Sunset's human world origin

*Flashback Dream*

Train to Tokyo
Date: 1990, time: 10:00 am

*Anzhong’s perspective*

Anzhong had his hands on the window. He couldn’t see what was out it, but he could feel the vibrations. The vibrations made his fingers tingle. Suddenly, Anzhong was jerked in one direction then another, and the sound of scraping metal and crashing bombarded his ears. Anzhong clung tight to his restraints until everything stopped. Once everything had stopped moving, people began screaming, crying, and calling out for their loved ones.

“Mom! Mom! Mom!”, Anzhong cried out but got no answer. His heart sank and was hit with an indescribable dread. Mom never failed to answer his cries before. Anzhong felt something dripping onto his face. It smelt metallic. Anzhong reached up to reach her. He first felt her arm. It was limp, like she was asleep. He reached further up and reached her face. Anzhong felt the same liquid all over her head and found the source. Mom had a massive wound on her head.

“Anzhong”, Mom said before falling quiet again.

“Mom! Mom! Mommy! Please wake up! Mommy!”, Anzhong cried out. Anzhong shook her, trying to wake her up again. “Mom! No! Daddy says not to fall asleep when you’re hurt this badly! Mommy!” Anzhong grabbed her arm again, this time, checking for a pulse, but there wasn’t one. She-she was gone. Pain and anger swelled inside Anzhong, his stomach twisted into knots, and he cried out in anguish, no words, just pain.

Anzhong didn’t know how long it took for him to be extracted but it felt like hours. He wasn’t crying by the time they got him out, but he was still seething. He wanted whoever was responsible to be trapped in a tomb with their mother’s corpse, slowly being covered in her blood. The rescue workers carried Anzhong out and to an ambulance. The sounds of sirens drowned out most other sounds and made Anzhong’s head hurt. The EMTs began cleaning Anzhong up, trying to figure out what was his blood and what was Mom’s along with taking his blood pressure and generally checking him over. One of them shone a light into his eyes, he could feel the heat.

“His eyes aren’t dilating properly.”, one of them said.

“Of course they wouldn’t! I’m blind!”, Anzhong snapped.

“Anzhong! Anzhong! Please let me through! That’s my son!”, Dad cried out. Anzhong began crying again. Mommy should be with Daddy. They should be together. Anzhong heard Dad’s running footsteps approach the ambulance. Dad wrapped Anzhong in his arms and held him tight only losing his grip so he could talk. “Are you hurt? Where’s your mother?”

“Mo-ommy’s dead.”, Anzhong said in a quivering voice, tears streaming down his face. Dad started crying and pulled Anzhong back in. Anzhong - never heard his dad cry before.

*Present Day*

Katon family home
Date: Dec 11th, time: 4:00 am

*Anzhong’s perspective*

Anzhong woke up with tears running down his face. Anzhong felt Brigid wrapped around him. Her gentle breathing and heartbeat worked in bring Anzhong back into a calm state of mind. For someone so big, she was so gentle, or maybe it was because she was so big she needed to learn how to be gentle. Anzhong wasn’t sure and didn’t care to think too much about it at that moment. Anzhong truly feared the day the girls would lose her. His death would be sad, but hers would be devastating. But as there’s no such thing as immortality, Anzhong was determined to enjoy every moment he has with his wife and family.

Katon family home
Date: same day, time: 7:00 am

*Anzhong’s perspective*

Anzhong was already on his second cup of coffee for the morning, normal being one. Anzhong was by no means a morning person, but such a dream did not help matters. His eyes physically hurt from all the crying. Anzhong read over the names Daiki gave him, finally having the time to delve into it. After putting the list through his scanner and downloading it to his tablet, Anzhong could read what was on it. He did know who the people were, but he suspected he would be becoming very familiar with them.

Anzhong’s head shot up when he heard footsteps coming from Sunset’s room. “Ah, what a pleasant surprise it is for you to join us at breakfast on a weekday.”

“Very funny, Dad.”

“Y’re one ta talk. Ya would’ve taken night classes if da college offered ‘em back den.”, Brigid commented. Anzhong merely shrugged and went back to work.

Sunset poured herself some cereal and took a seat at the table. “Whatcha workin’ on?”

“Remember that list of names Daiki gave me?”

“Yes”

“That’s what I’m working on.”

“Yeah, I’m a little confused about that. I thought you did criminal negligence law and the train derailment was why you became a lawyer.”

“I specialize in criminal negligence law, but I work whatever case the state throws at me. The,” even after all these years, that word was difficult to say, “crash was what sparked my fire, but it were events following it that weaponized it.”

-

“That’s it? Come on, Dad. I want to know what happened to my grandmother. I understand why you avoid it, but this is a family matter.”

Anzhong did not answer right away. He put his hands together as if he was praying. He wasn’t but the action was calming. “An investigation was launched into what happened, but it was closed without any legal action being taken.”, Anzhong finally answered. “It later came out that the people incharge of the investigation were paid off. A second investigation was launched, and it was found that the train was not being properly maintained. Massive fines were levied, people were jailed, and the affected families were finally given compensation, but it took seven years for that to happen, and millions more of people’s lives were put in danger.”

“So, you’re on a vendetta campaign against corruption itself.”

“Pretty much”

“You’re never going to tell us what happened during the crash, are you?”

“That is correct.”

DA’s office
Date: same day, time: 8:00 am

*Anzhong’s perspective*

Anzhong gave Brigid a kiss before he exited the car with Kiba and entered the DA’s office building. Anzhong smiled and waved to the clerks as he walked past and to the elevator. Once getting into his office, he took Kiba’s harness off and set her up in her little puppy corner. He went about his normal routine until he had enough time to go over the list. He would first target the lower ranking officers. They’ll be easy to get to and might give damning testimonies about the ones in higher power, making them easier to get to. “Now, all I need to do is find inconsistencies in their official reports or bank records. This is going to be fun.”, Anzhong said sarcastically.

