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Breaking Point. A Jade Palace story. Characters (c) KennyW aka Kaon 2011

This is a continuation of ' An issue of discipline' , if you haven't read that , go ahead and do so first. *contains parental spanking*

Mid afternoon in the Jade Palace recreation zone , the happy sounds of games and laughter filling the air as the many inhabitants of this wonderous abode relaxed and had fun in the beauteous conditions. One particular inhabitant , however , was less than enthusiastic about her surrounds.

In fact, Fern had just about had it up to the tips of her triangular foxy ears with the whole damn thing. There was no denying that the vixen was being punished for a terrible wrongdoing. There was also no denying she felt resentment at how her Lord and Master was going about it.

Straightening her aching back, rubbing the sweat from her hazel eyes, the flame furred vixen stood upright and fumbled for the packed of cigarettes she kept in the back of her jeans pocket. Naturally , the packet was crushed after such hard work. Spitting a venemous curse, Fern fished out a bent smoke and lit up as best she could, reflecting on just how she'd gotten herself into such a damn mess.

It had been her temper getting the better of her that had done it. A month ago she'd discovered her daughters Shana and Nikki had been responsible for damage to something the vixen held very dear. So what if it had been an accident? So what if the subsequent flogging she'd delivered to both of the girls had made them bleed? Was it really so terrible?

Master Kaon , the children's father and Fern's mate had fixed them up straight away with his divine power... and then he had turned his attentions to his vixen. Fern had been humiliated beyond belief during the following day... forced to swallow a good portion of humble pie and even trash her beloved Vincent Shadow motorbike.

When the Master had said that Fern would work till her paws bled ,he meant it. He had coldly stated she wouldn't share his bed again till both children had forgiven her, untill he was convinced she was taking her responsibilities seriously and Kaon had stuck to his guns. Fern had been the first of his true loves, second only in stature to the Master himself, a Queen. His Queen...

Now reduced to slaving away, working in these crystal gardens where her bike track used to be, trying to rebuild her shattered reputation, earn her children's forgiveness and apply for readmittance to the Master's special family circle. Such a load of crap. Fern grit her teeth and tried to smooth out the somewhat bedraggled crew cut nestled between her ears. She was still Kaon's first mate and damn well deserved better than this.

Untill she'd worked off her debt to both Master and children however, she was wasn't even being permitted in the yard, let alone the doghouse. A tiny snarl curled the corners of her muzzle. It was all Nikki's fault. Fern had always been opposed to adopting a second child , but Kaon had gone right ahead anyways, taking the blond little huskie bitch under his proverbial wing. Now it was Nikki that was holding the vixen back. Nikki refused to forgive Fern for the beating she had been given and untill she did, Fern was staying where she was. Out in the cold.

What made matters worse, both Nikki and Fern's natual daughter Shana loved these new gardens. With little more than a sideways glance, the big vixen could see both girls playing tag in between the crystalline bushes and shrubs, gleefully and probably deliberately messing up the vixen's hard work to keep it all trim and ordered.

Fern shrugged, turned back and picked up a heavy trowel, ready to return to her gardening. A prickling sensation at the nape of her neck cased the big vixen to incline her head. There was Nikki... simply standing there not ten meters away, staring. Fern twisted her muzzle and brought her most ingratiating smile to her lips, forcing her fluffy fox tail to wag as if pleased by the sight of the pup.

"Nikki, honey! Having fun?"

The grey furred, dark eyed pup shook her head, setting her pretty rose blond locks of hair to dancing in the breeze. One of her paws gripped tight to the knee length skirt she was wearing, and her bushy huskie tail slowly began to droop downwards.

"Not anymore."

Fern clenched her teeth together and turned away so Nikki wouldn't see the hateful expression etched on her features. What gave that whelp the right to sass her? It was rediculous! Fern couldn't even afford to verbally reprimand the pup at this point. As it turned out, the vixen didn't need to.

"Don't be so cheeky, Nikki. Father says we still have to respect Mama, y'know."

Shana appeared from behind a sapphire leafed bush. The lively twelve year old vixen cub idly played with her long, jet black hair and gave her younger sister a pat on the shoulder. Fern's smile actualy relaxed into something almost genuine, her orange furred little child had been so quick to forgive and forget.. she knew her place. Unlike that mongrel runt of a sister of hers.

Scowling once more, Fern abruptly turned away, but as was her way, the vixen's haste cost her dearly. Not noticing the long garden rake that lay by her feet, Fern put a heavy booted foot down on the business end of the impliment and like an old slapstic comedy routine , the lengthy handle snapped up to slam straight into the point of the vixen's sensitive black nose!

Letting out a startled yelp, Fen toppled back onto her butt, holding her battered muzzle. On closer inspection, her paw came away bloody. Black rage seethed and bubbled just below the surface of the vixen's psyche as she dabbed futiley at her bleeding nose with the back of her sleeve, shaking with anger. That had damn well hurt.... but it was the sudden unexpected noise she heard moments after that truely set the vixen's fiery blood to boiling. A muffled snicker.

Slowly , as if in a dream, Fern turned her head to see ... Nikki, paw clamped to her mouth , trying and failing to suppress her laughter at the ludicrous sight. A sudden red haze fell before the vixen's hazel eyes and Fern let out an inarticulate screetch of fury, the paw that still held the heavy trowel snapping back, prepped , poised to strike like a coiling adder. How dare Nikki laugh at her pain!

"You fuckin' little BITCH!"

With all the might she had,Fern hurled the trowel straight at her daughter and Nikki was caught completely off guard. Unable to dodge or deflect the weighty missile , the poor little puppy was struck dead on, the sharp metal edge of the flying garden tool gouging out a deep , bloody furrow in her forehead!

Nikki collapsed on the ground, dropping as if poleaxed. Dead silence hung over the trio for a few seconds, Shana staring at her sister in disbelieving shock whilst Fern took a deep breath, the sight of the huskie girl laid out on the grass and leaking crimson snapping her back to unwelcome reality, drowning her temper in a flood of uncharacteristic guilt.

So freakin' stupid , letting her temper go like that! How the hell could Fern earn the pup's trust now? Fern would be lucky if she shared her mate's bed again before next century at this rate. Slowly, Nikki sat back up. Woozily , the huskie girl put a paw up to her forehead, stared at the blood that was streaming down her cheek and through her trembling fingers for a second, then began to howl at the top of her lungs.

Fern grit her teeth at the anguished wailing, that racket was likely to bring half the Palace running. Moving to shush the pup, maybe tend to her injury and get her calmed down , the irritated adult only managed to cover half the distance to the bawling child before a terrified plea for help from Shana stoped the vixen in her tracks.

"D...Daddy.., Come quick! Nikki's hurt bad!"

