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Chapter 7 - School Days

Characters and Story Copyright Katya Saint Croix

Original Concept Copyright Lurking Dragon

The summer came and went by without little in terms of events. Katie kept me happy with her company, so it wasn't an entirely lonely summer; but, as summers often do, the weeks went by quickly and soon I was preparing for my first day of school. Despite the fact I went practically the whole summer in some form of protective underwear, I never had an accident, except for maybe once or twice, so moving back up to "big girl" underwear wasn't a big step.

"Star, you ready for the big day?" Sally placed a paw atop my head and lightly scratched the tender tuft of fur behind my left ear, causing me to mentally melt into a puddle of murring goo.

"Yes, mommy. I'm a little worried, though." I shook my head a few times to stop the scratching and looked out the porch door at the setting sun in the distance.

"Why is that, sweetie?"

"I know what the school is like, since I used to be a counselor for Penitatas before the accident, but I'm scared that I won't be able to handle it. I mean, I'm a smart kid, but starting in the second grade during my first year? I'm going to feel out of place."

"You worry too much. They can't use the second level introduction on you because you are too young, and you know that."

"I know, but still... I can understand you spanking me, but why does a stranger have to, and in front of a class of students no less?"

"Probably to reinforce the 'therapy' thus far, so you can continue to repent for your crime."

Sally took a set at the table, gazing out at the sunset beyond my pajama-clad form, her mind wandering a bit. It was about seven in the evening, and James was nowhere to be found, as usual.

It's not that I don't like James; it's simply that I haven't spent enough time in his company to speak as if I knew him. He works from early in the morning to late in the evening, sometimes never getting home until sometime past midnight, so I don't usually get to spend much time with him. I want to get to know him, but I know how men are, and...

"Would you like some cocoa, Star? It should help you sleep well tonight." Sally's voice cut into my thoughts, startling me a bit.

"Huh? Oh, sure. Could you put in a bit of vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon too?" I turned and padded over to the table, my ears just barely emerging over the top of it.

"Just like always. You don't need to ask me to do that. I know that's how you like your cocoa." She covered her mouth and snickered softly, slipping from her seat and walking into the kitchen.

I had begun to accept the fact that Sally was treating me like a two-year-old more then a six-year-old, but I guess my stature doesn't quite help get that point across. She's incapable of bearing a child, so I'm all she's got. I know that James and her working on something in the basement during the weekend, that they are neglecting to tell me about, and I think I am not going to like what it is.

Sally emerged from the kitchen a moment later with a small cup of warm cocoa, laced with vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon, just as I asked. Setting the cup down on the table, Sally hoisted me into the high chair and set the cup down on the tray in front of me.

I never hear the end of it when Katie would come over and eat lunch with us. She was big enough to sit in a booster seat, and I wasn't. Naturally, she teased me for being such a baby, which led to some bickering and a sore rear end on both our parts. I don't believe I've mentioned it in the past, but Katie is a Voluntata, and chose to be rejuvenated because she was alone and wanted a nice family to live with. Her parents, Kathy and Scott Rose, are both Rooians who came to Earth to settle down. Though Katie never said anything about it, I think that they were staying in the same home when Katie was rejuvenated. She is very close with her family, as if they knew each other very well.

As we sat drinking cocoa, my mind began to reminisce on the one event that I was still puzzled with. The mysterious lady... I really wanted to know who she was. Since my encounter with her at the pool, I've been different. I feel like a real child, with my adult mind finally coming to terms with reality. My desire to know her identity was burning inside my heart, several faint memories still locked away but telling me "It's alright. You can trust her with everything."

Before I had realized it, the night had come and gone. My mental wanderings had left me at the mercy of sleep. Sally was soon towering over me, rousing me for this day, the first day of school.

"Well, good morning!" Sally was perched on the side of my bed as I sat up with a gigantic yawn, "Looks like you could use a bath."

"Aww... Mommy, can't I take a bath this afternoon?" I rubbed my eyes a bit, dreary and not quite awake yet, "Please?"

"Absolutely not. The first day of school is very important. You need to be on your best behavior, and I'll not send my little girl off to school without looking proper." She grabbed me into her arms and began to tickle me lightly.

Squealing loudly in her arms, I tried to fight back and resist her, though I failed terribly. Contented that I was awake, James decided to emerge from the hallway, still in his pajamas, unlike Sally, who was dressed in a fine black dress that seemed virtually seamless, giving Sally a wave to let her know that he ran a warm bath for me, as Sally had often done in the mornings for me.

Sally's choice of clothing, for the most part, was acceptable. She often wore some form of semi-formal t-shirt, usually in some shade of Red or Blue, and a matching pair of either Khaki pants or a skirt. I had seen her wear a dress once or twice, and from what I've seen, she likes to be rather bearing. If her dress was only a bit skimpier...

"Mommy!" I finally managed to get her to stop, "Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, dear, anything." Sally was already walking into the bathroom at this point, "What's on your mind?"

"Why do you wear dresses like that?" I spoke softly, pawing at the soft material, which felt like velvet.

"Business meetings, dear. My boss prefers that the women wear dresses to meetings." She was busy disrobing me to pay me enough attention to get the underlying comment.

"I see..." I decided that I best not insult her form of apparel and assisted her in my disrobing.

Once fully undressed, Sally sat me in the tub of warm water, picking up the bottle of shampoo and soap from the rack hanging in the bathroom, as well as a soft mesh sponge.

I cannot deny that I rather enjoy the fact that Sally takes care of my bathing, though sometimes I think she cleans a little too much. I feel raw afterwards, but only on occasion.

My bath was a quick one, though thorough, as was Sally's style. I think the fact that we were working against the clock for once didn't quite work in our favor. After a complete lather and rinse, Sally plucked me from the tub and toweled me down. I drained the tub before she pulled me out, since it's easier that way.