CMS grounds
Date: same day, time: 4:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset chuckled to herself as she examined the pictures Snips and Snails sent her. Seeing Lily so humiliated brought Sunset a not small amount of amusement. Lily was just lucky Sunset didn’t know where she lived. Taking away your enemy’s sense of safety forces them to constantly be on guard and never be fully at rest, leaving them weak for the next battle.

Sunset exited the school and was about to walk home when she was stopped by someone calling her name. Sunset turned around and saw it was Fluttershy. Sunset snarled at her as she proched, but she gave no reaction. “What do you want?”

“I know what you’re doing to Lily. I don’t like Lily either, but you’re just being cruel.”, Fluttershy said quietly. Sunset would not be surprised if she was the only one in school that could clearly hear her.

“So?”

“So, I was hoping you two could talk this over and come to a peaceful resolution.”

“Not going to happen. I’m going to keep this up until she comes crawling and begs me to stop.”, Sunset said menacingly.

“I know you’re not a monster, Sunset. I’ve seen how you interact with your sister.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. I am a monster. All humans are, and I don’t intend on changing.”

“What if I beat you?”

Sunset let out an uproarious laugh. “Do you honestly believe you can take me in a fight? You already tried once and lost. It wasn’t even a close fight.”

“Then you shouldn’t have a problem fighting me again.”

She has something planned. “Fine, but I want something if I win.”

“What do you want?”, Fluttershy asked nervously.

“A favor, no questions asked.”

Fluttershy blanched at that. “What kind of favor?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I’ll think of something. What do you say?”

Fluttershy looked at Sunset nervously, but then her face steeled in a way Sunset couldn’t help but find cute. “Fine”

“Great, we’ll have our fight in there.”, Sunset said while pointing to the forest.

Fluttershy looked over her shoulder and went rigid for a second before turning back to Sunset. “Fine”

The two of them walked past the school and into the forest. Sunset led them to a spot where they could still see the school but it would be hard to see them. They dropped their bags behind one of the trees and got into their fighting stances. The two stood there for a couple seconds, both waiting for the other to strike. Finally, Sunset charged in and aimed for Fluttershy’s collar bone, but she dodged. Fluttershy aimed her own jab at Sunset’s face. Sunset grabbed her arm, but it turned out to be a distraction as she hit Sunset with an uppercut. Sunset stumbled back but did not let go of Fluttershy. Sunset grabbed Fluttershy’s shoulder and swept her legs out from under her, forcing her to the ground with the satisfying crunching of snow. Sunset mounted Fluttershy, and Fluttershy grabbed Sunset’s jacket.

“Whatcha gonna do now?”

Fluttershy took one hand off Sunset’s jacket and repeatedly punched Sunset. Sunset was used to being crashed into by kids twice the size of Fluttershy. Her punches were more annoying but still painful. Sunset grabbed both of Fluttershy’s arms, but she was able to squirm her leg free and push Sunset off.

“So, you’ve actually have gotten better.”, Sunset said with a smile. “My turn.”

Sunset and Fluttershy both bolted up and began exchanging blows again. Sunset was stronger, but Fluttershy was smaller and more nimble. Sunset was able to get one solid hit in on Fluttershy’s stomach. Fluttershy staggered back, looked around, then bolted into the trees.

“Bad move, Fluttershy! These woods are my domain!”, Sunset said with joy. She ran after Fluttershy, and Fluttershy wasn’t exactly quiet. Now, this is getting fun. Fluttershy managed to get herself out of Sunset’s sight, but Sunset could still hear and smell her. Sunset smiled wickedly as she heard Fluttershy’s breathing. Sunset couldn’t be quiet in the woods either, but she could take advantage of that. Sunset picked up a rock and began sneaking up to the tree Fluttershy was hiding behind. Once Sunset was close enough, she threw the rock into the opposite side of the tree from where she was going. Once the rock landed, Sunset ran around the other side and tackled Fluttershy.

With a smile, Sunset leaned down to Fluttershy and whispered into her ear, “Whatcha gonna do now?”. Fluttershy bucked her head back and nailed Sunset in the eye. Sunset reared back and let out a roar of pain. That let Fluttershy squirm out from under her again. “Aahh! You little bitch! I’m gonna-” Sunset didn’t get a chance to finish as Fluttershy gave her a roundhouse kick to her head. Sunset slumped to the ground, laying face down in the snow. After the disorientation faded, Sunset was laughing internally as she remained lying in the snow and waited for the all too naive Fluttershy to panic and try to help her.

“Oh no, oh no no no, Sunset.”, Fluttershy whisper-screamed. Sunset could hear her running over, and she turned Sunset over. Fluttershy leaned over and tried to wake Sunset up. “Sunset, oh, please wake up.”

“Uhg, you need to brush your teeth.”

“Wha-” Fluttershy didn’t get a chance to finish that as Sunset head butted her. Fluttershy reared back up, and Sunset scrambled to her feet while Fluttershy was still on her knees. Sunset kicked her in the stomach, then again and again. Fluttershy slumped over in the snow, clutching her stomach.

“You can’t be kind in battle, Fluttershy. You never know when your enemy is faking.” Sunset gave Fluttershy’s stomach one more kick to be sure then helped her stand up. When Sunset stood her up, Fluttershy nearly lost her footing. “Woah there.” Sunset grabbed Fluttershy’s arm and wrapped it around her shoulder. “Come on.” Sunset marched them over to where they left their bags. Sunset picked their bags up as best as she could and slowly got them out of the forest.

