Sunset's human world origin

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Date: today, time: bright ball showing

*Ki’s perspective*

Ki watched as Sunset pulled Sunset’s self onto the wheely chair. Ki still didn’t know why Sunset was wearing that thing around Sunset’s leg or why Sunset was in that wheely chair. Why would Sunset limit Sunset’s movement like that? Despite only having one leg, Sunset was still graceful. Ki had no idea how Sunset could move so gracefully only on two legs and at the ages they can reach but also didn’t think about it too much. Ki had long accepted that humans are too weird to make sense of. HUMANS CAN TAKE HUMAN’S FUR OFF AND PUT NEW FUR ON. Humans walking around without fur means bath time. Very disturbing.

Ki followed Sunset out of Sunset’s room and into the food room. Mom, Dad, Emi, Kiba, and Chewy Stealer were all in the food room as well. Ki knew Chewy Stealer’s actual name was ‘Tomiju’, but Chewy Stealer was more accurate.

Mom scooped some food into Ki’s, Kiba’s, and Chewy Stealer’s bowls, and Ki, Kiba, and Chewy Stealer began eating. Mom, Dad, and Sunset began talking. Ki’s name was mentioned, and Ki lifted Ki’s head to see if Ki’s attention was needed. Ki’s attention was quickly pulled back to Ki’s bowl by Chewy Stealer getting too close. Ki let out a growl to get Chewy Stealer to back off. Ki’s growl alerted Emi to the situation. Emi snapped at Chewy Stealer and pointed to Chewy Stealer’s bowl. Chewy Stealer went back to Chewy Stealer’s bowl with Chewy Stealer’s tail between Chewy Stealer’s hind legs. Ki felt pleased with Ki’s self but dragged Ki’s bowl over to Mom, Dad, and Sunset so Ki could eat in peace while listening to the table. The conversation did involve Ki, so Ki needed to hear it, even if Ki couldn’t understand most of the words.

Soon, Pumpkin’s name was mentioned. That got Ki to perk up. Pumpkin coming back would be great. Ki didn’t know where Pumpkin went nor did Ki care. Ki just wanted Pumpkin back. Pumpkin made Mom so happy.

The conversation seemed to have ended, and Dad got up from the table. Dad soon returned with a harness, Ki’s harness. Ki began bouncing up and down in excitement, as much as his aging body would allow. Dad handed the harness over to Mom, and Mom removed the large handle-thingy from the harness. Dad petted Ki to get Ki to calm down. Ki did try to calm down, but Ki was very excited.

Everyone finished eating, dishes were washed, Minerva and Anura came in, and Ki waited by the door to get going. Sunset called Ki into Sunset’s room as Mom, Dad, Kiba, and Anura were leaving. Ki was reluctant, but no one made any objections, so Ki complied. As Ki passed by Sunset, Ki noticed that Sunset had Ki’s harness. Ki became excited again. Ki was going to be working for Sunset.

Sunset continued doing stuff while Ki patiently waited. Once Sunset was finally done, Sunset put Ki’s harness and leash on and wrapped her end of Ki’s leash around a part of her wheely chair, and Sunset and Ki got on their way. As Sunset’s and Ki’s walk continued, more kids began walking the same way. Ki and Sunset’s walk ended at a large building. Most of the kids went in through the front doors, but Sunset and Ki went through a side door with a ramp for Sunset’s wheely chair. The inside was very crowded with many other bad smelling humans. Several of the humans made high pitch sounds that hurt Ki’s and Sunset’s ears and tried to pet Ki. Ki did not acknowledge the smelly humans, but Sunset shooed the smelly humans away and got Ki and Sunset out of the swarming smelly humans with the help of the silent human from yesterday.

The silent human brought them to a room with many chairs and tables. Sunset had trouble getting around the tables and chairs. Sunset and the silent human ended up sitting in the front row, and Ki laid down next to Sunset’s wheely chair. Other smelly humans soon came in and made noises at Ki. Ki ignored them. Ki was working.

The largest human did a lot of talking, and Ki and Sunset were in that room for much time. A bell sounded, and all the humans got up and began leaving the room. The next place all the humans went was a larger room with even more tables and chairs and the worst smell Ki ever smelt. The smell smelled like stinky humans, questionable food, and - well, Ki couldn’t identify the last smell. Most of the humans got into a line along a counter that smelt of food. Dad’s food smelled much better. Sunset was joined by Flash and two small humans Ki didn’t recognize.

Sunset, Flash, the silent human, and the two small humans got food and went to one of the tables. Sunset handed Ki’s bowl to one of the small humans and ordered the small human to get Ki water. These small humans were clearly members of Sunset’s pack, but Ki did not know why Sunset did not live with Sunset’s pack. Ki had a pack before Ki was brought into Ki’s current pack. Humans make no sense.

Sunset began laughing. Ki looked up at Sunset then at what Sunset’s laughing at. Sunset was laughing at two other humans with one of the other humans with the same thing wrapped around one of the other human’s own legs as Sunset had wrapped around Sunset’s own leg. The new human with the leg wrapping was using two strange stick thingies to walk. Ki had no idea what was going on.

CMS lunchroom
Date: Jan 10th, 2012, time: 12:05 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

“Hahahaha, wow, karma really is a bitch, isn’t she?”, Sunset hollered.

“You had something to do with this. I know you did.”, Lily barked.

“How? Depending on when you got your leg broken, I was either sitting on the curb with the leg you just broke; at the hospital, getting my leg x-rayed and cast; or at home, sleeping on my couch because I can’t climb up the stairs to my bed! You called me, Jacklyn, and every Irelander a terrorist, tried to steal from me, defaced Jacklyn’s locker and symbol, and broke my leg because she hired me to give you a piece of your own medicine!”, Sunset said loud enough for everyone to hear. “And that’s just the most recent events. You also sexually assaulted Flash and have been bullying a couple of fourth graders for who knows what reason. Who does that?” If everybody wasn’t paying attention before, they were now. Sunset looked around and saw Flash trying to disappear below the table, Daisy looking very embarrassed, everyone looking at Lily, and the other Irish kids giving her serious stink eyes.

“Wha- you don’t actually believe her? It’s Sunset.”, Lily tried to defend. There was some murmuring, but most seemed unconvinced.

“Ya forget that other people were witness to yar antics.”, Jacklyn spoke up.

“You also have a history of harassing students.”, Rarity added. “You’ve called me a “commie here to corrupt the American people” along with many other remarks I do not care to repeat.”

“Yeah, the whole hockey team saw you sucker punch Sunset, causing her broken leg.”, Rainbow said.

“Oh please, I bet her leg isn’t even broken. She’s just doing it for attention.”, Lily accused.

“Oh yeah, I’m pretending to be disabled.” Sunset rolled out to the front of the lunchroom and took the blanket off. “Bitch, I won’t be able to play hockey until I’m fully healed, my mobility is extremely limited, I can’t effin’ get to my preferred desk, and I can’t get to half the school. That’s just the stuff I can’t do at school. Lily, you’re as thick as shite and only half as handy.”

“Speaking of which.”, Flash said, standing up from his chair. “Did anyone see you break your leg?”

“What?! Are you seriously accusing me of faking my injury?!”, Lily said, outraged.

“If the shoe fits, or should I say cast.”

Lily’s head looked like it was going to explode, but Daisy stepped in before Lily could say anything. “She tripped over her own feet and fell down the stairs.”, Daisy said. Lily tried to say something, but Daisy shut her down. “Lily, literally no one here is on your side, not even me. Shut up and walk away quietly.” Again, Lily tried to say something, but Daisy lightly kicked her in the back of her good leg, and that got her to shut up.

Sunset tucked her blanket back around her legs and rolled back to her table. She turned to Flash with a massive grin, preparing to praise him, “Flash, I didn’t know you- Flash?” but Flash had his head on the table and his arms wrapped around his head. “Flash, are you okay?”, Sunset asked worriedly. Flash shook his head without taking it off the table. There was a mix of emotions radiating from him, none of them positive. Sunset untied Ki from her chair and handed the leash to Snails. “Ki, stay. You, watch him. Keep the other crotch goblins from hurting him.” Sunset turned back to Flash, rubbed his back, and got in close enough to whisper to him. “Hey, do you want to find a quiet place?” Flash mumbled a yes and got up, and Sunset wheeled away from the table.

Sunset and Flash exited the lunchroom and went to the library. Almost nobody was in the library at this time of day, but they went deep into the stacks anyways. Once they were far away from everybody, Flash slumped down against the shelf and began crying. Sunset comforted him the best she could, but she was stuck in a chair. “I hate her. - I hate her. I hate her.”, Flash sobbed out.

Sunset continued running her hand through Flash’s hair. “Maybe you should talk to a therapist.”

“Maybe, but she’s only part of the problem.”

“What’s the other part?”

“You’re too much like her.”, Flash said scornfully.

That caught Sunset off guard. “I’m no saint, but I’m nowhere near as bad as her.”

“But you’re getting there. Another year, two, you’re getting worse each year. I’m afraid you’ll cross a line you can’t uncross.”

“You mean killing.”, Sunset stated bluntly. “Are you seriously concerned I’d kill someone?”

“Your curse broke Lily’s leg. Next time, it could be her skull.”, Flash said darkly.

Sunset’s words caught in her throat. Flash was right. Humans are far less durable than ponies. It would be an exaggeration to say that a pony could fall off Mount Canterhorn and walk away with just a bruise but not by much. As terrifying humans are, their bones just aren’t as tough as ponies’. “I’ll reverse the curse.”, Sunset said solemnly.

Flash took Sunset’s hand that had been removed from his head earlier and looked Sunset in the eyes. “Hey, I’m not mad, and I still love you. I want to help you.” There’s nothing you can do to help me. Sunset said nothing, and the two of them stayed like that until Sunset’s stomach reminded them neither of them had eaten anything more than a couple of spoonfuls of vegetables. “We should probably go back to lunch.”, Flash said while wiping tears from his eyes.

