Working Through It All

By Ozzie Astaroth

Rick, a black and tan furred German shepherd in his mid thirties, was known to be somewhat grumpy at times, but also very dedicated to his work. He helped to build shelters around the city, as well as maintain them. There always seemed to be something wrong with them or something to fix, so he was never not busy. These shelters were needed to protect people from storms, but not just any storms. Ever since some scientists experimented with tachyon particles, there had been periodic waves of crazy storms that had a unique effect on living things. These storms would range in severity, causing the usual weather phenomena like rain, wind, and even lightning. However, unlike regular storms, these radiated tachyon particles, causing people affected by them to regress in age, effectively growing younger the more they are exposed to it. At first, everything was chaos as adults turned into children, children turned into babies, and people ended up at various younger ages than they were. However, these effects didn't last long, and within a month everyone was basically back to normal. Some permanently lost a few years, but this was seen as an overall good thing by adults and the elderly especially. The storms seemed to effect those already young much less than older people, only regressing them by a few years usually. The mental age of everyone would also regress, however, the more a person is exposed to the storm's radiation, the less they are effected mentally. It took a long time, but eventually the storms were studied and calculated so that they could be predicted within a day or so in advance. They would only occur once or twice a season, but when they did, they swept the globe, so no one was safe. That was until a method to shield people from the radiation was developed. 

“Ugh, this is such a pain.” Rick grumbled. It was a hot summer day, and a storm was coming. He was wearing some work boots, dark blue overalls, and a white t-shirt underneath it. Various heavy tools dangled from the belt line of his overalls, clanging together a little as he moved. He hammered away at some panels on the roof of one of the shelters in the city. The shelters themselves were rather slap-dash at first, having converted some old store fronts or community centers, but most of them had been fully upgraded to fully guard from the effects of the storms. This one, however, was one of the old ones, and somewhat falling apart. It was more of an old shack that had some of the older shielding on it, but the owner of the property it was on had been too cheap to upgrade it until some government help and new requirements came down. It was next on the list to be upgraded, but before they could, another storm was predicted.

“Make sure you have it ready quickly!” said Patty, a very pompous, rich, female pig dressed in a very nice blue velvet dress. Shiny white pearls dangled from her neck and her diamond ring sparkled in the sun light. She was in her fifties, and thanks to her fortune, had avoided most of the time storms that happened in her lifetime. She was the kind who was never satisfied, always wanting the best. While she owned the property the shelter was built on, she lived further inside the city, and had her own shelter there to use just in case. However, thanks to needing to oversee the upgrade and repairs of this shelter, she was stuck here until the storm passed.

“I will Ms. Patty.” said Rick. “Don't you worry. I won't rest until everything is up to code!” He continued working on the roof, bringing out a blow torch to seal some cracks.

“You had better!” said Patty. “I don't want to feel a single drop on my head from the storm! I just got this hair done and I won't have it or my outfit ruined!”

Rick nodded and grumbled to himself, something about a swine, but quietly enough to where she didn't hear. It was her fault the shelter was still in such poor condition. She didn't care about the commoners living on her property, only her own. Other people were walking up, getting ready to go in.

“You uh, got everything there pal?” asked a male lion, standing there, wearing some white shorts and green Polo shirt. He had a large, impressive mane, and spoke in a bit of a New York accent. He was only there visiting, but found himself stuck here since the shelter a block over was full.

Rick looked down from the roof and nodded. “Yep!” he said. “I'm on it. I'll have this place ship shape before the storm gets here.”

“Good.” said the lion. “My name is Keith, by the way.”

“Name's Rick.” said Rick. “Excuse me, I have a lot of work to do.” He stayed focused on his work, determined to get it done before the storm hit. It wouldn't be long now, and this was the only shelter in the area.

“Sure thing.” said Keith. He walked around outside of the shelter with a few others who were talking.

“Oh, hello.” said Sandy, an adult, brown and tan colored female horse. She wore a pink tank top and white shorts. “I'm Sandy. Is this the shelter we're supposed to be in?”

“If you live near here, yes.” said Patty. “I'm Patty, I own the property.”

