New Year Countdown

By Ozzie Kit Skunk

It was a few days after Christmas, and Tolya the polar bear was at his gym working off the holiday meals he had previously. He was in his fifties, but had taken good care of his body over the years. He made a career out of being a personal trainer, and looking at his massive, muscular body, most people would agree that he knew what he was doing. He owned the gym, but today it was pretty empty. Most people were still visiting family for the holidays. He looked at his bulky, muscular, six foot ten frame in a full length mirror and posed in his gray t-shirt, red workout shorts, and white sneakers. His body fur was all white, like most polar bears, but atop his head was a shock of red hair, and on his chin was a small red beard. However, lately he had noticed some gray strands in it. He was getting older, and knew that he wouldn't be able to keep up the gym by himself forever. Even so, he continued to train and keep in shape. He was lifting some weights when he heard the front door open. He stopped and looked, seeing a familiar, muscular deer walking in. 

“Morning Tolya.” said the deer.

“Morning Brook.” said Tolya. “Have a good Christmas?” He continued to pump some iron, doing some heavy lifting on the weight machine.

“It was...okay.” said Brook, getting some coffee. “As well as can be expected without company.”

“Oh...” said Tolya. “S-sounds...lonely.” He admired the young buck's muscular form, his black fur and blue eyes. He was six foot one and twenty-one-years-old, yet Tolya had hired him as an assistant to help run the place. He blushed a little when the young buck walked over to him and looked down. He had a rather large crush on the young deer, and had since they both met a year ago. He was attracted to Brook's physique as well as his mature yet sweet demeanor.

“How was yours?” Brook asked, smiling.

“Not bad.” said Tolya, lifting up again. “Ate too much. Gotta work it off now.” He grunted a little and struggled a bit. “Hmf! Errr!”

Brook saw that Tolya was having some trouble, so he helped lift the weight up and onto the bar. “You okay?” he asked. “You should take it easier at your age.”

“Thanks...” said Tolya, blushing. He sat up and winced a little. “Guess I over did it a little. Maybe I shouldn't have had that last slice of spice cake.”

“Hahaha!” Brook laughed. “Yeah, I had some beef roast and potatoes myself. No desert though. Even though it's the holidays, I gotta keep in shape.” He posed and flexed a little, showing off his pecks. He wore a tight, white muscle shirt and some green shorts along with white socks and black shoes.

Tolya looked at Brook and smiled, blushing. “Well, that's why I hired you.” he said. “You're doing great. I guess I've just been slacking.” He stood, towering over the deer and looked like a refrigerator standing next to a stove. They were both huge, but being a polar bear meant that Tolya had the advantage when it came to height and weight. He had always been big of course, which meant that he was always working to keep his figure and not look fat. Of course, it helped to hide a secret of his as well.

“Nonsense.” said Brook. “I challenge anyone to be as fit and tone as you at your age.”

“Heh, right.” said Tolya. “My age...” He looked at his huge hands and sighed. 

“Ah right, sorry.” said Brook. “I know you're a bit sensitive about your age.”

“Nah, it's no big deal.” said Tolya.

“Well, your birthday is coming up.” said Brook.

“Yeah, born on New Year's Day.” said Tolya. “Makes it easy to keep track of how old I am.”

“So what are you doing to celebrate?” asked Brook.

“Oh, nothing much.” said Tolya. “Probably just have a drink and a nice steak or something.”

“Alone?” asked Brook.

“W-well, usually.” said Tolya.

“No, I have a better idea.” said Brook. “I'm throwing a New Year's Eve party at my place. I'm inviting some of our mutual friends and customers.”

“Oh really?” asked Tolya. 

“Yeah, want to come?” asked Brook. “We can celebrate your birthday at the same time.”

“R-really?” asked Tolya. “Are you sure it wouldn't be a problem?”

“Not at all.” said Brook. “I was planning on inviting you even if you had plans.” He smiled and patted Tolya on the back. “You know, they've told me a lot about you.”

“Who has?” asked Tolya.

“Friends of yours.” said Brook. “I know there is a group you like to hang out with. I've seen you all coming out of the pizza buffet a few times.”

Tolya looked nervous. Those friends of his were sort of a secret, although a few of them were also customers. Like Tolya himself, they were all AB/DLs, meaning they were into age play and the wearing and usage of diapers. It was an extremely embarrassing thing to show out in public, which is why they would all meet up later at someone's house to dress up in baby clothing and do babyish things like play with blocks, nurse from bottles, and watch silly cartoons. It was always a lot of fun for Tolya, and a nice way for him to relax and forget about the stress and expectations of adult life. “Oh, er, um...really?” he asked nervously.

“Yeah, they seem like nice people.” said Brook. “Some of them will be at the party. They seemed eager to go.”

“They did?” asked Tolya. 

“Yeah, so what do you say?” asked Brook.

“I'd love to come.” said Tolya, trying to hide his excitement. 

“Good!” said Brook. “The party is starting at around 6PM at my place on New Year's Eve. For now though...” He gripped some heavy weights and lifted them. “Time for some serious training!”

Tolya smiled and began pumping iron as well, admiring Brook's physique. He also noticed he was getting tired faster than his young protegee, and suddenly stopped to sit down. “Phew...” he said, wiping sweat from his brow. 

“You can't be tired already.” said Brook. “Come on! Let's do some laps on the treadmill!”

“You're on!” said Tolya. The two got onto two different treadmills and began running. “Ah, you know Brook, I've been meaning to ask you something.” He looked over at the sweaty young deer and smiled.

“Yeah?” asked Brook, looking ahead.

“When I um...retire...” said Tolya.

“Not thinking of retiring so soon are you?” asked Brook.

“N-no, b-but I mean when I do... I want you to take over for me.” said Tolya.

“You're springing this on me now?” asked Brook. “Haha, can't it wait until the New Year?”

“Oh, of course it can.” said Tolya. “I just...want to make sure you knew I had you in mind. I've thought about you a lot.” He blushed, admitting to that, though for him he meant thinking about Brook's body and being with him as a possible mate.

“Oh yeah?” asked Brook, not entirely getting his meaning.

“Yeah, I think you're perfect.” said Tolya. He moved his hand closer to Brook's.

“Perfect?” asked Brook. He stopped his treadmill and laughed, taking a drink of water form his sports bottle, seemingly not noticing Tolya's hand. “Ahhh...well, we can work out those details after the holidays. Let's just have some fun first.”

“Heh, okay.” said Tolya. “It can wait. Besides, I'm really looking forward to that party of yours. It's been a long time since I have partied.”

“We'll have a few drinks and socialize.” said Brook. “It'll be fun. I haven't had guests over in ages. Been too busy with the job and keeping in shape.”

“Yeah, I know how that is.” said Tolya. He slowed down on the treadmill and stepped off, then took a drink of water. “You know, since we're both into the same stuff, I wouldn't mind if you came over to my place sometime.” He blushed a little and tugged at his shirt nervously. “We could just hang out and talk or whatever.”

“Sure, that sounds nice.” said Brook. “I mean, we talk almost every day right here, and we both spend a lot of time here.”