"Hm... what to dress you in...?" Sally was thinking as we walked back into my room once more, rubbing the towel behind my ears a few times to make sure she dried every inch of my fur.

"Doesn't bother me as long as it keeps the attention down." I pawed at her muzzle, feeling that Sally wasn't really paying much attention to what she was doing.

"Hm? Good idea." She placed me on the floor and opened my closet, looking at my row of clothing.

I knew she'd take forever to pick out an outfit she deemed fitting, so I walked past her to a row of semi-formal clothing in the back of my closet. I didn't like formal outfits, but I knew Sally wanted something formal. I could go with the traditional school outfit of blouse and skirt, or perhaps a Seifuku, a type of oriental school girl outfit in a shade of blue, or the nice red dress, which I liked the best of the three.

The oriental red outfit, a luscious dress that went down to my knees, was a beautiful sight to behold. The red hues contrasted and accented the soft cream flowers painted into the design, all wrapped in thin black lines that merged over my left breast in the Kanji "Suta-raito," meaning Starlight in Japanese. James picked it up for me on a business trip. The short sleeves came down about midway on my upper arms.

Running my paw over the silky material, I realized that this was the only dress I wouldn't mind wearing. It was simply beautiful beyond words, though I think it would give a heavy impression on those around me that I'm a spoiled brat. Putting the cons aside, I slipped the dress from the hanger and pulled it over my head, smoothing out the tender material with a contented smile on my face. Sally realized that I had chosen my outfit for her, and didn't disagree with it in any way. I think she was rather pleased with it.

"Hm... It just needs something..." Sally turned and walked out of the room, leaving me with a dumbfounded expression painted on my face.

Sometimes, I think it's better to not know what she's thinking. It might be a little too "mature" for one such as myself. Tee-hee.

Emerging from the closet, I padded over to my dresser and grabbed a pair of panties. I didn't think training pants would match the outfit, especially pink ones. Slipping the underwear up my legs, I fastened the Velcro strap above my tail and nodded slightly. Sally poked her head in the room with a girlish giggle, adverting my attention to her partial figure looming in the doorway.

"I found the perfect thing to complete your outfit." She walked over slowly, something concealed behind her back as her tail wagged to and fro.

"Ok. Can I see it?" I tilted my head and tried to see it, but I could not get past her body.

"Close your eyes."

"Ok, ok. I get it. It's a surprise. It better not be a bonnet..." I folded my arms and turned around, twitching my ears a bit to the sound of soft rustling.

Sally carefully slipped an oriental hairpiece into my hair, a pink rose clip. It's not really a hair clip, but more of a comb. It hangs in the hair much like people did with their combs back in the days of disco; only it's meant to complement an outfit, not a hairstyle.

"There you go." Sally held a hand mirror in front of me, and when I saw my reflection gazing back at me, I was filled with awe.

I looked beautiful, like a foreign exchange student who was shy, but one could tell that I had a bubbly persona as well. I think I might need to bring a stick with me to class... just in case.

"I love it!" I was captivated by my reflection.

It's probably the oldest I've looked in a long time. I looked mesmerizing! Stunning! Captivating! Does a word exist to describe how I look in this dress?

"Easy, kiddo. Don't let this go to your head." Sally pulled the mirror away and tucked it into her pocket, "You are still a child. Dresses and fancy attire don't make a girl and you know that. It's all about personality. Now, lets go get you some breakfast. The bus will be here in half an hour to pick you up for school."

I gave a slight pout, but I agree with Sally completely. Personality is most important. As Sally walked down the hall, I followed in tow, almost skipping actually. I was still nervous about school, but I was happy. Maybe it was the dress, or maybe I was just crazy. I hopped onto Sally's back as she was going down the stairs, and I think I scared her a bit, because she scowled at me and growled softly. As she put me in the high chair for breakfast, I managed to gather that I already was in trouble.

"I've told you no pouncing on the staircase how many times now?" She folded her arms across her chest and narrowed her gaze on my captured form.

"Uhm...at least four times." I lowered my gaze to the tray in front of me, worried more about what Sally was going to do to me then what my teacher would do to me later.

"That's three times too many." She turned on her heels and walked over to the stove, where James was busy finishing breakfast, sprinkling a bit of salt into the scrambled eggs.

"Take it easy, love. When you get upset, you could scare the government into giving us more money." James gave a quiet snicker, but Sally's icy stare silenced him, "Never mind..."

Breakfast came and went without a word. I was very eager to enjoy every last bit of my meal as if it was my last.

I've upset Sally once or twice since I got into this family. She can be very scary when she's angry. I mean... the flowerbed incident was not my fault at all. Katie is the one that decided to bury my ruler in the flowerbed... and the small problem with the tub overflowing... It was an experiment in the name of science! I mean... I thought they improved the absorbing quality of towels...

After breakfast, Sally left me in my high chair as she tended to the dishes. I passed the time by counting the seconds till she would let me out of the high chair on the large digital clock that hung over the sink. It was 7:24 AM. The bus would promptly arrive at 7:30, but I knew Sally was a stickler for time, so I wasn't worried about missing it. She finally finished cleaning the last dish and walked over to the high chair picking me up from the seat setting me on the floor. She didn't say a word, and I knew she was still very bitter about me hopping onto her back while she descended the stairs. She stopped at the closet briefly, picking up a small white bag and her purse, tossing both onto her shoulder and nodded to me.

We left the house and headed to the street corner, where three other children were waiting. Katie was one of them. Katie had told me about these two: Harry Thompson and Julian Harris. Harry was a human, whose hand bore a large bold black "P". He was big for his age, looking more like a pre-pubescent body builder than a seven-year-old child. His eyes were a cold brown and his hair looked like charcoal. He looked as scornful as he was.

The rejuvenation doesn't always work on correcting issues in people. Even through his rejuvenation, Harry was still a very bitter person. Katie told me that he was a class bully, and that I should avoid him as much as I could.