“Oh, so you're who I pay rent to.” said Sandy. She lived in an apartment building near the shelter. “Nice to meet you.”

“I'm sure.” said Patty, fanning her face with a paper fan. She hated fraternizing with the common folk. 

A gray wolf woman walked up, wearing some jeans and a rainbow shirt. She looked to be around Rick's age, and seemed to know Sandy. “Hello Sandy!” she said. “How've you been?”

“Oh hi Lorry!” said Sandy. “I've been okay. Gosh, it's been a while hasn't it?” They had both gone to high school and college together.

“Yeah, I think the last time we met was at the office Christmas party.” said Lorry. 

“That's right!” said Sandy. “You work at the bank with my husband.”

“Uh huh, how is Carl?” asked Lorry.

“He's flown to another state on a business trip.” said Sandy. 

“Oh yes, I remember now.” said Lorry. “If you're not busy and want some company, maybe I can come visit you.”

“I'd like that.” said Sandy. “If we're old enough after this storm passes.” She giggled, but was slightly serious. The storms could cause an adult to become a child, or even an infant. Thankfully, there were places they could go to be taken care of until they grow back up.

Rick just shook his head at the banter and checked over his work. It seemed like the shelter was relatively sturdy. It wouldn't keep all of the particles out, but it would do a decent job until it could be upgraded. “Okay folks!” he announced, stepping down from his ladder. “Go ahead on in. The storm will be here soon.”

Everyone began to file in. Along with those already present, a cute adult brown bear couple entered, then a male red panda with his teen son. The inside of the shelter was big enough to hold at least a dozen people, while the newer ones could hold double that. There was a TV and some old couches and chairs to sit on. There was a kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, stove, and microwave. There was also a bathroom which had a single shower, toilet, sink, and included soap, shampoo, and even towels. There were also a few clothing items, mainly diapers and training pants, since that was frequently an issue when people became too young to use a toilet. Most supplies they would need were there, and it allowed them to stay inside for at least a few days. Most storms only lasted a day, but some had gone on for nearly three days. There were a few others who entered, but the last was an older lady.

“Wait for me!” said the older bovine lady. Her fur was white with black spots, and she wore a pink and purple dress with a faux pearl necklace. She also had a cane, which she leaned on as she walked.

Rick kept the door open for her. “Come on in!” he said. “The storm is almost here!”

The older female cow tripped and fell. “Ow!” she yelled. “Please, help!”

Rick ran out and helped her up right as the storm began to hit. He ran inside and locked the door behind him. “Whew!” he said. “That was close.”

“Thank you young man.” said the cow woman. “Oh, my leg! It's been giving me so much trouble.”

“Here you go.” said Rick, helping her onto a couch. “Make some room for her.” 

“Ugh, fine.” said Patty, not wanting to make room for some poor old person. She decided to occupy one of the chairs instead, moving it away from the others. There were a low murmur from the various people inside the shelter, which she wanted to shut out. She turned on the TV, and it flickered and wavered slightly. “Rick! Fix this piece of crap TV!”

“Ugh, let me see what I can do.” said Rick. He examined the TV and adjusted some of the cables. “Looks like the problem is outside.”

“Then go out there and fix it.” said Patty.

“Are you nuts?” asked Lorry. “If he goes out there he'll get regressed!”

“No, it's okay.” said Rick. “I've been in so many of these, they don't effect me as much. Besides, the shelter includes a shield suit. It's not 100% effective, but it helps a little.” He put on the shiny, silvery coat, which only covered his upper half, and braced himself. He was determined to keep everything functioning and keep everyone safe and happy. He opened the door, and stepped outside, quickly shutting it. 

“I guess we should get to know each other.” said the old cow lady. “I'm Janet, and I've been through a few of these myself. I'd go outside right now and help him if I could. I could stand to lose a few years.” She chuckled and looked around at everyone.

“Haha, yes, well I don't think I'd want to.” said Keith. “I worked hard for this awesome body of mine My name is Keith and I run a gym back in New York.”

