Chapter 5 Dog's of Down Under

Jacob continued to run, his legs burning with exhaustion, his breath was heavy, and his body ached, he was lost he was alone, he had no idea where exactly he where he was going or what he was going to do once he got there, yet all he knew was he had to reach it, to find it, it could be his only form of salvation from this horrible situation he was plunged into, yet all he could see around him was nothing but an endless sea of dirt, sand and rock formations. The sky was dark and ominous, Everything around him seemed so distorted, so wrong

He ran and ran until finally came to a stop, trying to catch his breath as he looked around feeling even more lost and confused, He suddenly found that he couldn't move, he felt trapped as the world around him began to warp and twist and bend into a misshapen landscape before he was then enveloped with a green light that was growing brighter and brighter before suddenly he was blinded by a Big flash!

Jacob jolted awake sitting upright with a gasp as he frantically began to look around, his eyes were only met with darkness it took him a moment to process where he was, in the dimness of the light he could make out features such as TV, windows, he was on a couch, suddenly it all came flooding back into him, he was still here in the Heeler home. He let out a small sigh, one that had many mixed emotions in it.

So It was all real then, he really is in this strange new place, he lightly laid back, his body was covered in a cold sweat as the images from his dream flashed into his mind, he knew what it all was, at least to some degree, he still didn't understand how or why it happened but there was something else about it that was bothering him too, something he didn't want to confront with himself so instead he just laid there resting trying to put his mind at ease, hoping he could just fall back asleep and by the morning he could find out more Answers about this strange new place he found himself in...

...

The fallowing morning

In the Kitchen Bandit was Cooking up some breakfast while Chili was sitting up some plates, Bluey and Bingo were laughing and playing around the table as Bandit Spoke up.

" Now these are what I call The perfect sunny side ups " He chuckled " I suppose we should wake up Jacob soon, Brekky is almost ready. "

" Well we have a bit of a day planned " Chili added.

" Can we go wake up Jacob! " Bluey said with an eager tone tail wagging a little.

" Uuh, well I suppose, just don't be too wild about it " Chili said with a sheepish smirk.

" Hooray! " Bluey said as she quickly ran off with Bingo fallowing not far behind, she was quite eager and or curious to see Jacob this morning after the news she had been told by her parents.

Meanwhile in the living room, Jacob was just sitting there slipping on his shoes when he notice Bluey and Bingo enter the room who suddenly seem a bit surprised to see him.

" Oh, you're awake already " Bluey said as she stopped running. " Brekky is ready! "she exclaimed " as Jacob nodded in response.

" oh Uh, Breakfast? "Jacob arched a brow a little, to which Bluey nodded " Ah, Thanks Bluey, I'll be there shortly " he said as Bluey continued to stare up at him curiously, it looked like she was really eager to say something, and she did.

" Soo, Mum and dad told us you'll be staying here for a while? Is that true? " Bluey eagerly asked As Jacob looked down at the two pups who seemed curious about his response, he rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to find the proper way to explain it.

" Well, it seems so, just until I can find my way back home. " Jacob said sounding a bit unsure himself as he then began to think about just where Home would be.

" Well, you'll like staying here, it's lots of fun!" Bluey chimed "Right Bingo? "

" Uh, yeah fun!" Bingo nodded in response.

" In the Meantime we can learn more about Humans! " Bluey said wagging her tail as Jacob just awkwardly nodded.

" Yeah I suppose " Jacob said when suddenly Chili's voice rang out from in the Kitchen

" Girls, what are you doing in there? Is Jacob awake? "

" ooh! we better get to Brekky now! " Bluey quickly said as she ran out of the room leaving bingo to look up at Jacob for a moment before quickly fallowing her sister,

Jacob took a deep breath as he mentally prepared himself for what could await him this new day in this strange world, He fallowed Bluey and Bingo into the Kitchen where he could instantly smell the aroma of a fresh breakfast.

" Ah, there you kid's are. " Bandit spoke up noting the three of them enter room. "Good morning Jacob, How'd you sleep mate? "Bandit spoke upas the boy stepped further into he room.

" Uh, fairly good "the boy said not mentioning the moment of his dream, " The couch was quite comfy, thanks. "

Bandit nodded " Ah well that's good then " he said with a slight smile as Chili spoke up.