Once back to civilization, Sunset dropped Fluttershy and her bag on her doorstep. Sunset was about to leave when Fluttershy spoke. “See, you’re not a monster.”

-

“You got some messed up world views if you think I’m not a monster.”

“A monster wouldn’t have helped me out of the forest.”

“I would’ve been charged with murder if you froze out there.”

“At least we know there is a line you wouldn’t cross.”

Sunset said nothing and turned to leave. You’re too kind for your own good. This world will stamp that out. As Sunset turned the corner onto her street, she looked back to Fluttershy’s house. She saw Fluttershy pull herself up and go inside. Sunset turned back and began her walk home.

Upon getting home, Sunset was greeted by Minerva in the kitchen and Emi and Anura doing homework. “Sunset! What happened to you?”, Minerva asked, alarmed.

“My day was great. How was yours?”, Sunset said sarcastically. Though, she did have to admit she looked less than fine. Her hair and clothes were a mess with snow and leaves stuck to them, and her eye was red.

“Woah, did you get into a fight?”, Emi asked.

“Yup, and it was great.”

Valley family home
Date: same day, time: 4:30 pm

*Lily’s perspective*

Lily walked into her room after spending the last hour getting maple syrup out of her hair. She grabbed a notepad and pen and curled up in bed. She needed to do something to get Sunset off her back and get back at her. Sunset has people to help her. I don’t. She’s stronger than me, but I’m more cunning. As Lily ran various ideas through her mind, she couldn’t think of anything that would work. Sunset was just too well guarded and nobody knew where she lives. That’s it. I’ll find where she lives.

CMS
Date: Dec 13th, time: 4:00 pm

*Lily’s perspective*

Lily hid around the corner from the stupid sign language club Sunset runs. People were leaving and going in all sorts of different directions. Lily spotted Sunset and Flash; Sunset’s hair was not hard to spot. Lily stayed close but also far enough away as to not be seen. Lily couldn’t quite make out what they were saying, but it sounded like they were talking about vampires and something about “forest glow”, whatever that meant. She followed as they exited the school and walked down the street. They walked a couple blocks down one street before taking a right. They walked two more blocks before turning right again, then again, then- And they’re walking a circle. They know I’m here. Crap.

“Enjoying yourself, Lily?”, Sunset called back smuggly.

Lily said nothing and ran back to the school. How was she able to spot me? I was so careful.

Streets of Black Forest neighborhood
Date: same day, time: 4:10 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

“So, how long did you know she was following us?”, Flash asked.

“You wanna make a game of it?”

“Sure, that sounds like fun.”

“She was hiding behind a corner as we exited the club.”

“What? No way.”

“Yes way. She wears the same perfume everyday.”

“I’m gonna lose this game.”

“Welp, too late. You already agreed. Now, let’s get going.” Sunset and Flash leisurely walked back to Sunset’s house. Once inside, Sunset noticed Minerva with one of her legs detached.

“Holy crap!”, Flash exclaimed. “- Wait, your leg is prosthetic?”

“You only just now noticed? Her feet are plastic, and her legs are purple.”, Sunset asked.

“In my defense, I don’t interact with your aunt much, and I don’t spend that time looking at her feet. Plus, she always wears long plants.”

“Well, to answer your question, yes, both my legs are prosthetic. Sunset, you’re better with hardware. Can you take a look at this?”

“Sure, what’s wrong with it?”, Sunset said as she sat down next to Minerva.

“The ball joint is making a strange sound. Kinda like squeaking but different.”

“Okay” Sunset took the leg in her hands and examined it. “At least we can say your feet don’t stink.”

“Sunset”, Minerva said in that mildly threatening parental tone.

“Flash, can you grab the toolbox from the closet?”, Sunset asked, ignoring Minerva’s threat.

“Sure”

Sunset continued to examine the leg as Flash went over to the stairs and came back with the toolbox. “Thank you” Sunset took out the appropriate screwdriver and ratchet and began disassembling the ball joint, taking great care to remember where each piece went. Once it was disassembled, Sunset put it back together. This is more intricate than I thought. I guess it’s necessary since humans don’t have very strong auras. “Try it now.”

“That’s it?”, Minerva asked.

“Yup, try it out.”

Minerva seemed skeptical but reattached her leg anyways. She got up and began rocking her foot. No noise other than her knee motor came from the machine. “How did you do that?”

“It’s the hardware equivalent to turning it off and on again. Somewhere in the reassembly process, the error gets fixed. That’s how I fix a good quarter of my consoles.”

Minerva shook her head disbelievingly. “I will never understand hardware. You two have fun. I’m going back to work.” Minerva walked back upstairs, and Flash and Sunset went to her room.

The two of them sat on the couch, and Flash began flipping through the channels. As he was doing so, they came across an odd looking ad. “Wait, stop. What is that?”, Sunset asked. Flash didn’t answer the question but did stop flipping. The commercial had a caucasion man with a strange accent and dark green hair asking the viewer questions.

“Do you want to know the future? Do you want to know what lies ahead? Then call me, the stupendous Yuppy. For years, I have entertained audiences with my psychic abilities. I have been consulted by Hollywood actors and police departments and now you. I can be your personal psychic consultant. Do you want to know if you’ll get that big promotion, if your marriage will work out, or when you’ll find “the one”. Then call me at 1-900-555-YUPP. Remember, the future is close and so is your phone. If you want to know the future’s secrets today, pick it up. I know you will. I can see your future.”

“You think he’s legit?”, Flash asked.

“What? Of course not.”, Sunset said, almost insulted.

“Mind explaining it for someone who’s not a part of that world?”