“Aha, I thought you had an accent.” said Sandy. “I just love accents. My name is Sandy, and I've been through a few of these too, but the shelters back where I used to live were better.” She shivered a bit, not noticing subtle changes going on in her body just yet.

“I'm Lorry.” said Lorry. “Sandy and I have been friends since high school. I remember getting caught in one of these before. I nearly ended up needing diapers again. It's so strange to go back to being a child and then suddenly be older again.”

“Hmf...” said Patty.

“Something wrong?” asked Sandy.

“Children are so useless.” said Patty. “They're small, weak, stupid, and filthy.”

“Well aren't you a ray of sunshine?” said Lorry. Keith chuckled a little, swaying his tail as he got a drink.

Meanwhile, outside the storm had begun, and the sky was lighting up with a fantastic display of rainbow colors. Rick didn't have time to admire it, as he quickly followed the cables out to a cable box and began fiddling with them. It looked like one of them was a bit loose, so he tightened it. The rain came down on him, pattering against his coat, but it wasn't the rain he was worried about. The sky flashed brightly, and some second later a loud boom was heard. He knew the telltale signs of regression from the tingling and slight loss of body mass. Any physical work on one's body would rapidly begin to undo itself and fade. Some old scars he had on his hands began to heal up, and he knew he had to get back inside. In a way these storms were a good thing, for some at least. There were people who would gleefully run outside to get younger during a storm. Usually those who had become very old or sick. It healed wounds, and those wounds stayed healed even when the body's age returned to normal. After tightening the cables, he ran back inside, shutting the door tightly behind him. 

“About time.” said Patty. 

“You could try saying thank you.” said Lorry. She walked over to him and smiled. “Thank you Rick. The TV is working now.”

“No problem.” said Rick. He hung up the wet coat and went to make himself some coffee. Meanwhile, the TV showed a news report. As a matter of precaution, all news stations had several layers of shielding to protect them from the rays while reporting on conditions. Two news anchors, an owl and a wolf, sat behind a news desk dressed in suits and ties. They held papers and read from them.

“The storm continues on outside.” said the female owl. “It is expected to last all night.”

“Oh great.” said Patty. “Just great. I don't want to spend all night in here with you people.”

“We're not exactly thrilled about it either.” said Lorry.

“As you all know, if you are stranded somewhere, seek out your nearest shelter.” said the male wolf newscaster. “These should be stocked with plenty of items to last you all through the night and into the day. Also, remember that even after a storm is over, the rays could continue for another hour or two. So stay inside until your shelter alerts you of an all clear signal.”

“Except this one doesn't have a signal.” said Patty.

“I didn't have time to install it.” said Rick. “But I have a handheld one right here.” He pulled a small, rectangular device out of his pocket. It lit up and beeped, indicating that a storm was still raging outside, and how strong it was. “Looks like this one is pretty strong.”

“Just leave that here.” said Patty. “So we can all keep an eye on it. As soon as this storm passes I want to leave.”

“Very well.” said Rick. He placed the device on the central table in front of the couch and TV, then sat down to drink his coffee.

“So, Rick, how long have you been at this?” asked Lorry, more interested in him than anyone else.

“Pretty much since I graduated college.” said Rick. 

“Oh, so you took classes for this?” asked Lorry.

“Yeah, there were a number of classes revolving around the storms and protecting everyone from them.” said Rick, sipping his coffee. “I wanted to help people and be useful, so that's why I decided to learn all I could.”

“Yet this place is all shabby.” said Patty. She looked at the bear couple who had made themselves a sandwich, now sitting on some old bar stools while chatting. The red panda father and son were sitting playing a game of checkers.

“Well, it wouldn't be if you weren't so cheap!” shouted Janet. “You love taking our money but hate using it to repair or upgrade anything on your property.”

“Ugh, how dare you?!” shouted Patty. “Yes, I do own this property but it's not making me nearly enough money. I simply can't dig into my own money to pay for all of this. Thankfully insurance and government grants have helped to pay for most of it. Then there's liability. Everything has to be up to code, or no one can live here.”

“So you pay the bare minimum.” said Keith. “Makes sense to me. After all, you have to have enough money to live your lifestyle. Take me, for example. I run my gym how I want, so I can make myself buff while also help others get fit too.”

