choosing his own path, and making his own rules. The idea that he was now reliant on another person, and for such a downright infantile matter, filled him with a helplessness he’d never felt before.  “Are you sure about that?” Bixby chuckled, peeling back the first two diaper tapes, then repeating the process with the next. He wasted no time pulling back Marcus’s diaper front, revealing the hybrid’s soggy crotch to the chilly breeze from the air conditioning. Marcus shivered, both from the cold and the vulnerability. It felt different than his earlier diapering had felt. The damp, yellow interior of his diaper left no question about what he’d done inside it, and Bixby made sure to allow Marcus plenty of time to inspect his soggy nappy just to drive home his point, “You may not feel when you need to go, little one. But I find it hard to believe you didn’t notice this.” The Taun-Taun smiled.  “I…I…” Marcus blushed. The adventurer had a witty retort for everything, but not that. It was hard to act tough when lying on a changing table. His jaw hung open, waiting for his frazzled brain to conjure up a reply.  But he had none. The hybrid bashfully turned his head to the side, his eyes squeezed shut, and his lips pursed to keep them from quivering. “F-fine…” He whispered. “I won’t take long.” Bixby assured, setting out the other supplies required for the change. He set a tub of wipes, a bottle of talcum powder, and a fresh new diaper to the side, focusing first on the task of sopping up all the pee from Marcus’s fur. He warmed a wipe on his hand, then brought it down for the first delicate swipe across the hybrid’s diaper region. Marcus yelped, clasping his muzzle shut with both hands as Bixby looked up at him with an amused smile. “It wasn’t too cold, was it?” He asked. “J-just hurry up.” Marcus huffed, wincing as Bixby’s wipe-covered fingers explored every last nook and cranny.  “Manners, little one.” Bixby tutted, preparing another wipe as he gathered Marcus’s ankles in his hand and hoisted his rump up off the diaper. His bottom was wiped down much the same as his front had been, if not a tad more briskly. Marcus did his best to stay compliant, though his impatience was steadily growing the longer Bixby took to finish up.  “O-okay! I’m clean enough!” He huffed, squirming against the strap still secured over his chest, “C’mon! We’re running out of time.”  “You can’t rush a diaper change, Marcus.” Bixby said calmly, preparing a fresh wipe for one final swipe, “Unless you want a rashy behind, that is.”  Marcus scoffed, “This is bullshit.”  “Language.” Bixby said sternly, unfolding Marcus’s new diaper and sliding it beneath before upending the bottle of talcum powder over his crotch and rump, “I don’t tolerate potty-talk, young one.”  Marcus held his tongue. He wanted to argue, to point out that he was a fully grown hybrid and that he could use whatever kind of language he damn well pleased. But that would only waste more time than they’d already wasted, and the sooner they caught Argus, the sooner Marcus could be back to un-padded underwear.  “I’m a very patient man, Marcus. But even my patience has limits.” Bixby said, pulling the front panel of Marcus’s new diaper up over his crotch and taping it into place, “I expect you to behave for me, little one. I don’t want to have to punish you, but if you keep acting up–”  “Are you done?” Marcus asked, nodding down at his fresh new diaper. “I…” Bixby sighed, “Yes…I’m done.”  “Then let’s get a move on.” Marcus said, pulling at the safety strap. Bixby rolled his eyes, but did as Marcus requested, helping the hybrid to his feet and disposing of the used diaper promptly. The two exited the restroom and arrived back at the dock. 