“Thank you for saying it first.”

“It was your stomach that said it first. Seriously, where do you put it all?”

“In my breasts. Women’s bodies store all the excess food we eat in our boobs, break it down, and ferment it into milk.”

“Wait, really?”

“No, of course not. Damn, you're gullible.”

“Ha ha, very funny.”

“It was. Now, push me back to lunch.”

Flash rolled his eyes but did so, but not before getting his own jab in. “Eats so much bacon your hair matches it.”

“My sister does that one better.”, Sunset remarked.

ASL Club
Date: same day, time: 3:05 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Flash wheeled Sunset into the club with Snips and Snails trailing behind them. Everyone turned to look at them, then some of them looked at Sunset’s leg but didn’t look shocked. “I take it my verbal brawl with Lily made it around.” Everyone, except for Meg, nodded. Sunset wheeled herself over to her usual corner, but on her way there, she noticed someone new that looked less than thrilled to see Sunset there. “Sweetie Drops forgot to tell you I was club staff, eh?”

“Yeah, how’d you know I was with Sweetie?”, the girl said with furrowed eyebrows.

“I have a matching stain on one of my shirts from when we bumped into each other while she was holding a chocolate bar.”

“This is Lyra Heartstrings. She’s my friend.”, Sweetie Drops cut in.

“Will you be getting her up to speed?”

“I’ve actually been teaching her the basics for the last week.”

“Good. If you feel lost, you can ask me for help.”, Sunset said to Lyra.

“Okay, sure.”, Lyra said, rather surprised. Sunset continued on to her corner but overheard Lyra and Sweetie. “I thought she would’ve been meaner.”

“She’s been going through a lot. She’s actually kinda nice just not dealing with things well.”, Sweetie said.

Sunset just rolled her eyes and didn’t say anything. The club started, and things were fairly normal. Lyra would occasionally ask for Sunset’s help translating particularly with letter signing. For someone who joined half way through the year, Lyra was a good signer, particularly with body language. As the lesson continued, Sunset noticed Forest stealing glances at her. Sunset tried to ignore it, but the Forest was looking at her made her uncomfortable. Sunset turned herself away and began petting Ki, but she could still feel Forest looking at her.

Sunset continued trying to ignore Forest for the rest of the hour. Once the club was over, everyone began dispersing, except for Forest. Sunset and Flash began getting their jackets back on and packing up to head to Sunset’s. They didn’t get much packing done before Forest came up to Sunset. “Hey Sunset, can I talk to you - alone?”

“Anything you need to say to me can be said in front of Flash.”

Forest looked unsure but complied. “Okay, why hasn’t your leg healed?”

“What? It was broken yesterday.”

“Yeah, but you have healing powers.”

Oh, this crap again. “No Forest, I don’t.” At least, not any more. “I heal just as slowly as any human.”

“Oh, that sucks.”

“Yeah, it does. Now, we have an appointment to get to.” Flash put Sunset’ backpack on her back handles, and they headed to the door. Just in case Forest tried to stop them again, Sunset and Flash hurried out of there. Flash pushed Sunset home, and Sunset sent Flash to go get Minerva.

“So, you want to take the curse off.”, Minerva said as she came down the stairs.

“Well, Flash wants me to, and the curse was meant to get revenge for him.”

“Okay, you still have the hair?”

“Yup. Flash, there’s a plastic bag in my nightstand that has some of Lily’s hair in it. Can you go get it?”

“Sure, but how did you get Lily’s hair?”, Flash asked, seeming a bit concerned.

“It caught on my jacket zipper during the scuffle for my whistle. I didn’t yank it out of her head as much as I wanted to.”

“O-kay” Flash ran off to Sunset’s room, and Sunset and Minerva headed to the kitchen. They began pulling out ingredients including mushrooms, mustard seed, and witch hazel leaves. “Okay, got it.” Flash ran into the kitchen with the baggie in hand.

“Thank you.” Sunset took the baggie and placed it with the rest of the ingredients.

“So, what’s going on?”

“Basically, we need to do what we did to curse Lily in the first place but in reverse.”, Minerva explained.

“These are normal foods and spices.”, Flash said, confused.

“Well, what were you expecting?”, Minerva asked.

“I don’t know, eye of newt.”

“That is eye of newt.”, Sunset said while pointing to the mustard seed.

“That’s mustard seed.”, Flash said, not getting it.

“That’s what eye of newt is. It’s just the old-timey name for it. Witchcraft is just cooking, but the end product rarely tastes good.”

“Wow, that simultaneously makes being a witch way cooler and way lamer.”

“We can teach you, if you want.”, Minerva offered.

“I’m pretty sure my mom would freak out if she found out I was dating a witch. She might call for an exorcism if I started practicing.”

“You mean what the priest did in that movie?”, Sunset asked.

“Yes but less vomiting.” Flash looked to be thinking before he spoke again. “Do you have exorcisms?”

“Not that I’m aware of, but then again, most Pegan traditions were either erased or absorbed by Christianity.”

“Oh, yeah.”, Flash said solemnly.

“I think it’s ready for the hair.”, Sunset cut in.

“Okay” Minerva added the hair to the pot and said the incantation, which sounded like gibberish when said backwards. “Kcuf efil rieht ekam, enutrof ssim dna niap meht esuac. Kcul rieht yortsed, seimene ym esruc.”

“Nothing happened.”, Flash said.

“Despite the flashy light show movies like to show, magic is actually very subtle.”, Minerva explained.

“How does it work?”

“Have you ever heard of the tulpa effect?”

“No”

“The tulpa effect can be boiled down to ‘if enough people believe in it hard enough, it becomes real’. Magic is a product of that. We believe we can commune with the planet and ask for her power to service our needs.”, Minerva explained.

“That’s nuts. So, what do you do with that?”

“Garbage disposal, the spell is finished, and the magic in these ingredients has been spent.” Minerva turned the burner off and poured the soup down the drain.

“Thanks for your help.”, Sunset said to Minerva.

“No problem.”

Sunset rolled over to her room, and Flash followed. They still had an hour to wait for Flash’s mom.

Sentrys’ house
Date: same day, time: 4:35 pm

*Ethan Sentry’s perspective*

“Hey honey, I would like to take Flash to guitar practice today.”, Ethan said.

“Hm, oh sure. Let me jus’ write down Sunset’s address.” Shine grabbed a notepad and pen and quickly jotted it down. “Sunset lives close to tha school and Ms. Michelson’s house, but ya’ll still need ta get going if ya want ta get ‘em there in time. Oh, and don’t forget ta pack Flash’s guitar.”, Shine said as she handed Ethan the paper. “Oh, and Sunset broke her leg yesterday, so ya might need ta help her in and out of tha car and her wheelchair.”

“What happened?”

“Ah don’t know. Brigid called me last night and asked if Ah would be able ta handle it.”

“Okay, I can do that.” Ethan took the keys, grabbed Flash’s guitar, and went out to the car. After punching the address into the GPS, Ethan set off to pick up the kids. Upon reaching the Katons’ house, Ethan pulled into what looked like the driveway, but there was no garage. Ethan walked up the pathway and to the door. Ethan knocked on the door, and a woman Ethan recognized as Minerva answered the door.

“Hey, Ethan, right?”

“Yes, may I come in?”

“Sure, just spray yourself down first.” Minerva handed Ethan a spray bottle.

Ethan examined the bottle. It was just a normal spray bottle with what smelled like disinfectant inside. “Does this have to do with Emi wearing those gloves, glasses, and mask?”

“Yes, she’s immunocompromised.”, Minerva answered. Oh. Ethan sprayed himself down and stepped inside then handed the bottle back to Minerva. Minerva placed the bottle on the table and walked to a door on the far side of the kitchen. “Flash, your dad is here.”

Flash and Sunset soon emerged from the room and walked or rolled over to the front door. “Hey Dad, I thought Mom was taking us.”

“She was, but I volunteered to take you instead.”

“Okay”

Ethan led them out the car and prepared to help Sunset in, but Sunset just handed her guitar to Flash and pulled herself into the car. Okay, that works. Flash handed Sunset’s guitar back to her then took the chair to the back of the car and started collapsing it. “Need any help with that?”

“No thanks, I’m good. Sunset showed me how to do it properly.”

“Oh, okay. You really have grown up, haven’t you?”, Ethan said warily.

“Yeah, I guess I have. I kinda had to.”

“That’s good.” Ethan let Flash finish and went to sit in the driver seat again. Flash soon finished up and sat in the back with Sunset.

“Here, since you're transporting me, you get to hang this in your windshield.” Sunset handed Ethan a handicapped placard. “I will need that back when you drop me off back here.”

“Will do.” Ethan pulled out of the driveway, and they got on their way to Ms. Michelson’s house.

“How’s civilian life treating you?”, Sunset asked.

“It’s good but a bit of an adjustment process.”

“You woke up at five and had nothing to do but clean until everyone else woke up.”

“Well, I… I feel very called out. How do you know?”

“Did you not notice my aunt’s plastic feet?”

“I did, but having prosthetics doesn’t automatically mean someone was in the military.”

“True, but she was and still wakes up way too close to the butt crack of dawn.”

“Says the creature of the night.”, Flash snarked.

“If it were up to me, everything would be open twenty-four hours to accommodate everyone of every sleeping schedule.”

“And that kind of attitude is why I like you.”

Flash really was growing up.

Katon family home
Date: same day, time: 6:00 pm

*Anzhong’s perspective*

“Mom! Emi’s chewing on her letter blocks again!”, Sunset called out.

“Emi, ya know y’re not supposed ta do dat.”, Brigid called back.

“They’re my blocks, and they’re nontoxic.”, Emi protested.

