Sunset's human world origin

CMS

Date: March 3rd, time: 3:30 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset approached Lily’s locker with caution. If Lily had any brains for strategy, she would predict Sunset to attack her locker again. Whether she did or didn’t, Sunset had a plan for both outcomes. Sunset checked the surrounding area for anyone and, finding no one, proceeded to unlock Lily’s locker. She had changed the code, but it was still easy to figure out. These locks didn’t even have false gates. Sunset proceeded to take all of Lily’s textbooks and any school papers she had in there then closed the door to cover her tracks. She didn’t take anything else as that wouldn’t work with her plan. Sunset took everything to the library and stashed it all in the shelves, where they would not be immediately noticed.

Sunset then quietly left the library and went back home. As she entered her home, Sunset saw Emi and Tomiju playing with Ailbhe while Ki kept a watchful eye on them from his chair that had its legs removed long ago. Despite her small side, Ailbhe was putting everything into her jumps to catch the toy. Sunset reached over the banister to scratch Ki’s head before heading into her room. Sunset sat at her desk, turned on her computer, put on her headphones, picked out some true creepy stories, and began doing her homework.

Sunset had a goal but not much of a plan. Sunset’s goal was to get Lily expelled. That wasn’t easy to do due to the school’s no kid left behind policy, but it was possible. Thunder and Sea were expelled by Leo for repeated sexual harassment. The potential risks involved with trying to frame Lily for such actions makes doing that unwise, but Sunset can get her at least held back for more mundane reasons, like academic failure. That will just take longer.

After scheming, homework, dinner, and video games, Sunset was excited to sleep in her own bed for the first time in nearly two months. Rather than risk getting stuck in the chair again, Sunset spent the last two nights on her couch, but now she felt confident enough to walk up her stairs. Once she was up in her bed and her stuffed phoenix was back in its rightfully spot, Sunset placed her new pin and whistle in her book safe which took the form of a dictionary. As sunset was placing it in, she pulled out the Mac Carthaigh ring. Every time she looked at it, a mix of emotions swirled in her. She could feel the love of the previous owners that have been embedded into the ring throughout the generations including Nana’s love for her, but she also felt as if she was not supposed to have it, but Nana gave it to her personally. She just couldn’t get the part of her brain that was sick to accept it, and unfortunately, that was a very large part and the most prominent part of her brain.

Sunset placed the ring back into the safe, locked it up, put it away, and went to bed. After a few minutes, Sunset found herself looking down at a person. He had a large slash across his forearm, and Sunset was stitching it up, but she wasn’t moving her arms. It was like she was a passenger or watching a movie in the first person. She or whoever was moving her body finished the guy up and left to take care of someone else. As Sunset moved past a mirror, she was able to see that she appeared to be in Nana’s body. I’m dreaming of one of Nana’s memories. I hope I’m not exhausted in the morning. After patching up another person, Nana went to the front and began doing paperwork, but before she could get started, two red haired men barged in. Aside from the fact one of them was shot, their heights made them very noticeable, both being around 6’ 10”. They had to flippin’ duck to get through the door. Despite their height, neither man was very intimidating due to them being a couple of string beans.

“Help, me bothe’s been shot!”

It was then Sunset noticed the uninjured man’s symbol.

Grandpappy, that means that’s Ian. “Bring him back.”, Nana ordered. Grandpappy brought Ian into a patient room and got him onto the bed.

“Are ya a Protestant or Catholic?”, Ian asked.

“Neither, Ah’m a medic, n’ ya’re dyin’.” Nana began packing the wound in an attempt to stop the bleeding. No, don’t. Let him die. He’s going to kill your kids! Sunset pleaded, but it wasn’t like she could do anything. “What’s his blood type?”

“A positive”, Grandpappy answered. Nana called for A+ blood and continued to work on Ian. Soon, they brought Ian into a surgical room and an actual doctor came in. They began closing up his wound, and after a short procedure, Ian was stabilized and brought out of anesthesia. Nana went out to the waiting room to retrieve Grandpappy. “Y’re brothe’s out a’ surgery.”

“Thank ya, um.”

“Riona. And you?”

“Nickolas. Thank ya f’r savin’ me brothe’.”

“It’s me job. Come on back.” Grandpappy followed Nana back to the recovery room and waited for Ian to wake up. The staff gave Grandpappy post op care instruction, and as soon as Ian was fully awake, the staff helped Grandpappy lift Ian out of bed, and Grandpappy carried Ian to the front.

“Ah hope next time Ah see ya, ya aren’t havin’ ta save a live.”, Grandpappy said with a warm smile.

“Ah hope so too.”, Nana said while reciprocating the smile.

Grandpappy’s smile turned kinda goofy as he turned to leave. Nana turned to go back to work but was stopped by the sound of Iam scolding Grandpappy. Nana turned back around to listen to what they were saying.

“Don’t even think ‘bout it. Her kind is da enemy.”

“Oh, shut up, Ian. She’s pretty.”

As the two of them left, Sunset’s eyes were fixed on Ian’s symbol that was on the back of his jacket. The symbol of betrayal for her family.

No! No! You can’t let him leave! You can’t let him live! No! No!

“Sunset? Sunset!” The next thing Sunset knew, she was being shaken awake by Brigid and Anzhong. “Sunset, are ya okay? Ya were screamin’.”

Sunset sat up but didn’t answer. She was absolutely seething. Nana saved that monster’s life, and he slaughtered them. Anzhong began singing his lullaby, and Sunset began to calm down. By the end of the song, Sunset was able to fall back asleep.

Brigid and Anzhong’s room

Date: March 4th, time: 6:30 am

*Brigid’s perspective*

Brigid was awoken by the beeping of her alarm clock. Slamming the silence button, Brigid got up with a groan and stretch. It didn’t take long to get Sunset back to bed, but it did disrupt her sleep. So was the life of a mother. As much as she wanted more kids, only having two had its benefits. Brigid shook Anzhong until he groaned that he was awake and then got up and headed to the bathroom with Ailbhe following her. It always took Anzhong a bit longer than Brigid to get mobile. Despite light not being a factor for him, he was just as nocturnal as the rest of his clan.

As Brigid finished brushing her teeth and was about to take off her pajamas, she noticed Anzhong wasn’t making noise anymore. Brigid grew concerned and went back into the bedroom only to find Anzhong cradling Ki with his head down. Oh no. Brigid stopped in her tracks and looked solemnly at Anzhong. “Anzhong”, Brigid whispered. He didn’t move. Neither did Ki. Ki wasn’t breathing. Brigid sat down next to Anzhong and gave him a hug. He moved his hand up to grip Brigid’s arm. They sat there for a bit before Anzhong let Brigid go. “Ah’ll go get da blanket.”

Brigid stood up and walked down stairs and out to the garage with Ailbhe still following her. Inside a white, plastic box in the rafters was a large, red blanket. This blanket and box were used for one purpose and one purpose only, to transport dead pets. Brigid opened the box to make it easy to load Ki into it and brought the blanket inside and up stairs. Upon re-entering their room, Brigid laid the blanket on the ground and took Ki’s body from Anzhong, placed it on the blanket, and wrapped him up. Anzhong went to the bathroom and washed up while Brigid brought Ki down stairs.

As Brigid stepped onto the bottom landing, she saw Sunset standing in the dining room, destress evident on her face. As Brigid turned to face her, it was clear Sunset noticed a paw or something else that gave away what Brigid was caring. Sunset began to ball her eyes out. Brigid went over and hugged her with her free arm. She was hoping to wait until after school to tell the girls, but that plan was no more.

“Sunset, what’s wrong?”, Emi asked worriedly.

Sunset tried to clear her tears but was only partially successful. “Ki-Ki’s dead.”, Sunset sobbed through her tears and clogged nose.

Emi stared at her in disbelief before becoming furious. “Sunset! That’s not funny! That’s not funny!”, Emi shouted, tears beginning to build up in her eyes. Brigid shook her head and lowered Ki’s body so Emi could see him. Emi lifted the blanket off his face and her own went pale. Emi began to wail, and Anzhong came down the stairs and picked her up and began rubbing her back. It broke Brigid’s heart to hear her children cry. She wished she could take their pain away.

Brigid stood back up and continued her journey to the garage. Brigid placed Ki in the box and the box in the back of the car then took a moment to compose herself before she went back inside where there was now a crying Anura, and Minerva was trying to comfort her. Sunset was now in a corner with her knees to her chest and covering her ears. Seeing where she was needed, Brigid took a seat next to Sunset and pulled her into a hug which Ailbhe joined. Sunset buried herself inside Brigid. Brigid could feel her teats soaking her pj shirt. Ah wish Ah could say some‘hin’ ta ease y’r pain. Their hug was only broken when Sunset’s stomach butted in. “Do ya want some breakfast?”, Brigid asked. She more felt Sunset nod then saw it and helped her up.

Breakfast was very quiet as everyone barely paid attention to anything. “Ah’m gonna take Ki ta be cremated, n’ den we’ll bury him unde’ da cherry blossom tree.”, Brigid informed. None of the girls really acknowledged what Brigid said and just finished their food. Minerva took care of the dishes as everyone else dispersed to either finish getting ready or just curl up in their bed or on the couch. Aside from the sound of running water, the house was dead silent. Brigid couldn’t imagine what Anzhong was going through. Losing a pet was hard, but service animals and their owners are practically a single entity. Anzhong had previously described losing Ai as losing a piece of himself, and this couldn’t be much different.

As soon as they were dried and dressed, Anzhong gave Kiba a hug then put her harness and leash on. They headed downstairs, and as they passed Emi’s room, Brigid went in and gave her a kiss on the head. Once they were downstairs, Brigid picked up Anura and brought her out to the car. “Is Ki back there?”, Anura asked.