The port seemed business as usual, no signs of a robbery, and no signs of Argus…yet. “Told you we’d have time.” Bixby winked. Then, suddenly, an explosion rocked the entire pier, sending the crowd into a panicked frenzy and sending Marcus onto his butt.  “W-was that him?” Bixby stammered. Through the uproar of the crowd, the sound of laughter could be heard. A rugged, swashbuckling type of laughter. Laughter Bixby knew all too well. “Yeah…that’s Argus.” He said. “We’re too late…” Marcus gasped, tugging at Bixby’s sleeve, “Come on! Before he gets away!” The chase was on, and thankfully, the fresh diaper Marcus now wore was far more maneuverable than the soggy one. He was still nowhere near as swift as he would have been in more “conventional” undergarments, but he’d take any advantage he could get. The crowd was a panicked mass of frightened, confused furs fleeing in every direction. The chaos was near impossible to navigate, doubly so for Bixby. The large Taun-Taun couldn’t worm his way through the sea of frantic anthros the same way Marcus could, and it wasn’t very long before the hybrid disappeared into the fray. “Marcus?” Bixby called out, his pitch rising as panic began to set in, “Marcus, get back here, young man! I’m not going to let you out of my sight!”  “He’s gonna get away!” Marcus shouted back, pressing his way through the crowd as Bixby’s shouts grew fainter and fainter. After what felt like hours of slipping between people, the winded hybrid finally emerged from the crowd, revealing the scorched pier and smouldering storefront. The police were just now arriving, having just as much trouble with the panicked civilians as Marcus did, judging by how long they took to get there. The scene was cataclysmic, but Marcus did his best to gather his breath and steel himself. He had a quest to do, and he wasn’t about to back out now.  Standing in front of the store amidst the rubble was an ornery old seagull, cursing under his breath and kicking the burnt remains of diaper boxes around like soccer balls. “My store! Look at this place!” He groaned, hands over his balding scalp as his face continued to redden with his growing rage, “It’ll take me months to fix this place up! Who the hell–”  “Uh…excuse me, sir?” Marcus walked up, cautiously grabbing the old gull’s attention, “I’m assuming you’re the owner of this store, correct?”  “Gee, what gave you that idea?” The old man rolled his eyes, pulling at his suspenders as he let out a long, tired exhale, “Yes…this is my store. Was my store.” The gull’s gaze met Marcus’s, then lowered. A grin started spreading across his beak, “Bit old for diapers, ain’t ya?”  “Don’t ask…” Marcus blushed, then sighed, “Look, the guy who robbed you–”  “He did a lot more than rob me!” The gull scoffed, “Look at my store!”  “Fine, whatever. The guy who torched your store, he didn’t happen to be a canine, did he? Kinda short, lighter fur, dresses like a pirate?”  “Yes, he did happen to look like that…” The gull furrowed his brow, “That wasn’t a lucky guess. You don’t happen to know this little criminal, do you?”  “I know about his bounty.” Marcus smirked, “Which way did he go? If I hurry, I might still be able to catch hi–” “Oh, he’s long gone.” The gull shrugged, “Saw him sailing out of the port right after he looted my store. He’s probably out past Sharktooth Point by now. And I doubt you can swim that fast.”  “So…I’m too late.” Marcus said, his shoulders slack and his jaw dropped, “We’re too late…”  “There you are!” Bixby exclaimed, pushing out of the crowd and rushing to join Marcus. The Taun-Taun wore a scowl that even Marcus quivered at, but the little hybrid didn’t waver.  “Took you long enough.” Marcus smirked.  “You know you’re not to run off from me, little one! The Guild would have my head if they found out I let two of my charges get away from me.”  “We’re too late…” Marcus said under his breath. “What?” Bixby gasped, his attention turning to the devastated storefront Argus had left in his wake, “Oh…heaven's sake, that boy!”  “Boy?” The seagull scoffed, “Kid is a menace, is what he is! Should lock him up and throw away the damn key.” ‘  “Argus is…a handful, yes. But he’s a good puppy deep down! He just has…behavioral issues.”  “I’d say.” The gull rolled his eyes.  “He’s gone…” Marcus sighed, “This was our best chance to nab him, and he’s gone.”  “He’s sure to strike again tomorrow night, and now we know his pattern.” Bixby tried to quell Marcus’s frustration, “How did he manage to get away again, exactly?”  “Boat. Had a little schooner set up at the dock.” The gull explained.  “Perfect! We can have the port authority seal off the bay! Cut off his main means of escape.” Bixby said excitedly, “Sounds like a plan then, doesn’t it, Marcus? We’ll have Argus caught by this time tomorrow night.” “We could have caught him tonight…” Marcus grumbled, pouting like a petulant cub, “If you didn’t make me get a diaper change.”  “It wasn’t like I had much of a choice.” Bixby shot back, “You were a drop away from springing a leak, remember?”  “I don’t need you to tell me when my diaper does or doesn’t need changing! I don’t need you at all!” Marcus shouted, “I’m a fully grown adult, and I–”  Before Marcus could continue, Bixby snatched him by the wrist and was already on his way down the road, past the line of police, all the while Marcus struggled and writhed in his grip. “H-h-hey! What are you doin’?” “Taking you back to my hotel room.” Bixby said plainly, “You’ve been acting up all night. I think you need a little trip over my knee, then an early bedtime to sort out this attitude of yours.”  “You’re…you’re punishing me?” Marcus scoffed, his cheeks burning and butterflies dancing inside his stomach.  …but as the pressure in his stomach continued to build, Marcus quickly realized it was a lot more than butterflies in his belly.  “That’s right, young man.” Bixby nodded, “Now, I don’t want to hear another word about it. You’re in enough trouble as it is.”  “W-wait…B-Bixby…” Marcus winced, his tail threatening to flag as he stopped in his tracks, “I…I-I think I gotta…” “Stalling won’t do you any good.” Bixby said, as he turned to see his charge squatting with his fists balled and his tail raised, “Marcus?” “I-I gotta…o-oh no…”  His eyes darted back and forth in a panic, seeking a restroom he might be able to waddle to in time before his dinner found its way into the seat of his pampers. But there were no bathrooms to be found.  “Marcus? Are you alright?” Bixby asked, his voice heavy with concern.  A rather rude sound escaped the hybrid’s behind, his tail still hiked and flicking wildly. Bixby had seen Argus fill his pants enough times to know when one of his charges was in the process of making a messy diaper for him to clean, so he didn’t interrupt. He just placed a gentle hand on the hybrid’s back, stroking it gently as Marcus squeaked and grunted, trying to delay the inevitable.  But the inevitable would be delayed no further. Another rude sound emerged, then the telltale sounds of a diaper crinkling as its seat expanded. With no pants to preserve his modesty, Marcus’s distending diaper seat was left fully within his caretaker’s view, the Taun-Taun chuckling softly as Marcus messed himself without a modicum of control. But eventually, Marcus’s bowels were empty, unlike his diaper, which was now very, very full, and Marcus; the esteemed bounty hunter, was left as little more than a sniffling, teary-eyed cub, standing with an awkward gait to make room for all the extra “cargo” he was now hauling. Every shift of his body jostled the contents of his diaper, leaving him with no hope of avoiding contact with the smelly, squishy lump under his butt. His nose wrinkled as the smell of the salty sea air was tainted by a far less pleasant odor, just another reminder of what he’d just done.  “I…” Marcus sniffled, “I-I…”  “Come on, little one.” Bixby said softly, taking Marcus by the paw, “Let’s get back to my hotel. I was due a messy diaper to change for my quota.” He smiled. “B-B-But–”  “Shhhh.” Bixby said, guiding Marcus along, “It’s just a messy diaper, hon. Nothing to get upset over.”  But Marcus was upset. It took all his emotional fortitude not to bawl for the long, awkward trek back to the hotel room. The glaring eyes and snickers from the passersby were impossible to ignore, and no amount of cooing and coddling from Bixby could distract him from the fact that he’d just pooped himself…in public…in a diaper.  But the worst of the night was still yet to come. 

Bixby wasn’t bluffing about the spanking as it turned out. Marcus’s relief from having his messy diaper changed was short-lived. Before he was changed into his new padding, he found himself splayed across the Taun-Taun’s lap, realizing what was about to happen only after the first, open-palmed smack landed on his backside. He’d been cut by sabers and pierced by musket fire in the past, and somehow a firm spanking still managed to hurt more than any of his previous injuries combined. He was left as a blubbering, bawling mess by the time Bixby was done, and he was given a good ten minutes in the corner to make sure the lesson sank in. The night was young, but after a bubble bath at his caretaker’s behest, Marcus was sent straight to bed, and while it was still hours before the young hybrid usually turned in for the night, his exhaustion, coupled with the emotional fatigue of being babied, sent him into an early slumber. He slept like a baby, doubly so considering when he awoke the next day, his diaper wasn’t quite as clean as it had been the night before.  And those embarrassing memories continued to haunt his thoughts throughout the day, even as the day turned to night and the hour of Argus’s expected arrival finally came. His rump still stung, and the sickly sweet scent of baby soap still clung to his fur. The only comfort he could find was in the knowledge that his bounty’s capture was swiftly approaching, and once he’d been apprehended, he’d finally be free of the contract…and the diapers. “The port authority just gave the signal.” Bixby said, walking to Marcus’s side. They were stationed beside the Bayside Diaper Factory, hiding in an alleyway, waiting for Argus to strike. “A small vessel is headed for the shore. They blocked off access to the sea. We got him cornered.”  “Hope you’re ready for a fight.” Marcus said, cracking his knuckles, “Something tells me he’s not gonna go quietly.”  “You just make sure he doesn’t escape. I’ll handle our little pirate.”  “You?” Marcus scoffed, “You don’t look like much of a fighter, old man.”  “I’m not.” Bixby winked, “Remember, we’re here to take him peacefully. If he gets so much as a scratch, the Guild will have my as–”  Musketfire suddenly rang through the streets, along with cackling laughter and an overly affected voice shouting “YAR! YOUR PLUNDER BE MINE, YA SCURVY DOG!” in what could only be described as a cartoonishly over-the-top pirate impression. It didn’t sound like a pirate…it sounded like a kid pretending to be one. 

