Maria's POV
It was finally here. My day off. No worrying about the trial or My friends or the Media getting a bad photo of me. I got up and threw my bed together, noticing that Ben had already gotten up. I quickly looked at my schedule for the day:
7:30 get up and make bed
7:35 breakfast with Ben
8:30 walk in the park alone
9:00 relax with a book
9:30 spa day with Sarah
11:30 spa lunch with Sarah
5:30 meeting with Amelia
7:30 Graduation
9:30 get home and lay out clothes for tomorrow
10:00 bed time
It was 7:20. I had woken up early again. If I hurried through the shower, I would still be downstairs in time for breakfast with Ben. I got in and out just in time. I quickly threw on my running clothes and grabbed my buds and panic button and safety siren.
"Morning Ben." I said as I walked into the kitchen "What's for breakfast?"
"Breakfast shakes. Made them myself."
"Thanks a big one."
We laughed and talked throughout our 55 minute breakfast. After I quickly grabbed my jacket, I went to the park, started to listen to my music and walked. As was the law, as I began my walk home, I took my buds out of my ears and wrapped them safely around my IPod. As I was approaching the house I heard a sound coming from that back alley. I stepped closer wishing I had brought my arms. I heard the sound again. I was about to press my panic button, but then I noticed a small figure hiding. As I got closer I found not just one small figure hiding, but three! This can't be legal,I thought, in fact I know it's not. I haved worked in law for 10 years and studied law for 12 years. I slowly approached with both my hands in plain view. I knew that if they could see I wouldn't harm them, they might approach me. They all three did, the eldest, she looked to be about 6 or 7, in the lead putting on a bravado face for her younger sisters, or that's what I assumed they were, and the other two, they appeared to be 4 or 5, slowly approached behind the eldest apparently still scared. I pulled all three into a hug and told them that everything would be fine.
"There you three are. I wondered where you three got to. Not that I care. Just as long as you're alive." said a woman
"And who would you be?" I asked
"Why their 'mother' of course." the woman replied
I turned and asked "Is it true?"
The younger two withdrew further back and the eldest looked scared as she shook her head.
"What are you talking about? Of course I am, and I'm here to take you home."
The girls withdrew and hid even closer to me. I just then remembered that I still had my ankle holster and the weapon it held was inside. I pulled it out threw off the safety and aimed it.
"Now it's abundantly clear that they don't want to go with you and as an enforcer of this lands laws, I won't let you take them. I hereby strip you of custody of them."
She then did the unexpected. She threw back her head and cackled. "You can't do that. I have complete control of them. They were thrown into my hands by the system you fall for. And as for the fact you work for law enforcement agencies that's so funny. Nice try ahole."
What happened next surprised all present. I completely lost it. I quickly grew my Equestrian ears, my hair grew longer, and my pure white siren wings appeared. "Listen here, buster. all the things I said are true. We can either settle this now, like the mature humans we are, or we can let the courts and girls settle this. Your choice."
She looked terrified of me. "They're all yours."
"Nice choice." I replied.
She turned and walked away. The eldest hesitantly, probably confused by what just happened after being out of it by my own siren powers, took my left hand and held on to it. The middle child took my other hand and held on to it. The final one took the middle one's hand. As we arrived home, I noticed that it was already 9:10. So much for some peace reading. Instead I marched the girls right upstairs and into the bathroom. I first told all three of the girls to go ahead and take off their clothes. I would have the laundry person do it later. I asked the oldest to go ahead and step in the shower. She did. I turned the water to a comfortable temperature and gave her a soapy washcloth and told her to scrub down. After her body was clean, I went and helped her scrub her hair. After that I gave her a towel. I told her to help her sisters clean up while I went to find them some clean clothes. When I returned to the bathroom all three girls were out and wrapped in towels. I then noticed the time. I tossed them the camis I had for them and told them to put them on. I then left to put on my own swimsuit. After we were all four ready, we started to walk towards the spa. When we arrived, Sarah had yet to arrive. We went to the waiting area to wait. I also selected the child treatment for the girls. Before I knew it , Sarah came waltzing in wearing a new yellow suit. We all four went into the suana room. As it heated up we just let it all go. Sarah and I discussed work. The little girls told us what had made them run away. After the first treatment, we got facials, massages, hot tub time and mani-pedis. After we had had three treatments we had a relaxing lunch. It was a nice way to destress from work. After we walked out of the spa, I asked if Sarah wanted to help me go shopping for the girls. She said she'd love to. We all walked to the mall because it would have everything we needed and I still wouldn't be able to drive them around because I didn't have the right car seats for them. When we arrived at the mall, the three girls glued themselves to my side. I think they still weren't used to the freedom I give them. I told them it was fine to wander but just not too far. Every time they saw something they liked, we went in and bought some stuff. Soon I was weighted down with clothing and accessories and shoes and toys, and Sarah was weighted down with technical items that would help me be a good mother. When they took a liking to another store, I was about to tell them no when I saw that it was the perfume store. They had probablynever seen let alone had anything like this before. I let them shop around for a while and while we were paying, my phone buzzed. I pulled it out and read the message. Sarah knew something was wrong the minute I turned as white as a ghost.