“Yeah, but y’ll eventually have no blocks because ya ate ‘em all. Wha’ will ya do den, eat da furniture?”

“Yes”, Emi said emphatically. Anzhong hoped she was joking, but it was hard to tell with Emi. Anzhong knew kids put things in their mouths that they shouldn’t and couldn’t claim he never did the same, but he would have thought that Emi would have grown out of chewing on her blocks by now.

Anzhong put his book down and got up from his chair and walked over to join the debate. “Perhaps everyone would like some actual food.”

“Ooh, ooh, can we have mac n’ cheese tonight?”, Emi asked.

“Dat sounds good.”

“I’ll get started then.” Anzhong headed back inside and to the kitchen, but before he was out of earshot, he heard Sunset and Emi going at it again.

“Take that out of your mouth.”

“Ya can’t tell me what ta do.”

“Ah can do this.”

“Sunset, put me down. Mom!”

“Sunset, put Emi down.”, Brigid said, exasperated.

Anzhong shook his head. There is never enough warning to how much of a handful kids can be. Macaroni and cheese was a simple dish to make and took less than an hour. “Wash your hands for dinner.”, Anzhong called out. Everyone hurried to the bathrooms and after a couple minutes started setting the table.

“Mac n’ cheese, mac n’ cheese, Ah love mac n’ cheese.”, Emi sang. Anzhong placed the macaroni and cheese in the center and took his seat along with everyone else. Strangely enough, everyone was quiet. That was until Emi said something. “Oh, yeah. Ow, hey.”

“Sunset, no bonking Emi on da head.”, Brigid chastised. “Would ya like it if Spitfire did dat ta ya?”

“She’s done that and worse to me. One of those times is why I even became Celestia’s personal student.”

“Oh, story time.”, Emi said, seemingly having forgotten that Sunset just whacked her.

“Okay, first off, this is something I already told Mom, but Spitfire is my half sister and is half dragon on her dad’s side. Now, when I was a foal and she was young, she was learning to use her fire breath. She was doing it inside the house; you better bet our mom was none to happy about that, but I digress. So, Spitfire was practicing her fire breath, and I was watching. One of her puffs ended up being a bit bigger than either of us expected. I ducked to avoid the flames, but me being the dumbass I was,”

“Are”, Emi siad. “Ow, Sunset.”

“She deserved it.”, Sunset protested. “Anyway, I neglected to lower my flank as the fire ball soared over me. This resulted in my tail catching on fire, and I ran around the house, screaming, while Spitfire tried to put me out. I was fine and didn’t get badly burned, but my tail was gone. I was left with nothing but this little nib attached to my butt until my tail grew back.”

“Hahaha, I bet you looked silly.”, Emi chuckled.

“I did. I also had ta wear a dress to cover my unmentionables, and because of that, I worked to become a pyromancer so I could get back at her, and I found out I was really good at it. I ended up getting my cutie mark when I blasted her through a wall, and my parents decided to send me to Celestia’s school so I could hone my skill and to reduce the chances of the house being burned down.”

“Gettin’ y’r destiny definin’ mark by blastin’ y’r sister through a wall. How fiitin’.”, Brigid said dryly.

“She was fine. She can nosedive into lava and come out just fine, just without any fur. Plus, she got hers in that tail scorching incident.”

“Jus’ don’t set Emi on fire.”

“That’s easy.”

“N’ don’t set y’rself on fire.”

“No promises.”

“How’d you become Celestia’s student?”, Emi asked.

“Well, that has to do with a student named ‘Jet Set’. Despite his name, he was a unicorn and also attended Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. He was an absolute asshole. One day in the lunchroom, he was being his normal asshole self. I can’t remember what he was talking about; it was twenty years ago, but I do remember that it made me mad. I confronted him about it, and he challenged me to a magic duel. Despite just barely having become accustomed to my magic, I accepted. We went out to the courtyard for our duel. I had a lot of raw magic power, even back then, but I didn’t have good control over it. Several broken windows can attest to that. So, our duel started, and Jet fired a magic bolt at me. I dodged and fired one of my own. Except it went wide, and I ended up blasting the shrubs. When I say blasted, I mean the thing exploded, like BOOM. As shocked as I was, it was funny watching that pompous noble running away from a kid two years younger than him like a chicken. After that, Celestia recognized my power and took me under her wing. Good thing too. I definitely would have blown up something far less easily replaced if I was in normal classes.”

“That sounds in line with you.”, Anzhong said.

“It sounds in line for this whole family.”

“Hm, fair.” The dinner was once again quiet. Anzhong was both not worried about it but also very worried about it. They were most likely planning a birthday surprise in ASL. This will be interesting.

Inside the car
Date: Jun 12th, time: 5:30 pm

*Anzhong’s perspective*

Anzhong opened his eyes as the car rolled to a stop. He opened his door and stepped a foot out before he noticed something was off. They weren’t in the garage. There was a distinct lack of the smell of pine, metal, and plastic. Now that he thought about it, the car didn’t make the correct turns needed to go into the garage. However, it did make the correct turns needed to get onto the front driveway. “What are you doing, Brigid?”, Anzhong asked warily.

“Ahh, don’t be such a spoilsport. Since we can’t give ya a proper birthday celebration on y’r actual birthday due ta da holiday, we’re givin’ ya one now. Ya, stay in da car, n’ Ah’ll get everyone movin’.” Brigid stomped up to the door and inside the house.

Anzhong resigned himself to his fate and got back in the car. “You would think you can avoid having your birthday being a big hoopla by being born on a holiday but no.”, Anzhong said to Kiba. Kiba let out a low grunting sound in agreement.

Brigid soon came out of the house with two extra sets of feet in tow and Emi going “Weeee!”, most likely riding with Sunset. “Okay, butts in car.”, Brigid ordered.

“Hey, look Mom. My butt’s in the car.”, Emi teased.

“Oh, come on, Emi.”, Anura said.

“Wah! When did you get so strong?”

“You should have said ‘butts in seats’.”, Sunset suggested.

“Ya two would’ve found someway ta maliciously comply with dat.”

“Hehe, yeah, we would’ve.”

Everyone got loaded into the car, and Brigid pulled out of the driveway.

“So, where are we going?”, Anzhong asked.

“It’s a surprise, Daddy.”, Emi said.

Dumpling’s Delectables
Date: same day, time: 6:45 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

“That was good.”, Anzhong said.

“Now, aren’t ya glad we kidnapped ya n’ forced ya ta eat ‘ere?”, Brigid teased.

“Do you have to phrase it like that?”

“As a matter of fact, she does. She’s contractually obligated to.”, Jiraiya said.

“If he made you sign it under duress, I can have it voided.”, Anzhong whispered to Brigid.

An odd sound drew Sunset attention away from the adults, which turned out to be Emi and Anura table knife fighting.

“Please put the knives down. You could get hurt.”, Minerva said.

“Come on, their table knives. They can barely cut meat.”, Emi protested.

“Eyeball, dey can cost ya an eyeball.”, Brigid said.

“Oh”, Anura said, then put her knife down.

“Whimp”, Emi said.

“Well, excuse me. I don’t have that hyper spatial awareness thing you have. If I lose my eye, I’d be far worse off than you.”

“Safety glasses”, Emi said as if she just invented them.

“That might actually be a good idea.”, Minerva said.

“Hello everybody, how was your meal?”, the waitress asked.

“Everything was delicious. We are ready for the check.”, Jiraiya said.

“Okay, I’ll be right back then.” The waitress walked back to the register and soon came back, check in hand.

“Thank you.” Jiraiya placed his card in, then gave it back to the waitress. The waitress took the bill back to the register, yada yada, the family paid the bill and was now heading back to the car. As soon as they stepped outside, they saw that someone parked in the disabled loading zone.

“What is this?”, Anzhong asked while bumping his cane against it.

“It’s someone’s car.”, Minerva said.

Brigid’s face turned as red as her hair, and she stormed back into the restaurant. “Whoever’s da cocksucke’ dat parked in da disabled loadin’ zone, move y’r effin’ car now! Me baby’s in a wheelchair, n’ now, she c’n’t get in da car!”, Brigid bellowed. Even with the doors closed, she could be heard loud and clear.

“You know, I forget how loud she can be.”, Jiraiya commented.

A sheepish looking young man soon scurred out past the family and to the illegally parked car. “Sorry”, the young man sheepishly said.

Brigid stomped out of the restrant after the kid, still looking pissed but also pleased with herself.

“What’s the smile about?”, Minerva asked.

“Da turd was with a girl, n’ she looked none to happy ta learn wha’ he did.”

The kid moved his car, and they were finally able to get into their car and drive home. “Hey Minerva, did this ever happen to you?”, Sunset asked.

“Yeah, a few times. Some people think the rules don’t apply to them, but Brigid was the one chauffeuring me around in the early days, so she scared them off, and I eventually learned how to deal with them my own way.”

“That tracks with what I’ve seen.”

“Yeah, but remember sweetie, dese people are da minority a’ people. Dey jus’ happen ta be da loudest.”, Brigid said.

“Yeah, right.”, Sunset said disbelievingly. She knew Brigid was trying to make her feel better about this world, but there was no point. Sunset has seen how violent and deceitful humans are, and it’s not like she could condemn them. After all, she’s just like them.

Mr. Milestone’s classroom
Date: Jan 14th, time: 3:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

The bell rang, and the students rushed into the hallways. Sunset and Meg headed towards their lockers to grab their hockey gear, but as Sunset reached into her locker, she remembered that she wouldn’t be able to go. Horse feathers.

Meg tapped Sunset on her shoulder, and Sunset looked up to face her. “I go now. See you tomorrow.”