Fern's eyes snapped up from Nikki's huddled form, glancing wildly around for the girl's Father. Just great, the one person Fern desperately wanted to remain ignorant of the situation had to be nearby. A moment later , he came into view, running full stride towards his downed child. Kaon, Master and Lord of the Jade palace, looked almost frightened with concern for his girl as he swiftly reached her , knelt down by her side and drew the terrified, screaming puppy into his arms.

Making quiet shushing motions as the big , crimson furred dog fox tenderly cuddled his child, Kaon projected a visible aura of pale green life energy. The gentle healing wave soon soothed away the pup's hurt, and Nikki's yowling sputtered away into hiccuping sobs as she clung to her Father and wept into his broad chest.

Fern bit her lip at the tender scene, Kaon's attention wouldn't be focused on his child forever and when he decided to question just how his daughter had come to be so badly injured...things would get ugly. It was at that moment that Kaon's emerald eyes espied the bloodied trowel, laying a couple of feet away...

He stood, turned to face his mate and Fern knew she was dead.

The dark, black look Fern saw in her Masters eyes was nothing short of terrifying. Kaon had explicitly warned her to never injure either of his children again and the shivvering vixen had just shattered the biggest rule her Master had ever set. He knew who had just hurt his child.

"No more."

Kaon took a single step towards her, Fern backed up by one step of her own. Again, Master Kaon moved one pace in her direction and again, Fern took one step away from him. Tail tucked up between her legs, cringing and whimpering beneath his piercing , hate filled gaze, it was plain to see that this time there would be no bargains made , no orders given. No mercy, no escape.

"K...Kaon.. honey, please...I can explain..."

The big fox was not interested in excuses. Fern's actions had genuinely scared him and frightened for the safety of his children, that was nothing short of a death sentence. Torn from her grasp, far beyond her controll, there was not a single thing the vixen could say or do that would help her worm her way out of this one. As if to confirm her terror that the situation had deteriorated into seriously lethal territory, Kaon spat a single word of command.

"Shrike!"

Materializing from the ether, Kaon's personal long blade , a semi sentient vorpal sword, blossomed in his grasp. Fern fell backwards onto the warm earth , staring at her Master with mounting panic as he made a balanced, preliminary cutting motion with the whistling, crystal edged weapon. This was no longer simply a family disagreement or a personal reprimand, this was an execution.

"Baby.. don't do this! Please don't..!"

Babbled pleas had no efffect on the determined male vulpine and Fern fought the sudden urge to turn tail and run. Where would she go? This entire Palace was Master Kaon's domain, there was no refuge here from his wrath and his words were abrupt , laden with dark, absolute finality.

"It's over, Fern. You will not endanger my children any more."

Kaon slowly advanced on her once more, blade held ready for the arching cut that would end her life , he had no fear of scarring his children with a display of bloody violence , the sword would sever the vixen's soul rather than her flesh, leaving her little more than an empty husk. Gritting her teeth together, fighting the shameful, hot tears that threatened to trickle from her beautiful hazel eyes, Fern took a final , deep shuddering breath.

"Then.. just make this quick."

If this really was to be her end , the proud, fiery vixen was determined to face it with at least some dignity. Moving to a kneeling position, Fern bent her head forwards, exposing the back of her slender neck. If Kaon was so adament to take her life.. then so be it. There wasn't a power in the entire universe that could stop him, or so Fern thought.

"Daddy.. NO!"

Fern was knocked back onto her rear by a fuzzy little angel of mercy who threw her arms around the vixen's neck in a tender, valient attempt to shield her Mama from the Master's rage.. and it wasn't Shana's doing. It was Nikki who had interposed herself between the lethal blade and her stunned mother's trembling flesh.. Staring at her child with mute disbelief, Fern had never felt so wretched. Creator only knew she didn't deserve this pity, wasn't worthy of such love.

Kaon's face twisted into a rictus of agonised hesitation, It was obvious the big fox was fighting like hell for control of his emotions and for the first time, the wickedly sharp point of his blade wavered and dipped. No one, least of all him had expected Nikki to show such deep personal love for the vixen who had done nothing but torment her for centuries.

"Daddy..Please don't hurt Mama... she can't help it... she doesn't know any better.."

Kaon stared with wide eyed wonder at his teary eyed huskie girl, clinging desperately to her mothers neck. The big fox was utterly gobsmacked by the simple, yet perfectly accurate reason for Fern's consistent , vile behaviour. Fern didn't know any better...and it was so obvious! Closing his eyes momentarily , the vulpine deity thought back to the early days of Fern's life.

Growing up bereft of parental love, running from her abusive father, Fern was a street rat. Having to fight for every scrap, every morsel, the vixen never had a childhood in any sense of the word. She had never felt a mothers loving warmth, or a fathers caring discipline. Reliant on herself , her cunning and her fists to keep her safe, Fern was a short tempered survivor ill suited to motherhood.

It was a cruel truth that the big vixen had only wanted to bear Shana as a method of securing her position as Kaon's first mate. So no wonder she had resented Nikki when Kaon had adoped the pup as Shana's companion and Nikki's recent refusals to forgive Fern made more sense than mere childish petulance. In her own way, Nikki had been trying to make Fern understand, although the lesson fell on deaf ears.

Taking a deep, long breath, Kaon opened his eyes once more. The sight that greeted him nearly broke his heart. Shana had joined her sister and mother, huddled together, cuddling for reasurance and all three of them were waiting for his decision, looking at him , watching with tear streaked eyes. No matter what, Kaon would not threaten his children with a blade in his paw and sensing the Masters desire, Shrike faded back into the immaterium from which it had come.

Although disarmed, Kaon was far from defeated. Fern had escaped her fate by the love of their children but that was no garuntee the arrogant vixen would change her ways. In fact, If past experience was any indicator , she'd be good as gold for a week, maybe two then go back to being a grade A bitch. That was an outcome the Master swiftly decided was not an option. He would put and end to this once and for all, teach a lesson that would not be so swiftly forgotten and he'd need the help of his children to do it.

"Shana, Nikki. Step away from your mother. You have my word I will bring no harm to her , but there are things the two of us need to... discuss."

Both girls only hesitated a moment , before doing as Kaon ordered. They both knew Papa had given his word that their mother would be safe and they trusted him implicitly. For her part , bereft of the comforting closeness of her children and the safety they brought, Fern suddenly felt very small and scared beneath the Master's shadow. That feeling of being so tiny , so helpess only grew as Master Kaon towered over her trembling body.

"Fern... you have been granted a reprieve through the love of our children and I aim to ensure you never forget what they did today."

Shrinking beneath his gaze, Fern let out a terrified, despairing whimper. Kaon was through playing games, his voice was cutting into her heart as easily as any physical blade. Dominating, intimidating and unstoppable , Fern felt the full power of the Master's power turned against her body , it left her gasping for air, crushed beneath the weight of his will.

"What i am going to do is not simply for your own good, but for the benefit of my entire palace. No one will ever suffer beneath your temper again, this I swear..."

