//------------------------------// // 02 - Sister from Another Mister // Story: Through the Looking Glass and into Wonderland // by Babroniedad //------------------------------// Sunset stared in shock at the little girl across the room, an exact clone of herself down to her freckles. Her mouth hung open in shocked wonder. The little girl let go of her mom, walking slowly over to Sunset and Aiko, still staring at her from the table. Shyly holding out her hand, she greeted them. “Hello! My name is Sunset Shimmer, but everyone just calls me Shimmer. What’s your names?” Shaking her head, Sunset recovered, reaching out her hand and holding the other girls. “That’s funny! That’s my name too! But everyone just calls me Sunset or Sunny.” Shimmer held her hand, moving it up and down. “It’s called shaking hands. Do you not know how to do it.?” she asked. Sunset shook her head no. Aiko smiled and bowed. “My name is Aiko Adobaizā. Sunset and I are sisters. Are you a sister too?” she asked. “Also, where I grew up, we didn’t shake hands. We bowed, like this!” Smiling, Aiko bowed to Shimmer. Shimmer smiled and bowed back, still holding Sunset’s hand. “Can I sit with you?” Shimmer asked. They both nodded, so she sat next to Sunset, facing her and Aiko. “Mom told me I am adopted, and that I might have other brothers and sisters I didn’t know about yet. So maybe you two are some of those sisters?” mused Shimmer. Sister Mary smiled and gently placed a danish on a napkin and carton of juice before Shimmer. “Thank you!” she said, biting into the danish. “No worries, little one,” Sister smiled. “Would you like to sit here with the girls and get to know each other while I talk with your mom and dad?” she asked. Shimmer nodded, so with a kind hug Sister Mary left then, returning to the table the Shimmers were sitting at. Grabbing three coffees, Sister passed them out then sat with them at the table. “We could be sisters,” agreed Sunset. “I am pretty sure I was adopted too. Maybe we are twins, and you come from the same place as me and Aiko,” thought Sunset. “Where did you come from?” asked Shimmer. “Mom just says I came from the county adoption. She has no idea where I came from before that.” “Sister Mary said we’re not supposed to talk about it,” said Sunset, looking down at her plate. “I think that doesn’t include sisters though,” added Aiko. “And she is clearly a sister. She looks just like you, so she has to be a sister, right?” “I guess so. It makes sense. Okay, Shimmer, you are a sister, it’s decided. I’ll tell you where we came from,” agreed Sunset. She took a sip of her juice as Shimmer leaned in listening intently. “I don’t remember everything about where we came from. But, it was not like here. We were both older and had magic,” started Sunset. “Wait! You had magic? Like a wizard or something?” gasped Shimmer. “Uhh, yeah. We were magic creatures, we both could do magic,” agreed Sunset. “Creatures?” asked Shimmer. “We got attacked when we crossed over here, so we don’t remember all of it. The mean thing that tried to kill us made us little again and took away most of our memories of what we were. And the magic portal that we used to get here got broken or something. It’s not working now so we can’t go back,” added Aiko. “Yeah, and I think I remember that my sister was a fox, and I was a pony. A unicorn pony. And we both lived with a princess,” added Sunset. “Wow! I thought I was lucky when I got adopted. Sounds like you got real lucky!” noted Shimmer excitedly. “I guess. But she got mad at me and was going to send me away. So Aiko and I ran away, and now we are here,” finished Sunset. “Yeah, and here is not what we thought it would be! First we turned into these things we are now, like you, and then we got locked in a room by some pervert person that tried to keep us prisoner, and then Father John came and beat him up and brought us here,” finished Aiko. “Yeah! The girl who was trying to help us, that girl the pervert guy beat up, she brought Father John to us and they rescued us,” added Sunset. “She was really cool too! Even though she got beat up she fought back. But now she has to live with us because she made the pervert guy really mad.” “Wow! You got to have an adventure?” gasped Shimmer. “I never get to have any adventures. Mom and dad don’t let me do anything dangerous.” Sunset shook her head. “We weren’t supposed to be adventurous. I just didn’t want to get banished by the princess, so I ran away,” said Sunset sadly. “And I ran away too, because I am never going to leave my sister’s side,” added Aiko. “Wow, that’s a cool story,” said Shimmer. “It’s the truth,” noted Sunset. Aiko nodded. “I wonder then if I am a pony too,” thought Shimmer. “I bet you are, if you come through the portal. If we ever find it again. I bet you look just like me as a pony too!” smiled Sunset. “That would be cool!” said Shimmer. “Yeah, if you ever find the portal we should try it out!” “Okay! If we ever find the portal you can come too. And Sister Mary! Then we can show you where we came from,” smiled Sunset happily. “Unless the mean princess finds us when we do. I don’t want to get banished. So we need to find a way to go back where she doesn’t find us and punish us.” Sunset frowned. “Not that we even can now. We have to find the portal again first.” “We will find it, someday,” promised Aiko. “I am sure of it.” Sunset nodded resolutely. “And I will come with you and see the place where I am a unicorn pony who can do magic,” agreed Shimmer. From the other table the Shimmers and Sister Mary watched Shimmer and the girls as they talked. Seeing them hit it off so easily put their minds to rest. “Your daughter is a very kind and graceful child,” smiled Sister Mary. “Thank you! I take no credit for that though,” laughed Mrs Shimmer. “We’ve tried to raise her right, but the truth is she has always been a graceful and friendly child.” “They do seem to be hitting it off,” agreed Sister Mary. “I