Tales of the Tournaments

The ride back to the hotel was uncomfortable, and AT was glad to make it back to her room with Alex.

"Is it really gonna be like last time?"

"Well, at least Foudy ordered us into our pajamas in the corner, and didn't say anything about bare this time," Alex replied with a groan.

AT nodded and flopped back on the bed as her phone started pinging. 

Dasani14: It will surprise nobody to know that Foudy brought a paddle

TheCap10: However, while we may have been slightly mistaken about the size last time, this time we are sure as hell not

AT paled at Emily and Lindsey's messages. "Foudy really for real brought a big paddle this time, Tia Alex."

"That's...not a comforting thought." Alex didn't know what else to say as she leaned against the corner. She really shouldn't be saying anything. 

AlyssaT: Uh...how big is big?

Dasani14: Like as long as Linds' arm, big. 

GoBatsGo: Please tell me you're bullshitting us.

TheCap10: Sorry Lynn, wish I could, but no.

ZachsBrat: you mean literally the thing Zach says would break me in half

ImTheVeganGay: getting a good look at it now and it seems like it, yeah

Grandma'am: Don't be dramatic Kelley Maureen, I won't be using it to break Julie, or any of you.

ZachsBrat: so wait, are we all getting it with the same thing this time?

"Tia Alex," AT turned from the phone to look at Alex, who was standing quiescently in the corner, apparently trying to shut out her own phone's chiming. "Tia Alex, it's like it could break Tia JJ. That means it could break you too. But she wouldn't. Would she?"

Alex sighed and turned from the corner. "No, mijita, Foudy wouldn't break anyone. She's highly trained and efficient in the use of implements, she has her certification from the Classification Center, even, although you don't really need one to be able to use most implements. It's usually enough to have learned firsthand. Just because Foudy's implements can be scary doesn't mean she is, does it now?"

"Guess not," AT said slowly, thinking of the time she'd run into Foudy at the Reynas' house. "She just wants what's best for us."

"That's right." Alex turned back to the corner.

ImTheVeganGay: Christ on a bike, I thought you promised not to break us, ma'am

Grandma'am: You'll be able to manage the flight tomorrow, just sleep as much as you can

ImTheVeganGay: Has anyone got any biofreeze

Grandma'am: How about HotShot, little girl?

ImTheVeganGay: No thank you I'm not that desperate

SunnySpirit: well that's concerning

HolyTrinity: to say the least

SunnySpirit: Kell makes it sound like the thing's bigger than you are

HolyTrinity: I'm not the team baby anymore

"No, I am," AT murmured, groaning and burying her face in Lavender's fur. She wasn't quite sure what was going on yet, except that Foudy seemed to have brought the same giant paddle for everyone. Maybe the fact it was less of a surprise was meant to be merciful, but AT still didn't much like the buildup to it.

Grandma'am: then you'll take your spanking like the grown up girl you profess to be, Trinity.

HolyTrinity: I should learn to keep my mouth shut shouldn't I

SunnySpirit: That would probably fix most of your problems, yeah Trin

WilmaJeanW: What the hell is going on out there

HolyTrinity: I'm not actually sure whether you're getting a room visit or not

SunnySpirit: She's in with Pinoe tonight, so that would be a yes

"Poor Rose." AT rolled over with Lavender in her arms, hugging her plush reindeer. "She didn't even get to watch the game from the bench, and they kept saying, and now she has to watch Pinoe. Isn't that awful, Lavender?" She made the plush 'nod' in agreement, seemingly sympathetic, as Pinoe herself chimed in on the chat. 

PinoeTwo: I think Foudy thinks sitting out and having her abilities called into question is punishment enough this time. Maybe. For Rose, at least.

Grandma'am: We'll let this be a lesson to her, Megan.

PinoeTwo: Oh, fantastic. Well, not like I have a choice.

Grandma'am: Smart girl.

Then, Rachael Rapinoe, Megan's twin, decided to enter the team chat. (AT wondered just how long she'd been 'listening' without commenting.)

PinoeOne: Of course you have a choice. You can either obey Foudy, or tell her to go fly a kite and let me deal with you when you get home.

PinoeTwo: Rach, what the hell are you doing in here?

PinoeOne: You put me in here yourself so I wouldn't get all the tea from the Trumpublican half of the family for THIS World Cup.

SunnySpirit: Hi Rachael, look, Megan's bratting again.

PinoeOne: And absolutely no one is surprised. That's alright, Foudy's got her.

Grandma'am: That's right Rachael, I do. Come along, Megan.

PinoeTwo: Here goes, hope I don't die.

Grandma'am: Perish the thought.

PinoeOne: Alright, some normal people would like to sleep. Goodnight, sleep well, don't let my twin get herself killed.

WilmaJeanW: Just part of her. Temporarily.

"Do you think Foudy would really kill Pinoe? Even part of her, temporarily, Tia Alex?" AT queried, and Alex sighed in her corner.