Constricted , compacted like a python gripping it's prey, Fern struggled weakly, futiley against the rising tide of blackest night that threatened to consume her senses. Her vision faded, then her sense of touch, although her hearing remained sharply acute. Kaon's last words were cold comfort..

"And I also do this.... for myself. You are the first of my true loves.. and I refuse to simply give you up without a fight!"

Darkness swamped Fern's very existance , a fathomless , inky well of eternal ebony , it infused every part of her being , heart, body and soul.. So scared... so lonely.. so small... the last sound the terrified vixen heard before oblivion claimed her was the soft, gentle melody of a crystal flute.. and it was so very far away... ****************************************************************************** With a sudden, startled yelp, Fern sat bolt upright in her bed. Coming round from that absolute dark was a shock in of it'self, but to find herself seemingly safe and sound in her own room was an even greater surprise. The next little surprise was far less plesant... Fern's head felt like it was splitting open and the vixen let out a soft whimper of discomfort.

Her ears twitched at the sound of her own voice. It was.. different somehow.... higher pitched, almost squeaky. The nasty surprises continued to roll in as Fern lifted her paws in front of her face. They were smaller, less well defined.. not as strong as they used to be... just like the rest of her body. Mild panic set in as the female fox rolled clumsily off her wide bed, utterly bereft of her usual practiced grace and scrambled over to her vanity mirror. The fact that she needed to climb up on the chair to properly get a good look at herself was the final damning evidence she needed. The last nail in the proverbial coffin that brought hideous reality to Fern's wild speculation.

Headache all but forgotten, Fern stared stupidly at the unfamiliar image reflected in the mirror for what seemed like eternity, her mind having a hard time processing the humiliating truth. Finally throwing her head back, Fern let out a howl of pure unadulterated rage!

"Kaon....you.... Fucking BASTARD!!"

Little fists slamming into the top of her vanity desk in a puny display of childish temper, Fern wailed, bawled and ranted. Cursing her fate, Kaon, the Creator himself, anything and everything , the vixen swept all her cosmetics off the vanity top with a wild flailing of her uncoordinated arms. Her temper did not last long as cold reality set back in. Fern looked back up at her reflection , staring back at her was a little girl. A vixen cub of no more than six years old.

This was some kind of sick joke, a cruel , malicious prank designed to shock her into submission. Kaon couldn't possibly mean to have her live as a child for any length of time, could he? All the evidence Fern could see pointed to the same conclusion.... it was exactly what her Master intended.

First and foremost was Fern's physical apperance and her mental state of mind. Her body was obviously only six years old, naked apart from fuzzy , orange fur. The slight lack of co-ordination, her insignificant muscle strength , it all pointed to a perfect age regression. Not only that , Fern could feel the difference in her thought processes. Everything that had defined her as an adult was gone, replaced by childish whimsy.

The well groomed , much loved crew cut her adult form had favoured was gone , replaced by shoulder length locks of chestnut hair that looked to have been recently brushed.. Fern's craving for nicotine was also absent, for the first time in as long as she could remember, the two packs a day smoker didn't need a hit... though she certainly could have used a smoke right now.

Her room had also been radically altered. Gone was her leather biker decor , no more motorcycle memorabillia, oiled woodgrain or licence plates. Also absent was her custom bar and the many varieties of liquor contained within. In place of all the things she had come to love were pink lace curtains, pictures of clouds and rainbows , comfy beanbags and plush toys.

One bright light remained constant, however. Fern's beautiful emerald collar, Master Kaon's personal symbol of love, loyalty , devotion and family still sat snug around her neck. He hadn't taken it from her , so there was still hope...

Staring around her new room , a curious mixture of anger and exitement welled inside the newly regressed child. On one paw, Fern was upset that her life had been so thourahly turned on it's head, but on the other... she simply couldn't wait to see what goodies were in the big toy chest she spotted lurking in the corner next to her wardrobe.

The new cub's eager explorations were put on hold , however when there was a soft knock on her bedroom door. Despit the fact Fern did not expressly grant entry, her visitor stepped into the cub's room regardless. The familar form of Miss Yasmin brought little more that a contempuous huff from the girl, although the demure mouse maid chose to ignore the disrespect.

"How do you feel, Fern?"

It took a supreme effort of willpower on the cub's part not to simply fly off the handle at such a ludicrous question. Fern almost growled at the blond haired mouse.

"How the deuce do you think I feel? What are you even here for, Yasmin? Come to gloat over your fallen rival?"

Yasmin let out a quiet sigh and sat own on the edge of Fern's new bed. After rearanging her long skirt to make room for the cub, the empathic mouse patted the bed next to her. Fern hesitated a moment, before taking the proffered seat. As much as the little cub hated to admit it, she did need someone to talk to right now.

"I'm here in my capacity as Palace counselor. Nothing more. I needed to be sure you were alright.. It must have been a shock for you, realising you were only a quarter of your usual age."

Fern compressed her lips to stop the tremor that had started , stared at the carpet and began to swing her legs back and forth, looking the very epitomy of an upset little girl. Yasmin put a comforting arm around the vixen's shoulders as the six year old tried to remain composed. Despite her efforts, Fern was utterly unable to keep a teary tremor from her voice.

"Why.. why would Kaon do this to me? I don't understand."

A friendly smile creased the grey furred mouse's muzzle. Now that she was convinced that Fern had gotten over her initial shock at the age regression, Yasmin decided it was safe to let someone else talk to the cub, someone as anxious to see Fern as Fern would be to see him.

"Why don't you ask him yourself? Master Kaon, Fern is ready to see you."

Head snapping up , eyes locked on the door to her room, Fern took a deep breath as Master Kaon made his entrance. The dog fox had most likely been waiting outside until Yasmin gave him the ok. None to pleased by the sight of the male who had done this to her, Fern tried to look as severe and annoyed as she was able. The result was not quite what she expected.

"I must say, Fern, you are cute when you're angry."

The warm smile on Kaon's features only made the cub more irritated, crossing her arms, turning up her little nose and lapsing into an adorable pout. Although when Master Kaon took a few more steps towards her, Fern felt a sudden nervous shivver run down her spine. The Master's presence had always been intimidating, his bearing and stature made him an imposing figure, and it was infinitely more humbling when you were so small and delicate.

Kaon sat on Fern's other side, opposite Miss Yasmin. Sandwitched between the two adults, the increasingly apprehensive cub glanced from fox, to mouse and back again. Neither grown up made any sort of sudden move , instead they were obviously waiting for Fern to make the preliminary opening gesture. Ok then, she'd ask her question again, directly to the person who held the answers.

"So why? Out of everything you could have done to me , why this?"

Her eyes sought his, she needed to see what his emotions truely were and Kaon met her gaze confidently and with surety. Fern could see no malicious intent behind those deep emerald windows to the soul, only familiar, quiet determination and such tender affection the cub couldn't help but blush.