must admit, the similarities are uncanny. Sunset and your daughter could be the most identical twins I have ever seen.” “Her name is Sunset too?” replied Mrs. Shimmer. “What are the odds of that? Our daughter is named Sunset, we named her that after we adopted her.” “Well, given both their complexions and hair colors, I can see that happening. What I find more interesting is Sunset having your last name, despite having no relation. I have no way to explain that,” noted Sister Mary. “That is odd,” agreed Mr. Shimmer, chiming in. “Was she able to tell you much about her mother and father? I don’t know that I have any family relations around here, but that would be beyond the realms of luck if one of them adopted Sunset and she ended up with exactly the last name.” “Or belief, really,” added Mrs. Shimmer. “Sunset and her sister Aiko did mention they don’t believe they came from around here,” Sister Mary hedged. “They don’t believe? Don’t they remember where they came from and their parents? Wait, the little girl with her is her sister? She must be adopted then, there’s no way the two of them are naturally related.” Sister Mary sighed. “Yes, a little Japanese girl and a flame haired freckled child usually don’t come from the same genetic parents,” Sister Mary agreed. “I’m sorry Sister, that was very insensitive of me. I meant nothing by it,” apologized Mrs. Shimmer. “I know you didn't, dear. Don’t worry about it. I have heard much worse from others, and I know no offense was meant. Thank you,” replied Sister Mary. Sister Mary continued. “The girls have very little memory of much before arriving here. Apparently they suffered a rather traumatic attack before coming here, and it’s affected their memories of anything from before the attack. We’re helping them deal with the trauma , and hoping that eventually they will get everything back. But in the meantime, Father John and I are determined to keep them safe and help them recover any way we can. So when I saw that Sunset and your daughter shared the same name, I felt I had to reach out to you.” “Well, mysteries aside, they do seem to be getting on well. It would be wonderful if they became friends,” noted Mrs. Shimmer. “I am always encouraging Shimmer to make more friends, and she does have quite a gift for it.” “I can see that. She has put the girls quite at ease. They seem thick as thieves now,” grinned Sister Mary. “So Sister, what do we do now? Where do we go from here?” asked Mr. Shimmer. “Let’s just let the girls be friends for now. I don’t think Sunset is interested in trying to take on a new family now, when she is still struggling to remember the one she lost. Let’s give them time to heal and grow a bit. And in the meantime as much as possible, we’ll let them grow together and become friends. If that’s okay with both of you?” asked Sister Mary. “It sounds like a wonderful plan to me,” agreed Mrs. Shimmer. Mr. Shimmer nodded. The girls chatted, sharing stories and laughing together until Mr. and Mrs. Shimmer came over, apologizing but insisting they needed to head home. Sunset and Aiko both gave Shimmer big happy hugs as they parted, promising to get together again. “Can we, mom, dad? Can Sunset and Aiko and I play together again? Maybe they can come over for a bit and play? Please?” asked Shimmer. “Not tonight honey, but maybe next week. That does sound like a wonderful idea,” agreed her mother. Shimmer squealed happily. “Okay! You have to come over then! I have so much fun stuff we can do! And I have a swing-set and slide in my backyard, and a play-fort! We will have so much fun!” she bounced excitedly. The girls giggled with her, hugging and dancing together. Laughing, her father picked her up, smiling at the girls kindly. “We would love to have you both over. We’ll work it out with Sister Mary and make it happen. Good evening girls, thanks for getting to know us,” he grinned as they left. “I didn’t know there was another one of me! That’s so cool!” said Sunset happily. Then her face fell. “But I’m sorry we won’t get to meet your twin, Aiko.” She pulled her sister into a sad embrace. “Me too,” agreed Aiko sadly. “If she was half as fun as the other you we could have had a lot of fun together.” “I hope they find the bad people that hurt her and punish them really bad,” said Sunset. “That’s not right to hurt little girls. It’s not right to hurt anypony.” She stopped for a moment. “I mean anyone. It’s just not right.” They stayed hugging for a few more moments. Sister Mary gave them their moment, then gently joined them in their hug. “No, it’s not right. That’s why Father John and I try to help out. Sometimes, when there isn’t anyone you can turn to, it’s good the Maker sends others with kind hearts into our lives. We want to be her kind hearts. And I can tell you two have kind hearts as well.” The girls nodded, pulling her into their hugs. With a final squeeze to them both, Sister Mary stood and took them both by the hands. “Okay girls, what say we get cleaned up and get started on making some dinner. Do you want to help me?” she asked. Both girls nodded happily, so smiling, she led them into the kitchen to wash up and help her with dinner. Dinner was spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread and salad. The girls survived the work only slightly stained by their efforts, nothing the bath they shared after dinner cleanup didn’t take care of. Sister Mary stayed to get the worst of the sauce and noodles from their hair, then let the two of them finish the rest of the cleaning themselves with moderate supervision. Giving them some time to play in the water for a bit while she made a few calls - right outside the door and always in a direct line of sight to them, she didn’t want anyone drowning in the tub on her watch - then she returned to rinse and dry them off and get them ready for bed. Tired but not ready to sleep yet, the girls begged her for a story before bed. Smiling, Sister sat