Chapter 1: A New Beginning
Angel Kenush was no stranger to a rejuvenator so when something felt wrong it worried her. Like... parts of her body didn't belong. A scream gave her pause and without warning her world was once again filled with light. When it faded things were massive and the technician that opened the door loomed over her.
Instead of being pulled to her feet like she was used to she was rushed onto an examination table. Panicked taps rang out from the console. "Miss Kenush, can you still understand me? What is your first name?''
"Anshel.'' She mumbled out
He released a breath it looked like he'd be holding. "Thank God. You got lucky today.'' He said, coming to her sides and plucking scaled hands delicately between his fingers. She knew the drill and when he sat her down on the floor it put barely any pressure on her pads. She took a shaky step. "A chronostatic radiation bleed. You went through an ordeal that few come back from.'' She wasn't surprised but she had a focus to learn to walk on `new' legs. "Fortunately, we do have protocols for this, outdated as they may be.''
After a grueling thirty minutes her mind made the new connection and she was helped into a chair. Without being prompted to, she slipped her hands into the scanners on either side that bathed them in a blue light. When she removed them, she looked at the silver Ps on the back. Clear as day was the mark of a Peni tatas. The mark of a criminal.
From there came speech therapy. A humiliating hour where she went through simple words and phrases in panglish.
Finally, she was helped up and escorted towards the closet. She took that time to admire the feel against the pads of her feet. Her wings felt so small against her back and her tail flicked with little regard to its surroundings. The worst part though was the chill. Like she was covered in a fine layer of frost. Not unbearable but... cold. The voice of the technician brought her back.
"I'm afraid we don't have anything in the closet for wings. Will a top be okay with holes cut?'' He asked, though her only response was a curt nod. She'd done this too many times to bother with small talk. She never did manage to adjust to being young again rapidly and no sane person went this young. Eventually she was dressed up in a simple seafoam green one-piece skirt with holes cut in the back for her wings and a modified one for her tail. It was always so odd seeing her scales so much looser, the pink of her snout somehow even more of a contrast to her normal black, her tail always seemed so much smaller too and that pink underside just seemed to reflect the light in a way that was almost painful to look at. Even she had to admit she looked cute. Staring back in the mirror was a Drakon; a species of a planet far in the outskirts of the systems, twice the size of earth with almost twice the gravity and the inspiration for what most called dragons.
The double doors she was directed towards filled her with dread, a portal to a new life that, for once, she didn't decide for herself. "Mister and Misses D'shalk?'' Before her was an odd pair. The male was a Jalaxian. An upright standing cat species with bluish fur and a lithe frame. Dressed up in a snazzy suit like he'd just come off Delta star's main headquarters. The female was a Karrian, one known for their resemblance to lizards with white scales, a particularly unusual coloration. A dress flowing in bohemian style with an open bottom that ended in heels. They lacked the wings or armored scales of her species. "This is Angel, here is the data-pad with all of her info on it.'' Only he got a hand held up from the female.
"Angel can tell us. I'm Mae and this handsome feline is Axel.'' The child side of her mind thought he looked like a big plush toy. "But you can call us mom and dad considering the circumstances. We've found that talking is the best way to get a new Penitas acclimated. Tell me what was your crime?'' Her soothing voice sent a chill up Angel's spine.
"And don't worry about your hide, we've had a black P in our home before. The poor dear.'' Axel got himself slapped on the head. ''Now now, save that for the bedroom dear.'' That earned him a glare that could kill.
At least this time her larynx was properly adjusted. ``I was a dealer of illegal items. Substances and resources en-mass. I had two rules; no sentient life. Slaves are wrong, and no weapons. You were responsible for what you bought and how it was used; I never had anything that could be used to kill anyone outright. Only problem was one day I got a shipment of arms hidden underneath a crate of Moon Dust.'' Mae's eyes were wide at the full admission of the peddling of a very illegal substance and Axel raised a brow. Her hands shot up. ``If they bought it, they should know how to use it. Anyway, said weapons were discovered in a check. Instead of running like an intelligent person I reported it. Of course, it led to me being caught. Seeing as I reported it before it became an issue and leading them to an entire system's worth of criminals, I only got a sentence of 3X6-12 with a chance of parole.'' A small nervous smile on her lips.
"Then what about your age now?''
"Leftover chronostatic radiation sir. Follow protocol sixteen.'' Piped up the technician.