“At least someone understands.” said Patty. “Rick, please make me some coffee. I like cream and sugar.”

“You don't have to do everything she says Rick.” said Janet.

“Yes he does.” said Patty. “I hired him.”

“It's fine.” said Rick. He got up and made Patty some coffee, then brought it to her.

“It's too hot!” Patty complained.

“It's coffee!” shouted Lorry. “It's supposed to be hot!”

“Don't shout at me young lady!” said Patty. 

“It's fine.” said Rick. He gently blew on it for her, then gave it back.

“That's better.” said Patty. She did enjoy bossing people around. Suddenly, the power went out, and the emergency light went on. “Oh great, could you see if you can fix that please?”

“I'm on it.” said Rick. He checked the breaker, but it looked like the problem was outside. “Gotta go outside gain.” He began putting the shield coat back on.

“You can't keep going out there.” said Lorry. “You'll get too young!”

“Don't worry.” said Rick. “I'll be quick about it.”

“See that you do.” said Patty.

Rick mumbled under his breath, something about a silver spoon, but not loud enough where Patty could hear. He headed outside once again, into the tachyon storm. It was even worse now, and the wind was blowing hard. Flashes of lightning were going off every few minutes. He went to work quickly, checking the power box outside.

“You're too abusive of him.” said Janet, now looking a bit more energetic and less in pain.

“You be quiet dear.” said Patty, looking a bit younger herself.

“Can we please not fight?” asked Sandy, looking like she was back in her college days. “It's stressful enough with the storm going on outside.”

“Let's just watch some more TV.” said Keith, turning the volume up.

“Now for a look at what's going on outside, here is our weather reporter Bobby.” said the wolf newscaster. Though they were safe and sound inside the studio, there were some brave enough to go out into the storm. They at least got full body shield suits, but sometimes they weren't as effective.

“Thanks Greg!” said Bobby, the skunk reporter wearing what looked like a bio-hazard suit, but silver. “As you can see, it's quite the show out here. The lighting flashes in amazing colors and the wind is no joke! It would be quite the show if not so dangerous.” The wind was blowing against his suit, making it ripple and sway, sometimes pushing him back.

“Oh gosh, stay safe out there!” said the owl newscaster.

“Don't worry Donna.” said Bobby. “I've got this suit. I'll be fine. Also it looks like some residents lost power. Don't worry though, each shelter has backup power just in case.”

“You hear that?” asked Lorry. “Backup power! Does this place have that?”

Patty looked from side to side. “I'm afraid I couldn't afford it.” she said.

“You mean you were too cheap to upgrade!” shouted Sandy. “Your cheapness is going to get us all sent back to daycare!”

Outside, Rick was doing his best. His boots were feeling loose and collecting a little rain. They felt heavy as he marched out to his truck to get the temporary generator. He hauled it back, it feeling heavier and heavier all the time. He ended up having to drag the thing through the mud, but got it into place and plugged it in. He breathed heavily, then yanked the cord on it to crank it up. It roared to life in a very loud start, and the lights once again came on inside the shelter.

“Ah, there it is.” said Patty. “See? Things will be fine. I did get one, but it hadn't been installed yet.”

“Yeah, and Rick had to pay the price.” said Lorry. “The poor dear. I wonder how young he will be when he gets back.”

Rick opened the door and walked in, dripping wet. He shut the door and hug up his wet coat. His overalls now hung on him a little, and his boots flopped a tad. He looked like he was back in his early twenties at most. 

“Oh, Rick!” said Lorry, rushing over to him. “Thank goodness you didn't get too young.”

“Yeah, I'm fine.” said Rick. “I told you I've been through a bunch of these. I know what I'm doing.” He smiled at her and was happy to know someone cared.

“Come on in and have a seat.” said Keith. “Tell us about some of your experiences.”

Rick sat down on the couch, still a bit wet. “Well, I don't know about any of you, but I have gotten as young as four during these storms.” he said.

“That's pretty young.” said Lorry, imagining how cute he must have been. “I think I got down to five once.”