"You never had a childhood, growing up as you did. You do not know what it means to be a child. You never learned day by day what it meant to grow up. As far back as your memories go, you've always been an adult , always been treated as one and you treat everyone else the same way, no matter their age."

Fern's gaze dropped back to the carpet and she resumed swinging her legs. It was true, what Kaon had said. That was how she'd always felt , on every level. Master Kaon put a friendly, gentle paw on her shoulder, offering comfort and reasurance.

"This means in essence , you don't have a clue how to act with children. You have no idea, to you, they are simply small adults. You don't understand the difference, never having had a 'childhood' of your own."

Slowly, Fern looked back up at her Master, the fox who had regressed her age, whom she loved with all her heart. Understanding had begun to dawn on her, why he had done this but the trembling cub still had to hear Kaon say it. Just to be sure.

"I could have imprisoned you.. tormented you in a thousand different ways, but what purpose would that have served? You would have learned nothing. Instead, I gave you this chance. Gave you the greatest gift I could, I've given you your childhood back, Fern and what you choose to do with that gift is entirely up to you."

So that was it. That was Master Kaon's judgement, his.... gift. Fern went back to staring at the carpet, slowly coming to terms with her new situation. Both adults let her have a few moments, she remained still , although the expressions on her face ran the entire gamut from fear to joy to anger. Taking a few deep breaths , Fern decided she wanted more clarification on just what she was supposed to do.

"So... how will this work, exactly?"

Kaon petted her gently, hastened to provide his new cub with all the answers she would need.

"You are going to assume the identity and role of my third daughter. You will be expected to show the same respect and obedience as Shana and Nikki do. I also expect you to attend the school hall lessons and any perform any chores I set you. Other than that, you are free to play as you wish. Most importantly, you are to learn what it means to be a child. You will eventually regain your adult body, your growth will be tied to your learning. As you begin to understand what I want you to learn, your body will grow older. Thus it could take you a hundred years, or just a few weeks to regain your adult form."

Nodding with understanding , an almost happy smile broke the sullen little cub's features. Fern could see what Kaon was trying to do, he was giving her the chance to experience something she had thought forever lost.

"Guess I had better get dressed then and start learning. "

Fern tried to slide off her bed but Master Kaon's firm paw stopped her. Not missing a trick, the special look that passed between Miss Yasmin and her new Father did not go unnoticed. When Kaon spoke , his tone had that slight authorititative inflection to it that the vixen had heard many times before and it did not bode well.

"Not yet, Fern honey. There's still something that needs to be done."

So saying, Kaon slid back on the bed a foot or so, then patted his lap in an all too familiar manner. Fern's jaw dropped in disbelief. It was fairly obvious that the dog fox wanted her to lay over his lap and recieve her first spanking. Transferring her gaze from Kaon's lap, to his calm face and back to his lap again, Fern could only sputter.

"B...but why?"

Master Kaon was quick to state his intention and reasoning behind the unwanted turn of events.

"The objective is threefold, Fern. Firstly, to show you that I am one hundred percent commited and serious about making this work. This is no game , nor will it be treated like one. Secondly , it is a demonstration and reminder that you are subject to the same discipline I deliver to my other children. Thirdly.. if I'm not mistaken, your last bout of temper hurt Nikki very badly and you have yet to face any real consequince for this."

He really wasn't kidding around. Fern seemed to shrink in her seat, fuzzy tail curling against her thigh, little ears lying flat against her chestnut hair. It was the very image of foxy submission. There was no way Fern wanted this.. it was rediculous, embarrasing and humiliating.......... and it would hurt. Lower lip beginning to tremble uncontrollably , just like any litle girl facing the prospect of parental discipline , Fern begged with her eyes, pleaded with Kaon not to do this to her. The only response was another pat of the adult's lap.

"Fine."

Snapping off the word like a lit firecracker, Fern gritted her teeth together and did as she'd been asked, shuffling forwards, laying facedown over her Father's lap. Outwardly, she seemed almost contemptuous of her predicament, inwardly however, the six year old was shaking like a leaf. Kaon helped position his new daughter properly , her pelvis resting against the swell of his thigh, then gave her a gentle pat in the small of her back, just above her tail base. That was the signal to raise her tail and keep it up till he was done.

Fern tried to obey , she really did, but her rebellious little foxy tail refused to comply. It remained steadfastly glued to the back of her thighs, no matter how much willpower the cub exerted in trying to raise it like a good girl should. A second firm pat to the base of her naughty little tail soon followed, but even then Fern simply couldn't muster the courage to lift that fuzzy appendage and expose her poor bottom to the Master's discipline. A soft, sniveling whimper of despairing misery finally bubbled from her maw, accompanied by the first few leaking tears.

"I don't wanna..."

Ashamed to her very core by how frightened she was, Fern could only sob and tremble as Kaon took a firm but gentle grasp on her tail and lifted it over her back, holding it in place. Now exposed and vulnerable , a shudder of near panicked dread rippled through her tiny frame as she felt the Master's wide paw make soft, preliminary contact with her small, pert little rear as her new Father lined up his first swat.

Far worse than the quiet, child like fear of impending pain was a nagging terror secreted in the back of Fern's mind. Old, old memories, long since locked away were resurfacing to haunt the vixen. Memories of being held down and beaten by a cruel , uncaring parent. Belts, electical cord, fists and feet, even metal pipes, nothing was too far a stretch for his drunken wrath. Ghost pains teased the nerves of her thighs, awoken by memories of agony long since past, her young age, her begging, the screams and blood.. it had meant nothing to him and now... it was happening again.

Bunching up the bed sheets in her little paws, sobbing and shaking , even before the first swat fell, Fern felt Kaon's large paw leave her backside and knowing full well what that entailed, tried one last desperate, heartfelt plea for mercy.

"Daddy... please don't.."

With a faint rush of air ending in a dull snap, Kaon brought his flat paw down onto Fern's quivvering flesh, a firm, medium powered swat just above her thighs. The six year old's reaction to her spanking was nothing short of extreme. Every muscle in Fern's small frame tensed, pulled taught as she felt the biting pain from that first swat blossom beneath her tail, a long bawling wail erupting from her maw, a cry of pure lonely despair.

If Kaon was surprised by her response to that beginning swat, he gave no sign, only lifted his paw from Fern's little bottom and spanked the cub a second time. Now the only sound that was heard in response to that slap was a breathy whimper of terrified anticipation. Still expecting the calm swatting to degenerate into the sort of brutal violence she was accustomed to , Fern could do little else but shudder and stare at the far wall of her room from tear blurred eyes.

The hideous, ripping agony the cub was expecting never happened. Instead, Kaon contnued with that same steady spanking rhythm. Yes it hurt , it ached a little , there was a bit of sting but there was none of the cruel wrath Fern had believed every beating contained by default. It took a minute or so, but gradually , her panic giving way to a calmer sort of acceptance , Fern endured swat after swat from Kaon's restless paw.

