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Ch2. The Test.

Phillip sat up in his bed and gave out a small stretch, he reached up to his clock on his night stand to see he actually woke up a bit earlier than what he is used to. The boy looked over to see his brother was still sleeping so he figured it was the best time to get up and take a shower since he hasn't taken one since the night before. He walked over to his dresser and grabbed some clothes and headed to the closet in the hall to grab himself a towel. After getting everything he needed Phillip walked into the bathroom where he closed and locked the door. Phillip placed his items onto the counter then walked over and turned on the water in the tub, he pulled on a small nob to redirect the water so it was coming out of the shower. Phillip waited for a little till the water warmed up before he stepped in.

The water was just what the human needed as he closed his eyes and let the warm water wash over his body, loosening up his muscles and calmed him down even more as he started to relax. Phillip opened his eyes as he let out an exhale of breath feeling slightly better, he reached down and grabbed the bottle of body soap. He poured the clear blue soap into the palm of his hand, the boy looked around the tub and chuckled to himself because he ended up forgetting to bring a rag for him to use, Phillip rubbed his palms together and watched as the liquid mixed with the water quickly started to make a bubbly lather. The boy moved out of the stream of the water before he started to massage the soap onto his body.

Phillip started with him torso before he moved down to his legs then back up and over his arms. He made sure that the lather was covering his whole body before he moved back under the water so it would wash away the dirt and grime that was on his body. He stayed under the water as he thought about the subject that could change his life forever, the fact that he would possibly leave his home and everything he knew soon actually scared him. He didn't know if he was ready to take that big of a step, he knew deep down that he had a high chance of being picked and he would have to make a choice very soon.

Phillip finished up his shower with turning the water off and reaching out for his towel. He grabbed it and started to dry the water off his body, it wasn't long till he stepped out of the tub and dried off his feet. He moved over to the sink and picked up his tooth brush, he brushed his teeth quickly and rinsed out his mouth. Phillip grabbed his cloths that he had left on the counter and started to change. He moved over to his room to grab his back pack, he didn't even bother to look at his brother's bed because he knew that he wasn't there. Phillip looked at his clock on his nightstand and saw that he had enough time to walk to school, 'maybe the walk will clear my head.' the boy headed down the hall then straight out the door where he walked down their walk way and onto the sidewalk.

The walk was good for the boy as he thought about his decision. But it wasn't long enough because he looked up from the ground that he had been gazing at as he walked and realized he was standing in front of the school. He slowly walked through the doors, he made his way over to his locker and opened it. He looked around him to see some of the other students were staring at him. He quickly got his things before he got any unwanted attention. Phillip got to his algebra class where he sat quietly till class started.

"I bet you think you're all big and bad don't you?" He heard a soft voice from behind him.

Phillip slowly looked behind him to see a girl sitting behind him with her arms crossed. "What are you talking about?"

"Just because the anthros like you don't give to the right to act like your better than us." She stated.

"I'm still lost." Phillip stated.

The girl let out an irritated sigh. "You just walk in here and sit down without talking to anyone, like we're nothing to you."

Phillip shook his head. "Well from what I can remember I've always walked in here that way and since I have no friends or anyone to talk that would explain why I'm quiet."

The boy heard the door open and he turned around to see the teacher walk in, she started to talk about today's lesson after she had taken attendance. Like always Phillip paid attention and did his work so he wouldn't have any homework to do when he got home.

The day went on as normal except that the same Users from the day before were at their school late in the first period. They walked around and kept an eye on all the students in the classes, some even wrote down notes on some papers. Lunch came quicker than Phillip thought it would, after getting his meal he started to head outside when he noticed that the wolf Padreion was sitting in his spot like the day before, the wolf turned around and gave him a warm smile while waving him over to sit with him.

Phillip looked around to make sure that the wolf was actually waving at him and not one of the other anthros. The boy quietly walked over to the tree and sat down in front of the wolf.

"So how's your day going?" The wolf said with his rough voice.

Phillip looked down while he started to pick at his food on his tray. "Not too bad, just getting crap from the other students because you guys seem to be paying more attention to me than them."

When he looked up he saw the wolf's ears were laid down against his head. "I'm sorry, we didn't know that us being around you that much would cause you so much problems."

The boy let out an exhale. "It's ok, you didn't know that I'm the outcast here that's all."

"What?" The wolf asked as he looked up.

Phillip just continued to pick at his food and even nibble at some of it. "Nothing, don't worry about it."