Julian, whom people often address as Julie, was a small Dragonian, with white scales, which is very odd for a Dragonian.

Most Dragonians have green scales, just like Draconians. One might occasionally spot a Dragonian with bronze scales, but that is a very rare sight. White Dragonians are even more rare than bronze Dragonians. I don't think I've ever seen or heard of one before.

Besides the fact she was a rare breed, she seemed very quiet and shy. Standing there in her black pants and a white button blouse, her eyes fixed in front of her as if silently pondering her existence. A great deal of sorrow seemed to surround her, shrouding her in a great deal of mystery and concern. Katie has informed me that Julie rarely speaks at all, and that most of the kids in school think she can't even talk. Even though she's a soft timer, one can easily get the impression she was a hard timer because the sorrowful woe that followed in her wake. People believe she's punished so hard that she simply stopped talking all together.

Shortly after I joined the small group of students at the bus stop, the Hoverbus lowered to the ground in front of us and opened its large door. Harry boarded first, and no one minded. He's a brute, and I don't think anyone wanted trouble. Katie boarded after Harry, followed by Julie, than me, after Sally pried my paw off hers.

I didn't want to go. My knees were shaking and my body felt achy. I was dreading this day. Katie pulled me into the first seat with her. Everyone likes sitting toward the back of the bus, and for the life of me, I can't figure out why.

"You seem really scared. It's not that bad." Katie pawed at my left ear as the bus took off into the sky.

"Easy for you to say. You won't be getting spanked." I grumbled and folded my hands in my lap, "I'm starting second grade, and I should be in first."

"So? I'm in second grade you know."

"Which reminds me, mom didn't tell me who my teacher is going to be."

"I got Ms. Croix."

"What are the odds that we are in the same class?"

"Probably slim to none. The classes are sorted alphabetically for some reason. I guess the government decided that it was a good way to monitor students."

"The government is also full of egotistical -"

"You shouldn't speak ill about the government..." A quiet voice spoke up from behind us.

As Katie and I looked over the back of our seat, we both sat shocked at the sight behind us. It was Julie, sitting alone in the seat behind us with her gaze affixed outside at the passing surroundings.

"They work hard for us." She spoke once more, the words following from her lips at a level almost softer then a whisper.

"We have different views on the government." I cocked a sideways grin, not really liking the fact she was Pro-Government, but that's her choice.

"Indeed we do..."

Katie looked back and forth between Julie and me and pulled me down into the seat, whispering softly into my ear.

"Easy... She still lives with her parents and both of them are very active in government." Katie spoke so quiet that a pin dropping would have been louder.

"Her real parents...?" I blinked a few times, having not known about any of this.

"Yeah."

"I see..."

The rest of the ride went by without much above a quiet murmur from the back of the bus. I interpreted it to be like an unwritten rule or something, that talking was virtually forbidden. It felt like eternity was going by, like time was moving slower than the last few minutes before a child is released from class for summer vacation. When the bus finally landed in front of the school, I think I was happier about being a classroom! I was the first person off the bus, but came to a halt when I realized that I had to go to the office...

I didn't want to go there. I've been told stories about how scary the office is. Alas, I had to go. They would be able to tell me who my teacher would be, and for the sake of keeping good company, I was praying for Ms. Croix.

"Want me to tag along?" Katie pulled at my tail lightly, "You look like you are about to have an accident induced by fear."

"I am not!" I snatched my tail away and brushed down the fur with my paw, "I just need to know where the office is."

"It's the big building in front of you..."

I looked up and felt very stupid. The bold white letters spelt out the word "OFFICE" on such a scale that it could be seen from the other side of the school. Katie tried her best not to laugh, though she failed miserably as she collapsed on the ground laughing at my stupidity. I ignored her and walked through the large translucent doors.

I have to admit, the office didn't seem scary. The furnishings dated back to the 21st century, but it gave the office a sense of appeal. The creamy counters concealed computers in their inch-thick slate-colored countertop.

"Can I help you?" The secretary emerged from behind the counter, looming over my form like a giant.

She was a human, with long brown hair that went down past her shoulders, and eyes that look like a rolling prairie, only cold, desolate... Her pale gray dress made her feel very lifeless, like a doll that was kept on a shelf for many years.

"I-...." I felt frightened of this doll. She was very intimidating.

"...Yes?" Her voice sounded monotone.

"My name is Starlight-le Saint Mark. I don't know who my teacher is, and I was hoping you could tell me."

She quirked a brow and walked behind the counter again, tapping away on the keyboard in silence. I felt as if she ignored me and resumed her work, but I was too scared to speak up and ask her again. The vice principal emerged from his office, taking notice of me almost immediately. He was a decently tall man, with eyes as dark as tree bark and hair darker then the midnight sky. His eyes seemed to burn with hatred and desire, and he always walked with a cane like he was some kind of important figurehead. Katie had told me about him. His name was Mr. Berkwood.

I could easily tell he was a Spanko , a title given to those who are obsessed with spanking a child. The government actually promotes the spanking of Penitatas to extents that most people consider deadly. Most schools actually have a Rejuvenation pod in the Medical Facility, in the event that a Penitatas would be beaten to the brink of death or into a coma. Our punishment is just something that Spankos enjoy a little too much.

"Your teacher is Ms. Croix, Room 102, first floor. I trust you can find it on your own." I felt the lifeless gaze of the secretary fall upon me.

I nodded quickly and backed toward the door, Mr. Berkwood following my every movement. When I turned to pass through the barrier that would grant me partial solitude from this Spanko, I felt his heavy hand fall upon my shoulder. I almost yelped in fear, slowly turning to face him as my knees trembled and quaked beneath me. His cruel gaze affixed on my eyes, a single finger tracking along my cheek fur.

"I trust I'll never have to see you in my office..." His voice sounded like thunder, sudden, strong, and violent in every aspect.

"Y-yes sir..." I gulped slightly, trying to back away from his gaze and touch. I didn't feel safe in his presence.