Still crying fairly hard as eack spank to her tail end slowly increased the burn , pert orange furred rear flushing a rosy pink, Fern was taught her first big lesson. It was a perfect example of what proper discipline should be and Kaon was an excellent teacher. Soon, despite the pain the six year old vixen was in, the big dog fox was delighted to find he no longer needed to hold her tail up, Fern showing obedience and accepting each hard slap to her sore little bottom. Kaon also knew it took her a lot of trust to maintain her submission through fear.

After a short time, the rain of swats stopped and spanking over and done, Kaon lifted Fern up into his arms for a good long cuddle. It was the second lesson that needed to be taught. As cub and fox snuggled together, Fern whimpering and sniffing against Kaon's shoulder , the moderate ache from her well swatted bottom slowly beginning to fade, the value of such a gesture of care was obvious. The tender hug let her know that her spanking was finished and she still had his love, it was an emotional balm for the heart that worked wonders in making her feel better.

Once Fern's hiccuping sobs had died away into soft sniffles, Kaon let the cub down from his lap and smiled reassuringly. He'd done what he needed to do and it was obvious just by looking at Fern that she understood why it had been done. Heck, she looked an inch taller already. This pleased him greatly.

"Now then, get yourself dressed and Yasmin will escort you to the kitchens, you need something to eat before you can start playing."

Memorys of her token swatting already fading away with the rapidly diminishing pain in her bottom, Fern skipped over to her wardrobe. Clapping her little paws in delight with the wealth of stylish outfits it contained, the cub busied herself with the important task of fashionable dress, not paying much attention to the hurried, whispered exchange between fox and mousemaid.

By the time Fern had finished selecting a soft pink dress and matching t-shirt and dressed herself, Kaon had vanished , leaving the new cub in Miss Yasmin's capable paws. The journey to the kitchens was filled with a sense of wonder as Fern observed the wonders of the Jade Palace through a childs eyes.

Sparkling ornaments, beautiful paintings and curious alien artifacts , even the multicolored crystal walls themselves, things the adult Fern had dismissed as frivolous whimsy now held a deep fascination for the six year old. It took both furs a good amount of time to reach the kitchens with little Fern stopping to gawk at a new fantastic sight every couple of minutes. Eventually however , with an irritated growl, the cubs belly let her know that food was the top priority for now.

Once the two females reached the kitchens, however , Fern's enthusiasm was tempered somewhat by the sight that greeted her eyes. Both Shana and Nikki were present , performing daily chores of dish washing and drying. Shana gave Fern a cheery wave, splashing soapy water around in her enthusiasm whilst Nikki looked one step away from openly hostile , almost snapping the crystal plate she was drying. It was quite obvious both cub and pup knew exactly who the new vixen cub was.

Yasmin seated Fern at a kitchen table and vanished into the magical kitchen pantry to fetch the cub a hot pastie to eat. Once Fern began to enthusiasticaly tuck into her meal, scattering crumbs and flecks of gravy everywhere, the mousemaid whipped up a hot chocolate to wash down her snack. The atmosphere in the kitchen remained civil, if a little cold with both Shana and Nikki concentrating on their job. It was only when Yasmin ordered Nikki to clean up after the little cub that things went awry.

"Nikki, would you come clean up this plate and wipe down the table, please?"

Slowly turning around, the huskie girls face was etched with disbelief. Being ordered to serve as Fern's maid was not what Nikki had in mind when this plan of her Fathers had been explained to her. She still remembered being laid out by the older vixen and the pups outrage was clear in her voice.

"You're kidding, right? Let her clean up her own mess! We all have to."

Yasmin crossed her arms and began to tap her little foot. The grey furred empathic mouse was a good judge of character and it was both her recommendation and Master Kaon's wish that Fern and Nikki become as familiar as possible as quickly as possible. It simply wasn't practical, or sensible to seperate the two of them for fear of hostilities. If something was going to happen, there was no point in delaying the inevitable.

"No, I'm not 'kidding', Nikki. Do as you are told, please."

Setting her jaw and shooting Yasmin a murderous glance, Nikki threw her drying cloth aside and stormed over to where Fern was seated. The vixen cub couldn't keep the smug expression off her face, to Nikki's ever mounting fury. However, as the huskie made a violent grab for the crystal plate that Fern had been using, by accident or design, the pup knocked over the half full cup of hot chocolate and Fern was liberally splattered with the hot, sticky liquid!

For a few stunned seconds Fern stared at the awful mess that Nikki had made of her pretty dress and without thinking, threw herself at the huskie in a juvenile but typical display of temper! Little fists flailing away, Fern managed to land a solid shot under Nikki's jaw that snapped the pup's head to one side.

"Little Bitch! You did that on purpose!"

However, her continued physical assault was doomed to failure, Fern had momentarily forgotten she was now only six years old and was actually up against a much bigger and stronger eleven year old pup. Before she even knew what was happening, Fern suddenly found herself face down on the floor , Nikki sitting on her and pinning her right arm against her back. Surprise swiftly gave way to pain. Nikki was not taking any prisoners as Fern began to yelp with discomfort.

"Had enough yet?!"

Fern squirmed in disbelief and discomfort for a few moments, before giving up. Her reaction was now simply one of a sore and scared little girl, her pained, pathetic wail rising above the general kitchen clamour. Despite the desperate sobs, Nikki continued to pup pressure on the cub's arm, not letting up for a second. Soon even Shana had to voice her concern.

"C'mon Nikki... let her up. It's over, you win."

Nikki's face was twisted into an almost unrecognisable visage of wrath, the pup had been tormented by Fern for centuries and now, for the first time, the door swung the other way. Lips curled in an angry snarl, her hackles up , the pup stayed where she was whilst Fern continued to bawl and lament her situation. Miss Yasmin had let the encounter play out to a degree, but now wished to settle things down.

Nikki was enraged almost beyond reasoning but struggling with herself. Whilst relishing being top dog for once, the pup also knew to enjoy the pain she was causing little Fern was wrong. Yasmin could tell even without relying on her empathy that a simple command to let go wasn't going to work, her soft words were far more calculated that that.

"I know being in control for once feels good, but look at yourself right now, Nikki. Your actions remind me of someone. Now who might that be?"

Nikki blinked once, suddenly concious of the pressure she was exerting in twisting Fern's arm. Letting up a fraction, the pup took a deep , shuddering breath and, as the vixen cubs bawling died away into hiccuping sobs, she leant down to growl into Fern's ear.

"It's not nice, is it? When someone bigger and stronger than you decides they want to hurt you just 'cuz they can!"

So saying, Nikki snapped herself upright and released the stunned, whimpering cub. The pup stormed back over to the sideboard and resumed drying dishes with singleminded determination, coldly ignoring the rest of the kitchen staff that had gathered to observe the drama.