Sunset sat up straight and turned to fully face Flash. “We don’t have much control over when we get our visions or what they’re about, and anyone who claims they can or has regular visions is a faker. There isn’t an on/off switch.” Sunset said in increasing agitation. She took a breath to calm herself before continuing. “Sorry, it’s just that people like that Yuppy pretend to have an incredible gift so they can scam desperate and hurting people.”

“I guess they’re your equivalent of televangelists. How do your powers work?”

“The best comparison I have is to a normal person’s sense of smell. You can plug your nose to reduce it, you can inhale to increase it, but you can’t turn it off. You also can’t smell what’s not there or command what you smell. Does that make sense?”

“Kind of. I guess describing it is like describing color to your dad.”

“Exactly”

“Okay, let’s do something else. My mom is going to be here soon anyways.”

“What do you wanna do?”

Flash shrugged. Sunset rolled her eyes, scooted closer to Flash, and pulled him in. If they had nothing else to do, they could at least cuddle. They remained like that until Flash received a text. “It’s my mom. She’s here.” The two got up, Sunset grabbed her guitar, and the two went outside and got into Mrs. Sentry’s car.

The drive to Ms. Michelson’s house wasn’t long but also wasn’t short. She lived on the opposite side of Canterville. Sunset supposed she could count herself lucky that she lives near one of the largest cities in Maine. She overheard from other students that had friends or family in the neighboring villages that they would need to travel to the next or two cities over in order to get something as simple as guitar lessons.

Once they got to Ms. Michleson’s house, Sunset and Flash hopped out of the car, and Flash grabbed his guitar from the back. The two entered the house while Mrs. Sentry went to find a better suited parking spot. The two entered and were greeted by Ms. Michelson and most of the other students milling about. Sunset and Flash joined them and began setting up their guitars. More students arrived after them until the lesson room was full. One of them was one Sunset didn’t recognize, at first. The new student was wearing a CPA uniform. Sunset examined him, and her stomach dropped. Sunset could now recognize him. He was the human counterpart of that traitorous noble, Peacock Plume. She prepared herself for any trouble this student would cause. That nobility brat attacked a member of the crown. He was lucky Sunset wasn’t hurt, or he would’ve been imprisoned for life. All six of them would’ve been imprisoned if it was Sunset’s call.

Everyone picked up their guitars, and the lesson began. So far, Peacock was behaving, but Sunset wasn’t confident that would last. About half way through the lesson, Ms. Michelson allowed everyone a break to rest their fingers and do whatever else. Peacock got up from his seat and walked over to Sunset. Sunset was already prepared for confrontation.

“That’s a cool guitar. May I have a turn with it?”, Peacock said in a surprisingly deep voice for a boy his age.

“No, you can not.”, Sunset said, not hiding her contempt for him and turning away from him so she was between him and her guitar.

“Why not? Sharing is important.”

“I don’t need a reason. I said ‘no’, and that’s final.”

“It’s not your guitar. You don’t get to decide who gets to use it or not.”

“Actually Peacock, that is Sunset’s guitar. It’s her personal property, and she brings it in every week.”, Ms. Michelson explained. Sunset couldn’t help but ease a bit when she spoke; she was so soft spoken and her voice was so smooth that it could put a raging minotaur to sleep, and knowing she was paying attention to the situation made Sunset feel better too, but she immediately tensed back up when she looked back at Peacock, barely holding back a hiss.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know.” Peacock pulled his guitar back up to his chest and went back to his seat. He sounded sincere, but Sunset knew from experience how slimy he was. Flash rubbed Sunset’s shoulder to calm her down, and Sunset scooted back to her normal position. The lesson continued, and Peacock stayed quiet. Sunset kept an eye on Peacock, and the moment the lesson was over, Sunset placed her guitar back into its case and slung it over her shoulder. Sunset quickly left, and Flash followed. She didn’t want to be anywhere near someone like Peacock with such an important item. Surprisingly enough, Peacock didn’t follow them, and they were able to get to Mrs. Sentry’s car without incident.

Flash put his guitar in the back, but Sunset kept hers with her. “Sunset, I get that guy was trying to take your guitar, but you seemed, well, overly defensive. Even after the problem was fixed, you continued to glare at him.”

“Is this you questioning my actions?”

“No, I’m just trying to understand.”

Sure, the reason I was so defensive was because I know that kid, or rather, an alternate version of him, and that version of him is a slimy, corrupt noble that attacked me when I was barely an adult. That will go over well. “I know people like him. You saw his CPA uniform. All of them are spoiled brats that think that because they’re rich, they can do whatever they want.”

“You don’t know that for sure.”

Sunset fixed Flash with a glare that could’ve melted him. “I have a physical reminder, that I have to see every day, to the lack of human decency they afford everyone else.”, Sunset growled out. “I’ve had that message beaten into me over and over again. So, excuse me if I’m not exactly looking for it to be beaten into me again, especially not with the second most valuable thing I own.” Sunset leaned against the window and closed her eyes. Blowing up at Flash would not help anything, especially not around his mother.

Sunset and Flash were silent the rest of the way back to Sunset’s. Even as Sunset was dropped off, they said nothing. Sunset went to check if the car was in the garage. Nope. Sunset went back inside and placed her guitar back on its mount. She still feels a bit guilty for having it, like she doesn’t deserve it. Sunset shocked her head, trying to get those feelings to be quiet. Her parents love her. That’s why they got it for her. She decided to distract herself and play video games until they got back.

Once they got back, Sunset hopped out to help bring in groceries. “Hey Dad, how did things go?”

“Wha’ aren’t ya interested in wha’ my day was like?”, Brigid asked in mock offense.

“You’re not the one in a potentially dangerous situation, trying to rid the city of corruption.”, Sunset remarked.

“Ah get it. Y’r Dad’s da crime fightin’ hero, n’ Ah’m jus’ a scholar.”

“No Mom, you’re cool too. Dad’s just cooler.”