"Good... Now get to class before I tan your hide for being tardy."

I wasted no time in pulling free of his grasp and ran through the door, turning to enter the large school building, my heart racing as I turned to see if I was being followed. Mr. Berkwood was waiting for the moment to hurt me. He was one of those weird Spankos that found pleasure in their work. The more pain they inflicted on a poor Penitatas, the more pleasure he felt. The very thought makes me nauseous.

Room 102 wasn't difficult to find. After you pass through the doorway, it's the second door on your right. It was a relief to find the class before the tardy bell sounded. Now safe inside my classroom, I felt my jaw hit the floor as I realize just who Ms. Croix was.

"Ah. Good to see you made it, Star." The mysterious woman from the pool was none other then Ms. Croix! My teacher!

"Gah-...wha...but...." I was at a complete loss for words. The sheer irony of all of this was getting to me.

"I'll explain later. Please take the third seat in the second row."

"Yes ma'am."

How convenient. In the second row, second seat, sat Katie, typing away at her console. I scampered over to my seat and sat down, realizing now that I forgot something else this morning: My bag.

I slapped my forehead hard and felt like a total idiot. Who forgets to grab their book bag on the first day of school...?

"Your mom stopped by to drop off your bag already. She also said that you should pay a visit to the nurse after lunch." Ms. Croix's voice whispered softly into my ear before moving along to check on her other students.

Looking over my shoulder towards the cubicles, I noticed my book bag, a plain blue cloth and leather backpack that was Sally's in high school, resting in a cubicle marked with my name. There is one problem alleviated, but why would I need to go see the nurse after lunch.... Sally didn't...?

"Did you mess up this morning or something?" Katie turned to look at me, whispering quietly in my direction that was hard to be heard over the clicking of fingers on a keyboard.

"Yeah, but Sally didn't punish me." I leaned back in my chair briefly, merely to think.

"Looks like she's setting you up to take a heavy dose of punishment later."

"You sound as if you know what she talked to the nurse about."

"It's a little obvious, crinkles."

It appears that Katie was thinking the same things I was, which is why I felt even more afraid about this day than usual. Wearing big girl underwear was a very smart thing, but after lunch, I was doomed to be humiliated. Ms. Croix placed a paw on my shoulder, gesturing in the direction of my book bag. I took the hint and went retrieve my school box, a container that keeps my data chips sorted according to lessons. It was a clear blue container, and my data chips were of the highest quality, since Sally was a perfectionist. I placed the box into my system tray, a holding area underneath the console for storing said school box, and removed a green chip labeled Class work. I inserted it into the chip slot and looked up at Ms. Croix, who was seated behind her desk in front of the classroom.

"Well, everyone, it's time for the introductory punishment. Unlike last year, when you were spanked with an open hand, you'll be upgraded to a small paddle. I'm aware that we have a youngster in the class, who will be receiving the first level punishment instead." Ms. Croix cleared her throat and pulled the paddle, which looked like a ping-pong paddle, from her desk drawer and ran her digits over the material. "Just a quick reminder of the rules. When I say work, I mean it. If I need to remind you, you'll receive a warning and you'll have to sit on the punishment stool for five minutes. If I need to remind you a second time, you'll receive a level two punishment and have to sit on the stool for ten minutes. Should I have to remind you more than that, you'll have to spin the chance wheel, and you won't enjoy that." Her form rose from the desk and walked in front of it, leaning against the oaken front, "Please don't get the impression I'm a harsh person. I'll listen to you if you need to talk, but I expect you all to be on your best behavior and follow all the rules of the classroom. We'll go from the front of the class to the back of the class. Let's begin."

While each student began the "ritual" of getting up before the class, introducing themselves, telling everyone what crime they were punished for, and dropping their pants for their paddling, I was busy staring at Ms. Croix. She was still a very mysterious person in my eyes. What was it that made her have a strong sense of familiarity? It's hurting me insi-

"Starlight, you're up next." Ms. Croix set the paddle down beside her and gestured for me to come forth.

I had spaced out! The first row of students had already come and gone, and now it was my turn to be spanked. Oh, how I was loathing this!

Slipping from my seat, I slowly walked to the front of the class, my hands folded in my lap, biting the inside of my lower lip. Drawing a deep breath, I turned and looked at the class, my gaze slowly dropping to the ground beside me.

"My name is Starlight-le Saint Mark. I am a soft timer, sentenced to a 2x6-11 cycle for losing control of my Hover and crashing into another hover, resulting in the death of five-year-old kindern Karla Artea." The room fell dead silent.

My name had become rather known, since the accident caused a lot more to occur than just my rejuvenation. It caused my reputation as a Penitatas Counselor to be questioned, and my life to fall into total anarchy. During the trial, I felt so hated that I couldn't speak in my own defense. I stood silent as person after person verbally assaulted me with words I've never even heard of. Even the judge gave me his fair share of the abuse in on me. I became the courtroom beating stick...

I felt Ms. Croix's paws lightly grab my sides and pull me into her lap. I almost mistook the act for a hug, until I found myself lying across her lap and her paw lifting up the bottom of my dress. I felt rather exposed, but I guess that was to be expected.

Sally had drilled it into me that I should count aloud during my spankings. She believes that it helps ease the pain a bit, though it can be a tad humiliating.

Ms. Croix's paw rose into the air slowly and landed like a bombshell on the square of my rump, just below the base of my tail. The pain wasn't overwhelming, but the blow was strong and firm, causing my whole body to quiver and try to curl up at the slightest impulse.

"One...." My voice cracked slightly, grabbing the attention of the class and Ms. Croix, who's eyes fell over my face, which looked as if I was bracing for each blow.

