Author's Note

Spell on display: teleportation
Teleportation is a spell that allows the user to instantaneously travel from one point in space to another. The distance and amount that can be transported is depended on the magic input. Teleportation causes a displacement wave of air or whatever else you teleport into.

Restrictions and Requirements

• Spatial magic affinity
• A high degree of magical control
• Lots of magic

Advantages over similar spells
Teleportation has no restrictions on where you can go, other than power. Where as other spells require contact with a specific element or object, teleportation does not.

Risks
Despite every unicorn having spatial magic, teleportation is a very rare skill. This is in part due to the power requirements but is mainly due to the danger and skill required. Due to the lack of restrictions on where one can teleport to, there is nothing stopping you from accidently teleporting into a pit of lava or a wall.

SHWO ch60 Dreams of memories

*Flashback*

Canterlot Castle
Date: 30th day of the 2nd month, time: 3rd hour 30th AMR

*Celestia’s perspective*

Celestia entered her chambers, ready to retire for the night. As she was about to remove her regalia, the door to her room was slammed open by one of the guards.

“Private Spear Head?”, Celestia asked.

“Princes Celestia, an explosion has been reported in the reliquary. Guards are on their way.”

“Thank you for letting me know.” Celestia charged her horn and teleported into the reliquary. When she got there, she was nearly slammed into by what appeared to be a guard, but Celestia knew that magic signature well. “Sunset Shimmer”

The visage of a guard fell away, leaving behind a snarling Sunset. “Out of my way, Celestia. More is at stake here than you realize.”

“Oh, enlighten me then.”, Celestia said curiously. She wanted to know how she could help her former student. She wanted to know what was going on. The guards had arrived and began falling into formation.

“You know I don’t have time for that.”, Sunset said, then spun around to see the guards.

“You know I can’t let you leave Sunset. Make this easy on yourself and come quietly.”, Celestia said softly.

“You know, there’s an expression from my new home that fits here perfectly.” Sunset in a threatening tone, then spun back around to face Celestia. “We will not go quietly!”, Sunset shouted while raising some unknown object to Celestia.

“What is tha-” Celestia was cut off when an explosion erupted from the object and her crown flew off her head.

“It’s a gun. Think of it like an ultra powerful crossbow.”

“Attack!”, one of the guards shouted.

The guards and Sunset began to battle, and Celestia began charging her spells. Sunset was very skilled but also extremely violent. Celestia knew that she would badly hurt the guards if she was not stopped. Sunset rushed towards the guards, too close for Celestia to safely cast her spell. Philomena soon joined the fight, distracting the guards long enough for Sunset to stab two of the guards.

“BLOOD!” the guards screamed. The smell of the blood made Celestia want to be sick, but she kept her composure.

Sunset waved one of the blades around, splattering blood everywhere, and Celestia knew she was licking the blood off the other one.

“It’s Sunset, the blood eating feind! Run for your lives!”, one of the guards shouted. Several of the guards ran screaming in terror, but Celestia still had about a dozen left and herself. Your tactics may be effective, but I will not fail you again.

Sunset grabbed one of the guards in her magic and used her to shield herself from the other’s attacks. Celestia was shocked by this action. It was barbaric, even for Sunset. Celestia began crafting a spell powerful enough to take Sunset out of the fight but controllable enough as to not hit the guards. Sunset hovered the guard’s body between herself and Celestia. The guard in Sunset’s magical grasp was dripping blood and was not moving. Her eyes were wide open, but they lacked a sparkle. Sunset used that weapon two more times and hit two more guards. She grabbed the two guards to shield her from the others and then turned her attention back to Celestia. Celestia took this opportunity and fired her spell. The spell curved around the guard. Sunset dropped the guards and put up a shield, but Celestia’s spell broke through her shield and hit Sunset square in the shoulder.

Philomena moved to protect Sunset and began hissing at anypony that came near.