“Yeah, but usually with other people.” said Tolya. They each did personal training, but with different groups in different parts of the gym. Tolya tended to take on the larger clients while Brook took on the rest. Sometimes there were clients who went back and forth between them, but even then they didn't always speak directly. Tolya would just watch Brook from a distance, admiring his techniques and abilities.

“True.” said Brook. 

“How about we make it our New Year's resolution to get to know each other better?” asked Tolya.

“Perfect.” said Brook. “I'm sure we'll get a lot more time to hang out together soon.”

“Great!” said Tolya. He continued to work out with Brook until he had to go, then went home himself.

At home, Tolya went into his bathroom to shower. He removed his clothing and looked at himself in the mirror. He looked at the red fur around his groin and the pubic tufts of white fur on his chest, denoting his manhood. He posed and flexed, seeing where he needed to improve, and hoped that he could eventually be together with Brook. As he showered, he imagined showering with him, holding him, and washing his fur while he washed his in return. Sharing his life and each day with him would be the best, but he wondered if Brook would understand his secret kink. “Oh, who am I kidding?” he said to himself. “There's no way he would...” He was afraid Brook would find out and be angry that he kept it from him, or be disgusted and get the wrong idea about him. He wondered what his ABDL friends told him and how he knew them. Various scenarios ran through his head as he got clean, washing away the day's sweat and dirt. 

Once clean, he stepped out of the shower and dried off, then combed the red and gray hair on his head and went into his bedroom. There, under his bed, a white package stood out. He reached under and removed one of his adult-sized disposable diapers. It was cub themed, with cute little baby blocks, balloons, and smiling cartoon faces on it. He opened it and gave it a bit of a sniff. It had the scent of baby's nursery and made him all warm and fuzzy. He smiled and laid it down on the bed, then sprinkled some baby powder into it and sat on it. He pulled the front up between his legs and fastened the tapes on the sides around his waist. It was very bulky and crinkled loudly when he moved. He looked in the mirror and smiled, imagining himself as a cute little baby cub again, with no cares and no worries. He would no longer need to constantly worry about his body and how he looked. There would be no expectations of him at all, other than to eat, sleep, play, and use his diaper. Reaching under his bed again, he pulled out an adult-sized baby blanket. It was a patchwork blanket with square patches on it, each with a number, letter, or some sort of toy on it. He spread it out on the floor, then sat on it. A box on his floor contained some baby blocks and a rattle. The big, adult bear began shaking the rattle and pretending to be a baby, babbling and cooing while stacking blocks. After a while, we was able to get lost in his little space and forget he was a huge, muscular, adult bear for a bit. The image in his head didn't last long though, as he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror, which only reminded him of the cruel reality. He let out a sigh and stood up, then went to his dresser. He opened a drawer and pulled out a cute little pacifier, then stuck it in his mouth. On his bed was a small, blue, plush puppy. He laid down and cuddled with it while sucking on his pacifier. Soon enough, he fell asleep, and dreamed of being with Brook.

A day or two later, it was time to go to Brook's house. Tolya dressed in a nice pair of gray slacks and a button collar green shirt. He applied some cologne to his neck and chest, then combed his hair. He sighed and looked into the mirror. “Okay, you can do this.” he said to himself. “Everything will be fine. Everything will be fine. Don't be nervous. Just relax.” He smacked his cheeks a little, then puffed out his chest and smiled. He got into his car and drove through the city down to Brook's home. It was a large, two story home, which seemed a bit much for just one person. There were a few other cars in the driveway, so Tolya parked on the side of the street in front and got out. He slowly walked up to the front door, and could hear some music playing inside. He cleared his throat and tugged on his collar, then rang the door bell. After a moment, the door opened, and Brook stood there, wearing jeans and a blue Polo shirt.

“Tolya!” said Brook. “Good to see you! Come on in!”

“Hello Brook!” said Tolya. He walked inside and looked around. There were some people up dancing and some sitting down talking or looking at the TV. Some of them seemed to have strange hats on which had a clock face on it. “Looks like you got the theme down.”

Brook smiled and placed one of the party hats on Tolya. “They are exclusive.” he said. “For my special guests only.” He grinned and spun the hands of the clock on Tolya's hat playfully. “See? Even the little hands move! Don't take it off now. As part of the theme, you have to wear it all night.”

“Oh, haha, okay!” said Tolya. “Sounds fun!”

“I have some punch over here.” said Brook. “Careful, it's a bit...adult.” He smiled and offered Tolya a cup. “Don't worry, it's only got a little bit of a bite to it. Last thing I want is everyone getting drunk.”

Tolya, not wanting to be rude, accepted the drink and sipped on it. It tasted very fruity and tangy. “Mmm, good stuff!” he said, giving a thumbs up.

“Hey everyone!” shouted Brook. “Tolya is here! I'm sure some of you know him already.”

Tolya waved and blushed, looking around. He saw some familiar faces, but also some new ones. “H-hey guys!” he said. “Nice to see you all!”

“Hi Tolya!” they all said, some standing to greet him. They all chuckled a little, as if someone told them a joke.

“Haha, yeah!” said Tolya, unsure why they were laughing. He turned to check his fly to make sure he had zipped up his pants. For a while he mingled, talking to a few of the party guests. He had some more of the punch, and began feeling more relaxed. He had a few snacks and went over to talk to some of his ABDL friends. One of them, a thirty-year-old muscular brown bull with black hair named Tulio, sat with a clock party hat on talking to a few others. Tolya sat next to him and tried to strike up a conversation. “Hey Tulio. Good to see you.”

“Tolya!” said Tulio, giving the big polar bear a hug. “Good to see you too. This party was such a great idea. I'm glad Brook invited us all.” He was one of Tolya's ABDL friends, but also one of his customers. Together they sat and had a drink over old times.

“Haha, yeah.” said Tolya. “Honestly when he first told me he talked to you all, I thought...you know.”

“Oh, right.” said Tulio. “We didn't tell him anything.” The bull smiled and flicked his tail, obviously a bit inebriated. “Speaking of which...” He moved his hand down and pointed at his crotch. “Are you padded?”

Tolya blushed and shook his head. “Here?” he asked. “No way. Why, are you?”

“Nah, but I probably should be.” said Tulio. “After all these drinks, I'm really going to need to go!” He laughed loudly and patted Tolya on the back. “Know what I mean?”

“Ahah, yeah.” said Tolya. A large, wooden grandfather clock suddenly chimed, and people in the room seemed to stop what they were doing to look at something. He wasn't sure what it was all about though, since it seemed nothing happened.

“Hmm...” said Tulio. “Ahhh, well, I guess I should go use the head.” He stood and walked away, but Tolya noticed that he kept tugging at his pants. Did he look different somehow? He just shrugged and leaned back, suddenly feeling better than he had in a while. The other party goers seemed to be more energetic as well. More of them had started dancing to some music while others were singing along. 

Tolya, being sort of a shy guy, just watched and smiled. He wasn't really the party type, and even at his ABDL meets he was mostly quiet and listened. Sometimes he would color in a coloring book or stack some blocks with another AB, but he had a hard time truly letting go and showing his inner baby in public. He turned his attention to the TV, which was tuned in to a sports channel. Though there weren't any live games, there were some replays of the year's highlights, which got his attention for a while. At least until an ad for a diaper commercial came on. A few of his friends turned to look with a knowing smile, but said nothing.