Again, the paw rose and fell, landing on the same spot, my back tensing and becoming stiff as a board. _ CRACK! _ Over and over, the blows came and went, landing without hesitation on the most tender of locations on my backside. After the sixth strike, tears flooded my eyes, though I held back the urge to scream with every ounce of strength that I had. Finally, the tenth and final blow came down with the force of a meteor crashing into the soft, sandy surface of the desert. I no longer had the energy to scream, though the earsplitting shrieks of pain bellowed in my own ears, and I found myself completely incapable of speaking.

Katie's eyes looked dimly upon my battered and broken form, my tears forming a puddle upon the dark surface of the desk. Ms. Croix set me carefully upon my feet, wiping my teary cheeks before sending me back to my seat. Katie reached out to softly stroke my cheek as I walked past, and I did my best to keep from breaking into a childish fit of bawling and whimpering.

Despite the pain burning in my backside, I would find some comfort to the remaining events in the day. Of course, regardless of what I do, I would have to be very careful to avoid Harry and Mr. Berkwood. Both are out to get me, and I fear for my own safety...

After a rough start, things began to settle down and become bearable. Katie kept her eye on my throughout the day, as if she was afraid to let me out of her sight. Was it because I ache terribly from my level one punishment? Maybe I would know in the future.

"Has everyone finished the assignment?" Ms. Croix was busy working at her console; as if she could tell how far along we were on assignments.

"Yes Ma'am." The whole class answered in unison.

"Please save your data and set it on the edge of your desks. I will be around to collect your data chips."

Katie tilted her head a bit, leaning back in her chair slightly, gazing lazily at the ceiling as she moved her data chip from side to side with a single paw. Her mind seemed elsewhere, but I guess I could understand why.

Underneath the hyperactive surface and the layer of motherly love lies intelligence that could rival the greatest minds of Earth and Altanis history. She's a bright child, who is very attentive, studious, analytical, and creative. Her mind seemed to process everything at such a rate that even the CPU of the data consoles we use wouldn't be fast enough to keep up. However, these traits seemed to be filled with a great woe, a sorrowful worry deep inside that seems to tear at her mind.

Ms. Croix paid no mind to the dazed look on Katie's face as she collected her fuchsia colored data chip. After she collected all the chips, Ms. Croix set the two-dozen chips into a small tray next to her console and brushed a lock of hair from her face.

"While I look over your assignment, you may talk quietly amongst yourselves, however, if I have to warn you to keep it down to a whisper, you will be given a pop quiz on the material we have covered. Understood?"

"Yes Ma'am." The whole class cowered at the thought of a quiz.

I found myself staring at Ms. Croix's form in silence from my seat. I was will mystified by her appearance, and I was ripping my mind apart searching for understanding as to why she seemed so familiar to me. I felt as if I should know her. I could feel it in my body, but my mind wouldn't register anything more than a strange shadow.

"You alright?" Katie's paw came down on the top of my head, rubbing back and forth quickly.

"Ack! Don't do that." I did my best to keep my voice down, and I think I did a pretty good job.

"Sorry. As usual, you seemed to be spacing out."

"I was not. I'm just thinking. That's all."

"About...?"

"It's none of your business."

Katie looked at Ms. Croix, who was still preoccupied with grading paper, though she only had a few left to grade. Katie appeared to be lost in thought for a moment, before she gasped and huddled in close to me.

"You don't have a crush on-" I cut her off before she could finish.

"No!" I, once again, used the mock scold, as I didn't want to get in trouble.

"I hope not. That's just...weird."

"Oh please... Why the heck would you think of something like that?"

"You haven't stopped looking at her since you got into the classroom..."

"And you need a hobby..."

Katie rolled her eyes as Ms. Croix clapped her paws a few times, causing the students to scurry back to their seats and take their seats again.

"I've graded all your work, and I'm fairly impressed. The curriculum assessment proves that you are all right about where you should be, and a few of you are far beyond this, so this should be a very smooth year. I'll be returning your data chips to you now. When you get your chip, please review the material, as I've made comments and corrections to help you all out this year." She scooped up the tray into her arms and began to pass back the chips.

Katie didn't seem concerned in the least with her return. The quirky grin informed me that she received a correction-free paper. As for me...

"I'd like to speak with you after class, Star." Ms. Croix very carefully handed my chip, her voice barely above an audible whisper.

Turns out that I didn't have any corrections made either. Just a simple note at the bottom of my assignment that read: I knew you were a bright child. Mom would be very proud of you.

Mom? The note seemed to spark a faint memory in the back of my mind. A memory of Tobias, someone I had never really forgiven, and a young lady, who was yelling at Tobias. I don't remember much else, aside from the blurry images and the screaming. I felt so weak, my body screaming with pain on a level that surpasses even my PWS. I felt like someone tore me completely in half.

I remember my mother's voice breaking in half way, then a shriek and a dying cry. I don't know what happened after that, but I remember waking up the next morning, in a hospital bed, with my mother at my side.

"Tobias is dead... I killed him, Star... I couldn't let him live after he did that to you."

If I were stronger at that moment, I probably would have killed him too. I still ask myself why he did that, but the answer eludes me like the young lady in my memory. As my mind lost itself in reminiscence, the bell bellowed loudly, announcing that it was time for lunch.

The class quickly got up from their seats, setting their chips back into their boxes, and left the class quietly. Katie led the whole group, while I remained in my seat, staring blankly at the message that Ms. Croix had written on the bottom of the assessment.

"You seem perplexed." Ms. Croix knelt down next to my console and stroked my head lightly with her paw, "You don't remember who I am, do you?"

"I'd be lying if I said yes. My body tells me I should know you, though my mind doesn't recall a name, just a simple shadow." I leaned into her gentle touch, folding my ears back slightly, "Who are you...? Why do I feel so close to you?"

Ms. Croix chuckled softly, lightly pinching my right ear tip, a slightly smile spreading across her maw like the first rays of sunlight over the horizon.

"It's been a really long time since you and mom left for Earth. I was beginning to think I'd never find you." She retracted her paw a bit and sighed softly, "I'm your sister."

