When pet are uplifted by the Animalina virus, there are two things that typically happen: either the former pet will say it has fallen in love with its former owner and can finally tell them or they see their former owner as their brother or sister. But there was one occasion where the uplifting process took a different turn.
A journalist was interviewing Bunni Clair, one of the newest members of Animalia. She stood out quite a lot from other Animalians. Despite her being a rabbit, she was easily 7 feet tall, not counting her ears. And the Animalian virus had also given her a very amazonian physique. Despite her impressive body, she was not dressed to show it off. She was wearing a conservative business suit that wouldn't look different on a smaller human woman, besides her being barefooted.
"So, is it Ms. Clair or Mrs. Clair?" asked the journalist.
"Ms. Clair," said Bunni, "But we don't have to be so formal. Just call me Bunni."
"Ok, Bunni, could you describe what your relationship with Owen was before you were uplifted?" asked the journalist.
"I was probably the one constant thing in his life for the last few years," said Bunni, "Owen was a foster child. And unfortunately, there haven't been any people who have wanted to keep him."
"Why would you suppose that is?" asked the journalist.
"I can't rightly say. Incompatible homes, insufficient payrolls, bad luck. I wasn't observant enough then to really know," said Bunni.
"So how were you connected to Owen?" asked the journalist.
"I was his pet," said Bunni, "One of the foster families Owen was with was kind enough to get me for him. Even when he was moved to a new home, I was able to stay with him. And he was very kind to me."
"So what led to you being uplifted?" asked the journalist.
"Have you ever heard of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease?" asked Bunni.
"I can't say that I have," said the journalist.
"It's a disease only rabbits can get," said Bunni, "It's very contagious, kills quickly, and incurable. It's very important in keeping wild rabbit populations in check, but with pet rabbits..."
"It would have been devastating for Owen if you died," said the journalist.
"Yes, thankfully his current foster parents were able to get me to Lyre so quickly," said Bunni, "I can't really tell you much about it. I was in the coma stage when they brought me here. But I can at least tell you how I was uplifted."
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Bunni wasn't the first animal who was at death's door to be rushed to be uplifted by the Animalian virus. But considering she had only hours to live, there was a big rush to get her there. Judy, a rabbit herself, was comforting to Owen. "Everything's going to be alright," she said soothingly, "We're going to give her a shot that'll make her better. She'll be different, but she'll be better."
"How different?" asked Owen.
"Well, she's going to be bigger and smarter," said Judy, "But she's still going to be your friend."
Owen nodded and watched anxiously as Bunni was being treated for injection. She was completely senseless to the world, but at least she hadn't started making the fatal bloody discharges from her mouth and nose. Judy got the Animalian virus-filled syringe ready before injecting Bunni with it. Being a rabbit herself, she knew where to inject where it would cause the least pain. Not that Bunni would be likely to feel it.
The virus's effects didn't take long to be noticed. The comatose rabbit was already growing larger, covering more of the tabletop. As she grew, her body started altering. Her front legs grew longer as her hands became paws. Her torso reshaped itself into a more womanly figure. Her hind legs grew longer as they became more adapted to walking on two feet. Her transformation was going along as smoothly as the others Judy has seen, but she eventually notice that Bunni was growing taller than she expected. The large rabbit woman was now dangling over the sides of the table. Even lying down, Judy could see that Bunni was taller than her.
Eventually, Bunni stirred, managing to open her eyes. She felt very strange, but a lot better than when she had first fallen asleep. She looked around and asked, "Where am I?" She paused at the unfamiliar words coming from her own mouth. She looked at her new hand and asked, "What happened to me?"
"You had an incurable disease," said Judy, "You were brought to Animalia to be healed and uplifted."
"Animalia?" asked Bunni.
"Yes, it's a place where animals be as intelligent and capable as humans," said Judy.
Bunni looked around before seeing Owen. "Owen?" she asked.
"Are you ok?" asked Owen.
"I'm feeling very much better," said Bunni, though she felt a little uncomfortable with her new chest squashing against the table.
Owen walked over and hugged Bunni's arm, the closest thing he could hold. "I was so scared I would lose you," said Owen.
Bunni hugged Owen and said, "Don't you worry. I'm not going to leave ever."
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"So why are you so big?" asked the journalist, "Are you part Flemish Giant Rabbit?"
Bunni shrugged and said, "It's possible. I'm supposed to be part Blanc de Termonde and Argente Clair, but that doesn't seem enough to explain my size."
"So, what is your situation with Owen now?" asked the journalist.
"Simple, I'm adopting him," said Bunni, "If no other mother can care for him, then I will. I don't need him to be a rabbit like me. When he's old enough to make up his mind about what he wants to be, I won't keep him from it."
"And how do you intend to support Owen?" asked the journalist.
"I'm taking an online college course on psychology. I intend to become a certified child therapist. I also do a bit of modeling at the ASM. And no, before you ask, I'm not wearing swimsuits, lingerie, or anything skimpy. I'm wearing perfectly respectable suits like this one. I do have to be a good role model for Owen," said Bunni.
"And is there going to be a Mr. Clair?" asked the journalist.
"Maybe, but Owen comes first," said Bunni, "He took care of me and now it's my turn to take care of him."