"Well, it is Pinoe's last time. Her last tournament, last time putting on the national uniform," Alex reminded her. "She probably wants it to be memorable."

AT grimaced at that. She wondered what would count as memorable for Megan Rapinoe's last time, and if she wanted to find out.

DoYouKnowTheWayToSJ: Is it alright that I'm already terrified?

ThornsMVPSoph: Pretty sure you didn't do anything, Nay

DoYouKnowTheWayToSJ: Terrified for you, bestie

ThornsMVPSoph: Thanks much, Nay, but I'm pretty sure I'm on the low end of Foudy's priorities if she has anyone in mind to murder

Carli10: Murder isn't what I'd call it

Grandma'am: I'm so glad you know that, pet

Carli10: Well this is going to be fun. Someone had to look after Linds and Emmy so they could sleep properly.

Grandma'am: Carli, darling, Lindsey is captain in her own right, she has to learn to take care of herself and Emily without you babying her too much.

And with that statement, Carli was certainly doomed. She declined to answer it, knowing that provoking Foudy further would just make the problem worse. Luckily for Carli's bottom (at the moment, anyway), Foudy was focused on heading to Naomi and Sophia's room. 

AT, for her part, was worried about the others - being the newest member of the 'team youngest club', as it were, had her wondering exactly what Foudy would do with them. It didn't take Foudy long to finish with them, however.

ThornsMVPSoph: Well that was awful, not doing that again in a hurry

DoYouKnowTheWayToSJ: Told you I was worried

ThornsMVPSoph: I live, I just don't want that again

Grandma'am: That is, after all, the point.

AT had been watching all this and worrying anxiously at her lower lip. If the other youngests had been smacked, who was to say she wouldn't be, after all? Especially since she'd been in so much trouble already and had who knows what waiting for her back home...

AlyssaT: Um...so...Linds, Emmy, Lynn, Kelley, Andi, Trin, Pinoe, Soph....who's left? Besides Tia Alex? she asked, clutching tightly to Lavender.

ZachsBrat: Well, there's me, at some point

Carli10: You and I will be going last, that's one reason you're in my room.

FrenchCrystal: Oh so that's why I lose my roomie tonight. Thanks ever so.

Carli10: You'll sit next to her on the plane tomorrow.

FrenchCrystal: I'm sure sitting won't be fun for either of you.

NittanyCub: I feel like that's a little much, Crys

FrenchCrystal: Sorry Lyssa

NittanyCub: Besides, Foudy got here first.

AT looked apprehensively at the message. 

AlyssaT: H-how many? 

She didn't expect an immediate response, and wasn't disappointed when it took a few moments to arrive.

NittanyCub: Two. Two is awful enough. I don't recommend it with that thing. 

Before long, there was a knock on the door.

Gulping, AT obediently went to admit Foudy, hastily stepping back and closing the door once Foudy was inside.

"Ma'am."

"You're very lucky you're not getting this, little one," Foudy said warningly, taking out the Swedish birch paddle and making AT stare.

"W-where--"

"Seger gave it to me on loan, in trade for some of my implements. I'd never have fit it in the bag otherwise," Foudy said. "Come here, Alexandra."

Reluctantly, Alex came to stand in front of Foudy.

"What did we say last time, Alexandra? You're still a wild Baby Horse in need of training."

Alex shuddered. "Yes ma'am."

"Hands and knees, Alexandra."

Alex reluctantly assumed the position on the bed, sucking in a breath as Foudy bared her bottom. She closed her eyes as the birch paddle tapped her bare bottom, and then the first real smack came, making her yelp.

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. The swats were spaced far enough apart for Alex to feel each one, but the burn in her bottom made her sob, clutching the bedcovers so she wouldn't cover up. 

When she heard Foudy put the birch paddle aside, Alex nearly melted with relief. A sharp smack from Foudy's hand brought her back up into position again.

"I don't think I told you to move. Baby horses aren't allowed to do that, are they?"

"No ma'am, sorry ma'am," Alex cried.

"Alright then. At ease," Foudy instructed, and she helped Alex pull her panties and pajama pants back up. Groaning, Alex flopped down on the bed.

"Sleep, both of you. And let's not get into any further trouble."

"Is Tia JJ gonna be okay?" AT whispered.

Foudy nodded. "She'll be fine. Sore, but fine." She looked sidelong at Alyssa. "Do you think you need a taste of this, little girl?"

AT shook her head, braid flying. "No ma'am, please. I'll go to bed right now, promise!"

"I think you need a little reminder," Foudy replied calmly. "Up here by Alex."

Gulping, AT climbed up by Alex, on her hands and knees. She trembled at the thought of the birch paddle, but it was Foudy's hand that connected with her pajama-clad bottom. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. She'd taken the same number of swats as Alex, but they were considerably softer, though AT's bottom was already stinging from Zecira's attentions, so tears filled AT's eyes and she sniffled hard.

"Sorry, ma'am, I'm sorry, I'll go to bed," she promised again.