"...Sister?" My recollection was still drawing a blank.

"You were barely six when Mom was sent into exile."

"Wait...what?"

"Don't you remember?"

"I remember Tobias, faintly."

"Yes...him..." Her voice grew dark and harsh, "I don't blame mom for killing him."

"Your name..."

"Hm?"

"It's Katya isn't it?"

"That's right." Her face seemed to have more life now, "Looks like I wasn't completely forgotten."

"Sorry." I rubbed the back of my head softly, feeling a bit flushed, "I just have bits of my memory."

"What happened to you? You should be a fine young lady by now."

"I still ask myself that question."

"I guess only time will tell."

"Perhaps. What did mom want me to see the nurse about?"

"Hm? Oh! She said something about 'in case of emergency'."

"Oh... I understand."

"Hey, Star, before you go to lunch..."

"Yes?"

"Why were you wearing protec-" I quickly cut her off, my cheeks turning a deep shade of red.

"Please don't ask. Mom has made me wear them since Katie made me wet myself." I looked away, pressing my ears against my head as I felt them becoming a soft crimson.

Ms. Croix chuckled quietly to herself, probably viewing this as a joke of some sort, or perhaps just a funny situation that no one can resist laughing at.

"It's cute. Run along now." She seemed to shoo me along.

"Alright, alright. I'm going." I gave her a quick hug and scampered out after Katie.

"That sister of mine..." She shook her head and vanished into her office.

The cafeteria was a rather vast area, with multiple floors for each grade level, and a special kind of lunch line called the Replicator. This rather strange device put an end to World Hunger, thanks to the brilliant Draconian Dr. Kirek. He discovered that it was possible to take a single strand of DNA and "Replicate" the food item that it was taken from in mass quantities without losing nutritional value. Thanks to his discovery, it became possible for more unique meals to be had in schools and in the home. Lord knows how much families love it. Food always comes out just as you request it.

The Replicator reminded me of a microwave that one would see scattered throughout a junkyard. However, there was no keypad, just a metal shell. To activate a Replicator, all one has to do is tell it exactly what they wanted. Many families have a Replicator in place of a Refrigerator. Some replicators are more advanced than others, carrying the DNA of more exotic foods such as my personal favorite dish, Koyish, a kind of wrap that one finds on Altanis. Until today, I never found one that carried the DNA sample.

"I'll have a small Biyakan Koyish." The replicators began to glow dimly and my dish appeared inside.

I was delighted to have my favorite dish! I quickly took it from the Replicator and set it on my tray. I also ordered a tall glass of chocolate milk and an apple to complete my meal and began to scan the room for Katie, whom I found in the corner of the room with two other students.

"Hello there." I gave a wave to the students with my tail as I took a seat next to Katie. "Who do we have here?"

"I'm Alexi, a Folf." Alexi extended a paw to me.

A Folf? He's probably one of the recently discovered races that seem to make contact with Human Society every so often. I've never heard of or seen a Folf before, but I was very intrigued by Alexi. He was a tall but slender young boy, his eyes a soft shade of gold that beamed a mystical light. He was calm, but quiet, and his very presence made everyone around him feel safe and secure. He was about a foot taller than I, but that is understandable. I mean, he is about 3'9", while I stand a mediocre 2'6". He also spoke with an accent that could almost be mistaken for Russian.

His attire wasn't anything abnormal. A pair of cream-colored khakis, and a soft orange shirt hung loosely from his body, but still held close enough to show that he was rather... well built for a youngster. I admit that I found him mildly attractive.

"A Folf, huh?" I shook his paw, "Where do you hail from?" I was rather curious to know more about this...rather attractive young Folf.

"Fyona." He spoke with such pride, but with a sense of dignity and respect for his company, unlike like those sassy preps that sit over on the other side of the cafeteria...

"Fyona? Where is that?"

"Most people don't know that. Far side of the universe."

"Don't forget me!" The young feline spoke up, raising her paw as if to get the attention of a teacher.

I seem to encounter people that fall into different categories. While Katie is the awkward mother figure, and Alexi the... young hero, and now this kitten, who can only be described as squeezable. I mean... she acts just like a cute kitten that one would see in the pet store window. She just happens to be that one kitten that some child begs and pleads to have.

She isn't much taller than me, and our frames have a similar design. Skinny, but not scrawny, the kind of frame that has a cuteness all it's own. Her face has this gentle appearance to it. She's so sweet and playful that she's just far too innocent for her own good. Her lavender shirt bore the words "Hug the kitten!" with a remarkable cute cartoon kitten drawn on the front, with their arms extended out for a hug. It was just too cute! The matching Lavender skirt complements the soft pink coloration of her fur. If she was ever "two of a kind", you could easily tell her apart by the marking on her left bicep that read ELIE, which just happens to be 3173 upside down.

"What's your name?" I was expecting, "I've never seen your kind either."

"That's because I'm one of a kind!" She giggled softly and extended her paw toward me, "Elle is my name!"

"It's nice to meet you Elie." I shook her paw and picked up my Koyish, lapping at my maw hungrily, "So why are you one of a kind?" I took a big bite of my meal.

"Experimental Project 3173. Some scientists wanted a daughter that was feline, so I'm the end result. They say I'm eccentric, whatever that means." She bobbed her head from side to side, sniffing the air curiously, "What'cha eating, Star? It smells yummy!"

"It's Biyakan Koyish, something along the lines of a steak wrap."

"What's a 'Biyakan'?"

"It's a meat-like substance that comes from a plant called the Biya. It's combined with spices and some replicated ground beef to make a dish like no other. It's the best stuff in the universe!" I snickered softly. I was beginning to sound like a snob...

"Can I try a bit?"

"Sure." I tore off a few pieces of the wrap and handed it to my companions, "Try it. I'm sure you'll like it.