Now that really did jar them both and a look of sorrow slipped over their features. A whisper from one to the other took but a moment and ended with a shake of Mae's head. Axel only sighed.
"So that's why we were called. You always figure after the next penny you won't be surprised...'' Axel stood up but made no move to grab her like she expected; in fact, he slid down into a crouch so he could look her in the eye. "That always ends up being false. For a smuggler you still ended up as cute as a button. Though if the scales of my wife are any indication I'm biased.'' Normally such a statement would have made the skin under her scales crawl but the smile on his face was teasing and warm. Yet, before she could react, his legs tensed and he leaped up standing straight as a board for a moment. She didn't yelp, only hatchlings yelped.
"As you can see, he's a goofball.'' Mae stood without her seeing it. She too crouched and took her hand. "That being said we were prepared for a six-year-old not a three-year-old. Heaven forbid we give you a punishment befitting such an age. For that reason, you'll have to bear with us, this one is truly a first.'' That did nothing to put her mind at ease. She knew the system; it was public knowledge but to be told it first hand? It finally started to really sink in. She was really a penny, a criminal who had to live out the next eighteen years with the threat of punishment over her head. Her freedom ended when that gavel dropped.
"Doesn't mean we won't love you every step of the way though.'' The warm smile didn't soothe her entangled stomach. Axel offered her his hand. For a moment she hesitated but she hadn't gotten to where she was in life before by waiting so she took it. She was led like a little girl, Axel leaning down to grip her hand, to a rather pricey looking hover car. It took a while for them to adjust the car seat but eventually she was strapped in and they were off.
The car ride felt like an eternity but she knew it couldn't have been more than twenty minutes. With every home they passed her fear grew. She was too afraid to speak up however. These two were clearly in this for a long time. They'd had a black P? That was a sentence reserved only for rapists and murders and they didn't give them too just anybody. Had they been operating before the reform?!
Soon the car started to slow and they pulled up into a gate with a massive front yard, and a colonnade over large oak doors. An eye for detail told her it was the real deal too. Not the synthetic wood used for the last two centuries or so. A wrap-around driveway, and even a fountain sitting in the center. If she had to guess it must have been at least twenty-five hundred square feet.
It filled her with even more dread. If someone was this established they were either alive for a very long time... or they were a high ranking official. One brought up thoughts of cackling torturers beating her as though the reform of the system had never happened. The other conjured thoughts of her standing before a fleet on trial; screaming for her blood to repay all of those who'd overdosed. For the first time since she met her new parents the emotion actually showed. It was a guiding hand that brought her back to reality. It unbuckled the car seat and helped her out. "Don't be scared little one. No matter what you may have heard, we won't be punishing you because we enjoy it.'' Her... dad? Her eyes felt misty. She swiftly shook her head. No weakness, weakness was something they could exploit. She put on a neutral face and instead of leading her in he picked her up.
It was jarring but the warmth he gave off chased away some of the chill. She was carried inside and brought to a large library with a crackling fire in the hearth where she was set down. This many books in one place did little to soothe her nerves. Books took paper and she could tell these were real. Books hadn't been made out of paper in over three hundred years! "Normally we'd give the tour first.'' Mae and Axel both took a seat across the coffee table from her. "But, seeing as you're a tad younger, the rules need to come first. First off you can come to us with anything. Nothing is too simple or trivial. You'll be punished swiftly, harshly, if need be, but that doesn't mean we won't love you. Just respect the help and us and we shouldn't have to leave you crying.'' Was that supposed to be comforting? She was terrified! Every other rejuvenation had been on her terms, never having to fear the paddle for a minor infringement. This time she didn't have a choice in the matter.
"That's also one of the reasons we brought you to the library first. In here a fire will always be lit and you can read to your heart's content. Well, so long as you finish any chores or homework you have. We have books on everything you could want and Mae here is a lorekeeper so we can get whatever else you want to read.'' Her facade was starting to crack. Lore keepers were trusted in the federation, they kept old records alive and were respected. The only thing in higher regard were those in the upper echelon of Starfleet. "Even if it's outside of her expertise I'm a Starfleet commander.'' And that was when it shattered. A bit of a whimper slipped out and terror filled her eyes.
Mae was quick to comfort. "Shh shh. We know. But we tell you because, unlike others, we've learned transparency can help you more than keeping it a secret. First and foremost, we are your parents from here on out. It's okay to be scared, to show emotion, it's what tells you that you?re alive.'' Alive? What did it matter? It wasn't just her tail on the line, it was her pride.