them down on their bed, sitting next to them. “I think I know just the story for you two. It’s a story from my home land, where my grandparents and parents come from. My grandmother told it to me when I was very little, and it was always one of my favorites.” The girls nodded excitedly. Smiling, Sister continued. “It’s the story of Chang-e, the goddess of the moon, and her husband, the cosmic archer. My grandma used to tell me Chang-e was still up there, still on the moon, waiting for us to come greet her. I hope someday I can go to the moon and look for her,” Sister grinned. “Do you really think she is on the moon?” asked Sunset. “Wouldn’t she get very lonely up there all by herself?” “Well if I can believe a little unicorn and an adorable vixen are sharing a room with me, I suppose it’s not unreasonable to think she might really be up there,” Sister grinned. “And I’m sure you’re right, she must be very lonely. I hope the other gods and goddesses visit with her sometimes, otherwise she will be very sad indeed.” Sunset and Aiko nodded in agreement. Hugging them both, Sister told them the story of Chang-e, the beautiful stinker, and her loving husband. The girls were thrilled to hear the story, and ohh’d and awe’d at all the right parts. When she was finished, she kissed the girls both on the foreheads then tucked them in, turning on a nightlight for them and leaving the door open a crack. She discussed their future for a bit in the hall outside with Father John. The girls tried to listen in, but couldn’t really hear them well and were so tired from the day's activities they both fell sound asleep before Sister returned. Smiling at her little charges, she changed for bed herself, then laid down to pray as she fell asleep. The next morning, she once again woke to find two little girls snuggled up and wrapped around her. Grinning, she thought to herself, ‘I could get used to this.’ Rising carefully, she quietly dressed, then kissing them both gently, she left the room to discuss the day's activities with Father John. A few minutes later they both got a grin seeing two little girls racing down the hallway in nightgowns towards them. “You didn’t start without us, did you?” asked Sunset, hanging onto Sister Mary. “We want to help too!” Sister Mary laughed as Father John scooped them both up. “We wouldn’t dream of it girls! We know how much you love to help and we love having you. What say we get you two dressed, then we all head to the kitchen together and get started, hmm?” he grinned, heading back down the hall to Sister Mary’s room. Putting them down and scooting them into the room, he shut the door, telling them to come out and join them as soon as they were dressed. He wasn’t more than halfway down the hall when the door flew open again, both girls racing out to join him fully dressed. “Wow Mary, I think they may be even faster at that than you!” Father joked, taking their hands as they followed Sister Mary down the hall and into the kitchen. Breakfast today was french toast and eggs. Sister explained that allowed them to use up the bread that was donated before it went bad, so they served french toast fairly often. Father John departed for a bit to make his rounds, checking on their regulars and rounding them up for the warm breakfast, then joining them towards the end to help set things out and get everyone started. The girls once again joined them in serving everyone up, to the delight of the regulars who enjoyed their cheerful energy and kind enthusiasm. Father again led everyone in prayers, then after everyone was served they again ate together. Afterwards they joined Sister Mary in cleanup while Father John tended to their small flock. After lunch and cleaning up Father John pulled them all aside. “Okay girls, given your unique situation I’ve asked one of my brothers to come help us deal with your, uh… What did you call it, Mary? Lunch Money? He works with one of the more reputable banks in town and is on their board. He’s going to help us take care of your little hoard and get you set up more permanently. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to set up Sister Mary as your guardian so she can keep any shenanigans from happening.” “Wait, does that mean we won’t get to be here any more?” said Sunset sadly. “We won’t get to see you anymore then?” Aiko started to cry. “No! No no no, you’ll still be with us most of the time. But we think you should have your own place to live, and a live-in helper to take care of you. In fact, I know just the person for it! And you’ll still be under our guardianship. Just this way you can get into school and make friends of your own, and have a place to take them to play. You’ll still be here with us after school most of the time, until after dinner, then you’ll head back to your own home for the night,” Father explained. “But who will take care of us? Do we even know this person? I think I’d rather stay here,” stated Sunset. “I think you might, you may have met before,” smirked Father. “And don’t worry, we’ll still be together plenty. We’re not going to lose you two,” he grinned. “Ah, speak of the devil and he appears,” smiled Father, waving down the hall at a man in a business suit. The man waved back and smiled. “Hey John! Are these the two little stinkers you wanted me for?” he teased as he approached. “Hi Mary! How’s things going?” he asked, giving Sister Mary a hug, then pulling his little brother in for a hug and a light slap on the back. “So when are you going to stop by and visit? You know, Sue, Mom and the kids worry about you. Don’t be such a stranger!” he laughed. “I come when I can. But my work is here, and plenty of it,” grinned Father John. “Girls, this is my slightly older but nowhere near as good looking brother Stewart. Stewart, meet Sunset and Aiko. Mary of course you know,” he laughed. Stewart crouched down, taking both the girls hands and smiling. “Any friend of John’s is a friend of