“Gasp, Sunset, oh, ya break y’r mothe’s heart.” Brigid gave an over dramatic performance of being shot in the heart. As dramatic as she’s being, it was almost impossible to take her seriously with her accent, and Sunset began snickering. “Wha’s so funny?”

“It’s your accent. It makes it really hard not ta not find your performance funny.”

“Well, maybe I should use an American accent next time, eh.”, Brigid said in a pitch perfect Mainer accent. The chance was so jarring that even Anzhong whipped his head around to face them.

“Or maybe not.”, Sunset said. They continued to bring all the groceries in and began putting them away. Minerva had come downstairs, and now, she and Brigid were talking to and teasing each other. Minerva was specifically making jabs at Brigid’s American accent. Sunset stayed close to Anzhong in order to talk. “So, how is the mission going?”

“Slowly. As you said, this is dangerous.”

“Sounds like you need help.”

“I do. I’m just not sure who to trust. Did you ever have to root out a traitor?”

“Fortunately, no. Equestrians are a rather religious people, and being Celestia’s personal student basically turned me into pony Jesus, especially amongst other soldiers.”

“Normally, I would ask if you were ever worried about people, em, ponies betraying you due to differing interpretations of the religion, but I guess that’s less of a problem when your goddess is the one actively leading the country.”

“She’s also the one you have to answer to if you screw up badly enough.”, Sunset cheerfully said. “So, what is your plan?”, Sunset said normally.

“The patrol troopers will be the easiest to get to, so I’ll target them first. Once I prove myself, I’ll start going after the higher ranked officers. I might even use the lower ranked officers to get testimony against the higher ranked officers.”

“Hm, you sound like a soldier with that line of thinking.”

“Well, I am American.”

CMS lunchroom
Date: Jan 9th, time: 12:30 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

“What do you think?”, Flash asked. He was referring to the new mystery meat. Everyone was trying to guess what it was.

“I think I’m going to need the bathroom pass next period.” Sunset stabbed her fork into the rubbery, sticky, slimy mess. “I don’t even think Spits would eat this, and she eats those chewy, overly salted, quarter sized appetizers those snobby nobles serve.”

“Um, what?”

Shit. “This is really, really bad, is what I’m saying.”

“O-kay”

The two settled back into their normal routine until someone else sat across from them. “Jacklyn?”

“Hey Sunset, Ah need your help.”

“What could you need my help with? I thought you were strongly opposed to my methods.”

“Ah am, but Ah’m also desperate.”

“Ooh, this is going to be interesting.”

“Sigh, just look at this.” Jacklyn pulled out her phone and showed Sunset a picture of her locker. It had her symbol painted on it but the apples were filled with worms and overall were made to look gross.

“That’s nasty.”, Flash remarked.

“That’s incredibly disrespectful.”, Sunset added.

“Ah know. That’s why Ah need your help. There is no doubt in ma mind that Lily did this.”

“How do you know I wasn’t the one who did this? We don’t exactly like each other.”

“Ah know this wasn’t you because for whatever reason, Ah ain’t got the foggiest idea as to why, you’ve never done anything to me, other than generally being mean.”

“Okay, boys, what do you think? Should we help Jacklyn?”

“Yeah, let’s mess with Lily!”, Snips cheered.

“I thought her name was Applejack?”, Snails said.

“Alright, we’ll help, and because I’m so generous, I won’t charge you.”, Sunset said with a flourish of her hand.

“Generous like a leach, what’s your angle?”, Jacklyn said with a scowl.

Sunset fixed her with a predatory smile and put her hand to her heart in mock offense. “Jacklyn, you wound me. I am just trying to show you some good will, and maybe you’d show me some in return.”

“Ah, so that’s it.”

“What can I say? It’s business.”, Sunset said while shrugging.

“Gromble, gromble, fine.”

“Great, what do you want me to do to her?”, Sunset cheerfully asked.

“I don’t want you to hurt her. I just want you to make her stop.”, Jacklyn said, a bit scared.

“Yeah, okay, but that’s not what I asked.”

“I didn’t really think about that. I guess you could give her a taste of her own medicine.”

“Alright, I can do that.”

Art class
Date: same day, time: 1:30 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

“Very good students blablablabla.”, Ms. Trail started saing. Sunset wasn’t listening much. She was more focused on other things. Sunset snuck a few of the paint jars and a paint brush into her backpack. She was confident Ms. Trail wouldn’t notice. Her memory was really bad. Sunset guessed it was drug related by the way she dressed. Sunset wasn’t a fashion snob and even liked tie dye in moderation, but she looks like she washed everything she owns in a rainbow. Sunset picked out some red and yellow paint along with some brown and cream. Sunset had already come up with how she was going to vandalize Lily’s symbol.

Mr. Milestone’s room
Date: same day, time: 3:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Rrriiinngg

“Okay, have a good rest of your day.”, Mr. Milestone said. Everyone hurried out of the classroom and to wherever their next thing was. Sunset rushed to her locker and grabbed her stuff then bolted for Lily’s. Even with only two legs, Sunset was fast. She would need every ounce of speed she had as the bus to the ice rink would be leaving soon. She needed to do this quickly.

Once she got to Lily’s locker, Sunset began painting a dying lily. It was very rushed and looked terrible, but it was serviceable enough and even added to the vandalism. Once done, Sunset bolted towards the front doors and ditched the paint and brush in a trash can along the way.

The rest of the hockey team was already waiting in the parking lot. Sunset sprinted to meet up with them. Everybody was milling about with each other while Sunset chilled outside of the group, on the curb.

“Hey! Shimmer!”, what sounded like Lily shouted. Sunset was in the process of turning around when she was punched in the cheek, causing her to fall onto the pavement and her leg to hit the concrete wheel-stop thing, hard.