“He is.”, Brigid informed as they drove to the vet. Once they were there, Brigid hopped out and went inside and to the counter.

“Hello, how can I help you?”, the woman behind the desk asked.

“Ah have a dead dog n’ need him cremated, a private cremation.”

“Alright, what’s your dog’s name and breed?”

“Ki Katon, he’s an American akita.”

“Alright” The woman told Brigid the price and to bring Ki around back.

Brigid paid, then went back out the car and pulled Ki out of the back. Anura saw and Anzhong heard Brigid and took the cue. The two of them and Kiba came out of the car and around back. As soon as Brigid was out of the way, Anzhong closed the back then locked the car. Anura, Anzhong, and Kiba followed Brigid around back and opened the door to the exam room for her, and the four entered. They waited there for a while until the doctor showed up.

“Hey, Doc.”, Brigid said.

“Hello, I’m sorry about Ki.”, Dr. Fauna said. “Is he in here?”, she asked, pointing to the box.

“Yes, n’ Ah wanta make sure ya got dat we want a private cremation. Da last time we did dis, dat got lost in da communication, n’ me cat was cremated in a mass cremation.”

“I can assure you that we will not make that mistake. We know how precious animals are, especially service animals. We’ll take good care of him and get your box back to you.”

“Thank you.”, Anzhong said. With that, the four left and continued with their normal daily routine the best they could.

Sunset’s room

Date: same day, time: 6:45 am

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset was woken up by the sound of nails on wood. Sunset cracked one eye open to find Ki with his front half on her bed. “Ki, how’d you get up here?” Ki could barely get on his chair and had to be carried upstairs by Brigid. He shouldn’t have been able to climb up the stairs. Sunset went to pet Ki, but he disappeared before she could reach him. What? No, no no no no! This can’t be happening. Sunset jumped out of bed and ran out to the main area where she saw Brigid carrying something large inside a red blanket. The size, shape, and toe bean that stuck out told Sunset what she feared; Ki, her valiant protector, was dead.

She couldn’t hold it in. Sunset began to cry, hard. Brigid came over and hugged Sunset with her free arm. Sunset buried herself in her. She had lost many over her years, but it hits harder when it’s family.

“Sunset, what’s wrong?”, Emi asked.

Sunset tried to clear away her tears enough to speak but was only barely able to do so. “Ki-Ki’s dead.”, Sunset managed to get out. She couldn’t see Emi’s reaction, but she sounded mad.

“Sunset! That’s not funny! That’s not funny!”, Emi shouted. Brigid shifted, and Emi began crying.

Brigid stood back up and continued outside. Sunset watched her leave then went into a corner and curled up. Sunset heard Minerva and Anura walk in. Minerva asked what was wrong, and Emi told them. Anura began crying as well. Sunset covered her ears to try to block out the noise. Brigid soon returned and came and hugged Sunset, which Ailbhe joined. Sunset petted Ailbhe as she buried herself in Brigid. They remained like that until Sunset’s stomach made its desires known.

“Ya want some breakfast?”, Brigid asked. Sunset nodded, and Brigid stood them up and brought them over to the kitchen.

After a silent breakfast, Sunset went back into her room to get ready for the day. Sunset heard Ki walking around as she did so. That brought a small smile to her face even though she would never get to touch him ever again. “Enjoying not having arthritis?”, Sunset asked. Ki didn’t answer.

Sunset had a bit more time to kill before she had to leave, so she opened her computer and began watching UTube. After another hour-ish, Sunset had to get up and go to school. She grabbed her bag and started her walk to school. As soon as Sunset got to school, she saw Flash waiting on the steps.

“Hey, Sunset. Are you okay? You seem upset.”, Flash asked.

“Ki died this morning.”

“Oh man, I’m so sorry.” Flash sprang up to hug Sunset and began stroking her hair.

“Okay, let’s go. We need to go in.” Sunset pushed herself away from Flash, keeping him at arm's length.

“Okay, but if there’s anything I can do, let me know. I’m here for you.”

“Thank you, Flash.” The two entered the school and went to their respective classes. Sunset took her normal seat as class began. Sunset was emotionally exhausted from all the crying, and the current lesson was math. She laid her head down and closed her eyes. However, that didn’t last long as Mr. Milestone decided to make a fuss.

“Am I boring you, Ms. Shimmer?”, Mr. Milestone asked.

Sunset picked her head up and gave him a dead look. Her emotions were spent for the day. “No, I’m just tired.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t have stayed up so late playing video games, but my class is not nap time. Now, pay attention.”, Mr. Milestone said indignantly.

Sunset continued to glare at Mr. Milestone until he turned back around. Sunset laid her head back down. That, again, didn’t last very long as Mr. Milestone slammed a book down on Sunset’s desk. Sunset shot up, grabbed one of Mr. Milestone’s hands, and began to twist it around his back before she realized what she was doing and let go. Mr. Milestone staggered back with a surprised look on his face while rubbing his wrist. Mr. Milestone’s face turned angry, and he was undoubtedly about to shout at Sunset to go to the principal’s office, but Sunset beat him to the punch. “I have PTSD from being shot, and you just surprised me with a sharp and sudden sound. I suggest you don’t try that again.”, Sunset said sternly and with the last bit of anger she had. She handed Mr. Milestone’s book back to him, which he took.

Either because realized he messed up or because Brigid and Anzhong’s reputation had spread, Mr. Milestone calmed down but still looked pissed. “You still can’t be sleeping in my class. How are you going to learn if you’re asleep?”

Sunset looked past Mr. Milestone at the equation on the board. Sunset recognized it as a high school level equation. Perfect. “How ‘bout dis, if I can solve that equation, you let me sleep.”

“If you can solve that equation, you can sleep through math for the rest of the year.”

“Great” Sunset walked over to the board and began working. It was all a matter of simplification and applying the same principles as she uses when she teleports. “Done” Sunset stepped away, and Mr. Milestone checked it over.

“It’s correct. That’s impressive.”

“Good, now, I’m going to sleep.” Sunset marched back to her desk and put her head back down, and this time, it lasted until the end of math with the ringing bell waking her up. With an annoyed growl, Sunset got up and headed towards the door but was stopped Mr. Milestone. “Hey, Sunset. I’m sorry for slamming that book on your desk. Are you okay though? You seem… off.”

Sunset had regained some emotional energy by then but was still drained and feeling dead inside. “You know that dog I had with me while my leg was broken? He died this morning.”

“Oh Sunset, I’m so sorry. If there’s anything I can do, let me know.”

What little emotional energy Sunset had evaporated then and there, and she exploded on Mr. Milestone. “You’re only the second person I’ve heard that exact phrase from today, and I’m already sick of it. There’s literally nothing you can do unless you can somehow raise the dead.” Sunset didn’t scream, but anger was clear in her voice, and she stomped away to the lunchroom. Sunset was having a really bad day.

Mory Patchwork Elementary

Date: same day, time: 8:15 am

*Anura’s perspective*

Aunt Brigid dropped Anura off at school, and Anura walked inside. There were kids all over the place, in the halls and on the playground. Anura just walked to her classroom with her head down. It never occurred to her how sudden death was, and now, she was faced with what might happen to Emi.

As Anura walked down the hall, she bumped into someone. “Oh, sorry.” Anura looked up to see it was Match.

“Watch where you’re going-”, Match tried to say but was cut off.

“Match, are you going to actually get creative? Seriously, your insults are more disappointing than an unsalted pretzel.”

“What did you say to me, witch?”, Match asked in a tone he probably thought was threatening, but Anura had the Katons for family.

“Finally, someone finally called me a witch. It’s been almost three years, and you’re the first one to finally get it right. To reward you, Ah’m gonna curse you.” Anura threw her hands up in the air and began to talk gibberish. “Ibraw shijiwa crimcrimka ifraza! There, now, you’re breathing manually.”

Falling straight into her trap, Match began to breathe harder and panic. “She really is a witch!”, Match screamed as he ran off.

Anura looked where Match was with a shocked face then slowly looked behind her, where Match ran off to, then back ahead. “That actually worked?”, Anura asked herself. The rest of the kids gave her a wide berth as she walked past.

News of what happened quickly spread as the day went on. Anura could practically hear the teachers’ eyes roll whenever they heard the story. Either despite or because of the knowledge of Anura being a witch spreading faster than the flu, she had a peaceful day. At least, that was until lunch. As soon as Anura sat down, kids started bringing her their desserts and a few even outright said “please don’t curse me”. Anura just sat there in relative stunned silence, only giving a “yeah, sure” to the kids that outright said anything. As stunned as she was, Anura was happy that today was brownie day. That meant the desserts were sealed in plastic and could be stuffed into her jacket. I’m sooo doing this again.

Once the parade had stopped and Anura was shoving as many brownies she could into her pockets, three older girls came over and sat across from Anura, which never happens. “Can I help you?”, Anura asked.

“Hi, I’m Sweetie Belle, and this is Bloom and Scootaloo, and we need your help.”

Anura raised an eyebrow at this. “You need my help? With what?”

“Do you know Diamond Tiara?”

“I know of her. She has this weird symbol superiority complex, right?”

“That’s her. She thinks that just because she already has her symbol, she’s better than everybody who doesn’t.”, Bloom said. “We need you to curse her.”

“What kind of curse?”

“Something like a bad luck curse.”, Scootaloo said.

“Um, no.”

“Why not?”, Bloom asked.

“Because my cousin put that curse on someone, and that person nearly died. I don’t want to be responsible for someone’s death.”

“Oh, what about that manual breathing thing you did earlier?”, Sweetie asked.

“That only works for a few minutes before it wears off.”