mine. Welcome to the family! So, John says you could use some of the kind of help I specialize in. Let’s go take a look.” Still smiling, he stood as the girls led him by the hands, following Sister Mary and Father John into her room. Shutting the door, Sister Mary bade them to sit on the beds while she unlocked the drawer and brought it over to them. Sitting beside Sunset and Aiko, he pulled out a jeweler's monocle and examined the gems, then looked over the doubloons. “What about this book?” he asked. “That’s my diary,” answered Sunset. Stewart laughed. “Okay, not part of it then. Well, some good news. It’s just as you said on the phone Mary, there’s easily over $12 million worth of valuables there. The best part is they don’t have to sell it to use that value. We can use it as collateral then leverage it into a few investments that I know of. We’ll let that build value for them and use that value to pay for everything, leaving this untouched for now. Also, I’ll arrange the sale of one of our prime central park town homes to them, again leveraged against the value of these and paid for by their investments, then set them up to live there. It’s not too far from here, and it’s also close to Canterlot Academy where you said their friend goes, so it should work out well all around. “You said you have a caregiver for them, right? Can you vouch for this person?” Stewart asked. “She has impeccable references. Me,” grinned Father John. “And she loves the girls. It'll be fine.” “Who is this person?” Sunset whispered to Aiko. “The caregiver? I have no idea. I can’t wait to meet her though,” answered Aiko quietly. “Okay girls, field trip. Mary, have you signed those forms?” asked Father John. “Got them right here, one second,” said Sister Mary. She took a pile of papers off the top of the dresser and handed them to Stewart. “Thank you Mary,” he said, opening his attache case and placing them inside. He turned to the girls. “Do you have something to carry all this in? We need to take it with us.” “I have my backpack. It’s what I was using to carry it before,” offered Sunset. Hopping down from the bed, she went over to the dresser and retrieved it from the drawer. Climbing back up onto the bed, she handed it over to him. He carefully placed all the gems and doubloons into the backpack and zipped it up. “What about the book?” he asked. “That’s fine, we’ll take care of that,” Father John answered. Sister Mary gave the girl a quick hug and kiss. “Okay, see you tonight girls. Have fun!” she said. “Are you not going with us?” asked Sunset. “No, I need to stay here in case anyone needs something from the mission. But don’t worry. Father John will be with you, and I’ll see you both when you're done,” Sister answered. Together, Father John, his brother Stewart and the girls left, heading for the bank. The bank was a surreal experience for the girls. Stewart and Father John led them past stern-faced guards and several wood counters into a massive safe with a steel door thicker than the girls themselves. Together with a representative of the bank, who documented everything, they sat down at a large oaken table inside the safe, then transferred the contents of Sunset's backpack into a large box made of steel called a safety deposit box. The bank representative dutifully recorded each item as Stewart called them off, giving a detailed description and approximate value as he placed each item into the box. When they finished he sealed the box up, then the girls and Father John had to sign several papers attesting to different things Sunset did not completely understand. Despite her misgivings she followed Father John’s advice, parting with her horde of gems and bits and signing where he asked her to sign along with Aiko. Aiko fared slightly better at that than she did, as she had slightly more experience writing with her forelimbs. Sunset had never bothered much with hoof writing when horn writing was so much easier. Father John assured them it didn’t matter how unreadable their signatures were, just the act of making them mattered at this point. Father John had to sign several more papers along with his brother, who then led them out of the safe, taking a set of keys from the bank representative as they left. Leading them out of the bank and back to his limousine, they took a short drive arriving at an extremely fancy looking building. Sunset gawked as they entered the lobby. “Wow, this place is almost as fancy as the palace, I think.” ‘Yeah,” agreed Aiko. “From what I remember, this is way fancier than anywhere I’ve lived.” “And likely more modern too,” laughed Father John, overhearing their exchange. “Come on girls, let's get you settled then get back before Sister Mary gets too worried,” he teased. They followed him and his brother into an elevator with a glass back. Once they started up it revealed a view looking out over downtown Canterlot. Both girls gasped at the sight as they rose to the top of the building. “It’s a very pretty view, isn’t it,” agreed Father John, resting a hand on their shoulders. “From here, you can’t see all the poverty and crime below. Just the beauty. It’s a good reminder that it’s not all grime and crime, that there is so much good out there too.” The elevator stopped at the top floor, the doors opening out into a small lobby. “Come on girls, let’s go see your new home,” smiled Father, guiding them through the doors and into the lobby. “Which one is it, Stewart?” “A corner unit, over here,” led his brother, taking the keys and opening an ornate door. Stepping inside, he ushered the all in after him. The lights came on in the townhouse as they entered. “Ailene, welcome your new owners,” he called out as he entered. “Welcome, residents,” greeted a feminine voice warmly. “Please provide the passcode to confirm ownership and provide your names please?” Sunset and Aiko looked all over, seeing no one beside their group. “Who said that? Is that magic? Does this