“Hey! What’s the big idea?!”, Rainbow shouted. Most of the team chased Lily off while Tiny and Meg checked on Sunset.

“You okay?”, Tiny asked.

“Yeah, I’ll probably just have some nasty bruises.” Tiny and Meg tried to help Sunset up, but as soon as she put any weight on her left leg, she knew something was wrong. “Wait, hold up. Set me down.” Tiny motioned for Meg to put Sunset down, and the two set her down on the curb. Sunset pulled her legging up and inspected where she felt the pain. It was sore, but it was just smacked against a big stick of concrete.

“Want ambulance?”, Meg asked.

Sunset ran her hands over her leg. It didn’t feel that bad. “Let’s not. I’m not dying, and I can just call my aunt. Though, I’m not going to make it to practice today.”, Sunset said and signed.

The rest of the team started to return and crowd around Sunset. “What’s wrong with Sunset?”, Winds asked.

“Something’s wrong with Sunset’s leg.”, Tiny answered. “She’s not going to be able to play.”

The bus finally rolled up by then, and the doors opened. “You should get going. I’m just going to call my aunt.”, Sunset said and signed. Everyone looked around uncomfortably, and only a couple got onto the bus.

“I stay with Sunset.”, Meg signed.

“Meg”, Sunset signed.

“No, you injured. Not safe leave you alone. Not like I can talk to anyone without you.”

“What are you guys saying?”, Rainbow asked.

“Fine”, Sunset signed. “Meg offered to stay with me.”, Sunset said out loud.

“Okay, is everyone good with that?”, Rainbow asked. Most nodded, but some still looked unsure.

“If any of you fools don’t get on that bus, I’m going to use your asses as a puck!”, Sunset threatened while waving her stick around. With that, everyone scrambled onto the bus with only one needing to get whack in the back of the leg. Once everyone was in and the bus rolled out, Sunset pulled out her phone and called Minerva.

“Hey Sunset, is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. There’s just something wrong with my leg, and I need to go to the hospital.”

“Have you called an ambulance?”

“No, I’m not dying. I just can’t walk. Can you take me?”

“Alright,” Minerva said skeptically, “I’ll come get you and your sister as soon as Anura’s in the car.”

"Okay, thank you.” Sunset hung up and turned towards Meg. Meg was looking at Sunset’s leg, which had not changed since Sunset finished examining it. Sunset tapped Meg on her shoulder to get her attention. “When you parents pick you up?”

“After practice.”

“Can they pick you up earlier?”

Meg shook her head. “They work until five. No one to pick me up earlier.”

“What you normally do after practice?”

“Origami club and other visual arts.”

Sunset nodded. Minerva arrived a few minutes later with Emi and Anura in tow. Emi hopped out of the car and ran over to Sunset. “Sunset! Sunset! Are you alright?”, Emi shouted and tackled Sunset with a hug.

“I’m fine.”

Minerva and Anura were next to reach Sunset. Minerva bent down and inspected Sunset’s leg. “Are you in any pain?”

“Not really, it’s just when I put weight on it.”

“Okay, let’s get going.” Minerva wrapped Sunset’s left arm around her shoulder, and Meg took it as a cue to do the same with Sunset’s right arm. Emi let go, and the two of them helped Sunset hopped over to the car. “Who’s she?”

“This is Meg. She’s a member of my hockey team and volunteered to stay with me until you got her.”

“Oh, thank you, Meg.”

“She’s also deaf and can’t read lips for crap.”

“Oh” Once at the car, Meg and Minerva loaded Sunset into the front passenger seat. “Sunset, can you tell Meg thank you for me?”

“Yeah”, Sunset said out loud then turned to Meg. “She says ‘thank you’.”

“You’re welcome. May I come with you?”

“I ask.” Sunset turned to Minerva. “Meg would like to come with us.”

“Will her parents be okay with that?”

“You parents okay with that?”, Sunset signed.

“I will text we go to hospital. They fine with that.”

“She says that her parents will be okay with it.”, Sunset said out loud.

“Okay” Minerva pointed to Meg then the car. Sunset closed her door and buckled up, and everyone else got in. Minerva began driving, and Sunset saw Emi, Anura, and Meg signing with each other through the rearview mirror.

Once they got to the hospital and parked, Minerva went around to the back of the car, and everyone else began helping Sunset out of the car. Minerva came back around to Sunset’s side with her unfolded wheelchair. Minerva and Meg loaded Sunset into the wheelchair, and Minerva wheeled Sunset into the ER. Minerva went to talk with the desk nurse while everyone else took some seats. There were a few other people waiting to see the doctors that looked worse than Sunset. They were going to be there a while.

The hospital was the same one they took Emi to when she broke her arm and Anzhong took Sunset to when he first found her. It was far smaller than Canterlot Hospital, being more of a place to go for follow ups, broken bones, or stitches. The way Jiraiya described it, you have three levels of injuries and diseases, the ones you can treat at home, the ones where you need a place like this, and the ones where you need a place like Canterlot Hospital.

Minerva walked over to where they were all sitting and took a seat of her own. “Good news and bad news, your life isn’t in mortal peril, but we’re gonna have ta wait a while.”

“I figured that much.”, Sunset said. Minerva pulled out her phone and began texting someone, presumably Sunset’s parents. Sunset tried to lean back and sleep through the wait, but Minerva’s wheelchair’s backrest only went up to Sunset’s lower back, and there were no armrests, only these small handles near Sunset’s hip she guessed were used to lift one’s self out of the chair. “Minerva, why did you choose a chair with so little support?

Minerva gave Sunset a smile and chuckled to herself slightly. “It’s an active wheelchair. It may not be the comfiest to sleep in, but a high backrest and armrests will severely impede your ability to move yourself.”

