Chapter 7
Please see Chapter 1 for warnings and disclaimers.
X-MEN***X-MEN***XMEN
Complete and utter silence reigned in Charles Xavier's office. Victor had informed Erik that there was an even more pressing matter than the girl's mental manipulation to be discussed and the four men and two girls had settled in the Professor's sanctum. Once again they had shared their tale as well as the truth of Rhianna's identity and her healing ability. One could have heard the flutter of a butterfly's wings in the absolutely stillness that followed the retelling.
Charles finally spoke, "But I don't understand, why you didn't just tell us from the beginning rather than perpetrate this grand scale deception, a deception that could have proved dangerous in its own right. Rhianna, we have no idea what side effects this process might have caused. You should be under medical surveillance. True," he turned to the blue-eyed girl, "this Essex sounds unscrupulous and cruel and will undoubtedly want revenge. How can we protect you if you are not honest with us?" The telepath shook his head sadly. "I fear Erik is right. I have a tendency to be far too lenient. I assure you both that shall be changing right here and now."
"I think you might possibly have missed a key element of this discussion," Rhianna stated calmly, almost haughtily. "I am not a ten-year-old girl. I am old enough to be your grandmother, Professor Xavier, and I have no intention of living here as a child under your authority. Now that you know who I am, I expect you to treat me accordingly."
"Actually, my dear I think we both know that isn't quite true. You have the memories and knowledge of your adult self but you have the emotions, impulses, and even reasoning of a child. The de-aging process has dramatically affected your powers and as a result you have almost constant headaches because you are continuously overreaching what your current physical body can handle. Not to mention your inner turmoil over suddenly finding yourself a child again and reconciling that with the ageing adult that you were. You need help and guidance every bit as much as your cousin and indeed, you shall receive it."
Rhianna paled and offered the Professor a glare. Not only had Charles gotten past her shields, but he'd done so without her noticing. She slammed them back into place, concerned over how much the adult telepath had read and angry with herself for the slip up.
"And if that's not plain enough for you, Blondie, try this," Logan added, "Looks like a kid, sounds like a kid, acts like a kid - gets treated like a kid."
True had been standing by Victor, her anger slowly building. They were acting like she was some kind of dimwit. Did they really think she was such an amateur? "You don't got to worry about Essex and his goons. I took care of them! Seriously do you think I'd get tied up with those morons and not know how to handle myself? That I wouldn't cover my tracks? Jesus fucking Christ!" Suddenly everything not nailed down lifted into the air and would have been thrown at the far wall were it not for Charles's timely intervention.
"That is enough, young lady!" He admonished as he used his abilities to freeze True. The young professor carefully directed her to set everything back down and waited until Victor had a hold on True before releasing her.
For his part, Victor laid down one extremely hard swat to her backside. "You are gonna cut the language and settle down, now!"
True glared first at Charles and then at Victor, doing her best to hold back the tears. "I can't believe you all think I'd leave anything to chance and put Rhianna in danger like that!"
"It's not only Rhianna we're worried about it! You've always been reckless with your own life. Did you make sure they couldn't come after you?"
True's guilty look told them she didn't think that far ahead.
"And that, my dear, is why you need guidance and supervision," Charles stated matter-of-factly. "With your training and abilities you are certainly a formidable warrior, but you do not think ahead. As your little tantrum here shows," he gave her a disapproving look, "you are quick tempered and have a tendency to dive head long into trouble. You have grown increasingly reckless over the past years and as I've become quite fond of you in the short time you have been here, that is going to stop. Now I for one am extremely disappointed in the degree of deception the two of you employed. Ultimately, your childish endeavors could have put you at risk, and unnecessarily endangering yourselves will not be tolerated so let us just add that to the list of rules for you. Erik, do you have anything to add?"
He turned to his friend who had been standing quietly the entire time with his arms crossed and an icy look in his stern gray eyes. Erik had listened to the entire tale his stomach turning at how close they had come to losing the two incredible little mutants, these precious little girls before him. What they did not know was that he was familiar with the name Essex and knew him to be every bit as sick and perverse as Shaw. As he listened to the children's arguments his ire grew. They honestly believed they were perfectly capable of caring for themselves, of protecting themselves from evil that had decimated hundreds of lives. True seemed to think herself invincible and Rhianna refused to admit she was a child with the limitations of one. Well, they would soon be learning otherwise.