“Oh, do you have anything that would work?”

“Sorry, I don’t know that many spells. I’m six.”

“Oh, thanks anyway.”, Bloom said. The three girls got up, and once again, Anura was left to herself.

Emi’s room

Date: same day, time: 12:00 pm

*Emi’s perspective*

Emi sat slumped on her bed with Tomiju on her lap. She had gotten most of her work done already so had time to waste. She didn’t feel like building or designing anything. Plus, she had a bit of a stockpile of pranking inventions. She really needed a way to get rid of some of them. Maybe she could dismantle them and use their parts in different projects.

Emi was pulled from her thoughts by Aunt Minerva coming in. “Hey, Emi. How are you doing?”

“Ah chose the wrong onesie f’r taday.”

“What do you mean?”

“Kirin are supposed ta be happy creatures, but I’m sad.”

“Um, your onesie is a giraffe.”, Aunt Minerva commented.

“Kirin is the Japanese word for giraffe and a mythical creature similar to a giraffe.”

“Oh. How about we change your onesie. Maybe to a wolf one. Many stories say that the wolf was the first animal to experience death.”

“Yeah” Emi grabbed Tomiju and slid down her ladder and ran over to her closet. Emi put Tomiju down and began rummaging through her collection of onesies. Ever since her diagnosis, onesies have become her primary wear, so Emi had a lot of them. Her favorite ones were her animal onesies. She had an otter onesie, a penguin, cat, deer, dog, fox, mountain lion, leopard and snow leopard, panda, brown bear, black bear, polar bear, dragon, dinosaurs, the giraffe one she was wearing, and the wolf onesie, everything except reptiles, which are scary, and a raccoon, because they just American tanuki. Emi took off her giraffe onesie, put it in her hamper, and slipped into her wolf onesie. “This is better.”

“Good, now, do you want lunch?”

“Yes, please.”

Minerva extended her hand which Emi took, and they headed downstairs. As they headed into the kitchen, Tomiju ran into the living room and began play barking. This confused Emi because she only did that to get the attention of someone to play but no one else was in the living room. Ailbhe was begging for food from Minerva. Emi crept over to the living room but still found no one, other than Tomiju, but she did see a depression in Ki’s chair. Emi reached through the banister and touched the spot. It was cold, but she got a sense of safety from it. The same sense of safety Ki provided. “Huh, Ki.”, Emi whispered.

“Did you say something, Emi?”

“Ki’s still here! He’s dead, but he’s still here!”, Emi cheered.

“That doesn’t surprise me. He loves you all very much. I bet he’ll be around until your dad is ready to join him.”

“That better not be for a thousand years.”

“We can hope so.”

The fact that Ki was still around made Emi a bit happier, but she was saddened by the fact she could no longer touch him or see him or call him a good boy. “Minerva, why do we die?”, Emi asked solemnly.

“We die when our bodies no longer work. Ki most likely died from a heart attack.”

“I know how we die, but why do we have to die? Why can’t we live together forever? Why does it hurt so much to lose someone?”, Emi asked, getting more distressed with each question.

“Different people will have different answers to the first two, but the last one is easy. When you love someone, you want to be able to feel them, see them, and interact with them, and when they’re dead, you know that you will never be able to express how much you love them ever again. All the unexpressed love turns to pain. Now, to answer your first two questions. My answer is that if we never die, we can never truly live. The impermanence of life forces us to savor every moment. To not die is to never truly experience what it means to be alive.”

“You developed that life view while high, didn’t you?”

“Yes, shrooms to be precise.”

Outside CHS

Date: same day, time: 3:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset watched her hockey team embark onto the bus for the rink. She wouldn’t be able to join them for another week but still liked seeing them off. As the bus pulled out, Sunset turned around only to be met face to face by Lily. Sunset looked her over with absolutely no fucks to give. Lily was out of her cast, but Sunset couldn’t bring herself to care. She couldn’t even bring herself to hate Lily. She just found her annoying. “Lily, what do I owe the displeasure?”

“You stole my school work yesterday, and I want it back!”

“I don’t have it.”

“Liar!”

“For once, Ah’m not lying. They’re somewhere in the library. I’m too tired to deal with you today. Go away.” Sunset walked away from Lily without another word and staggered back home. Upon getting home, Sunset went to her room and just curled up on her couch. She couldn’t hear Ki scampering about, which made her more sad. She didn’t have the comfort of being able to hear him. “Ki, why couldn’t you just burst into flames and be reborn like a phoenix.” Sunset closed her eyes but didn’t go to sleep. Minerva and Anura soon returned, and Sunset went out to greet them.

“No way. This is awesome!”, Emi cheered.

“What’s awesome?”, Sunset asked.

“Anura used that trick you showed her and freaked all the other kids out enough that they gave her their brownies!”

“Wow, so, what’s my cut?”

“Your cut? No way, you’re not getting any.”, Anura protested.

“Ehem, who taught the two of you that trick?”

“You did.”, Anura answered sheepishly.

“And would you say that deserves some brownies?”

“Fiiine.” Anura handed Sunset some of the brownies with a pout.

“What about me? I was the one to give you that information from Sunset.”, Emi asked.

“No, all you were was the messenger. Plus, you can get brownies and cookies whenever you want just by saying you’re in pain.”

“I can’t get plain brownies whenever Ah want. It has ta be pot or I don't get any.”

“Sigh, fiiine.” Anura rolled her eyes and handed Emi a few brownies, and Emi’s face brightened up.

“Thanks, Anura.” Emi took her brownies up to her room. Anura just looked at Sunset then followed Emi and her mother upstairs. Sunset smiled and took her brownies back to her room.

Roads of Canterville

Date: same day, time: 5:30 pm

*Jiraiya’s perspective*

Jiraiya drove down the street that led to Anzhong’s and Brigid’s house. He had gotten the call as soon as he woke up in the afternoon. This was never a good time for the family. Jiraiya pulled into the front driveway just as Brigid turned down the street that led to the alleyway. Jiraiya exited his car and walked inside and was immediately jumped by Anura.

“Grandpa! Grandpa! I used psychological warfare, and it worked!”, Anura cheered excitedly. “I managed to scare the entire student body so bad that they gave me tribute to not curse them. I love being a witch.”

“That’s great.”, Jiraiya cheered, although a bit confused.

“Great for her. I was proven wrong.”, Emi protested.

“I’m the one that taught them that trick, and Emi didn’t believe me.”, Sunset smugly explained.

“You can’t be that mad. You got brownies out of it.”, Anura said.

At that time, Anzhong and Brigid came inside, and everyone went to go hug them. Brigid carried Ki’s box. It always amazed Jiraiya how such a large animal can fit into such a small box. After the hug dispersed, Anzhong took the tin box from Brigid, and Brigid went back outside. Minerva corralled the kids while Anzhong headed upstairs. Brigid soon emerged from the garage with shovels and gardening shears in hand, and Anzhong returned from upstairs with something in his hand Jiraiya couldn’t identify.

Everyone headed outside and to the cherry blossom tree. Brigid dug a hole in front of the tree, and Anzhong took the bag of ash out the box and placed it in the hole, laying him to rest beside Ai and Pumpkin. Brigid covered it up as Anzhong sat down in front of the tree. Kiba nuzzled up to Anzhong, taking the place of Ki in the hauntingly familiar sight. A gentle breeze came in, causing the branches and young flowers to sway, and Jiraiya joined his son on the ground.

Anzhong pulled out the other thing that was in his hands, which turned out to be a music player. Anzhong began playing Aoi’s favorite song, the same song played at her funeral. It was a hauntingly beautiful and old melody. If Jiraiya remembered correctly, it was originally composed in the eighteen hundreds.

“Do you remember the first time I came over? I was greeted by this pint sized akita that tried to rip my leg off.”, Jiraiya said.

“I remember you laughing your head off.”, Anzhong answered.

“Yeah, he saw me coming into your house without being let in, and he thought I was an intruder. I knew you would be well protected for the next ten years.”

“Ki’s still protecting us. He’s still here.”, Emi said.

Jiraiya turned to look at her, confused. “What do you mean?”

“I saw his spirit on his chair. Well, I saw the indentation he left.”

“I heard him running around my room.”, Sunset added.

Jiraiya looked back to Anzhong and found him smiling. It was a small smile, but for him, any smile was like a normal person grinning ear to ear. “That stubborn old dog.”, Anzhong said quietly.

After the song finished, people began to disperse. Brigid took the tools back into the shed as everyone, except Anzhong, headed inside. Those who were inside congregated in the kitchen and got water or other stuff. Anzhong came inside not long after, followed by Brigid with Ailbhe on her shoulders. Anzhong walked over to Ki’s chair and felt the cushion. There was no indent, and Ki did not seem to be there. Anzhong’s face grew a hint of disappointment, but he hid it. The only reason Jiraiya could tell was because he was his father. He then came into the kitchen and joined everyone else. People spent time talking and sharing stories about Ki. The kids laughed it up as they learned how silly Ki was in his youth.

As much as he enjoyed spending time with his family, the fight against God and Darwinism was eternal. Jiraiya gave his son one more hug before he headed out to the hospital. “You gave Ki a wonderful life. Be happy that you had him as much as you mourn his passing.”, Jiraiya whispered to Anzhong. Anzhong nodded his head, and Jiraiya headed out the door.

Katon family home

Date: March 8th, time: 10:00 am

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset sat in the living room along with Emi, Anura, and the animals, watching The Lion Queen for the fourth time; it was Emi and Anura’s favorite. Sunset enjoyed the movie too, but she could probably act the whole thing out and sing every song herself by now. Kiba was lying on Ki’s old chair, and as Ki’s spirit didn’t seem to make a stink about it, they allowed it. Anzhong was also with them, but he wasn’t exactly watching, or paying attention to, the movie. Brigid soon came downstairs and went out front before coming back in and joining them.

