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Chapter Text

“Emmy, cherie! It's time to get up, you don't want to be late for the bus!”

Amelie Oliver knocked on the door to her daughter's bedroom. It was a usual Wednesday morning in early September, and her 15-year-old's sophomore year of high school was just starting up. A couple seconds passed without a reply. The papillon gently pushed the door open, hearing muffled sobs and sniffling from inside.

“Emmy? What's wrong?” She stepped inside. The room was decorated much like any other teenage girl's, except for two major additions: a set of raiseable guard rails on either side of the bed, and a tall, cylindrical trash can, much like one would find in a daycare or nursery, sat in the corner of the room. The teenage papillon was sitting curled up at the head of her bed, her pajama pants and sheets both having large, wet spots on them. The unmistakable scent of urine hung in the air like an aura of shame.
“Oh, honey, another episode?” Amelie sat down on the edge of her daughter's bed, putting a comforting paw on her shoulder.
“I- I'm sorry, mommy! I thought I could be a big girl and not hafta wear my pull-ups last night!” Emmy said between sobs, hugging her mother tightly.
“It's all right, dear. I'll call into school, but I want us to see Dr. Anders today, okay? I'm just worried since this has been happening more often lately.”
“Okay, mommy...”
“Now, let me get you cleaned up and put these sheets in the wash.”
Emmy obligingly nodded, the teenager slowly stripping off her soaked pajamas as Amelie went to her dresser, pulling a large disposable diaper from one of the drawers.
“Mommy!” Emmy yelped in surprise. “Do I really hafta wear that?”
“Yes, sweetie, only because we're going to the doctor's.” She slid the infantile garment under her daughter's rear, wiping her clean and rubbing in a puff of powder before taping it up snugly.
“Now go and pick out an outfit, I'll make you some breakfast and then we're off.”

–

Emmy sulkily dangled her legs from her seat on the exam table, diaper crinkling noisily with each movement, as her doctor entered the room.
“Good morning, Emmy, what are we seeing you for today?” The vixen said with a cordial smile.
“'Cause I hadda 'nother episode...” the teen grumbled, looking down at a suddenly very interesting floor tile.
“Oh, I see. Can I talk with your mom about that?”
Dr. Anders' question was answered with a simple nod, and with that she turned to the older canine.
“Well, her RRS has been getting worse lately. I think being back in school is triggering it more. This is the third relapse she's had this week, during the summer it was usually just once or twice a month.”

Regressive Relapse Syndrome: a rare condition typically appearing around puberty in which high amounts of stress or other triggers causes the patient to mentally regress, usually to an age between infancy and kindergarten, and Emmy's recent diagnosis. Some time between her last birthday and the end of her freshman year of high school, she had roughly awoken her mother by having fallen out of her bed, tangled in wet sheets, bawling her eyes out. One trip to her usual pediatrician later, she had been diagnosed and recommended to a specialist, and thus, visits to Dr. Anders had become a part of her life.
Emmy's RRS was a moderate case, her regressive triggers mainly bringing her back to around preschool level, but enough for her to need 'protection' and the occasional reminder to use the potty during the daytime.

“Well, Mrs. Oliver, considering the situation and the more frequent relapses, I would recommend that Emmy be transferred to a private school.” Dr. Anders turned back to her laptop, tapping at the keyboard, and turning it over to Amelie. Emmy, curious, peered over as well.
“It's called Golden Grove, and they teach all ages of teenagers with RRS. Small classes, highly trained staff and tutors, and Emmy will have a personal advisor to work with her.”
“New school? But... but what about all of my friends?” Emmy whimpered, paws beginning to clutch at the hem of her skirt.
“You'll still be able to see them, sweetheart, just not as much.” Amelie gently stroked her daughter's hair, swiftly defusing a possible tantrum. “And I think this is a good idea for you. You'll have plenty of support in case anything happens during the day. I know you haven't had any problems at school so far, but I just want my girl to be safe and not made fun of or anything like that.”
“Mmmm... okay, mommy...” Emmy reluctantly agreed.
“One more thing to bring up, the school practices indulgence therapy. It's a new process where, essentially, by acting and being treated like their age in their regressed mindset, patients can be shown that regression isn't something to be afraid of, and can even be enjoyable,” Dr. Anders explained. “The latest studies have shown it has a positive impact on reducing regressive triggers.”
“Oh, really? Is that something you'd like to try, Emmy?” Amelie turned to her, putting a paw on hers. The teenager blinked, looking up at her mom.
“Um... whassat mean?”
“Well, when you're little, you don't have to try and act like a grown-up. You can just be your little self,” Dr. Anders simplified for her.
“So I, um, get to act little again? An' that's okay?” She said after a moment, looking up at the two adults, who both nodded.
“Y... yeah,” Emmy stammered out after another pause, tail wagging slightly.
“Well, it looks like that matter's all settled, then,” Dr. Anders said cheerfully. “I'll get in touch with Golden Grove and send in all the necessary documentation on my end, if you would do the same for East Bay."
“Thanks, Dr. Anders. We'll let you know if anything comes up.”

–

“Hey... mom...?”

Amelie looked over into the rear-view mirror. Emmy was buckled into a teen-sized car seat, looking forlornly out the window. Her regressive episode had ended shortly after leaving Dr. Anders office, but Amelie had still asked her to sit there just in case. She had also given Emmy a brief run-down on the plans to transfer schools, which she had responded to surprisingly calmly, given her circumstances.

“Yeah, Emmy?”
“About... the new school thing. Do you think it's really gonna help?”
“I think it'll be good for you, yes. And I've been thinking about something, how would you like to have a few of your friends over for something special this weekend, before you start at Golden Grove?”
"Huh...? You really mean it?” Emmy turned her attention from watching the scenery fly past.
“Of course, dear. I know how much they mean to you, and I know they'd miss you, too.”
“But... well, I'd have to tell them? About... all this, huh?”
“I suppose, yes. But I'm sure they would understand, they've been your best friends for years. Just let me know who you want to come over, and I'll set everything up, okay?”
“Okay, mom. And... thanks.” A small smile formed on the teen's muzzle.
“Any time, Emmy. I love you.”

–

Emmy sighed, sitting down at her desk and opening up her laptop. She opened up her browser and clicked one of her bookmarks, the web page dutifully popping up: the Aclian Regressive Relapse Syndrome Support Network. Just like its name suggested, a forum where RRS patients, caregivers and close relations could talk, share their perspectives, and find camaraderie together. Emmy scrolled through the forums, searching for one that could give her some perspective on her upcoming transfer. Seeing none, however, it fell to her to start a new discussion.

Topic: Private schools for RRS patients?
Posted by: MissButterfly523

Anyone have any experiences with them? Been relapsing more and more since school started back up and today it got bad enough that I had to go to my specialist. She brought up this private school (name's Golden Grove if anyone's familiar with it) and thought it would be best if I transferred there from my public school. NGL I'm kinda worried, no idea what to expect from it so if anyone's got info on what they're like please let me know!

Emmy posted the topic, and shut her laptop. With another sigh, she got up and fell onto her freshly-changed bed, mind still swimming with worry.
“You're overthinking this, girl. It's going to be fine, just another school with completely normal high school stuff,” she said out loud to herself, staring up at her ceiling.

I hope.

–

The next few days passed without any incidents, regressive episodes or wet beds. On Saturday afternoon, Emmy's nervousness had been gradually building, so much that her mother had her change into a pull-up just in case. The ring of the doorbell perked Emmy's attention, and she rushed over to answer it. Three of her friends were standing outside; an afghan hound tapping on her cell phone, a bespectacled poodle holding a few gift bags, and a golden retriever practically bouncing on her paws to see Emmy.

“EMMY!” The retriever pulled the papillon into a bear hug. “Emmy, you're just gonna go to a different school? Just like THAT?”
“H-hey, Chelsea! It's not like I'm moving away or anything!” Emmy gave a hug back, trying to keep her tail from wagging too much and giving away her choice of underwear. “And it's not really my choice, anyway.”
“So, whose choice is it then?” Khloe, the poodle, walked in, setting her bags on the kitchen table.
“I, um, that's gonna be a bit of a longer answer. And... harder to talk about...” Emmy broke away from Chelsea's grip, sitting down on the couch, grabbing a pillow and squeezing it on her lap. Tris, the afghan, sat down next to her.
“Emmy, listen, if we weren't weirded out by any of the other big talks we've had with each other, we're not gonna mind this one. Team Taco promise, 'kay?” Tris put her paw on Emmy's, giving her a smile.

Emmy took a deep breath.

“Okay... so. Girls... I, um... I have Regressive Relapse Syndrome.”

A brief pause.

“Oh, so that explains why you had the gold pass,” Chelsea blurted out.

Nearly immediately, the group broke into laughter.

“Oh my god, Chels, that can't be the first thing you thought of!” Tris put a paw on her forehead between chuckles.
“Am I wrong, though?”
“But that's why you've been out of school so often?” Khloe asked, getting a nod from Emmy in return.
“Yeah... my doctor said that transferring to a private school that, um, is better for... my, condition... would help.” Emmy swallowed. “And, um, there's one more thing about it... I, um, I'm gonna be encouraged to... well, be... little, when I have one of my... episodes.”
“What do you mean?” Chelsea tilted her head, sitting on Emmy's other side.
“It's a new kind of therapy for it,” Emmy explained, as Khloe took her own seat next to Tris. “I looked it up online, and people say, like, embracing being little helps keep the triggers from being worse when one does happen.”
“So, would it be okay if we helped you out if that happens around us?” Tris gave a gentle smile.
“Yeah! We could be your babysitters!” Chelsea giggled, making Emmy blush.
“H-hey, I um, dunno if we need to go that far...” Emmy stammered.
“Relax, Emmy, we're not gonna do anything you aren't comfortable with.” Khloe said, shooting Chelsea a 'seriously, cut it out' glance.
“Yeah, Chels, relax. There's plenty of actual babies to be sat if you want to practice changing diapers,” Tris remarked, giving a sardonic eye roll.

Emmy winced, her paws starting to quiver.

“Hey, um, Emmy? Is everything...” Tris gave the papillon's paw a gentle squeeze.

“I... I don't, I'm not...!” Emmy's voice was strained, her breath coming in shaky, ragged pants. Tears started to roll down her cheeks, and she hid her face behind her pillow. Soft, whimpering sobs followed soon after.

Tris and Khloe looked at each other, instantly recognizing what had happened. In a flash, the poodle stood up, coming over and putting her paw on Emmy's shoulder.
“Emmy? I'm going to get your mom, okay? Chelsea and Tris are still gonna be here to help.” Khloe gave her a reassuring squeeze before getting back up and exiting the living room in search of Amelie. Chelsea gently put her arm around Emmy, Tris taking the sobbing pup's glasses off and setting them on a coffee table.
“Ah, mon dieu- It's okay, Emmy, sweetie, I'm here,” Amelie rushed into the living room, Khloe right behind her, and sat down, bringing her daughter into her lap. “Thank you for getting me, Khloe, do you know what could have triggered her?”
“Okay, well, Emmy told us a bit about her new school, and some kind of therapy where she'd be encouraged to act like a kid, Tris asked if it would be okay for us to do it if it happened, Chelsea said something like we would be her babysitters, and then-”
“Oh no, I made a joke about Chelsea wanting to practice changing diapers...” Tris realized, her ears tilting back. “Mrs. Oliver, I'm really sorry-” she began to apologize.
“It's all right, Tris, it's been... a bit of a touchy issue for her lately, but you wouldn't have known. You three did do a good job of helping her,” Amelie gave the other girls a smile as she gently stroked Emmy's hair.
“Mamaaaa...” Emmy gently tugged on her mother's shirt.
“Yes, cherie?”
Emmy whined, and whispered something in her mother's ear.
“Ahh, alright. We'll be back in a minute, girls,” Amelie stood up, holding Emmy's paw as she led her back to her bedroom.