“Philomena calm down. We’re not going to hurt her.”, Celestia said in a calming tone. Philomena flared her fire and screeched at Celestia. There was no way she was going to calm her down enough to let them treat Sunset. “I’m sorry Philomena, but this is for both of your goods.” Celestia lit her horn, and in a flash, Philomena was teleported away.

Celestia began another teleportation spell, this one taking them to the royal hospital when a strange sound came from down the hall. Before anypony could figure out what was going on, what looked like a demon came bounding down the hall and rammed into Celestia. Celestia was set stumbling back, and every guard’s attention was now on this new intruder.

“Let’s go! Let’s go! I think I made her angry!”, the demon shouted in a thick accent Celestia couldn’t recognize.

It was then that Celestia noticed that there was a second demon, and that one was abducting Sunset. “You will not take Sunset from this castle!”, Celestia bellowed in her royal canterlot voice. No! No! No! No! No! Celestria was about to call out for Sunset when the demon interrupted her.

“Inside voice! Did your mother never teach you any manners?!”, the creature bolted to catch up with the other demon taking Sunset.

No! No! No! This can’t be happening. Wait, they’re heading for the mirror. Celestia lit her horn and teleported herself in front of the mirror. The demons soon ran in. “Stop this instance!”, Celestia bellowed, but the demons didn’t. The lead demon rammed into Celestia, and they were sent flying through the portal. Celestia had never been through the portal before, and it was very unpleasant.

Celestia hit the ground hard and took a few seconds to regain her barings. The demon apparently didn’t need to do that as Celestia was being hoisted up by her clothing. Celestia would have wondered why she was wearing clothing if she wasn’t too busy being stared down by what Celestia could now clearly see was a red maned creature wearing a mask. The creature looked very different now, and so did Celestia. Their hooves had been replaced by hairless hands, but they weren’t monitors. She had one too many digits.

“Hey, I’m bigger than you know.”, the creature growled.

“Mom send her back through the portal. It would not be good for Equestria to lose her.”, Sunset said while climbing off of the other creature.

“Mom?”, Celestia asked Sunset. These creatures weren’t abducting her? How did she end up in their care? Why was Sunset so much smaller than the three of them?

“You got that right.” The creature picked Celestia up, marched over to the portal, and tossed her back through.

*Present Day*

Canterlot Castle
Date: 26th day of the 7th month, time: 1st hou AMR

*Celestia’s perspective*

Celestia ran the events of that day through her head over and over again. Nothing made sense. She wished she knew what was wrong with Sunset or this humans. She wished she could go wherever Sunset was and help. She wished she knew what to do.

Katon family home
Date: Sep 9th, time: 5:30 pm

*Anzhong’s perspective*

“Anzhong, ya have a lette’.”, Brigid announced.

“Oh, what does it say?”

“It’s in braille.”

“That’s very interesting.”

Brigid gave Anzhong the letter, and Anzhong began to read it.

“Katon Anzhong, you are cordially invited to attend the funeral of Kikuchi Riku. In lue of bushūgibukuro, bring stories and happy memories.
Anzhong, there are pressing matters we need to discuss.”

“Oh dear”

“What?”

“Daiki’s father died.”

“Who? Sorry if ya already told me, but Ah don’t remembe’ anyone by dat name.”

“I never really told you about him. He and I went our separate ways after high school.”

“So, who was he?”

“He’s my first American friend. He was the only other kid in my school that could speak Japanese. That made things easier for a fresh off the boat kid. Skipping to the summer before college, we decided to have minimal contact with each other because it would not be wise for a prosecutor to be seen chummy with the son of the local Yakuza head.”

Apparently a jaw dropping can make an audible sound as Brigid’s just hit the floor. “Anzhong”

“The girls aren’t in danger, and I never did anything illegal with them other than dumb kid stuff.”

“Okay, dat answers my two biggest questions. Now, are ya goin’?”

“I am. Riku was good to me, and Daiki has something we apparently need to talk about.”