“How so?”, Sunset asked with a cocked eyebrow.

“Try wheeling yourself around and imagine where a high backrest and armrests would be.”

Sunset did as instructed and wheeled around the room. It took her a while to get the rhythm down but got it eventually. Once she did, she noticed how her arms and back moved. A high backrest would restrict how far back she could reach and thus restrict how much power she could get from each push, and she’d be smacking the inside of her arms if there were armrests. Sunset wheeled back over to the others and placed herself back besides the provided chairs. “Point taken.”, Sunset said to Minerva.

Group by group, people were called back until it was just Sunset’s group and another person who looked very uncomfortable sitting down. Emi was watching the man closely then turned to Sunset. “Mason jar” was all Emi said before turning back to the man.

Meg looked confused and turned to Sunset. “What she say?”

“She guess he shove mason jar up his butt.”, Sunset signed. That only seemed to make Meg even confused. “Our grandfather pull out many things from butts during residency.”

Meg didn’t get a chance to ask any more questions as their group was called back. The nurse guided them to a room and pulled out a clipboard. “Okay, I would like to take down your past medical history. Would you like- well.” The nurse motioned to everyone with her pen.

“My medical history entirely consists of me getting shot, burned, stabbed, and sliced, and same goes for almost all of my blood relatives.”, Sunset said, ignoring the nurse’s misgivings about all the people.

“You forgot to mention all the head trauma that makes you such a weenie.”, Emi snarked in Japanese.

“Says the gobshite that yeeted herself out of her bassinet and onto her head.”, Sunset retorted in Japanese.

“Does anyone know what they’re saying?”, the nurse asked. Minerva and Anura shook their heads, and Meg just looked bored.

“We’re just teasing each other.”, Emi clarified.

“O-kay. So, your chief complaint is that your leg hurts when you try to walk on it?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Can you tell me what happened before it started hurting?”

“I was punched, and my leg hit that concrete wheel stop thing when I fell.”

“How could that have happened if you’re wheelchair bound?” The nurse looked up and his brow furrowed as he seemed to realize that he said Sunset was walking on her leg not a minute ago, and now, the two pieces of data were conflicting within his brain.

“She’s not. I’m letting her borrow mine instead of having to hop on one foot.”, Minerva clarified.

“Oh, my mistake. We’ll get the x-ray room ready for you.”, The nurse said with the conflict seeming resolved and exited the room, leaving the five women alone.

“So, how is the chair working for you?”, Minerva asked.

“It’s a little snug but not uncomfortably so. I can deal with it for a few weeks. Are Mom and Dad coming?”

“I assured them that I had the situation handled and that you’re not in pain, but I can call them and ask them to come if you like.”

“No, it’s okay. I was just wondering if I should prepare myself for a bear hug.” Sunset was a little disappointed that they weren’t coming but also understood. She didn’t want to take them away from their work.

The five waited around until the nurse came back and took Sunset to the x-ray room. Once in the room Sunset hoisted herself onto the bed. The radiology tech brought over what looked like a thick apron. “What’s that?”

“This is a lead apron. It will allow us to x-ray you without eradiating your organs. Now, just lean back.” The tech guided Sunset into the right position and placed the apron on her, positioned the x-ray device, which looked like a very expensive camera, then took the wheelchair behind the controls with her. The device made an almost cartoonish powering up sound then a shutter sound. The tech re-entered the room and repositioned the device, and the process repeated. It was all very different from how x-rays were done in Equestria; although, they weren’t called x-rays. An internal scanning spell was used, no radiation or led. The only similarity between the two were the final results.

Once the tech got all the pictures she wanted, she took the apron off Sunset, she and the nurse helped Sunset back into the chair, and the nurse escorted Sunset back to the exam room, opting to not push her this time. The low backrest was good for Sunset’s back but probably not for his. The next part Sunset was familiar with from when Emi broke her arm. Sunset rolled back into the room, and the nurse went off to do other stuff. The wait for the doctor wasn’t too long, but Minerva was already having to stop Emi from poking at the anatomical models.

“Good day everyone. I’m Dr. Miller. Which one of you is Sunset?”, the doctor said when he came in.

“I am.”

“Alright” Dr. Miller pulled out Sunset’s x-rays and put them up on the light box thing. “You have a fracture along your tibia here.” Dr. Miller pointed to said fracture. “I don’t think you’ll need surgery, so we’ll just put a cast on you.”

“Okay, at least I’m wearing a skirt, but I have a question first.”, Sunset said.

“Shoot”

“When my sister broke her arm,” Sunset pointed to Emi, “she was screaming because of the pain, but this only hurts when I stand. Why is that?”

“Well, there are a few different factors here. Broken legs are generally less painful than broken arms, and you only have a fracture. How bad was your sister’s break?”

“I had a new elbow.”, Emi cheerfully informed him.

“Yeah, so that’s why. Now, I’ll send the nurses in to set your cast, and we’ll send you on your way. Do you plan on using that chair the whole time?”

Sunset turned around to face Minerva, the question unspoken. “Yes”, Minerva said to Dr. Miller. “I’ll teach you all the tricks to using it.”, Minerva said to Sunset.

“Alright, the nurses will be in shortly.”, Dr. Miller said.

Katon family home
Date: same day, time: 4:45 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Minerva pulled into the front driveway, and everyone hopped out and helped Sunset into the wheelchair. Meg pulled out her phone and began texting someone. Everyone went inside, sprayed down, and took their shoes off. “Why have to get sprayed?”, Meg asked.

Sunset only signed out ‘E’ before having to stop because she did not know how to sign ‘immunocompromised’ or even spell it. “- Emi very sick.”

“What kind of sick?”