Once in the safety of her own room, Amelie knelt down, unbuttoning the teenager's jeans and pulling them off. The soaked pull-up underneath confirmed Emmy's earlier report. She pulled a mat out from under Emmy's bed and rolled it out on top, Emmy obligingly laying down on it.
“Sweetie, I know your friends are here, so I want you to be the one to choose. Would you like another pull-up, or a diaper?”
The regressed pup whined, grabbing one of the plush toys on her bed and squeezing it tightly.
“It's all right, I promise they're not going to make fun of you either way.”
“Mm... diaper... I guess,” Emmy replied, emboldened by her mother's reassurance. Amelie nodded and got a diaper out from her daughter's stock. She then removed Emmy's pull-ups, cleaned, and powdered her before taping her into the cartoon-printed diaper.
“There we go, cherie, all clean and dry.” She kissed Emmy's nose, getting a soft giggle in response, before sitting her back up. “Ready to go back to see your friends?”
“But... my pants...” Emmy looked down at the pair of jeans on her floor.
“You'll be all right, dear, I promise. Why don't you bring Silver with you? Maybe your friends would like to meet him.”
Emmy looked down at the grey tabby cat plushie in her arms, and nodded.
“Kay, mama.”
“That's my good girl,” Amelie took her daughter's paw, and walked back out to the living room.

-

While Emmy was being changed, her friends were discussing how things were going to go at school from there on.
“So, what do we say if others ask why Emmy's gone?” Chelsea put the question forth.
“I'm sure her teachers will just say it's a personal or medical reason,” Khloe answered.
“And what about if they try to pry it out of us?”
“Tris'll bite them.” “I'll bite them.” Khloe and Tris replied in unison.

-

“We're back, girls,” Amelie called from the hallway, Emmy hiding behind her. “It's okay, Emmy, you can go on in.”
With a soft whimper, Emmy stepped out into the living room, hiding behind her plush kitten, clad in just her t-shirt and diaper.
“Hey, Emmy! Who's your little friend?” Chelsea gave a smile and wave.
“Um... Silver...” the pup shyly answered, fidgeting on her paws, diaper crinkling as she nervously came back to the couch and sat down.
“Hi Silver! You're really lucky, Emmy's super sweet!” Chelsea shook the plushie's paw, eliciting a soft giggle from her regressed friend as she leaned into the retriever.
“Emmy?” Emmy looked over to Tris curiously. “I'm sorry for joking about changing diapers earlier, I didn't know you still needed them.”
Emmy simply smiled, holding her arms out. Tris came over and smiled, the two wrapping each other in a tight hug. Chelsea was next to join in, naturally.
“Khloeeeee, get in here, you know you wannaaaa,” Chelsea beckoned the poodle over, who just rolled her eyes with a smile before coming over and joining in the group hug.

“So what do you wanna do now? Wanna relax and watch some TV?” Tris leaned over, picking up the remote.
“Can... can we watch cartoons?” Emmy's ears perked up, tail gently wagging. Tris turned the set on, poking around a streaming service for kids' shows.
“Let's see what we've got here... Shutter Bugs?” Tris read out.
“Mm, nah.” Emmy tilted her head, frowning.
“Airborne Academy?”
Emmy shook her head again.
“Pepper's Playhouse?”
“YEAH, Pepper!” Emmy sat up and shouted, tail wagging excitedly.
“Hehe, my little cousin loves that one,” Chelsea remarked as Tris pulled up an episode, Emmy snuggling into her as she hummed along to the theme song.

During one of the episodes, Emmy tilted her head, leaning forward as she examined one of the characters on screen, a purple-furred poodle. She then looked back over to her friends on the couch.
“Khloe?” Emmy asked.
“Yeah?” Khloe looked over.
“Why's you on Pepper?”

Tris nearly spat out her soda.

“Very funny, Emmy.” Khloe laughed, giving Emmy's hair a playful tousle.

–

A few episodes after that, Emmy groaned, squeezing her eyes shut and shaking her head.

“Hm? What's up, pup?” Chelsea rubbed her shoulder, not having moved from her position as Emmy's pillow.
“Nnngh, I'm lucid...” The papillon stretched out as she checked her surroundings. She was cuddled up on Chelsea's lap, with Khloe and Tris on the other end of the couch.
“Were you all... did you...?” Emmy sat up, looking down at herself. Silver was still snuggled closely under her arm, and her diaper was on full display. “Oh, no, please tell me I didn't...” She gave a gentle probe, and breathed a sigh of relief to find out she was still dry. Regardless, she grabbed a blanket from the back of the sofa and covered her bottom half to try and preserve what was left of her modesty.
“Well, your mom was the one who helped you with that,” Khloe said.
“I, um, think I accidentally triggered you, Emmy. I'm really sorry,” Tris hung her head.
Emmy sighed, scooting off Chelsea's lap.
“Tris, I know you would never mean to. I'm just glad you're all still here after... well, that.”
“So, Emmy? Hope I'm not prying, but do you remember what happens when you... have your...?” Tris tilted her head, not knowing the best way to phrase it.
“My parents and I call them 'episodes', and, well, kind of? It feels kind of... dream-ish. Like I can remember being super excited to watch Pepper's Playhouse, but not anything about what we saw.” Emmy scratched the side of her head.
“You thought Maddie was Khloe,” Chelsea said, stifling a giggle. Emmy tilted her head.
“...Maddie's the poodle, right?”
“Yup.”
“Yeah, that tracks,” Emmy said with a laugh. Khloe tossed a throw pillow at her.

“Still... thanks. For staying here with me.” Emmy looked down at the stuffed cat on her lap with a soft smile. Chelsea leaned into her, giving her another hug. Tris and Khloe joined in, without being prompted this time.
“We're friends, Emmy. We stick together. That's what we do,” Khloe said, giving the girls another squeeze.

Another few tears dripped from Emmy's eyes onto her lap.

This time, they were tears of joy.

Chapter Text

The car hummed to life with the push of the ignition, and pulled out of the garage. It was a crisp Monday morning, and the first day of Emmy's time at Golden Grove. Emmy popped in one of her earbuds, tapped on her phone, pulling up a playlist, and hit shuffle.

Things are shaping up to be pretty odd
Little deaths in musical beds
So it seems I'm someone I've never met...

She snorted and couldn't help but smirk. At least her music had a sense of humor about this whole thing.
“Tout va bien, Emmy?” The teenager turned her head, looking over at her mother. Amelie was focused on the road, but still could pick up on her daughter's anxiety.
“Hm? Oh. Yeah, 'm fine,” Emmy muttered, turning back to look out the window.
“I know how you must be feeling, cherie. I would certainly be scared in your situation-”
“I'm not scared, mom,” Emmy interrupted. A few seconds later, she let out a sigh before pausing her music and shaking her head. “Well... I guess I am. A little bit.”
“What's on your mind?”
“A couple things... like... well, this is gonna be my first time being around... others. Like me.”
The way Emmy danced around mentioning her condition would have netted praise from even the pickiest of Olympic judges.

“Other regressees?”

In contrast, Amelie drove a bulldozer straight through the middle of the stage.

“...in blunt terms, yeah. I mean, I've checked out those online support groups, talked to a few people there, but that's really different from actually... meeting people.” Emmy fidgeted with her backpack's strap. “Second of all, I really don't want the teachers and everyone there to, um, treat me like I'm just a dumb kid all the time.”
“I highly doubt that would happen somewhere this highly recommended,” Amelie replied. “I saw some of the reviews other parents had left, and a lot of them mentioned how their children were all treated respectfully.”
“Okay. That's good. And... third?”

Emmy shifted in her seat with an audible crinkle.

“Do I really have to wear a freaking diaper on my first day here?”
“Just a precaution. First days are always stressful, and I don't want my little butterfly coming home crying with wet pants,” Amelie said, with all the subtlety of a brick smashing a window. “Besides, I'm sure many of the other students there will be needing them, too.”

Emmy rolled her eyes, but was otherwise satisfied with her mom's answer. She tapped at her phone, putting her music back on.

Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I feel the same, I'm on my way and I say...

–

The Olivers' car pulled into a parking space at the small school. The two papillons made their way into the building, Emmy warily looking around. To her relief, everything seemed to be much like her old high school instead of an oversized daycare.

“All right, first thing to do is meet with the principal, and your coordinator.” Amelie looked at a map posted on the wall, leading Emmy into the offices. A meerkat woman was sitting down at a desk inside, typing at a computer. A nameplate on her desk read “Gloria Stephens”.
“Hello there, I'm Amelie Oliver, and this is my daughter, Emmy. She's transferring in today, and we're meeting with the principal and her advisor.”
“Good morning, Amelie, Emmy, Principal Rodgers is just down the hall, first door on your left,” Mrs. Stephens gestured. “Before you go in, let me get a quick photo for your student ID. Just stand right in front of me, here...” She clicked a few things and fidgeted with a camera. “Smile!” Emmy gave her a gentle smile as the camera beeped.
“Alright, Emmy, I'll have that ready for you when you're finished here.” The meerkat smiled and nodded, giving the two a wave as they entered into the principal's office.

Behind a suitably fancy desk sat a tiger man in a suit who was chatting with the other occupant, a kitsune woman with a notebook on her lap. As the Olivers entered the room, the two paused their conversation.
“Hello there! You must be Amelie and Emmy, I'm Abe Rodgers.” He held his paw out, both of them shaking it before sitting down. “Emmy, this is Stella Aliani, she'll be working as your coordinator while you're here.” Stella gave a friendly nod and wave.
“So, what all does a coordinator do?” Emmy asked.
“We mostly observe during classes, help explain or teach if necessary. During relapses, though, we're trained to take care of any needs that arise, such as first aid, feeding, toileting and changing, and more.”
“So... kind of like a teacher's aide, tutor, and daycare teacher all in one?” Emmy blushed a bit, hoping she wouldn't be in need of the last of those very often. Stella simply nodded in response.
“Alright, Emmy, Stella, I've got some paperwork to go through with Amelie, so why don't you take a walk around, get to know the school and each other?” Principal Rodgers waved the two off with a smile.

“Just in time!” Mrs. Stephens called out, noticing Emmy. “Your ID's all ready for you.” She held out a laminated card clipped to a yellow lanyard. Emmy took it, looking it over. In addition to her name and year, the card had the number 4 in a circle below her portrait. She gave a soft sigh, knowing what that signified. During her episodes, she was mentally four years old. Regardless of having the reminder of her condition on full display, she slipped the lanyard over her head and followed Stella outside.

–

After a brief tour of the school, Emmy and Stella sat down in the school's cafeteria. Emmy nervously eyed the dozen or so teenager-sized high chairs sitting against the wall.
“Um, Stella? I'm not... gonna have to eat in one of those, am I?” She nervously asked.
“Oh, no, it's not mandatory. They're more for students who regress to younger ages. Or if one simply wants to, of course.” Stella answered.
“Really? Does that happen a lot?”
“It does. It's part of indulgence therapy, if you know of that.”
“Yeah, my doctor brought it up at my last visit. Does it really... help?”
“In a way, yes. It helps reduce any shame someone might feel from regressing by letting yourself and others know it's something that can be enjoyable.”
Emmy simply nodded at the answer. The thought had never crossed her mind that being, essentially, an overgrown kid could be fun for anyone, let alone her.