Sunset waved to Meg then turned back to her locker. As soon as Meg was out of sight, Sunset stood up from her wheelchair, using her locker to stabilize herself, grabbed her books, and put them in her bag. Sunset laid her bag on the ground and lowered herself back into her chair. “Sigh, I’m glad this is temporary.”

Sunset placed her bag on the back of the wheelchair and began heading to the exit. As she headed out, she noticed Fluttershy at the edge of the crowd. “Hey! Fluttershy!”, Sunset called out and started wheeling closer to her, having to give some kids the death glare to make them get out of the way.

Fluttershy froze and slowly turned around to face Sunset. Fluttershy was either too stupid or scared to just book it out of there. “What is it, Sunset?” She said it clearly, but the ‘I’m close to shitting myself’ face remained.

“I’m here to cash in that favor you owe me.”, Sunset said confidently.

A look of defeat washed over Fluttershy and added to the fear. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath in a futile attempt to summon up some form of courage. “Okay, what do you want?”

“I need you to find me a hypoallergenic cat.”

Fluttershy’s eyes opened in shock, and she looked at Sunset like she asked her for a pet unicorn. That would be a strange day. “That’s it?”, Fluttershy deadpanned.

“My mom’s a cat person, but my aunt and cousin are both allergic. I want to find her a cat that won’t bard my aunt and cousin from our house, and it has to be before February first. Oh, and it can’t be hairless. The poor thing’s name will inevitably be scrotum.”

“Oh of course, I can help with that, and you don’t have to worry about the cat being hairless. Hairless cats aren’t even hypoallergenic since your aunt and cousin are most likely allergic to the dander and saliva, not the fur.”, Fluttershy said, becoming much more relaxed. “You don’t even need to cash in that favor.”

“You really want to continue having that over your head?”

Fluttershy’s eyes sprang open again. “Oh no, this is a perfectly reasonable reason to cash in your favor.”

“Smart girl.”, Sunset grabbed her backpack, pulled out a pen and paper from it, and wrote her number down. “This is my number. When you find the cat, call or text me.”

Fluttershy took the paper and quickly walked off. Sunset turned back around to go to the side exit. The crowd hadn’t thinned much since Sunset and Fluttershy started talking, leaving little room for Sunset, her chair, and Ki. Many ‘hey’s and death glares were exchanged as Sunset and Ki re-entered the crowd.

After getting outside, freeing herself from the hoard of stinky adolescents, Sunset gave Ki a chance to do his business. She spotted Lily and Daisy walking past, to the carlot. Lily looked oh so uncomfortable on her crutches. Sunset gave Lily a cocky wave, and Lily responded with the one finger salute. Sunset responded with an American salute. Lily responded by sticking out her tongue, but any more of their eloquent discourse was cut off by Daisy practically pulling Lily away. Ki walked back over to Sunset, Sunset checked for poop, and seeing that there wasn’t any, they got underway.

Sunset rolled into the house and unleashed Ki. “Hey! Emi! I’m home!”, Sunset called out, but there was no response. “Emi?” Sunset rolled around, looking for Emi. “Emi! there’s no point in hiding! I know you’re down here!” Sunset turned to look over the couch but heard air whooshing behind her. She raised her hand to protect her head and ended up catching a bokken.

“Nuts”, Emi said.

Sunset turned around to find Emi standing behind her with a sour look on her face and holding the other end of the bokken. “You wanted to take advantage of my temporarily reduced height and whack me in the head with the bokken?”

“Yes”, Emi said dejectedly.

“Good plan, it would have worked if done on almost anyone else.”

That got Emi to perk up and even look proud. “Yeah, it was a good plan. I’m a master tactician. I just so happen to be going up against a freak of nature.”

Sunset let go of the bokken and rolled her eyes. “That’s the pot calling the kettle black. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine.”

“Okay” Sunset gave Emi a pat on the head then went to her room and did homework stuff. It wasn’t long before Minerva was back with Sunset being alerted by Emi’s war cry.

“Face me, warrior! We will fight to the bitter end! And this time, with safety classes!”, Emi cried, shortly followed by the sound of wooden swords clashing and Minerva telling them to go outside.

Sunset exited her room and caught Minerva before she went back upstairs. “Hey Minerva, can I talk to you for a minute?”

“You just had your first real experience with your new restrictions.”, Minerva said in that voice that meant she already had you completely figured out. She moved over to the couch, and Sunset followed her down the ramp. “How was it for you?”

“It was more of me realizing what it must have been like for you and Mom, my bio-mom. How did you cope with the sudden lack of independence, all of it?” Sunset gestured to Minerva’s legs and the chair.

“To be honest with you, I didn’t handle it very well. I’m still somewhat ashamed of how I lost my legs and reacted and don’t like having a visual reminder of my stupidity. Let me tell you the story.”

*Flashback*

Military Hospital, Afghanistan
Date: early June, 2002

*Minerva’s perspective*

Minerva stared at the space where her legs should be with utter disdain and disbelief. The attending physician had filled her in on what happened, but it didn’t seem real. She transferred out of cyber command to kill the al-Qaeda scum, not get blown up. Minerva’s head whipped over to the door as she heard it open. Through it came Dr. Novo Kawailani, a Polynesian woman with dark magenta hair with a light blue witch’s streak going straight back from the center of her hairline. She was a very attractive lady that clearly put effort into her appearance, and her tribal tattoos, army camo, and sidearm attached to her thigh made her look badass. Under normal circumstances, Minerva would respect the effort, but in her current condition, she found it insulting. How dare she be sprucing herself up when Minerva would have to go weeks without a proper shower. It didn't help that Minerva had a bit of a... hatred for MDs at the time and was in pain because she refused any sort of pain meds due to her paranoia.

“Hello Lt. Reads, how are you doing?”

“How am I doing? How do you think I’m doing?! I’m missing my legs and six months of my life! I don’t even have the luxury of having both of my knees!”, Minerva shouted with venom.

“Your reaction is normal. You’ve just gone through a very traumatic event, and it will-”, Dr. Kawailani tried to say but was cut off.

“Oh, you don’t say. I haven’t noticed.”, Minerva said sarcastically. “You know nothing about what I’ve gone through! You’re in perfect health! I don’t even have my hair!”

“I understand you’re in pain. Would you like some more time alone?”

“Yes! Get out!”

Dr. Kawailani nodded, then left Minerva’s room, and Minerva slammed her head against her pillow.

Canterlot Airport
Date: some days later, time: 11:00 pm

*Minerva’s perspective*

Minerva rolled out of the secure area in her hospital model chair alongside several other soldiers returning from deployment. Most of them were embraced by their families and loved ones while others just went over to the rental cars. Minerva rolled to the Mexican restaurant and rolled up to one of the many empty tables. A waiter soon came up and greeted Minerva.

“Welcome back, soldier. What can I get for ya?”, the waiter said while placing a menu in front of Minerva.

“Huh, I would say alcohol, but that’s probably not the best idea right now. A soda would be fine.”

“I’ll bring it right out.” The waiter left and returned with the soda within a minute.

Minerva scanned over the menu, but she wasn’t very hungry. Her stomach was in knots. As she sipped on her soda, she contemplated what she needed to do next. She had no house, couldn’t drive, had no family, and now, had no job. Minerva opened up her contacts. She looked through the names. Most of them were just the other girls that lived in her college dorm. However, one of the names stood out to her, Brigid O’Floinn. Minerva remembered her as being grumpy and withdrawn, except for the occasional tirades about the latest literal crap her managers made her clean, and she didn’t know how to use a toaster, leading to some hilarious moments, but she could also remember that Brigid would help anyone who asked. She was very big and very strong. Leading her to be frequently asked to help carry stuff. Minerva decided to try her. She expected to be told no, but she had to start somewhere.

“Hello?”, Brigid asked somewhat tiredly.

“Hello, you probably don’t remember me, but my name is Minerva Reads. We used to live in the same dorm.”

“Were ya da one whose wall Ah accidentally punched a hole in?” Brigid sounded happier than Minerva could ever remember, but to be fair, having to clean shit off the ceiling of the MickieD’s bathroom on a semi-regular basis would make anyone unhappy. She was likely far away from that place now.

“Uh, no, that was someone else, but I do remember that. The reason I called you is that I need help. I just got back from deployment and can’t drive.”

“Say no more. Are ya at da airport?”

“Yes”

“Ah’ll be dere in ‘bout forty-five minutes.” With that, Brigid hung up.

Minerva sat there, stunned. Someone jumping to someone else's aid like that was something Minerva only heard about lifelong friends doing. Minerva and Brigid only knew of each other. Minerva ended up not eating anything and just drank soda as she waited for Brigid. Once the forty-five minutes were up, Minerva paid her bill and exited the restaurant. Through the sliding glass doors, Minerva saw the unmistakable figure of Brigid O’Floinn step out of the large, gray sedan that would eventually be transferred to Minerva once they became pregnant and before Brigid became infertile. Minerva exited the building and rolled up to Brigid. “You look well.”, Minerva said.

“N’ ya look like ya’ve been put around da ringe’. When was da last time ya slept?”

“A while ago. If you can take me to the nearest motel, I can figure things out from there.”

“Dat’s not da safest idea. Ya c’n stay with me if ya want. We don’t have ground level beds, but we do have bette’ food.”

“You’d really do that for me? We hardly know each other.”

“Ya need help. Ah don’t need anothe’ reason.”, Brigid said with a shrug.

“How noble of you.” Minerva rolled over to the passenger door which Brigid opened. Minerva placed one hand on the door and grabbed the side handle thing with her other then began lifting herself out of her chair.

“Ya good?”

“Yes, I can handle this.” Minerva managed to get half way into the car before losing balance and began to fall, but Brigid managed to swoop in and catch her. Brigid then began to lift Minerva into the car. “Put me back! I can do this myself!”

