From bully to Buddy

Simon's summer had been unbearably difficult since he had lost his faithful companion, a Labrador named Buddy. The old dog's heart finally gave out one summer night, and fortunately among the misfortunes, Buddy slept peacefully. The Labrador had been Simon's constant companion since primary school. While Simon struggled to connect with his classmates and social circles, Buddy was always there to greet him after classes with a joyful tail wag and a warm, affectionate gaze that could melt away any troubles. 

In fact, Buddy's presence had ensured that Simon was far from the stereotypical nerd or autistic. The daily adventures he had shared with the Labrador had kept Simon active and healthy, with the two of them exploring the adjacent woods and engaging in hours of lively play in the backyard every day.

Now, Simon felt adrift without Buddy by his side, uncertain of how to navigate the social complexities of high school and the world beyond. The loss of his beloved companion was almost too much for this introverted young man to bear. The Labrador had been more than just a pet, he was his steadfast support, closest confidant, and truest friend who had seen him through the trials and tribulations of adolescence. 

Thence, Simon kept Buddy's worn leather collar in his pocket wherever he went, treating it as a talisman of support. Its texture offered slim comfort, and tracing the engraved name gave its owner the strength to keep going. As the school day of a new school year began, Simon drew strength from the memories of his beloved boy, hoping they would help him overcome this latest challenge without Buddy by his side physically.

Simon felt like each minute dragged on indefinitely at school as his brain was still processing the loss. He held on until lunch, sitting alone as usual, hoping no one would notice the worn leather collar fiddled between his fingers. As Simon gazed longingly at the tag engraved with Buddy's name, a shadow fell across the table. Jackson Taylor, the school's standout quarterback and self-proclaimed king of the campus, towered overhead with his usual cocky grin. Jackson had been scoping the cafeteria, instinctively searching for any signs of weakness among his subjects. 

And when he found Simon sitting alone and stroking a shabby dog collar, he believed he had found the perfect opportunity to reassert his dominance in the new school year. Jackson approached with gleeful malice, unable to resist the urge to show off his own social clout. The jock rushed over to Simon's lone table and slammed his lunch tray down, startling Simon. 

"Well, well, if it isn't little Simon," Jackson greeted in a voice filled with displeasure, narrowing his eyes as he loomed over Simon, intentionally breaching his personal space. 

"What's the matter, you lose your precious mutt?" He let out a mocking laugh. "And now you've brought its mangy old collar to school as what? A cry for attention!?"

The prying eyes of his classmates turned in their direction, and Simon blushed and clutched Buddy's collar defensively. He wanted to defend himself, but the words were stuck in his throat when facing such brutal taunts. Jackson showed no mercy and reached out his meaty hand, effortlessly plucking the worn leather collar from Simon's trembling grasp. "Does this baby security blanket make you feel any better, huh? A stinky relic of the only 'friend' in the entire world?" Jackson sneered and dangled the collar just out of Simon's reach.

Simon froze in terror, his heart beating as he watched the last tangible connection to Buddy be torn away. The surroundings sent out gasps and nasty laughs, causing Simon's cheeks to flush even more with humiliation. The memories of joyful days spent playing fetch with Buddy entered his mind, and all he wanted was to be with his Buddy, not this egotistical jock. 

"Please...that m-meant everything to m-me and Buddy!" Simon's voice broke with deep emotion as he pleaded with Jackson. As Buddy's name was spoken out of utter despair, something cryptic began to happen. Buddy's collar suddenly charged with invisible energy that seeped into its holder.

Jackson's sarcastic smirk faded as a strange sensation washed over him. It was as if someone had drilled something deep within him, something completely opposite to his arrogant and ruthless behavior. They flashed in Jackson's consciousness, even though vague and fleeting, they still resonated within him.

Jackson was taken aback by this unexpected outpouring of emotion. It was the first time he had truly seen Simon, consider him not as a stepping stone but as a peer struggling to cope with the profound grief of losing a loved one. At that moment, Jackson felt a strange kinship with Simon. The harsh lines of his face softened, and his features suddenly became unusually soft.