house have a genie or something?” she asked. Stewart laughed. “Something like that. Not a magical genie, just an AI who will take care of lights, heating, ordering supplies, and keeping you safe and secure. She’s more of a helper than a genie. Ailene, authorization code 7Z4T697. Your new owners are these two girls, under the stewardship of this gentleman here with me. Father John, you know, so allow me to introduce your new owners.” He turned to the two girls. “Just introduce yourself like you would to anyone. She has eyes all through the apartment, and can talk to you anywhere in here. Go ahead,” he encouraged. Sunset stepped forward, still looking all around trying to see where Ailene was looking from. “Hi Ailene! My name is Sunset Shimmer! And this is my friend Aiko Adobaizā,” she stated. “Welcome, little mistress Sunset Shimmer,” said Ailene. “And I’m Aiko Adobaizā, and I’m Sunset’s sister,” said Aiko, looking around as well. “Welcome to you too, little mistress Aiko Adobaizā,” replied Ailene. “Anata wa nihongo o hanasemasu ka?” Aiko’s eyes lit up. “Sunset, she speaks Japonies!” she called out excitedly. “Wow, that’s awesome!” grinned Sunset. “Where is she really?” “She’s all through the house, distributed architecture for redundancy and fail-safes,” answered Stewart. Sunset looked at him confused. He smiled. “She’s in several places at once so no one can hurt her as she watches over you.” “Oh, okay,” nodded Sunset. The elevator dinged out in the lobby, and they heard the doors sliding open. “Right on time,” smiled Father John. There was a knock at the door. “Who is it?” called out Father John. “Father John, is that you?” said a familiar girl's voice through the intercom. “I came about the job just as you asked. This is the right place?” “You found the right place. Just a moment, I’ll let you in and you can speak with the owners,” answered Father John. “Girls, meet your new nanny. She’s going to be watching over you and taking care of you while you’re not with us,” he smiled at the girls. “Come on in,” he called to their visitor. Ailene, listening to their conversation, unlocked and opened the door. There standing shocked in the door was a very familiar young woman. “Fae!” shouted Sunset and Aiko both, running over to wrap her in hugs. “Sunset, Aiko? Girls, what are you doing here?” she smiled, hugging them both back. “Girls, meet your new nanny. I told you you’d like her. Fae, meet your new charges, the owners of this wonderful apartment. Take very good care of them please,” smiled Father John. Fae gasped, squeezing the girls tight. “You own this place?” she said in surprise. “Yeah! Apparently we had money we didn’t know about! And you get to live with us and be a part of our family!” said Sunset happily, holding her tightly. Fae cried. Tears streaming down her face, she held the girls tightly. “Thank you! Thank you both so much. I will take such good care of you both,” she promised. “Welcome to the family, Fae,” smiled Father John, pulling them all into a hug as his brother beamed happily. Ailene was full of more surprises for the girls and Fae. Stewart showed the girls their bedroom first. The master bedroom had automatic drapes that opened and closed automatically at a request to Ailene. And the girls shared a queen size bed to their delight. Having nothing to unpack, Ailene requested they stand in the center of the room with their arms out. A moment later, she confirmed she had their measurements and would order an appropriate wardrobe for them, including the uniforms they would need to attend Canterlot Academy. Father asked if they had anything to eat, which unsurprisingly Ailene answered in the negative. She did however promise she was ordering supplies to restock the apartment as they spoke, which would arrive later that evening for their use tomorrow. She offered to order dinner for them but Father told her that was fine, the girls would all be eating with him tonight. “Alright girls, why don’t you take a quick tour of your new home while Stewart and I have a few words with Fae and Aileen, then when you're done we can all head back to the mission for dinner,” Father proposed. Nodding, the girls ran off in giggles, wandering the apartment to find out all they could about it. They ran into the bathroom, Ailene turning on the lights as they entered. “Do you require a bath?” asked Ailene. “You give baths too?” asked Sunset in surprise. “No, not exactly. But I can certainly run a bath for you and provide towels, shampoo, soap, and anything else you may need. I cannot scrub you up though. You’ll have to do that yourselves,” Ailene answered. “Want to take a bath Aiko?” grinned Sunset. “I don’t know Sunset. It sounded like we were going to leave soon. Maybe we should wait until next time?” proposed Aiko. “I guess you’re right. Okay, next time then,” agreed Sunset. They ran from the bathroom and into the kitchen. “So, if you don’t have anything to eat, does that mean there is nothing to drink too?” asked Sunset. “There is fresh water, and clean cups to drink it from. But other than that, no, not at the moment,” agreed Ailene. Sighing, Sunset ran with Aiko into the living room. The curtains pulled back on two of the walls showing they were both floor to ceiling glass, both entire walls looking out over the city. “Woah!” gasped Sunset. “Look how high up we are! And I can see for miles!” said Sunset. “Hey, I think I can see the mission from here,” said Aiko, looking out the window. “Where?” asked Sunset, coming over to look out next to her. “Right there! See!” pointed Aiko. Sunset followed to where she was pointing. “That’s what the mission looks like from above it?” asked Sunset. “Apparently?” replied Aiko. “I’m pretty sure that’s the mission.” Father John walked up behind them, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. “Yes, that’s the mission alright. Good eyes, little miss Aiko,” he laughed. “So girls, seen enough? Ready to head back to