"Ok, if you insist." The wolf said while he pulled out his own meal. "So, have you decided on the test?" Phillip shook his head no. "Listen kid, no one is going to twist your arm and make you do something that you don't want to do. It takes courage though, to get up when we call for them to come forth and except out offer."

"What if I don't pass the test?" Phillip asked.

The wolf just shrugged. "Then you don't pass and your life goes on, if you pass then you can come live with us where you'll have those that will look after you, make friends, and start a new life."

Phillip pondered on the wolf's words, his thoughts was ruined when the bell rang, the boy thanked the wolf for the talk as he got up with his trey of hardly touched food and went back inside the cafeteria. He quickly tossed out his meal before he headed out of the room and down the hallway to his locker then off to his next class. Once in his seat Phillip just crossed his arms and rested his head on them, letting out a big sigh.

Everyone in the class was in their seats and waiting for class to start, the teacher walked in and smiled. "Class, grab all your things and head into the gym."

Phillip sat up and watched as everyone quickly gathered everything they had brought with them and rushed out of the room. "Phillip, you too." The teacher said.

The boy looked up at the teacher before he grabbed his books and followed the crowed. All the students that were at the school were pouring in and started to sit on the bleachers to wait patiently, the Users were all standing in the middle of the room. Each one stood silently watching everyone, even the two humans that accompanied them. It wasn't long that the last child walked in and sat down.

Troit looked over at the human User and gave him a small nod. The human in returned gave a small smile and took a couple of steps forward. "I'd like to first start off with a thank you for the kind hospitality that this school has given us." The human said loudly, his voice booming off the walls. "But I think it's now time to call for those who we have picked to take our test." The words that came from the man made the students start to talk to each other and gossip.

"I know that you all want to join but the fact is we need those who will be able to bond to an anthro like I have." The human hasn't even finished before the lion slowly walked up and stood proudly beside the human.

"So with that we kept an eye on all of you and we determined which ones we think will pass the test and have the chance to come with us." The human looked up at the lion next to him, the anthro held out a clip board that had a piece of paper on it. "When I call out your names you may come down and stand in front of us."

The human looked at his list for a while before he glanced up. "Mark Summers." The whole student body went into an uproar with applause as the jock stood up with a huge smile on his face as he walked down the steps of the bleachers. The human continued to walk till he was a couple of feet in front of the User and stopped. "James Townsand." More clapping came and continued even for the next six students that were called.

"Phillip Sebastian." It wasn't surprising that he didn't get a single clap, the students were all talking amongst themselves when his name was called. Phillip didn't move as he continued to sit in his spot, Phillip looked up and glanced at the wolf that has been sitting with him at lunch. Padreion was looking at him with sad and worried eyes as he laid his ears back while letting out a small sigh. Phillip felt a pain of guilt inside of him as he saw how disappointed the wolf was. Phillip inhaled and let out a heavy breath as he slowly stood up and started to walk down the steps. The boy could feel every eye on him as he walked over to the small crowd of other students.

He stood uneasy as he looked up and saw a small smile on the wolf's face. He wasn't really paying attention as the User listed off three more names. The wolf that Phillip hasn't met yet held out his palm to the side to signal the group to head into the weight room that was attached to the gym. Everyone was cheering as the group started to head out of sight. Phillip glanced off to the side as he looked around, out of the whole crowed he managed to spot his brother that gave him a look that the boy couldn't read.

The twelve students were put into a line all standing shoulder to shoulder. The wolf started to walk up and down the group and gave a good look at every one of them. As he got to the end before he turned away from the group, he walked a few paces out but continued till he was standing in front of the whole group once more.

"To start things out my name is captain Neric. This test that we are about to give you is broken down into three parts. You don't know it but the first is courage which you all displayed when you decided to get up and stand in front of us. The next part of the test is a little bit easier, we are going to ask you a series of question then we'll all judge if your intentions is best for us or not. The last is performance, which is the biggest and hardest part."

The wolf pointed at the student in front of him. "Your first." He motioned to the door where the coach's lounge was located. The anthro followed the student in and closed the door behind him. They all waited until the door opened and the boy walked past the group with a look as if he was about to break down and cry but continued out into the gym. The captain came out and pointed at the next student and closed the door after he walked in. One by one all of the students had walked in and took their turn at being asked the Users question, three of them had walked over and stood by the wall, Mark being one of them as the rest headed out back into the gym.

Soon Phillip was left and was called into the room. Phillip's heart was starting to pound harder as he slowly walked into the room, he soon heard the door closed after he stepped inside, the boy looked around to see all the anthros were here.