“Whatcha got there?”, Sunset asked.

“Mail”, Brigid answered. Sunset turned back to the movie until Brigid made an unhappy noise. Sunset turned around to see that Brigid was looking at one of the letters. She wasn’t angry but annoyed.

“What’s wrong?”, Emi asked after pausing the movie.

“Ah got jury duty.”

“Is it civil or criminal?”, Anzhong asked.

“Criminal”

“Well, you’ll probably be able to get out of it by telling them you’re married to a prosecutor, especially if I’m prosecuting.”

“What’s jury duty?”, Anura asked.

“The jury are the people Dad has to prove the defendant committed the crime to.”, Emi explained.

“Okay, why would Uncle being a prosecutor keep Aunt Brigid from having to be on the jury?”

“Uhhh, I don’t know.”

“It’s because people who know either party would have their vote swayed by their feeling towards the party.”, Sunset explained.

“Oh, okay, that makes sense.”, Anura said and started up the movie again, and Brigid continued going through the mail. Being an adult in America sounds even worse than being an adult in Equestria.

Outside CMS

Date: Mar 11th, time: 3:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset adjusted her bag on her shoulder as she walked to the pickup spot. As she walked, Sunset noticed Lily getting picked up. She still needed to get rid of her. Sunset joined her team and waited for the bus. She ended up standing next to Rainbow who was texting someone and smiling. As soon as the bus arrived, everyone got on, and Sunset took her usual spot in the back. The bus ride was the same as it had been for the last almost three years. They passed by the same buildings, same road signs. The trip went by quickly, and the team hurried into the rink.

Upon reaching the locker room, Sunset sat down on the bench, unlocked her bag, and began pulling out her gear. Out of the corner of her eye, Sunset noticed Rainbow taking off her shirt. Her chest was barely recognizable as boobs, but her musculature made up for that.

“Um, Sunset?”, Rainbow asked with a blush.

“Oh, don’t be modest. You have a nice body. I’d be happy to show you mine. I know you like it.”, Sunset said sultrily. Rainbow’s blush spread across her face, turning her into a dark red tomato, and she promptly spun around as to not face Sunset. “Eh, your loss, pretty bird.” Sunset could’ve sworn Rainbow’s skin turned a bit redder. She loved the effects her words had on other people. Watching them squirm was truly enjoyable, and the way she could get them to do what she wanted was very useful, but for now, she was going to leave Rainbow alone. This worked better in more isolated areas.

The team finished gearing up and got onto the ice. The teams lined up, and Sunset was facing Rainbow. Sunset gave Rainbow a smirk that caused her to blush. The game started, and the whole time, Sunset focused on Rainbow. Sunset’s earlier flirting had thrown Rainbow off her game, making her easy pickin’s. A lip bite from Sunset even ended up with Rainbow on her ass. Sunset’s team won hands down, and the Wondercolts returned to the locker room.

Once they were back in their street clothes and the others were leaving or heading to the bathroom, Rainbow put a hand on Sunset’s shoulder. Sunset turned around to face her with a curious look. “You were tripping me up on purpose.”, Rainbow accused.

“I was.”

“That’s not cool.”

“You could’ve used the same tactics. I’m not immune to the allure of a beautiful woman.”, Sunset said while brushing a strand of hair behind Rainbow’s ear.

Sunset could practically hear Rainbow’s brain short circuit before she regained composure. “Why are you like this?”

“Hm, what do you mean?”

“Three months ago, you called me a “half pint Brit”, but now, you’re calling me “pretty bird”. What is up with you? Why do you act like this?”

Sunset straightened herself and looked down at Rainbow. “I act how I want, when I want. If it serves my needs, I’ll do it.” Sunset turned around and began walking to the bus. It took a few seconds, but Rainbow was soon running to catch up. Sunset began running as well, and it became a race. Rainbow passed Sunset, but she remained close behind.

Rainbow got onto the bus first and turned around to taunt Sunset. “Ha, ya have ta faster than that if you want ta beat me.”

“How ‘bout Ah beat ya the old fashioned way.” Sunset jumped on Rainbow, causing her to fall to the floor and Sunset to be on top of her. Sunset’s hands were on Rainbow’s shoulders, and she was grinning like a Cheshire down at her. Rainbow blushed again, and the other kids on the bus began laughing at them and making kissy noises. Sunset leaned down to whisper into Rainbow’s ear. “I win.” Sunset then got up and returned to her seat. Rainbow remained on the floor until team members that were in the bathroom returned. As she was blocking the aisle, Rainbow got up and returned to her own seat. All the while, Sunset watched her closely. She can be used.

Canterlot Ice Rink

Date: same day, time: 4:15 pm

*Rainbow’s perspective*

“You were tripping me up on purpose.”, Rainbow accused.

“I was.”, Sunset said nonchalantly.

“That’s not cool.”

“You could’ve used the same tactics. I’m not immune to the allure of a beautiful woman.”, Sunset said while brushing a strand of hair behind Rainbow’s ear.

Rainbow was once again thrown off balance as she tried to process what was going on. She wasn’t helped by her blood rushing to other places. “Why are you like this?”, Rainbow asked as soon as she regained composure.

“Hm, what do you mean?”

“Three months ago, you called me a “half pint Brit”, but now, you’re calling me “pretty bird”. What is up with you? Why do you act like this?”

Sunset straightened herself and looked down at Rainbow. She thought she was superior. Sunset’s little superiority complex really pissed Rainbow off. “I act how I want, when I want. If it serves my needs, I’ll do it.” Sunset turned around and began walking to the bus. Rainbow tried to process what she said. Sunset needed to be brought down a peg. It was then she realized that the bus was going to leave without her.

Rainbow ran out of the locker room and to the bus. Sunset began running too, and the two raced to the bus. Sunset wasn’t quite as fast as Rainbow, so she was able to pass her, but Sunset remained close on her heels. Rainbow got onto the bus first and spun around to tease Sunset. “Ha, ya have ta faster than that if you want ta beat me.”

“How ‘bout Ah beat ya the old fashioned way.”, Sunset said, then jumped on Rainbow, causing her to fall to the floor and Sunset to be on top of her. Sunset’s hands were on Rainbow’s shoulders, and she was grinning down at her. Her predatory smile was strangely sexy, and Rainbow blushed again. The other kids on the bus began laughing at them and making kissy noises, but Rainbow was too distracted by the hot Asian chick straddling her to care. Sunset leaned down to whisper into Rainbow’s ear. “I win.”, then got up and returned to her seat. Rainbow remained dazed on the floor until team members returned and needed to get passed. Rainbow got up and returned to her own seat which she promptly slumped down into as the bus started.

“Geeze Rainbow, keep that up and some people might start thinking you like her.”

“Oh, can it, Soarin. I know you think she’s hot too. Anyone in their right mind would.”, Rainbow retorted.

Soarin shot her a shit eating grin then went back to playing with his phone. As soon as the bus returned, the team hopped off and either got picked up by their parents or began their walk home. Rainbow knew her parents were going to be running late, so she would be waiting a few minutes for them. She began walking to the school but was stopped by Sunset. “Let’s have a little chat.”, she said, then pointed to the side of the school. Rainbow was hesitant but figured she could fight her off if she tried anything and followed her. Rainbow’s confidence wavered somewhat when she was led, not to the side of the school, but to the back, where no one could see them. Sunset leaned up against the wall and gave Rainbow a look that made her heart race.

“So, what is this about?”, Rainbow asked with a mixture of fear and - something - in her voice.

“I know you think I’m hot. I can make you very happy, but you would have to do something for me in exchange.” Both Sunset words and tone made Rainbow’s brain and body go haywire. She could hear her heart beating in her ears.

“Um, what do you mean?”, Rainbow asked nervously.

“I mean I can eat you out, make out with you, or just a naughty picture in exchange for you owing me a favor, anything you want.”

A butt load of chemicals were surging through Rainbow’s head, and her blood was going everywhere but her head. Eventually, Rainbow’s mind and body came to a consensus, RUN. “Nope!”, Rainbow shouted, then booked it out of there.

“Wimp!”, Sunset called her, but Rainbow didn’t care. She just ran out to the parking lot and saw her parent’s car. She jumped in, buckled her seatbelt, and slumped down so no one outside could see her.

“Are you okay?”, Dad asked.

Rainbow covered her face to hide her blush. She was confused and embarrassed. “Just drive.”, Rainbow said sheepishly.

Behind CMS

Date: same day, time: 4:30 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

“Wimp!”, Sunset shouted at Rainbow, but Rainbow didn’t slow down and ran towards the parking lot. “Well, that was a bust. And ouch.” Sunset walked back around front and walked back home. Rainbow was a bust. She needed someone else she could manipulate to do her bidding. Snips and Snails were too dump for this task, Flash was too moral, and Jacklyn had both problems. “Sigh, simple in theory, not so simple in practice.”

Katon family home

Date: Mar 19th, time: 8:00 pm

*Minerva’s perspective*

“Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Minerva. Happy birthday to you.”, everybody sang. Minerva covered her face out of embarrassment. She always felt embarrassed when people sang for her.

“Thank you.”, Minerva said and blew out her candles.

“What did you wish for?”, Anura asked.

“I don’t know.”, Minerva said with a shrug. “I already have everything I could want.”

“Dat’s why it’s so hard ta shop f’r ya.”, Brigid said.

“Cake n’ ice cream!”, Emi cried.

“We should get cutting before she dives head first into it.”, Sunset said.

“I wouldn’t do that.”

“Says the one in a bear onesie.”