the mission for dinner and to tell Sister Mary all about what you’ve done?” Okay,” agreed Sunset. “Oh wait, where is Fae going to stay?” she asked. “Here, with you,” answered Father John. “I mean, where is she going to sleep? Where is her room?” clarified Sunset. “Oh, right across from yours. She’s getting settled now. I’ll show you,” offered Father John. He led them both back into the hall to the room across from theirs. “Knock knock!” he called out. “Fae, you have visitors, are you ready to receive them?” “Come on in, it’s fine!” called out Fae. They entered, finding her busy unpacking her bag into a dresser across the room. The bedroom was slightly smaller than theirs, but also was graced with a queen sized bed. Sunset noticed one difference right away. “Hey, where’s your window?” asked Sunset, looking at all the walls. “It’s an inside room, Sunset, no windows. Just lots of privacy and a wonderful room.” answered Fae looking up from her unpacking. “I don’t mind, honest. If I want to see the view, I can go lay on the couch in the living room,” she grinned. “That’s true,” agreed Aiko. “Wow, this is a huge room, and you get it all to yourself?” “I know, right?” giggled Fae. “I’ve never had so much room.” “Well we're glad you like it,” smiled Father John. “Almost done? We’re about to head back to the mission for dinner.” “Sure! I can finish the rest of this later, no worries,” agreed Fae. She zipped her bag back shut and threw it on the bed. “All set! Let’s go eat!” she said happily. “Okay then. Girls, let’s go get some dinner,” agreed Father John, taking their hands. Together they left the apartment with Stewart, heading over to the elevator. It binged, the doors opening to the view of the sun setting over the harbor out beyond the central city. The red and gold sun was tinting the feathered clouds as it settled down over the ocean. It was a truly breathtaking if brief spectacle, cut short as the elevator settled down to the ground floor. Stewart led them out through the lobby and back into their waiting limousine. They drove back to the mission, while the girls and Fae chatted excitedly about the apartment and the cool things they had found in it. When they arrived, Stewart wished them well. “Sorry I can’t join you for dinner, but I promised mom and Sally I would be home in time to eat with them and the kids. Have a great evening! And Sunset, Aiko? It’s been a delight to have met you both, and like John said, welcome to the family. I’ll be seeing you around. Take care, both of you. And you too miss Fae!” he greeted in parting, the door closing as the limo pulled away and out into the street traffic. “He seems really nice,” said Sunset as they entered the mission. “You have no idea how nice,” agreed Father John as they headed for the kitchen to help Sister Mary. “Fae, do you want to help too? Or do you just want to relax for a little bit?” “I’d love to help!” replied Fae, following them into the kitchen. “Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it.” “Okay then,” smiled Father John. “Mary, it looks like you have three helpers today! I’m going to round up our usual crew, then will be back to help you set everything out. See you in a bit!” He waved and smiled as he left the kitchen, heading back out to the streets to round up anyone needing a warm and nutritious meal. “Hi Fae! Hi girls! How was the apartment?” asked Sister Mary as she washed potatoes over the sink. “You know about the apartment?” asked Sunset as she went over to help her. Aiko grabbed a chair from the table, dragging it over so they would have something to stand on while they helped. “John told me as you left. It sounds wonderful,” Sister answered. Grabbing a potato, Sunset rinsed and scrubbed it with a kitchen brush, copying what she saw Sister doing. Aiko joined her, doing the same. “Is there anything I can do?” asked Fae. “Yes, Fae, can you fill these pots with water then slide them over to the stove to put the potatoes to boil? Thank you dear,” answered Sister Mary. Fae nodded, wheeling over a cart. Filling each of the pots with water to cover the potatoes inside, she slid the five gallon pots of potatoes and water onto the cart, then wheeled the cart over to the stove and slid them back off and onto the stove. She returned for the other three pots, waiting for them to finish filling the last pot before filling it with water and transferring it as well. “Okay, we’ll get those cooked, then check on the roasts,” nodded Sister Mary. She helped the girls wash their hands, then turning off the water went over to the stove firing up the burners to get the potatoes to cook. Heading back over to the ovens, she checked on the racks of roast cooking inside. She took a meat thermometer from the counter and opened the oven door, quickly checking the internal temperature of the roasts. “Not quite there yet,” she noted, taking the thermometer back out and closing the door. “Okay, time for the salads and veggies. Asparagus tonight, we’re living large,” she joked. Taking several pans and placing them by the sink, she wheeled a cart into the freezer, returning with a load of asparagus stalks. She wheeled them to the sink, then showed the girls how to clean them after she cut off their bases. The girls and Fae washed them and placed them into the pans, filling the pans with water and asparagus then sliding them onto the cart. Once they had them all washed and ready to cook, Sister Mary rolled the cart over to the stove and placed them next to the potatoes to cook as well. “Okay, now the salad, be right back.” said Sister Mary. She wheeled the cart into the freezer again, returning with dozens of heads of lettuce, a crate of tomatoes, and dozens of bags of carrots and mushrooms. Placing them by the sink, she and Fae proceed to wash and cut the carrots, tomatoes and mushrooms, leaving the girls to wash and tear apart the lettuce placing them in large serving bowls. When the girls were done with