"You got another one didn't you?"
"Yep."
"what's it about this time?" My sister asked with a groan.
" It's my actions earlier today. I kinda lost it while with the girls and thier old superviser. Someone apparently saw. Oh if this gets back to Amelia my career is done."
"Don't worry little sister. you call your friends and I'll make sure these cutie pies are safe."
" Ya know, I don't know what I would do without you here by my side."
" I know. And I will always be here for you. I love you. I hope you know that,"
"I do. I better make a certain phone call. Waiting isn't making it any easier."
So that's exactly what I did. I made the phone call. The girls agreed that this had to end now and that they would meet me in my office. Before I entered into my office, I tried to sprout up a little bit to try and hide the fact that I hadn't slept in days, and that now I had a new reason to be worried. As soon as I knew I was as good as I was going to get, I headed down to my corner office. I knew as soon as I walked in they would know. But they were my best friends and knew better thatn to point it out, or to tell anyone else.
"Hey girls." I said halfheartedly. "I've been looking at the evidence and think I know who it is. But how she's getting the information on us I don't know." I said.
All six of my friends noticed that there was a weird object in the corner of her office and said: "What's that in the corner?"
" I don't know?" I replied.
I noticed them squat down to see what it was. They picked it up.
"A bug. Let's see if there are more. There has to be."
"So this is how. Ok I'll take these down for testing. After we will see where this person is living. We'll go take em down."
As time passed we found the person. Maria wanted to see if the person had any help. We found out that she did indeed. After we busted them all, I went to pick up my kids. I had picked them up and nearly gotten out, when I heard a familiar voice call out my name. It was Amelia. By the look on her face, I knew what she had to say was urgent and couldn't wait. I told the girls to run along and go find my sister, she should be recovered by now. they did as they were told. I knew what was coming, but when it all started it still shocked me.
"What in the world were you thinking?! Going out there all on your own? You know as well as I do, that wwe have standereds. you shoould have waited for me and a team. going out there on your own was wrong and you know it. I..."
I was crying now. I couldn't help it. I was thinking of my disappionted boss but also of the wrongs I had done.
"I'm sorry I really am, but I couldn't leave my sister out there on her own. She didn't know what she'd face out there on her own, and unarmed in her own. She was just trying to help her big sister. Just like she always has done. I can't think of the number of times she's there for me, but I can think of all the times I've helped her. After today, it's once. You know ehat I promised my parents before I left? I promised to take care of my siblings. Ots more like the other way around. All I whanted to do was to return the favor. I wasn't thinking straight and I know I have to stop letting fami;y cloud my judgment. It's just hard, but I know I can do it."
I was on the ground at this piont. I didn't care that people who just happened to be walking by could see up my skirt or that I was showing weekeness. I only cared about my 'mother' be9ng disapointed in me. I totally was not expecting what came next. Amelia was down on the floor next to me with her arm on my sholders. SHe said that while what I did was stupid, like I didn't know that, protecting those we serve and those we serve with always will come first, and she was proud of me for remebering that. She then handed me 7 tickets to the graduation that night. I was estatic. I ran out and found my freinds nevously waiting. I showed them the tickets and they replied score! When it was time to get ready, Sunny Flare laid out some pretty cute dresses for us to wear. I was mad that I wouldn't be wearing one. She still made me some assesories that wold turn some heads though. I first put on some makeup, then I did my hair in curls and left it down. I was the first one ready. As I saw all my friends walk downstairs, my jaw dropped. All of them looked so pretty and grownup.