"Please have a seat." The horse said.

Phillip did as he was asked and sat down on a stool that was across from them, he placed his hands onto his lap as he waited patiently.

"Ok Phillip, these questions aren't hard but you need to think of them very carefully." the horse told the human in return got a nod from the boy to signify that he understood.

"OK." Troit said happily, "Why would you want to be a User?"

Phillip looked down at the floor for a little bit. "I...I guess it's because I hate being alone. I've been alone with no friends for a while, then when I saw how hurt Padreion was when I wouldn't stand I just didn't want to lose what could be my first friend."

Padreion gave the human a warm smile. "I was a bit sad that you didn't get up right away and I am your friend if you make it or not, but if you do pass I can guaranty you that you will have more friends than you can think off."

Phillip couldn't help but smile. "Now..." the boy heard as he looked over to the other wolf. "are you willing to take a life if necessary?"

This was a hard question but Phillip just gave the wolf a nod. The wolf smiled and nodded back. "My turn." The horse said with his deep voice. "Before Padreion talked to you, have you even considered being a User?"

Phillip sat on the stool and thought about his daily life before he met the anthro, after thinking for a moment the human slowly shook his head. "Why not? It seems that you're the only human that hasn't."

"I would guess it's because I have been talked down to so much that it sunk into me, they all said that I would never even be picked and that I'm too skinny and not built to fight with you."

Troit leaned forward so he rested his elbows on his knees. "Being strong with muscles and having strength is two different things. Gaining muscles for strength can easily be worked on, it's the strength inside the person is what we are after and I can tell by looking at you that you have lots of inner strength just waiting to be let lose."

Padreion shifted in his spot. "I guess I'll ask the last question." The wolf gave the human a very serious look. "Would you bring back your anthro with you if you ever deiced to visit home and why?"

Phillip sat on the stool as he thought for a moment, staring at the floor. "I would...I would bring the anthro with me because I wouldn't have any other friends here, and I would love the company that I could have with the anthro." When he looked up he saw that they all had smiles on their faces.

Captain Neric stood up "I don't think we have to talk this over when we say you pass."

Troit stood up as well. "This was a test to prove that you want to be a User and not to just wear the title and show off your anthro when you bond to one. In your answers we can tell you will care for your anthro when you bond."

Neric motioned Phillip to leave the room, the captain and Padreion followed the boy while the other two walked out the back door. The human ended up walking to the others that were waiting on the wall. Mark gave Phillip a glare as they waiting for the next test. The anthros motioned for them all to step forward. "Now your next test as I said earlier is very difficult." Captain Neric spoke to them.

Soon the other two anthros came in from the back door each carrying two crates. Setting each one in front of the humans. "Now, the other tests were based more on your personalities but now we have to see if you're able to bond." The captain bent down and was about to open the crate.

"How you supposed to do that?" Mark asked.

The wolf reached his arm inside the crate then stood up. "With this." The anthro said while he held out his arm. The humans all took a couple of steps forward to see what he was holding, but it looked like nothing but a blob of clear jelly. Captain Neric poked it with his claw, soon the blob moved as a head came out and gave a yawn, all the boys stepped back as they all saw the teeth inside the long snout. Soon the creature untangled itself as the long slender beast seemed to float around the anthros hand as it rested its head on the wolf's palm.

"What the fuck is that?" One of the boys asked, all of them stepping back a little while they looked at the creature.

"It looks like an eel." The other one spoke.

Captain Neric chuckled. "You could say it's related to your eels in this world, but pure sprit is from ours. Very common and very smart. We use this creature to carry messages from one troop to another. They also seem to love to hang around the humans that can bond but they hate being around those who can't."

"So what do we have to do?" Mark asked.

Padreion pulled another one out and held it out towards Phillip. "Open your hearts and have them come to you. That is all."

Troit did as the other have accept he started to pet the one in his hand. "You have one hour...begin."

"How we supposed to do that?" One of the other boys asked but they didn't receive an answer.

Phillip looked at Padreion as he held the creature in his hand. He let out a big exhale as he thought of how to call the small creature. It wasn't long till he heard the others calling for the creatures to come to them as if they were some dog. Phillip seen that it wasn't working so he didn't even try himself.

"You have 30 min left." Troit announced.

