Maxwell makes known to Pryce of Rock and tells him to get things underway. He then turns back to Rock himself,
"Alright... Time fer ya to come in."
The old man moves out of the way and Rock finally enters the back room. Needless to say, his high enthusiasm
immediately falls to horror as he crosses upon his friend C.J. strapped on top of a table and fully stripped
of clothing, and a guy collapsed on the floor; both seemingly unconscious. Though perhaps what truly get's his
emotions astir is the one strapped, right next to his friend; his coming son, Monty.
"The fuck is this!? Monty? C.J.?" he asks profusely as he rushes toward them. "Jesus Christ, what did you guys
do to them!? Fortunately, he discovers they're still alive; however, this doesn't stop his quelling rage,
especially concerning Vermont. Although the guy has been a huge ass, it truly pains Rock to see him in such a
state. The longer he watches the helpless Monty, the more his anger boils. It pulsated to the point that if he
were to find a scratch on him, bodies would fly.
Pryce grew agitated upon seeing Rock's reaction. "Calm your nerves, young man. They're simply unconscious.
Vermont is awaiting a modification to his memories as you're friend is in preparation to become part of our
subculture. In fact, he even requested it himself," lies Pryce.
"What!? No way! That's a fuckin' lie! He'd never agree to something like that!"
"You must not know your colleague very well. He specifically vowed to become a bear as it was the best course
of action in order to get close to [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE]."
"What do you mean!? Has he finally been found?"
"Certainly; we were informed of his location by a guest who just left. You must've seen one of my employees
carry a young man out not too long ago."
Rock recalls the guy who was being carried out; however, he was unable to get a clear face of him at the time.
It also occurred to him what C.J's question meant when he met up with him outside. Perhaps he was considering
turning into a bear after all. "But-but what would becoming a bear have to do with getting close with [INSERT
YOUR NAME HERE]? Why would he even consider such a thing?"
"Your friend... Has he not disclosed his sexual preference to you at all? You'll be interested to know that he
is deeply in love with this [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE] you speak of. Yes; he is very much a homosexual like the
rest of us in this room. He deemed that if he were to become a "county dweller" such as yourself, he would be
better able to connect with the transformed [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE] and perhaps truly capture his heart."
"You can't be serious...! C.J.'s really gay...?" Rock had suspected this for the longest, especially from the
glares he would give [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE] at times, but it was never proven. He remembers asking him if
this was the case, but C.J. would always dodge the question. Now that he thinks about it, his stout conviction
of searching for [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE] does seem to imply his homosexuality. Despite that, something seems
off about this stern looking man's testimony. "Wait a minute. Back up for a sec. Who exactly was this "guest"
that told you of [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE] anyway?"
"Cletus Stanley. Perhaps you know of him; he is around your prior age."
"Cletus!" Of course! C.J. had suspicions of him from the get go. He's the most country of them all at school.
If anyone would be connected with [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE], it probably would be him. However, this brings up
ANOTHER question. "Why was Cletus down here in the first place? If he wanted to disclose the location of
[INSERT YOUR NAME HERE], wouldn't it have been a better to stay upstairs rather than bring him down in this
"secret lair"?"
Pryce finally goes quiet. "...What are you trying to get at with this amateurish display of an interrogation?
Cletus already has wind of the operation we are running."
"So? That still doesn't explain why you guys bothered to bring him down here. What's more is that he had to be
carried out. He was probably even unconscious himself, leading me to believe that something happened or was
about to happen to him too."
The stern man is rather taken aback by Rock's deduction skills. "If you must know, Cletus made a request for
more Ursamusoxide but we had to promptly refuse due in part to his carelessness which produced your
situation."
Rock scratches his head, "Ursam-what...?"
"Ursamusoxide," speaks up Maxwell, "Arctos mixes in that stuff to their products and it's what caused yer
transformation."
"Yes. Needless to say, Cletus became antagonist after the refusal and we were forced to subdue him. My
subordinate, which you see on the floor, got involved and was put unconscious merely by mistake."
The man's testimony is quite solid. Rock can easily imagine hot-head Cletus getting physical when he becomes
angry. It's also reasonable that it would take at least 2 people to restrain him because of his bulk. He
growls lowly to himself as it was all pretty hard to sink in. He then turns to Lester. "What's your opinion,
boy? Did all of this really happen?"
Lester wanted to disclose the truth to get back at Pryce; however, because he has Tony hostage, he infers it
would be best to endorse the lie as he doesn't want to see anyone getting hurt over this. He takes a deep
breath and utters, "Yep, Pryce here be tellin' the truth... Yer buddy C.J. really wants to become one of
us..."