all the lettuce, they added in the rest of the vegetables, tossing them together then returning them on the cart to the freezer to be served with the rest of dinner when it was ready. “There’s a little something extra I like to do for the salad,” said Sister Mary, pulling out several loaves of bread from the freezer. She took the loaves over to the counter, and using the chopping board, cut the bread into little cubes, dumping them into a skillet. She then poured oil over the top of the bread, and cups of seasoning and dried crumbled cheese. Warming and mixing the bread, oil and spices over the stove for several minutes, she then spread them out over several cooking sheets and placed them into the oven. “It gives the salad a little bit more of a crunch and a nice taste, and helps up use up the bread before it goes bad. Nothing goes to waste here!” she laughed. Sitting down for a bit to wait, Sister, Fae and the girls talked about the apartment while they waited for the dinner to finish cooking. Sister rose occasionally to check on the progress. When everything was finally ready, they dumped the water out of the potatoes and mashed them up, which the girls found exceptionally fun, mixing in the milk, butter and spices. They then loaded everything up onto serving trays and placed them all on carts. Father John returned at that point, helping them roll the dinner out to the dining room and placing everything out for serving as their regulars looked on hungrily. Once everything was set, Father led them again in prayer, then the five of them served everyone, smiling and laughing as the food was served. Once everyone was served, Father, Sister, Fae and the girls served up their own plates and found a table, then enjoyed their dinner together. Once dinner was over, Sister, Fae and the girls made short work of the cleanup, storing the leftovers in the freezer and putting away the cleaned items. “Okay girls, ready for your first night in your new home?” asked Sister as she led them down the hall to her room. “Wait, we don’t get to sleep here with you tonight?” asked Sunset sadly. “You have a place of your own now,” smiled Sister. “You don’t have to sleep in my room anymore.” “But I like sleeping in your room!” said Sunset. “Can we sleep together again? Please?” she begged. “I think we can sleep together one more night. One second, I’ll go talk to Father John then be right back,” said Sister Mary. She headed down the hall, leaving the girls with Fae. “I’m kind of looking forward to spending the night in my new room,” added Fae. “Well, me too,” admitted Sunset. “But I wanted to spend at least one more night with Sister Mary.” “Me too,” agreed Aiko. “To both?” asked Sunset. Aiko nodded. Sister Mary returned. “Okay girls, I get to spend the night! Sleep over!” she giggled, heading into her room. She returned with a small bag. “Let’s go!” “Uh, how are we going to get there?” asked Sunset. “Father John’s brother already left with his ride. Do we have to walk?” “No worries, dear. I took care of it,” answered Sister Mary. She let the girls and Fae outside where a limo was waiting to pick them up. Confused, Sunset and Aiko got in with her and Fae. Their driver shut the door and got back in the driver's seat. “How did you get another ride? Didn’t Stewart have to go home to be with his family?” asked Sunset. “Excuse me miss, I think I can explain,” said their driver, turning around. “You just moved into Canterlot Towers, right?” he asked. The girls nodded. “One of the services offered by the Towers is valet service all around the city. It’s part of the package you get for living there. My company is contracted with the Towers to provide limo service whenever needed. So if you let the Towers management know you need a ride, they will call my company and myself or one of my drivers will come out and happily drive you wherever you need to go, any time day or night. Someone must have made the call for you,” he explained. “Guilty as charged,” smiled Sister Mary. “There you have it,” smiled the man. “Okay, one return trip to your apartments, coming right up.” He turned back around, and pulled the car out from the curb merging into the traffic. A short drive through the city later, he pulled up before the Towers, then exiting the car, opened their door for them, giving them a hand out of the car. “Have a wonderful evening ladies, and Sister,” he smiled, waving as they entered the building's lobby, then returning to his car and driving off. “Wow, it’s just as fancy as I heard,” smiled Sister Mary as they passed through the lobby. “Just wait until you see the view!” grinned Sunset as they entered the elevator. As they rose, the view of the city came into view. The city lights shone brightly, with the moon's reflection sparkling over the bay as they rose. The girls and Sister stared enraptured by the beauty of the scene before them. With a ding, the elevator stopped, the doors sliding open behind them. Taking Sister by the hand, Sunset skipped over to their door, Aiko and Fae right behind them. “Do you have the keys?” Sister Mary asked. “Don’t need them, watch!” Sunset giggled gleefully. “Ailene, we’re home! Let us in please,” requested Sunset of the door. The door opened, and Ailene’s voice sounded from inside. “Welcome home, Sunset, Aiko. And welcome too to you Fae and visitor. Come in!” The girls entered, Sunset still pulling Sister Mary along with her. “Thanks Ailene!” she said. “Sister, come look at this!” She dragged them into the living room. “Who’s Ailene?” asked Sister Mary, looking around and seeing no one. “She’s the AI that runs the house,” said Fae behind her. “She can see everything, but she seems pretty cool.” “Huh,” responded Sister Mary, surprised. “Ailene, please dim the lights and open the drapes so we can see the city,” requested Sunset, standing in the middle of the living room with Sister and the girls. The lights dimmed, and the drapes moved back from the two wall