Katie held the wrap fragment in her paw, appearing to have her doubts. To someone who has never seen or heard of Biyakan Koyish, it can be very strange. The very first time I had Koyish, I don't think I liked how it looked. It looks almost like a spread on a tortilla wrap, so it can be kind of gross. Alexi, being the Folf he is, popped the piece in his mouth and swallowed it. He gave a shrug, apparently not caring much for it's taste. Elie, on the other paw, showed an immediate distaste for it and spit it out into her napkin.

"Ugh! Gross!" She snagged Alexi's soda and drank about half of it.

"H-hey! That's mine!" He snatched it back, closing his eyes, his left eye beginning to twitch with a sullen anger.

"I don't know... It smells good, but it looks..." Katie didn't finish her sentence.

I rolled my eyes at the lot of them and finished the rest of my meal. I didn't care if they liked it or not. Not really my place to judge them for their tastes.

"That's kinda gross, Star. How could you stand eating that?" Elie leaned over the table to see if I was conscious, or ready to throw up or something. I really don't know what she was doing.

"It's my favorite food." I wiped my maw with a napkin and munched quietly on my apple.

"Whatever you say, Crinkles." Katie teased and tosses the Koyish piece into her maw.

It felt like the room fell dead silent. All eyes were on Katie, but she seemed rather unphased by the taste.

"You know... It's not that bad." She shrugged a bit and wiped her muzzle clean.

"Crinkles?" Elie looked back and forth between Katie and I, "Did I miss something?"

I quickly shot Katie a death glare. It could never become known about my summer in protective underwear. I'd much rather die than having to deal with the humiliation that would ensue if that information became public. Katie quickly caught on to my glare's intent, and chuckled softly to herself.

"Inside joke, Elie. Don't worry about it." Katie folded her napkin and set it on her tray.

"So, Alexi, what was your crime?" It didn't make sense that a folf would be in a school for rejuvenated students if he didn't do something wrong... unless...

"I'm a Mericolas." He held up his right hand, quickly taking off the glove that I overlooked previously, revealing a large M.

"I see..."

Most of the time, a Mericolas doesn't like talking about whatever happened to them. It usually involves an event that they try to forget, much like the Penitatas, only without the violent and often painful castigations that Penitatas have to deal with.

"Hey, Star. Don't you have to go see the nurse?" Katie looked over at me, giving a soft tug at my ear.

"Hm?" I flicked my ear back and forth a few times, "Oh. I almost forgot about that. I'll see you guys later."

"Take care, Star." Alexi waved a bit, confused to my sudden departing, but letting it go without much thought.

"Why does she have to go see the nurse, Katie?" Elie whispered quietly across the table.

I wasn't really sure what Sally talked with the nurse about. I didn't even know where to find the nurse's office, and all the classes were currently at lunch. Finding an administrator to instruct me there should have been a simple task, but no one really knows where they disappear to at lunch. However, when you mess up or do something wrong, you always turn around to find them standing right there.

I didn't have much of a choice. I was certain Ms. Croix would be someplace other than her room, so I would have to go to the office if I wanted to know where to find the nurse.

The office was empty, which was unexpected. I decided to take a look around. Maybe I'd find an administrator somewhere in this large office. As I passed by the countertop, I heard faint whispers coming from a nearby room. Curiosity, as it often does, got the better of me, and I crept toward the door, which was just slightly ajar.

"That fox... for a child, she's pretty special." The voice was cold and raspy. I couldn't place the name of the man, but I was scared to think that they might be talking about me.

"You should be careful. One day, you'll get caught." The reply was weak and emotionless... I quickly recognized the voice as the young doll I had met earlier. She is so creepy...

"Nawh. I've gotten away with it for four years now. I always get my way."

"You'll get more than that if you aren't careful."

"One way or the other, I will have her. She's luscious."

I was deeply frightened. I didn't know what they were talking about, but I didn't want to stick around to find out. I quickly backed toward the door and ran out of the office, catching Mr. Berkwood and the Secretary emerging from the room out of the corner of my eye.

Back in the first floor hallway of the main building, I stopped to catch my breath. My whole body was writhing underneath me, and my heart was fill with absolute dread. I knew that Mr. Berkwood was out to get me, but now, I didn't know what he would do to me if I ever got sent to him. Just when I thought I was calming down, I felt a hand press down on my shoulder.

"YIPE!" I quickly turned and stepped back, eyes closed as I felt my back collide with the wall, "I didn't do anything!"

"...Star? What's wrong?" I opened my eyes to see Ms. Croix's form looking down on me, grasping an apple in her other paw.

"Oh... it's just you, Ms. Croix..." I sighed with relief.

"Did I scare you?"

"Just a bit..."

Ms. Croix contained the urge to giggle and simply shook her head.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you." She patted my head softly, "Have you seen the nurse yet?"

"Actually, I don't know where the nurse's office is." I shook her paw off my head, "I tried going to the office, but no one was there."

"It's at the end of the hall here. Can't miss it." She gestured down the hall to my left, "Hurry up now. Lunch is about to dismiss. You don't want to miss recess do you?"

"Thanks, sis!" I gave her another hug and scampered off down the hall.

Ms. Croix simply stared at me dumbfounded and shook her head. I'll have to ask her why she does that.

At the end of the hall, as Katya had told me, was a large white door marked with sign that read "Nurse Jenny". Inside sat a young human woman, who I would guess to be in her late 40s. She still had a youthful appeal to her, but her looks were sullen, almost as if she was eroded by time. The pleated white apron held her form tightly, making it look like a yellow dress with a white frock. Her ash-colored hair came down to about her shoulders, maybe a little longer.

"Hello, little one. What can I do for you?" Her voice seemed cool and relaxing, soothing if I may.

"I'm Starlight-le Saint Mark. I was asked to stop in after lunch." I closed the door behind me and leaned against the cool metal surface.

"Ah yes. Your mother came in to drop off a few things for you."