" Well, we have a bit of a day planned here, but first you should get some breakfast, and then we can discuss what we'll be doing. "

Everyone soon had seated at the table while a very tasty breakfast of Eggs, beans and regular toast or French toast. Jacob sat there with his plate and glass of orange juice, he couldn't help himself as he proceeds to dig into his food, much like lasts night he found it too taste amazing.

Bandit and chili couldn't help but notice the way he ate seemed to make it look like he's never really eaten in a while which raised many more question they had for him, but decided to hold that until they got things more situated.

" How do you're plasters feel? " Chili spoke up referring to his treated wounds " still sore? "

" Only a little actually, that sleep probably helped me a little " The teen replied.

" That is good to hear, well we still need to get those properly checked out " Chili nodded " which is why we were going to get you a quick check up at the Hospital for this morning " she added as Jacob took note of this.

" A check up ? "

" Yes, the one we mentioned last night, we rang up the hospital earlier this morning just to let them know we'd be arriving, but it'll be at the ER just so we can get you looked at quicker, but it's important. " chili explained.

Bandit nodded " Yeah, the sooner the better, so after we eat, get cleaned up a bit were going to take you to the booking."

Jacob stared down at his plate for a moment, he had a bunch of mixed feeling running through him now, mainly the idea of going out, He still was not even sure where he was or what sort of situation he was truly in and now he was going to " venture " out into the rest of this world ?

" You alright there ? " Bandit then asked him as Jacob glanced over and nodded

" I'm fine, just, a bit tired still " he said trying to hide is uneasiness, he then asked the question that has been lingering in his head for some time now and figured there was no better time then to ask it now.

" Are, there more Dogs around here? Like you? "He spoke in a slight quiet tone.

Bandit and chili glanced at one another for a moment, but seemed to understand what he was getting at.

" Well, yes there is, in fact that's all there ever is around here, hence, why we probably couldn't find anything on humans last night. " Chili spoke.

" Ah, it'll be fine I assure you " Bandit informed understanding what Jacob was feeling, the Human boy just nodded, hoping that what ever awaited him, he was prepared to handle.

" Alright, how about after breakfast, you can head into the bathroom and use the sink to give you're face a quick wash up, you'll probably feel better after that, then we can head out " Bandit spoke as Jacob nodded.

So soon everyone had finished up their breakfasts, and a quick face wash up was next, which Jacob did after Bluey and bingo.

"It's nearly 9:00 o'clock, we better get ready now " Chili said checking the time on her phone." You girls all set? " Bluey and bingo both nodded.

" Yes Mum " Bingo replied

" We are " Bluey added.

" You ready Jacob? "Chili asked next as Jacob nodded, though deep inside he knew he was feeling more nervous than anything.

Soon he and the Heelers were heading out the front door where Jacob got his first real look at the neighborhood as he fallowed the heelers down the front steps of their home, it all looked so, Normal. Like any other quietneighborhood he has seen before.

However that wasn't the main thing he was really focusing on, he kept his eyes open and alert for if he could see any of the other inhabitants in the area, yet so far he saw none.

"Over here Jacob " Chili's voice suddenly called out.

Jacob glanced over to see the Heelers standing by a Big red Jeep looing vehicle of some sort parked in a drive way, Bandit was already getting into the driver seat, Jacob walked over to it where Bluey and Bingo where getting seated into the back.

" Easy does it, in you go " Chili said as Jacob got into the back seat of the car and took a seat between Bluey and Bingo whom where strapped into booster seats.

Once Jacob got himself buckled in and soon they were ready to set off

" Don't mind the mess "Chili gave a playful chuckle referring to the backseat having the remnants of snacks, drawing paper, and Crayons scattered about.

" Alright everybody, are we all buckled in? then lets go " Bandit said as he pulled the car out of the drive way and began their journey into the Town.

In the mean time Jacob took the moment to realize just how massive the interior of this car was compared to what he was used to, he had come to notice that the furniture of this place seemed bigger then what he found normal, which he gathered was the differ sizes the Heelers had compared to him.

" You're going to love the City Jacob! " Bluey spoke up next to him suddenly. "There are a lot of cool things to see.