"So, Emmy, I want to ask you a few questions so we can best work with you, is that all right?” Stella asked, picking up her notebook and pencil.
“Sure, go ahead.” Emmy nodded.
“So, first off, how do you feel when you have a regressive episode?" Stella asked.
“It's... um... I never really thought about it that much before. I can usually tell before it happens, though, it's like, there's this tugging or something, and my head gets really... foggy? So when it happens, it's like... trying to think about anything really complex feels like trying to swim through mud. And, well, I get really emotional. Umm, trying to read is hard, like I recognize letters and all that, but I can't remember how they sound or how words work. And like... anything harder than kindergarten level is totally impossible.” Emmy folded her arms on the table, nervously fidgeting in her seat, diaper crinkling against the hard plastic.
“And how about your memories of it afterwards?” Stella asked, jotting down notes.
“Umm, kind of vague, hazy like, like I'm remembering a dream.”
“Any specific triggers you can tell me? It's perfectly all right if you can't.”
“Mm... well, um... diapers... are the biggest one. I really don't like it when people joke about me needing them or stuff like that, and other baby stuff.” Emmy slouched down in her chair, looking away. “Aside from that, really loud sounds do it too.”
“All right. What helps you calm down or relax during an episode?”
“I, um, like watching cartoons... music helps a lot, too, my mom would sing to me to get me to calm down at night when I started having 'em.”
“Oh, I'm a musician myself! I'd love to play for you sometime.” Stella smiled broadly.
“Oh cool! What do you play?” Emmy asked her.
“Violin, mostly, a little bit of piano and singing as well,” the kitsune swished her tails proudly.
“I'd love to hear you play sometime.” Emmy happily replied, tail wagging.

“Now, back to our interview, have you ever heard of the river analogy?” Stella continued.
“No, what's that?”
“All right. Picture yourself, swimming in a calm river. Then, the current starts to pick up, trying to push you backwards. What do you do?”
“I... would try to push through it, I guess?”
“Alright. But trying to keep your head above water while fighting through the current would wear you out, right?”
“Yeah, it would...”
“So, what would happen if you let the current take you backwards until it calmed down again?”
“I guess... I'd just be back where I was? But I wouldn't be as tired as if I had fought it.”

“Exactly. Your usual state of mind is that calm river, and a regressive relapse is the current. If you let yourself regress instead of trying to resist it, you'll feel much better when you come back to your usual self.”
“Oh... okay. I get it,” Emmy nodded in understanding. Before she could ask anything further, Emmy's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, finding a text from her mom.
“Oh, looks like my mom's done with the boring stuff. She says we're going to meet my new teacher now, Mr. Allister?”
“Mr. Allister? Lucky you! He's probably the most fun teacher here, I think you'll really like him.” Stella smiled. “His classroom's close by, let's go meet her there.”

Stella and Emmy went down the hallways, Stella waving to a passing stoat and a teenage doe, who, by her unsteady waddle, Emmy figured had to be badly in need of a diaper change.
“Well, here we are,” Stella gestured. Emmy looked over to see a bulletin board, decorated with cut out letters reading “MEET THE WOLF PACK!” above five names and nine self-portraits... well, more like eight self-portraits and one semi-coherent mass of feline-shaped scribbles. Amelie was standing by it, in front of the classroom's door.
“Hello, Emmy, Stella!” Amelie gave her daughter a hug.
“Hey, mom. Stella's really cool, we had a good time talking,” Emmy replied, returning the hug.
“Glad to hear you're getting along! Well, ready to meet your teacher and classmates?”

Emmy swallowed, and nodded.

“Ready as I'll ever be.”

Amelie gave Emmy another hug to steady her, kissing the top of her head.

“I love you, Emmy. I'll be back later to pick you up.”
“I love you too, mom.”

Taking a deep breath, Emmy pushed open the door, and walked inside with Stella.

The classroom looked far more different than what Emmy was expecting. It looked like half of a daycare room got grafted onto a college building's common area. Soft foam mats lined the back half of the room, ringed by various types of childish furniture: a crib, changing table, high chair, and several plush-looking chairs and couches. On one of the couches, a horse woman held a cheetah girl wearing just a t-shirt and diaper in her lap, holding a bottle for the big cat to nurse.
On the more mature side of the room, a skunk, mouse, and a calico cat sat at tables, in various states of paying attention. Three other young adults, a red panda, a dalmatian typing on a tablet, and a marten were relaxing at a table off to the side, near a door that led outside to a large courtyard.
At the very front, a wolf in business casual dress stood in front of a whiteboard, jotting down some notes on his lecture with an open book in his other hand. Upon hearing the two walk in, however, he turned over to them with a smile.

“Ah, good morning! You must be Emmy, yeah?” he set his marker and book down. “I'm Mr. Allister, and I'll be your teacher for the year. If you'd like to introduce yourself to your new classmates, the floor is yours.” He gave a sweeping bow, stepping back to let the papillon take center stage.
“Um, alright.” With a gentle nod and pat on the shoulder from Stella, Emmy stepped forward. “Uh... hi, everyone. My name's Emmy Oliver.” She swallowed, trying not to think about the multiple sets of eyes on her. “I'm fifteen, and I've been living with RRS for about... four months now. I transferred here from public school because, well, my regression episodes were getting worse when school started back up...”
Emmy looked over to Stella, who simply held out her paw. Emmy took it in hers, squeezing.
“But, um, I hope that wasn't too much! I'm really looking forward to getting to know everyone!” She gave a short bow.
“Alright, well, Emmy, welcome to our classroom! Or as I like to call it-”
“Oh here we go,” the mouse said, rolling his eyes.
“-the WOLF PACK! AWOOOOOO!” Mr. Allister shouted enthusiastically, his students in various states of embarrassment. The cheetah at least gave him a spirited giggle from the back of the room.
“Alright, Dina! My girl!” He shot a pair of finger guns toward the back of the room. “Alright, Emmy, your turn!”
“Huh- for what?” Emmy looked a bit embarrassed to be put on the spot like that.
“As a fellow canine, I know you're not gonna let me down here, give me your best howl!”
“Uh, s-sure... gimme a sec...” She took a deep breath in and out, and then threw her head back with a mighty “AWOOO!”
“Whoa-hoa! Now THAT'S a howl to be proud of!” Mr. Allister clapped as Emmy sheepishly grinned. “Now then, time for the rest of us to take our turns. You'll have to excuse miss Gardenia in the back for not joining in, but as you can see, she's feeling a little little right now.” He then turned back to the other three of his students. “Well, lady and gentlemen, who wants to go first?”
“I will!” The calico called out, waving. “My name's Jeanne!”
“Hey. 'm Lucas,” The skunk lazily raised his paw, completely averaging out the energy Jeanne had introduced.
“Name's Taylor. Welcome to the Cool Kids Zone,” the mouse boy responded in kind, his chewable pendant half sticking out of his mouth.
“'Dina!” The cheetah chirped happily, excited to have a new playmate.

“Alright, that's everybody, so quick primer on class rules: relax, have fun, play nice, no biting. We have one Mr. Bennett to thank for that one,” Mr. Allister shot a knowing look at the mouse.
“In my defense, that had never happened before.” Taylor crossed his arms with a huff.
“Bathroom's in the back, feel free to grab a snack or drink if you need one, and most importantly, Emmy,” the wolf pulled her aside, “are you okay with having me induce a regression episode for you along with the rest of the class?”
“Huh? Is... is that something you can really do?” Emmy tucked her tail between her legs.
“It's okay, it's not going to be a punishment. We give all our students here some time to relax and de-stress with a bit of play time during the day. If you want, you can observe it for now and give me your answer later on.”
“Mm... okay... I'll try it.”
“Thanks for being brave, Emmy. And if you feel like you're going to regress any other time, don't be afraid to tell me or your coordinator, or you can just go back to the play zone and let it run its course.” He gave the pup a gentle squeeze on the shoulder.

“Now then, your first assignment, if you choose to accept it which I'm certain you will; you saw my board out front, right?”
“With everyone's names and pictures?”
“Exactly. I want you to make a self-portrait to add to it,” Mr. Allister said. “Art supplies are on the wall to the right by the window.”
“Wait, weren't there two pictures for everyone but you?”
“Oho, you picked up on part two pretty quickly! You're right, I want you to make two. One right now, when you're at your usual, and another one when you regress.”
“Oh, I see. That's kinda cute... and it explains why Gardenia's was so messy.”
“Yup, she's the baby of the class, going strictly by regressed ages, of course. Now then, go ahead and get situated, and for you other three, lucky you, break time! Take fifteen, get to know Emmy, but don't overwhelm her, Jeanne,” he shot a playfully smug glance at the calico, who simply laughed.

Emmy headed over to pick up some paper and colored pencils. Still, what her new teacher had said earlier still echoed in her head.
“Hey, Stella? Is that really something you can do, just... make someone regress?” The canine asked.
“There's a little bit more to it than just snapping your fingers, really. It's more like a guided meditation process, or like hypnosis.”
“Oh, okay. That's good to know.” Emmy nodded, looking around for somewhere to sit. Jeanne happened to catch her eye, and waved her over.
“Hey Emmy! Over here, you can sit with me!” The calico said. Emmy looked over at Stella, who gave her a smile and nod.
“Go ahead, I'll be over with the other coordinators if you need me,” Stella said, giving Emmy a pat on the back. The papillon pulled out a chair next to the cat, noticing for the first time that the colorful top she was wearing was actually a onesie printed with various pastel animals, with a frilly rainbow tutu skirt worn over it. From the bulk under it, it was clear that the cat was wearing a diaper as well. Emmy sat down, starting to work on her portrait. Jeanne's eyes soon drifted over to the sketching pup.

“Soooo, how little do you get?”
“Is that, um, a question people usually ask?” Emmy tilted her head.
“C'moooon, how old?” The calico poked insistently at Emmy's shoulder.
“Um, preschool age or so? Like, four? I guess?”
“Okay, good, 'cause like, Dina's cute and all, but I've really been wanting another girl I can play actual games and stuff with instead of just baby toys, y'know?”
“Yeah, but, um. Jeanne?” Emmy was finally able to get a word in edgewise.
“Hm?”
“Can I ask you something now?”
“Go ahead!”
“What's with your outfit?” Emmy eyed it up and down. Jeanne simply laughed.
“Ah, yeah, I gotta stop letting lowercase J pick out my outfits.”
“You, um, nicknamed...?”
“Well, my parents came up with it. I think it's cute, so, why not, right? But yeah, I was smallmoding this morning, woke back up on the bus ride.”
“Shoulda seen her, she came prancing up like a fairy princess or something,” Taylor stepped over, giving Jeanne's hair a tousle. “'Sup, Emmy. Taylor.” The mouse gave her a casual wave, sitting down across from her and looking at her portrait in progress. “You an artist or something?”
“Hm? I, uh, kinda. It's a hobby of mine. I draw a lot of anime stuff,” Emmy looked over to him, tail wagging a bit.
“I can tell. Not, like, in a bad way or anything. You just got the style for it, and, uh.” Taylor looked over, trying to deflect from digging himself into a proverbial hole, and found his out in the skunk currently slumped over on the other table, hoodie pulled up over his eyes.
“Lucas, Luke, bro, c'mon, say hey.” Taylor leaned over and prodded the skunk, who gave an exaggerated groan and sat up, leaning over the back of his chair.
“Alright, alright.” He dramatically cleared his throat. “Hey.”
“Dude, you've gotta do more than that,” Taylor prodded him again.
“Yeah, okay. So, uhhh...” Lucas coughed. “Yeah. I got nothin'.”
“Don't worry, Emmy, you'll hear way more from him once he shrinks,” Jeanne playfully nudged Lucas, who simply rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, almost as much as you normally.” He ribbed her back.