“Ah get da feelin’ dat’s not good.”

“With him, it’s never good but not something dangerous to us. He knows better than to try paying me off or other such nonsense. I would like you and the girls to come as well.”

“Are ya sure dat’s a good idea?”

“It’s a funeral. I can only think of one group that would make trouble at a funeral, and they’re westsiders.”

“Ah still don’t like this.”

“We’ll be fine. Daiki will make sure of that.”

Kikuchi estate
Date: Sep 13th, time: 12:30 pm

*Anzhong’s perspective*

Anzhong followed Kiba as they navigated the garden. Anzhong tried to locate Daiki, but there were a lot of people talking. The smell of dirt and gravel, koi, pond water, and a myriad of flowers and foliage, mostly chrysanthemums, filled Anzhong’s nose. Chrysanthemums were the family’s namesake and worked very well as threats with the French influence in the area.

“There you are, Anzhong-kun.”, Daiki called out.

“Twelve years and you still sound like you’re choking on gravel.”, Anzhong remarked.

“Wow, I’ve seen scarred up mugs, but you are the worst by far.”, Sunset said.

“Sunset”, Brigid was about to scold before being cut off.

“They’re a good reminder to always protect the face.”, Daiki responded.

“And to remember when you don’t have a weapon.”, Sunset responded, referring to her own facial scar.

“Oh yeah, that’s a nasty one. You tell me yours; I tell you mine.”

“Sure, I was in fencing class with this brat named Sage. He’s a terrible fencer, and I always beat him easily. One day, when I was packing up and had my mask off, Sage attacked me, and I didn’t have my sword to protect myself. That’s how I got this.”

“Wow, that sucks. Okay, my story. It happened when your father and I were seventeen, almost eighteen.” As Daiki told the story, the memory of that night flashed threw Anzhong’s mind. Daiki had stolen some beer, and they were enjoying the spoils, Daiki more than Anzhong.

*Flashback*

Streets of Canterlot
Date: Dec 14th, 1997, time: late at night

*Anzhong’s perspective*

“So, as the cashier was distracted, I grabbed the case and ran. I don’t even think he noticed me.” Daiki regaled Anzhong with the story of how he stole the beers they were now drinking. Anzhong wasn’t happy that Daiki stole them but also wasn’t torn up about it. It’s not like he had a soapbox to stand on. I think that’s how that saying goes.

Daiki was on his fourth beer while Anzhong just started his second, and it showed. Daiki was getting louder and not walking straight.

“And then I took his arm and flung him around!” Daiki switched to a different story Anzhong was only half listening to.

“Quiet it down, you idiot, unless you want to get caught.”

“Wha’? Oh yeah, sorry. I guess it would be bad for Mr. Future Lawyer Man to be seen breaking the law.”, Daiki mocked.

“You know it’s not personal. Someone could accuse me of taking bribes, and I’d end up in prison.”

“I’d keep you out. I’m rich. I’m powerful. We can do whatever the hell we want with no consequences. That’s the great thing about America.” Daiki moved to where he was in front of Anzhong and facing him. The stench of beer on his breath made Anzhong scrunch up his nose.

“That’s exactly what I want to stop.”

“Yeah, yeah, poor little boy whose Mommy’s killer got away because he had money, and now I’m going to be the big hero and put the world right.”, Daiki said in a mock sympathetic tone. “I’ve heard this story before. Get over yourself. You’re not going to turn this world into a utopia. So long as there is greed, there’s going to be corruption, and there will never not be greed. It’s human nature. Money means power, power means survival, and survival is human nature.”, Daiki said in his normal voice.

“That doesn’t mean we stop trying.”

“Well, aren't you a shonen protagonist. It’s not going to bring your mom back. She’s dead! Your altruism isn’t going to bring her back or make you feel better about switching seats with her. Poor little boy wanted a window seat.”