Despite what they're telling him, Rock remains jaded on the manner. Though, perhaps the stern man (Pryce) is
right. Maybe he really doesn't know C.J. as much as he thought. As a non-witness to the events that took
place, his rational is left to acknowledge their story as fact. Rock takes a deep breath before casting a
disheartening glare upon his unconscious friend. "So you really want to become a redneck like me, huh...? Wow
dude; all this for [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE]'s sake. You must really love him." He soon grows silent and slowly
looms his presence over Monty. "And you, boy; Vermont..." For some explicit reason, he's even more concerned
about him than his old friend. Unaware to Rock, but a growing affinity toward Monty is giving rise. "Are you
guys sure Monty is fine?"
"Of course," replies Pryce. "He's in great hands."
Despite the assertion, Rock couldn't bare doing nothing as Monty lies in front of him like this. Knowing not
what to do, he simply raises his son's hand and soothingly reassures to him that, "Everything's going to be
alright, tough guy. It'll all be over soon."
Lester ponders and questions Rock's awfully compassionate behavior, but says nothing on the matter.
Rock gives his son a final shoulder rub and turns his attention to Pryce, "Mmkay; so how's this going to work?
I'm guessing you guys are going to transform some bum off the street and make a "new" C.J. right?"
Pryce glares at Maxwell, "So you told him..."
"Uh yep. My fault Allen," apologizes the old man as he nervously twirls his beard with his finger. "Ah figger
it wouldn't hurt. In fact, Rock here took it rather well."
"Actually about that, ya'll," chimes in Lester. "I reckon I have a better person who'd filled the role as C.J.
C'mere, pa."
As Maxwell discusses things over with his son, Pryce introduces himself to Rock and informs him how the
"switching" process is done. "In order for a subject to take this boy's form, we must first procure a large
amount of his blood from certain pressure points. Next, we administer Ursamusoxide to both subjects and during
the initial processes; we inject the appropriate blood of whom they'll be changing into."
"So it's like some sort of body swap, right?"
"Perhaps, though their transformation is deduced by how much blood one receives during the initial stages. For
instance; if I were to give - let's say, Graham - a mere amount of your old blood, he may only acquire several
genetic traits and features of yours; all based on chance. However, if I were to administer a vast amount of
your old blood - and only your blood - into Graham at key points across his body, all of his prior traits and
features will become akin to yours, including body structure."
"I see...," mumbles Rock as he attempts to absorb the information. "What'll happen if someone didn't get any
blood at all during the initial phases?"
"... After a certain period of time, a subject's body will relapse and fall into a continued degenerate state.
Paralysis, bone deterioration, and even brain damage are all possible side-effects. If left to continue, the
subject will eventually perish - quite painfully at that."
"Oh..." It's a relief he wasn't left like he was earlier when he snapped against his friends in the bar. "Last
question, if someone used that Ursa-watcha-ma-call-it stuff and already transformed, can they retake it and
transform again?"
"No. Ursamusoxide only takes effect once and future consumption will have no effect. Once it is taken, a
subject will have around 14 hours or so to administer as much blood as they can to transform. Once this period
ends, Ursamusoxide will pass, further injection of blood will have no effect, and they will be forever fixed
as they are - only changing via natural means."
Upon finishing the discussion, Maxwell intervenes and pulls Pryce off to the side leaving a confused Rock
wondering what's going on. "Hey Lest', what's with the secrecy?" he asks, "You know someone who'd want to
transform into C.J.?"
"Yep, It's uhhh someone me an' my pa been havin' troubles wit' fer awhile now. A recently confirmed pedo," he
tells him. "It'd be best for us not ta cater to fools like that 'round this joint."
Rock is a little sickened that the transformation into his friend is being deemed as some sort of punishment.
"I'm not tryin' to defend the guy or anything, but I thought you said all fetishes are okay here."
"That was just a simplified overview. We have limits, ya know. We can't very well support somethin' out right
disgustin' like pedo's, rape, or worse - serial homicides. It'll only tarnish our image."
"I understand," agrees Rock.
Lester pauses for a bit as he wonder if his uncle notices his new-found tendency. "Heheh; I see ya picked up a
habit of fiddling wit' yer beard whenever sumthin's in yer mind, unck. Rightly so; that shore is one hell of a
mane ya got."
"Huh?" It's then Rock realizes how huge his beard has grown. It's now quite bristly and stretches to the base
of his neck. "Oh wow, didn't notice at all," he replies as he continues fondling it as if it was second
nature. With each stroke brings a small sense of amusement to the man. At this rate, he wonders how long it'll
become once he fully transforms. He sort of likes the wild look at that. Perhaps he'll never cut it all.
"Soon after, Pryce acknowledges the change in plans and Maxwell turns to Rock and Lester. "I'll be back wit'
our "lab rat", ya'll. Gonna give 'im a real good ass kickin' first though..." he churns as he heads for the
door. Upon opening it, the old man is met with a still disgusted Adrian.
