**A Battle for Emma**

Prompt: Gunsmith cats fanfiction rally petitions the court for custody of her niece Emma after Emma’s mom rally’s sister dies of cancer rally wants custody because she is worried about what her brother in law Mike who is an alcoholic will do if he gets custody of Emma

The late afternoon sun filtered through the tall buildings of Chicago, casting long shadows across the bustling streets. Rally Vincent crouched low behind the counter of her gunsmith shop, tracking the errant movements of her niece through the store’s cluttered aisles. Emma was nearly ten years old, and Rally had always hoped for a life where the girl wouldn’t have to grow up too fast. But circumstances had twisted that hope into a fight for custody, and today was a pivotal moment. Just weeks ago, Rally had received the devastating news about her sister, the one person who’d always understood her wild spirit. Rally had respected and admired her sister more than anyone. But now, with her gone, the responsibility of caring for Emma fell squarely on her shoulders. Unable to shake the feeling of panic that kicked in when she thought about Emma’s future, Rally realized she was now the only family standing between the girl and her troubled past. Mike, Emma’s father, was a man drowning in his own demons—a fact that now painted a dreary future for his daughter. Rally remembered the sound of glass shattering and Mike’s angry voice echoing through the house, so different from the warm laughter of her sister. She feared for Emma’s safety, worried that Mike’s alcoholism would spiral further out of control without the stabilizing presence of her sister. Today, Rally was determined to petition the court for custody. “Rally?” Emma popped her head around a shelf, wide-eyed and curious. “What are we doing today?” Rally forced a smile, though the tension was palpable. “Just a few errands. Want to help me organize the ammo again?” “Sure!” Emma beamed, her enthusiasm a bright spot in the dim realities surrounding them. After the funeral, Emma had retreated deep into herself, clinging to what little innocence remained by playing with her toys and categorizing her collectible cards in absolute silence. Rally knew how important it was to keep Emma engaged, to give her something to look forward to amidst all the chaos. As the sun began to set, Rally packed away her tools and closed the store, glancing at Emma, whose mind was still adrift in a world of fantasy and forgotten dreams. That evening, Rally would sit down with her lawyer, Diane, with the hope of providing a stable, secure home for Emma. A future away from Mike’s volatility seemed almost like fantasy itself. “You can take the rest of the week off school if you like,” Rally suggested, wishing for Emma’s happiness. “I can teach you a little more about gunsmithing. Do you remember the time we made that little firearm replica together?” Emma nodded, her expression shifting, becoming pensive. “Yeah, but… I don’t want to be a gunsmith.” Rally’s heart ached at the quick dismissal. “That’s alright, kiddo. It’s just an option, right?” “I want to be a teacher. Like Miss Sandra. She says if you love math and science, you can do anything!” Emma’s eyes sparkled with a hope that reminded Rally of her sister. Rally’s thoughts subtly shifted to the impending court case. What would happen if Mike got custody? The weight of that worry became tethered to the fleeting joy she saw in Emma’s eyes. “Emma, listen, I’ve been thinking… about the future and stuff.” “Yeah?” “We may have to talk about where you’ll live for the next little while…” Rally hesitated. “You know how your mom is… she’s gone now. I want to make sure you’re safe, Emma.” “Safe from what?” Emma furrowed her brow, confusion dancing on her face as her innocence collided with adult realities. “From things that can hurt you. You remember your dad? He… he has some problems, and I’m worried about what might happen if he had to take care of you all by himself.” A tense silence hung in the air, a weight neither could dismiss. It struck Rally that at this moment, she needed to be the adult, but the raw pain and sadness clawed at the edges of her resolve. Emma’s little heart needed reassurance, hope—anything to push back against the shadows looming in their lives. The next day, Rally climbed into the car with Emma, determination set in her mind. The drive to the courts was filled with tentative questions and self-doubt. Emma needed to see that she had a voice in her future, even if it was Rally shouting from the sidelines. They parked outside the building, its austere façade standing testament to rules, laws, and family issues that often spiraled beyond chaotic boundaries. “Do I have to go in there?” Emma whispered, anxiety clear in her shaky voice. Inside, the court system loomed large and imposing. Time felt slippery as Rally and her attorney waited for their turn. With every passing minute, Rally’s heart raced. She wished for the strength to shield Emma from the storms gathering around them. Rally pictured Mike’s destructive cycle: those late nights when he'd return home, his breath reeking of alcohol and anger, the rages that were as unpredictable as the Chicago weather. As her name was called, Rally squeezed Emma’s hand tightly. Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere felt suffocating, the gavel ready to decide their fates. Rally stood straight, focused on Emma, determined to protect her. “Your Honor,” she began, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. “I am Rally Vincent, and I seek full custody of my niece Emma. I want to ensure her safety and happiness. I firmly believe that her father’s alcoholism poses a clear risk to her well-being.” Rally could see the judge's eyes shifting as she spoke, but the gavel hadn’t struck yet. Her heart raced with the weight of every word, carrying the responsibility for Emma’s future. When she finished, she glanced at Emma, whose hopeful gaze ignited a burning flame within Rally. They were in this battle together, and no matter the outcome, Rally knew she would not back down. Emma deserved a life filled with love, stability, and, most importantly, safety—far removed from the turmoil that threatened to engulf them both. As the gavel finally fell, Rally held her breath, her future intertwined with her niece’s innocence hanging in the balance.