"Yes you will, little one," Foudy agreed. "Goodnight, sleep well." She tucked AT in with Alex, and with AT's stuffed reindeer. It had been a long night for them all, but AT especially, she thought as she left the room, heading for Carli and JJ's room.

When she entered, it was to find Aly Wagner already there. The Stanford and Santa Clara alumni looked at each other, smiling wryly.

"Are you here to take yours, then, Aly?"

Aly shook her head. "Oh no, I just knew my little Bronco might need some extra...encouragement to stay still, that's all," she said. "I'm here to help, not interfere."

"You can help by going away, Aly," JJ choked out miserably, already positioned facedown, bent over the end of the bed by Carli. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"That's no way to speak to me, Johnston," Aly said firmly, making JJ feel twenty and in trouble again. "You know why I'm here; I literally just told Foudy, and I know you were paying attention. Now, you're being spanked for being yellow carded, plus the guilt, and Carli, haven't you and Foudy already discussed smothering Lindsey with attention? If you're going to visit the girls you have to spread your attention out some. Foudy would appreciate assistance with times like these, especially."

"Lindsey is my little one," Carli retorted. "But the other girls matter too, you're right," she added with a sigh.

"Of course Aly's right, she usually is," Foudy commented. "I think eight for you, Carli, considering all that and your bit of sass here. Julie ten."

"Ten?" JJ yelped, staring.

"Yellow card, guilt, talkback to Aly," Foudy summed up, and JJ groaned. "You're lucky I'm not Lisa," Foudy added, and JJ's face reddened. Did everyone know about that? She supposed Aly must have told Foudy at some point.

"Yes ma'am," JJ said quietly. "I'll behave for you."

Carli squeezed JJ's hand as they lay side by side over the end of the bed, waiting. The first smack of the birch paddle came quickly, covering both their bottoms, and they clung to each other as the swats continued to fall. By six, JJ had a strong urge to throw her hand back and cover up. She jerked her hand back just in time. 

"Aly--" JJ whimpered, and Aly took JJ's hand, glad the other was clasped in Carli's. She stroked JJ's hair. 

"You've held on this far. Just a few more left," she soothed, as tears spilled down JJ's cheeks.

"But Aly, I'm s-sorry," JJ whimpered, and Aly squeezed her hand.

"Be a good girl, my little Bronco. I've got you."

JJ gulped, then wailed as two more smacks cracked down over her sit spots. The burn was intense, and she barely noticed Carli nudged to let go.

Carli crawled up on the bed, still holding JJ's other hand as the last two smacks impacted her thighs. She was sobbing miserably into the bedcovers, and Aly scooped her up, giving JJ a cuddle.

"Okay, little Bronco, breathe for me," she soothed, but the eyes that lifted up to meet Aly's, tear-filled and red-rimmed, seemed beyond understanding Aly's words. All she could do was cry, feeling small as Aly cuddled her.

"Want Daddy," she sobbed, and Foudy sighed, knowing full well what that meant.

"JJ, sweetheart, your Daddy isn't here," she pointed out very gently.

"But need Daddy," the little one cried.

Aly cuddled JJ close. "How about we call Daddy, little Bronco? Will that be okay?"

Slowly, JJ nodded. 

Foudy got Zach on video call, and it was immediately obvious he'd been up to watch the game, and seen everything go pear-shaped for the US. He looked angry - he felt angry - but he crushed that anger under his concern when he caught sight of his love crying in Aly's arms.

"How bad was it, Aly?" he asked, and Aly shook her head. 

"It was enough, but she went little and wants her Daddy right now," Aly said softly.

"Daddy's here, baby girl," Zach coaxed. "I can't be right there, I can't hold you right now, but you'll come home tomorrow and I'll be right there when you get in."

JJ looked forlornly at him. "You said to win or else," she whispered, obviously fighting to collect herself. "We were gonna win, Da--Zach. We were supposed to. But everything's wrong." Her gaze pleaded with her husband to understand, as she tried to regain her equilibrium. "We were supposed to."

"You won enough, babe," Zach said softly. "You gave it your all out there. There were mistakes, sure, but I know you've paid for them and it's alright. All I care about is having you back safe. Okay?"

Slowly, JJ nodded. "Okay."

"And if you need to be little for a while when you get home, that's fine too," Zach added. "I'll make sure everything's ready for you in case."

"But Madden," JJ worried.

"Your sister's been a huge help, love. So has mom. Everything's going to be okay," Zach promised. "Go to sleep, things will be better in the morning. Okay?"

Slowly, JJ nodded.

"Okay."

Aly gave her a squeeze and tucked JJ into bed, Carli getting in beside her to look after the little one.

"Goodnight, girls," Foudy said gently. "You took that well, and all's forgiven, Julie. Carli, remember you're due for maintenance when you come to town with the Gotham girls next."

Carli grimaced. "Yes ma'am."

"Good. Then it's time for you two to sleep."

"And then for us to," Aly added.

Foudy gave a tired nod and they left JJ and Carli's room together. 

It had been a long night.