Fern lay unmoving on the kitchen's crystal flagstones. What had happened was a rude shock, a nasty taste of her own brand of medicine. It was more than a little unplesant. Further understanding slowly crept over the vixen girl, reinforced by Miss Yasmin as the small mouse picked the cub off the floor and patted her down, noting the cub seemed to stand another couple of centimetres taller.

"So now you know. You treated Nikki that same way for so very long. I think Kaon will be most pleased to learn of your progress and to learn that Nikki passed her test... although when he arrives here shortly I doubt he'll show his enthusiasm."

That grabbed everyone's attention, the realization that Master Kaon was on his way. It was no stretch of the imagination to believe that the Master would want to keep a close eye on his new cub and make sure all was well. It was also quite probable that he would be less than impressed to learn of the trouble that had already disturbed the quiet of his Jade Palace.

Nikki compressed her lips, continuing at her task, but paying a little more attention now. Fern swallowed hard, when the Master made his apperance, things could get more than a little uncomfortable for both herself, and Nikki. Niether child had long to wait, as Kaon soon made his presence known. Berfore the Master could move more than a pace or two into the kitchen's interior, he was waylaid by Miss Yasmin. The two spoke in hushed tones for a minute or so, Kaon's expression becoming grimmer by the second as the mouse explained the recent disquiet. The Master soon had harsh words for both girls involved in the fracas , but it was Nikki who copped it the worse.

"I do not tolerate violence of any sort in my Palace, even moreso when it is between my children. You should both know better , especially you, Nikki. I will not have you picking on Fern for any reason. I think you and I need a long talk, prefferably with in the confines of my study. Come along now."

Nikki's expression could have soured milk as Kaon began to walk away, expecting her to follow. Her little ears were layed flat against her rose blond hair, muzzle lips curled into an angry snarl and her huskie tail erect and challenging, rather than curled in defeat. Slowly, her foot lifted up to stomp on the crystal floor, the trademark precursor to a full blown Nikki tantrum. It was the one serious fault with her character. Usually, the huskie pup was the first to admit her errors and submit to an earned discipline, provided that she thought it was well deserved. If however, the pup decided her treatment was unfair or unjust, a nasty display of temper was the inevitable result. Right now, getting a spanking for a fight she didn't start was anything but fair to Nikki's mind.

A second angry stomp of Nikki's foot swiftly followed the first and Kaon stopped in his tracks, letting loose a long suffering sigh and turning to face his rebellious pup. It was blatantly obvious by the stubborn , furious expression etched on the puppy's face that a massive tantrum was mere moments away and when that happened it wouldn't matter who started the fight, Nikki would be in for a serious and severe spanking. Fern bit her lip. It was time to show Nikki some of the love she'd never displayed as her mother, Fern knew that she owed her canine child more than mere words could express and not simply for saving her life... if nothing else, the vixen always paid her debts.

"K...Kaon? Umm.. it's not really Nikki's fault... I kinda started the fight."

None of those present noticed the faintest of smiles that briefly flitted across the dog fox's muzzle, when he turned around to face his children, his expression was nothing but severe.

"Well now, is that the truth? Nikki, Fern, you both know what it means, so is this what really happened?"

Fern shot Nikki that special look between children, the one that meant 'this one is on me, so shut your muzzle' and the pup somehow managed to look simultaniously amazed and relieved. Both cubs simply nodded vigorously and Kaon let out a soft sigh, satisfied with how things were proceeding. Had he planned the situation to test Fern's new resolve? Possibly, but only he knew and Kaon was keeping silent on the matter. Insead, he chose to leave Nikki with a both a warning and a reprimand.

"Nikki, I know full well where your attitude was heading. Your tantrums are nothing but rebellious, disrespectful defiance and I will not tolerate it in future, no matter how easy I've been on you in the past. Do you understand me?"

Nikki shuffled her feet, looking appropriately shamefaced, knowing she'd need to be careful in future. Kaon did not make idle threats. His piece having been said, the big dog fox walked smoothly over to Fern's side and laid a paw on her shoulder and the slightly nervous vixen cub let herself be guided out of the room and off towards Kaon's study.

It was known amongst the children of the Palace as 'The Long Walk' and for good reason. Almost every child under Master Kaon's care had felt his discipline at one point or another, even those that were not his immediate Family. When a young cub had commited a grevious offence, violence against another , theft or vandalism of property , his or her parents could be asked by the Master to allow him to take the unrepentant miscreant temporarily under his wing and deliver a more personal touch to the neccessary discipline.

Unsurprisingly, serious offences by the young members of the Palace were an exceedingly rare occurrence. It was the silent dread that lurked in the heart of each and every child of the Palace, the day that Master Kaon sent his summons to their family. Whispers of fearsome pain and harsh, merciless spankings flitted from child to child as a dire warning against misbehaviour. Now Fern found herself subject to that same lonely fear, knowing that more than a simple paw swatting awaited her at the end of her long walk.

Soon standing before the massive , crystal oak doors to the Master's study, Fern found herself ushered in to it's quiet closeness with swift surety. It was a world away from the living crystal walls of the rest of the Jade Palace. Cosy yet grandious in it's decor, the Olde English Victorian style that Kaon preferred made Fern feel like a naughty schoolgirl in the Principals office. No doubt it was deliberately chosen for just that effect.

Many shelves lined the walls of the study, laden under the weight of precious tomes of learning and verse. The thick, plush carpet felt almost springy under Fern's feet as she watched the Master take his seat behind a massive Oaken writing desk. Not escaping her notice, the tall cabinet containing all the discipline tools stood silent sentinel against the right wall, whilst the only sound in the room was that of the softly ticking grandfather clock. Just how many spankings, how much pain had this room seen over the countless millennia? Fern decided swiftly she didn't want to know, that was something only the Master should have to deal with. Kaon smiled ruefully and laced his fingers together before he spoke.

"I had hoped , Fern, that we wouldn't need to have this conversation for at least a week. Whilst I am a tad disuppointed , I am also quite pleased you were honest about the situation. I think I can cut you a little slack for that."

Fern regarded the big dog fox with a mixture of curiosity and interest, by the way he spoke and his carefully chosen words he knew exactly what he was doing when it came to naughty cubs. Since he hadn't immediately put her over his lap, the cub decided to query him on his technique.

"I might as well learn something whilst i'm here, so, what's the difference between a cane and a paddle, and the different types and sizes? Beyond the obvious, that is."

Kaon leant over his desk a little, one eyebrow arching with surprise at her unexpected question and was slightly suspicious of her motives. Fern could see he was unsure of exactly why she would ask that particular question and hastened to explain.

" I'm not trying to weasel out of a spanking , it's just that If i'm ever going to grow up to be a proper Mother to our girls , I need to know exactly what each impliment is capable of in the proper paws."