“Eight here.” said Janet. “It was actually kind of nice for a while.”

“Hmf...” said Patty. “I've never regressed more than a few years, thanks to the shields in my home.”

“Of course you have those expensive shields.” said Sandy. “I admit, I ended up on the lower end once at age two. It was quite scary.”

“Ten here.” said Keith. “Luckily I was able to gain back all my mane hair and muscle pretty quick. It was super embarrassing there for a while.”

“I imagine so.” said Rick. “It's hard for me to get work done as a child. I don't care if I have to wear diapers or training pants, I always get my work done.”

“Speaking of, I see we are well stocked.” said Janet. “Just in case of course.” She smiled at everyone, hoping that wouldn't be necessary. 

“Yes well, we also have a functional potty.” said Patty. “So don't go having any accidents on the floor please.” The wind outside picked up and howled. There was a bright flash and clap of thunder. A faint whimper could be heard and everyone looked over to see the red panda teen was now a child below puberty, whimpering and holding close to his papa. The daddy seemed to be younger himself, having to pull his pants up a little when his son tugged them down by accident.

“Something's wrong here.” said Rick. “No one should be getting younger.”

“Yet we are.” said Lorry. “I can tell that some of us have indeed gotten younger, but not as young as those two. There must be a leak somewhere.”

“You two, come over here by the TV.” said Rick. “Let me check that area for any particle emissions.” They did so, and he walked over with his hand-held scanner. It began to click and beep the closer he got to where they were sitting. He saw a flash of light through a crack in a wall panel, then suddenly the panel flew off in the wind, causing the area to be flooded with particles and some rain. Everyone screamed at the sudden loss of wall and backed away.

“Rick!” shouted Patty, scooting farther away. “Patch that immediately!”

“I'm already on it!” shouted a grumpy Rick. This place was falling apart and he hated it. Even though he wasn't the one who built it, he felt responsible for its condition. He once again donned the coat and marched outside. It was getting colder, and the wind was blowing something fierce now, nearly blowing him over several times. It was getting more intense every second. He spotted the panel a distance away and want to get it. His boots grew heavier and heavier as he walked, getting more water in them. His paws were soaked and shrinking inside them. He knew he was at the point now where he would be visibly losing height with his age. In preparation, he had purposely gained weight so that when regression struck him he would be able to roughly guess his current age. The particles made his recent weight vanish slowly while he scrambled to retrieve the shield plate. It was heavy, but he carried it back, shielding his face with it and going against the wind. His tools felt heavier around his waist, and weighed him down some, but that was the good thing about overalls. They were held on by straps and would not cause any pants to drop. He was determined to keep his clothing on while working, so he stepped wide in his boots, mushing the mud and stomping around. He flung the plate onto the side of the wall and held it there with one paw while getting out his drill with the other. He began to drill new holes, but kept having to adjust his aim as he grew shorter. Inch by inch dropped away as he forcefully got the plate back into place. He took out his hammer and tapped it to make sure it was secure, then headed back inside. 

“Oh my, Rick!” shouted Lorry. “Just look at you. Come over here and dry off.” She had started up an old space heater in the corner for him.

Rick hung up the coat and sloshed his way over. “Thank you Lorry.” he said. He sat down near the heater and rubbed his hands together, trying to dry out.

Lorry saw the condition of his boots and clothing. He looked like a teen dressing up in his father's gear. “Here, let me dry those clothes.” she said. “There is a dryer here.”

“N-no thanks.” said Rick. “I'd rather stay dressed if you don't mind.”

Lorry nodded. “Okay, but at least let me empty those boots out.” she said. “Your feet will get irritated and you could catch cold.”

Rick grumbled a little, but knew she was right. “Okay.” he said. “If you insist.” He reached down and removed his boots, and they sloshed with water inside.

Lorry looked down at his wet paws. They looked so small compared to the boots he wore. She found it to be a little adorable. She picked them up and took them over to the sink and emptied them out, then brought them back. “Here you go.” she said.