Jacob glanced out the window as they drove on, and that's when he saw the sight he was anticipating, another Dog, walking along the street casually, walking upright like the Heelers, only this breed seemed t be a Kelpie, he then saw another dog, and another, more Dogfolk, they were all just, going about what looked like a Normal day, Dogs walking , dogs sitting at benches, Dogs pushing strollers, more dogs driving cars, it was a bustling city of Dogs all about ranging from many different breeds and colours.

Jacob sat back in his seat with a look of Awe and confusion on his face. " Unbelievable. " he softly spoke to himself.

He glanced back out the window again seeing more dogs, but notice other things too, like Posters and billboards showing many adverts and images of Dogs on them, dogs were coming in and out of buildings, dogs sitting at cafes, restaurants ect.

Jacob watched a buss full of dogs passed by next, at this point couldn't help but just be in a complete trance of awe and slight concern, Seeing so many Anthro dogs all about him, without a single trace of a Human about, other then him.

Chili caught notice of Jacob's uneasy look in the rearview mirror and gave a slight sympathetic look.

" you doing fine Jacob? Were almost there." She spoke back to him, Jacob just looked up at her and gave a slight nod as he then glanced back out the window starring more into this surreal dog world.

After a short bit of driving, the Heelers vehicle soon approached a large building with a sign up front read "Children's Medical, Queensland"

"Alright, here we are, just a moment, gotta find a parking spot " Bandit said as bandit drove around the parking lot until one was found, and soon enough everyone had gotten out of the car. Jacob however could feel a mixed feeling of uneasiness and anxiety building up in his body he stood before the Large building.

Bluey took notice of his uneasy expression and spoke to him.

" Are you nervous? don't worry this is a good hospital, this is where Bingo went when she got sick " Bluey said in a reassuring tone. As Jacob glanced at Bingo who gave a slight shy nod.

" Come on mate, let's get you inside " Bandit said as Jacob fallowed the Heelers into the Building passing through it's large sliding doors where they entered into a big waiting room, and this is where Jacob got his first close sight of the other Dogfolk , and it suddenly felt like everyone went very quiet to him, like he could hear a pin drop in a room if one did.

At first it seem like none noticed him until slowly as if one at a time the wondering eyes of the occupants of the room began to gaze onto him. There was a look of confusion, and surprise by some he could tell, some had to do a double look at what they were seeing, but then they'd just go back to doing what ever it was seeming to not want to pay much attention to him.

" Come along this is the way " Chili then said motioning for the Teen boy to fallow her, Jacob fallowed her and the others Down a couple Corridors passing by some hospital staff and other occupants as they did, each time he passed by someone he could feel the confused or surprised gaze they gave.

Soon they entered the ER area and what appeared to be another waiting room , where there was less people inside this one, Parents he assumed with their small pups waiting to be seen by a medical expert.

" Okay, let's get you checked in Jacob " Chili said with a nod as bandit decided to take a seat with kids.

Jacob then fallowed Chili over to a receptionist desk where a female Border collie was sitting typing away on a Computer.

" Good morning, how may I help you " The dog spoke not looking up from her typing .

" Hello there, I am the one who called this morning, I'm Chili Heeler, I called about the um, special client, here " she said glancing over at Jacob for a moment.

" Hmm? Ooh yes I recall now, you informed that client sustained some injuries correct? " The Female dog stated as Chili Nodded in conformation.

" Well, do you have them here right now? " the Lady said as Chili rubbed the back of her head

" Of course, it's just, well remember I said they were going to be a bit of a special case here " chili said trying to not give a sheepish look.

" Mmh hmm, well I seen a lot of folk come in here with their kids saying things like that, but I assure you we have seen it all and can help, now where is this, Um Jacob Lanceton? "the receptionist said reading the file on the Computer.

Chili glanced back as Jacob motioning for him too step forward to which he did, the receptionist didn't quite look up right away but when she glanced at him, she suddenly stopped her typing and took notice of the Boy standing before here with a sheepish grin on his own.

" Hello? " was all he could get out with a little wave as the female dog then cleared her throat.

" Uh, r-right hello there, um Jacob is it ? " she spoke trying to keep a professional demeanor but clearly looked most confused about the situation.