The rest of the students' break passed without much fanfare, Emmy idly chatting with her classmates while drawing until Mr. Allister called them back to work.
In the middle of finishing her portrait, however, Emmy felt a sharp tug at her chest, and a faint pressure building in her head. She cautiously raised her paw, setting down her pencil.
“Mr. Allister...? Stella? I think I'm gonna... you know...”
“Alright, Emmy, go ahead.” The wolf nodded. Heart pounding, Emmy carefully stood up, walking back into the class's play area, and laid down on the foam tile mat, eyes clenched shut. Stella followed, sitting down next to her on the floor.
“It'll be all right, Emmy. Just hold my paw.” Emmy put her paw in Stella's and squeezed, who gently brushed it with her other one. “Deep breaths, now. In... hold... and out. Picture the river. Let yourself out into the current.”

Emmy followed along with Stella's breathing. The usual fog that pressed at her mind before one of her episodes seemed to feel less dense. And instead of pushing back against it, she simply laid back, and let it wash over her...

~

Emmy's grip on the kitsune's paw softened. Her eyes fluttered open, blinking at the warm lights overhead.
“Hey, Emmy. Doing all right?” A soft, calm voice made her turn her head. A soft fox face, framed by purple hair, came into view. Who was she? She knew her, so she must be someone important. She was... not her teacher, that was the big wolf... her helper. That was it.
“Mmmm... Stella...?” That's right! Emmy remembered her now. The kitsune greeted her with a big smile as she sat up.
“Where's dis...?”
“We're at your new school, Emmy. You must have lots of questions for me, huh?”
Emmy looked around. It looked a lot like a school. There were lots of toys, books to look at, comfy places to curl up in, even another girl taking a nap in a big crib. On the other side of the room, her big wolf teacher was talking to some other big kids about numbers and letters.
“Stella?”
“Yeah, pup?”
“Can you read me a story?” Emmy's tail wagged softly, smiling at her.
“Of course! Go pick one out, and we'll get up on one of the comfy chairs to read it, okay?”
Emmy giggled and nodded. Stella was really nice.

After her story, Emmy noticed the cheetah had woken up and was looking up at her and Stella. Emmy slipped down from her chair, sitting down in front of her.
“Puppy!”
“That's right, Dina, your new friend's a puppy,” a big horse knelt down, scratching the cheetah behind her ears. “What's your name?” she asked Emmy.
“Oh, um, Emmy,” she replied, tail wagging.
“Hi, Emmy, I'm Skye. I'm Dina's helper, like Stella is for you.”
“Oh! Okay.”
“Do you wanna pet her? Dina looooves getting pets,” Skye smiled down at the pup.
“Can I? Really?” Emmy looked up at the pony, then at Stella. Both of them nodded.
“Be sure to be gentle with her, she's littler than you, after all,” the kitsune cautioned.
“I will Stella!” Emmy yipped, cautiously moving her paw to the cheetah's head and giving her dusty blonde hair some gentle strokes. Gardenia began to purr, crawling forward to lay her head on Emmy's lap with a gentle crinkle from the pup's diaper.
“Hehe, she must really like you already!” Skye smiled, pulling out her phone and taking a picture of the two together.

Shortly afterwards, the cheetah began to stir, stretching out as if she was waking up from a nap. Her eyes lazily scanned back and forth, taking in her surroundings before she gently sat up, slowly blinking as she looked over to Skye.
“Mmm... hey, Skye. Thanks.” She said sleepily. Emmy blinked. Just a little bit ago, she was just a baby, so why was she acting grown up now?
“Ummm... wha' happened?” Emmy asked.
“Oh! You're... Emmy? Right?” She looked over at Skye and Stella, who nodded. “Okay, I remember now. You're the new girl in class?”
“Yeah...” the papillon muttered, still confused as to where her new little friend went. Stella gently stroked her hair.
“It's okay, Emmy. Gardenia just woke up and is a big girl again. She'll still be friends with you when she comes back.”
“Ohhh. 'Kay, Stella.” Emmy nodded, satisfied.
“So she's relapsing, I guess?” Gardenia asked, Stella giving her a nod.
“Yeah. Nothing bad, just came on naturally.”
“Okay. Hey, Emmy?”
Emmy looked back over to Gardenia.
“My name's Gardenia. I missed getting to introduce myself earlier with everyone else.”
“Gar...dee...” Emmy scrunched her face, trying to sound it out.
“Hehe, you can just call me Dina if it's easier. That's what I do when my little side comes out.”
“Kay, Dina!” Emmy wagged her tail, crinkling. The noise reminded her of something. “Um, Dina? You wear diapies too?” She pointed at the cheetah's own puffy plastic underwear.
“Oh, um, yeah. When I get little, I don't really know when I need to go... potty, and that happens so- that kinda...” Gardenia trailed off, blushing.
“Yes, Emmy, she does. You wouldn't wanna be a big girl in wet pants, would ya?” Skye picked up where Gardenia had left off.
“Speaking of, what about you, Emmy? Need to use the potty?” Stella looked down at her, giving the pup's rear a gentle pat, finding she was still dry.
“Oh! Um. Maybe?” Emmy stammered, unsure. Stella nodded, taking her paw and leading her back into the bathroom. In addition to the standard fixtures, another changing table was set up inside for the shyer littles.
“Would you like me to help you with your diaper?” The kitsune asked.
“Um, I can do it!”
“Okay, Emmy. I'll be outside if you need me.” Stella walked back outside, closing the door and leaving Emmy to herself.

The papillon fussed a bit with her jeans, eventually getting them unbuttoned and tugged down to her ankles. As she put her paws to her waist, though, she whined, having trouble remembering how to take off her diaper. And that was enough. A soft warm trickle ran out from between her legs, slowly growing in intensity until the padding between her legs was soaked from her accident.
“Stellaaaaaa!”
The kitsune stepped into the bathroom at Emmy's cry, finding the pup whimpering and sniffling as she stood in front of the toilet, tail tucked beneath her now-soaked diaper.
“Stella, I'm... I'm sorry!” The papillon hugged her coordinator tightly, burying her face in her shoulder.
“Aw, Emmy, sweetheart, it's okay,” Stella comforted her, gently rubbing her back. “I'll help you get into a nice dry diaper, okay?”
Emmy sniffled and nodded, Stella helping her climb up onto the changing table. With a practiced paw, the kitsune untaped the wet diaper, cleaned her charge up, and wrapped her in the clean padding with ease. She then pulled Emmy's pants back on, buttoning them and making a mental note to recommend Emmy's mother purchase some more elastic-waisted garments for her.
“All done, pup,” Stella said, bringing Emmy into a hug. Emmy hugged back and sniffed. She did feel better now that she was back in dry pants.
“Thanks, Stella,” she replied, tail wagging as the two walked out of the bathroom.

“Oh, Emmy, Mr. Allister had something he wanted you to do today,” Stella smiled, bringing her over to the art supplies. “He wants you to draw a picture of yourself to put on the big board outside.”
“Yeah! I can do that!” Emmy's tail wagged. “I really like drawin'!”
“Good! Let's see, paper, crayons, yup, got everything we need!” Stella brought them over to a small table where Emmy sat down, taking a black crayon in her paw and began to work on her portrait.

“I'm done!” The pup yipped after a while, holding up her finished project. Stella took a look at it, smiling. A childish self-portrait smiled back at her, paws outstretched, Emmy's name written above her head in green crayon.
“Great job! Mr. A's gonna love this. Wanna bring it to him?”
Emmy grinned and nodded, taking it and scampering up front to her teacher.
“Mr. A! I'm done with my picture!” She proudly held it out to him, tail wagging.
“Hey, all right, Emmy! Great job! High five!” The wolf held up a paw, Emmy eagerly giving it a playful slap. “Whoo, got an arm on ya,” he said, shaking his arm slightly. “Now, I've got some more lessons to teach, so go on and play with Stella for a bit longer, okay?”
“Okay! Thanks!” Emmy smiled and skipped back to her helper, waving and smiling at the other big kids as she went. Stella was waiting for her back in the play area, and she came over to give her a hug.
“All right, Emmy, what do you want to do next? Play a little, have a snack, another story?”
Emmy thought for a little bit. She was starting to get a little tired. “Um, can we sit down 'n cuddle for a while?” Stella nodded, sitting down on the big blue couch and patting her lap. Emmy sat down next to her, then paused, moving so she was laying her head on the kitsune's lap.
“All comfy, Emmy?” Stella asked, her paw moving to give the papillon a gentle scratch behind her ear. Emmy nodded in response, tail thumping against the cushions as she settled in and relaxed, shutting her eyes.

~

Emmy blinked, stretching her shoulders. She felt like she had just woken up from a nap. The usual brain fog that clung to her was less intense than her previous times coming out of her relapses, plus her head didn't ache, which was an immense improvement on its own.

“Mmnh... what's goin' on...”
“Big Emmy just woke back up, by the looks of it.”

Emmy looked up to see Stella at her side. No, Emmy was laying her head on Stella's lap. The papillon quickly sat up, blushing as she fidgeted and straightened up her clothes.

“You remember what happened?” The kitsune asked.
“I... had an episode,” Emmy replied.
“Do you remember anything else about it?”
Emmy frowned in concentration.
“I... can? You read to me, I played with little Gardenia for a bit, then-” Emmy blushed brighter as she recalled her accident. “...then uh, bathroom, and then I drew that picture for Mr. A.”
“And how do you feel now?” Stella smiled.
“I'm... fine?” Emmy blinked, the realization slowly dawning on her. “...ohhhh, is this because I didn't try to fight it? Like the river thing?”
“Exactly! I'm glad to see you make that connection after your first time.”

A pleasant chime echoed over the school speakers, Emmy tilting her head as she watched her classmates get up from their seats.
“Wait, what time is it?” Emmy looked up at the walls, searching for a clock. She hadn't been regressed for the whole day, right?
“Hey Emmy, c'mon, don't wanna miss out on lunch,” Taylor called her over, waving. Ah, right. Lunch time. That certainly explained why she was feeling a little peckish. Emmy stood up, now noticing a clock hanging over the entrance to the room reading 12:15. She hurried up and followed alongside her classmates as they walked down to the cafeteria.

“So what's the food situation like here? Good, bad, mushed up beyond recognition and people playing 'here comes the airplane' with you?”
Lucas snorted, suppressing a laugh.
“Only on request,” he answered. “But it's good stuff. Lots of choices for if you're feeling big or small. Oh, yeah, should probably mention the-”
“Shh shh shh, don't tell her, I wanna see the look on her face,” Taylor interrupted and elbowed the skunk.
“If you're talking about the high chairs, too late, already asked about 'em. Stella gave me a tour this morning,” Emmy said with a smirk.
“Ugh, lame. Just love seeing how new kids react to 'em.” Taylor crossed his arms.
“If it's any consolation, my initial reaction was confusion.” Emmy patted his shoulder.

The five walked into the large open entryway, now bustling with students, some with their coordinators. Taylor brought Emmy over to a small chalkboard sign with a short menu written down on it. Lucas and Gardenia had already walked off to get their food and a table, leaving her and Jeanne with Taylor.
“Okay, over here is what's on the line today- ooh, burgers today, can't go wrong with those here- or if you're wanting something different, there's plenty of a la carte stuff you can grab, plus we got the Kids' Menu for all your childhood favorites,” the mouse explained.
“Wait, wait, wait.” Emmy said, chuckling and grinning. “They actually call it the Kids' Menu?”
“I mean, if the shoe fits, right?”