Noticing the change in Jackson's demeanor, Simon summoned his courage to proceed, "Y-you don't know what it's like...to lose Buddy, he was the best dog in the world." A tear streamed down his cheek as he repeated Buddy's name longingly, the weight of his loss echoed on every syllable.

"I...I..." the jock stuttered over his words as he struggled to make sense of the strange feeling. For once, Jackson's usual bravado and viciousness give way to a surprising amount of empathy. The act of bullying someone, especially Simon, felt...wrong, this disturbing realization rattled the quarterback.

As the bell rang at the end of lunchtime, Simon seized the opportunity to take back Buddy's collar, clutching it close to his chest as he hurried off. Under normal circumstances, Simon would have been no match for Jackson's superior size and strength. But at that moment, the jock instinctively let go. He was still wrestling with the unexpected feelings sparked by Simon's anguished plea, and his eyes followed Simon's retreating back with an unreadable expression.

The sudden drama stopped just as abruptly as it began, leaving people pointing in Jackson's direction and murmuring. For a brief moment, the quarterback considered the crazy absurd idea of going after Simon and... console? But the idea was immediately banished. Determined to put this unsettling experience behind him, the quarterback stormed off and got on with the rest of the day.

Following the incident, Jackson was afflicted by a continuous and unexpected sensation: whimsical flashes in his thoughts that made him unable to concentrate during his studies and training sessions. The quarterback's normally intense focus on the field faltered, earning him a stern rebuke from an exasperated coach.

Frustrated, Jackson retreated to the locker room shower, hoping to physically rinse away the unwanted diversion. He scrubbed his skin vigorously with cold water, as if he could wipe those sensations from his body. But no matter how vigorously he washed, Jackson couldn't seem to get rid of the nagging pull he felt. The persistent attachment to that dork he had always looked down upon refused to be washed away like a stubborn stain that clung to his very being.

Jackson tried his best to focus solely on his football, but found his mind constantly drifting back to Simon. That fragile gaze and voice had filled something deep within him that he couldn't quite comprehend, let alone control.

Jackson growled in frustration and slammed his fist against the shower wall, the pain from the impact merely distracting from the inner turmoil. He needs to break free from this shit as soon as possible. Although he didn't know exactly what to do, finding Simon seemed like a good start. As if an unseen force agreed with this goal, a faint memory resurfaced, showing Simon often spent time in a particular area of the woods after school, seeking the comfort of his Labrador.

Jackson immediately set off towards there without completely comprehending the impulse, his pace quickening with each passing moment. As he approached the peaceful woodland, an unusual sense of sensitivity appeared to awaken his senses. The crisp scent of pine, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the unmistakable trail of Simon's familiar scent, which he followed with an inexplicable, almost primal instinct.

Sure enough, Simon was sitting alone on a fallen tree trunk, his attention fixed on the old leather collar in his hands. Here was Simon's and Buddy's secret sanctuary where they had formerly spent countless hours escaping from the harsh realities of school life. In this refuge, Simon lets his guard down and allows himself to sink into deep loneliness, unaware of the approaching quarterback.

Jackson did not wake Simon up until the heavy sound of rustling leaves reached him, allowing him to easily catch the surprised Simon. He had planned to order the nerd, maybe even shove him against a nearby tree to assert his power, and demand answers about this unsettling new feeling. However, something deep inside Jackson burst forth as he saw the tears dripping on Simon's cheeks, overriding his original intention.

The jock abandoned his aggression and found himself surrounding Simon in a close, almost affectionate embrace, an unexpected wave of tenderness flooding him. He instinctively nuzzled his head against Simon's, evoking the joyful, reassuring movements of a faithful dog consoling his distressed human. The quarterback was as baffled by his actions as he was by the unexplainable change in his temper, and Simon was equally confused.

At first, Simon's body went rigid with fear as Jackson hugged him with an unexpected look of kindness. Surely this must be some kind of twisted ploy, a cruel plan designed to lure him into a false sense of security before the jock unleashed his true malicious intentions.

But as time passed and Jackson showed no signs of aggression, Simon found his bewilderment only growing. The quarterback's enthusiastic nuzzling was so dog-like that Simon swore he even heard a faint whine escape the towering jock's throat.