" Yes, that's me " Jacob nodded in response.

"Uuuh, I see, um, well Jacob, before I check you in, can I have you're uuuh, Date of birth please?"

Jacob nodded and gave her the info needed.

" Okay, " the receptionist " typed in her PC " 16 Years old, born feb 25th 2003, Is that correct ? "

Jacob again nodded his head.

" Alright then, well, have a err, seat and someone will be with you soon enough " the receptionist said as Chili thanked her and they both went over to take a seat by Bandit and the pups, once they have Chili then spoke up too him.

" Jacob, um I couldn't help but notice, with the info you have the receptionist, You're birthday was just over a week ago ? " Chili spoke.

Jacob nodded " yeah it was, why ? " he asked.

" So you just turned 16 Shortly before coming to Australia ? " chili asked again " was that visit some sort of birthday trip ? "

Jacob then looked down at his shoes and seeming a bit hesitant to speak up, but did so anyway " Not exactly, but you could say it worked out that way " he simply replied.

Bluey and Bingo curiously looked over at Jacob hearing him explain himself.

In the meantime as everyone waited, Jacob was still feeling some eyes gazing at him, which did make him feel more and more out of place now, specially when he noticed little kids tugging at their parents sides and pointing over at him trying to get their parents to "look at the strange person " sitting there. At least that how Jacob felt as he awkwardly rubbed his arm.

" I feel like a freshmen on his first day all over again " he murmured to himself as he saw another little pup looking at him with a intense gaze " scratch that, that'd at least made sense to comprehend " he sighed.

The clock ticked and ticked as Jacob felt more and more uneasy , when suddenly a voice called out.

" Jacob Lanceton? "

Jacob's attention was drawn to what appeared to be a Nurse dog standing by a doorway. She was holding a clipboard.

" That'd be you " Bandit spoke up, as Jacob took a deep breath.

" Uh, Jacob I think one of us should go with you, just so we can get the info straight from the Doctor's mouth " Chili spoke, as Jacob thought about it and nodded.

" Right then me and the girls will stick around here and wait " Bandit said as Bluey let out a audible groan.

" But I want to hear what the doctor says too " Bluey said.

" Ah ha, but if you leave, you'll not be able to play, " My turn to sleep! " Bandit said as Bluey and Bingo then looked eager wagging their tails

" Hooray! " they both exclaimed.

Jacob looked confused by this for a moment as Chili just playfully shook her head " Don't mind that, lets just get you to the doctor " she said leading Jacob over to the Nurse.

" Soo, you're Jacob huh ?" the Nurse said reading through a file, despite her sounding and remaining calm Jacob could sense she was most curios about meeting this " strange " being before her.

" That I am " Jacob nodded.

" Alright then, just this way the doctor will be seeing you shortly, just going to um, take a few vitals and ask some questions " she said as she led Jacob and chili through some Double doors and into a quiet small medical room.

"Just have a seat on the table there and we'll begin " she said as Jacob did just so.

Shortly the Nurse ran through some simple procedures from checking his heartbeat, blood pressure and quickly wrote some stuff down before stepping outstating the Doctor will be in in just a minute, in the mean time Jacob just gazed his eyes around the room seeing some medical charts showing dogs and various important parts in their body and other random Health facts.

" How you holding up Jacob ? are you feeling fine, I mean just being out here, I can understand you must be feeling a little, overwhelmed ? " Chili spoke as the waited.

Jacob folded his arms and nodded " well, that is one way to put it, is it that obvious ? " Jacob said as Chili gave him a reassuring smile.

" Just to remind you Jacob, me and bandit are here to help you, it's why we even brought you here, it's important we get you checked out before we can do anything else to get you back to where you need to be. " she nodded " and we'll find out how to in some way."

Jacob listened to her words, as she spoke reassuring as they were he could feel a sense of a motherly tone in them, and that made him feel a bit more relaxed, but also it gave him a sense of something, more like something he was not, used too...

" Good Morning " the door to the room suddenly opened as a Doctor stepped into the room, a Fox terrier wearing a White medical coat and stethoscope on his head. " Well then, you must be Jacob? " he spoke as a he approached the Human, Jacob nodded

" Well Jacob, you are quite a special client here aren't you, please if I may, what is it you call yourself?