The three continued to talk as they got their food, Emmy noticing a few of the other students sitting in the high chairs, either being fed by their coordinators or just at a table with friends, chatting and eating like normal.
“Oh, there's where they are, c'mon, you two!” Jeanne led her and Taylor through the cafeteria to where the others were. Gardenia had a burger of her own and Lucas was already squeezing multiple packets of ranch dressing onto his chicken sandwich as Emmy and Jeanne sat down at their table.
“Oh, yeah, Emmy, we get recess after lunch. You in?” Jeanne smiled expectantly.
“Recess?” Emmy tilted her head, picking up a french fry.
“Yeah, we get regressed, play around, have fun, y'know. Like kids,” Taylor explained.
“Indoors or out?”
“Totally up to you. If you want to go out to the playground-”
“Which I highly recommend!” Jeanne chimed in, making the mouse roll his eyes.
“The playground's huge. It's got a bunch of stuff to climb around and play on, lots of space to run around, and there's a massive privacy fence around it for security stuff. So if you're nervous about people seeing, they absolutely thought of that.”
“Oh, wow. That sounds... cool,” Emmy ruminated on it for a second, taking a bite of her burger. Taylor was right, it was good.
“Sho? What's th' problem?” Lucas asked between bites of his ranch sandwich with chicken.
“Nothing, just... I think I'm gonna need to think about it? New to all this, remember?”
“Mm, yeah, fair 'nuff.” Lucas nodded and licked some ranch off his muzzle.
“You were really cute when you were little, though,” Gardenia smiled. “And I saw your little side's self-portrait, that was really good.” Emmy blushed a little, tail gently wagging.
“Of course it'd be good compared to yours,” Taylor playfully teased, the cheetah huffing in mock offense.
“Taylor, you can't make fun of me, baby of the class, remember?”
“Thought that was me,” Lucas chimed in.
“Well, you're the youngest of the bigs, I'm the youngest of the littles. It counts,” Gardenia nodded.
“Makes perfect sense to me,” Emmy added.
“C'mon, you're taking her side already?” Taylor looked over at Emmy, grinning.
“I mean, yeah? I got to meet Dina pretty much first thing. She's baby.”
“I'm literally baby,” Gardenia replied with a laugh.

After the bell signaling the end of lunch, the five headed back to class, eagerly chatting on the way.
“Oh, hey, Mr. A's already got your pictures up!” Jeanne pointed over to the bulletin board. Emmy took a look, and sure enough, her two portraits were posted alongside everyone else's. The smooth, muted strokes of colored pencil and the bright, eye-catching crayon provided a bold contrast to each other, yet had a distinct harmony that Emmy couldn't quite place.
“Oh, yeah, Gardenia's right, that's a great smallmode picture,” Taylor smiled and nodded, putting his paw up for a high five, which Emmy happily gave.
“Totally. Looks like you're gonna fit right in here,” Lucas gave a nod of approval before he stepped back into the classroom, followed by the other three. Emmy hesitated a second, but smiled, walking back in with her new classmates.

Her new friends.

“Alright, class, I know you're all eager to play, just got a question for Emmy and Gardenia first.” Mr. Allister addressed his students as they returned from lunch.
“Emmy, Gardenia, I know the two of you had relapses earlier, so it's up to you. Would you two like to have recess with the others, or do you want to use this time to catch up on today's lessons?” Mr. Allister asked the two as Jeanne, Lucas, and Taylor moved to the back of the room.
“I'll sit this one out, Mr. A.” Gardenia raised her paw. “Wanted to ask a few questions about the last set of pre-calc problems, anyway.”
“Alright, would be happy to help. Emmy, how about you?”
“Well... I, um, would kinda like to meet everyone else while small, so, I'll go.” Emmy blushed, nodding. “Also, Gardenia? We're, uh, we're the same grade, right? And you're taking pre-calculus already?”
“Oh, uh, yeah... I've always just been really good with math...” Gardenia blushed, flipping through a notebook.
“C'mon, Gardenia, you're allowed to brag,” Mr. Allister said, ruffling her hair, which the cheetah almost immediately tried to straighten with a grin. “Miss Quinn here's one of the top students here, wouldn't be surprised if she made valedictorian.”
“Oh! Cool, that's really cool. Guess I know who to ask for help with homework now, huh?” Emmy smiled at her. Gardenia laughed a little bit, and nodded.
“Alright, Emmy, let's get back with the others. Gardenia, be back in a minute!”

Mr. Allister led Emmy back to the other students. Lucas and Jeanne were sitting down on the floor in bean bag chairs, while Taylor lounged on one of the couches.
“Oh! You're gonna play with us on your very first day, Em?” Jeanne smiled broadly.
“Alright, girl's got guts,” Lucas looked up at her, nodding in approval.
“Well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit scared. But... I trust you all.”
“A horrible decision, really,” Taylor and Lucas quoted in unison. Jeanne batted both of them over the head with a soft pillow.
“And I'm glad you trust me enough to lead you through this.” Mr. Allister stepped back in before an unscheduled pillow fight could occur. “Now, have a seat, relax, and close your eyes. Has Stella told you about the river yet?”
“Yeah! That's actually how she helped me with my- er...” Emmy looked down and blushed, almost blurting out how her earlier regressive episode had gone.
“It's alright, Emmy. You can always be up front about anything to do with RRS here.”
“Mr. A's right, we've all got it too. We know what it's like,” Taylor propped himself up on an elbow with a smile.
“Okay. I'm... still really getting used to all this, going from not knowing anyone else with RRS in real life to having every other kid here have it too.” Emmy sat down in one of the plush chairs. “But yeah. I know about the river, Mr. A, Stella taught me.”
“Good! I'll thank her later. For now, close your eyes, relax, and breathe deep.”

Mr. Allister took an aroma diffuser from a shelf, putting a few drops of something in the reservoir, and turned it on. Emmy shut her eyes, and breathed in. Whatever scent her teacher had put into the diffuser had already drifted its way to her nose; sweet and unfamiliar, yet comforting. A smile slowly crept onto Emmy's face.

“Listen, and picture my words.” Mr. Allister's voice flowed like honey, calm and slow. “You are floating, floating in a wide river, the sunlight glittering on its calm surface. You drift, slowly, steadily, onward. All is at peace.”

Emmy felt a tingle in her mind. She was floating down the river...

“A splash catches your attention. The water ripples, a current picking up under the surface. The water begins to push at your body, the swirls and eddies bringing you this way and that, circling and spinning.”

Emmy's limbs began to feel heavy. A gentle tug pulled her downwards, the fog at her mind slowly creeping in.

“Your worries melt away, the water carrying them downstream. You are small in the water's embrace, being carried with ease through the flow. Small, yes, but safe, and secure. You are free. Free to let yourself be yourself. And then... you submerge.”

At that point, Emmy felt herself drop...

~

“...lifting yourself out of the water, and into the warm sun.”

Emmy blinked her eyes. Her head felt fuzzy. She looked around, seeing her teacher, and the other big kids from earlier. They all looked sleepy, like her.

“All right, everyone. I've got some work to do with miss Gardenia, so if you need anything, ask your helper, okay?” The big wolf stood up, smiling and looking around at them all.
“Okay, Mr. A!” The skunk nodded, answering for them. He stood up, going around to help the others wake up.
“Taylor! Jeanne! Emmy! Wake up! It's recess time!” He tugged on Emmy's paw, helping her stand up.
“Mmh... Lucas?” Emmy tilted her head. A flicker of thought from her big girl mind came to her. That's right, he was her new friend too, like Dina! And so was everyone else!
“Emmy! Hi!” Jeanne gave the pup a big hug, giggling. “You're a big girl too!”
“Um, yeah! I am!” Her tail wagged.
“Good! 'Cause Dina's too little to play really fun stuff an' now you can play with me 'cause Lucas and Taylor don't wanna play with girls.” Jeanne nodded proudly.
“It's not 'cause you're a girl! It's 'cause your games always have you chasin' us around the playground when we wanna play somethin' else!” Lucas crossed his arms, huffing.
“You're just weird and dun like being chased.”
“Who does?”
“C'moooooon, we're wasting play time,” Taylor impatiently tugged on Lucas' tail.
“Okay, okaaaay, come on, let's go!”

Lucas led the group outside to the playground. Emmy squinted in the afternoon sun, the grounds seemingly aglow with golden light. Massive play structures towered above the ground, colorful and bright, ready to be explored.

“I am gonna climb everything on this playground.”
“Then come on! I gotta show you the best spots to play here!” Jeanne took Emmy's paw, grinning as the two girls ran across the playground.

–

Waves crashed against the hull of the mighty Sea Blade. The ocean spray glittered in the sunlight, the salty wind filling the ship's sails as its captain, the dreaded queen of pirates, Admiral Greeneyes, stood at the bow, arms crossed and scanning the seas for adventure.
“Cap'n Calico! Ready the crew, there be ships ta pillage and treasure ta plunder! Hoist the mainsails! Hoist the other sails! Hoist all the sails we got!”
“Aye aye, Admiral! Ahoy and avast!” Her feline second-in-command saluted, clambering up and setting the sails fully open. Greeneyes gave a broad grin, unsheathing her blade and pointing it ahead while lifting her leg onto the railing.
“Full speed ahead, navigator! I smell treasure on the wind, and our first port o' call be-”

“All right, Wolf Pack! Time to get back to class!”

Emmy blinked, her imagination broken by the sudden interruption. Her paw was still lifted up on the railing of the play ship, and the really cool stick she found was clutched in her outstretched paw. She groaned, climbing down onto the ground.
“Come oooooon, we were just gettin' to the good part!” She whined, Jeanne following her back over across the playground where Mr. Allister was waiting for them.
“It always happens,” Jeanne nodded in agreement.
“Okay, everyone, hate to interrupt your fun times, but it's time to grow up again. Emmy? Stick stays outside, please.” Mr. A ushered his students inside, Emmy pausing and looking down at the stick in her paw before setting it by the door.

The wolf expertly directed his students into sitting on the floor around him on prepared carpet squares.
“All right, let's start. Everyone close your eyes and take a deep breath.”
Emmy shut her eyes, taking in the deepest breath she could before letting it out.
“You float down a river, the current carrying you along in its embrace. You feel the current weaken, its push waning against you, until all is calm. Calm. Clear. Peaceful. And as if rising from a pleasant dream... you wake.”

~

Emmy shuddered slightly, gently raising her paw to her temples. She blinked a bit, getting her bearings again.
“Well, Emmy? How was it?” Mr. Allister gently looked down at her. She opened her mouth, trying to find the best words for her experience.
“Whoa.”
“Good whoa, I take it?” He held out his paw, Emmy taking it and pulling herself off the floor to stand again.
“That was... yeah. Way different. I felt like... I dunno, like, I was watching someone else pilot my body.” Emmy looked down at her paw, the imprint of the stick's bark still faintly visible in her pads. “But... it was good. It was... fun,” she looked up, smiling.
“And she made one hell of a pirate,” Jeanne added, gently tousling Emmy's hair.
“Haha, hey! Jeanne!” Emmy brushed back her hair, blushing at the sudden affection.
“Oh, sorry, sorry- you okay with that? Forgot to ask earlier.”
“Yeah, it's fine, no worries. Just... kinda surprised you'd remember?”
“What, something from, like, five minutes ago?” Jeanne smirked.
“Well, uh, when I've... regressed before, I didn't remember a lot about what happened during it,” Emmy admitted. “Well, until today, at least.”
“Well, way to go, then! You're doing great, Emmy.” Mr. Allister put a paw on her shoulder, patting it. “Now, if we're all set, go ahead and use the bathroom or get a change if you need to, and let's get to work.”
Emmy blushed at the implication, but gave herself a quick, discreet check anyway. Still clean. Still, she went back into the bathroom for her needs before the rest of class.