Simon gathered his resolve and began to kick and push against Jackson's meaty embrace, trying to be free. But as his hands brushed against the jock's firm abs, he could feel the unmistakable softness of thick fur. The sensation was instantly familiar, triggering a spark of recognition deep within Simon's mind. 

The captive instinctively began to gently rub and scratch at this surprisingly tender spot, his fingers kneading the smooth skin and luxurious fur. A look of blissful, almost euphoric expression spread across Jackson's face, his features softened as he let out a low, rumbling sound of pure happiness.

With the jock's strength momentarily sapped, Simon and Jackson tumbled to the woodland floor in a tangled mess of limbs. Jackson let out a loud, uncharacteristic whine, his tongue lolling out in an oddly canine manner that resonated with Simon. He knew the look all too well, it was the same adoring, smitten expression his dog Buddy would wear when enjoying belly rubs.

Overcome by mixed feelings, Simon stammered the name "Buddy?" As if summoned by the familiar moniker, Jackson barked reflexively, his eyes suddenly widening in horror as he realized the seriousness of his strange behavior. 

Jackson tried to scramble to his feet, desperate to shake off the astonished Simon and get out of this crazy situation. But Simon issued an unexpected command, "Buddy, hold!" which immediately froze the jock in his tracks, his muscular body obeying the order despite his obvious objections. All he could do was stare at Simon as he was now trapped in his own body and unable to escape. His faces contorted in a mix of confusion and annoyance as he warned in a series of low growls, a hybrid language that works for both humans and dogs.

However, Simon ignored the jock's indignant protests and cautiously rolled up Jackson's tracksuit, his eyes widening at the sight that greeted him. A pile of familiar golden dog fur visibly spread across the quarterback's powerful physique, the transformation happening right in front of his eyes.

It wasn't just a small patch, the soft fur emerging from Jackson's toned skin rapidly multiplied and thickened. The wiry strands grew longer and denser, slowly covering the jock's entire abdomen in a plush, golden coat. The once considerably smooth expanse of skin was replaced by a soft, undulating landscape, each fur shifting and swaying with Jackson's heavy breaths.

Even more startling were the changes in the underlying musculature. As the fur spread, Simon could see the muscles beneath subtly shifting, becoming more defined with each passing moment. They were now developing a distinctive, corrugated silhouette, just like the powerful build of Buddy's own canine frame. Jackson's buff physique was changing, his imposing stature diminishing slightly but maintaining a sturdy, well-defined presence.

"Hey, I think you're turning into a Labrador...or more precisely, my Labrador, Buddy," Simon said, his voice tinged with equal parts astonishment and wonder.

"What are you talking about?!" Jackson cried out. As the transformation progressed, the quarterback shrank significantly, and there was no room for ignorance. "My body! This can be true!"

The once-confident jock trembled, his muscular frame shaking as the golden fur continued to spread across his body. "I'm supposed to be a star athlete, not some...some dog!" Jackson spat the word out with palpable disgust, his lips curling back into a snarling expression. "This can't be happening! I had my whole future mapped out! My football scholarship...my chance of going pro..."

"It's not fair!" Jackson howled hoarsely, the usual cocky fully stripped away to reveal the verge of a mental breakdown. Simon watched, his heart twisting with a complex mix of emotions, part pity, part lingering resentment for the years of torment he had endured. How many times had he dreamed of seeing the arrogant jock humbled, stripped of his prized status and popularity? And now, it seemed, Jackson's comeuppance had arrived in the most fantastical of forms.

However, as Simon stared at the transforming figure before him, while the rational part of his mind still struggled to comprehend the sheer absurdity of the situation, he couldn't deny the growing sense of kinship he felt with this transformed version of his former tormentor. After all, a part of his heart would always belong to Buddy, and now, it seemed, that part had found its way into the most unlikely of vessels.

Mustering his courage, he reached out once more, his fingertips sinking into the luxurious golden fur stomach that had once been Jackson's muscular form. Commencing a series of slow, soothing caresses, Simon spoke with a hint of shyness. "It's going to be okay, Jackson..." A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Or should I say, Buddy?"

Simon paused, his gaze meeting the others'. "I promise I'm not the mastermind behind all this, and it's confusing to me too. But we will figure this out together." 