“Thank you.” said Rick. He put them back on, still finding them to be more roomy. He was feeling a little better now that he was warm and drying. It wasn't until he looked around that he noticed what had happened. During the time when the panel was off, the party inside had regressed considerably. The bear couple looked like young, dating teens in wrinkled up clothing. The red panda dad also looked like a teen, and he was holding his now seven-year-old son. Janet appeared to look more healthy and spry, even standing up and walking around to help others in the shelter without her cane. Patty looked like she was back in her twenties, and Lorry looked to be in her older teens. 

Sandy came out of the restroom, looking like an older teen. Her tank top hung low, and her chest had diminished a bit, making her blush. “I hope this storm is over soon...” she said shyly.

Keith was looking in a mirror at his diminishing mane and frame. “Aw man!” he whined. “No way! This sucks!” He hiked his shorts up and adjusted his shirt, looking like a scrawny teen.

“Look what you did to us!” shouted Patty. “If you had just fixed that panel sooner, we wouldn't have ended up so young!”

“You be quiet!” shouted Janet, scolding her as if she were a child. “If this young man hadn't done what he did, we'd all be infants by now. Besides, it's not his fault this place is so shabby.”

Patty huffed and said nothing, but instead went back to watching the TV. Now the skunk out on the street appeared to be a young teen in a wrinkling radiation suit.

“Even though these storms are severe and to be avoided, there are some who embrace them openly.” said the dwindling skunk reporter. He stepped aside to show some former adults playing out in the storm with no protection. One had become a small child of around five while another appeared to be closer to ten, and a few more were now chunky toddlers giggling and splashing in rain puddles. 

“Ah, looks like we'll need to mobilize the daycare squad to your location!” the owl newscaster joked.

“Better tell them to bring some diapers with you.” the skunk reporter joked.

After some time, the storm still raged outside, and it began to get dark. Everyone inside was still regressing, but slower. By now the red panda father and son looked nearly the same age, around six or so, and were playing together while scurrying about in their over-sized clothing. Lorry looked like a young teen, doing her best to keep her outfit on while staying close to Rick. Rick appeared to be a child again, sipping on a cup of hot cocoa Lorry had made for him. He didn't like being fussed over as if he were some child, but he was. His boots sat on the floor just below his feet, and the legs of his overalls covered them. Patty was back in her teens and looking angry as usual. Sandy was the same age as Lorry, and Keith was pouting over the loss of his beautiful mane. He looked like a little boy now, who should be attending fifth grade. He was kicking a ball around with the bear couple, who were now in their mid teens.

“There's still a leak somewhere.” said Rick, his voice squeaking a bit. He was sounding more like a pup. 

“We're all so young now.” said Lorry. “Well, some of us.” She looked over at Janet, who appeared to be back in her twenties and looking spry.

“Heheh, yeah, I admit I do kind of enjoy these storms.” said Janet. “I only wish I could be rid of this cane for good.”

“You may be able to.” said Sandy. “Sometimes these storms heal such injuries.”

“Ah, it comes with age.” said Sandy. “A broken bone, scars, and injuries like that heal permanently, but not the rigors of old age.”

“There's always the chance it could leave you permanently younger as well.” said Lorry.

“Good point!” said Sandy. “For now, I think I'll just help take care of the tots running around. I'm used to it. I used to volunteer at the regression recovery center.”

“That's good.” said Patty. “Then you can look after these brats without my help.”

“Wasn't planning on your help.” said Sandy. She went to help get the younger ones something to eat while also keeping them clothed and happy, or as happy as they could be.

Rick looked around with his meter for another leak while everyone was talking, more focused on work than anything. He dragged his feet to keep his boots on, and his tools were clanking around near his knees. The bib of his overalls hung down to his stomach, and his shirt drooped low on the inside. His fur was looking more soft and downy now that it dried. His meter beeped and he shuffled over to another area, then it beeped again and he shuffled across the other way. 

Lorry giggled a little, seeing a child dressed in huge clothes going back and forth, yet she knew it was a serious matter. “Where's the leak?” she asked.

“It's...it's...everywhere.” said Rick. He looked down at his meter and around the shelter. The wind was shaking it, making small gaps between the panels, which allowed more particles in. 