“Alright”, Brigid said calmly, then lowered Minerva back into her chair. Minerva tried again but wasn’t able to do it. “Ah c’n admire y’r commitment ta dis, but it’s late, n’ Ah wanna go ta bed soon.” Minerva fixed Brigid with a glare but relented. Brigid lifted Minerva out of her chair and placed her in the car. Brigid took Minerva’s bag off the chair and placed it on the ground, then knelt down to collapse the chair. “Okay, how do ya do dis?” Minerva told Brigid how to collapse the chair, and Brigid placed it and the backpack in the back then got into the driver’s seat.

The whole drive to Brigid’s house, Minerva sat in silence. Upon reaching the house, Brigid brought Minerva’s wheelchair around to the front and had her bag over her shoulder. Minerva positioned the chair, engaged the brakes, faced away from the chair, then placed her hands on the armrests. This time, she was much more successful and was able to get in her chair on her own. Minerva moved out of the way and to the back, and Brigid closed the door. Minerva followed Brigid out of the garage and up to the porch. Brigid helped Minerva up the steps and into the house then up into the dining room.

Brigid went over to the fridge and pulled out a piece of fish. “Feel free ta any a’ da food unless it has dis textured tape on it. Dese are reserved f’r recipes.”

“Okay”

Brigid then entered a door then waved Minerva in. It was Sunset’s room long before it belonged to her. It was stale, and Brigid was busy removing the plastic from the furniture and had placed Minerva’s bag on the floor. “Sorry, dis is da best we got.”

“It’s okay, and thank you.”

Brigid gave Minerva a nod then left the room with the plastic in hand. Minerva looked around the room then went to the bathroom. “Okay, let’s do this.” Minerva put the brakes on and scooted onto the toilet. Minerva grumbled incoherently as she squirmed out of her pants. Getting back into her pants was even harder, and after the whole ordeal, Minerva just wanted to go to bed. Minerva went back out to the main area and, luckily, crawling onto the couch and falling asleep was much easier.

By the time Minerva awoke, the sun was shining in through the window and Brigid was knocking at the door. “Hey, breakfast will be ready soon.” Minerva groaned but pulled herself off the couch and onto the chair, went to the bathroom, then out to the kitchen. A man Minerva would later know as Anzhong was cooking in the kitchen while Brigid was feeding a much younger Ki. In the corner of the room was a cat tree, but Minerva didn’t see a cat. She rolled over to the table and took a space at the table. Brigid and Anzhong placed the food on the table and took their seats. “Minerva, dis is ma fiancé, Anzhong.”

“Hello”, Anzhong said.

“Hello”, Minerva said.

“Do ya have any appointments?”, Brigid asked.

“Not today. I have to set up everything, but I was thinking of house hunting.”

“Ya could try lookin’ across da street. Dat nice couple in dat house ove’ dere are lookin’ ta sell n’ move ta Florida. Ah have tried ta warn dem ‘bout how much a’ a mosquito infested swamp dat state is, but dey don’t seem ta care. Eithe’ way, it’s a one story three bed, two bath, with a basement.”

“That - actually sounds nice.”

“Great. Ah have errands ta run, but Anzhong can help you. Just keep in mind he’s blind, so ya can’t use body language.”, Brigid said quickly, and Anzhong nodded. “Showin’s start in a couple hours.”

“O-kay”

Brigid quickly finished up her food and hurried out to the garage. Minerva looked Anzhong over. He was clad entirely in blacks and blues and was surprisingly well dressed for a person that couldn’t see himself. The dog Minerva would later know as Ki finished his food and walked over to Anzhong, and Anzhong gave him head pats. “You’re a quiet one, aren’t ya?”

“Brigid is more than capable of doing the talking for both of us.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“I do feel the need to thank you. You’ve provided Brigid a distraction from the recent passing of her cat.”

“What happened?”

“Pumpkin was quite old and had a heart condition. He just gave out.”

“That’s unfortunate.”

The two sat in silence as they finished up their meals. Once they were done, Anzhong took the plates to the kitchen, and Minerva went back into the guestroom. She pulled out her phone and began making calls to all the relevant doctors and whatnot. During her calls, Anzhong came in and left the newspaper on the coffee table without a word. Once Minerva was done with the scheduling, she opened the paper and began going through the help wanted section. The recent dot-com crash has left many people in IT out of a job but has also left room open for new companies to emerge. Minerva just needs to find herself some room.

Canterville Physical Therapy Center
Date: a couple days days later, time: 9:00 am

*Minerva’s perspective*

“You did well for your first session. We’ll have your active wheelchair ready for you in a few days. Have a good day, Minerva.”

“You too.”, Minerva said as she finished signing papers, then quickly left. Minerva rolled out of the clinic and towards Brigid’s car. Her arms and back were sore from the therapy, and she had bruises from smacking her arms against the armrests. Her active chair could not come soon enough.

Brigid was waiting in the loading zone, leaning against the side of the car. “Ahh, dere ya are. Ready ta go?”

“I am.” Minerva wheeled herself to the car, and Brigid opened the door for her. Minerva tried to get in, but she was too tired.

“Do ya need ma help?”

“No, I can do this.”, Minerva snapped. She tried again and again, but was not able to get in the car.

Brigid knelt down to be eye level with Minerva and gave her a serious look. “Minerva, Ah understand ya still want ta be independent, and Ah admire dat, but y’re still gettin’ used ta y’r new state a’ being. Please let me help you.”

“You think I’m some sort of pity project, something to keep your mind off your cat! I’m not! I can do this! I’m not helpless!”, Minerva snapped.

“Ah’m not sayin’ dat y’re helpless. Ah’m sayin’ everyone needs help sometimes, and Ah know wha’ y’re goin’ though.”

“You have no idea what I’m going through. A dead cat is not the same as seeing half your platoon blown up!”

Brigid’s eyes narrowed, and she looked angry. “Ah neve’ said any‘hin’ ‘bout me cat! Ah was talking ‘bout seeing me brothe’s brains blown out by our uncle! Ah’m talkin’ ‘bout seein’ me family’s faces blown off, deir bodies obliterated inta goop! Ya spent a few months in a war zone! Ah was born inta one! As much as we may wish y’re an isolated incident, y’re not! We all need help sometimes, n’ ya need help ta get inta dis car! Now, ya c’n eithe’ let me help ya or push y’rself home!” Brigid stood up, but that angry look didn’t leave her face.

It took Minerva a few moments to fully process what Brigid said, but once it did, it hit her like a train. “The troubles”, Minerva squeaked out.

“Precisely”, Brigid said coldly.

Minerva hung her head and tried to keep her tears in. A torrent of emotions hit Minerva all at once, sadness, pain, guilt, and now, shame. “I’m sorry. - Please, help me.” Minerva couldn’t see Brigid’s face, but she could feel Brigid carefully pick her up and gently place her in the car. The whole ride back, Minerva couldn’t meet Brigid’s eyes. Upon reaching her house, Brigid got Minerva back in her chair, and the two headed inside. As they approached the back door, Minerva noticed something new, a wheelchair ramp. It was unfinished, the railing needed to be attached, but still usable. “You made me a ramp?”, Minerva said.

“Yeah, it makes life easie’ f’r everybody. Ah’m still workin’ on da one f’r da front door.”

“Thank you, you’ve been very kind to me, but I have to ask. Why? You didn’t even give me a chance to explain what happened to me.”

“It's because Ah had people ta help me, but Ah was taken away from dem due to bureaucracy. Ah’ve experienced wha’ it’s like ta both have n’ not have someone, n’ Ah wanta make sure everybody has somebody.”

“I’m sorry I said what I said. It was wrong of me to make that assumption.”

“Yeah, dat was pretty crappy.”

“I’m going to go lie down. I’ll see you later.”

Before Minerva could get moving, Brigid grabbed Minerva’s shoulder. “Hey, Ah’m not mad at ya. Well, Ah was back dere, but not anymore. Ah get it. Ya see people walkin’ down the street, jus’ goin’ ‘bout deir day, bein’ happy, n’ Ah think, how dare dey jus’ go ‘bout deir life when some‘hin’ so terrible happened, when so many lives were unfairly cut short. Ya feel alone n’ like no one c’n possibly know y’r pain. We wouldn’t be wrong in sayin’ dey don’t know wha’ we’ve gone through, but we also don’t know wha’ dey’ve gone through.”

“Thank you for telling me this. I’ll try to keep that in mind.”

“Dat’s all Ah c’n ask.”

*Present Day*

Katon family home
Date: Jan 14th, time: 3:45 pm

*Minerva’s perspective*

“And that’s how I became friends with your mother and how I learned never to judge people.”, Minerva finished her story off with. “Your mother is the kindest person I’ve ever met. She made every part of her house as wheelchair accessible as she could. She made all three ramps by hand and put in the disabled railing in the ground floor bathrooms.”

“I thought those railings were for the previous owner’s daughter.”, Sunset said.

“Nope, that was all Brigid.”

“Huh”

Their conversation was interrupted by Emi and Anura running inside with Tomiju bounding in behind them. “Mom! Look! Emi and I lost our first tooth!” The two girls proudly showed off their teeth and smiled, showing their new gaps.

“Ya whacked them out of each other’s mouth, didn’t you?”, Sunset asked.

“Maayybe”, Emi said.

“Either way, that’s great.”, Minerva congratulated. “Now, you can put them under your pillows, and the tooth fairy will exchange them for money.”

“Yes! Let’s make a pact with a demon in exchange for body parts!”, Emi cheered.

“Do you have to make everything weird?”, Anura chastised.

“In her defence, it’s already weird.”, Sunset said.

“Do you have anything like the tooth fairy in Equestria?”, Minerva asked.

“Not really. Since body parts can be used to curse people, we either burn or bury any hair clippings, baby teeth, and whatnot.”

“That’s one way to do it. Girls, if you give those to me, I can keep them safe while you continue playing.”