"She didn't bring in-"

Nurse Jenny opened the cabinet behind her, revealing a rather cumbersome load of infantile paraphernalia. I gritted my teeth tightly and silently cursed Sally with every fiber of my being. Why would she go and do this to me...?

"She said that you have accidents, and that I should keep a supply on hand. Don't you worry; I've dealt with this kind of thing before." She smiled a bit, the crescent just barely visible on her aged face.

"This is so embarrassing..." I covered my face and felt myself blushing uncontrollably.

"Don't worry. She told me that you are trying to go a full day without an accident. She also had a talk with your teacher. If you need someone to change you, talk to me or Ms. Croix. I'm sure she has a similar stash somewhere in her room."

"Great... I'll remember that. Thanks Nurse Jenny." I quietly slipped from the room.

As if the idea of the nurse having a stash like that wasn't bad enough. Why did Sally go through all of this? It was becoming apparent that it wasn't just because she wanted a daughter and she was punishing me for my earlier antics. It just didn't make sense that she'd take this to such an extreme. I'm sure she's completely aware of the repercussions if I was ever found out. I hope she knows at least...

I was going to lose my mind in the school. The administration staff is beyond creepy, my sister is my teacher, and both Katya and Nurse Jenny have a stash of diapers and whatnot in their offices somewhere! Can this day possibly get any worse...?

"Well, what do we have here...?" A dark form loomed over me, grinning down upon me with a sinister look that could scare a dead body into wetting itself.

"M-mr. Berkwood! I-i..." I looked around for an escape. This guy was just far too scary for me.

"Were skipping recess and loitering in the halls? My, you are really trying to end up face down, bottom up, over my desk, aren't you Star?"

"N-no sir. I was asked to see the nurse by Ms. Croix."

"I'll have to check into that story." He knelt down so he was at eye level at me, his dark brown orbs burning with a passion, almost like lust. "Now run along before I decide to tan your hide right now."

"Y-yes sir!" I ducked around him and ran as fast as I could toward the other end of the school.

Never before have the outdoors felt so welcoming. I think Mr. Berkwood is creepy, even too much for his own good. Ugh... He's so scary to be around.

Outside, I was greeted by the smell of flowers and fresh pine, covered in luscious, soft green grass. If not for the overwhelming smell of tar and rubber, I think that it would be even better.

Most people believe that just because Penitatas are "criminals" that we have far too many luxuries, such as Replicators and Recess. However, the Supreme Court ruled that these "luxuries" are necessary to help the learning process. Now, if only they would incorporate a nap time...

From across the playground, near the monkey bars and wood fort, I saw Katie's paw waving at me, gesturing for me to come hither. I gladly obeyed and took off in a haul to get to her. Harry, being the oversized brute that he is, happened to see me coming and moved to obstruct my path, which, to much my displeasure, wasn't something that I caught until I felt his fist crashing into my stomach.

"Hey, runt. Crossing the playground is gonna cost you a toll." He spoke like an orc, grunting and with raspy dialect.

"I-i... don't have to pay you anything." I was winded from the blow, but slowly recovering.

"You apparently didn't understand me." His hand grabbed my throat and lifted me into the air, "Pay up, or take a beating."

"Gah-!" I felt his hand tighten around my throat, cutting off my air supply and suffocating me.

"Well, runt?"

"I... can't... breathe..." I struggled, trying to break away from this ogre's grip.

"Very well. It's your funeral." He reeled his fist back and swung hard, his fist catching the underside of my jaw, striking with the force of an oncoming hover, sending me flying a good two feet before I landed on the ground, lip busted and nose bleeding.

Everything became fuzzy and unclear. I heard a scream, and many gasps. The sound of footsteps gathering around, and the cracking of knuckles, all of it loud, then suddenly silent; I thought I was about to die. Everything was slowly beginning to spin, the sky above turned to ash, and all was withering away into shadows.

When I came to, I found myself sitting in a chair, in the middle of an office, the walls covered in paddles, canes, switches, whips, gloves that look like gauntlets, and what looked like brass knuckles. The wonderful healing agent, Nanolotion, had quickly gone to work, mending the wounds on my lip and nose. I felt weak, as if someone injected my body with a muscle relaxant. The door behind me opened quietly, sealing silently with only the sound of footsteps across a carpeted floor audible.

"Well, it seems you found your way into my office, Starlight." The creepy voice of Mr. Berkwood boomed behind my chair as he slowly emerged and stood in front of his desk, arms folded across his chest and a sinister grin sprawled across his face. "I do, indeed, get what I want, now don't I?"

"M-mr. Berkwood?" Talking seemed to take more energy than I had in my whole body.

"Skipping class, loitering in the halls without a pass, eavesdropping on a personal conversation...and now fighting? My, you've gotten yourself in a great deal of trouble now, haven't you?"

"I..."

"How to punish you...?" He quickly righted himself and walked behind the desk, grabbing a Cricket Bat from the mantle. "You realize the severity of your troubles, don't you?"

I no longer had the strength to speak. I was overcome with fear, immobilized and incapable of making any noise at all. Slowly, Mr. Berkwood drew closer, tapping the cricket bat against his shoulder, chucking coldly under his breath. He extended a hand, and with the tips of his fingers, he softly began to caress my cheekfur, a wicked smirk of lust and debauchery painted across his face like a beacon, one of such a caliber, that it was simply beyond words.

"You are mine, Starlight-le Saint Mark, and I always get what I want." His hands began ripping at my dress, and in my weakened state, I was completely incapable of protecting myself.

His hands tore every shred of clothing from my body in a cold and brutal fashion, his laughter booming off the walls of the office.

"Yell, scream, cry! No one can hear you! No one can save you!" He raised the cricket bat overhead and with a vile laughter cold enough to freeze hell, all became a swirling mass of pain, torture, and shattered purity, swirled into a nightmare of darkness and nothingness.

It was like reliving my nightmare one again...