Time seemed to tick by as the boys have yet to call over the sprites but as it felt like the test had just started time was almost up when Phillip thought about what he was told. 'Open your heart and have them come to you.' He remembered the wolf telling them. Phillip started to think about how they like being around those who can bond and hate those who can't, 'but how would they know.' Phillip smiled to himself as he just concentrated on the creature, he thought about all of the happy days that he had in his past. Phillip started to feel a strange but good feeling, it was at that moment that the creature that Padreion was holding lifted its head up a little and looked at Phillip, the human smiled even more as he held onto that feeling even more. It was as if the creature was scared or shocked, it flew from the wolf to the humans hand in an instant. Phillip didn't have time to react but managed to cradle the creature in his arms as if it was a baby, he had a huge grin on his face as he looked up at Padreion.

"Congratulations, you pass." Padreion said happily as he walked up and placed his paw on Phillip's shoulder. He looked up at the remaining humans. "You still have 2 min."

The others were too confused on what happened as time quickly went by and the test was over, the anthro dismissed them all to the gym, Mark giving Phillip the finger before he walked out of sight. Troit took the creature from the boy and put it away.

"In order to bond to an anthro you need to be more open hearted and more...well sensitive." The captain announced.

"Don't worry, you'll understand and will be able to read us better as time goes by." The horse announced.

They all walked out into the gym and to the center of the floor, everyone was quiet. Phillip's heart was racing more than ever at this moment as everyone's eyes was on him. The captain walked up and smiled at him. "I have one last question to ask you." The wolf smiled at him, "Will you Phillip join us and become a User?"

Phillip looked at the all the students and wasn't surprised to see that somewhere mad, what did surprise him was that more than half of them had smiles on their faces and a couple of them nodding their heads. His vision quickly went over to his brother, who he saw gave out a sigh and a small smile with a nod of his own.

Phillip couldn't help but get a smile across his own face as he turned and looked up at the captain. "I will." He answered.

"Then I now give you the title as User." The wolf said as the reached into his pocket and pulled out a wrist guard, he held it out towards the boy while he gave a small bow. Phillip nurvicely took the item and gave it a look over it, the guard as a blue gym on the top with gold trimming all around it. Padreion walked over to Phillip and gladly tied it onto his wrist.

"This is to help identify you as a User." Before Phillip could respond most of the students got up and rushed over to him to congratulate him on making it as a User. Phillip's hand was being shaken, pats on the back, and got even got a high five from the jocks.

He turned around as all happiness left his body as he saw James walked up to him and stood a few feet from him. "James..." Phillip said quietly.

James didn't say a word as he rushed up and gave his brother a big hug. "I'm sorry for the way I treated you, you do have friends here. Just you don't know it yet." James and Phillip parted as they both looked at the anthros that stood nearby, all having smiles on their faces. "So when does my little brother leave?"

Captain Neric gave out a small chuckle. "Tomorrow morning, I won't take a boy without saying goodbye to his parents first."

Phillip smiled when his brother patted him on the shoulder, the principal decided to let school out early and after grabbing their books from the bleachers and stopping by their lockers James was driving Phillip home quickly. "James?"

"Sup." James replied.

Phillip looked out the window afraid of what answer he might get. "Did you really mean what you said back in the gym?"

James nodded his head. "Yeah, I know that I've been a big ass to you but it was last night after you ran off and seeing how hurt you were that I realized that I should actually be happy for you instead of bringing you down. We all talked about you last night, don't tell dad be he was thrilled that the anthros were interested in picking you."

"Really?" Phillip asked in disbelief.

"Yep."

The both pulled up into the driveway to see that their parent's car was in the driveway. They both got out and closed the door to the car, James rushed up to the door with Phillip close behind. As they entered the door they both spotted their parents on the couch staring at them.

"Well?" their father asked.

"I..."Phillip started to talk, but his nerves were starting to get the best of him so he did the best he could and held up his wrist a little.

They all heard a shriek come from their mother as they all stared at her with a 'what the fuck' look. "Oh, sorry just got too excited." They both got up and each gave Phillip a big hug but his mom kissed him on the forehead. "When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow morning." Phillip answered.

"So soon." She said in a soft sad tone.

The father patted his son on the back. "Hell yeah, they need to get him to training and become a man." Both Phillip and James laughed at their dad's over enthusiasm.

Their parents ended up throwing a goodbye party for Phillip, all their closest friends and family came over to wish him the best of luck. Even some of the kids from school came over to wish him the best. Phillip though thanked them all but turned in early, he knew that starting tomorrow his life is going to change dramatically.

To be continued in the mere future...................