"Only that these two have completely taken leave of their senses if they think they are leaving this house." Erik crossed over to True, taking her chin in his hand and forcing her to hold his gaze. "You are so far in over your head and you do not even realize it. Essex has destroyed the lives of mutants far more powerful than you and you are so arrogant to think he won't find you? Or that you can take him if he does?"
True yanked her chin free. "You don't know shit about me! I've been taking care of myself for a long time and dealt with some real asshole badasses and I'm still alive. You haven't even seen what I can really do so don't be thinking I can't protect myself or Rhianna!"
Rhianna winced as the vituperative words spilled from her cousin 's mouth. Had she been closer she would have restrained the other girl, but with her current headache and diminished mental abilities she was powerless to intervene.
Unfortunately for True, the massive mutant at her side did not have the same spatial constraint. Victor snatched the girl up holding her at eye level, his fangs bared and a low growl emanating from deep within his chest as he gave her a little shake. He had been patient, he really had, but this CUB had just stomped on his very last nerve. His every instinct was to protect her and demand her obedience. To this point he'd held his feral nature at bay, but she was pushing him to his limits. "Well, I DO know what you're capable of and guess what? You meet someone like me in a dark alley and you're done. You ain't the only one with abilities little girl and you ain't invincible. I've had it with the disrespect and I swear to God the next cuss word outta your mouth is gonna end with you bare-assed over my knee. Capiche?"
True gulped. It had been a long time since Victor had 'gone feral' on her and she'd forgotten just how truly frightening it was.
"Yes sir."
She wiggled a little, hoping he'd put her down, which he did after angrily staring at her for a full minute. He smacked her rear twice and turned her to face Erik.
"Apologize."
True swallowed a sigh knowing that it would piss Victor off if she let it slip free. "I'm sorry Erik. "
Erik nodded, glad that Victor had nipped her attitude in the bud before he'd had to as he had bigger fish to fry. He turned to Rhianna. "As for you, you need to accept your change in circumstance. As Charles has pointed out, you are now very much a child and you most certainly will accept our authority. This shall be quite evident as we discuss your poor choices from yesterday, now go to your room."
"I won't let you do what you have planned," Rhianna stated quietly but resolutely.
Erik's eyebrows shot up at her insolence and both Logan and Victor growled, but Charles beat the others to a verbal response. "You most certainly will, young lady, or I will make you do so and don't you think for one moment that I cannot or will not. Now march yourself right up to your bedroom and wait for Erik."
Shocked at Charles' sternness as well as his threat, Rhianna was quick to comply, though not quick enough to avoid the swat Erik planted on her rear end to get her moving.
"Now gentleman, if you will excuse us, I believe True and I are due for a discussion about the importance of honesty," Charles stated politely giving True a look that let her know that she was NOT dismissed.
On no we aren't!" True said and took several steps towards the door before her body was frozen in place once again. Logan picked her up and placed her next to Charles so he could grab a hold of her if he needed to.
"Make sure you give it to her good," he said before joining his brother at the door.
"Just watch the teeth. Lil bit likes to bite!"
Charles waited until the door closed before releasing his hold on her. "Will you stop doing that!" True growled and took a step away.
"I'll stop doing that when you start doing as you are told. Now you are clearly aware why you are to be punished so we will forego any more conversation." He stood and led her over to an armless chair he had across the room. Taking a seat, he instructed her to take her pants down.
"No."
"Now or I can make you," he said pointing to his head.
"You really need to stop mind fucking people!" True grumbled but did as instructed.
"That bit of language just lost you any protection," He informed her calmly as he pulled her over his lap and pulled her panties down to her knees. Mindful of Victor's warning he added "And if you bite me, I will find a hairbrush to paddle you with."
True tried to find a comfortable position but the way Charles had her over his knees, butt in the air and her head hanging almost to the flood, made that impossible. At least it was Charles punishing her. The man couldn't possibly have as much strength as the others. She found out just how wrong she was when the first swat landed.