Master Kaon smiled faintly , pleased by the sincerity in Fern's voice and stood from his seat ,moving to the discipline cabinet and throwing it open to begin the requested lecture.

Fern noted the three types of switches, willow, beech and oak, three sizes of paddles , one slightly bigger than a hairbrush , the middle one doubling the size of that, resembling a large butterpat and the largest one was almost the length of a man's thigh and nearly as broad. Three lengths of cane also caught her eye , the nursery cane not much bigger than the small wooden switches , a standard junior school cane and the monstrous birch cane. Above all these hung the black shadow of the terrifying, heavy blister paddle. Kaon poined out each impliment in turn as he spoke.

"Paddles versus a cane is simple, a paddle covers a far broader area than a cane , delivers a somewhat duller initial blow and far more sustained ache and burn that can be built up to extreme levels over a long time. A cane stroke is far sharper, a fierce blast of initial pain , however great care must be taken when wielding a cane for an extended period as it is quite possible to make a child bleed if welts are crossed over or the stroke is too harsh. That is something a disciplinarian must never do."

Nodding to herself , listening well to Kaon's words, Fern reflected upon the many times she had 'disciplined' the girls as an adult. To her shame, there came the realization she had almost always failed miserably in her duty. If Kaon noticed the slight droop in her posture, he gave no sign.

"The differences in size between the three sizes of paddle and the three canes are also simple, the bigger the impliment, the greater the effect. Therefore I can match any offense with an appropriate response."

Moving on to the three wooden switches, Kaon pointed each one out and the differences created in them by the particular wood used.

"Each switch is similar in effect, used generally for a fast, light spanking. A short sharp shock if you will. Useful for when you need to deliver a slightly stronger message than a simple 'time out' but not warrented enough for a proper paddling or caning. Each switch has a unique property to it thanks to it's material, for example the willow is bendy and has far more whipping sting to it's stroke , Shana particularly detests it. Nikki on the other hand , hates the stronger 'bite' of the less flexible oak whilst the beech has both qualities in lesser amounts. Of course, an extended switching is still quite a viable alternative for a longer, harsher punishment and it can be especially effective if the child in question hates being switched. "

Tone becoming softer and more subdued, Kaon removed the blister paddle from it's mount and held it out for Fern to take. It was a huge paddle , even larger than the biggest of the three standard paddles and the cub was surprised by it's weight, considering the six golfball sized holes drilled into it's surface. A small chill ran down her spine when Fern realized it was actually crafted from polymer alloy, rather than wood. The amount of pain it could inflict in practiced, knowledged paws was a sobering thought. Kaon watched the six year old study the nightmarish impliment for a few moments.

"I hate that thing. Hate the sight of it, it's feel and what it can do. The blister or bumblebee paddle as it's called is an hideous tool. It combines the best and worst of a paddle, a belt and a cane to deliver an agonising blow. It's extremely heavy, yet easy to wield, fast and hard. Cut's the air with almost no resistance due to the holes and delivers a swat that transfers full force with maximum effect."

Fern looked up from the horrible paddle , surprised by the emotion in Kaon's voice. The dog fox looked sad as he took the awful disciplinary impliment from her, seemingly haunted by bad memories as he reflected quietly on the times he'd had to utilize it's excruciating force.

"Only twice have I felt it neccessary to use it on Shana... and thank the Creator, I've never had to use it on Nikki. ...Pray that I never feel it neccessary to use on you."

Almost cringing under Kaons sudden intense gaze , Fern decided to change tack, suddenly wanting to divert his attentions from the frightening paddle the big fox held in his paws and the fact that she was actually here for a spanking after starting a fight, something her Father frowned heavily upon.

"So.... how do you know what all these can do? I mean, it's not like you could find anyone who's gonna spank you for being a bad deity or anything."

Although it was meant as humour, the expression on Kaon's face suggested Fern had actually hit closer to home than she'd expected. After a few quiet moment, the vulpine male smiled wearily.

"When Shana turned six I decided that my typical methods of trying to controll her were not working. Yes, you can restrict privelidges , take away toys, give more chores, but how do you constantly enforce this? If you keep doing these things, they eventually lose their impact and may actually lead your child to resent you. A single spanking , delivered with care and love is a message that cannot be ignored, but before I was willing to put Shana over my lap, I first needed to learn, or be taught what proper discipline was."

Fern's eyes grew very round with the realization of just what Kaon was saying and of the lengths he had gone to. What he had done to insure he was qualified to discipline his children, to make absolutely certain he knew everything there was to know, what he had subjected himself to in order to learn, most would not wish upon their worst enemy. Yet he had endured it out of love for his child.

"It took me awhile to find the right society but I eventually discovered a culture who's criminal justice system suited my needs. Convicted criminals are age regressed back to around six years old and placed in foster care. These foster parents bring order and strict discipline to otherwise chaotic lives. It was a simple matter to sever my powers for the period of time I needed , commit a crime and be sentenced."

Kaon moved over to sit heavily into his recliner , leaning back eyes closed. A faint smile ghosted briefly over his face as he remembered back. After a time, he continued.

"For the first time in my life I was absolutely dependent upon someone else. I was helpless, utterly reliant upon my foster parents for everything, in essence, this was the mortal childhood I had never experienced. They were strict, stern and responsible people, but loving and kind to me, qualities that i'm sure they imparted to my brash, hot headed and entitled younger self. If nothing else, I was eager to learn and boy... did they teach."

A soft chuckle escaped Kaon's maw , but it was a genuine show of mirth. His memories seemed like a reminder of a plesant time in his life, rather than an agony filled horror.

"I learned the the ins and outs of switches, paddles and canes and before you ask, yes it hurt like hell. I was a very good little fox however, and after I had experienced an impliment enough times to effectively analyze it, I made damn sure it wasn't needed to be used on me again, unless required by the planet's Judicial Council."

Fern's eyes suddenly locked on the blister paddle that Kaon still held in his paws and in answer to her wide eyed stare and unspoken query , the fox male nodded once.

"Yep, even this bad boy. Although I had to ask them to use it on me."

Asonished disbelief was etched on Fern's young face, that was almost unbelievable , to actually ask to be blistered!

"Why... why the heck would you ask for that?"

The answer was surprisingly obvious and clinical, Fern somehow knew what Kaon's response would be even before he spoke.

"Same reason I was spanked with every other impliment they had under their command, to experience what it could do. I simply went to my foster parents and asked them to make me respect my new paddle. So they did. Not overly harshly mind you, but it was still enough. A real eye opener. It was the only time they actually managed to make me howl."

Kaon stood abruptly and walked back over to the discipline cabinet, placing the blister paddle back in it's mount. After a few seconds he turned back round and Fern whimpered softly , ears folding back against her chestnut hair, tail beginning to curl slightly. Her Father was holding the smaller paddle, Kaon looked almost apologetic when he spoke.