“Says the pony.”

“Says the fox.”

Jiraiya and Anzhong placed their hands on each of the girls’ shoulders. “Okay, let’s just have sweets.”, Jiraiya said.

“Okay. Hey, how’s lactose free stuff made?”, Emi asked.

“Either by removing the lactose from the milk or using a milk substitute to make it.”, Anzhong answered.

Brigid grabbed the ice cream scooper and scooped some non-dairy ice cream for Anzhong and Jiraiya and then normal ice cream for everyone else, and Jiraiya grabbed a knife and started cutting the cake.

“I’m glad I’m not lactose intolerant. Milk substitutes just don’t taste as good. Why can I have lactose when Daddy and Grandpa can’t?”, Emi asked.

“Because a’ our European heritage. It was our ancestors who were the village weirdo dat decided ta try suckin’ on cow tities.”, Brigid said as she handed Minerva her cake and ice cream.

“You make it sound so weird when you say it like that.”, Minerva said.

“Dat’s because it is weird. Ya have no idea how surprised Ah was when Ah learned not only do ponies drink milk but cows sell it to ‘em.”

“Wait, they sell their milk to you?”, Minerva asked Sunset.

“Yup, the vast majority of cows are content with just grazing. Farmers provide them with a safe place to live, and cows let them harvest their extra milk.”, Sunset answered.

“That is strange.”

“It’s strange that you take it without permission.”

“Fair”

Canterlot Courthouse

Date: Apr 2nd, time: 9:30 am

*Brigid’s perspective*

Brigid, along with the rest of the jury candidates, were led into the jury waiting room and to their seats. They were made to watch an introductory video on jury service and were provided a Juror Handbook for reference. It was boring. They’ve each been given a number, and Brigid was lucky number eight. She hoped this increased her chances of not having to be on the jury. Each juror took the seats with the corresponding number. The judge called them up in numerical order, and each of the lawyers, neither of whom were Anzhong, asked the candidates about their background, beliefs, prejudices, and relationships with any party to the case. Brigid saw her chance to get out of this.

The judge eventually asked for Brigid, and she stood up. “Candidate eight, what is your background?”

“Ah’m a professor a’ anthropology at Canterville Uni from Ireland. Ah’m also married to a District Prosecutor, Anzhong Katon.”

“I see. Do you believe cannabis should be illegal?”, the defending lawyer asked.

“Do ya want ma ta contaminate y’r jury pool?”

“We need a proper answer.”

“No, cannabis has excellent pain management properties while bein’ non-addictive. Da only reason it’s illegal is because a’ racism n’ da xenophobic fear a’ Mexicans. Da whole “war on drugs” was jus’ an excuse f’r Nixon ta tear apart black families.”, Brigid said. The judge and both lawyers looked annoyed with what Brigid said. “Ah tried ta warn ya.”

“Yes, you did. You can all leave now.”, the judge dismissed them with a wave of his hand.

The whole lot of the jury pool left the room with no skin off their backs. While everyone else practically ran out to the garage, Brigid went to the courtroom Anzhong was in. He had told Brigid where he would be when they arrived in case she wanted to see him. Though, he did warn against doing that. Brigid understood why he wouldn’t want her seeing what he has to deal with, but she’d seen worse and wanted to watch him work.

Brigid found the courtroom he was in and took a seat behind the prosecutor's side. The defendant was a young man with a cop aura. Great, Ah sound like Minerva. Twenty year old me would’ve raised her eyebrow at that. Anzhong was showing bank statements with the help of a sighted presenter. The sighted presenter worked the projector and highlighted the parts Anzhong was talking about, and Anzhong explained that the defendant had been putting large sums of money in his and his mother’s account on a regular basis and without declaring it as income. Even if the money wasn’t suspicious, he was in for tax fraud.

After all that was explained, Anzhong called the defendant up for questioning. “Now, Officer Shim, would you mind explaining where you got all this money from?”

“I take the fifth.”, Officer Shim said.

“Alright” Anzhong continued to question Officer Shim about what he was doing on certain days, why he did and didn’t do certain actions, and whatnot, then the defence lawyer questioned him after Anzhong. It was pretty boring, so Brigid closed her eyes and leaned back until she heard the judge hit the gavel and began talking again. The jury went into the deliberation room, and Anzhong leaned back in his chair.

“Dey make dis much more interestin’ on TV.”, Brigid whispered to Anzhong.

“You should try sitting in on family court. I once heard that one woman tried to punch the judge and had to be tackled by the bailiff.”, Anzhong whispered back.

“Dat doesn’t surprise me.”

Somewhere around an hour later, the jury came back in. Brigid and Anzhong straightened in their seats as they waited for the verdict. “We of the jury find the defendant guilty of all charges.”, the jury foreman said.

There was no cheering or blowups. The worst Brigid heard was a couple of growls on the side of the defendant. The bailiffs took the defendant away, then Anzhong got up and bowed to the judge, then the jury, and everyone began leaving. They walked together until Brigid had to go into the parking lot and the prosecuting team just had to walk across the street and down the block. Brigid began heading up the stairs when a lilac-haired man, she recognized as the defence lawyer, came up beside her.

“You seem to know Mr. Katon.”, the defence lawyer said.

“Yes. Why?”

“How well do you really know him?”

“Ah know him well enough.”

“You wouldn’t happen to know what kind of company Mr. Katon keeps?”

“Spit it out, or Ahmma start usin’ y’r boys f’r footballs.” Brigid reached her car with the defence lawyer still on her heels. He wasn’t standing that close to her, but his behavior was still concerning, and he was standing behind her car. She couldn’t leave without running him over. They just came out of the courthouse, so neither of them have weapons on them, and Brigid was almost twice his size, so she wasn’t too worried but still. This wouldn’t be the first time a shrimp tried something, so she watched his body language closely.

“Um, right, I believe Mr. Katon may be corrupt. He’s won nearly a hundred percent of his cases. That’s almost impossible.”

“Let me stop ya dere. His mother was killed by corruption. He’s dedicated his life ta its extermination. Da reason he’s won so often is because, jus’ like ya c’n choose not ta represent someone, he c’n choose ta dismiss a case before it goes ta court. In short, he’s good at his job. Now, get out from behind me car. Ah don’t much like people accusin’ me husband a’ bein’ corrupt.” Brigid didn’t raise her voice, but her tone left no room for argument.

The blood drained from the man’s face, and he scurried away without another word. Brigid smirked and got into her car. After locking her doors and before driving off, Brigid put her knife back into her pocket, slipped her red, fingerless weighted-knuckle gloves back on, and checked that her guns and bullets are where they’re supposed to be. With the comfort provided by her weapons, Brigid drove home. Upon getting home, Brigid was greeted by the sound of tiny paws running down the stairs and a little monster jumping up on her. Brigid caught the little monster and cradled her. “Hello, Ailbhe.” Brigid placed Ailbhe on her shoulders and walked upstairs.

Outside Winston Defense Office

Date: Apr 3rd, time: 5:00 pm

*Anzhong’s perspective*

Anzhong stepped out of the taxi and onto the sidewalk with Kiba in tow. He leaned himself against the building with Kiba sitting next to him and waited for his target. People soon began exiting the building, paying no mind to Anzhong. Soon, the smell of his target’s cologne hit Anzhong’s nose. “Autumn Frost”

“Yes? Oh, Mr. Katon, what a surprise.”

“It shouldn’t be. You scared my wife yesterday.”

“I-I scared your wife.”, Autumn said disbelievingly. “Dude, your wife’s bigger than me. What does she have to be afraid of?”

“The same thing every woman does. You followed a woman to her car and prevented her from leaving. Why would she not worry about that?”

“Okay, I’m sorry. I’ll never go anywhere near your wife again. Sound good?”, Autumn said half-heartedly and tried to walk away, but Anzhong brought his cane to Autumn’s chest, cutting him off.

Anzhong stood up from the wall and even leaned in a little. “Now, why did you feel the need to harass my wife?”, Anzhong asked, making the threat clear in his tone. Kiba also helped by growling at the man.

“D-didn’t your wife tell you already?”, Autumn asked nervously.

“She did, but I want to hear it from you.”

“Why would that be necessary? I was just mad that I lost. It’s nothing.”

“You harass my wife and accuse me of corruption for nothing.”

“N-no, no, that’s not what I meant.”, Autumn stammered out.

“Stay away from my wife.”, Anzhong commanded and walked away. Anzhong heard Autumn run away as he walked around the corner and pulled out his phone and sent a text to Brigid, telling her where he was.

What are you doing there?

Best you not know, plausible deniability and all.

What. Did. You. Do?

I made sure Autumn Frost won’t try anything with you again.

Who?

The guy from the garage.

Oh. Ps. you’re an idiot. I find someone to be your character witness in court.

Anzhong shook his head at Brigid’s joke, put his phone back in his pocket, and waited for Brigid to arrive. Anzhong heard a car pull up some time later. “Brigid?”

“What do ya think ya’re doin’ hangin’ ‘round ‘ere?”, a gruff sounding man asked.

“Excuse me?”

“Get in ya duffus.”, Brigid said.

“Brigid.”, Anzhong said in annoyance, realizing she was the gruff sounding man. “One of these days, I’ll be able to tell when it’s you.”, Anzhong said as he got in.

“In y’r dreams.”

CMS gym

Date: Apr 15th, time: 3:30 pm

*Pinkie’s perspective*

Pinkie hopped and danced as she threw streamers into the rafters and put up the final touches on the set up, balloons, floral décor, table covers, extra, for the Spring Fling, which was happening that night. Pinkie was blowing up a balloon when she spun around to find Sunset standing behind her. She jumped in surprise, letting the balloon go, which flew around the gym until coming to rest - somewhere. The two girls watched it until they lost sight of it then returned to looking at each other. “Jesus Sunset, you gotta stop sneaking up on people.”

