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It didn't take Lucas long after he woke up that morning to realize something was wrong. He had felt it before. The itch on his arm. As much as he wanted to believe it was just a mosquito bite or some other such thing, deep down he knew what it was.

Fearful that he was going to change, his usual daily schedule changed. He did not take Dasher out for his run. He did not to to the cafeteria. He just waited. As the day carried on, though, he did not change. But a fever did begin to grow. He felt hot all over and sick to his stomach. It was nauseating just watching Dasher eat the leftovers from the mini-fridge.

Despite his worry, Dasher could not be denied forever. The dog scratched, whined, tugged at his clothes, anything to get the dhole to take him outside. It was impossible to ignore and he honestly didn't want to clean up a mess inside. He had hoped to make it a quick walk, just a few minutes, but once Dasher was outside he was running. Lucas really didn't want to chase, but letting the dog head off on it's own wasn't an option. Still feeling miserable, Lucas hurried after him, trying to ignore the pounding and warmth across his body.

The pet sped across the village, intent to go check out his favorite places, but he stopped when he picked up a scent. Tail wagging excitedly, he changed direction and hurried off to where Vixen was. When she finally came into view, he rushed toward her.

Lucas, groaning, followed. At first he didn't recognize the person with the dog, but recognition came when he spotted the black wings. They were fuller and bigger, but there was only one person he knew of with black, feathered wings. "Gaius?" What were all the bandages for?

"Walking... Dasher." There was a pause between each word as he caught his breath. Even though he did not like to do it, Lucas panted. He had to. It was just so warm. And the running did not help matters. Placing a hand on his forehead, he tried to rub it, hoping to alleviate some of the pain.

He really had hoped no one would be out. Just his luck.

"Are...you okay?" If all was well, Lucas would take his leave and rush back to his duplex. He wasn't positive, but it felt like things were becoming worse.

"Injuries? What happened?" He only caught bits and pieces of what Gaius said. 'Injuries' standing out. It was becoming harder to concentrate. He could tell something had happened to Gaius' face... more than a cut or burn, but his mind just wouldn't wrap around things. It was hard to think.

The aches in his limbs, neck and head had really intensified by then. When he tried to take a step back he was hit with a sudden case of vertigo. Dropping to his knees, he held his head to try steady things, and to continue try and rub the throbbing away. "God..." he groaned, then grit his teeth. He was thankful he didn't have anything in his stomach.

That was when everything exploded. The pain was horrible. Postrating himself, forehead pressed against the ground, Lucas screamed as he could feel his hands and feet changing.

Not here. Not in front of someone. "Damnit..." he growled. He bit back any more screams. He squeezed his eyes shut against the pain, as well as to avoid seeing what was happening to him. "Stop..." he whimpered.

The stretching of his hand, the leathery pads that formed, the claws that replaced his human nails, and the terrible shortening and thicking of each finger was awful. It was worse than the last time. He tried to find something to do with his hands. Something to help ease the change. First he tried to hold his hands under his armpits, then held them against his stomach while he bent over them. He also tried to curl his feet under him, but even that did not help. It was torture.

Suddenly he started clawing at the ground, digging his hands into the dirt as they became more like paws. He went at it so furiously, it was as if he believed it was the ground's fault he was changing.

He barely heard Gaius' reassuring words through the throbbing, gasping and panting, and mental screaming in his head. Just like his hands, his feet underwent a similar change. They lengthened and became more like an animal's than a man's. Later he would be thankful he went out without shoes.

There was no moment inbetween to catch his breath. Next came his muzzle and tail. Both started to push out further. The fur on the tail darkening at the tip. The fur around his muzzle becoming more creamy white. Unaware that he was doing it, Lucas started to grind his teeth. The remainder of his human teeth were disappearing, replaced by pointed fangs. Unable to hold back, Lucas yelled briefly, but snapped his mouth shut quickly a moment later.

When his sinuses cried out he stopped his digging to place his paws on his muzzle in an attempt to block out the smells that threaten to overwhelm his already taxed and pained nostrils.

While the change occured, Dasher whined. He couldn't make up his mind whether he wanted to sit or stand. This odd behavior in Lucas was upsetting.

The changes were finally coming to an end.

Wincing, Lucas groaned as his neck thickened. Once it seemed to stop growing, his body gave a shudder and he leaned forward, his hands falling out in front of him to prevent him from completely collapsing to the ground. For a moment there was confusion and shock at the difference. He still would not dare open his eyes, but now he had a better feel for what had become of his hands. For a brief moment he had the front part of his paw holding him up, like how a dog would stand on it's own front legs. When he realized what he was doing, he snapped his hands back and held them against his stomach.

Both his ears and tail were still sitting straight up after the change. He could hear Gaius still kneeling next to him. He felt horrible. He had never wanted to be around anyone when that happened. Why did it have to happen this way?

Turning his head toward the carpenter, Lucas slowly opened his eyes and looked up at him. "Sorry..." his voice was dry and he continued to pant.

Every part of him ached. His back, from his neck to his tail. Each limb and his face. He sighed. At least the hot feeling was disappating.

"Yeah... Like that would ever happen. I don't like changing front of people, though. It's not easy to watch. And... water does sound good." He was parched. And he was starting to feel hungry, too.

At the offered hand, Lucas reached out to take it since he was sure he would need it to get to his feet. However, when his hand came into view he stopped short and his heart lurched. Clenching his jaws he tried to flex his fingers. He examined them, a mixture of horror and disbelief on his face. Finally he tore himself away from it. He had to stay calm. Last thing he needed to do was change and then completely freak out in front of someone.

Studying Gaius' face now that he was no longer feverish or preoccupied with his change, he could see the bulge on the man's face. "You changed, too? Recently?" Had something gone wrong with his change?