Sunset's human world origin

Katon family backyard
Date: Dec 12th, time: 6:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

“Close your eyes, empty your mind, and listen to the world around you. Listen to the Earth, the trees, and the universe at large. This connection to the Earth is what made the ninja legendary and what allows us to do the near superhuman feats that made us feared.”, Anzhong said.

“This sounds like earth pony stuff.”, Sunset said.

“Earth pony?”

Shit! “A group of people from my homeland. They have a special connection to the planet and draw strength from it.”

“Well then, I suppose this is ‘earth pony stuff’.”, Anzhong said with a smile.

The two sat there in silence, listening.

“When are you going to teach Emi this?”

“When she’s a bit older and not busy bouncing off the walls.”

Okay now, the two sat there in silence, listening.

Minerva’s house
Date: Dec 13th, time: 12:00 pm

*Minerva’s perspective*

Minerva was, in her office, wrapping up work for the week. The work was tedious at times, but it paid well, and she was good at it. The thing that really kept Minerva doing it was that she could do it 100% from home, but she was glad that she was done for now.

“12, I should take the girls somewhere. They all really need socializing.” Where though.

After some deliberation, that included the Air and Space Museum, Minerva decided on the nearby park. I can take them to the museum next time.

Minerva made her way upstairs and into the backyard, where the girls were. The girls were playing tag. Something that brought a smile to Minerva’s face was that Sunset and Emi were going much slower than they could. Anura was always slower than Emi, and Sunset’s older than them with longer legs. They’re giving her a fighting chance.

“Girls, as soon as you are done with your game we’re going to go to the park. Make sure you pack everything you need.”

The two younger girls were excited by this, but Sunset became nervous. Minerva made her way over to Sunset in response.

“Sunset, are you okay?”, Minerva said.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s nothing.”, Sunset said quickly.

“We don’t have to go if it scares you.”

“No, no, it’s okay.”

“Okay”

Canterville park
Date: same day, time: 12:15 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset, Emi, Minerva, and Anura walked to Canterville park, and Emi and Anura ran straight for the swings. Sunset merely stayed by Minerva’s side.

“Sunset, are you sure you’re okay?”, Minerva asked.

“I’m fine.”

“Sunset, I know you’re lying. What’s wrong?”

“Why are you friends with my parents?”

“You’re changing the subject.”

“Answer my question, and I’ll answer your question.”

Minerva took a deep breath before speaking. “I met your parents back in college. We wouldn’t become the friends we are until later, however. When I finished college, I joined the military. Right when I was done with training, our county was attacked, and we went to war. I was a part of the initial invasion. Everything I saw over there messed me up, and I couldn’t get the help I needed. Your mother approached me, and we bonded over our shared war traumas. Her knowledge of humans actually really helped me get perspective on what happened to me. Our relationship only grew from there. Your turn.”

“The last time I was in a park, I was attacked by a group that bullied me at school. I was rising up in the political ladder of my country, and their families considered me a threat. The group decided to deal with me directly and threatened me if I didn’t renounce my position. I fought back and won, but I still don’t like parks.”

-

“We can leave if you want.”

“No, I don’t want to get in the way of Emi’s fun.”

Brigid’s greenhouse
Date: same day, time: 6:00 pm

*Brigid’s perspective*

Sunset and Brigid were tending to their crops in silence. At this point, Sunset had learned how to do her jobs; so, no instructions were needed. They stayed that way for a while, until Sunset asked a question, “Why did you choose to study anthropology?”

“‘Hat do ya mean?”

“I know why you choose to teach it, but why did you choose to study it in the first place?”

“Ah guess- Ah guess Ah wanted ta know why all ‘hat had happened ta me happened. Why humans were capable a’ doin’ such evil.”

“Did you get your answer?”

“Yes”

“What was it?”

“Fear”

“Fear?”

“‘Hen hardship happens, humans need somethin’ ta blame. ‘Hey need ta make da unpredictable world we live in predictable. Da chosen scapegoat sometimes comes in da form of another group a’ humans, or human singular. As much as we try ta control and learn ‘bout da world, ‘here will always be ‘hings we can’t control or understand, and ‘hat scares people. ‘Hat eventually morphed inta believin’ ‘hat people who don’t follow y’r religion are wrong n’ subhuman. Fear is da origin a’ human evils.
‘Hat doesn’t mean ‘hat da absence a’ fear is any bette’.” Wait a minute. “Sunset, do ya know da meaning a’ courage?”