“Good evening to you too. I need a favor.”, Sunset said in a sultry voice.

“Nope, I’m not doing any favors for you. Not even in exchange for sexual favors.”, Pinkie said while crossing her arms.

“How the hell did you even know that?”, Sunset said confusedly.

“You already tried this with Rainbow earlier this chapter.”, Pinkie said while pointing up. Sunset looked up to where she was pointing but only saw the ceiling.

“Wha-?” Sunset shook her head then looked at Pinkie with that sultry look again. “Oh, come on, Pinkie. Have you ever touched a woman like that before? I know you find me attractive, everyone does. I can take your virginity, or give you the best kiss you’ll ever get, or just a naughty pic.” Sunset leaned into Pinkie’s ear and caressed her under her chin. “I’m, personally, curious to know if all that sugar you eat makes you taste - hm sweet.”

Pinkie felt pressure building up down South and squeezed her legs together. “Tempting offer, but I’d have to decline.”

That was apparently the wrong thing to say as Sunset became enraged. She grabbed Pinkie by the throat and began to choke her. There was a sharp pain where Sunset was grabbing, and Pinkie began to panic. “Listen here, you little shit, I need to know where Lily lives. I tried to be nice, but you left me with no choice. Where does Lily Valley live?”, Sunset asked threateningly.

Pinkie tried to pull Sunset’s hand off, but she grabbed one of Pinkie’s arms, and she couldn’t get her off with just one hand. Pinkie then tried to kick her, but Sunset had long arms and would just kick Pinkie’s kicks away. “Aagghh, she lives on the other side of Canterville.”, Pinkie squeaked out. “1449 Crocker st, apartment B.”

“That’s better, but shit. That’s more than a bike ride away.” Sunset let go of Pinkie, and she coughed and took in a deep breath as she backed away from the psycho girl. Sunset effin’ smiled and walked away like nothing happened.

Oh no, she doesn’t get to do that. “Hey!” Pinkie ran up to Sunset and, as Sunset turned around, uppercut her straight in the jaw. Sunset staggered back but grabbed Pinkie’s next punch. Pinkie brought her knee up, which Sunset also caught. Pinkie then grabbed Sunset jacket, jumped forward, and swept one of Sunset’s legs out from under her, sending them to the ground with Pinkie on top. With both of Sunset’s hands occupied, Pinkie began whaling on Sunset with her free hand. They were brief, but when Pinkie caught glimpses of Sunset’s eyes, she noticed a change in them. It was like the intelligence behind them was gone. Suddenly, Sunset let go of Pinkie’s appendages, grabbed the back of her head, and brought Pinkie’s head down on her own. Pinkie was dazed, and Sunset slid both feet out from under her and kicked Pinkie away. Pinkie staggered up and opened her eyes only to Sunset charging at her. Pinkie only had time to close her eyes, tuck her head in, get her hands up before Sunset jumped on her and tackled Pinkie to the ground. Pinkie slapped the ground to stop her fall, but that left her completely open. Pinkie could feel Sunset crouched over her with her hands on her hair and collar. She could feel Sunset’s mouth wrap around her throat before she stopped then pulled back. Pinkie opened her eyes to see Sunset but not with a sadistic smile, like she expected. Pinkie saw Sunset looking serious and, possibly, even a bit concerned.

Sunset got up off Pinkie without losing eye contact. “Don’t tell anyone about this. It won’t end well for either of us.” With that said, Sunset left the gym, holding her face, and Pinkie was left on the floor.

Aside from the pain of the headbutt, Pinkie was in decent shape. Sunset left very little evidence on Pinkie. She would check if she ended up bruising, but from the looks of things now, she didn’t look too good. Sunset’s face was undoubtedly going to bruise. “Shit, no wonder she’s not been caught.”

Hold up, how did Sunset choke me without leaving bruises? Are you just fudging the facts so her parents won’t find out.

Actually, no. Sunset grabbed your trachea and the two major blood vessels in your neck and not the surrounding muscle. That was the sharp pain you felt, and it takes less pressure to start choking you that way than to bruise you. I tried it on myself, and even my easy to bruise ass wasn’t bruised.

Are you sure you should be telling people on the internet this?

It’s not like stupid kids are reading this. It’s rated ‘M’ for a reason.

I-:,`

Don’t look at me like me like that. Now, back to the story.

Pinkie pulled herself off the floor and was tempted to go after Sunset but realized that wouldn’t look good on her. Pinkie grabbed her streamers and got back to work.

Sunset’s room

Date: same day, time: 6:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset stood in front of her mirror, applying the last touches of makeup. It was a few shades lighter than Sunset’s skin since she was using Brigid’s. She was unlikely to mind as it still had the tamper proof seal on it and was out of date, whatever that meant for makeup. Either way, it still worked, so Sunset guessed it was makeup companies trying to scam people. She had to say, Pinkie knows how to throw a punch. Hopefully, the next time they’re in a fight, her fists will be working for Sunset instead of against her. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much Sunset could do with the information. Lily lives too far away to walk or bike to and survey within a night. She’d be getting back early in the morning if she did that, and she would need to do it multiple nights. With the last bit of concealer applied, Sunset went out to the living room.

“Ready ta go?”, Brigid asked.

“Yup”

“Okay then.” Brigid and Sunset went out to the garage, and Brigid took Sunset to the school. Before Sunset got out, Brigid gave her a kiss on the forehead. “See ya late’.”

“See ya later.” Sunset hopped out of the car and met up with Flash. The two headed inside and to the gym. This Spring Fling was exactly the same as all the other parties. The decorations for the Spring Fling were more flowery than the decorations for the other dances, but that was it. As routine as it was, Sunset was happy to dance with Flash until it was time to retrieve her crown, even though he danced like he shoved something up where the sun don’t shine. Flash held Sunset close to him both in a protecting way and in a way that says he wants to be protected.

“That dress looks really nice on you.”, Flash said.

“Thank you. Ya look nice too.”

Flash smiled and caressed Sunset’s face. “Are you wearing makeup?”

“Does it not look good? I tried looking up tutorials online, but I’ve never done this before.”

“No, it looks fine. You’ve just never worn makeup before. You never struck me as a makeup person.”

“I’m not. I got punched and figured a black eye wouldn’t be the best look to sport during a dance.”, Sunset said nonchalantly.

“You were punched?”, Flash asked worriedly. “By who?”

“That’s not important. Besides, I gave them the one for.”

“Sigh, I don’t like when you get into fights.”

“I don’t exactly like being beaten up either, but It’s a part of life.”, Sunset tried to assure. Flash looked down solemnly and brought their foreheads together, but he couldn’t meet her eyes. “Hey, I love you, and I’ll do everything I can to keep us safe.”

The two of them continued like that until it was announced that they were going to crown the royal of the Spring Fling. Sunset positioned herself where she’d have the easiest time getting to the stairs to the stage. Just like every other Spring Fling and Fall Formal, the principals stood on stage with the crown and a letter with the name on it. “And the royal of the Spring Fling is,” Principal Winters opened the letter and pulled the paper out, “Rarity Alba.”

Sunset leaned forward to start walking to the stage until her brain registered what she heard. Rarity?! Sunset watched Rarity walk onto the stage with a smile and receive her crown. Sunset glared at her with such hate that the only reason Rarity wasn’t on fire was because Sunset didn’t have her magic.

Sunset marched out of the gym and out of the school and sat down on the front steps. There was a gentle breeze that made Sunset’s hair sway and nipped at her exposed skin. She looked out over the space in front of her. It was still early, and the light from the houses drowned out the light from the stars. Sunset missed the pure night sky, untainted by light pollution. She knows Earth’s sky was just as beautiful as Equose’s from her time on the farm. That was an untainted sky.

Flash joined Sunset shortly after she sat down, but she didn’t look at him. “Are you okay?”

“That crown should’ve been mine.”, Sunset said coldly.

“Not everything can go our way.”, Flash tried to console but failed miserably.

Sunset whipped her head around to meet his eyes, which startled him. “You don’t think I don’t know that. My sister is dying. I’m plagued by nightmares so frequent I don’t even react to most of them anymore. I’ve been stabbed, shot, burned, exiled. All my suffering has been for nothing. There is no greater meaning for anything. Those crowns are some of the few good things in my life and the only ones I deserve.”, Sunset ranted with tears starting to form.

Flash pulled Sunset into a hug, and she began to cry into his shoulder, exposing her young bruises and red welts. Sunset heard the doors behind them open, and Flash removed one of his arms for a second before quickly returning it accompanied by Snips’ and Snails’ footsteps and the doors closing. “Hey, I love you, your parents and family love you, and I know you love us.”

“I don’t deserve your love.”, Sunset said quietly.

“No, you absolutely deserve our love because you love us. I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I do know what you are going through. I know you don’t believe in God, but life does have a greater meaning; whether you believe God gives your life greater meaning or you give meaning to your own life.”

“I did believe in a god, once, but I learned that my gods were just normal folk that just so happen to give birth to my country's rulers. There are no gods, just stories we tell ourselves so we can sleep at night and justify our actions. Life is meaningless.”

“Sunset, life’s not meaningless. Your life’s not meaningless. You bring those you love such joy and happiness. I’ve seen how happy your sister is when you’re around. Your life is as meaningful as you make it.”

“I so wish that was true.”

“What can I do to convince you?”

“Nothing, because it’s not true.”

“Sunset”

The two of them stayed like that until Sunset was done crying. “Oh, I’ve got makeup on your jacket.”, Sunset said.

“It’s okay. I’ll just wash it out.”