Maxwell gives him a heads up before leaving, but Adrian doesn't stall and immediately comes forth to Pryce.
"Cletus is in his truck now..," he sternly voiced; of which, is still not in his usual up-beat lispy tone.
"Alright, I done what I had to do, now hurry and -"
Pryce interrupts Adrian by calmly placing his fingers over the furious man's mouth and shakes his head. He
then leans forward close to Adrian's ear and whispers, "Your role isn't finished. Do not speak of the incident
nor our plan lest suffer the consequences."
Once again, Tony's husband could do nothing but clench his teeth and growl irately.
Pryce then calmly sits down at a nearby seat and motions for Rock to come near. He then professionally clasps
his hands before beaming fiercely at Rock. "Now then, your transformation into a rightful member of the
Maxwells and also into the subordinate manager of the Triple Crown will now commence. Isaiah, or as you are
called now, Rock; I will not remind you of the sacrifices that you will or may have already faced. Are you
fully prepared to undertake such a new existence; to be wholly reborn as a member of our subculture; as a
homosexual, aging man born and raised in the southern countryside miles away from urban society; as a father,
brother, and an uncle? Rock; do you wish to become a bear?"
Rock looks back at Lester and the two exchange smiles and thumbs up. He then returns his attention to Pryce
before coming to his final decision. "HELL YEAH! I'm so psyched for this."
In spite of Pryce's usual cold and stern persona, he couldn't help but to break forth a compassionate smile
upon seeing Rock's bursting enthusiasm. The sudden smile is enough for Lester to gag in disgust at the rare
sight. Though, what lasted as a breath of fresh air; Pryce swiftly shifts back to his usual demeanor as he
calls for Adrian. "Adrian! Commence the next step of his transformation."
Adrian, who is at his husband's side, stays quiet and leers vengefully at Pryce before making his way toward
Rock. "Alright you. Keep still," he demands as he removes his gloves. He then opens his suit and pulls out a
flamboyantly covered pink CD from an inside pocket. Images of flowers, rabbits, and even poses of Rainbow Dash
from the "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" cartoon series engrossed the front side of the disc in its
entirety.
Rock's face prunes as he holds back his laughter and raises an eyebrow, "What the-? Ahahah, is that the
complete 1st season of My Little Pony or something?" he chuckles. His laughter immediately comes to an end as
Adrian sends forth a terrifying glare his way. The man's eyes beam a spine-chilling cherry blossom pink
leaving Rock to clutch his chest in dread, as if something pierced its way through his very heart and soul.
Lester himself had to turn away as he to fell victim to such a display of malevolence; even at his position.
"I told you not to move, boy. I'm in no mood for disobedience," threatens Adrian. His hand's - as well as the
disk - glistens in a ghostly shroud of pink. "Now, DON'T. MOVE." Adrian's eyes burst forth into a dazzling
array of pink, and then he fiercely shoves his open palm against Rock's forehead. An aura of pink encircles
Rock's skull and he becomes completely immobilized; as if he was frozen in time. Pryce and Lester observe
vigilantly as a stream of wiry pink energy slithers outward from Rock's head. Then, it rapidly travels through
the air and engross the disc in Adrian's hand. This bizarre show of events continues for about half a minute
until finally the aura subsides. Adrian pulls back and wipes the sweat from his forehead while Rock regains
control. "Whew. It's been a while since I've done that," he says; his voice gradually returning to normal.
Rock stares in complete disbelief; his heart pounding heavily. "What...what did you just do to me...!?"
"I haven't done a thing to you yet. All I did was take a copy of your personality and wrote it to this re-
writable disc."
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"It's my power; "Carnation Characterize". I'm able to give people who are under the effects of Ursamusoxide
new personality traits or change current ones to how I see fit."
Rock grows silent and scratches his head. "...Um... I don't understand."
Adrian shakes his head. "[*sigh]. You're born to be a Maxwell alright; big, handsome, and a bit clueless.
Here, it's better if I show you." He leads Rock to a nearby computer, pulls up a swivel seat, and sits. "Now
watch." Adrian then inserts the still glowing disc into the DVD drive. "When I insert my CD into a computer
while it has someone's personality written on it, a program which was created from my ability begins to run
from off the disk." A splash screen of the bear flag with a bear claw and Arctos's logo appear in sequence
before the program itself finally pops up. Adrian then cracks his knuckles before taking hold of the mouse.