"Holy shit!" She cried out, completely taken off guard by the pain.
Charles continued to smack the backside over his lap. "I have had it with your foul language. When we are through here I will be washing that dirty mouth out." He spanked her until her bottom and thighs were red and radiating heat. He gave her only a few minutes to calm before replacing her clothes and leading her to the small bathroom attached to his study.
"Open." He said after he lathered up a bar of soap. Too exhausted and sore to fight True did as instructed. Charles left the soap in her mouth for five minutes before allowing her to rinse. He then gathered the child into his arms for the comfort and reassurance that she needed. "You need to understand that you are very precious, not for what you can do, but for who you are. We correct you because in the short time you have been here you have managed to capture our hearts and we care about you very much."
True threw her arms around Charles, letting her tears soak his shirt. Once she had calmed herself she pulled away, "Yeah," she sniffed, "Well, I might be able to do with a bit less caring," she stated meaningfully rubbing her rear.
X-MEN***X-MEN***XMEN
Rhianna stood by the window, looking out and wondering how it had come to this. After over a hundred years of life, one would think she would be well past worrying over a spanking, and yet here she was, having been spanked once today and facing another. She felt as if there was a butterfly migration in her midsection. Her palms were sweaty. When she looked over at the mirror, Rhianna was shocked by what she saw - a frightened little girl.
There was not much time to ponder the situation. All too soon the tall Polish native entered, closing the door behind himself and standing military style with his hands behind his back. Erik pinned the obviously nervous child with an accusatory look, "You went into my mind and manipulated me - twice! One of those times you influenced my will."
"One might say it was self-defense," Rhianna answered evenly, though she felt anything but calm.
"One might want to be very careful what she says lest she earn herself even more punishment," Erik snapped back. "Now, had you accepted your punishment before you would have received a spanking with the flat of my hand over your clothing. Your second offense, however, was much worse than your first and now it seems we must deal with your deception as well. On the way home from the airport, Charles had dissuaded me from using my belt as he does not find that appropriate for younger children, especially girls. He made an exception for True due to her unique history. A history we now know that you share."
Rhianna couldn't help but wince at the implication. Her eyes went immediately to the leather belt at the man's waist. Not nearly as wide or thick as Chris's had been, but intimidating none the less.
Erik had to curb a grin. She was worried. Good! The brat had better think twice about going into his mind against his will again. "However, I believe I will follow through with my original plan." He brought his hand from behind his back and revealed a large wooden back hairbrush. "I believe this will be sufficient to get my point across, and since we are talking about two separate offenses, there will be two separate spankings. One right now and one tomorrow before bedtime. I have decided to be generous, and not add a third but deal with your deception during the two other paddlings. No need to thank me."
Rhianna just stood, eyes fixed on the brush as she processed his words. Not one, but two.
Moving to catch a hold of her wrist, Erik pulled the speechless girl with him to the edge of the bed and took a seat. He reached for the clasp of her bright colored cotton pants, which brought an instant objection from Rhianna.
"Had you submitted to your punishment yesterday, then this would have been over your trousers, not so today."
Rhianna blushed. "But you know who I am now," she objected. "This is completely inappropriate."
Erik's eyebrows came together in irritation. This was precisely why he had decided to stick with his original plan and give the girl a paddling over his knee. "You, young lady, need to accept the fact that you are now a child. A child in my care. This is not inappropriate because I am correcting you much as I might my own daughter had she behaved as atrociously as you have."
With this he pulled her pants down below her knees and positioned her across his lap before yanking down her panties as well. He then brought the hairbrush down right in the middle of her exposed backside. Rhianna yelped and had no time to recover before the second swat fell just below the first. She bit her lip to keep from crying out, but at the same time knew her efforts were futile. Logan's spanking earlier had truly hurt, but she was suddenly aware that, given his mutant strength, he had been taking it easy on her. This was excruciating!
Erik delivered a thorough spanking, covering the top of her bottom all the way down to her thighs until they were crimson. He was cautious and there was no bruising, but the girl would feel this well into tomorrow morning at least. Finally, the paddling was finished with one final swat to Rhianna's tender thighs and Erik set the hairbrush aside to gently rub circles on the sobbing girl's back.