“Shut up!”, Anzhong shouted in anger. He threw his mostly full bottle, nailing him in the chest. The bottle didn’t shatter, but Daiki was covered in beer and now stank even worse. Anzhong turned around and matched away.

How Daiki got into that situation in those few minutes is a mystery to Anzhong, but as Anzhong was walking away, he heard Daiki scream out in pain. Anzhong turned back around and ran back to Daiki. Anzhong could hear three other people and smell blood, Daiki’s blood. “Ai, attack.”, Anzhong commanded. Anzhong tackled one of the guys holding Daiki while Ai went for the other. “Daiki, are you alright?” Anzhong got no reply, but he could hear the sound of a bottle being picked up.

As Anzhong tried to gain as much information as he could, the guy he tackled kicked him off which left him scrambling to his feet. The guy charged, and Anzhong jabbed his staff out, nailing the guy in his stomach. The guy staggered back, and Anzhong charged in for another attack, but this time, the guy grabbed Anzhong’s saff, leaving them in a tug-of-war over the weapon. This tug-of-war continued until Anzhong heard a solid thunk and the guy let go. Anzhong stood there, confused, for half a second before he took his staff and beat the guy until he was crying like a baby, which wasn’t very long.

“I give up. I give up. Please stop.”, the guy whined.

Anzhong gave him an unimpressed look as the rest of the world came back to him. As it did so, he heard Ai still tangling with the second guy and nothing from Daiki. “Daiki?” Anzhong got no response other than gagling. Anzhong walked over, hitting the leg of the assumably knocked out third guy, and Daiki collapsed. “Daiki?! Ai, go get help!”

Ai let go of the second guy and started barking and howling, and the second guy ran off. Anzhong held Daiki and gently searched him over for injuries. His face and arms were badly cut up, but the worst of it was the knife sticking out of his neck.

*Present Day*

“Ai was able to get the attention of someone who called 911. The knife missed both major blood vessels in my neck but cut into my windpipe, and I was drowning in my own blood. That’s why I sound like a pack-a-day smoker now. I owe your father my life.”

“Gruesome, what were you and Dad arguing about?”, Emi asked. Daiki had kept out what the augment was about. At least Anzhong could say Daiki grew some brain cells.

“I would tell you, but I’d like to keep myself out of the pond.”

“Smart man.”, Brigid commented. “Looks like ‘hin’s are startin’. We should get ta our seats. Um, where are dey?”

“You’re sitting up front with me. As Anzhong-kun’s family, that makes you all family.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Daiki led them to the front row, and he made sure that he and Anzhong were sitting next to each other, and the tsuya began. As the priest began, Daiki handed something to Anzhong.

“What is this?”, Anzhong asked.

“The names of every CCPD officer, lawyer, and judge that Storm has on their payroll.”

“Why are you giving me this?”, Anzhong asked, both shocked and serious.

“They were the ones who killed Father. I want to deal them a nasty blow.”

“This could start a gang war.”

“You know me better than that. Though, I would stop your park lunches for a while.”

“I take it you have a plan.”

“Simple, stop their supply lines into the city.”

“I’d hardly call that simple.”

“Maybe not, but it will cripple them.”

“Hm, this will take a while.”, Anzhong said while putting the paper in his pocket.

“I understand.”

Streets of Canterlot
Date: same day, time: 2:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

“Dad, who were those people, and what is Storm?”, Sunset asked. She found that whole situation strange. She understood it was a wake, but that Daiki fellew was odd. He claimed that Anzhong was like family. Yet, Sunset had never even heard of him.

“Those people were people who worked for the man in the coffin and now work for the man you met, Daiki. Have you ever heard of the Yakuza?”

“No”

“Well, they are the Japanese version of the mob. The Kikuchi family are the heads of the local Yakuza.”

“Still don’t know what that means.”

“They’re an organized crime syndicate, a bunch of dumb brutes commanded by slightly smarter brutes. They hurt other people to take their money, and they already have enough money to pay their way out of trouble.”