The words seemed to momentarily calm Jackson's panicked tirade, his body relaxing marginally under Simon's gentle touch. Those golden furs were as soft and silky as he remembered, and they seemed to shimmer with otherworldly energy under his ministrations. Jackson let out a strangled whine, his body betraying him as he instinctively arched into Simon's touch, the blissful sensation seemingly overriding his conscious control.

But then Jackson let out an uncomfortable growl as the transformation spread over the covered parts. His form-fitting tracksuit was starting to feel more and more restrictive, the fabric straining against his morphing frame. Lost in the blissful sensations of Simon's belly rubs, the quarterback had also lost the strength to easily remove the obstructing garments.

Jackson let out a series of pleading whimpers that caught Simon's attention. His eyes were pleading, wordlessly asking the young man for assistance. Simon was flushed with embarrassment at such a request, but deep down, he could no longer see the arrogant jock before him. The jock's human features blend with the unmistakable canine characteristics of his beloved Buddy. Simon now saw his fellow Labrador trapped in human clothing and in need of help. With renewed determination, Simon carefully peeled away the tracksuit and gym shorts that had become unwelcome shackles.

As the final pieces of clothing fell away, both Simon and Jackson were afforded an unobstructed view of the transformation show. The soft, downy fur had already crept up over Jackson's broad shoulders and down his sturdy hips, the golden strands growing and thickening into an undulating coat.

Jackson's once-bulging, meaty arms were gradually giving way to the captivating, graceful limbs of the Labrador. As human features blended into the canine, the musculature changed, rearranged, and became smooth and streamlined. The quarterback could practically feel the loss of brute strength and the simultaneous gain of agility and dexterity pulsing through the morphing limbs, as a testament to the power and grace of a Labrador physiology.

And as Simon watched, transfixed, Jackson's hands and feet rapidly transformed into the unmistakable paws of a Labrador. The once-calloused digits contracted and fused, the nails thickening and curving into blunt, sturdy claws. Where there had once been rough, calloused skin, now emerged the supple, padded paws of a canine, imbued with a newfound sensitivity.

But perhaps the most fascinating change was the sudden appearance of a tail. A long, fluffy appendage sprouted from the base of Jackson's spine. At first, it hung limply, as if unsure of its newfound existence. But before long, the tail began to twitch and sway, gradually building momentum until it was wagging back and forth in excitement, a clear sign of Buddy's joyful, loyal spirit.

Simon had been mesmerized, transfixed by the unfolding transformation before his eyes, frozen in place as he marveled at the extraordinary sight. And finally, as the furring transformation below the neck was completed, he watched in awe as Jackson's facial features softened and reshaped. The harsh, angular brow and defined jawline of the quarterback gradually melted away, replaced by the broader, rounder contours of the Labrador's face.

Jackson's nose darkened, elongated, and flattened. And combined with the once prominent human lips, they move to form a gentle, expressive muzzle. His ears, which were once flat on the sides of his head, are now floppy drop ears, which can serve as both a protective barrier and a means of detecting even the smallest sound.

But it was the transformation of Jackson's eyes that captivated Simon the most. The harsh, narrowed gaze of the jock slowly gave way to the soulful, soulful orbs of a Labrador, radiating the familiar warmth and affection that Simon had cherished over the years. It was as if the essence of his loyal dog was emerging from beneath, the radiance of unconditional love.

In that moment, Simon knew without a doubt that the being before him was no longer the arrogant, bullying jock he had known. This was Buddy, his Buddy, returning to him in the most extraordinary of ways. At the same time, memories of the loyal Labrador resurfaced in Jackson's mind. With such a body and memories, his sense of self shifted, and he no longer recognized himself as Jackson, the star athlete with lofty goals for gridiron glory. Instead, he was Buddy, the obedient and loving companion whose sole focus was now to please and protect his cherished human. Jackson's human memories and experiences persisted, but they were overshadowed by the stronger, instinctual pull of Buddy's identity and body.

Buddy's inability to feel Simon's comforting touch seemed to motivate him to act. With a joyful bark, the Labrador quickly rolled over, his newly transformed limbs propelling him forward with nimble ease. In an instant, he had charged into Simon's open arms, his strong frame colliding with the young man's in a fierce, loving embrace.