“Come on. We should wash it out sooner rather than later.” Sunset took Flash’s hand, and the two of them walked back to her place. As soon as they were inside, Sunset took Flash’s jacket and began washing out the makeup. Sunset heard Brigid’s footsteps come down the stairs, and she turned away from the stairs so Brigid wouldn’t see her exposed welts.

“Wha’ are ya two doin’ back ‘ere?”

“Sunset lost the competition, so we decided to come back early.”, Flash explained.

“Okay, but wha’ is Sunset doin’ with y’r jacket?”

“He got something on it, and I’m cleaning it out.”, Sunset quickly said. Sunset heard Brigid walking closer, and she turned away from Brigid, but Brigid picked Sunset up and turned her to face her. “Aah, Mom.”, Sunset complained.

Brigid’s eyes went wide when she noticed Sunset’s face. “Sunset, did ya get inta anothe’ fight?”, Brigid asked worriedly.

“It’s not a big deal. They started it, but I ended it.”, Sunset protested.

“Sunset”

“Mom, seriously, I’m fine. I can handle myself.”

Brigid looked at Sunset disappointedly, which tore Sunset up inside more than if she had yelled at her. “Sunset, we c’n’t help ya if ya don’t tell us wha’s goin’ on.”

“I don’t need your help.”, Sunset said sternly.

“Alright.”, Brigid said, defeated. “Now, where did ya get dat makeup?”

“Frooom your baaathrooom.”

“Sunset, ya know ya need ta asked before ya borrow stuff, right?”, Brigid asked with an ‘are you serious’ face.

“That would kinda defeat the point of trying to hide this from you.”

Brigid put Sunset down and looked at Flash’s jacket. “By da way, y’re grounded f’r two weeks for stealing my makeup n’ not callin’ me before ya walked home.” Brigid took the now clean jacket out of the sink and looked directly at Sunset. “If ya were-”

“Yeah, yeah, if I was kidnapped, you wouldn’t have known for over an hour.”, Sunset finished.

“N’ ya put Flash’s life in dange’ with y’r actions.”, Brigid said with a seriousness Sunset had only before seen during gun training.

“We were usin’ the body system. We were safer together.”, Sunset protested.

“Y’re only thirteen. Another thirteen year old will only end with two kidnapped kids or a severely beaten kid. Now, Ah’m gonna get dis dryin’. You, bring out y’r computer n’ gamin’ stuff.” Brigid turned to go down stairs, and Sunset crossed her arms and huffed.

Flash walked over to Sunset, but didn’t get close. “Well, this has been a crappy night.”, Flash said nervously, almost as if he was worried Sunset would bite his head off if he said or did the wrong thing.

“Yeah”, Sunset said curtly. She washed off the makeup then stomped to her room and grabbed her electronics and left them on the counter. She then grabbed Flash and brought him into her room, locking the door behind them, and onto her couch. Flash tried to question Sunset’s actions, but she cut him off with a kiss then more kisses. Sunset raised off him for a second to catch her breath and to reposition herself because his member was starting to poke her.

“Wow, glowy eyes.”, Flash commented.

Sunset gave him a toothy smile along with her bedroom eyes. “Hm, maybe I am a vampire.” Sunset resumed kissing him and ran her hands along Flash’s body. She was soon kissing other parts of his face and neck and scraping her fangs across his skin. Flash, apparently, had no idea what to do with his hands and was just grabbing at anything around then until Sunset grabbed his arm and put his hand on her body. Sunset tried to slip a hand into Flash’s pants, but he grabbed it and pulled it out.

“No, um, I don’t want to do that.”, Flash whispered.

“Okay. Why not?”, Sunset asked, then thought back to how this was the third time she was rejected in a week. “Is it something about me?”

“What? No, no, you’re perfect.”, Flash said quickly. “I just want to wait until marriage.”

Sunset was confused by that. What purpose would waiting until marriage serve. “Why?”

“Because premarital sex is a sin.”

“Oh, religious nonsense.”, Sunset said dismissively.

“It’s not nonsense.”, Flash tried to defend.

“How do you know your partner can satisfy you if you don’t have sex with them before you become permanently hitched?”

“You marry someone because you love them.”

“That’s why it’s called ‘making love’.”, Sunset countered.

“Well, it stops the spread of STDs.”

“- Okay, fair.” Sunset moved her hands further North, snuggled up next to Flash, and resumed kissing him. She even gave him a few little nibbles, which he seemed to enjoy, before they fell asleep.

Some time later, Sunset was awoken by Flash getting up. She let out a small whine of disapproval then opened her eyes to see Brigid and Mrs. Sentry. Mrs. Sentry led Flash out of Sunset’s room, and Brigid picked Sunset up. “Let’s get ya ta bed.”, Brigid whispered. Sunset let out another small whine, and Brigid rubbed Sunset’s back. Brigid carried Sunset up to her loft and helped to get her out of her dress and into her PJs. “Did ya enjoy y’r time with Flash?”

“Hm, nobody wants ta have sex with me.”, Sunset tiredly said.

“What makes ya say dat?”

“I tried to exchange sexual favors for help and intel, but both went bust, and now, Flash wants to wait until marriage, dumb religious crap.”

“Ah’m sure y’ll be gatherin’ all da intel once ya get ta high school. Middle schoolers tend ta get scared by sex.”

Sunset let out one more whine then laid down and fell back asleep.

CMS lunchroom

Date: Apr 16th, time: 12:00 pm

*Sunset’s perspective*

Sunset carried her tray to her and Flash’s usual table and took her seat next to Flash. Snips, Snails, and Meg were also there, but Sunset knew she could tell the boys to not listen to what she and Flash were talking about, and they would do so, and Sunset could tell Flash wanted to talk to her about something important by the way he looked at her. Sunset motioned for the boys to plug their ears. They didn’t actually plug their ears, but they did look away from the two of them.

“Hey, Sunset, I wanted to talk to you about last night.”, Flash said.

“I get it. Your culture says that you need to wait. I respect your choice even if I disagree with it.”

“Thanks, but that’s not what I wanted to talk about.”

“Oh, what do you want to talk about then?”

“Your eyes, how were they glowing?”

That seemed to catch the attention of the boys, but one ‘you better not’ look from Sunset got them to go back to ignoring them. “‘Are’ is the correct verb in this case. My irises constantly emit a low light that most can’t notice unless in pitch black darkness via bioluminescence. It allows me to see even if I’m in complete darkness.”

“Sunset, English.”

“My eyes glow the same way fireflies’ butts do.”, Sunset said with a sly smile.

“Okay, but why do you have it?”

“My ancestors lived underground, but they still left the caves in order to hunt and gather food, so they still needed their eyes. Without an external light source, they needed it to see.”

“That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever heard of.”, Flash said like a kid that just saw a real life superhero.

“I’d kiss you if you didn’t have school lunch breath.”, Sunset said with a more noticeable smile.

Flash did a breath check, and his nose scrunched up at the smell. “Good call.”

Katon family home

Date: Apr 18th, time: 11:00 am

*Rynin’s perspective*

Mom pulled into Emi’s parent’s driveway, and Rynin moved to get out but was stopped by Mom speaking to him exasperatedly. “Why do you even like hanging out with her?”

“She is nice and fun and weird. She’s not like any other girl.”

Mom raised her eyebrow at that. “Alright, just go in.”

Rynin hopped out of the car and ran to the door and knocked, and Dr. Katon opened the door. Seeing that Dr. Katon had opened the door, Mom left. “Hi, Dr. Katon.”

“Hello, Rynin. Emi’s in da kitchen.”

Rynin stepped inside, took his shoes off, and got sprayed down. Entering the kitchen, Rynin saw Emi, Ms. Reads, Anura, and Sunset standing around a pot on the stove.

“Hi, Rynin!”, Emi cheered.

“Hi, what are you doing?”

“Aunt Minerva is teaching us how to make a healing potion.”

“You mean as in magic?”, Rynin asked skeptically.

“Yeah, these are turmeric, chili peppers, black pepper, ginger, and garlic. They reduce inflammation. These are onions, shallots, scallions, leeks, chives, avocados, fatty fish, various berries, broccoli, and extra-virgin olive oil. They help to fight cancer. And there’s scientific backing on all of these.”

“Oh, okay. Does it taste any good?”

All five women shook their heads with strained smiles, frowns, and looks of defeat. “No, it really isn’t. I usually get really high then eat this crap.”

“High?”

“Yeah, here.” Emi hopped off her step stool and grabbed a plate of brownies. “These are called pot brownies. They help to manage my pain and make me hungry enough to eat that stuff- or anything at all really. Do you want one?”

“We bette’ not. We would need permission from his parents before we give him any‘hin’ like dat.”, Dr. Katon said.

“Okay. By the way, you can’t tell anyone about these.”

“Okay, but why?”, Rynin asked.

“It’s illegal.”, Emi whispered.

“It’s illegal!”, Rynin said, freaked out.

“Yeah, but da only reason it’s illegal is because a’ racism. Da whole war on drugs was jus’ an excuse ta put minorities in prison.”, Dr. Katon said.

“Seriously?”

“Eyup, n’ the drugs are starting to take effect, so-.” Emi bounced back to Ms. Reads, who handed her a bowl of the soup, and Emi ran off to eat it.

“Weed turns her into pre-cancer Emi.”, Sunset said with a shrug. She then grabbed a brownie, ate it, then began cleaning up along with Ms. Reads.

Rynin stepped onto Emi’s stool and took a sniff of the concoction and immediately regretted it. It smelt like a spicy burrito inside an unwashed gym sock. Anura poured herself a bowl, which made Rynin turn green. “Did you have one of those brownies too?”