"Alright, now from here; I'm going to click this, and a huge HUGE list of all of your personality traits,
memories, likes, and dislikes begin to load onto an easy to navigate database; oh, and also this cute 3D
picture of you appears on the right-hand side here." Adrian playfully zooms in on Rock's crotch, and with a
touch of the mouse, toggles continuously between a flaccid, semi-erect, and fully erect manhood; much to
Rock's embarrassment. "Mmm... my my; uncut and almost 9 inches fully erect," he comments as he lightly punts
Rock's crotch area. "Your one lucky dog; bears will come in droves to have a ride on your merry-go-round."
"Uhhh, thanks..." Rock thought this day couldn't get any weirder. First, it's a popular homo hangout in the
middle of no where; then came a substance that transforms people; and now a magic/program that can alter
people's personalities. Nothing is impossible with Arctos it seems. Despite it all, he wonders what else these
guy may have up there sleeve. "How would you actually go about giving me these changes?"
"All I would have to do is save the adjustments on the disk, abstract the data with my power, and then use my
power to apply the changes to your brain. It's nothing too hard. Though, in order for me to do that, you'll
have to be asleep. Once your Ursamusoxide passes, I won't be able get at your personality anymore. It's just
how it is."
Rock inadvertently begins stroking his beard once again. "That explains why you can't just use your power to
alter Monty's personality..."
"Oh yes, Vermont. Speaking of him; although I'm not able to change the way he acts anymore, we ARE able to at
least change his memories. That's where um... "he" comes in," he churns as he points at Pryce.
The stern man steps forth. "I possess a similar power called "Azure Alter" that can alter people's memories
and force them unconscious if I so will it. Vermont, your friend, and the man you see before you on the floor,
Anthony, are currently under the effects of my power. Once your physical changes are complete, I will adjust
Vermont's recollection as necessary. Upon his next awakening, he will fully view you as his biological
father."
Rock examines his future son and crosses his arms. "You know, I have this gut feeling that my personality is
going to be tampered with ALOT..."
"Indeed," responds Pryce. "In addition to your position in the Maxwell family, you must come to wholly
consider yourself as his biological father and he your legitimate son. This specific altercation is of utmost
importance. There must not exist any fault of these relationships within your psyche."
Rock is dissimilar of the idea of having his personality changed extensively. Not only does it sound robotic,
but it deviates from truly calling a personality one's own. A transformation of that magnitude would
practically "erase" him. He wouldn't be him anymore, and judging from Lester's word's earlier, he wouldn't
want to have that for his nephew. "Can't we just tweak my current personality around?" he asks as he takes a
quick glance at Lester. "There's alot about me that makes me - well - ME and I'd like to keep those traits."
Adrian speaks up. "Sorry. The plan is to use a personality I've been fashioning specifically for you while you
were at the compound. What you can do though is - with your help - change around the planned personality some
based on your current one."
"However, do not assume this means we'll conserve any of your current memories," adds Pryce. "You must fully -"
"Yeah yeah... I get it already you, chill." Rock is relieved knowing that he'll be able to keep at least some
of who he is; but still, it goes against what Lester believes. He tries to ask him what he feels about it, but
instead his nephew's reply is a mere grunt as he focuses on a Manga.
"Alright big guy," exclaims Adrian. "Pull up a chair and let's see what we can compromise."
Rock does just that, and afterwards the two of them begin to scroll through his personality, declare
suggestions, and make some changes. As time pasts, he begins squirming unevenly within his seat. After several
minutes of this, he could no longer bear it and turns to Lester. "Hey; where can a bear go take a piss around
here?"
His nephew says nothing and just points at a door across the way.
Rock gives his thanks and immediately aims for the bathroom. Once inside, he slides to the toilet, hastily
unravels his shlong, and let's himself go. During his business, he heedlessly snorts and grunts as a squeak of
gas escapes him. He then digs in the back of his boxers with his free hand to alleviate an inch from upon one
of his furry ass cheeks. Once almost finished, he wiggles his penis to exhaust any leftover urine, and returns
it to the safe confines of his boxers and sweat pants. With that out of the way, he turns to the sink to clean
himself; however before turning on the faucet, he takes another good look at himself in the mirror. Not much
has changed since he left the compound, though he does note some differences. His now thick mustache
completely hides the top of his lip and came to connect to his vibrantly brown shaded beard. The hair on his
forearms and the back of his brawny hands seem to be more defined as well. He also notes a small increase of
dark freckle-like spots across his face, chest, back and arms. Rock wholly disregards further hand-washing,
gets into a thinking pose, and strokes his mighty beard. The feeling of his fingers grazing among his coarse
mane sends a chill of arousal down his spine. He then takes his other hand and begins caressing his luscious
pelt."Talk about woof," he mumbles with a smug expression on his face. He then starts squeezing his own nipple
as he continues to fondle his beard. Upon noticing his growing bulge, a masculine grunt filled with bliss
escapes him before ushering out a growl.