“I have cancer.”, Emi signed.

Meg’s jaw hit the floor, and she looked at Sunset in horror and realization. “Don’t tell anyone.”, Sunset signed with a scowl.

Meg nodded and turned back to Emi. “Sorry”

“We not Canadian. Don’t say ‘sorry’.”, Emi signed, then ran inside. Anura joined her, and the two hopped on the couch. Ki came up to Meg and sniffed at her. He still had his resting bitch face but was not hostile in any way. Ki then examined Sunset’s new wheels. He was confused by it and stayed close to Sunset as everyone followed the girls inside. “Aunt Minerva, do you know how to turn on subtitles?”

“Let me see.” Minerva walked over, took the remote from Emi, and began fiddling with it.

“What they saying?”, Meg asked.

“Trying to turn on subtitles for you.”, Sunset answered.

Meg’s face went from surprised to happy. “Need anything else?”

Sunset shook her head. “I good. Emi and Anura need practice.”, Sunset signed, then entered her room with Ki following. Once she was looking at her steps, she realized that she forgot that her bed was not wheelchair accessible. “Well, shit.” Sunset went over to the boxes under her stairs and pulled out some extra blankets. Sunset brought the blankets to her couch and laid them out for the night. “What even was that girl’s disability?”, Sunset asked no one in particular. Her bed was up two flights of stairs, but her bathroom had those railing meant to help people get onto and off the toilet or into and or out of the bathtub, both downstairs bathrooms did. Brigid had told Sunset the story of her room but not what was wrong with the daughter.

Sunset wheeled herself over to her bathroom. Her sink also wasn’t wheelchair accessible, but she could use it to balance while she was doing hygiene stuff. Getting around in school will be less easy. “Huh, this is going to be a fun six weeks.”

Sunset wheeled back out to the living room where Emi, Anura, and Meg were watching TV and Minerva was munching on a granola bar. “Aunt Minerva, you said you’d teach me all the tricks to using your wheelchair.”

Minerva smiled at Sunset and finished what was in her mouth. “Alright, you already got movement down, so let’s start with brakes.” Minerva wrapped her granola bar back up and walked over to Sunset. Kneeling for her was significantly more difficult for her, and she could only kneel on her right leg as she did not have a left knee, but she did so to make instructing Sunset easier. “See this lever here?” Sunset grabbed it and nodded. “Push it down until it’s completely vertical to secure the brakes. You’ll need to put the brakes on any time you reposition yourself in the chair or try to get out of it.”

“Yeah, don’t want the chair rolling out from under me.”, Sunset said light heartedly.

“You can hit your head if you’re not careful. Picking yourself out of this chair is going to be one of the most dangerous things you’ll be doing for the next few weeks. Do you understand me?”, Minerva said very seriously. It reminded Sunset of the last time her mother had to scold her for jumping on her back. The guilt from that old memory combined with the mixture of feelings she felt now. She had always known that life was different for Mom, Anzhong, and Minerva, but now, she was going to personally understand it.

“Loud and clear.”

“Good, let’s go practice it.” Minerva stood up, and Sunset began heading to her room. Minerva followed her, and Sunset led her to her couch. “Will you be comfortable enough on the couch?”

“I’m a soldier. I can sleep anywhere I can lay my back flat against.”

“Alright. Now, you still have a good leg. Have you ever tried hopping on one leg before?”

“Once, but I was still on four legs at that point, so I was more dragging the rest of myself. Don’t ask. My drill sergeant was a sadist, by pony standards anyway.”

“And by human standards?”

“A normal drill sergeant. It does not take a lot to make a pony cry, and I am not ashamed to say she made me cry too.”

“Okay, let’s start practicing.”

“Alrighty then.” Sunset spun herself around to a position that seemed like it would make it easier then applied the brakes. Minerva checked them then gave Sunset a thumbs up and stayed close as Sunset lifted herself out of the chair. Sunset took care to not bump her cast on anything, and Ki kept a close eye on her as she crawled onto her couch. The operation was successful but clunky. “That could’ve gone better.”

“It was your first time. You’ll get better at it.”

“Yeah” Sunset pulled the blankets up and snuggled in. “I’m going to get some sleep.”

“Alright”

“Oh, before you go, could you get my phoenix down from my loft?”

“Sure thing.” Minerva marched up the stairs then came back down with the desired toy.

“Thank you”, Sunset said while taking the toy and giving it a tight squeeze.

“You’re welcome.”, Minerva said warmly.

Minerva left the room, Ki laid down next to Sunset’s couch, and Sunset closed her eyes. Sunset fell asleep quickly, and the next thing she knew, a donut was being waved in front of her face. “Seriously?”

“Hey, it worked.”, Brigid half joked. “How’s y’r leg?” Sunset pulled the blanket off, exposing her cast. “How did it happen?”

“Lily punched me, and I fell on one of those concrete wheel-stops.” Brigid’s face grew serious, clearly contemplating what she could get away with. “I’d actually like to deal with her myself. I don’t even plan on reporting her to the school.”

“Are ya sure?”

“Positive. I’ve already been messing with her since she kissed Flash. I’m just going to ramp it up.”

Brigid narrowed her eyes at Sunset. “Wha’ have ya been doin’?”

Shit! “Just petty stuff. I’m not hurting her.”, Sunset said, hopefully not too quickly.

“O-kay. Ah’m goin’ ta leave dese ‘ere.” Brigid placed the bag of donuts on Sunset’s coffee table. “Do ya want dinne’?”

“I’m kinda tired. Can you save some for me later?”

“Sure”, Brigid said softly.

Sunset watched Brigid leave her room. As soon as the door was closed, Sunset punched herself for making such a stupid mistake. I need to take care of Lily, quickly. She’s causing me to slip up.