Brook soon entered the room and smiled at Tolya, then sat down next to him. Tolya blushed a little, thinking Brook was about to speak to him, but instead he simply pulled out a card game and spread it out on the coffee table. “Who wants to play?” he asked. A few agreed, and sat on the floor around the coffee table.

“Sure.” said Tolya. “What are we playing?”

“I thought we could play a bit of poker.” said Brook. “Do you know how to play?”

“Yeah, I've played it once or twice.” said Tolya. “I vaguely know the rules.”

“Well that's good.”s aid Brook. “I was beginning to think you never had any fun outside of the gym.” He smiled and poked at Tolya's hat, messing around with the clock hands again.

Tolya smiled and blushed a little, laughing nervously. “Hahaha, yeah.” he said. “I have a little fun every now and then.” 

“Excellent.” said Brook, cutting and then dealing the cards. They played a round, and Brook won. He looked at the clock, then dealed again. 

Tolya wasn't very good at the game, but he didn't really care since he was having fun with Brook while also hanging out with his friends. For once his two worlds were mingling and it wasn't scary. It felt fun, and it felt right. He was growing more comfortable, and tried to scoot closer to Brook. His hand reached towards him with a fresh set of cards.

“Doing okay Tolya?” asked Brook smiling a little.

“Heh, yeah, guess I'm just not very good at this.” said Tolya. 

“I'm surprised.” said Brook, dealing out more cards. “At your age, I thought you would have had more experience with this.”

“Ah, well, age doesn't always mean someone is experienced in all things.” said Tolya.

“I suppose not.” said Brook. “If only there was a way to stop aging, or maybe even...reverse it.”

Tolya nodded and blushed, swallowing a bit. His throat became dry, so he reached for his drink, but his cup was empty.

“Oh, please, allow me.” said Brook. “I must tend to my guests after all.” He got up and filled Tolya's cup with some punch, then sat back down.

“Thanks.” said Tolya, drinking some more of the punch. “Though I think I should lay off the alcohol.”

“Ah, don't worry so much.” said Brook. “It's just one night after all. Tomorrow is a new year, and a new beginning.” 

“I guess you're right.” said Tolya. Others seemed to be smiling at him, but he didn't know why. The clock suddenly struck the hour again, and Tolya began to feel strange. It felt as though his clothes were sliding around on his fur. He felt a rush of energy again. He felt better than ever, but there was also a strong tingle in his bladder. “Uh, excuse me. I need to use the toilet.”

“Of course.” said Brook, smiling. “It's down the hall to the right.”

“Thanks.” said Tolya. He got up and made his way to the bathroom and relieved himself. While washing his hands, he glanced in the mirror and gasped. His gray fur hairs were gone, and his hair seemed more full and vibrant. His body was as muscular as ever, but seemed different somehow. He looked closer, noticing that even some wrinkles were gone. He looked down and noticed that his pants were a little loose around the waist. “What is going on here?” He wondered and thought about the possibilities. “Could it be? Am I...younger? No, it's just my imagination.” He splashed some water on his face, trying to sober up. Looking again, he still looked younger, as if he were back in his prime. He flexed, making the sleeves of his shirt bulge. “Wow, I really am! But how...” He looked at the silly hat he had on and removed it, checking the rest of his hair. There was no longer any trace of gray at all. “Why, I look almost as young as Brook! What if...this is a sign? Should I tell him how I feel finally?” He felt renewed urges now, along with more confidence. The thought of being with Brook really got him going. He stared at himself in the mirror. “Okay, you can do this. You can do this. You got this.” He smacked himself on the cheeks a few times. “You got this!” He kept reassuring himself, then finally left the bathroom. He went back down the hall to find Brook, but he was gone. Most of the other party goers were still there, but they all seemed different. It wasn't until he got closer that he noticed a few of them seemed to be wearing overly large clothes now. Not only that, they were smaller. He curiously walked forward as his perception of the world spiraled. Was this real, or was it some kind of dream? Was it the punch? He decided not to have any more just in case. 

“Silly, what are you doing with your hat off?” asked an older, adult lioness. She was someone he hadn't met before, yet she seemed oddly familiar. She gently took the hat from his hand and placed it back on his head. “There we go. Remember the party rules. The hat stays on until midnight.”

“Um, right...” said Tolya. “Is something going on?”

“What do you mean?” asked the lioness.

“W-well, why are there teens here, running around in clothes that don't fit?” asked Tolya. “When I looked in the mirror, I could swear I looked  younger.”

The lioness smiled and admired the bear's amazing physique. “So you figured it out already?” she asked.

“Did he figure it out?” asked a young male skunk in the room wearing a slightly wrinkled suit.

“Can we stop pretending now?” asked Tulio, his clothing baggier than ever.

“Pretending what?” asked Tolya.

“These hats are making us all younger!” said Tulio. “Haha, it's some kind of magic!”

“Y-younger?” asked Tolya. “Seriously?” He looked down at himself again to see if anything had changed since the last time he looked. 

“Yep, seriously!” said the lioness. “This is Brook's gift to everyone.”

“B-but how?” asked Tolya. “Why?”

“We're not sure.” said Tulio. “They just work every hour on the hour.”

“No wonder you were all distracted by the clock.” said Tolya. “But what about everyone not wearing hats?”

“Well, someone has to be the designated driver, or caregiver.” said the lioness. “For those who drop below driving age that is.” She smiled and laughed a little.

“H-how young are we getting?” asked Tolya.

“That all depends on you.” said the lioness. “You can adjust the hands on your clock, and whatever the time is on it determines how much you regress.”

“Brook...he was messing with the hands on my clock on purpose.” said Tolya. “What is he up to?”

“Maybe he just wants you to be in your prime again.” said the lioness. “Or maybe he has other plans.”

Tolya thought about it for a while, and continued to mingle with the regressed guests, thinking that perhaps Brook wanted him to be closer to his age. Maybe it was so that he could keep working out like he wants to, or maybe, just maybe, he feels similarly about wanting a relationship. The more he thought about this the more excited he became. He adjusted the hands on the clock of his hat so that on the next hour he would be the same age as Brook. He smiled and began to enjoy himself more, even dancing a bit while waiting. 

Finally, the next hour came and the grandfather clock rang out. He felt a tingle run through his body and looked down to see himself thin a bit more, returning to a point before he reached his peak. His clothes wrinkled on him slightly and he felt another rush of youthful energy. He was still extremely muscular and fit, but less bulky. He had to fasten his belt a bit tighter around his waist. Looking around, he saw that some of the guests had shrunk down to kids! Their clothing drooped on them, and some chose to leave their pants behind while dancing. He chuckled at them, knowing they had chosen this outcome for themselves. He thought about it for a moment, knowing that he really did wish he could go back like that, even if it meant undoing all of his progress on his body. 

Time nearly got away from him again before he remembered and went to seek out Brook. He found him in the kitchen with his back turned, wearing a white apron. His heart raced, filled with hope and eagerness. “Okay, just be cool.” he thought to himself. “Brook gave you this hat for a reason. Now age doesn't separate us, and we can be together without worry. This is it. This has to be why. He must love me like I love him. I just need to confess my feelings. I can do this. I can do this.” He inhaled deeply, then sighed.