"Soooo, what exactly got you into smuggling?" Now that was something she could latch onto.
"Axel! The poor thing is scared, have some-" She was cut off by a shake of Angel?s head.
"No disrespect ma'am but this is something I enjoy talking about." Despite her words, Mae held her like a cat that would bolt at any second. Angel steadied herself with a breath.
"Her name was Delma, a poor Drakon with very little to her name. She was the most wonderful person in this universe. Back then rejuvenation cost an astronomical amount and they'd rather have let someone die if they couldn?t afford it."
"But it's regulated by Starfleet." Mae hissed through her hand.
"It was if you were within Starfleet's jurisdiction. Drakon only joined the federation two hundred years ago. Otherwise, those otherworldly chambers were for the elite, owned in monopolies by people who cared only for numbers. Ironically enough transporting the crystals that powered it was what gave her radiation sickness. I guess I can relate for once." Axel cringed. "I got a hold of some Moon Dust for her with everything I had. It helped... ease her into death. After I buried her I swore no one would suffer like she had and I took on a few jobs, learned the supply chain and how to make it. I made enough for the chance she never had and learned to use and craft warp drives. Unofficially of course. They would have killed me had they known. I left Drakon and signed on with several splinter cells to bring people medicine that they didn't need to be judged for taking. If I couldn't save the woman I loved I?d make sure that no one else had to suffer. I offered jobs, protection, and a home to people who needed it no matter their species. Ways for moving up were numerous too. It was that same information that got me such a light sentence. Those weapons were easy to track so I busted almost a hundred minor criminals and a major arms dealer." She looked a bit guilty at that and the light squeeze her mother gave wasn't lost on her.
"Do you regret it?'' That was an alien concept to Angel's mind.
"Not even for a second. If those drugs I made hurt people, then the fault was their own. Projectile weapons and proton launchers? Those are only meant to hurt and to kill. I would never allow the trade of something like that in my ports.''
Their faces were conflicted; the very same as her judge's. She hated that look. She'd never let it show but were her drugs so bad? Many got them when their planets didn't have the same healthcare that the federation offered. "Weapons like that are banned for a reason. Phasers are made to pacify but even they can kill in untrained hands." That infuriating look persisted when Axel spoke.
"Drugs like that are illegal for a reason as well. They are a potent painkiller but they're dangerous to produce. They have a high mortality rate and with tricorders there's no reason why they're needed." She couldn't hide the way her lips curled up, exposing her teeth. "Disagree? Dracon is a planet I know well. Maybe four hundred years ago it would have been reasonable but now? You could have used that knowledge to prolong lives rather than to ease passing. You're a warpdrive engineer? Those splinter cells could have become neutral territory between the planets outside the federation. Don't give me that look young lady. You don't think we know about the issues with outlying planets?" His look wasn't smug like she wanted but one of sadness, one that filled her with rage that made her tremble and Mae held her tighter.
"Deep breaths dear. We know all too well that you can't save everyone right away. As the old saying goes: History is written by the victors. The ones who do the fighting rarely get to tell their side of the tale." She held Angel close and rubbed her hands up her spine stopping between her wings where she rubbed in small circles. It made Angel's back relax. A position that was natural while flying and holding young. Seemed these two had done their homework. Conflict on Axel's face, however, made her feel bad.
"I'm sorry.'' It hurt Angel to say it. She wasn't sorry for the drugs or the lives impacted; she was sorry that it made him feel bad. Her snout turned towards the floor.
"It's alright Angel, everyone has things they believe strongly about." His hand rubbed next to Mae's. "Now, why don't we show you around?" His vice was chipper despite what Angel knew awaited her.
Despite the size of the home, it was rather cozy, hearths burned in each room with scented electric torches that smelled like natural fire. A large kitchen with a human cook named Ceras. The library went right into the foyer and it was capped off with a well-groomed back and front yard. Both fenced in so she could play to her heart's content.
Upstairs were pictures lining the walls. Rejuves looking back with big smiles and Mae, Axel, or oftentimes both, hugging them like they were an actual family. Six doors lined the halls. Two of them were open; as though to showcase the Japanese style bathrooms within. "One of them is a simple half-bath for night time use, the other is only for bathing, there's a guest room and that is Ceras's room. Adjacent to it is our room. If you need anything at night don't hesitate to wake us. Finally, across is yours.'' With what awaited inside she expected it to creek like in a horror movie but the silent hinges somehow scared her more.