"I took no pleasure in that, Słodyczko, but I will not tolerate deceit, manipulation, nor misuse of your powers," he said bringing her clothing gently up and then standing her between his legs. "And just in case Logan did not make it perfectly clear earlier, you will NOT heal True after she's been disciplined."
He looked into her tear filled eyes and his heart constricted. Erik had grudgingly admitted, at least to himself, that he had developed an attachment, even affection, for Charles and the other young people here at the mansion. When he looked into the tiny faces of the two girls now in his care, however, he felt something that he had never really experienced before, something he could not really define.
The metal wielder opened his arms and she slowly leaned into the man, reluctant to accept the comfort that the child she was so desperately craved. Erik wrapped his arms around her and gently pulled her onto his lap, running one hand softly through her long blond curls. Unable to resist, she laid her head on his chest. When she finally calmed sufficiently, he spoke. "I am rescinding your room restriction as that was your idea and not mine. I think you will benefit greatly from training sessions as well as interactions with the others here. Right now, however, you will go to Hank's lab and share everything you know about this de-aging process that you went through as well as any changes in your powers. You will also cease pushing yourself to the brink of illness by excessive use of your powers. Do you understand?"
"Yes," she whispered quietly.
"Excuse me?"
She gave him a baffled look, not comprehending her error, then blushed as she realized what he was looking for. Though she hated herself for giving in there was no way she was going to earn any more unwanted attention for her poor posterior.
"Yes, sir'" she amended.
X-MEN***X-MEN***XMEN
Rhianna entered Hank's lab with a little knock to make him aware of her presence. "Hank?"
"Ah, Dawn, er ah, I guess it's Rhianna."
"Charles explained everything to you."
"Yes, but I have a few questions." He motioned her to sit down. She did so but winced and then blushed as comprehension dawned in Hank's blue eyes. "So I take it Erik-"
"Yes," she interrupted not really caring to hear it stated out loud.
"Because of your deception?"
"Well, and because I mentally manipulated him yesterday. He was going to do it then because of covering for True, but I changed his mind."
"I see. And how did you feel afterward?"
"RELIEVED to be quite honest!" Rhianna snapped. "I'm over a hundred years old, Hank, I don't really think I should be subject to that kind of discipline."
"No, you misunderstood. I mean after that use of your powers. You had a headache at dinner last night, did you not?"
"Oh, yes, a killer one."
"But as an adult, such use caused no negative repercussion?"
"No, it did not."
"How about when you were a child the first time?"
"I wasn't a projecting telepath until after puberty, which was delayed due to the growth inhibitor. I wasn't proficient until my mid-twenties, and I guess there were some headaches while I was learning," she stated thoughtfully. She shifted uncomfortably.
"You can stand if you'd be more comfortable," Hank offered kindly, "Or I think I might have a pillow," he looked toward a cot in the corner where he sometimes crashed after a late-nighter.
"I'll stand, thanks," Rhianna said her lips twitching. "Can I ask you a question?"
Hank looked surprised. "Sure."
"Why don't you ask Raven out?"
"Excuse me?"
"It's obvious that you like her, and that she is really into you, so I don't exactly understand your hesitation."
Hank blushed. "Ah, well, she's the Professor's little sister for one, and well, I ah - you really think she's into me?"
"Seriously? I thought you had heightened senses. Besides, she takes every opportunity to touch you. I am pretty sure that she's come onto you pretty strong before, Hank."
"Yes, but that could very well be, well, I don't know exactly..."
"Doc, trust me. Just ask her out."
"I have other concerns," he stated quietly, unable to believe that he was discussing this with the child in front of him.
Rhianna's brow furrowed a look of confusion on her face, replaced quickly by one of understanding.
"You are worried about your Beast," she said softly, it wasn't even a question. "Hank, you are one of the most controlled people I have ever met. Charles is right, you have to stop struggling against the Beast and come to a peaceful coexistence. He's part of you, and not a bad part at all."
"I won't put Raven at risk."