“Of course I do. My parents’ people drill that into us from the moment we can talk. It means to be able to overcome great fear in order to do great things.”

“Good, ‘hat makes ‘his simpler. Da absence a’ fear isn’t any bette’. Da absolute lack a’ fear within a person is called psychopathy. ‘Here are other parts ta psychopathy as well, including lack a’ empathy; resultin’ in someone who can do great harm n’ not fear da consequences. -- Platinum is an example of someone who has psychopathy.”

Katon family home
Date: Dec 24th, time: 6:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

It was the Katons’ annual Christmas party. Same ordeal as the Thanksgiving party, small families or people with no families that they liked and lots of food. The only differences being the decorations and a secret Santa. Sunset was a bit more comfortable this time around, having been around these people before. People were talking, laughing, and generally having a good time. The younger kids were outback having a snowball fight, which Sunset just came inside from.

As Sunset came inside, she spotted Fleur de Lis watching something on a tablet. Curious, Sunset walked over to her.

“Whatcha watchin’?”

“Uh? Oh, hi Sunset. My dad’s having me watch videos of pro fencers so I can improve my skill.”

“At a Christmas party? Wouldn't you rather do - anything else?”

“My dad says I have to watch these every day, no exceptions.”

“Really? Who is your dad?”, Sunset says, looking around the room.

“Oh, he’s not here. He’s back in Canada.”

“Then how would he know if you, say, enjoy yourself? Plus, - can you show me the video?”

Fleur turned the tablet to Sunset. Sunset instantly recognized the sport.

“Plus, I used to fence, and I can tell you that you can only learn so much from the sidelines.”

“You used to fence?”

“Yep, now come on. It’s a party. You should be having fun.”

“O-kay”, Fleur said hesitantly.

“Wanna play a video game?”

“Yes”, Fleur said with energy.

The two played for a while, until the doorbell rang. Sunset quickly did a mental headcount and realized, everyone was already here.

“That’s odd. Nobody left, and everybody that was at Thanksgiving already arrived.”

“Maybe it’s the police. In the movies, the police will sometimes come to breakup parties.”

“Maybe? Wanna go look?”

“Sure”

Sunset turned off the game, and the two got up to move the front door. Minerva was also making her way to the door. When the three got there, the door was opened, and Sunset was the first to speak. “You aren’t supposed to be here.” Standing at the door was Pristine and Hick Blue.

“Well hello Sunset. It would appear that our invitations got lost in the mail. Would you please let us in?”

“Yeah, no.” Sunset turned back to the party. “Mom! It’s Pristine and Hick!”

With that, Brigid came rushing to the door. “Ah told both of ya ta neve’ come back ‘ere. So, ‘hat do ya think y’r doing here?”

“We’re family, and Christmas is about family.”, Pristine whined.

“I’ve known rocks that were better family than you. You’re both vile pieces of crap humans.”, Sunset said angrily.

“You watch your mouth, Chonky!”, Hick shouted.

The party went quiet, and everyone was now moving to get a look at the action.

Brigid was now standing on the front porch. Making herself look as threatening as possible. “If ya don’t get off ma property right now Ah’ll -”

“You’ll do what, Bogtrotter! You’re a wimp!”, Hick shouted.

Brigid took a step forward, and Hick punched her in the chest. The punch did nothing but make her angrier.

“Man, you are an idiot.”, a guest said in his heavy Jamaican accent.

Brigid, in response, uppercut Hick, sending him off the porch. Pristine tried to grab for Brigid, but Minerva stepped in, sending her to the ground with a solid hit to the liver. Hick tried to get up, but Brigid just walked over and pressed her boot into his chest.

“Now, y’re both gonna ta leave, and if you eve’ come back, Ah’ll kill ya.”, Brigid said in a cold, even tone.

Brigid let Hick get up, and Hick went over to help his wife up, the whole time giving everyone stink eyes. The two got back into their car and drove off. The party was uneventful for the rest of the night.