Brook turned to see Tolya standing there, looking young and fresh out of college. “Why hello Tolya.” he said. “I see you figured it out.” He smiled and admired the young, fit body of Tolya. The polar bear was still much taller and larger than him, but he could tell how he lived his life at this age. “So even at my age, you were perfecting your body.”

“Y-yeah...” said Tolya. “Can we talk...in private?”

“Sure thing.” said Brook. He put something in the oven and turned the timer on, then removed his apron and walked with Tolya back to his bedroom.

Tolya saw that Brook's huge bedroom had only a modest, but comfortable bed with black sheets on it. Most of his room had things like a weight lifting bench and a treadmill in it. “Wow, you have so much equipment here.” he said. “I wonder why you bother coming into the gym.” He smiled, a bit nervously, still working up the courage to ask his question.

“Oh yes.” said Brook. “I have enough equipment here to stay fit and tone, but the gym gives me social opportunities and even more options.”

“Heh, true.” said Tolya. “I do enjoy seeing you...and those I instruct of course.”

“But this isn't why you wanted to talk in private is it?” asked Brook. He sat on the edge of his bed. “Talk to me.”

Tolya blushed and swallowed, suddenly wondering if he was being invited to sit with him or on his lap like a cub. “W-well, I know these hats have been making me, and others, younger tonight.” he said. “Now I'm your age, and it feels amazing. I don't have to worry about retiring anymore. We can stay co-owners and keep training people in the future.”

“Sure.” said Brook. “That's one option.” He smiled a little, knowingly. Though what he knew had yet to be revealed. He knew something about Tolya and had plans for him that he thought Tolya would not only agree to, but be very enthusiastic about.

“Um, so, now that we're the same age...” said Tolya, moving closer. “There's something I've been wanting to tell you for a long time.” He sat down next to the muscular, young deer and put his hand on his leg. “I...I love you. I've loved you for a long time now, but I've felt like I am too old for you, and there are things about me you don't know yet. You know my friends, so I feel like you would be open and understanding.”

Brook blushed, but listened closely, not wanting him to stop talking yet. He merely nodded and put his hand on Tolya's paw.

Tolya blushed, but smiled. “S-so, I thought, maybe we could...go out?” he asked nervously. His hands trembled slightly and his eyes remained locked onto Brook's. “I want to be with you, forever.”

“Oh Tolya.” said Brook. He smiled and patted him on the head. “You big lug. I know. I've seen how you look at me when we're at the gym. It's very flattering, honestly, and don't think I haven't been tempted. However...I have other...plans. It's not a mate I want. I want a child.”

“Y-you mean...you don't love me?” asked Tolya. His face melted into a frown and his blush became one of embarrassment and sadness. “You don't feel the same as I do?” He stood quickly, rubbing tears from his eyes. “I'm so sorry. I have to go.” He ran out of the room, sobbing, looking for some place he could just be alone.

“Tolya wait!” Brook shouted. “You don't understand!” He followed, but Tolya had gone somewhere outside.

Tolya ran out onto the rear deck of the house, then down the wooden stairs. He wiggled under the steps to hide and think about things. “Why?” he asked himself. “Why did I ask him that? I'm so dumb! I should have known. He's never made any advances toward me. Ugh, why would he love me?” He put his head in his hands and did his best not to cry. Crying was for children, not big, strong men. Or at least that is what he was told.

Brook ran around, asking if anyone had seen Tolya. Eventually, he went outside, since he noticed the back door had been opened. “Tolya?” he called out. “Are you out here? Look, I'm sorry. We need to talk. Please.” He looked around in the dark of night. He didn't know Tolya would react that way. To him, Tolya had always been strong and respectable. Certainly never one to run off crying. 

A few moments later, the clock rang out again. Everyone wearing clock hats began to regress again. Tolya didn't realize that when he frantically wiped away his tears, he had upset the hands of his clock. He felt his clothes wrinkle and billow out as he rapidly lost height and mass. He no longer looked like a college student, but a high school student. A moment later, he shrank again and again, seeming to go through puberty in reverse. He let out a small squeak, now no longer quite high school age.

Brook heard a familiar tone and followed it to the stairs. He looked around in a panic, then heard a sniffle. He turned and looked, then saw a fifteen-year-old Tolya, sitting in clothes far too large for him. “Oh Tolya.” he said. “I'm so sorry.”

Tolya looked up at Brook from where he sat on the ground. He sniffled and wiped his nose on his comically large shirt. “N-no.” he said, sounding more like a youth. “It's my fault. I thought you were...”

“No, let me talk.” said Brook. He sat down next to the teen bear and wrapped his arm around him. Though he was a young teen now, he was still bigger than Brook, if only by a little now. “You didn't let me finish. I should have told you this earlier, but I know about your little secret.”

Tolya blushed and looked at Brook. He seemed more adult now, more mature. In a way he was.

“I think it's very sweet.” said Brook. “I don't think any less of you. The thought of a big, muscular, manly bear wearing a diaper and sucking on a pacifier is just really cute to me. Maybe a bit silly, but cute.” He smiled and hugged Tolya tighter.

Tolya sniffled and hugged back. “H-how?” he asked.

“It wasn't hard to figure out.” said Brook. “Like I told you before, I saw you and your friends coming out of that restaurant. I know the manager there. They told me what the meeting involved. Then I spoke to some of your friends about it. They're all very cool people, and they all really like and respect you. Not surprisingly, they were all very eager to come here tonight and get younger, but they were also eager to surprise you with it.”

“They were?” asked Tolya. He looked down at himself and his loose clothes. He wiggled his toes in his large, roomy shoes and felt small for the first time in a long time. He sniffled one more time, feeling a little better, but still confused. “But if you know, and everyone is regressing, even me, why make it a surprise for me?”

“Well, that's only part of the surprise.” said Brook. “I'm sure you noticed that everyone wearing a hat has someone with them not wearing one. Those will be their new caregivers, or even parents.”

“Yeah?” asked Tolya. He was starting to put two and two together.

“Which means you'll need one too.” said Brook. “I told you that I don't want you as a mate.” He hugged Tolya tighter. “That's because I want you as a son.”

Tolya looked shocked and surprised, but hugged back. His teenage emotions got the better of him and he began to cry again. Tears rolled down his cheeks, landing on Brook's shoulder. He sniffled and kept hugging him, not wanting to let go. He hadn't really thought of asking Brook to be his ABDL daddy, yet the idea seemed to make so much sense. 

“Aww, come here buddy.” said Brook. He did his best to wiggle Tolya onto his lap, even though the big lug was bigger than he was. He kept cuddling the teen bear for a while, then removed his over-sized shirt. “I think this has outgrown you. Here, blow your nose.” He wadded up the shirt and held it up to Tolya's face.

Tolya blushed and leaned into the shirt, then blew his nose good into it, wiggling his face.

“There we go.” said Brook. “Wow, that's a lot of snot.” He chuckled and rubbed Tolya's tone belly and pecs. “Gosh, even at this age you were a brick house.”