windows revealing the vibrant city lights below. Sunset was bouncing with delight, Aiko right beside her as Sister Mary walked over to the windows and looked out over the city. “It’s so beautiful,” she said, taking in the site. “I know, right? Isn’t it awesome!” giggled Sunset. Sister Mary smiled and nodded. “So what do you want to do? Do you want a snack? Hey Ailene, do you have food now? Can we have a snack?” asked Sunset. “My larders have been completely restocked,” affirmed Ailene. “I can offer you snacks and beverages now. Would you like a snack, Miss Shimmer?” “What do you think, Sister Mary? Can we have a snack while you tell us some more stories?” asked Sunset. Smiling, Sister Mary gently squeezed Sunset’s hand. “I don’t see why not. Let’s see what we have.” They all walked into the kitchen. “Ailene, what do we have for snacks?” asked Sunset. “I have many options, some of which are even appropriate for children your age,” answered Ailene. “Let’s stick with those,” interjected Sister Mary with a grin. “Okay. You are Sister Mary Magdalen, correct? You called on the phone earlier to request the ride service, yes? That was you?” asked Ailene. “Yes! That’s me,” nodded Sister Mary. “Sorry, I didn’t recognize your voice. I had no idea I was talking to an AI.” “That just means I’m doing my job well, but thank you!” responded Ailene. “My records show you are one of my two mistresses guardians, I am adjusting your privileges accordingly. Full access granted. Yes, we will restrict our snack choices to those appropriate for my mistress’s ages and the time of evening. Would you like to keep these restrictions for yourself as well?” “Let’s just keep it simple and say for now they apply to all of us,” agreed Sister Mary. “So what are our options?” “As I heard you say you wanted to tell stories while snacking. In that case, I recommend something not messy, that can be taken in small amounts at a time, and easily consumed. Perhaps crackers with cheese, popcorn, or chips with dips?” suggested Ailene. “Can we have a little bit of all three?” asked Aiko. “I’d like to try them all if that’s okay.” “I don’t see why not,” agreed Sister Mary. “Certainly then. And would you like something to drink as well?” asked Ailene. “Do you have any nice hot chocolate?” asked Fae. “I do, would you all like some hot chocolate?” asked Ailene. The girls all nodded. “Okay, I will have your snacks and drinks out momentarily. Please have a seat at the table.” The girls, Fae and Sister Mary all sat around the table smiling. A cupboard opened across the kitchen, and a little serving table wheeled out, tray covered in snacks. It wheeled over to the table, then an arm extended out from the side and placed the snacks on the table in front of the girls and ladies. The tray top flipped slowly up, revealing their drinks on a tray below. The tray lifted and the arm carefully placed the drinks before each of them before closing back up and wheeling back into the cupboard. “Wow! I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything like that before!” laughed Sister Mary. “Girls, I think you may be about to get a bit spoiled.” Fae kept looking at her hot chocolate then back to the cupboard. Sister Mary laughed. “What’s the matter Fae, you look like you’ve seen a ghost?” grinned Sister Mary. “Did some little R2D2 thing just come out and serve us snacks and hot chocolate?” asked Fae, still in shock. “That really just happened, right?” “It just happened Fae,” laughed Sister Mary. “If you don’t believe me, try your hot chocolate, it’s delicious.” She sipped her own, grinning. Fae took the drink and sipped a bit from the side. Her eyes widened. “Oh! Wow, this is really good!” Grinning, she took another sip. A tear slid down one cheek, and she turned again to the girls. “Thank you again so much for giving me this job. I promise I will take the best care of you ever,” she smiled at them. Sunset hopped up from her spot and ran over to hug her. “Thank you for getting Father John and coming to save us from that really mean man!” she said, hugging her tightly. Fae hugged her back. “Any time, Sunset. I could never have lived with myself if anything bad happened to you.” Sister Mary told more stories about Chang’e and her Husband the Cosmic Archer while they enjoyed their snacks and chocolate. When they finished, the little unit rolled back out of its cupboard and cleaned up after them, then rolled back into its hiding place. The girls showed Sister Mary their bedroom, and invited Fae to join them on the bed for a sleepover. Laughing, Fae thanked them, but said that four girls on a queen sized bed might be less fun than it sounded, and honestly she was looking forward to a good night's rest if they didn’t mind. With hugs all around, they said good night to her then ran to the bathroom and got ready for bed. “Ah, crab nuggets! I forgot we were going to take a bath! But now I’m too tired and just want to go to sleep,” grumbled Sunset. “Don’t worry sis, we can take one tomorrow,” smiled Aiko. “Let’s go snuggle up with Sister Mary!” The girls quickly got ready for bed, then rushed back to their room. Sister Mary wasn’t there, but came back into the room behind them, having used the other bathroom to get ready herself and change into her nightgown. Scooping the girls up, she sat on the bed, a girl in either arm. “So ready for a good night’s sleep?” she asked. The girls nodded happily. “Okay, let’s try this new bed of yours out!” she grinned. She pulled back the covers, and sliding in, pulled the girls in next to her, tucking the covers up around them and snuggling them up to her. “Can we look out at the city while we fall asleep?” asked Sunset. “I don’t see why not?” agreed Sister. Ailene, always ready to serve, dimmed the lights, and opened the drapes up giving Sister and the girls a stunning view of the city nightscape and the bay. Smiling happily, Sunset, Aiko and Sister Mary fell asleep in each other's arms.