" A Human. " Jacob forwardly answered.

" Human? hmm, well just be assured I am going to help you like I would any other dog. " the Terrier spoke with a calm tone. " My name is Doctor chase, Now then, I am told that you have sustained some injuries, correct? " He's poke looking at some notes to which Jacob nodded.

" Right then, well where are these injuries located? " he asked again as Jacob showed him the medical band aids he was wearing on his arms and legs.

" Ah, I see, so any swellings, deep pains or anything ? " he asked as Jacob shook his head.

" well, some pain, mostly soreness in those parts, but is has sustained a bit "he informed.

" Right, well let me just check these out " he said kneeling down to examine his wounds up close, he did so by taking the band aids off, taking some notes, Jacob could sense he was certainly intrigued by him, clearly never examining a Human ever before ,but seemed to remain rather calm about, finally he stepping back.

" I see, well they don't appear to be swelling or showing signs of infection, that is good, now Jacob I'm going to have to ask you, how did you get these injuries ? "he spoke as Jacob took a deep breath and glanced as Chili who seemed just as curious to hear now.

shutting his eyes Jacob answered, "Well, long story short, I got these when I was lost, in the, um, well Out back "he spoke up as The doctor nodded his head seeming to take notes, as Chili looked like baffed by this.

" The, Outback you say? "

" Yeah, the outback, it's pretty rough out there, " Jacob said as he rubbed his arms as he quickly had flashes in his head appear he winced " it was unforgiving, falling down rocks, and stuff " Jacob said as his voice trailed off a bit.

" I, see, so how long have you had these injuries then? They seem rather, fresh if you received them in the outback " The doctor said arching a brow as he examined them more.

" I don't know exactly, maybe a few days at least " he responded as the doctor nodded " Well, the advice I can give you is to just keep them plastered for a little bit longer, they seem to be healing up okay, and well you're body seems to be a bit dried, regarding you're skin, so keeping hydrated would be a must for you too, and try to avoid too much sunlight for the mean time " the Doctor spoke as Jacob nodded and took in the info.

" I uh, will. " Jacob nodded.

" well great then, lets just get some new plasters on those and we can send you out, just continue to take things easy as you recover Mr. Jacob " the Doctor said as Jacob gave another confirming nod while new plasters where applied over his cuts, as Chili spoke up.

" Thank you very much Doctor Chase, it's a relief to hear he is doing good then" she said as doctor chase smiled.

" Yeah, it is a good thing, just be sure to fallow my advice and he should be fine " he spoke and then took a look at Jacob " you are free to go Mr. Jacob, and please feel free to take a lollipop from the jar before you do , Teenager or not every kid gets to choose one after a check up " he said with a playful wink.

Jacob just gave a awkward nod but chuckled a little, but took a lolly from the jar, and headed out the door with Chili who just giggled at the moment.

When they reached back into the Waiting room they noticed Bandit was, apparently sleeping in his chair while Blue and bingo where sitting next to him, when suddenly Bluey shouted

" My turn to sleep! " and quickly pretend to fall asleep as Bandit jolted away in a dramatic fashion. Which Jacob could only assume was some sort of game, that's when Bandit noticed them.

" ooh, kids, they're back " he spoke as bluey quickly opened her eyes and eagerly wagged her tail

" Mum! Jacob! You're back, " she said exactingly running up to them.

" How'd it go then? " Bandit said standing up now.

" It went fairly well, Jacob is not in need of any immediate or serious treatment, just needing to take things easy " chili spoke.

" Ah, good on you then!" he gave a thumbs up to Jacob " you even got a lolly, nice. "
Jacob just looked at it with a chuckle "yeah, why not? "he said as the Heelers all figured it was a good time to now head out.

" Let's get back to the car then, and make our way back and possibly discuss some things further " Bandit said as everyone excited the hospital.

Jacob looked down at his Lolli and unwrapped it, and placed it in his mouth, So far things have been a mixed bag of emotions and interactions, he just wondered what further awaited him today as they approached the Heeler car, at least the lollipop did taste pretty sweet.

To be continued...

Author note, Whew, this was a bit of a longer chapter, but I hope you enjoyed it, I hope you continue to stick around to see what lies ahead for Jacob.