“Y-yeah...” said Tolya. “There's a reason for that. Growing up, my dad was always pushing me to work out. Being a polar bear, we are naturally big and heavy. If we don't work out, we just look like fat loads. He was never happy though. Nothing I did was ever good enough. Even when I surpassed him in musculature, he pushed me to work out more, get into sports, challenge other men, and so on. I wasn't allowed to cry or complain. Big boys don't cry after all. Only babies do. I hated growing up. I wanted to stay a little cub, happily diapered and cuddled, and not expected to do anything big or manly.”

“Awww, it makes sense now.” said Brook. “You were forced to grow up too fast. Naturally, you would want to go back to when times were happier and easier. Now you can! You can be MY cub, and I promise I won't push you into doing anything you don't want to do.”

“Y-you won't?” asked Tolya. “I don't know what to say.”

“Just say you'll be my baby.” said Brook. “Keep your hat on until midnight.” He smiled and adjusted the hands again. “At midnight everyone's ages will lock in and become permanent.”

“How permanent?” asked Tolya.

“Well, you'll grow up again, but at the same rate as the first time.” said Brook. “No faster, no slower.”

Tolya smiled and leaned in to kiss Brook on the cheek.

Brook smiled and met him, but on the lips. “I owe you that much.” he said. “I'm sorry I made it sound like I don't love you. I do, but in a different way. I've wanted my own child for a long time, but I'm not really ready for a relationship. Maybe some day you can have a mommy, or even a second daddy.” He smiled and booped Tolya's nose.

Tolya smiled and leaned his head onto Brook's, feeling his antlers on his face. “I'd be happy with just you.” he said. “Forever and ever.”

“Good boy.” said Brook. “Now then, I think we should find you something more fitting, yes?” He smiled and helped Tolya up to his feet.

Tolya stood, but his pants fell to his ankles. He blushed and tugged them back up, then tried to walk in his huge shoes. He took big steps, trying to keep his shoes on while going up the stairs, but kept stepping out of them. Finally, Brook just took them. 

“Here, go barefoot.” said Brook. “Or is it BEAR foot?” He chuckled and gave Tolya's bottom a playful swat.

“Hehe, very funny.” said Tolya. “I see you have the dad humor down.”

“You know it.” said Brook. He walked with Tolya back into the house, past several youngsters running around in loose clothes. Some had already gotten redressed in training pants or even diapers by their new caregivers. The house was now filled with toddlers, children, and a few teens all happily engaged with one another. They looked and saw the younger bear.

“Tolya!” shouted one of them, a former lion, now just a cub wearing pullups. “Look at me! I'm small!”

“Hehe, yeah you are!” said Tolya. He reached out and patted his friend on the head, knowing that soon he would be that small, or even smaller.

“I have to get this little one properly dressed.” said Brook. Everyone chuckled, knowing what he had in mind. He led Tolya back to his bedroom where he pulled out a small bag. “Go ahead and get undressed.”

“Okay.” said Tolya. He began taking his pants off, followed by his large boxers. He had been naked with Brook before, but only when showering. It never felt embarrassing then, but it did now that he was back in his early teens. He looked into a mirror and gasped. His beard was gone, and only a patch of red fur remained on his chin. A small patch of red fur lined his groin, and only a small tuft of white pubic fur stuck out from his chest.  His body was still tone, but less muscular. At this age he was a bit rebellious, and didn't want to keep working out like his father demanded.

Brook smiled at the bear posing in front of the mirror and smacked his rear. “Okay cub, come here.” he said.

Tolya yipped and turned around, giggling and rubbing his bottom. “Haha, okay okay.” he said. He walked over to the bed and saw a large disposable diaper laid out on it. It was one of the ones meant for ABDLs, with babyish prints on it. It was also very thick, one of the more expensive ones. “Oh wow, these are expensive.”

“Not too much for me.” said Brook. “Besides, I only needed to get a sample pack. You won't be big enough to use a whole pack or case for long.”

Tolya blushed and sat down on the open diaper, then laid back, spreading his legs.

Brook smiled and pulled something else out from the bag. It was a bright red pacifier. He reached out and poked Tolya's muzzle with it.

“Huh?” asked Tolya, looking down. He saw the pacifier and blushed, but opened his mouth and accepted it. He suckled on it, smiling and blushing as he was promptly powdered and diapered.

Brook then helped Tolya up off of the bed and patted his freshly diapered rear. “You're so cute.” he said. “Let's go show everyone.”

“Hehe, okay.” said Tolya, he let Brook lead him by the hand as if he were a toddler already, and walked down the hall to the living room. Everyone smiled and cheered as he entered, seeing the teen bear wearing a diaper and sucking on a pacifier.

“It's our big baby bear!” shouted a now toddler Tulio.

Tolya turned and looked down at the little bull calf, smiling. “Aww, you're so small now!” he said.

“Yeah!” said Tulio. “Yer gonna be small soon too right?”

“Yep!” said Tolya. “I want to get very small.”

“Oooh, how small?” asked Tulio.

“As small as a little baby!” said Tolya. “I want to be tiny again!”

“Aww, I'm so glad to hear you say that.” said Brook. “I couldn't decide if you should be a newborn or maybe a year old.”

“A n-newborn?” asked Tolya. “Will I even...remember myself?”

“Yes.” said Brook. “Don't worry. Everyone will remember everything. You'll have a head start in life with all of your adult knowledge.”

“Sounds fun!” said Tolya. He smiled, sucking on his pacifier and crinkling around in his diaper.

“Aww, he is so precious.” said the lioness from earlier. “He's not even a baby yet and he is adorable!”

“He's always been a big baby on the inside.” said Brook.

“Oh yes, my little one has told me about him.” said the lioness, patting her little lion cub on the head.

Tolya blushed, towering over the tots in the room. Clearly they had chosen to regress faster, unwilling to wait long to be in diapers again. 

Brook led Tolya over to an empty chair and sat down, then patted his knee. “Come on, have a seat little man.” he said.

Tolya blushed and sat down on Brook's knee. It was a bit of a small, hard seat, but his diaper provided some cushion.

Brook smiled and began bouncing Tolya on his knee. He was very heavy, but he hadn't done all those leg presses for nothing. He was able to bounce the teen bear on his knee with some effort, and everyone in the room giggled. “Such a good boy.” he said, patting Tolya on the back.

Tolya blushed and sucked on his pacifier, feeling his diapered bottom get bounced up and down. His diaper crinkled loudly throughout the room. Tulio turned the TV channel to some children's cartoon, and the others began to gather around to watch. 

“Why don't you go sit with your little friends for a bit?” asked Brook. “I'll be right back.”

“Oh, okay.” said Tolya. He got up then went over and sat on the floor among the toddlers and other children, clearly the biggest in the bunch. He felt like such a big baby, sucking on his pacifier in front of everyone, but he loved it. His small nub of a tail wiggled happily in the back of his diaper. 

Brook and the lioness went to the kitchen, and soon returned with a big plate of freshly baked cookies and sippy cups and baby bottles of cold milk. “Who wants cookies and milk?!” Brook asked enthusiastically. 

“Oooh, yay!” shouted the group of regressed adults. They swarmed the buck and the lioness, reaching for cookies and milk.

“One at a time cubs!” said the lioness, giggling at how young they were acting. She bent down to let them each get what they wanted.