“Okidoki”, Emi said. The two of them handed Minerva their teeth, then ran back off.

Minerva took the teeth into the kitchen and placed them in a plastic baggie. Our little girls are growing up.

CMS
Date: Jan 15th, time: 3:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset headed into the gym with the rest of the after school gym rats. Sunset let Ki off his leash, told him to go lie down, dropped her bag, and began getting her gear on, minus the leg guards, which are more of a precaution in sabre fencing away, as Coach Swift headed over. “Hey, Coach. What can Ah do for ya?”

“Hey Sunset, what are you doing here?”

“Getting ready to practice. What else would I be doing?”

“Sunset, I can’t let you practice until your leg is healed.”

“What? This isn’t some high contact sport where being in a wheelchair is a liability. We’re poking each other with fancy sticks. There are Paralympic teams of wheelchair bound fencers.”, Sunset said angrily.

“I understand you want to fence, but I can’t let you until you’re healed. You’d be sparing against able bodied fencers. This is for your protection.”

“This isn’t more dangerous. It will just be different. You’re just being ableist! I can still out fence everybody in here!”

“My decision is final. You can fence when you’re healed. You can watch if you want, but you can’t fence.”

This was far from the most egregious thing Sunset had ever experienced, but it was one of the most aggravating. She hadn’t had her abilities questioned since she became Celestia’s student. After that, nopony dared to question her abilities, even when she was injured. Sunset gave the coach what was possibly the nastiest glare she had ever given someone, called Ki over and releashed him, angrily packed her stuff, and exited the gym. Sunset went straight to Principal Winters office and rolled in on a mission.

“Sunset? I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Coach Swift won’t let me fence because he thinks it’s too dangerous for me.”, Sunset quickly said. “I want something done about that.”

“Sunset, if Coach Swift believes that it’s too dangerous for you to fence, then I’m inclined to go with his assessment.”

“Except, he’s wrong. Anyone who fences me and I would be stationary, but otherwise, it’d be the same as fencing someone with a height difference. I can still wear the important parts of my armor and swing my sword. It’s no more dangerous than it is normally.”

“Sunset, I understand you want to fence, but if Coach Swift says it’s not safe, then it’s not safe.”

“No, he’s just being ableist. There’s a difference between not being physically capable of doing something and people thinking you can’t do something. I can’t play hockey because wheels don’t do ice, and I accept that, but I can fence. Only minor adjustments would need to be made for me to fence.”

“Hm, how ‘bout this, I’ll go with you back to the gym, and if you can show me that you can fence in a wheelchair, I’ll let you fence.”

“That works.” Sunset spun around and headed back to the gym with Principal Winters on her tail.

Sunset re-entered the gym, and Winters went up to Coach Swift and began to quietly talk to him. Sunset knew they believed that she couldn’t hear them, but she could easily toon out the sounds of swords clashing and hear them. “Look, Sunset is accusing you of ableism based discrimination. We can get into serious trouble if her father chooses to prosecute us. You already advised her it wasn’t safe. If she does get hurt, we can’t be sued, but if we forbid her from trying, we can get sued.”, Winters said.

Sunset was angered by the fact Winters was more concerned about being sued than making sure her students were treated fairly, but so long as it gets her what she wanted, she could live with it. “Alright Sunset, we will try it your way. Rose! Get over here!”

Rose Heart stopped hitting the dummy and ran over to meet them. “Yes, Coach?”

“You’ll be sparring with Sunset.”

“Okay, will you be able to do so in a wheelchair?”, Rose asked Sunset.

“Yes, but it will be slightly different from normal sparring. Since I can’t move easily with one hand, we’ll be mostly stationary, but we can both still lean forwards and backwards. You also can absolutely not hit my legs. My blanket is tough, but it’s not proper leg armor.”

“Okay, I can do that.”

Sunset unleashed Ki again, told him to lie down, and got her gear on, and she and Rose went over to one of the mats. They saluted then began, and as always, Sunset whooped Rose’s butt. It didn’t even take any longer than it normally did. Sunset turned back to the coach and lifted up her mask to give him the most Jester-esk smile she could manage while Swift gave her a disapproving stare, and Winters looked neutral. “We had a deal, Coach. I get to continue fencing.”, Sunset mocked.

“We did, but you won’t be able to participate in the state championship.”

“I didn’t go last year; I wasn't planning on going this year.”

“Well, it looks like everything’s sorted out. I’ll leave you all to it.” Winters left the gym, and Swift went to go attend to other students.

Sunset turned back to Rose, who was looking towards Swift, and she saw pure disappointment in Rose’s face. “Ready to get back to sparring?”, Sunset asked.

Rose’s head snapped back to face Sunset. “Yeah”, Rose said warily.

“You lost respect for him too, didn’t ya?”

Rose solemnly nodded. “Sunset, I never doubted your ability, not for a second.”

“Well, that makes you smarter than him.”

“Yeah, I’m also no stranger to this.”

“How so?”

“My dad fell down the stairs after a drunken night out back in college and broke his back. He’s been in a wheelchair ever since. There’s a lot of unconscious ableism in n’ out of sports.”

“Yeah, I’m starting to think that’s part of the reason my aunt hides her prosthetics.”

“Yeah. You know, you’re surprisingly easy to talk to. You could make a good therapist.”

“Ha, yeah right.”

“I’m serious. After you see one of your own, you could really help people.”

“Whatever, let’s just get back to sparring.”

“Alright, but I’m not joking.”

Sunset and Rose lowered their masks, saluted, and began again.

Katon family home
Date: Jan 18th, time: 3:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset, Anura, and Emi sat in the living room, playing a game of Uno. This would normally be something they do in the basement as that’s where all the games are, but no stairs for Sunset. Emi or Anura would have to run downstairs to grab the games and bring them upstairs so they could play. They were using one of the side tables to place their cards, otherwise Tomiju would try to eat them, and so far, Emi was winning.

“Mahahaha, you puny mortals could never hope to beat me at Uno, mahahaha.”, Emi declared. Anura did exactly what Sunset wanted to do and flicked Emi in the head with a dice from one of the other games. “Hey!”

“Good one.”, Sunset commented. Emi stuck her tongue out at the two of them, but they got back to the game quickly.

After Emi whooped their butts and they started another game, the girls noticed Brigid walking downstairs in her winter gear.

“Where are you going?”, Anura asked.

“Nowhere, Ah’m jus’ gonna get da snow off da roof.”

“Don’t you normally go out the attic window to do that?”, Anura asked.

“Ah’m tryin’ a new method dat wouldn’t involve dat.”

“Okay”, Anura said, then quickly turned back to the game.

Sunset heard Brigid walk outside and, a couple minutes later, the sound of something hitting the roof, something that sounded like an avalanche, and a surprised yelp from Brigid. The girls rushed outside to see Brigid emerge from a large pile of snow that now covered the space just around the porch. “Mom, are you okay?”

“Yeah, dat jus’ worked bette’ dan Ah expected.” Brigid extracted herself from the snow, let out a grunt, and marched to the garage.

The girls looked around at each other with semi-intrigued faces. “I guess whatever she did worked.”, Anura said. Then went back inside and back to their game. That was interesting.

Sunset’s room
Date: Jan 28th, time: 4:15 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset sat at her desk, channeling all the will power she had not to burn her history book. Only to add to her annoyance, her phone pinged with a text notification. Sunset’s ire grew more when she saw it was Fluttershy but then remembered why Fluttershy was texting her.

Hey Sunset, I found a hypoallergenic cat.

Okay, we’ll be over soon.

Sunset rolled to the stairs. “Minerva! I need you to take me to the animal shelter!”, Sunset called up the stairs.

Minerva came around the corner, looking confused. “Why do you need to go to the animal shelter?”

“Mom’s birthday present.”

Minerva continued to look confused then seemed to understand. “Sunset, Anura and I are allergic to cats.”

“I know, and I planned for that. That’s the main reason I need you to come with me.”

Minerva looked confused again but relented. “Alright, go get the girls.”

“Will do.”, Sunset said. Minerva went back around the corner, and Sunset went out back. “Girls! We’re going out! Get your crap together!”

“Okay!”, Emi called back.

Sunset rolled back into her room and began collecting things she would need, including the adoption fee and Punkin’s old caring crate which Emi was able to get down from the attic. That was the day Sunset learned they had an attic. As soon as Sunset picked up Ki’s harness, he was up and walking up to Sunset. Sunset patted him on the head then put his harness on. Sunset and Ki went back out to the main room where Minerva, Emi, and Anura were getting their shoes on. The five of them walked across the street to Minerva’s house, Minerva got her driving foot, and they got into the car and got underway. Once they were at the animal shelter, everyone hopped and dragged themselves out of the car, and Sunset gave the crate to Ki to carry. Sunset led them inside, and Fluttershy was waiting inside by the counter. “Hi, if you follow me, I’ll bring you to a room where you can meet Scar.”

“Scar? This will be interesting.”, Minerva commented.

Fluttershy led them to a room with three chairs and a cat tree and other cat toys. “I’ll be right back with Scar.” Fluttershy left the room, leaving the Mac Carthaigh women alone.

“So, you say you planned around our allergies.”, Minerva said.

“I did. If Fluttershy did her job correctly, this cat should be hypoallergenic.”

“Huuuh,” Emi excitedly gasped, “we’re getting a kitty!”

“The poor thing’s going to be named scrotum.”, Minerva said.

“It won’t be hairless. It turns out most people are allergic to cat’s saliva and dandruff.”, Sunset assured.

“Hm, we’ll see.”