"Ready to go?" I asked.
Six yeps came from all of my friends. We made our way outside to the limo that was waiting for us. As we drove I told my friends what it was like: first all the seniors that past the final exam would walk and receive their blue uniforms similar to the ones that you girls wore. After that, a few very special people would be recognized. After that all the fresh grads would throw their green uniforms off the bridge as they would never have to wear them again. As we arrived, we saw others lined up outside the doors. We stepped right up and got in. Shortly after we arrived, the ceremony started. First all the graduates were given diplomas. After that Amelia gave a speech.
"Now to announce this years special people awards, Miss Maria Sands."
" Thank you so much Amelia. This year, there were six girls who stood out. Who went above and beyond and truly shows who we are and what we represent. Service, Commitment, and Selflessness. These girls have served the people we swear to protect even giving up going to college to do so. They have committed to their promises and have never put in for a single hour of overtime saying that the time is being volunteered. These girls have even put their own lives on the line to save others lives including my own. Would the following girls please come up on stage?: Sour Sweet, Indigo Zap, Lemon Zest, Sugercoat, Sunny Flare and Sarah Sands."
They couldn't believe it! I was honoring them. I noticed they were holding back tears as they walked up on stage.
"Girls. By showing what we do you have made me and the heads very proud. Sour Sweet. Step forward please. Put your right hand on this book and raise your left hand. Do you somally swear from this day forth to the best of your ability you will serve,honor, protect and uphold the laws of Equestria?"
"I do."
"Then I am proud to say you are now one of us. Go on to Amelia and get your maroon uniform and official gear."
Sugarcoat. Step forward please. Put your right hand on this book and raise your left hand. Do you somally swear from this day forth to the best of your ability you will serve,honor, protect and uphold the laws of Equestria?"
"I do."
"Then I am proud to say you are now one of us. Go on to Amelia and get your maroon uniform and official gear.
Sugarcoat. Step forward please. Put your right hand on this book and raise your left hand. Do you somally swear from this day forth to the best of your ability you will serve,honor, protect and uphold the laws of Equestria?"
"I do."
"Then I am proud to say you are now one of us. Go on to Amelia and get your maroon uniform and official gear. Sunny Flare. Step forward please. Put your right hand on this book and raise your left hand. Do you somally swear from this day forth to the best of your ability you will serve,honor, protect and uphold the laws of Equestria?"
"I do."
"Then I am proud to say you are now one of us. Go on to Amelia and get your maroon uniform and official gear. Lemon Zest. Step forward please. Put your right hand on this book and raise your left hand. Do you somally swear from this day forth to the best of your ability you will serve,honor, protect and uphold the laws of Equestria?"
"I do."
"Then I am proud to say you are now one of us. Go on to Amelia and get your maroon uniform and official gear. Indigo Zap. Step forward please. Put your right hand on this book and raise your left hand. Do you somally swear from this day forth to the best of your ability you will serve,honor, protect and uphold the laws of Equestria?"
"I do."
"Then I am proud to say you are now one of us. Go on to Amelia and get your maroon uniform and official gear."
That was the last one I could handle. Amelia would have to tell my sister. She did. When My sister came over to jion us, I couldn't hold it back any longer. There in my best friends' arms, I broke down crying for the second time that day. We were about to leave, and head out, but Amelia asked to see me up on stage. She had in her hands my second captain star. After agueing for awhile over wiether I deseverd it, I finally jjust acepted it. My friends asked if I would be joining them in a s=celibration. I told them I couldn't. I had something else to do.
It was dark as I finally pulled into the cemitary. I notiuced another car was in there. I knew who it was. My blood siblings were right by my side. I walked up ti the most well kept graves there. They read: here lies the remains of Jonhathan H. Sands and his wife Mara P. Sands. Loving parents, Loving siblings. June 19 2099.
" Hey Mom and Dad its me Maria. Sarah and Henry are here with me. I know you probably can't hear me, but being here hellps us heal. Alot has happened in the last year. I will let Sarah and Herny go first thn I will go."
We told them everything. As we left and promised to come back every year, I knew we all three felt better. I knew that new challanges would arise, but I wouldn't face them alone. I had my siblings and my family and my friends. That was all I needed.
The End