Page 9 of A Chip on Her Shoulder

“For you, yes. For her, it will be somewhat of a nuisance. However, because of that, her guardian will not change it. That is a good thing. The name that would be picked would not be pleasant.”

“What would this guardian call her?”

“It is better I do not tell you. You will have a chance to bring ruin to that household in due order.”

“That sounds promising. Motivate me.”

“She would be named as a plague upon their household.”

Wow. I’d seen more than a few cases of bad parents in my day, but to name a child after a plague? “That’s horrible.”

“It truly is.”

“Isn’t there anything I can do for her?”

“Taking care of that pesky human paperwork will be a significant help to her later. It will give her something invaluable.”

“What?”

“Her freedom.”

I twitched. “Remember those anger issues you claim I have?”

“I do.”

“I’m getting a little angry.” Informing the archangel I had issues helped a little, although nothing short of giving any asshole who’d hurt a baby a beating would do.

I had lines. Hurting little kids crossed it.

“You will have your chance to arrange things to your liking later, never fear. Just remember to be subtle. You know how to be subtle already. Just remember it will serve you well to be particularly subtle later. You will understand in the right moment. That is the price you must pay for help with your brother.”

“Okay. Fine. I’ll make sure she has the right paperwork. Is there anything else I can do?”

“Learn to wait patiently for your turn.”

“That’s so rude. I know how to wait patiently.” After some consideration, I came to the conclusion it was a good thing angels lacked heads, as I had no doubt I would have been subjected to a rather unpleasant glare. “Somewhat patiently.”

“Very well. The information you need comes in several parts. I expect you will test the truth of my words because that is your nature, but there is only one divine who would be willing to help you do what you require. The others will not help you. There are many reasons why, but most of them involve the universal laws. Transformatives have a special place in the universal laws, and these substances already verge on breaking them. They turn someone into something they were never meant to be. The lower grades reverse over time. The ones that do not reverse are a punishment for toying with magic beyond the natural order.”

“But I’m a shapeshifter. I break that rule, don’t I?”

“Of course not. You were born that way. It is a natural part of you.”

“But I’m the only one in my family.”

“That does not mean it is not a natural part of who you are. Your shapeshifting is a blessing. Consider it a gift from the universe, if you will. Just because your parents, their parents, or their parents before them lack your magic does not mean your magic is not natural.”

“But if he had this, he’d be okay right now.”

“No, Darlene. He would be dead. He is alive right now because he is what he is.”

Well, I supposed life as a chipmunk beat no life at all.

“That is a better frame of mind for you. But that does not change much for you, does it? Do not feel you must answer that. There is only one divine who will help you, but such help would come at a price.”

“Doesn’t everything?”

“Yes.”