In the midst of such arousal booms a series of fierce banging from behind him. "C'mon already, unck!!," shouts
Lester. "Ya ain't tha the only one who gotta go!"
Rock snaps back to reality, quickly rinses his hands, and smears them clean against his sweat pants. Upon
opening the door, Lester trucks through him. "Outta my way", he says. Just as Rock makes his way out, Lester
grabs hold of his hand and quietly tells him to shut the door. Once together in private, Lester turns to face
his uncle. "Um... unck, Listen... your personality, I... I already knew they were going to change it."
Rock crosses his arms and groans. He wasn't surprised at all. "You did, eh? Geez, here we go again... Why do
always have to hide things from me? I thought we were buds."
"'Course we're bud's, unck. I jus' - I just didn't want ya ta freak, is all! Ya may not believe it, but I... I
came to care fer ya a great deal. I don't want nuthin' stoppin' ya from 'comin' part of my family."
"Lester..." Not only are his nephew's words shrouded in distress, but his expression is wrought with worry.
Rock opts to not further indulge the issue. Instead, he felt the need to comfort him. "I understand," he
consoles while rubbing the back of his nephew's shoulder. As before, he could sense his admiration of Lester
diverging into a strong degree of family kinship. For both his and Lester's sake, he wouldn't have it any
other way than to become this boy's uncle. Though this revelation begs the question, "How am I going to keep
being me - like you want - if my personality and memories is going to be changed?"
"Yeah... about that; truth be told, I ain't got the slightest clue. Though, I reckon if'n ya stay true to
yerself to the very end, somethin' might sprung up. Ya never know. Heck, ya may even be able to fight off them
changes. I don't know."
"Hmm..." Rock ponders as he strokes his own beard, but comes up with nothing himself. "Well whatever happens,
you can bet that big Rock here will take good care of ya. I'll make sure I become the glue that bonds us
Maxwells."
"Unck..." Lester pauses before happily nodding and smiling. "Yeah! You do that. Thanks old man."
Rock laughs heartily as he ruffles his nephew's hair. "Ghaha! I'm an old man to ya already, eh?"
"Ahh shucks stop it. Hehe!," Lester playfully shoves his uncle's hand from off his head. "My fault; it just
slipped."
"Nah, don't worry 'bout it, boy!" he says as he pulls him close. Never before has he felt such compassion
toward anyone. Despite Lester being his nephew, he questions whether this is how a fatherly bond feels like.
Indeed, Rock is ready to give it his all to care for his nephew: to protect him; to nurture him. What's more
is that this compassion feels so natural to him. The same could be said of his feelings towards Graham.
Calling each other "bros" felt quite genuine. Then there's Monty, his son. He hasn't spent any time with him
at all, but he somehow came to realize a special bond between each other; a domineering but compassionate
connection. Even at this very moment, he's greatly concerned of his well-being. His heart aches knowing his
boy is in such a condition. How can these emotions be possible? His personality couldn't have changed yet, nor
does it seem that Ursamusoxide stuff been influencing him. He just naturally came to this outlook, and so fast
at that. As he lovingly looks at his nephew wrapped around his arm, he comes to a sound theory. "Lester, some
how I think... I think I really WAS supposed to be your uncle, boy. Don't get me wrong now; I'm not sayin' it
'cause I'm transforming. It's just that I got this strange feelin' at the back of my head."
Lester smiles tranquilly. "I'd believe it," he adds. "No offense to ya n' all, but it be weird how fast I came
ta see ya as part of the family. Heck, at first I couldn't picture ya as my unck at all. And shucks - let's
not forgit tha way ya coped wit' Vermont. You were rightly treatin' that lug as if'n he were yer kid. I don't
get it."
"Me neither, but I guess it doesn't matter. I'm with my true family now and that's what's important."
"Darn tootin', unck!" Lester dives in and gives him a warm hug. "Y'know, I be thinkin' yer old life musta been
some sort of slip-up or sumthin'," he claims. "Yer a Maxwell through and through; I see that now. Ya musta
always been, but never realized it. Don'tcha agree?"
Rock fondly wraps his arms around his nephew's waist as he smirks and tenderly looks down at his eyes. "Of
course. I wonder why I wasn't born in my right time amongst my real family. If only things went the way they
should've, things would've went differently for us. I could've been there right alongside my bro helping are
kin whenever they needed us most; when you needed me, boy... I'm sorry."
"Don't 'pologize, unck. It ain't yer fault. Like you jus' said, none that matters now. We're gun' finally set
this reality straight."
"Right!" Rock opens the door, but before he steps out he thanks his nephew for the talk. "You really mean the
world to me, Lester. Thanks for everything."