“Oh great.” said Sandy. “Now what do we do?”

“Everyone try and stay in the center of the shelter as much as possible.” said Rick. “It seems to be most protected there.”

The others in the shelter began to huddle more in the center like Rick said, except for Patty who would rather be more to herself.

“Coming Patty?” asked Janet.

“No.” said Patty. “I'd rather not.”

“Suit yourself.” said Janet. She helped the red panda kids get to the middle as the room rumbled and shook. Another panel was snatched away, letting in the rain, cold, wind, and particles.

“Fix it!” shouted Patty, pulling her shirt over her head to prevent getting wet.

Rick shuffled back to the door and got the coat, standing on his tip toes to reach it.

“Are you sure you've got this?” asked Lorry.

“Yeah.” said Rick. “No problem. It's my job after all.” He put on the heavy coat, opened the door, and went outside. The door slammed shut behind him with the wind violently pushing against it.

Lorry looked worried as she sat there trying to keep calm. She and the others around her were shrinking fast. She was starting to look more like a pre-teen as her chest deflated and her jeans bunched up around her feet and her rainbow shirt hung low, but she was more concerned about Rick. 

Rick stumbled around a bit in his awkwardly huge overalls. He kept stumbling and losing his boots, then stopped to put them back on each time before continuing. They were beginning to feel like wearing buckets on his feet as he waddled around. His snout shortened and his little body plumped with puppy fat. He had a bit of a belly now, but no one could tell since he appeared to be a walking pile of clothes. His heavy tools now drug the ground behind him as he kept adjusting the straps of his overalls to keep them on. Finally he decided to cross them over around his neck so they wouldn't fall down. By the time he reached the piece that flew off, he was a mere seven-years-old. He gripped it with his puppy paws and trudged back. Luckily, the wind was dying down some, but there was still a lot of rain and lightning. He decided that it would be too dangerous to stay on the roof long, but he had a job to do, and did his best climbing the ladder. His heavy tools clanged against the metal of the ladder as he climbed, then made quite the noise for the people inside.

Lorry looked up and could see his cute little pup face. He looked so stern and focused, which looked silly on a little kid's face. It was looking rounder and more innocent by the minute.

“Hurry up Rick!” shouted Patty, now in her teens. She stood directly under where he was, looking up at him, as if double checking his work. “That's right, a little more to the right. Now to the left. Perfect!”

Rick groaned and sighed, trying to get the panel back into place. He pulled out the hammer, but with his rejuvenated muscles, it was hard to get any use out of it. He had to raise it up high and then let the weight do all the work when bringing it back down. He banged on it a few times as the rain began to subside. It seemed like the storm was almost over as he leaned back and wiped the sweat from his brow, but then his heavy tools dragged him down and he tumbled down the ladder with a high pitched yelp.

“Rick!” shouted Lorry. Everyone else let out a collective gasp, but she went right for the door, not caring about the particles right now. She had on no protection, so she began to regress quickly. Her chest flattened and her fur grew softer. Her height lowered and her clothing dragged the ground. She didn't care though, she wanted to get Rick to safety. She found him lying on the ground rubbing his head. He was just a toddler now, looking very silly in his huge clothes. She quickly bundled him up in them and carried him inside as best she could, leaving his boots behind. 

Everyone stood around as Lorry brought in the little bundle and placed it on the floor by the heater. A little nose poked out of the clothing pile, followed by fluffy ears and a curious puppy head. There was a gasp and a few awws from those around him.

Rick struggled to stand, holding his shirt on him as best he could. He tugged at his overalls, but the attached tools were now too heavy for him to lift. He huffed and waddled to a stack of diapers.

“Need help Rick?” asked Lorry, now around age five. She tugged her pants up and rolled up the legs so that her little pup feet poked out from underneath. 

“I got it.” said Rick, reaching up to grab a diaper.

Lorry toddled over and helped him anyway. She reached up, still shrinking slightly, and was just barely able to grab a diaper before her clothing fell to the floor around her. She handed it to him and blushed. 