“How did you get involved with such people?” Now, Sunset was very confused. Their family were by no means saints, but this didn’t sound like something Anzhong would be okay with.

“Loneliness, Daiki was the only other kid in my school that knew Japanese. I didn’t learn what his father did until years later. His father was a surprisingly good man, so long as you played his game. I cut ties with them when I went to college. Well, I guess I can say that I have an army at my beck and call now. Storm is another crime syndicate, but they will hurt people for fun. They are the most violent gang North of New York and the biggest supplier of drugs to the city.”

“And Daiki wants you to help him stop them.”

“Yes”

“Will you do it?”

“Of course, to remove corruption is why I became a lawyer. Plus, if this little piece of paper has what Daiki says is on it, I will make DA by the time you’re off to college.”, Anzhong said while pulling a folded piece of paper out of his jacket pocket.

“This sounds dangerous.”

“Maybe, but it has to be done. I know you understand that.”

Sunset thought the situation over. She looked over to the sleeping form of Emi then out the car window. There was actually a way to remove corruption here. That was something Equestria definitely needed. Why not exercise that ability, even if it’s dangerous? “I understand.”

*Flashback*

Canterlot Castle balcony
Date: 13th day of the 5th month of the 1100 year Ee, time: 12th hour ASR

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset watched the setting sun as she waited for Spitfire. The horizon shimmered as the sun passed over it. Even the horizon recognizes the power the celestial body represents and thus creates her namesake, and some day, she will possess such power. The radiant glow of the moon soon replaced the scorching light of the sun. As much as Sunset liked warming up beneath the sun, the night was her preferred time. There was a part of her in the back of her mind that felt safer in the dark, like it was home, right.

The sound of flapping wings caught Sunset’s attention. Spitfire landed on the balcony with an elaborate trick and flourish of her wings. “You plan on using that to impress Captain Whorl Winds?”

“You bet. What do you think?”, Spitfire asked.

“I think it will impress her but not automatically get you in. We both know that’s not how it works.”

“Uhg, at this rate, I’ll be forty before I become captain.”, Spitfire said while taking a spot next to Sunset, leaning on the railing.

“You’ll still beat the current record holder by a couple years.”

“That won’t be enough. I need to beat the record by much more if I want to be remembered as the greatest captain of all time.”

“And others will also have a harder time beating your record.”

“Exactly, and I plan on becoming the captain by the time I reach thirty-five.”

“So what, if you're not captain after twenty years, then what?”

“I’ll still continue protecting Equestria and being a Wonderbolt, if that's what you’re wondering.”

“Hey, you wouldn’t be the first pony to desert the guards if they didn’t get what they wanted.”

*Present Day*

Sunset’s desk
Date: Sep 20th, time: 12:00 am

*Sunset’s perspective*

My, how things have changed. Sunset looked down at her latest piece. It was of her and Spitfire in front of the setting sun. It reminded her of that conversation. Spitfire had just turned fifteen and was now old enough to join the military. Even with her intensive training and Sunset’s studies, they still made absolutely sure to make time for each other.

Sunset saved the piece to her finished work folder. Among the other pieces was one of a dragon and smaller bat creature, a similar piece with the addition of a blue, black-footed fox, her wallpapers, and some darker pieces. Many of the other pieces brought up other memories from her foalhood and time in the military. Many of them were inspired by her old life. Things were simpler back then.

“Kids at school want to be grown up so badly. They have no idea what they’re wishing for.”

*Flashback*

Jiraiya’s childhood home
Date: 1953, time: 3:00 pm

*Jiraiya’s perspective*

Jiraiya opened the door, trying to make himself look as suave as possible. One the other side of the door stood Aoi.

“You look beautiful.”, Jiraiya said while taking in every inch of her.

“Well then, maybe you should let me in before I freeze.”, Aoi said coyly.

“Oh, right.”, Jiraiya said with a blush and stepped out of the way. As Aoi walked in, she gave Jiraiya’s butt a smak.