“Whoa, careful there kiddos!” said Brook. He sat the plate down on the coffee table and smiled as the tots grabbed cookies with their little paws and sat down to eat them. 

Tolya smiled and reached over them, grabbing a cookie and a baby bottle. He sat and happily ate his cookie and drank his milk with the others. 

Brook smiled and reached down, tugging the back of Tolya's diaper for a check. 

Tolya blushed and looked back to see what Brook was doing. “I-I don't need a change.” he said.

“Not yet.” said Brook. “Haha, gosh you're cute.” He let the diaper go and the waist band snapped back. A small cloud of baby powder poofed out of it.

Tolya just smiled and wiggled a little, eating his snack. He was really enjoying Brook's teasing, but he wondered what he would be like as an actual father. Soon enough he would find out. The clock struck again, and his fur bristled as he shrank yet again. His view point lowered and lowered, but around the room, his friends were shrinking as well. Pre-teens became little kids, little kids became toddlers, and toddlers became squirming babies on the floor. Tolya felt his diaper loosening. He looked down and watched as his feet pulled inward, growing smaller and losing muscle tone. His limbs were regaining long lost baby fat, and his teeth began to show gaps from where adult teeth were receding. His snout shortened and his face became chubbier. The baby bottle in his hands seemed to grow larger and heavier, and for once his tummy protruded. His face took on more of a rounded, innocent appearance, and his fur grew soft. The red patch on his chin disappeared completely, as did the bit of pubic fur on his chest. The tuft of red hair on his head became softer and messier, growing out a bit from his short adult haircut. He blushed, realizing he was on the opposite side of puberty now, and he was still dropping. He gulped and watched as things around him grew to an enormous size. “I'm getting so small!” he squeaked out, hearing his voice become higher and higher. He was used to being big all of his life, but now that he was little, things were getting a bit scary. Something deep in his mind bubbled to the surface. It was the need to depend on his parents for safety. His eyes darted around until he spotted Brook. Quickly, he jumped up to his little feet, tugging his diaper up, and ran toward him instinctively. “Daddy!” he yelled out, sounding like a scared little boy now. The big, strong, muscular man he once had been was gone, leaving only a small cub.

Brook opened his arms and wrapped them around little Tolya, snuggling him and patting his back. “Shhh, don't worry little guy.” he said. “Daddy is here.” For once, Tolya wasn't bigger than he was. Now he was quite a bit smaller, and looked like any other chunky cub.

Tolya hiccuped and blushed, realizing what he had just done. His senses returned, and he looked up at the big buck. “D-did I just call you daddy?” he asked, his eyes growing wide.

“You did.” Brook smiled. “I'm so glad! My little boy is growing down so fast.” He wiped a tear away and picked up the small cub. He couldn't be any older than five at the most. “Heh, that diaper is a bit big on you now.” He smiled and unfastened the velcro tabs on the sides, then refastened them tighter. He placed the little cub down on the soft carpeted floor and smiled, looking at his adorable image.  Although it was still too big, the diaper was at least tight enough to remain in place now. It forced his legs apart, giving him an awkward gait and making him waddle like a toddler.

“Hehe, I'm smawl!” said Tolya, happily toddling around. “Lookit me! I'm smawl” He twirled around and giggled, then plopped to his thickly padded rear among the others. He saw Tulio now lying on his back, squirming and giggling, drooling all over part of a cookie. Others were running around with child-like energy, giggling and squealing. Others were toddlers, just barely old enough to walk. Even though he was still the biggest among his friends, it was a dream come true to be small again.

“All of your friends are small now.” said Brook. “Look at how cute you all are! So many crinkly little fluffs!”

“Awww, I think my little Jason is cuter.” said a female kangaroo holding her small, toddler wolf cub/

“Well, I think my little Billy is the cutest.” said a male tiger holding a small kitten.

“Come come now.” said Brook. “They're all cute. All babies are cute, and they're only going to get cuter soon.”

“Only one more hour to go.” said the lioness. “Then they'll all be babies permanently.” She picked up her son, who was now just a year old, and cuddled him, cooing down at him and playing with his feet. “Who's my cute little cub? Oooh, you are! Are you having fun with your little feets?”

The baby lion looked up at her and nodded, giggling. “Mah feets is smaww n soft!” he said.

Brook began passing out some fun coloring books and crayons. “How about some coloring time?” he asked.

“Ooh, yay!” said Tolya. His little furry fingers grabbed a pack of crayons and a book of fun cartoon characters. He sat on his thickly padded rear and began to color in some of the pictures. He found it a little difficult to stay within the lines since his motor skills had regressed, but he saw that others were having similar issues. Some were so little that they needed their caregivers to help them.

“I not so good at dis.” said a little skunk boy, gripping one crayon in his tiny fist and scribbling on paper.

“It looks good to me honey.” said his mommy, a pink and purple female racoon with long blue hair.

“I can do it!” said Tulio, coloring in a few pages with his crayons.

The room was quiet, except for the sound of the cartoons on TV and the tots occasionally squeaking or babbling. The caregivers all lovingly watched the tiny tots play with their crayons. It was an adorable, heart warming scene.

“I'm so glad you did this.” said a pink and purple female raccoon. 

Brook nodded and smiled. “Well, it wasn't easy getting those hats.” he said. “But I'm so glad I did. Everyone seems so happy.”

“We awe happy!” said the small baby skunk. “Fankoo!” He giggled and stood with his color page in his hand, trying to walk in an over-sized pullup. He ended up plopping to all fours and crawling, but this didn't bother him.. His mommy, the pink and purple raccoon, picked him up and rubbed his tummy.

Tolya giggled, looking around at all of his friends, now toddlers and babies just like they had always wished to be. They were all having such fun with their activity books and crayons. Some had taken to doodling on their diapers and some had decided to chew on their crayons. Once he was done with his page, he tore it out and showed it to Brook. “Wook!” he said. 

Brook reached down and picked up Tolya, easily holding the cub in his muscular arms. “Good job sweety!” he said, nuzzling him gently. “I guess we finally found an age where you weren't buff.” he teased, booping his nose.

“Hehe, yeah.” said Tolya. “Wow, I sound w-wike a toddlah.” 

“You look like one too.” said Brook, patting him on his thickly diapered rear. He sat down in a big comfy chair and held little Tolya, nuzzling him and playing patty cake with him. He was very amused at how small, yet happy Tolya was now. 

Tolya smiled and wiggled his nub of a tail happily as he played with Brook. He smacked his little paws against Brook's as he sat on the big deer's lap. His thick diaper crinkled under him and pushed his legs apart. The drinks he had earlier began to take their toll on his shrunken bladder though, and he blushed, wiggling a little. 

Brook noticed the look on his face. “What's wrong?” he asked.

“Mm...gotta pee.” said Tolya, pressing against the front of his diaper.

“Oh, heh, then go ahead.” said Brook. “You're wearing a diaper after all. Use it.”

“Huh?” asked Tolya. “W-wight hewe? Now?” He looked around and noticed that some were getting diaper changes on the floor. “Oh, um, hehe, otay.” He blushed and relaxed, but still had trouble going while being watched. 

