You don't know what you'd do without Yu

"This is all so surreal," you say, turning to Yu in wonder. "Thank god you're on my side, I don't know anyone smarter to figure this out with than you."

Yu smiles and fixes her glasses again. "It's my pleasure, I’m not sure how far this goes but it’s fun finding out," she says, speaking quickly from excitement. "Maybe we can try claiming some tickets to Disneyland next? Ooh, we could have the post-graduation senior trip we've always daydreamed about!"

"Not a bad idea," you say, "but why stop there? What if I claimed the whole park?"

She chuckles. "Slow down. That seems like a lot of responsibility for you."

You suddenly recognize the logistical problems of owning a theme park. "Or... we could go on a trip somewhere else. You always wanted to visit Scotland, yeah? Well, I've always wanted to see London. Two for two!"

Yu is ecstatic. "Are you kidding me? Well... I don't know if my parents would give permission on such short notice though."

"Huh. Good point."

Man, Yutong is always thinking two steps ahead. Again you're struck by how lucky you have her around. Yet, the implication of your new claiming ability is clear. Yu's having fun for now, but it's not that simple.

Claiming things in a lot of cases will be tantamount to theft. And while Yutong's bright, she's also one of the more principled people you know - every time you ask to copy her homework, you always have to put up with a lecture first! So what happens when you want to claim something Yu doesn't think you should? What happens if you push things so far that even the power you wield can't keep your brilliant friend's conscience at bay?

A simple solution to the problem pops into your head.

"Hey Yutong," you say, facing her with arms akimbo.

She perks up.

"From here on out, I claim your help.”

Yu's eyes go wide, and her mouth falls open. "My help?" She’s stunned. "Wow, Chase. I know you can claim anything you want, but how am I going to get anything done if I can't even help myself?"

"No no, I didn't mean that kind of thing. You have full discretionary use of your help just like normal," you rush out.

Yu breathes a big sigh of relief and flattens a hand against her chest. "Phew, okay, you scared me for a second there."

You hold up a finger. "The only caveat is that from now on, you'll always use your help to help me when I need you to," you say. "For example, like what you've been doing so far, helping me figure out these claiming powers. You've been super helpful, but I just don't want that to stop before we even get started."

Yutong nods, understanding. "That's more than fair, considering I'll still be doing all the things I normally do with my help 99% of the time," she says. "You’re basically only claiming 1% of what I can do. If anyone else were in your position they’d probably start out with way more, so I guess can’t really complain. Well, anytime you need my help - more accurately, your help - say the word."

"Like when I didn't do the homework?" you tease.

Yu giggles. "Too late for that. We're even in school anymore."

Pearl clears her throat, reminding you and Yu of her presence. "Not to interrupt your guys' planning," says the dark-haired girl, "but it's kind of awkward pretending like I'm a part of this conversation when the whole context of our friendship is me being sarcastic and funny."

Yu makes a sympathetic face and quickly takes Pearl's hand in hers. “Don't be down on yourself. You'll always be our friend, sassy attitude or not."

Pearl’s shoulders sag in defeat. She shakes her head. "Right now it doesn't feel like it. I still like you guys, but I don't know how I feel about this version of me,” she says, struggling to resign herself to the new status quo.

“Give it a chance at least,” says Yu. “Look at it this way. You get to learn who you are all over again. Not everybody gets an opportunity like that.”

Pearl gives Yu a tired look before giving up on arguing. Then she turns to you. "I'm going to head home, Chase." She pulls her phone out and waggles it at you. "Text me when I can use the personality... fragment... thing that you took from me. I'd really appreciate it."

Watching Pearl leave, you can't help but feel guilty, even if Yu seems supportive.