Rhianna looked at the young scientist with admiration. "You should talk to Victor or Logan. They would have some insight on your more feral side."
"Perhaps I will do that, but this examination is supposed to be about you. Now, I need to collect some samples. I have your DNA from before you were transformed. I want to see if the cellular structure has been altered."
X-MEN***X-MEN***XMEN
Rhianna flopped onto the end of True's bed with a heavy sigh. She had spent three or more hours in Hank's lab answering questions and discussing her mutation and the de-ageing process. To be honest, it was mentally stimulating to openly converse about an intellectual topic with someone like that. It had been years, and when she finally left the lab, with an injunction from the doctor to get some rest, she had to smile. She had solidified a friendship today, and it felt good. That did not, however, erase the morning's events.
"Well this didn't quite work out like we had hoped."
"Thank you Captain Obvious."
"How did it go with Charles?"
"Just fucking look and get it over with," True grumbled with an eye role.
Rhianna read her cousin and cringed. "Wow! I would not have thought he had it in him."
"No shit! How about you?"
"Erik was extremely unhappy."
"Uh, duh! You get the belt?"
"No, the hairbrush, bare, and I'm to get another dose before bed tomorrow."
"I'd rather got the belt and got it over with. Beats waiting to get your ass handed to you again." True carefully rolled over onto her back. "Word of advice, burn the skirt."
"I'm still planning on wearing it once I'm out from under their thumb," Rhianna stated petulantly, noting the surprise in her cousin's face at her childish response.
"You're still planning on leaving?" True didn't know what the feeling she felt run through her stomach was but she didn't like it. "You realize having two ferals in the house is gonna make they kinda of impossible."
"They will take off for a weekend or something sometime. You know how they are. We've lived with them enough times. As far as leaving," Rhianna paused. She hadn't had enough time to think things through. "True, I don't know. I mean, I think you are supposed to be here, but I don't know about me. I don't want to mess things up."
"What if you're supposed to stay? Vin always said everything happens for a reason. What if you were supposed to become a kid again?" She gave a small sigh. "I don't know if I can stay here without you," the blue-eyed girl whispered.
Rhianna reached over to give her cousin a hug. "I love you Ennoilid, and I don't ever want to leave you, but I don't know what's right here. My mind's all a jumble. Maybe if I could just leave for a little while, to figure things out." She sighed. This really was too much for her ten-year-old brain and the limitation bothered her. She knew that part of her wanted to leave because she did not want to be subject to rules and discipline again and although a piece of her insisted that this was because of her actual age and experience, deep down she knew that it was pure childish rebellion. Of course that wasn't the only reason she wanted to leave.
"I really would like to get some things from our place, and get access to some of the accounts. I don't like being without resources. Wouldn't it be nice to have your bike? I think I'm going to need one too because something tells me I won't be able to see over the dash of the Mercedes."
"Nah you're a short little shit now! What are you gonna do without your precious Mercedes?" True teased. "I guess it makes sense to set up a back-up plan and I do miss my bike." She'd souped it up so it was much faster than it was supposed to be. It was exhilarating to race down a road, wind in her hair. Of course if Victor or Logan caught wind of her not wearing a helmet there would be hell to pay. She'd have to be sure to grab it.
"I'm no shorter than you, thank you very much! I will miss the Mercedes," she agreed wistfully. "But I'm kind of excited about getting a motorcycle. To be honest I always wanted one, but it seemed laughable at my age. Will you fix mine so that it will keep up with yours?" Rhianna would have been mortified had she known exactly how much she sounded like a ten-year-old at that moment.
True laughed at Rhianna's childlike excitement. "Of course! I need someone to ride with that is just as crazy as me! Less you're still gonna be an old lady inside a kid's body."
"It sounds creepy when you say it that way," Rhianna laughed. "So, you are okay if I leave, just for a while? To get things straight in my head and pick up some of our things?" She asked tentatively. "I promise I will be back."
If you're going, then I'm going too. The big guys always say it ain't safe for a kid to be off alone so we'll go together. Safety in numbers and all that shit."