The room was just as cozy as the rest. Egg shell walls and a soft grayish carpet did little to hide the natural light streaming through the window. A desk against one wall and a bed across from it. A toy chest at the foot completed the picture. The objects on the bed were the only thing strange. A small paddle that looked like a paddle ball without the band, a metal bristle brush, and a cane. Axel's hand on her back made her jump but she allowed him to guide her over to the bed. "Are you okay with me being the one to do it? Mae isn't home often and I?m typically doing paperwork unless fully mobilized.''
His choice of words made Angel audibly swallow but she'd been given no reason to mistrust them. "I-It's fine.'' Mae's hand landed on her shoulder.
"Despite what you may have heard we don't actually like punishing our children - and before you interrupt that is what you are. Our girl. Normally it would be six strikes from each bare bottomed but given your age it'll only be four. This will be very harsh the first time but once it's over all you have is a bit of corner time and then you'll get to play before bed.''
Was that hurt in her voice? Pity? No Angel knew pity and it sounded much different than that mewl. Angel glanced over, the fear finally creeping its way through her facade. "I want you to get used to this so would you mind pulling down those panties for us? I don't have much info on Dracon customs but I promise you he had no ill intent. That isn't part of the job.''
That engendered a small whine from Angel but something about it made it unfold into a nervous giggle. "I-I don't think he does in fact that idea is already rather... alien in my mind. I-I'm not used to feeling weak or small and I'm- uh- even less used to showing it. J-just get it over with.'' Cotton panties touched the floor followed by a small black skirt. Gentle furry hands tugged her down over a soft lap. A tremble passed through her whole body when her tail was lifted. Armored scales were a big thing for her species but those between her legs and her rear? They were weak. Strong against acid and heat, sure, but not physical blows.
The first strike was from that same hand, one that was surprisingly firm despite the fuzzy appearance. It rang a crack through the room and the sound reached her just before the sting that crept in with it. With her age came a lower tolerance to pain and three more rasp swats followed the first. They left her whimpering and on the verge of tears. "As you can see my hand is the most common. Next up is your swatter paddle.''
Before she could retort it was placed in Axel's hand and swung in an arc. This one's crack was more of a clap and it lit coals on her rear. By the second strike she was crying like a whelpling. She whimpered, with small tears scattered through shining eyes, and small growls that so often plagued Dracon's youth. Another strike stoaked those coals into a flame and the final only added gas.
Without warning came a searing pain much broader than the one before. It clapped against her tender flesh and sent her into tears more appropriate for a whelp- no, a hatchling her age. "A keratin brush for when your scales get dirty. We aren't used to pennies like you but your mother's brush works.'' Little legs started kicking as the fire grew under her scales. One unlike anything she'd ever had the displeasure of feeling. This one was more like a thud and it somehow only compounded the other two.
Next came a whistle and it was one she braced for. It turned out to be a mistake as tender flesh came closer to the surface for a much more searing pain from the stripe that lit across her rear like a metal rod wreathed in flames. "Finally, your cane for when we truly need to show you your place.''
"S-sthosh!'' She kicked her legs while it sang out a whistling tune for a second stroke across sensitive thighs. She felt the welt rise, leaving lines of agony connecting her thighs. Another rapped across the first to feed the inferno and the final met a particularly tender sit-spot that brought out an actual roar. Something more akin to a long chirp. A tender hand placed itself on her back as the only form of comfort allowed. She laid there for a few minutes and was allowed to cry only to be tugged up by Mae towards a stool in the corner and as much as she wanted to struggle, she didn't have the strength. She was swiftly lifted and placed on the stool renewing her sobs. Ankle cuffs and a tail cuff kept all her weight on it while she screamed into the air, blunted spikes dug into freshly swatted welts.
After what felt like an eternity she was lifted from her stool and cradled in a much more tender way, they avoided her freshly punished rear. She squirmed against them with all she had left. What did they have planned, a whip, a switch, some kind of Earth torture?! She wasn't going to let them! She'd trusted them! She called deep into herself pulling chlorine and fluoride from other cells and made it gather in her lungs. Or at least it would have if she were older, all she got was a feeling of inadequacy as she was pulled kicking back into Axel's lap. "Shh, it's okay, just relax. It's all over princess.'' Came a voice that had an unusual regret to it.