“Oh, is that how it’s going to be?” Jiraiya closed the door and pulled Aoi into a passionate kiss. Aoi ran her hands over Jiraiya’s back and under his clothes. Jiraiya responded in kind. The two continued into Jiraiya’s bedroom, and Jiraiya pinned Aoi to the bed. Jiraiya ran his hands over Aoi’s rear and felt something… fluffy? Jiraiya pulled back and saw Aoi had a confused look on her face. He looked her over again and now saw a large, fluffy tail. “Where did that come from?”

Aoi traced where Jiraiya was looking and only then seemed to notice the tail. She moved her tail to try and hide it, but there’s no hiding something that big. It’s real! “It’s my tail. Do you have a problem with it?”

“No, no problem, I’m just confused.” Jiraiya stood up and took a couple steps back to try and make sense of the situation.

“Well, that already puts you above my other human suitors. This is normally the point where they, how’d you put it, run for the hills or come at me with pitchforks and torches.”, Aoi said while taking a relaxed pose on the bed.

“So, what are you, if not human?”

Aoi got up and did a backflip, landing on the bed as a large, blue, black-footed, five tailed fox, leaving her remaining clothes behind. Jiraiya’s jaw hit the floor as Aoi looked at him expectantly. “Same as always.”, Aoi muttered. She turned toward and prepared to jump out of it but was stopped by Jiraiya grabbing and hugging her.

“Aw, you’re so cute and fluffy!”, Jiraiya squealed like a little girl.

“That’s - not the reaction I expected.”

Jiraiya spun her around so they were facing each other. “It must have been a while since you last revealed yourself to a human. Creatures like you are used in children’s animation now.”, Jiraiya explained in a less eardrum shattering voice. “I should show you some of those western - cartoons, I think they call them.”

“I, um, wha-what’s a car-toon? You’re the first human I’ve had contact with in fifty years.”

“Well then, I have a lot of innovation to catch you up on.”

*Present Day*

Jiraiya’s apartment
Date: Sep 20th, time: 4:00 pm

*Jiraiya’s perspective*

Jiraiya woke up from his dream to his US apartment, his empty apartment. No Aoi, no anyone, just him in the dark. “Uhg, stupid dream.” Life’s not fair. Jiraiya curled up around one of his pillows. Despite the heater, it was cold. The kind of cold that can only be filled by another living creature.

Stormy and Shadow’s house
Date: 30th day of the 7th month of the 1118 year Ee, time: 3rd hour AMR

*Shadow’s perspective*

Shadow placed the record on the plateau, lowered the needle, wound up the crank, and let the music start. It was an orchestra piece by Flourish Tone, not Shadow’s personal preference, but it was Stormy’s favorite, and Shadow didn’t hate it. Shadow flew back over to where Stormy was sitting and offered her his hoof. She accepted, and the two began to dance. There wasn’t much overhead room, but they managed. They just kept close to the ground. Despite their ages and injuries, they could still move through the air like the wind itself. It was second nature to them.

“Do you remember the first time we met?”, Shadow asked.

“I remember saving your flank.”

“I also remember saving yours shortly after.”

“I wouldn’t call that a save but rather more of an assistance.”

“Hehehe, sweet, sweet memories.”

*Flashback*

Gargon Forest, Griffonstone
Date: 988 Ee, time: 7th hour ASR

*Shadow’s perspective*

Shadow watched from the trees as the band of raiders approached General Daffodil and her escorts. There were six unicorns and seven earth ponies on the ground along with twelve pegasi from the 6th pegasi forward crossbow company in the air. Stealth operatives from the various intel divisions were scattered along the tree line. If all went according to plan, Chief Gina will sign the treaty and the war will be over, but absolutely nopony believes that he actually will. That’s why there were spies in the trees.