The rest of the day proceeded uneventfully, until the bell rang to signal the end of the day. Emmy stood up and stretched, grabbing her bag.
“So, Emmy, you taking the bus home?” Gardenia asked her, packing her books up.
“Hm? Oh, my mom's picking me up, didn't know there was a bus,” Emmy replied.
“Yeah, you should absolutely get on the route for that. Definitely helps if you have an early morning relapse, friend time always helps with the 'but I don't waaaaaannaaaa go to school' mood,” Jeanne smiled.
“Plus you get more time with us, which is objectively better.” Taylor added in.
“Alright, alright, you don't have to convince me. I'll ask about it.”

The group walked outside, Emmy finding her mother waiting in the parking lot, waving her over.
“Alright, guys and girls, my ride's here. See you all tomorrow!” Emmy gave her new friends a wave before meeting her mother at her car.
“Hello, Emmy! How was your day?” Amelie smiled, pulling Emmy into a hug.
“Hey, mom! Everything was great.” Emmy returned the hug, tail wagging softly.
“I'm so glad to hear that, cherie. Made some new friends, I see?”
“Yeah, we're all in the same class. They're all really nice. My teacher's really cool, too, he's got to be into theater somehow, just kinda got that vibe to him, y'know?”
“So, it looks like you're fitting in just fine. Any episodes today?”
“Well, um, yeah... but they weren't bad.”
“They? You had more than one?” Amelie peered over, slightly worried.
“Okay, um, let me explain. I had one in the morning, Stella helped me with that one, and after lunch we get a break to, well, get regressed and go outside and play. Mr. Allister did this sorta... meditation thing with us to induce an episode. It wasn't bad or anything, though, it was... well, actually kinda fun?”
Amelie breathed a soft sigh of relief. “Good, good. It sounds like you're starting to get used to things, then?”
“I... yeah. I am.”

Emmy smiled, peering out the window again. The sunshine felt just a little bit brighter as it fell on the world.

Chapter Text

Emmy's room was uncharacteristically quiet, save for the sounds of her fingers clicking against her laptop's keyboard. Usually, she would have some music playing, or a VidTube video on in the background, but tonight, her mind was buzzing with something.

It was now one week after the relapse that had seen her being transferred to Golden Grove, and she was steadily getting used to the newness of it all. Seeing one of her new friends shrinking down next to her or being led off for a diaper change, let alone being ASKED by said friend if she would change him (something that had almost made her relapse from embarrassment the first time it had happened) was starting to seem... normal.

A notification popped up on the bottom of her screen. She looked down from the forum post she was replying to, seeing a private message pop up from one of the other users she'd befriended.

evrgreen was slightly older than her, in college from what she'd seen on their profile and from their posts, but still close enough to her age to have a better idea of how to deal with school matters. She figured chatting with them for a while would help her unclutter her mind, and so she typed up a reply.

Emmy typed out a reply, then paused, her paw hovering over the enter key. She backed up, deleted what she had been typing, and started again. This happened three or four more times until another message popped up in the window.

Emmy shut her laptop, leaning back in her chair and stretching. Sure enough, she felt the gentle tug in her chest that signaled the start of one of her relapses. It was faint, though, and she figured she had time to prepare for it. But... some of her friend's words still echoed in her head.

Don't be afraid to start small.

“evrgreen, you'd better be happy with this,” Emmy sighed.

Emmy took off her daytime clothing, searching in her drawers and closet for whatever would make her feel the most childish. She eventually settled on a large rainbow tye-dye t-shirt- her mother had bought it at a summer fair and it turned out to be a few sizes large for her, but made a perfect oversized nightgown for Emmy- and a pair of the thick, cushioned pull-ups she wore to bed and school. The actual diapers were right out in her mind, half because she could barely put one on by herself and half because that even if she could, she would likely regress straight away from embarrassment.

She changed into her chosen pajamas, and looked over to her bed. Her small collection of stuffed animals were propped in a pile by her pillows. Sheepishly, she walked over, picked up her favorite gray tabby cat and nestled him in the crook of her arm with a small smile. With friend in hand and a rustle in her step, she stepped out into the hallway, walking out to the living room.

“Oh, Emmy. Everything all right?” Amelie looked up from the couch, setting the book she was reading to the side.

“Yeah, um, I just...” Emmy blushed and squirmed a little on her feet. “I feel like I'm gonna... relapse, and um... can I be in here with you, watch some cartoons or something, promise I won't be too loud-”

“Cherie, it's always all right. Come here and relax.” Her mother scooted over, patting the cushion at her side. Emmy came over, picking up the remote and putting on a channel of cartoons. She laid down with her head resting on Amelie's leg. Her mother gently scooted her over until Emmy's head was properly on her lap and smiled, running her paw through the teenager's hair. A gentle, rhythmic thumping of her tail against the couch cushions provided a percussive line to the cartoon's theme.

“Hmm, I think this might be the first time you've done this.” Amelie mused, looking down at Emmy.

“Huh?”

“Being around me while you regress.”

“Oh. ...I guess so,” Emmy quietly replied, the fog of regression calling her down.

“School must be helping you already, then?”

“Mmhmm.”

“That's good, dear. I'm happy you're enjoying it."

Emmy smiled, fully sinking down into her preschooler mind.

“Thanks, mommy.”

Amelie kissed her head, her pup cuddling in close to her.

–

The next day came and went without any fanfare. By Friday, however, she had made up her mind. Emmy walked into her classroom early, having told her friends she wanted to talk to their teacher before class started. Mr. Allister was at his desk, typing something at his laptop. The conversation she had with evrgreen the other night and her mild relapse afterward still weighed on her mind. She still had her doubts, of course. Would this really help her? Was it going to be anything that would give her any weird, infantile habits?

No. If the people she knew and trusted as experts recommended it, she was at the very least going to give it a fair try.

Swallowing her nerves, Emmy took a deep breath, and walked over to her teacher.

“Hey, Mr. A? Can... I ask you and Stella something?”

“Sure, Emmy, what is it?”

“I... want to try that indulgence therapy thing today,” Emmy said with a sigh.

Mr. Allister smiled, getting up from his desk and walking to the back of the classroom, motioning for Emmy to follow.

“I'm glad to hear you're willing to try it, Emmy. Now, do you know much about the process of this?”

“Mmm, can't say I do. All I know is it makes you feel better to be regressed?”

“In a broad sense, yes. How it works is by making a connection between the regressed self and the present self, you can start to more easily let go of doubts or worries that you may have about regressing. What I'm going to do is help put you into a sort of middle ground between your teen mind and your child mind. You may find yourself drifting in and out of your regressed headspace.”

Emmy nodded, blushing, and looked over to Stella for her input.

“This is a big step for you, Emmy. But, if you really want to make it, I'll do whatever I can to help you be comfortable with it.”

“Thanks, Stella.” Emmy gave the kitsune a hug, tail wagging.

“Okay, Emmy, just to let you know, but this might feel a lot different than what you're used to during a relapse. If you change your mind or want me to stop, just give this a squeeze, okay?”

The wolf handed Emmy a small electronic device roughly the size of her palm. A pair of thumb-sized buttons sat atop it. Emmy pressed one of them curiously, finding it to give much like a computer keyboard under her thumb. She expected to hear some kind of noise from it, but it stayed silent.

“If you push them both down at the same time and hold them, it'll send a signal to myself and Stella that'll let us know you're ready to be grown up again.” He explained. Emmy nodded.

Mr. Allister sat down on the floor, giving it a soft pat to signal Emmy to sit as well.

“Um, Stella? Is... is it okay if I sit in your lap for this?”

“Of course, Emmy.”

Stella sat down across from the wolf, Emmy blushing as she nestled into the kitsune's lap and made herself comfortable. Stella's arms gently wrapped around her tummy and held her close.

“Okay, Emmy. Close your eyes, and focus on my voice. Let's begin...”

~

Emmy's head felt the strangest she could have possibly imagined. She felt lightheaded, but in a good way, like she was adrift on a sea of clouds. Her vision felt hazy, but with a little bit of effort, she could peer through and get a clear picture of things.

“Alright, Emmy. How are we feeling?” A calm, masculine voice caught her focus. Mr. Teacher? Mr. Allister.

“I'm... I um... feel... fuzzy? Big girl thoughts... kinda there, but... floaty.” She slowly tried to explain how she was feeling.

“It's okay, that's all normal. Do you know where we are?” Emmy's eyes flitted around the room.

“Yeah... is... it's school.”

“That's right. Oh, it looks like some of your friends are coming in. Want to go say hi?”

“Okay,” Emmy nodded slowly, tail gently wagging as she slowly stood up from Stella's lap.

“Hey, Mr. A. You 'n Emmy have a nice chat?” Lucas greeted his teacher, soon noticing Stella gently leading Emmy over to him. “Hey Emmy. You feelin' ok?”

“Mmmm, yeah, Lukie... 'm good...” Emmy blearily spoke, her words slightly slurring together.

“She is, she just wanted to try indulgence therapy today to see if it would help her,” Stella elaborated.

“Ah, gotcha,” Lucas nodded, giving Emmy a pat on the shoulder before sitting down. The rest of her classmates and their coordinators entered shortly after, all of them getting the briefing on Emmy's therapy day as well.

Emmy floated through her morning in a peaceful daze, playing and cuddling with Stella, having a quick mid-morning snack and sippy cup of juice, even a brief break for a new pull-up didn't give her pause. Soon enough, the bell rang for lunch.

“Okay, Emmy, ready to get some lunch with your friends?” Stella asked her, taking the pup by the paw.

“Yeah! 'm hungy.”

Stella led her down the halls with her friends, who were all more than happy to keep their little friend included in their conversation.

“So, whatcha hungry for, Emmy?” Taylor asked her. “Sandwich, chicken nuggets, pasta? They do make a really good mac and cheese here.”

“Of course you would go for the maccy cheese. Typical mouse.” Jeanne gave him a playful nudge.

“Hey, no species stereotyping, it's just really good mac and cheese.”

“Well, pup? How about it?” Stella squeezed her paw. Emmy thought for a moment, her thumb finding its way into her muzzle as she did.

“Ummm, I do like maccy cheese. An' can I have chicken nuggies too?” She smiled, tail wagging.

“Yeah, of course! Sounds delicious.”

“Thanks, miss Stella!” Emmy giggled, squeezing her paw happily as they walked.

“You should be thanking Taylor, he told you about it.”

“Kay! Thanks Taylor!” Emmy turned to her friend with a smile.

“Oh, uh, yeah! You're welcome, Emmy. Jeanne this isn't over you will listen to me yap more about this.”

Stella took Emmy through the lunch lines, the pup getting her promised nuggets and macaroni, as well as a pouch of strawberry applesauce and a carton of chocolate milk. Once in the cafeteria proper, Taylor was making good on his promise to annoy Jeanne with his food rants. Emmy, however, had her focus on something else.

“Miss Stella? Can I try that?” Emmy pointed over to the high chairs lined up against the wall. Stella looked over, nodding and petting Emmy's head.

“Sure, Emmy! Wait here and I'll go get one.”

Stella brought one of the chairs over, setting it up by the Pack's table. Emmy clambered up, tail wagging as Stella clicked the tray back in place and setting Emmy's food on it.