Fluttershy soon returned with an angry looking cat, and why it was named ‘Scar’ was immediately apparent. Despite the thing looking barely five months old, it looked almost as scarred up as Sunset. Its ears were missing large chunks, and its most noticeable scar went down from its left eyebrow, across its nose, and down its face. Sunset could only guess how many scars were covered by its fur. “This is Scar. She’s a four and a half months old Siberian Forest cat. They are very personable and enjoy the company of children, dogs, and other animals along with being fearless, and as you may have noticed, she’s been in a few fights.”

“What happened?”, Anura asked.

“We don’t know. She was brought in by someone who said they found her in an alley, and she was covered in claw and bite marks. She is friendly. She just looks mean.” To emphasize her point, Fluttershy scratched Scar on her head, and Scar began purring loudly. “She will need to be brushed out daily and periodically bathed to both keep her healthy and to insure she won’t trigger anyone’s allergies.”

“Aw”, Emi cooed. She went over to Fluttershy, and Fluttershy gave her the small creature with a warning to be careful. “Aw, hi, little one.” Emi brought Scar up to her face, and Scar nibbled Emi’s nose. “Hey, hehe.”

“Emi, bring her here.”, Sunset said. Emi came over and handed Scar to Anura. “Give the cat a sniff, Anura. If you don’t sneeze, then we can get her.” Anura took a big whiff of Scar’s side and didn’t sneeze. “Okay now, hand her to Minerva.” Anura handed Scar over to Minerva, and she repeated the process, also without a sneeze.

“Alright Sunset, you did it. Looks like Brigid’s getting a cat.”, Minerva said.

“Yay!”, both girls cheered, scaring Scar.

“Girls, be quieter. You don’t want to scare Scar.”, Minerva chastised.

“We need to give her a different name. ‘Scar’ simply isn’t suitable.”, Sunset said.

“You can change her name during the adoption process.”, Fluttershy said.

“Thank you, Fluttershy. You did your jeb well.”

“Um, thank you.”, Fluttershy said nervously. “I’ll get the papers ready for you.” Fluttershy left the room with the Mac Carthaigh women following. Fluttershy went behind the counter, pulled out an adoption form, and slid it to Sunset along with a pen.

Sunset began filling out all the relevant information until she got to the name. “Any name suggestions?”, she asked her family.

“Let’s name her after a warrior. It would only be appropriate.”, Emi said.

Sunset looked over the ferocious kitten that was trying to “kill” Minerva’s fingers. She was mostly white but also had some light gray fur kinda in the shape of a superhero mask and cape and some stripes. Sunset remembered a legend Brigid once told her about an Irish warrior whose name was Ailbhe (Alva), meaning white. “How about ‘Ailbhe’?”

“I know that story.”, Anura said.

“Yes”, Emi quietly cheered.

“I think it’s decided then.”, Minerva said. Sunset finished the paper work, and Minerva began to reach for her wallet, but Sunset beat her with her own. “You really have planned this out.” Sunset had more than enough with the money she planned on using to get her guitar, but since her parents got her one, she set aside the money to do something for them. The only problem with that plan was that they were impossible to shop for short of paying off their student loans, which were already paid off thanks to Jiraiya, scholarships, and farm funds.

With the other lady behind the counter satisfied with the paperwork and payment, Sunset took the crate from Ki and placed Ailbhe in it. Minerva carried her out to the car and placed her in the back seat along with the girls, and once everyone was in, they got on their way.

“Minerva, may I stash Ailbhe at your place?”, Sunset asked.

“Of course. We should stop by the pet store and pick up some food and toys.”

“Sounds good.”

Reads family home
Date: Jan 29th, time: 7:15 am

*Minerva’s perspective*

Minerva and Anura finished up their breakfast, and Minerva took their plates to the sink. As she headed to the sink, Minerva noticed Ailbhe munching on her own breakfast. After placing the plates in the sink, Minerva gave Ailbhe a good head scratch. As Anura ran back into her room to finish getting ready, Minerva grabbed her phone and shot Brigid a quick message.

Hey Brigid, I’m running a bit late. Can you come pick up Anura?

Of course, I’ll be over soon.

With that done, Minerva continued getting ready. As she said she would, Brigid pulled up outside Minerva’s house, and Anura ran out to meet her. Once the car was out of sight, Minerva scooped up Ailbhe up with her toys and her own bag and went across the street. Once inside, Minerva placed Ailbhe in the living room with her toys.

“Aw, hey, Ailbhe.”, Emi said from out of nowhere, causing Minerva to jump.

“Ah, fuck! Emi, oh, it’s just you. You’re getting too good at that.”

“Eh, it’s one of the few skills I can safely learn.” Emi began scratching Ailbhe’s small face while Tomiju investigated the new thing. Ailbhe seemed to have decided Tomiju’s tail was a toy and tried to attack it. Tomiju seemed more bemused or amused by her actions than annoyed, so Minerva let it happen.

“Fair. Is Sunset up yet?”

“Yeah, she’s in her room.”

“Thank you. Can you watch Ailbhe while I go talk to her?”

“Okay”

“Great” With the newest suicide machine being watched over, Minerva went over to Sunset’s room and knocked.

“Come in.”, Sunset called. Minerva entered and found Sunset getting her winter jacket on and tucking her blanket around herself. “Oh, hey, Minerva.”

“Are you doing okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“How are you handling people treating you differently? I remember you told your mother about your coach.”

“Oh yeah, well, let’s just say that every week I see Coach look at me like I don’t belong there, my little black heart becomes just a bit brighter.”

“Huh, I have no response to that.”

“I’m saying I’m fine.”

“Alright, I’m glad to hear it.” Minerva couldn’t over state how happy she was that Sunset was adapting well to life in a wheelchair. Knowing it’s temporary likely helps in that, but Minerva was still impressed. She was positive the only reason Sunset wasn’t racing down hills in her wheelchair was because she was borrowing Minerva’s. You’re very impressive, Sunset.

Sunset’s room
Date: Feb 1st, time: 7:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

With the tying of the final knot, Sunset finished Ailbhe’s box, a silver present box with a blue ribbon, a tag that said “Hi, my name is Ailbhe. Fear me.”, and air holes just big enough for a tiny monster to stick their paws out and attack something. Sunset grabbed a sticker that said “Allergy sufferer approved” and stuck it on the lid. The little monster in question was peacefully sleeping in her crate. Once dinner was over and it was time for presents, Sunset would come back in and get the monster in her box. Until then, she was staying in her crate, under a blanket. That seemed to keep her asleep.

“Sunset, dinne’s ready.”, Brigid said.

“Coming” Sunset placed the box back on her desk and went out to the dining room. Brigid, Emi, Anura, and Minerva were all already sitting while Jiraiya and Anzhong were getting everything on the table, and the dogs were lazily lounging around. Sunset joined everybody at the table next to Emi. Once all the food was on the table, Jiraiya took his seat next to Sunset, and Azhong sat at the head.

“Thank ya for dinne’, boys.”, Brigid said.

“Anything for you.”, Jiraiya said.

Dinner went normally, and dessert was much the same with everyone talking and enjoying each other's company. The one thing different was that Minerva said something to Brigid in what could’ve only been Arabic, as that was the only language they both knew that Sunset did not, that prompted Brigid to mock offense and give Minerva the middle finger. Once all the eating was done, it was time for presents. Emi and Anura gave Brigid a clay sculpture of a horse they made. Their skills have improved greatly since Sunset’s birthday. There wasn’t a lot of fine detail, but the overall shape was good. Minerva gave a pumpkin spice candle.

“Ah, here it is. It was hiding.”, Jiraiya said as he pulled his gift from his bag.

“Thank ya, Jiraiya.” Brigid opened the box, and Sunset guessed a framed picture, judging from the size. Brigid’s face lit up as she pulled out an item from the box. It was the Mac Carthaigh crest made into a pin, like the pins of the Katon family crest Jiraiya, Anzhong, and Ryoku wear.

“Dis is beautiful. Ya even got da apple. A lot a’ people forget it’s dere.”

“There are enough for all of you, and even some for any lucky men, in the future.”, Jiraiya said.

Brigid pulled six of them out and passed them around. The pins had two shafts and clutches to keep them straight. Everyone else began putting theirs on, but Sunset hesitated. “Sunset, are ya okay?”

“Yeah, I was just thinking that I shouldn’t wear this to school. The other kids might damage it.”, Sunset lied.

“Oh yeah, that would happen.”, Anura noted.

“But Sunset, y’re not at school. Ya c’n put it on. Plus, if it’s damaged, we c’n jus’ repair or replace it. Y’r pin bein’ destroyed means no‘hin’ more dan ya need a new pin.”

Sunset was still hesitant but put it on anyway to appease her mother. “I’m going to get my gift.” Sunset rolled back into her room, grabbed the box, put some treats in to appease the monster, then went over to the monster’s den. Sunset lifted the blanket, which woke Ailbhe up. “Hey little one, time to meet your new mom.” Sunset took Ailbhe out of her crate and placed her in the box. Ailbhe went straight for the treats. Sunset closed the lid and went back out to the dining room. “Here you go.”, Sunset said while handing Brigid the box.

Brigid read the tag and sticker. Sunset could see the gears working in her head then her eyes lit up. Brigid quickly but carefully took the lid off and pulled Ailbhe out. Ailbhe was munching on a treat she was holding in her paws. “Aw, hello, Ailbhe.” Ailbhe looked up at Brigid then went back to her treat. Brigid cradled Ailbhe in her arms with absolute joy on her face. “Thank ya, Sunset. So, how is she hypoallergenic?” Sunset explained everything Fluttershy told her, including coat care. “Dis is incredible, Sunset. Thank you.”

“No problem”, Sunset said with a smile.

Brigid continued to cuddle Ailbhe and gave her the rest of the treats as the table was cleared. Once the table was cleared, the adults continued to socialize for a while longer before people started getting ready to leave.

“Looks like it will soon be time for me to give you my present.”, Anzhong said to Brigid in a sultry tone.

“Oh gag”, Sunset said.