“Fanks.” said Rick, now more a baby than toddler. Determined to do things for himself, he opened the diaper and spread it out on the floor, then sat down on it. He wiggled until he got it just the right position, then laid down and pulled the front up between his legs. He then tugged the back sides up and over the front panel, taping it in place. After this, he reached around himself and adjusted the tape for his poofy little pup tail. Finally he stood on wobbly little legs, still wearing the over-sized shirt, and held his arms out to his side for balance.

Lorry couldn't help but giggle a little, now almost a baby herself as the storm subsided. She found herself lifted up out of her clothes and then promptly diapered by Janet before she could object. 

“You really shouldn't do such dangerous things young man.” said Janet, now a teenager. She sighed and finished diapering Lorry, then picked then both up, bouncing them on her hip a little. “Thank you sweetheart.” She kissed Rick on the cheek.

Rick blushed and pushed away. “Fankoo.” he said. “Buh it mah job. I no need hewp.”

“Sometimes we all need help dear.” said Janet. She looked around at the others, having already diapered Keith, who was now happily nomming on his toes. It seems he had mentally regressed, which was for the best since he would just be whining about his body now. He lay next to a baby red panda, who used to be a father. Near them his now older five-year-old son played with two eight-year-old bears. All of them were wearing silly baggy clothes. Sandy was around six years old, scolding little Lorry for going out in the storm.

“I hadda do it!” said Lorry. “He feww!”

“Yeah, and now you're a baby.” said Sandy. She sighed and shook her head. “At least the storm seems to be almost over.” There were a few rumbles of thunder going on outside. 

Janet was busy checking diapers and pullups. “Almost, but not quite.” she said. “We should stay here for the night to be sure.”

“Well, I'm not staying.” said Patty, now nearly back to single digits herself, though the second oldest besides Janet. “I'm going to call for a pickup.” She took out her phone, which looked large in her hand, and walked outside.

“Patty!” shouted Janet. “You should really wai-” Just then, there was a bright flash and loud clap of thunder. It was a close one, super close. Janet slowly opened the door and then gasped. There, in a pile of clothes, was a crying, squealing, newborn pig. “Oh dear.” She gathered her up and brought her inside. Rick, Lorry, and Sandy gathered nearby while Janet got out a tiny diaper and began to diaper the new infant.

“Wha happen?” asked Lorry.

“She got hit by lightning.” said Janet. “It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it often reduces a person to a newborn. Not only that, it's permanent. She'll be this way both mentally and physically until she grows up all over again naturally.”

“That's awful!” said Sandy. “Even though she was mean, I wouldn't wish that on anyone.”

“Eh, it's what she gets for running off in a time storm.” said Janet. She settled down into a chair with baby Patty in her lap and began rocking her gently. 

Lorry toddled over to Rick, who was sitting and organizing his heavy tools. She put her paws on his, then looked into his eyes. She wagged her tail, making her diaper crinkle, then snuggled with him affectionately. 

Rick blushed and slowly put down his tools. He realized that she had taken a big hit in an attempt to save him, which meant she must really love him. He cooed a little and put his arm around her, and the two pups snuggled together on the floor in their diapers. 

Everyone waited things out for the night as the thunder rumbled occasionally. Everyone was too frightened to leave just yet, but they had stopped getting younger at least. In the morning, a rescue crew appeared to take everyone to a regression recovery center. 

Janet, like before, helped take care of the others as best she could. Once she grew up again, she was happy to find out her new permanent age was around thirty-five.

Keith grew back up, but had to work hard to regain his buff body. He made a new friend in the red panda father and his son.

Patty remained a newborn, having to be raised all over again. This time she would be taught to be more respectful and kind to others.

Sandy played happily with Lorry and Rick. They played house, with Rick as the baby, much to his chagrin. He would huff and pout with a grumpy face and insist on building them a house out of blocks. Eventually they all grew back up to their normal ages, minus a few years. Lorry and Rick began dating, though Rick's work often got in the way.

After a while, Rick finally returned to work after he had been approved to do so. No sooner than he got the all clear to work, he got a phone call about training a new repair technician. “Great, a rookie.” Rick grumbled.

To be continued...