Rhianna wasn't sure that was the best idea and she felt guilty about the fact that there would be big trouble for both of them if they followed through with their plan. For the moment though, she pushed all that from her mind.
"Lught-thie rieau (family forever)," the telepath answered with a grin.
X-MEN***X-MEN***XMEN
"So, big day for everyone!" Alex stated jovially as he took his seat at the table, eying the two girls with a smirk. "Turns out both of the Bobbsey Twins are like, ancient!"
"You do realize that in the books you keep referring to, one of the twins is male, right?" Rhianna asked irritably.
"Grumpy, huh? So what did the good twin do to end up sitting so uncomfortably?" Alex shot back.
"Hey why am I the bad twin?" True piped up but was completely ignored.
"I would be more than happy to show you," Rhianna answered Alex's taunt in a surgery sweet tone that was in no way reflected in her eyes. " That is if you don't mind showing up to the movie theater stark
naked."
"As humorous as that might be, I think we discussed limiting the use of your powers to those that do not bring on migraine headaches," Hank said, placing a full plate of food in front of Rhianna.
"Hank, what are you doing?" The blond girl asked looking from the tall young scientist to the very full plate in front of her.
"Your blood work indicates that you are malnourished, possibly a side effect of the de-ageing process or perhaps overuse of your powers. Regardless, I am going to be monitoring your food intake until you are back within normal range," he answered.
Her eyes narrowed to a glare. "Traitor," she growled.
"I want to see you healthy," he answered simply, giving her a smile and a look that was only too easy for the telepath to read. He too had felt the kinship from this afternoon, and somehow this seemed to bring out a certain protectiveness which resulted in his confidant even directive demeanor.
"I cannot possibly eat all of this," Rhianna complained.
"Then eat an equal portion of each food group consuming as much as you are able," Hank replied equitably. "Oh, and," he set a full glass of milk in front of her. "I want you to drink at least half of that."
"Hank, I HATE milk!"
"I will work on building alternatives into your diet, but for now this is the most expedient way to provide the combination of nutrients you need."
True giggled. This was priceless!
Just then a large portion of broccoli was heaped onto her plate, "You could use some more greens, too, lil bit," Victor stated matter-of-factly.
"Ah, Vic, ya know I can't stand that shit! OW!"
Her outburst had been followed by a solid swat to her thigh from the massive mutant and the look in his eye let her know that he was not planning on taking anymore attitude from her today.
This time it was Alex's turn to chuckle.
"Alex, you seem to have forgotten vegetables as well. Do you also need help dishing your plate?" Erik queried suggestively.
With a sigh, Alex reached for the broccoli, wrinkling his nose at he put a spoonful on his plate.
Charles smiled at the little family drama, allowing a feeling of contentment to wash over him. "So, Hank? What else did you find out about Rhianna's predicament?"
"Not a great deal, yet," the scientist replied, taking a seat and dishing his own food. "Her abilities have greatly diminished from her adult state. I have recommended that she limit her telepathy to mostly receiving, with possibly some mild projection of a conversational type. She should stop anytime she starts to develop a headache."
"Hello," Rhianna said, somewhat frustrated a being discussed like this at the dinner table, "Sitting right here."
Charles smiled, "Yes, perhaps we should save the rest of your information for after dinner." He turned a stern look on Rhianna, "I shall be monitoring your power usage, young lady, so you will mind Hank's instructions."
She sighed heavily, desperately wanting to remind the other telepath once more that she was not a "young" lady. Erik gave her a pointed glare and she realized almost immediately what he was expecting. Wanting to growl, she shifted in her seat, still very much able to feel the burn in her backside and decided not to risk further confrontation tonight.
"Yes, sir."
True couldn't help herself. "Yeah Rhi. Don't power surge and blow a circuit!"
"True I would like see you in my lab after dinner. I have a few tests I want to run and I want to take some X-rays to see if I can get a better idea on where the growth inhibitor is located."
"Nope. Not gonna happen. If you think..." A hand closed over her mouth.
"She'll be there." Vic said and turned to look at True. "Finish eating."
True wanted to argue but a raised eyebrow had her sighing. "Fine." A smack to her leg had her adding a quick, "Yes sir".