“I get to have brownies with breakfast. I don’t care what’s in them or if I’m able to eat this by lunch. Hey, I’ll pay you five bucks if you can eat and hold down a spoon full of this stuff.”

Five whole bucks. That was a lot of money, but this stuff smelled horrible. Rynin looked between Anura and the soup as he considered his options. “I’ll do it.”

Anura smiled, grabbed a spoon, and handed it to Rynin. Rynin took a scoop, plugged his nose, and downed it quickly. The soup tried to come back up, but Rynin forced it back down. “Oh God, that’s disgusting.”

“Hahaha, nice. Here.” Anura pulled out her wallet and slapped a fiver on the counter. “Come join us when you’re done dry heaving.” Rynin nodded, and Anura went over to the dining room table.

Rynin eventually felt well enough to grab his money and joined them, but he sat at the other end of the table. “So, Anura, how’d you end up with that name?”

“It’s a Hindi name meaning knowledgeable, intelligent, and kind. Why do you ask?”

“Because it’s also the name of the order for all tailless amphibians, like frogs and toads.”

Anura and Emi stopped in their tracks then looked at each other. Emi dropped her spoon in her bowl and began laughing. “Grandpa’s going to love that.”, Emi chortled. Rynin looked over at Sunset and Ms. Reads, who both looked surprised.

“Okay wise guy, how’d you end up with your name?”, Anura asked.

“It’s my mother’s maiden name.”

“Ah”

Anura and Emi quickly finished their spicy sock burrito soup and took their bowls to the sink. “Come on, Rynin. Let’s play.”, Emi called. Rynin hopped out of his seat and followed the girls outside. Emi walked into the garage and came out with three bokkens, safety glasses, and helmets and handed them out.

“What are we supposed to do with these?”, Rynin asked.

“Whack each other.”, Emi said. Emi took her animal hood off but not her beanie as she and Anura geared up. Rynin guessed it was to keep her helmet from rubbing against her skin. As he geared up, Emi and Anura took up fighting stances which Rynin mimicked as soon as he was done. The girls swung at each other with over the head strikes, and their swords clashed. Both moved with practiced grace as they struck and dodged and blocked blows. Rynin was so enamored that he almost didn’t notice Anura taking a swing at him. Rynin blocked it with his own sword but stumbled back and landed on his butt.

“Nice try.”, Anura said, trying to comfort Rynin.

“How do you two do that?”, Rynin asked.

“Lots of practice. We can teach you.”, Emi said. Rynin nodded, and the girls helped him up. “Now, this overhead strike is a samurai classic, and if we were using real swords, we could cut someone’s head in half with it.”

“Metal”

“Yeah, now, watch.” Emi demonstrated the proper stance and technique. “Now, the key to any martial art is your stance. You draw the power from the Earth, through your feet, up your legs, along your spine, and into the rest of your body. This is called a square stance, and it’s the resting stance of most styles.” Rynin took mental notes of everything and mimicked Emi’s stance. “Spread your feet wider apart.” Rynin moved his back leg further back. “Other way.”, Emi said. Rynin corrected his stance and moved his back leg further to the side. “Good, now, do what I do.” Emi raised her bokken over her head and brought it down very quickly. “Keep your blade straight and hold it tight.” Rynin mimicked her actions. His strike was slower than Emi’s, but he thought his technique was good.

“Not bad. Wanna see if you can best me?”, Anura asked.

“Um, no”, Rynin said bluntly. “You already nearly took my head off.”

“Okay, then let me teach you what I know.” Anura and Emi spent hours teaching Rynin how to properly use a sword and sword fighting. He was much slower than them and didn’t always understand the jargon, but it was fun. The girls would also frequently run back inside to grab a snack. They told him it was because the brownies make them really hungry. Rynin thought that was a strange side effect but didn’t have a problem with it as they were quick.

The three of them continued playing until the sun began to go down, and they went back inside. Dr. Katon was mixing up a drink with her cat on her shoulders. “Did ya have fun?”, Dr. Katon asked.

“Yeah, they taught me how to use a sword.”, Rynin said.

“Dat’s good. Y’r mum will be here ta-”, Dr. Katon said but was cut off by the cat jumping off her shoulders and onto the counter, knocking over her freshly poured drink and getting it on her pants. “Son a’ a bitch!”, Dr. Katon yelped. The cat didn’t care and just continued to chase after whatever caught her attention.

“Mom, Ailbhe is a girl.”, Emi corrected.

“Don’t get smart with me.”, Dr. Katon threatened, then began cleaning up.

“I can’t help it. I’m always smart.” Emi hopped over and began to help clean up. Once things were cleaned, Dr. Katon headed upstairs to change her pants. While she was upstairs, the doorbell rang. Emi snuck to the door and looked through the window. “It’s your mom.” Emi opened the door, and Mom stepped in.

“It’s time to go.”, Mom said.

“Okay, bye guys.”, Rynin said. Mom brought Rynin out to the car without another word.

“How was your day?”, Mom asked once they were back in the car.

“It was fun. Emi taught me how to use a sword.”, Rynin said excitedly.

“That’s great.”, Mom said disbelievingly.

“She did.”, Rynin protested.

“Okay, honey.”

Rynin crossed his arms, annoyed that his mom didn’t believe him.

Hothoof apartment

Date: Apr 26th, time: 4:00 pm

*Rainbow’s perspective*

Rainbow walked to the door with the laundry in hand. She hated having to do the laundry because to get to the laundry room, she had to walk past Moper. Moper wasn’t aggressive or anything, just extremely unsettling. She felt like at any moment he would jump up and do something, but he never does. Rainbow walked outside and was met with the usual sight of Pearls looking around the parking lot as if she was trying to avoid someone. Rainbow called her ‘Pearls’ because of her pearl necklace. She was an unidentified woman killed back when the apartments were just a motel. What was strange about her is that Rainbow only learned she ever existed after she started seeing her.

Rainbow rounded the corner to the hallway the laundry room was in. As always, Moper was moping outside the door. He was very dark, and his details were hard to make out, but he wore a dark hoodie that covered most of his face. What little she could see of his face was very disheveled. She just tried to ignore him and went inside the laundry room. Luckily for Rainbow, the laundry room was free of “ghosts”, and she could do her laundry in peace.

About halfway through the wash cycle, another tenant came in. Rainbow looked up to acknowledge the guy, and she noticed Moper was now standing up.

“Hey, you okay?”, the other tenant asked.

“Yeah, yeah,” Rainbow said quickly, “just- it’s just- I’m fine.”

“O-kay”, the other tenant said warily. After he put his clothes in the washer, the other tenant left the laundry room.

As he left, Rainbow saw Moper coming closer and into the laundry room. Rainbow backed up as far as she could, and to her relief, Moper seemed to vanish. Rainbow let out a sigh of relief, but she, proverbially, spoke too soon as a bottle of detergent came flying towards her head. Rainbow ducked out of the way in time to not be hit by the bottle but not in time to not get splattered by the soap. Rainbow ran out of there and back into her apartment and locked the door.

“Rainbow, are you okay? What happened to you?”, Mom asked.

“I haven’t been hallucinating. Moper just threw soap at me.”, Rainbow said, alarmed.

“What?”

“Here, I’ll show you.” Rainbow ran back to the laundry room with Mom following her. As Rainbow turned the corner, she saw that Moper wasn’t there, but now she knew that didn’t mean he wasn’t still here.

“Woah, what happened in here?”

“I was doing the laundry when Moper got up and came inside. He then turned invisible and threw the soap at me.”, Rainbow quickly explained. Mom looked confused and somewhat skeptical. “If you don’t believe me, we can check the security tapes.”, Rainbow said somewhat offended.

“That might be a good idea.”

Rainbow and her mother walked down to the lobby/security station. The security guard didn’t even look up from what he was ready as they approached. “Hello, can we see the security monitor, please?”, Mom asked.

That got the guard to look up then he noticed Rainbow but still looked bored. “What happened to you?”, he asked dully.

“What happened to me is why we want to see the security footage.”

“Alright. Let me guess, the laundry room, just a few minutes ago.”, the security guard said. Rainbow nodded, and the guard moved the monitor up to where all three of them could see it and then began rewinding it to a few minutes before. They could see Rainbow staring at the door and the other tenant talking to Rainbow. The tenant left and Rainbow began backing into the machines. She then looked around before the bottle of soap was sent flying, and she ducked out of the way and ran out of there. Mom was clearly shocked by what she saw, but the guard looked as bored as he always does. “Yeah, that’s Hubert. Story goes that he used to live in the motel. I would recommend you don’t let your daughter near him. He hates young girls.”, the security guard said flatly, as if Rainbow wasn’t just attacked by a ghost.

“Wait, ya mean like a ghost?”, Mom asked, stunned.

“I mean exactly like a ghost. Lot a’ people report strange occurrences that match up with ghost activity, and a lot a’ people have died on this property over the years.”

Mom turned her head to Rainbow, and Rainbow met her with a shit eating grin. Mom turned back to the guard with a mixture of shock and horror on her face. “Thank you”, Mom said, and the two of them began walking back to their apartment.

As soon as they were out of the lobby, Rainbow turned to her mom, still with that shit eating grin. “I’m not crazy.”, Rainbow said happily.

“I suppose you’re not.” Mom didn’t say much else until they were passing the laundry room hallway. As they passed, Mom stopped abruptly, causing Rainbow to almost bump into her, and looked into the hallway. “Do you see him now?”

“Yeah, he’s back to his normal spot. Does this mean I don’t have to do laundry any more?”

Mom put her hand on Rainbow’s back and hurried her away from the hallway. “Yeah, I think that would be for the best, and I think we should call a kohen or priest. But you do need to take a shower.”