“That’s the same birthday present that resulted in you.”, Jiraiya said to Anzhong.

“Can I sleep over at your place tonight?”, Emi pleaded to Minerva.

“Of course. Sunset, do you want to come too?”, Minerva asked.

“Ah think I’ll take you up on that offer.”

Sunset’s room
Date: Feb 3rd, time: 8:00 am

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset looked down at her clan pin. Despite what Brigid said and even Riona giving Sunset her ring, Sunset still felt like an imposter wearing this. Like she didn’t deserve it. But she also knew Brigid would know without question something was wrong if she didn’t wear it, and Sunset didn’t want to burden them with her own issues. Anura could get away with it because kids at her school actually would break it. Sunset ultimately decided on keeping it in her room along with Philomena’s whistle to sell the idea that Sunset was worried about it being damaged. Now that I think about it, Lily might try to steal my stuff again and might damage it. I might not be lying as much as I thought.

Sunset finished getting ready and left her room with Ki close by. The cat tree, litter boxes, and various other cat stuff had been retrieved from the attic and set up around the house. Sunset leashed Ki, exited the house, and made her way to school. As she rolled up, she saw Flash’s mom drop him off and drive away. Sunset rolled over to him, and he leaned down to kiss her.

“Hey, where’s your whistle?”, Flash asked.

“I’m scared Lily will try to take it again. There’s no way she’s not planning something.”

“As much as I would like to think people are better than that, you’re probably right.”

“I always am.”, Sunset snarked. Flash rolled his eyes and grabbed Sunset’s handles and rolled her into the school.

CMS lunchroom
Date: Feb 13th, time: 12:30 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

“Ahhh, it’s not working.”, Sunset complained while trying to scratch an itch with a pencil. “You two, go find something longer.”, Sunset ordered.

“Yes ma’am.”, Snips saluted. Snips and Snails ran off in search of a slender enough item that could reach Sunset’s itch.

“Anything I can do to help?”, Flash asked.

“Not unless you know of a good scratching stick.” Luckily for Sunset, Snips and Snails shortly returned with a long wire. “Finally” Sunset took the wire and was finally able to get the itch.

“Anything else you need of us?”

“No, eat your food before it gets cold.”

Snips and Snails did as instructed, and Sunset went back to observing Lily. Lily and Daisy were sitting on the other side of the lunchroom. Sunset was positive Lily was planning something for when they’re healed. She just didn’t know what. Sunset had to come up with something to end this soon.

Lunch soon ended, and everyone had to get back to class. Sunset and her group got up to leave, and as they were walking to the door, they shared space with the Valley sisters.

“Ugh, your dog is disgusting. Why do they even let you bring it into school?”, Lily said with disgust.

“Ki’s job is to protect me from people like you.”, Sunset spat with venom. She gave Ki the “on guard” command, and Ki raised his hairs and began growling at Lily.

“Ugh! Get that rabid mut away from me!”, Lily screeched.

“Ki, down.”, Sunset said in Japanese, and Ki went back to a neutral stance. “That’s what Ki is trained to do.”, Sunset said in English.

Lily huffed and hobbled away indignantly. “I’m so sorry.”, Daisy said, then chased after her sister.

“How did those two come from the same household?”, Flash asked.

“Well, there are actually a lot of ways, but I don’t know which one applies to them.”, Sunset said.

Katon family dining room
Date: Feb 20th, time: 8:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset and her family sat around, eating dinner. Anura was trying to sneak her vegetables to the dogs, but a stern look of “I’ll tell your mom” from Sunset temporarily stopped her. The dogs and cat were congregated around Emi as even though she wasn’t in the habit of sneaking the animals her food, she regularly dropped bits of her food on the floor and was responsible for distributing the fish skin after dinner. The adults were talking about adult stuff, and as usual, Sunset was eating in silence. Not having anyone around her own age made table conversations uncommon unless Brigid started talking science.

About halfway through the meal, the sounds of something going through the trash cans could be heard. Anzhong grabbed his cane and went to go check it out. Soon, banging and shouts of “Get out of here you filthy rodents!” could be heard. Anzhong soon came back inside with a scowl on his face.

“You know, raccoons aren’t rodents.”, Minerva said.

“He knows, but dese two hate raccoons.”, Brigid said.

“They’re too similar to tanuki.”, Emi said with a growl in her voice.

Minerva and Anura looked confused, so Sunset clarified as Anzhong sat back down. “Kitsune and tanuki have never liked each other. They’re like those cousins that avoid each other at family reunions at all coasts because they’re too similar to each other.”

“But they’re so cute.”, Anura protested.

“No, they’re not.”, Emi spat.

The two continued like that until dessert came. Sunset just rolled her eyes and went back to her food.

Katon family backyard
Date: Feb 24th, time: 11:00 am

*Sunset’s perspective*

“Hey, wanna hear something weird?”, Sunset asked.

“Shoot”, Emi said.

“If you tell someone that they’re breathing manually, they’ll start breathing manually.”

“That’s stupid.”

“But it’s true.”

“No way. You’re just making it up.”

“I’m not. Tell Anura to try it on someone at school.”

“I will, and I’ll prove you’re just making things up.”

“Alright”

Sunset and Emi sat outside playing checkers with Tomiju sleeping next to Emi on the porch swing. Sunset held the board on her lap and was close enough to the swing so Emi could reach the board. Brigid had taken Anura to MMA class, and Minerva was in her own home. That just left Anzhong, the girls, and the fluffles at home, and the other four residents were upstairs.

“Aw, man.”, Emi complained. Sunset had just taken more than half of Emi’s remaining pieces.

“Ya gotta be aware of the whole board, not just the area you’re focusing on.”

“Yeah yeah yeah” Emi sat up straight and stretched. In the process of her stretching, her focus fixated in the direction of the cherry blossom tree. Sunset tracked where Emi was looking and found what she was looking at, a squirrel. “That’s a pretty big one.”, Emi said quietly.

“Yeah, ya want me ta shoot it?”, Sunset said just as quietly. Emi smiled and quietly went inside. Sunset placed the board on the swing, and Emi quickly returned with Sunset’s gun box. Sunset unlocked it, removed her gun, loaded it, and aimed. As soon as the squirrel was still, Sunset fired, and after a second, the squirrel fell to the ground.

“Tomiju, fetch.”, Emi commanded.

“You taught her to retrieve?”

“Yeah, she didn’t make a good attack dog, so I trained her to retrieve stuff.”

“Girls, what were you shooting at?”, Anzhong asked from the master bedroom window.

“Just a squirrel!”, Emi answered. Tomiju returned with the squirrel in mouth. “Good girl.”

“Okay, just make sure to retrieve the bullet.”

“We will!”, Sunset said. “Emi, can you do that while I get this into the fridge?”

“Okay”

“Tomiju, come.” Sunset and Emi went inside, and Emi grabbed the tool box while Sunset went to the kitchen with Tomiju following. Sunset grabbed a plastic bag then took the squirrel from Tomiju. “Good girl” Sunset placed the squirrel into the bag then into the fridge. If she could stand, Sunset would process the kill then and there, but currently, she would need to wait for Anzhong or Brigid to process it.

Emi soon came back in with the bullet and spent cartridge in hand. Emi dumped the bullet in the trash and placed the toolbox back into the closet in the stairs.

“Ready to get back to our game?”, Sunset asked.

“yup”

Canterville Family Medical Center
Date: Mar 1st, time: 1:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset rolled into the exam room with Brigid just behind her. Sunset took her blanket off, and Brigid picked her up from the wheelchair and onto the exam bed.

“Hello, Sunset. How are you today?”, Dr. Abara asked as she walked in.

“Excited to get this thing off. I smell really bad.”

“Fair enough. Smelling bad can make anyone quite dour. Let’s get this off so you may shower.” Dr. Abara began to cut into Sunset’s cast.

As soon as her foot was free, Sunset began to move it around. “That feels so much better.”

“Good, now, take my hand. We’re going to try to stand. Let me know if there’s any pain when you land.”

Sunset took Dr. Abara’s hands and slowly lowered herself to her good leg then her bad leg. “Everything seems good.”

“It is well that you stood, but try taking a step. We do not harm to come because it was to conclusions we lep.”

Sunset walked around the room for a bit before returning to the bed. “I feel fine.”

“That is divine. I would say, stay away from contact sports for another seven days. After that, you can get back to play.”

“Thank you” Sunset hopped back onto the bed then pulled out her other sock and shoe from her bag and slipped them on. “Ah, that’s better. Ma foot was gettin’ cold.”

“Now that we are done with the fuss, do you have any other concerns you wish to discuss?”

Brigid looked towards Sunset in a silent question but also in an expectant way. “No, that’s it.”, Sunset said. Brigid looked disappointed, but she tried to not let it show.

“Alright then, I will send you on your way. Have a good rest of the day.”

Sunset hopped down from the bed, and Brigid folded up the chair and carried it out as they went to the car. “Sunset, Ah know Ah can’t force ya ta do so, but ya need help. Ya c’n talk ta Dr. Abara, n’ she c’n recommend ya to a good therapist.”

“How am I supposed to talk to a therapist?”, Sunset asked, agitated. “Even if I leave out all the magical stuff, they would still ask questions that I can’t answer. I can take care of myself anyway. I’ve been doing it for years.”

Brigid finished putting the chair away and pulled Sunset into a hug. Sunset didn’t return the hug but also didn’t try to turn away. “Ah know ya don’t like ta seem weak, but we all need help sometimes. Have ya ever heard da story a’ how Minerva n’ Ah became friends?”

“Minerva already told me, but therapy didn’t work for her either.”

“But she tried it. Ya start any‘hin’ by tryin’ it first.”

“I said I don’t want to.”, Sunset said more sternly. Brigid let her go, and the two of them got into the car and drove off.