"Speaking of howling , theres a naughty six year old who still needs a good hard spanking for starting a fight. Come over here, Fern. Let's get this done."

Just like Kaon.. not to shirk from his duties or give her an inch. Now though, Fern understood why. Kaon knew how she felt, how all his children felt when a spanking was promised, that welling fear in the pit of her belly , the anticipatory dread of the pain to come. He'd been through it all before.

As the trembling cub walked over to stand by her Father , he dropped to one knee and patted it in that oh so familiar way. It was a heartfelt request, asking his child to place her trust in him, to lay over his lap and submit to his will. Fern did as she had been directed, if Kaon didn't feel the need to sit in his recliner, it meant that this would be a quick paddling, hard and very sharp. On reflection, it was so easy to understand the methods and motives for everything he did.

Laying there, over his knee , ready and waiting, Fern felt him lift her skirt and gently rip the velcro tail tab of her panties, then tug the white cotton down her thighs. Soon came the soft pat at the base of her tail and with something approaching pride , Fern raised it as she'd been ordered , feeling Kaon grasp it , holding it firmly back and out of harms way. The entire action was a tender statement of love , saying that he would take good care of her, that it was his desire to help her through this even as it was his responsibility to make her cry.

"Be good for me, Fern honey."

So soft his voice , so quiet. A wish for her to endure her just, earned discipline, with just the merest hint of genuine remorse that he would have to cause her pain. Yet with that , came the knowledge that the cub would recieve exactly what she deserved , not one paddle swat more , or less. A spanking is possibly the hardest task and greatest responsibility a parent can ever face and as always, Kaon rose to the occasion with breathtaking magnificence. Eyes closed, her breathing slow and calm, Fern waited for her paddling to begin.

It began soon enough , a swift, solid paddle swat slammed into her small, pert rear. Fern let out a pained yelp at the explosive burst of discomfort, it was more due to shock then agony. Not hurting quite as bad as the cub had expected, it was still not a plesant experience. Kaon continued the spanking with a moderately fast rhythm and Fern soon discovered the method behind a proper paddling.

That first swat had generated a small amount of burning ache in her rear, the second spank that fell hurt just a tiny bit more due to that ache. The burn in her tail end was amplified by that second blow and in turn , the paddles third impact was the most painful yet. So it went on in ever increasing amounts, swat by swat over long seconds.

Soon enough Fern was bawling and sobbing as Kaon continued his painful ministrations. Again and again the paddle hammered flat the soft tissue of the girl's buttocks, swiftly welting it into a bright rosy red. Copious tears dribbled down the cub's flushed cheeks as she was spanked quite soundly, however it did not last for too long and after a mere two dozen fast swats, Kaon put his paddle aside and drew the trembling girl into his arms for a tender snuggle.

"There we are, all done. Of course, you should realise I went very easy on you. I've been far to pleased by your rapid progress to be seriously upset at a minor lapse of judgement. I'm fairly sure you'll become better aquainted with my paddles at a later date."

There was the merest hint of amusement in the fox's voice, Fern said nothing , merely cuddled into his chest and whimpered. Of course, the cub knew Kaon was right. This was probably the one and only time she'd get off easy. Next time Kaon decided she needed discipline, it would be over his lap for a good long swatting. The crimson furred fox male soon gave her a final gentle pat and a few words of encouragement.

"You don't need to worry about Nikki anymore, honey. You 'took one for the team' as it were and both girls will think far better of you for it. In fact, I hope you all become fast friends. Now, run off and play.... and please try to stay out of trouble for the rest of the day if at all possible."

Straightening her clothing, Fern hastened to do as she was bid. Being a child was certainly an interesting state of being, being so small and helpless yet loved and cherished all the more for it. Now all that remained was to watch , experience and learn all that she could until her adult body had been returned to her. Fern couldn't help but wonder how long that would be...

*************************************************************************

Eight months. Eight short, happy months was all it had taken Fern to regain her adult body. Learning her lessons quickly and completely, the vixen had absorbed knowledge like a sponge absorbs liquid. Eager to learn, with Kaon as her thorough teacher, Fern had been taught the particulars of discipline, one impliment at a time.

A slight smirk creased her muzzle, yes, even the blister paddle. In the end, just before she was granted her full form back , the then fourteen year old had taken that particular paddle to Kaon and simply asked to be taught respect, just as he had all those years ago. So he did. That spanking had made her bawl, it had made her scream , it had made Fern howl her little heart out and develop a singularly healthy respect for both paddle and it's wielder.

Now the adult vixen was her preferred age of twenty once more and faced her first parental challenge in the form of a stubborn, rebellious Nikki. Currently , that particular little miscreant was over Ferns lap, panties round her ankles after a refusal to eat her vegetables turned into a moderate temper tantrum. Kaon had debated taking matters into his own paws, but on reflection, had left the task of delivering the pup's well earned swatting up to his mate.

It was fitting that the familiar surrounds of Kaon's office was the scene for what was essentially her graduation exam. Fern took a deep, slow breath. This was it. Everything was riding on how she performed now, Kaon was sitting a few feet away in his recliner , evaluating her every move and he'd given his assurance of non interferance. For her part, Nikki was cooperating , but it was obvious to see she was a little scared and not simply of the paddling she faced. If the pup was expecting a typical Fern beating , however, she'd be disuppointed in every sense of the word as the vixen's voice was soft, gentle and caring.

"Nikki, honey? I know you don't like broad beans, but you should know better than to blow your top over something so silly! Now look where we've ended up."

Nikki remained silent, unsure of how to respond to a quiet , thoughtful lecture that was quite frankly, out of character for the old Fern. The new Fern was actually surprised at herself, as Kaon had said , proper discipline was far harder than it looked. Finding the right things to say, considering an appropriate response... and the plain fact that the vixen no longer took any pleasure in causing her daughters pain. Quite the opposite , in fact.

"You were very rude, very disrespectful and you even went so far as to badmouth both myself and your Father! I think that deserves a quite a hard swatting , don't you?"

Fern delivered her request for obedience and submission with the customary pat to the base of Nikki's tail and after a seconds hesitation, the pup obeyed.It was not what Nikki had been expecting. Although a small part of the huskie pup resented being used as a guinea pig, she was now intensely curious as to her Mothers new, responsible disciplining technique. Like Kaon, the pup simply had to see if Fern was able to follow her carefully chosen words with a firm, controlled paw , no matter how painful that might be.

"Y..yes, Mama. I'm sorry for being rude. I'll be good, I promise."

Looking over at her mate for a split second, the big vixen could see Kaon nodding his approval. Fern nodded once , returning the gesture and took a deep breath. Taking Nikki's tail in a firm but gentle grip, Fern lined up her stroke square across her child's buttocks, raised the tip of the paddle in her paws towards the ceiling, then brought it down hard.

*Fin