Bixby wasted no time, hurrying to the alley’s exit while a perplexed Marcus sprinted after him. “What are you doing?” He hissed, tugging on the Taun-Taun’s sleeve, “You’re gonna get yourself killed!”  “I’ve got it under control, little one.” Bixby said confidently. “But you said you needed me to catch him! That’s what you hired me for, remember?”  “I needed your help finding him.” Bixby winked, “Don’t worry, little one. I have a plan.”  The two rounded the corner to the storefront. As expected, they found Argus there, waiting for them. The young canine was dressed in a clichéd pirate getup, save for the trousers, which he had ditched in favor of leaving his diaper on display. He held two musket pistols in either hand, and just as he noticed the two strangers’ approach, he pointed his guns in their direction, meeting them with a wicked grin.  “Ye got a deathwish, landlubber?” He grinned, cocking the hammer back on both guns, “Ye best be walkin’ back the way you come, lest you boys want a few extra holes in yo–”  “Argus.” Bixby said sternly, emerging from the shadows with a scowl that could make a grown man shiver, “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been looking for you?”  And suddenly, as if a switch had been flipped in the small canine’s brain, his demeanor shifted in an instant. Gone was the bravado, his tail now tucked between his legs and his eyes averted, unable to meet Bixby’s glare. “B-B-Bixby?” He stammered, “B-B-Bixby I-I-I–”  “Save it.” The Taun-Taun said, producing a pacifier from his sleeve that shimmered faintly in his hand, “You’re in enough trouble already.”  “I was just playin’ around!” He said sheepishly, his pistols falling to the ground as he backed away slowly, “I didn’t…I-I didn’t mean to…to…” He looked back at his ship and the countless vessels now blocking the bay. Escaping by sea wasn’t an option, and as Marcus sprang from behind him and took the canine by the arms, he wouldn’t be running away on foot any time soon either. “Lemme go! I didn’t do nothin’! I–”  But his protests were swiftly silenced by the binky. Whatever spell the pacifier had been enchanted with went into effect shortly after it was placed between Argus’s lips. The panic in his eyes left, his mouth turning up into a grin as his unsteady legs gave out from under him. He landed on his soggy diaper with a squish, though he was seemingly none too upset by the state of his padding. Even his capture didn’t seem to faze him. Argus was surprisingly content, giggling to himself as he nursed on his binky. “What did you do to him?” Marcus asked, staring down at the pirate in disbelief. “Enchanted pacifier. Helpful when dealing with an unruly charge.” Bixby explained, gathering Argus up into his arms, “Don’t worry, the effect only lasts as long as the user is sucking on it.” He chuckled, giving Argus’s soggy seat a pat, “Should keep the troublemaker docile till we get back to the hotel. He’s got the mother of all spankings coming his way.”  “I’m sure he does.” Marcus said impatiently, tapping his foot, “Aren’t you…forgetting about something?”  “Hmmm?” Bixby said, then laughed, “Oh! Of course! Your payment.” He said, reaching into the diaper bag, “How much gold did we agree upon?”  “Screw the gold!” Marcus huffed, “I just want my potty training back! You said you’d nullify the contract once we caught the bounty, right?”  “Not quite…” Bixby grimaced, “I said I’d send in the request once the bounty was completed. The Guild handles contract nullification, not I.”  “So…” Marcus sighed, “How long will that take, exactly?”  “The guild is usually pretty timely.” Bixby replied, “I’d say a month or two…three at the most.” “THREE MONTHS?” Marcus exclaimed, his jaw nearly hitting the floor, “I-I’m supposed to be your charge for THREE MONTHS?”  “It’s what you signed up for, remember?” The Taun-Taun smiled, extending a hand out for Marcus to take, “I’ll take good care of you, little one. Rest assured.”  “B-B-But…but I…” Marcus stammered. Three whole months of diapers and bottle feedings…the reality settled into his stomach like a bag of cement. “No…no way…no friggin’ way! I’m not a baby!” He stomped, “And I don’t need a damn caretaker! I…I…”  Marcus was interrupted by the faint sound of trickling, and an even fainter crinkling that followed shortly after it. Both he and Bixby’s gaze fell to Argus, but his diaper was no more wet than it had been before. Then their gaze fell upon Marcus’s diaper, and the yellow stain that was encroaching on the fresh, white padding.  Marcus sighed, and Bixby smiled, his arms crossed and a smug grin spreading across his muzzle. “You were saying?”