"Nutin to it," he replies before finally turning to the toilet and unzipping his fly. Once Rock exits and
creeks the door close, Lester's plump member spouts forth. Then as his urine began to rain on to the water, he
begins pondering to himself in his head. "Since our middle school days, I always had felt sumthin' between us;
a connection, sort-a-say. But I'll be - to think it was this though. Tonight must be more than jus' a
coincidence I bet; it has ta be fate." He tries as much as he can to hold back his tears. "I'm so happy things
turned out this way. Know what, I reckon I'll go ahead an' get that uppity ol' fool (Pryce) to change mah
memories too." Lester then notices his full erection. "Well lookie here... Gosh o' mighty, unck; yer killin'
me."
Back within the room, Rock returns to his seat next to Adrian; however, just before sitting he lets out a
hoarse sneeze. "ACHOO! [snort] Urrg..."
"You okay big guy?" asks Adrian.
"Yeah, someone must be talkin' 'bout me, I guess. ACHOO! Uggh... man..."
After Rock wipes his nose clean, the two of them recommence adjustments of his new personality. Upon Rock's
request, Adrian copies his current likes and dislikes to his new one, and then inserts a new trait: "Family
Man"; which consists of a liking to each of his "real" family members (as Rock puts it), and a disliking of
"bitterness and neglect" among his family. Adrian make sure to fine tune that trait so Rock would be very
protective and would always put his family first before himself, much to Rock's satisfaction. Afterwards, they
continue tweaking his likes and dislikes based on what his memories will have to be, or "What they've
should've been in the first place" according to Rock. The stout Maxwell then takes notice of a strong
preference to red meat listed on the personality and his stomach begins to growl. The mere thought of a well-
done T-bone steak or a slither of fine cut Roast Beef makes his mouth water. Come to think of it, he hasn't
had a full-course meal for quite sometime now.
Lester, whom has long returned from his potty break (and masturbation session over a certain someone), over
hears his uncle's cry of food and immediately offers to get him a plate, "Ya hankerin' fer sum grub, unck?" he
asks as he pockets his manga. "I'm pretty famished here mahself. I reckon we still got some stuff left from a
git together not too long ago. I'll go fetch us a plate."
"Please do, boy. I'm nearabout ta die of starvation here." Rock gives his hairy gut a scratch as Lester
proceeds to leave. However, before his nephew makes his exit, Rock reminds him to, "Gimme a cold can of beer
from the fridge while you're at it. I don't care what ya get s'long as Im able ta put some alcohol in my
belly."
"Shure! Anythin' fer you, old man!" Lester then gleefully heads upstairs with a smile on his face.
"Hey you, Adrian right?" Rock asks as he turns to him. "Mind supplyin' this poor old bear wit' sum tobacco?
If'n ya got any that is." Once again, Rock tries his best to imitate a true southern accent.
"Old bear, hmm?" chuckles Adrian. "My, I see you're really getting into the role."
"Indeed," replies Pryce as he approaches with a box of 3 thick Cuban cigars; robusto-sized with a ring gauge
of 50 at that. "With your current frame of mind, the transformation will go smoothly as planned."
"This ain't no act to me anymore, ya'll...," he remarks with great confidence as he pulls out one of the
cigars. "I'm reclaimin' the life that should've been rightly mine from the get go." The "old man" attempts to
use a zippo lighter (given by Pryce), but fails several times. After he vents, Pryce lights it for him
instead. Rock then puffs and exhales the cigar soothingly and doesn't hesitate to fill his system with
tobacco. Unsurprisingly, a surge of relaxation pulses within every fiber of his being. Not only did he enter a
mild state of bliss, but he felt at harmony with the very fat cigar in his mouth. The stench of his second-
hand smoke surrounding him smelled so good and felt so appropriate. In turn, he begins to reminisce of that
pleasure-filled dream he had about his son earlier. Rock fully believes that the Ursamusoxide was showing him
his real self at the time. That little event had to been a vision of his actual life; that is, if he had born
in his right time. Wearing nothing but a kinky leather get-up and chains, flaunting his body piercings,
smokin' a fat cigar as his sweaty boy gives him the dirty; to hell with that black kid Isaiah, that manly old
fart was him all the way. He knows for a fact that's his true life. Rock sets his cigar in a nearby ashtray as
he churns in his seat - longing for the existence that was justifiably his. "God dammit; I can't this take it
anymore! Hurry up wit' mah transformation!"
"Your preparations are ready," claims Pryce as he firmly lays a hand on his shoulder. "However, I have a small
endeavor for you. Come." Rock follows the stern man and arrives at his former friend's side.
Pryce then fixates on a pair of latex gloves and passes a pair of gloves to Rock. "What're these for?"