“Can't go?” asked Brook. He chuckled and began rubbing Tolya's tummy. “Maybe this will help. I saw some of the mommies doing this to make sure their little cubs are nice and empty.”

Tolya blushed and covered his face with his paws, smiling. He soon felt his bladder give way and his diaper became very warm and wet. He giggled a bit and stuck his tongue out, wiggling and kicking his feet. 

Brook smiled and noticed Tolya's diaper becoming warm and heavy on his leg. He could see the white turning a pale yellow in front. “Good boy.” he said, proud of his baby for being, well, a baby. He bounced Tolya on his knee a little, letting him squish in his wet padding a little.

Tolya blushed and removed his paws from his face, then looked down. He blushed at the obviously wet thing between his legs and felt the warm, soaked padding squishing under him. “Hehehe, I did it!” he squeaked. “I used my diapee!” The other adults turned rugrats cheered Tolya's accomplishments, many of them needing changes of their own now. 

“I guess we need a round of diaper changes.” said the lioness.

“I'll round up some supplies.” said Brook. He put Tolya down on the floor. “Be a good boy until I get back.”

Tolya blushed and nodded. “Hehe, okay daddy.” he said. He popped his pacifier back in his mouth, noticing it was much bigger now that he was little. His diaper was still originally meant for someone a lot bigger, so it sagged and bulged between his legs. He tried to walk, but it began dragging the floor at his feet, making the others giggle.

“Dats a big diapuh!” said the little skunk.

“It wook heavy!” said Tulio. “Mine heavy too!” He giggled, crawling around on all fours with his diaper sagging a little. 

“Yah!” said Tolya. “I had a wot to dwink.” He giggled and sucked on his pacifier, feeling so small and babyish.

“Da big, stwong beaw ish jus a widdle cub now.” said Billy the kitten.

“Hehe, so?” said Tolya. “Soon I gonna be even smawwer.” He smiled and clapped his little paws. “I can't wait!” He sat on his padded rear and kicked his legs on the floor.

“Ya stiww kinda big fow now tho.” said little Jason. He crawled over and climbed up into Tolya's lap. “Soft. Comfy.” He curled up and pretended to snore.

Tolya giggled and gave the little wolf pup some pets. “Ya gonna attend my cub fitness cwass now?” he asked.

“I fink I gonna be too busy nomming on my toes.” said Jason. “I has a wot to get done.” He giggled and wagged his fluffy little tail happily.

“Baby exercises?” asked Brook, walking back in with a supply of diapers, wipes, and powder. He placed them down on the floor and then knelt down, patting Tolya on the head. “Want to show them how it's done?”

“Uh huh!” said Tolya. He struggled to get up in his huge, heavy diaper.

“Maybe wait until after the change kiddo.” said Brook. “Lay down. Let's do some leg lifts.”

Tolya giggled and laid down, then lifted his chunky legs into the air. “Wike dis?” he asked.

“Perfect!” said Brook. “What a big, clever boy I have.” He unfastened Tolya's diaper and opened it, then began cleaning him. 

Tolya smiled, sucking on his pacifier and looking up at the ceiling. He saw his feet up in the air and reached for them, then grabbed one and began playing with it.

“It's fun to be so flexible isn't it?” asked Brook, now rolling up the huge used diaper and putting it away.

“Uh huh!” said Tolya. “Jus wait untiw I'm a baby! Den I can put em in my mouth!”

“Going to be a dedicated toe muncher eh?” Brook joked. He got out a fresh, smaller diaper with some cartoon characters on it, and then lifted Brook by the ankles and slid it under him. He sprinkled some baby powder onto him, then taped the sides of the diaper snugly around his fuzzy waist. “Okay son, all clean and dry again.” He helped his little bear cub to his feet and smiled, giving him a big hug.

Tolya hugged Brook back and cooed softly with his nubby little tail wiggling happily. “Fankoo!” he said. “Now I can haff my cwass.” He turned around to address the others, or at least those that had gotten a change already. “Weady babies? One! Two Thwee! Four! Five!” He counted as he reached down to touch his toes. His diaper was made to fit him this time, so he had more freedom of movement.

The others tried doing the same, but only a few were successful. Others had lost a lot of motor control and kept falling over. 

“Oof, it too hawd!” said Tulio. “I fink I jus gonna do weg wifts.” He laid down on his back and kicked his little hooves in the air, crinkling in his little diaper.

“I can do it!” said the little skunk boy. He was able to lean down and touch his toes a few times, but eventually fell to his bottom and giggled.

“Yay!” shouted Tolya. “Ya did a good job!” He clapped his paws and giggled at the clumsy, awkward babies and toddlers.

The various caregivers all watched and laughed at their new little charges trying to do things they used to do as adults.

“How about some weights?” asked Brook. He handed Tolya a pair of baby blue rattles.

Tolya blushed and giggled. “Otay!” he said happily. “One! Two! Thwee!” He began pumping the rattles up in the air, rattling them around with each count while the others watched and clapped.

“Oooh, Towya so stwong!” said the little lion cub.

“Yah, he a big boy!” said Tulio.

“Not for long.” said Brook, keeping an eye on the time. 

Tolya kept pretending to lift weights and lead the others in one final personal training class, then tried to do some push ups. With his body now a weak child, he struggled for the first time in a long time, and realized all he had accomplished. He had gone from this to a big, strong man, using most of his life to perfect his body. “Oof, I fink I too heavy.” he said with a bit of a laugh. He rolled over onto his back and giggled, then sat up. “Ooh, sit ups! Wets twy it!” He began lying back and then sitting up as best he could, but kept wobbling in weakness. 

Meanwhile, the others tried doing the same. The toddlers could do this just fine, but the babies tended to roll onto their sides and back down. They were soon distracted by the TV, which announced the coming of the new year. 

“It's about to be midnight everyone!” said Brook. “Make sure those little hats are on nice and tight!”

All of the little ones wiggled closer together and adjusted their hats. Some of them had fallen off during the baby body work class, but their caregivers put them back on. Tolya smiled and stood with them, sucking on his pacifier as the countdown began.

“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six...” the room counted down. “Five, four, three, two, one! Happy New Year!”

Tolya cheered and his little heart raced. His body tingled and he once again began shrinking. He could feel the soft carpet under his feet paws rub against his increasingly soft paw pads as he shrank in place. His remaining years counted down, from five down to four, then three. He seemed to shrink every few seconds, making his view point pull downward in spurts. His body continued to soften and weaken, plumping with baby fat. His cheeks blushed and rounded, his snout shortened, and his claws dwindled. Two. His fur softened and his legs wobbled with weakness, while his diaper grew more roomy. He was headed down the same road as the others. It was the road to infancy, innocence, and being carefree. It was an amazing feeling, like going down in an elevator, but having the elevator grow around you at the same time. One. The red mess of hair atop his head grew even softer and shorter, now looking like just a dollop of red on top of white fur. A few of his baby teeth pulled up into his gums, leaving much more room for his pacifier. His legs wobbled and his tummy protruded. He kept a hold of his diaper with his pudgy little hands so that it wouldn't fall down, but it now touched the floor between his legs. He looked down at himself, seeing the chunky infant body of extreme youth. It was a sight he had long forgotten, yet yearned to see again. It was an odd feeling just trying to walk now. It felt as if his legs were carrying a great weight. They wobbled awkwardly with each tiny step he took toward Brook. After a few steps they gave out, and he fell to his bottom in the large padding anyway. The waist of it came all the way up to his chest, as if it were trying to swallow him. He wiggled and flailed, trying to test his new baby body. It was so fascinating to him, seeing his fingers so tiny and his body so weak. It was the complete opposite of how he once was. Even his toes were small and chunky now, attached to chubby feet and legs that poked out of the leg holes of his diaper. He looked up to see Brook's big smiling face, then reached up with his little arms. He knew just what to say. It was the perfect easy word for a baby to say at this moment. “Dada!” he squeaked.