Gina had nearly double the troops, most only wearing light armor and pelts and carrying cheap or scavenged weapons. There were some that had armors that they scavenged from Equestrian troops, including Gina himself. This royally pissed everypony off. These criminals were wearing their celestially blessed armor. That metal was forged in sunfire, their princess’s fire, and the dark paints of the stolen stealth armor was made in accordance with a formula created by the moon sovereign. They had no right to wear it.

As the two forces met, Shadow’s quarry came into view. Just as expected, Gina ordered some of his raiders to hide in the trees and attack Daffodil. Shadow slinked his shadowy form to just behind one of the griffons. The two waited for their respective signals as their camandors talked. As Daffodil stated the requirement that the raiders will be required to surrender all pieces of stolen Equestrian property, Gina gave his signal.

Shadow’s griffon jumped and spread its wings to fly, but Shadow wrapped himself around it. The two fell to the ground and began to scuffle. Shadow resumed his physical form in order to attack back. They were both out in the open now, surrounded by fighting on all sides. Shadow wore claw shoes as his primary weapons. The two slashed and clawed at each other and even tried biting. The fighting only grew with the EUP having better equipment but the raiders having more fighters. Almost every EUP soldier had to fend off two raiders.

Shadow was quickly running out of magic and was now fighting two raiders. He was losing. From out of nowhere, a blue blur just barely grazed the two raiders, but the raider chasing it was not so skilled or lucky as it crashed into Shadow’s raiders. Shadow looked up to see one of the crossbow company pegasi aiming down at the raiders. She fired off three shots in quick succession, killing the three raiders.

“That was very impressive!”, Shadow called up to her.

“Keep moving. We still have to make these cretins pay for their blasphemy.”, she commanded.

Shadow saluted and took to the air. As he got higher up, he noticed a raider sneaking up on the crossbow company pegasus as she was busy launching arrows. “What out!”, Shadow screamed as he rushed to intercept the raider. She turned around just in time to see Shadow digging his claws into the raider. Shadow pulled one of his claws and drove it into the raider’s heart. The raider went limp and slid off Shadow's claws, landing with a thump and sickening cracks.

“Impressive”, the crossbow company pegasus said.

“Come on, we still have to make these cretins pay for their blasphemy.”, Shadow said with a smile.

*Present Day*

“You’re incredible.”, Shadow said.

“I was, wasn’t I?”, Stormy said with a bit of melancholy.

“No, you are incredible. Never forget that.”

*Flashback*

Minerva’s childhood home
Date: 1982, time: 12:00 pm

*Simon’s perspective*

“Daddy! Daddy! Come play!”, Minerva called.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming.” Simon followed Minerva to her room. Minerva had set up her tea set and gotten out the appropriate attire for Simon. Minerva was wearing her princess dress and tiara waving her favorite wand around. She handed Simon his tutu and tiara. Before he had a kid, Simon only wore a tutu once. He lost a drunken bet to his friends, quite badly, and he hated every second of it, all his “real men don’t wear girly things” macho man crap. Although, he still wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a tutu unless Minerva asked him to wear it. Who could say ‘no’ to that face?

Simon put the tutu and tiara on and took a seat on the floor, he couldn’t fit in the chairs. The other three seats were taken up by Minerva, Mr. Bearmont, and Ms. Elli von Bearstine.

“Would you like some tea, Mr. Bearmont?”, Minerva asked, then poured the imaginary tea. “And how about you, Ms. von Bearstine?” Minerva poured Ms. von Bearstine a cup. “And you, Daddy?”

“I would love some tea.” Minerva poured Simon his cup, and he proceeded to take a sip. “Thank you very much, Princess.”

Minerva’s smile was infectious and could light up a room. Simon was happy that he could bring such joy to his daughter. He hoped that he would be there for her for many years. If only he knew back then it would be a mere ten more.

*Present Day*

Windham Correctional Center
Date: Sep 21st, time: 10:00 pm

*Simon’s perspective*

Simon held the picture of Anura with great care. It was his most cherished possession. The day he got to meet her was all he had to look forward to and the only thing that gave him hope.