"Please slide them on, Rock - if you would." As Rock does, Pryce draws forward a tray with a steel plate full
of empty syringes on one side, and a plate containing 2 large syringes on the other. One is filled with blood
and the other is filled with a distinctive green fluid. Pryce then takes hold of an empty syringe and holds it
out to Rock. "I've decided to bestow you the honor of administering the Ursamusoxide to your former comrade."
Rock eyes broaden beyond belief. "Hold the f up, guy!," he shouts; instantly breaking his fake southern accent
once again. "I'm NOT going to be the one responsible for this! Why can't you do it!?"
"There's no need cause protest. Remember, this is how your comrade wants it. As his past colleague, do you not
want to aid him in his request; or is it that you feel content with letting a stranger, such as I, fulfill the
deed?"
Rock shifts his eyes nervously and doesn't return an answer. Annoyed, Pryce shuts his eyes and groans. He then
moves forward, though Rock backs away with a frightened look on his face. "Please, don't make me do this...!"
"Hey!" yells Lester as he returns with two plates covered in aluminum foil and 2 cans of Heineken beer. "If'n
mah unck don't want ta do it, than don't force 'im to!"
As Rock is happy to see his nephew is back, Pryce glares angrily at the boy before retracting his arm.
"...Very well. I'll commence the procedure."
In spite of the fortunate turn of events, a growing heartache begins to take form from within Rock. He was
instantly reminded of the pain he endured back at the bar; though, it was substantially less excruciating. Not
soon before it begun, something in his head begins to churn as well causing the scenery around him - or more
precisely, his vision - to warp. The closer the syringe was to C.J; the more severe the ache and the more his
heart pounded.
Right away, Lester could see his uncle's distress. He sets the items on the table and rushes to his aid. "Hey,
ya alright?"
The sound of his beating heart clouded his hearing; becoming more and more deafening as the needle closed the
gap between it and his friend. As soon as the syringe grazed C.J's skin, Rock could no longer bear it and
shouts, "WAIT!" Everyone, including Pryce, staggers.
"Is something the matter?" asks Pryce as he surveys the heavy breathing man before him.
"I'll... I'll do it..." he mumbles, much to Lester's surprise.
"Huh? What happened, unck? Why the sudden change o' heart?"
Rock begins covering his hands with the latex gloves. "It's the chaw... The pain from earlier came back.
It's... it's telling me that I have to do this."
"Ah yes; the "pain"," speaks up Pryce. "You may not have realize, but this "pain" you talk of is merely a
byproduct of your own inner conflict. Whenever "you" - your physical self - is at odds with your "heart" -
what you truly aspire -, tension within yourself builds; more commonly known as a form of stress. As you
should be aware, stress is something we as human beings frequently suffer. Ursamusoxide, during the initial
phases at times, takes this tension and substantially increase the after effects of it; hence your "pain".
Recall your rabid addiction? That was in result of you not adhering to what your heart truly wants. You were
forcing yourself not to do something, perhaps in that case chew tobacco, when you really wanted to."
Lester's eyes widen as this is the first he's heard of this. "Seriously? Then how come he weren't all in pain
when he was whining 'bout becomin' gay?"
Adrian chimes in, "Either because he and his heart truly didn't want to be gay, or because that particular
effect of Ursamusoxide was subsided at the time. It's an after-effect that randomly comes and goes."
Lester scratches his head. "Ah see. So my unck here be wantin' ta transform his friend, but is forcin' himself
not to, right?"
"Precisely," says Pryce as he once again reaches the syringe out to Rock. "Will you now adhere to your hearts
desires, Rock?"
Rock pauses before taking hold of the syringe."Yeah..." Upon turning and facing downward at his C.J., he
begins questioning his own moral character. From the moment he realized what he was to become; he pondered the
idea of his friends becoming bears alongside him. The idea escalated into a hidden desire when C.J. presented
that odd question to him on the surface. In truth, he became rather glad upon hearing about C.J.'s decision to
become part of the subculture. Not only that, but he had to admit that his bro's idea to help him on his
journey to incorporate others into our kind sounds rather appealing. However, the morality of such temptations
caused his inner feelings to be at odds. On the surface, it's not morally right; but he knows it's what his
heart truly wills for.
"Hey," calls Lester. "I know ya gots a lot on ya, but try 'n git yer mind outta that there gutter. Ya ain't
the bad guy here, unck," he says as he glares at Pryce. "Just go wit' the flow and follow that big ol' heart
of yers."
That adorable lug truly means alot to him. He always knows the right words that'll cheer him up. Honestly, if
it wasn't for Lester's support, he most definitely wouldn't have come this far. It's at this point where a
strong resolve to stay much more true to his heart blooms forth; his expression now showing his determination.
"Thanks, boy," he replies compassionately.
"Good," praises Pryce. "That's the conviction I expect of a man of your caliber. Now, heed my instructions
carefully. Apply the syringe at this point on his neck and extinguish his blood, SLOWLY."