Simon's heart swelled with pure joy as he hugged Buddy tightly and buried his face in the Labrador's soft, golden fur. He showered the dog with every affectionate gesture he could muster, including gentle scratches behind the ears, tender nuzzles, and heartfelt murmurs of love. Buddy's tail wiggled furiously in response, the long, fluffy appendage whipping back and forth in enthusiasm.

Time seemed to stand still as the two friends celebrated their reunion, caught up in a state of pure, unbridled joy. But then, a flash of recollection suddenly struck Simon's mind. "Hold, Buddy. And Sit." 

To his complete surprise, the Labrador immediately obeyed, his floppy ears even perking up as he fixed his attentive gaze upon Simon, patiently waiting for his next instruction. It was as if the essence of Buddy, his loyal and devoted companion, had returned in full force.

"Buddy..." Simon breathed deeply, his brow furrowing with a mixture of awe and trepidation as he took in the sight before him. "Do you...do you really consider yourself a dog? Or is this something else entirely?"

The Labrador barked in response, with a hint of what appeared to be affirmation. Simon's heart pounded, a swirl of hope and fear coursing through him.

"Can you..." He swallowed hard, steeling himself to ask the question that had been burning in his mind. "Could you...could you speak?"

Buddy barked once more, his vocalizations indicating confusion about the exact nature of this question.

"Oh god!" Simon exclaimed, his worry now clearly visible on his face. As much as he adored Buddy, the idea that this transformation might have come at the cost of another life, even his bully, made him extremely uneasy. "Then do you remember... your previous life?"

Buddy merely barked again, the sound tinged with what almost seemed like acknowledgment, but unbothered. Simon's shoulders slumped, his fingers trembling as he reached out to gently stroke the Labrador's sturdy head.

"Please," his voice filled with desperate concern. "This is important. Could you actually speak... in human language? Buddy, do you...do you know what happened to Jackson?"

When his human name was mentioned, the Labrador's soulful gaze appeared to shift, indicating a subtle change in his arua. When the response came, it was gruff and halting, but indeed in human language.

"Alright, alright, hold your horses, nerd." A rough voice broke through the silence. A hint of the jock's trademark showed in his tone. "You're askin' a lot of questions here."

"Yeah, I remember being Jackson," he admitted, a low rumble reverberating in his chest. "That part of me is still there, even if I've gotten a little...furrier."

Simon felt a rush of relief mixed with lingering concern as he continued to gently trace the Labrador's features. "So, now are you Buddy or Jackson?" He asked with a voice tinged with uncertainty.

Buddy-Jackson huffed, releasing a short, almost amused bark from his muzzle. "I'm both, ya dork," he replied, nuzzling against Simon's hand. "The memories of my quarterback life are still in here," he said, tapping his temple with his large paw. "But I've gotta say, this whole Buddy thing... every walk, every game of fetch, it feels pretty damn good too."

Simon felt his heart swell with emotion, his fingers burying themselves in the plush golden fur. "So, what now?"

Sensing the lingering trace of worry in Simon's expression, Buddy-Jackson leaned closer, his huge head resting in the crook of Simon's neck. "I'm home now, Simon," he rumbled, the vibrations of his voice resonating through Simon's body. "And I'm not goin' anywhere, got it?"

At this moment, Simon's tears began to fill up in the corners of his eyes. He attempted to say something or respond, but he was so moved that all he could do was put his arms around the Labrador's head and hold him tighter.

Buddy-Jackson whined softly, his tongue darting out to gently lap at the salty teardrops on Simon's cheeks. "Hey, don't you worry your pretty little head about it, alright?" he said, his gaze earnest and determined. "You and me, we will figure this out. Until then, I should probably stay as Buddy."

As if to emphasize his point, the Labrador turned abruptly and retrieved a worn dog collar from the ground, presenting it to Simon with a hopeful whine. "This way, I can be your loyal dog. And you can be my new favorite."

Simon accepted the collar with a grateful smile and gently fastened it around Buddy's neck, prompting a joyful bark from the transformed Labrador. Whatever doubts or fears Simon had were swept away at that moment. He knew he could face them head-on with Buddy by his side.