Something cold was slathered onto her rear making her squeak but with held down hands the pain ebbed ever so slightly. ``M-mish it withd alcohol. K-kerethin Schles.'' She hated how she sounded, so childish and weak. Still her words were headed and soon the pain began to ebb en mass. ``I-I'm sorry.'' She said, crying against that suit in a way that matted its fabric. ``I-I got scared I...'' She was silenced by a finger on her lips.
"It's okay just relax and let the lotion do its work.'' Mae comforted, rubbing her back between her wings with Axel.
"N-no it isn't! This is why they suppress our flame sacs until we get older, our minds can't-" This time she was silenced with a pacifier clutched in a scaled hand. Mae's widened eyes said she understood.
"I guess we should be happy that your body can't produce flames for a few years then shouldn't we?'' Mae asked calmly but Angel could feel her shaking. Normally she would have spat that pacifier out in a heartbeat but for some reason there was a small comfort in it as she began to drift off.
"Shh it's okay, your body is little, you need sleep.'' Were the last words she heard before she gave up still bent over the lap of her new father.
The embrace of warm blankets disrupted the hazy notion of forgotten dreams. A passing glance at the holo display in her desk told her that evening had crept in while she slept. A soft knock at the open door revealed Axel smiling. "Have a nice nap princess? Come on, dinner's ready.'' She groggily rubbed her eyes and the pacifier fell from her mouth. Chewed and destroyed by sharp teeth.
Careful steps took her back out into the hall, and she noticed just how many photos were actually there. Once downstairs she was placed into a booster seat and a plate of food was placed in front of her. A rice dish that smelled heavily of spice and beef. "I-it's really all for me?"
"Of course, it is, princess.'' Angel could see the sadness on Mae's face as her eyes closed to offer a small prayer.
It was wonderful. So much better than the food paste or vacuum sealed cubes that she had most frequented on the station for the past two hundred or so years. Served with garlic herb toast and even a glass of grape juice. A bit of that hatchling came out in the way she gobbled it down, leaning back in delight before a blush began to spread across her cheeks. "S-sorry it was really good."
Axel shook his head. "No need to apologize, I'll have to let Ceras know you enjoyed it." He and Mae were only about halfway through their meals. While they ate, she thought. Still not comfortable enough to ask for seconds.
"How many other pennies have you had?" She blurted out before her thoughts could catch up with her mouth.
Mae smiled, and held up a finger as she chewed. "About twenty dear. It would actually be more but we aren't always called on." Angel tensed. There was no way that they weren't around before the ref-
"I know that look. Even before the reform there were some of us that wanted rehabilitation instead of a sexual thrill. All you had to do back then was prove you liked spanking and that was easy to fake." Axel admitted. "Every penny that passed through these walls will tell you that they were loved. Something I wish could have been said often back then. You do know you're allowed to ask for more food, right?"
Moments ago the thought would have filled her with delight but now her stomach was bundled with anxiety. Before the reform borderline torture was legal. She knew it. The only thing they wanted was something to hurt! All she'd tried to do was ease the passing of those that couldn't be helped! Those that a rejuvenator couldn't get to. Was that such a bad thing?!
Furry hands wrapped around her and pulled her up into an embrace, one she hated herself from clinging to. No words were spoken, only a slow back and forth rocking. The adult side of her mind wanted to scream, to lash out, get away; but the biological child side won out. It was infuriating. She hated the mistiness that came to her eyes from the stress, she hated that he was so warm, and above all she hated that she'd dare to seek solace in someone who was only there to relish in her agony.
She was the splinter's point damn it! The one that got her crew and station connections even within Starfleet's intricate web. A splinter who'd bitten the hand that fed her and was disposed of in the fire. Misty eyes turned to tears and whimpers escaped her muzzle. Her mind told her to shut up, to keep her emotions in check. Emotions like that were weakness given form, something they could exploit. She couldn't manage it. She swore she heard voices in the frenzy but they were like echoes on a busy street. Unable to be heard over the tumultuous reverberations of her own thoughts.
It pulled her under. Smothering her and suffocating her in a waking horror. She should have just let the arms dealer go- Her mind screamed at her, one thought still clinging to her morals: NO!
It would have been better if she made that stupid ship go critical. That way those scum would be gone and she'd be...