“So Emmy, do you wanna eat by yourself, or get fed today?” Stella ruffled the pup's hair once she was all set.

“Can... can I do both?” Emmy smiled shyly, blushing some. Stella giggled, scooping up a spoonful of macaroni and holding it out to her. Emmy gleefully chomped down on it, squealing a little bit as her tail thumped against her chair.

“See? Emmy agrees with me, that is some good mac and cheese,” Taylor gestured over at Emmy and elbowed Jeanne, who simply snorted in response before taking another bite of her slice of pizza.

“Aww! Emmy, you're adorable,” Gardenia smiled, coming over to the table with her lunch. “Can I help feed her, Stella?”

“Well, that's up to Emmy, now, what do you think, pup?” Emmy blushed, but nodded with a smile after a little bit.

“Hey hold on, how come Gardenia's the only one who gets a turn?” Jeanne peered over, smirking. Emmy giggled, tail wagging as she munched on a ketchup-dipped nugget.

“You're not leaving us outta this,” Lucas joined in.

“Okay, okay. Emmy, looks like you're pretty popular today! Want everyone to help out?” Stella asked her. Emmy nodded in response. All of her friends were gonna play with her, of course she would love that!

“Alright, Gardenia was first to ask, she gets the first turn.” Stella passed her the spoon. The cheetah smiled and scooped a bite up.

“Okay, puppy! Here we go, all nice and cheesy,” she pushed the spoon into her little friend's waiting mouth, getting another happy giggle and wag in response.

“C'moooooon, you gotta get a little silly with it. Here, lemme show you how it's done.” Jeanne plucked the spoon from her friend's grasp. “Uhhh control, requesting update on the runway status- it looks like we have a large puppy doggy on the tarmac, oh no pull up we're on a crash course, ahhhhh!” She narrated, maneuvering a spoonful of macaroni into the wagging pup's mouth.

“See? I'm winning the 'get Emmy to laugh' competition,” the calico gave a playful bow to the table.

“I didn't even know it was a competition.” Gardenia chuckled.

“It is now, and I'm winning!”

“Not for long, girl.” Taylor took control of the spoon next, getting a nice cheesy bite of the macaroni. “Alright, Em, open your mouth, cheesy time.”

Emmy obligingly opened up, and Taylor took the spoon in close before gently poking her nose with it, Emmy squeaking and giggling.

“Your mouth, pup.” He poked at the side of her muzzle next. “Your mouth.” Her other cheek. “Your mouth.” Under her chin.

Emmy opened her mouth again to tell the mousie how silly he was being, but before she could, he slid the spoon in.

“And that's how it's done.” Taylor nodded his head after the squeal of laughter.

“You know you're cleaning her up now, right?” Stella playfully chided.

“Yeah, fair enough. After she's done, though,” he pointed out, Emmy's tongue currently working overtime to try and lick up the remnants of cheese sauce from her face. “Lucas? You're up.” Taylor held his paw up, and Lucas gave it a slap to tag in for his turn at puppy feeding.

“Hey there, puppy, how's your lunch? Ooh, looks good, actually, lemme just...” he took the spoon from Taylor, getting a spoonful of mac and lifting it up to his muzzle. “Chomp.” He slipped it along the other side of his muzzle, pretending to take a bite.

“Lukiiiiiie!” Emmy giggled, not fooled at all by the trick.

“Haha, alright, alright. Score one for little sis.” He slipped the spoonful into Emmy's mouth with a grin, giving her hair a ruffle.

“And the grand ranking?” Jeanne looked over expectantly.

“Is going to have to wait until Emmy grows back up, I would imagine,” Stella chuckled, letting Emmy finish the rest of her meal. True to his word, Taylor wiped up any cheesy residue left on the pup's face when she had finished.

“So, you wanna play with us today at recess, Emmy?” Jeanne asked, tail flicking back and forth eagerly.

“Umm, yeah! Okay!” Emmy nodded and smiled.

“Awesome! Anything special you want to do?”

“I wanna go to the playground today!” She yipped, tail wagging.

“Alright! We can totally do that!” Jeanne nodded.

“I think I'm gonna stay in and play with Skye today, you all have fun, though!” Gardenia gave Emmy a few gentle head pats.

“Okay, Dina! Can we play later?”

“Of course, Emmy. Probably Monday?”

“Promise?” Emmy looked over to her with the biggest puppy eyes she could muster.

“Hehe, I promise.”

After getting back to the classroom, Emmy waited patiently as Mr. Allister helped her classmates regress. Skye took Gardenia off to play with some softer toys while Emmy joined the rest of her friends out on the playground.

“C'mon c'mon c'mon let's go!” Taylor bounced on his paws, eager to get to playing.

“Tayloooor, let Emmy pick what she wants'ta do! You gotta be patience!” Jeanne crossed her arms, play huffing.

“Ooh! Super Tower!” Emmy pointed to one of the play structures, a tall castle-like one with a large slide coming from a clock tower. “C'mon, race ya!" She sprinted off in its direction, her other little friends following in tow.

“Whoa, watch out!” Lucas called out as Emmy neared a patch of uneven ground. Emmy's paw slipped forward from under her, and she started to fall onto her back. In an instant, Emmy's mind cleared, and her thoughts raced into overdrive.

Okay, so we're tripping. What's nearby? The Super Tower. Rail in grabbing distance. I got this.

Emmy's paw shot out to her side, wrapping around a rail of the play structure. Her feet dug into the ground, skidding and stopping before she could fully fall. She slowly backed up, releasing her grip and lowering herself down to her knees.

“Okay. Okay, we're good.” Emmy said to herself, shaking her head before turning back around. Her friends had paused and stared at her, in equal parts surprise and awe.

“Emmy! Are you okay?” Jeanne ran over to her, checking if she was hurt.

“THAT WAS AWESOME!” Taylor shouted.

Emmy blinked, the clarity of the moment already dimmed. She smiled and popped back up, brushing herself off.

“Yeah! I'm okay, let's go!”

The rest of recess passed without incidents, and all too soon, it was time to get back to class. As the four lined up to come in, Emmy wiggled a bit on her paws. She wanted to be with her friends, still, sure, but she also wanted some time to rest. But... there was a way she could do both, right?

“Mr. A? Can I... get big again too?” Emmy looked up at her teacher as she passed him.

“Of course, Emmy. Go on and have a seat on your mat, okay?” The wolf pet her head.

~

The familiar shiver of waking ran through Emmy's body. She felt... different. Lighter, somehow. Like a weight she hadn't realized was there was lifted from her body.

“Whoo. That felt... wow.” She lifted a paw to her chest, still feeling the energy of her regressed self coursing through her like lightning. It was gently ebbing away, but the feeling was still strong enough to be noticeable.

“So, talk me through it. What did your first time connecting feel like?” Mr. Allister smiled at her.

“Like... like there were two of me? Like big me and little me were sharing the same space. Both of us were in control, most of the time, but sometimes one of us fully took over,” Emmy tried to explain. “...usually little Emmy,” she added a bit sheepishly.

“That's quite normal. But the bigger question: did you enjoy it?”

“I... yeah. I did. Thanks again for helping me with this, Mr. A.” Emmy stood up from her seat, spreading her arms. The wolf grinned and gave her a warm, strong hug.

“Emmy! Who won the lunchtime contest?” Gardenia pulled Emmy over as she walked back to the rest of the class, asking her with a smile on her face.

“Wait, what contest now?”

“The first official 'Make your regressed friend laugh' contest starring you, of course!” Jeanne playfully poked her nose. Emmy thought back.

“Oh, right, right, you all were wanting to help feed me lunch. Uh... honestly? Taylor was the most fun.” Emmy grinned shyly, blushing. The mouse fist pumped in response.

The rest of the day came and went, Emmy drifting in and out of thoughts about her experience throughout class and the bus ride home.

“Hey, mom. I'm home.” Emmy called out as she walked inside.

“Afternoon, dear! How was school? I just started some tea, would you like some?” Amelie peered out of the kitchen, a mug in her paw.

“Yeah, that sounds good! And, um, I... took a bit of a big step today.” Emmy sat down at the table, setting her backpack down beside her.

“Oh? What would that be?”

“I... tried that... therapy thing today.” Emmy blushed. “It's been something I've been thinking a lot about lately, and... well...”

Amelie smiled as she set a mug in front of Emmy.

“Emmy, that's wonderful! That certainly was a big step forward. How was it?”

“It was... well, I really liked it. It felt... fun.” She blushed deeper. “I... kinda want to be more okay with being little, now, like at home and at school. Would that be... would that be something you could help me with?”

Amelie wrapped her arms around her daughter, smiling.

“Of course, cherie. We can start that any time. Maybe we can go out to the mall tonight so you can pick out some new clothes and supplies?”

Emmy thought for a bit. Sure there would be places with stuff like cartoon series graphic t-shirts and all that, but what else was there that was suitably or subtly childish? There was that one store that had all that baby stuff, but that would be just for actual kids, right?

“Yeah, sure. That sounds fun.” Emmy nodded, her mother giving her a quick peck on the cheek before pouring some water in their mugs.

“A quick tea break, and then we're off?”

“Sounds like a plan.” Emmy smiled, opening up a packet and dipping her teabag in the hot water.

One hot mug of tea later, the two set out for the mall, Emmy willingly being buckled into her car seat for the trip.

“Let's see, where should we go first? Want to start out with the littlest stuff, or end there?” Amelie asked, looking over the mall directory.

“Probably finish with that? I don't know if picking that stuff out would make me, uh, small or not.”

“Okay, dear. So where do you think would have the styles you're looking for?” Amelie asked as Emmy scanned the list of stores.

“Hmmm, good question. I know I've seen some cute stuff over at Pop Channel and Rewind, how 'bout we start there?”

“Alright, then let's go!”

Emmy and Amelie made their way though the mall, picking out both bright, colorful, and printed clothes as well as softer, more casual wear that still had hints of kiddy fashion. After a few stops, arms full of shopping bags, Emmy flinched slightly, a familiar tug at her chest pulling at her.

Oh no... why now, of all times? Why in public?

Emmy's head started to cloud over once again, her pace slowing. Amelie looked behind her, seeing her daughter in her dazed state.

“Oh, dear, an episode?”

Emmy nodded, making her way to a nearby bench and sitting down.

“Yeah... are we... can we go...?”

“Almost, cherie, just a few more stops. Stay here, and I'll get something to help.”

“Mm, 'kay, mommy...”

Amelie walked over to a kiosk close by, returning pushing a large stroller with yellow bands wrapped around the handles.

“Moooommy... I can walk on my own...” Emmy weakly protested, trying to keep from regressing as long as she could.

“Sweetheart, it's either this, or me holding your paw the whole time while carrying all our bags,” Amelie said, gently pulling her up by a paw and sitting her down in the stroller, buckling her in. Emmy sank down into her new seat, finally stopping her attempts at resistance and fully dropping into her relapse.

~

“Better, cherie?” Amelie asked.

“Mmm... yeah, mommy.”

Amelie smiled, gathering up the bags Emmy had been carrying and stowing them in a compartment on the stroller's back.

“Let's get your little things now, okay? It might be easier for you to pick them out now.”

“Okay, mommy!” Emmy nodded, letting her mommy push her down the halls to their next stop: a large store by the name of “Cub Central”. The interior was bright and welcoming, with parents and kids of all ages alike walking through and shopping.

“Hi there, welcome!” A dalmatian woman waved at the two as they entered. “Anything I can help you find?”

“Hello, my daughter's a regressor, having a little episode at the moment actually, but she asked to be more little at home, and here we are,” Amelie explained. The dalmatian nodded, looking down at the papillon in her stroller.

