Most children and teens dread going back to school because it means vacation is over and suffering in school was about to begin. Others dread going back to school because it means leaving behind a comfortable environment for an entirely new one, usually meaning leaving behind friends and not being able to get new ones. But for many new students going to the newly built Worldwide School of Animalia, it meant being in a newer, more comfortable environment. But one thing was quickly cleared up with the new principal.
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“Why is there a coed locker room that is only available to high schoolers?” Asked one student, it not being immediately known.
“That there was no such thing at the previous school was one of the biggest complaints among Animalians with bondmates, especially if they were double-dosed Animalians.” Answered the new principal, Eliza.
“What about those Animalians who still have human friends?” Asked a different student.
“We’re planning on having monthly visitation days so that friends will still be in contact even though they no longer go to the same school.” Answered Eliza, “But future plans are in the works to include an interaction building to the school grounds.”
—
It was the first Gym class of the year, and most of the high students were admiring the coed locker room, which not only included reinforced lockers, extra large combination locks for the megafauna Animalians, special showers which were more like brick corridors lined with showers and blocked off with a special obscuring curtain, in case a mated couple decided to deal with heat and rut. Thankfully there were contraceptive drug dispensers/vending machines for such things to prevent teen pregnancy.
Everyone was getting ready for their first class when Peter and Mara walked in wearing their new gold medals for the IAC Middleweight Bodybuilding Competition, couples division.
“Hey, the guests of honor have arrived!” Said Steve, who had been converted into a Siberian Tiger Animalian during the zoo outbreak. “Congratulations on winning the Middleweight Couples Bodybuilding Competition during the IAC.” At this, a large amount of cheering was done by most of the Animalian jocks.
“I’m just glad that my parents got silver in the Heavyweight Couples Competition.” Answered Peter, “Anton and Marlysa deserved first place, probably because they had a hand in the development of the Couples Bodybuilding Competition.”
—
It was the aftermath of Heather’s attack when Marcy and Chilly were called to the main office. But waiting for them there was a very young polar bear girl, only about six or seven, that neither of them had seen before.
“This is Polly.” Began Eliza, introducing her to them. “Polly, this is Marcy and Chilly.”
“I can’t say that I’ve heard of her.” Said Marcy, not wanting to upset Polly.
“That’s because Polly is effectively the first Project Phoenix Volunteers.” Answered Eliza, “At least that is how she will be recorded.”
“My brother tried to use polar bear DNA to cure me of a terminal disease.” Said Polly, shyly.
“Did your parents approve of such an action?” Asked Chilly.
“My brother and I both lost our parents to a similar disease.” Answered Polly, sadly, “But since he got in trouble, he can’t be responsible for me.”
“Well, ever since my parents became double-dosed polar bear Animalians to help me and Chilly feel part of the family, I don’t see why you can’t become my little sister.” Said Marcy.
“Really?” Asked Polly, exitedly, then rushing to hug her future big sister.
“I’ll talk to my parents, then we’ll see about getting the adoption papers filed with Animalia city hall for you.” Confirmed Marcy, hugging her future little sister gently.
—
Rift and Jet spent most of their free time in the Fine Arts Building, reciting what they called Dark Love Poetry. It had to include some references to darkness to be the kind of poetry that goths find acceptable, but there was a lot more references to love and trust than there would otherwise be.
—
While Heather’s attack had shaken up Animalia and the nation quite a bit, there were fortunately quite a few people willng to help defend Animalia, both the Rhino Guard, and the so-called “smart politicians”, who actively think over the laws they make, don’t care about grandstanding, and make promises they can keep.