Hot water on her scales tugged her back into reality. Breathing heavily while her mind recovered from the high. Two soft hands washed her and she looked around, the furred body of Axel underneath one of the showerheads turned away. Mae's scaled hands made sure she wouldn't drift into the shallow water that surrounded her. She spoke no words, just hummed in a soft growling tone. She worked carefully and gently but quite quickly, and pulled debris from Angel's scales to be washed away by water that must have been scalding. Angel couldn't help but look down at her... mother's? Hands; one swollen from the heat and the other in a rubber glove. ``Don't worry about me, just relax.'' A simple coo from her lips. ``Back with us?''
Angel only nodded; the din of her thoughts was still there but it was quieter now. She wanted to leap up and hug her mother but instead she stayed still. She feared the repercussions of the ones no doubt intent on her torture. She glanced over just in time to see Axel dowsing himself with water, washing soap away before standing up and starting towards them. Naked and his fur drooping she could make out crossing scars and muscle brought forth from a life of brutal training. His hand dwarfed her shoulder and he looked down at her with eyes that shone with sadness.
His free hand twisted one of the nobs and pressed a button on the tub's consol. ``Axel don-'' Came Mae's voice as Angel was lifted. The water slid from her scales while her legs dangled in the air. A moment later she was pulled to his shoulder with her rear supported by his other hand.
"I'm sorry princess.'' He sat down. She could feel the water just high enough to touch her feet. "Go get yourself some nano lotion dear. I'll be here when you get back.'' No longer was the rising water scalding enough only enough for her. Instead, a hot but pleasant temperature. "I should have waited a few days to tell you.'' His voice shook like he'd been crying. "Before the reform we collected data on our charges. We saw what made them cry, what made them smile, and what made them break. It wasn't to hurt them. It was to push them back into a society that they had every right to hate. One that we hated.'' He placed her down in his lap, keeping a hand around her so there was no chance she'd sink into the chest level water.
"When the reform started and voices started to speak out I was only a captain. I refused to give the extra punishments they demanded and I did the only taboo that survived the reform. I ran, harboring my daughter in secret. They found us and I was beaten, stripped of my title and put on trial. Unfortunately for them that judge was my old admiral. It gained publicity and I fought tooth and claw for the rights of that little girl; one who came home with blood on her rear after an unfeeling machine had been turned up to max. All so some principle could get his rocks off to it later!'' He hissed. "The sicko recorded it and it was used against him. Two months later she was paroled and I was rejuvenated.''
"I was that little girl.'' Came Mae's voice. "His first penny who broke into a Starfleet lock-up for food. I was given 4X6-12. Twenty-four years just for making sure I could still survive another day.'' Her hands were still a tad red but the swelling was gone and Angel caught the sheen of nano lotion. "I served fifteen years of it. Fifteen years of hell with seven days a year they could beat me to the point of bleeding. Back then blistering was a daily thing, unrestricted for any age.'' She took a seat next to the tub. "This furball was the only one who ever showed me any kind of love. Is it strange that after we both grew up, I married him?'' A chortle like growl rumbled from her throat and her hands started to wash Angel again. "We went on to get our license reinstated. This time we took on a penny together and were two of the few that chose to show the system how well nurturing, instead of torturing, worked.'' Cedar and smoke scented soap was lathered on her scales; rubbed between the plates with the brush that tanned her hide earlier. "About fifty years later we were one of the one percent that got to keep our license. We celebrated with that penny; now with silver Vs on his hands rather than black Ps.'' She washed most of the suds off with a wash cloth then grabbed a bucket of hot water. "Eyes closed for a moment.'' She waited and dumped it over Angel's head.
"From there I went on to become an admiral and she became a record keeper. Eight pennies later and I became a commander of the emergency response fleet. Four more and Mae here quit to become a Lore Keeper.'' He reached behind her to drain the tub. A fluffy towel wrapped around her; even if the water just slid off her scales. She watched Axel take one for himself and quickly soak it along with two others. He tossed them on a rack and went to get dressed.
"We tell you because we know what a panic attack looks like.'' Mae bundled Angel in that towel and carried her down the hall to the room. The gold nameplate was new. On the bed was another skirt, this time a mild celadon. The matching top had actual wing holes made with velcro so they wouldn't agitate the joint when fastened. When Mae set her down, she couldn't help but notice there were no undergarments.