“Hello! What's your name? I'm Donna.”

“Umm, Emmy. Hi.” Emmy blushed, childish nervousness creeping up on her, but she managed a shy wave.

“Well, Emmy, you and your mommy let me know if you need any help, okay?” Amelie smiled and nodded as she helped Emmy into one of their stroller carts. Donna gave them a wave as the two started their shopping.

“Okay, dear, let's start with clothes,” Amelie pushed Emmy through the aisles. She picked out onesies, overalls, and shortalls with Emmy's approval, most with babyish designs, some more subtle with simple solid colors. Another section had pajamas, normal tops and bottoms alongside nightshirts and footed sleepers. After that, the two moved on to an aisle with bottles and sippy cups, Emmy helping to pick out a few she liked the look of.

“Now, I think we should take a look at the diapers,” Amelie looked down to Emmy.

“But mommyyyyy, I don't need diapies! I'm big!” Emmy pouted.

“I know, dear, but it'll help you with feeling smaller. And if you do like them, they might as well be ones you like, right?”

“...I 'spose so.” Emmy blushed, but nodded.

“That's a good girl,” Amelie smiled and pet her head, turning into the next aisle. The shelves were lined with multicolored packages, each featuring various smiling children of all ages. Many of the packages even had teenagers proudly posing and showing off the thick diapers they were wearing. Emmy felt a little bit better seeing them, tail gently wagging as she looked around.

“See? There's plenty of older kids that wear diapers, too. It's nothing to be ashamed of.”

Emmy smiled and nodded, pointing out a few of the packages that looked interesting. Amelie picked them out with a smile, getting a few other packs of diapers and pull-ups as well just to stock up.

“Oh, since we're here, Emmy, do you need to use the potty? Or need a new pull-up?”

“Umm, no, mommy, I don't. An' I'm dry.”

“Such a big girl! Just let me know if you need to, okay?” Amelie praised her, the pup nodding and smiling. Sure enough, a short while later, while passing through another section of the store, Emmy started to fidget, blushing.

“Mommy... gotta potty.” The pup looked up at her mother, who nodded.

“Alright, dear, let's take a quick break, shall we?” Amelie took her over to the bathrooms, which were thankfully nearby, and helped her out of the stroller. Emmy headed into a stall, easily able to pull down her pants and pull-ups and avoiding an accident. After a quick paw wash, she was back out.

“All done!” Emmy's tail wagged as she gave her mom a hug.

“Remembered to wash your paws?”

“Yeah, mommy!”

“Good girl,” Amelie smiled and kissed her forehead, helping her back into the stroller. “Now, how about something special for being such a good girl here?”

“Ooh! What, mommy?” Emmy bounced a bit in her seat, tail wagging once again.

“Maybe a little toy or two?”

“Yeah!”

The two strolled though the aisles of toys, Emmy picking out a soft, teen-sized rattle shaped like a bunny, and Amelie choosing a set of chewing and teething keys for her. After checking out and getting Emmy back into the mall's stroller, they started back to leave. Emmy nestled back into her seat contentedly, her thumb entering her muzzle.

–

At the same time, a pair of teen girls, a rabbit and a stoat, chatted idly as they walked through the mall.

“Alright, where next? Want to hit up Luxe's sale or grab some food first?”

“Mmm, could grab a bite. Where you thinking?”

“Hey, hold on. Check out that girl over there in the stroller.”

“What, you want me to see some random kid?”

“No, it's, uh... didn't she go to school with us?”

The rabbit followed her friend's pointing finger over to Emmy. Her eyes widened, a small smile creeping its way onto her face.

“Oh my god. She totally did.”

In a flash, her phone was out, and she was clicking away with her camera.

“This is crazy! Like, wasn't she on the soccer team? Oh I bet they'd love to see this...”

~

Emmy gave a soft groan and yawn as she awoke from the haze of her relapse, checking her surroundings. Inside her mom's car, buckled in her car seat.

“Mmm... I'm big again.” She stretched out as best she could, looking at her mother in the mirror. “What'd we do after that? Just that one store?”

“Yup. And you were very well behaved, sweetheart. No accidents, either!”

“Moooooom,” Emmy groaned, blushing. “Did you have to phrase it like that?”

“Hehehe, can't help but be proud of my girl for being willing to ask to use the potty in public.”

In public. That was right. She had been out in public, in a stroller no less, with nobody commenting on it, let alone making fun of her. Emmy's blush remained, but with a small smile. Things were going to be fine.

The two soon returned home and walked inside, arms full of shopping bags. A male papillon, his white fur marked with pale blonde, gave a cordial wave as they entered.

“Well, evening, you two! Where have you been?” Henri Oliver, Emmy's father, asked the two as they came in.

“Hey, dad! Mom and I were out shopping.” Emmy set her bags down on the ground, giving her father a warm hug.

“Emmy started her new therapy today at school. She liked it so much, she wanted to be smaller at home, as well, so we went to the mall to buy her some new little clothes.” Amelie explained.

“Ah, I see. Your new school must be helping, then?” Henri smiled, giving Emmy's hair a ruffle.

“Yeah, it is. I mean... I wasn't super sure about it at first, but... I do like it,” Emmy smiled, tail giving a gentle wag.

“I'm so happy to hear that. And that you're getting more comfortable with everything.”

“Now to celebrate this big step, how about something special for dinner tonight? Emmy, I know you loved that Japanese place we went to for your birthday, Akibana, was it?” Amelie put forth the question, Emmy giving a spirited nod.

After a delicious dinner of ramen and sushi, Emmy allowing her parents to feed her a couple sushi rolls each, the rest of the night passed calmly. About the time when Emmy was usually going to get ready for bed, there was a soft knock on her door.

“Come in!”

“Hello, cherie,” Amelie entered, bringing in one of the bags from Cub Central. “I washed some of your new pajamas if you wanted to wear any tonight.”

“Oh, thanks, mom. That sounds kinda nice, actually,” she looked over from her laptop, smiling.

“So, first off, on your bed, changing pad out.”

“H-huh? Mom?”

“If you're having a little night, we should make sure you get properly little.” Amelie smiled, pulling a pack of Emmy's new diapers from the bag. Emmy blushed, but pulled the pad from under her bed and rolled it out, laying down on it. Amelie undressed her, sliding the diaper underneath and getting a bottle of powder, shaking some out and rubbing it into her daughter's fur. She pulled the diaper's front up between her legs, taping it up snugly.

“All comfy?”

“Um, yeah... thanks.” Emmy blushed, looking down at the thick diaper, which was printed with soft clouds and moon motifs. It seemed... grown up enough, at least as grown up as a teenager-sized diaper could be. Amelie pulled one of her new footed sleepers from the bag, navy blue with white and yellow stars and constellations.

“Here we are, paws out please,” she instructed, holding it out for Emmy to slip into. Emmy almost protested, but figured she had already been compliant enough for her initial diapering, so she willingly slid her paws into the legs of the sleeper, pulling her arms in and letting her mother zip it up.

“There we go. Is my little butterfly all comfy?” Amelie tickled under her chin, getting a soft wag and nod from Emmy. “Oh, I've got your new little toys here for you, and here's a little surprise I picked up earlier while we were shopping!” She pulled the rattle and keys from the bag, and then a pacifier with a deep green shield that matched Emmy's eyes.

“Huh? A pacifier? Really?” She looked it over.

“I figured you could try it out, and see if you like it.”

Emmy blushed, taking it and pushing it cautiously into her mouth. A small smile formed behind it, her tail swishing gently from side to side.

“Aw, I think someone does like it.” Amelie kissed Emmy's forehead. “Now, let's get you all nice and cozy in bed, shall we?”

“Mmm, 'kay, mommy.”

Amelie pulled back Emmy's covers, the pajama-clad pup crawling in as she let her mommy tuck her into bed like she had done so many years before.

“There we go. And here's your favorite little kitty to keep you company.” Amelie passed Silver into Emmy's waiting arms.

“Thanks, mommy. I love you.” Emmy said as her mother gently lifted her glasses off her face and set them on her nightstand.

“I love you too, cherie. Sweet dreams.”

With one last kiss on the cheek, Amelie turned off her lights, and Emmy soon sank into peaceful slumber, her favorite plush held tight in her arms.

–

Calling, you hear the calling

Let me go, gravity, what's on my shoulder

Little by little, I feel a bit better...

A bright electronic song rang out from Emmy's cell phone. Emmy yawned and stretched as she rolled over in bed. She sat up, finding her pacifier was still comfortably inside her muzzle, so she took it out before grabbing her phone from her nightstand and answering it.

“H'lo?”

“Emmy, we got trouble. Emergency Team Taco meet, your place, asap.” Tris sounded out of breath. “Already called up Chels and Khloe.”

“Huh? Tris, what's up?” Tris had already hung up. Emmy pulled her bed rail down, hopping out and throwing on some more mature clothes over her sleeper.

“Girl's gonna have a lot to answer when she gets here...” she muttered, walking out to the living room. “Mom? Sorry about the short notice, but the girls are coming over,” she called out.

“Alright, Emmy, how soon will they-”

The doorbell rang, interrupting Amelie with perfect timing. Emmy rushed over to answer, finding Tris, Chelsea, and Khloe all panting.

“Are you gonna tell me what's going on, or?”

Tris held up a finger, then held out her phone. On it was a picture, slightly blurry from a phone camera zoomed in, but still recognizable as Emmy, sitting in the teen-sized stroller, thumb in her mouth as she stared out at her surroundings at the mall.

“That's... why do you have a picture of me at...” Emmy's voice shook as she stared at the screen. Something gripped at her chest tightly, pulling hard. “Tris, where did you get that!?”

“Someone sent it to me on Furbook. Did some sleuthing. Found tons of pics like this on an anonymous group.” Tris panted, the girls stepping inside. Emmy sat down on the couch, clutching her forehead.

Shit! Shit shit shit shit! Who did this? How? When? Why? Why me?

Questions she couldn't answer flooded her mind. Inside her head, the fog pressed in, deeper and denser than ever.

“Go with the current... go with the current...” Emmy chanted to herself, squeezing her eyes shut tight. This time, though, raging rapids threatened to engulf her, sweep her up, and toss her into the depths. And throughout it all, the fog grew thicker and thicker.

“Emmy, hey, Emmy! Deep breaths, okay? We're here! We're all here!” Khloe's voice rang out, muffled by the roaring in Emmy's head. She opened her mouth to breathe, but choked and coughed, heart pounding in her chest, until-

She was dragged under.

Emmy slumped down onto the couch like a rag doll.

“EMMY!”

The three girls rushed to her side, Chelsea sitting down beside her and resting Emmy's head on her lap. Amelie ran out of the kitchen, kneeling down at her side.

“Emmy! What's wrong? Are you all right?” Amelie put a paw on her daughter's cheek.

“Aaauh...” Emmy moaned, her tongue lolling out of her mouth. Everything was so bright, so... overwhelming. She could smell something... comforting, familiar. A shaky paw reached out to that scent. Two warm, gentle paws enveloped hers, and a soft, comforting face came into view.

“Ahhh... maaa...?”

“Girls. Go get my husband, tell him to call Dr. Anders immediately. This is an emergency.” Amelie wrapped Emmy up in a blanket, and hoisted her into her arms. Khloe gulped, sprinting down a hallway.

“Is Emmy going to be all right, Mrs. Oliver?” Chelsea's voice was wrapped in fear.

“Ah, cherie, que t'est-il arrivé?” Amelie muttered under her breath. “What could have sent you back this far...?”

Tris gulped.

“Mrs. Oliver... I have some bad news.”