“Baby!” said Brook. He plucked his tiny infant son up straight out of his diaper, and held his small, soft, warm little body close to his own. For the first time in a long time, he shed tears, so happy to have a son that loved him. He cuddled the baby bear tightly, rocking him and stroking his back.

“I uh bah bee!” said Tolya, having a hard time controlling his tongue. He cooed happily and laid his head on Brook's chest. He felt so small and helpless, yet so happy, free, and loved. 

“Yes you are!” said Brook. “Have a look.” He turned to the large mirror in the room so Tolya could see himself.

Tolya looked at the scene in the mirror of the huge deer and tiny polar bear. He giggled a little and squeaked happily, clapping his tiny paws. He could see that his fur was all downy now, and his body was so tiny and chubby. He pointed to the mirror and babbled in response. “I mah goo gee bah boo!” he jabbered. He hugged Brook as tightly as he could, but his little arms did not come close to wrapping around the huge, bulky deer. He rubbed his snout into his shirt and wiped away a few tears of happiness, then looked up with a big smile hiding behind his pacifier. All this time it had been a pacifier meant for a baby, but only now did it fit just right. He suckled on it, feeling it rub against his gums in spots yet to have teeth. It felt strange to bite down on it now. He closed his eyes, listening to Brook's heart beat and sucking his pacifier to the same rhythm. 

All around the two were caregivers holding their new, freshly minted infants who were all cooing and gurgling. There were some who chose to go all the way back to newborns, while others remained a few months to a year old. 

“Oooh, so cute!” said the lioness, holding her newborn son up in the air. “My baby boy!” The newborn kitten in her hands cooed and smiled, drooling from a toothless mouth, now so small he could be held in one hand. She held him close to her, cuddling his tiny body and stroking his baby soft fur.

Tulio was in a similar position, about as old as Tolya, but still just a baby being held by his new father, an adult gray fox. The little bull sucked on his hoof as he looked around happily at all of his regressed friends. Everyone's hats had fallen off, and their lives had started over. 

The room was filled with the sounds of cooing, giggling, and babbling babies, and even a few cries. Though they were cries of pure happiness, they still sounded like mewling infants. The caregivers all celebrated by diapering their charges, then feeding them bottles.

Brook held a bottle for his son to drink from, sitting and rocking him gently. “Here, the first bottle and first diaper of your new infancy.” he said. 

“Dada!” said Tolya. He still struggled just to control his tongue. His body had been weakened to a state no one would be prepared for. The once mighty, adult polar bear now struggled with the simplest of tasks. “Eeh..iiiit...hhhaaawd ta t-t-t-taaawk.”

“Then just keep it to small, simple words for now little one.” said Brook, bouncing Tolya in his arms and holding the bottle closer.

“Baba!” said Tolya. “Baba dada!” He smiled and let his pacifier fall from his mouth, then accepted the nipple of the bottle. It felt different from before, when he was a teen and it was embarrassing. Now it was part of his life, and expected of him. He nursed on the bottle and felt the cool liquid go down his throat. The baby formula tasted sweet and thick, with a bit of an iron taste. His little paws reached up to hold the bottle, touching Brook's big, strong hands. His tiny ears flicked back with each suckle from the bottle.

“There you go.” said Brook, holding the bottle and his new son. “Good boy.” He pet Tolya down his back, feeling his smooth, soft fur and adoring the cute slurping sounds he was making. Around the room the babies were nursing and slowly falling asleep. All of that movement earlier had taken its toll, plus the formula was very soothing for their little tummies. For that night, the room became a nursery for brand new babies, filled with the sounds and smells of infancy. Whereas before they would act this out as adults, they were now living it for real. 

Tolya's eyes drooped as he suckled on the last of his infant formula. His lips grew slack and he began to drool milk down his chin and onto his white fur. He let the nipple go, feeling so tired and content. 

Brook put Tolya over his shoulder and patted his back. Soon the little polar bear cub let out a huge burp and drooled a little on his shoulder. “Haha, goodness!” he said. “Such a big burp for such a little bear.”

Tolya blushed and cooed softly. He tried to speak, but his weak tongue and sluggish body wouldn't let him. All he got out was a few babbles and coos. 

“Looks like it's time for bed.” said Brook. “These babies are up way past their bed time.” He chuckled and held Tolya in his arms, rocking him gently. He placed the pacifier back in his mouth and watched as his small eyes closed and his little muzzle began sucking on the pacifier. His suckles began to slow more and more.

“Thank you again.” said the lioness. “Once they are old enough, I think we should enroll them in the same daycare and school.”

“Yes, they were all good friends, and they should remain close.” said Brook. “Plus, they will know things other kids won't, and that might alienate them some.”

“I agree.” said the male fox holding the infant bull. His little charge's tail swayed slowly, and his eyes were closed. He was curled up in the fox's arms, happily asleep.

“This was a New Year to remember, that is for sure.” said the young raccoon mommy. She bounced and rocked her little skunk kit, patting him on the bottom as he lay there asleep.

“May you all live long, loving lives together.” said Brook. “May they all remain close friends.”

“Forever young.” said the lioness. “Forever ours.”

The caregivers left one by one, carrying their charges to their cars and putting them into infant car seats they had prepared earlier. It was still hard to believe the tiny, sleeping infants were once big, strong adults. 

Brook carried Tolya upstairs to a new room he had prepared. It was a nursery, made just for Tolya. It had soft plush toys, baby toys, and even some tiny toy weights. He chuckled a little to himself, tucking Tolya into his little wooden crib. He started up a mobile above him, and soft, tinkling music played. “Sleep well my baby.” he said. “Tomorrow starts your new life as my son.”

Tolya stirred and rolled onto his back.. His mouth instinctively suckled on the pacifier while he remained asleep, comfortable as he could be in his soft, safe crib. His dreams were of playing in the grass with his little friends while Brook and the others watched on. A smile formed behind his pacifier.

From then on, Tolya's days were filled with play, feedings, baths, and naps. He had become the tiny baby he always wished he could be, and would be raised by Brook to be whatever he wanted. Though he did have toy weights for him, they were mostly for comedic effect. In reality, he would not push Tolya to work out at all. He had no idea if Tolya would want to continue that life or choose a new one, but he did know that whatever he chose to do, he would support him one hundred percent. Like they planned, all of the regressed friends remained together, having play dates, celebrating birthdays, and attending daycare and school as they grew back up. Some would contemplate returning to infancy yet again, but that would be a choice for another new year. Everyone would live very happily together forever after, living their dreams.

The End