Rock follows Pryce's directions and continues forth with the procedure with great caution - drawing blood from
different arteries along his friend's body. Eventually, several syringes full of C.J.'s blood lined the tray
behind him. Now it's the moment of truth as Pryce hands him the Ursamusoxide filled syringe (the green one).
Rock takes a deep breath and gives a moment of silence before finally instilling his friend with the
concoction. Once finished, he steps back and removes his gloves. A rather strong weight has now lifted from
his shoulders.
"Excellent," approves Pryce; giving the man a firm pat on his wide back as a reward. "We'll proceed with his
induction once I finish gathering decent blood samples from various bears. Do not worry. You're friend is in
good hands."
Rock merely smirks and nods in response. Everyone was right - he felt more at ease once he carried out what
his heart had wanted. He surveys his Arctos colleagues and realized he had come to be just like them; a gay
bear willingly transforming others into gay bears - but without the crazy powers of course. Coincidentally, he
felt a connection with his teammates and the procedure. It felt good, and it felt right. After some pampering
from his nephew, Rock is notified by Pryce that, "The time has come," and follows him. Pryce shows the man up
a small podium and asks him to remove the rest of his garments.
As Rock does he takes notice of his very bristly thighs and legs. His feet too are in no short supply of body
hair with them having a sparse but noticeable trail of hair along his dorsums, and little tufts of hair on top
of his toes. He's proud he turned out to be one hairy son-of-a-gun - just like he was meant to be.
Pryce carefully examines Rock at each of his areas and notes how refine his transformation is proceeding. Even
he is astounded of the strong aptitude between Rock and the Ursamusoxide. He is a very interesting specimen
indeed. If he hadn't had accidentally stumbled across Ursamusoxide as early he did, Arctos would've surely
taken note of him later on in life. "Hmm, you say your existence should have been that of a Maxwell from the
beginning, correct?"
"Yep! I have no doubt that's the case."
"Interesting... Tell me, what makes you come to this conclusion?"
Rock doesnt hold back and tells him everything: his dream; how fast he came to view Lester, Graham, and Monty;
how quickly he got used to being homosexual; his bursting adoration of all things hairy, including himself;
even the thrill he gets drinking alcohol, smoking his big cigar, and helping transforming others into bears.
Once all is said, Pryce thinks to himself calmly. After several seconds, he speaks up, "This is a first.
Perhaps the phenomena you're experiencing is as you say. A recovering of a lost existence... I see there is
still very much we don't know about the Ursamusoxide. Rock; your experience tonight is certainly one of a
kind. Arctos would surely benefit from such information." Pryce bows. "On behalf of the company, I thank you."
Rock blushes. "Wh-Why are you bowing to me for? It's me who should be thanking you guys. None of this would've
happen if it wasn't for that wonderful Ursamus stuff."
"Indeed," smiles Pryce. "When all is said and done, perhaps you would be eager to accompany me to Arctos. We
are in need of capable bears that are willing to bestow our "passion" to the masses."
"Don't even try, you!" protests Lester; inadvertently spewing out small droplets of barbecue from his mouth as
he eats, "My unck is stayin' right heer wit' us! Ain't that right?"
"Gahahaha! You heard the boy, Pryce. It's a nice offer, but I have a family I gotta watch over. 'Sides, I
really want to help my bro out in his career. Don't worry; I'll help spread our "love" through him, hmhm."
"If that is your wish, very well. I'll contact Arctos and notify them of your request for membership in due
time. For right now, please spread your arms and legs out."
Rock does just that, and Pryce follows up by grabbing hold of the final syringe: the large blood-filled one.
"In this lies the blood of not only Graham but Vermont as well. In addition, we've augmented this to include
the D.N.A of Graham's deceased parents. If everything goes accordingly, you're genetic, muscular, circulatory,
and bone structure will alter; aging you, and bequeathing you the body that should've been."
"All that's good n' all, but I'm still hungry!" whines Rock as he watches his nephew eats.
"You will be able to quell your hunger once I am finished. However after your meal, I must promptly lay you
unconscious on top of this open bed. Eventually, you will commence bone modification and the resulting pain
will be unbearable. I'm certain your transformation within the gym was quite excruciating as well, yes?"
"Yeah... It felt like my whole body was on fire. I passed out from it. Oh, and what about my skin peelin'
off?"
"That only occurs when transforming between races of vastly differing skin pigments; i.e. white male to a
black male, or vice-versa."
Rock let's out a relieving breath of air. "Cool beans. Anything else, I need to know?"
"Not at this time," replies Pryce as he nicks the syringe's needle and approaches Rock. "Are you ready?"
"Yep! Put it in me!"