The answer came when Axel walked in with a colorful package under each arm. Mae's hand between her wings did little to untie the ball of anxiety in her stomach when he pulled out a simple white diaper made for a Dracon. "I'm afraid after what happened you're going to be in diapers at night and training pants during the day." Her face must have betrayed her emotions. "It isn't a punishment. Just protection." Then it clicked.
"The panic attack made me... Fuck."
"Just this once I'll let the curse slide but yes you had an accident. Understandable given your age." He sat down again and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Lay back they won't be so bad once you're used to them." She hesitated but like earlier she didn't doubt his intentions so she did as she was bidden.
Sweet scented oil and a bit of powder made her scales feel gooey and her rear was lifted. Being laid down on it wouldn't have been unpleasant if it didn't make her want to crawl into a hole and die. He was done in moments and she shuddered at their gaze.
"When we picked you up it didn't occur to me that Dracons would age slower. Protocol sixteen sounded a tad strange for someone so old." Mae helped her into the top, fastening the velcro around her wing's bases. "It covers rejuvenations that are very high risk. Ones whose age is too low to safely put the mind back together. You'd only be about one and a half to us so these aren't so strange." It didn't make her feel any better but at least they understood now.
"I was terrified when they told me." Her mind screamed at her to shut up. Not to show weakness but the child in her crushed it. "Knowing that I might not be me anymore..." She'd done anything not to think about it but she was fed and tired from a panic attack. It crashed like waves against a dune and eroded her defenses with each passing second. "I-I know I haven't but it's still there. Scratching in the back of my mind like a bug that I can't swat." She shivered while they finished dressing her.
"Shh, I know sweetie but we're here for you and we'll figure it out together. Tell you what. We've got a few games in the closet. Wanna take a look?" Angel's mind latched onto that with an excitement that should have humiliated her. It too was buried. Mae set her down and she struggled with her gait for a second. The doors to her closet were thrown open. Five shelves lined with colorful boxes, games of all shapes and sizes. One in particular excited her child side almost as much as the adult.
"I-is that a chess set?" It wasn't exactly a game for a hatchling but hands reached over her from behind and pulled it out.
"It is indeed a gift from one of our pennies." Axel set it out, pulling open the drawers at the side to show off the pieces. Designed like starships instead of buildings. The white were made of actual marble and the black of reinforced obsidian. The board itself had the unmistakable shine of jade. "I'd actually forgotten it was in here or we would have removed it. For your first day though and what had to be done I can allow a few games.'' Pawns were small cruisers, rooks raiders, knights interceptors, bishops escort vessels, the queen a destroyer, and finally the king a dreadnought. She was quick to take the white side of the board. The first match saw defeat. A checkmate with his queen and bishops. The second time whittled down to their kings ending in a stalemate. It was the third game that she came out on top. A smile plastered on her face before he started to pack the pieces up. "Sorry dear but it's time for bed.''
Before her mind could stop her a little hand reached for them in rebellion, only to get a quick swat to it. No more followed but a sting quickly set in that made her whimper. "That's another thing you'll have to get used to. When we say no it's set in stone.'' Mae returned with a fuzzy onesie just in time to witness it. "Try not to make us use a ruler or a switch, okay?'' She helped Angel out of the top and tossed it down a chute in the corner. The skirt followed soon after and she stepped into the onesie so Mae could zip it up. Snaps kept it around her tail and diaper. It wasn't much different than the one she had back home. Just sized for a hatchling.
Axel gave her a pet on the back and carried the chess set out of the room. It made Angel's tail drag along the floor when Mae pushed her towards the bed. "Don't worry we have a regular set.'' Such a notion wasn't a comfort to Angel's mind.
"And if you're good it can come out on special occasions.'' Axel stepped back into the room with a pacifier in hand. The bulb looked like silicone but something inside it shone.
"Another pacifier?" She groaned.
"Yes, we ordered this one a few hours ago. It's something you medically need. Floride and hydrosulphide crystals don't occur on earth without very specific conditions." He sat down next to her and popped it into her mouth.
She took an experimental suckle. A careful chew did yield the sweet flavor of the minerals she was used to. Mae helped her into bed and helped build a nest of blankets. Finally, Axel tucked a heated blanket around her sides and she sighed as the chill began to creep away. They both kissed her on the forehead. "Love you princess, sleep tight." Her eyes were fluttering and the last thing she saw was them dimming the lights. Both smiling at her.
One thought rose above the din. Maybe this wasn't going to be so bad.
